Neville Longbottom and The Boy Who Lived

Chapter 1: The Strength Within

Neville Longbottom's heart felt heavy as he walked the sterile halls of St Mungo's hospital for Magical Maladies and injuries. As he walked through the ward, all he could hear were the whispers of the past echoing around in his head, mingling with the hushed tones of healers. As he passed by one of the rooms, he overheard a conversation between two doctors, there words causing a pang of sorrow to grip his heart. They spoke of his parents, Alice and Frank Longbottom, and how they were tortured into insanity by death eaters, their minds forever trapped in a nightmarish world of memories and shadows.

Tears welled up in Neville's eyes as he listened, the weight of his parents sacrifice and suffering pressing down on him. Taking a deep breath, Neville pushed open the door to his parents room and sat on a chair next to their beds. There was so much he wanted to talk to his parents about, he had so many questions about Hogwarts, the classes, about becoming a first year student, but he knew this questions would never get answered. As Neville sat there, lost in his thoughts his grandmother, Augusta Longbottom, appeared beside him. "Neville dear, it's time for us to go." She said gently, her voice tinged with both sadness and strength. "You have much to do before you begin your journey to Hogwarts."

Neville nodded and gathered his things. Before leaving he turned back to his parents. " I just... wanted to say goodbye." He managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'll make you proud... I promise!" As Neville turned to leave his mother reached out and grasped his hand. Although he knew she properly didn't know what was going on, in that moment, it felt as if she had said everything he needed to hear. "I'll make you proud, mum." Neville whispered. He leaned down and kissed her hand gently before pulling away, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. With a final nod to his parents Neville followed his Grandmother out of the hospital towards Diagon alley

The Sun shone brightly over the cobblestone streets of Diagon Alley, casting a warm glow upon the bustling crowds of witches and wizards going about their daily business. Neville and his grandmother stood at the entrance of the magical shopping district. Together they walked through the crowded streets, passing shops with colourful displays of magical wares and enchanting creatures. Neville's eyes darted from one storefront to another, taking in the sights with a sense of awe and curiosity.

The first stop was Ollivanders, the renowned wand shop where witches and wizards found their most important magical tool. As Neville entered the shop, a sense of reverence washed over him, the air filled with the scent of ancient wood and magic. After a brief consultation with Mr Ollivander Neville found himself holding a wand in his hand – A wand made out of Cherry wood with unicorn hair as its core. As he waved the wand experimentally, a shower of sparks erupted from the tip, confirming that this was indeed the wand meant for him.

Next, they visited Flourish and Blotts, where Neville picked up his schoolbooks for his first year at Hogwarts. With his supplies in hand, the only thing left to do was to board the Hogwarts express. Neville felt a rush of excitement and nervousness wash over him as he headed back to his grandmothers one last time before he was officially a Hogwarts student. When the two had entered the house, Neville put his school books and wand in the corner next to the unlit fireplace, His grandmother took off her coat and sat down on the sofa. Even though he didn't say a word she could tell he had become extremely anxious about tomorrow. " Neville my boy, if you get sorted into Hufflepuff, it won't be so bad. But if you find yourself in Gryffindor, oh, your parents would be so proud of you!

Neville nodded at her words, grateful for the encouragement. " What if I get sorted into the other houses?" he asked. Augusta chuckled softly, he eyes twinkling with affection. "Oh, my dear boy, you're not clever enough for Ravenclaw, and we all know only the truly wicked end up in Slytherin. Hufflepuff will suit you just fine!" Neville couldn't help but smile at his Grandmother's teasing words, but his smile soon faded as she shot up so quickly it made him jump. "Where is Trevor?" she suddenly exclaimed, looking around in search of Neville's missing toad. Neville's expression turned sheepish as he realized he had once again misplaced his pet. "I'm not sure, Gran. I must have left him somewhere." Augusta shook her head in exasperation. "You've lost him again! What will everyone think if you show up at Hogwarts without a pet!" Neville shrugged, "Most students have owls now... I think Toads are a bit...old fashioned now... I'll be the only one that has one." "Old-fashioned, you say?" Augusta retorted with a feigned air of offense. "Are you calling me old? In my day, everyone had a toad thank you very much! If it was good enough for me, it's good enough for you!" With a small nod, Neville relented, knowing his grandmother's fondness for tradition. "Yes, Gran, a toad it is then." "Off to bed with you now," Augusta said with a smile, her tone affectionate yet firm. "You have a big day ahead of you tomorrow. Hogwarts awaits my dear boy." As Neville bid his Grandmother goodnight and headed to his room, a mix of excitement and nervousness filled his head. Tomorrow, he would embark on a new chapter of his life at Hogwarts school of witchcraft and wizardry.

The Morning sun filtered through the curtains of Neville's room, casting a warm glow over the familiar surroundings. Today was the day he had been eagerly anticipating – his journey to Hogwarts. Excitement mingled with a hint of nervousness as he thought about the adventures that awaited him. With a newfound determination in his heart, Neville started to imagine himself in his Hogwarts robes, a sense of pride filling him as he imagined walking in his parents' footsteps. The ticking clock hanging on the wall snapped him out of his daydream, he hurried downstairs to find his grandmother already waiting for him, a look of disapproval on her face as she took in his attire. "You're not going to Hogwarts in your Pyjamas, Neville! Get changed this instant, you silly boy!" his grandmother scolded in her no-nonsense tone.

Realizing his mistake, Neville hurried back upstairs to change, a blush creeping up his cheeks at his oversight. Once properly dressed, he rushed back downstairs, only to be met with another reminder from his grandmother. "And don't forget Trevor!" She called out, prompting Neville to make a quick trip back to his room to retrieve his faithful toad companion. "Finally! Right, well, let's go then," his grandmother declared, her tone brimming with a mix of impatience and excitement. As soon as Neville took Augusta's hand, they disapparated to King's cross station, the bustling hub of both muggles and wizards. As they arrived between platforms 9 and 10, Neville became quite confused. "Where is platform 9 ¾?" Neville inquired, his voice filled with curiosity.

His Grandmother let out a scoff at his question. Without warning, she grabbed Neville's hand and propelled him through the seemingly solid brick wall. To Neville's amazement, the barrier dissolved, revealing the hidden platform bursting with students, parents and magical creatures ready for the Hogwarts express. "Right well, it's time for you to go. Make sure you write to me when you get there and let me know when you get sorted into Hufflepuff, now give me a quick squeeze before you go." Neville embraced his Grandmother, then took his belongings onto the train. "NEVILLE!" she screamed he turned around accepting there to have been some kind of emergency, but instead she started at him with a look of disbelief on her face. In her hand, was Trevor. "Merlin's beard Neville if you lose that damn toad!" "I won't Gran I promise" Her face soften as she gave Neville back his toad and gently caressed his check. "Now, you go to Hogwarts and make us all proud, off you go." And with that Neville hopped onto the train, gave a quick wave goodbye to his Grandmother, and just like magic, the train started to set off to Hogwarts.