Chapter 37: A Party For Neville

Together we cleaned and decorated the area, making it come back from life from his first birthday to his 16th. Once we were finished and walking back, I saw Neville standing at the door, waiting on us. His smile was lifting and worrying at the same time, he wasn't sure why we had been gone for at least an hour or so. We were almost at the door when Augusta spoke in a hushed tone, "I truly wish the best for you two in the future, however I must ask that you stop sleeping with my grandson. It's bad for the gossip." I was so shocked, I tripped and face-planted right at Neville's feet.

"Aethna! What's wrong?" he asked, helping me up and I laughed awkwardly, brushing myself off and turning to Augusta. "Thank you for the stroll, . Neville, I'm fine, would you mind grabbing a wet rag for me?" I asked and he rushed off without a word as I faced the wise old woman. "Forgive me, I didn't mean to disrespect you or your family's name. I honestly didn't know you knew anything about it." her eyebrow raised and she smiled, "There is little that goes on in my home that I don't know about. I would like it known I disapprove of this…" she sighed and looked at the door for Neville before continuing, "He is young and in love. I cannot help what he does. You are the same, of course, but please at least be more discreet about it if it's impossible to keep your hands to yourself."

I didn't get a chance to say anything as Neville opened the door, holding a rag out for me. I cleaned my face up, hoping the cold water would help the complete redness of my face go away. Augusta gave my free hand a pat before giving Neville a pat on his shoulder and going inside. Neville took the rag from me and wipe a spot I missed and gave me a smile, which I returned. "What were you two doing? I didn't get you into trouble did I?" he asked, brushing another spot of dirt off my face. I glanced over his shoulder and saw Augusta give me a final look before turning the corner, but I could see the hint of a smile on her face as she did.

I turned back to Neville and pressed my hand to his chest, shaking my head. "She just wanted to talk about my schoolwork. I didn't do so great on my last exam and she was just explaining some things." "Are you going to be able to go back to school with me? Will we be in the same year?" I shrugged and led him into the house for a snack as I explained that I wouldn't know until Dumbledore sends our letters. After our snack we spent some time doing some studying and spell work practice, before Augusta dismissed us, telling us to get some rest.

I let Neville walk me to my room and he kissed me before whispering that he would be back shortly, once everyone was asleep. "Actually, I would like to have a night to myself, if you don't mind Neville. I'm just worried someone might see and then we would have to explain everything." he was disappointed, but nodded, giving me a deeper kiss before bidding me goodnight. I quickly changed and got into the bed, feeling tired after all the stuff that happened today. Yet I couldn't get myself to sleep. I tossed and turned, trying to dose off but couldn't.

I sighed and got up, I couldn't sleep and I knew why. I slipped out of my room and down to Neville's. I opened the door and he turned over in the bed, groaning and huffing. "Neville?" I called quietly, making him sitting up in the bed, his eyes meeting mine. Nothing was said as I walked over and slid into his open arms, kissing him as we settled into the bed together. "I can't sleep without you." I said and already felt myself dosing, feeling safe and warm and right in his arms. He brushed his fingers threw my hair as I fell asleep, humming a song to me.

The morning light woke me up and I saw Neville's sleeping face in front of me and I smiled, today was a special day indeed. I kissed his forehead, then his nose, then cheek, then his lips. Slowly waking him from his dream as I continued to kiss him, his neck, his shoulder, his chest. I was at his stomach when he moaned and opened his eyes. "Happy Birthday Neville." I breathe out, kissing my way back up to his face as he ran his hands along my back. "Grandma will be waiting for us." he breathed out, breaking our kiss. I smirked and pushed him into the bed and climbed on top of him. "I'm sure she won't mind if you 'sleep in' on your birthday."

After we were finished, I slipped out and back to my room without anyone seeing and changed for the day. Augusta had a house-elf leave a box by my door for the attire for the surprise party and I dressed into it, already sensing the day was half gone. The dress was simple enough, almost black color with plant vines and leaves of different shades of green that seemed to move as I did. It was modest, with puffy shoulder bag things, I hated them. I took a claw and sliced them neatly off, leaving it sleeveless and much better. I slipped into the flats she sent also, a perfectly matching the plant look of my dress. I tucked my hair behind one of my ears, smoothing it all to one side and pinned it there with a gorgeous hairpin. It was almost life-like of Neville's favorite plants, the two he grew for me.

I brushed my lips with a pink gloss and gave my cheeks a pinch for a hint of blush before leaving the room. Neville was already downstairs with Augusta and I could hear them talking. "Gran, please. I don't want to go into town. I want to stay here. Aethna and I have been working hard on our spell work. Aren't you proud of me?" "Shush boy, stop that whining. Go on, the car is waiting for you." I heard a door shut and Augusta's voice huffed at me, "Don't hide in the shadows. Come down." I did as told and she smiled at me, a real smile that was actually meant for me.

"You are stunning my dear. I'm sure my grandson will lose his words at the mere sight of you. Come along, we have more work to do before guest arrive." I nodded and she led the way back to the party area and we began our conjuring of chairs and tables and cloths. I had just tied the last few balloons when she spoke again. "I fear not many people will show, I fear he will be disappointed." I went to where she was sitting and placed my hand onto hers, but she recoiled slightly and I stood up straight. "Forgive me, I shouldn't have touched you without asking." she went to speak but I continued, before she could.

"Augusta, Neville has more than enough people that care about him. If this party was only Neville, you and myself, I'm sure he would be just as happy as if the entire school was here. It doesn't matter how many people are here. Just as long as the people who love him are here." I saw her nod, but also saw the tear sliding down her face before she turned and acted like she was fixing a wrinkle in a tablecloth. "Very nice Aethna. This is the truth." she started walking back and I spoke aloud. "I'm sure your son and his wife would have loved to come. I'm sure Neville would have be happy to see them here. Perhaps we can go see them one day. That is, if you and Neville wish for it."

She gave a curt nod, not turning around, but I could see a sob ripple through her shoulders and she walked away, saying she needed to greet the guest. I stayed in the area, checking everything when I realized I didn't have a gift for him. The sun was setting off the in distance as I rushed back to the house, hoping maybe I could get a ride from one of the cars dropping off guest to go get him something. I couldn't believe how stupid I was when I ran right into someone's chest. "Oh pardon me, I'm sorry." I brushed my dress off before looking up and seeing a young man standing before me.

I began to brush off his jacket as it looked nice and smoothed it out as he spoke, "Hello. What is your name?" "I'm Aethna. I'm sorry for running into you, but I must go." I gave him a final pat and ran pass him out to the twilight sky and hopped into a car. "Take me to the Leaky Cauldron please. Hurry." I tapped my leg over and over as we drove, I should've just ran, I would have made it there faster… but I would have been more likely to run into someone in league with my father, vampires could see each other even when running. When I got there, I rushed into the alleyway and entered Diagon Alley and began to search the windows, hoping for something to catch my eye that Neville would like.

Finally I got his gift and hurried back to the house, knowing that Augusta probably had the party in full swing and Neville probably wondering where I am. I nearly jumped out of the car when it was slowing down and checked myself in the reflection before heading to the back courtyard when I heard glass clinking. "Thank you for everyone coming out for this special occasion. I know these are hard times for our world right now and we must band together and support one another. But let us take this night and escape from all the troubles, my grandson was born this night and we are here to wish him another year of health and happiness."

There was a round of applause and cheering as I came upon the party. I stepped up the last step in time to see Neville looking around, until his eyes met mine. Everyone seemed to follow his eyes as he began to walk toward me, a huge smile on his face. "You're here!" he said, hugging me in a tight hug and giving us a small spin. He sat me down and asked, "Did you know about this?" I nodded and explained the surprise that his grandmother and I planned. He took my hand and pulled me over to the trio who were all smiles and waving at us. "Aethna, good to see you." Harry said, giving me a quick hug and Hermione followed suit, then wished Neville a happy birthday.

Ron gave us a wave and Hermione began asking about schoolwork and if I was coming back. We talked for a while before Augusta came over and asked Neville and I to come meet someone. "He's a friend of an old friend, when my friend got his invite, he couldn't make it, but said he had someone would be delighted to come in his stead. I thought it would be interesting for you, Aethna." I blinked, confused, then a scent came to me. I looked up to see a tall sender man with dark shadows under his eyes staring directly at me. "Aethna? Do you know him?" I shook my head and tore my eyes from the man. "Neville, he is a vampire."