August 12, 1988

Augusta Longbottom knew that she wasn't the best grandmother around. She knew that her grandson probably craved more attention than she could give, but every time that she looked at the boy all she saw was her Frank staring back at her from a time when he was young and innocent and not so damaged by war that she now had to take care of his son.

She had agreed because she was the only one left to actually care for the boy's needs. She certainly wasn't going to delegate it to one of the various other minor Longbottom's floating around (she shuddered to think how he would turn out if Algie took him), but she had forgotten how hard raising a child could be. She had thought she had done pretty well with her Frank, he married a nice witch, had an heir to continue the line, and he was well liked by his peers (apparently not all judging by his current state), so she could not fathom why it was so hard for her to connect with her grandson even with Frank's eyes looking at her in innocence once more.

Indeed, she thought that perhaps she would make sure to lock her heart away and not feel anything for the child. She needed to provide the necessities, but he would surely grow up stronger than if she coddled him. That was until the incident with Algie when the boy was eight. The various family members had gathered for a party and Algie was up to his antics with her grandson once more. Augusta knew that there was no real way to force magic to manifest, but the slight terror was a tried and true method of proving oneself magical. She knew that no one wanted to actually harm her grandson (lest they face her wrath), but she had apparently forgotten about the innate stupidity of wizards and witches.

Augusta Longbottom had told herself that she would not show her emotions ever again now that her Frank was the way he was. She would steel against any kind of reminder and give a stiff upper lip to any circumstances. And then Algie dropped the boy.

Augusta had felt her heart leap to her throat in terror as the boy fell (oh so fast, but in those seconds it had felt like an eternity) and she was already moving to stop his fall. However, the boy proved that he was indeed a wizard by bouncing off the lawn in the estate and looking bewildered as everyone erupted into cheers around him. She couldn't help but feel the gamut of emotions run free as the fear, guilt, and joy raged inside of her and she felt tears flow out in utter relief at the fact that he was fine.

Once the family was done congratulating her grandson (who had now been tucked aways safely to bed), and once she had gotten a hold of her emotions, she confronted Algie.

"Algernon Longbottom."

She felt a distinct sort of pleasure as the man flinched and cautiously looked over to her. He knew that he had invoked her wrath by threatening one of the only things left of her Frank. It probably helped that her wand was held loose and at the ready, not threateningly, but definitely a reminder of just who he had angered.

"If my grandson ever, I mean ever, comes to me and says anything negative about you again… well let's just say that there will be one less person to carry on the Longbottom line."

With that delivered she glanced down and she was sure the man caught her meaning as he rapidly paled while nodding in understanding. As the man beat a hasty retreat, Augusta went to go check on her grandson.

The boy was now sleeping peacefully and for a moment, Augusta let her shields down.

Neville's sleeping face was so much like her son and daughter-in-law's. He would be a great wizard one day, she was sure of it. She swore then and there that although she would probably never be as good of a grandmother as he deserved (how could she be when she had already failed her son so utterly), she would do everything in her power to protect this little boy.

With that last thought she made her way towards the place she kept Frank's wand. She was sure Neville would like it if he felt as though his parents were there with him every time he cast a spell.

The longest drabble thus far. I've been enjoying writing these, and it's been a blast to see some interaction on this thing that I published so long ago. If you'r feeling kind leave a fav, follow, or review! All of these thing just make my day and it's been fun to see the numbers click up a little. If you have a suggestion for a drabble leave a review or PM me!

Until next time!