I Love Plants {a Neville Longbottom story}

Augusta Longbottom

Deathly Hallows

Augusta and I had just gotten back from another Order meeting that night. My stomach was full from the feast Molly had made, she was missing Ron like crazy. It was nice seeing Ginny, she hadn't returned to school because of her association with Ron and Harry.

"Serenity dear, you didn't eat any greens." Augusta points out. I think about her words for a moment. They are random, but she seemed serious.
"Yeah I guess I didn't." I reply.
"You need to eat healthier." She says.
"I know Augusta" I chuckle.

We enter the Cottage. Something feels off.
"Augusta, did you close the shutters before we left?" I ask.
"No, I didn't." She replies. I hear the interest in her voice. She knows something is up too.

"Show yourself." I say aloud. "Lumos."
I see two men standing in the hall infront of us. Augusta leans into my ear.
"When I say run you run, ok?" She whispers. I nod.

"Stupefy!" I yell. One man is sent flying back.
"Protego!" August yells as the other man sends a spell towards me. The man steps forward and I can see it isn't a death eater, but the man for sure wasn't friendly.
"Come with us easy or I'll hurt the girl." He warns.
"Dawlish, I didn't take you as a man that would do such a thing. Albus said such great things about you." Augusta replies.

The second man begins to groan and shift around.
Augusta turns around and waves her wand towards me.
"Protego totalum" she chants.
"Run Serenity, I'll be fine." She says.
"Are you sure?" I ask. The second man begins to find his footing.
"Oppungo!" Dawlish yells.
"Run." She repeats.

I turn towards the door and run. Merlin I should have listened to Neville.

...

I Apparate back to the Hogwarts grounds and run into the school as fast as I can. By some miracle I make it into the room of requirement without being seen.

"Serenity?!?" I hear Neville's voice. I run towards him and jump into his arms sobbing.
"Serenity? What's wrong?" He asks.
"They came for you two didn't they?" Draco asks.

I look over to see Draco sitting in a chair next to Neville.
"Yeah? You knew?" I ask.
"I heard them talking about nabbing Neville's Gran but I wasn't sure when they would do it. I should have said something I'm sorry. I didn't know you were going there for Christmas." He says. I see tears staining his cheeks.

"What happened Serenity? Is my Grandmother ok?" He asks.
"I'm not sure Neville, she told me to run so I did." I say. I look at him with guilty eyes "I'm sorry Nev. I should have listened to you."
"It's ok, they would have done it either way." He replies.

I look down at Draco again, he looks overly nervous.
"What's wrong Draco?" I ask.
"It's Astoria, the Carrows are after her." Neville says.
Draco bites his nails nervously. Holding back more tears.

"Let's all get some rest okay?" Neville says.
"Really Longbottom? You really think I can sleep right now?" Draco replies.
"Neville shouldn't we worry about Augusta? I mean I think they are trying to kidnap her!" I add.
"Ren I'm not too worried about Gran, she is an excellent dueler. I'm sure she has already gotten out of there and to a safe place." He replies.

"Okay so can we worry about Greengrass then!?" I interject.
"Uhm yeah, already doing that!" Draco yells.
"Can we just calm down?" Neville says.

I look towards him and force a smile.
"Okay, you are right Neville. We should rest." I say.
"What!? But we need t-" Draco starts.
"No Draco we need to rest." I say. "Follow my lead, we will get Astoria tonight I promise." I say in Draco's head.
"Okay." Draco says. He gets up and walks out of the room.

"Good thank Merlin, I thought we were going to argue all night." Neville groans. I hugs me and kisses the top of my head.
"I promise we can figure something out in the morning ok?" He says. I nod. I hate lying to him, but I hope that Draco would do the same for me if Neville were to be the one in trouble.

Something tells me this is going to go bad but I don't care, Astoria isn't like us. I'd rather it be me than her.

That night I cuddle up next to Neville in bed, his smell more comforting than it has ever been before. My nerves keep me up while Neville passes out within 20 mins.

I watch as my fiancé falls into a deeper and deeper sleep. Resting after working so hard everyday. He looks so innocent like this, but awake he is so strong and brave. I'm so proud at how far he has come. I lean down and gently kiss his forehead. I slip out of bed as quiet as I can.

I'm almost to the door before I hear someone behind me.

"Psssst" Seamus says. I turn around to meet his eyes.
"Yes Seamus?" I ask
"I'm coming with you, if it has anything to do with getting back at those assholes that took Luna, I'm in." He says. I wave my hand motioning for him to join me. We sneak out of the room without anyone else noticing. When we get out of the room of requirement we let out an audible exhale of breath in relief.

"Welcome aboard." I say.