What a wonderful story! (In fact, before the fest started I wondered if there was going to be any Rufus Scrimgeour/Augusta Longbottom contributions -- I've never seen the pairing before, and yet it's such a great one. I love what you did with it.) I love the development of their relationship, and Augusta's being a Slytherin -- never seen that before, but it fits well with her ambitions on Neville's behalf.
Some of my favourite lines:
The eager attitude set his teeth on edge
This just fits so perfectly with the way I imagine Rufus's character to be like.
As though he should release a man who confessed under Veritaserum to Death Eater activity, for no reason other than Harry Potter liked him!
SERIOUSLY. Harry's 'I like Stan, and I'm always right!!11' attitude grated so much on me in the book, I just wanted to shake him (Harry, that is).
She had always thought Harry was a nice boy, and a true Gryffindor. Unfortunately, however, that sometimes equated to not much in the intelligence department.
*cackles*
Still, it might be useful, so Rufus jumped at this miniscule opportunity he had to — if not hinder, then at least delay — any Death Eater. Besides, he would be a fool to turn down tea.
Love this.
Augusta walked towards them, her eyes never straying from Rufus. He stood motionless, spellbound, until she reached them and Rufus gently touched her cheek, his expression one of awed joy.
SO ROMANTIC.
And the ending! (Totally not AU at all; no, this is what happened. Definitely. *g*)