Disclaimer: I own nothing but my own imagination. The characters depicted here all belong to J.K. Rowling except for those that I have fabricated for the story's purpose. The song lyric belongs to Kelly Clarkson and company.

Author's Note: Welcome back. It's time to hit up an old favorite of mine. Please read, and please review!

Because of you

I learn to play on the safe side so I don't get hurt

All my life I've been told what to do.

"Neville, don't touch that iron, it's hot!"

Gran told me what to do because she was looking out for me. I was a clumsy child who would grow into an awkward teen - and she knew that. So every time I would be running in the house or about to do something foolish with a carrot and Uncle Algie's behind, she'd put a stop to it. And although at times - well, most times - I thought she was an overbearing old bat, I was very afraid of bats. I still am. I still can't talk to Vlad, our Defense professor, without feeling a little apprehensive. He only drinks sheep's blood, and I know that, but it's still frightening to see him, knowing what he can turn into.

"Swish and flick. Just swish and flick. Close your eyes and let your magic take over."

Professor Flitwick told me what to do because he was looking out for me. I was an inept child who would grow into a scatterbrained teen - and he knew that. So every time I couldn't get a charm in class or in our tutoring sessions three nights a week, he'd guide me through it. And although at times I felt like he was getting annoyed with me, when I got a spell right he'd always smile in that special way that professors have and I'd feel like I'd just had twelve Butterbeers. I'm still working on that smile with my students.

"You shouldn't let Trevor roam around the castle, Neville, he might get hurt."

Hermione told me what to do because she was looking out for me. I was a forgetful child who would grow into an absent-minded teen - and she knew that. So every time the Prefects declared new passwords or a professor changed a quiz date, she'd write it down for me and Stick it to the front of my book. And although it took a long time for me to learn how to Un-Stick her Sticking Charms, I never forgot when the next quiz or exam was in any of my classes with her. Of course, passwords were a whole other matter altogether.

"Think of your happiest memory, Neville. It doesn't even have to be real, but it helps if it is."

Harry told me what to do because he was looking out for me. I was a weak child who would grow into a strong teen - and he knew that. So every time my Stunner didn't quite come out right or my Shield Charm failed to repel his spell, he'd un-curse me and tell me to keep practicing. And although I think he only worked with me because he was trying to get Ron and Hermione together, I got better. Good enough to be the last man standing at the Ministry, besides Harry himself.

"When the wintersprig's leaves turn yellow at your touch, there will be a frost the next morning."

Professor Sprout - Pomona - told me what to do because she was looking out for me. I was a lonely child who would grow into a headstrong adult - and she knew that. So every time we met for our Herbology Club meetings, she made sure to teach me something new. And although I botched a few specimens here and there, on the whole I became one of her best student assistants. Good enough to be the first person she asked to be her successor when she retired four years ago.

"Don't even think about it, Neville."

I look out for myself. I'm a Gryffindor, but I don't foolishly take risks. I do the smart thing - the thing that gets no glory - and because of that I'm still alive. I've never dated any girls - Ginny was the closest and all we did was dance together as friends - because I know that I'll get hurt if I pick the wrong one. If she's not interested and I don't figure that out before I ask her, then she'll hurt me, whether she means to or not.

"You should really get the pumpkin cookies, Neville, they're quite good with tea," she says.

"You always know best, Hannah," I agree.

She smiles and heads into the kitchen to get them.

I'm not going to take any risks. I've been coming here every day for the past three months, talking with Hannah. Making sure she's interested. And every day she suggests something new for me to try.

All my life I've been told what to do.

And I couldn't be happier about it.

Author's Note: Was that as sweet as those pumpkin cookies Neville's about to enjoy? If so, review! If not, review!