Ron's entire family adopted Harry in five seconds, so Cassius did the same to Neville. Like attracts like.

"... and Mr. Longbottom, a wand has to be bound to the master, not just picked up at random. Your father's wand cannot bind to you if he is still alive, and even then it might be a poor match." Ollivander said to Neville, who nodded stoically. He leaned into Cassius, who smiled at him radiantly.

"I understand, but this was my Gran's choice, not mine." He felt more confident with Cassius nearby, the simple fact of someone having faith in him was... everything to Neville.

His Gran, who was nearby, sniffed petulantly. Cassius glared at her, not at all intimidated by her. "Ma'am, maybe you should listen to him, so you do not sabotage the poor boy anymore than you have?"

She glared. "Sabotage?"

"You allowed his uncle to nearly drown him and toss him out of a window to force magic out of him. I think that counts."

Sprout, who was with them, gasped. "Augusta, is that true?"

The Powerful Longbottom matriarch recoiled at the eyes on her. "My brother in law was... yes, but I will deal with it." She looked down, seemingly ashamed.

Cassius sneered at her. "Who cares if he was all muggle, he is still a person and deserves to be treated as such."

She nodded. "I am aware, and I am sorry Neville. I truly aim... I was too afraid you would not follow in your father's footsteps. I allowed my pride to act over my duty to you as your caretaker and family."

Neville wanted to scream at her, knowing how poorly he was treated for his entire life, but this was not the place and he was not so bold yet. "I... It's... just don't do it again... please?"

She nodded. "I won't... now go get your wand, I want to talk to your young friend."

Neville gave a look to the fearless Cassius who smiled at him with the warm of a thousand suns, before he hurried over to go get his wand.

::

"Thank you." Augusta told Cassius as soon as Neville went over. "For caring for him, for catching my mistakes so early."

The boy smiled, only it was a cold smile. "I am allergic to abuse and neglect, so it was easy to catch." She cringed, knowing he was right. "I won't tolerate it from anyone, let alone my only friend's family."

She smiled back, this one kind and warm. "He deserves you, to care for him as you have."

"He really does."

She sighed. "You are a muggleborn, right?" He nodded. "If I were you, and you wish to continue your path of fighting injustice, I would learn wards. I will buy you some tomes on the subject, as a thank you. Protect your room and possessions. People, purebloods, will not always tolerate your attitude. I would do all I could to ensure your protection."

"That I can appreciate, thank you."

She smiled more grimly. "I owe you, sweet boy, this is a small part of my repayment. All I can do for now..."

"I got my wand!:" Neville said, rushing over. "Cherry and Unicorn hair!" Neville smiled radiantly, looking happier than ever. "It feels like a real wand, so alive."

Cassius hugged Neville hard. "I am happy for you."

Augusta nodded, "As am I... I hope you master many spells through it." her words were awkward and tight, but there was a clear dose of love there."

Sprout clapped. "Back to Hogwarts!"

"Oh, first I owe these two some new books... a gift for Cassius for helping Neville."

"Oh yes, that would be alright."

And soon they were back at the gates of Hogwarts, with new books and wand in hand, with Augusta looking at the boys. "If you ever need my help, please, do not hesitate to summon me. Either of you... Cassius, I mean it."

He smiled at her, appreciating her attempts." I will keep that in mind."

She nodded once more before walking away, back out of the school to where she could apporate away.

Cassius turned to Neville. "Let's go spell our stuff then practice some spells. After that a walk around the lake sounds lovely."

Neville nodded, beaming. "I can't wait to test out my new wand!"

As it turned out, Neville was a natural with magic. With his practiced hand, he could make the spells work easily and soon both of their trunks and beds were covered in the spells that Augusta had them buy. Simple wards that would scream if tampered with and would shock thieves.

Nothing could have made them happier. As they later walked around the lake, Cassius started to show Neville some breathing exercises after the topic of flying lessons came up. "I used to be really anxious, an old caretaker showed me some breathing exercises. It really helps, and I think it will help you with flying."

Neville ate up the lesson, trying out the breathing tips. "If it helps, I will happily learn it."

"Awesome. I am just as nervous as you are about flying but it really should be ok, you're pretty amazing, if you just focus and breathe you shoudl be fine."

Neville giggled. "I hope so... I just wanna manage without hurting myself. That would be my victory."

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This was a lot of fun to write.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.