"Neville, over here..." Dean waved at Neville.
"They said you were here for training!"
Neville stepped forward and gave Dean a huge hug.
"Mr. Thomas, I'll leave Mr. Longbottom in your care." Dobby gave them a slight bow after they had finished greeting each other, then prepared to leave.
"Thanks, Dobby. Leave him to me." Dean was practically thumping his chest in assurance.
After the house-elf left, Neville began looking around. "This is really the headquarters of the Defense Association?"
"Where else would need such tight security?" Dean seemed to see through Neville's thoughts and explained with a smile. "This whole village is basically part of the outer perimeter, a place for us to move around. The most important areas are protected by the Fidelius Charm, so it's perfectly normal that you can't see them."
"The Fidelius Charm?"
Neville had heard Hannah mention the spell. He was surprised that, despite the already formidable security, there was another layer of protection.
"Mr. Thomas, have you told Mr. Longbottom about the things he needs to pay special attention to while staying here?"
A gentle voice suddenly sounded beside them. Shanna had appeared out of nowhere.
"I was just about to tell him." Dean awkwardly scratched his head.
"What things?" Neville asked, somewhat confused.
"Please come with me. There are some rules you need to follow." Shanna led Neville into a house protected by the Fidelius Charm.
"Can I join the Defense Association now?" Neville asked quietly.
"Of course, provided you've already come of age."
Shanna took Neville to the office to complete the procedures for joining the Defense Association. Dean waited outside for about ten minutes before seeing Neville again, looking very excited.
Neville tucked his pocket watch away and sighed softly. "If I'd known, I should have dropped out and come