Written for the Quidditch League Round 13: Spreading the love (Neville/Hannah)
Days of Our Lives
1stSeptember 1991
He would find him. He had to. Merlin, what was he going to tell Gran? She was already annoyed at him for losing Trevor on the platform, what would she say if he had to write to her and say he'd lost him again, only an hour later? Maybe he didn't have to tell her. Maybe something could happen to him during the year…No. No, he couldn't lie to Gran. He'd find Trevor, he just had to.
By this time he had scoured almost every carriage in his half of the train. He guessed that there was a chance that Hermione girl had already found him, but she seemed like the type that would rush straight to him if she did. Just as he was about to enter the final carriage, a pretty girl with blonde pigtails opened the door and exited the carriage, her hands cupped over something. From the black tie she wore and nervous smile, he could tell she was a first year like him.
"Hi. Do you know if anyone has lost a toad? This one turned up in our compartment."
"Yes. Yes, I mean, he's mine. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I'm Hannah, by the way, Hannah Abbott."
"Neville Longbottom. And this is Trevor. Thanks again for finding him. Umm, good luck with your Sorting and everything."
"Yeah, you too. Bye Neville."
1stSeptember 1995
Hannah was racing across the platform trying to find her best friend, Susan Bones, when she suddenly collided with something – or rather, someone.
"Oof. Oh, I am so sorry, I wasn't looking. Are you ok?"
"Yeah, yeah I'm fine. Are you ok?"
"Yep, all good. I'm so sorry."
"It's fine, really. Anyway, how are you Hannah?"
"I'm fine…Wait, Neville? Oh Merlin, I am so sorry! I didn't recognise you for a minute."
"That's ok. Did you have a good summer?"
"Yeah, it wasn't too bad. Nothing really exciting happened. You?"
"Oi Hannah! You'll miss the train if you don't hurry up!"
"Oh Neville, I'm sorry. Continue this later, yeah? Coming Susan!"
Neville watched her go was a wistful look on his face. There was no way a pretty, smart girl like Hannah would ever notice a shy, bumbling boy like him. But he could hope, couldn't he?
"Bye Hannah."
1stSeptember 1996
"Umm, hi Neville."
"Oh, hi Hannah. Sorry, I haven't seen Susan."
"Oh no, I've already seen her. I came to see you, actually."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I didn't really get the chance to speak to you at the end of last year. I just wanted to make sure you were ok after all that stuff in the Ministry. I think you were really brave to go with Harry."
"Gosh, umm, thanks Hannah. Really. I'm fine, it was weird at first, to have Gran tell me how proud she was of me and how like my father I'm becoming, but it was kinda nice to. And I have a wand of my own now!"
"Oh wow, that's really cool Neville. Hey, so you reckon the DA will keep going?"
"I don't know. I hope so, it really helped a lot of people."
"Yeah. I know I wouldn't have passed my OWL without it. But umm…"
"Yes?"
"Well, even if it doesn't, we can still be friends right?"
"Of course. Yeah, I'd like that."
"Ok, cool. Yeah, so, umm, I should be getting back to Susan."
"Right, of course. I'll see you later then Hannah."
"Yeah, see you later."
1stSeptember 1998
"It's weird isn't it, to be going back? I mean, after everything that's happened."
"Yeah, and I'm not even going back as a student!"
"Oh yes, I guess I should be calling you Professor Longbottom now shouldn't I?"
"Oh, please don't. That's just so weird. Professor Longbottom. Merlin, what has the world come to!"
"Something much better than it was."
"Yes, I guess you're right. No, I know you're right."
"Of course I am."
"Now now, don't be cheeky to your Professor Miss Abbott."
"Yes Sir!"
"Anyway, speaking of Professor, I should be getting to Hogwarts to get ready. It just felt wrong not seeing all you guys onto the train."
"Yeah, it was nice. Maybe you should go and console Ron and Harry before you go. They seem pretty lost."
"That's a good idea. Well, enjoy the ride and the feast Hannah. I guess I'll see you in Herbology."
"I guess you're right. See you Professor!"
1stSeptember 2000
"Isn't it great, seeing them so happy? Especially Harry."
"Yeah, I don't think I've ever seen him this relaxed. Hermione too. She was always so uptight when we were younger, and then she had so much to do in the war she didn't have time to relax."
"And Ron and Ginny. They didn't exactly have it easy either. I remember Ginny in that last year of the war. She missed them all so much, but she never gave up. Without her, and you and Luna, there probably would have been more fatalities in that school."
"Yeah, well, we did what we could. You didn't just sit back and watch either."
"As you said, we all did what we could. And that's all that matters. Anyway, how did you manage to get today off?"
"The students don't get there until dinner, and since there isn't any classes or anything, and I'm not Head of House, I don't really need to be there. Besides, I think you'll find most of the Professors have been here at one point or another."
"True. I think I spotted McGonagall and Flitwick dancing before. It was a little off-putting to be honest."
"Yeah, they're good fun to be around, once you get past McGonagall's stern exterior."
"Oh, I'm sure. We saw a bit of that side of her throughout school, on the rare occasions she let herself show just how much she liked us."
"Oh yes, not favouritism there. Or at least, none she wants us to know about. Anyway Hannah, I was wondering…"
"Yes Neville?"
"Well, you aren't my student anymore. Haven't been for a year actually. And you seem settled in at the Leaky and well…"
"Yes?"
"Wouldyouliketohavelunchwithmesometime?"
"I'm sorry, what was that?"
"Would you like to have lunch with me sometime?"
"Like a date?"
"Yeah! I mean, if that's what you want?"
"Yes, I want that. I want that very much."
"Great. This Saturday? I don't need to do anything at the school."
"Saturday would be lovely."
"Great. Yeah, great."
1stSeptember 2002
"Ok, I've packed you lunch, even though I know the House Elves are more than up to it, so you can have something from home. And your new robes are all ironed and folded, and – mhf!"
"Hannah, calm down. This is my fifth year as a Professor, I can handle it."
"I know. But it's the first September 1st since we were married. And I know it really isn't that different from the last nine months, but it's a special day and…Oh, I don't know. You haven't stayed overnight before."
"I know. But it's only tonight, then I'll be back. And then I won't have to stay away until next September 1st."
"On one hand I understand why you all stay there the first night, but on the other hand I don't. Surely your absence after curfew is not going to send the school into riots?"
"Probably not, but you know McGonagall."
"Yeah, I know. I'm just being silly. And it's not like I'll be alone, goodness knows I'll have plenty of business from all the childless parents coming to either celebrate or commiserate."
"Yes, that makes me feel a little better. Anyway, I should go Han. I love you."
"Yeah, I love you too. Enjoy the Feast, and I'll see you tomorrow night."
1stSeptember 2004
"Now, are you absolutely sure you'll be ok until I get back? I'm sure McGonagall wouldn't mind if I came home tonight, given the circumstances."
"Nev, Frank's almost six months old, not a newborn. And even if he was, I'd manage. And anyway, what use are you going to be when it comes for the midnight feed? Honestly, I think it would do you good to get out of the house for the night. I love you, but you've gone all baby mad the last few months."
"Can I help it? And besides, you're pretty besotted with him yourself."
"True. And you know I'll miss you. But I'll be fine. And if I have trouble, I'll get my Mum or Augusta. And then I'll Floo you. I promise."
"Ok. As long as you're sure."
"Positive. Now go."
"I love you. And you too Frankie. Be good for Mummy."
"Say bye-bye to Daddy Frank. Bye Nev, I love you."
1stSeptember 2008
"Now are you –"
"Sure I'll be ok? Yes. Just like I was four years ago."
"But there's three of them now. And Tim and Allie are younger than Frank was."
"By two months. Besides, Ginny and Hermione are coming around with their kids this afternoon. Frank can play with James, Al and Rose and the babies can kick around on the floor together while we catch up. I'll be fine."
"Ok, ok. I know, I just can' help but worry."
"I know, and I love you for it. But you've got students to go get ready for. You've sorely neglected planning this summer."
"I know. Ok, coat, briefcase, this toy needs to stay here."
"You're lunch is in your briefcase as usual. Say bye to Daddy Frank."
"Bye Daddy!"
"Seeya buddy. Bye Tim, bye Allie."
"Bye Neville, I love you."
"Love you too Han."
1stSeptember 2009
"Ok, Allie and Tim are both down for their naps. I reckon Frank will crash soon too. I have to go, I need to check on a couple of plants before the Feast."
"What, no 'are you sure you're going to be ok'?"
"Very funny. No, I know you can handle it. You've proven that over and over. Besides, I promised Teddy I'd be in a very specific seat at the Feast so he could fine me. Which means I need to get there early, which means I need to get my work done quickly."
"I can't believe the first of the post-war babies are beginning Hogwarts, let alone Teddy. It seems like only yesterday Harry introduced me to him. And it does not feel like eleven years since the war ended."
"I know, doesn't it make you feel old?!"
"I am not old Neville Frank Longbottom! I am twenty-nine, thank you very much."
"I know, I know. I was just teasing Han."
"I know. So was I."
"Oh you are such a witch!"
"Yes, and a very good one so I'm told."
"Why did I marry you again?"
"Because you love me."
"True. And on that note, I should leave. Love you Hannah."
"Love you too Nev. Say hi to Teddy for me."
1stSeptember 2015
"Timothy Neville Longbottom! Stop teasing your sister and get down here. We need to take Frank to the Hogwarts Express."
"I still can't believe he's going to Hogwarts already. Wasn't it just yesterday that the nurse was handing me this tiny blue bundle and telling me I had a healthy baby boy?"
"I know. But he is eleven, and we are seeing him off in an hour. Are you sure you're going to be ok? At least I get to see him at school."
"I'm sure I'll be alright. I still have Tim and Allie. It'll take some getting used to though."
"You'll get through it, I know you will."
"Thanks Nev. Alice! Timothy! You're going to make your brother late!"
September 1st2019
"Neville?"
"Yes Hannah?"
"Why didn't I become a Professor?"
"Because you preferred the variety of people at the Leaky to a bunch of troublesome teenagers. Why the sudden second guessing?"
"Because if I was a Professor, then I could see the kids at school each day, instead of being left behind here."
"Oh, Han."
"What am I going to do now? I've had at least one child at home for the past fifteen years, and now both of my babies are leaving me at once."
"You'll find something to do Han. Merlin knows the Leaky keeps you busy enough. And enough kids come through to give you someone to fuss over. And I'll be home every night."
"I know. I guess it'll be like when Frank went. Really hard at first, by I'll get used to it. At least you and I will get some time to ourselves now."
"Yes, a definite upside there."
"Nev?"
"Yes Han?"
"I love you."
"I love you too."
1stSeptember 2022
"Now, your lunch is packed as usual. And I've put something in there for Frank as well. Can you make sure he eats it? And make sure he comes home for dinner on Saturday. I'm worried that he will work too much."
"Hannah, Frank will be fine. He's a smart young man, he won't let himself work too hard. Plus there's no way Professor Flips would let him. He's relying too much on Frank taking over entirely in a few years, he won't let him burn out in the first year of his traineeship."
"I guess you're right. It's just strange, sending my son off for work. If I thought sending him to Hogwarts for the first time was hard, it's nothing compared to this. And I don't even know why."
"Because it's a sign he's growing up. I know, I feel it too. But he'll be fine, and so will we, I promise."
"Yeah, I know. I wonder what the other two will end up doing."
"I don't know. They won't really need to start thinking about it until next year, when it comes to OWLs and choosing NEWT subjects."
"Yeah, I guess we don't need to worry about them for the time being. Well, you and Frank had better be off. I love you, and I'll see you tomorrow night."
"I love you too Hannah. I'll see you tomorrow night, with all the news from Frank's first day."
1stSeptember 2025
"I can't believe this is our last 1st of September as parents of Hogwarts students."
"I know. It's hard to believe that clumsy little Alice is a beautiful, poised young woman and tiny, shy Timothy is all grown up and only a year away from Auror training."
"Not forgetting quiet, introverted Frank is married."
"Oh no, I couldn't forget that! Oh, I wonder how Molly is going today. I remember what I was like the first 1st of September after we were married. And they haven't even been married a month yet."
"I guess it helps that she's working with Madam Pomfrey, so it's not like they'll be far away from each other. I believe they have accepted quarters at the school actually."
"Oh, that's good. You'll be sure to invite them for Saturday dinner won't you?"
"Yes Han, just like every other Saturday since Frank started working at Hogwarts."
"Oh stop it, you tease me about that almost every week. It's my job as his mother to fuss, ok? And that includes making sure he remembers to invitation each week."
"I know he appreciates it Hannah, don't worry. Now, I should be going. And so should you, if the sound downstairs is anything to go by."
"Yes, the pub is always quite busy on the 1st of September. Although that sounds noisier than usual."
"Probably all the Weasley-Potters. Lily and Hugo are the only two left you know."
"Oh wow, I'd forgotten that. Anyway, off with you! Love you!"
September 1st2027
"Hannah?"
"Yes?"
"I need to leave now."
"But it's much earlier than usual. Anything wrong?"
"No, not really. I just want to make sure Frank isn't freaking out again."
"Of course. Between starting as the only Potions Professor for the first time and the twins due next week he'll be in a right state I expect."
"Yes. I'm sure Molly will have him under control, but I feel like I should check on him before the Feast. I remember both feelings, and I imagine the combination is less than pleasant."
"Give them both my love. And make sure you let me know if there's anything I can do for Molly. I know Audrey is available too, but my hours are more flexible during the day and – "
"Hannah, you had this discussion months ago, and she knows. Really, some days I think you're more in a dither about it than Frank and Molly are."
"They're our first grandbabies!"
"I know, I know. And I really must go. I love you Hannah."
"I love you too Neville. Enjoy the first day of school."
1stSeptember 2035
"I can't do this. Why in Merlin's name was I chosen for this? I'll mess up. All the students will hate me. All the Professors will- "
"Neville! Calm down! Of course you can do this. You've been teaching since the end of the war, the Head of Gryffindor for twenty-five years and Deputy Head for three. You are more than capable of doing this. That's why you were chosen."
"But Headmaster! I'm no Dumbledore or McGonagall Hannah."
"But you don't have to be. Don't you see, this is your chance to make your mark. To shape the lives of these kids just like Dumbledore and McGonagall did for us. These kids don't want you to try and be previous Headmaster or Headmistresses, they just want you. And I'll be right there with you."
"Thank you for that by the way. Are you absolutely sure you want to do it?"
"Neville, Alice is more than capable of running the Leaky on her own. Plus I retired three months ago when you were appointed. Now isn't really the time for this discussion."
"Yes but, well it's a big move for you. Leaving the home you've lived in for thirty-four years to live in tiny quarters in a school."
"For one, they aren't tiny. I was actually surprised they were so large. And two, it makes sense Nev. You need to be here all day, every day. Even more than when you were Head of House. And know Allie and Hugo can move into that flat so she's closer to the boys when she's at work. Really, it's best for everyone. Besides, you really think I'd let you do this on your own?"
"I really do love you Han."
"I know. And I really do love you too Nev."
"I know."
A/N. Ok, I feel super bad for neglecting this. But only a month left of uni, and then off until March! Yay! So thank you so much for your patience, hopefully I can update a lot more regularly soon. NG