Neville woke up smiling. Ellie's head was on his chest, and he didn't want to move. In all his life, he'd never felt this level of happiness and contentment. He felt safe- he hadn't felt safe in years, or really ever. Hogwarts wasn't as safe as many believed it to be. He'd figured that out his first year and things had gotten progressively worse- half his class had scars from Umbridge, and his seventh year had culminated in an actual battle. But here, holding Ellie, he is safe. Once again, he finds himself closing his eyes and trying to memorize the feeling so he can hold onto this memory forever. In the midst of his thoughts, Ginger jumps on the bed, demanding to be taken out.

"Ginger," said Ellie, "do you have to jump on the bed?"

"I'll bet she wants to be taken out. I'll do it," said Neville.

"If you take her out, I'll get started on breakfast. The clothes you wore are in the bottom drawer."

Neville quickly dressed and walked out the door with Ginger.

"Good morning, Neville," called Tim, Rosmerta's husband.

"Fancy seeing you here. Did you and Ellie have a good time last night at the ball?"

"Yes. It was amazing."

"It looks like you two are pretty serious,"

"Yeah, we are. I love her."

"Don't break her heart," said Tim.

"I'm not about to. Why does everyone think that I will? I have no intention of breaking her heart. I have every intention of building a life together, if all goes well."

"Good, she's a nice girl and she deserves someone wonderful. Just be careful- there are some who still don't accept muggle-magical marriage."

"I know, but it is none of their business. And I haven't proposed or anything- we've only been dating a few months."

"It doesn't matter," said Tim, "you should know that gossip spreads like wildfire. Some will think another good wizard has fallen for a muggle. Or at least, that is what Alex Jenkins said to Rosmerta last night."

"How many whiskeys has she had? You should know not to trust her," said Neville.

"I don't," said Tim. "I'm not worried about that aspect of things. I only want Ellie to be happy. No, it is others that you must worry about."

"Great," said Neville.

"You'll be just fine. You treat Ellie right and you will be fine. She said you are coming home for Christmas."

"Yes, she invited me. Why are you smiling like that?"

"Because navigating the wizarding world is easy compared to dealing with the Banks-Bell clan," said Tim.

"Tim," called Rosmerta,

"I'd better go and help her. Cheers, mate."

Neville walked back up the stairs.

Alex and Janet Gaunt sat down to breakfast at the Three Broomsticks. Alex caught a glimpse of Neville chatting to Rosmerta's husband.

"Look who is doing the walk of shame," said Alex.

"Why am I not surprised? He and that muggle girl seemed pretty close last night," said Janet. "Still, I hate to see another wizard fall for a muggle. You know you could get him on bringing a muggle in Hogwarts."

"I could," said Alex, "but I don't know if it that is the right call."

"If you don't do it, I will. I'm tired of seeing muggles snatch up our good men."

"Why are you so bent out of shape over Neville? He's smart, and he's turned into a decent looking man, but I certainly don't want him," said Alex.

"I just can't believe he had the nerve to bring a girl who was clearly muggle born and raised into the biggest magical institution in Britain. He clearly broke the statute; I already sent an owl to Alistair Soames early this morning."

"You reported him," said Alex, slightly horrified.

"I didn't have to," said Janet, "take a look at this morning's paper. She's right there in the background behind you, McGonagall, and Alice Shacklebolt. It won't be long before the world realizes that she is a muggle."

"Great, you do know I'll probably get dragged into this," said Alex.

"I know. I'm counting on you to do the right thing."

"What is right thing? I don't really care who Neville dates. Ellie was actually quite pleasant and she's an heiress to hotel chain."

"Really," said Janet, "you said she was a primary school teacher."

"I think she is. She's probably taking a few years away from the company or something. Why does this matter so much?"

"It matters because I am sick and tired of seeing good eligible witches and wizards, throw themselves away on muggles, especially when our population is dwindling."

"Are you sure this has nothing to with the fact that Philip ran off with a muggle,"

"Of course not," said Janet.

"What smells so good," asked Neville, when he returned to the apartment.

"Bacon," said Ellie. "I've got scrambled eggs and I'm heating up some beans."

"Awesome," said Neville. "I ran into your uncle."

"What did he say?"

"He threatened to come after me if I broke your heart," said Neville, he put his arms around Ellie from behind.

"Flitwick threatened me with the same yesterday," She turned her head and Neville kissed her. Her mouth yielded to his. Then the sounds of beans nearly boiling over brought them back to reality.

"He also said something about Alex Jenkins. Though why she cares who I'm dating is a complete mystery. She never even gave me the time of day while we were in school."

"She certainly seemed to figure out that I wasn't a witch trained in Ireland. Could she do anything that causes you trouble?"

"I don't know. I guess she could report me for breaking the Statute of Secrecy, but it won't hold up. They can haul me up on charges if they want, but I don't care. She might have friends in the Ministry, but so do I. I know one thing for sure.

"And what is that?" said Ellie.

"I love you, Ellie Banks. I'm not going anywhere." Then he bent his head and kissed her once more."