Chapter Fifteen
A/N: Two reviews huh guys? I feel the love. Actually, as much as I appreciate the reviews, it's not why I write. I write for me. "Just like you should dance like no one's watching, you should write like no one's reading"… Very wise words from my good friend Dana Whelks (pen name, read her stuff, it's great). I hope you guys like this new chapter!
Disclaimer: I own about as many Harry Potter characters as I do giant trampolines. . . that is to say none, but I would really like to.
"Hey Neville!"
"Neville!"
"How are you, mate?"
"It's been ages!"
These were the greetings of the Gryffindors as Neville Longbottom cautiously walked into the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning. Surprised at such a reception Neville could only smile at everyone and mutter something about needing to help his gram out for a while.
"Neville!" Ginny greeted him as he sat down next to her. "Oh, we were all really worried. I even went to check the Hospital Wing for you."
Harry clapped Neville on the back and told him how glad he was that he had come back to school. However, as soon as all was said and done, he quickly returned to scowling at his bowl of porridge. He had made a point to sit himself away from Ron and Hermione, who had been sending him worried glances all through breakfast. Harry had chanced a look at the head table only once to find Professor Dumbledore missing.
The happy chattering of (most of) the Gryffindors lasted all through breakfast. It was only when a pale faced and blonde haired Slytherin came sidling up to their table that the talking ceased.
"Have a nice little holiday, Longbottom?" Malfoy drawled.
The color drained from Neville's cheeks.
"I wasn't sure you'd come back to school, I mean, considering what happened." Harry, Ron, and Hermione's heads snapped to look at Malfoy in perfect unison.
Ginny cast a nervous glance at Neville, as did many others sitting around them.
"It certainly is a shame though." Malfoy continued coldly. "I mean if something like that had happened to MY parents-"
"Too bad your father's locked up in a jail cell in Azkaban." Hermione growled at him.
"How many times have I told you to watch your mouth, Mudblood?" Malfoy spat, his face slightly pink.
This was too much for Ron, who was already being physically restrained by a number of Gryffindors for the comments Malfoy had made to Neville. He jumped up and seized Malfoy about the collar, lifting him up ever so slightly to glare into his face, at the exact same time Harry had lunged forward to do just the same.
There were murmurs all around the Great Hall. Every face was turned to look at the scuffle taking place by the Gryffindor table. Ron and Harry, however heard none of it, as they were both in the process of tackling Malfoy to the ground. It seemed as though years of taunting and anguish were about to be repaid when a voice came from behind them.
"I think that is quite enough!" Professor McGonagall cried, flanked quickly by Professor Snape. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, unhand Mr. Malfoy."
"Explain yourselves at once!" barked Snape, jerking Malfoy out of reach of the other two students.
"They-" Malfoy began, interrupted by Neville suddenly getting up and coming to face him. Even Professors McGonagall and Snape went silent as they watched Neville approach Malofy.
"So off Malfoy." Neville said in a very distinctive voice, right before he lifted an arm and planted a solid blow to the side on Malfoy's jaw.
All in the Great Hall went silent. Was this Neville? Exactly what had happened while he was away? Even the teachers did not know what to make of it.
"I. . .you four. . . we. ." McGonagall attempted. "Follow me." She swept quickly out of the Great Hall, followed by a bruised Malfoy, a fuming Ron, a shocked Harry, and a very scared looking Neville. Professor Snape looked like Christmas had come early. He could envision the expulsion papers he'd soon be signing.
"As the headmaster is away at the moment, it is my job to figure out just how to deal with you." Professor McGonagall explained in her office to the four students. "Please start by explaining yourselves."
"You see, Professor. . ." Malfoy began, but Harry cut him off.
"Malfoy was-" but Harry was in turn, interrupted by Ron.
"He came right up and-" but he too was cut off.
"Malfoy was speaking of my parents." Neville said almost hollowly. "It's not Harry and Ron's fault, they were provoked. They were only trying to help me."
Professor McGonagall glared at Malfoy momentarily before turning to look at Harry and Ron. "Is this true?"
Harry and Ron nodded.
"None the less, Minerva. . ." Snape began, "This is grounds for expultion."
McGonagall raised an eyebrow.
"Suspention?" Snape said hopefully. His hope only lingered for a moment before all thoughts of expelling two of the three thorns in his side were doused. "I see you've got this under control then, I shall just take Mr. Malfoy and be on my way." Snape grabbed Malfoy sharply by the shoulders and steered him out of the room, his mood more sour than ever. . . no matter how hard he tried, he would never be able to expel the famous Harry Potter as long as the teachers of the school still taught. . .
"You must all realize that what you did was wrong. No matter how much Malfoy provokes you, you should NOT sink down to his level."
"Yes, Professor." they mumbled in unison.
"You will all receive detention, and I trust that we will not find ourselves in this situation again?"
"No, Professor."
"Good. You may get to your classes now."
"Look, guys. . ." Neville began as soon as they had left McGonagall's office.
Harry stopped him, "Neville, you don't have to talk about it if you don't want to. It's okay. We know."
Neville gave Harry a weak smile. "Thanks." he managed before heading off in the direction of their first class.
Harry turned to Ron and looked at him momentarily before stalking off.
A/N: I, for one, enjoyed writing this chapter immensely. Personally I believe that it foreshadows wonderfully; AND I got to have Neville punch Malfoy. I am particularly partial to that part, and I am sure you will all join me in saying: GO NEVILLE!