Neville Longbottom

Furious at the disrespect he'd just faced Cormac wasn't very happy. This was of no concern to Ron who was more than aware that he was very much a short minded person.

" What?"

Blurting that word out Cormac scornfully looked back at the girl from before as she left. Not trying to stay long, Ron went straight to the point.

" I'm creating a study group with several of the first year's and since you're a year above us I'd like for you to join us."

" Eh, a study group? With a bunch of First Year's? I don't know Ron, I mean what would I get from this?"

-

"* Really Cormac? You didn't even try to hide your greediness. Well I guess this just makes it easier.*"

-

" Oh, of course how could I have forgotten, you see Fred and George got their hands on some second year answer sheets. They're of no use to me obviously but to you... "

Right away the greed in Cormac's eyes made itself apparent. So much so that his face full of anger was replaced with an almost warm one. His obvious change was exactly what Ron had predicted although him wrapping his arm around Ron wasn't.

" So are any of those answer sheets from McGonagall's class?"

" Yes, I do believe there is one? So what do you say Cormac, do we have a deal?"

" Of course, I mean what are friends for?"

After shaking on the deal they both went their separate ways. Walking back Ron suddenly stopped as he remembered that he'd forgotten about someone.

"* Neville.*"

-

*ACHOO*

" Is grandmother speaking about me, again? --

*Sigh*

-- Hopefully she won't get too mad that I lost my wand."

Earlier when one of the nurses brought him his dinner he was told that they couldn't find his wand. Several of the nurses used summoning and locating charms to no avail. Madam Pomfrey even had the House Elves search for it but they also came back empty handed.

Unlike most of his peers Neville's wand wasn't actually his. It had belong to his father before he suffered at the hands of Death Eaters. After that his grandmother gave him the wand in hopes of Neville matching his father's accomplishments. Now however it was lost and no one could find it, fearing the worst he went out in hope of finding it.

Aimlessly wandering around a magical castle in search of what essentially was a thin stick proved to be an impossible task. Heading back to the Gryffindor Common Room after not finding anything he was suddenly grabbed by the collar and pulled back.

"* Oh No! What's happening!?*"

Scared out of his mind Neville wanted to scream out before a familiar voice called out to him.

" Neville It's me, Ron. Don't say anything... "

-

Remembering that he'd forgotten about the Herbology Savant Ron made his way to the Hospital Wing. Unfortunately when he arrived he was told by one the night staff to come back again tomorrow. Not one to give up so easily Ron asked for some medicine for an upset stomach, although a bit skeptical the nurse complied.

When she turned her back on him, Ron stealthily drew a red wand and casted a spell.

"* Confundo*"

Suddenly the nurse found herself not knowing exactly why she was their. Now with an opportunity Ron dashed over to Neville's bed, where he found an empty bed.

"* Damn it.*"

Not trying to get caught he made a tactical retreat while the nurse was still muddle headed.

-

Not finding Neville in there, Ron was about to head back when he heard a familiar growl followed by a horse voice.

"* Filch and Mrs. Norris?*"

" You smell someone don't you Mrs. Norris!?"

Ron had thought he was talking about him but when they ran past him he got a bad feeling.

"* Don't tell me... Neville.*"

Hastily drawing the red wand, Ron began to concentrate as he wasn't too proficient in the spell yet.

"* Homenum Revelio!*"

Luckily for Ron there was no one during this time running around and quickly found a lone figure.

"* Hopefully I'm wrong. I'm surely running late for my "Punishment" with Snape. God knows he's already fuming mad at me... *"

Having found the strangler Ron casted a levitation charm on himself as he jumped out of a window to reach the ground floor faster.

-

" Neville It's me, Ron. Don't say anything... "

Right after he said, that a low growl sounded throughout the now empty corridor. Shortly after the growl, incoming footsteps could be heard before a confused voice shouted.

" Where did he go!? Are you sure he was here!?"

Ron silently signaled Neville to follow him nodding he followed Ron. Neither spoke as they didn't want to alert the hunter like senses of Mrs. Norris. Finally reaching the Gryffindor Tower Ron broke the silence.

" Why were you wandering the school at night?"

Albeit a bit nervous Neville was able to explain that he'd lost his wand and was looking for it.

" I see, I could try locate it for you using a summoning."

" It's no use the nurses tried that and they couldn't find it... I'm also sure that it's lost forever... It's just that it meant a lot to my grandmother."

" You're grandmother, she's the one taking care of you, right?"

Ron's words caused Neville to remember that he didn't have parents that he was alone.

" Neville, I'm sorry that was... "

" It's fine. What you said is the truth my grandmother is all the family I have left."

" I only bring this up, because I'm sure that if your Grandmother was to find out that you failed your classes due to your Wand having been lost she'd be upset."

Hearing that caused Neville to sink lower as he knew that she wouldn't be sad as much as she'd be furious. Seeing that he wasn't denying it Ron continued.

" That's why I'd like to help you out, by paying for a replacement Wand."

" But.. but.. I couldn't possibly- "

" It's fine Neville, what are friends for if not to help each other? Although I do have a condition... "

" Huh?"

Knowing that it was too good to be true Neville readied himself to tell his grandmother he'd lost the wand.

" That you join my study group. We're currently in need of members and I think you'll fit in perfectly. So what do you say?"

Surprised by what he'd heard Neville raised his head to face Ron. Who's smile was somehow radiating so much kindness and generosity that Ron resembled a Buddha in Neville's eyes.

" Yes! I'll gladly join."