For: As Strong as We are United III. Go, Twovians!
She doesn't want to leave. Over the years, Hogwarts has become more of a home than the little cottage she returns to at the end of each term.
But her bones are not as young as they once were. Little tasks such as trimming the flutterby bushes cause her arthritic hands to ache with the painful reminder that she is growing old. She cannot keep up with what's required of her anymore, and though it pains her, she turns in her letter of resignation.
"It's a shame, Pomona," Minerva says with a sad smile to her old friend. "You were the best Herbology teacher this school has ever seen."
Pomona can't help but to blush, though she doesn't acknowledge this praise. A humble Hufflepuff to the end, she merely shrugs, the faitntest of smiles tugging at her lips.
.
Neville Longbottom looks just as pale and nervous as he had the first day he had turned up in the greenhouse. Pomona can't help but to grin as she hobbles up to him, supporting herself against her walking stick. "You'll do a fine job, Professor Longbottom," she says gently, patting his cheek.
His face flushes with color, and he nods, sputtering his uncertainties.
"Breathe, Longbottom," she chuckles. "You'll make Hogwarts proud."
"I know. I learned from the best, after all."
