Chapter Twelve: Time Will Tell

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Harry had, of course, told Ron and Hermione that he'd been with Dumbledore the majority of the day. Though they couldn't see him yet, they were excited to get to and understood why they had to keep quiet. Hermione had urged Harry to tell Ron about Draco and what was going on, Harry had agreed though he worried about his friend's reaction. He didn't want to do it alone, he was too worried about Ron's reaction. Hermione had declined for reason's unknow, she didn't really want to talk about it though she encouraged Harry to do what made him happy. Sitting in the Gryffindor common room, Harry debated exactly how to tell Ron who was holding Gryffindor court, retelling the story of Neville and Blaise.

Glancing around, Harry noticed Neville sitting by himself- blood red with embarrassment, and no Blaise Zabini to be found. Neville felt Harry's eyes on him and looked up, curious. There was a sudden uproar of laughter and Harry motioned for Neville to follow him.

"Can we talk Neville?" Harry asked, as they went to the corner of the common room. Neville nodded, leaning in closer to be heard over the noise.

"Yeah! Come on, we'll go for a walk!"

The two walked around the lake in amicable silence for a while before Harry spoke.

"So, where's Blaise?"

"Out with his mum, for now- I think he and Mrs. Malfoy and Draco are out spending some time together. They're supposed to be looking through Narcissa's private vault at Gringott's too- some book or something they're keen on finding. I think it'll explain what's been going on with them... give them a little more explanation."

"Nev, what do you think about all this? How does it make you feel?"

"I think- as far as Blaise and I go- that I've never been happier Harry. It's like there was this whole big piece of me missing and I never knew it. I know it's fast and it's all so strange but I don't care- I really don't. It's all worth it, everything is worth it. Why, Harry? How are you feeling? I know Draco's bond isn't the same as Blaise's."

"I don't know what to think, or what to do. I don't want to hurt him, but I don't know if I can do this. So many people have died for me and because of me Neville..."

"Stop, Harry. Stop right there. If Draco sees the opportunity to give his life in exchange for yours, he's going to take it. It doesn't matter what you do. You can. not. stop. him. You can reject the bond, fight him, imperio him, it doesn't matter. He'll do it."

"He said though, Neville, that if I asked him to go away that he would."

Neville nodded in understanding ans stopped, turning to look Harry in the face, his hands on Harry's shoulders.

"Harry, he'd chew off his arm, if you really wanted him to. He'll leave if you ask- but he'll only be out of sight. He'd be there if you ever needed him- no matter what you do. There is no stopping how he feels, Harry, you have to let it go. All you can do is push him away or bring him closer, that's it."

"You're a great friend Neville, now... help me tell Ron? Because here he comes."

Neville glanced over his shoulder to see Ron walking down the hill toward him and he groaned,

"I don't know Harry. Ugh. Fine, I'll stay."

"Thank you Neville, Ron! Oy, mate, I was just coming to find you!" Harry said as Ron approached. The two hugged briefly. Ron looked sheepishly at Neville,

"I didn't make you mad at me, did I Nev? It was all in good fun... I'm sorry if I hurt your feelings."

"No- I'm not mad, it's okay, thanks though," Neville replied with a smile.

"So, what are you two Slytherin Supporters doing out here?" Ron asked, looking out at the lake as he walked around with them. Neville and Harry glanced up at each other with knowing grins.

"It's funny you should say that, Ron, I've got something I need to tell you..." Harry said and he began to tell Ron everything up until that moment. Well, not everything. Ron didn't know about any of the deeply personal details.

Ron stood there, hands in his pockets, staring at them. He seemed to have been hit by a stunning spell momentarily. Then, he appeared to be thinking for a long while.

"Harry, mate- you know you're my very best friend- and that I can't stand that slimy ferret..."

"HARRRRYYY! HARRY! RON!" It was Hermione who interupted them, running quickly with Ginny on her heels, their wands drawn.

"Harry, there's been anoter attack. Hogsmeade. The Death Eaters are holding down a small group in Honeyduke's. It's bad, Harry, they're nothing but a bunch of first years who's parents removed them!" Hermione said, panting.

"They're just little kids!" Ginny yelled.

"Harry- Blaise, and Draco. They should be in Hogsmeade by now." Neville said, his voice so calm Harry was certain that it had turned his own backbone to ice.

"ACCIO BROOM!" Ron and Harry yelled together. Harry's head snapped to look at his best friend.

"Where you go, I go, mate." Ron said.

"Accio broom!" Ginny yelled then to Ron and Harry, "where my brothers go- I go."

The three brooms snapped to their hands in no time, Hermione riding with Ron, Neville with Harry. They flew out towards Hogsmeade just in time to see McGonagall and Snape trying to stop them.