#c: trevor longbottom

[bee-a-garbage-shipper]

Honestly I always assumed Sn@pe went on raids because he had Voldemort's respect and as useful as Sn@pe's potions might have been or as good as his spying may have turned out Voldemort has always been a "Might Makes Right" sort of person, even when he was Tom and significantly saner, and potions and spying aren't a show of strength.

So how did Sn@pe get Voldemort's respect? Probably by being on raids and showing himself a capable dueler and fighter.

I've come to the conclusion I don't like Snape, Malfoys, Dumbeldore or the Marauders.

Snape- abused the children under his care. Including threatening to murder a pet right in front of one. Like I legit understand he had a terrible childhood and probably was lead to the dark side, but sorry. I do NOT like him.

Malfoys- Older Malfoys are a bunch of wizarding Nazi's. Draco Malfoy is just a spoiled rich kid. People love to attempt to claim he was unloved or abused but all the proof is in the books. I don't hate Draco and maybe he got better in the future, but honestly I don't like him much.

Dumbledore- I mean... I think we all dislike him heavily for the same reasons.

Marauders- While we are told James Potter grew up, and I'll accept it because who knows? Maybe he did. Being told that 'Snape gave as good as he got' and also being told that Snape hung around people who used bad spells on others, I can see Snape cursing them to. (The idea that Snape never was as nasty to them as they were to him annoys me. With how he treats the children under his care, and being known as a great duel master as a Death Eater... you expect me not to think he could be as bad?) But also just like Sirius and him still seeing sending Snape after Remus funny, Remus obviously just standing by and not interfering, Pettigrew in general... they were all a bunch of dicks. I'd have hated them in school, especially with their pranks.

[hops-hunny]

Just a Flight Away

Pairing: Neville Longbottom x Ilvermony!Reader

Word Count: 2.8k

Request N/A

Summary: Neville has a cutie who lives in America but no one seems to believe him.

Warnings: None! 

A/N: This isn’t a request but it’s based off of me rambling here and slightly off of the vibe telepatia by Kali Uchis gives off.

If there was one thing Neville was thankful was it was the absolute goddess he got to call his girlfriend. It was funny the way they first began talking to one another. (Y/n) had been trying to contact a friend at Hogwarts but after the long trip from Ilvermony to Hogwarts, her owl was quite exhausted and ended up bringing the letter to Neville instead. Neville saw the poor bird, giving it a bit of bird seed and water that he kept in the green house before he set off to find the rightful owner of the letter. Luckily he had 3rd period with the girl who thanked him before excitedly yanking the letter from his hands. When Neville went to go check on the owl, he saw that it had already left, leaving a heart shape in the bird seed.

After that day, Neville hadn’t really thought about the incident that much. Well, that was until he saw the same owl fly towards him with a letter in its mouth. He smiled fondly at it rubbing under its chin with his finger before going to give the letter back to the owl until he noticed it had his name on it.  He ripped it open, careful to not damage the envelope before reading the letter.

Dear Neviile,

Thank you so so so much for getting the letter to Gwen! Gwen is a good friend of mine who I had been missing dearly and if not for your kindness she would have never received my letter. 

As you may be able to tell from the seal on the letter, I attend Ilvermorny school of witchcraft and wizardry. I've heard of how grand and great the infamous Hogwarts is, is it true? How is England in general? I've never had the pleasure of traveling out of America.

Oh yes! The main point of this is as a thank you, I've attached a package of my favorite American sweets as a token of my gratitude. The package is enchanted which is why it's so small. To restore it to its original state, place it on a flat surface before tapping it with the tip of your wand.

Sincerely,

(Y/n) (L/n)

Neville felt his face grow warm at the girl's kindness. (Y/n). 'What a beautiful name..' he thought to himself before pulling out the galleon sized package from the envelope. He pushed aside a few plants on the table in front of it before placing the package down, tapping the top with his wand. He gasped, watching in amazement as he saw the package expand. Neville wasn't quite familiar with this enchantment, perhaps he'd ask her about it in his response. His cheeks turned a brighter red. Response?

Did she want to speak to him more? He didn't want to assume but by her letter and her asking questions, it made it clear that this wasn't the last exchange she wanted to have. Was this a prank? Were the Weasley twins up to this? There was only one way to tell. Neville reached a shaky hand forward, opening the package as he closed his eyes expecting something to pop out at him but when he opened his eyes there was nothing but a box of snacks he had never seen before. He let out a sigh of relief, ignoring the racing in his heart.

After that, Neville and the girl started to talk quite a bit. Months had turned into years and he couldn't have been happier. It felt nice to have someone he could talk to, someone far away from all the hustle and bustle of the castle. To her he wasn't the kid with unfortunate luck or the "cowardly" boy in Gryffindor. He was just Neville, her boyfriend. Neville, her kind boyfriend in another continent, far away. 

(Y/n) loved Neville just as much. It wasn't that she never had suitors approach her. In fact, she had quite a few. (Y/n) was what you could consider popular, not that she cared. She was kind, smart, and beautiful. Who wouldn't want that? However, she always felt like none of the men who'd approach her got her. They all just saw her as a beautiful woman instead of what she was, a normal girl deserving of love. That's why she liked Neville so much. No matter what he always treated her with the utmost respect and that hadn't stopped when they started to date either. 

When the two had first exchanged photos, Neville was stunned. He had been talking to that beautiful of a girl? He couldn’t believe it. It was as if Olivander himself had sculpted and carved her out of the best of wood. She had glowing (s/c) skin, soft healthy looking (h/c) (h/c) hair, and a smile that could compete with the sun on its brightest of days and win. And when he found out she was single? He would’ve been a fool not to make a move. Angels as sweet as (Y/n) didn’t come around that often. 

And although their relationship was as great as can be there was the underlying sadness: they lived across the world from one another. Every time either of them would see a couple hug or kiss in school, they’d feel a twinge of jealousy pierce their hearts. It wasn’t fair that the most perfect person in the world was off enjoying themselves in their respective countries. Although (Y/n) tried to ignore it, Neville was the type to bring it up. He’d describe in the most beautiful of words what he’d do if they were together. How he’d hold her in his arms and show her off to all of his friends. Where he’d take her on a date, the plants he wanted to show her as they were both herbology geeks. Meanwhile she’d end each of the letters discussing this topic with the same phrase as usual. ‘You know I’m just a flight away. If you wanna I could take a private plane.’ He could never ask that of her though. As much as he’d love everyday to be filled with his flower, he wouldn’t wanna rip her away from the things she had going on in her own life.

It wasn’t all bad though! After the girl had taught him the charm she used when she first sent him something, they both would send each other gifts back and forth as much as possible. Neville sent her sweaters with his scent embedded, charmed flowers, chocolate frogs, anything she wanted was hers. She’d send her own things to remind him of her as well. Her favorite stuffed animal, loads of photographs, little crochet hats she made for Trevor, more...unsavory things as well definitely not her underwear. Despite the increase in objects Neville owned, none of his friends had questioned it until he started to wear a necklace with a heart shaped piece of onyx on it with the letter (Y/f/i) carved into it.

“Oi! Neville. Where’d you get that necklace from?” Ron questioned his friend who sat across from him in the Gryffindor common room. The boys had all decided to study together which of course turned into Neville studying as they goofed off. Neville tensed as his cheeks heated up turning a pink color.

“O-oh um..it’s from my girlfriend.” He said, saying the last word as soft as possible. He prayed to Merlin that his friends hadn’t heard him but unfortunately for him they had. It wasn’t that he didn’t want anyone to know about her. It was far from that. He was just a bit protective, he didn’t want anyone to try and steal her from him. Even though it was impossible since they had no contact with her, he never knew when it came to his friends. They always found a way to make the impossible possible.

“What year is she in?!”

“Who is it?!”

“No way, is she fit?!”

He finished at the chorus of voices, trying to calm them down so he could speak. They all scooted closer to him, looking up at him expectantly. “Well you see..” he trailed off, looking away as he played with the pendant around his neck. “She doesn’t go here. She attends school in Ilvermorny. But to answer your question, yeah she is bloody fit.” he responded, turning his attention back to the scroll of paper in front of him. Dean, Ron, and Seamus exchanged a look with each other trying to suppress their laughs.

“Yeah I’m sure she does Nev.” Dean said sarcastically as he joined the other two in laughter. Neville looked up at his friends confused at their behavior.

“Yeah Nev, if your nan sent it you could’ve just told us! Better than saying you’ve got a girl halfway across the world.” Ron said, pushing the boy slightly as he continued to laugh at him. Seamus was doubled over, snorting with laughter as fire whiskey shot from his nose causing the other two to howl with laughter.

“It’s not from my nan! My girlfriend really did send it to me.” he exclaimed, smacking Ron on the back of the head, before doing the same to the other two men. “Besides, you have some fucking nerve accusing me of lying when none of you have birds yourself.” he sneered, causing the boys to quiet down some.

“So harsh Neville, you didn’t have to go there mate! Well what’s this ‘girlfriend’ of yours called.” Seamus asked, doing air quotes as he mentioned the topic at hand. “You’d think it was a bit strange too if your friend suddenly mentioned a girlfriend who lived all the way in the states too wouldn’t you.”

“(Y/n). And I’ll have you know this isn’t a new thing. We’ve been dating since around 2nd year. Sure, I’d find it a bit strange if you mentioned a girlfriend in America that you had never brought up prior, but I wouldn’t find it impossible! Now if you excuse me, I have to go.” he quickly stood up, packing up his materials as he stormed off to the direction of his dorm. He sped up, ignoring the protest and begging of his friends to come back and continue to hang out with them. He had enough of them and he wasn’t gonna sit there and let himself be called a fucking liar by Hogwart’s biggest ones.

--------------------------------------------

“Did you guys hear? Students from Ilvermony are supposed to be coming to visit!” Ron said, running up to the other four boys. “I’m just picturing how hot all the girls from the states are gonna be. All hot and leggy with those bloody accents. I could combust just thinking of it!” he exclaimed, flopping down on the couch. Neville gasped softly, looking up. Did he hear him correctly? 

“Where’d you hear that from? I didn’t hear anything of the sorts.” Hermione questioned, looking up from her book at the interesting news she had just heard. However, Neville was still frozen. Was this true? And if so, why hadn’t (Y/n) mentioned it. No, no it couldn’t be. She surely would have told him.

“I just overheard it from Dumbledore himself. They should be arriving in a few minutes! They’re staying here for a few months. It’s a part of this new thing that they’ve set up. Something about wanting the students to learn different methods and what not. They decided it’d be a good idea since summer is coming soon.” he said nonchalantly, looking over at Neville who hadn’t moved since the news left his mouth. He went to question what was up with him before his eyes lit up, recalling the conversation they had a few months ago. “Hey Neville? Didn’t your supposed ‘girlfriend’ go to Ilvermony.” the boys all suddenly interested began to ‘ooo’ exchanging looks with each other.

“See Neville, this is why you don’t lie. Lies will always come back to bite you in the rear. Perhaps Ronald i-”

“I wasn’t lying, Hermione! She really does go to Ilvermony.” he exclaimed, standing up as he wiped his hands on his pants. All of a sudden, there were the sounds of a bunch of American accents speaking which caught all of their attention. Many different students in Ilvermorny uniforms (some without them) roamed freely to explore the large and intense castle.

“God you weren’t kidding Ron, the girls are bloody fit.” Dean muttered, eyeing some girl who gave him a wink before giggling and running off with her friends. “Woah look at that one, are you kidding me? She’s a fucking goddess!” Neville’s curious hazel eyes followed his friend's words as he saw a familiar shade of (h/c) hair styled in the way his girlfriend wore it. Wait, was that his sweater? 

“That’s not just some fucking girl, that’s my girlfriend!” Neville exclaimed, standing up from his seat.

“No chance.”

“You couldn’t pick a more believable one?”

“Prove it then.”

Neville went to say something before the girl turned around, locking eyes with him. She gasped, tearing up some as she pushed through the crowd of people running to him as quickly as possible. “Nev! Neville babe, is that you?” she exclaimed. Neville’s face flushed brightly taking in the girl’s appearance. She had worn the first sweater he had given her, a mossy green sweater with an obscure pattern, with a pleated skirt pairing it with a pair of boots. Neville nodded his head quickly, holding his arms out as the girl ran into him almost knocking him over. He picked her up, spinning her around quickly before setting her down, holding her soft face between his hands.

“W-what are you doing here?! You never told me you were coming to visit!” he exclaimed, wiping at the stray tears that had left her eyes. He moved his hands from her face securing them around her waist as he stared down at her. God she was even more beautiful in person.

“I wanted to surprise you! I actually found out a few weeks ago and let me tell ya, it was SO hard not to tell you!” She giggled, reaching up to stroke his cheek. He leaned into her touch, smiling at her. “I didn’t think it was possible for you to get even more handsome but bloody hell. You’re so fucking hot, Nev.” she said, feeling her face heat up. Neville flushed a bright red before leaning down, kissing the girl on the lips. She pulled him down more, wrapping her arms around his neck as she kissed back. The kiss was full of the love and affection they had both been craving from one another. (Y/n) tangled her hands in the back of his hair as he deepened the kiss, moaning softly. They both jumped away from one another at the sound of someone clearing their throat. “Ah sorry! Nev, are you going to introduce me to your friends?” she asked looking up at him as she intertwined his large hand with her smaller one.

“I suppose I will, even though for some reason they thought you weren’t real.” he quipped, glaring at the four boys who looked away ashamed. “From left to right there is Harry, Ron, Dean, and Seamus. And over there,” he said pointing to the big arm chair in the corner. “That is Hermione.” he said as they all muttered ‘hi’ and ‘sorry’ from some of them. (Y/n) giggled some, waving at them all.

“It’s very nice to meet you all! Nev talks about you guys all the time in his letters. Oh!” She said, eyes looking at his chest. She reached a hand forward, grabbing the engraved onyx in her hands. “The necklace I gave you!! You like it? I think it looks really good on you.” she exclaimed with a smile, happy her boyfriend enjoyed the gift she gave him. Neville once again looked at his friends chuckling some at their wide eyes.

“Of course I do, petal. I wear it everyday, everywhere I go. Right guys.” he teased, watching as they all stuttered out ‘yes ‘yep’ ‘sure does. “Come on flower, I’ll show you around the castle. I know you’ve been looking forward to that for a while. Also, you look quite cute in my sweater.”

“Thank you. I wear it quite often, even though the smell of you has worn off it still brings me good memories.” she said, playing with the slightly worn out sleeves of the sweater. “I’d love to!! Can we check out the greenhouse first? I wanna see that plant you were talking about. Maybe we can work on identifying what species it is!” he nodded in response, taking her hand once again as they began to walk off. Before they turned the corner, he quickly turned his head around using his unoccupied hand to flip off his friends before turning his attention back to his lover.

“Who would’ve thought? Longbottom with an absolute fox.” Ron said, slumping back down as he frowned. Hermione took the book she was reading smacking him upside the head.

“Maybe if you knew how to treat women you’d be with one too.”

[decennia]

I don't know who needs to fucking hear this, but I'm about to say it with my full chest:

SEVERUS SNAPE DESERVES NO RIGHTS, I SAID WHAT I SAID.

Why? I'll tell you why:

Let's start with Neville Longbottom. Often the butt of the joke, Neville was often played up for comedic effect, so I can understand why we never took the implications of his boggart seriously.

But the fact of the matter is: Neville Longbottom was more terrified of his potion's teacher than he was of Bellatrix Lestrange, a woman who was a proud Death Eater who tortured his parents into insanity, a fate several people throughout the series state as "worse than death."

I've heard the argument from Snape Apologists that Boggarts are "superficial" creatures, so they don't go much deeper for a fear of yours, and, having gleaned a recent and prevalent one, will shift into that. Hence why it would be Snape, who recently tormented Neville, rather than Bellatrix, who Neville has never met.

It still stands, however, that Bellatrix is a known Death Eater, and Snape was just his potion's teacher.

We also see from Harry's own experience with the boggart, that the boggart hesitated before turning into the dementor. It "chose" which of Harry's fears to become, Voldemort, or fear itself?

Now, because I always listen to both sides of a story, try and see it from both perspectives before I draw a conclusion, I asked myself "why?"

There never is a good reason for abuse, but I still tried to look at it from Snape's eyes. And the conclusion drawn was literally the same as almost every single motivation for every one of Snape's decisions: because of Lily.

Neville was born several hours before Harry, and was a contender for being "the Chosen One" (the one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies) but Voldemort chose Harry.

By Snape's logic, it meant that if Voldemort had chosen Neville, Lily would've still been alive for him to woefully pine for from a distance.

And so he takes it out on a fucking c h i l d.

He abuses him, torments him, and even forces Neville to poison his pet toad, Trevor, who has been shown to be of incredible significance to Neville.

And when the potion doesn't poison Trevor? And actually proved to be a competent potion? Snape made his displeasure known by deducting five points from Gryffindor.

I know that's not a Big Deal™ in the grand scheme of things, but we have to remember that Neville was a CHILD.

Moving on from Neville, let's get to: Lily.

Remember what I said before, about Lily being his end-all and be-all for everything? I meant it.

I'm not saying she was the sole reason Snape became a Death Eater, but she was the "last straw."

Snape's dislike for muggles stemmed not from Lily (of course not, he loved her), but from his father. Yes, I remembered his father, Tobias Snape. The muggle, the abuser. Apples and trees, I guess. From what I recall, Tobias was never physically abusive towards Eileen, Snape's mother, but he was emotionally and mentally abusive towards her. This would be cause for resentment for any young child growing up in that environment.

But, for a moment, may I direct your attention to Harry James Potter?

Who grew up that exact same way with the Dursleys?

Who was also neglected (Severus was said to have ill-fitting, mismatched clothes, sound familiar?) but who also did not have Eileen there to protect him?

And did Harry ever become a member of a muggle hate group? (No. The answer is no, in case you all didn't remember that Very Important Detail of the series).

So, yes, Snape was abused, and no, I am not condoning it, I do sympathize with him on that front: no child should ever go through that. Ever. No matter the fucking child, there is no good reason for it. But do I condone his actions later on in life? Absolutely not.

Because he called Lily a "filthy mudblood."

Not just "mudblood", but a filthy one, too. And why did he do that? Because she defended him against his bullies. Yes, Sirius and James were bullies, I guess everyone's faves are a little problematic in this bitch.

And not only did he call her that, but he also was besties with people who fancied themselves the next generation of Death Eaters.

And when Lily asked him if he STILL intended on becoming one, he never gave her an answer, prompting her to sectumsempra all ties with him. Meaning, she probably gave him multiple chances to not be a raging bigot, none of which he took. Love of his life my fucking toe, gtfo—

Also, Snape obviously knew what his "friends" were doing at the time. Particularly, and especially, Mulciber's attack on Mary Macdonald.

Now, we can't talk about Lily without talking about James and the Marauders.

I HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN THAT THE MARAUDERS BULLIED SNAPE, OKAY? But listen up: still not a good enough reason to join the wizarding world's KKK. Actually there is no good reason, period, end of message, send tweet.

He loathed them so much, he literally gave zero fucks about their wellbeing.

Even though! Sirius' biggest crime against Severus is jokingly telling him to follow Remus Lupin under the Whomping Willow during that time of the month.

And Severus would swear that James' biggest crime against him (after "stealing" Lily, of course) would be stopping him from encountering the werewolf and saving his fucking life.

Where the fuck was that reciprocated energy when Snape KNEW that James was also marked for death?

Also, are you going to tell me, that with his ear so pressed to the ground about news on Lily, that he didn't know who the real rat was? That he didn't know that it was Peter Pettigrew? This is speculatory, but... Snape had to have known that Sirius was not the betrayer, he must've at least known it was Pettigrew, meaning he let an innocent man waste away in Azkaban and for what? Something that happened when they were kids? I wonder why Sirius is a "stray dog" idk probably because someone let him rot in Azkaban for thirteen years?

Don't even get me started on how he literally stepped over James' body to get to Lily's while Harry sat there crying. Please. Or the fact that he only wanted Lily spared? He literally said "yes, only her, please, Dark Lord, fuck that newborn"?

OKAY AND MY FINAL POINT BECAUSE THIS GOT TOO LONG AND HONESTLY I'M LITERALLY WAY TOO FUCKING ANGRY AT THIS POINT... I PRESENT TO THE COURT: THE CARROWS.

Severus had been made headmaster of Hogwarts, and what does he do? Allow the Carrows to torture muggleborns and first years. Eleven year olds. Disgusting. Please. What the fuck.

I don't think Severus Snape died a fucking hero, or in "penance." NOT when twelve hours prior, he'd been turning a blind eye and a deaf ear to eleven year olds screaming as the Cruciatus Curse was used on them.

Also, James never sexually harassed Lily? Wanna discuss sexual harassment? How does "waiting outside the Gryffindor common room until someone lets you in even though it has been made very clear that the person you want to speak to doesn't want to speak to you" sound?

I am not denying that Severus Snape is a tragic character; he's a very complex and somewhat interesting one, even. All I am saying is that I don't think saying "always" on the brink of death excuses any of your past actions. He's a martyr at best — having his sins "forgiven" by sacrificing himself for a just cause.

Yes, this is a hill I'm willing to die on. But, as always, I am open to a respectful conversation (not argument, conversation). If you disagree, I'd love to hear why. Try and change my mind; as long as you do so respectfully, I will hear you out.

[omgsquee2001]

Chapter 2: Welcome to Hogwarts and the Sorting Ceremony

~~~~

It was nighttime as the train pulled into the Hogsmeade station. Harry, Ron and [Y/N] had changed into their school robes and got out of the train carts. Hagrid, a large, hulking figure of a man, walked up to the train, holding a lantern. Students in black robes, either starting their first year, or ending their sixth year, poured out of the train. 

"Right, then! First years! This way, please!" Hagrid shouted, directing the First Years towards him. "Come on, now, don't be shy! Come on now, hurry up!" Hagrid shouted. Harry, Ron and [Y/N] walked up to Hagrid. Hagrid smiled down at the dark haired boy.

"Hello, Harry." Hagrid greeted. Harry smiled up at the man. 

"Hi, Hagrid." Harry greeted. [Y/N] and Ron stared up in shock at the man.

"Whoaa!" Ron exclaimed. Hagrid nodded. 

"Right then. This way to the boats! Come on, now, follow me." Hagrid shouted. The First Years followed the man towards the boats. [Y/N] got into the boat with Hermione and a couple other First Year students. [Y/N] smiled in aw as the boats seemed to magically float across the Black Lake. The stories her mother had told here did no justice to really experiencing it. 

A wile later, the first year students walk into the castle, and up the staircase. On a higher level, a witch in green robes and a black hat, Professor McGonagall, was waiting. She tapped her fingers on a stone railing, and then goes to the top of the stairs to greet the newcomers.

"Welcome to Hogwarts," Professor McGonagall said in a commanding voice, making the first years fall silent. "Now, in a few moments, you will pass through these doors and join your classmates. But before you can take your seats, you must be sorted into your houses. They are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin," Professor McGonagall explained. "Now while you’re here, your house will be like your family. Your triumphs will earn you house points. Any rule breaking, and you will lose points. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the house cup,"

"Trevor!" A first year shouted. Nevil Longbottom, a first year, a little round in the cheeks, rushed up to the steps next to Professor McGonagall and gently picked up the toad. He looked up at the Professor, who had a disapproving look on her face. "Sorry." Nevil muttered, and he slowly backed away, embarrassed. Professor McGonagall looked out among the students again.

"The sorting ceremony will begin momentarily." She said, and left to go into the Great Hall. 

"It's true then," a new voice spoke up. [Y/N] turned and looked at a boy with short, slicked back, platinum blonde hair, was smirking in Harry's direction. "What they're saying on the train. Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." The boy said. He didn't look very friendly. This caused the other students to whisper in shock at hearing Harry's name. The boy nodded to the two boys next to him. "This is Crabbe and Goyle," the boy introduced. The two other boys didn't look very friendly either. "And I'm Malfoy. Draco Malfoy." Malfoy introduced. This caused Ron to snicker at Malfoy's name. Malfoy glared at Ron. "Think my name's funny, do you? No need to ask yours. Red hair, and a hand-me-down robe? You must be a Weasley." He turned his gaze to [Y/N]. "And you, [h/c] hair, [e/c] eyes, you must be a Scamander," Malfoy said. He turned to look at Harry again. "Well, you'll soon find that some wizarding families are better than others, Potter," he said, glaring at Ron and [Y/N]. "Don’t want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there." Malfoy said, extending his hand to Harry. [Y/N] tensed. This boy was definitely bad news. Harry looked down at Malfoy's hand then back up at his face.

"I think I can tell who the wrong sort are for myself, thanks." Harry said. Malfoy's smile fell and he glared at Harry. Before he could say anything, McGonagall returned and tapped Malfoy on the shoulder with some parchment paper. Malfoy turned to look at her. She rose her eyebrows slightly. With one last glare to the trio, Malfoy walked back over to his friends. 

"We're ready for you now. Follow me." Professor McGonagall said, and lead the students into the Great Hall. She lead everyone through two large doors and into the Great Hall, where there were four long tables with thousands of students, as well as floating candles. [Y/N] looked around in aw at the sight before her. She looked up at the ceiling and smiled. The ceiling appeared to be the sky.

"It's not real, the ceiling. It's just bewitched to look like the night sky," Hermione, who was a few steps ahead of [Y/N], said. "I read about it in Hogwarts: A History." Hermione said. Real or not, it still looked amazing! McGonagall lead the first-years to the front. An old looking witch's hat sat on a stool at the front of steps. [Y/N] knew, from the stories her mother had told her, that the old looking hat was actually the Sorting Hat.

"Will you wait along here, please?" McGonagall requested. The students stopped before the first step. "Now, before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words." Professor McGonagall said, turning her attention to the Headmaster. Dumbledore stood up from his seat at the main table. 

"I have a few start of term notices I wish to announce. The first years please note that the dark forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker, Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you that the 3rd floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a most painful death. Thank you." Professor Dumbledore said, sitting back down. [Y/N]'s widened at what the Professor had said. 

'Is mum sure that this place is actually safe?' [Y/N] thought to herself. McGonagall unrolled the parchment she had been holding in her hands.

"When I call your name, you will come forth, I shall place the sorting hat on your head, and you will be sorted into your houses." McGonagall said. She looked at the list and looked back at the students. "Hermione Granger." McGonagall called. [Y/N] looked at the brown haired girl. She saw Hermione's eyes widen slightly before composing herself. Hermione muttered something to herself before walking up to the stool. Ron leaned in to Harry and [Y/N]. 

"Mental that one, I'm telling you." Ron whispered. Harry nodded in agreement and turned his attention back to the Sorting Hat. [Y/N] rolled her eyes. 

"Oh, come off it, Ron. She's just nervous." [Y/N] whispered back. Hermione sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the sorting hat on her head. Suddenly, the Sorting Hat came to life. Its fabric eyes narrowed and rose, trying to make a decision. 

"Ah, right then, hmm, right. Okay...Gryffindor!!" The Sorting Hat shouted. [Y/N] smiled and clapped with the rest of the students. Hermione jumped off with a smile, walking over to the Gryffindor table. McGonagall looked at the list again.

"Draco Malfoy." 

Draco sauntered up proudly. Before hat even touch Malfoy's head, the hat called out, 

"SLYTHERIN!" The Sorting Hat shouted. The Slytherin table erupted into applause. Malfoy wore a smirk as he got off the stool and walked over to the table. [Y/N] leaned in to Ron and Harry.

"There isn't a witch or wizard who went bad who wasn’t in Slytherin." She whispered. 

"Susan Bones."

A small, redhead girl walked up to the stool. As Harry looked around, he noticed a black haired man, wearing all black robes. The man was glaring at Harry. Suddenly, Harry's scar started to hurt. 

"Ahh!" Harry groaned in pain, placing his fingers on the scar, hoping that the pain would go away. [Y/N] looked at Harry in concern.

"Harry, what is it?" She asked. Harry glanced at her, his fingers still on his scar.

"Nothing, nothing, I'm fine." Harry said. He could tell that she wasn't quite convinced with his answer, but she decided to not push the subject. 

"Let's see, I know. Hufflepuff!" The Sorting Hat shouted. Susan smiled and got off the stool, rushing over to the Hufflepuff table. McGonagall looked at the parchment again.

"Ronald Weasley." She called. Ron's eyes widened. He gulped and stiffly walked up to the stool. [Y/N] patted Ron's back in reassurance as he passed her. He sat on the stool and McGonagall placed the Sorting Hat on the stool. 

"Ha!" The Sorting Hat shouted, making Ron flinch. "Another Weasley. I know just what to do with you. Gryffindor!!" The Sorting Hat shouted. [Y/N] cheered and clapped as Ron sighed in relief and walked towards the Gryffindor table. McGonagall looked at the parchment again. 

"[Y/N] Scamander." She called. [Y/N] froze. She hadn't expected her turn to come so quickly. She felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked over at Harry, who gave her a smile. He gently squeezed her shoulder in reassurance. [Y/N] let out a breath and walked up to the stool. She sat down and McGonagall put the Sorting Hat on [Y/N]'s head. 

"Ah. Another Scamander, I see. My first choice would be to put you in Hufflepuff, but, no, maybe not. You have other thoughts about it I see," the Sorting Hat said. "You are loyal, traits that put you in both Hufflepuff and Gryffindor. But, you are also stubborn. You have a great deal of courage and bravery. So where to put you, eh?" The Sorting Hat asked. The Sorting Hat then hummed. "Oh, I know, Gryffindor!" The Sorting Hat shouted. [Y/N] sighed and smiled. Though she had wanted to follow in her mother's foot steps, being a Hufflepuff, she also knew that Gryffindor was right for her. [Y/N] walked over to the Gryffindor table. She sat down next to Ron, who gave her a side hug. She introduced herself to the others at the table. 

"Harry Potter." McGonagall called. Everything went silent as Harry walked up to the stool and sat on it. McGonagall placed the hat on his head. The Sorting Hat hummed.

"Hmm, difficult, very difficult. Plenty of courage I see, not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh yes, and a thirst to prove yourself. But where to put you?" The Sorting Hat questioned. Harry closed his eyes. 

"Not Slytherin, not Slytherin." Harry whispered. The Sorting Hat sounded slightly surprised. 

"Not Slytherin, eh? Are you sure? You could be great, you know. It’s all here in your head. And Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness! There's no doubt about that. No?" The Sorting Hat asked. Harry kept whispering. 

"Not Slytherin. Anything but Slytherin." Harry whispered. The Sorting Hat hummed.

"Well, if you're sure, better be...GRYFFINDOR!!" The Sorting Hat shouted. The Gryffindor table erupted into applause and cheers. Harry smiled and got off of the stool, racing over to the Gryffindor table. He took a seat next to [Y/N], who gave him a side hug. For some reason, the hug made him freeze lightly in surprise. He didn't dwell on it and returned the hug. 

~~~

//Here's chapter 2. I hope you all like it. I ultimately decided to put the Reader in Gryffindor. I felt like the story would go more smoothly if the Reader was in Gryffindor and not in a different house like Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw. Sorry to everyone who wanted to be in a different house other than Gryffindor.// 

[noelley2002]

Neville Longbottom x Potter!Reader

"So Ginny"

"So (y/n)"

Harry and Ron continued together, "Would you like to-"

Ginny stuck out her hand causing the duo to pause, "Let us stop you right there" she started. "We already have dates to the Yule Ball" (y/n) finished. "WHAT?" The two yelled as they faced their sisters with at first a look of shock and then a one of anger . Slowly, they continued, "With who?"

Ginny then stood up, towering over the boys, "If you must know, Dean Thomas" she then turned and walked away. The duo then turned their gazes to (y/n), "Neville" she shrugged. They were left speechless which lead (y/n) to turn and follow after Ginny.

*Time Skip to Yule Ball*

Everyone was ready, leaving (y/n) the last one to leave the dorm. While going down the stairs, she stopped at the sound of a voice, her best friends voice, "Now, you better treat her right and act like a complete gentleman tonight, understand " (Y/n) then proceeded down the rest of the staircase, stopping at the last step, "Hermione, leave the poor boy alone, or I'll go and give Krum the same speech, but a lot more threatening"

"Well sorry for wanting you to have a great night" Hermione then smiled and left the common room. Neville stood their, jaw dropped as he looked at your curled (h/c) and beautiful flowing (f/c) dress. After a few moments of staring he finally stumbled out, "Y-you look amazing"

(Y/n) smirked, "You don't look too bad yourself, shall we"

Neville returned the smile and held out his arm, (y/n) then linked it with her own and they were on their way.

***

After who knows how long of dancing, (y/n) turned to Neville, "Why don't we take a break, it looks like the guys want to talk to you", she pointing at the very excited looking Dean and Seamus. "Alright"

(Y/n) then made her way to her brother and best friends table, both looking gloom and alone. "Did you two actually manage to loose both your dates?"

"Shut it" Ron stated, harshly.

"Geez, chill, wanna talk about it" she asked as she sat down.

"No" Harry said, still looking at the dance floor, "I'm going to get a drink, care to join me Ron?"

"Fine" he answered.

The two then got up and walked away, leaving (y/n) sitting at the table alone until Neville came over a stuck out his hand, "Care for one last dance?"

"Gladly" she accepted his hand and they made their way back to the dance floor to enjoy one last dance before evenings end.

***

The two made their way back to the common room, arms linked, (y/n) shivered, "How are you not freezing right now?" She asked.

"It's cause I have a ton of layers, here", they stopped and Neville took of his cape, draping it around her shoulders, "Thanks, Nev", she smiled enjoying his warmth. He smiled in return and they were back on their way.

The two then stopped at the staircase leading to the girls dorm, "Well, the is me" (y/n) smirked, "Thank you for tonight, if it wasn't for you I would've had to go with Ron" she visibly cringed.

"Well thank you, cause if you said no it would've just been me and Trevor doing homework all night"

The two giggled and smiled at each other and heard "(y/n) (m/n) Potter, I can hear you, get your butt up here"

"Well I better go before Ginny kills me"

Before (y/n) turned to go up the staircase she took Neville's face in her hands and kissed him gently on the lips, feeling his face turn red she stopped and said "Thanks again, it's was an amazing night" she then turned and made her way upstairs.

Once in the dormitory (y/n) smiled and flopped on the bed, the girls then bombarded her with questions, "How was tonight"

"It was magical"

[writersmacchiato]

Fluff Alphabet | Neville Longbottom

A = Attractive (What do they find attractive about the other?)

When he first saw you, he thought you were beautiful. Though it was your smile that caught his attention and he spent many afternoons daydreaming about it, always bursting out into a violent blush when you directed a smile his way.

You loved his eyes. How they seem to twinkle when he talks about something that he’s passionate about, how they light up when he sees you.

B = Baby (Do they want a family? Why? Why not?)

Neville might want kids at some point, but he’s not in a rush and if you don’t want to have children, he wouldn’t mind either. For him, having you, your plant babies and Trevor Jr. is more than enough for him and he loves your family as is.

C = Cuddle (How do they cuddle?)

He likes to curl up against you with his head on your chest and his arms wrapped around your waist, your fingers combing through his hair.

D = Dates (What are dates with them like?)

Neville likes to plan small, quiet outings where you can both be comfortable. Often times, a picnic by the lake or walking through town and window shopping. If he wants to be romantic, he’ll dress up and cook dinner for you at home. Going all out with candles, wine, and flowers.

E = Everything (You are my _____ (e.g. my life, my world))

“You are my reason for smiling everyday.”

F = Feelings (When did they know they were in love?)

Neville fell for you so quickly and easily, he thought it was embarrassing. It was during his time at Hogwarts with you, after a particularly awful session of Potions where it seemed that Snape had it out for him - more than usual. You trailed after him, grabbing the sleeve of his robe.

“Are you okay?”

He shook his head, “I will be.”

You frowned, but tugged him along. “We’re going to the lake.“

“Why?“

“To cheer you up, of course.”

He followed after you, listening as you ranted about how awful and unprofessional Professor Snape was, with a pounding heart that was a pile of lovesick goo.

G = Gentle (Are they gentle? If so, how?)

Neville could not be rough. Even if he tried. There is not anything in his being that would permit him to be anything but gentle.

H = Hands (How do they like to hold hands?)

When you first started dating, Neville had a hard time showing affection. Not because he didn’t want to, he was just shy and awkward. And, coupled with the off-looks he received — it was awkward. However, hand holding is the first thing he got down. He loves it. Will hold your hand at every given opportunity.

I = Impression (What was their first impression?)

Neville noticed your kindness; how you stood up for others, helped them with the smallest of things...and wanted to be able to know you. He could be content with being your friend.

J = Jealously (Do they get jealous?)

He doesn’t get jealous, it’s more of a sad wallowing. His self-esteem is pretty low and you’re way out of his league, or so he thinks. Whenever someone comes along and flirts with you, rather than stepping in (he knows you can handle yourself anyway) he tends to drift away as negative thoughts plague him. You have to coax him back to you with kisses and reassurance that you love him.

K = Kiss (How do they kiss? Who initiated the first kiss?)

His kisses are soft, hesitant almost, but sweet. He has a hard time believing that you would want to be with someone like him, so he makes sure to cherish you.

You kissed him first. It was after a ‘date’ and he was walking you back to the dorms when you stopped and gave him a small peck on the lips before scurrying away. Neville’s poor heart almost gave out on the spot.

L = Love (Who says ‘I love you’ first?)

He does.

You had just moved in together, it was only a few weeks in and were planning what to put in the garden. There was so much available space and the ideas were limitless. Neville was practically heart eyes looking at you as you rambled on about how there should be different quadrants for the patches to best utilize it. You then mentioned making room for a greenhouse, knowing how much Neville adored the ones back at Hogwarts.

“Merlin, I love you.”

You look at him warmly, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I love you too. Now, where should we put it? I think on the south side, because that area gets the most sun.”

Yes, he was in love with you.

M = Memory (What’s their favorite memory together?)

You shield your eyes, casting a look over the beach. The sun was only just beginning to rise over the horizon, a soft glow of yellow glistening over the water.

“This is perfect.” You say, grinning back at Neville. He can’t help but stare at you; seeing how the light makes your face glow, the tired but happy look in your eyes.

This is perfect.

N = Nickel (Do they spoil? Do they buy the person they love everything?)

Neville doesn’t necessarily spoil you with gifts, but with acts of services and quality time. He would rather plan an evening in with you, relaxing and romancing you than to gift you something. Although when he does, it’s thoughtful and something you thought he wouldn’t even notice.

O = Orange (What colors remind them of their other half?)

Green — he first properly talked to you in the greenhouse, during a class, and since then he’s associated green with you. Plants are his passion and he’s lucky enough to have you interested in it, even if it’s only for his sake.

P = Pet names (What pet names do they use?)

Sweetheart and darling are his go to.

Q = Quaint (What is their favorite non-modern thing?)

His grandma gave him his mother’s wedding ring and for a long time he wore it around his neck, but then he took it off one day to clean it. He thought he lost it and was in near hysterics when you got home, reassuring him as you helped him look. It was under the bed, but he realized then he wanted you to have it.

R = Rainy Day (What do they like to do on a rainy day?)

He enjoys curling up with you and just relaxing. Sometimes, you’ll watch a movie or read books, but he’s content with whatever as long as he’s in your presence.

S = Sad (How do they cheer themselves/others up?)

Whenever he feels particularly upset, Neville will go outside to the garden and spend time with the plants there. This is normal for him, but he likes the familiarity of it, how it makes him feel in control.

T = Talking (What do they like to talk about?)

He can spend hours on end just talking about plants; all the facts he knows, new and old. Telling you the proper way to handle such and so, or how some of the plants are misbehaving. When he becomes a professor, he enjoys talking about his classes and students.

U = Unencumbered (What helps them relax?)

For Neville, all he needs is some time in the greenhouse or garden and if you’re there? Perfection. Sometimes, if he’s feeling particularly stressed out, he’ll walk out to the pond that’s on your property and just sit out there for hours. That’s when you know to give him some space.

V = Victory (What is something they overcome? Are proud of?)

Neville thinks it’s a little stupid, but there used to be a plant in the garden that every season would wither away without fail. It was one of your favorites and he was determined to keep it living. And yet, nothing he did seemed to make a difference. He was doing everything right, by the textbook, and it still perished.

You had told him it was okay. But the next time he was planting seeds, he carefully placed them in a small pot and brought it inside to your bedroom — already full of plants. Every morning when he woke up he would place three drops of water, two drops of nectar, and a sprinkle of ground up cinnamon on the plant. You woke up when he let out a victorious shout months later after the same routine was followed. When you looked at him in confusion, you were shocked to see the plant fully grown looking perfect.

“You did it!” You exclaimed, tumbling out of bed to wrap him in a hug.

He grins, sweeping you off your feet in his excitement. “I did!”

W = Wild (What is a wild dream/wish/fantasy of theirs?)

Neville is content with his life, it’s turned out much better than he ever expected or hoped for, his wilder dreams are...well, we won’t say; this is the fluff Alphabet after all.

X = XOXO (Do they write love letters?)

Neville actually loves to write letters to you, so much that you’ve come to expect them for every birthday and anniversary. They’re always so sweet, tissues at the ready before you read them. You collect them all in a shoebox and Neville’s face was burning red all day when he accidentally found it.

Y = Yes (Do they ever think of getting married/proposing?)

The idea of marrying you is a dream he often has, waking up with a smile and his heart about to burst when he sees you laying across from him. However, the idea of proposing to you is terrifying and it twists his stomach into an anxious mess. He knows you love him, but would you want to marry him?

Z = Zebra (If they wanted a pet, what would they get?)

Neville gets a toad and names him Trevor Jr. and constructs an elaborate habitat for him both indoors and outdoors. You’ve walked in on him talking to TJ before while attending to his plants.

———

Everything tag list: @venusstarlight108 @knivestheresnothingtoit @yajairayellow @awesomefaith14 @ardentmuse @salladwinston @maddieb97222 @anchy-bananchy @staygoldponebone @unique05sstuff

Harry Potter tag list: @p-adfoot

[imultifandomstuff]

Masterlist

Who I Write For

These are all the imagines/one shots i’ve written so far. I’ll try to remember to continue adding onto it!!

Marvel

Steve Rogers x Fem Reader 

Steve Rogers x Fem Reader

Bucky Barnes x Female Reader

IT (2017)

All IT imagines

Losers x Georgie

Bill Denbrough x Fem Reader

Bill Denbrough x Fem Reader

Bill Denbrough x Fem Reader

Stanley Uris x Fem Reader

Stanley Uris x Fem Reader

Stanley Uris x Male Reader

Mike Hanlon x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

Richie Tozier x Male Reader

Richie Tozier x Fem Reader

RIchie Tozier x Fem Reader

Beverly Marsh x Fem Reader

Beverly Marsh x Fem Reader

Eddie Kapbrak x Gender Neutral Reader

Ben Hanscom x Gender Neutral Reader

Supernatural

Dean Winchester x Fem Reader

Dean Winchester x Fem Reader

Dean Winchester x Fem Reader

Dean Winchester x Fem Reader 

Balthazar x Fem Reader

The Walking Dead

All TWD imagines/one shots

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader 

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Benjamin x Fem Reader

Carl Grimes x Fem Reader

Carl Grimes x platonic!Fem Reader

Carl Grimes x Fem Reader

Daryl Dixon x Fem Reader

Travelers

All Travelers imagines/one shots

Philip Pearson x Fem Reader

Philip Pearson x Fem Reader

Philip Pearson x Fem Reader

Philip Pearson x Fem Reader

Philip Pearson x Fem Reader

Trevor Holden x Fem Reader

Trevor Holden x Fem Reader

Trevor Holden x Fem Reader

Trevor Holden x Fem Reader 

Travelers x Fem Reader

Vikings

Ivar Lothbrok x Fem Reader

Ivar Lothbrok x Fem Reader

Prince Aethelred x Fem Reader

Game of Thrones

Jon Snow x Fem Reader

Tormund Giantsbane x Fem Reader

Disney’s Descendants

Harry Hook x Fem Reader

Carlos DeVil x Fem Reader

Evie x Fem Reader

DC

Barry Allen x Fem Reader

Barry Allen x Fem Reader

Barry Allen x Fem Reader (Grey’s Anatomy crossover from when I watched the show)

Cisco Ramon x Fem Reader

The Originals (and TVD when I still wrote for it)

Klaus MIkaelson X Fem Reader (Part 1/2)

Klaus MIkaelson X Fem Reader (Part 2/2)

Klaus MIkaelson X Fem Reader

Kol MIkaelson X Fem Reader

Damon Salvatore x Fem Reader

Harry Potter

Neville Longbottom x Fem Reader

George Weasley x Fem Reader

Peaky Blinders

MIchael Grey x Fem Reader

From Dusk Till Dawn (TV Show)

Seth Gecko x Fem Reader

[stories-and-imagines-galore]

Will You Go With Me? || Neville x OC

Paring : Neville Longbottom x Calypso Granger (OC)

Neville Longbottom was a shy, courageous, adorable dork and Calypso Arelia Granger was smitten. Being in different houses, Neville in Gryffindor and Calypso in Ravenclaw, did nothing to quell the way her heart beat erratically every time they had a class together, or when their eyes met in the Great Hall for meals. No, nothing could be done about that in the four years they’ve known each other.

The day started out like any other, waking up to get ready for the day, meeting her sister, Harry, and Ron before making their way to breakfast. They had all met on the train in their first year, Hermione meeting the boys first to try to find Nevilles toad Trevor while Calypso had stayed behind to try and calm the hysteric boy down enough to get a coherent sentence out of him. She had done so just as they got to Hogwarts and the students moved out of the train an onto the boats, her hand rubbing his back in a comforting way as they got to the school. The two hadn’t parted the whole time until the sorting hat sorted them into two separate houses and Calypso had wished for once that she was in her sisters place and by the shy boys side at the red and golden table.

So the Yule ball is coming up, are you going with anyone yet, Caly?“ Ron asked, glancing at Hermione for just a brief second. Calypso was the only one to believe he had feelings for her sister and was still trying to urge the other to ask her out.

"Nope.” She hummed, popping the p. “I haven’t been asked and I would rather not ask anyone.” Calypso mumbled, shrugging her shoulders and tucking her brown hair behind her ear. She already knew who she wanted to ask her, and she had said no to a few people who had asked, but it was a slim chance he would. She didn’t even think he felt that way towards her.

Hermione gave her a look and smirked. “I know exactly who she wishes would ask her but he might never get the courage to.” She said matter-a-factly. “And I know who you want to be asked by so I would keep your mouth shut ‘Mione.” She grumbled, smirking back and shaking her head.

They stepped into the Great Hall Calypsos eyes automatically going to the Gryffindor table and spotting her black haired friend who eyes met hers. She felt the heat rising up her neck to her cheeks and glanced away, biting her lower lip. Just seeing him sent butterflies to her stomach and her brain grew fuzzy for a moment. Breakfast passed like usual, jokes were flung from a few Ravenclaws about Caly eating with the Gryffindors, but she grew use to it from passed years. She talked animatedly with her sister about her classes and the ball, giving away how excited she actually was.

Soon it was time for her first class with Neville, Potions. She made her way, making sure to check her hair and makeup as she got close. As she neared the classroom, she felt someones hand on her arm, jerking her into an empty classroom and causing Calypso to let out a gasp. She whirled around from where she stood as she heard the door shut and saw Neville standing there, fidgeting and nervous.

“Neville? What-Why did you pull me in here?” She asked, her voice full of confusion and her eyebrows furrowed at him in question. He had never done something like this before, pulling her into an empty classroom.

He looked at her, eyes drifting over her face and her expression. She always looked so cute when she was confused. “C-Calypso…I uh… I-I was w-wondering…” He was cursing himself for stuttering so much, just trying to get the words he wanted out was a horrific attempt.

Calypsos confused face fell as she noted the stuttering and how his face fell as he noticed it as well. She walked over, taking his hand gently and rubbing a circle on the back of it with her thumb, watching as Nevilles face took on a red hue. “Neville, just breathe. You know you can talk to me about anything.” She hummed, giving him a soft smile. Maybe he wanted homework help or advice on how to ask someone to the  ball. She would help either way, even if the latter would sting her a bit.

Neville slowly took a breath, trying to even out his breathing as he looked at their combined hands. It was sending warmth through him and he couldn’t help the small smile that was on his face. “I know that, Caly.” He whispered. He looked at her, moving his free hand carefully to take  her other hand, a bit more confident than he was before. “I-I was just wondering if you… if you wanted to go to the Yule Ball… With…with me.” He finally got out, cheeks flushed and his nervous fidget coming back.

Calypso looked at him, frozen in shock that he had actually asked her.“I-I… Neville… Yes!” She finally got out, a small giggle coming at the end of the yes as she moved to hug him happily.

“Yes?”

“Yes! A hundred times yes! I’ve been waiting for you to ask me, slow poke.” She grinned, pulling back from the hug and looking up at him.

He smiled back and grinned, excitement filling him that the crush he had since first year had said yes to being his date. Him, Neville Longbottom has a date. He didn’t even think about it as his head lowered and he connected their lips in a kiss, a shock running through both of them at the contact. Calypso was shocked at first but slowly fell into it, arms around Nevilles neck and fingers slipping into his hair as his hands found her waist to pull her closer.

The kiss deepened a bit, the excitement and love fueling it as neither wanted to pull away nor did they want the other too either. Just as Neville had pulled Calypso so she was up against him, the door to the classroom slammed open, revealing a decently angered Professor Snape that not only were they not in his class but they were in an empty classroom snogging.

The pair jumped apart, both faces a deep, dark red and their eyes wide. “Detention tonight.” He said, stepping to the side to let them go. The two shuffled out, nervous apologies being uttered as they did so but glancing at each other had small smiles on their faces and their fingers were linked as they walked into the potions classroom, taking their respective seats with Neville by Seamus and Calypso by Hermione.

Hermione smirked at her sisters face and leaned on her hand. “Saw you two come in. Take it he asked you?” The girl just nodded her head, still dazed by the kiss and a smile on her face. She chanced a glance back to Neville, seeing him talking to Seamus before he glanced at her as well. The two were excited for the Yule Ball and the leading up to and after portions of it as well.

[ao3feed-dramione]

like A-B-C-D that could work so perfectly

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2IwSige

by Fox_Katelia

Hermione wouldn't even be the TA for this class if her summer abroad hadn't caused her to forget to file her application on time. But here she is, TA for crazy Trelawney's freshman lit class. And on top of it all, she has the annoyingly handsome Draco Malfoy ‘doctor-in-training’ trying to steal her job.

Words: 4816, Chapters: 1/8, Language: English

Fandoms: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling

Rating: Mature

Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply

Categories: F/M

Characters: Hermione Granger, Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Ginny Weasley, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Astoria Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Luna Lovegood, Lucius Malfoy, Narcissa Malfoy, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, Sybil Trelawney, background Hogwarts Professors, Trevor

Relationships: Hermione Granger/Draco Malfoy

Additional Tags: Background Remus/Sirius, Background Harry/Ginny, TA, College AU, enemies-to-lovers, Smut, dramione - Freeform, birthday fic, multi-chapter

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/2IwSige

[tessimagines]

Dance with me {Neville Longbottom x Reader}

Requested by anon:  Hey Tess, idk if you’re taking requests rn but I’d love one with 18, 53, and 63 from the prompt list with the reader and Neville Longbottom at the Yule Ball. Thanks 💖

Gif not mine, I found it on google. Credit to owner/creator.

Warnings: Nothing but pure fluff.

Wordcount: 1.25k

Prompts: 18.  “You’re completely clueless, aren’t you?” 53.  “Dance with me.” 63.  “Why are you staring at me?”

There was nothing quite like a Wizarding ball. Nothing you had experienced in the muggle world came close to what you were standing amongst now. It had nothing to do with the outright displays of magic or the outrageous wizarding costumes of some of the teachers, it came down to the sheer atmosphere of the event. Everyone was just relishing in the feel of the night, swaying to the wizarding music and laughing with the person beside them, their cheeks flushed with their own happiness and delight.

Not everyone was bound to feel comfortable, you knew that. There were a few people dotted around the room, their face paler than the rest and their eyes jumping from one happy, dancing person to the other. Some looked with a face of longing, others looked with resentment but each one of them couldn’t help but tap a foot along to the beat of the song that played from the stage.

You felt the nudge of Hermione’s elbow beside you. You looked up at her pretty face, her normally frizzy and unruly hair neat without a strand out of place. A large smile was planted on her face as she looked across at you, an eyebrow raised.

“Neville has been glancing over at you for the past ten minutes,” she said, a hint of giddiness in her voice. She couldn’t wipe the smile off her face, the feel of the night putting her in a seemingly endless lively mood.

You rolled your eyes at her. You knew what she was hinting at and couldn’t help but look over at the light-brown haired boy who stood on the outskirts of the room. As soon as your gaze meet his, his eyes quickly snapped away, his face quickly blushing bright red at the touch of his embarrassment.

The simple act of him looking away at your gaze brought the feeling of butterflies to your chest. You looked away from him and back at Hermione who still had her eyebrow raised. She didn’t even have to speak for you to know what she was hinting at. You sighed and took a sharp intake of breath before giving her your drink and making your way over to the boy across the room.

As soon as he realised you were walking towards him, his entire frame stiffened. You saw him swallow and take a deep breath before trying to look back up at you again. He was awkward, there was no doubt about that, but with it came a nice dose of cuteness. It was enough to make you lose your nerves and bring a smile to your face, a sense of ease seeping throughout your body.

You stood beside him for a moment, pouring yourself another drink before looking up onto his face. There was still a smile on your lips but Neville seemed to be a bit more nervous, finding it hard to meet your gaze for more than a few seconds at a time.

“Why have you been staring at me?” You asked. It probably wasn’t the right question to ask, it just seemed to make him more nervous. He opened his mouth but couldn’t seem to find the words.

“I… uh. I was just...”

You just smiled at him. It was a smile that seemed to calm his nerves a little bit, sending a warm rush throughout his body. He still held himself awkwardly, a light tinge of red gracing his cheeks.

You thought for a second before holding out a hand to him. He looked down at it and then back up at your face. A smile still played on your lips before you leaned in close and whispered, “Dance with me.”

He didn’t say anything as he grabbed your hand, he didn’t know if he could get a single word out. Never in a million years had he expected this to happen. Most people had laughed when he told them he couldn’t get a date to the dance, but now, when he was actually here, they only girl he had ever wanted to take was holding a hand out to him and asking him to do the thing he had been too nervous to ask you in the first place.

Putting his hand in yours, you lead him through the crowd of dancing people till you found a place that was empty enough for the two of you to dance. The music had slowed down now, no more senseless jumping about. Each person stood with their partner in their arms, rocking back and forth to the slow yet passionate music.

You guided his hand to the small of your back, his other hand still wrapped tightly in yours. Your arm rested on his shoulder, your faces only inches apart.

With each moment that you swayed together, Neville seemed to lose some of the stiffness in his body. He was a less awkward dancer than you had expected and he seemed to relax into the simple movements of the dance, his heart rate slowing down as he looked onto your face.

The whole thing seemed like a dream to him. It was like his mind couldn’t quite grasp what was happening right now in this moment. Every time you blinked, his breath hitched in his throat, reminding him that this wasn’t a dream and you were really standing in front of him.

“You’re completely clueless, aren’t you?”

He had muttered the words without conscious thought. He had thought them in his head but before he knew what had happened they were out of his mouth and hanging in the air between you.

Your eyes narrowed at his words. “What do you mean?”

It took him a second to answer, trying to think of the right words to say. He looked straight into your (e/c) eyes that shone in the light of the dance floor.

“I mean about my feelings for you, (y/n).” He took a deep breath before he continued. “I’ve liked you since that first moment on the Hogwarts Express when you handed Trevor back to me. I don’t know how you haven’t noticed; I can hardly speak whenever you talk to me.”

You didn’t know what to say as you looked up at him. The look on your face was one of bewilderment. Looking back at your past four years at Hogwarts, it wasn’t hard to see what he meant. It had been so blatantly obvious since the start. But then again, he hadn’t been able to notice your feelings either.

You didn’t say anything before leaning closer, pressing your lips against his. His lips were soft and didn’t respond for the first split second. But after he got over the initial shock of the feeling of your lips on his, he leant into it, kissing you back gently.

It wasn’t an extremely long kiss, nor was it rough or fast. But it embodied everything that you liked about Neville, his sweetness, his awkwardness and even his clumsy actions. It was real and pure and held everything that you needed it too, allowing Neville to see that he wasn’t alone in his feelings.

You took your hand out of his and moved it up to his shoulder, wrapping both your arms around him and drawing him closer. He rested his forehead against yours and smiled.

Maybe it had seemed like a dream before but Neville was eternally grateful that it wasn’t. He now had you in his arms and nothing had ever seemed so real in his life.

I hope you liked it! Requests are closed but will be open again soon. 

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Masterlist

~~Tess~~

[heartfeltheart]

Alchemy: Little Brother’s Turn

Chapters: 8/? Fandom: Fullmetal Alchemist/Harry Potter Rating: T Relationships: Edward/Winry, Lan Fan/Ling, May/Alphonse, Severus/Charity Series: Part 3 of 9. Summary: Part 3 of the Alchemy Series. Now it is Alphonse’s turn to taking over his brother’s position at Hogwarts. He quickly began to realize how much…stuff… Edward left behind to figure out on his own. Like, The Boy Who Lived, Sirius Black… and a Philosopher’s Stone you say? D/C: I do not own Harry Potter or Fullmetal Alchemist. Discord: La Red(Mesh Mash of… stuff.): https://discord.gg/KYjmVAb Alchemy Series: https://discord.gg/DejEYNJ

Draco packed the last of his belongings into his trunk, after checking it three times himself, twice by his mother and another four times by Dobby the House Elf. Tomorrow is the big day, the day he will be taking off to Hogwarts. It was still a huge surprise for the eleven-year-old. For the longest time he could remember, his parents argued which magical school he should attend.

Durmstrang or Hogwarts.

Then when the Elric's took the Wizarding World by storm. His father knew the moment the Elric's imbedded themselves into the Magical World in all aspects of life, he had to play his cards right to get in their good book. It was rather terrifying... the two could easily make friends with the people they are in contact with here… As for his mother, Draco has been told repeatedly by her to always stay in their good graces. That if anything were to happen to her or his father, then Draco has to turn to the Elric's.

Either way, Draco is going to Hogwarts with high hopes and all the while having to make sure he doesn't get on the Elric's bad side… let alone those that still contain their pure-blood ideologies. That is going to be a pain to deal with. Either way, he's excited for the year to begin.

-.-

Harry silently sat in his uncle's car they head headed out to the train station. Ever since social services had come into his life things have changed drastically. Although Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia still treat him like the gum on the bottom of their shoes, they've been keeping a healthy distance from him. They no longer went on lavish trips, spend money on unnecessary purchases, and so on. It was rather hilarious when they had to placate Dudley when he was only given one birthday gift as they were no longer able to be spend cash they no longer have. In the deep dark corner of Harry's mind, he wanted to be there during Christmas time. Even with him off at school, he knew they still won't have any access to his family's vault.

-.-

Susan looked at her charmed bracelet that contained a random assortment of charms that seemed harmless at first glance. Taking an extra look, you could possibly sense there is something far more than what meets the eye. As being the niece of the Minister of Magic and Former Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, it brought along many past and current enemies that could possibly wish harm upon her. The charm was created similar to a muggle swiss army knife.

One charm was of a skull that seemed to taunt Susan to no end. Her family was completely surrounded by death on a constant basis and it only got worse considering she along with her aunt at the last of the Bone's family. She was around a year old when her parents, grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousins were all murdered in the same year.

Bloody war… no one seems to understand the insignificance of blood. Pure-bloods are slowly wasting away with their ideology and how they go about preserving their bloodlines. It was becoming increasingly difficult to look for matches as many families are deeply connected with one another. There were cases where families had to force their young daughters many men twice their age, or even triple. Then there's the increase of squibs… although many families quickly get rid of them before anyone finds out of such travesty.

Susan rolled her eyes at the thought, what people do to preserve their lineage. As for herself, her mother was originally dubbed a muggle-born but after some digging, she found it that in her family tree there was one or two squibs that could possibly pass down their magical tainted blood. Either way, the late Mrs. Bones as dubbed a mudblood, a powerful one to boot, and was a prime target for Death Eaters. They to send in ten of them as four of them wasn't even enough to take her done and twice as many to take down her father.

-.-

Neville smiled at his mother as he was given another bubblegum wrapper. It was the day before he was scheduled to head out to Hogwarts and he wanted to explain that to his parents he won't be coming back until the summer. His grandmother had made a notion that they wouldn't even take notice of his long absence and that made the eleven-year-old want to cry but that would only have the woman reprimand him for it.

With one final wave, Neville left the room with his head hanged low as this is as close as he got to his parents sending him off.

"-e could try to non-magical remedies?"

"-it could work?"

"Or make things worse…"

Neville raised his head to see a group of healers whispering to themselves. He was going to keep moving forward until they mentioned a room number. It was the room were his parents were assigned, at that he turned his attention to what they were saying.

"I will get in contact with Amestris and Xing. Hopefully they could help us…"

-.-

Alphonse sat in a train compartment, looking through his own charmed suitcase. He was checking once more that he had everything he needed and so far by the looks of it, he did indeed have everything. Except for Xiao-Di Di's treats.

Seated next to Alphonse is an owl cage that contained an annoyed Dusky Eagle-Owl, lovingly named Xiao-Di Di. Mei gave him an owl for their anniversary and named him as well. It means Little Brother, creative name… Anyway, back at the treats… they were nowhere to be found.

Just what Alphonse needed, a fussy owl.

Croak…

Croak….

Croak…

Alphonse blinked in confusion as a weird noise, he looked around the compartment to figure out the source of the sound.

-.-

Neville was in complete panic mode. After he had changed into his robes, he had lost track of Trevor and now racing down the train, opening doors and asking everyone if they saw his toad. So far, only a fellow first year is helping him but nothing was coming it.

The Longbottom knocked on another compartment door before he opened it. Whom he saw in the compartment made Neville regret opening the door. He easily recognized who were in there and past experience only made him want to run off before anything bad happens to him.

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Longbottom… What lo-"

"Parkinson, enough. Longbottom, what do you want?"

Neville did a double take as he and everyone else in the compartment looked at Draco Malfoy. He shook his head in an attempt to clear his head but it appears it was still not enough. "I-I-I lost my t-toad, t-trevor."

"Check next door." Malfoy stated with a grunt before he made himself comfortably in his seat.

"Th-thank you!" Squeaked out the Longbottom before he closed the door before he ran off.

"What the bloody hell was that, Malfoy?"

Malfoy looked around the compartment to see his so-called friends looking at him expectantly. Well, Crabbe and Goyle were just confused by Parkinson's reaction and how Malfoy seemed so indifferent about Longbottom. Not the type of indifferent they were used to, but this is differently entirely. "The Alchemy Professor is on this train. Do you want to lose points this soon?"

-.-

"I… I think I lost your toad in my suitcase…"

[readbookywooks]

The Boggart in the Wardrobe

Malfoy didn't reappear in classes until late on Thursday morning, when the Slytherins and Gryffindors were halfway through double Potions. He swaggered into the dungeon, his right arm covered in bandages and bound up in a sling, acting, in Harry's opinion, as though he were the heroic survivor of some dreadful battle. "How is it, Draco?" simpered Pansy Parkinson. "Does it hurt much?" "Yeah," said Malfoy, putting on a brave sort of grimace. But Harry saw him wink at Crabbe and Goyle when Pansy had looked away. "Settle down, settle down," said Professor Snape idly. Harry and Ron scowled at each other; Snape wouldn't have said 'settle down' if they'd walked in late, he'd have given them detention. But Malfoy had always been able to get away with anything in Snape's classes; Snape was head of Slytherin House, and generally favored his own students above all others. They were making a new potion today, a Shrinking Solution. Malfoy set up his cauldron right next to Harry and Ron, so that they were preparing their ingredients on the same table. "Sir," Malfoy called, "sir, I'll need help cutting up these daisy roots, because of my arm --" "Weasley, cut up Malfoy's roots for him," said Snape without looking up. Ron went brick red. "There's nothing wrong with your arm," he hissed at Malfoy. Malfoy smirked across the table. "Weasley, you heard Professor Snape; cut up these roots." Ron seized his knife, pulled Malfoy's roots toward him, and began to chop them roughly, so that they were all different sizes. "Professor," drawled Malfoy, "Weasley's mutilating my roots, sir." Snape approached their table, stared down his hooked nose at the roots, then gave Ron an unpleasant smile from beneath his long, greasy black hair. "Change roots with Malfoy, Weasley." "But, sir --!" Ron had spent the last quarter of an hour carefully shredding his own roots into exactly equal pieces. "Now," said Snape in his most dangerous voice. Ron shoved his own beautifully cut roots across the table at Malfoy, then took up the knife again. "And, sir, I'll need this shrivelfig skinned," said Malfoy, his voice full of malicious laughter. "Potter, you can skin Malfoy's shrivelfig," said Snape, giving Harry the look of loathing he always reserved just for him. Harry took Malfoy's shrivelfig as Ron began trying to repair the damage to the roots he now had to use. Harry skinned the shrivelfig as fast as he could and flung it back across the table at Malfoy without speaking. Malfoy was smirking more broadly than ever. "Seen your pal Hagrid lately?" he asked them quietly. "None of your business," said Ron jerkily, without looking up. "I'm afraid he won't be a teacher much longer," said Malfoy in a tone of mock sorrow. "Father's not very happy about my injury --" "Keep talking, Malfoy, and I'll give you a real injury," snarled Ron. "¨C he's complained to the school governors. And to the Ministry of Magic. Father's got a lot of influence, you know. And a lasting injury like this" -- he gave a huge, fake sigh -- "who knows if my arm'll ever be the same again?" "So that's why you're putting it on," said Harry, accidentally beheading a dead caterpillar because his hand was shaking in anger, "To try to get Hagrid fired." "Well," said Malfoy, lowering his voice to a whisper, "partly, Potter. But there are other benefits too. Weasley, slice my caterpillars for me." A few cauldrons away, Neville was in trouble. Neville regularly went to pieces in Potions lessons; it was his worst subject, and his great fear of Professor Snape made things ten times worse. His potion, which was supposed to be a bright, acid green, had turned -- "Orange, Longbottom," said Snape, ladling some up and allowing to splash back into the cauldron, so that everyone could see. "Orange. Tell me, boy, does anything penetrate that thick skull of yours? Didn't you hear me say, quite clearly, that only one cat spleen was needed? Didn't I state plainly that a dash of leech juice would suffice? What do I have to do to make you understand, Longbottom?" Neville was pink and trembling. He looked as though he was on the verge of tears. "Please, sir," said Hermione, "please, I could help Neville put it right --" "I don't remember asking you to show off, Miss Granger," said Snape coldly, and Hermione went as pink as Neville. "Longbottom, at the end of this lesson we will feed a few drops of this potion to your toad and see what happens. Perhaps that will encourage you to do it properly." Snape moved away, leaving Neville breathless with fear. "Help me!" he moaned to Hermione. "Hey, Harry," said Seamus Finnigan, leaning over to borrow Harry's brass scales, "have you heard? Daily Prophet this morning -- they reckon Sirius Black's been sighted." "Where?" said Harry and Ron quickly. On the other side of the table, Malfoy looked up, listening closely. "Not too far from here," said Seamus, who looked excited. "It was a Muggle who saw him. 'Course, she didn't really understand. The Muggles think he's just an ordinary criminal, don't they? So she phoned the telephone hot line. By the time the Ministry of Magic got there, he was gone." "Not too far from here ..." Ron repeated, looking significantly at Harry. He turned around and saw Malfoy watching closely. "What, Malfoy? Need something else skinned?" But Malfoy's eyes were shining malevolently, and they were fixed Harry. He leaned across the table. "Thinking of trying to catch Black single-handed, Potter?" "Yeah, that's right," said Harry offhandedly. Malfoy's thin mouth was curving in a mean smile. "Of course, if it was me," he said quietly, "I'd have done something before now. I wouldn't be staying in school like a good boy, I'd be out there looking for him." "What are you talking about, Malfoy?" said Ron roughly. "Don't you know, Potter?" breathed Malfoy, his pale eyes narrowed. "Know what?" Malfoy let out a low, sneering laugh. "Maybe you'd rather not risk your neck," he said. "Want to leave it to the Dementors, do you? But if it was me, I'd want revenge. I'd hunt him down myself." "What are you talking about?" said Harry angrily, but at that moment Snape called, "You should have finished adding your ingredients by now; this potion needs to stew before it can be drunk, so clear away while it simmers and then we'll test Longbottom's..." Crabbe and Goyle laughed openly, watching Neville sweat as he stirred his potion feverishly. Hermione was muttering instructions to him out of the corner of her mouth, so that Snape wouldn't see. Harry and Ron packed away their unused ingredients and went to wash their hands and ladles in the stone basin in the corner. "What did Malfoy mean?" Harry muttered to Ron as he stuck his hands under the icy jet that poured from the gargoyle's mouth "Why would I want revenge on Black? He hasn't done anything to me -- yet." "He's making it up," said Ron savagely. "He's trying to make you do something stupid..." The end of the lesson in sight, Snape strode over to Neville, who was cowering by his cauldron. "Everyone gather 'round," said Snape, his black eyes glittering, "and watch what happens to Longbottom's toad. If he has managed to produce a Shrinking Solution, it will shrink to a tadpole. If, as I don't doubt, he has done it wrong, his toad is likely to be poisoned." The Gryffindors watched fearfully. The Slytherins looked excited. Snape picked up Trevor the toad in his left hand and dipped a small spoon into Neville's potion, which was now green. He trickled a few drops down Trevor's throat. There was a moment of hushed silence, in which Trevor gulped; then there was a small pop, and Trevor the tadpole was wriggling in Snape's palm. The Gryffindors burst into applause. Snape, looking sour, pulled a small bottle from the pocket of his robe, poured a few drops on top of Trevor, and he reappeared suddenly, fully grown. "Five points from Gryffindor," said Snape, which wiped the smiles from every face. "I told you not to help him, Miss Granger. Class dismissed." Harry, Ron, and Hermione climbed the steps to the entrance hall. Harry was still thinking about what Malfoy had said, while Ron was seething about Snape. "Five points from Gryffindor because the potion was all right! Why didn't you lie, Hermione? You should've said Neville did it all by himself!" Hermione didn't answer. Ron looked around. "Where is she?" Harry turned too. They were at the top of the steps now, watching the rest of the class pass them, heading for the Great Hall and lunch. "She was right behind us," said Ron, frowning. Malfoy passed them, walking between Crabbe and Goyle. He smirked at Harry and disappeared. "There she is," said Harry. Hermione was panting slightly, hurrying up the stairs; one hand clutched her bag, the other seemed to be tucking something down the front of her robes. "How did you do that?" said Ron. "What?" said Hermione, joining them. "One minute you were right behind us, the next moment, you were back at the bottom of the stairs again." "What?" Hermione looked slightly confused. "Oh -- I had to go back for something. Oh no --" A seam had split on Hermione's bag. Harry wasn't surprised; he could see that it was crammed with at least a dozen large and heavy books. "Why are you carrying all these around with you?" Ron asked her. "You know how many subjects I'm taking," said Hermione breathlessly. "Couldn't hold these for me, could you?" "But --" Ron was turning over the books she had handed him, looking at the covers. "You haven't got any of these subjects today. It's only Defense Against the Dark Arts this afternoon." "Oh yes," said Hermione vaguely, but she packed all the books back into her bag just the same. "I hope there's something good for lunch, I'm starving," she added, and she marched off toward the Great Hall. "D'you get the feeling Hermione's not telling us something?" Ron asked Harry. ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡*¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡*¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡*¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡*¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡*¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡* Professor Lupin wasn't there when they arrived at his first Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. They all sat down, took out their books, quills, and parchment, and were talking when he finally entered the room. Lupin smiled vaguely and placed his tatty old briefcase on the teacher's desk. He was as shabby as ever but looked healthier than he had on the train, as though he had had a few square meals. "Good afternoon," he said. "Would you please put all your books back in your bags. Today's will be a practical lesson. You will need only your wands." A few curious looks were exchanged as the class put away their books. They had never had a practical Defense Against the Dark Arts class before, unless you counted the memorable class last year when their old teacher had brought a cageful of pixies to class and set them loose. "Right then," said Professor Lupin, when everyone was ready. "If you'd follow me." Puzzled but interested, the class got to its feet and followed Professor Lupin out of the classroom. He led them along the deserted corridor and around a corner, where the first thing they saw was Peeves the Poltergeist, who was floating upside down in midair and stuffing the nearest keyhole with chewing gum. Peeves didn't look up until Professor Lupin was two feet away; then he wiggled his curly-toed feet and broke into song. "Loony, loopy Lupin," Peeves sang. "Loony, loopy Lupin, loony, loopy Lupin --" Rude and unmanageable as he almost always was, Peeves usually showed some respect toward the teachers. Everyone looked quickly at Professor Lupin to see how he would take this; to their surprise, he was still smiling. "I'd take that gum out of the keyhole if I were you, Peeves," he said pleasantly. "Mr. Filch won't be able to get in to his brooms." Filch was the Hogwarts caretaker, a bad-tempered, failed wizard who waged a constant war against the students and, indeed, Peeves. However, Peeves paid no attention to Professor Lupin's words, except to blow a loud wet raspberry. Professor Lupin gave a small sigh and took out his wand. "This is a useful little spell," he told the class over his shoulder. "Please watch closely." He raised the wand to shoulder height, said, "Waddiwasi!" and pointed it at Peeves. With the force of a bullet, the wad of chewing gum shot out of the keyhole and straight down Peeves's left nostril; he whirled upright and zoomed away, cursing. "Cool, sir!" said Dean Thomas in amazement. "Thank you, Dean," said Professor Lupin, putting his wand away again. "Shall we proceed?" They set off again, the class looking at shabby Professor Lupin with increased respect. He led them down a second corridor and stopped, right outside the staffroom door. "Inside, please," said Professor Lupin, opening it and standing back. The staffroom, a long, paneled room full of old, mismatched chairs, was empty except for one teacher. Professor Snape was sitting in a low armchair, and he looked around as the class filed in. His eyes were glittering and there was a nasty sneer playing around his mouth. As Professor Lupin came in and made to close the door behind him, Snape said, "Leave it open, Lupin. I'd rather not witness this." He got to his feet and strode past the class, his black robes billowing behind him. At the doorway he turned on his heel and said, "Possibly no one's warned you, Lupin, but this class contains Neville Longbottom. I would advise you not to entrust him with anything difficult. Not unless Miss Granger is hissing instructions in his ear." Neville went scarlet. Harry glared at Snape; it was bad enough that he bullied Neville in his own classes, let alone doing it in front of other teachers. Professor Lupin had raised his eyebrows. "I was hoping that Neville would assist me with the first stage of the operation," he said, "and I am sure he will perform it admirably." Neville's face went, if possible, even redder. Snape's lip curled, but he left, shutting the door with a snap. "Now, then," said Professor Lupin, beckoning the class toward the end of the room, where there was nothing but an old wardrobe where the teachers kept their spare robes. As Professor Lupin went to stand next to it, the wardrobe gave a sudden wobble, banging off the wall. "Nothing to worry about," said Professor Lupin calmly because a few people had jumped backward in alarm. "There's a Boggart in there." Most people seemed to feel that this was something to worry about. Neville gave Professor Lupin a look of pure terror, and Seamus Finnigan eyed the now rattling doorknob apprehensively. "Boggarts like dark, enclosed spaces," said Professor Lupin. "Wardrobes, the gap beneath beds, the cupboards under sinks -- I've even met one that had lodged itself in a grandfather clock. This one moved in yesterday afternoon, and I asked the headmaster if the staff would leave it to give my third years some practice." "So, the first question we must ask ourselves is, what is a Boggart?" Hermione put up her hand. "It's a shape-shifter," she said. "It can take the shape of whatever it thinks will frighten us most." "Couldn't have put it better myself," said Professor Lupin, and Hermione glowed. "So the Boggart sitting in the darkness within has not yet assumed a form. He does not yet know what will frighten the person on the other side of the door. Nobody knows what a Boggart looks like when he is alone, but when I let him out, he will immediately become whatever each of us most fears. "This means," said Professor Lupin, choosing to ignore Neville's small sputter of terror, "that we have a huge advantage over the Boggart before we begin. Have you spotted it, Harry?" Trying to answer a question with Hermione next to him, bobbing up and down on the balls of her feet with her hand in the air, was very off-putting, but Harry had a go. "Er -- because there are so many of us, it won't know what shape it should be?" "Precisely," said Professor Lupin, and Hermione put her hand down, looking a little disappointed. "It's always best to have company when you're dealing with a Boggart. He becomes confused. Which should he become, a headless corpse or a flesh-eating slug? I once saw a Boggart make that very mistake -- tried to frighten two people at once and turned himself into half a slug. Not remotely frightening. 'The charm that repels a Boggart is simple, yet it requires force of mind. You see, the thing that really finishes a Boggart is laughter. What you need to do is force it to assume a shape that you find amusing. "We will practice the charm without wands first. After me, please...riddikulus!" "Riddikulus!" said the class together. "Good," said Professor Lupin. "Very good. But that was the easy part, I'm afraid. You see, the word alone is not enough. And this is where you come in, Neville." The wardrobe shook again, though not as much as Neville, who walked forward as though he were heading for the gallows. "Right, Neville," said Professor Lupin. "First things first: what would you say is the thing that frightens you most in the world?" Neville's lips moved, but no noise came out. "I didn't catch that, Neville, sorry," said Professor Lupin cheerfully. Neville looked around rather wildly, as though begging someone to help him, then said, in barely more than a whisper, "Professor Snape." Nearly everyone laughed. Even Neville grinned apologetically. Professor Lupin, however, looked thoughtful. "Professor Snape...hmmm...Neville, I believe you live with your grandmother?" "Er -- yes," said Neville nervously. "But -- I don't want the Boggart to turn into her either." "No, no, you misunderstand me," said Professor Lupin, now smiling. "I wonder, could you tell us what sort of clothes your grandmother usually wears?" Neville looked startled, but said, "Well...always the same hat. A tall one with a stuffed vulture on top. And a long dress...green, normally...and sometimes a fox-fur scarf." "And a handbag?" prompted Professor Lupin. "A big red one," said Neville. "Right then," said Professor Lupin. "Can you picture those clothes very clearly, Neville? Can you see them in your mind's eye?" "Yes," said Neville uncertainty, plainly wondering what was coming next. "When the Boggart bursts out of this wardrobe, Neville, and sees you, it will assume the form of Professor Snape," said Lupin. "And you will raise your wand -- thus -- and cry "Riddikulus" -- and concentrate hard on your grandmother's clothes. If all goes well, Professor Boggart Snape will be forced into that vulture-topped hat, and that green dress, with that big red handbag." There was a great shout of laughter. The wardrobe wobbled more violently. "If Neville is successful, the Boggart is likely to shift his attention to each of us in turn," said Professor Lupin. "I would like all of you to take a moment now to think of the thing that scares you most, and imagine how you might force it to look comical..." The room went quiet. Harry thought...What scared him most in the world? His first thought was Lord Voldemort -- a Voldemort returned to full strength. But before he had even started to plan a possible counterattack on a Boggart-Voldemort, a horrible image came floating to the surface of his mind.... A rotting, glistening hand, slithering back beneath a black cloak...a long, rattling breath from an unseen mouth...then a cold so penetrating it felt like drowning... Harry shivered, then looked around, hoping no one had noticed. Many people had their eyes shut tight. Ron was muttering to himself, "Take its legs off." Harry was sure he knew what that was about. Ron's greatest fear was spiders. "Everyone ready?" said Professor Lupin. Harry felt a lurch of fear. He wasn't ready. How could you make a Dementor less frightening? But he didn't want to ask for more time; everyone else was nodding and rolling up their sleeves. "Neville, we're going to back away," said Professor Lupin. "Let you have a clear field, all right? I'll call the next person forward...Everyone back, now, so Neville can get a clear shot --" They all retreated, backed against the walls, leaving Neville alone beside the wardrobe. He looked pale and frightened, but he had pushed up the sleeves of his robes and was holding his wand ready. "On the count of three, Neville," said Professor Lupin, who was pointing his own wand at the handle of the wardrobe. "One -- two -- three -- now!" A jet of sparks shot from the end of Professor Lupin's wand and hit the doorknob. The wardrobe burst open. Hook-nosed and menacing, Professor Snape stepped out, his eyes flashing at Neville. Neville backed away, his wand up, mouthing wordlessly. Snape was bearing down upon him, reaching inside his robes. "R -- r -- riddikulus! " squeaked Neville. There was a noise like a whip crack. Snape stumbled; he was wearing a long, lace-trimmed dress and a towering hat topped with a moth-eaten vulture, and he was swinging a huge crimson handbag. There was a roar of laughter; the Boggart paused, confused, and Professor Lupin shouted, "Parvati! Forward!" Parvati walked forward, her face set. Snape rounded on her. There was another crack, and where he had stood was a bloodstained, bandaged mummy; its sightless face was turned to Parvati and it began to walk toward her very slowly, dragging its feet, its stiff arms rising -- "Riddikulus!" cried Parvati. A bandage unraveled at the mummy's feet; it became entangled, fell face forward, and its head rolled off. "Seamus!" roared Professor Lupin. Seamus darted past Parvati. Crack! Where the mummy had been was a woman with floorlength black hair and a skeletal, green-tinged face -- a banshee. She opened her mouth wide and an unearthly sound filled the room, a long, wailing shriek that made the hair on Harry's head stand on end -- "Riddikulus!" shouted Seamus. The banshee made a rasping noise and clutched her throat; her voice was gone. Crack! The banshee turned into a rat, which chased its tail in a circle, then -- crack!- became a rattlesnake, which slithered and writhed before -- crack! -- becoming a single, bloody eyeball. "It's confused!" shouted Lupin. "We're getting there! Dean!" Dean hurried forward. Crack! The eyeball became a severed hand, which flipped over and began to creep along the floor like a crab. "Riddikulus!" yelled Dean. There was a snap, and the hand was trapped in a mousetrap. "Excellent! Ron, you next!" Ron leapt forward. Crack! Quite a few people screamed. A giant spider, six feet tall and covered in hair, was advancing on Ron, clicking its pincers menacingly. For a moment, Harry thought Ron had frozen. Then -- "Riddikulus!" bellowed Ron, and the spider's legs vanished; it rolled over and over; Lavender Brown squealed and ran out of its way and it came to a halt at Harry's feet. He raised his wand, ready, but -- "Here!" shouted Professor Lupin suddenly, hurrying forward. Crack! The legless spider had vanished. For a second, everyone looked wildly around to see where it was. Then they saw a silvery-white orb hanging in the air in front of Lupin, who said, "Riddikulus!" almost lazily. Crack! "Forward, Neville, and finish him off!" said Lupin as the Boggart landed on the floor as a cockroach. Crack! Snape was back. This time Neville charged forward looking determined. "Riddikulus!" he shouted, and they had a split second's view of Snape in his lacy dress before Neville let out a great "Ha!" of laughter, and the Boggart exploded, burst into a thousand tiny wisps of smoke, and was gone. "Excellent!" cried Professor Lupin as the class broke into applause. "Excellent, Neville. Well done, everyone...Let me see...five points to Gryffindor for every person to tackle the Boggart -- ten for Neville because he did it twice...and five each to Hermione and Harry." "But I didn't do anything," said Harry. "You and Hermione answered my questions correctly at the start of the class, Harry," Lupin said lightly. "Very well, everyone, an excellent lesson. Homework, kindly read the chapter on Boggarts and summarize it for me...to be handed in on Monday. That will be all." Talking excitedly, the class left the staffroom. Harry, however, wasn't feeling cheerful. Professor Lupin had deliberately stopped him from tackling the Boggart. Why? Was it because he'd seen Harry collapse on the train, and thought he wasn't up to much? Had he thought Harry would pass out again? But no one else seemed to have noticed anything. "Did you see me take that banshee?" shouted Seamus. "And the hand!" said Dean, waving his own around. "And Snape in that hat!" "And my mummy!" "I wonder why Professor Lupin's frightened of crystal balls?" said Lavender thoughtfully. "That was the best Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson we've ever had, wasn't it?" said Ron excitedly as they made their way back to the classroom to get their bags. "He seems like a very good teacher," said Hermione approvingly. "But I wish I could have had a turn with the Boggart --" "What would it have been for you?" said Ron, sniggering. "A piece of homework that only got nine out of ten?"