Neville grinned widely. "Uncle Algie! What are you doing here?"
Great Uncle Algie strode across the room, embracing Neville like a son.
"Sorry, old chap, your Gran made me say that. What, can't I visit my favorite nephew?"
Neville broke apart and seriously said, "Uncle Algie, have you told anyone else?"
Great Uncle Algie shook his head, his usually merry face solid.
Neville nodded. He trusted Great Uncle Algie. He always had.
"So, I guess you figured out my letter then?"
Great Uncle Algie's face lit back up. "Yep, took me a whole stinkin' week, and then you sent me another one."
Neville looked down sheepishly, "What made this one easier?"
Uncle Algie smiled and, putting his hand on Neville's shoulder, said quietly, "You mentioned the words 'it' 'I' and 'hat' right in a row, son."
Neville looked back at his shoes, remembering that Neville Longbottom was never known for being clever. "I really wanted to see you."
Great Uncle Algie smiled. "It's ok, I missed you too."
They smiled at each other, then hugged again.
But now an owl flew in, and Great Uncle Algie said, "I should leave you alone to read it, eh?"
Neville nodded, eyes glued to the letter, and began to read.
'Dear Phillip,
The Trio has changed locations. You are free to go home, but watch out for the Prophet.
Tabby'
Neville sat down, shocked. So this was what he got for protecting his friends? Nothing but a 'Oh, thanks buddy, but you can go home now, we don't need your sorry butt.'
But then another owl flew in.
'Dear Phillip,
We've had to move, these cockroaches were really annoying!
You can go home now, and we miss you.
Thanks forever,
Your friends.'
Neville sighed. So it was true, they didn't need him anymore.
But to be honest, he liked having a reason, a noble one too, to do something protective.
And he loved his friends. And he wished them the best of luck,...
But he was not going to go without one last effort.
OH! Hey readers, seriously, to truly and honestly understand this chapter:
check out the sorcerer's stone, chapter 7, a while after the sorting, (when they're eating.) Read it over, you'll see why!