The corridors of Hogwarts were eerily quiet as Neville Longbottom made his way towards his former Head of House's office. He supposed that most of the students had left on the morning train going home for the holidays. He himself had just gotten in from a South American herbology training and was headed to spend Christmas with his grandmother when he'd received the message from Professor McGonagall.

Neville wasn't sure if he should be nervous or intrigued by the summons, so he found himself experiencing a mixture of both as he approached the old wooden door. He raised his hand to knock just before he heard a brisk, "Enter, Mr. Longbottom."

'Nerves,' Neville thought ruefully, 'have apparently won the battle.' Feeling much like a frightened first year, he entered the room and took a seat when the professor motioned him into a chair.

"Mr. Longbottom, I know you are on your way to Augusta's, but the headmaster has asked me to speak with you as soon as possible."

For one moment…just an instant really, Neville could not help but wonder what Dumbledore could have possible wanted with him. Reality, however, settled in quickly enough, and Neville remembered that Professor McGonagall now reported to a new headmaster. He hoped in vain that she had not noticed his momentary lapse, and he nodded politely.

Minerva struggled to keep the amusement from her face as she began. "I understand from Professor Sprout that you have continued your herbology studies." Neville nodded once more, so the professor continued, "She still claims you as her best and brightest, Neville."

At this, his face flushed with both pride and embarrassment. He was focused so intently on willing the color away from his cheeks that he almost missed McGonagall's next words. "The professor wishes to retire at the end of next term, and it is her hope that you would agree to take on her position as professor."

Neville's head came up sharply in confusion. His stammered, "Me? Really?" did not befit the young man whom the wizarding world now considered a hero. In fact, Minerva was quite reminded of the young boy who was forever getting lost and misplacing that dratted toad of his.

Smiling indulgently, McGonagall replied, "Yes, Mr. Longbottom. You. In fact, both Professor Sprout and Headmaster Sinistra were quite adamant that you be offered the position, and being your Head of House, I was given the honor of asking you." She paused, gauging the young wizard's reaction. When she saw a shy smile spread across his face, she didn't both to hide her own. "I take it that is a yes?"

Words seemed to be beyond him at this point, so once more, Neville nodded. Smiling broadly, McGonagall stood. "Well then, welcome to Hogwarts, Professor Longbottom."

At that moment, Neville Longbottom knew he could have produced the world's strongest patronus.

Author's note: I still own nothing, and I've taken some liberties 'cause I dunno who the new headmaster was supposed to be (though I did read somewhere that it wasn't going to be McGonagall).