In Harry Potter as Neville Longbottom

Chapter 44: The Kiss of Death

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"How about instead of galleons, I compensate you something more. Something priceless.

If Goblins ever took offence to this little plan, I promise to compensate you with one of the legendary artefacts left behind by our very four founders of Hogwarts.

Think about this before you jump to make a decision you might regret. Your secret safe with the Madam bones who oversee the registration of Animagus and safety from Goblins side along with monetary compensation."

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Listening to this, Ms Skeeter had one of her eyes twitching and then she showed a brilliant smile.

"A very nice proposal indeed. But what if, the goblins never gave me the chance to present that artefact or even after taking the artefact decided to silence me?

What you fail to understand little lord of the Longbottom house, my life, will still be hanging from a very thin thread.

If you want me to agree to this deal, then I want my compensation equivalent to my five years' salary, one private property overseas. Along with the promise of that artefact, shall Goblins ask for my head to make the peace. Plus a letter of employment from Madam Bones making me an undercover intelligence official.

That shall come in handy in future if the Auror office ever tried to throw me into Azkaban or something happened to Madam Bones.

Also, I would like you to take the secrecy oath under a ritual."

"What ritual?" Nev grumbled.

"It is a famous ritual called Kiss of Death. Famous among lovers and couples, actually. Makes the couple unable to betray each other or even think about it. If they do, it results in instant death.

This was banned after a few famous men died some 60 years ago If I am correct but there are still some young couples who do this privately." Ms Skeeter revealed her final card with a sly smile.

After all, a reporter who has been active all her life and dealt with all types of wizards, she had her own cards. As a Ravenclaw who managed to become an Animagus without anyone noticing, she was well versed with many of such rituals and practices.

Neville was stumped at this request. He had never heard of this ritual nor read or seen it in his previous life. Too much dependency on the bookish knowledge of last life was proving to be a stupid act in this one.

"Wait a minute. Have another drink." Neville decided to consult the only old witch he knew enough to ask such questions but before leaving he gave a reminder "don't break any more of these glasses or touch anything here. That will be for your own safety."

After leaving the horrid woman alone, Nev asked Silvi to apparate directly in front of his Nan.

"Hello, Nan. Sorry for this sudden request but (looking at sides and making sure no one is around) ... yeah what do you know about the Kiss of Death... Ritual?"

Nev asked seriously with all his willpower to keep a straight face.

"Oh my! Oh my! My dear Grandson, if you are trying to cheer up a girl then this is surely an overkill. I mean no one does these publicly but, in our times, it was almost a custom in a wizarding marriage.

Keeps the woman safe and men on the line. Now, tell me, dear Grandson, should I be worried about Pansy and you?"

Lady Augusta asked in a teasing manner before laughing splendidly. For her, the numb, sad, overly mature boy who would only show this kind of pure concern at very few moments was melting her heart. Ah! The first feel of love.

Knowing the ritual was safe, Nev made a few excuses before apparating back to his study room.

In the room, Ms Skeeter had almost emptied half the bottle of the wine purchased at a good price from France.

"Well, it seems we can find a common ground, Ms. Skeeter.

I shall provide you with the two portkeys within this week and you shall find an opportunity to complete this task. You shall take the names and details regarding the vault with you to your grave and we shall never discuss it ever again.

In return, galleon equal to your five years' salary plus an overseas property and a letter of employment from Madam Bones. Also, an artefact of the legendary founders of Hogwarts in case Goblins take an action against you.

Are we clear Ms. Skeeter?"

"Absolutely, Lord Longbottom." Ms. Skeeter agreed by raising her glass.

"Alright. Let's complete the ritual then. I don't want to waste your precious time any longer." Nev said before taking the glass back from Ms Skeeter's hands.

"Fine. In a hurry, are we?" Ms. Skeeter said with slight annoyance and then used a small needle to prick her lower lip before offering the same needle to Neville. Neville mirrored her actions.

Then Ms. Skeeter read a simple para in Latin that basically meant that their kiss shall bind the souls together in a promise that can never be broken until they wish to kiss the goddess of death.

It was slightly creepy and slightly strange, but Neville knew enough Latin thanks to studying of runes to understand the clear meaning.

After Neville shared his second kiss, with an almost 40-year-old but somehow well-maintained woman, Ms. Skeeter smiled before heading towards the Floo passage.

"It was the strangest meeting, ever, Long Neville." Ms. Skeeter said while grabbing some floo powder.

"Yes, yes it was," Nev replied in a strange tone.

"Was the tongue really necessary though? In the end?" Ms. Skeeter questioned Neville before using the floo channel to leave the manor.

Looking at the empty fireplace, Neville wiped his lips unconsciously.

"Well, not my fault if wizards don't age according to common sense and you used the diluted love potion. Plus, you kept your jacket zipper down enough. What am I a monk?" Neville murmured to himself before fixing his pants slightly and walking towards the potions room.

He needed a Calming Draught to remove the effects of the love potion and it was definitely the effects of the potion.