"Morning, Neville," said Flitiwck on Monday morning. "How are you,"

"I'm terrific," said Neville.

"Why are you so chipper this morning?" asked Evan.

"Seriously, mate," said, Seamus, "You know exactly why- he is in love with Ellie."

"Yes, it's official," said Flitwick, "You are off the market."

"Who's off the market?" asked McGonagall.

"Neville," said Flitwick.

"What a sad day for single witches," said Seamus.

"Really," said McGonagall. "I think it is a good thing. I like Ellie."

Suddenly, owls rushed in with the morning mail. A brown owl dropped the Daily Prophet in front of Flitwick.

"Let's see what's going on in the world this morning," said Flitwick. "Neville, you made the paper."

"What do you mean?"

"They took some photos of the dance. See, you and Ellie are right there, behind McGonagall with Alice Shacklebolt."

"At least it's a good picture," said Neville.

As they were chatting, a brown barred owl landed in front of Neville.

"That's a Ministry owl," said Evan.

"Neville, what did you do? asked Seamus.

Dear Professor Neville Longbottom,

It has come to our attention that, on the night of 31 October, you willingly brought a muggle into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Hogwarts is classified as a Secure Magical Stronghold and bringing non-magical human into a Stronghold constitutes breaking the Statute of Secrecy, paragraph 3 section 1. The punishment for breaking the Statute of Secrecy is a fine of 6000 Galleons, up to 90 hours service to the Ministry, or 60 days in custody. The muggles memory may be wiped.

You are hereby summoned to appear before a judge at 11:00 on 15 November, Department of Magical-Muggle relations, Ministry of Magic in London. You and the muggle in question must appear. You have the right to retain counsel and to provide any witnesses or information in your own defense.

Alistair Soames, Permanent Secretary, Muggle-Magical Relations.

"Merlin's beard," said Evan.

"What the hell?" exclaimed Seamus.

"Bloody hell," said Flitwick.

"Filius, what have I told you about swearing in earshot of students?" said McGonagall.

"Please, Minerva, you know they say far worse, plus, this time it is justified."

"The Ministry is trying to nail Neville for breaking the Statute of Secrecy," said Evan. "They are ready to drag him to London and wipe Ellie's memory."

"Let me see the letter," said McGonagall.

"I didn't break the Statute because Ellie already knew about Hogwarts and the magical world. Heck, half her family is magical."

"Yes, didn't they help rebuild Hogwarts?" said Evan.

"Yes, they did," said McGonagall. "However, there are those in the Ministry who still believe that muggle and magical shouldn't mix."

"I don't give a damn what they think. If they think they can scare me, they are wrong. If they come after Ellie, they are going to be in big trouble."

"You're going to need help," said Flitwick. "And an attorney. Seamus, isn't your brother one?"

"He is, but he's in Australia."

"I'll call Archie Flint," said McGonagall, "He's the Hogwarts counsel."

"You might also want to check with Harry and Ron," said Seamus. "It might not be their department, but I bet they'd be willing to help."

"Good idea," said Flitwick.

"Evan, can you take my dorm duty tonight. I'll take all of yours next month. I don't want to leave Ellie alone."

"I'm sure they wouldn't do anything before the hearing," said Flitwick.

"Then you have a lot more trust in the Ministry than I do," said Neville. "I'm not risking her getting a confundus charm or oblivated. I'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. I'll make sure someone is there with her until the hearing. I'll move her up here if I must."

"Calm down, man," said Evan. "I'll get in touch with my brother. He's a lawyer. He's got contacts at the ministry. You tell Rosmerta what is going on."

"Where does she teach?" asked Flitwick.

"Oak Grove Primary," said Neville. "It's a muggle school."

"I doubt the Ministry would show up there," said Seamus. "Doesn't Colin Creevey live there?"

"Yes, his kids go to Oak Grove," said Neville.

"Call him. Between us we should be able to keep Ellie safe," said Seamus.

"Not just Ellie," said Evan. "You. You are the one accused of Breaking the Statute, not Ellie. So, it's your neck on the line, too."

"Don't worry, son," said Flitwick. "We've got this."