For the One a Week Challenge (week 4, Hannah Abbot, 400 words)
"I think that I want to go back to school," Hannah says.
Her husband looks up from the essays that litter his desk, a small smile on his lips. "Really?" Neville asks. "What for?"
Hannah tugs at her hair. She doesn't know why she feels so nervous. Neville is nothing but kind and supportive. She shouldn't feel so silly for sharing her dreams with him.
"I want to studying healing," she answers, the sentence coming out in a jumble. "I heard that Madam Pomfrey plans to retire soon. I do miss Hogwarts. My mum was a Healer before…" She clears her throat, trailing off. "I know that she would be proud of me no matter what. But I want to follow in her footsteps."
Neville abandons his essays and climbs to his feet. He wraps his arms around her, holding her close. "I think it's a marvelous idea."
…
It takes only a month before Hannah feels that she's in over her head. She hovers over her books, summoning another pot of coffee to her table, grateful that Neville is looking over the pub while she studies.
"Too much caffeine isn't good for you," he says gently when he makes his way back to her. "Have you slept at all today?"
"I can't sleep. I have to learn this," she grumbles, reaching for the pot so she can pour herself a fresh cup.
Neville catches her hand, shaking his head. "You need rest. You have plenty of time to study, Hannah. Go on. Get some sleep."
She sighs. Really, she's been so hard on herself lately. Maybe Neville is right. A little rest will clear her head. "Fine. But I'm not happy about it."
"Of course not. Bed. Go," he instructs before kissing her cheek. "I'll be up shortly. I love you."
…
It feels almost surreal when her final exams end and she's certified. Hannah doesn't know if she wants to laugh or cry from relief.
Neville stands at her side, holding her hand. "I'm so proud of you," he says.
"Now I can actually sleep," she laughs.
…
"Anything exciting?" Neville asks, entering the hospital wing.
"One broken arm, a burned leg, and what a girl insisted were circular bruises on her neck that she says she can't explain."
Neville snorts. "Interesting first day."
She wraps her arms around him with sigh. "Very. Let's go home."