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The Rules of Engagement

Chapter 11: Reunions

Hermione never liked Herbology, she estimated it may have been the smell. The scent of potted soil and timber wood was not appealing to the for-mentioned sense and she doubted it ever would be. Don't misunderstand, the study of plants and their uses was a fascinating part of the subject; but the physical application left much to be desired. She hated mess; always had and always would. The feeling of dirt underneath her nails and the itch of a stems follicles brushing against her skin was the biggest vexation she had with the subject. It was with this in mind that she found herself with a conundrum. A very confounding situation indeed; because as from what she could recall most of her fellow class mates, aside from one, on some level had similar sentiments.

It was this lone quandary that caused the brunettes brow to arch inquisitively when she spotted the greenhouses of her former alma mater buzzing with activity. So as she made her way down the stone steps, that led from the Head Mistress's office, towards the grounds; one question could not escape her mind.

What could be so exciting about Herbology these days?

The group, which consisted mostly of girls she noted, were gathered around the greenhouse entrance; their murmuring growing louder as Hermione approached. The crowds back was to her but they were huddled in tight; so she was only able to catch some of the conversations here and there. But the more she heard, the more her curiosity piqued.

"I would have gladly left off charms for my N.E.W.T's if I knew Herbology was going to be so…invigorating this year." A Ravenclaw girl gushed. There were hushed whispers of agreement before Hermione finally reached just outside of the circle of young bodies to see a figure knelt down in front of a stack of firewood; axe slung over their shoulder.

If her brow could go any higher it would have at the sight before her. Now the young witch had been in contact with her old school mate over the years, do not be mistaken. She had seen the changes that diminishing adolescence and a brief stint as an Auror could make. But a tan Neville Longbottom clad in fitted Khakis and white undershirt that did little to hide his finely carved muscle; was a bit of a shock. He had grown increasingly attractive, she wasn't blind but she had never thought that others would take such notice. But they were, oh it seemed they were indeed if the little fan club gathered around wasn't evidence enough.

Brown eyes narrowed in annoyance and she felt a tinge of something that she could not place. The last time she felt anything akin to it was at the Gala; with a certain blonde Auror. This instance was more subdued she noted but she quickly shook the thoughts from her head, she wasn't going to let herself become fixated on a minor spell of jealousy. Having decided that the students ogling had gone on long enough; she made her presence known.

"Well aren't you looking rather fit Professor?" She called out, drawing his attention as well as the young onlookers; who gasped in astonishment when seeing who was standing behind them.

A smile that was encased in stubble broke out over the young Professors features before he briskly made his way towards her, seemingly unaware of the group that had formed around him. He brushed past them without so much as a second glance and enveloped her in a hug so fierce it lifted her from the ground.

"Hermione Granger! I should say you're the one looking fit. It's been months 'Mione… How are you?"

Her reply fell short when she saw that a larger crowd had gathered now; their Inquisitive (some envious) eyes taking in their embrace. Hermione felt her face flush and patted Neville's chest as a sign to let her down. He did so but still kept his hands on her shoulders as he gazed down on her fondly.

"Um well I've been fine Neville but… could we possibly speak somewhere more private?" She asked, eyes shifting from his to the crowd.

The young Professor seemed to finally notice they had an audience, his brows creased together as his hands fell from her shoulders and he took a stern stance.

"There's half an hour left on lunch, I suggest you lot make good use of it before I start taking points. That especially goes for Gryffindor House… Now move along."

There were dejected murmurs but the crowd quickly dispersed as Neville led her into one of the greenhouses nearby. Dew from sprinklers perched overhead kissed her cheek and she slightly regretted not wearing something warmer. Clad only in a pair of worn blue skinny jeans, shirt and her favorite leather jacket, the ensemble seemed a poor choice for upcoming fall weather.

Neville; having noticed her discomfort, gave her an apologetic smile before flicking his wand. The doors to the greenhouse shut and she instantly felt a little warmer. He turned to her then; gaze expectant as he perched himself up on one of the work benches.

"I'm sorry I didn't come to the Gala, I've been trying to find my bearings here since my post but… being a Herbology Professor seems to be a lot more challenging than I once thought, I couldn't get away."

She merely shrugged as she moved down the aisles, coming upon a planters box of Moly; she smiled faintly before turning back towards Neville.

"Well you didn't miss much, Seamus and Ron were on good enough behavior for this one. I just wanted to come by and see how you were, your absence didn't go unnoticed."

The young Professor merely chuckled as he absently twirled a root between his fingers. Hermione noted his calloused palms and soil ridden finger nails. Herbology was always Neville's passion. Even though he seemed to have his misgivings; the young witch could not help but feel he was right where he belonged.

"Come on now 'Mione, it is good to see you but you can't just be here for a social call." Neville said knowingly before frowning in concern.

"That cheek needs some Murtlap salve if you want the discoloration to go away by the way. Harry working you too hard?"

His fingers briefly skimmed the cheek in question before moving to the collar of her jacket, his thumb rubbing off a left over stain of soot and blood. The young Professor held his thumb to her, the smudge of black and red causing her to shift uncomfortably as she tried to shake the memories of blistered knuckles colliding against her cheek. It had been a difficult recovery; she would sometimes wake in the middle of the night, trying to pry invisible hands from her throat and the scent of rain water and gravel would take hours to fade from her senses. But Neville had always been and would always be a worrier, she decided to leave that story for a later date as she gently moved his hand back down.

"Oh no, Harry's been fine; a lead turned out to be a little more rough than I had expected. But let's just say…you should see the other guy."

He laughed deeply as he nodded, seeming to accept her answer for the time being at least. "I don't doubt he's worse for wear for a second. Now what can I help you with?"

She sighed before pulling a small thin box from her jacket pocket and handing it to him. He eyed her curiously before taking it, his fingers sliding the top off to reveal a thin branch of dilapidated wood. Calloused fingers ran over scorch marks and splits at the base and tip before he hummed in interest.

"A burner wand. I've heard of these, never actually seen one though. Quite a shabby craft I'd say; do you know what the core is?"

The young witch simply shrugged as he jumped down from the work bench and made his way around it, rolling the wand between his fingertips.

"From what our source had alluded to; it could be some sort of plant possibly?"

He set the item down on the dirt laden surface before pulling a rather ostentatious scope from underneath. The scope was crafted from brass and eight pieces of magnified glass; one stacked over the other from large to small. Neville pulled his wand from his back pocket, flicking the tip which caused the glass pieces to move flourishingly up and down, seemingly focusing the magnification.

"Ah yes, just inside this crack here I can see it, no mistaking that root. What you've got is a shite crafted wand with a core of an enchanted Pwisan tree; a rather powerful and hard to come by component. It's most commonly used as a secondary ingredient for endurance potions, Um… ones that increase stamina or temporarily enhance magical ability."

The young witch nodded as she watched her old friend move swiftly from the work bench to a stack of worn books. He quickly found the title he was searching for and with one wave of his wand the pages turned to a specific chapter. He handed her the book which pages were covered with drawings of a sapling tree and a full grown specimen, a thin trunk of wood and spindled branches.

"Hm, it says here it can only grow in magical enhanced soil?" She queried.

"Yes! Precisely; a specific mixture of soil, you see? And that soil can be only be found in the Caribbean, Haiti to be exact. Now as I understand it: it's been under strict growing laws for the past few years because unwittingly it had found its way into some of the local fauna. The natives and some of the urban populace as well; upon discovering it, found that if they chewed it the effects were quite stimulating. They mainly use it for ritualistic hunting or labor at the most, so it's very curious how it could it find its way into a wand like this."

Hermione frowned in confusion as her finger tips moved over lines of text.

"I can't tell you much Neville but I just don't see the connection. The person I got this wand from was... a tiny player at best, I mean he's practically infantile. What possible motivation can he have to go through so much trouble for something like this?"

Neville scoffed as he looked at her incredulously.

"I've seen blokes do a lot more for a lot less. Money's always where you start 'Mione, after that: power and then self-preservation. Maybe they've got something on him…or even something he needs. There's a bigger picture I promise you that."

Hermione regarded the man before her and briefly wondered why he had ever left his post as an Auror. His deduction skills seemed ever intact and hardly out of practice and there was a glint in his eyes that she had not seen since their early days at the Ministry. Herbology may have been his passion but field work was his thrill.

"I see I still have much to learn Professor, pardon my ignorance." She said, playfully hitting his shoulder as he gave her a roguish smirk.

"Well I can't let my replacement overlook such things. Though I hear that even though Harry's fighting paper work more these days than scoundrels; Seamus has proven to be quite the replacement for your little trio."

She smiled fondly as she remembered her rookie year, the Golden Trio together again. They had made quite a team, the most apprehensions of any rookie team before and since.

"Best job offer I've ever gotten, I'd say. But honestly Neville you're in your element here, I can see why you received better marks than me in this particular subject."

He waved his hand dismissively.

"Oh come off it, only on participation merit I assure you. You were always squeamish with the ones that moved."

They laughed together for some time before it died off naturally. A feeling of nostalgia over took her and she instantly made a mental note to make time to get them all back together for a drink sometime soon. She was about to relay her thoughts on the matter when Neville's face straightened suddenly, his gaze turning towards her with a mischievous gleam.

"You're going to try and get another sample aren't you?"

Hermione visibly shrunk as she tried to shrug dismissively, her thumbs gripping the outside of her jeans pockets nervously. What just happened?

"Well I… Neville you know I can't discuss any of that, its Ministry business."

Neville scoffed even louder this time as he folded his arms and gave her a glare that screamed 'I'm not stupid.'

"Bullocks! I'm assuming you're going to need an unused sample. If Lamont still has that stick up his arse, and after all these years it's probably moved further up now, he'd most likely prefer one. You're going on reconnaissance aren't you?"

The young witch found herself befuddled, her mouth opening and closing several times a she tried to form an answer.

"Guess the answers yes then, you only do that guppy thing with your mouth when you don't want to lie. Look Hermione, I adore Seamus and Ron but they are no good at procuring items such this because of their well… more physical methods of dealing with these sorts of things. You need an expert."

It was her turn to scoff as she shook her head and regarded him suspiciously.

"Neville... If I didn't know any better; I'd say that you were suggesting I bring you with us on a field assignment?"

Neville feigned a look of surprise before shrugging and clasping his hands together. He sighed dramatically, fog billowing out between his lips as he slowly started to nod.

"Well I mean I suppose I could be more of an advisor than an agent. I wouldn't take light with his 'Mione, the underbelly of Herbologic import and export can be quite seedy; you'll need someone with expertise in this matter if you plan to attain a more viable sample."

The brunette eyes widened.

"The seedy underbelly-? Okay now you're just taking a piss, we'd be there one day at the most. It's just a plant sample, not some James Bond spy adventure. It'll quite boring and uneventful." She reasoned.

"I'm taking a piss? Oh okay, you're right Hermione; when has anything not gone according to plan when you're an Auror on a field assignment?" He asked incredulously.

They each took turns scoffing at each other before the young witch groaned in frustration. Neville could possibly be just itching to get away from the Hogwarts grounds and her findings seemed to interest him greatly. But was there danger in bringing him? He used to be a quite capable Auror after all and he did make a good point about Lamont wanting an unused sample for analysis. Finally seeming to come to a decision; she worried her bottom lip before regarding her old friend.

"I suppose your services aren't needed for this weekend's Hogsmeade visit?" She inquired exasperatingly.

A smile that reached from one ear to the other spread across Neville's face. All Hermione could do was yelp in surprise and laughter when het let out a victorious shout and swept her into another fierce hug.

Fleur never liked the cold, the bite of it against her bones was an unwelcome feeling that she had never grown used to. She was used to summers in the French countryside, perspiration running lines down the back of her neck as she chased her sister through fields of dandelion and lavender. Never had she thought she could experience a worse climate than England's. But as with most things; she may have spoken too soon.

Romania was proving to be absolutely dreadful.

Plumes of smoke mixed with fog from the cold flowed from her lips as she released another drag from her cigarette, it wasn't until she heard footsteps approaching, the crunch of fall leaves echoing behind her, that she realized just how difficult this meeting was going to be.

"That's a nasty habit, hasn't anyone told you that?"

The voice held a familiar tone that caused Fleur to bristle slightly at the memories it brought, she shook her head before turning to meet bright blue familiar eyes. She simply flicked the cigarette over the cliff she was currently perched on and gave a weak shrug. "It's been mentioned once or twice."

"I was to meet a Serviceman here… care to tell me where he's gone?"

Fleur simply smiled.

"Ah yes, I met 'im up 'zee road. I simply…persuaded 'im to 'ave a little break. You don't look so 'appy to see me Charlez."

The second eldest Weasley chuckled as he shook his head in disbelief. Fleur couldn't help but compare him to William. They were both of similar builds and stature, even their mannerism were exactly the same.

"Does Bill know you're here?"

Cerulean eyes cast downwards at the mention of her former husband. Yes, Charlie Weasley definitely shared similar traits with his older brother; just like Bill he was insufferably blunt.

"Non, 'e does not. I prefer it remain 'zat way."

"You can't possibly ask that of me-"

"I am 'ere purely on French Ministry buizness; 'zis case is similar to one I 'ave been overseeing so it would not be appropriate to involve your family-"

"Not appropriate? Bloody hell Fleur, no one has heard from you in nearly three years and you just show up here-"

"Charlez you 'ave no idea 'ow I regret leaving 'zings 'zee way I did; but I had no ozer choice-."

"Aw no don't you do that, don't you even dare do that. My family may have been harsh on you at times but you were still family. Bill cared… cares deeply about you and you just leave him in the dust. Forget about Mum or Ginny, hell even me; Merlin knows we weren't the kindest and I get it. But you shouldn't have forgotten Bill."

His words cut through her and she sighed in exasperation as she turned from him to look towards the pale green hillside. After a moment she spoke softly and calmly, her words carefully chosen.

"I 'ave never forgotten 'im. I 'old William dear to my 'eart, but only 'e and I know why 'zings ended 'zee way 'zey did. We 'ave an understanding and I don't expect you to forgive or comprehend it; but I am only asking 'zat you do not mention my vizit because it is of 'zee upmost importance for my assignment 'zat I waz not 'ere."

She turned back towards him, his face was marred with indecision as he took in her words. Their interactions had been forced at times, but he was easier to talk to than most of the Weasley's. He finally let out a giant puff of air, the cloud from his nostrils and mouth bellowing around him.

"Fine… but only cuz you didn't blab when you caught your cousin and me getting cozy at your wedding. If mum ever found out she would have had conniption."

Surprisingly they both started to laugh, the memory over taking them. Fleur had felt flush from the wine and had decided to get a drink of water from inside when she walked into a most comprising scene. Charlie Weasley and her cousin embracing one another against the moonlight that shown through the Weasleys living room windows. She had never seen a Weasley blush such a deep shade of red as he had that night.

"Ah yes, Gwendoline still asks about you."

Charlie turned crimson from his neck to his ears before he cleared his throat and shifted from one foot to the other.

"Well, you know the Weasley men can't be tamed but um… if you see her, tell her she can owl or…you know whatever."

She smiled, thankful for the change in mood. Another trait that was similar between all Weasley men was that their temper, even though fierce, could be quelled rather quickly.

"Anyway, I guess we better get down to business then. Come on, just over this ridge- I'll show you what the bastards did."

They made their way over a fog riddled hill top that overlooked a clearing, burnt grass and ash marring the shrubbery. Fleur shivered as a gust of wind blew across her cheek, her hands immediately upturning the collar on her pea coat as Charlie pointed towards a large mound just off to the right. It wasn't until Fleur was too close that she realized the mound was in fact: a dragon. Charlie on the other hand didn't seem one bit phased as he approached ever closer, his stride unbroken. She heard him coo and click at the beast, his hand raised towards its snout.

"Easy now, she's a friend. Be still and let her have a look okay? I'll give you something scrumptious if you don't eat her."

Fleur scoffed indignantly at him as he gave her a roguish smirk. The beast seemed to understand him though, nostrils flaring before it nuzzled into the dragon keepers hand.

"They came from the north, just up that way through the forest. I was in town getting supplies and I had a man stationed to keep watch. When I got back, he was unconscious and there were three idiots on her back trying to pull out one of her spines."

He gestured toward the dragons back that was covered in bone like bristles, one was clearly broken off at an odd angle and Fleur could not help but feel sorry for the beast; for the area looked swollen and blood clotted.

"Any idea az to why?" She said as she approached closer. Charlie simply shook his head before taking her hand and guiding it towards the beast's scaled cheek. The dragon huffed and the French Auror was suddenly struck with fear as the heat from the gust enveloped her body. Dragons were truly powerful creatures, she had never forgotten her bout with one during the Triwizard Tournament and had vowed to never take them lightly.

"It's all right Ash, she's friendly… Veela, Veela is good. Veela sunt bune." The dragon keeper cooed expertly in Romanian tongue.

A slated eye met Fleurs, the pupil dilating and retracting as if analyzing its master's words. The French Auror released a breath she did not know she had been holding when the dragon pushed against her hand affectionately; her fingers moving across the plate like scales in wonderment.

"I think she likes you." Charlie chuckled, patting the dragon on her nose before regarding Fleur again.

"Anyway, by the time I had made my way to her she'd thrown one of them off and he was incinerated before I could even blink; the others apparated as soon it happened so I didn't really good look at them."

"Merde, I will 'ave to look for clues. 'Ave you disturbed anyzing?" She inquired as she started to slip on a pair of leather gloves.

"Ah well, not exactly. Look the Serviceman was supposed to be here hours ago okay? I got impatient and searched Mr. Barbecue over there." He said, pointing at the smoking heap that was currently covered with a shoddy blanket.

"Charlez… you tampered wiz evidence-"

He stopped her protest before it could begin, holding up his index finger while his other hand dug in his pocket and pulled out a crumpled cigarette box. The French Auror eyed it curiously before taking it, gently wafting the smell of the left over tobacco to her nose.

"Hm, not a blend I'm familiar wiz."

"Ah you would be correct in that. Very hard to find this brand, it's a specialty of sorts. I took it to the trader in town and he says he's only seen this sold in one place, take a look at the makers mark." The dragon keeper, smiled triumphantly as the French witch took notice of the logo and hummed in interest.

"Nasty 'abit indeed…"

Hermione had never been to the Caribbean and for this she was quite disappointed in herself. Her eyes took in the beautiful pastel colored buildings that made up the bustling city of Les Cayes; its 17th century architecture and its seamless mixture of urban and rural living. The scent of fresh mango and sea salt caught her senses and she found the mix to be surprisingly pleasant as she, Ron and Neville walked through the bustling market. Neville would occasionally stop and marvel at some of the local apothecary stands, taking samples in vials and discussing properties and affects with the stand owners. She simply watched with a faint smile, the outside may have changed but he was the same old Neville. The young Auror was surprised when she saw that Ronald had taken an interest as well, querying the Professor when he found something of fascination.

She adjusted her light gray fitted blazer as a gust of wind blew past her, relishing in the warm breeze. They had not brought Seamus on this trip and she was feeling guilty by not having done so. During the days after her release they had been temporarily reassigned to the lower levels; and though Hermione found that the post left her with plenty of time to catch up on some of her light reading, it was still insufferably boring. Seamus and been right in assuming that guarding a piece of parchment in the sub-basement of the Ministry left much to be desired; but unfortunately for the Irishman this weekend was his turn.

She was brought of her thoughts when she felt Neville squeeze her shoulder.

"My contact will be meeting us near the edge of town at a nearby a café. Shall we get going?"

They caught a taxi, which Neville marveled at for the entire hour it took them to get to their destination. Ron, now being the expert on Muggle transportation, purely based on a fouled up attempt with Harry in their second year and most recently Morocco; gave his tutelage on cars and their various forms. They soon found themselves at the edge of the city; a sprawling urban landscape that ran off into tropical foothills. Neville led them up a single cobblestone street where a half hinged sign that read 'Bon Kafe' swung back and forth. The trio quietly sat themselves and ordered three ice waters as Neville's eyes searched the area for their contact.

"Well… He's late, island time varies though. They're a much laid back lot, shouldn't be too much longer." Neville sighed, taking a handkerchief from his beige suits breast pocket and wiping his brow.

They sat in silence for some time before the redheaded Auror let out long yawn, his face contorting dramatically. "Oi Neville, I almost forgot. I ran into Luna at the Gala the other night; she said she was sorry you didn't come."

Neville's ears turned a bright shade of pink as he sputtered his water back into his glass.

"Luna? She asked about me? Really?"

Hermione tried to conceal her smirk as she watched their exchange. Neville and Hannah had separated some time ago and she was shocked that her former housemate and the whimsical Ravenclaw hadn't come together yet. Given Neville's still shy personality though it was going to take a push which it seemed Ron had tasked himself with at that very moment. She arched an eyebrow at her redheaded counterpart and received a sly wink in return.

"Oh yeah, she came all the way back from her site in Africa to be there. She seemed real sorry not to see you mate, I mean that."

Neville's mouth hung ajar briefly before he adjusted his suit jacket and looked off into the distance pensively.

"I… I'm sorry as well. It's been so long since we've last…had tea. I should owl her… shouldn't I?" He asked, his gaze swiftly turning to Hermione.

"Oh yeah Neville, I'm sure she'd like to…have tea as well." She offered, her smirk still fighting to reveal itself. Neville nodded, seeming to mull it over until his face took on a determined expression and he sat up straighter.

"Yeah, when I get back… I'm going do that. I'm going to owl her." He said with determination. Hermione was about to agree when a loud crack echoed through the café, three figures suddenly appearing in its wake. Neville stood up abruptly, buttoning his suite jacket before extending his hand out to one of the men.

"Mr. Yewande, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard so much about your endeavors here."

The man simply looked down at the young Professors hand before sneering and moving aside to reveal a woman, ornately dressed in the local garb, a long wood carved staff in her right hand.

"I am Yewande, these are my body guards. You will not address them in these affairs… only me."

Her arms extended as one of the guards removed her cloak and the other pulled out a nearby chair for her to sit in. Neville blushed before clearing his throat and retracting his hand.

"I apologize Miss Yewande, I never took from our correspondence that you were you a-"

"A woman? Why? Men have ruled the magical world for centuries Professor Longbottom and just look at the state it's in. I am Head Mistress, Minister, Magistrate and Jury for our society on this island. I can assure you things get done a lot quicker and with a lot more efficiency than what you're used to."

Neville and Ron visibly gulped before turning to Hermione. She rolled her eyes before turning towards their new guest.

"Yewande, 'mother has returned'; that's quite a beautiful name, prolific as well. Your efforts across the island are rather impressive, the ward we passed through to get here was quite intricate. Just the passing look I was able get proved most interesting: anti-apparition ward with clear coded exceptions of course."

The Haitian witch seemed taken a back and eyed Hermione down with inquisitive eyes.

"The Professor keeps good company I see, you I like. Yes, only I and my men may utilize apparition within my compound and the area alongside it. I love my people but there are thieves in the weeds and my stock is precious."

She tipped her head towards the young witch clearly impressed with her deduction before turning back to Neville.

"But you are here to discuss something other than politics. In your letters you were in inquiring about a Pwisan specimen; you are highly skilled in your profession but before we can proceed I must know your intentions."

Yewande looked utterly regal as she clasped her hands in front of her awaiting for his reply.

"Oh… yes purely educational, I assure you. I'm merely looking for an example really, kept under glass and carefully monitored. No student will be handling it, that I can promise." Neville lied with surprising confidence.

Coal eyes narrowed at the trio for a moment then gestured to one of her men, he leaned down and nodded as she whispered to him before he ran out of the cafe.

"We will go to my compound and there you will find what you seek. Not many outsiders are extended this invitation; declining will not bode well for our arrangement."

Without waiting for an answer she stood and made her way out of the café, her other guard in tow; leaving the trio glancing at one another with confused stares.

"Don't like this… why didn't she just bring it with her?" Ron whispered.

"We have to earn it Ron, Neville shows up with two Aurors for a plant sample and she doesn't have the right to be suspicious?"

They stood in unison as the redheaded Auror buttoned his royal blue suit jacket. "You think she's made us? I didn't think anyone would know who we were all the way out here."

"Course she does Ron, a woman like that makes it her business to know." She whispered as they made their way outside. A long, jet black limousine awaited them, the Haitian witch was already seated inside.

"Please forgive the primitive transportation, since you cannot apparate we must travel by car."

Neville and Ron gave nervous smiles before piling in, as gracefully as two men with long limbs could. Hermione looked on with trepidation; muttering about 'best laid plans.'