November 2

"Ah, so Mr. Potter decided not to show up for class again, has he?" Snape asked the class nastily.


The Gryffindors and Slytherins were in the dungeons for their first class of the day, on an extremely chilly friday morning. They were brewing a very horrible smelling, Stink Remedy potion.


No one said anything in response to Snape's remark.


"He most certainly can not stay cooped in his dormitory forever! Now really, he is seventeen yeas old," Snape began lecturing the class. "In my opinion, he shouldn't be in his dormitory crying like a baby; he should be in class and acting like a man!"


*Honestly, he has no life.* Hermione thought. *And why can't he keep his good for nothing comments to himself? He knows Harry isn't like that! How can Harry get over something like losing his best friend in only one day! Of course it's as hard for me... but doesn't Snape have a heart? I thought Snape was against You-Know-Who too. Why is he taunting Harry like this? Were James Potter and Snape really enemies this bad?? Oooh, if I could curse Snape right now. I know the perfect one...*


It seemed that all the Gryffindors had the same thought running through their mind: Cursing Snape. The anger that had been stored in them for seven years was clearly showing on their faces. The Slytherins weren't laughing at Snape's comments either, though. They were just looking down at their cauldrons. *At least they know when to keep their mouth shut,* Hermione thought. In fact... were Hermione's eyes playing tricks on her? Draco Malfoy was actually looking a little remorseful. *Well, deep down there was always some good in Malfoy,* Hermione contemplated. *That was obvious to everyone. He's finally escaping some of his father's dominance.* She remembered the conversation she had with Harry and Ron last year: (flashback)


"Don't his mudblood comments become a little old?" Hermione asked Ron after Draco had just given her another usual insult.

" 'Course. But Hermione, haven't you seen how he's also loosing some of his ...um... coldness? He says those things without much... how can I put it? ....without much feeling. Like he's just doing it out of obligation. You sort of understand what I mean?" he responded.

"Hmm... that's true.," Then as if a light bulb had clicked in her had. "Wow! That's very true. How come I haven't noticed it before? Ron! I can't believe it!"

Harry started laughing, "So, this is what Hermione is like when she learns something new."

"Harry, this is big!," Hermione said. "This means... wait, is Malfoy a Death Eater?"

"Probably," said Harry coldly.

"Hermione, just watch Malfoy a little more closely. You'll notice some changes. I guess he's stopped listening to his dad," Ron added.

"Oooh, has Ron been watching Malfoy closely?" Harry teased him. Ron had punched him lightly in the shoulder as a retort.


(Flashback done)


"Hermione, just watch Malfoy a little more closely. You'll notice some changes. I guess he's stopped listening to his dad," Ron had told her. *Yes, Ron.* Hermione said to herself. *I guess he has stopped listening to his dad. I have noticed changes, Ron. Is it too late?* She looked over at Draco. He was just poring some ingredients into his potion. He looked so defenseless. *This is so weird.* she thought. *Am I actually feeling sorry for Draco? Or happy for his changes? What am I thinking? Who would've thought...?*


"So, as I was saying," Snape continued.


"Oh, please! I've had enough," someone said. *Oh my goodness! Who would be that bold to say that to Snape?* Hermione thought.
"Excuse me, Mr.Longbottom?" Snape said. *NEVILLE?? Neville said that!?* Hermione thought her mind would explode.
"Can't you give him a break? Have you even thought about what he's been through? He is not a child! He is one of the bravest people...he..." Neville was becoming nervous from everyone watching him. Surprisingly, though, he continued. "He barely has anyone left! You want to know the truth? He has no one left! He only has this school. This school is his everything. Now that even his school life is being torn apart can you imagine his life?" Neville was on a role, and he wasn't going to stop. "He never wanted any of this. He just wants to be a normal person. And I can't just stand here while you degrade him, with no reason!" Neville's face was red when he finished. Not red from humiliation, but red from being breathless by his 'speech.'


But Snape's face was red. Very red. No one could tell if he was more enraged or embarrassed.


The Gryffindors were resisting the urge to clap for Neville. It seems that he had finally found some of his inner strength and nerve. Hearing that from Neville was astonishing! It was also very satisfying. Why else would he be in Gryffindor if he weren't brave? His courage was unquestionably proven.


"Lon..ggg...Longbottom!" Snape stuttered angrily. "I...I..." Neville's eyes were starting to be replaced by panic. "Class is dismissed. Everyone get out of my sight!" Snape yelled.


Everyone very, very quickly packed their things and ran out of the door.


Outside and far from the potions classroom the Gryffindors started clapping and cheering. Shouts such as "Yeah Neville!" or "Way to go!" were heard from everyone. Hermione ran to Neville and gave him a huge hug.


"You are a true Gryffindor," she whispered into his ear. " And you are absolutely correct. Thank you." This time Neville did turn red from embarrassment. Hermione broke away. "There's someone I need to go see now. I'll see you later." The rest of the Gryffindors cheered all the way to the common room.


*Has Ron's death triggered Neville's courage? And Malfoy's kindheartedness? Maybe even a change Snape's attitude?* Hermione wondered. She walked faster. She urgently needed to see this person. This was too important to slip by.
________________________________________________________________________

Well? As usual, please review and tell me what you think. I'll hopefully be writing the next chapter soon. That is... if people like the story.

xoxo, Pixie Dust