Chapter 157

Life at Hogwarts

Neville sighed as he leant back in his armchair, as he looked at the book he was reading on muggle battles. He was tired of being stuck in the Room of Requirement, but he knew he needed to stay there. With the Carrows wanting him gone, he had to remain there, to protect anyone the Carrows were hunting.

He wasn't alone, of course. At that moment, Cormac was still going to classes, and thanks to the mirrors that Sirius had given to them, they could speak to one another in the evening, giving updates on what was happening.

Parvati had chosen to stay with Neville in the Room of Requirement, and during the days, they'd been getting closer to one another. Yes, they were in a relationship, but he felt safer whenever she was around, and his own skills in duelling and spell casting were improving with Parvati helping to teach him.

"Knut for them?" Parvati's soft voice was like a whisper, and yet filled him with joy, even if he didn't fully understand what she meant.

"For what?" Neville asked. Parvati chuckled softly as she sat on his lap.

"It's based on a muggle saying, Penny for your thoughts. It's an invite to share what's bothering you," Parvati explained.

"That's kind of a weird saying, but okay," Neville replied. "I guess I'm just… a little frustrated, being stuck in here. Thankfully, we've got food coming in, because of Aberforth, but it still feels more like a prison than anything else, and I feel… a little helpless, I guess, because I can't do more."

"Well, we have you to thank for us getting food; we didn't know the Room could actually lead us outside. Look at the group here, all ten of us. You're the reason we're not in Azkaban like Luna is," Parvati pointed out. "You really get the room, Neville, you understand its nuances and temperament, and you've kept us alive. We lost Luna when she was taken on the Hogwarts Express at Christmas, but you've led us perfectly, and you've helped us make sure we keep training and keeping our spirits up. It's natural for you to feel low, but don't feel helpless, because you're the leader we need here."

"I'm lucky to have you here, backing me up," Neville smiled. "I mean, I'd have gone insane if you weren't here."

"I think you'd have done a fine job," Parvati said, before leaning in and pressing her lips to his, smiling as she did. "I love you, Neville Longbottom, and I won't have you beat yourself up for things that aren't in your control."

Neville couldn't help but smile and blush at the same time. "I wish I felt as confident as you make me sound," Neville told her, still smiling.

"You will, in time. Look at how often Lily felt down when she was here, and yet she's out there fighting and you're here, leading the charge from Hogwarts as leader of the Order of the Dragon," Parvati pointed out. "Now, I want you to put that book down and come with me. Seamus and Dean are going to watch the Room tonight, and they know how to make sure none of the Carrow supporters can get in."

"Why? What do you have in mind?" Neville asked.

"That's for me to know and for you to find out," Parvati replied. "But you'll like it."

"You know it's almost ten, right?" Neville asked. Parvati simply smiled, stood up, and reached out her hand, taking Neville's hand in hers. As she led Neville towards the portrait of Ariana Dumbledore, Neville wondered what she had in mind. He knew the Hogs Head was closed for the night; it was Sunday, and Aberforth liked an early night at the weekends, and going to Hogsmeade was impossible with the Dementors nearby, as well as the Death Eaters who now lived in Hogsmeade. Whatever Parvati was planning, however, Neville knew he would like it; after all, it was Parvati planning it, and that was always a good thing.

Seamus grinned as he watched Parvati and Neville head out of the portrait, knowing what Parvati had planned. "Looks like Neville's gonna finally get a little time to relax," Seamus said.

"Merlin knows he deserves it," Dean agreed, smiling. "Man's been taking on the role of Lily with how serious he's been."

"Yeah, but he's doing well, and making sure everyone's safe. You really think we'll be able to get out of here before too long?" Seamus asked.

"Lily's out there. If it wasn't for her, we'd all be doing what Riddle wants. I'm lucky Neville managed to get me in here before the Carrow's came for me," Dean said, sighing. "Let's face it, we've lost a lot this year, but we're still here."

"Yeah, you're not wrong," Padma Patil agreed, having been sitting next to Dean and Seamus. "I know Parvati's only managed to keep positive because of Neville. I wouldn't be surprised if the two of them end up married."

"Aren't we a little young to think about that?" Dean asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Not sure I agree with that. Let's face it, we're not exactly kids anymore, and the last two years have forced us to grow up quicker," Padma pointed out.

"Being friends with Lily made us grow up quickly. Don't get me wrong, I don't blame her, but she's definitely infective with her courage and strength," Dean replied. Padma and Seamus chuckled in agreement.

"If we ever need to find Lily, we just need to get into trouble, and she'll be there, doing the dumb thing and risking her life for us, or for anyone really," Seamus pointed out.

"You're not wrong," Dean agreed. Before he could say anything, one of the House Elves of the castle appeared in the room. Everyone else in the room was asleep, so it wasn't to bring food or anything, which meant it could only be trouble.

"Breya, what's wrong?" Seamus asked. The House Elf looked at them, before she spoke.

"Master Dean, Master Seamus, there's a student in trouble. Miss Sally Anne Perks is being hunted by the Carrows," Breya replied. Seamus immediately grabbed the Marauders Map, opened it and activated it, scanning it quickly.

"There! She's approaching the second floor girl's toilets, where Myrtle's at," Seamus said.

"Breya, get to that toilet, and get Myrtle to help cause a distraction," Dean said.

"On it, Master Dean," Breya replied, disappearing. Thanks to the Carrows, only the House Elves could apparate within the castle, and even then, they couldn't take anyone with them.

"I'll get going as well," Seamus said. Dean nodded as Seamus mentally commanded the door to appear, after making sure the path was clear. As it did, he ran out into the corridor, keeping an eye on the map as he went. Thankfully, given it was late, the corridors were empty, other than a couple of teachers and Prefects, but only the Slytherin Prefects were ones to worry about.

As he passed by the Gryffindor Prefect, Cormac, he stopped. "Cormac, the Carrows are going after Sally Anne," Seamus said. "She's going to the Second Floor Girl's bathroom."

"I'll create a distraction. Get moving," Cormac insisted. Seamus nodded and ran.

Thankfully, it didn't take too long to reach the second floor, and as he did, he stopped, seeing the Carrows on the map outside the girl's bathroom. It was clear Myrtle was helping, since the floor was soaking wet.

Seamus grinned as he pulled out his wand, creating a small box on the floor, before casting a spell at the water, sending a surge of lightning through the water. He didn't make it too powerful; not that he wasn't up for getting rid of the Carrows, but he didn't want to hurt Sally Anne.

He grinned as the Carrows let out a scream of pain, falling to the floor. Seamus then vanished away the water and saw the Carrows were both unconscious. He ran into the bathroom, looking around, seeing Myrtle smiling at Sally Anne, who was standing on the sinks. Seamus knew that the sinks led to the Chamber of Secrets, but thankfully it was sealed, with only a couple of people able to access it.

"Sally, are you okay?" Seamus asked. Sally nodded, smiling as she got off the sinks.

"Thanks Seamus. I'm just glad Breya got to you," Sally said. Seamus nodded.

"We've got maybe a minute before the Carrows wake up. Let's get moving, quickly," Seamus said. "Thanks Myrtle."

"You're welcome," Myrtle smiled.

"You gonna be okay?" Sally asked. Myrtle nodded and fled down the toilet. Seamus grinned as he and Sally ran out of the bathroom, just as the Carrows were moaning and starting to get up.

"Let's get moving, quickly," Seamus said, leading the way down the corridor, as fast as he could go. He cast a spell to block the path behind them, moments before hearing a loud cry of anger. As the two of them managed to reach the next staircase, they heard the sound of an explosion behind them.

"We gonna make it?" Sally asked.

"Yeah, we'll be fine," Seamus promised, as he fired another curse behind him to block the path. As they reached the top of the staircase, a green light shot past their heads, destroying a statue near to them.

"FINNEGAN!" Amycus Carrow shouted out.

"GO TO HELL!" Seamus shouted, sending a curse back, before racing down the corridor. As they did, they saw Dean waiting there. Dean grabbed a small bag, which Seamus knew was Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder, from the Weasleys, and he threw it to Seamus, who then threw it behind him, filling the hall with darkness, just as Sally ran into the Room of Requirement. Dean and Seamus immediately followed, closing the door and mentally blocking it from being accessed by anyone who supported the Carrows, and definitely not the Carrows themselves.

"That was close," Seamus panted, as Sally sat down in a chair. At that point, several of the residents of the Room had woken up and saw Sally. What had amazed Seamus and Dean was how Neville had managed to get the room to give them multiple rooms, including a boy's dorm, a girl's dorm, a bathroom, and even a games room.

"Sally?" Colin Creevey asked, seeing her.

"Hey Colin," Sally smiled at Colin.

"Someone get Sally food and drink, and a bed," Dean said. "She's been through a lot."

"What happened?" Seamus asked, as some of the others ran to do as Dean asked.

"I was sitting in the Common Room when Breya appeared. I think they figured I was behind some of the posters that I've been putting up," Sally said. "I ran, and barely escaped, when Breya appeared outside the Girl's bathroom, telling me to get inside, before she disappeared again. Myrtle was able to create a distraction, then you arrived."

"I'm just glad Breya was able to get to warn you," Dean said, smiling.

"Where's Neville?" Sally asked, looking around.

"On a date. We'll tell him everything when he gets back. He deserves a break," Seamus said. Sally nodded.

"Thank you, both of you," Sally said, hugging both of them, tears flowing gently down her face, thankful that she was safe.

As Neville and Parvati stepped out of the portrait, he smiled, seeing a dining area in the Hogs Head, with Aberforth standing there, along with a House Elf, Mira.

"Welcome to The Hogs Head, where, for one night only, will be host of a romantic meal for you too," Aberforth said.

"Thank you, Aberforth," Parvati smiled at the man. "I really appreciate this."

"Don't get mushy, kid. You've both been doing a lot, and you deserve a bit of a break," Aberforth said. "So, I've got the meal choices sorted, and I'm going to leave you in the hands of Mira, who will bring out each course when needed, and I also got some Muggle drinks for the two of you."

"Thank you, Aberforth. This means a lot to us," Neville smiled.

"Well, enjoy and relax," Aberforth said, heading to the back and going up the stairs. Mira clicked her fingers, with the chairs at the table pulling out. Neville followed Padma to her chair, and when she sat down, he gently pushed it in for her, before taking his seat.

"Such a gentleman," Parvati complimented, smiling as Mira brought the first plates over, which looked, and smelled, amazing.

"First course are Spiced Crab and Prawn cakes," Mira said, as a bottle of fizzy drink appeared on the table, pouring itself into two glasses.

"I remember your mum making these over the summer, I love them," Neville grinned.

"She loves cooking," Parvati replied. "I hope you don't mind; I asked Aberforth to pick the menu."

"Seems like he knows what he's doing," Neville said. "I wish I could have done this with you sooner."

"So do I, but things have been hectic," Parvati pointed out. "Still, Seamus and Dean can handle things tonight."

"It's one night; what's gonna happen?" Neville agreed, chuckling softly as he picked up his glass. "To us, and to love," Neville toasted.

"To us," Parvati agreed. "And definitely to love. I have to admit, when we first started dating in our fourth year, I didn't know we'd end up like this."

"We were kids. Not exactly something kids think of. But you've given me so much strength, Parvati. I feel more confident when you're around, and I can understand what Lily meant when she always said how love gave her the ability to go on, no matter what happened," Neville explained. "I just…" his voice faltered. Somehow, Parvati could tell what was on his mind.

"Your parents?" Parvati asked. Neville nodded.

"Sometimes, I wonder if they'll ever be okay, or if it would have been better if Bellatrix had killed them that day," Neville confessed. Parvati took his hand in hers.

"It's not wrong to think that, because I can see how much it hurts when you see them. They're right there, but at the same time, they're worlds away," Parvati said, her voice sympathetic and kind. "You're so strong, being able to keep going, and being there for them. I think they recognise you, and yet they're trapped. One day, we'll figure out a way to help them."

"How?" Neville asked.

"I don't know, but I'll make sure to keep studying to help you, and when this war's over, I know Lily will help, and so will all the others," Parvati assured him. "Right now, I want to ask you something."

"Anything," Neville agreed. Parvati flashed him a smile.

"Let's say the war ends soon, and we're done with Hogwarts. What do you want to do?" Parvati asked. Neville smiled.

"I've actually been thinking about that a lot," Neville admitted, as romantic music was playing gently in the background. They both began their meal as they spoke. "A part of me wants to keep studying, because I know there's a lot I need to learn, but at the same time, I want to get out in the world, and explore a little, and see what's out there."

"Well, how about we start in India. I've always enjoyed seeing my family over there, and I know it can be crowded, but there's a lot to learn," Parvati suggested.

"You want to go there to see more of your family?" Neville asked. Parvati nodded.

"I guess… this war has kind of made me think a lot about them," she admitted. "I mean, I've not gotten to spend as much time as I'd like there, or with my extended family."

"If there's anyone who can understand that pain, it's me," Neville replied, with a small chuckle. "And if that's what you want to do, then that's what we'll do. You know, if you'll have me with you."

"Of course I will. I love you, Neville Longbottom," Parvati told him, before getting up and kissing him.

As Neville melted into the kiss, he smiled, and as the kiss ended, he cupped her cheek with his hand.

"I love you too, Parvati. I never thought I'd be worthy of love, but I'm glad that I have you," he told her.

"Why did you think that?" Parvati asked, before taking a bite of her food. "This food is amazing."

"I know, right?" Neville agreed, as he took a bite of his meal. "And do you remember my first year? I couldn't really remember much, I ended up hanging from a statue because I couldn't fly properly, and… well, I didn't trust Lily, Ron, and Hermione when they were going to stop Riddle."

"Maybe not, but you got ten points for it, which won us the house cup that year," Parvati pointed out. "You were brave, even then, because you were standing up for what you thought was right. Lily, Ron, and Hermione weren't exactly communicative with the rest of us that year, were they? For all you knew, they were going to break the rules again and lose even more points. That took courage, since you knew they were stronger than you, but still, you did the right thing."

"I never… well, I never really thought of it that way before," Neville admitted, smiling softly at her. "This is why I love you, or one of the reasons anyway. I mean, you always know how to make me feel better about myself."

"Well, someone has to. You've always been too hard on yourself. When you first asked me to the Yule Ball, I knew I wanted to spend time with you, but I wasn't sure if it would be in a romantic way, but here we are, and I love being near you. You make me feel seen, and for a twin, that's not easy to do. I mean, Fred and George made it look easy, but they were both lively. Padma and I weren't exactly popular, but between us, we knew we'd have to do something to set ourselves apart," Parvati explained.

"I think that's something everyone has to deal with. I mean, look at Ron. He felt he needed to be his own man, and when he helped defeat the Basilisk, getting the Order of Merlin First Class, he did it. Now, you've done something amazing, you've been leading the Order of the Dragon here, and making sure that the students have ways to stay safe. You've faced down the Carrows, you even taunted them. That took guts. I know we're practically in jail, stuck in the Room of Requirement, but we could have left at any time, but you've not even considered that, have you?" Parvati asked.

"It's not an option, not as long as people need help," Neville confirmed.

"Even though you've given the school everything?" Parvati asked.

"Not everything," Neville replied. "Not yet."

"And that's why I believe in you, why I love you, and why you're stronger than you realise," Parvati told him. Neville smiled at her.

"Thank you," Neville said. "And I love you, for your heart, your soul, for the kindness you show, the strength you give me, all of it, and I'm glad we're here together."

"So am I," Parvati said, as they continued their meal.

As Neville stepped out of the portrait back into the Room of Requirement, he frowned, seeing Sally there with Dean and Seamus. "Sally?" Neville asked.

"Hey Neville," Sally smiled weakly. It looked like she'd been crying.

"What happened?" Parvati asked.

"The Carrows came for her. Don't worry, we handled it. And don't you dare feel guilty about having a night to relax," Dean said.

"Me and my big mouth," Neville muttered, rolling his eyes. He looked at the others. "I said that there wasn't anything going to happen just for one night," he explained.

"Yeah, it wasn't really expected," Seamus replied. "But like I said, we handled it."

"They were brilliant," Sally said. "I've just been… well, trying to contact my parents. I've not been able to."

"You think they're in danger?" Neville asked. Sally nodded, just as Fawkes appeared, with a note. Neville took the note, smiling.

"Sally, it's okay. Minister Scrimgeour has had people keep an eye on anyone who's in Hogwarts and part of the Order of the Dragon. Your parents are safe," Neville said, handing the letter to Sally, who broke into tears again, this time tears of happiness.

"He really thought of that?" Dean asked.

"No, I did, back when I first came back. I was able to communicate with him, and I asked him to have people keep an eye on people's families. I knew there'd be a risk, so I figured I'd make sure to have backup plans," Neville replied. Sally got up, and flung herself on Neville, hugging him.

"T…thank you," Sally sobbed. Neville patted her back, nodding as he shared a look with Parvati. Despite the victory of saving Sally and her family tonight, he knew things were going to get much worse before they got better.