Neville Longbottom- The Boy Who Lived

Today's the Day

Chapter 3- It was Never Meant to Be.

Alice Longbottom's POV

(31 July 1980)

My beautiful baby, holding him in my arms, it is the best feeling in the world. Especially after the pain of bringing him into this world. Especially after 9 months of waiting for his arrival. Especially, and most importantly, in the light of the times. He is a little spark for our future. And finally, I am holding my beautiful baby boy. Neville Frank Longbottom. My own personal ball of happiness during the wrath of Lord Voldemort. I can tell, just by looking at him, that he will be a fighter, he will do us proud, even replace us one day. Join us in our attempts to overthrow Lord Voldemort. He has small tufts of dark brown hair, a trait from his father. My husband. Neville's hazel eyes stared into mine, they sparkled in the light. I realise now that they are an exact replica of mine. I hope he looks like his father. Strong, black hair, happy. But clearly he will have me in him. He starts to cry, so I start to slowly rock him from side to side. His father will be home soon, I am on maternity leave, but seeing as he is Frank Longbottom, one of the best aurors at the moment, he can't take many days off. He is aware that Neville is now in the world, but couldn't get home. He said he will be home as soon as he can.

Whilst feeding Neville, there is a knock at my front door. I find this quite odd as I am only expecting Frank, so why would he knock? I stride carefully towards the door, holding Neville securely in my arms. Just before my hand touches the handle, I yank it back. I forgot the security measures!

"State your name." I call through the door, to the silhouette on the other side. A gentle voice called back,

"It is I, Albus Dumbledore." Ah, thats why I recognise his voice! One thing left before I open my door to him.

"During your transfiguration classes, what was the first item I successfully transfigured?" I asked, checking that this was the real Albus Dumbledore, only him would know the answer to my question.

"You transfigured a hedgehog to a pin cushion. The pins on your cushion were a bright red." I opened the door to the real Albus Dumbledore.

"Sorry Albus, just precautions." I said, not slightly embarressed at my actions, and I knew he wouldn't mind.

"No worries Alice, I understand." He looked at Neville in my arm, whilst using the other to show him into the living room. "I see this is your new baby..."

"Neville Frank Longbottom."

"Congratulations!" Dumbledore cried, his usual happiness shining through his aged face. Then, a total surprise, he pulled a small present and card out of his robes. "Here you go Alice, to happiness." He said as he handed me the delicately wrapped gift. It brought tears to my eyes.

"Albus," I sniffed, "You shouldn't have, you are too kind." I finished with a smile.

"It was nothing dear, as I said earlier, congratulations." I gave him a watery smile, drew my wand out of my own robes, summoned two glasses and a bottle of wine as a celebration. I placed Neville in his cot, and sat down in the purple armchair opposite the one Albus had sat in, the wine and glasses hovering in front of me.

"Would you like a glass sir?" Sometimes my old school formalities would come back to me.

"Enough of the formalities, you are to call me Albus, you know that." Albus smiled. "Only a quick glass please, I have important matters to discuss, but I can see that Frank isn't home yet, so it can wait." There was a bit of idle chit chat, but the nerves were building in the pit of my stomach as I sipped my wine and observed Albus keep checking his watch.