I Love Plants {a Neville Longbottom story}

Year 7

Deathly hallows

Word spread fast that Harry Potter was on the run. Neville and I frankly had no idea where he was, we knew Hermione and Ron were with him but no one actually knew where he was. Dean unfortunately never knew if his dad was a wizard or not so he was labeled a muggle born. Tonks took it upon herself to hide him. Neville was very grateful for that. Although the future was quite unclear Neville and I had a job to do when we arrived at Hogwarts and that's all that mattered to us.

I wasn't surprised to see Kings Cross station fairly deserted. I knew less students would be returning to Hogwarts after they announced Death eaters would be in charge. Mcgonagall may have been appointed headmistress but everyone was well aware she didn't have any real power. She was just appointed to help families feel more comfortable sending their kids to a glorified torture chamber.

"Neville, does it feel like the train is slowing down?" I ask.
"Yes. Yes it does." He says looking out the window.
Just then two death eaters enter the train car looking around at the students. Looking for someone. I stand up but Neville is faster than me. He stands and moves protectively in front of me. The death eaters both eye him.
"He isn't here idiots, you are wasting your time." He says. I recognize one of the men as Yaxley. His eyes meet mine.
"Hello darling, long time no see." Yaxley says. He takes a step towards me. Neville puts his arm in front of me.

"Filthy squib. I was speaking to her not you." Yaxley groans. Antonin points his wand towards Neville but Neville doesn't flinch. A third death eater enters the train. It's Hubar.
"He isn't here Yaxley let's go." Hubar whispers in His ear.
"Antonin you brute let the kid be, we have work to do." Yaxley says. Yaxley and Antonin apparate away. Hubar does the same but shoots us a wink first.

"What a fun way to start our 7th year! Huh?" Seamus jokes. Luna giggles and claps her hands together.
Neville and I shoot Seamus a death glare.
"Seriously mate?" Neville asks. Seamus throws up his hands in confusion.
"What? Just trying to lighten the mood a little." Seamus replies.

I gently grab Neville's arm and pull him to sit again. I lay my head on his shoulder.
"My brave wolf." I say.

At some point Serenity falls asleep on my shoulder. It feels weird going back to Hogwarts. Trivial. Serenity and I are some of the only students at Hogwarts that don't fear death eaters though, so I understand why were were the ones the order chose for this job.

A familiar blonde approaches us with Goyle in tow.
"Move." He says to Seamus and Luna. Luna looks him in the eyes.
"That isn't very polite, we say here first!" Luna yells back. Goyle grabs the two by the robes and pushes them to the next car over and Draco takes a seat infront of me. Serenity shifts around on my shoulder but stays asleep.

"Neville I know you are planning something. You once told me to keep Serenity out of trouble so I'm going to have to ask you the same thing." Draco says.
His eyes are locked on mine. He is stern and serious.
"That's not your choice Draco, it's hers. I know she is like family to you but she is going to be my wife. Plus you and I both know we can't control her, even if we wanted to." I reply.

His expression softens as he looks at her peacefully sleeping on my shoulder.
"That's true." He says with a smile. "But."
I look up at him, and he looks back at me, serious again.
"Don't trust Hubar, something fishy about that bloke." Draco finally says. I look at him and start to chuckle.
"What?" Draco asks. I just continue laughing, trying to catch my breath. Other students look at me in confusion.
"Draco! You and him are basically the same person!" I laugh.

Draco starts to blush and gets angry.
"We are not!" He yells.
"Are too! Ah wait never mind he is nicer" I reply. Draco slams his hands on the table waking Serenity.
"You sniveling git! Watch your mouth!" He yells and then storms off. I continue to chuckle a little.
Serenity looks at me concerned and confused.
"What was that about?" She asks.
"I think Draco and I were getting a little too chummy" I reply with a smile.
"Hmm" she replies, placing her head back on my shoulder.

When we arrive to Hogwarts the harsh reality hits us like a brick. We are forced to walk in perfect lines with our houses. The sorting ceremony happens in private so there is no celebration. Worst of all we aren't allowed to sit with other house, meaning Serenity is forced to sit at the Hufflepuff table away from me.

"At least the food is just as good!" Seamus says while biting into a large turkey leg.
"How are you so positive right now?" I ask. My nerves are making it almost impossible to eat anything.
"Someone has to be, Serenity isn't here and she hasn't been the ray of sunshine she normally is lately." He says. Just then I see his happy expression fall slightly.
"Thanks Seamus, you are a good friend." I reply. Seamus starts to smile again and nods a thank you. Then goes back to devouring everything infront of him.

I look over at the Hufflepuff table. The table is the mostly empty out of all the houses, a lot of Muggle borns are sorted into Hufflepuff and they obviously didn't return for this school year. Serenity is sitting next to Hannah Abbott. They hadn't been very close lately but I'm glad to see she has a friend. Just then I see one of the new death eater teachers approach her. They talk for a moment, then Serenity gets up and follows the woman out of the great hall.