Harry Potter and the Year After

Chapter Sixty-four: Jobberknoll

Chapter 64: Jobberknoll

After Ron and Hermione had sat for a few minutes while talking a bit more about the wedding, they got up to head back to Hogwarts. As they started walking back up the road, they came upon Luna and Neville. They were both crouching down, looking at something in the grass on the edge of the wooded area nearby.

"We could ask them now," Hermione said softly to Ron.

"They look busy," said Ron, making a face.

"Oh, come on," said Hermione, taking Ron's hand.

"Hi," said Hermione as they drew nearer.

"Oh, hello," said Luna, looking over her shoulder. Neville had something cupped in his hands. "Speak softly or you might scare it."

"What is it?" Ron asked apprehensively.

Neville straightened up and opened his cupped hands a bit to show Hermione and Ron.

"It's a fledgling jobberknoll," he said quietly, "It must have fallen from its nest. I want to take him to Hagrid so he might live. The mother will leave it for dead."

"Oh, I know what those are," said Hermione and then said to Ron, "Their feathers are used in truth and memory potions. Professor Slughorn was talking about them while you were passing notes with Harry the other day."

"Do you think it'll survive?" said Ron to Neville.

"Well, as long as he's quiet, he's alright. But he'll start telling us everything he ever heard if he is going to die. So if he starts talking, it's too late."

"Yes, best to watch what you say around it," said Hermione.

"Can I carry him?" Luna asked Neville. He nodded and she cupped her palms. Gently, Neville laid the baby bird into her hands.

"Well come on, we best get him to Hagrid sooner than later," he said and set off back toward the castle. Ron walked with him. Hermione matched pace with Luna, who was walking slightly slower so she wouldn't drop the baby bird.

"So how are you Luna?"

"I'm well. I've fallen in love with Neville, but I don't think he feels the same about me." Neville glanced back at this, but didn't say anything. Hermione had thought the boys were out of earshot, but obviously they weren't.

"Oh..."

"It's alright though," said Luna, "I've decided to just enjoy his company for now. Probably we'll go our separate ways over the summer. It's wonderful to be in love, don't you think?"

"Yes."

"You're in love with Ron. It's very obvious."

"Yes, actually we were just planning our wedding a bit. I'd like to ask you—would you be a bridesmaid in our wedding?"

"Oh!" said Luna, holding the baby bird against her chest as she stopped walking, "I'd love to! Thank you for asking me!"

"Great," said Hermione brightly, "Thanks for saying yes!"

"So," said Luna as they continued to walk, "When did you first realize you were in love with him?"

"Um... I'm not sure really." Hermione watched as Neville patted Ron on the shoulder. Apparently Ron had asked Neville to be a groomsman. "There wasn't a day that I realized it. It just sort of happened over time."

"Yeah, I could tell he loved you back when I met you both," she said.

"Mm. You should have told me," Hermione joked.