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“It is, yeah. I keep forgetting where the kitchen is, myself. I thought Hogwarts was giant and confusing, but I got used to it. Most of it. This is like startin’ all over again,” he sighed, meaning more than just geographically. Everything truly felt different now, and Neville wasn’t sure where he fit into it all. 

“It does, yeah. I’ve looked for some gillyweed around there before.” Neville raised his eyebrows in surprise at her suggestions. No-one had ever offered him this much help before, and especially not for his toad. “That.. that all sounds really great, yeah. Thank you.” He nodded, catching up with her. After a few moments of awkward silence, Neville realised he’d been incredibly rude. “Oh, god! I completely forgot to ask you your name.”

“That makes sense. I think it’s new for all of us,” Nancy related, giving him a sympathetic smile. Although she’d offered her help, she couldn’t imagine she’d be of much use outside of her own house, and the route to the store. Alexandria was considered a lesser town in comparison to the rest of Panem, but when it came to finding a small toad that was missing, it was pretty big. 

“I think the park has a pond. Or a lake. If he’s not there, we can try asking door to door, or put up missing posters. Someone must have seen him. Shall we go now?” Nancy asked, already beginning to walk in the direction of where she believed Trevor could be.

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“We?” He questioned aloud without thinking about it, voice high with surprise. Frankly, he was still in shock this conversation was occurring at all. Pansy had made his life hell at one point. “You… you still want to help me look for ‘im?” Neville frowned at the comment she’d made, wondering if she’d thought of something. “Forget what, exactly?” She seemed in no patient mood, so Neville nodded hurriedly. “Do you… do you remember how to do that tracking spell? The one you mentioned? I could always try.” He understood she didn’t have her magic anymore, and couldn’t imagine how debilitating that would feel, so despite their rocky history, if she’d prefer not to discuss magic, he’d respect it.

“I’m always right. There must be something we can do,” Pansy hated that her mind thought of telling him to request Hermione’s help. She ignored that thought. “Forget it, for now, let’s just focus on finding your bloody pet, for Merlin’s sake.”

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Neville’s eyes widened again. He hadn’t meant to shut her down, only he knew he couldn’t go through with them. “Sorry,” he squeaked, afraid, slipping back into old patterns. “I guess – you’re right.” He frowned. It had been years, and he still couldn’t keep a hold on Trevor. “I just wish he would come if I called.”

“If you’re gonna’ keep shutting down my suggestions I’m not gonna’ help you.” Pansy crossed her arms, shrugging her eyebrows at the same time. “If you won’t use magic, you need to learn to keep a better eye on him.”

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“You- you’ll help me? Really?” Suddenly, Neville felt elated. Admittedly, he was just as hopeless at finding Trevor as he was at holding onto him, so having someone assist him would surely speed up the process. It wasn’t very often he was offered help, so despite the situation, he grinned. 

“Thanks, Miss, really. I think he’d like you, you know. Trevor, I mean.” Neville paused for a moment to think, trying to recount his morning. “Mm, either the kitchen, or the ponds in the forest? I’m pretty sure he likes both spots.”

Clara nodded in understanding. They weren’t a common choice of pet, which could very easily lead to a mistake. But still, she remained confident and assuring, connecting to the boy’s worry and aiming to help him overcome it. She didn’t like seeing people upset. “Well come on then, where shall we look first? We’ll have to find him whilst it’s still light out.”

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“Hm,” he paused to think. Neville always struggled with his memory, though Trevor went missing often enough, he could think of a few places. Alexandria was brand new to them both though, and he wasn’t confident of Trevor’s new favourite spots. “I have… some ideas, but this is all new, you see, and I’m not sure he knows where he’s goin’. He likes beds though, and couches, ‘n stuff. And the water.” 

Neville sighed, very appreciative of her assurance. “Maybe. That would definitely explain why he always runs off. We could try there, yeah! Otherwise, maybe he’s snuck into a bed.”

“Uh yeah, I guess. I was just wondering if there was certain places he likes to hide.” Nancy shrugged, she knew nothing about toads. Or pets, really, she’d never had the joy of having one. 

“I’m sure you can. Maybe he’s just… playing a game, or something. Maybe he likes hiding. It doesn’t mean you can’t take care of him.” Nancy tried to smile, to be assuring. “We’ll find him. Any idea where we should look first? By water, maybe?”

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“That’s alrigh’, I’m just- I’m glad I could help. You never know, maybe Trevor is hiding out with Ginny. I think he really likes her.” Joking aside, Neville wished to reassure Ron, the redhead’s anxiety about the situation incredibly clear. “We’ll find ‘em both, don’t you worry.” It was warming to see him smile, no matter how much of an effort it had taken. Neville returned it instantly. “That wouldn’t be so much of a bad thing, would it? Hermione is brilliant, after all.”

“Hm,” he frowned in thought, wondering why he hadn’t seen them around much. What was even more surprising, though, is that Ron hadn’t seen them much. If nothing else had tipped Neville off to Ron’s changed behaviour, that certainly had. “I can’t believe that, really. I thought I’d never see you three apart.” He meant every word, but the comment was likely hurtful, considering they had been apart, through no faults of their own. “I’m sorry, Ron. I hope you all come together again soon. I would’ve given anythin’ for friendship like that,” he added, glancing away.

Neville shrugged at the question, but found himself nodding soon after. “Yeah. Of course, it’s nothing like Hogwarts. I know our last time there wasn’t under the best of circumstances, but… I would love to go back one day. Maybe we can. It’s alrigh' here, though. I know the town isn’t much to look at, but there are some really nice spots, especially out in the forest. I’ve found some nice ponds and such.” He’d shared his honest opinion, but eventually realised Ron probably didn’t care much for ponds. “Erm, the leaders are good. I trust them, really, I do. We have the council now, you see, with lots of us Rebels on it. But it can be overwhelming, all these new faces. I guess that’s why I like my plants, you know. Being with ‘em.”

Ron’s eyes widened as Neville explained his potential last sighting of Ginny, a slight semblance of hope returning to his features. He knew, realistically, that she wasn’t in any danger. That she was a in a protected, bordered town, with her friends. But considering their history, and the suffering the Capitol had enforced them to endure, he could no longer afford to be dismissive. “Uh - yeah, cheers, mate. Thanks.” Despite his sour mood, Ron was genuinely appreciative of the help, whether it was accurate or not. He smiled. “She’s always sticking her nose into a bloody book lately. I’m starting to think she’s turning into Hermione.” Or trying to distract herself from the more sinister thoughts that plagued them both.

“They are, yeah. I don’t see them much, but they are around.” Their relationship had been strained, since Ron’s return. It was nobody’s fault, and he knew eventually they’d be back to being The Golden Trio, but the redhead needed time to heal individually first. It was hard not to feel like an outsider when his friends’ bond had only grown stronger in his absence. It left him feeling insecure and jealous. Perhaps even slightly angry. Harry and Hermione constantly offered Ron their support, though. If any of them truly needed the others, they’d be there in a heartbeat. “I can see that,” Ron replied, with a raise of his eyebrows. Neville had grown taller, and filled out a bit. He couldn’t help the tug of resentment he felt, that the war had affected Ron and his family worse than most. Still, Ginny’s voice reasoned with him, internally. It wasn’t their friend’s fault they were believed to be dead. “Good. Yeah, that’s good. - You like it here? Nothin’ like home, is it?”

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Neville nodded in thanks, knowing he couldn’t ask for more than that. Surely, Trevor would show up on his own. He often did. Although, he couldn’t help but remember all the times at Hogwarts that Ron would help him look. It was often begrudgingly, but all of his roommates had given him a hand when he couldn’t sleep. “Yeah, of course, I’ll try. Um…” He frowned in deep thought, screwing his face up. He could do this. He had to help Ron. Neville tried picturing the smaller redhead, and saw flashes of the communal space. “Oh, I think this was earlier today, but I saw her past the kitchens, with some books. Is there��– maybe a library area there? I haven’t been in there, you see. But I think it was there,” he stammered, hoping he’d been helpful. 

Neville frowned at the reply, knowing that wasn’t true, but unsure how to make Ron talk. He didn’t often open up, except about his anger, if Neville’s memories of their late night chats were correct. “Okay. Well, I ‘spose that’s alright. Is Harry around, then? Hermione?” It had been a while since he’d seen them, but he was sure their last memory of the trio was them all together – of course. Either way, it was Neville’s way of making sure Ron had some support. “Me?” He wasn’t expecting the question. He’d seen a lot over the past few years, but all in all, he was well. Stronger than he’d been before, certainly. “I’m alrigh’. Not too bad, really. ‘Lot’s changed.”

“Yeah. Yeah sure.” Before, at Hogwarts, Ron would have made a sarcastic remark about how flighty Neville’s pet was, before offering to help find him. But now, at risk of sounding like a selfish prat, he couldn’t bring himself to care enough. Not that he didn’t want Trevor to be found, but he didn’t have the energy to help search.

“Can you try and remember where?” Ron didn’t want to press for answers, but he felt uncomfortable without her by his side. He’d already suffered through losing her once, and it was the worst period of his life. He hadn’t even been able to eat. “Fine, mate.” Obviously a lie, but the only person he’d be opening up to was Harry. Ron would try to find him after he’d located his little sister. “Uh… you?” He’d almost forgotten to ask. Which wasn’t right, Neville had been a close friend, once.

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Neville nodded in thanks, uneasy hands clenching together. “Um, no, no idea. Otherwise I’d have found ‘im, right? .. Right?” He genuinely wasn’t sure. Clearly, he’d forgotten again. “Really? That’d… that’s really nice. But I’m not sure where he is. He always escapes, but I’m just tryin’ to look after ‘im! I can’t even do that.”

Nancy grimaced at the description, it sounded like a job more suited to Mike and his friends. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” She figured it must have been a beloved pet, then. Most people chose cats or dogs, not toads, but who was she to judge? “Do you know where he might be? I can help you look… if you want. Losing things sucks.”

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Neville couldn’t disagree with that, so he nodded, pouting as he did so. “I just hope he’s alright. Not everyone likes toads, you know? They carry on if he touches ‘em, and all that. I don’t want ‘im to get hurt, is all.” He didn’t want to get hurt either – his family wouldn’t be happy if they found out he’d lost Trevor again. Neville sighed again. “Guess I better keep lookin’, then. Thank you, Miss.”

“Oh, he’s probably just curious. The world is a big enough place for us, let alone for a toad.” Clara smiled. “Doesn’t mean he’s not your friend. ‘Only reason he wouldn’t come back is ‘cause he’s lost. That’s what I think, anyway.”

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Neville smiled sheepishly, recognising he was being teased. However, it didn’t go any further than that, Cedric confirming he was prepared to help. The brunette was shocked, not by Cedric’s kindness, but that the kindness was being directed towards him. “Oh. Okay. I do, yeah. Thank you, Cedric.” 

“You’ve heard that?” Neville raised his eyebrows, cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “Oh.” He was that bad of a pet owner, even the most popular students at Hogwarts had heard about his troubles. “Hmm. Well, I- I went into the forest, just the edge of it, that runs around the town. I was trying to find some aconite for the wolves, you see. It’s very dangerous for them to touch, but once in a concoction, it really helps them. The last few nights of rain got it to really flourish, too.” Realising he was rambling on, Neville stopped, clearing his throat. “Um. I don’t remember if Trevor was with me then. It wouldn’t be very good if he was lost in the forest,” he gulped. “What if he can’t find his way back?!”

“Hello Neville Longbottom,” Cedric quipped back, copying the full name introduction. “You’re not bothering me. You need help, so I’m helping you.” It’s not just because he was a fellow Hogwarts student, Cedric was just kind. “Pets tend to, but I’ve heard this toad of yours is always hopping off. I guess you’ve just got to retrace your steps, as they say. What did you do after breakfast?”

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“Oh no, Great Uncle Algie wouldn’t like that. He can’t live in a box.” Neville looked down at the wand in his pocket, genuinely considering it. A few moments later however, he sighed himself. “I would… but I’m not sure how. I don’t want to accidentally hurt anyone. No, no I can’t do that.”

Pansy paused at his response, knowing he was right. It was difficult to think of something to say back, especially since her former self’s responses would have all been insulting. Pansy wasn’t entirely sure how to be nice to Neville - he was still a dork. “Get him a box or something, then. Or do some kind of tracking spell.” Not that she could help with that, now. She sighed.

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Neville gulped when she turned and he realised who she was. Pansy Parkinson. She really had come back. Even after all these years away from Hogwarts without thinking about Slytherin bullies, Neville instantly prepared himself for the worst. Perhaps she’d recognised Trevor and done something awful to him. But then she replied, and Neville stared, wide-eyed at her words.

“I… yeah. Yes. Well,” he shook his head quickly, voice quiet, finally realising what he was saying. “No, no, I can’t do that. He’ll slip right out of it. .. Won’t he?”

Pansy went to make a sarcastic remark about Neville simply having to look in the mirror, but she wasn’t that person anymore. Besides, seeing people from Hogwarts was a comfort, now, no matter what house they were from. It made her feel less like a former witch out of water. “It’s been years and you’re still losing that toad. You should get it a leash.”

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Neville’s jaw went slack at the sight of one of Hufflepuff’s golden boys. Why hadn’t he paid or attention and avoided him? He hadn’t meant to disturb Cedric. “Oh. Cedric Diggory. Hello,” he gulped. “Uh – I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to bother you. He’s just always gettin’ lost, you see. I guess he went exploring again.” Neville shrugged, trying to think, stumbling over his words. “Breakfast, I reckon? He nearly hopped on my plate.”

“Ah —— Merlin’s sake. I suppose old habits really do die hard, don’t they?” It may have been years, but Cedric remembered the boy very clearly from his time at Hogwarts. “No, sorry. Where did you see it last?”

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“Oh,” Neville sighed. “That’s alrigh’. Uh, yeah, I ‘spose so. I think we’re friends, family really, but he keeps getting away from me! I can’t tell if he doesn’t like me, or if he just wants to look around, y'know? But he never comes back on his own.”

“A toad? Can’t say I have. Not recently, anyway. A friend of yours?”

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“A picture? That’s…” He mentally chastised himself, sighing in frustration. “That’s a really good idea, that. He’s always getting lost, you see, and I- I don’t have one. That would have been really helpful.” At the mention of spells, Neville’s eyes widened, very sure they’d never crossed paths at Hogwarts or throughout the course of the war. "You know how to do one of those? You’re a witch?”

“A toad? No, I don’t think so.” Davina frowned, glancing the boy over. She hadn’t seen him before. He looked nervous, out of place. She wondered if they had that in common. “Have you got a picture? Maybe I could try a locator spell.”