Chapter 1

"Shoot."

Scurrying down the 5th floor corridor, Neville Longbottom was late for his first class. He hurried past the statue of Boris the Bewildered, barely remembering to jump the missing step he always fell through. Now almost sprinting Neville dashed through the courtyard and into Greenhouse #1.

"Goodmorningclass" he sputtered to the petrified first years.

For many of them it was their first ever class at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Little did they know, this was a first for Neville as well.

" Today," he announced, "we will be starting rather basic. Many of you, I'm sure, have absolutely no idea what to expect in my class. I confess, neither do I. We will be following the curriculum that may predecessor, Mrs. Sprout, has left with me. Please take out your books and turn to chapter one "Unearthing Earthworms".

There was a lot of frightened scattering among the students. When they all had their books ready Neville started again.

"In front of each of you is a pot full of earthworms. Besides that, in the red pot, are Venus Fly Traps. These plants however have been genetically mutated into vicious carnivorous plants that will basically eat anything now. Do not fear," he assured them "these plants can be controlled. Just keep a steady hand, wear your dragon hide gloves and, please, no silliness." he said giving a brief glance at Fred Weasley II.

The rest of class, Neville thought, went rather well. He straightened his bow tie, squared his shoulders and made his final announcement.

"Well done everybody! Most of have managed to feed your plants earthworms without any serious burns or injuries! What progress we are all making!" The bell rang signifying break. "Off you go" Neville said dismissing the rather pleased and relieved first years.

As he was cleaning up the spilt dirt, caused by Fred, he heard a sharp singular knock at the door. Startled, he found himself looking at Professor Mcgonagall. She was now the Headmistress. He hair was in a severe bun as always and her lips were pressed together in an almost approving sort of way.

"How was your first class?" she asked casually. "I heard one of your new students whispering to his friend of how your form of teaching is excellent. Well, he didn't quite say it like that. It was more like, 'Blimey! Do ya reckon all our classes will be as excitin'?"

She and Neville laughed for a few moments then resumed conversation. "I trust you are adapting well?" Mcgonagall said. "All of the staff agree that putting you in this position is a good idea indeed." Neville looked at his feet, a little flattered. Praise from Professor Mcgonagall was something he was not used to.

"Oh yes. I love being back at Hogwarts. It was a great place to be as a child and now without exams it will be my favourite."

Neville smiled warmly at her and continued, "I heard there was a last minute replacement to the staff?" Mcgonagall sniffed and looked rather displeased.

"Yes." she replied sadly. "Professor Flitwick has retired. He decided to spend his last years with his family. Got a bad case of dragon pox."

Neville nodded genuinely. Flitwick had been kind to Neville as a boy.

"So who's replacing him?" he questioned. Mcgonagall grinned. "Oh I think I'll let you see for yourself at the dinner tonight." She turned on her heel, almost as if she was dissaparating, and walked promptly out of Greenhouse #1.

Neville would have been able to stay and see the new Professor at lunch but he would have to wait till dinner. He promised Harry, Hermione, Ron and Ginny he'd meet them at the Three Broomsticks for drinks. Luna had been invited but she told them she had a prior engagement. After second period (a free period he used to look over the fifth years' itinerary), he walked down to Hogsmeade. He opened the door to the Three Broomsticks and scanned the spacious pub for his friends. He spotted them sitting in the corner near the fire place, all deep in discussion. Their conversation was left forgotten when Ginny saw Neville. She called out to him, beckoning him to sit down. When he approached the table he was consumed in hugs by Hermione and Ginny. Harry and Ron greeted him and asked how things were going at Hogwarts.

"Things are going wonderfully!" he exclaimed. Suddenly he was submersed in talk of new herb discoveries. Half way through an explanation about a certain type of maple leaf that made it snow when it was touched, he was interrupted by am aged Madame Rosmerta.

"What can I get all of you?" When she had the orders and left to get them Harry cleared his throat.

"Well we, I mean Ginny and I, have news. We're getting married!"

Ron's eyes widened in pure shock.

"Married? Well congratulations mate...married? Bit soon-" but he was cut off she Hermione's shrieks of glee.

"Brilliant! Ginny, Harry, really well done!"

Neville was almost as shocked as Ron.

Two of his best friends getting married? He knew they had been going out for some time but now they're tying the knot? Their celebration continued as Rosmerta brought the drinks (one Firewhisky, two Butterbeers, and two mulled meads) and Hermione proposed a toast.

"To Harry and Ginny. The world's most magical couple. And to Neville, for landing his new job."

"Harry, Ginny and Neville" they all chorused.

Then Neville remembered.

"Professor Flitwick is ill." he informed them. "There's a new charms teacher."

"Who is it Neville?" enquired Harry.

Neville looked up at the castle through the open window and pondered.

"Not a clue."