Disclaimer: Harry Potter is from the creative genius that is J.K. Rowling. We are not her. This is merely a fan fiction to tide us over until book 6.
A/N: Medievalwoman's account got canceled on We're not certain why. I'll be posting the chapters she had up for Longbottom Rose II on her account. Also she started a yahoo group called Longbottomlovers where Longbottom II will be posted. Enjoy. Oh, and if any of you are H/G lovers go check out Sink Into Your Eyes I started an account there too and there are some good stories not on 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! 2! 1! Happy New Year's!"
The skies above muggle London lit up in a variety of colors as fireworks were let off and cheers of the New Year went up.
"Happy New Year's, Neville!" Alaire shouted as she pulled him close for a kiss.
"Happy New Year's!"
Alaire gave him another kiss then Neville was shocked to see her kiss a complete stranger but his shock at Alaire was supplanted by the shock of being kissed by a very attractive brunette that he had never seen before in his life! Suddenly, everyone was kissing everyone else! Even David and Jeraldine were in on the act. Alaire saw his shocked face and laughed.
"Muggle tradition! Everyone gets a kiss on New Year's Eve!" She started to say something else but was cut off by the explosion of an enormous Muggle firework. Soon the sky was full of sparkles forming hearts, arrows, smiley faces, and even the Union Jack. Neville was impressed at the Muggle technology.
"Aren't you glad you came?" Alaire asked as they gazed up at the glittering images.
"Yeah! Never thought your Dad would say yes, though."
"Ah, he likes you. He just wouldn't admit it in a hundred years!" Alaire shouted to make her self heard. Neville glanced over at David and Jeraldine. They had snuggled in close together and were watching the fireworks as well. Neville was ready to turn back to Alaire when something green caught his eye.
He moved to get a better look just as someone shouted and began to point in the direction he was gazing. Hanging in the sky was the outline of a large, green skull. It was the Dark Mark.
Muggles in the crowd began to clap their appreciation at such a
complicated display. But Neville's hands went numb, as did his heart. Alaire felt Neville's fear and apprehension.
"Neville, what's –"
"David! Jeraldine! We've got to get out of here!" Neville grabbed Alaire by the hand as he made his way to her parents. "DAVID! WE'VE GOT TO GO!"
Neville finally got their attention and pointed at the Mark. David's eyes grew large as he protectively put his arm around Jeraldine and reached out for Neville and Alaire. "Grab hold!"
David pulled out a set of car keys with a remote control on the ring.
"What about the Muggles?" Neville yelled.
"They'll never notice!"
They waited impatiently until a particularly spectacular firework exploded then David activated the portkey. Soon the family found themselves in the lobby of their Muggle hotel.
"Are you all right?" Neville asked Alaire as he grabbed hold of her shoulders.
"I'm fine."
"Listen, I want you to stay with your parents."
"What? Where are you going?" Alaire said panicking.
"I have to help anyway I can," he said giving her a brief kiss of the forehead before trying to take off.
"Neville NO!" she cried tears running down her face.
"What's going on?" asked David as he grabbed Neville's arm as he went to leave the hotel.
"I have to go help."
"Running into things head first is a good way to get yourself killed son," he said before looking over at Alaire. "You said you wouldn't hurt her, if you leave you will be. How about we go upstairs first and see if we can see what's going on?"
They waited uneasily for an elevator, each person fingering their wands nervously, and went back to their room. Running to the window, they could now see the Mark clearly. In the distance, a second Mark was floating ominously grinning at its twin.
"What are we going to do?" Jeraldine asked in a tight voice.
"I still should go. They might need help."
The Goodnight family turned and stared at Neville as if he had suddenly grown horns. "What!" Alaire screeched hysterically.
"You can't go out there! You could get hurt! Or killed or, or . . ."
"Or our friends might be out there right now. I can help."
"Son! You stop right where you are. No one is going anywhere right now! We wait. I will not risk losing my family to some Deatheater. We need to know what's going on first."
"Could we contact the ministry?"
"It'll be chaos right now, no sense in it."
"They might be attacking St. Mungo's," Neville said in a tight voice. "They might be trying to finish off what they started."
Alaire pulled Neville tight against her.
"They're safe, Neville. I would know if something had happened. I promise, sweetheart. They're safe." Alaire felt him relax a bit.
"I'd still like to know . . ."
"But-"
"But, nothing!" Jeraldine's voice cut across the room. "We wait. If the Ministry needs two Americans with no experience in fighting Deatheaters and two teenagers still in school, they will owl us. Until then, we simply get ready. Alaire, you and Neville pull together an overnight bag. Put in just the basics. David will do the same. I'm going to make us some coffee. It may be a long evening."
Neville didn't want to pack an overnight bag. He wanted to run out of the building to his parents. He wanted to do something, anything, but one look at Alaire's parents stopped him. They were scared and alone in a London under attack. For once, someone needed him.
"You're right," Neville sighed.
Alaire looked up at him amazed.
"We need to stay calm. We'll pack a bag then we can look at a map to discuss some escape routes if we need them. David, could you put up some extra wards?"
"Good thinking. Forget the coffee, Jeraldine. You pack. Neville and I will put up some wards in the lobby and hallway."
Fifteen minutes later found the family sat with their bags in the sitting room of their suite watching the Marks slowly fade when they were surprised by an owl that was pecking at their window. Jeraldine waved her wand and let the owl in. She untied the note and handed it to David.
"It's for you, David. Read it out loud."
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Goodnight, Do not be alarmed. The two signs you see have been taken care of. However, do not let Neville or Alaire out tonight. It is not completely safe for them. We do ask a favor of you. The Leaky Cauldron has been damaged and is in danger of collapsing. Could you floo directly there and help Arthur Weasley save the pub? Thank You, Albus Dumbledore"
They looked at each other dumbfounded.
"Well, that answers a bunch of questions," said Jeraldine.
"And offers up even more. I should go," David said heading toward the door.
"What?" asked Jeraldine. "You think you are going out there to Gods know what and leaving us here? Are you mad?" Jeraldine voice had grown ice cold with anger.
"No, I'm not leaving you here to worry. I'm leaving you here to be safe. If I'm not back in three hours, you are to pack up and go to Paris. Your cousins can take you, Neville, and Alaire in and then get you back to the States safely."
"And leave you here!" Jeraldine was starting to get hysterical while Alaire simply clung to Neville's arm as if she would never let go.
"Jeraldine, Neville's right. I've got to go and see if we can help."
Jeraldine sighed. "David, I don't like this. We didn't come to London to get involved in a war."
David pulled her close. "I know dear. But if they need me, I can't say no. My father fought in the Muggle war over here. He always told me to keep my honor. I can help. I've got to go."
Jeraldine nodded. "Stupid honor. But I understand. Did Dumbledore tell you where the closest linked fireplace was?"
"Here, actually, in the hotel. It was only to be used in emergencies. I guess this qualifies. I'll keep the portkey so I can get back."
"Where is this fireplace?" Jeraldine asked as David led them downstairs.
"In the pub downstairs. It's supposed to be just for looks but Dumbledore had it linked for us to use."
They looked into the pub which was full of people celebrating the New Year.
"How are you going to get into the fireplace now?" Jeraldine asked.
"We need a diversion. Any ideas, guys?"
"How about a magic show?" asked Alaire with a sly grin.
A few moments later most of the pub was watching Alaire, Neville, and Jeraldine pull coins, rabbits, and pints of beer out of people's ears, pockets, and hats. It was only when they saw a flash of green did they pull their final trick.
"Ready, guys? When I say run, run to the hotel stairs as fast as you can." Jeraldine turned to the crowd. "I'm sorry we can't stay any longer! We will all turn into pumpkins if we don't get home soon. I bid you Adieu!"
She made a quick movement with her wand and there was a flash and smoke. "Now!" They all ran for the nearby stairs. When the smoke cleared, everyone was gone and the pub goers were thoroughly entertained.