~Hey, sorry about the late update. I've been busy latey, but I'll try to upload the next chapter soon. Thank you to anyone who likes this, or whoever is just reading it. I really appreciate it. This chapter is in Neville's second year, it takes place in the second book 'Chamber of Secrets'. Hope you enjoy! ~
Neville trotted nervously into the library. He'd attended Hogwarts all last year, and yet this was his first visit to the library. He was close with Hermione at the beginning of last year, but he always politely declined her relentless invitations to the library; reading just wasn't his forte.
But after Ms. Norris was found petrified along with an ominous message on Halloween, the whole school all wanted to know about the same thing: The Chamber of Secrets. Neville was determined to learn more about the elusive topic. And so here he was, edging slowly into the now intimidating library. His eyes darted around the room, not sure where to go. It was a large room, with rows upon rows of bookshelves lined with various types of text. From ancient looking texts written in what looked like runes to brand-new looking books with Gilderoy Lockhart's dazzling white smile emblazoned on the cover, it seemed as though this library will surely house a book on the Chamber of Secrets.
Neville took a few uncertain steps towards a shelf labeled 'Modern History', before deciding that the Chamber of Secrets definitely wasn't anything modern. He backed away hurriedly, into a Fourth year Ravenclaw boy, who cast him an annoyed look. Neville muttered an apology before shuffling to the History section. He stood there awkwardly, not sure what to next. The other students bustled around Neville, oblivious to his existence. He was debating whether or not to just sprint out of the library when he heard someone call his name.
"Neville!" Neville swung around only to see Hannah Abbott smiling at him warmly.
"Oh hey, Hannah," he said.
"What are you doing in here? I never see you around the library."
"Well what are you doing in here?" Neville countered. "As far as I know, you're not big on the library."
"Yeah you're right," Hannah said. "I'm only here to find out about the Chamber of Secrets. Everyone is talking about it." Neville relaxed when he heard this.
"No kidding, that's why I'm here," he explained.
"Well then let's go find a book about it," Hannah said. " The only book that I know might mention it is Hogwarts: A History By Bathilda Bagshot."
After 15 minutes of scouring the bookshelves, they collapsed into a pair of armchairs, disheartened by the fruitless search.
"What we need is a searching spell," groaned Neville.
"We could ask Madam Pince if she knows where it might be," Hannah suggested.
"No, I think she looks pretty irritated right now," Neville said, gesturing to Madam Pince. A gang of first years gathered around her, no doubt asking about the Chamber.
"All the copies of Hogwarts: A History must be checked out then," Hannah sighed.
"Yeah, you're probably right." Neville replied. The two sat in a comfortable silence. "Who do you think did that to Ms. Norris?" Neville asked.
"Honestly?"
"Go on," Neville said in an encouraging tone.
"Well, Harry Potter seemed to be involved somehow. I mean, he was found at the scene and stuff." Hannah said.
Neville considered this for a moment. " Nah," he said. "Harry has gotten me out of a few tough spots, and I know that he would never do something that twisted. Even to Filch."
"Yeah, I suppose you're right." Hannah said. " Who do you think it is?"
"Draco Malfoy," Neville said without any hesitance.
"Why him?" Hannah asked.
"He's so cruel to Hermione because of her blood status, and he was smirking like an idiot when they found Ms. Norris. He just acts like he knows exactly what is going on with the whole Chamber of Secrets situation."
"Oh, well I doubt it's him either. Like you said about Harry, a 2nd year can't just do something so twisted…"
"Someone older, maybe?" Neville suggested.
"Yeah, that would make sense," She replied. At that moment, someone called out Hannah's name.
"Hannah!" shouted a boy with blonde hair, wearing Hufflepuff robes.
"Oh, that's Ernie," Hannah explained to Neville. "He probably needs help with the Transfiguration homework, he always asks me to assist him with that." She stood up and turned to face Neville. "Well it was nice talking to you again," She said, flashing him a warm smile, which Neville returned.
"Bye Hannah," he said halfheartedly. She turned and joined Ernie, who had been eyeing Neville warily. The two Hufflepuffs left the library, leaving Neville feeling a tad lonely.