so blessed
Some very good insight into the character of Neville Longbottom and how he might have felt at the start of that year, clear from the very beginning. It sets the tone for the rest of this treat of a fic.
The moment between him and the little girl was very touching. I loved the fact that before calling for help for Minerva, that Neville takes the time to clean her up... and never mentions it. Very gallant.
Beautiful initial scene between him Poppy Pomfrey. I loved her little ego boo.
'Merlin on a cleansweep' is/was brilliant. Just brilliant. :-)
Aw, there are too many brilliant lines in this for me to write out but I have to especially remark on this one: I'd prefer not to hear any more waffle about my supposed 'weakened state.'
I can hear Minerva say this. I can even see her expression as she says it. *Perfect* (Plus, I know *just* how she feels!)
Have to say, I love, nay *adore* all the cameos, staff and student, you sprinkled into the fic. Above all, the stalwart Neville which you gift us with here; showing us his gradual assumption of the mantle of adulthood that year - when Rowling merely presents us, fait accompli, in the final book. I loved watching him go from uncertain grown boy to certain grown man; it was a delight.
The reset almost breaks my heart, except I could so see that. Plus, it might be my imagination but I also see the ambiguity in the ending, as well.
If you prefer to believe Minerva did not forget, you need but reconsider these two lines: 1) Her hair was in the tightest of buns, and she never looked Neville's way. 2) She was behind her desk when he came in, but she offered him tea and ginger newts, something she'd never done before.
But taken on the face of it (and we only see it from Neville's perspective, of course), it's a beautiful, poignant & fitting end to this magical coming-of-age story. Neville faced the possibility of her knowing - and possibly berating him or herself - like the Gryffindor he is. He took her at her word regarding her memories, instead, and accepted their time as a gift. Which it was, and it is.
Thank you so much! I feel quite blessed. X-) *cuddles fic*