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So far... On his seventh birthday, Harry Potter was inspired to never stop asking for help. He learned about magic early and, with Mercy Fuller, launched a junior academy, mainly for Muggle-raised children aged seven to ten. Mercy adopted Harry and they destroyed the potency of the Prophecy. Strong bonds of friendship were formed – but would they be separated by the Sorting Hat now they were all going to Hogwarts? Read on...

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Chapter 5

A Bad Start


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The Staring Contest

Four children stared at the four opposite them in the train carriage; they in turned stared back. Dean was the first to crack. His mouth twitched which made Megan laugh. Pretty soon Harry and most of the others joined in, leaving only one still motionless and expressionless.

Harry grinned. "You win, Luna."

She didn't stir.

"Luna?" said Neville, giving her a nudge.

The dreamy girl's eyes blinked open. "Oh, did we finish?"

Hermione, who was sitting directly opposite Luna, squealed. "You cheated! Magic staring eyeballs with real eyes closed! I can't believe you actually broke the rules! And did you cast a muffling spell on your ears?"

Luna frowned. "Sorry, what did you say?"

Hermione squealed again. "You DID! You actually did!"

Once more, Neville nudged Luna's arm. She pulled little corks out of her ears and began threading them back onto her necklace. "What happened?"

"You cheated is what happened!" cried Hermione.

Another frown. "What were the rules again?" said Luna.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Last one to make a sound, move, or blink is the winner, and NO MAGIC is allowed."

"She didn't use ANY magic!" protested Neville. "Luna simply used black and white eyeliner to draw eyes on her eyelids before we started."

"From her MAGICAL cosmetic charms kit!"

Neville smiled. "Yes but without the movement spells because the eyes only had to stare fixedly."

"But you... you KNEW!" blustered Hermione. "You... you... ACCOMPLICE you!"

Luna shook her head. "There can't be an accomplice without a misdemeanour. I think you mean an assistant or associate if the word you were thinking of begins with 'A'. Does it begin with 'A'? If not, there are a great many words you–"

–Neville groaned loudly. "You'll definitely be in Ravenclaw, Luna. And I'll be..."

Harry shook his head disapprovingly at Neville's slump. "Remember what I said. Keep the Sorting Hat talking. Never stop asking it questions. Don't give in, Neville. Ravenclaw's not just for the extra-intelligent students, but also those who have learnt a lot of stuff. It's not only how big your bucket is, but how full it is! Show it you're as educated and knowledgeable as the rest of us, and you'll win through. Remember, never stop!"

"That's not all it takes into account, Harry," said Justin. "Each of us are loyal comrades through thick or thin. I reckon we'll all be in Hufflepuff."

Harry shrugged. "So long as I'm not in Slytherin, I don't care what house I get put in." He regretted the way he'd said that immediately; he really wanted to be in the same house as all his friends.

Hermione kept her silence. Ravenclaw didn't seem so attractive anymore. Was Luna's intelligence too oddball to get into that house? And the girl valued friendship highly, so might be drawn into Hufflepuff. Harry and Neville would be Gryffindor, who did that leave? Megan, Justin, and Hannah would surely join Luna in Hufflepuff. Dean wasn't stupid but despite trying hard, Hermione doubted he'd mastered any subject advanced enough to make it into Ravenclaw. Still, he was brave and noble enough to be in Gryffindor. Hermione began to fear she would be apart from them all in Ravenclaw.

As the train lurched around a bend she suddenly felt a queasiness stirring in her stomach, and Luna was giving her an odd look. "The staring contest is over, Luna," said Hermione.

"Oh, is it? I was enjoying that," said Luna. The dreamy girl's real eyes finally blinked. "Who won?"

Definitely not Ravenclaw, wailed Hermione to herself. I'd be on my own.

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A Sort of Failure

The great castle was as imposing inside as outside. The magical ceiling in the Great Hall enhanced the huge chamber even more. Harry Potter focused on it, reciting his never stop mantra, as names were called out by Professor McGonagall, awaiting his turn.

He smiled as Hannah and Justin were both, as expected, Sorted into Hufflepuff. It was Hermione he was most concerned about. She was muttering to herself and appeared dreadfully nervous. "Don't worry," he whispered out of the side of his mouth, "you're sure to get into Ravenclaw. But if it's borderline, then just remember what Mum told us about the Hat and never stop asking it for what you want."

He saw her lips compress into an anxious line. Was that a teardrop? "Herm–"

"–Granger, Hermione," called McGonagall.

Damn! He'd wanted to wish her good luck. He watched as she squirmed, Hat on head. Come on, Hermione! You can do this! Go Ravenclaw!

"RAVENCLAW!" shouted the Hat.

"YES!" Harry pumped his fist and almost jumped to his–

"–Be quiet, Potter!" McGonagall glared at him, but Harry did not see or hear her. All he knew was that Hermione's shoulders had sagged in defeat as she walked towards the Ravenclaw table. She was holding a handkerchief to her eyes! Was she... crying?

"Jones, Megan!"

Harry jerked back to reality. What was wrong with Hermione? She'd been looking forward to this all year.

"HUFFLEPUFF!" cried the Hat, and Megan trotted off happily to join Hannah and Justin.

Was Hermione ill? Was it the long journey? Harry fretted and gnawed at his lower lip. As soon as the Sorting was over, he'd start asking a teacher to get her medical help, and he'd NEVER STOP until–

"–Longbottom, Neville!"

Another long tussle. Harry began to wonder if perhaps he shouldn't have told everyone to never stop asking the Hat to–

"–GRYFFINDOR!" shouted the Hat.

Neville practically fell off the stool. He could hardly stand, and seemed in a daze as he walked to the Gryffindor table. That was more understandable. Harry knew how friendly Neville was with–

"–Lovegood, Luna!"

Luna appeared very resolute. She was gripping the Hat firmly on her head and appeared to be arguing with it. Several times the Hat opened its mouth to speak but was stifled by a little hand.

"RAY–mmm... RAVE–mmmmmmm... RAVEN–mmmmmmmm ... RAVENCLAW!" the Hat shouted finally.

Luna glanced wistfully towards Neville, then headed towards Hermione who had somewhat mastered her own demons and put an arm round Luna to comfort the young girl. Hermione had been a good and selfless friend to everyone at the Academy, especially in their last year, Harry now realised. An emptiness took him without warning. Life wouldn't be the same without–

"–Potter, Harry!"

A curious hush fell upon the assembly, then just as unexpectedly, tiny whispers hissed and fizzed from all directions:

"Potter, did she say?"

"The Harry Potter?"

The last thing Harry saw before the hat dropped over his eyes was the Hall full of people craning to get a good look at him. Next second he was looking at the black inside of the Hat. He waited.

Hmm... said a small voice in his head. Difficult. Very difficult. Plenty of courage, I see. Not a bad mind, either. There's talent, oh my goodness, yes – and a nice thirst to prove yourself, now that's interesting ... So where shall I put you?

Harry gripped the edges of the stool and thought, Not Slytherin, not Slytherin.

Not Slytherin, eh? said the small voice. Are you sure? You could be great, you know, it's all here in your head, and Slytherin will help you on the way to greatness, no doubt about that. But then again, such a thirst for knowledge! I don't recall anyone being so well prepared for Ravenclaw – no? Well, if you're sure – better be GRYFF–

NO WAIT! Harry tilted the Hat upwards slightly. He could see Neville, pale-faced and looking hopefully at him. But then there was Luna and... Hermione was staring helplessly at him open-mouthed! What if they never shared classes? What if he never got to speak to her again! NEVER! NEVER STOP! He wriggled indecisively on the stool. Why can't Neville be Sorted into Ravenclaw?

The Hat raised its brow in astonishment. Longbottom? He's already Sorted. Students are never Sorted twice!

Never?

Not ever

NEVER STOP! ... What if you made a mistake–

I didn't and I don't. Yes, children can change as they grow older but they are NEVER reSorted. It's what they are here and now that matters, so Longbottom must remain where he is Sorted. But YOU can still be Sorted into Gryffindor with him.

NEVER STOP! ... Can't I be in TWO Houses?

Impossible!

NEVER STOP! Must be a way for friends to remain together? Neville just CAN'T be on his own! There must be a way!

There isn't. You have to decide – or I will.

NEVER STOP! I refuse. You must allow me to–

You can't outsmart me, but you have now shown you are smart enough for... "RAVENCLAW!" shouted the Hat.

But...

"Come along, Potter, others are waiting!"

Harry never heard the applause. His thoughts were in confusion. Once he'd set his mind on a goal he'd never yet failed even if he had to spend months trying. How could this be?

Quietly he took his place next to Hermione and Luna, keeping his eyes down. He daren't look across to the Gryffindor table.

"Thomas, Dean!"

His eyes followed the boy as he sat on the stool. Good old Dean! He was sure to–

"–HUFFLEPUFF!"

Harry was devastated. Neville on his own in ruddy Gryffindor! Still he daren't look.

"Weasley, Ronald!"

Harry had led them all astray. Harry bloody Potter had advised his friends to never stop trying, yet Neville, Hermione, Luna, and even himself had all been unhappily Sorted. Perhaps the never stop message burnt onto the birthday card he'd made for his seventh birthday really was magical and intended only for him? And the words had all been about asking for and giving help. Obviously they wouldn't fulfil your every whim! If only he'd–

"–GRYFFINDOR!"

Without thinking, Harry watched the redheaded boy walk to his table. He sat down next to two boys Harry didn't know, though one might have been called Seamus something. Opposite them, with his back turned away from Luna and himself, was Neville. Destroyed.

Harry had let them all down. He looked up shamefacedly. Hermione's face was wet and shining with happiness and Luna was– WAIT! Happiness? "Hermione? You okay now?"

"Never better," beamed Hermione.

Oh well, thought Harry, perhaps something could be salvaged from this train wreck. He could see his Hufflepuff friends chatting away and waving at him. He himself was feeling more cheery. Perhaps, somehow, Neville and Luna could...

He sighed. He'd ask a few teachers, and he'd keep on asking, but somehow his confidence in his own mantra was shaken. Neville was on his own.

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No Sense of Belonging

Neville sat on his bed staring mournfully around his dormitory. A boy called Ron Weasley was chatting with two others, but Neville felt out of it.

One of them was asking Ron, "That a Chudley badge?"

"Yeah – see how the cannonball flies when it catches the light?" Ron tilted the shiny effect close to the nearest wall torch, then, like a medal on display, proudly propped it up on top of the clothing in his travel chest for all to admire. He stood aside so everyone could see it clearly. "They're normally fifteen Silver-Sickles but my brother Charlie got this one for me. It's the scale off a real dragon."

The extraordinary shimmer caught Neville's eye and drew him in. Somehow, the cannonball seemed to continue travelling in a direct line yet remained confined within the emblem. On and on and on it strove without attaining anything or reaching anywhere. Mesmerised, Neville heard himself say, "No, that's polished Signum Verum – nature magic. It captures and reflects the true state of what's represented on its surface, making it invaluable to collectors."

Ron's neck flushed. "I tell you it's a dragon's scale! And it IS valuable! Shows how little you know."

"I know about plants," muttered Neville. But not quite enough, apparently, for the Hat to Sort me into Ravenclaw. If only he could have been a tiny bit smarter!

Their chatter resumed, and Neville tuned them out. He belonged with his friends, not here with these strangers. He'd trusted Harry, believed in him... He paused in his thinking I DO trust Harry. I DO believe in him!

A new grim look of determination crossed his face as he tucked his legs under the covers and settled down to sleep. Tomorrow he'd start asking questions. And he'd never stop. That's what Harry did, and that's what he'd do too.

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An Absent Friend

Monday morning, Harry, Hermione, and Luna headed down for breakfast. "Don't worry, Luna," said Harry. "We'll get organised. When we receive our timetables we'll see which classes we share with Gryffindor, and we can also find out if Neville can sit with us at mealtimes and homework with us in our common room. Then there's weekends! There'll be lots of opportunities for us to share time with Nev and the others!"

Luna smiled wanly and nodded. But her expression did brighten briefly in anticipation as they approached the entrance to the Great Hall...

Her shoulders slumped. "I don't see him."

"It's early yet," said Hermione. "He'll be along."

But twenty minutes later, Neville still hadn't showed.

"I'll ask," said Harry, pushing away the remnants of his toast and rising to his feet.

He walked across to the Gryffindor table and began questioning anyone who'd listen, but without success. Never stop! He looked to the staff tables. McGonagall was Head of Gryffindor. She'd know.

"Potter, tend to your own affairs," she rebuked him. "It's likely that Longbottom has simply overslept."

"He never–"

"–Sit down, Potter!"

"It's important!"

"Your lessons are important, Potter, now finish your breakfast or you'll be late for your first class. Timetables will be handed out shortly."

Harry frowned and turned to look at the Headmaster. Never stop! "Sir, who would know where Neville Longbottom–"

"–Potter! What did I just tell you!" McGonagall said sternly. In fact most of the faculty were glaring at Harry's interruption of their meal. But one in particular had shown a flicker of recognition on the end table.

"Sorry again, Professor McGonagall, but who is the lady on the far side?"

"That's Madam Pince, our librarian. Now will you please go and sit down and finish your breakfast!"

Never stop asking for help! Harry took the long way round in order to pass where Pince was seated. He opened his mouth but didn't need to say anything:

"I shooed Longbottom out of the library half an hour ago," said Madam Pince.

Never stop asking! "Was he alright? How long was he there? What was he reading?"

"How should I remember every– humph! He borrowed the Hogwarts Rules and Guidelines if you must know – which you would do well to study yourself, young man!"

"Thank you. Did he say anything? Did he look upset? Do you know why he was–"

"–NO!"

"Mr Potter!" called McGonagall. "This is my final warning! Take your seat at the Ravenclaw table right now!"

Never stop! "But don't you think friends come first, Professor? If you believe a friend might be in trouble? What should I do? Forget about him and try to eat? I've lost my appetite anyway. Isn't it best to do the right thing no matter what the consequence?"

"The consequence will be detention if you don't sit down right this minute!"

Never stop! "Just one more question then, Professor, if you please. How would you feel if Neville died during this minute?"

McGonagall was on her feet, fuming with anger. Only the Headmaster's whispered aside brought her under control. "We are informed by a house-elf that Mr Longbottom is still safe and sound reading a book in his dormitory." She sighed. "Your timetables are now being handed out, Potter. I suggest you look to see when your classes are shared with Gryffindor and there you will find your missing friend."

Harry frowned, but he could see Professor Flitwick giving Hermione and Luna their schedules so he headed towards them.

"Thanks for trying, anyway, Harry," smiled Luna.

"Trying?" growled Harry. "I haven't even started yet."

"Charms!" cried Hermione, handing Harry his timetable. "We'll see Neville in Charms class right after Potions."

Harry nodded. "It's not like Neville to mope – not when he could have been here with us and Luna. If he's not in Charms class then I'm going to search for him."

"I'll come with you," Luna said firmly.

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The Insult

Hannah, Justin, Megan, and Dean joined them for Potions class with Professor Snape. Everything began smoothly enough. Harry answered a few easy questions then they began mixing up a simple potion to cure boils. Harry pulled a face. The instructions seemed incomplete and ambiguous compared to his mother's precise tuition.

Never stop. "Excuse me, Professor, do we measure the nettles before we dry them or after?" said Harry.

"Afterwards of course! My instructions on the blackboard precisely state three level measures of dry nettles. One point from Ravenclaw. Clearly not all of that House are as smart as others."

"What measure of nettles should we dry, sir?"

"Enough to produce sufficient dry nettles."

"What is the average proportional volume of moisture in each nettle?"

Snape sighed. "Potter, just scoop three heaped measures of nettles. Once you've dried them they will then comfortably fill three level measures – but do NOT compress them while doing so!"

"Thank you, sir. So we want three heaped measures of ordinary nettles?"

"That's what I said! Potter, you should be crushing your snake fangs first! Can't you read?"

"Would it not be more efficient to have the nettles drying while we crush the fangs, sir? And how many fangs are needed to produce four measures of powdered fangs? And how finely should they be crushed?"

"No! Six! Very!"

"Why is it less effic–"

"–Because the powder needs to settle in the agitator while the nettles are drying. Just follow my instructions, Potter!"

"Thank you, sir."

During all this time, Hermione, Luna, and the Hufflepuffs were vigorously scribbling notes which they exchanged and compared with each other.

"Granger! Five points from Ravenclaw for cheating!"

"Shouldn't we be comparing notes, sir?" said Hermione.

"Not all of you! You work in pairs!"

"But don't you think the instructions are open to different interpretations? Surely our results will be more consistent and reliable if we all fully understand what we're doing?"

"That's cheating, Granger!"

"Understanding what we're doing is cheating?"

"Telling students the answers is cheating!"

"What if they don't know the answers because they've misunderstood or become confused, or forget one of the steps?"

"That's the whole point! They are supposed to have learnt from my instructions!"

"Isn't learning itself the point? And won't more of us learn if we share information and support one another?"

"Copying is cheating! FIVE points from Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. No more disruptions, Granger!"

"Sir?" said Harry.

"What is it now, Potter?"

"Can the rules be changed so we can help each other?"

"NO! Get on with your work!"

"Is there some higher authority we can appeal to?"

"NO! I AM the authority here. Do as you are told! TEN points from Ravenclaw! No more interruptions or you will face detention!"

"Why, sir?"

"Because I SAY so!"

"Isn't that unfair, sir? To give out a detention without good reason?"

"DETENTION, Potter! Tonight at six!"

"Might that be changed to tomorrow night, sir? So I have time to get permission from my mother?"

Snape staggered back a step, almost tripping over his cloak. "What did you say?"

"I need to owl my mother, sir."

There was a long pause during which Snape had stopped breathing. When the teacher spoke again, every word dripped out like the venom from a hungry snake's fangs. "Your ... mother ... is ... dead, Potter! As you very well–"

"–WHAT!" Harry had jumped to his feet then a moment later sank back down again with relief showing on his face. "I assume you mean my natural mother, Lily Potter?"

Snape's face darkened dangerously. "That Fuller woman adopted you?"

Harry was on his feet again amidst gasps from all his friends. "Would you apologise please, sir?"

"Sit down, Potter!"

"Not until you apologise for that slur on my mother's name, sir. Otherwise I shall be taking advice on forcing an apology.

"A WEEK of detentions, Potter! How dare you–"

"–May I give you this one last opportunity to apologise, sir? Otherwise it may not go well for you."

"You DARE to threaten me, Potter?"

"No, sir, I'm trying to help you. We can settle this here or before a tribunal. Insulting a student's parent would not be acceptable to the School's Board of Governors."

"OUT!" screamed Snape. "Get out of my class!"

As Harry gathered up his things and headed to the door, half the students rose and walked away with him.

Snape stared after them in disbelief, for once, speechless.

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Caught Red-handed

"I am most disappointed, Harry." The Headmaster gazed around his crowded office at the determined faces staring back at him.

"Sir? You support the bullying and insulting of students?" said Harry, gesturing sideways at Snape who was glowering at him.

"Discipline must be maintained at Hogwarts else–"

Never stop! "So you permit children to be intimidated, sir?"

"You should not question the authority of–"

Never stop! "It's important that I know if you support Professor Snape, Headmaster."

Dumbledore frowned. "You intend to pursue this further?"

"I shall take my mother's advice. I will gather what evidence I can in case it is needed. Your lack of denial to my question is noted, Headmaster, and may be taken as a confirmation that you support Professor Snape's insulting and bullying behaviour."

"You cannot expect to change the way things are done at Hogwarts, Harry."

"Then I shall walk away."

"And the rest of you?" said Dumbledore.

"I'm with Harry," said Hermione. "We all are. If he walks away, then so shall we. We are used to much higher standards of education. The Potions lesson was absurdly inefficient."

Snape practically exploded with rage. "HOW DARE Y–!"

"–HEADMASTER!" McGonagall was at the door with one hand gripping the arm of Neville Longbottom. She glanced back and forth, startled to find the room already fully occupied. "I'm so sorry to intrude, Albus, but a crime has been committed and I felt you should be informed immediately."

Dumbledore's sigh was lost amidst the tumult of gasps and cries. Then... "You children leave me for now and we shall discuss this situation later."

"But..." said Harry, his eyes now fixed on Neville's miserable countenance.

"Out, please, all of you."

As the students filed past the newcomers, whispers of encouragement were heard.

"He couldn't have, Professor!" cried Harry. "Whatever someone's said, Neville would never do anything illegal!"

"OUT, Potter!" said McGonagall. "And – not that it's any of your business – Longbottom was caught with his hand in the travel chest of Ronald Weasley. A valuable artifact has been stolen!"

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—oOo—

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Author's Notes

Just to clarify, while Harry will always walk away from trouble that shouldn't concern him, he'll never desert a friend.

In other news... I've got Chapter 5 almost ready for Broken Utterly which I hope to post next week. Meanwhile, Chance of a Lifetime is simmering away at the back of my mind. I know broadly what's going to happen but to write it well will take more time.

Many thanks for all comments and reviews. These are most welcome and very encouraging. Let me know of any weaknesses or faults – I'm always trying to improve my writing so feedback is really useful. :)

– Hippothestrowl

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