The Chosen One [#Wattys2016]

LETTERS

Neville was expecting to be called out of class with some horrible news. What he wasn't expecting was to receive owl mail during breakfast two days later.

He was dejectedly staring at the toast and bacon on his plate, not daring to eat, when owls soared in through the mullioned windows and descended over the Hall. Nearly everyone was eagerly awaiting the Daily Prophet, for news about the Dark Mark, so the post owls were greeted with a lot of excitement. A handsome tawny owl landed in the butter tray in front of Neville.

"Who are you after?" Avaline asked the owl as he attempted to drink juice from her glass. She pushed the glass aside and read the recipient's name and address.

"Neville," she shrieked, startling Neville, who knocked the jug of pumpkin juice. The juice spread through the table, before a sixth year said Tergeo and lazily waved his wand.

"This is for you!"

"What?" Neville murmured in a daze.

"THERE'S A LETTER FOR YOU, KNUCKLEHEAD!" she shouted.

Neville saw where she was pointing and quickly untied the letter from the owl. It was written in beautiful cursive and had his name on the front. He did not recognise the handwriting, but nevertheless opened it with trembling hands.

Mr. Longbottom

We have never corresponded previously. However, this is a matter of serious importance, and I feel obliged to inform you of the circumstances.

Before I progress, I feel it is prudent to introduce myself to you. My name is Lily Potter and I am your classmate Harry Potter's mother. Your parents and I were batch mates during our time at Hogwarts. I am, also, your Godmother.

I understand that you were unaware of my existence before this and believe me, if I had my way, we would not be acquainted this way. It was in your best interests that you be kept away from the Wizarding community, due to certain situations. I consider that your grandmother must have told you everything. If not, you shall be acquainted with the facts at the earliest.

As you must have heard from your fellow students, the Dark Mark was seen over a house over Aspen Avenue, Devonshire. To be more precise, it was over your house. If the Wizarding Community was unaware of your place of residence previously, it isn't now. A lot of people have been paying visit to the site of destruction and hence, you will not be able to go back to the house, not because it is ruined (we're all very capable of counteracting the damage) but because it is difficult to control the footfall anytime soon. Not only wizards, but Muggles too.

Rest assured, I would like you to come to the Potter's residence in Godric's Hollow during Christmas vacations and for the duration of the summer break.

Love

Lily

PS: I am sure you must be bursting with questions but as your legal guardian, I think your grandmother should be the one disclosing information to you.

Attached to the letter was another piece of paper. Neville's heart fluttered when he opened it and saw the familiar handwriting.

Neville

I am sending this with Lily's letter because our owl is missing. I wonder if he's well –

Neville gave an incredulous snort at that. She was more worried about the family owl than about her grandson.

– And hopefully you are too. The Daily Prophet didn't report all the facts. Not many people knew about our house, except the Longbottom family and Dumbledore. And the Minister is very displeased with us at this moment. But he understands that we had our reasons..

I am well. Luckily, our protective charms hold and I could escape when my intruder charm went off. I am a little worse for the wear – I'm not young after all – but a few days at St. Mungo's ought to cure that. Once I am discharged, I shall be going to stay at the Potter's and will meet you at Christmas.

Also, you are not to tell this to anyone. Any attempt on my life needs to look successful for us to catch the culprit. People tend to become reckless with confidence once they feel they have succeeded, which is what we need.

Take care. And stay alert.

Augusta

Neville's smile was wide as he stuffed the letter into the pockets of his robes. Not only was his grandmother alive, he also had a godmother. He also felt disappointed that his grandmother had kept information from him again, but the primary feeling was of relief. Her letter, too, ironically, had been less informative than Mrs. Potter's.

"Anything wrong Neville?" Avaline was watching him cautiously.

"Nope!" he said and stuffed his mouth with a bite that was larger than necessary.

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OMG guys! This book has got 1k reads!!! Wohoo *throws confetti in the air*

Some people will say that 1k reads is not that big of a deal, but for me, it is! It's my (almost) first published book! A big thank you to all my readers. "Siriusly", I can't thank you guys enough! Keep on reading and voting and commenting and supporting this book, because that would mean a lot to me!

Also, I'm not that cruel - I won't kill Augusta, at least not before she has answered Neville's questions :p

Another thing - I'm going to be doing an ask-and-answer series soon. So PM me your questions and rants and I'll answer them in a separate chapter. 

Enjoy!