"...Isn't it always." How could I have thought such a thing.
I waited at platform 9 ¾ for Neville and Professor McGonnagal's portkey.
They appeared in muggle clothes holding one of Dumbledore's books. Neville was wearing his usual baggy jeans and Hogwarts sweater, Minerva still every inch the professor in a distinguished tailored skirt and jacket set. When I got the message, in my hurry to get out of the keep I instinctively grabbed the ministry-muggle-uniform. A set of clothing we are required to have updated every year. This year I had the choice of a long pants suit, low heals, with loose jacket. The color and accessories that went with it would identify my department and rank to anyone who knew our clothing conventions. Minerva took the outfit in with a glance.
"Thanks for travelling with him, Professor. I appreciate it. Neville, are you sure you want to do this?"
"I need to see, I need it to be real." He said very quietly. I gave him a quick hug. Almost 17 he'd finally grown into his overlarge hands and feet and he was growing out of the awkwardness of adolescence, becoming more comfortable in his own skin.
We stepped onto the main platform of Kings Cross Station and out into Muggle London. We caught a taxi to a point near St. Mungo's.
The medi-witch at the front desk asked our business. Professor McGonnagal spoke for Neville, as his head of house.
"We're here to identify and claim the remains of the Longbottom family."
I heard Neville's sharp intake of breath. I placed my hand briefly on his shoulder. He squeezed my hand back to let me know he was ok for now.
An orderly led us to an office off the main floor, probably one of the administrators. We didn't have to wait long in the comfortable chairs. An elderly gentleman came in and sat behind the mahogany behemoth of a desk that took up half the room.
"Mr. Longbottom, as Vice President of Mungo's we wanted to extend our most sincere regrets for the incident that occurred here last week. Of course restitution will be made to your parents estate. As you're still a minor and sole heir, who will be handling that estate for now?"
"That would be me. I was appointed Neville's legal guardian. Neville and I have spoken about this- he would like me to take care of the paperwork while he pays his last respects." Neville nodded, clearly not trusting his voice. Minerva looked pretty close to tears herself. Aside from the anger boiling inside me, I just felt numb.
"Of course." The administrator stood. "Miss Finnagan, if you will wait here I'll find one of the staff to escort these two." They left the office he returned quickly.
The restitution we worked out worked out to cover the most remaining outstanding balance and charges for the extended care here. I took care of the rest of the balance from Neville's account, and began the process of filling out the paperwork to adopt Neville who this would be best, so any further legal inquiries would come to me rather then the school. Overall, he was taking the death of his parents better then I was.
"Sir, I do have one final question. How did this happen?"
"I see you're a ministry official so I can tell you. Death eaters staged a raid here and targeted all the patients, short and long term that ever worked for or with Dumbledore, including Gilderoy Lockhart, Delorus Umbridge, and the others. How they got those records only indicates someone on the inside here betrayed that information. It was just unfortunate that Mrs. Longbottom was visiting at the time of the raid."
"I see." I also now knew who at the ministry would be assigned to the case and could ask around the office for more details. After a few more pleasantries were exchanged I went to the regular quiet waiting area.
I didn't need to see them to make it real. I could see the spell scorch marks that hadn't been completely painted over. I could see the scared look in the eyes of those waiting, and the much quieter atmosphere.
I noticed the discolored squares that were once paintings.
I willed my mind to be blank and focused on sitting still. Every fiber of my being wanted to run from this place. After spending 2 months in recovery here all those years ago before I started at Hogwarts, I've had my fill of being here. I clenched my hands to stop them from shaking. I have to be strong for Neville.
I go through the plan of what is happening next. Dumbledore, Snape, and Lupin are shifting many of Neville's belongings to my house and sealing his grandmother's place before the security charms begin to fade from it. Neville and Harry both have another a month and a half before starting school. Hogwarts has building crews has been working day and night to raise the castle, classrooms, dormitories, and out buildings including the Quidditch stadium from the rubble, but school will still have a delayed start this year beginning in October. Lesson plans have been rewritten to accommodate the near 6-month down time.