I was looking over old entries in my journal, and I read what I wrote to you on my last birthday, promising that I'd rescue you, and bring you home and care for you as long as you needed. I would have done it for you, if I could have, Neville. I would have cared for you for the rest of my life. I thought about it, about being with you when we were old and grey. If there was anything the git taught me, it was how to serve people. I would have have gladly done it. Made sure my children knew you--if I ever have any. Evelyn and Kevin's, too.
But instead, you rescued us. Again. Even with your mind gone, you still helped Harry end Voldemort once and for all. And now you're gone for good, and there wasn't any way to lay you to rest. There's no grave for us to tend. But I suppose your tree in the Memorial Garden will be the fittest memorial for you of all.
I think one of my most vivid memories of you was the birthday that you wanted to know all about the Order, and I got to see you again and tell you all about Moddey Dhoo, and about how Mum and Dad had saved me. I'll never forget the joy on your face, and all the questions you asked. It had been awhile since I'd seen you, and I remembered how startled I was when I realised for the first time how much you resemble Dad.
It hurts something awful that you aren't with us, and I still feel guilty, like I took your place. But then I thought of something this morning, when I was thinking over what to write to you, and I didn't think you'd mind. As a matter of fact, I think you'd quite like the idea.
You gave me your family, Neville. I never understood why you didn't resent me counting your Mum and Dad as mine, and Evelyn and Kevin as my brother and sister, but you never, never did.
I'll continue to look after them, as their son and their brother, just like you would have done. I don't see how I can possibly do as good a job as you would have done, but I'll try. But I won't feel so bad about it because I'll give you mine. I don't know if the dead can find each other when they don't know each other, but if it's possible, then I just know that my own mum would be proud to count you as her son, given what you did for me. And I never really got much of a chance to be a brother to Sophie, but you'll do that for me, won't you? You're such You were such a great brother that I know you would love her for me. Until we can all see each other again.
Love you Nev. We all miss you, but we'll be all right, because we have each other. And we're so proud of you and what you did for us.
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branchandroot
Private message to Neville Longbottom
Date: 2015-07-30 01:57 pm (UTC)But instead, you rescued us. Again. Even with your mind gone, you still helped Harry end Voldemort once and for all. And now you're gone for good, and there wasn't any way to lay you to rest. There's no grave for us to tend. But I suppose your tree in the Memorial Garden will be the fittest memorial for you of all.
I think one of my most vivid memories of you was the birthday that you wanted to know all about the Order, and I got to see you again and tell you all about Moddey Dhoo, and about how Mum and Dad had saved me. I'll never forget the joy on your face, and all the questions you asked. It had been awhile since I'd seen you, and I remembered how startled I was when I realised for the first time how much you resemble Dad.
It hurts something awful that you aren't with us, and I still feel guilty, like I took your place. But then I thought of something this morning, when I was thinking over what to write to you, and I didn't think you'd mind. As a matter of fact, I think you'd quite like the idea.
You gave me your family, Neville. I never understood why you didn't resent me counting your Mum and Dad as mine, and Evelyn and Kevin as my brother and sister, but you never, never did.
I'll continue to look after them, as their son and their brother, just like you would have done. I don't see how I can possibly do as good a job as you would have done, but I'll try. But I won't feel so bad about it because I'll give you mine. I don't know if the dead can find each other when they don't know each other, but if it's possible, then I just know that my own mum would be proud to count you as her son, given what you did for me. And I never really got much of a chance to be a brother to Sophie, but you'll do that for me, won't you?
You're suchYou were such a great brother that I know you would love her for me. Until we can all see each other again.Love you Nev. We all miss you, but we'll be all right, because we have each other. And we're so proud of you and what you did for us.