The Chosen One [#Wattys2016]

AT THE POTTERS

Neville didn't know what to expect for Christmas. Christmases at the Longbottom house meant a day spent with Uncle Algie and his grandmother, which wasn't a recipe for fun. In less than half a day that Neville had been at the Potter Mansion at Godric's Hollow, he had realised that this family exuded life.

Despite the warm welcome, he was nervous because the house would be full of hungry, merry people with very different personalities and families and he would be expected to associate with everyone, which was quite a contrast to Hogwarts, where he lived in blissful solitariness.

Harry's father, James Potter, whom Harry was a splitting image of, was abderian. He laughed incessantly and idiotically at his own jokes, which Neville found highly amusing, though he wondered if laughing at his host would offend him. He was more of a child than his own son, something which his wife reminded him every twenty minutes or so. Lily Potter was a whole different story. She was disciplined and methodical, but no less fun than her husband. In fact, she had the best comebacks to everyone's comments.

Harry had two younger siblings, ten-year old twins, both of whom were red haired and brown-eyed but belonged at the opposite poles of the planet. While Andrew was calm and academic, Alice was hot-headed and a troublemaker. Add to that the fact that she was the youngest in the family and the only girl, she was the most spoilt.

Neville wasn't used to being doted on. His grandmother, albeit not tyrannical, had never allowed Neville any sort of indulgence. Harry's mother, on the other hand, had mollycoddled Neville the moment he had stepped foot inside, to his grandmother's ceaseless tutting.

The next morning, on Christmas, Neville woke up to the noise of Harry's mother's cat jumping around. He wasn't expecting presents, although he was looking forward to the fun and food. Shoot, he didn't want presents, because he hadn't bought anything for anyone and it seemed awkward to accept favours and gifts when you couldn't repay them. However, when he sat down at the breakfast table the next morning, he couldn't help but notice that there were too many presents by a huge Christmas tree. They were far more than what you would expect an eleven-year old to get.

James Potter sat at the head of the table, grinning from ear to ear.

"Why haven't you opened your presents Neville?" Lily Potter asked as she brought warm toasts to the table. Neville looked in the direction of the tree, where Harry and his siblings sat unwrapping their presents, casting aside the wrapping paper carelessly.

"I've got presents?" asked Neville, all awkwardness and guilt vanishing at the sight of colourfully wrapped boxes.

"But... but I haven't got anything for you," he stuttered.

"The fact that you are here is the best gift for us," Lily Potter said sincerely, "I finally get to be the godmother that I am."

Neville ran to the tree and unwrapped the presents set aside for him. He had gotten a box of chocolate frogs from Hermione, a deluxe sugar quill from Avaline, a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans and a book on Muggle and Magical Plants of England from Uncle Algie, a pot of Galanthus Nivalis from James and Lily Potter, another Remembral from his grandmother (he had lost the old one ages ago) and, surprisingly, a navy blue sweater and homemade fudge from Ron's parents.

Eyes shining, Neville sat down for breakfast. He tried thanking the Potters but only managed to stammer and fumble. Lily understood and patted his cheek in a motherly way. His stomach rumbling in hunger, Neville sat himself at the table began scooping sausages and toast on his plate. Alice pushed a plate of what looked like patties towards Neville. Neville smiled and took it, but then raised his eyebrows towards Harry.

"It's Cornish Potato Cake, " said Harry, "It's good."

Neville took a bite of the crispy delight and liked it so much that he ignored the rest of the meal, and only went back to his plate once he had finished the cakes. Lily beamed at him.

The Potters had a traditional Muggle Christmas lunch, complete with Wizard party favours. The Weasleys would be joining them in the afternoon, and also James Potter's friends.

After breakfast, Lily cleaned the house and prepared lunch, while Harry and his father went outside to play one-on-one Quidditch. Since his grandmother seemed to be ignoring him, for what fault he did not know, Neville sat outside on the porch and watched the Potter duo play.

At lunch, he made the acquaintance of Harry's godfather, Sirius Black, and his wife of two years, Celine Black. Neville was surprised when Professor Lupin came for lunch and even more surprised when he learnt that he had been in the family since his Hogwarts days. The whole Weasley clan joined them and, if not for the immensely long family table, they might have eaten in the garden, for Lily Potter had left no stone unturned for the lunch, complements of the Weasley matriarch. Fat, roast turkeys; mountains of roast and boiled potatoes; platters of chipolatas; tureens of buttered peas, silver boats of thick, rich gravy and cranberry sauce, mince pies, trifle tarts, brussel sprouts, parsnips - and stacks of wizard crackers.

The Weasleys were all red-haired and freckled. Neville was surprised to be the centre of attention, mostly because it was positive and also because no one seemed to mind if his manners weren't flawless or if he had caused the gravy boat to fall and create a mess. Instead, they all laughed and snorted as Neville blushed at Sirius' gravy jokes.

Neville pulled a wizard cracker with Harry's godfather, who, albeit a handsome charming man, intimidated Neville. The cracker burst with a loud bang and engulfed the room with red and green smoke, while from inside exploded a Grow-your-own warts kit and a flowery bonnet.

Lunch was followed by a snowball fight. Little Ginny Weasley and Alice Potter were the main culprits, who, while affording the luxury of hiding behind their mothers, were the cause of everyone dripping wet, except Percy Weasley, who had chosen the time to study inside the empty house.

Maybe they aren't that bad, thought Neville as a particularly well-aimed snowball thrown by Alice hit him in the back of the head.

As night fell, cold, wet, and gasping for breath, they returned to the fire in the living room, then bade each other good night after a mug of hot chocolate, and left for their respective rooms. Neville didn't want to fall asleep. He feared that the day might have been a dream and he would finally wake up and find himself miserable at home, amidst a boring Christmas. This had been the best holiday of his life.

For the first time, he felt needed and admired for who he was, not the way at Hogwarts, where everyone had gossiped about him because of something he might have done. Yet, a small voice at the back of his mind nagged him about good things never lasting long enough.

Although full of food and pleased with the way things had turned out, Neville was unable to fall asleep. And yet, when sleep knocks a door, it brings with it many unexpected, and at times unwanted, guests. Neville was about to make another acquaintance, although this one would be highly unwelcome.

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I know you must think I'm horrible for not posting a chapter in so long, but believe me when I say that I'm not making excuses and I really really had to do a lot of stuff. So, as a peace offering, I'll be posting two chapters today, so that you know that I'm sincerely sorry. (:P)

Now I'll shut up and let you guys vote and comment on this one.

PS: I'm so happy for Neville!!

PPS: Watch out for the next chapter later today! :)