Blowing the United Kingdom to Pieces

Forbidden Forest.

A long, army-green tent stood at the edge.

A round-faced, bearded man stood at the entrance, his coat snapping loudly in the gale.

He stared ahead as though waiting for someone.

Crack!

Crack!

Crack!

Sharp cracks rang out in succession.

Aurors appeared one after another, their faces wary as they scanned the surroundings.

The man, however, broke into a smile.

The next moment.

A familiar figure appeared before him.

The newcomer had neatly groomed short black hair and wore an expensive, perfectly tailored suit.

Only the round-framed glasses he wore lent him a slight air of incongruity.

The two men smiled at each other, then warmly embraced.

"Long time no see, Neville!"

"I do get to see you in the papers every day, though, esteemed Minister for Magic..."

Neville studied his face closely, his gaze lingering for a moment on the lightning-shaped scar on his forehead.

"Harry."

Before his old friend, Harry was instead a little embarrassed, as though he were still that "brave" yet slightly insecure boy from back then.

"Please forgive me. Security measures for Ministry officials have been stepped up lately."

"As they should be, considering something that terrible happened..."

Neville closed his mouth as he looked at Harry, then led him toward the tent instead.

"I know you're pressed for time, so come in and have a look."

"Alright."

Harry nodded, curiosity shining beneath his serious gaze.

After all, Neville was now Hogwarts' Professor of Herbology, as well as a world-renowned Herbology expert.

Anything that could make him bypass the Auror Office and come directly to Harry.

Could not be simple.

Neville lifted the tent flap.

Ignoring the wary looks from the Aurors, Harry stepped straight inside.

What met his eyes was a stretch of field ridges that seemed to go on forever.

Above