In Harry Potter as Neville Longbottom

Chapter 40: Birthday Party - 3

"Good evening, I am Dufus. Welcome to the Longbottom's manor. Invitations please?"

Dufus, the male house elf of the Longbottom family manor was waiting for the guests outside. Dressed in a butler kind of look, he was tasked with checking the invitations and then receiving the guests.

He led the Granger family inside where Hermione met other classmates like Susan and Parvati.

Hermione's parents felt a little unease at this party as they hardly knew anyone but thanks to Seamus and Kellah's parents who were muggles themselves, they found good company.

Hermione's straight hair was the focus of the party for the kids before they noticed the cute little Diricrawls and pygmy puffs.

Soon Lady Augusta came downstairs and formally started the party. The adults formed their circles and the topics shifted from current politics to the falling economy in the British wizarding world.

After all, so many wizards left Britain in the last few months fearing the return of you-know-who. Those who survived the last war had no illusion about the terror and death that will come once you-know-who returns.

Meanwhile, Neville joined her Nan and met many guests as their friend or Lord of the house choosing whichever Identity suited him most.

It was during this strange atmosphere, Dufus appeared suddenly and whispered something in Nev's ears.

Nev was flabbergasted at this information. Apparently, Parkinson's family decided to come uninvited to this party and were currently waiting outside.

Nev had no other option than to excuse himself and receive the guests but before he could leave, his Nan came to him.

"Nev, it's time to cut the cake and start the dance session. The time is correct dear."

"Yes, Nan. But it appears one of my classmates has arrived outside with her family. I must go and enquire about the situation."

"Is it Parkinson's family, dear?" Lady Augusta asked out of the blue making Nev question if his Nan was a seer or something.

"YesBut how.I mean did you invite them, Nan?" Nev questioned his Nan looking at her teasing expressions.

"Oh! I might have asked them to drop by today forgetting today's occasion. Why don't you talk to the guests while I receive them personally?"

Without giving Nev any time to think, Lady Augusta simply left to welcome the Parkinson's inside.

This was the only guest Lady Augusta personally received and Nev surely noticed something was odd about this.

Soon all the guests saw a beautiful well dressed little girl entering the manor with her parents. The Gryffindor students were surprised to see a Slytherin at Neville's birthday party but considering Neville's pureblood background, they didn't make any scene.

Pansy was like a little fairy who came directly toward Nev and gave him a small gift.

"Happy Birthday Neville. Thanks for inviting my family today." She handed him the small gift before giving him a huge smile.

Neville thanked her politely and kept looking at his Nan who was enjoying her conversation with Parkinson's family.

Neville knew he won't be able to get any answers from his Nan at this moment, so he ignored the strange feeling in his stomach and introduced Pansy to the other kids.

Soon, the cake was cut, and the music started. The adults found their partners and the dance floor was soon filled with some couples.

"How are you, Young Lord Longbottom?" Madam Bones finding an appropriate time decided to chat with Neville. She was with Nev's parents for most of the part in the beginning and was happy to see their progress.

At least Frank and Alice were not mindless puppets now and this was more than enough. As a bones, she had lost almost all her family and as an Auror head, she had lost many of her friends and colleagues. Looking at Frank and Alice bought some tears of joy to her. So, she decided to spend some time with them before heading down.

"I was waiting for you Madam Bones. But can you please stop squeezing my cheeks!" Nev said embarrassedly, feeling helpless, as Madam Bones found it relaxing to squeeze his round cheeks even in front of all the guests.

"Oh, young Lord Longbottom. You must forgive me for this rudeness. But frankly, this is a stress buster." Madam Bones replied 'cheekily' which was seriously mismatched with her character.

"Right. Let's get you some snacks. Shall we?" Nev gestured to some pixies, and they came flying with some plates and handed some snacks before flying off.

Neville purposely led Madam Bones on a small tour of his Manor while speaking.

"Now, as I said in the morning Madam Bones, I do have a solution for your problem with Vaults in Gringotts."

"But?" Madam Bones asked knowingly; there is always a 'but' in these kinds of sentences.

"But I hope, you can take an oath to magical power for not spreading whatever I speak or inform you about regarding this as I want to use the same method in future for my personal use," Neville explained slowly without flinching.

Knowing he was speaking about a robbery at Gringotts and informing his method to the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Madam Bones was part amused, part surprised and part angry at his childish behaviour. For her, Neville was just like her Niece. But look at the audacity of the child.

"Okay. I will take this oath. And once I do, you will tell me everything. Also, I want to know a few answers that you will tell me. But think carefully, once I found my answers half baked, I am going to hang you outside of your manor gates, without your pants. Tonight." Madam Bones said seriously.

Neville didn't know if he should be afraid or laugh at this punishment. However, the idea of being hanged, naked, in front of so many of his classmates was seriously mortifying.

After a simple oath to keep this conversation private and limited to only herself, Neville told her about a certain reporter who has the ability to turn herself into a beetle.

Because this was not a magic spell or a hex but rather an Animagus form. Hence, she could easily bypass all known securities of goblins inside and access the vaults provided they are opened once.

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