25. AN HOUR WITH NEVILLE
I own none of these characters except for Professor Chillinger,
who can also be found in my fic "Dadaism."
Also,the rating is now R,just in case.
"Nijinsky. He was from my village. He was the village idiot."
"Yeah,what'd you do? Place?"
-LOVE AND DEATH
60:00:00
"Ne-ville..."
Neville Longbottom opened his eyes.
He drew back the curtain.
The room was absolutely dark.
"Ne-ville..."
The voice was high and whispery.
"Ever...eaten...worms...Ne-ville?"
He whimpered,drawing his knees into his chest.
"Insects...they're quite...crunchy...flies...are filled with...
guts...I love 'em..."
The other guys were probably asleep. Including the new kid,whose
name Neville couldn't quite remember. Bert? Bort? He had known
a few Borts,but-
"Ne-"
"Please stop calling me," Neville whispered.
"-ville..."
A shadow appeared on the other side of the bed curtains.
Neville threw his shoe at it.
"Ow. Bloody hell,Neville..."
The curtain drew back,revealing Ron Weasley.
"Ron?"
"Who were you talking to,Neville?"
"You didn't hear anything?"
"Was I supposed to hear something?"
"Someone was calling me."
"I didn't hear anything."
"Oh,no...I'm hearing voices. I don't...Ron,what are you doing up?"
Ron held Trevor out to him. The toad flopped down onto the bed.
"Trevor decided my head makes a nice pillow."
"Oh...sorry."
"Don't be sorry,it's better than having Hermione's cat on my face-"
"Ne-ville..."
Ron stopped in midsentence.
"Did you hear that? You heard that,didn't you?"
"I heard-"
Ron went to the window and opened it.
A soft,warm wind blew into the room.
"What's out there?"
"I don't see anything," Ron said.
Ron climbed out the window,onto the balcony.
He went to the railing,and looked out at the expanse of
grass,which seemed to run forever.
There was someone out there,sitting in the grass.
"There's somebody down there," he told Neville. He headed for the
portrait.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to investigate. If you'd like to come along-"
"I'm not staying here," Neville said,jumping out of bed.
"In that case," Ron said. He went over to Harry's bed.
Harry wasn't in bed. Hedwig was sleeping peacefully on her perch.
"Neville,you have to swear you won't tell anyone about this..."
"Are you looking for Harry's invisibility cloak?"
Ron stiffened.
"Don't look so surprised,Ron. Everyone knows about Harry's cloak.
It's one of the worst-kept secrets at Hogwarts. We just pretend not
to know because...well,I forget why,actually..."
Ron found the cloak,and threw it over himself and Neville.
"So we're invisible now?"
"Right."
"No one can see us?"
"That's the best part of being invisible."
"Have you ever gone into the girls' showers like this?"
"No,but you know-"
"You're sure none of the teachers can see us?"
"The only one who's ever seen us is the Headmaster."
As if on cue,Professor Dumbledore stepped through the portrait.
55:00
"Ah. Hello,gentlemen."
He looked rather amused.
"Am I interrupting some covert mission?"
"It's hard to explain,sir."
"That's all right. I wanted to talk to the two of you. Come down to
the common room,I brought some hot chocolate with me."
They followed him down to the common room. He pulled three chairs
in front of the fireplace. Dumbledore sat,and then the boys did the
same.
50:00
In the glow of the fire,Dumbledore looked ancient and powerful.
He handed a mug full of steaming mocha to Neville,then gave the
other to Ron. He had his own,as well.
"Now,then. Neville,may I ask you a question?"
It was best to be patient with Neville Longbottom. He was
forgetful-but not stupid.
"All right," Neville said.
"Are you experiencing anything...out of the ordinary?"
Neville looked relieved yet terrified. "Well,sir..." he gathered
his courage."I'm hearing voices. Well, a voice."
Dumbledore looked concerned. "What does it say, Mr. Longbottom?"
"It just keeps calling my name. And...asking me if I eat
insects..."
"And-"
"Just a moment,Mr. Weasley. Neville,other than the voice,do you
feel ill?"
"I feel fine," Neville said,beginning to panic. "Why? Am I sick?"
Dumbledore put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "No," he said,in a
firm but gentle voice. "Now have a drink."
Neville took a long swig.
"Better?"
Neville nodded.
"Do you remember dueling club?"
"It'd be hard to forget knocking Professor Snape on his arse," Ron
muttered. "Sorry."
"No apologies neccessary,Mr. Weasley. Neville,can you remember the
focus?"
"Hermione and Malfoy...and me...we channeled our powers through
the groundskeeper. I can't remember his name."
"Willy," Dumbledore said.
"Willy."
"Exactly. Five points,Mr. Longbottom."
"Sir,does the points system even matter anymore?" Ron asked.
"Ron, shut up."
"No,that is quite a valid question. The point system is a time-
honored tradition,Mr. Weasley. Even if it seems trivial. I agree,
there are times when such a thing as house points seem pointless
and silly. Five points for asking."
Ron grinned.
Dumbledore took a deep drink. "Now,then,where was I? Ah. Yes. When
you, Hermione,Draco and Marcus performed the focus with Willy,
they may have transferred their powers to you. Miss Granger has
told me that she is unable to perform magic. I have not spoken
with Mr. Malfoy or Mr. Flint yet."
"Me?"
"Yes. I can only speculate that this is why you're hearing a voice.
Now, Ron, I I wished to speak to you,because-"
"Where is Harry?" Ron asked.
"He's in Springfield."
"He's visiting Hagrid?"
"Yes,but that's not why he went."
"What-"
"The less you know the better," Dumbledore said. "Although,I have
no doubt you'll find out,Mr. Weasley. I'm glad Harry has such
faithful friends."
"How would I find out?"
"That,I cannot tell you,Mr. Weasley. However,I can tell you that a
student from Springfield has arrived at Hogwarts."
"Really? Who?"
"Bart Simpson."
"Bart Simpson? You mean there's no Bonerville?"
Dumbledore smiled. "I'm afraid not."
"Well,where is he?"
"He's been hiding behind that chair,over there. Come out, Mr.
Simpson."
Bart came out from his hiding place.
"Don't worry,Bart,you're in no trouble." Dumbledore raised a
finger. "At least not yet."
Bart came out from his hiding place.
"I'm not in trouble?"
"No," Dumbledore said.
"That's a first."
"Have you two ever noticed I never give out detentions?"
"That's right," Ron said. "You don't. But I served a detention with
you last month."
"As I remember,you helped me stamp documents for an hour."
"Right. I fed Fawkes,too. It was the best detention ever."
"Was Professor Snape mad about the portkey?" Bart asked.
"Professor Snape is always mad," Ron said,and Dumbledore stifled a
chuckle; Ron had something else to say. "You said you wanted to
talk to me?"
"Yes,Ron. I thought you should know that Hermione is in the
hospital wing."
Ron's eyes got huge. "She's all right,isn't she?"
"Madame Pomfrey says she's just fine."
"What happened?"
"Never mind that. Hermione asked for you."
"Can I go now?"
"In a moment."
Ron remembered something. "Professor,I saw someone outside."
"From the window?"
"Right. I couldn't tell who it was. They were just standing on the
lawn."
"Curious," Dumbledore said. "Definitely a matter warranting further
investigation. Boys, follow me. You won't need the cloak."
"What cloak?" Bart asked.
"Harry's cloak," Ron said,showing Bart. "His dad's old Invisibility
Cloak."
Bart practically drooled. "That thing makes you invisible?"
"Oh,yeah," Ron said,smiling.
"What about you,Professor?"
"I don't need a cloak,Bart."
"Cool," Bart said.
"That's what your mother said."
40:00
There was a cat sitting near Hermione,who sat fully awake in the
bed. She was reading a book by candlelight. The cat nudged her
with its head when they walked in. Then the cat changed into
Professor McGonagall.
Ron grinned. "I never get tired of seeing that."
"Why thank you,Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said. "Evening,
Albus. I assume all the gentlemen have excellent excuses for
being out of bed?"
"Stealth mission," Bart said,and Neville offered a fervent nod.
"Well,then," she said. "Miss Granger,just leave the book on my desk."
"All right," Hermione said. "Thank you,Professor."
McGonagall nodded.
"Mr. Weasley,escort her back to Gryffindor Tower when
she's ready. Madame Pomfrey gave her permission to leave."
With that,she joined the group at the door.
"Mr. Weasley..."
"Yes,Headmaster?"
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Ron nodded slowly. "Right," he said.
35:00
"Willy?" Bart called. "Hey,Willy."
"Is he awake?"
"His eyes are open," McGonagall said.
Trevor hopped onto Willy's shoulder.
"Gaaaaaughh!"
Whatever spell Willy had been under had been broken.
"'ose TOAD is this?" he raged.
"Mine,sir." Neville said.
Then Willy noticed where he was.
"How'd I get out here?" he asked. "Yer the one they call Neville,
eh?"
"R-right," Neville said,looking terrified.
"Eh,no reason bein' scared a'me."
"But everyone says you're a nutcase," Neville said.
Bart snorted a laugh. Professor McGonagall had to turn around.
"Oh,great," Willy said,seeing Bart.
"Do you remember how you got here,Willy?" Dumbledore asked.
"I don't remember nothin'," he said. "There was a draught,an'
I went ta close the window...saw the wind blowin' through the
trees in the forest...s'like it was callin' me...someone get this
toad offa me-"
Trevor hopped off of Willy and kind of hung out in the grass.
Dumbledore was nearest. He hopped into the wizard's hands. Trevor
offered a ribbit,and his front legs cycled up and down.
A feeling spread through Dumbledore's hands. It was the warm,
tingly feeling of someone else's magic spreading through his
fingers. Usually,it was a very personal thing,exchanged by the
closest of friends; it happened nearly every time he held Minerva
close.
He swayed on his feet for a moment.
Trevor squirmed. The toad desperately fought to get away from him.
Dumbledore let him down onto the grass.
Trevor sat still. Then he began to grow.
Neville began to worry when the toad was bigger than he was.
"Uh...Professor?"
"I was afraid of this," Dumbledore said.
"Afraid of WHAT?"
"He better stop," Willy said.
The thing was that Trevor did not stop growing.
Willy took off,and Bart yelled "Wait for me..."
Dumbledore took Neville by the arm. He felt Minerva slip one arm
around his.
"Wait,what's happening to Trevor?" Neville said, trying to
look back as they ran.
"I'll explain," Dumbledore said. You wouldn't think someone as old
as Dumbledore could run, but he was in excellent shape.
Trevor hopped after them.
"This way," Dumbledore called. Neville saw that they were heading
for the greenhouses.
The first one was lit up.
The Headmaster pounded on the door.
A figure,blurred behind the heat-misted window,appeared on the
other side of the door. A moment passed,and then the door burst
open.
"Neville?"
"Professor Sprout," Neville yelled,"Please,let us in-"
"Nonsense," she said,stepping outside. "Now what is the matter?"
She smirked."Well,other than being out past curfew-"
"RRREEEEEEP..."
Trevor, now as tall as a five-story building, came around the side
of the castle.
"Just when I think I've seen everything..." said Professor
McGonagall.
"Oh my," said Professor Sprout. "This is certainly new. How did it
happen?"
Neville looked sad. "I don't know what happened."
"Mr. Longbottom," she said,her eyes wide. "Did you do this?"
"I don't know," Neville said.
Trevor captured a cloud of flies with his tongue, which snapped
like a bullwhip.
"Trevor seems to be having a wonderful time. Has he been growing
steadily?"
"He's still growing," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Longbottom,it seems
that Trevor usurped those powers during the focus, not you."
"But whose voice am I hearing?"
"You're hearing voices?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Professor Sprout put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Just one voice," he said. "Oh,wait...Headmaster...it's TREVOR'S
voice,isn't it?"
"He is your familiar," Dumbledore said. "He probably wants to talk
to you."
"Can we get him back to normal,sir?"
"We certainly can,Neville."
"Please don't hurt him."
"Mr. Longbottom, I'd rather not hurt Trevor,either. But I don't
want him to harm anyone,or God forbid, eat anybody. Besides,
we must do another transference. It's not Trevor worrying me,it's
you."
"Me?"
"We have to transfer the magic inside Trevor into someone close to
him," McGonagall said. "That would be you,Neville."
"Do you think I could handle all that power?"
The three wizards,wiser than Neville knew he'd ever be, looked down
at him.
They were letting him make the choice.
They were actually letting him decide.
"We believe in you,Neville," Professor Sprout said. "The question
is,do you?"
"I-"
"GURRRR-RRRURPP..."
Somewhere above, a nightbird cried.
Trevor looked up, and searched for the bird.
"I believe," Neville said.
"Right," Professor Dumbledore said. "Neville, whatever happens...
don't be afraid."
With that,Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall stepped
into Trevor's path.
Trevor's attention wandered to the two of them.
His eyes began to glow.
"Ready?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No," Dumbledore said. "But let's do it anyway."
Twin beams of golden energy blasted out of Trevor's eyes; if
Professor Dumbledore hadn't flicked his wrist at the moment he did,
he would have wound up on an ice bed in the burn ward at St.
Mungo's, in need of more skin grafts than he could survive. His
wand acted like a lightning rod,and he could feel Minerva doing
the same; he didn't dare break his concentration. After all,he
supposed he had a reputation to uphold, and he would not be
defeated by a giant killer frog-
-unexpectedly, the heat fell away.
For a moment, he could not speak.
Minerva looked like she'd gone out for a leisurely jog.
"You were wonderful," she said. "Are you all right?"
"I am," he said. "You?"
"Fine," she said,almost whispering. "Just fine."
Trevor hopped past them,his normal size restored.
"Trevor," Neville said.
Professor Sprout laughed. She picked Trevor up and kissed him.
"Gross," Bart said.
"Can't believe ya did that," Willy said.
"Don't tell me you've never kissed a frog before," Sprout said.
"Come with us to the staffroom,would you,Addie?"
"We're having a meeting?"
"We certainly are."
He offered his arm. Professor Sprout took it. Minerva took hold of
the other one.
Oh,how he loved his job.
20:00
The only staff members who weren't at the meeting were Hagrid and
Professor Snape.
At first, Dumbledore wondered where Snape could be,and then it
came to him. He was most likely interrogating Miss Granger's
attacker. Better Snape than Hagrid.
Snape did not have an emotional attachment to Hermione; Hagrid, of
course, loved her. But his other colleagues had come, even Alastor.
Who'd been in Springfield when the meeting had been called. None
of them looked like they'd been sleeping,not even the current
Defense teacher, Ishmael Chillinger, who needed three chairs
because he had run across a sorceress who also happened to be a
devout student of Sigmund Freud; she split him into three.
The three identical Chillingers sat together. One of them was his
id. One of them was his ego. The last one was his superego.
He was not an old man, but his faces were worn; none of the had aged
well. Nowhere was this more evident than their eyes. They were full
of knowledge, but of things they wished they could forget. Despite
this,he was able to reach the students. Their presence seemed to be
healing for him.
Seated beside the Chillingers was Professor Trelawney. She was
cleaning her glasses. Dumbledore had had a dream a day or two ago;
Sibyl had been in it,and her lenses had liquefied. Her retinas
detached and floated around,buoyant like fresh ice cubes. It
was things like this that made his life interesting. Next to
Trelawney was Professor Binns,who wouldn't have been able to sit
down anyway. There was Professor Vector, who had a thousand reasons
at the ready justifying the use of mathematics in magic. Next to
her was Professor Sinistra, an empty chair where Severus would
have been, then Madame Hooch, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Flitwick-
who was making a raggedy doll waltz in the air with graceful swish-
and-flick motions. Another empty chair-a huge one-for
Hagrid,then Professor Moody, Professor Sprout, Minerva, and
finally himself. They were a tightly knit group; at least it
felt that way to Dumbledore. He considered them all close friends.
Willy was not there,but Neville Longbottom and
Bart Simpson were. The professors were rather curious as to their
presence,but did not complain.
"Well,I'd like to thank everyone for coming at such short notice,"
Dumbledore said.
"Is there some sort of an emergency?" Filius asked."I
mean,besides the gigantic toad I saw rumbling past my window?"
"The toad problem is being remedied," Dumbledore said. "The reason
I've called you all together is in regards to the exchange program."
"Hagrid IS coming back on Monday,right?" Professor Sprout asked.
"That's right,Madame."
There were sighs of relief all around.
"I rather like Willy," Professor Sinistra said. "He made a terrible
first impression,but...I think he's adjusted quite well,for a
Muggle suddenly thrust into our world. He repaired one of my models
of the solar system yesterday-"
"Somethin' wrong with Uranus?" Moody asked.
She smiled right back at him."I take special care of it to avoid
jokes like that."
Professor Sprout covered her mouth,attempting not to laugh.
"Well," Dumbledore said,"I'll let Hagrid know he's missed. Now,
as for Neville Longbottom's presence at this meeting...you may
notice a change in him in the very near future. This is because
his toad Trevor has absorbed the magical abilities of Hermione
Granger,Draco Malfoy, Marcus Flint, and Neville himself. Neville
has bravely volunteered to recieve what Trevor has borrowed."
"Very brave,Neville." Flitwick said.
Various "mm-hmms" and sounds of approval went around the table.
"Wait for us in the common room,Neville." Dumbledore said.
Neville nodded,and then left the room.
"Now...the main reason for this meeting. By now you know we have a
new student by the name of Bart Simpson,who transferred here from
the Bonerville Academy Of Magic. Well,I'm afraid it's just an
entertaining acronym. Not only is there no magical academy-
Bonerville does not exist. He's actually from Springfield."
"You lied to me," Flitwick said.
"Sorry," Bart said.
"Bart may be here for a few days. He will attend classes,and it
is vitally important that it appears he is a student of magic. He
will be watching for anyone he recognizes from Springfield,in
the event that they attempt to breach Hogwarts."
"But if he's a muggle," Poppy Pomfrey said,"Why doesn't he see
Hogwarts as all muggles see it?"
"What should it look like to me?" Bart asked.
"A wreck,dear," Sprout said.
"Bart has magic in his family," Dumbledore said. "I'd rather not
reveal her identity-"
*Bart*
Bart blinked.
"-but Bart does have a relation with abilities he could,
concievably,inherit."
*If you can hear me,scratch your head*
Bart scratched his head.
*Don't worry,my boy, it's only me, Professor Dumbledore. I had a
suspicion you might have other abilities. How long have you been
able to hear people's thoughts?*
"As for the situation in Springfield-"
Bart didn't know what to do. Professor Dumbledore was talking
to everyone,and sending him thoughts at the same time.
*As I thought. You're not a sender,but you are a reciever. You
can't hear everyone's thoughts all the time,which would be
deafening,but sometimes you can-
"-it's incredibly complicated. In fact, it is so needlessly
labyrinthine-"
*one of my favorite words,labyrinthine. I'll get out of your
head now,before our heads start to hurt.*
"-that I find it hard to believe that those involved are aware of
their involvement. Of course,it could be the perfect plan,
hiding behind a haze of incomprehensibility, but that's the thing
about nonsense-it makes its own kind of sense-"
"Before you go on..." the middle Chillinger began. His voice sent
a ripple through the room. He had a deep,dark voice. "I just think
you should know that there there are students hiding in the closet
behind you.
"The closet?" the third Chillinger said. "I highly doubt that."
The first Chillinger looked towards the closet. "Who's in there?"
he asked,his voice shaking.
"I'm surprised Professor Moody said nothing." the middle one said.
"Do I have to do everything?" Moody asked.
"I almost forgot," Dumbledore said.
He opened the door to reveal Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
"You've heard everything so far?" Dumbledore asked.
Ron's jaw kind of swung open.
"Everything," Hermione said.
"Good."
He handed her a lemon drop. "Mind your hair," he said,and closed
the door."Now then,a visual aid."
With a wave of his wand,the room darkened.
From his robes, he produced a crystalline sphere. He tossed it
into the air,and it hung there like a balloon. A bluish glow
filled the room, and Springfield unfolded before them all.
"This is Springfield, the town participating in the exchange
program. Now,in this town is a boy named Ralph Wiggum-"
The scene shifted to Ralph Wiggum, who was fast asleep.
"Why is he wearing rubber pajamas?" Professor Trelawney asked.
Attention shifted to Madame Pomfrey.
"You don't want to know," she said.
"Ralph is in second grade at Springfield Elementary. He's an
eight-year-old with the gift of pyrokinesis. However, he has come
under the influence of a leprechaun-"
"A leprechaun?" Madame Pomfrey asked. "You're kidding."
"I wish I were,Poppy. This leprechaun is very disgruntled,and
he influences Ralph to start fires naturally,without his ability.
Which is actually a good thing,because Springfield has been
under surveillance for some time."
"By who?" Chillinger asked.
"Guess," Moody said.
"What would Voldemort want with Springfield?"
"He only wants Ralph," Dumbledore said. "The thing is that
the Death Eaters who managed to get themselves into positions of
power have complicated things to the point where everything
is rather difficult to follow. If there was some sort of plan,
it's a total mess now. So,the task at hand is to protect Ralph
and the citizens of Springfield and flush out anything that
shouldn't be there. I'm going back there."
"If you need any help..." Madame Hooch said.
"Thank you for the offer,Ilsa. Everyone here should just teach
their regular classes. I will be fine. If something does happen
to me, none of you should have to share my peril. Besides,Hagrid
will be with me. And so will Mr. Potter."
"Is that why he wasn't at practice today?" Madame Hooch asked.
"He is assisting me in Springfield. I assure you, he'll make up
any work he has missed."
"How is Harry?" Sinistra asked.
"That's a complicated question," Dumbledore said.
"He's doing fine in his classes, isn't he?" Minerva asked.
Nods around the table.
"He has much on his mind," Dumbledore said.
"I think he's handling it better than any of us could,"
said Sprout.
There was a moment of silence.
Bart would remember it.
"You know,there's something that's been bothering me," the
middle Chillinger said.
"Can't quite decide what it is," Chillinger Three said.
"Everything," Chillinger one said. "You all make me want to SCREAM-"
"Do be quiet,would you?" Chillinger Two said. "The thing on my
mind...how did they hear about us?"
"Principal Skinner said that his his superior-Chalmers,I believe,
is his name-contacted a number of European schools in the hope
of starting an exchange program. The Ministry went over my head
and accepted. I'll ask Skinner how he found us,next time I see him."
10:00
"Shhh..."
Minerva looked over her shoulder,one finger at her lips.
Dumbledore nodded silently,then joined her.
Neville was asleep by the fire. Trevor was in his lap. The
toad was also asleep.
"Should we do this while he's sleeping?"
"We could write him a note," Dumbledore said.
"When was the last time we wrote a note together?"
"Far too long," he said.
He slid his arms around her waist.
"Are you going back tonight?"
"Yes," he said. "Would you like to accompany me?"
"I would."
They stared down at Neville.
"I hope this doesn't turn him into some sort of psychic monster."
"It won't," Dumbledore said. "Neville is...well,I think he'll
be just fine,Minerva."
She looked from Neville to him,and back again.
Albus began murmuring; as he did,he pointed his wand at Neville.
She joined in in a second,and extended her wand.
Neville never felt a thing.
0:00
"-sleeping."
Dumbledore nodded.
"How is she?" Hagrid asked.
"Hermione will be fine. Madame Pomfrey treated her eye."
Hagrid looked relieved.
"My feelings exactly," Dumbledore said.
"Did yeh see Fang?"
"I did not. Don't worry,Hagrid. He'll come back."
Professor Dumbledore sat against the wall,next to the bed.
"If yeh'd like the chair-"
"No," he said. "I'm comfortable right here."
Harry opened his eyes. He wasn't quite awake.
"Do you sleep?"
He was asleep again in an instant.
"You gave him the blanket," Dumbledore said.
"Yeah," Hagrid said. "'E's been dreamin'."
There was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Professor McGonagall,Hagrid."
Hagrid stood up and let her in.
"I made some cakes," he said. "Would yeh like some?"
"I'm really not hungry,Hagrid."
She settled down next to Professor Dumbledore.
"I'll be back in a bit," Hagrid said.
He opened the door and left.
"Fang," Dumbledore explained.
Minerva nodded. She looked over at Harry.
"He looks peaceful," she said. "Is that the blanket we enchanted?"
"Yes, it is."
Dumbledore slid his hands into hers.
"This is the way I wish it could be," he said.
"I do,too," she said.
He moved to kiss her cheek.
She turned her head,and their lips met.
Time lost all meaning.
Harry woke up,cold beads of sweat dotting his forehead.
"He's here," said Harry,his eyes wide and tense. "He's here.
He's here. He's-"
Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore were instantly
at his side,rocking him back and forth. "Shhhhh..."
"Harry,everything is-"
"-here. He's HERE."
------------------------------------
"Hey,buddy. End of the line."
The bus driver's name was not important. Tomorrow,when the
coroner cut him open and found that he'd died of natural
causes,his name appeared in the SPRINGFIELD SHOPPER obituaries,
the victim of an atrocious typographical error which listed him
as Aaaaargh Bleaaauurgh Mwaaahblooogh,which appeared just under a
woman whose surname was now Grrrrrrrr and another man who was
now known as Tootsie Pop Lesniak.
"Hey,buddy-"
The bus driver sighed, stepped out of the driver's seat, and
looked towards the back of the bus,which was lit by fluorescent
bulbs that ran along the ceiling. A fuzzy haze hung over the
seats and the windows. Darkness surrounded the bus,as if they
were traveling through space.
There was someone at the very back,lying with his face to the
rear wall.
"Hey,I'm talkin'-"
"I need to rest."
The voice was so cold,the driver swore the windows near the
back of the bus misted over.
"There's a shelter not far from here."
"I'm perfectly comfortable right here."
"Don't make me call the cops."
The man stirred.
He turned over. Without sitting up,he looked at the driver.
"Guh-guh...God," the driver stuttered. "Oh my God-"
"God?" the...man...said. "Lately,I've been wondering if God
exists. Sometimes,I think he's disowned the human race and the
entire universe is just an extension of Hell..."
"What-" he fought the vomit rising in his throat. "What happened-"
"Blood," the thing in the seat said.
"Blood?"
"Blood," he said. He almost looked sad. "Harry Potter's blood-"
"Who's Harry Potter?"
"Never mind. I've talked long enough."
Voldemort grabbed the driver on either side of his head.
The fluorescent lights along the ceiling flickered.
In a moment, the only one on the bus was the driver.
"Damn you,Dumbledore," he said,and sighed.
It sounded like a death rattle.
Voldemort closed his eyes.
The lights went out.
I own none of these characters except for Professor Chillinger,
who can also be found in my fic "Dadaism."
Also,the rating is now R,just in case.
"Nijinsky. He was from my village. He was the village idiot."
"Yeah,what'd you do? Place?"
-LOVE AND DEATH
60:00:00
"Ne-ville..."
Neville Longbottom opened his eyes.
He drew back the curtain.
The room was absolutely dark.
"Ne-ville..."
The voice was high and whispery.
"Ever...eaten...worms...Ne-ville?"
He whimpered,drawing his knees into his chest.
"Insects...they're quite...crunchy...flies...are filled with...
guts...I love 'em..."
The other guys were probably asleep. Including the new kid,whose
name Neville couldn't quite remember. Bert? Bort? He had known
a few Borts,but-
"Ne-"
"Please stop calling me," Neville whispered.
"-ville..."
A shadow appeared on the other side of the bed curtains.
Neville threw his shoe at it.
"Ow. Bloody hell,Neville..."
The curtain drew back,revealing Ron Weasley.
"Ron?"
"Who were you talking to,Neville?"
"You didn't hear anything?"
"Was I supposed to hear something?"
"Someone was calling me."
"I didn't hear anything."
"Oh,no...I'm hearing voices. I don't...Ron,what are you doing up?"
Ron held Trevor out to him. The toad flopped down onto the bed.
"Trevor decided my head makes a nice pillow."
"Oh...sorry."
"Don't be sorry,it's better than having Hermione's cat on my face-"
"Ne-ville..."
Ron stopped in midsentence.
"Did you hear that? You heard that,didn't you?"
"I heard-"
Ron went to the window and opened it.
A soft,warm wind blew into the room.
"What's out there?"
"I don't see anything," Ron said.
Ron climbed out the window,onto the balcony.
He went to the railing,and looked out at the expanse of
grass,which seemed to run forever.
There was someone out there,sitting in the grass.
"There's somebody down there," he told Neville. He headed for the
portrait.
"Where are you going?"
"I'm going to investigate. If you'd like to come along-"
"I'm not staying here," Neville said,jumping out of bed.
"In that case," Ron said. He went over to Harry's bed.
Harry wasn't in bed. Hedwig was sleeping peacefully on her perch.
"Neville,you have to swear you won't tell anyone about this..."
"Are you looking for Harry's invisibility cloak?"
Ron stiffened.
"Don't look so surprised,Ron. Everyone knows about Harry's cloak.
It's one of the worst-kept secrets at Hogwarts. We just pretend not
to know because...well,I forget why,actually..."
Ron found the cloak,and threw it over himself and Neville.
"So we're invisible now?"
"Right."
"No one can see us?"
"That's the best part of being invisible."
"Have you ever gone into the girls' showers like this?"
"No,but you know-"
"You're sure none of the teachers can see us?"
"The only one who's ever seen us is the Headmaster."
As if on cue,Professor Dumbledore stepped through the portrait.
55:00
"Ah. Hello,gentlemen."
He looked rather amused.
"Am I interrupting some covert mission?"
"It's hard to explain,sir."
"That's all right. I wanted to talk to the two of you. Come down to
the common room,I brought some hot chocolate with me."
They followed him down to the common room. He pulled three chairs
in front of the fireplace. Dumbledore sat,and then the boys did the
same.
50:00
In the glow of the fire,Dumbledore looked ancient and powerful.
He handed a mug full of steaming mocha to Neville,then gave the
other to Ron. He had his own,as well.
"Now,then. Neville,may I ask you a question?"
It was best to be patient with Neville Longbottom. He was
forgetful-but not stupid.
"All right," Neville said.
"Are you experiencing anything...out of the ordinary?"
Neville looked relieved yet terrified. "Well,sir..." he gathered
his courage."I'm hearing voices. Well, a voice."
Dumbledore looked concerned. "What does it say, Mr. Longbottom?"
"It just keeps calling my name. And...asking me if I eat
insects..."
"And-"
"Just a moment,Mr. Weasley. Neville,other than the voice,do you
feel ill?"
"I feel fine," Neville said,beginning to panic. "Why? Am I sick?"
Dumbledore put a hand on the boy's shoulder. "No," he said,in a
firm but gentle voice. "Now have a drink."
Neville took a long swig.
"Better?"
Neville nodded.
"Do you remember dueling club?"
"It'd be hard to forget knocking Professor Snape on his arse," Ron
muttered. "Sorry."
"No apologies neccessary,Mr. Weasley. Neville,can you remember the
focus?"
"Hermione and Malfoy...and me...we channeled our powers through
the groundskeeper. I can't remember his name."
"Willy," Dumbledore said.
"Willy."
"Exactly. Five points,Mr. Longbottom."
"Sir,does the points system even matter anymore?" Ron asked.
"Ron, shut up."
"No,that is quite a valid question. The point system is a time-
honored tradition,Mr. Weasley. Even if it seems trivial. I agree,
there are times when such a thing as house points seem pointless
and silly. Five points for asking."
Ron grinned.
Dumbledore took a deep drink. "Now,then,where was I? Ah. Yes. When
you, Hermione,Draco and Marcus performed the focus with Willy,
they may have transferred their powers to you. Miss Granger has
told me that she is unable to perform magic. I have not spoken
with Mr. Malfoy or Mr. Flint yet."
"Me?"
"Yes. I can only speculate that this is why you're hearing a voice.
Now, Ron, I I wished to speak to you,because-"
"Where is Harry?" Ron asked.
"He's in Springfield."
"He's visiting Hagrid?"
"Yes,but that's not why he went."
"What-"
"The less you know the better," Dumbledore said. "Although,I have
no doubt you'll find out,Mr. Weasley. I'm glad Harry has such
faithful friends."
"How would I find out?"
"That,I cannot tell you,Mr. Weasley. However,I can tell you that a
student from Springfield has arrived at Hogwarts."
"Really? Who?"
"Bart Simpson."
"Bart Simpson? You mean there's no Bonerville?"
Dumbledore smiled. "I'm afraid not."
"Well,where is he?"
"He's been hiding behind that chair,over there. Come out, Mr.
Simpson."
Bart came out from his hiding place.
"Don't worry,Bart,you're in no trouble." Dumbledore raised a
finger. "At least not yet."
Bart came out from his hiding place.
"I'm not in trouble?"
"No," Dumbledore said.
"That's a first."
"Have you two ever noticed I never give out detentions?"
"That's right," Ron said. "You don't. But I served a detention with
you last month."
"As I remember,you helped me stamp documents for an hour."
"Right. I fed Fawkes,too. It was the best detention ever."
"Was Professor Snape mad about the portkey?" Bart asked.
"Professor Snape is always mad," Ron said,and Dumbledore stifled a
chuckle; Ron had something else to say. "You said you wanted to
talk to me?"
"Yes,Ron. I thought you should know that Hermione is in the
hospital wing."
Ron's eyes got huge. "She's all right,isn't she?"
"Madame Pomfrey says she's just fine."
"What happened?"
"Never mind that. Hermione asked for you."
"Can I go now?"
"In a moment."
Ron remembered something. "Professor,I saw someone outside."
"From the window?"
"Right. I couldn't tell who it was. They were just standing on the
lawn."
"Curious," Dumbledore said. "Definitely a matter warranting further
investigation. Boys, follow me. You won't need the cloak."
"What cloak?" Bart asked.
"Harry's cloak," Ron said,showing Bart. "His dad's old Invisibility
Cloak."
Bart practically drooled. "That thing makes you invisible?"
"Oh,yeah," Ron said,smiling.
"What about you,Professor?"
"I don't need a cloak,Bart."
"Cool," Bart said.
"That's what your mother said."
40:00
There was a cat sitting near Hermione,who sat fully awake in the
bed. She was reading a book by candlelight. The cat nudged her
with its head when they walked in. Then the cat changed into
Professor McGonagall.
Ron grinned. "I never get tired of seeing that."
"Why thank you,Mr. Weasley," Professor McGonagall said. "Evening,
Albus. I assume all the gentlemen have excellent excuses for
being out of bed?"
"Stealth mission," Bart said,and Neville offered a fervent nod.
"Well,then," she said. "Miss Granger,just leave the book on my desk."
"All right," Hermione said. "Thank you,Professor."
McGonagall nodded.
"Mr. Weasley,escort her back to Gryffindor Tower when
she's ready. Madame Pomfrey gave her permission to leave."
With that,she joined the group at the door.
"Mr. Weasley..."
"Yes,Headmaster?"
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
Ron nodded slowly. "Right," he said.
35:00
"Willy?" Bart called. "Hey,Willy."
"Is he awake?"
"His eyes are open," McGonagall said.
Trevor hopped onto Willy's shoulder.
"Gaaaaaughh!"
Whatever spell Willy had been under had been broken.
"'ose TOAD is this?" he raged.
"Mine,sir." Neville said.
Then Willy noticed where he was.
"How'd I get out here?" he asked. "Yer the one they call Neville,
eh?"
"R-right," Neville said,looking terrified.
"Eh,no reason bein' scared a'me."
"But everyone says you're a nutcase," Neville said.
Bart snorted a laugh. Professor McGonagall had to turn around.
"Oh,great," Willy said,seeing Bart.
"Do you remember how you got here,Willy?" Dumbledore asked.
"I don't remember nothin'," he said. "There was a draught,an'
I went ta close the window...saw the wind blowin' through the
trees in the forest...s'like it was callin' me...someone get this
toad offa me-"
Trevor hopped off of Willy and kind of hung out in the grass.
Dumbledore was nearest. He hopped into the wizard's hands. Trevor
offered a ribbit,and his front legs cycled up and down.
A feeling spread through Dumbledore's hands. It was the warm,
tingly feeling of someone else's magic spreading through his
fingers. Usually,it was a very personal thing,exchanged by the
closest of friends; it happened nearly every time he held Minerva
close.
He swayed on his feet for a moment.
Trevor squirmed. The toad desperately fought to get away from him.
Dumbledore let him down onto the grass.
Trevor sat still. Then he began to grow.
Neville began to worry when the toad was bigger than he was.
"Uh...Professor?"
"I was afraid of this," Dumbledore said.
"Afraid of WHAT?"
"He better stop," Willy said.
The thing was that Trevor did not stop growing.
Willy took off,and Bart yelled "Wait for me..."
Dumbledore took Neville by the arm. He felt Minerva slip one arm
around his.
"Wait,what's happening to Trevor?" Neville said, trying to
look back as they ran.
"I'll explain," Dumbledore said. You wouldn't think someone as old
as Dumbledore could run, but he was in excellent shape.
Trevor hopped after them.
"This way," Dumbledore called. Neville saw that they were heading
for the greenhouses.
The first one was lit up.
The Headmaster pounded on the door.
A figure,blurred behind the heat-misted window,appeared on the
other side of the door. A moment passed,and then the door burst
open.
"Neville?"
"Professor Sprout," Neville yelled,"Please,let us in-"
"Nonsense," she said,stepping outside. "Now what is the matter?"
She smirked."Well,other than being out past curfew-"
"RRREEEEEEP..."
Trevor, now as tall as a five-story building, came around the side
of the castle.
"Just when I think I've seen everything..." said Professor
McGonagall.
"Oh my," said Professor Sprout. "This is certainly new. How did it
happen?"
Neville looked sad. "I don't know what happened."
"Mr. Longbottom," she said,her eyes wide. "Did you do this?"
"I don't know," Neville said.
Trevor captured a cloud of flies with his tongue, which snapped
like a bullwhip.
"Trevor seems to be having a wonderful time. Has he been growing
steadily?"
"He's still growing," Dumbledore said. "Mr. Longbottom,it seems
that Trevor usurped those powers during the focus, not you."
"But whose voice am I hearing?"
"You're hearing voices?" Professor McGonagall asked.
Professor Sprout put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Just one voice," he said. "Oh,wait...Headmaster...it's TREVOR'S
voice,isn't it?"
"He is your familiar," Dumbledore said. "He probably wants to talk
to you."
"Can we get him back to normal,sir?"
"We certainly can,Neville."
"Please don't hurt him."
"Mr. Longbottom, I'd rather not hurt Trevor,either. But I don't
want him to harm anyone,or God forbid, eat anybody. Besides,
we must do another transference. It's not Trevor worrying me,it's
you."
"Me?"
"We have to transfer the magic inside Trevor into someone close to
him," McGonagall said. "That would be you,Neville."
"Do you think I could handle all that power?"
The three wizards,wiser than Neville knew he'd ever be, looked down
at him.
They were letting him make the choice.
They were actually letting him decide.
"We believe in you,Neville," Professor Sprout said. "The question
is,do you?"
"I-"
"GURRRR-RRRURPP..."
Somewhere above, a nightbird cried.
Trevor looked up, and searched for the bird.
"I believe," Neville said.
"Right," Professor Dumbledore said. "Neville, whatever happens...
don't be afraid."
With that,Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall stepped
into Trevor's path.
Trevor's attention wandered to the two of them.
His eyes began to glow.
"Ready?" Professor McGonagall asked.
"No," Dumbledore said. "But let's do it anyway."
Twin beams of golden energy blasted out of Trevor's eyes; if
Professor Dumbledore hadn't flicked his wrist at the moment he did,
he would have wound up on an ice bed in the burn ward at St.
Mungo's, in need of more skin grafts than he could survive. His
wand acted like a lightning rod,and he could feel Minerva doing
the same; he didn't dare break his concentration. After all,he
supposed he had a reputation to uphold, and he would not be
defeated by a giant killer frog-
-unexpectedly, the heat fell away.
For a moment, he could not speak.
Minerva looked like she'd gone out for a leisurely jog.
"You were wonderful," she said. "Are you all right?"
"I am," he said. "You?"
"Fine," she said,almost whispering. "Just fine."
Trevor hopped past them,his normal size restored.
"Trevor," Neville said.
Professor Sprout laughed. She picked Trevor up and kissed him.
"Gross," Bart said.
"Can't believe ya did that," Willy said.
"Don't tell me you've never kissed a frog before," Sprout said.
"Come with us to the staffroom,would you,Addie?"
"We're having a meeting?"
"We certainly are."
He offered his arm. Professor Sprout took it. Minerva took hold of
the other one.
Oh,how he loved his job.
20:00
The only staff members who weren't at the meeting were Hagrid and
Professor Snape.
At first, Dumbledore wondered where Snape could be,and then it
came to him. He was most likely interrogating Miss Granger's
attacker. Better Snape than Hagrid.
Snape did not have an emotional attachment to Hermione; Hagrid, of
course, loved her. But his other colleagues had come, even Alastor.
Who'd been in Springfield when the meeting had been called. None
of them looked like they'd been sleeping,not even the current
Defense teacher, Ishmael Chillinger, who needed three chairs
because he had run across a sorceress who also happened to be a
devout student of Sigmund Freud; she split him into three.
The three identical Chillingers sat together. One of them was his
id. One of them was his ego. The last one was his superego.
He was not an old man, but his faces were worn; none of the had aged
well. Nowhere was this more evident than their eyes. They were full
of knowledge, but of things they wished they could forget. Despite
this,he was able to reach the students. Their presence seemed to be
healing for him.
Seated beside the Chillingers was Professor Trelawney. She was
cleaning her glasses. Dumbledore had had a dream a day or two ago;
Sibyl had been in it,and her lenses had liquefied. Her retinas
detached and floated around,buoyant like fresh ice cubes. It
was things like this that made his life interesting. Next to
Trelawney was Professor Binns,who wouldn't have been able to sit
down anyway. There was Professor Vector, who had a thousand reasons
at the ready justifying the use of mathematics in magic. Next to
her was Professor Sinistra, an empty chair where Severus would
have been, then Madame Hooch, Madame Pomfrey, Professor Flitwick-
who was making a raggedy doll waltz in the air with graceful swish-
and-flick motions. Another empty chair-a huge one-for
Hagrid,then Professor Moody, Professor Sprout, Minerva, and
finally himself. They were a tightly knit group; at least it
felt that way to Dumbledore. He considered them all close friends.
Willy was not there,but Neville Longbottom and
Bart Simpson were. The professors were rather curious as to their
presence,but did not complain.
"Well,I'd like to thank everyone for coming at such short notice,"
Dumbledore said.
"Is there some sort of an emergency?" Filius asked."I
mean,besides the gigantic toad I saw rumbling past my window?"
"The toad problem is being remedied," Dumbledore said. "The reason
I've called you all together is in regards to the exchange program."
"Hagrid IS coming back on Monday,right?" Professor Sprout asked.
"That's right,Madame."
There were sighs of relief all around.
"I rather like Willy," Professor Sinistra said. "He made a terrible
first impression,but...I think he's adjusted quite well,for a
Muggle suddenly thrust into our world. He repaired one of my models
of the solar system yesterday-"
"Somethin' wrong with Uranus?" Moody asked.
She smiled right back at him."I take special care of it to avoid
jokes like that."
Professor Sprout covered her mouth,attempting not to laugh.
"Well," Dumbledore said,"I'll let Hagrid know he's missed. Now,
as for Neville Longbottom's presence at this meeting...you may
notice a change in him in the very near future. This is because
his toad Trevor has absorbed the magical abilities of Hermione
Granger,Draco Malfoy, Marcus Flint, and Neville himself. Neville
has bravely volunteered to recieve what Trevor has borrowed."
"Very brave,Neville." Flitwick said.
Various "mm-hmms" and sounds of approval went around the table.
"Wait for us in the common room,Neville." Dumbledore said.
Neville nodded,and then left the room.
"Now...the main reason for this meeting. By now you know we have a
new student by the name of Bart Simpson,who transferred here from
the Bonerville Academy Of Magic. Well,I'm afraid it's just an
entertaining acronym. Not only is there no magical academy-
Bonerville does not exist. He's actually from Springfield."
"You lied to me," Flitwick said.
"Sorry," Bart said.
"Bart may be here for a few days. He will attend classes,and it
is vitally important that it appears he is a student of magic. He
will be watching for anyone he recognizes from Springfield,in
the event that they attempt to breach Hogwarts."
"But if he's a muggle," Poppy Pomfrey said,"Why doesn't he see
Hogwarts as all muggles see it?"
"What should it look like to me?" Bart asked.
"A wreck,dear," Sprout said.
"Bart has magic in his family," Dumbledore said. "I'd rather not
reveal her identity-"
*Bart*
Bart blinked.
"-but Bart does have a relation with abilities he could,
concievably,inherit."
*If you can hear me,scratch your head*
Bart scratched his head.
*Don't worry,my boy, it's only me, Professor Dumbledore. I had a
suspicion you might have other abilities. How long have you been
able to hear people's thoughts?*
"As for the situation in Springfield-"
Bart didn't know what to do. Professor Dumbledore was talking
to everyone,and sending him thoughts at the same time.
*As I thought. You're not a sender,but you are a reciever. You
can't hear everyone's thoughts all the time,which would be
deafening,but sometimes you can-
"-it's incredibly complicated. In fact, it is so needlessly
labyrinthine-"
*one of my favorite words,labyrinthine. I'll get out of your
head now,before our heads start to hurt.*
"-that I find it hard to believe that those involved are aware of
their involvement. Of course,it could be the perfect plan,
hiding behind a haze of incomprehensibility, but that's the thing
about nonsense-it makes its own kind of sense-"
"Before you go on..." the middle Chillinger began. His voice sent
a ripple through the room. He had a deep,dark voice. "I just think
you should know that there there are students hiding in the closet
behind you.
"The closet?" the third Chillinger said. "I highly doubt that."
The first Chillinger looked towards the closet. "Who's in there?"
he asked,his voice shaking.
"I'm surprised Professor Moody said nothing." the middle one said.
"Do I have to do everything?" Moody asked.
"I almost forgot," Dumbledore said.
He opened the door to reveal Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley.
"You've heard everything so far?" Dumbledore asked.
Ron's jaw kind of swung open.
"Everything," Hermione said.
"Good."
He handed her a lemon drop. "Mind your hair," he said,and closed
the door."Now then,a visual aid."
With a wave of his wand,the room darkened.
From his robes, he produced a crystalline sphere. He tossed it
into the air,and it hung there like a balloon. A bluish glow
filled the room, and Springfield unfolded before them all.
"This is Springfield, the town participating in the exchange
program. Now,in this town is a boy named Ralph Wiggum-"
The scene shifted to Ralph Wiggum, who was fast asleep.
"Why is he wearing rubber pajamas?" Professor Trelawney asked.
Attention shifted to Madame Pomfrey.
"You don't want to know," she said.
"Ralph is in second grade at Springfield Elementary. He's an
eight-year-old with the gift of pyrokinesis. However, he has come
under the influence of a leprechaun-"
"A leprechaun?" Madame Pomfrey asked. "You're kidding."
"I wish I were,Poppy. This leprechaun is very disgruntled,and
he influences Ralph to start fires naturally,without his ability.
Which is actually a good thing,because Springfield has been
under surveillance for some time."
"By who?" Chillinger asked.
"Guess," Moody said.
"What would Voldemort want with Springfield?"
"He only wants Ralph," Dumbledore said. "The thing is that
the Death Eaters who managed to get themselves into positions of
power have complicated things to the point where everything
is rather difficult to follow. If there was some sort of plan,
it's a total mess now. So,the task at hand is to protect Ralph
and the citizens of Springfield and flush out anything that
shouldn't be there. I'm going back there."
"If you need any help..." Madame Hooch said.
"Thank you for the offer,Ilsa. Everyone here should just teach
their regular classes. I will be fine. If something does happen
to me, none of you should have to share my peril. Besides,Hagrid
will be with me. And so will Mr. Potter."
"Is that why he wasn't at practice today?" Madame Hooch asked.
"He is assisting me in Springfield. I assure you, he'll make up
any work he has missed."
"How is Harry?" Sinistra asked.
"That's a complicated question," Dumbledore said.
"He's doing fine in his classes, isn't he?" Minerva asked.
Nods around the table.
"He has much on his mind," Dumbledore said.
"I think he's handling it better than any of us could,"
said Sprout.
There was a moment of silence.
Bart would remember it.
"You know,there's something that's been bothering me," the
middle Chillinger said.
"Can't quite decide what it is," Chillinger Three said.
"Everything," Chillinger one said. "You all make me want to SCREAM-"
"Do be quiet,would you?" Chillinger Two said. "The thing on my
mind...how did they hear about us?"
"Principal Skinner said that his his superior-Chalmers,I believe,
is his name-contacted a number of European schools in the hope
of starting an exchange program. The Ministry went over my head
and accepted. I'll ask Skinner how he found us,next time I see him."
10:00
"Shhh..."
Minerva looked over her shoulder,one finger at her lips.
Dumbledore nodded silently,then joined her.
Neville was asleep by the fire. Trevor was in his lap. The
toad was also asleep.
"Should we do this while he's sleeping?"
"We could write him a note," Dumbledore said.
"When was the last time we wrote a note together?"
"Far too long," he said.
He slid his arms around her waist.
"Are you going back tonight?"
"Yes," he said. "Would you like to accompany me?"
"I would."
They stared down at Neville.
"I hope this doesn't turn him into some sort of psychic monster."
"It won't," Dumbledore said. "Neville is...well,I think he'll
be just fine,Minerva."
She looked from Neville to him,and back again.
Albus began murmuring; as he did,he pointed his wand at Neville.
She joined in in a second,and extended her wand.
Neville never felt a thing.
0:00
"-sleeping."
Dumbledore nodded.
"How is she?" Hagrid asked.
"Hermione will be fine. Madame Pomfrey treated her eye."
Hagrid looked relieved.
"My feelings exactly," Dumbledore said.
"Did yeh see Fang?"
"I did not. Don't worry,Hagrid. He'll come back."
Professor Dumbledore sat against the wall,next to the bed.
"If yeh'd like the chair-"
"No," he said. "I'm comfortable right here."
Harry opened his eyes. He wasn't quite awake.
"Do you sleep?"
He was asleep again in an instant.
"You gave him the blanket," Dumbledore said.
"Yeah," Hagrid said. "'E's been dreamin'."
There was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Professor McGonagall,Hagrid."
Hagrid stood up and let her in.
"I made some cakes," he said. "Would yeh like some?"
"I'm really not hungry,Hagrid."
She settled down next to Professor Dumbledore.
"I'll be back in a bit," Hagrid said.
He opened the door and left.
"Fang," Dumbledore explained.
Minerva nodded. She looked over at Harry.
"He looks peaceful," she said. "Is that the blanket we enchanted?"
"Yes, it is."
Dumbledore slid his hands into hers.
"This is the way I wish it could be," he said.
"I do,too," she said.
He moved to kiss her cheek.
She turned her head,and their lips met.
Time lost all meaning.
Harry woke up,cold beads of sweat dotting his forehead.
"He's here," said Harry,his eyes wide and tense. "He's here.
He's here. He's-"
Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore were instantly
at his side,rocking him back and forth. "Shhhhh..."
"Harry,everything is-"
"-here. He's HERE."
------------------------------------
"Hey,buddy. End of the line."
The bus driver's name was not important. Tomorrow,when the
coroner cut him open and found that he'd died of natural
causes,his name appeared in the SPRINGFIELD SHOPPER obituaries,
the victim of an atrocious typographical error which listed him
as Aaaaargh Bleaaauurgh Mwaaahblooogh,which appeared just under a
woman whose surname was now Grrrrrrrr and another man who was
now known as Tootsie Pop Lesniak.
"Hey,buddy-"
The bus driver sighed, stepped out of the driver's seat, and
looked towards the back of the bus,which was lit by fluorescent
bulbs that ran along the ceiling. A fuzzy haze hung over the
seats and the windows. Darkness surrounded the bus,as if they
were traveling through space.
There was someone at the very back,lying with his face to the
rear wall.
"Hey,I'm talkin'-"
"I need to rest."
The voice was so cold,the driver swore the windows near the
back of the bus misted over.
"There's a shelter not far from here."
"I'm perfectly comfortable right here."
"Don't make me call the cops."
The man stirred.
He turned over. Without sitting up,he looked at the driver.
"Guh-guh...God," the driver stuttered. "Oh my God-"
"God?" the...man...said. "Lately,I've been wondering if God
exists. Sometimes,I think he's disowned the human race and the
entire universe is just an extension of Hell..."
"What-" he fought the vomit rising in his throat. "What happened-"
"Blood," the thing in the seat said.
"Blood?"
"Blood," he said. He almost looked sad. "Harry Potter's blood-"
"Who's Harry Potter?"
"Never mind. I've talked long enough."
Voldemort grabbed the driver on either side of his head.
The fluorescent lights along the ceiling flickered.
In a moment, the only one on the bus was the driver.
"Damn you,Dumbledore," he said,and sighed.
It sounded like a death rattle.
Voldemort closed his eyes.
The lights went out.
