Harry Potter and the Strings of Order

Finding Purpose

Neville sat on his bed in the barracks, staring at the soft light filtering through the small window above his desk. His muscles ached from the day's drills, but he welcomed the soreness—it reminded him that he was working toward something, though he still couldn't fully name what it was.

His mind wandered back to the days before he had arrived at the House. It felt like a lifetime ago, a different Neville who had been aimless, lost in the aftermath of the war.

Flashback

The war had ended, but Neville Longbottom found himself struggling to rebuild. For so long, his days had been defined by fear, resistance, and survival. But now, with Voldemort gone and Hogwarts restored, the world had moved on. And yet, Neville hadn't.

He tried to focus on his greenhouse at home, tending to plants that once brought him peace. But the familiar rhythm of watering, pruning, and repotting felt hollow. No matter how carefully he nurtured his plants, the calming joy they once brought him eluded him.

"Maybe it's the place," Neville murmured one day, standing in the middle of his quiet greenhouse. He had always loved the Hogwarts greenhouses, where the chaotic life of the castle had never seemed to reach. The idea struck him like a spark of hope, and he decided to visit his old professor.

The Hogwarts grounds were as lively as ever when Neville arrived, the echoes of students' laughter filling the air. He made his way to the greenhouses, where Professor Sprout greeted him with open arms.

"Neville, dear boy!" she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm hug. "What brings you back to my little slice of heaven?"

Neville hesitated, feeling awkward as he scratched the back of his head. "I was wondering... if I could work here for a bit. Just with the plants. I think I need..." He trailed off, unable to finish.

Sprout's smile softened. "Of course, dear. The plants always welcome a caring hand. Stay as long as you like."

For weeks, Neville worked tirelessly in the Hogwarts greenhouses, tending to rare plants and forgotten specimens. He should have felt at peace, surrounded by the familiar scents of damp soil and blooming flowers. But something was still missing.

One day, as he pruned the overgrown vines of a particularly obscure plant, something unusual caught his eye. Tucked within the tangled leaves was a card, its edges slightly worn but the writing still crisp. He plucked it out carefully, curiosity sparking as he turned it over in his hands.

The card was simple but striking. On the front was a name: The House, along with an address—an island he'd never heard of. Beneath the name was an image of a grand, imposing structure that seemed to radiate power and order.

Neville flipped the card over.

On the back, a single quote was printed:

"Good order is the foundation of all things." — Edmund Burke.

The words struck something deep within Neville, like a key unlocking a door he hadn't realized was closed. His breath hitched as he stared at the card, an inexplicable certainty blooming in his chest. This—whatever this was—felt like the answer to the emptiness he couldn't explain.

The Journey to the House

A week later, Neville found himself standing in front of the House gates. The sheer size of the structure was overwhelming, its towering spires casting long shadows over the manicured grounds. He gripped the card tightly in his hand, his heart pounding as two guards approached.

One of them, a tall man with piercing eyes, studied him carefully. "What's your business here?"

Neville swallowed hard, holding up the card. "I... I want to join. To find purpose. I feel like... something's missing in my life, and I think the House can help me find it."