Challenge:

Characters: Hermione / Neville

Place of scene: Diagon Alley

Sentiment: Nostalgia

Imposed dialogue: "Don't worry"

WORRIES

Hermione was coming up Diagon Alley with a firm step. Shops were starting to empty themselves, accordingly, since it was already December 24th, Christmas Eve. She had run to Fleury and Botts after work to find the last gift she needed: a book on Quidditch history for Ginny that they only received today. She also had brought missing ingredients for the Christmas Eve dinner. Indeed, Ron and her were the hosts for this celebration of Christmas. It was their first time as hosts for a family event, Hermione did not want to disappoint Molly.

'- Hermione?'

She could not retain a small shriek of surprise. She turned around making one of her grocery bags fall on the snowy ground. Even if he was wrapped up in his winter coat, gloves and scarf, Hermione recognized the man:
'- Neville!'
'- Hi! How are you doin'?' Asked her Gryffindor old school friend, smiling.

Hermione answered first with a smile while hugging him.

'- It's been a while! I'm good and you?'
'- Great, thanks!'

He picked up her shopping bag on the ground and handed it to her. She thanked him and funnily offered to go warm up at Florean Fortescue Ice Cream shop. They could take a hot chocolate and catch up. Neville accepted right away.

They went on and sat down after getting their orders.

'- So what's new with you Hermione? In full preparation mode for Christmas I guess?'
'- Yes, you are absolutely right actually! It's not easy, we're hosting tonight..?'
'- Oh, it means you are under small pressure then!' Said Neville jokingly, while taking a sip of his cocoa.

Hermione laughed too before answering.

'- That is the least one can say! You know the Weasley boys, more or less all of them are stomachs on legs…'
'- Yes, I do remember this aspect of their personality…'
'- And I ensure you that Ron is not the worst of them!'
'- Really? I find it hard to believe…' Remarked Neville, making fun at his Hogwarts friend.
'- But the most stressful is that Mrs Weasley is going to be there…'
'- Why 'most stressful'?'
'- She always had everything planned out at perfection… every year, you know… Well, me, something has got to go wrong at some point I guess…'
'- So you are still pressuring yourself as much as in Hogwarts then!' Said Neville with an amicable smile.

Hermione shrugged as she tried to say 'It's too late to change now…'
'- I remember at Hogwarts, you were stressing out like crazy for any little thing…'
'- I reckon… I was sometimes a bit extreme…'
'- Sometimes ?' Neville replied bursting out of laughter. 'As soon as exams were coming, you'd become a fury. And sometimes a tyrant with all your work calendars.'
'- Tyrant is a bit too much, isn't it? I was not that terrible, was I?'

Neville watched her while taking a sip of her hot chocolate looking mischievously.

'- Okay, I admit… Ron has told me on numerous occasions! But I swear it was for your own good… Most of the time I admit…' Hermione confessed smiling.
'- I should probably thank you instead of mocking you…' Continued Neville, his eyes on his cup, too shy to look up at Hermione.
'- Why do you say that?'
'- Truely, if you hadn't pushed me, I would not be there today!'

The young witch blushed, affected by her friend's confession.

'- What's new with you then? I'm talking but what about you?'
'- Nothing is really new for me. I got my diploma in September from the School of Superior Wizardry Teaching. And I start teaching in January.'
'- Really? That is so great! Congratulations!' Said Hermione, holding his hand shortly. 'You will be teaching Herbology?'
Neville consented.

'- Where will you be teaching?'
'- Hogwarts!'
'- Wow, really? Nice!'
'- Yes, I will be Pomona's teacher assistant… Sorry, Mrs Sprout's assistant.'
'- I did not know she was looking for someone to help her…'
'- Actually she would want to retire at the end of next school year. So I will join her team in January so she has time to teach me and prepare me for facing the…'
'- Ungrateful monsters of students?' finished Hemrione, bursting of laughter.

Neville shrugged but agreed to her remark.
'- So even if it is not the same stress as you, I also need to enjoy the holiday break, enjoy time with Hannah and her family. Because the beginning of next year will be frightening.'
'- I can see that. But you will be great. I have no worries about that.'
'- Thank you, it's appreciated.'
'- And sincere. If I know someone who is fitted for the job, with loads of pedagogical skills, it is you, Neville! And you are truly passionate about Herbology, it will only go smoothly with your students. You will pass on all your knowledge - and Mrs Sprout's - about medicinal herbs and magical plants. Knowledge that saved my life, I would never forget.' Hermione added, with a wink.

'- And Harry's too…' Specified Nevile, proud of his passion.

After some time, they both started to get up and gather their shopping bags. They still were recalling their Hogwarts souvenirs with nostalgia.

'- Do you remember the Quidditch match in which Luna's lion-head hat was making us jump every time it roared?'
'- Yes of course' Hermione answered smiling. 'We were getting scared each time, even though we knew she had it on.'
'- Exactly! I also remember the wonderful firework show that the Weasley's twins offered us in fifth year… before they left the school!'
'- I do remember also. It was very beautiful magic!' Hermione's voice got a bit tense as she thought about Fred.

Neville realized his mistake, took Hermione in his arms to comfort her:
'- I will leave you to your dinner preparations. You say hi to Ron and Harry from me, along with all the Weasley family!'
'- Ok! Say hi to Hannah! Enjoy the holidays.' Answered the young witch with a smile.

As each of them were going the other way on Diagon Alley, Hermione turned herself around one last time and called out:
'- Neville?'
He looked at her.

'- Don't worry, everything will be alright at Hogwarts!'

Neville's smile beamed on his face, he thanked her while looking down, shyly.

They exchanged goodbyes again and part ways.

When she arrived at the Apparating site, Hermione checked the time. It was already late and Ron should already have started the food preparation.
Otherwise nothing would be ready on time and her in-laws would be disappointed and never come back to their place for New Year… Or ever…

Hermione Granger would never accept defeat!

THE END.

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