Destiny's child chapter 10
Disclaimer. I don't have ferrets or fish any more, only a mortgage and a 10 yr old car that makes funny noises. While I don't own the characters in the Harry Potter universe, I only own the story idea that I created.
(I've noted in the next book, that there is very little Neville/ McGonagall and it stands to reason that while Dumbledore and Harry were off doing what ever, McGonagall and Neville were off with his studies. Neville did go on later to be the leader of the rebellion at the school, something that Minerva couldn't get involved in, but would support 100 percent. Dark times indeed!)
She hesitated for a moment. "Bloody useless waste of time I would think, but they seem to want you, and they say you're doing well enough so I'm not going to argue with Dumbledore, or McGonagall. They are giving you two weeks off, then you are to return to Hogwarts for a few weeks before returning here a week before school and then return with the others. I suppose it's not bad if a few of your friends know, but in light of everything, Dumbledore has cautioned that too many knowing might be – dangerous… Do you understand Neville?"
Neville didn't answer for a moment. He found himself looking at the cabinet where they had found him.
"Parts are coming back to me Gram, about the day that it happened. I faced Bellatrix LeStrange and I wanted to kill her Gram, for what she did- "
"Killing, was never our way." She said softly. Augusta Longbottom went to her grandson and patted his cheek.
"Get washed up for dinner Neville, and take your things upstairs. Your uncle will be home soon and he's bound to be hungry
Gran had started on Neville shortly after his arrival. First it was the scare that they had received after reading the events of the daily prophet regarding the attack at the ministry, then it was about the expense of the wand that they had to get to replace the one he had before, as well as the expense of repairing the first one to a satisfactory condition. Then it was about the feathers from the owls , and where on earth were they going to put and store all of those books and files that the owls had brought from Hogwarts, couldn't they have just left them in Hogwarts library because they would just be in the way at their home. It went on, and on and the entire time Neville said nothing. He found himself in the same zone that he had established with Deloris Umbridge's classes. He knew she was speaking, and he was paying attention, and in a heartbeat he could imagine his gran calling for him to have yet another detention so that he would finally listen. Both his uncle, and he remained silent for the whole dinner, and after it was done she finally moved to the living room with her cup of tea to relax.
Neville picked up the dishes from the table and carried them to the sink. Pulling out his wand he waved it "Scourgofy" he said softly. A mass of pink bubbles formed and in short order the dishes were cleaned as he put the food away. Sighing he separated them and placed them in the cupboard.
"Well, that's a surprise…" Gram said to him nodding to the dishes as she poured a second cup of tea for herself. Before, Neville would carefully wash each dish by hand. "What's changed you Neville?" she asked crossing her arms in front of her. Neville knew she was working up a head of steam.
He could have said "I don't know what you mean" but he didn't.
"Oh I know all about the little club you joined "Dumbledore's Army, and a fat load of good that did you to get detention for it…." Augusta continued with a sharp bitterness to her voice.
Something- snapped inside of Neville. He knew he shouldn't have answered her in the tone that he was about to, or to lose his patience with her, but all of the years of being terrified of her, were gone. He had faced down death eaters, he had been held at wand point and insisted that Harry not give in, and was willing to sacrifice his life for the cause. Standing up to his Gram, became something he knew he had to do if it was to stop.
"Yes Gram. I did join Dumbledore's Army. It gave me something to believe in and I learned to believe in myself, and what I was capable of doing. Do you know why it took me ages to learn magic? Because you didn't believe in me enough to show me the way. You had no faith in what I was capable of doing and you didn't even bother to buy me a wand of my own – do you have any idea how difficult it is to use someone else's wand to do magic? Nearly impossible, so when I failed, you blamed me and belittled me, said I wasn't up to my fathers caliber of magic- The only reason why Dad's wand ever responded to me was when I was learning the things he knew by heart, to be an Auror. I don't know if things would have been different in the department of ministries if I had been using my wand all along. Sirius Black might be alive- things could have been different. But at least my friends in Dumbledore's Army support me. They believe in me. Just like Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall do. You didn't even believe I had any magic in me and you treated me like if being a squib was a horror to be hidden away. The books are going back with me to Hogwarts to be used in my studies over the summer, something that will help my future and help me get caught up with everything I missed out on because I didn't have what I needed all those years ago to succeed."
Augusta regarded her grand son in silence. He hadn't raised his voice to her. He had never spoken back, or even spoken up. He had always been a shy unassuming child that was seen, but not heard. Yes, she had been happy that he had shown magical skills, and had wondered out loud if he would be magical enough to even go to Hogwarts.
"What would you have us do?" she asked – the bitterness building in her voice. "You are nothing like your father- You, will never be like him- and don't think I don't know what's going on between you- and her!" Augusta's voice began to raise. Neville had always bolted when she had raised her voice to his uncle. She was surprised that he was even speaking as he was to her.
"My father was a good man who didn't deserve what happened to him. I hope, that if anything, I , will be just as good as he was. And I do not deserve what has happened to me as well. I'd say, I was exactly like my father. If you are referring the her as Minerva- and you feel that she is taking your place of an object of affection you might be spot on." He knew it was a wicked thing to say at that particular moment, but he couldn't help himself. The fact that he had referred to her as Minerva, instead of Professor McGonagall would be enough for another tirade but he knew he wasn't in the mood to mince words. Minerva had always treated him kindly and he did love her, almost as much as he loved his gran, but in a different way. He – respected her. He would die for her if he had to. While he would sacrifice his life for his Gran, the years of embittered battles had worn him thin.
Augusta stepped back. Her hand went to her chest as she leaned against the counter. Neville tilted his head. He had seen his gran do the same thing when he knew his uncle was winning an argument against her.
"If you are in a bad state, I can call for pickup for St. Mungo's or you could floo there."
His voice was flat. Her hand was hard against his face and he didn't pull away or flinch. "It doesn't matter anymore" he said finally before turning his back to her. He walked with quick strides to the steps, sweeping his wand with him to collect the things that were still downstairs, and moving them with a whoosh up to his bedroom where he closed the door. He knew his words hurt her, and that was the last thing that he wanted to do. He was just- tired- of the hurt that had been dumped on him over the years, something that he had stood quietly and taken. Being held, by Bellatrix had – changed him. It wasn't – fear, it was just- well, enough, was enough. He wasn't going to allow himself to be pushed around, even by Gran. Sighing he opened the packet and began to sort through what he needed to do. It was perhaps half an hour later that there was a quiet knock on his door. His uncle entered carrying a mug of tea and placed it on Neville's desk.
"Is she in a panic?" Neville asked after thanking his uncle for the tea.
His uncle sighed. "Nothing she won't get over soon enough. She knows you are right. We should have purchased you a new wand and new things when you were accepted instead of the hand me downs that you used. Even the books that your father used were out of date- yet, she said there wasn't that much difference if it taught your father and he was smart as a whip. It's been just as hard on her, as it's been on you Neville. She's been second guessing ever since it happened, wondering if we had come home sooner, if it would have happened. In a way, well, it wasn't that she wanted you to fail- she just wanted to keep you safe. Plenty of people get through Hogwarts on acceptable levels and in doing so, if they aren't extraordinary, then they – well, they are safer than those who rise to brilliance like your parents. But it seems, you excelled all on your own- Properly scared Augusta when she got the owl's from the school. She said, there will always be people like Umbridge, and Fudge, and You Know Who. But there was only one Frank and Alice and Neville Longbottom, and that she wanted to do everything she could to protect her only grandchild"
"I have to do this." Neville said softly.
"We know… She just won't be happy about things unless she's the one thinking of it."
It took three days before Augusta calmed down enough to speak to Neville normally. It was a bit of a relief actually as he managed to work through most of the things that were sent to him and get owls out for the things he had completed. At first he wanted to go right back to Hogwarts, but Minerva explained that all of the teachers would get two weeks vacation, and he deserved some time with his family. Once everything was set up, they would return home again to pack for the semester. It was late in the afternoon. Neville had moved down into the library with one of the books he was required to read and had fallen asleep.
He woke with a start, grasping his hand. It was if he had been back in the defense against dark arts class with Umbridge doing lines. His face was drenched in sweat, his entire body shook. His eyes snapped open and for a moment he couldn't' focus. His Gram was there with a cup of tea for him and set it on the end table.
"Neville?" she asked softly. She saw he wasn't- afraid, rather, just totally stressed over what he had seen. He focused on her "I'm all right" he said in a soft voice.
His gran took a long breath in. "I would have given her what for- if you would have told me about her mid evil ways of detention- Why didn't you say something before? You sent no owls- no word on anything for most of the semester, the only information I heard was from the school itself…"
Sighing he leaned forward and picked up the tea cup. "All the owls, all the messages had to go through Professor Umbridge, or Mr. Filch, I – I was only able to get one out …"
She nodded "To your parents, yes… I thought it odd that there was a note added by Mr. Filch on the bottom of it and I had to ask your uncle who he was. He used to come around a lot here, before – it- happened. Quite good friends with your father. Frank had saved his life… I don't know the details beyond they remained good friends." She had fell into a quite musing while she said it. Looking up she saw Neville's surprise.
"Of course I know about the letters…I have since you started sending them. Who do you think informed the nurses to read them to Frank and Alice every day?"
"You- you said they wouldn't understand what was in them and not to bother…" he said softly.
Augusta let out a long sigh. "No Neville, they won't ever understand what is in them. I told you not to bother doing it because when you wrote them, I could see how much it distressed you. But having the nurses read them to your parents- well, it isn't much different than reading a story book to an infant. They can't understand a word your saying, but they might be able to understand the tone of voice. Perhaps, it gives them some comfort."
"Gram.. could, they ever come home? I mean, the Drs. say there is some improvement, however small, but, they aren't injured anymore. Couldn't we take care of them here?"
Shaking her head, Neville saw there was a sadness on her face. "I have asked the Drs. the same thing, and they said no, the administrator felt that they would be better to stay there."
"But…" Neville began. He saw his Gram shake her head again.
"Sweetheart, if, the Administrator said no, that means someone in the ministry has made the decision to keep them there, and it's an irrevocable decision. My guess is that because Barty Crouch's son was involved- as well as several of the top pure blood families, if it became public knowledge who harmed them, there would be an outcry against the ministry."
Becoming thoughtful Neville studied the swirling tea leaves in the bottom of his cup. "Gram, they, made a mistake in the confundium spell, didn't they? They never should have used it…"
The air left her for a moment. "No. The Drs. at St. Mungos were furious that it had been cast before they had a chance to attend to them. At first they thought a sedation spell had been placed on them, but, the idiot who cast it, kept casting it, not realizing what damage he was doing. Ministry orders he said… You were just a baby. You had to relearn how to walk, and to – speak, but, the Drs. said your brain functions hadn't been fully formed, so you had a better chance… I wanted to keep your parents here- but the Drs. said that it would be too much work for me to take care of everyone. I wouldn't let them take you… Neville, I don't know for sure, because I have seen people be confunded and return to normal after a few months. The spell does wear off in time, no matter how skilled the caster or how many times they are hit with it… Your, uncle and I have speculated that, they may still be casting the spell on them when they begin to be aware. The Drs. say they have good days and bad days. After 15 years Neville, they should have recovered…"
"Why would they keep them under if they were recovering?" Neville asked curious.
For the longest time Augusta didn't answer. He could see emotions play across her face. "Your father and mother knew wandless magic Neville. Its possible that when they start to recover, they are confused as to where they are, and the last memory that they have is being attacked- no doubt they are attacking the very people that are trying to help them."
It was all too soon that Neville packed his things up and road with his uncle to the train station. " Bit of advice Neville," he said pushing one of the trollies towards the platform. "Your Gram is a great lady, but she's none too fond of you calling Professor McGonagall by her first name, no matter how close you two are working together. Not that it's a sign of disrespect, but, she's hearing a definite fondness in your voice when you speak about her."
Neville found himself blinking a few times. "Well, I am- actually- but?"
His uncle chuckled. "We were in at the same time you see, way back when. Was Minerva that caught the eye of most of the handsome young men, including yours truly- and Albus too- Not that she ever used her whiles to get where she is today- but, she's still a right handsome woman- and even though its been over 50 years since the rivalry started, Augusta, still is a might chuffed about how things turned out. Turns out had her charms class been up to snuff, well- there was the same thing, happening, Headmaster Dipole was looking for an apprentice to take over even back then. He knew he had Albus, but, he was looking for the next one, and everyone knew there were two that were probably good enough to take over, Minerva, and your Gran. The difference was in the temperament. You've seen Augusta when she get's riled up. That would never do as headmaster, or deputy head master. There, was, at the time, the commitment not to have family ether. Dipole felt that it made the position, - compromiseable. They did change it, years later, so that the staff could marry and have kids, or even date among themselves if they wanted. But, they have to keep their spouses and kids separate. It's hard enough to be working around kids with out having any of your own. Minerva never re married… It wasn't for lack of suitors, it was just, she, loved Albus more… And Albus, being Albus, loved- everyone. And then,when he died, and she was heartbroken, and Albus took her in.." He looked uncomfortable for a moment.
"Wait- who died? Re married?" Neville asked with a bit of confusion written on his face.
"Minerva's husband. Was only married to him for three years but she had loved him for ages- quite horrible accident with a Tentacular bit him - one from the green house - What he was doing there they never knew. He died in her arms. She had a muggle chap from back home but, she knew she would have to give up magic to marry him and while she loved him, she was first and formost- a witch. That was ages ago though. She waited until he died before marrying Elphinstone Urquart. Was her boss at the ministry for a while before she became a teacher. They lived in Hogsmead until his death. Never blessed with children, but, he always told her that her cubs were his cubs, and that they would just love the children of Hogwarts as their own."
With his things loaded on the train, Neville made his way through the cars and noticed that there were several other teachers that were on the train as well. Most of the compartments were full. Sighing he found an empty one and settled in with a few of his books. He didn't bother closing the door- he rather liked to think that if someone was passing by they could say hello, which many of them did. It wasn't that he would be lonely on the trip there – he knew he could have joined most any of the professors and chatted with them, but he still had a lot of work to do. He cracked open "Architectural Design of Hogwarts School" a quill and a sheet of parchment paper. It was one of the books that he couldn't just – read, he had to make notations on parchment so that he could understand the design principals. He had long ago, viewed the marauders map that Harrys godfather and the others had created- the making of such a map was something that was mentioned in the book. Things shifted and moved, and rotated with reason that the student's never could understand, but as the book explained, it was all about- the balance of magical energy within the castle. The reasons why spells were not allowed in the halls, the creation of passageways within the castle- it was all there. Even the room of requirement.
Neville hadn't eaten when the trolley had passed. It wasn't that he wasn't hungry or didn't have the money, he had more than enough. It was – well, he knew that if he did eat something, the warmth and swaying of the train would put him to sleep and he had so much to do. It was halfway through the trip there that he realized that his temple was throbbing and that his eyesight had become a bit blurry. Closing his eyes, he used his fingertips to massage the bridge of his nose for a moment. He heard a rattle of a tea cup and the sound of cloth upon leather as someone joined him in the car. It was followed by a definite sound of a chocolate frog. Lowering his hand, he saw the concerned face of Pomona Sprout.
"Eat this." She said dangling the frog by one leg in Neville's direction. He shook his head, then saw her stern expression. It wiggled in his hand and for a moment he frowned. "Never could bring myself not to end it for them quickly…" he said before biting off the frogs head.
"Bethie said that you haven't eaten all day. Are you feeling alright?" she asked , her voice full of concern. Neville realized Bethie had to be the trollies maid of Hogwarts, and it struck him that she knew every ones name by the end of the trip.
"I knew if I ate, I would want to fall asleep, and I've got so much reading to do…"
Pomona shook her head "It will never do if you pass out from manly hunger. None of us frail female professors could lift you back into your seat" She slid a plate that had several sandwiches onto the small table beside the book he was reading next to the tea cup. Reaching over she lifted the corner of the book that he was currently reading then slid the notes that he had made on the parchment on to her lap and studied them. "And when did you start this?" she asked curious.
Neville took another bite of the frog. " Just after the trip started. I didn't want to miss anything, and it's easier to understand once you get into it- I'm on the section of the construction of the greenhouses- I always wondered how the glass knows what amount of light to let in for each of the plants- and how it shades the more delicate ones. I thought it was something that the house elves did on a daily basis, but, it's- the castle… It was built with love, passion,and strength, and the willingness to do hard work, and the thirst for knowledge- Salazar Slythern was a genius in his design of the castle. – his – passion and ambition helped to lay the foundation for the school and the self generation of the spells that keep everything in place. The school, has part of their souls in it Professor, not, like- an evil soul take over, but- the spirit of them- and it's reinforced by all of the portraits that are about the school- especially the ones in the head masters office and the ghosts, their energy keeps the castle going…Its changed over the years of course- but each of the young head masters and head mistresses bring a definite energy to the school.
They all had the common goal of providing a safe place for the children to learn in, and while their passions differ as to who should be able to attend the school, the fundamental goals of education were their primary concern. The green house was created by Salazar Slythern with his love of potions- he saw that having the grounds, and the green house, right there, would provide quality control and the quantity that the students needed… though, what's been grown there has changed over the years. Helga Hufflepuff was responsible for the layout of the halls, and of the placement of the classrooms and all of the secret tunnels and passages- many of them are like the rooms of requirement, if you have a need to get from one place to the other in the castle, or to the grounds, the castle can construct the way for you." He didn't see surprise in her eyes. " But you knew that…" he said his voice dropping. "The castle made that secret passage I used after you told me to use it- It would have made more sense if the passage would have gone to the hufflepuff common room… That secret passage isn't mentioned in here…"
Pomona didn't answer him, she only sat across from him with a twinkle in her eye.
"The school will always provide a safe haven for those in need." She said softly. "I always thought of the school as a living being, and have spoken kindly to it when I have a moment. Some, think me daft for it, but, I don't pay them any mind…"
Neville smiled warmly at her "No student that I know thinks that… you are bloody brilliant."
Pomona's eyebrow went up before she blushed and smiled shyly at his complement before meeting his gaze. "You don't have to read them all- not every page Neville, you just need to get a pretty fair idea of what you want to specialize in for your main area of study. The idea is for you to know where to find the information should you have a question."
"Well, I rather enjoy Herbology- and charms…" he said looking at the book page with sudden interest. "But that would mean ether you, or professor Flitwick would have to retire." Pomona looked right back at Neville. "Yes, it does. But as an Elf gnome mix, chances are professor Flitwick will outlive everyone at Hogwarts. Which leaves my retirement." She saw his look of panic.
"Oh no – I didn't mean…" Patting his hand she sighed.
"It's alright Neville. You have ages to go before you would be even ready to be a teacher, and then from there, years after before you would be considered to be old enough to be the head master… Even – then- sometimes no matter how hard we work, we don't – get- what we had hoped. With everything going on, …"Pomona lowered her voice and leaned closer to Neville. "With everything going on, I've heard that Professor Dumbledore has informed the ministry that he would want Severus to be the head master, and allow Minerva to continue on as the Deputy Headmistress- not that she wouldn't be capable of accepting the task, but…"
"If anyone could keep the school safe, it would be him." Neville said softly. He felt Pomona's grip tighten on his hand. Looking up he saw something – in her eyes. Deep down, he knew there would be – no place safe, only places that they could prepare the students for the upcoming battle. It was if Pomona could read his mind.
"The others, will need someone Neville- to show them the way when others can not…" Her voice had a tone of finality about it.
For the longest time they sat in silence sipping the afternoon tea and nibbling on sandwiches. By the time the snack trollies came through again, they were discussing the growth of the plant his uncle had given him and the medicinal properties of the sap. Neville stood and stretched his legs, and purchased two pumpkin juices and several cookies which he shared with Pomona. When he sat down again, she had bookmarked the book and set it aside. They spent the better part of the afternoon discussing potting soil and the issues with drainage and heating in the green houses and how the gnomes were getting at the roots. It was- an urgency for him to know these things- Neville knew that- and later, when he arrived, it was decided he would have Gryffindor tower to use as his office living quarters for the summer, though he would have to get used to living in just his little area later on.
Snape found him in the same area that he had when Deloris was there, at the clock tower, sitting, looking at the small spidery plant that was growing in the cracks. On the other side was Peeves who was regarding the same plant. Curious Snape watched Neville interact with Peeves who seemed almost melancholy. Most of the time Peeves kept at a constant battle with the students- tormenting them, but he had never seen Peeves do anything against Neville.
As softly as he had walked, Neville still stood, and acknowledged Snape "Good evening Professor" he said in a genial tone. Snape drew closer and saw Neville had a small bottle in his hand that he extended to him. "Professor Sprout thought you might wish to have a sample of this as well." Snape regarded the vial with interest.
"What, is it?" he asked watching it slowly move around the tiny stone in the vial.
Neville breathed in and inclined his head to the wall. "Essence of Salazar is the closest translation from the History of Hogwarts architectural guide from parsiale tongue. It started growing after Professor Umbridge used the Maximum Bombardo spell on the room of requirement. It- acts as a healing agent, for the stones of the castle when there is injury done to them or when preparing, for battle. The last time that it formed was during the great Muggle war to help stabilize the grounds when the bombs fell. It also has several uses in very dark magical potions if consumed in great enough quantity's.
"I shall, keep, that in mind." Severus said pocketing the vial. He regarded Neville. "This, does not, change – anything." He said softly.
For once, Neville didn't flinch. He just regarded Severus and nodded once, bidding him good evening, and then excused himself and returned to the common room where he sat down and pulled a vial from his pocket. He had learned a fair amount during the time he had sat with Pomona, including the properties of the plant itself. It was a fungus, and had all the properties of regular fungus, that the spores came in contact and spread with almost everything. When he handed the vial to Snape, there were spores on the lid, and on the vial itself. The moment that Snape touched anything it would spread from there- most – hopefully the rail of the steps, where it would be carried around the castle by the air, and even if one of the spores managed to work its way into the dungeon it would slip into the moist walls and spread like hellfire.
He hadn't lied when he said about the properties in the dark magic- it was used as a binding agent in large amounts that stabilized the potion – any potion, and the healing properties of the spore were only a side effect. But what was not known, was that the same potion faked death for those who were innocent, and gave death to those who had harmed others. Those who had their deaths faked often were tossed aside, giving the fungus time to heal them as best it could, before pulling the breath back into their bodies and giving them a second chance. As long as other harm didn't come to it, the innocent would be protected. It was curious that Salazar would have discovered something like this plant- but the more that Neville had read about him, he was a man of ambitions, not- an evil man. He wanted the best choices for the Witches and Wizards, and when the school was created, they only had limited resources. Salazar had argued the school would serve better if only Pure bloods were able to attend, thus less taxing the resources of the school. But, the parents of magical students were willing to pay for the boarding and it became a profitable venture.
The more that Neville read in the book, the more he came to understand the construction of the school, and how – alive it was. He remembered when they were seeking Sirius Black, how Professor Flitwick had shown the front gates a picture of Sirius for the gate to remember. The entire- school was like a room of requirement placing the classes rooms where they needed to be and furnishing them. It was also almost self repairing- though for larger damages, it would need help.
He felt a touch on his shoulder. It was Peeves who wore a concerned look on his face. "Student out of bed!" Peeves giggled, then, his face darkened again.
"What is it Peeves?" he asked gently. Neville knew that Peeves came with the castle. He was part of the magical energy that kept the castle alive, and yet, he was the side of the rebellious nature of the castle. To send Peeves away would cause untold damage to the structure of the castle.
"Not your worry- yet" pointing to the book to distract Neville he pinched Neville's ear. "Bed time!" he said pulling him upward.
"Yes Gram" he grumbled.
Peeves beamed.