This is my first fic so any reviews welcome. I do not own Harry Potter.
"Mandrake"
Neville stepped forward and the spiral staircase began to revolve. It had been a great summer but Neville was relieved to be back at school. He always felt particularly at home at Hogwarts and was looking forward to the new school year. He had some interesting stuff planned for his Herbology classes and was itching to get down to the greenhouses. But he had a little job to do first.
As he entered the Head's office, he was glad to see the familiar portraits and accessories of Professor Sprout. The Headmistress herself, was sitting behind her desk, head bowed, reading a piece of parchment. She looked up as Neville walked towards her.
"Evening Neville," she said, "Glad to be back?"
"Very much," Neville replied. "Before I head down to check on the greenhouses, I have a little news for you." Neville paused before continuing. "About the Potters"
Every portrait in the place turned to look at him, including that of a gray haired wizard with twinkly eyes who sat directly behind Professor Sprout's desk and the sallow faced wizard in the portrait to his immediate right.
"Well?" Professor Sprout looked directly at him.
"She had another boy!"
There were collective cries and applause from the portraits of Hogwarts former Headmasters and Headmistresses.
"That's excellent news," exclaimed Professor Sprout as she got up from the table to hug Neville.
"So…" Neville paused again. "Harry and Ginny asked me to put his name down for Hogwarts."
"Naturally, naturally," said Professor Sprout as she bustled around her table. " Now where did I put the list.."
As she moved around looking it, Neville looked up at the portraits of Professors' Dumbledore and Snape. Dumbledore looked the same as ever, half moon spectacles and beaming smile. Harry had made sure the Snape's portrait was put up in the Head's office on the right hand side of Dumbledore's. He looked younger in his potrait than Neville remembered him in life – less greasy but still pale faced and expressionless.
Professor Sprout had obviously found the list, because she sat down again and picked up a quill.
"Date of Birth?" she asked Neville.
"July 27th," Neville replied.
"Place of birth?"
"London"
"Hair colour?"
"He doesn't have much yet."
"Eye colour?"
"Green," replied Neville. "Just like Harry"
One of the potraits behind Professor Sprout's head made a sharp intake of breath at this, but when Neville looked up both Dumbledore and Snape were looking straight ahead. When Neville looked back down he did not notice Dumbledore steeling a quick glance to his right.
"Full name," asked Professor Sprout.
At this Neville paused again. Before answering he looked up at the wall behind Professor Sprout's head.
"Albus Severus Potter"
The portraits around the room were silent. Neville maintained eye contact with Snape. Harry had asked him for any reaction. His inscrutable face looked as impassive as ever but his eyes told a different story. There was shock there that Neville had never seen before. He looked away to where Professor Sprout was neatly entering the newest Potter on the Hogwart's registry and therefore missed the exchange that followed between the baby's two name sakes.
Dumbledore wiped his eyes before stating; in a quiet voice that only the nearest portrait could hear
"Her eyes and your name. After all this time."
Snape seemed to take a moment to compose himself before murmuring one word.
"Always"