Chapter 4 – Neville
While things were going well for the trio, their friends were also getting on with their lives. For Neville his job that had started as an apprenticeship in August had moved to full time in October. He was working as an exotic plants specialist with a focus in sub-tropical species. The nursery where he worked was based in Birmingham and had been in business for nearly a hundred years, providing specimens to apothecaries around the world. His double O on his Herbology NEWT had served him well to get him a placement and they had been more than happy with his work there since. Several other Hogwarts graduates worked there as well, since the war had caused casualties within the nursery's employees and they had been rebuilding their ranks like many others.
On a personal note, Neville was still living at Grimmauld and appreciated Harry's hospitality. His gran wasn't as happy with him, but he needed to be away from her smothering. He also knew that she never would have tolerated the level of partying that he had taken to with his friends after the war. He had surprised even himself when he and Luna had first started dating. Although they had only lasted about a month, after that he had enjoyed a few casual relationships and he had allowed himself to come to an acceptance that he was at least somewhat attractive to witches. In September he and Fay went on a couple of dates, but never made anything official since they both realized that they were better remaining as friends. After that he returned to casual relationships with friends, even sleeping with Fay once, but it was all just for fun.
As the months progressed though it all became a bit tiresome and he decided that he wanted something a bit more permanent. Also, as much as he hated to go along with the dreaded law, Neville also knew that as a pureblood he needed to start looking for a partner before long. With that in mind, he sat down one afternoon in early December and drew up a list of witches that he knew and found attractive who he might consider and who were either halfblood or newblood. He preferred the ICW term instead of muggleborn. Crossing off those that he knew were already in relationships, he came up with Sue Li, Alicia Spinnet, Tracey Davis, and Angie Johnson.
Once he had the list, Neville had to analyze who to talk to first. Sue was difficult because she was at school, so she wouldn't be first. Alicia was working at the Ministry and he could owl her readily. Tracey was even easier since she worked at the apothecary in the office, but he found the Slytherin a bit intimidating. Angie was working at Quality Quidditch and helping at Wheezes on occasion, so she was also easy to talk to. He had to admit that he had a bit of a crush on the Gryffindor chasers. They were always fun and outgoing, not to mention toned and beautiful. With pleasant memories in the forefront of his mind, Neville made his choice.
Two days later Neville made a trip at lunch and floo'd to the Leaky before taking a walk down to Quality Quidditch. He was glad to find that Angie was in the shop and he made a point of browsing while she helped another customer. Of course, he didn't know much about Quidditch. Thankfully, the other customer left not long after and Angie came over to him.
"Hi Neville. Can I help you with something?"
"Hi Angie. I was just on my lunch hour and decided to drop by. You're looking nice today."
"Thanks Neville. I'm wearing my store uniform robes, but anyway. You work up in Birmingham. We're not exactly in the neighborhood. What can I help you with? You're not a Quidditch buff."
"Damn, you've got me there Angie. I actually came by to talk to you. I was wondering if you'd like to go to dinner Friday night?"
"Really? Well that's a surprise. I am free though and that sounds like fun. Neville Longbottom, who would have thought. You have yourself a date. Can we try a new Indian place I heard about?"
"Sure, wherever you want. Thanks!"
Neville was grinning and feeling much better than he had a moment before. Angie herself actually looked a bit surprised still as Neville excused himself when several more customers came in the store.
Three days later Neville found himself accompanying the lovely Angie Johnson to dinner in muggle London, which was a new experience. Although he had visited a couple of muggle clubs with their friends, he had never eaten in muggle restaurants. Angie though was happy to guide him through the experience. Thankfully he at least was used to dressing muggle and looked sharp in jeans, a button down shirt, and sport coat. Angie had to admit that the pudgy little boy that she remembered as a first year had long since disappeared. Neville himself was quite happy as well with Angie's attire of a simple form fitting electric blue cocktail dress.
Dinner was a long affair with numerous courses, all featuring a range of flavors that Neville loved, even if most he had never had before. He and Angie talked throughout and eventually the topic of discussion came around to the most pertinent of the night.
"So Neville, why did you decide to ask me out? Why now?"
"Several reasons. I've had a crush on you for a while. Honestly, on all three of the Gryffindor chasers. I hope it doesn't offend you if I say that the three of you together were like a trio of hotness for the boys in the dorms…"
Angie chuckled, but then made a motion with her hand for him to continue.
"Anyway, since the end of the war, we've all been figuring out what to do and what we want. I dated Luna briefly, but I didn't really have any other serious relationships. Fay and I sort of tried. I won't lie and you know anyway since we all partied together that I've been with other girls, but it's just been fun and sex. That's fine for a while, but I want more. And now there's this law that we have to consider as well."
Angie frowned.
"Ah, I see, so the truth comes out. So, if I'd been pureblood, you wouldn't have asked me out? That's why we're sitting here and not you and Katie?"
"I won't lie, but it is part of the reason. I do like you. I hate that the stupid law has to play a part in this, but it does. I am enjoying the night. I hope we can keep having a good time and maybe see if there can be something more."
"Alright, look I'm not thrilled, but I guess I can't blame you. How else are we going to go about this mess anyway? I do understand what you're saying about wanting more than just the shag buddies. It does get a bit old after a while. You're a good guy Neville, a hell of a lot better than some I've been with."
The rest of the evening went well, even if there was a bit of tension that never quite left the conversation. After dinner, they walked around a nearby park for a while before Neville gave Angie a chaste kiss and she apparated back to her flat with a promise that she would owl him.
That owl arrived a couple of days later and the following day Neville and Angie went out for a night of dancing with just the two of them. A week after that they went out for dinner again and then Angie decided that Neville needed some additional muggle education and took him to a movie theater. Seeing the latest Star Trek movie was mind blowing for Neville, even if Angie had tried to prepare him for what he was going to see. After, they wandered to an all night cafe for coffee and dessert before finding an alley where they apparated back to Grimmauld together as they began to breathlessly snog.
When they landed in the back garden of Grimmauld, Neville pulled back from Angie for just a moment before the fire in her eyes told him everything he needed to know as he led her quickly inside and up to his room. He was grateful that they met no one on the way. As they went, they continued groping and fondling and he was glad to not have an audience. As soon as they were in the room, clothes started flying and Neville thought that this was going to be a hard and fast shag. He was sober though and knew that he wanted more for his first round with Angie so he pulled back for a moment as he looked at her beautiful body.
"Ang, let's slow down just a bit. I want to enjoy you. Let me pleasure you."
"Gah, alright, please don't take too long Nev."
Neville nodded and continued to finish stripping her. Then he laid her back on the bed before he pulled off the majority of his own clothes, leaving only his briefs on. With that done, he cast the charms on the room and on himself before leaning over to continue snogging his girlfriend.
As they kissed and fondled, he moved his lips down to her neck and then to her breasts as his hands moved lower. When his fingers finally probed her, he found that she was already quite wet and he smiled knowingly as he began to lightly finger her, causing her moans to increase as his lips drifted further south. Soon his fingers drifted as well as he knelt and let his lips move to her navel as he ran his tongue across her stomach. Above him, Angie was trembling and starting to beg as Neville smirked. Finally, his tongue reached and began to caress her lower lips before slowly parting them to find her bud. When he finally flicked her clit with his tongue, she mewled in delight and he began to work in earnest as he worked her bud while simultaneously dipping his fingers back into her core. Before long he had her trembling on the edge of her peak when he knew he needed to stop. Standing up, he dropped his briefs and then plunged in, sinking his entire cock into her in one swift motion as Angie came immediately with a howl that threatened to break the silencing charms. Despite her convulsion, Neville held onto her as he kept a steady rhythm that drove her to the brink of insanity and then took her over the edge a second time just as he flooded her before collapsing at her side. Several long minutes later Angie began to feel her extremities again and managed to speak.
"Bloody fucking hell Nev. That was…just…wow."
"Yeah…wow."
They rolled to the center of the bed and kissed for a while before falling into a blissful sleep that would consume them for the rest of the night. When they woke the next morning Angie was the first to come around as she looked over at her latest lover. Neville had truly surprised her. She wasn't sure where their relationship was going, but last night had been a pleasant surprise. Gradually he seemed to realize that her focus was on him and began to stir as his eyes fluttered open and he yawned.
"Good morning gorgeous."
Angie kissed him and yawned.
"Good morning. I really wish I hadn't agreed to take a Saturday shift now."
Neville frowned and then shrugged.
"Oh well, you did warn me. Do you have time for a shower?"
Angie smiled and took his hand as they rolled out together and grabbed clothes before ducking carefully out of the room. Once they saw that no one was in sight, they made a quick dash to the bathroom next door. After a leisurely and fun mutual shower, they found some food downstairs and then Angie reluctantly said goodbye.
Over the next week Neville saw Angie a couple of more times before the Christmas holiday arrived and she became quite busy at the store. She spent one more night at Grimmauld and Neville was enjoying their time together, although he wasn't sure just how attached he really was to the pretty witch.
For the holiday, both had plans with their families, but Christmas Eve was left free and they spent the evening with their extended group of friends at Grimmauld, where Harry threw a large party with copious amounts of food and alcohol. For those who had been out of touch and hadn't realize that Neville and Angie had paired off, they were all quite happy for the new couple. That night Angie stayed with Neville until the early morning hours when she finally left to return to her parents' home so that she could be in place for her family's festivities. For Neville, his plans were to floo to Longbottom Manor first thing in the morning to exchange presents and have brunch with his gran.
After the excitement of the holidays passed, Neville made a point of taking Angie out like usual, but soon they settled into a routine and both began to feel something was missing. It was a couple of weeks into January when they were relaxing by the fire at Grimmauld that Angie decided that she finally needed to say something.
"Nev, I really enjoyed dinner tonight. Italian is always a good bet, and I like being with you, but what is happening with us?"
"Hmm, what do you mean Ang?"
Angie leaned back away from Neville and looked at him.
"I mean you're a great guy Nev, but I feel like what we have has gone stale. I just don't feel a fire. I think maybe in the beginning I was trying hard for it. I know we've always had friendship, but I don't know if we've got that extra spark. Damn, this is hard."
Neville sighed and sat up instead of reclining back in the comfortable sofa.
"I think I know what you're trying to say Angie. I think I tried more in the beginning and I haven't been trying as much lately. Maybe I should try more?"
"I think you can only try so much though Nev. I think there has to be something to build on. Friendship is a good start, but for romance there has to be a spark. I've felt it before, but I don't know that we have it. We certainly have lust at times, but that's different."
Neville sighed and rubbed his face.
"So what, you want to take a break then?"
"I think it may be best to go back to being friends Nev. These last few weeks have been great and I'm happy we gave this a try, but I think it's best."
"I suppose you're right. I do care about you Angie. I'm sorry this didn't work."
Neville took Angie's hand as he said that and kissed her fingers. There were tears in his eyes and Angie was having a hard time holding back her own tears. Neville really was a great guy and he would be great for someone, but just not for her.
"Alright Nev, I'm going to go. You take care and we'll stay in touch. We're friends still."
Neville nodded as he watched her go. If he was honest, this wasn't a complete surprise, but it still hurt. He got up and went to Harry's well stocked bar and poured himself a good measure of scotch. Then he went back to sit and stare at the fire as he thought about the last few weeks he and Angie had spent together.
After he and Angie broke up, Neville focused on his work and set aside thoughts of dating for a while. He wasn't a complete recluse, but his social activities revolved around groups of friends rather than individual dates. He still saw Angie during these times and was glad that they remained friendly. It was during one pub crawl in February where Angie brought Alicia over to where Neville was sitting with several others. The two sat down and joined the conversation for a while. When the others went to go find refills and Alicia went to the loo, Angie decided to give Neville a nudge.
"So Nev, you and Alicia seem to be getting on well. What do you think of her?"
"We're friends of course Ang. Anyway, I told you I crushed on all of three of you at one time. Of course I like her."
"So why don't you ask her out? I know for a fact that she and George are taking a break and she's bored. And she's halfblood of course. Not quite as good of a match as the two of us, but still."
Neville chuckled.
"I can't believe you're fixing the two of us up."
"Hey, you're both friends of mine. Anyway, at least think about it. You shouldn't mope over what we had for too long. I know you said your nursery licenses with the Ministry, so they're going to have to follow that fucking law before too long. Even the shop gets their licensing through the Department of Magical Games and Sports and my boss had a talk with me about compliance. It's a fucking nightmare."
Neville just shook his head and downed the rest of his pint. He could only agree with that. Soon the others arrived with refills and Alicia came back not long after. He enjoyed spending time with the group, but later in the evening he was glad when he managed to pull Alicia aside by herself.
"Hey Alicia, I was wondering if you'd be interested in something a little quieter one night? Maybe just the two of us could get dinner somewhere and talk without so many interruptions by all our friends?"
Alicia grinned. She'd been waiting to see if Neville would get the courage to ask her.
"That sounds nice Nev. I've got a full week, maybe next Friday?"
Neville agreed and they discussed details before leaving to rejoin their friends.
The following Friday arrived and per their discussion, Neville met up with Alicia at a muggle Chinese restaurant a couple of blocks from the Ministry after she got off of work. The place was quite nice and Neville found himself enjoying the varied cuisine as he and Alicia talked about their jobs and how their work over the previous week had gone. The evening was simple, but pleasant. Once they finished they walked for a bit and then Alicia was yawning and begged off a bit early as she apparated home after promising to send Neville an owl.
Two days later Neville and Alicia met again to attend a small theater company that Alicia was interested in seeing. The show was well done, although Neville found it a bit boring. After they found a pub and enjoyed a simple meal. Alicia was excited for a project that she was beginning the next week and talked about it throughout dinner. Neville remained attentive, but not enthused. When they finished, they separated with a brief kiss and went their separate directions.
Later in the week Neville had a slow day and arranged to take a long lunch. He sent an owl to the Ministry that morning and Alicia agreed to meet him at a nearby sandwich shop. The morning passed quickly and then he cleaned up before leaving to apparate to London for his lunch date.
Alicia was waiting for Neville when he arrived and was a bit harried from her complex project that week, but tried to set that aside as she greeted Neville and they sat down to lunch. They talked for a couple of minutes and then the conversation drifted to nothing as the table grew quiet. Finally Neville had to say something.
"Alicia, is something wrong?"
"No, not really, I've just got my mind elsewhere and I know you're not that interested in my work."
Neville sighed and set down his bag of crisps.
"I think we need to talk Alicia. We've been dating for not quite two weeks, but I don't know if this is working. I consider you a friend, but I don't know if we've got enough in common for anything more. We can barely talk before we run out of something to talk about."
Alicia stopped eating and nodded.
"I suppose you're right. I've noticed it as well. Angie thought we'd be such a good match and she's always right, but even she had to be wrong sometime I guess. Look Nev, I appreciate you being so great about this."
"I don't want to lose our friendship. I just don't think we should make ourselves miserable forcing something that isn't going to work."
Having come to an agreement, Alicia nodded and they resumed their lunch with a few brief bouts of conversation. Once they were done eating, they exited the restaurant and Neville gave Alicia a quick hug before they went their separate directions back to their jobs.
With yet another potential relationship failed, Neville decided he needed a break for a while and threw himself into his work with a new vigor. He began to study more and looked at a number of possible areas of study that could perhaps be used for his mastery in a couple of years. In addition, when he was back at Grimmauld, he studied a couple of other subjects to prepare to take other NEWTs that he had missed. With Hermione living in the house he and the others were lucky to have the best tutor in England as a house mate.
Gradually February and then March faded as spring began to seep into Britain. With the arrival of new color, Neville knew that he had to start once again to think about dating seriously. Not that he had been a hermit. He hadn't even been chaste in the previous months, but he hadn't focused on an individual relationship. He was beginning to think about returning to his original notes when life brought someone to him.
Neville was working in greenhouse twenty-six at the nursery one day when his boss announced that the sub-tropical division was getting a transfer from the arid plants division. A recent retirement had opened up space in Neville's division, allowing for the transfer. When the transfer came over, Neville was surprised to find that it was Tracey Davis, a Slytherin from his year. He had thought she was working in an administrative capacity in the offices. She was introduced around and then assigned to shadow Neville for a couple of days.
"So Tracey, it's good to have you, but I hadn't realized that you were out of the office now."
"Yes, I move to Arid in mid-December. I only started in administrative to get my foot in the door so to speak. I didn't get a double O like a certain Mr. Longbottom. As soon as I could, I took the first dirt position I could get. What I really wanted was Sub-Trop. Now I'm here. I'm Slytherin, I take what I can get and then wait for the next opportunity."
"How'd you know about my score?"
"Please! I worked in the office, there are no secrets up there. The handsome Mr. Longbottom is quite the subject of the gossip mill."
Neville blushed and decided to change the subject as he turned her attention to the plants that they were looking at. The tour continued with the rest of greenhouse twenty-six and went on to include some of the other fourteen greenhouse that made up their area of specialty. As the day finished, Tracey brought the subject back to personal matters.
"So Neville, I appreciate all the help. Can I repay you sometime. Perhaps dinner?"
"I think I'd like that. Friday, after work?"
Tracey smiled and agreed as they went their separate directions.
The rest of the week went well with Tracey shadowing for a couple more days before being put on a few small tasks on her own while she became familiar with her new area. She did well and learned quickly and Neville enjoyed getting to know her more. She wasn't as intuitive with the plants as he was, but she learned quickly and had a gentle touch with them that the delicate plants responded well to. He had been a bit hesitant around her due to her being Slytherin, but he found her not to be anything like he had expected as he soon set aside the last of his prejudice.
When Friday arrived they decided to go with one of Neville's favorites and selected Greek. Tracey had had Greek food, but had never been to a Greek restaurant. The lively atmosphere and music surprised her at first, but soon she was loosening up with the wine and quite enjoying the good food and fun environment. Neville found her surprisingly easy to talk to about a wide range of topics. She was halfblood, but had been raised primarily in the magical world. Her mum had seen to her being exposed somewhat to the non-magical world though. Her status saw her having to balance on a fine line within Slytherin house and often being persecuted by some of the staunchest purebloods, meaning that she was highly opposed to the pureblood ideals. She had a genuine love for Herbology and was gifted with Potions. Neville realized by the end of the evening that with Tracey the conversation flowed even easier than it had with Angie.
By the end of their large meal, Neville and Tracey had finished a pitcher of wine and had tried a couple of shots of ouzo. Even though they had also consumed large quantities of food and had taken a couple of hours to consume it all, both were feeling decidedly relaxed. So, when a live band of Greek musicians set up on a stage at one end of the restaurant, it didn't take much to convince them to join in on trying the local dance. Neither quite knew what they were doing, but both gave it a good effort. By the end of the evening both were in no shape to apparate anywhere so they caught the Tube back close to Grimmauld and then walked arm in arm back to the house. Once they were there, Neville gave Tracey a long kiss by the fire before she floo'd back to her flat. Then he stumbled upstairs and fell asleep completely dressed.
Neville and Tracey saw each other next the following Monday and it didn't take long for their co-workers to realize the two were together. If Neville thought it would be a problem with his boss, he was quickly relieved of any concern. His boss was happy with the match, having checked both their blood statuses and declared that he thought they were a good match under the new law. It irked Neville some, but he really like Tracey and he liked his job, so he decided to leave it be.
Over the following month, Neville and Tracey continued to see each other every weekend. By their third week together Tracey began spending regular nights at Grimmauld and became a fixture at the breakfast table, where she began to know Neville's Gryffindor house mates more. She and Hermione actually got on well and she and Ginny didn't do badly either. She also accompanied Neville to the frequent party nights that the larger group of friends enjoyed and any initial wariness that a few might have had wore off quite quickly as everyone got to know her, especially once they saw how attached she and Neville were.
As May arrived and the anniversary of the battle passed, Neville felt that his life was going well. Tracey was a large part of that, as were his large group of supportive friends. They still had a bit over a year until the law went into full effect, but he was truly starting to feel like his life was turning around.