Hogwarts: Neville's Insert Chapter 61
Augusta caught the look between them and narrowed her gaze. "I know that plotting look, Neville. Promise me you won't do anything reckless."
"Reckless? Us?" Neville gave her his most innocent expression. Harry nearly choked on his pumpkin juice, trying not to laugh.
Augusta raised an eyebrow. "Listen to me — both of you. Do not go meddling."
Neville raised his hands. "Course not, Gran."
There was a brief pause as the clinking of cutlery resumed. Then Neville looked up again. "Say, Gran… when was the Chamber last opened? Something did happen, didn't it?"
Augusta's gaze sharpened slightly. "I see you've been doing your own digging into this," she said. After a small sigh, she nodded. "Yes. It was opened fifty years ago."
Harry looked up, surprised. "That long ago?"
"I don't know the full details," Augusta continued. "It was all kept hush-hush even back then. But yes… a Muggle-born girl was killed. That much I do remember."
Neville frowned. "Do they know who did it?"
Augusta shook her head slowly. "Whoever it was… they were never caught. Dumbledore was just a Transfiguration professor at the time. Professor Dippet was the Headmaster then. They nearly closed the school over it."
Neville leaned back slightly in his chair, gears turning in his head. "So history's just… repeating itself."
"Seems that way," Augusta said grimly.
…
Friday, December 25th – longbottom mannor
The morning sun streamed through the curtains, filling the room with a soft golden glow.
Lumina let out a sharp chirp, then another, flapping her wings with clear irritation.
Neville groaned from under the blanket. He rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up, blinking at the blurry outline of his dresser.
"Alright, alright," he muttered, voice groggy. "No need to shout about it..."
He swung his legs off the bed and stood, stretching with a yawn that cracked his jaw.
Still half-asleep, Neville reached for the tin of Tonks and Worms on the bedside table. He popped the lid and scooped some out, feeding it to Lumina, who chirped again — this time with excitement — as she gobbled it up greedily.
There was a knock at the door before it creaked open.
Harry stuck his head in, hair even messier than usual.
"You up, mate?" he yawned.
Neville gave a tired nod. "Morning. Happy Christmas, Harry."
Harry stepped into the room, ruffling his hair.
"Happy Christmas to you too. What're you up to?"
Neville shrugged.
"Feeding her. What about you?"
"Just about to have a shower. Popped in to say Happy Christmas first." Harry gave a small grin. "Well, I'm off. See you in a bit, yeah?"
"Yeah. See you."
Neville finished feeding Lumina and scratched her gently her head, earning a happy chirp in return. He headed to the bathroom for a quick shower, then changed into a clean shirt, a smart suit vest, and trousers. He paused at the mirror, adjusting his hair and collar, smoothing the wrinkles from his sleeves.
"Alright then," he said softly to Lumina, now perched on her little cushion beside the bed. "Ready to go?"
She chirped in response, eyes bright.
Neville smiled and carefully scooped her up, tucking her into the inner pocket of his vest. She wriggled a little, then settled down comfortably.
Another knock came at the door.
"You ready?" came Harry's voice from outside.
Neville opened it. "Yeah, let's go."
The two boys walked down to the drawing room. Soft music floated through the house — Ain't No Mountain High Enough was playing on a record player in the corner.
Augusta sat in her chair, listening quietly.
Neville grinned. "Looks like you liked my gift, eh, Gran?"
Augusta looked up and smiled warmly, reaching out to stop the record. "It's brilliant, Neville. And thank you — both of you — for the lovely gifts."
Neville stepped forward and wrapped her in a hug. "Happy Christmas, Gran."
She patted him on the back, eyes gentle.
Neville had spent days finding the hand-cranked vinyl record player, because the other used electricity, along with a proper collection of records. Michael Jackson, The Jackson 5, Queen — and a few tracks he'd remembered loving in his past life. Including the one that had just been playing.
Speaking of Queen, Neville had discovered — to his absolute horror — that he'd missed a live Queen concert in London while stuck at Hogwarts. He'd only found out after the fact, and the regret still stung. I swear, if time travel becomes a thing… he thought bitterly.
"Happy Christmas, Gran," Harry said with a warm smile.
Augusta smiled and opened her arms. "Come here, lad." She pulled Harry into a hug.
Harry had gifted her a custom embroidered scarf in deep plum with golden vines stitched along the edges — a simple but thoughtful gift she clearly appreciated.
Letting him go, Augusta turned and gestured toward the Christmas tree in the corner, presents beneath it.
"Go on then — open your gifts. A few of your friends have sent things along."
Neville and Harry walked over to the tree, crouching down to look through the wrapped parcels.
"Looks like Seamus, Dean, Parvati, Lavender, and Fay sent something," Neville said, reading the tags.
There were sweets — mostly Chocolate Frogs, Peppermint Toads, and Fizzing Whizbees — and a couple of woolly scarves. Lavender's was bright red and a bit lacy. Neville didn't quite know what to make of it.
Finally, he reached Augusta's gift. Tearing away the paper, he uncovered a thick, leather-bound book titled Magnum Incantatum: A Compendium of Advanced Spells.
"Whoa…" Neville muttered, flipping through the pages. Inside were advanced spell clearyl above newt level, including the Patronus Charm and one called Tempest, a lightning spell.
He beamed. "Thanks, Gran — I can't wait to try some of these."
Augusta chuckled behind her teacup. "You'll have to wait till tomorrow at least. For now, finish unwrapping the rest."
She'd also gifted Neville something for Lumina — a little messenger pouch enchanted specifically for magical familiars, for when lumina is fully grown.
Harry's gift came next, a Charmed Fountain Pen that never ran dry, wrote in perfect script, and could auto-correct spelling.
"Thank Merlin," Neville muttered.
Last, Neville opened Hermione's two parcels. One was clearly a book.
The second was a small box. Inside, he found a custom-made pouch designed to attach to his sling bag. It was enchanted with an Extension Charm and lined with warming and cushioning charms — everything a small magical bird might need on the go.
Neville smiled wide, pulling the pouch out and turning to Lumina.
"Look, girl — Hermione made this just for you."
Lumina chirped happily, peering at the pouch with interest. Neville placed it beside her cushion and watched as she hopped closer and stuck her head inside to inspect it properly.
"Figured you'd like it," Neville chuckled.
Turning back to the pile of presents, he picked up the last one from Hermione. He unwrapped it and, as he expected, it was a book — but not just any book. 'An Advanced Treatise on Runic Magic.' One he'd actually been planning to buy for himself.
Neville let out a low whistle, flipping through the pages. "Brilliant," he muttered. "How'd she know?"
Curious, he glanced over at Harry to see what he'd got.
Harry was holding up a pair of sleek Seeker's Goggles and matching gloves — a gift from Augusta. They were charmed with anti-fog spells and warming runes, perfect for winter Quidditch. Neville could tell Harry was impressed, even if he wasn't saying much.
Ron had sent them a Christmas card along with a couple of Chocolate Frogs — simple, but thoughtful. Mrs Weasley had also sent Harry one of her signature jumpers. This one was deep green with a golden 'H' on the front.
Harry's expression shifted when he pulled it out. He stared at it for a moment, then gave a small sigh.
Augusta noticed but said nothing.
Harry glanced at Neville, who gave a small shrug.
Harry folded the jumper neatly beside him, then moved on to the last unopened box.
He pulled off the paper to find the gift from Neville — a black CD Walkman with a few music albums tucked inside.
Harry raised an eyebrow.
"A Walkman? Thought these didn't work around magic?"
Neville grinned and said, "Sorted that out. Go on, give it a try."
Harry looked a bit sceptical but popped in the Michael Jackson: Bad CD, placed the wired earbuds into his ears, and hit play.
Music played instantly. Harry blinked, then grinned wide. "This is wicked, mate!"
Neville chuckled, pleased. "Knew you'd like it."
Augusta looked up at the tall grandfather clock in the corner, then gave a nod and stood.
"Come on, boys. Best get breakfast before our guests arrive — we want to be ready before they do."
She left the drawing room briskly, her vulture hat tilted just slightly off-centre.
Neville and Harry followed her out into the dining room, where Tinky, the house-elf, had already laid out a proper breakfast spread.
Neville took his seat and gently placed Lumina on the table beside him. She ruffled her feathers and perched neatly.
He served himself a generous helping — bacon, sausages, scrambled eggs, and a croissant, which he quickly turned into a sandwich. He took a big bite, humming in satisfaction.
As Neville went in for another bite, Lumina let out a loud, sharp chirp, grabbing his attention.
He paused mid-bite and looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
"You want some?"
Lumina nodded quickly and chirped again — louder this time.
Neville frowned. "I'm not sure I should give you any of this."
She chirped again, more insistently now, flapping her wings in protest.
Neville sighed, tearing off a small bit of bacon.
"Alright, alright — don't go getting all bratty on me. You've really started to grow an attitude, you know."
He held the piece out, and the little chick snatched it up, gobbling it down greedily without even chewing.
Across the table, Augusta watched the exchange with a look of disbelief.
"I still can't believe you found and bonded with a magical familiar," she said, shaking her head slightly.
Neville looked over at her. "Where are we heading first, Gran?"
Augusta finished chewing her bite of toast and replied,
"We'll stop at Godric's Hollow first. Visit Harry's parents. Then we'll head to see Frank and Alice. It's easier that way — less bouncing around."
Harry looked up. "Ma'am, you don't have to—"
She cut him off with a glare.
"Hush, you. You should visit them at least once a year. It's the least you can do. And it won't take long, so don't act like it's some inconvenience to me."
Harry nodded, smiling faintly. "Thank you, Gran."
Augusta gave a small sigh. "No need to thank me, lad. Now, finish your breakfast. We'll be leaving shortly."
Neville nodded and scooped up another bite. "Is Great Uncle Algy coming over later?"
Augusta nodded. "Yes. He'll be joining us for dinner."
…
After breakfast, the boys got ready.
Neville wore a long, dark coat that hung just past his knees, with a thick scarf wrapped snugly around his neck. His sling bag was slung over one shoulder, and Lumina's new enchanted pouch was clipped neatly to its side. The little chick nestled inside, warm and content.
He walked down the stairs into the hall and saw Harry and Augusta waiting by the front door.
"Right — I'm ready, Gran," Neville said, adjusting his coat.
Harry stood in a white shirt and black trousers, with a dark jumper over it and a deep red scarf wrapped around his neck. In his arms, he held an ornate flower arrangement — white lilies and forget-me-nots — clearly meant for his parents.
Augusta gave a firm nod.
"Let's get going, then."
She opened the door and stepped outside. Neville followed with his hands tucked into his pockets, falling into step beside Harry.
As they stepped out of Longbottom Manor, a soft snowfall had begun to drift from the sky. Neville looked up, watching the flakes fall quietly, melting into his scarf as they made their way down the stone path to Apparate.
…
The fireplace in the Longbottom drawing room flared to life with a rush of green flames as Neville stepped out of it, brushing soot off his coat and boots.
He stumbled forward slightly, then straightened up with a sigh, muttering under his breath,
"They really should invent a better way to travel," as he tugged off his coat and shook out the ash.
Behind him, the Floo flared again and Harry stepped out — landing awkwardly and nearly toppling over.
Neville caught his arm. "Steady there, mate."
Harry grumbled, brushing off his sleeves. "Still not used to Floo travel. Always feels like getting stretched ."
Moments later, the fireplace whooshed again and Augusta stepped through, composed as ever. She gave them a firm nod.
"Good. You both made it back safely."
They had just Flooed in from St Mungo's, after spending a few hours visiting Neville's parents. While they were there, Neville sat beside his mother and told her all about his week — what he'd been working on, how far he'd come in his efforts to find a cure, and how he'd recently hit a dead end. He explained that he was now focusing on isolating healing effects through potions to target specific parts of the body — a tricky process, but one he was determined to figure out.
While Neville and Augusta spent time with his parents, Harry quietly explored the hospital. He didn't want to intrude, and he figured Neville deserved that time without anyone hovering nearby.
Seeing his parents like that always left Neville quiet. Not broken — but quieter. And more determined than ever.
Just then, the drawing room door opened and in walked Algie Longbottom, holding a steaming mug of what looked like hot chocolate.
"Ah, thought I heard someone. You back from seeing Frank and Alice, then?"
Augusta, brushing soot off her shoulder, stepped forward.
"Algie — you're here already? When did you arrive?"
"Only a few minutes ago," he said, giving her a warm nod. "Figured I'd come early."
Neville smiled faintly. " Happy Christmas Great Uncle Algie.."
Harry nodded beside him. "Happy Christmas, sir."
Algie grinned. "And happy Christmas to you too, lads. And to you, Augusta."
He reached into his coat and pulled out two small, neatly wrapped boxes. He handed one to each of them with a playful wink.
"Here — little something for you both. And between us…" he leaned in and whispered, "few tips in there for impressing the ladies."
Neville blinked.
Harry looked at the box, then at Algie.
Algie just sipped his hot chocolate like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Augusta let out a long-suffering sigh.
"Algie, stop trying to corrupt them. Come on, let's have some tea and biscuits — I've a few things I'd like to discuss with you. Boys, go do something else for now. I'll call you down when our guests arrive."
Neville nodded and turned toward the stairs. "Alright, Gran."
He headed up to his room, Harry trailing just behind him.
"What do you want to do, Nev?" Harry asked. "Fancy going out for a fly?"
Neville sighed. "Sorry, mate. I want to work on something for a bit. Maybe later, yeah?"
"Yeah, no worries," Harry said with a shrug. "I've still got some homework to finish anyway. Might as well get it out the way."
Neville pushed open his bedroom door and stepped inside, placing Lumina gently on her cushion at the corner of his desk. He sat down heavily in his chair and stared at the open book in front of him, the same page he'd been stuck on all morning.
He sighed.
Neville slipped on his Walkman and hit play, determined to get some work done.
A while later, he was still stuck on the same bloody problem. He sighed and leaned back in his chair, letting his head tip back as The Way You Make Me Feel started playing through the headphones.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting the beat carry him. The rhythm kicked in and he couldn't help but tap his foot, head bobbing slightly. He was mid-vibe when a knock sounded at the door.
Without looking, Neville called out, "Come in!"
Right as the lyrics began, he couldn't help himself. He threw his arms out dramatically and sang, voice high and playful, trying to match Michael Jackson's tone,
"Hey, pretty baby with the high heels on—"
The door creaked open.
Hermione froze in the doorway.
Neville spotted her and grinned wickedly, continuing without missing a beat.
"You give me fever like I've never ever known
You're just a product of loveliness
I like the groove of your walk, your talk, your dress…"
Still singing, he stood up from his chair and moonwalked across the rug, pointing at Hermione.
"I feel your fever from miles around
I'll pick you up in my car and we'll paint the town
Just kiss me, baby, and tell me twice
"That you're the one for me…" Neville sang, grinning as tried copying Michael Jackson's moves.
Hermione stood there frozen, her face quickly turning pink.
Neville kept going, swaying to the rhythm.
"The way you make me feel (the way you make me feel)
You really turn me on (you really turn me on)
You knock me off of my feet (you knock me off of my feet)
My lonely days are gone (my lonely days are gone)"
He reached her, grabbed her hand and twirled her on the spot, still singing.
"I like this feelin' you're givin' me
Just hold me, baby, and I'm in ecstasy
Oh, I'll be workin' from nine to five
To buy you things to keep you by my side"
Hermione was still red in the face, trying not to giggle as Neville gave her another spin, clearly enjoying himself.
"I never felt so in love before
Just promise, baby, you'll love me forevermore
I swear I'm keepin' you satisfied
'Cause you're the one for me—"
The door creaked again.
Harry stepped in, blinking at the sight, then laughed.
"What on earth are you two doing?"
Neville finally pulled out his earbuds, still grinning ear to ear.
"Just dancing with Hermione. I think she likes my singing." He hit the stop button on the Walkman.
Hermione, now mostly recovered, gave him a smack on the arm. "Prat. I was just shocked someone could sing that badly."
Neville laughed, rubbing the spot. "Oi, harsh."
Harry walked further in, eyebrows raised."When did you get here, Hermione?"
Hermione, finally regaining her composure, gave her skirt a quick pat and said,
"I just arrived. Came up to get you both."
Then she paused mid-step, eyes widening.
"Wait — that's right! How did you get it to work?" she asked, turning to Neville in disbelief.
Neville chuckled, already grinning.
"I take it that means you liked my gift, then?"
Hermione nodded. "I did — thank you! But seriously, how did you manage it?"
Harry stepped forward, curious as well.
"Yeah, I thought electronics don't work near magic. Isn't that, like, a rule or something?"
Neville walked over to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a folded piece of parchment.
"Here. I wrote it down."
He handed it to Hermione, who opened it immediately. Harry leaned in over her shoulder to read.
Hermione's eyes scanned the diagram before she looked up at him, one eyebrow raised.
"A… Faraday cage?"
Harry frowned. "Wait — you just wrapped it in silver?"
Neville nodded.
"Pretty much. Simplest solution's usually the best one. I used a silver mesh weave and lined the inside of the Walkman casing with it. If you look closely, it's a little bulkier than a normal one. That's why it works — because it's battery-powered. Anything with a plug wouldn't work without more enchantments."
He leaned against the desk casually.
"I've got other ideas, but they'd need proper rune work. If we ever want Muggle tech to work in the magical world, there's only two ways to do it: shield it from magic, or power it with magic instead of electricity."
Hermione looked back down at the parchment, eyes narrowed slightly.
"This… is actually brilliant. It would work on battery-powered things. But how do you know about Faraday cages?" she asked, giving him a sceptical look.
Neville blinked, then laughed a bit nervously, scratching the back of his head.
"Oh, that. I, uh… picked up a few physics books last year. Just out of curiosity."
Before she could dig any further, Neville cleared his throat and glanced at the door.
"Anyway — didn't you say Gran was calling us down? We should get going. Come on."
Without waiting for an answer, he hurried out of the room.
"Hey! Wait up!" Hermione called, chasing after him.
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