"Neville, over here..." Dean waved at Neville.
"They said you were training here!"
Neville stepped forward and gave Dean a huge hug.
"Mr. Thomas, I'll leave Mr. Longbottom to you." Dobby waited until the two had finished greeting each other before giving them a slight bow and preparing to leave.
"Thanks, Dobby. Leave him to me." Dean practically patted his chest in assurance.
After the House-elf left, Neville began looking around. "This really is the headquarters of the Defence Association?"
"Where else would need such tight protection?" Dean seemed to see through Neville's thoughts and explained with a smile, "This whole village is actually considered the outer perimeter, a place for us to carry out activities. The most important location is protected by the Fidelius Charm, so it's perfectly normal that you can't see it."
"The Fidelius Charm?"
Neville had heard Hannah mention the spell before. He was surprised that, beneath such stringent 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 spoke beside them. Shanna had appeared out of nowhere.
"I was just about to tell him." Dean scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"What things?" Neville asked, somewhat confused.
"Please come with me. There are some regulations you need to follow." Shanna led Neville into the house protected by the Fidelius Charm.
"Can I join the Defence Association now?" Neville asked quietly.
"Of course, provided you've come of age."
Shanna took Neville to the office to complete the procedures for joining the Defence Association. Dean waited outside for about ten minutes before seeing Neville again, looking thoroughly excited.
Neville tucked his pocket watch away and sighed softly. "If I'd known, I should have dropped out