[A/N: Alrighty, next up in our line-up to see what happens next is Neville and Dapne Longbottom neé Greengrass. Again, I'm sorry if I'm not giving y'all separate chapter for these main characters but my brain in sending me burnout warnings and I want to get this story done before my safety valve pops.]
Chapter 36: What Happens Next – Part 3
Fifth through Seventh Year:
Aside from their timely intervention to save Harry and Hermione's relationship, the remaining two years at Hogwarts were some of the quietest that Neville and Daphne had ever had. There was no more looming Dark Lord or his minions threats hanging over their heads, no more crazy yet still exciting international tournaments, just sweet peace and endless studying to pass their OWLs and later their NEWTs. Neville taught a few more classes in Herbology but he never really got into it like Harry did with Potions.
Right before they graduated, he and Daphne sat down and discussed what they wanted to do in the near future.
"Honestly, I had thought about becoming a professor of Herbology but now I'm not so sure," Neville commented over a cup of tea, "I mean, sure I love being in the greenhouses but to be locked into the setting of the school just after I got out doesn't appeal to me anymore."
Daphne scanned through their list of ideas, "What about traveling? Take some time off just the two of us and travel the world before settling down, you never know what might interest you."
Neville nodded contemplatively, "I like that."
Time Skip:
After graduation, the pair first got married. Neville had Harry be his best man after a moment of teasing and suggesting that Ronald Weasley might be a better choice. Harry didn't even dignify that with a response, he just picked up the packet of information that Daphne had left for the position of 'bachelor party planner' of what was and wasn't allowed to happen to her husband the night before the wedding, glared disappointedly at the unrepentant, grinning groom-to-be and left to go make some calls.
Daphne, Hermione and several of her other female friends had a wonderful hen night chatting, laughing, drinking and challenging each other to more and more silly games on her last night of freedom.
"I can't believe that you're getting married first, Daph. I would've sworn it was going to be me," Astoria complained half-heartedly.
Daphne scoffed and flipped her hair back over her shoulder, "Tori, I've been betrothed to Neville since my second year so unless you have a secret love child with some idiot that mum and dad aren't aware of, it's only logical that I be married first."
Luna leaned over Astoria's lap, "I don't think you'll have to worry about a secret love child. Last time I checked, it was biologically impossible for two girls to have children together."
Shocked silence pervaded the room then loud squeals erupted with everyone begging for more information.
"Hey! I thought tonight was all about Daphne, why are we suddenly interested in me?" Tori blushed and tried to squirm away but Daphne wouldn't let her.
"Spill it, girl. Who is it?"
Astoria silently pointed at Luna who sat there serenely with the corners of her mouth twitched up ever so slightly.
Daphne's eyes bugged out, grabbing her younger sister by her shoulders, "Details! I want details. When? Why? What has mum and dad said? Come on, Tori!"
Neville suggested that they take a world cruise on a muggle ocean liner instead of going around via portkey. They would be able to relax, get some sun and visit the various destinations, all without having to book different hotels or whatever. Daphne was admittedly curious, the only time she'd ever heard anything about how muggles traveled was the few times that she visited Hermione when she still lived with her parents. Neville had apparently done his research; they boarded a ship named the Queen Victoria out of Southhampton and spent the next hundred days out at sea visiting exotic locales like New York, Mexico, Sydney, New Zealand, Hawaii and more.
One of the ports of call was the port capital of Lima, Peru.
"So, according to the itinerary, we have two days here and I'm guessing that you want to stop in and see what Castelobruxo looks like in person, right?" Daphne slyly commented to her newly minted husband who was giving her the puppy-dog eyes.
"Please? When are we going to have another opportunity to see the school that I should've gone to?"
She crossed her arms over her chest and leveled a condescending sneer at him, "Anytime we wanted? With my familial connections, we could be portkeying to the school every weekend if you so desired."
Neville straightened up and got a far-away look on his face, "Huh, I hadn't considered that. Okay…then let's not stop by this trip and just enjoy the scenery." He kissed her deeply on the lips, "You complete me, wife. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't sung that silly candy song all those years ago."
Daphne blushed and sighed into the kiss.
They were touring Hawaii when Neville got that look in his eye, "You know what? I like it here; I think we should stay here instead of back home in England."
Daphne nearly choked on her Piña colada, "You're kidding, right? Do you know how much of the cruise we have left over?"
Neville waved her down, "I don't mean like right now but when we get back and are trying to decide what we want to do for the rest of our lives. Your father's already got that family position lined up for you, correct?" She slowly nodded her acknowledgement, "Okay, so for the time being while you're establishing yourself, I could open up my greenhouses and make them more profitable. At some point though, I think we should revisit the idea of moving somewhere warm, has rich soil and in the middle of a bunch of trade routes."
Daphne considered that, "Okay, I can get behind that."
Ten years later and that's exactly what happened. Daphne worked her way up to a managerial position within her father's import/export company with an eye on expanding into the Hawaiian/Pacific trade routes. After discussing the possibilities with her father along with showing him the various start-up costs, trade route information and everything else; he gave his permission with the proviso that any shortfalls would be covered by them.
Neville had since then developed several new fertilizer recipes that were designed to improve crop growth in arid scrubland and Saharan desert climates. He'd also introduced several new Peppermint Rose card sets and it still amazed him that the cards remained so popular when they had just started out as a homework study aid back in first year. The card packs which sold for a mere 5 Sickles each had surpassed the legendary Chocolate Frog cards about five years ago by several million Galleons according to annual sales figures and were still going strong.
After checking out information via the internet, the pair decided to settle in the quiet census-designated town of Pā'ia on the island of Maui. It was a small, close-knit community of only a couple of thousand residents. It offered plenty of land for Neville to ward and build his greenhouses where he grew a variety of native non-magical and magical fruits and vegetables as well as specialty potion ingredients while Daphne was able to get the house's floo connected to the local island network which allowed her to commute to Oahu where the Greengrass Trading Company's newest office was located. They built their house to their own specifications and made sure to add at least four bedrooms with the option for another two, a decent sized indoor pool with retractable roof, a firepit and plenty of deckspace to invite friends and family over. The pair made friends easily and quickly settled in and became as native as two British transplants could get. Neville soon turned a healthy tan while Daphne had to suffer the indignity of just burning the moment she stepped outside without using a sunscreen charm.
When they last spoke with Harry and Hermione, Neville told the humorous tale (to him at least) of Daphne learning how to avoid getting eaten alive by the island's mosquito population. Daphne retaliated by recounting how many times Neville had to sleep on the couch for bringing up said memories. Both Harry and Hermione chuckled at their friend's red-faced embarrassment.
They eventually had three girls, triplets no less and named them Danielle (Nelly for short), Charlotte (Charlie for short) and Ophelia (Lia for short.) Neville strutted like a peacock when he learned of their impending arrival then again when they were born. All three girls had a mixture of each of their parents' features which pleased both adults and when they started developing their own personalities, it was Lia who took after her father in her love of plants and shared his special touch. Nelly had discovered a love of sea turtles and swore to her five year old self that she was going to become friends to them all while Charlie took after her mother in the family business because of all the fascinating people she got to meet whenever Daphne took her into the office. When they were old enough, all three attended the local elementary school.
During the early summer months before the girls turned ten…
The girls' summer school had let out earlier that day and the tsunami that was the triplets burst onto their front step as they ran inside, shedding their school clothes as they went. Neither parent said anything since both knew it never made any difference. Nelly was the first to return; now decked out in her favorite swim gear and carrying her flippers and goggle set.
"Hold up, where do you think you're going?" Neville stopped her with a raised hand.
"Beach. My friends and I are meeting up to go snorkeling."
"Who's chaperoning?"
"Leila's mum."
"Be home before the streetlights turn on. You no doubt have homework to do." He wiggled a finger at her nose which she scrunched up cutely.
Nelly pouted and grumbled her acknowledgement before dashing outside again.
Lia appeared next sans shoes and wearing her favorite gardening clothes, "Hi, daddy. I'm going to visit Popstar." Popstar was a semi-sentient insectivore plant that resembled an upside-down seastar they'd discovered in a local cave. Neville wasn't sure if the thing truly was semi-sentient but it did react favorably whenever they were around, kind of like the Venomous Tentacula back in Hogwarts.
"Alright, Lia. Just remember that you have homework to do."
"I already did before I left class today. I put it on the kitchen counter for you and mum to look over."
"That's my girl. Okay, have fun."
Last out was Charlie; she'd changed into her favorite pair of shorts and a loose vintage t-shirt and carrying the guitar that was her last birthday present. The vintage shirt had the old logo from Unicorn Armada and was a gift from Aunt Astoria the last time she'd visited. Charlie loved listening to their music. 'They're rocking cool,' she always said when asked why.
"Gonna go rocking on the porch again?"
Charlie smirked at her father so similarly to her mother that it made him laugh, "Yes, daddy. I want to practice so when Aunt Tori comes to visit again, she and I can go busking."
"Kiddo, your aunt is a world reknown rockstar. I don't think she needs to go busking for spare change."
Charlie shook her head and rolled her eyes, "Daaddy… We don't do it for the money. We do it 'cuz it's fun!"
Neville rolled his eyes back at her and smirked at her reaction, "I guess I'll never understand, huh?"
"See? You can be taught despite what mum says," she exclaimed happily. Neville pretended to be mortally wounded then shooed her off.
Later…
When Daphne returned home, Neville filled her in on what the girls were up to or in the case of Charlie, what she'd repeated what her mother said. Daphne huffed good-naturedly and kissed him, "You're still worth the effort."
"I made dinner and fed the wild beasts. They should be in their room getting ready for bed." He finished that last by raising his voice a bit. Giggles were heard down the hallway. He just rolled his eyes, "Remind me why we wanted kids again?"
"I distinctly remember you not being able to keep your hands off me when I wore a particular bikini rather than you and I discussing the possibility of having children." She replied tapping her chin in thought.
A month before the girls turned eleven…
"Nev? I'm worried that the girls won't be able to go to Hogwarts. We're too far out of their territory."
"Yeah, way too far. Do you think they'll have to go to the mainland?"
She shrugged and bobbed her head, "Unless Maui has a magical school I'm not aware of, they'd have to. It's saddens me kind of, knowing that they'll never get to experience Hogwarts."
Neville took his wife in his arms, "I'm actually kind of relieved, to be honest. Can you imagine either one of them putting up with the climate up there in Scotland? Lia would turn into an icicle the moment she tries to go anywhere without shoes on." Said girl hated wearing shoes if she could get away with it. "I think Charlie would be the only one willing to go if it meant meeting new people."
Daphne laughed, "Can you imagine Nelly trying to 'rescue' the Giant Squid? But you're right about Charlie though we both know that they would never split up just so one could go to our old school."
"True, so it looks like it's going to be the mainland for the three. I've done some research already and the one that looks the best would be the CIM."
"What about the Maui College? Don't they have a magical section?"
"Um…You know what, I think they do. Lemme go see what my notes say." He released her and headed into his study. He picked up the stack of notes from his desk and rifled through them, "Ah-ha! Here it is…hmmm… Okay, I think what turned me off to them is because I was thinking or rather comparing them to Hogwarts. I shouldn't have done that…let's see. Well, they have a lot of really good non-magical areas of study… Marine Options Program, Fashion Design, Dental Hygiene, Agriculture and Natural Resources, oh, here it is. Magical community center, yeah I think this might work even better. Talking about dodging the spell on that, I almost sent our kids away to the mainland for nothing."
Daphne wrapped her arms around his waist and laid her chin on his shoulder, "That's what you've got me for, hun."
He turned and planted a deep kiss on her lips, "How about I take you to the bedroom and show you how much I appreciate you?" She squeaked when he suddenly swept her off her feet and carried her upstairs.
[A/N: So keeping with my track of combining epilogues, I think I'll tackle what Crabbe and Goyle are up to post-Hogwarts. I've gotten so many wonderful reviews thanking me for giving new life to these two boys who got the short shrift in canon. I also have no idea as to the layout of the PM's offices.]
Vincent Crabbe:
After the televised events of the vanquishing of the reborn Dark Lord and the utter embarrassment of having an elf of all creatures kicking Voldemort's butt; many dark families did their absolute best to absolve themselves of any sort of connection to the madman. Some took their money and departed the island, some spent that money on charities while some vanished into thin air (mostly those who were at the graveyard.) Vince's dad was one of those at the graveyard…
When the dust settled, Vinny's mum had basically just checked out. She was still living in their house but for all intents and purposes, she was a shell of a person. She'd respond to verbal commands to eat, drink, dress but anything beyond that was just not going to happen anytime soon. Vince cried for his mother to come back to him but she stayed within her own world and blankly stared at the teen whenever he came to visit.
In the meantime, Narcissa Malfoy stepped up and practically adopted the distraught teen. She gave him the love and attention that had been either missing or never given in his life thanks to a strict upbringing. His love of art and in particular wood carving was nutured and encouraged, so much so that thanks to Narcissa's contacts, he'd sold nearly every sculpture he made while still in school.
June 2000, Crabbe's Carvings, Diagon Alley
The doorbell tinkled as a potential customer entered the shop that Vincent owned and operated. The young man manning the front workbench glanced up briefly then back at the intricate detail scrollwork he was busy working on, "Mum."
Narcissa Malfoy, now proudly called 'mum' by him smiled warmly at him and took a seat across from him to watch her boy work.
Tap, tap, tap, "What brings you by?"
"Well, I heard about this wonderful shop that was owned and operated by a terribly charming young man," she replied lightly with mirth in her tone.
Vince snorted, "Mum…"
"Actually, I stopped by to see if you wanted to have lunch together? I have a meeting later to go over the finances with Finegold." Finegold was their Goblin account manager.
Vince paused and grimaced, "Draco still giving you a hassle?"
She waved her hand dismissively, "That boy can whine all he wants, he's not getting access to the Malfoy accounts until he's proven himself worthy."
Vince cracked a wicked grin, "And we both know that'll never happen."
She shrugged indifferently, "Serves the brat right in my opinion. So! Finish up what you're doing there and let's go have lunch. I'm in the mood to try something new that I heard about."
Vince started packing up his tools and washed his hands of dust, "What'd you have in mind?"
"Well…What do you know of Taco Bell?"
When Vincent got back to his shop after lunch, he slowed to a halt outside the door and frowned. It was partially ajar and he knew for certain that he'd made sure to lock up. He drew his wand and quietly sent a message to the Auror station down the street and waited. Two nearly silent pops a moment later announced the arrival of the requested help. Vince displayed his identification and whispered that the door had been locked when he left to go have lunch. They nodded their understanding and cast silencing charms on their clothes and feet before entering the building.
Once inside, they heard a slightly nasally voice muttering about how the dumb brute was going to get what was coming to him and how dare he take his spot from his mother's love. When Vince heard that, he glowered menacingly. He grabbed a pen and piece of paper from the desk near the door and wrote the name, 'Draco Malfoy' on it and showed it to the Aurors. One of the pair disillusioned himself while the other played point and moved in to distract the intruder.
Several flashes of spells later and Draco was unconscious on the floor, his bag of purloined tools and other things he'd been trying to pilfer from Vince's shop on clear display. One of the Aurors slapped cuffs on him and portkeyed him away; the other stayed behind to get some more information from Vince.
"I want him charged with whatever you can throw at him," Vince growled and crossed his arms to keep his hands from grabbing something.
"We can do that. That boy's already got a rap sheet a mile long. I take there's some history between the two of you?"
Vince snorted, "Yeah, you can say that."
Time skip:
After the re-election of the muggle Prime Minister Tony Blair in 2001, his staff was looking through storage to see what sort of artworks could be used to give the office a bit of rejuvenation when they came across a huge wall mounted high relief carving on Andiroba wood portraying the signing of the Magna Carta. It was so richly carved and detailed that the characters within seemed to move and gesture throughout the scene.
The staff had the piece moved to the outer office to the PM and went about their business. Later when the PM headed out to wish his secretary good night, he heard his name being called but there was no one in the room.
"Must've been my imagination."
"I'm afraid not, Your Excellency."
He whirled around and paled when he saw that the carving of King John waved his hand and smirked knowingly, "I take it that the previous administration failed to give you a briefing on us?"
"Us?" he squeaked.
"The magical portion of Britain, Your Excellency. Surely you've been told?"
Prime Minister Tony Blair was frowning in thought, "It must have been an oversight. I wonder why you were never mentioned after my first election back in 1997."
"I was in storage but it is strange that you weren't told then. Perhaps it can be a topic of discussion later."
Blair cleared his throat, "How might I help you?"
King John bowed his head, "The Minister for Magic, Kingsley Shacklebolt, would like to arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience for the usual introductions and all. I could not, of course, inform your secretary."
Blair nodded understandingly now as he rubbed his chin and peered closer at the carving, "Ah, I see. Well, then let's see what my appointments show? While I'm doing that, might I enquire as to who carved you? The craftsmanship is exquisite."
[A/N2: Short epilogue, I know but the life of an artist and shop owner isn't all about grand tours or living the lifestyles of the rich and famous. Plus, leaving the ending like this gives me (or anyone I give permission to) the opportunity to revisit this epilogue and expand upon it. Interesting fact, Andiroba is one of the two common names of Carapa guianensis which is a species of tree in the family Meliaceae, also known by the other common name of crabwood.]
[A/N: The only thing I know about the Savoy Grill or Slough is what I researched online as I typed this. Forgive this seriously undertraveled American his mistakes.]
Gregory Goyle:
After graduation, Greg landed an entry-level position at the famed Savoy Hotel in Westminster prepping the vegetables to be used later by the chefs. It was hot, sweaty, fast-paced work but he loved it. It didn't matter how demanding the chef was, Greg just responded with a 'yes, sir' and a relaxed smile on his face then turned to his tasks. Well-loved by his co-workers and even the management for his can-do attitude, incredible stamina on the kitchen floor and unflappable nature, Greg rose up through the ranks to eventually become a Sous Chef. He always took the time to help the newest hires get acquainted with the flow of the kitchen demands.
By the time he moved on twenty years later, Greg had introduced a handful of improvements to old favorites or outright new menu options for the wealthy patrons. New items included Butterbeer Biscuits or Fudge, Cauldron Cakes filled with slightly magical crèmes (usually just a touch of something to increase appetites or enhance good moods) for afters, during the fall months he brought out Hot Spiced Pumpkin Juice. His specialty dish surprisingly was ravioli. There was something about his signature creations that was hard to put a finger on but enjoyed nevertheless.
When the internet-hosted video cooking shows started becoming the hot new ticket, he was right there on the digital front lines showing how to make some of his favorites at home. To date, his video on how to make Crab and Creamy Vino Ravioli using ingredients found in common supermarkets has the most views. His calm voice, easy pacing and manner garnered him a loyal following of aspiring home chefs.
The Wandering Elf Tavern
It was a surprise to no one that knew Greg that he'd open his own restaurant one day. The fact that it was a tavern in an upscale yet still middle-class area of Slough was the surprise. When asked why, he replied that he was tired of the hoidy-toidy attitudes and tastes of those who patronized the Savoy Grill and wanted to set up somewhere more 'earthy.'
The menu ranged from his signature specialty raviolis to simple fare like roast chicken, treacle tarts and others. Prices were solidly average; the food and drink exquisite, hearty and filling.
He was working the bar when he heard the distinctive voice of an old friend enter his establishment, "Oi! I heard that this was the place to see a wizard at work."
Greg toothily grinned and dropped a napkin and a pint on the counter, "Wizard, he says. All I serve is down-to-earth food and drinks. How've you been, Vinny?"
Vincent Crabbe picked up the glass and took a swig, "Ahh… Cracking as always. You?"
Greg gestured around the busy but not overloaded tavern, "Been pretty good, if I do say so myself. How's your mum?"
Swallowing another mouthful, "Mmm, vacationing in Morocco last I heard. You know, when she heard that you'd left the Savoy, she feared the worst. I assured her that it was inevitable that you'd want to have your own place."
Greg had a lop-sided smirk on his face as he held up a finger for him to wait while he went to fill some orders. When he came back, he tugged off his apron and gestured for Vince to follow him. He led him up the hidden stairs and into his apartment that was located above the tavern. "We can relax better up here." He groaned in relief as he sat down and kicked off his shoes.
"I'm still surprised that the Ministry let you get away with naming your pub what it is."
Greg sneered, "I think even they understand that the weird names are just part and parcel for pubs. You remember Seamus Finnegan of Gryffindor? He named his pub the 'Happy Hippogryff.'"
Vinny goggled at him open-mouthed, "You're kidding!"
"I wish I was." He reached up and stretched his arms and back, wincing when he felt something pop, "So what do you want to do? You wanna find out what the girls are up to?"
Vince's lascivious grin was all that was needed.
"Ohhh…Miiiilllllieeeee!" came the warbling voice outside the window belonging to a retired librarian and her best friend and roommate.
Millicent Bulstrode looked up from her reading and sighed in annoyance. 'The boys are here.' "Pansy! Go deal with those two idiots while I finish up here, will ya?"
Pansy stepped out of her craft room with an excited expression, "Hurry up, Millie. If they're here, that means dancing." She opened the door, posed as slinky as she could these days to admit Vince and Greg, "Hey, boys. You interested in a good time?"
Greg's smile was all teeth, "You know it, honey. Come give me some sugar." He kissed her on the lips and patted her bottom.
Vince shook his head and pushed past the two lovebirds, "Come on, Millie. We're gonna hit the club. I hear that Astoria Greengrass and Unicorn Armada is headlining tonight."
Millie was still adjusting her earrings, "Alright, hold your horses. I'm here… Pansy! Save some for later you skank." Pansy crinkled her nose still making out with Greg while giving Millie the bird.
Later that night…
After the club, Vinny and Greg had split up, each taking their preferred girl home with them. Greg lay on the bed with the sheet draped over his and Pansy's naked forms and reminisced about how wonderful his life had been since he'd split off from Draco back in first year.
"What are you thinking about?" Pansy's sleepy voice drifted in the moonlight.
"The past; mostly how things might've been if I'd stayed as the simple-minded brute shadowing Draco Malfoy around the school."
Without even looking at her, Greg could tell she was grimacing in disgust, "Merlin, can you imagine? I probably would've ended up as his plaything then tossed to the side when we graduated. I'm glad my mother insisted that I be given the choice to choose my future husband. My father wanted to basically sell me off to an associate of his." She shuddered at the memory of that conversation.
He drew her in for a cuddle, "At least now we don't have to worry about it."
Greg finally admitted that his life would be boring without Pansy at his side full-time so on the New Year's Eve, Gregory Goyle knelt down on one knee under the moonlight and in full view of their friends and family, proposed to his blushing and excitedly squealing girlfriend. After their wedding and a honeymoon in Australia, they returned home and settled into a nice stable life. Pansy eventually left her job as Department Head for Magical Transport and happily became the down-home tavern owner's wife. Her easy smiles lit up the room warmed the hearts of everyone who entered or when she stopped by their tables to make sure the patrons were set.
Greg watched from the serving window of the kitchen and nodded, "Life is good."