Blood and Healing

A/N: This is part of the rpg Blood and Healing located at bah-rpg on lj. All post will be posted there first, then here a day later. The RPG is DH compliant and runs in real time.

Neville Longbottom- Mum's Birthday

I walk down the long corridor and up the fourth floor. I've been here more times than I can count over the years. Gran always brought me here several times a year before I started Hogwarts, and then during the Hols once I started. That part's never changed. We still come here together on Christmas Day and Easter.

But today, mum's birthday, I wanted to come alone.

I enter the Janus Thickey Ward, and make my way to their beds. As I get there, mum looks up and smiles at me. I know she doesn't recognize me, but it's nice all the same.

"Happy Birthday, mum."

I lean down and kiss her cheek and place a white, potted Jasmine on her table. Did you know Jasmine represents mother in some countries?

I then turn and look over at my father. The man my Gran tried to make me be for so long. While I might not be an Auror like he was, I think he would be proud of me.

"Professor Sprout says that I'm doing well on my apprenticeship with her," I tell them. "Says when she retires in a few years that I should make an excellent professor."

I watch them for a moment as they look at me. They are both laying down on their beds, almost like children listening to bedtime stories. The Healers have said they recognize the sound of my voice and that it relaxes them. That thought gives me peace somehow. Almost like deep down they do know I am their son.

"My greenhouse is going well. Terry Boot has agreed to sell some of the plants in his shop, and Professor Sprout wants to buy some too."

I used part of my inheritance to buy some land and build a house and a large greenhouse out back. It's not much, but the plants are thriving and I enjoy it.

I keep talking as they fall asleep. They always do lately.

"Hello, Neville," says Samantha, one of the Medi-Witches assigned to my parents.

"Visiting hours over already?" I ask as she looks over dad.

"Afraid so. I'd let you stay a little longer considering..." she glances over at mum, "but, she's on duty tonight, I'm afraid."

I chuckle. "Thanks for the warning," I say standing up. "Thanks, Samantha."

She smiles in return before going back to her duties.

I look over at mum and dad, before making my way to the door.

I turn around one last time. "Happy Birthday, mum."