ernie/nev/teddy
WHO: Ernie MacMillan, Neville Longbottom, and Theodore Nott
WHAT: Chatting at the party
WHERE: The Malfoy Manor
RATING: PG
STATUS: Mostly done.




Neville hadn't really wanted to go to the Malfoys. Mostly because of old wounds, really. Years of being taunted by Draco were the worst part. If he thought harder, he'd remember the notices in the Prophet that Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, was the sister of Bellatrix Lestrange. Though Neville knew the eldest Black witch was dead, it still stirred up old fears and worries. But if the Malfoys could try and put all of that behind them, perhaps he could, too. That and Ernie had asked. Nearly begged, really. It was a bit annoying when Neville thought about it, which he did with a wry smile as he listened to Hannah finish a story and say something about being thirsty. She seemed to be doing all right, and so did Hermione, really. If two muggleborns could handle being in the Malfoy Manor, it would be less than Gryffindor for Neville to admit that it scared him. Having Ginny there with him would've been nice, but he understood her unwillingness to go. Part of him wished he'd done the same, stayed home, or at least taken her out somewhere. But he did need to get out of the house already; barely away from the castle and already Gran was blathering on and on about him getting a respectable job and settling down.

No, spending time with his friends was a much better option. As for Ginny, he had all summer to monopolize her. A party like this only happened once a year. And besides, it was worth it to see the expression on Lucius Malfoy's face when Neville walked through the door, his polite greeting smile in place. His grandmother hadn't raised him to be impolite to his hosts, after all. Or to most anyone else. Draco looking appalled would only make things perfect, but he hadn't caught sight of the blond boy yet. He'd seen Theodore, and offered him a smile and a small wave, but not his less appealing cousin.

As Hannah scurried away to the punch table (for something non-alcoholic, he imagined), Neville fiddled with the edge of his robes. Not that he was nervous around Ernie, of course. He was just anxious in general. Being social and going to parties wasn't something bred into him the way it had been Ernie and Theodore. The Longbottoms had their share of wealth, and his parents had left him well off enough. But Augusta hadn't been into socializing with the rest of the wizarding community. They'd stayed in their large but modest home away from the rush of people. It was why, despite his parents being close to Ernie's parents, and Harry's too, they'd all ended up separated. It was why he was so physically awkward and why, even in front of one of his closest friends, he felt like a giant waste of space.

"So..." he began, glancing down at the napkin in his hand. It was leftover from a pastry he'd been offered, but he typically had no idea what to do with it once he'd finished. It made a great twisty thing to occupy his hands. "You've been here before, right?"

Truthfully, Ernie would have been miffed if Neville had chosen to stay back to hang out with Ginny. Ernie was trying hard to piece his friendships back, but, more importantly, he and Hermione had worked hard to help their class heal. If they could'nt count on DA members, who could they count on? It opened up a can of worms Ernie wasn't ready to think on, but it was confronting him more and more whether he wanted it or not. He had a feeling choices were going to be demanded, but Draco's words played in his ears. We won't be the ones to make you choose. It made Ernie physically ill to think that way, but if Harry's actions were any indication...hell, if Michael's actions were any indication...

But there were lots of people there. Ernie could hope. He could. And maybe, just maybe, make a difference. Somehow.

He forced his mind back to the present, smiling at his friend. Outside of Hufflepuff, Neville was truly his best mate. Hell, after the last year, maybe his only real best mate aside from Hannah. "Just don't talk to the portraits and know where the loo is," Ernie joked.

Neville laughed a bit bashfully at that, his cheek turning pink. "Which one?" he asked, shaking his head. "I tried to find Hermione earlier and found three different loos! I'm not even sure Hogwarts has this many." As for the portraits, well... "What...exactly do the portraits do? I mean, I know they talk..."

At that, Ernie couldn't help smirking. "Generations of Malfoys. What do you think they do? They scold about posture and lecture about manners." The mention of Hermione, however, made Ernie grin. He just couldn't help it.

Plenty of things went past Neville. He wasn't, admittedly, the most intuitive or intellectual sort. But he knew people's behaviours, and he knew Ernie lit up when Hermione's name was mentioned. "Hmm, I wonder where she went, anyway," he said with an exaggerated look around the room, tapping his chin. "Don't suppose she ran off to find some abandoned corner of the mansion to meet up with you, hmm?"

Ernie rolled his eyes even as the blush went right to his ear tips. "I am sure she's just being a good party person. You know? The type who don't cling to each other in the middle of a crowded room?" He punched Neville on the arm, indicating it was all a joke. Honestly, Ernie didn't feel like mingling more just then either.

"I...mingle," Neville protested, though the troubled look on his face indicated otherwise. "Sort of. I just...don't know that many people here!" Which wasn't entirely true. But admitting that he was practically hiding behind Ernie from any curiously wandering eyes just sounded humiliating. He was in no mood for press, though. Him being there was nearly as bad as Harry doing so.

"It's alright. At least you are here, mate." Ernie couldn't help the shadow that crossed his face as he thought about all the ones who hadn't shown. He couldn't blame them entirely, but part of him...just couldn't help it. He'd have been mad at Teddy and Draco if they had rejected, say, a Weasley invitation. It was all the same to him.

But Neville really could understand his friends' reluctance to be there. "It'll take time, Ernie," he said quietly, shrugging his shoulders. "Old wounds don't heal overnight, after all. There's a lot of bad blood between a lot of people. Just because everyone was invited, doesn't mean it's going to make up for years of hurt." Some of his friends had been personally attacked by Lucius Malfoy himself. Neville knew, because he'd seen it. He'd been there at the Department of Mysteries when several Death Eaters, including Malfoy and Theodore's father, too, had attacked the misplaced students. He remembered how close he came to losing Hermione, how miserable Luna had looked, how helpless Ginny had seemed, and Ron had been a right mess. From time to time, his own nose reminded him of the agony of that evening. And Harry... Well, who could blame him? Not even Neville, as angry as he was with the boy just then. "Look," he said softly, trying to sound completely neutral, "a lot of people made it who I didn't expect to. It's a start, Ernie. It may not be perfect yet, but...it's still a start."

"A start? A start." Ernie didn't believe it. Not when he opened his journal and was reminded of how easily old wounds opened and poured forth, sometimes without rhyme or reason. He was sick of it, especially when it came to people not admitting any fault at all. Ernie had been wrong. It had taken him a long time to see that, but he had. It was unfair to expect all the compromise to come from the other side and yet...whenever Harry Potter opened his mouth or swooped in, it seemed that's all people saw. But Ernie wasn't going to argue the point. He hadn't been present at some things because, simply, he hadn't been invited or told. Perhaps it was easy for the trio and Luna and Ginny and Neville to feel that way, but Ernie knew what it was like to be ostracized even by friends. He had done it to others though. He was no better. Maybe no one was. But the DA hadn't been perfect. Even members had felt left out. Still felt left out. But what use was it to say a word against when anger and defense clouded all arguments? Each side had points, but when feelings blinded...well. "Like I said, at least you are here. What more do you want me to say?" Perhaps it was mean, but Ernie was in a terrible position and he was, frankly, tired of the righteousness spewed forth by so many. The world still spun in its unfairness and prejudice; people could cling to their fears. Ernie MacMillan was going to fight. Without meaning to, he straightened, his eyes searching out his girlfriend. He was so proud of her. When no one else made sense...she did. Or at least tried. And, really, what else could Ernie ask for?

Neville sighed, absently rubbing at his temples. He hadn't meant to make Ernie angry. It was the last thing he ever wanted to do. Ernie might have thought so, but he wasn't the only one who'd ever been ostracized. And, at least since they'd been in school, Ernie had never made him feel that way. In fact, where he did care about Ron and even Harry, and he considered Seamus and Dean good friends, Ernie was one of the only male students Neville considered himself close to. He'd never want him to feel pushed away. "I'm not saying not coming was a good idea," he said slowly, thinking over each word carefully to try and avoid foot-in-mouth moments. "I'm just saying it's going to take steps. Honestly, I wouldn't be here right now if it weren't for you. I'm not saying I'm the bigger man, here, I just... Theodore didn't do anything to me. And Draco hasn't attempted to trip me in at least two years, right?" He attempted to smile, but it was strained under his worry of upsetting Ernie.

"Kind of hard when you are plotting to let Death Eaters into the school." The words were out of Ernie's mouth before he even knew it which wasn't like him at all, but he was usually pretty frank with his friend. He trusted Neville. "We shouldn't be talking about this. Not here anyway." It was disrespectful to all involved. Yet, it also made Ernie feel guilty. His stomach literally turned over and he glanced away. He beckoned a waiter over, taking a glass of water from his tray. "Neville?"

No, they definitely shouldn't have been talking about it there. In fact, Neville's eyes grew twice as wide as Ernie spoke. One minute, Ernie was defending the 'other side' so to speak, the next he was publically declaring his bitterness with Draco Malfoy over that horrible night at Hogwarts. Neville didn't remember it as clearly as some of his friends did. He'd been injured only halfway through the fighting, and most everything after that was a blur. But he knew how horrible it had been, and he couldn't blame Ernie for being angry. Or, in this case, conflicted. "Uh. Um. Right. Yeah?" he finally stammered in reply to Ernie's question. He, too, took a water, even though curiousity did tempt him to try something stronger. He was of age, after all.

Yes, Ernie had been bitter, but he also felt responsible. He had known something was off. Yet what he had done? Covered prefect rounds and silently cursed Draco for shirking his responsibilities. It was all hard to think on and yet sometimes Ernie couldn't help it. Maybe if he had just tried...maybe so much pain could have been spared. But he couldn't undo history and so simply stared into his water glass. Being at the Manor again stirred up so many memories, both good and bad. "Sorry," Ernie said finally. "I...hell, I never manage to get it right the first time do I? I have friends and then something happens and I am not there...Harry and second year...Ted---Theodore, Draco, Pansy...Justin, Zach..." He shook his head, getting angrier and angrier with himself.

"You've never let me down," Neville said quietly, smiling. "And you didn't let any of them down, either. Some of them... Well, they say love's a two way street, right? Maybe friendship is, too. You think we can't get past all this hurt and anger one sided, well... Neither can your friends. Second year, you were worried about Justin. Lots of people suspected Harry, it wasn't just you. And Draco and them, well, from what I overheard on the train, you weren't the only one getting mad, Draco was hurting your feelings. We were young, we did some stupid things." Justin and Zach just plain had it coming, but Neville wasn't sure how to approach that. In fairness, he'd been jealous for ages of how close Ernie was to the pair of them. He got to live with them and yet, they always seemed to take advantage of it.

"Screw Malfoy!" Ernie snapped. oh, Merlin, being there was affecting him. "It wasn't just about him! What I did to Ted---The---">

"Ahem." Teddy had left Tracey to continue greeting guests. He had spotted Ernie and Neville which seemed a safe enough place to start. But clearly he had walked in on the wrong moment. He overheard enough to be uncomfortable. He didn't like remembering that time anymore than the Hufflepuff did. "Uh...hello." Teddy nodded at first Neville and then Ernie. "I am sorry. I was coming over and I didn't intend to...to eavesdrop or anything." The latter was mostly for Neville's benefit. He didn't want the Gryffindor thinking he'd do that.

Oh, well that was just perfect. Not that Ernie didn't believe he deserved it. He was talking about them at their own party for pity's sake. "This isn't...what it sounds like." Was it?

Neville turned a furious shade of red, but kept his smile firmly in place. There had to be a way to protect Ernie without making Theodore feel badly at his own party. "Oh. Hullo, Theodore. Are you enjoying your party?" Complete subject change, yes, but... Well, desperate times and all that.

Teddy looked Neville like he had grown three heads. No, that wasn't an obvious subject. Not at all. "It was brilliant until a few seconds ago." He turned back to Ernie, eyebrows raised. He wasn't sure if he was angry or hurt or...

"Then what was it exactly?" Teddy crossed his arms over his chest, his hazel eyes shining with something akin to hurt.

"No..." Ernie shook his head though he shot Neville a grateful look for trying. "I...I am sorry, alright? Being back here..." Ernie waved a hand around the impressive home. "I just... I should go. This was a silly idea." He remembered Theodore's party on the tower. He had said something similar then, but...so much had happened since that moment.

Sighing, Teddy reached out, grabbing Ernie's arm. "Oh, stop that," he hissed, trying not to attract attention. "I heard enough to know you didn't mean anything terrible. You always do that, you know. Assume I'll think the worst of you. I don't." He spared Neville another glance. "This time you have a witness. That help?"

Neville sighed, not exactly happy with the position he was being put in. "No, no, he didn't mean... Ernie, don't go, for pity's sake, that won't make this any better." Swallowing hard, he channeled the part of him that had all but blackmailed his best friend into going out with Hermione. He knew it was something Ernie had wanted but wouldn't go for himself. Clearly, this was, too. "Ernie was just saying how upsetting it was being back here because of all the memories. And...how much he missed it back then. Except something about the portraits...and not being able to find a loo?"

Teddy released Ernie's arm, choosing to focus on the less frazzled of the pair. "I know he didn't. I don't know why he's so defensive." He shot Ernie a small smile. "Though I suppose that's part of the reason he needs to remember where the loo is."

Swallowing hard against his nerves, Ernie tried to smile back. He wasn't sure he succeeded, but at least he tried. "I just...I didn't want you thinking..."

"I know," Teddy finished for him. "Honestly, if we're mates, then that's it. You can't keep feeling guilty over everything. We won't get anywhere." He rolled his eyes. "He like this with you, Neville?" He hadn't really spoken directly to Neville since the cat chat on Neville's journal, but Teddy tried to dismiss any lingering annoyance about those entries. Hogwarts was over. None of it mattered anymore.

Actually, Neville wasn't sure he could remember a one-on-one chat with Theodore ever. Journals, perhaps, but never face to face. Curiously. Their paths had just never crossed, really. But Ernie obviously wanted this and Neville wouldn't dare be the obstacle in his way. "Sometimes," Neville admitted with half a smile. "Crazy perfectionists. Even their friendships have to be just so." But the smile he shot Ernie was genuine, and he shrugged. "He only does it because he cares."

Ernie relaxed, if only marginally. "Right," he said finally, looking from one to the other. "I am glad to be here though. Really. It's been too long."

Teddy's smile was authentic as he nodded agreement. "My mother is thrilled to see you again. She's ran into your parents, but..." He shrugged, leaving what they all well knew unsaid. "If you get a moment..."

"I will. Definitely," Ernie promised. "I think Nev might like meeting her too."

"Oh, I'm a real parent sort of guy," Neville offered, before realising just how stupid it sounded. "I mean... Parents approve of... Well, that is to say..." Rolling his eyes at himself, he simply shrugged. "I'm simply saying I'd love to meet your mother. Ernie's said nice things about her." So had Hannah when they'd arrived, but Neville didn't know how, exactly, breakups worked and wasn't sure it was best to mention that. Regardless, between them, they made Kaleigh Nott sound like a wonderful mum to have around.

Teddy chuckled. "So am I, really. You know, if they get past that son of a Death Eater thing..." Seeing their faces, Teddy laughed harder. "That was a joke."

"Not a good one!" Ernie shoved Teddy playfully. "Well, alright, maybe a bit," he relented, smiling.

It was good seeing Ernie let go like that with someone who wasn't him. Or Hermione or Hannah. Really good, actually. Neville smiled, leaning back on his heels a bit. "What? You're the son of a Death Eater? Geez, thanks for letting me know, I would've been lost."

Perhaps what Teddy heard had been right. Poke at yourself and no one else could? "And one of the best men I could ask for," he said more seriously. He couldn't be so flip where Angus was concerened and leave it. Not with a stranger.

"With my father in a close race!" Ernie piped up though he reached out to squeeze Neville's shoulder. "And from what my dad says, Neville's was in that race too."

Neville knew Ernie was trying to be helpful, but somehow mentioning a Death Eater and his own dad in the same competition seemed awkward. No matter how good Theodore's father really was. He knew not every marked man was like the Lestranges, but it didn't make it easier to hear. "I'm sure we all have dads we can be proud of," he said quietly. Which was better than the thousands of horrible feelings running through his head at that moment.

"Well, most of the time." Ernie looked to where his father flailed helplessly on the dance floor.

"Maybe he'll take lessons before the wedding?" Teddy suggested. He half wondered if he'd be invited, but there was no tactful way to ask that.

No tactful way exept for Neville's blundering self to blurt, "Oh, are you going?"

Teddy blinked several times. Well, that was embarrassing. "Oh...I didn't get an invitation." Thank goodness he had enough time to force himself not to blush. He had been so taken aback that he had a chance to recover and, hopefully, sound nonchalant.

"That would be because they're not out yet," Ernie quickly responded. "I hope you'll come. I know it would mean a lot of my dad. And...to me." It was hard to get those words out.

Teddy really didn't know what to say. Was Ernie telling the truth or just saving face? "I would never insult your family." It was a safe enough answer. "Are you going, Neville?"

Neville felt about two inches tall after that outburst, but attempted to cover it up with a small, nervous laugh. "Not sure this one would let me live it down otherwise," he commented, nodding in Ernie's direction. "You should come. If for no other reason..." Smirking a bit, he gave a distinct look in Ernie's dad's flailing direction.

Ernie groaned, but Teddy grinned. "You know, I think you have excellent reasoning, Neville."