Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters and settings from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J. K. Rowling. I do not claim any ownership over them or the world of Harry Potter and will not receive any money or other financial profit for presenting the work on this site. The story I tell here as well as certain original characters are my own invention, and are not purported or believed to be part of J.K. Rowling's story canon.

･ﾟ: *･ﾟ*･ﾟ: *･ﾟ*･ﾟ: *･ﾟ:

Chapter 20

Once she had gotten more comfortable in her new role as a teacher, time was passing by as if in flight. Even though Sage had never really been the optimistic type, she was in high spirits at the sight of how capable each member of the DA was. With everything they already knew and the exceptional progress they had made after one lesson only, they might actually stand a chance, should a battle come to pass.

As the thought crossed her mind, Sage's heart grew heavy in her chest. That was exactly what all this truly was about, wasn't it? Keeping the number of war casualties as low as possible. Though it would have been much easier to convince herself that she came to Hogwarts first and foremost to fulfil the school's mandate of education, she couldn't help but face the cruel truth of her situations: She ultimately was fitting innocents, children to be clear, for fight to the death.

"You look like something's bothering you," Neville noted, stepping closely beside her.

"Maybe it's one of my students not practicing even though I instructed him to," she suggested teasingly in response.

"No, I don't think that's it. Do you wanna tell me?"

"I'd hate to put the burden of my worries upon you."

"It's not like it would be the first time."

"I suppose that's right."

Sage didn't want to tell him, because she saw the faint trace of euphoria twinkling inside his eyes. She simply didn't have the heart to bring him down again. For now, she would remain silent on the matter. Reality was inevitable anyway, so why force it on him when he had finally gained some distance?

Neville of course understood, because that's just how their relationship worked. Without making any further comment, he looked around the meadow, a pleased smile spread across his face. The two of them stood together in silence for a while, before Neville made her aware of the time. The first group of people would need to leave soon, so she had to wrap it up for today.

Sage stepped towards the middle of the meadow, asking everyone around her to lower their wands. She then proceeded to thank everyone for their eager participation, before expressing the praise they so obviously deserved. She truly was impressed with them and their skills. After voicing some final parting words, Sage dismissed the class and weakened the protection around them to let the first group of people leave.

Without giving it much thought, she returned to Neville's side, watching as people left the meadow, one time after another.

"They are great, you know," she remarked, as the last group of students headed for the castle.

"Always have been," he agreed, turning his gaze toward her. He was beaming with pride, a feeling she unfortunately she could sense in him only so rarely.

"Same goes for you, though. I'm beyond impressed with the progress you made ever since I left," she explained, as earnestly as possible.

"Yeah.. I've tried my best. Harry has been a great teacher."

"Oh, he sure has. I can barely believe the things he taught you. I mean, a Patronus even?"

"I'm telling you, he really pushed us to our limits and beyond.. but there was nothing like the way he believed in us. I only ever managed to conjure a non-corporeal Patronus, but I never would've even come as far, if it weren't for him."

Sage hurt at the way Neville always disregarded his achievements like this. She had had an eye on him the entire evening and could barely believe what she saw. Neville held his wand with determination and confidence, his movements swift and skilful. She had always believed in the greatness in him and he finally seemed to be able to live it up.

"I can't conjure a Patronus. At all," she admitted, not a single trace of embarrassment in her voice.

"What?" he asked, his eyes widening in what she could only assume to be shock.

"I've tried about a million times, but I just can't," she blatantly explained, "It bothers me, probably more than I care to admit. Truth is, it takes great power to conjure a Patronus, corporeal or not. I know you are capable of magic far mightier than mine or that of any other average wizard.. but somehow you are either too blind or too stubborn to see that."

"I'm sorry, I just.. find it hard sometimes to believe in myself."

Sage sighed, knowing only too well how difficult it was for Neville to acknowledge his achievements. Even back then, when she had still attended Hogwarts as a student, his self-doubts and lack of confidence had dug their claws deeply into his mind already.

･ﾟ: *･ﾟ*･ﾟ: *･ﾟ*･ﾟ: *･ﾟ:

Author's note: I've always felt bad for how insecure Neville was about his magical abilities, just because he sometimes needed more time to properly get things down. He is a great wizard, nevertheless.

I'd like to seriously thank you again for your last review. I always feel my heart make a jump when I read your feedback and see that I brought across what I was trying to bring across.

Wishing you all the best and hope to read some more of your thoughts!! :-)