Hogwarts: Neville's Insert Chapter 46
Augusta hummed thoughtfully before nodding. "That is true. It's always best to do shopping ahead of time rather than scrambling at the last moment. And I am free today, so sure, why not?"
Before Neville could respond, Hermione suddenly perked up. "Wait—you want to go today?" she asked, looking concerned. "But Neville, I don't have any money with me right now!"
Neville blinked, rubbing his chin. "Huh… I didn't think of that."
Augusta, however, waved her hand dismissively. "It's alright, dear. I'll buy your supplies for you."
Hermione looked at Augusta in shock. "But ma'am, I can't let you do that! You're already letting me stay here for free," she said, shaking her head.
Augusta gave her a pointed look. "Hush, child. I don't mind buying your supplies. You're my grandson's friend, and I'm more than happy to help."
Neville, noticing Hermione's hesitation, quickly added, "If it makes you feel uncomfortable, you can just pay it back later when you have the money."
Hermione bit her lip, looking between them, before finally nodding. "Alright… thank you, Mrs. Longbottom," she said sincerely.
Augusta sighed but gave a small nod in return, accepting the compromise. "Alright, then. Finish up your breakfast, and we'll leave shortly."
….
September 1st, 1992
Neville stood in front of the mirror in his room, combing his hair back neatly.
The first of September had arrived, marking the start of a new term at Hogwarts. Summer had ended much sooner than they had hoped, and now, it was time to return to school.
Neville was dressed in a black suit vest over a white long-sleeved shirt, with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He paired it with black trousers, keeping his usual clean and sharp look.
Satisfied with his reflection, he set the comb down on the table, turned around, and walked over to his trunk, which was already packed and ready. His wand lay beside it.
Picking up his wand, Neville tapped the trunk lightly and muttered, "Reducio."
The trunk shrank instantly to a pocket-sized version, small enough to fit inside his sling bag. Slipping it in, he slung the bag over his shoulder and headed for the door.
As Neville stepped out into the hallway, he spotted Harry walking out of his room at the same time.
Harry's trunk floated behind him, gliding smoothly as he levitated it with his wand.
Harry was dressed in a casual t-shirt and well-fitted pants—ones Augusta had bought for him earlier in the summer.
Neville raised an eyebrow. "Not going to shrink it yet?"
Harry glanced at him and shrugged. "Oh, hey, mate. I am—just later, before we leave. Kinda uncomfortable carrying it in my pocket all morning."
Neville nodded. "Makes sense." He adjusted his bag and leaned against the doorframe. "So… looking forward to going back to Hogwarts?"
"Honestly? No." harry sighed, running a hand through his hair. "With everything that's been happening, I'd rather just… stay here, you know? But I don't have much choice."
Neville shrugged. "Yeah, I get that." Then, in a more serious tone, he added, "Just remember—don't look into Dumbledore or Snape's eyes, and it should be fine."
Harry let out another heavy sigh. "It's not Dumbledore I'm worried about. It's Ron. I'm not sure how to act around him."
Neville nodded thoughtfully. "Yeah, that's going to be tricky. Just act casual, and you should be fine." Then, with a smirk, he added, "I'm more worried about the fact that we have to sit through another year of Snape's lessons."
Harry let out a groan. "Yeah, don't remind me."
The two of them descended the stairs, falling into a comfortable silence, making their way toward the dining hall for breakfast.
He sighed as they made their way down the stairs towards the dining hall.
As they entered, the smell of freshly baked pastries filled the air, warm and inviting.
Neville walked over and took his seat, grabbing a croissant just as a steaming cup of hot chocolate appeared before him, along with a plate of a full English breakfast. He dunked the croissant into the cocoa and took a bite, savoring the rich, buttery flavor.
Across from him, Harry picked up a sausage and took a bite, chewing thoughtfully.
"Mmm," Neville hummed in delight. "I'm really going to miss this once we're back at Hogwarts. The food there's great, but it's not quite like this."
Just then, Augusta walked in. "Good morning, boys. I see you're both dressed for the day."
She was wearing a deep green formal dress, her signature stuffed vulture hat perched on her head, and a handbag hanging from her arm.
Neville looked up from his plate. "Morning, Gran."
Harry nodded politely. "Good morning, ma'am."
Augusta settled into her seat, and a plate of breakfast appeared before her—sausages, eggs, and fresh toast. She picked up her fork and knife, slicing into a sausage before turning her gaze on the boys.
"Have you both packed everything you'll need? I'd rather avoid any last-minute panics this time."
Neville nodded, taking another bite of his croissant. "Yeah, Gran, I've got it sorted—shrunk my trunk and everything. It's all in my bag."
Harry nodded as well. "Yes, ma'am. Everything's in order."
Augusta took a bite of her sausage, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again. "Mmm. Good. You're quite certain, Neville? Last term, you nearly forgot your robes."
Neville sighed but nodded. "I haven't forgotten anything, Gran. And besides, that was before I lost my memories."
Augusta sighed, giving Neville a pointed look. "Just make sure you don't get into trouble like last year. I swear, Neville, you're going to cause my hair to turn completely white."
Neville grinned, completely unrepentant. "Can't make any promises, Gran."
Then, as he reached for another croissant, he looked at his grandmother thoughtfully. "Say, Gran, any chance you'd send a few of these pastries to us at Hogwarts? You know, once a week or so?" He gestured toward the table spread. "The food at Hogwarts is fine, but it's just… not this."
Augusta's lips quirked in amusement. "You've grown fond of them, I see. Can't say I blame you. They're quite tasty—but mind you, eat too many of these butter-laden treats, and you'll be rolling through the corridors."
Neville laughed, taking a bite of his croissant. "I'll manage some self-control. Promise."
Across the table, Harry nodded. "I wouldn't mind a box or two myself."
"All right, then," Augusta said, setting down her teacup. "I'll have them sent by owl, but not every day. You'll both end up spoiled rotten, and that's assuming the others don't beg you to share."
Neville offered a grateful smile. "Thanks, Gran."
Then, turning in his chair slightly, he called out, "Clinky?"
With a soft pop, a small house-elf in a neat pillowcase tunic appeared beside Neville, wide eyes brimming with eagerness. "What can Clinky do for young Master Nevy?"
Neville leaned forward. "Could you pack some pastries for us to take on the Hogwarts Express? Enough for me, Harry, and Hermione—maybe a few extra, in case other people ask."
Clinky's ears perked up, and he bowed so low his nose nearly touched the floor. "Certainly! Clinky will pack them right away!"
Augusta glanced at the clock on the wall, then turned back to them. "Speaking of Miss Granger, we ought to set off soon if we're to meet her on the platform."
Harry, who had just finished his breakfast, looked up at Augusta. "Er—are we taking the Floo Network to King's Cross?"
She shook her head. "No, Harry. The platform doesn't have Floo access. Typically, parents take the Muggle side, but Apparition is also an option—if they know where the designated point is. It can be tricky Apparating multiple people, which is why some consider it safer to go in from the Muggle station. However, I plan to Apparate us directly to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters."
Her eyes flicked to Harry's trunk. "You'll want to shrink that, dear. It's best if you keep it in your pocket so we're not fumbling about when we leave."
"Right," Harry said, nodding.
…
With a loud crack, they arrived on Platform 9¾. The place was bustling as ever—parents saying their goodbyes, students chattering excitedly, and the steam engine of the Hogwarts Express huffing in the background. Augusta Longbottom placed a steadying hand on both Neville and Harry, gently guiding them away from the Apparition point to avoid blocking new arrivals.
A few steps in, Harry stumbled as his foot caught on something. He lurched sideways, colliding straight into a tall, platinum-blond wizard clad in expensive robes. Neville and Augusta turned to see Harry hastily straightening himself.
"I'm sorry," Harry said quickly, adjusting his footing.
Neville and Augusta turned their gaze to the man Harry had bumped into—a tall, aristocratic-looking wizard with sleek, platinum-blond hair. Beside him stood a woman with a striking combination of black and blonde hair, dressed in an elegant, regal gown. And next to her, a familiar face—Draco Malfoy.
Lucius Malfoy's cool grey eyes landed on Harry, but before he could speak, Draco sneered. "Watch where you're going, Potter. Lost your glasses or something?"
Lucius placed a firm yet graceful hand on Draco's shoulder, gently pulling him back. "Now, now, Draco," he murmured. "Play nicely. I'm sure Mr. Potter didn't do it on purpose."
Harry gave a hesitant nod. "I'm sorry, sir. I tripped."
Lucius regarded Harry with a calculating gaze before his lips curled into a thin, polite smile. "Ah, Mr. Potter," he said, extending his hand. "At last, we meet. Lucius Malfoy."
Harry hesitated briefly before reaching out and shaking his hand.
The moment their hands clasped, Lucius subtly pulled Harry in, using the back of his wand to brush aside his fringe, exposing the famous lightning-shaped scar. "Forgive me," Lucius said smoothly, his voice laced with intrigue. "Your scar is the stuff of legend—just like the wizard who gave it to you."
Before Harry could react, Augusta stepped forward, her posture rigid, her voice cool and clipped. "Mr. Malfoy, I'd appreciate it if you let go of Mr. Potter."
Neville simply watched from the side, thinking to himself, 'Huh, didn't this happen in the original timeline?'
Lucius released Harry's hand, turning his attention to Augusta. His smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "Ah, Lady Longbottom," he said smoothly. "Here with Mr. Potter, I see. And, of course, your grandson." His gaze flickered to Neville briefly before returning to Augusta. "I trust you are well."
Augusta nodded curtly. "As you can see, we are," she said, her tone giving nothing away.
Lucius smiled, his tone light but dripping with false politeness. "That's good, that's good. And how are your son and daughter-in-law doing? I hope they are well."
Augusta's expression immediately darkened, her eyes flashing with anger, but before she could say anything, Neville stepped forward, cutting in smoothly.
"Oh, they're doing just fine, Mr. Malfy," Neville said deliberately, mispronouncing his name. "Thanks for asking."
Lucius's eye twitched, but Neville pressed on, stepping slightly closer with an innocent smile. "You know, there's actually something I've been meaning to ask you…" He tilted his head thoughtfully. "I heard a rumor about you. Was it true that you were part of… Moldy Shorts' cosplay group?"
A heavy silence fell over the group.
Narcissa's eyes widened, taken aback that anyone would dare refer to the Dark Lord like that.
Even Augusta looked momentarily stunned, her gaze snapping to Neville, as if wondering if she had misheard him.
Lucius, on the other hand, sneered, his fingers tightening around his cane-wand. "You're quite brave, boy, calling the Dark Lord that."
Neville shrugged casually. "Nah. You're just a coward who followed an idiot who gave himself a ridiculous name." He then tapped his chin in mock thought. "Speaking of which, I heard another rumor… something about him making his followers suck his…"
Lucius's eyes narrowed dangerously.
Neville paused deliberately, then smirked and said, "His feet." He held Lucius's gaze without flinching.
Lucius's eyes widened, while Narcissa's face twisted in outrage.
Draco, flushing with fury, lunged forward, wand drawn. "HOW DARE YOU—!"
But before Draco could even finish his sentence, Neville simply snapped his fingers.
Snap!
Draco's entire body froze—his arms snapped to his sides, his legs locked together, and with a muffled grunt, he toppled over onto the platform floor with a thud.
A full-body bind.
Neville didn't even look at him.
The display of wandless magic stunned everyone present.
Even Augusta and Harry, who had been watching silently, looked genuinely shocked—they had no idea Neville could do wandless magic.
Neville turned to Draco, smirking slightly. "Dracy, my boy, you should really think before picking a fight with someone you can't handle." He clasped his hands behind his back, channeling Dumbledore's infuriating way of speaking. "They might not be as lenient as me."
Draco, still frozen on the ground, let out a muffled growl.
Lucius's jaw tightened, his grip on his cane visibly tightening as he stared daggers at Neville. Narcissa, meanwhile, was already kneeling beside Draco, her expression a mix of shock and anger as she helped her son.
Before things could escalate, Augusta stepped in, her voice firm. "That's enough, Neville. Let's not waste any more of our time here."
Without waiting for an argument, she grabbed Neville's arm, steering him and Harry away from the Malfoys.
Lucius watched their retreating figures, his face a mask of shock and quiet fury.
Once they had put some distance between themselves and the Malfoys, Augusta glanced at Neville, and to his surprise, she looked proud.
"I didn't know you could use wandless magic, Neville," she said, raising an eyebrow.
Neville shrugged. "I've been practicing. I'm not that good at it yet."
Harry snorted, shaking his head. "Not good at it? You dropped Malfoy like a sack of potatoes." He looked at Neville, still clearly impressed. "How did you do that? I thought you couldn't do magic without a wand."
Augusta sighed, shaking her head. "You can do wandless magic—it's just incredibly difficult. Only a few witches and wizards ever manage it because—"
Before she could finish, a familiar voice called out to them.
"Neville! Harry!"
Neville turned around and saw Hermione pushing a trolley toward them.
He waved. "Hey there, Hermione!"
Hermione walked over, slightly out of breath. "Good morning, Mrs. Longbottom, Harry, Neville—sorry I'm late. The traffic was awful."
Harry nodded, while Augusta gave her a polite nod. "Good morning to you as well, Miss Granger. No need to worry—we just arrived ourselves."
Then, turning to the three of them, she added, "Well, go along now. You should find a compartment to settle your things in."
As they headed toward the train, Augusta paused, looking at them sternly. "Well, I'll be off, you three. Please, stay out of trouble—especially you, Neville."
Neville grinned and hugged her briefly. "I'll try, Gran. See you at Christmas."
Augusta nodded, then glanced at Harry and Hermione. "You both as well—come over for Christmas."
Harry smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Gran. I'll be there."
Hermione smiled hesitantly. "I'll have to ask my parents first, but I'd love to."
After a few more farewells, the three of them stepped onto the train, Hermione walking beside them, her trunk already shrunken to fit in her bag.
As they moved through the corridor, searching for an empty compartment, Hermione frowned slightly. "So, what exactly happened back there with the Malfoys?"
Harry let out a laugh. "You saw that, huh? Well, Neville dropped Malfoy like a sack of potatoes—and then mocked his father."
Hermione's eyes flicked to Neville, unimpressed. "I honestly didn't think you'd get into trouble before term even started."
Neville crossed his arms, feigning offense. "Hey, it's not my fault he mocked my parents."
Hermione's expression shifted into concern. "He did?"
Harry nodded. "That was half of it. The other half? Neville used wandless magic."
Hermione whipped her head toward Neville, her eyes wide in shock. "Wandless magic?"
Before Neville could answer, he slid open a compartment door—and spotted someone he had been hoping to meet.
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