Time Flies By
Author's Note: Originally published on February 3, 2011
"Quickly! There!"
He dove behind the suit of armour, just ahead of the pounding footsteps.
The vile man stopped and spat on the ground before addressing me.
"Eh, 'ave you seen that Longbottom twerp?"
"I'm afraid not, Mr. Carrow."
He waved his wand at me, growling in irritation before stomping off through my floating form.
Mr. Longbottom emerged from behind the armour, clearly shaken. A scratch marred his cheek and he was panting.
"Thanks, Sir Nick. I almost got caught that time."
"You're very brave for standing up to them. Godric Gryffindor himself would be proud."
His shoulders slumped. "I feel like a coward for always hiding."
"Nonsense. The other students look to you for leadership, and the battle you're fighting is just."
He straightened his posture, just as a loud voice rang out. He nodded and disappeared down a side passage, ready to fight another day.
It saddened me to see my noble home turned into a prison. At least there was still hope for the students—the defenders.
"That was magnificent. If only someone had cut my head off with such vigour!"
He grinned, weary yet relieved. The castle was alive with celebration and he'd stolen away from his admirers for a moment of peace.
"I was just following Harry's instructions; he did the hard part."
"You're much too modest; your deeds will be recorded in the annals of Wizarding history, after all. Neville Longbottom, slayer of the serpent and leader of Dumbledore's Army."
He blushed and shook his head in disbelief before assuming a contemplative solemnity.
"I've never properly thanked you, Sir Nick. All of the spying you did and distractions you created sure helped our cause. We couldn't have done it without you."
"No, no, my good man, it is you I should be thanking. In all my years here, I've never seen a student with such dedication to this school."
"This place is my home, just as much as it is yours. I'm really going to miss it."
"You're always free to return."
"Ah, Mr. Longbottom! Or shall I say, Professor Longbottom? It's a pleasure to see you again."
"Sir Nick! I was just looking for you; I see you've heard the news."
"We ghosts have a tendency to spread gossip, you know. It does get a bit dull here sometimes."
He laughed and I could still see that eleven-year-old version of him.
"I feel like I belong here."
"Indeed you do, Mr. Longbottom."
"This is goodbye then. I'm retiring."
"You've just gotten here! What is the hurry?"
"I've been here for 70 years, Sir Nick."
"Oh my, how the time flies."
It struck me then that his hair was grey and thinning, and he walked with the slight limp of the aged.
"I'm ready to move on. Hannah wants to travel and spend more time with the great-grandchildren."
As we said our farewells and he turned to leave, I remembered that clumsy boy who became a hero.
I would miss him.