Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This story is meant purely in tribute to the original work.

Neville tried not to tense his muscles. He knew that if he did so, even his mere thoughts would cause minute shifts in his body that would telegraph his next move to his opponent. Neville tried to relax, stay light on his feet, and not flat footed. He also tried to remain alert and focused to read the same signals from his opponent that he was attempting to conceal coming from himself. All without tensing up. This was easier said than done as Neville was starting to feel fatigued and his right knee was starting to bother him. He tried to push that aside for the time being. "There", Neville thought, "That slight turn of his wrist cants the blade as he begins his attack." Neville had less than a second to process this information and react as his opponent launched the tip of the fencing saber at his chest. With a shift of his feet and seemingly mere flick of his elbow, Neville parried the incoming thrust and brought his own saber downward against his opponent's shoulder.

"ARRET!", the referee bellowed. Neville and his opponent immediately stepped back from each other. "Touch for blue. Bout to blue." Neville and his opponent removed their masks and shook hands. As he moved to the sidelines to put away his gear, Neville's eyes caught sight of a mane of blonde hair in the bleachers of the Auror Service's gym. He smiled as shouldered his bag and walked somewhat stiffly over to Luna. She kindly came down to the floor level so that he would not have to climb steps to meet her.

"It looks like you're still in good form. Well done Neville.", Luna smiled.

For a moment, Neville found himself taken back a few years at her words. "Thanks. I didn't expect to see you here, I thought you were still working on your manuscript."

"I needed a break. I figured I would come watch a few bouts."

"Sorry, that was my last one."

"It's alright. How's your leg?"

"A little stiff but I'm alright."

"Are you sure you're not pushing yourself too hard?"

"I'm fine Luna. Don't worry, I'm not straining it and I keep the number of bouts I participate in to a minimum."

"Just so you're not trying to do too much on it. You remember what happened last time."

"I learned my lesson and I won't forget it. You have my word."

"That's good enough for me. Anyways, isn't this a bit unfair? Gryffindor's Swordsman beating up on all these youngsters?"

Neville chuckled. "Luna, these kids all have the edge on me in mobility. They just need to work on their footwork if they haven't figured that out. Maybe it's good that Gryffindor's Swordsman is here to impart some sage lessons to them."

"Well, we'd best get you home before your avid students come clamoring for more sage advice and then who knows when I'll see you. They'll probably seek advice on how to deal with large, vicious reptiles…", Luna trailed off with a smile.

"You're right, let's go home."

Later On

Neville was stripping off his sweat-dampened clothing in preparation for a nice, hot shower when there came a soft knock at the bedroom door. "Come in." Luna entered the room with a rather serious look on her face. Neville had seen looks like that before. "Something on your mind dear?"

"I watched you today."

"I know. I eventually saw you in the bleachers. I hope you weren't bored."

"I wasn't. I watched a few of your bouts."

"I know I'm a bit rusty but ever since graduation, I don't fence that often."

"That's not it. I watched the way you competed. You're not broken Neville."

"Excuse me?", Neville replied with genuine confusion.

"You're not broken. You go out there and you compete like you're trying to prove something."

"No, I don't.", Neville said rather defensively.

"Yes, you do", Luna insisted. "You don't see it because you can't. I only can because I am watching you from the outside. You move, parry, attack, riposte, everything like you're trying to prove that everyone is wrong about something."

Neville thought for moment and came to realize her words did hold some grains of truth. "I'm not trying to prove anything."

Luna continued, "You need to realize you're not broken. You need to stop treating yourself like you are. You need to stop trying to prove to yourself that you aren't. I think that's why you push yourself like the way you do out there." She stepped forward to take Neville's hand. "Now you listen to me." Neville found it difficult, as he had on several other occasions, to disobey her when she directed her piercing, wide-eyed gaze at his own eyes. "You are still Neville. You are still everything you were before and more today. You just need to be reminded of that." Luna stepped forward on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his.

"You don't miss anything do you? It's almost like you see into my mind before I know what thoughts pass through it.", Neville stated as she pulled back.

"I just have the benefit of knowing you quite well. Now, regarding what I was talking about…"

Neville held her gaze with a knowing one of his own. "I kind of need a shower."

"So do I", Luna stated matter-of-factly and she led him into the bathroom.

Later that Night

Neville tightened his arm around Luna's waist, savoring the feel of bare skin to bare skin as they slowly drifted off to sleep. "Luna?", he asked softly.

"Hmmm?", came her drowsy reply.

"Thank you."

"You're very welcome dear. I love you.", Luna answered sleepily as she patted his arm around her with her hand.

"I love you too." Nothing more needed to be said. Luna knew what Neville was speaking of and he did not have to elaborate further. Neville nuzzled his face against her hair as he let his sleepiness overtake him.

Some Weeks Later

Neville tried to relax but found it difficult to do so when his future was, quite literally, about to be decided in the next few minutes by a group of rather intimidating-looking, senior aurors. He was seated at a board convened to determine whether or not he would continue in active service or not. The head of the Personnel Bureau of the Auror Service himself was chairing the board. Inspector Chen and the deputy to the chief inspector of the Narcotics Division were seated in the gallery seats behind Neville to lend moral support. Harry managed to make time to attend as well but Ron was away on an assignment. Neville found himself wishing Luna were here as well but she was away on a research trip. She had tried her best to make time to attend but it could not be helped. Luna did promise that she would try to return soon no matter what the outcome would be.

Superintendent Gordon Davis was an efficient and fastidious administrator. That rare combination of qualities had led to his current posting. He often lamented that his spectacles seemed to get thicker every couple of years and he was convinced that it was all the paperwork that was the cause. His days of chasing down dark wizards had long since passed but Gordon didn't really miss them. He knew that someone had to do his job and he had the right qualities for it. Even so, on days like this, he had to admit that there were times that he did not enjoy his job quite so much. Looking over the records of younger, more active aurors took him back to his own younger years. The part he especially did not like was making difficult decisions like whether or not they would continue to become old aurors like himself. Neville rose as Gordon called his name.

"Auror Neville Longbottom, badge number 24601. This personnel review board has been convened to determine your fitness to continue on active duty with the Auror Service of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. After extensive review of your physiological evaluation, the board reluctantly concurs with the recommendation of the evaluating healer staff to remove you from active duty. In light of your distinguished service record, the board recommends medical retirement with pension. The evaluating healer staff has concurred with this recommendation as well. As a reminder, the recommendations of the healer and personnel boards are forwarded to the Minister of Magic's office. All decisions and findings are considered pending until approved or disapproved by the Minister or his delegated authority. The board advises Auror Longbottom not to make any significant life plans or decisions until such time." Superintendent Davis removed his spectacles as he leaned back from his prepared statement. "Auror Longbottom", he began in a gentle tone, "I want you to know that the board did not make this decision lightly and it was one of the most difficult that I have had to face in my career. I have rarely seen someone with more heart and persistence than you. It was with great disappointment that we are losing a fine gentleman such as yourself. However, I want you to know that the service will assist you in your transition period and you will retain access to our resources as best as we can assist you. I truly do wish you the best in your future endeavors."

And with that, Neville realized he was no longer an auror. True, Davis had said the service would help him but it still didn't change the fact that Neville was not quite sure in which direction he wanted to be helped. His friends clapped their hands on his shoulders and offered words of sympathy and support but everyone knew there was little that could be said that would be truly comforting at the moment. Mercifully, the Personnel Bureau had scheduled his outprocessing later in the week instead of directly after the board meeting. Neville wasn't sure he would have been able to wade through all the paperwork and might have inadvertently agreed to a life insurance policy for his mimbulus mimbletonia had he tried to in his current mental state.

Although Neville's mind was not quite completely coherent, somehow he managed to send an owl to Luna. He wasn't sure if there was really anything Luna could say or do to make everything better but he found himself wishing for her presence nonetheless. He managed to muddle through the next two days when Luna abruptly returned. As she swept through the doorway and all but tackled him in a fierce embrace, Neville had to admit that he did feel just a little bit better.

Some Weeks Later

Luna observed her husband intently as he shuffled through stacks of parchment and paper. From all outward appearances, it did not look like she was doing so. In fact, it did not look like there was much activity going on inside her head at all. To those that did not know Luna Longbottom well, even back when her surname was Lovegood, her current expression was not uncommon and was often misinterpreted as her "goofing off" or "spacing out". To those that did know her, they knew that the look on Luna's face meant the gears in her brain were turning at very high RPMs. To those that truly knew her well, they knew that Luna's brain never truly stopped moving along at anything less than a skipping pace. Luna was now applying her quiet intellect toward her troubled husband. Neville had been trying valiantly to transition to civilian life with mixed results. True to their word, the Auror Service had tried to help him transition. However, there was really only so much even they could do. Truth be told, all the departments of the ministry were still in various stages of restoring their reputation even years after Voldemort's influence had tainted them. Being a ministry employee still did not have quite the prestige it once possessed. Perhaps in a few more years, the reputation would be fully restored but this was not helping Neville at present. Fortunately, Neville's experience with rare and unusual flora and illicit substances had given him a unique skillset. His talents had been called upon by his former colleagues on several occasions. Neville had been brought in as a special consultant on several cases and this provided a bit more income to bolster his medical retirement pension. However, this was not regular employment or income. Unfortunately, Neville's unique skillset was also a double-edged sword as not many civilian careers required said skills. Luna knew that Neville was smart, determined, hard-working, and loyal. He just needed to find his path, maybe a nudge in the right direction. After a moment, Luna's eyes lit up as a figurative light bulb illuminated above her head. She needed an owl and the receptive ear of a certain someone. "I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner.", she thought, "Must be those pesky wrackspurts…"

A Couple Weeks Later

Luna walked through the doorway with her arms full of groceries. Neville rose to help her with her burden. "Sorry, I didn't come along to help you, looks like you could have used it."

"No worries dear. I was able to manage. How was the visit?"

Neville still could not quite believe it but several days prior, he had received a letter from Pomona Sprout, professor of herbology at Hogwarts. She offered her sympathies with his forced retirement and asked to pay a visit. Neville could hardly deny one of his favorite instructors of his favorite subject. Luna had taken the opportunity to get the grocery shopping done in the meantime. "It was great! I really enjoyed talking with her. Her visit wasn't entirely a social one though."

"Oh?", Luna inquired as she put away some perishables.

"Sprout has a mind that I might have the makings of a teacher."

"Neville Longbottom, professor of herbology? I assume it would be herbology, right? Has a nice ring to it."

"I have to admit, it's something that I have toyed with in my mind a few times but I haven't given much serious thought to it."

"Is it something you're really interested in?"

"It is. I think I'd be good at it since I know the subject fairly well. It's just…really? Me? A teacher?"

"I think you would make a fine teacher Neville."

"I'm just not sure I'm cut out for that. Or that I have the temperament for it."

"I don't think you give yourself enough credit. Severus Snape was a teacher for how long at Hogwarts? Would you say he was good with children?"

"True…"

"And you wouldn't want someone like Gilderoy Lockhart teaching again would you?"

"Good Lord, no!"

"So, I don't think you give yourself enough credit."

"Professor Sprout said something very similar."

"Smart lady, that one."

"Life in academia. Neville Longbottom, a teacher. Who'd have thought?", Neville mused.

"Just make sure it's something you truly want. I want my husband to be happy with what he does with his life."

"Sprout said something like that too. Not the husband part, the first part."

Luna threw him an understanding smile as she poured herself a glass of pumpkin juice. "As I said before, smart lady, that one. I'm glad she paid you a visit Neville. It looks as if your mood has brightened already."

"I realized I've been moping a bit. Sorry to bring a dark cloud into our home."

"It's perfectly understandable Neville. You've been through a lot and your mind has been preoccupied. If I didn't know better, I'd say the nargles were behind all of it just to test us."

Neville smiled. "Nargles or not, I think we'll get through this."

Luna gave his hand a reassuring squeeze. "Of course we will! This is us we're talking about." She took a long pull from her glass, running errands could leave one with parched throat.

Neville reached behind a chair and produced a pair of familiar trainers. "By the way, Professor Sprout said to return these to you. You left them in the forest when you fed the thestrals after visiting her."

Luna's eyes widened as she abruptly spat out pumpkin juice. She coughed as she choked on the mouthful she had started to swallow. It took a lot to shock Luna but Neville's words may as well have been a lightning bolt. Neville gave her a few hearty thumps on her back as she cleared her lungs. "Oh dear, terribly sorry about that. That wasn't quite the reaction I was expecting."

"Neville", Luna began in a slightly raspy voice, "I can explain-"

"It's alright Luna. I'm not irritated that you visited Professor Sprout. In fact, I'm kind of glad you did."

"You are?"

Neville nodded. "I know I've been in a bit of a slump and I probably needed the nudge in a direction. The fact that you went to her proves you know me well."

"I thought that would be the best choice."

"I only would've have been puzzled if you had visited Professor Trelawney instead."

Luna managed to laugh despite still coughing a bit. "So, did Professor Sprout say anything else about you becoming a teacher?"

"She did actually, we talked at great length about the world of magical academia. It actually shares some traits with Muggle academia."

"Does it? I've never really given that much thought."

"Neither had I, at least not until now. One thing that the two academic worlds share is publishing."

"Publishing?"

"Publishing. They won't let anyone just stroll in to become a teacher, no matter how great a student they were."

"I still don't think I follow."

"I believe Professor Sprout's exact words were furthering the field. Expanding the knowledge base. For something like transfiguration, that would mean discovering new ways to manipulate matter. For potions that would mean brewing new concoctions or finding improved ways for existing ones." Luna nodded for Neville to continue. "For herbology, that means discovering new plants, new methods of cultivation, etc. And this new learning must be documented and subjected to peer review to ensure quality and legitimacy. Hence, one is all but required to be published."

"This means you'll become an author as well? Writing books?"

"At the very least, articles. I thought I may be able to rely on your advice as this is something you're probably more familiar with."

"I'd be happy to help. But if you'll need to do research…"

"Exactly. So, when is your next trip going to be, where are you going, and might I accompany you?"

Luna had to admit, she was half-thrilled that Neville would be coming with her as that meant they would be spending more time together. She looked forward to seeing new places and sharing adventures with him. Luna was also eager to introduce Neville to the joys of camping and the great outdoors. She also had to admit she thought he was safer even out in the wilderness with her. At least no creatures were trying to kill him out of some personal vendetta…probably. Luna was also happy that she no longer had to tether herself to something solid in her tent to prevent her from sleepwalking out into the wilderness. With Neville beside her, she didn't sleepwalk that much anyways. However, Luna found herself half-concerned about Neville joining her on her trips. Neville's nerves and reflexes were still a bit on the twitchy side. Should he be surprised from behind or his flanks, he might vaporize whatever threat he perceived to be out there rather than simply subdue it. Luna also quickly realized that for all that his former job had taught him, fieldcraft skills were not too high on that list. The two of them also worried a bit if they would be able to adapt to a life where they spent more time together, since they had gotten used to a life where they spent a significant amount of time apart. The beginnings of this new direction in their life together had a bit of a rough start and they found more sharp words exchanged than usual. Thankfully, blessedly, they found that with a healthy amount of patience and understanding, the challenges were overcome and Neville eventually became an asset to Luna's excursions rather than a worrisome concern. Admittedly, they wished it had taken less than two trips to figure everything out. The pair found that if they adhered to a few ground rules, things usually worked out well for them:

Neville was no longer allowed to pick campsites ever since "The Quicksand Incident".

If Luna kept any creatures for further study, they were to be kept secure overnight. Although cute and cuddly, Neville was not amused to awaken to one such creature perched on his head and peering into his face from mere centimeters away.

If Neville collected any plant specimens, he was to clearly mark them if they were hazardous. This was after an unfortunate incident in which Luna mistook samples that possessed hallucinogenic properties for consumables and attempted to cook with them. It took hours for Neville to get Luna out of that tree.

A silencing charm on their tent was necessary as Neville's snoring was once mistaken by a large, hoofed creature as a mating call.

The silencing charm was also necessary for noises produced during other activities Luna and Neville engaged in at night. Again, a creature mistook the sounds for something else entirely and the results were not pretty. Luna could hardly be blamed for not knowing about this as these were situations she did not have to deal with on her previous trips.

Neville was to refrain from using carnivorous or aggressive plants to fend off aggressive creatures.

Luna was to refrain from using aggressive creatures to fend off carnivorous or aggressive plants.

Luna was far better at making first contact with locals, be it people or magical creatures. Neville did not dispute that for a moment.

When it came down to it, both of them had to admit that they could get used to this sort of life.

Author's Note: Apologies for the lengthy time in between updates. Been busy doing work on the new house.

One thing that I have always wondered about is if there is any education beyond Hogwarts for wizards and witches? Are there universities? Do people get bachelors, masters, or doctorate degrees? How does one become a professor? I decided to base my writings on real world academia. I imagine it would take quite some time working in a given field to be entrusted to teach the subject at the only source of education in the country for young wizards and witches. After all, you wouldn't want to trust something so critical to someone unproven or new, no matter how good of student they were, would you? Besides, who says an herbologist spends all of his/her time in greenhouse with no travelling? Botanists will sometimes travels to exotic places, why not herbologists? Plus, it's a chance for these two characters to spend more time together.

Neville's badge number is reference to the musical version of Les Miserables.

Thanks to everyone for indulging me on the previous chapter. I know it was a heavy subject but it is one that means something special to me. Special thanks again to Weasley-Ronnie for the faithful reviews and thank you to wildchilde17 for reviewing!