Disclaimer: All characters are property of J.K. Rowling and are being used
without permission. No attempt has been made to copyright this work. This novel
is purely for the entertainment of the author and readers and is not being used
for profit of any sort.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
LONGBOTTOM PRIDE
The days after Peter's trial were difficult for Harry. The general public had gotten hold of all the details and plastered them on the front page of every publication known to wizardkind. Harry was being regarded as a hero and a powerful warlock that was poised to lead the wizard community into the next millennium.
Classes continued as they had before, they were just as difficult. Professor McGonnagall had finally decided that her class had mastered the walking water technique and she had moved on to sand transformations. Ron was sure that McGonnagall planned to drive them all insane before the year was out. Harry continued to do well in Professor's Grok's Defense Against the Dark Arts class, having successfully defended himself against every curse the goblin had thrown at him so far. This only caused Harry to get more attention.
Harry had gotten used to the stares in the hallways and classes, and the whispers that followed him wherever he went. There were also the exuberant fans, always asking for autographs and detailed stories of his adventures against evil. Harry saw Luna Lovegood approaching him. He wasn't sure which category she fit into.
"Hi Harry."
"Hi Luna."
"It's been a while." Luna said as she tucked her wand behind her ear.
"Yeah, things keep...coming up in my life."
"I've noticed. Well, I just wanted to let you know that the Quibbler isn't going to give you any bad press."
"Thanks, Luna."
"It's no biggie. Here you go."
Luna handed Harry a fresh copy of The Quibbler. Right on the front-page, in bold letters were the words "Sirius Black: The Hero No One Knew". The article was a brief description of Sirius' life, and his sacrifice.
"Luna..." Harry started, trying to find the words to describe his thanks.
"I didn't know him," Luna shrugged, "but I know he would want at least a little publicity."
"And how do you know that?" Harry asked, confused.
"He told me." she said as she walked away, leaving Harry bewildered.
Eventually, Harry decided to catch up with Luna later. For now, he had to get ready for a Quidditch match.
The first Quidditch match of the season was Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Harry had never seen everyone so excited about a match. Dumbledore had invited many people to see the match, and many others showed up to see the famous Harry Potter make his return to Quidditch. Each visitor to Hogwarts was thoroughly inspected by Professor Grok and the suits of armor before they were allowed entry.
Ron gathered the team in the locker rooms, but he didn't say anything. He simple looked each of them in the eyes, then led them on to the pitch.
As soon as he set foot on the pitch, the crowd went wild. The stands were packed, and nearly everyone seemed to be cheering for the Gryffindors.
"Here comes the Gryffindor team! Led by Ron Weasley and Harry Potter!" Harry recognized the excited squeaky voice of Dennis Creevey, Colin's younger brother. Dennis had been elected to take Lee Jordan's old role of Quidditch announcer.
The Gryffindors walked to the center of the pitch to face their opponents. The Slytherin team had added several large third years to their team. Harry thought they resembled big ugly rocks carved out of a mountain. Surprisingly, Malfoy was serving as captain of the team, even with all the bad publicity of his father's arrest and escape. Harry couldn't help but notice the shiny new Firebolt Malfoy was carrying.
"Alright," Madam Hooch said as she inspected both teams, "I know you all have a bit of history between you, but let's try to keep this clean. I will not hesitate to hand out penalties."
Once Madam Hooch had given her warnings, she unleased the Bludgers, Quaffle, and Snitch. The match was on.
The massive bulk of the Slytherins was no match for the speed of the agile Gryffindor Chasers. The Gryffindors took possession of the Quaffle first. Ginny, Natalie, and Geoffrey had no problems passing the ball back and forth between them. Just as two of the Slytherin Chasers were bearing down on Geoffrey, he fired a speedy pass to Ginny, who immediately scored. Seconds later, the Gryffindor Chasers had possession again. After breaking through the Slytherin defenses with a strong Hawkshead Formation, Geoffrey made another score. "Another score for the good guys...I mean Gryffindors!" Dennis shouted.
Harry was mesmerized for a moment as he watched the brutal efficiency of his teammates. Ron's drilling had certainly made a difference. Harry finally broke himself out of his staring to see something that made his heart skip a beat...
Draco Malfoy was heading for the Snitch.
Harry shot towards Draco as fast as he could. He cursed himself for letting his attention waver as Draco closed in on the Snitch. Harry was sure that Draco would catch it, but just as he reached his hand out to grab it, the Snitch made a gravity-defying turn straight up. Malfoy was caught off guard and continued to barrel along on his straight line path as he desperately tried to turn his broom around.
Luckily, Harry had more distance between himself and the Snitch and he was able to see the Snitch's change in course and adapt. He turned the nose of his Firebolt straight up. Harry fought the strong grip of gravity as he rocketed straight toward the snitch with his arm outstretched...
He caught it. That was it. In less than three minutes, the match was over.
The crowd let out a huge roar. Dennis was shouting loudly into his megaphone. "Gryffindor wins! Gryffindor wins! What an amazing play by Harry Potter! Absolutely brilliant!"
The Gryffindor team was swarmed by a crowd of fans when they landed back on the ground. Colin was flitting around with his camera, taking pictures at every opportunity.
Harry was quite happy himself, although he was a little surprised at how things turned out. He was even more surprised when he saw Draco and Snape approaching him through the crowd.
"Congratulations, Potter." Draco said nastily as he held out his hand.
Harry could hardly believe it. He was trying to figure out what kind of poison Draco must have on his hand when Snape spoke up.
"It is considered to be very rude to not accept the congratulations of a fellow player, Potter. I would think you would have at least some class."
Harry decided to take the chance and he shook Draco's hand. He was still wearing his Quidditch gloves after all, that would probably minimize the risk of most poisons. Although Snape was there...
"That was some great strategy there Harry!" Ron yelled as he gave Ginny a gigantic hug. They were a few meters away from him, surrounded by Gryffindors and reporters.
"Not really." Harry yelled back. "I was just lucky the Snitch decided to change course."
"Luck, was it Potter?" Snape interjected. "Perhaps, being the powerful wizard that you are, you were able to enchant the Snitch?"
"I don't cheat, Snape."
"Ah, yes. How silly of me, I forgot that you don't cheat. If you did, your Potions scores would have been much better."
"Those grades have improved quite a bit with you out of the way, Snape."
"We will see how long they last when I return next term--"
"Next term? Back so soon, Professor Snape?"
Snape turned to see that it was Neville who had interrupted him. Neville looked quite calm and happy in Snape's presence, something that Harry had never seen before.
"Mr. Longbottom." Snape said as he appraised Neville. "It appears as though you've finally stopped stuffing your face full of treacle tarts."
"Yeah, I've lost that last bit of baby fat. Anyways, I've been hoping to catch up with you. I've recently been conducting experiments on the uses of Yggdrasil bark in strength potions. Maybe when you come back we can talk about it? You do know the properties of the Yggdrasil tree, don't you Professor Snape?"
Neville's question appeared to have caught Snape completely off-guard. "Of...course I do, Longbottom."
"Great!" Neville beamed innocently. "I'm having some trouble understanding some things, being the slow-witted buffoon that I am. Can you tell me the difference between the inner bark and the outer layers?"
"Ah....some other time, Longbottom." Snape replied, as he looked around nervously. "I have more important matters to attend to than helping you with your homework."
"Odd," Neville said as he scratched his chin, "isn't that supposed to be one of a teacher's primary duties? Well, a good teacher anyways."
Snape's eyes widened to nearly twice their size in shock and anger. His mouth didn't move though. He turned and left with Draco following closely behind him.
"Neville, that was brilliant." Ron said in admiration. He and Ginny had come over when they caught sight of Snape and Draco. "What the hell is a Yggdrasil tree anyway?"
"It's a very, very rare plant that can grow anywhere in the world. Desert, snow, it can even grow in just water. I figured Snape wouldn't know about it."
"Looks like you got him right here it hurts." Ginny commented. "I don't think I've ever seen him struck speechless."
"My Great Uncle Algie once told me something that I've kept in mind these past few months." Neville said, smiling madly. "Success is the best revenge."
***
An hour after the match was over the buzz around Hogwarts was still going. Even though the match had been ridiculously short, it had apparently been exciting for everyone. There was a big party planned in the Gryffindor common room. As Harry walked through the Hogwarts halls back to the common room, he was greeted by genuine smiles and handshakes instead of the stares and whispers he had grown accustomed to. On his way back, Harry heard a familiar voice behind him.
"How's it going, Harry?" Harry turned around and was greeted by the weary face of Remus Lupin. Lupin's hair was even grayer than it had been the last time Harry had seen him, although his robes weren't as shabby.
"I'm...good." Harry replied as we shook Lupin's hand. "How are you?"
"I'm...good, too". Lupin said with a strained smile. "Would you mind going for a little walk?"
Lupin and Harry took a stroll in the fields surrounding Hogwarts. It was a very sunny day, even though the air still had a bitter chill to it.
"That was a great match, Harry." Lupin said happily. "The team looks really good this year."
"Yeah, Ron's really putting us through a lot, but it's paying off. So... did you just come here for the Quidditch?" Harry asked. He was wondering why Lupin had felt the urge to go walking.
"No, that wasn't the only thing I came for. I needed to meet with Dumbledore to discuss some things. Karkaroff, the old Durmstrang headmaster, is missing. Dumbledore apparently has solid information that he's actually dead. He won't tell me how he came about that tip though, and Snape doesn't seem to know anything about it. Anyways, that wasn't the main reason I came out here. I also wanted to come visit you, Harry."
"I've come to give you a few things." Lupin said as he handed Harry a scroll. "This one first."
Harry opened the scroll and read the elaborate purple lettering.
In light of recent evidence brought forth by Albus Dumbledore et al., Sirius Black is hereby posthumously cleared of all charges against him by official order of the Wizengamot. In addition, the Wizengamot awards the honor of Order of Merlin, Third Class to Sirius Black for brave service against the Dark Arts.
Signed,
Amelia Bones
Head, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Albus Dumbledore
Chief Warlock, Wizengamot
Remus handed Harry a heavy maple box. Inside it was a bronze medal, shining brilliantly in the sunlight.
"Lupin...I...I don't know what to say." Harry stammered as a sudden swell of emotion hit him.
"He would've wanted you to have that." Remus said, looking a bit misty-eyed. "He's already given me enough. Once his death was official, his Will was legally released. Sirius left me the deed to the Black House, and all of the contents of his Gringotts vault. The goblins kept it safe, even after he was put in Azkaban. They protect what they've been trusted with no matter what."
"So what's next for you?" Harry asked when he found his voice again.
"I've been trying to decide what I'm going to do with Kreacher." Lupin answered. "Arthur has put me in touch with some of his friends at the Office of House-Elf Relocation. I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't kill that piece of trash, but I may still find some way for him to pay for what he's done."
***
Harry woke up earlier than usual the next day. He usually slept in on Sundays, especially in the winter. The weather was pretty dreary, casting a gray haze through the windows in the dorm. Neville was up early, as he usually was these days, but Dean and Seamus were still sleeping. Harry was a bit surprised to find Ron getting dressed already.
"Where are you off to?" Harry asked him.
"Hermione and I are going to go...study." Ron said nervously as he gathered a couple of books and checked his hair in a mirror one last time.
"Ah, I see." Harry said with a sly smile. "Have fun."
A few minutes after Ron left, Harry realized that he had nothing to do. He had already completed the light homework he had been assigned, and there wasn't any Quidditch practice since they had just played the day before. Harry usually found some trouble to get into with Ron and Hermione on the weekends, but he was starting to see that he would have to start finding other ways to fill his scant idle time.
"Hey Neville, what are you up to today?" Harry asked.
"Uh...well, I was planning to check on a few experiments in Greenhouse Six."
"Mind if I tag along?"
"Of course not." Neville replied merrily.
Harry and Neville quickly trotted out to the greenhouse in the light November snowfall. Harry had never been to Greenhouse Six since it was reserved for advanced Herbology studies. The rumor was that Greenhouse Seven contained some of the most dangerous plants known to wizardkind. Access to that greenhouse has only given to the most advanced students.
Harry felt that Greenhouse Six wasn't that bad though as he and Neville entered. The place was full of plants that Harry had never even seen. There were some odd vines growing along the walls and the floor. To his left were several varieties of plants with flowers as big as Harry's head. A few of the plants could move on their own, and all of them seemed to instantly perk up when Neville entered the room. Neville spent a little time with each of them, making sure they had enough water and soil.
Harry followed Neville as he went further into the large greenhouse. Neville stopped at a set of potted plants that bore the tag "Longbottom".
"My Asphodels seem to be doing okay." Neville said as he inspected the plants and took out his wand. "They could still use a bit of help though, Germino."
The plants Neville cast the spell on seemed to get greener and their leaves broadened considerable. They were also now sprouting tiny golden buds.
"I know you've heard this before, Nev...but you're really good at this plant stuff."
"Thanks, Harry. It's not Quidditch or dueling, but I still find it exciting."
"That's a new wand for you, right?" Harry asked.
"Oak, 12 inches." Neville said as he admired his wand. "The core is a single leaf from the Whomping Willow."
"That's odd." Harry added.
"Yeah, Ollivander said it's the only wand he ever made with a plant core. He said he'd almost forgotten about it until I showed up. It fits me a lot better than my dad's old wand. I still would have liked to have used it on that LeStrange wench. It would have been fitting."
Harry noticed that Neville's demeanor changed when he mentioned Bellatrix LeStrange. Harry wondered how meeting the woman responsible for his parents insanity was affecting him. "You want to talk about it, Neville?"
Neville looked at Harry with a thankful look. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's probably better to let it out. Anyways, when she cast the Crucio curse on me...it changed something in me. I didn't know what was happening at the time, it took a few days for it to sink in. It's a god-awful feeling, that curse. Still, it kind of...woke me up you know? All my life I've been afraid of things that could hurt me. Then I faced the thing that hurt most, the thing that took my parents away from me...and I survived it. Nothing seems so bad after that."
"You're tougher than you think, Neville."
"Yeah, seems that way. I still wasn't able to beat her though."
"We'll get her, Neville." Harry said assuringly. "She'll join Peter in Azkaban."
"Hopefully." Neville replied. He was now leaning towards a grassy looking plant with large thorns and bell-shaped flowers. Harry couldn't be sure, but the plant seemed to be whispering to Neville.
Neville stood up and turned around, facing the back of the greenhouse. He took a few steps forward, then spoke. "Hello, Draco."
Harry was a little surprised to see the slim Slytherin boy appear from behind a large bush near the rear of the greenhouse.
"How'd you know I was here?" Draco asked. He didn't seem to be too upset at being found out.
"The Tattle Thorn." Neville said casually. "It picked up your scent."
"I could never get that weed to talk to me." Draco replied.
"Well that makes sense," Neville said with a little laugh, "it doesn't like predators."
"What are you doing here?" Harry said with obvious anger.
"Longbottom's not the only one with homework to do. What are you doing here, Potter? I don't recall you having the grades for N.E.W.T level Herbology."
"Neville, could you leave us alone for a moment?" Harry asked politely. "I need to have a little chat with...this."
"Sure, Harry. I'll meet you back at the dorms."
"How long were you eavesdropping, Malfoy?" Harry demanded when Neville had left.
"Long enough to hear about the mutual enemy you and Longbottom have. You want to know where she is, Potter?"
"You know where she is?" Harry said with astonishment.
"No, but I could maybe find out...if it's worth my trouble."
"That's not how this deal works, Draco." Harry said, narrowing his eyes. "If you know, you tell me. If you can't do that, we have no use for you."
Draco scowled a little as he considered Harry's words. "Like I said, I don't know at the moment. I might be able to figure it out though."
"I suppose that you were the one that told Dumbledore about Karkaroff."
"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock."
"Giving up a dead man is one thing, but why would you want to turn in LeStrange?" Harry asked.
"That old bird is crazy. It's best to have her out of the way."
"Have her out of the way? Are you helping us, or just getting rid of your competition and enemies?"
"Both. Neither. Who knows?" Draco said with a smile that made Harry's stomach turn. He found it difficult to keep himself from beating Draco to a pulp, but somehow Harry found the resolve to simply walk away and head for the Gryffindor dorms. He found Neville back in the common room, assembling a Dark Detector for Max's class.
"Since when do you and Malfoy have private chats?" Neville asked, obviously confused. "Are you two becoming best mates all of a sudden?"
Harry thought about that for a moment, and he suddenly realized another reason why Dumbledore didn't kick Draco out of Hogwarts. "Keep your friends close, Neville." Harry said. "Keep your enemies closer."
************************************
Author's note:
Alright, this chapter isn't one of my best. I've been really busy though, so I'm afraid you'll have to take what you can get. :-). Thanks to everyone on fanfiction.net and harrypotterfanfiction.com. I'm glad you've all stuck around.
LONGBOTTOM PRIDE
The days after Peter's trial were difficult for Harry. The general public had gotten hold of all the details and plastered them on the front page of every publication known to wizardkind. Harry was being regarded as a hero and a powerful warlock that was poised to lead the wizard community into the next millennium.
Classes continued as they had before, they were just as difficult. Professor McGonnagall had finally decided that her class had mastered the walking water technique and she had moved on to sand transformations. Ron was sure that McGonnagall planned to drive them all insane before the year was out. Harry continued to do well in Professor's Grok's Defense Against the Dark Arts class, having successfully defended himself against every curse the goblin had thrown at him so far. This only caused Harry to get more attention.
Harry had gotten used to the stares in the hallways and classes, and the whispers that followed him wherever he went. There were also the exuberant fans, always asking for autographs and detailed stories of his adventures against evil. Harry saw Luna Lovegood approaching him. He wasn't sure which category she fit into.
"Hi Harry."
"Hi Luna."
"It's been a while." Luna said as she tucked her wand behind her ear.
"Yeah, things keep...coming up in my life."
"I've noticed. Well, I just wanted to let you know that the Quibbler isn't going to give you any bad press."
"Thanks, Luna."
"It's no biggie. Here you go."
Luna handed Harry a fresh copy of The Quibbler. Right on the front-page, in bold letters were the words "Sirius Black: The Hero No One Knew". The article was a brief description of Sirius' life, and his sacrifice.
"Luna..." Harry started, trying to find the words to describe his thanks.
"I didn't know him," Luna shrugged, "but I know he would want at least a little publicity."
"And how do you know that?" Harry asked, confused.
"He told me." she said as she walked away, leaving Harry bewildered.
Eventually, Harry decided to catch up with Luna later. For now, he had to get ready for a Quidditch match.
The first Quidditch match of the season was Gryffindor versus Slytherin. Harry had never seen everyone so excited about a match. Dumbledore had invited many people to see the match, and many others showed up to see the famous Harry Potter make his return to Quidditch. Each visitor to Hogwarts was thoroughly inspected by Professor Grok and the suits of armor before they were allowed entry.
Ron gathered the team in the locker rooms, but he didn't say anything. He simple looked each of them in the eyes, then led them on to the pitch.
As soon as he set foot on the pitch, the crowd went wild. The stands were packed, and nearly everyone seemed to be cheering for the Gryffindors.
"Here comes the Gryffindor team! Led by Ron Weasley and Harry Potter!" Harry recognized the excited squeaky voice of Dennis Creevey, Colin's younger brother. Dennis had been elected to take Lee Jordan's old role of Quidditch announcer.
The Gryffindors walked to the center of the pitch to face their opponents. The Slytherin team had added several large third years to their team. Harry thought they resembled big ugly rocks carved out of a mountain. Surprisingly, Malfoy was serving as captain of the team, even with all the bad publicity of his father's arrest and escape. Harry couldn't help but notice the shiny new Firebolt Malfoy was carrying.
"Alright," Madam Hooch said as she inspected both teams, "I know you all have a bit of history between you, but let's try to keep this clean. I will not hesitate to hand out penalties."
Once Madam Hooch had given her warnings, she unleased the Bludgers, Quaffle, and Snitch. The match was on.
The massive bulk of the Slytherins was no match for the speed of the agile Gryffindor Chasers. The Gryffindors took possession of the Quaffle first. Ginny, Natalie, and Geoffrey had no problems passing the ball back and forth between them. Just as two of the Slytherin Chasers were bearing down on Geoffrey, he fired a speedy pass to Ginny, who immediately scored. Seconds later, the Gryffindor Chasers had possession again. After breaking through the Slytherin defenses with a strong Hawkshead Formation, Geoffrey made another score. "Another score for the good guys...I mean Gryffindors!" Dennis shouted.
Harry was mesmerized for a moment as he watched the brutal efficiency of his teammates. Ron's drilling had certainly made a difference. Harry finally broke himself out of his staring to see something that made his heart skip a beat...
Draco Malfoy was heading for the Snitch.
Harry shot towards Draco as fast as he could. He cursed himself for letting his attention waver as Draco closed in on the Snitch. Harry was sure that Draco would catch it, but just as he reached his hand out to grab it, the Snitch made a gravity-defying turn straight up. Malfoy was caught off guard and continued to barrel along on his straight line path as he desperately tried to turn his broom around.
Luckily, Harry had more distance between himself and the Snitch and he was able to see the Snitch's change in course and adapt. He turned the nose of his Firebolt straight up. Harry fought the strong grip of gravity as he rocketed straight toward the snitch with his arm outstretched...
He caught it. That was it. In less than three minutes, the match was over.
The crowd let out a huge roar. Dennis was shouting loudly into his megaphone. "Gryffindor wins! Gryffindor wins! What an amazing play by Harry Potter! Absolutely brilliant!"
The Gryffindor team was swarmed by a crowd of fans when they landed back on the ground. Colin was flitting around with his camera, taking pictures at every opportunity.
Harry was quite happy himself, although he was a little surprised at how things turned out. He was even more surprised when he saw Draco and Snape approaching him through the crowd.
"Congratulations, Potter." Draco said nastily as he held out his hand.
Harry could hardly believe it. He was trying to figure out what kind of poison Draco must have on his hand when Snape spoke up.
"It is considered to be very rude to not accept the congratulations of a fellow player, Potter. I would think you would have at least some class."
Harry decided to take the chance and he shook Draco's hand. He was still wearing his Quidditch gloves after all, that would probably minimize the risk of most poisons. Although Snape was there...
"That was some great strategy there Harry!" Ron yelled as he gave Ginny a gigantic hug. They were a few meters away from him, surrounded by Gryffindors and reporters.
"Not really." Harry yelled back. "I was just lucky the Snitch decided to change course."
"Luck, was it Potter?" Snape interjected. "Perhaps, being the powerful wizard that you are, you were able to enchant the Snitch?"
"I don't cheat, Snape."
"Ah, yes. How silly of me, I forgot that you don't cheat. If you did, your Potions scores would have been much better."
"Those grades have improved quite a bit with you out of the way, Snape."
"We will see how long they last when I return next term--"
"Next term? Back so soon, Professor Snape?"
Snape turned to see that it was Neville who had interrupted him. Neville looked quite calm and happy in Snape's presence, something that Harry had never seen before.
"Mr. Longbottom." Snape said as he appraised Neville. "It appears as though you've finally stopped stuffing your face full of treacle tarts."
"Yeah, I've lost that last bit of baby fat. Anyways, I've been hoping to catch up with you. I've recently been conducting experiments on the uses of Yggdrasil bark in strength potions. Maybe when you come back we can talk about it? You do know the properties of the Yggdrasil tree, don't you Professor Snape?"
Neville's question appeared to have caught Snape completely off-guard. "Of...course I do, Longbottom."
"Great!" Neville beamed innocently. "I'm having some trouble understanding some things, being the slow-witted buffoon that I am. Can you tell me the difference between the inner bark and the outer layers?"
"Ah....some other time, Longbottom." Snape replied, as he looked around nervously. "I have more important matters to attend to than helping you with your homework."
"Odd," Neville said as he scratched his chin, "isn't that supposed to be one of a teacher's primary duties? Well, a good teacher anyways."
Snape's eyes widened to nearly twice their size in shock and anger. His mouth didn't move though. He turned and left with Draco following closely behind him.
"Neville, that was brilliant." Ron said in admiration. He and Ginny had come over when they caught sight of Snape and Draco. "What the hell is a Yggdrasil tree anyway?"
"It's a very, very rare plant that can grow anywhere in the world. Desert, snow, it can even grow in just water. I figured Snape wouldn't know about it."
"Looks like you got him right here it hurts." Ginny commented. "I don't think I've ever seen him struck speechless."
"My Great Uncle Algie once told me something that I've kept in mind these past few months." Neville said, smiling madly. "Success is the best revenge."
An hour after the match was over the buzz around Hogwarts was still going. Even though the match had been ridiculously short, it had apparently been exciting for everyone. There was a big party planned in the Gryffindor common room. As Harry walked through the Hogwarts halls back to the common room, he was greeted by genuine smiles and handshakes instead of the stares and whispers he had grown accustomed to. On his way back, Harry heard a familiar voice behind him.
"How's it going, Harry?" Harry turned around and was greeted by the weary face of Remus Lupin. Lupin's hair was even grayer than it had been the last time Harry had seen him, although his robes weren't as shabby.
"I'm...good." Harry replied as we shook Lupin's hand. "How are you?"
"I'm...good, too". Lupin said with a strained smile. "Would you mind going for a little walk?"
Lupin and Harry took a stroll in the fields surrounding Hogwarts. It was a very sunny day, even though the air still had a bitter chill to it.
"That was a great match, Harry." Lupin said happily. "The team looks really good this year."
"Yeah, Ron's really putting us through a lot, but it's paying off. So... did you just come here for the Quidditch?" Harry asked. He was wondering why Lupin had felt the urge to go walking.
"No, that wasn't the only thing I came for. I needed to meet with Dumbledore to discuss some things. Karkaroff, the old Durmstrang headmaster, is missing. Dumbledore apparently has solid information that he's actually dead. He won't tell me how he came about that tip though, and Snape doesn't seem to know anything about it. Anyways, that wasn't the main reason I came out here. I also wanted to come visit you, Harry."
"I've come to give you a few things." Lupin said as he handed Harry a scroll. "This one first."
Harry opened the scroll and read the elaborate purple lettering.
In light of recent evidence brought forth by Albus Dumbledore et al., Sirius Black is hereby posthumously cleared of all charges against him by official order of the Wizengamot. In addition, the Wizengamot awards the honor of Order of Merlin, Third Class to Sirius Black for brave service against the Dark Arts.
Signed,
Amelia Bones
Head, Department of Magical Law Enforcement
Albus Dumbledore
Chief Warlock, Wizengamot
Remus handed Harry a heavy maple box. Inside it was a bronze medal, shining brilliantly in the sunlight.
"Lupin...I...I don't know what to say." Harry stammered as a sudden swell of emotion hit him.
"He would've wanted you to have that." Remus said, looking a bit misty-eyed. "He's already given me enough. Once his death was official, his Will was legally released. Sirius left me the deed to the Black House, and all of the contents of his Gringotts vault. The goblins kept it safe, even after he was put in Azkaban. They protect what they've been trusted with no matter what."
"So what's next for you?" Harry asked when he found his voice again.
"I've been trying to decide what I'm going to do with Kreacher." Lupin answered. "Arthur has put me in touch with some of his friends at the Office of House-Elf Relocation. I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't kill that piece of trash, but I may still find some way for him to pay for what he's done."
Harry woke up earlier than usual the next day. He usually slept in on Sundays, especially in the winter. The weather was pretty dreary, casting a gray haze through the windows in the dorm. Neville was up early, as he usually was these days, but Dean and Seamus were still sleeping. Harry was a bit surprised to find Ron getting dressed already.
"Where are you off to?" Harry asked him.
"Hermione and I are going to go...study." Ron said nervously as he gathered a couple of books and checked his hair in a mirror one last time.
"Ah, I see." Harry said with a sly smile. "Have fun."
A few minutes after Ron left, Harry realized that he had nothing to do. He had already completed the light homework he had been assigned, and there wasn't any Quidditch practice since they had just played the day before. Harry usually found some trouble to get into with Ron and Hermione on the weekends, but he was starting to see that he would have to start finding other ways to fill his scant idle time.
"Hey Neville, what are you up to today?" Harry asked.
"Uh...well, I was planning to check on a few experiments in Greenhouse Six."
"Mind if I tag along?"
"Of course not." Neville replied merrily.
Harry and Neville quickly trotted out to the greenhouse in the light November snowfall. Harry had never been to Greenhouse Six since it was reserved for advanced Herbology studies. The rumor was that Greenhouse Seven contained some of the most dangerous plants known to wizardkind. Access to that greenhouse has only given to the most advanced students.
Harry felt that Greenhouse Six wasn't that bad though as he and Neville entered. The place was full of plants that Harry had never even seen. There were some odd vines growing along the walls and the floor. To his left were several varieties of plants with flowers as big as Harry's head. A few of the plants could move on their own, and all of them seemed to instantly perk up when Neville entered the room. Neville spent a little time with each of them, making sure they had enough water and soil.
Harry followed Neville as he went further into the large greenhouse. Neville stopped at a set of potted plants that bore the tag "Longbottom".
"My Asphodels seem to be doing okay." Neville said as he inspected the plants and took out his wand. "They could still use a bit of help though, Germino."
The plants Neville cast the spell on seemed to get greener and their leaves broadened considerable. They were also now sprouting tiny golden buds.
"I know you've heard this before, Nev...but you're really good at this plant stuff."
"Thanks, Harry. It's not Quidditch or dueling, but I still find it exciting."
"That's a new wand for you, right?" Harry asked.
"Oak, 12 inches." Neville said as he admired his wand. "The core is a single leaf from the Whomping Willow."
"That's odd." Harry added.
"Yeah, Ollivander said it's the only wand he ever made with a plant core. He said he'd almost forgotten about it until I showed up. It fits me a lot better than my dad's old wand. I still would have liked to have used it on that LeStrange wench. It would have been fitting."
Harry noticed that Neville's demeanor changed when he mentioned Bellatrix LeStrange. Harry wondered how meeting the woman responsible for his parents insanity was affecting him. "You want to talk about it, Neville?"
Neville looked at Harry with a thankful look. "Yeah, I guess I do. It's probably better to let it out. Anyways, when she cast the Crucio curse on me...it changed something in me. I didn't know what was happening at the time, it took a few days for it to sink in. It's a god-awful feeling, that curse. Still, it kind of...woke me up you know? All my life I've been afraid of things that could hurt me. Then I faced the thing that hurt most, the thing that took my parents away from me...and I survived it. Nothing seems so bad after that."
"You're tougher than you think, Neville."
"Yeah, seems that way. I still wasn't able to beat her though."
"We'll get her, Neville." Harry said assuringly. "She'll join Peter in Azkaban."
"Hopefully." Neville replied. He was now leaning towards a grassy looking plant with large thorns and bell-shaped flowers. Harry couldn't be sure, but the plant seemed to be whispering to Neville.
Neville stood up and turned around, facing the back of the greenhouse. He took a few steps forward, then spoke. "Hello, Draco."
Harry was a little surprised to see the slim Slytherin boy appear from behind a large bush near the rear of the greenhouse.
"How'd you know I was here?" Draco asked. He didn't seem to be too upset at being found out.
"The Tattle Thorn." Neville said casually. "It picked up your scent."
"I could never get that weed to talk to me." Draco replied.
"Well that makes sense," Neville said with a little laugh, "it doesn't like predators."
"What are you doing here?" Harry said with obvious anger.
"Longbottom's not the only one with homework to do. What are you doing here, Potter? I don't recall you having the grades for N.E.W.T level Herbology."
"Neville, could you leave us alone for a moment?" Harry asked politely. "I need to have a little chat with...this."
"Sure, Harry. I'll meet you back at the dorms."
"How long were you eavesdropping, Malfoy?" Harry demanded when Neville had left.
"Long enough to hear about the mutual enemy you and Longbottom have. You want to know where she is, Potter?"
"You know where she is?" Harry said with astonishment.
"No, but I could maybe find out...if it's worth my trouble."
"That's not how this deal works, Draco." Harry said, narrowing his eyes. "If you know, you tell me. If you can't do that, we have no use for you."
Draco scowled a little as he considered Harry's words. "Like I said, I don't know at the moment. I might be able to figure it out though."
"I suppose that you were the one that told Dumbledore about Karkaroff."
"Brilliant deduction, Sherlock."
"Giving up a dead man is one thing, but why would you want to turn in LeStrange?" Harry asked.
"That old bird is crazy. It's best to have her out of the way."
"Have her out of the way? Are you helping us, or just getting rid of your competition and enemies?"
"Both. Neither. Who knows?" Draco said with a smile that made Harry's stomach turn. He found it difficult to keep himself from beating Draco to a pulp, but somehow Harry found the resolve to simply walk away and head for the Gryffindor dorms. He found Neville back in the common room, assembling a Dark Detector for Max's class.
"Since when do you and Malfoy have private chats?" Neville asked, obviously confused. "Are you two becoming best mates all of a sudden?"
Harry thought about that for a moment, and he suddenly realized another reason why Dumbledore didn't kick Draco out of Hogwarts. "Keep your friends close, Neville." Harry said. "Keep your enemies closer."
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Author's note:
Alright, this chapter isn't one of my best. I've been really busy though, so I'm afraid you'll have to take what you can get. :-). Thanks to everyone on fanfiction.net and harrypotterfanfiction.com. I'm glad you've all stuck around.