Harry Potter and the Strings of Order

Recognition and Responsibility

The barracks were unusually quiet the next morning, the air heavy with anticipation. Word of Neville's sharp-eyed capture of the smuggler had spread quickly among the guards. As Neville stepped into the training yard, he could feel the weight of their gazes, a mix of respect and curiosity.

Ace was already waiting, his arms crossed over his broad chest. His piercing amethyst eyes locked onto Neville as he approached.

"Longbottom," Ace called, his voice carrying across the yard. "Front and center."

Neville's heart quickened, but he kept his composure, stepping forward with his back straight and head held high.

Recognition

Ace's sharp gaze swept over the assembled guards before he spoke. "Yesterday, during the operation in the Northern Market, Longbottom here spotted a smuggler and stopped him before he could escape. Because of his quick thinking and decisive action, the smuggler's cargo is now in House custody."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the group, but Ace silenced them with a single sharp look.

"Let this be a reminder to all of you," Ace continued, his tone stern but proud. "The House expects vigilance and discipline at all times. Longbottom showed both. That's the standard you should all be striving for."

He turned his gaze back to Neville. "Good work, Longbottom. Keep it up."

"Thank you, sir," Neville replied, bowing his head slightly.

A Private Word with Ace

After the morning drills, Ace pulled Neville aside. They stood near the edge of the training yard, the noise of sparring guards fading into the background.

"You've been here long enough to know how things work," Ace said, his voice lower but no less commanding. "You're not just another guard anymore, Longbottom. The House is watching you."

Neville blinked, caught off guard. "Watching me, sir?"

Ace smirked faintly. "Word of your promotion and yesterday's success will have reached the higher ranks by now. Don't be surprised if you're called upon for more important tasks in the future."

The weight of Ace's words settled on Neville, but he nodded. "I'll do my best, sir."

"See that you do," Ace said, clapping him on the shoulder before walking away.

An Unexpected Request

Later that afternoon, as Neville was reviewing notes from Izzy's latest lesson, a knock came at his door. He opened it to find a messenger standing there, holding a sealed letter.

"This is for you, Guard Longbottom," the messenger said, handing him the envelope before disappearing down the hall.

Neville broke the seal carefully, his eyes scanning the elegant handwriting inside:

Guard Longbottom,
You are requested to attend a meeting with Little Master Harry tomorrow morning in the East Wing. Be prepared to discuss your recent successes and future responsibilities.

The signature at the bottom was unmistakable: Mistress Eleanor.

Neville stared at the letter, his mind racing. A meeting with Harry and Mistress Eleanor? It was both an honor and a challenge—one he would have to prepare for carefully.

Reflection

As the evening wore on, Neville found himself standing by the window of his room, staring out at the flickering lights of the House. The letter rested on his desk, its words etched into his mind.

He thought about how far he'd come since arriving here: the drills, the lessons, the challenges. The House had given him structure and purpose, but it had also demanded more than he ever thought he could give.

Now, it was asking for even more.

Neville took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. He would prove himself worthy of the House's trust—and of whatever responsibilities lay ahead.

Tomorrow would mark a new chapter in his journey, and he was ready to face it head-on.