Written for the Marathon Competition (Mile Three: write about three people in a given profession. Teacher 1 of 3)
"You're doing quite well at this," Pomona tells Neville. "One of the most promising I've seen in years."
The delight on the boy's face is almost heartbreaking. She's heard talk among the rest of the staff. They try not to speak poorly of their students, but some things slip. Neville Longbottom, they say, is so clumsy. Neville Longbottom, they say, probably could charm his way out of a paper bag.
But it isn't her pity for the boy that fuels her praise. She has seen many students over the past few decades. Some brilliant, others lacking. But Neville Longbottom, the boy with so much trouble working a wand and brewing potions, has the greenest thumb she's seen in quite a while.
"Thank you, Professor," he says, his cheeks burning a dark red.
Pomona pulls a book from her robe, placing it beside him with a smile. "I think you might enjoy this," she says. "It's advanced material for seventh years, but if it catches your eye, I'm sure I can arrange for you to visit the other greenhouses."
…
After two weeks, she begins to think that Neville will not take her up on the offer. Perhaps his lack of confidence is greater than she's believed.
With a sigh, she tends to her Devil's Snare.
"Professor?"
She turns, relieved to find Neville before her.
He shifts his weight awkwardly from foot to foot, wringing his hands together. "I think I'd like to have a look at some of the other plants," he says quietly.
Her lips twist into a proud smile. A tear falls from her eye, and she quickly wipes it away. "What would you like to see, my dear?" she asks.
Neville smiles. "Everything.".