alisanne

Title: Licensed and Approved
Author:

alisanne
Pairing: Neville Longbottom/Ernie MacMillan
Word Count: 100 x 3
Rating: G
Warnings: None, really.
Beta:

lilyseyes
Challenge: Written for

neville100's prompt #254: Ministry.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
A/N: I hope this makes sense.

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Licensed and Approved

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Neville entered the Ministry warily. Everyone seemed to know where they were going, so, hesitantly, Neville scanned for a directory. Business licences--

“Need help?”

Blinking, Neville looked up into a vaguely familiar, smiling face. “Where do they issue business licences?” he asked.

The man’s smile broadened. “You don’t remember me, do you? Ernie MacMillian. You saved my life during the Battle of Hogwarts.”

Slowly, Nevill nodded. “I remember you.” He smiled. “And the way I remember it, you saved lots of people that night, too.”

Ernie blushed. “One does what one can. So, you need a licence?”

“Yes.”

“Follow me.”

~

Luckily, Ernie worked for the Ministry’s Licence Department. “What’s it for?” he asked, leading Neville into his small office.

“A flower shop.”

Ernie nodded. “Brilliant. Where?”

“Diagon Alley.”

“It’s sure to be popular.” Summoning a parchment, Ernie handed it to Neville. “There.”

Neville raised an eyebrow. “Doesn’t this require a signature?”

Ernie winked. “Check the bottom.”

Neville’s eyes widened.

“We issue all-purpose ones. It’s legal, as long as someone inspects the business to officially sign off.” He smiled faintly. “So may I stop by?”

“Please do.” Neville licked his lips, hoping he wasn’t misinterpreting the look in Ernie’s eyes. “Anytime.”

~

Ernie visited several times, each time purchasing flowers. Neville began wondering if he was involved with someone, but when Ernie explained that he had several female relatives, all of whom liked flowers, Neville began hoping for something more than flirtatious looks.

One day Ernie appeared, brandishing Neville’s official licence. He was beaming. “My boss signed off on your licence,” he said. “You’ve Ministry approval.”

Neville smiled. Accepting the licence, he slid it under his counter. Clearing his throat, he said, “Great, although I hope you’ll still visit.”

Ernie grinned, winking. “Definitely. After all, you’ve my approval, too.”

Neville laughed. “Excellent.”

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