A/N: Ah, Neville. I just love him to pieces. How on earth could I not make a chapter for him?
****Neville****
At the end of our second year, I was more than glad to be alive. I was sure that I was going to be a victim of the basilisk. I mean, we all know what my magical abilities were like back then. But when the end of the year feast rolled around, I just knew that everything was going to be ok. All of the petrified students were back except Hermione was still missing.
I looked across the table to Harry. He was talking a little bit, but he wasn't paying much attention to what was going on. Of course, it was all because of Hermione. Even I knew that.
Harry was just going through the motions until she got there. Then, I glanced to the doors. She was standing there talking to Nick. Back then, I had no idea why I did it, but I addressed only Harry.
"Harry! It's Hermione!"
So, why exactly did I only tell Harry? Back then, I used to think it was because he was sitting almost directly across from me. Now that I think about it, it was because everyone knew the inevitable. It was Hermione at the door, so of course I would tell Harry. We all cared about her. She was our housemate, a tutor and a great friend (still is). But no one cared for her like Harry. Harry was and always will be her strength. And Hermione is his sanity. But back then, Harry and Hermione were just friends and the rest of us were just waiting to see what happened.
Anyway, when I told him, he barely even looked at me. His head spun around to see her. It was actually quite a beautiful moment. Ron leaned back and Harry strained himself to get around him.
When their eyes met, it was magic and not just the kind that Professor Dumbledore teaches. Harry stood and stuck out his arms. She ran to him and they held each other.
Hermione held onto him like if she let go, she'd become petrified again and Harry seemed like he never wanted to let go either.
After so long, they did let go. There was this really strange moment where Ron wouldn't hug her but instead shook her hand. Now, I didn't get that back then, but later on I did. Yeah, Ron liked Hermione. But he'd never stand a chance as long as Harry was around. Harry and Hermione belonged to each other for as long as I had known them.
So, Professor McGonagall clinked her glass and Ron, Harry and Hermione sat down. Somehow, Ron got in between Harry and Hermione. I felt pretty bad for them, but I guess it didn't really matter, at least not then. In the later years, if someone got between Harry and Hermione, I pitied that person. No one wanted to take on Harry Potter, or Hermione Granger for that matter. They have always been a power couple.
So, in the end, I am more than grateful to have even been present to that hug. I mean, in the years to follow, Harry and Hermione Potter were more than famous and it wasn't for his scar or her brains. It was for the inspiration they gave to so many. Their love was powerful, beyond powerful. It somehow made everyone happy. It was the kind of love that everyone dreams of and few achieve.
Maybe that's why I told Harry that Hermione was ok. Even at 12, I could see the magic of their love, the sparkle in both of their eyes when they saw each other. It would have been easy to overlook at 12-years-old, and a lot of people did (including Harry and Hermione), but as the years went on, it was impossible to miss.
I will be telling my children stories about them. Many in the magical community will. Their children are the two of the most wonderful children I have ever met. I have no doubt that this is from their heritage. I've heard the stories about the original Lily and James Potter. They were amazing people. Harry definitely got all of their good traits. And I met the Grangers at Harry and Hermione's wedding; they're really wonderful as well.
I can only hope that Harry and Hermione's love will have a better outcome than his parents. And knowing them, they'll fight for it and win.