"Plants and Potions" ~ Neville x Reader x Snape

Back To Hogwarts

 I was watching the leaves fall outside. August. August 31st. I only knew that date because today was a week before we'd go back to Hogwarts. Four days before we get supplies. Seven days before I can leave this wretched place.

"I've told you, you don't make the rules in the house, I do. I'm only doing it for your safety, [fathers name]." Her voice was saying. My mother. We were having a family dinner and something set them off. Again.

"Don't act like you're perfect. Just because you... have your stupid little magic tricks-"
"I'm done eating." I mumbled, standing up with my plate. Neither of them noticed as I departed. I set my dish in the sink, looking out the window. The Newspapers here. Curious.
I hesitated, looking to make sure my parents were busy. I knew the paper shouldn't be here. Not this late.

The two were still arguing. I've learned to tune it out. I walked towards the front door, the breeze hitting me. I inhaled with a faint shake, shivering at the sudden cold. I stepped outside, instantly regretting the decision. I stepped on a stick, a sharp one.

I watched my step from then on as I made my way towards the street, where the paper was. I bent down to pick up the paper. As I stood up, I noticed a man on the front page, appearing disheveled and mad.

"Prisoner Escaped From Azkaban. Be Warned!"
Oh boy. I never saw the Prophet outside of school. I looked around, but no one else had the paper. I looked at the small note I only just noticed sticking out of the middle of the paper.
"Be safe. - T.D." It was from Tracey. Of course, she must've seen this and sent it to the rest of our group. She wasn't much of a worrier, but people can change, I suppose.

I walked inside, ignoring the voices as I went upstairs to my room. If the guy wasn't mad, I'd say he could've been handsome. Then again, I wouldn't be very attractive screaming to be set free either. I sat on my bed, leaning back until I was facing the ceiling with my body. I set the newspaper aside. I felt more empty, somehow, at home. I couldn't wait to get on the train.

I felt my eyes slip closed into a dreamless sleep. And then... It was quiet.

...

"Y/n!!!"

I felt someone yank on the back of my shirt. I was startled, for sure, but realized it was just Tracey after turning around.
"Damn it, Tracey, couldn't you be any less excited?" I asked, trying to be irritable, but seeing her made me happier. It meant I was finally going to go home, or what felt like home, at least. I saw Daphne just behind her, looking more quiet, but with that small little smile she always had. She was always so pretty without trying, it'd almost make me jealous. But I promised this year to stop being jealous of her.

"Where's Mariah?" I asked, looking around.
"Ollivander's. She broke her wand last year, remember?"
"Oh, right.." I hadn't remembered. She seemed to go through a wand every few years, I really didn't understand it.

"She'll catch up soon."
I only nodded in response.

The three of us walked to the book shop, got our textbooks, thankful to not pay the hideous prices that last year had with the Lockhart situation. We then got our robes fitted, and then, as we passed the pet store, I held up a hand to stop them.
I walked in, seeing an array of animals. Owls, birds, cats, mice. Everything. I saw Alexis looking at the felines, and understood why I hadn't seen her. An owl caught my eye. I could use one...

I walked out of the store twenty minutes later with Alexis, a brown overlarge owl, and a cat that was, in a simple matter, a furry boulder. She seemed happy with it, at least. She started talking with Mariah as I talked with Tracey and Daphne.