Chapter Four – Inside Information

Neville Longbottom took his seat at the staff table, immensely relieved that the Sorting was over – and hadn't involved any bloodshed. Although, it had been close there for a minute and the Gryffindors, especially the Weasley contingent, were still muttering rebelliously. He'd need to talk to them after the feast.

He heard a soft chuckle and turned to raise an eyebrow at the elegant dark haired woman beside him. "Something funny?" he enquired mildly.

Aurora Sinistra, once Astronomy teacher, now Headmistress of Hogwarts, smiled at him. "I do not envy you your students, Neville." She stood before he could reply, and the Hall fell silent. "Good evening, and welcome to Hogwarts." Although her voice was soft, it nevertheless carried the length of the room. "I am Professor Sinistra. Before we begin the feast, I have a few announcements First of all, the Forbidden Forest, as it has always been, is out of bounds to all students."

Neville watched his Gryffindors. Ordinarily James and Louis would take that as a challenge – they certainly had last year. But the two boys were still unhappy; James, especially, was scowling ferociously over at the Slytherin table. Neville sighed inwardly. Trouble was clearly brewing for the Potter family. He turned his attention back to the Headmistress; even though he probably could have recited the speech himself.

"Quidditch tryouts will be held from next Saturday. See your Head of House for more details. Our caretaker, Mr Snape, would like to notify everyone that the fifth floor staircase stopped moving earlier this evening. Please plan around it until it has been fixed."

Neville regarded the pale darkhaired man standing beside the double doors. When he'd been introduced to the new caretaker, he'd been astonished – he hadn't expected to ever meet another Snape. Tobias Snape was a Muggleborn, and a distant cousin to the late Severus Snape. He'd been appointed to the post on the recommendation of former Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, and so far Neville had found him to be efficient, quiet, well-mannered – in general, nothing like the once Potions Master.

"And finally, I would like to introduce your new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Shard Vorne." The tall man stood as the students applauded, looking around through narrowed eyes. Neville had been working with the young man for the last several months to help him prepare for his classes.

Sinistra waited until Vorne was seated again before she smiled at the students and said simply, "Enjoy the feast."

Neville grinned as the food appeared and the students helped themselves to it eagerly. He looked from the Gryffindor table, where James and Rose were arguing vehemently with Victoire, over to the Slytherin table, and felt his smile falter. Albus Potter was sitting perfectly still, pale, shaking and not eating a bite.

Young Scorpius Malfoy seemed concerned, paying more attention to Al than to his meal. Neville shook his head at the irony of a Malfoy protecting a Potter. On Al's other side, the little redhaired Mitexi Hunter was also trying to comfort him. Many of the older Slytherins were casting stares in the small boy's direction – some hostile, others merely curious or confused. Rose was also sending icy cold glares his way.

Throughout the rest of dinner, Neville alternated his attention between the Weasleys, James and his son Frank; Al and Scorpius; and Alyssa at the Hufflepuff table, chatting to Qi Yang Weasley and the other first year girls. At the end of the feast, the students began filing out; Al being carefully escorted by Malfoy and Hunter.

Neville slipped out from behind the staff table. Alyssa was waiting for him by the doors. He gave her a quick hug. "Hey, sweetie!"

"Hi Daddy," his girl said softly, returning the hug.

Neville peered at her, frowning. "What's the matter, Lyssa? You don't look happy."

She bit her lip nervously. "Daddy, I think I did something wrong."

Neville's eyes widened. Alyssa was the very sweetest girl he knew (although he had to admit that he was biased in her favour). "Oh, sweetie. Tell me what happened."

He listened attentively, not interrupting, as Alyssa poured out the story of Rose and Al's fight over Scorpius Malfoy. "And I walked out with Rosie, but Daddy, I felt so bad, because Al was right really. We came back to get our stuff, but I didn't know what to say."

Neville sighed. At least he now knew why Rose was so angry at Al. Rose, unfortunately, had all the wit of her mother, all the tact of her father and a very forceful personality.

He pulled Alyssa close, determined to reassure her. "I wouldn't say what you did was wrong, exactly; but it could have been more right. If you feel that bad about it, go to Al and apologise. Tell him how hard you find it to stand up to Rose – I'm sure he'll understand."

Alyssa smiled weakly. "Yeah. I've never seen Al stand up to her like that – to anyone like that!" Her eyes were wide. "And now he's in Slytherin! Do you think he went just to keep Scorpius company?"

"Sweetheart, the Sorting Hat won't put you into a House just because your family or your friends are there. It puts you where you belong."

Alyssa shrugged. "I just thought he'd be in Gryffindor – especially after he dived into the lake like that?"

"And what about Scorpius? He dived too." Neville raised an eyebrow.

"I – I guess I didn't really think about that," she said softly, shamefaced. "Actually, I don't think I expected him to go anywhere but Slytherin. But, yeah – he was brave too, wasn't he?"

Neville smiled. "I'll let you in on a secret. Not everyone has the traits of just one House. You can be brave and smart at the same time. You can work hard and have great ambition; in fact, it usually works best that way." He hugged her once more. "Now, off to bed, Alyssa – and congratulations on being a Badger. Your mother will be so proud."

Alyssa kissed his cheek. "Good night, Daddy." He watched her hurry out of the Hall and sighed. That went fairly well – now he just had to break the news to the Weasleys and the Potters.

*****

Harry was pacing back and forth across his living room when he heard a giggle from the doorway. He stopped and smiled at his little red haired daughter, wearing her pyjamas and squeaky clean after her bath. "Hey, sweetheart," he greeted her.

She ran across to him and jumped up into his arms. "Hey, Daddy." She nuzzled her nose into his neck and he laughed, holding her close.

"How's my little Lily-whiskers?" he asked, kissing the top of her head.

His beautiful girl giggled again. "I'm okay. You know you're a silly Daddy, don't you?"

He blew a raspberry just under her ear, making her laugh and squirm. "Yes, I know."

She snuggled close again. "Do you miss Al, Daddy?"

Harry smiled ruefully. "Yes, sweetheart. I do miss Al." And I worry about him, he thought to himself. I hope he's alright.

"He'll be okay, Daddy," Lily assured him, making him wonder if she could read his mind. "Rose'll look after him, you know she will."

Harry smiled. "Of course she will." He peered into her brown eyes. "Now, why didn't you inquire about James, hmm?"

The look Lily gave him was slightly disbelieving. "Daddy, it's James. Why would we be worried about James?"

Harry laughed. "You're right, Princess. But it's time for you to go to bed."

Lily wrinkled up her nose. "Tuck me in, Daddy. And… could you tell me a story? Please, Daddy?"

"Oh, alright." He took the stairs two at a time. "I need to practise saying no to you."

"No, you don't. I like things just the way they are, thank you," she said pertly.

"Oh, I'll just bet you do."

Harry got his daughter settled and read her the requested story. As he left her room, he found Ginny leaning in the doorway. He wrapped an arm around her waist.

His wife smiled knowingly. "You are putty in her hands," she informed him as they walked back downstairs together.

Harry grinned sheepishly as they settled onto the couch. "Yeah, well," was his only response. "Are Ron and Hermione still coming over?"

"Yeah, they should be here any minute. They're coming straight from the Burrow." She rested her head on his shoulder. "Could you believe Charlie? He just walks in, introduces Li Mei as his wife, and, oh yeah, he's got a new daughter, but we can't meet her because she's off to Hogwarts."

Harry chuckled. "Yes, I can believe Charlie. I hope she met Al and Rosie on the train. They could help her."

Ginny looked at him sceptically. "No, you're hoping that they met on the train so that Rose and Qi Yang could help Al. Admit it, Harry. You're worried about him."

Harry sighed. "C'mon, Ginny, I already admitted as much to Lily. She's assured me that Al will be fine."

The fireplace suddenly erupted with emerald green flames. A moment later, Ron and Hermione Weasley were shedding ash onto their living room carpet.

"Hey guys. Is Neville here yet?" were Ron's first words.

"No, not yet –" Ginny's response was cut off as the fire flared again. "Ah, here he is now."

"Hi everybody!" Neville greeted as he stepped from the fireplace.

"Hey, Nev. Take a seat. Cup of tea?" Harry offered. Ginny brought out tea and cake, and everyone sat.

"So…?" Ron began.

"So?" Neville repeated innocently then grinned at the indignant looks he got in return.

"How's Rose?" Ron blurted and Harry smirked, glad that he had more restraint than his friend. Hermione was shaking her head at her husband.

Neville laughed. "Alright. I'll put you out of your misery. Rose is fine. And before you ask, yes… she's in Gryffindor."

"Yes!" Ron hissed in triumph. The others laughed at him and he glared at them. "What?"

Ginny just shook her head. "And how's Alyssa?"

Neville smiled proudly. "Hufflepuff. Just like Hannah."

"And Al?" Harry asked quietly.

Neville hesitated for a moment. "Harry, he's your son alright."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Ginny demanded.

"Al ended up in the lake." Neville seemed ruefully amused.

"How did he do that?" Ron asked in astonishment. "It was a perfectly clear night! Did he fall in?"

"No, no," Neville was quick to assure them. "No, he dived in."

Harry's eyes went wide. "Dived in? Why?"

"One of the boats' charms must have been wearing thin. It capsized and fell apart. Al helped rescue the other kids." Neville grinned. "This is before he even gets Sorted."

Harry groaned slightly, while Ginny, Hermione and Ron laughed at him. "Yeah, that sounds like you, mate," Ron grinned. "And he was worried about being in Slytherin!"

The others weren't watching, but Harry saw Neville's expression tighten. "Where'd he end up, Neville?"

"It took a while – the Hat was on his head for a long time…" Neville hesitated. "He's in Slytherin."

Ginny and Hermione's eyes went wide, mouths falling open in surprise. But Ron's reaction was completely predictable.

"WHAT?!" he yelled, and Hermione slapped his arm and shushed him. "But… there's no way. This is Al, he doesn't like Slytherin – we've all been in Gryffindor…"

Ginny shook her head. "I don't mind that he's not in Gryffindor, but – Slytherin is the last place I would have expected for him."

"He's breaking a family tradition!" Ron protested.

"Sometimes traditions need to be broken," Harry said with a small smile. He was proud; so proud of his son. He knew how scared Al had been of Slytherin. And yet… Harry grinned, much to Ron's consternation.

"You're not seriously happy about this?" he asked in disbelief. "Al, in Slytherin? They'll slaughter him. This can't be right."

Neville chuckled. "That was pretty much the reaction of every Weasley at Hogwarts. It's a good thing there aren't more of you, or we'd have had a full scale riot on our hands!" He looked straight at Harry. "James didn't take it well."

Harry snorted. "He's the one who had Al all wound up about being in Slytherin. He just never expected it to actually happen."

"But Rose is in Gryffindor," Hermione said with a frown. "Al and Rose – how are they going to get along without each other?"

Ginny laughed a little. "Yeah, we were hoping Rose could watch out for Al for us."

Neville winced. "Actually, Al and Rose aren't talking – and haven't been since they were on the train. According to Lyssa, it's because of Al's new friend –"

"Don't say it, please don't say it," Ron muttered, covering his face with his hands.

"- Scorpius Malfoy," Neville finished.

"Damn it, I told you not to say it!" Ron ground out, making the others laugh.

Harry was smiling. "Like I said, maybe some traditions are better off broken."

Neville grinned in response. "Well, Al's not alone. Scorpius is in Slytherin too, along with Miss Hunter, one of the girls they rescued."

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "They?"

"Yeah, didn't I tell you?" Neville asked innocently. "Scorpius helped Al in the lake, dived in right beside him." He laughed. "The other girl they fished out was Qi Yang – she's in Hufflepuff." He stood. "I'd better get back to Hogwarts. I'll keep an eye on your kids for you."

A chorus of thank you's and goodbyes later, Neville was gone, and Ron and Hermione were preparing to leave. "We'd better go and collect Hugo, he's at the Scamanders'."

After they'd curled up in bed, Ginny rested her head on his shoulder. "Do you really think Al's going to be alright? I mean –"

Harry smiled and kissed her forehead. "Yeah, I'm sure he'll be fine. We'll just have to support him – and believe in him."

Good luck, Albus, he thought. I have a feeling you're going to need it.