I Love Plants {a Neville Longbottom story}

Aberforth

Deathly hallows

"Neville."
It had been a week since Serenity had left. Things were going how they normally do. Thankfully classes had stopped so we didn't have to worry about getting in trouble there, but that didn't mean the Carrow siblings were letting up any.

"Neville!" Seamus yells
"Yeah yeah I heard you I'm kinda busy right now!"
I had been working on a tunnel with Dobby to Hogsmeade for about a month now and it was finally almost finished.

"Neville it's about Luna." Seamus says.
I pause and turn around.
"Serenity?" I ask.
"She sent her Patronus. Luna was taken off the train the way to Kings Cross. She isn't sure where they took her but she said to lay low from now on." Seamus explains.
"Ok." I say. Seamus turns around and leaves.

"Dobby are you sure about where this tunnel leads?" I ask.
"Dobby is very sure! Does Mr. Longbottom not trust Dobby!?!" Dobby yells. Not wanting another house elf freak out I throw my hands up in defense and try to calm him down.
"Of course I trust you Dobby, you said someone sent you though?" I ask
"Mr. Longbottom will meet him soon enough." Dobby answers.

Dobby had been helping us sneak food in and out of the kitchen. He was a huge help but insisted that we create this tunnel to Hogsmeade both for an escape route and food. The other kitchen elves warned Dobby that the Carrows were onto him and he wouldn't be able to sneak food and water out for much longer.

"Dobby I forgot to ask you, do you know where Harry is?" I ask.
"Dobby knows where Harry Potter is but Dobby can't tell you where. Must keep Harry Potter safe." Dobby replies.
"It's ok, I just needed to know they were safe." I say.
"Dobby knows they are safe." Dobby says with a smile.
"That's good." I reply.

I hear wood on the other side of the tunnel. Curious I knock and a portrait door opens revealing a room.
"Uhm hello?" I ask looking around the room. Dobby jumps down into the room.
"Mr. Dumbledore? Are you home? Dobby did as you said!" Dobby yells.

"Dumbledore?" I ask. A man enters the room, he looks exactly like Dumbledore but I know it can't be him.
"Good job Dobby. Sir you must be Mr. Longbottom, a pleasure. My name is Aberforth Dumbledore." He says. He offers his hand and I shake it. My mouth still open in awe.
"Neville, Neville Longbottom sir." I reply
"Close your mouth young man, you don't want flies laying eggs in there." Aberforth says.

I close my mouth, embarrassed I was staring so much.
"I'm sorry, who are you?" I ask.
"Aberforth, as I said before. I am brother of Albus Dumbledore." He replies.
"Oh! Brother! That makes sense." I say nodding.

Aberforth invites me to sit and have tea, Dobby and I sit on the small couch together as Aberforth explains how he can help the D.A. With food and water.

"You are a interesting boy Neville, I wouldn't have guessed you would be leading a rebellion against death eaters." Aberforth says while running his fingers through his long beard.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to come off a certain way. I'm normally not so nervous. I mean I am but- I mean I- I- uhhhh." I trail off.
"Mr. Longbottom seems very nervous, but Mr. Longbottom is very brave and very strong. Dobby thinks Mr. Longbottom is a fine leader." Dobby says as he sips his tea.

I look down at Dobby with a smile.
"Wow Dobby, thank you, that means a lot." I reply.
I look back at Aberforth. A new confidence comes over me.
"I want to do what is right, much like my parents did. I want to be someone they would proud of. But most of all I want to keep the people I love safe. I want to keep my Fiancé safe. She is the bravest and strongest person I know. I'd do anything for her." I say.

Aberforth smiles.
"I knew your parents, I know they would be proud." He says. A smile grows on my face. We spend the next 30 minutes chatting some more. Aberforth is a very kind man, I'm so thankful to have someone like him on our side.

When I arrive back to the room of requirement it is well into the night. Most students are sleeping or getting ready for bed. The door to the room busts open loudly and I see a nervous Draco rush in looking all around.

"Draco? What's wrong?" I ask, running towards him. He sees me and rushes up to me grabbing my shoulders and shaking me. Tears forming in his eyes.
"Neville, please I need your help!" He exclaims.

I pull his hands off me and look around to see we have disturbed a few sleepy students.
"Shhhh quiet please, now what is it, what's wrong?" I ask while guiding him to sit with me.
"Neville, it's Astoria, she spoke out against the Carrows. It's only a matter of time before they find her. I can't do anything. I should do something. Why do I feel so helpless!?!?" He exclaims. He lays his face in his palms.

"Draco, we will help her. I promise." I say. Draco looks up to meet my gaze.
"You will?" He asks.
"Of course we will. Astoria means a lot to you and Serenity, I can't imagine she wouldn't want to help." I reply.

"Wait where is Serenity?" Draco asks. His eyes grow more worried than before.
"Back at home with Gran for the holidays why?" I reply.

"As if I thought this day couldn't get any worse." Draco says.