A Neville SI Chapter 5

A Neville SI Chapter 5

Augusta's expression shifted between pride and concern. "What does that mean for Neville?"

"It means," Ollivander said, his gaze locking onto Neville, "that young Mr. Longbottom here has a special destiny ahead of him. This wand wouldn't choose just anyone. There must be something remarkable about you, something that sets you apart."

Neville swallowed hard, feeling the weight of the responsibility. "Has there ever been another wand like this?"

Ollivander's voice dropped to a near whisper. "Only one. Many have tried to replicate it, but only my grandfather succeeded in creating a wand with this combination. but No one had ever gotten the wand to produce magic—until now."

….

"He's definitely talking about the Elder Wand," Neville thought to himself, glancing at the wand in his hand. The wand was humming with energy, a subtle vibration that seemed to resonate with his very core. "This wand must be an attempt to recreate the Elder Wand," he mused, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation. "Did the wand choose me because I've died and been transmigrated?"

"How much for the wand?" Augusta Longbottom's voice broke through Neville's thoughts, pulling him back to the present moment.

"Ah, yes," Ollivander said, his eyes twinkling with the excitement of a successful match. "Seven Galleons."

"Seven Galleons," Augusta repeated, as she reached into her purse with a practiced motion. She counted out the coins and placed them on the counter.

"Thank you, Mrs. Longbottom," Ollivander said with a respectful nod, sweeping the coins into his palm with a swift. "May your new wand serve you well, Mr. Longbottom."

"Come along, Neville," Augusta urged, already a few steps ahead. Neville hurried to catch up, clutching the wand box tightly in his hand he was still not used to this body.

As they stepped out of the shop, Neville noticed that the sky had darkened considerably. The once bustling alley was now quieter, the sounds of the day fading into the soft murmur of evening. The lanterns flickered gently, casting long shadows that danced on the walls of the ancient buildings.

"Oh my, we are already late," Augusta exclaimed as she stepped out of the shop, her eyes widening slightly. "We've already passed the time I told Minerva that I would bring you back."

"I'm sorry, Gran," Neville said. "I didn't realize how late it had gotten."

"It's quite alright, Neville," Augusta replied, her tone softening. "We just need to hurry. Minerva will understand, but it's best not to keep her waiting too long."

Augusta gestured for him to follow her, and they began to walk, weaving through the dimly lit streets of Diagon Alley. As they passed by the shops, they noticed that many were closing for the night, shutters being drawn and lights being extinguished.

"I'm sorry, Neville," Augusta said, breaking the silence. "We won't be able to buy those books today. I'll pick some up tomorrow and owl them to you."

Neville nodded, understanding but slightly disappointed. He had been looking forward to getting his hands on some books. As they continued walking, his stomach rumbled loudly, betraying his hunger. Augusta glanced back at him, her expression softening.

"Oh my, you haven't had your dinner yet, have you?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

Before Neville could respond, she led him over to the shop where they had lunch earlier. The familiar scent of hearty food wafted through the air as they stepped inside. They quickly found a table and ordered a simple but satisfying meal.

After dinner, they made their way to the designated Apparition point. The night had grown even darker, and the streets were now almost deserted. Augusta turned to Neville, her expression serious.

"Hold on to my hand and don't let go," she instructed, extending her hand towards him.

Neville took hold of Augusta's outstretched hand, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness. With a final glance around, Augusta twisted on the spot, and Neville felt the familiar, uncomfortable sensation of being squeezed through a narrow tube.

The world around them blurred and twisted, and for a moment, Neville felt as if he couldn't breathe. Then, just as suddenly as it began, the sensation stopped, and they landed. Augusta landed gracefully, her feet touching the ground with practiced ease. Neville, on the other hand, stumbled and fell face-first into the ground.

"Are you alright, Neville?" Augusta asked, helping him to his feet.

"I'm fine, Gran," Neville replied, brushing himself off and trying to hide his embarrassment. "Just need to work on my landings."

"The first time Apparating is always the worst," Augusta chuckled softly. "You'll get the hang of it," she assured him. "Now, let's get you settled in. You've had quite a day." With a flick of her wand, she cast a silent cleaning charm, efficiently removing the dirt from his robes.

Neville glanced around, trying to get his bearings. They were standing in front of an enormous gate made of wrought iron. "This must be the Hogwarts gate," Neville thought, his heart racing at the sight.

"Come along, Neville," Augusta's voice cut through his thoughts. She was already moving towards the gate. "We're already late."

"Right," Neville muttered, hurrying to keep up with her. The gravel crunched under their feet as they approached the imposing entrance.

Augusta reached the gate and rapped on it sharply with her knuckles. The sound echoed in the quiet night.

"Keep your chin up, Neville," she said, her tone softer than before.

"Professor McGonagall told me you would be here by 8," the man said, his voice deep and rumbling like distant thunder. "I was startin' to think you weren't comin'."

He towered over them, easily thrice Neville's height and his beard looked like it could house a family of birds. "This must be Hagrid," Neville thought, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation. "He's a lot taller than in the movies. Man, he looks scary in the dark like this."

"Sorry we are late, Hagrid," Gran sighed. "We were held at Ollivander's. It took longer than we thought for Neville here to select his new wand. We must have kept you waiting."

Hagrid waved her off with a large, calloused hand. "It's alright, Mrs. Longbottom. I jus' finished feedin' the mooncalves," he said, his West Country accent thick and comforting. He opened the gate to let Neville in, his massive frame moving with surprising gentleness.

Neville felt Gran's hand on his shoulder, a steadying presence in the midst of all the newness. "Well, Neville, I'll see you during the winter break," she said. "Send me a letter if you need anything." She wrapped her arms around him in a brief but firm hug.

"Stay safe," she whispered, releasing him and giving a gentle push towards Hagrid.

Goodbye, Gran," Neville said awkwardly, not really knowing the woman well. He turned and walked past the gates.

"Better get goin'," Gran urged again. She gave him one last nod before turning back, twisting on the spot, and disappearing.

"Well, come along then," Hagrid said, swinging the lantern to light the way. "Got quite a trek up to the castle."

"Right," Neville muttered, falling into step beside him.

"Um, I'm Neville Longbottom," Neville said, breaking the silence. His voice sounded small next to Hagrid's looming presence, but he didn't want the walk to be filled with just their footsteps echoing in the dark.

"Ah, good to meet yeh, Neville," Hagrid replied, glancing down at him with a warm smile. His eyes crinkled at the corners, and the light from his lantern made them twinkle kindly. "Yeh know, my name's Hagrid. Keeper of Keys and Grounds here at Hogwarts."

"Nice to meet you, Hagrid," Neville replied, trying to match his stride despite the difference in their heights.

"Got yer wand sorted then?" Hagrid asked, his curiosity genuine.

"Yeah, it's right here," Neville said, patting his pocket.

"You said you were feeding the mooncalves earlier? What are those exactly?" Neville asked, eager to keep the conversation going.

"Ah, mooncalves! Lovely little critters they are," Hagrid said, his eyes lighting up. "Only come outta their burrows during a full moon. Got these big, round eyes and smooth, pale skin. Fascinatin' creatures." Neville remembered seeing them in the Fantastic Beasts movies.

"Are there any other magical creatures here at Hogwarts?" Neville asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

"Plenty!" Hagrid replied with enthusiasm, his lantern swinging as he gestured animatedly. "We've got everything from hippogriffs to thestrals. The Forbidden Forest is full of surprises, though it's not a place fer wanderin' alone, mind yeh."

"Yeh'll learn all about 'em in yer Care of Magical Creatures classes," Hagrid continued, a grin spreading beneath his bushy beard. "And if yeh're ever interested in more, just drop by. i love introducin' students to the wonders of magical beasts."

"Almost there," Hagrid said, pointing ahead.

Neville breathed, unable to hide his awe. "Wow..." Seeing the castle at night was majestic.

"Impressive, ain't it?" Hagrid chuckled, clearly pleased with Neville's reaction.

As they neared the massive front doors, Hagrid announced, "Here we go." He pushed them open with ease, revealing the grand entrance hall bathed in warm, welcoming light.

"Go on in," Hagrid urged, stepping aside to let Neville enter first.

"Well," Hagrid yawned widely, his large hand coming up to cover his mouth. "That's me done for the night. Good night, Neville. Best get yerself to the Gryffindor dormitories and get some sleep."

"Wait, Hagrid—" Neville started to say, but Hagrid was already halfway out the door. With a heavy creak, the door closed behind him, leaving Neville alone in the vast, echoing hall.

"Great," Neville muttered under his breath as he stared at the closed door. The realization hit him like a Bludger to the head he had no idea where the Gryffindor common room was.

"Okay, think," Neville muttered to himself, scratching the back of his head. "I could just sit here and wait for someone to come... or I could go exploring the castle. If I remember correctly, the Gryffindor common room is in a tower behind the portrait of the Fat Lady."

With a heavy sigh, Neville decided to start walking down the hallway. "Maybe I'll run into one of the professors or something," he hoped out loud.

Neville spent the next hour wandering around the castle, feeling increasingly frustrated and disoriented. The twisting corridors and countless staircases seemed designed to confuse him. Every portrait he passed was asleep, and none of them were the Fat Lady.

"Dammit, where is that portrait?" Neville sighed tiredly, turning yet another corner. His feet ached from all the wandering, and his mind was beginning to fog from exhaustion. "Not even Filch's cat," he muttered under his breath, referring to the creepy caretaker's ever-watchful feline companion that usually appeared in the movie to find the students out of bed.

Neville sighed, thinking, 'Maybe I could just sleep in the Room of Requirement for tonight... but I don't even know where it is, other than it's on the seventh floor, opposite a painting.'

He was about to give up on searching for the Gryffindor common room and just sleep on the floor when he heard a voice coming from around the corner.

"Finally, someone," Neville thought, quickly rushing to the corner, not wanting to lose the person.

Rounding the corner in his haste, Neville bumped into someone, and they both fell down on their bums.

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