Chapter 8
Herbology and Family Drama!

January First, the day of Nicks visit to Gorge's Herbology Emporium. Nick decided to go home for New Years, for the "Traditional" Bridgeworth New Years Dinner. Coming home seemed all right. The manor was just as it was, and his room was just the same. However, tension between him and his siblings had risen. None spoke to him, when they did it was just small talk. Nick knew it would come to this, but at least he had friends at Hogwarts. Daniel said if things at home were bad he could live with him. After unpacking what he brought from his dorm, Nick took the trolly to Gorge's Herbology Emporium. He used his wand to get through the barrier, and walked down the dirt path until he came to the sign: Gorge's Herbology Emporium.
Ironically the building was a giant green house. He followed the crowd inside. After showing the door man his ticket, Nick explored the place. Mandrake seedlings were being pulled out and re potted in a glass room by caretakers wearing ear muffs, Puffapods were being packed in soil and given to wizards who had bought them. A food stand was in the middle of the room, selling pumpkin pasties and butter beer. It was too expensive for Nick, and even if he had enough spending money, he would save room for the annual Bridgeworth feast. His Father only gave him 100 Galleons as an allowance. Nick was saving up for Hogsmede fun in his third year. He was also saving up for his own apartment. Nick was more of a saver, than a spender. As he looked around, he saw a tour guide had just started his tour of showing 'Plants of the World' Nick followed the tour through a dark hallway.

"Here you can see on display a magical plant native to the Mediterranean Sea, Gilly Weed. When it is eaten by a witch or wizard, one grows gills and webbing between the fingers and toes, allowing them to process oxygen from water and navigate underwater more easily. It was used in the Triwizard Tournament by a famous wizard we all know named to be Harry Potter. This way please for the next display, and keep up!"
Nick followed suit. He didn't know too much about Harry Potter. He only knew that he saved the Wizard World. As they came to the next display, Neville had caught up with the tour. He tapped Nick on the shoulder.

"Ello Nickolas." Neville said with a smile. Nick looked up and beamed. "Oh Professor, you made it."

"Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world!" he replied , looking down smiling at Nick's t shirt. "By the looks of things neither would you!" He added. Nick laughed as they walked down another hallway. The tour guide passed a few rooms that read "Off Limits" and "Closed", then stopped and turned down a dimly lit room with a large garden-pointing to odd looking cabbages growing. The tour guide cleared his throat and spoke.

"These are Chinese Chomping Cabbages. As the name suggest it has the ability to chomp on foods, such as carrots, cucumber, and even potatoes. However, they have a nasty bite, so wear Dragon Hide Gloves when handling them. This way to the final part of our tour."
The tour guide led the group down a flight of stairs. It was almost dungeon like. As the group gathered, the tour guide spoke pointing through yet another room with glass.

"This is the well known plant called the Venomous Tentacula. It is a giant eyeless headed plant with fangs, though the shape of its mouth tends to vary, along with many leaves surrounding it. Its bite is proven to be fatal, and rumours over the years have been said it is native to the Amazon… However, no one is certain this is true. This concludes our tour, please exit this way and enjoy the rest of your day."
The tour guide bowed and went through a door that read "Employee's Only." Neville and Nick looked at one another, and shrugged. They then went about the rest of the day at Gorge's Emporium.

At the end of the day, the professor and student each took a plant home. Neville had a potted Snargaluff, which growled inside its pot. Nick took home a potted Fanged Geranium. It was quiet, then Nick finally spoke.
"Uhh Professor…"

"Yes?" Neville replied, as they approached his car. Most Wizards do not have cars, but Neville needed one as he hated the trolly.

"I was wondering…would you like to come to dinner with my family? There will be lots of food and cakes… And I am sure my family wants to meet one of Hogwarts new teachers."
Neville thought about it for a moment. He then nodded and spoke opening his car doors with his wand.

"Sure, I'd love to."

"Great!" Nick replied, as they got into the car and drove away…

An hour later…

Nick and Neville arrived at Bridgeworth Manor. It was a tall building, with brick and stone, the overall design was 16th Century period. It had been in the family for ages. They came to the gates which were silver and spelled "Bridgeworth Manor" with the bars. The gates creaked open and Neville parked on the side of the house. A butler named Ralph came out to the grounds, bowing to Nick.
"Master Nickolas, the new year dinner is almost ready… I see you have a guest?"

"Yes Ralph, this is Neville Longbottom. He's my Professor at Hogwarts, he teaches Herbology." Nick replied, beaming up at Neville.

"Oh, welcome young Master Neville. Please follow me inside to join the family in the drawing room." Ralph replied, leading the two into the manor. Neville had never been so nervous in his life. He gulped as the drawing room approached. Gena and Doug were sitting on the sofa in the corner, sipping brandy and munching on crackers. Nicks siblings Rena, Christopher, and Mason were on the floor playing with the family cat. It was a tense silence. Nick cleared his throat and spoke.

"Uhh Father, this is Neville Longbottom. He's the Assistant Professor of Herbology at Hogwarts."

Doug got to his feet and shook Neville's hand.

"Greetings Mr. Longbottom, I am Douglas Bridgeworth, Nickolas' Father. These are his brothers and sisters. That beautiful woman over there is my wife."
Gena smiled and came over as well. "I don't know about that one." She said with a smile.

"It's very nice to meet both of you." Neville said, bowing out of respect. He didn't feel right, it was almost being like in Malfoy Manor. After sitting in the drawing room for an hour and a half, the family proceeded to the dining room. Douglas led them down the hallway connected to the dining room from the drawing room. The hallway also connected to the kitchens, which the staff used only. It was a short cut of sorts, instead of going all the way around. To Neville, it seemed like hours before finally making it to the archway, which had snakes slithering upwards on it. The portraits along the walls were all members of the Bridgeworth family. Some chatted amongst themselves, while others snored slightly against their frames. Once everyone was seated, dinner was served. Neville coughed awkwardly and placed his napkin cloth over his lap.

"So, you're part of the assistant professor program?" Douglas asked, as he cut his steak.

"Yes, it's a two year program where I train to become a professor under the wing of the Professor of the chosen subject. If I am deemed worthy the job is mine. " Neville replied, sipping his wine. "Once the actual Professor decides to step down of course." Neville added.

"Ah yes, and you teach Herbology correct?" Douglas asked again.

"Indeed, Professor Sprout is a great teacher." Neville replied again. Nick sensed the room getting very tense, and his siblings glared at Nick all through the meal. Except Rena, she was more of a kind soul like her Mother. She just ate her meal in peace. Still, Nick had a bad feeling his Father was going to make a scene.

"Oh yes, how is the old broad? I was top student in her class back in my day in Hogwarts." Douglas boasted. Neville nodded and sipped his wine again.
"Yes, I seen your Herbology trophy's in the trophy room." Neville agreed, with a fake smile.

"So tell me Professor, do you know that you are dining with a death eater?" Christopher asked with a snide grin. Douglas coughed on his steak, and Gena almost fell off her chair. Nick was not liking where this was going.

"Son! That is not appropriate dinner conversation!" Douglas said in a heated manner. Nick couldn't believe it, instead of his Father it was his brother. Another surprise, his Father was telling Christopher off. Although, a guest was present. He wondered if his Father would act differently if the Professor wasn't there. Neville chuckled and wiped his mouth. He then spoke calmly. In a lot of ways, Neville was like Dumbledore.

"It's quite all right Mr. Bridgeworth, I am aware of what your Father is Christopher. You do nothing but boast so loud in the hallways everyone can hear. It does not bother me in the slightest, I believe everyone deserves second chances, and thanks to my friend Harry Potter, we don't have to worry any longer. The past is in the past."

Shocked, but utterly appreciative, Douglas replied. "Thank you Mr. Longbottom, you are very kind. Forgive my son, he's a bit arrogant. Reminds me of myself when I was young." He then turned to Christopher and scowled calmly " Christopher! I want to you to keep your mouth shut for the rest of this dinner!"

Christopher frowned, crossing his arms. "Yes Father." He said begrudgingly.

"So how has school been Son?" Gena asked Nick, derailing the conversation.

"Oh, really great so far. I made a lot of friends." Nick replied, thankful to his Mother for changing the subject. However, he wasn't thankful for long. Soon enough, the conversation was heated again.

"And you lost some as well." Mason added. Nick had a feeling his brothers would say something eventually. To his surprise however, Rena said nothing. She usually always had something to say.

"Now now Mason-" Gena began, before Douglas interrupted.

"Lost son? Whatever do you mean?"

"Oh, John and I aren't friends anymore…" Nick said, forwning again. The train of conversation was no longer smooth, it was now falling off the tracks. The fact that his favourite teacher was here was even more embarrassing.

"I see…" Douglas said in a disappointed tone.

"Yeah, and now John wails on him everyday" Christopher said with a laugh.

"What did I say about keeping your mouth shut?!" Douglas said, he was shouting now.

"No Father, I've had it. I can't stand being at this table with this blood traitor!" Christopher said, also shouting. Neville shifted awkwardly in his seat. This was not good.

"I can't help it! The sorting hat chose me to be put in Gryffindor! The more I am there the more a realize that maybe Slytherin wasn't for me!" Nick said, joining the argument.

"Well now I can see why! A pile of dung for Gryffindung!" Christopher shouted.

"You take that back!" Nick demanded, rising to his feet.

"I will not! You poor excuse for a brother! You f***ing brat!" Christopher said coolly and loudly. Not to mention he also just dropped the F bomb right at the dinner table.

"Language!" Gena uttered.

The room was full of rage, and finally Douglas shouted "SILENCE!" There, everyone settled.

"Listen all of you…. It's is New Years for Merlins sake! We are here to celebrate, and not argue about Nickolas being sorted into Gryffindor. It is his house, and we are to not insult him or the sorting hats decision. Even though that decision was stupid." Douglas said, with a regretful face. Nick frowned, he knew his Father still hated him being in Gryffindor. He knew he would never accept it.

"Now, let us finish the feast, and stop acting like fools."

With that Douglas sat down. Once the meal was finished, Neville headed for the door. Nick followed with his trunk. Douglas and the rest of the family said nothing as Nick headed for the door.

"Sir, will you drop me off at the Hogwarts Station?" Nick asked sadly, tucking his cage that contained Harold his owl under his arm.

"Nickolas, your family…" Neville began.

"No, I do not feel welcome." Nick interrupted. Neville sighed, and nodded. So the two drove away, and headed for the train station…

"I am so sorry Professor." Nick said, clenching his fists.

"It's all right Nickolas, what's a family get together without a bit of family drama? I suppose this means you will be spending the rest of the Holidays at Hogwarts?" Neville asked, turning down a road which lead to the station. Nick simply nodded. As Neville pulled up to the station, he spoke again.

"You know Nickolas…I understand how it feels to be subjugated. I was bullied in Hogwarts as well. A few death eaters used the Cruciatus curse on my parents until they went insane. They reside in Saint Mungo's now, and I was teased for that very reason." Nick nodded, as he heard the rumours.
"What I'm trying to say, is that you'll always have a home at Hogwarts. If your parents ever become abusive, you must report it to the Headmistress." Neville added. Nick simply nodded and removed his trunk and owl. He then went through the barrier to get to Hogwarts.

5 PM Diagon Alley….Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour…..

Nick was depressed. He decided to take the 6:00 PM train back and hang around Diagon Alley for awhile. That was the worst New years he had ever experienced. He drowned his sorrows in Butter Beer Swirl Ice Cream. He didn't care it was in the middle of winter. He sighed, taking a bite. As the door opened with a jingle of the bell, Arie Lynch entered. She was about to order her usual Hot Chocolate-which was only served in winter at Floreans. She saw Nick down in the dumps, with his owl and trunk. Blushing, she took a seat after getting her drink.
"You all right Nick?" She asked.

"Hmm? Oh Arie, hi… Umm, I'm fine." he lied, finishing his ice cream.

"Nick, we are friends aren't we? You can tell me anything." Arie said reassuringly. Nick sighed and told her everything: From start to finish.

"Whoa, and with all that in front of Professor Longbottom?" Arie asked, finishing her beverage. Nick rubbed his temples and nodded. Arie sighed and rose to her feet.

"Well, I'm heading back to Hogwarts too, shall we ride the train together?" Arie suggested, pointing to the door. Nick smiled and replied while grabbing his things. "Yes, I'd like that."

So, the two went on the Hogwarts Express together. Nick felt calm with Arie, and for some unknown reason his stomach would jump whenever she smiled. After getting back, the two sat together in the Gryffindor Common Room by the fire. They talked all night.