Come Together KeerperPawsoffme Chapter 3
Sirius was amazed at the size of the Gate house. He was figuring on a little shack. but it was big enough to make into a three bedroom if they wanted. As a matter of fact, they did, as neither one wanted a huge bedroom, just a comfortable one. The third one was for Sirius's cousin Nym. She had been asking Sirius if she could stay a night, once they got it ready, and the remaining marauders agreed. Nym was seventeen, and was in her final year at Hogwarts. She had been considering a career in the Auror Dept. But there was nothing concrete as yet. With Alice, Frank and Sirius already there, the need for auror's was not a major concern.
She had been asked if she could watch the two little ones for Remus on occasion, as he had other commitments. She obliged he cousin's request, and was granted her bedroom in the gate house.
The funeral for James and Lily was held with out fanfare. Alice insisted they have one, but only immediate family and friends were to be in attendance. Thus Frank, Alice, Sirius, Remus, Molly, and Arthur, along with Severus, Minerva, Filius, and Albus were there. Albus had said no more than twelve so to be safe, there were only ten. Severus could care less about James Potter, but, he had loved Lily Evans, and if he hadn't made the bone head mistake of the century, She would still be alive. The affair was a solemn one, where many tears were shed. The two would be sorely missed. Minerva and Filius considered them the best students they had ever taught.
Albus was standing alone. He felt the distrust among the others for him. He knew it was justified, as he was a bit controlling. He was secretive. And he was manipulative. It was a habit he had acquired when Gellert and he started to drift apart. He promised himself to think hard when he was thinking of giving information out to anyone. Another case in point is Peter Pettigrew, traitor to the Potters, and to TOP. It was a tough decision to become the TOP Leader, and Leader of the light, but to be honest, he trusted no one else. Now with this Prophecy, and Harry being marked, he tried his best to hide Little Harry from the wizarding world. Frank, Alice and Sirius blocked all of his attempts. But, now that he thought about it, perhaps they were right in doing what they did. No one will love Harry any more than those three, and they will provide a good life for him. Perhaps it is time to relinquish the reigns of the Order, to some one younger. He would consider this possibility, if and only if, the right leader were chosen.
There were no words for the two friends, as every one in attendance knew them like they were family, minus Severus. But he knew Lily better than any one else. She was his best friend for seven years. Severus cried for the first time in years. He had lost the one reason he continued with this mundane existence. Now he had to do it because of a promise he made to that old buffoon. Watch over the Potter brat. He was going to be spoiled just like his Godson, Draco. Kids these days don't know what a rough life is. Being raised by a father who was a drunk, a mother who was beaten by said same father, until she couldn't take it anymore and left the only way she knew how. She took her own life. His father soon followed, drinking himself into the grave. He lost them both, just prior to attending Hogwarts, and took care of himself, after that. He thought he never needed anyone, until he met Lily.
Frank, Alice, Sirius and Remus just stood there remembering all the good times they shared while in school. The pranks pulled by the Marauders. The arguments Lily and James had prior to seventh year. The many girls that Sirius went through while in school, a new one every couple weeks or so it appeared. The summers filled with trips to the beaches sleepovers and trips. The talks they had in the common room. The Quidditch matches. It was all now just a memory. They held each other for support, each on shedding tears for the friends they were saying good-bye to.
The funeral broke, and the ten people all went their separate ways. Four to head to Hogwarts, two off to the Burrow and the remaining four to Longbottom Manor.
The four landed outside the ground of the Manor, and as they approached, they could hear the laughter of the babies coming from the house. It took away much of the pain of the last two hours. The laughter of children did that to a person.
============================================================= Six years have passed since the sad day of James and Lily's funeral.
Harry and Neville were surrounded with presents. They had become best friends with the triplets. The adults even noticed Harry and Ginny sharing glances with each other, with smiles on their faces. Fred and George also noticed this, and were about to say something, when Ginny kicked them both in the leg. George jumped when he was kicked, and landed on a ball, and went backwards into Neville. Neville fell backwards, and when he landed, he hit an end table, knocking the lamp off. It hit him in the mouth, knocking out three front teeth, and chipping two others. He had blood every where, but, he was laughing at the circumstances, instead of crying. "Thath wath tho funny, although I wouldn't want to do it again. Alice and Frank dreaded it, but knew they had to take him to a dentist. They called around to see what would be the best course of action. The majority wanted to put plates in, which in their mind was out of the question. They called Madam Pomfrey, and she said that Skelegrow probably was not a good idea, as Neville's bones were still growing at an alarming rate.
They called around to a few more Dentists, and found one that said they could do a procedure where they would uses screws to secure the teeth in place, securing them to his jaw. Alice and Frank shook in horror at the ease in which the dentist said this. It sounded like some sort of torture. However after the dentist talked to them, and promised Neville would only suffer minor discomfort, they agreed. The appointment was set up for the following day, before the skin grew back into place. It would save a lot of time and discomfort for Neville as the flesh was already separated.
Molly was so upset with her children. She didn't know how they were going to pay for this but they would, somehow, it was their child's fault it had happened. With the kids starting school, needing books, supplies, and such, plus food. They had very little money left. "Molly dear, don't worry about it. We will take care of it. Neville is our responsibility. I'm just glad that we had already eaten the cake and ice cream. All that sugar can't be good in an open wound."
George walked over to Neville, as well as Ginny, "Neville I'm sorry for pushing you, I didn't mean it. Honest."
"Neville, I am the blame for all this." Said Ginny. "If I hadn't have kicked George then he wouldn't caused that domino affect. Please forgive me." Ginny gave him her doe eyed look, which no one could ignore. He just laughed. Ginny gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, which caused Neville to turn bright crimson. George shook his hand and all was forgiven and forgotten.
The next day, Remus and Tonks, (She does not liked to be called by her first name in any manner.) took the boys to the dentist, so that the other three adults would not miss work.
The dentist they were going to see was named Daniel Granger, who practiced with his Wife, Emma. When they walked into the office, they were greeted by a young girl. "Hello, may I help you?"
Remus was taken back by the professionalism this young girl showed. "Yes, we have an appointment to see Dr. Granger this morning."
"Which one sir, Daniel, or Emma?"
"Oh, sorry, Daniel. He has to reset Neville's teeth."
"Oh yes, it's for ten AM. Please have a seat, and I will tell my father you are here."
The girl left, and Neville looked at Harry and said, "Thes Cute." Harry laughed at Neville's speech.
"Yes Neville, she is very cute. Too bad she isn't your dentist."
"Perhaps, sthe could be his athithant."
"You'd like that I bet."
"I wouldn't mind."
She came back into the waiting area. "My father is ready for you if you will come this way. By the way, my name is Hermione. And your is Neville. I am very pleased to meet you." She took Neville's hand, and held it all the way into the surgical room. She never came back out. A minute later, the Regular receptionist appeared, and took her place at the desk. "Are you waiting to be seen Sir?"
"Oh no, thank you, we were helped by the young lady you was filling in for you."
"Oh that would be Hermione. Such a beautiful young girl. And her manners are impeccable. Where is she by the way?"
"She took her patient into the office, and hasn't come back out."
"Well, that's new. She usually hates to be in there when her father is doing surgery. He must be a very handsome young man?"
"Well they were holding hands when they went in there." Harry mentioned.
Two hours later, Neville came back out, still holding Hermione's hand. They chatted as they came out. Neville took her other hand. "I hope we can meet again some day. Maybe I'll be able to stay awake if we do. Thank you Hermione for being there with me. I will have to find some way to repay you for your kindness." He leaned in, and kissed her on the cheek. Hermione giggled and brushed her hand over the spot Neville just kissed.
"I believe you just made payment, Neville. Thank you. And yes, It would be nice if we met again. Perhaps you could come back for a follow up exam, next week?"
"Is it necessary? I don't mean to cause extra work for your dad."
"Well, it is always good to have a follow up, after having surgery. So can I pen you down for 10 next Tuesday?"
Neville looked up to Remus, and he nodded. "That will be fine Hermione, see you then, I mean your father then." And the four left.
Hermione turned around, and Sylvia was grinning away at her. "Looks like you got an admirer, Hermione."
Hermione brightened up. Instead of blushing, she was glowing. "Do you really think so Sylvia? He is cute, isn't he. And dad did his best work ever on his teeth. He has a smile that goes on for ever. And did you see his hair, so perfect, not like his brother's, all over the place. Not that it was terrible, but, it just wasn't Neville's. Although he did have lovely green eyes. Do you think it time for me to shut up now?" Hermione laughed.
Emma had heard the entire conversation, and promised to talk to Dan, about their daughter. She seemed to be growing up.
A week later, Neville and his entourage returned to the office for Neville's follow up. Once again, Sylvia was gone, and Hermione was filling in for her. As soon as she saw Neville, she got up and went to greet him. Neville held out his hand to her, but, she ignored his hand, and pulled him in for a hug. "Neville, it's so good to see you. How have you been? Has there been any discomfort with your teeth?"
"Hello Hermione, I'm Fine. And there has been no pain what so ever. My mother was thrilled with the work your father did."
"I'm sure he will appreciate hearing that. Let me go see if he is available to see you." She dropped Neville's hand, and it felt to Neville like he lost his very best friend.
Hermione noticed this as well. It disturbed her to be having feeling like this, but, then again, she didn't know any children her age well. The kids at school were mean and cruel to her, just because she liked to read, and excelled in all her studies.
"Dad, Neville is here for his follow up exam, are you ready to see him?"
"Yes sweetheart, but, could you send the family in please."
Hermione went and got the family, taking Neville's hand and walked with him back to her father's office.
"Hello Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, I am Dan Granger. It's nice to meet you both."
"I'm sorry, but, my name is Remus Lupin, and this is Nymphadora Tonks, but, if you wish to survive this meeting, I would call her Tonks. We are watching Neville and Harry for their parents while they are at work. You wished to speak to us?"
"Well I did, until I found out you aren't Neville's parents. It's a personal matter, you see. Emma, my wife, and I are needed for a major emergency, in the Surry. I am sure you heard about the train crash over there, and the need for medical assistance of all fields has been requested. My wife and I have been drafted for this undertaking. We were hoping to ask Neville's parents if they would be willing to watch Hermione for about two weeks. I'm afraid we have no other family members for her to stay, and we don't wish to take her along, as we are expecting some long days. Hermione told us about how she and Neville got along. I could see it during the surgery, as she held his hand for the entire procedure. Sorry, sweetheart, it looks like you will be going with us."
Tonks stepped forward. "Excuse me, but, I think we can watch her for you, and Hermione can stay with me, if she doesn't mind. It may be a little crowded, but, we'll make do, won't we Hermione?"
"Are you sure Miss Tonks? I won't be putting you out?" Hermione asked.
"Not at all, I could use a little female companionship. So when do you have to leave?"
"Tonight, as a matter of fact. They wanted us there tomorrow morning to begin work. Are you sure you want to do this Miss Tonks?"
"It's just Tonks, and yes, I'm sure. We'll be just fine. If you drop her off at our residence, it will work out perfectly, as it is on the route to Surry." Tonks gave Emma the address, and told them they would see her later.
Neville was jumping all over the place, he was so excited. He was going to have company, and she was more than just cute, she was pretty. Harry watched Neville prancing around like he had to go to the bathroom.
He had another four hours to wait until Hermione got there.
Dan and Emma watched as Hermione was fanning herself. She was starting to hyperventilate. They had never seen her so excited. She had never spent the night with anyone. She never had a friend, and no one ever asked for her to stay. All three had just happened, and she went into extreme happy mode. They laughed as they watched Hermione sit down, get up, walk around, sit back down, and then start it all over again. It was going to be a long four hours.
The Grangers finally made it to the Longbottom residence, and met Alice and Frank. They tried to give Frank some money to cover any expenses they might incur while Hermione stayed there, but he refused. Neville was there to show Hermione around. They were going to enjoy this two weeks.