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Chapter 30- Welcome Back Potter
Harry spent the next few hours in "Trunk Time" getting used to his improved vision. He quickly realized what an amazing advantage this was. Not only could he see farther, but everything was much clearer and this helped with his aiming tremendously. Before resurfacing from his trunk, Dobby popped in with a message from Whiplock. Harry opened the envelope and read.
H.
Even though the Council as a whole was upset over the misjudgments made towards us over this last situation, most do not blame you by any means. Those rare few Goblins that have knowledge of you, trust you completely. We know who is to blame for these terrible times we face and we know enough to have trust in the one who can change it all.
The Council has agreed to not make any advancements towards war between the races, but they will not stand for losing face consistently for long. It is my understanding that there is a plan in place to eradicate some of this negativity towards my Race. We have faith that when push comes to shove, you will be the one who shoves back.
Be advised that Hogsmeade Station is crowded with Reporters and concerned Parents, I am sure you are already aware of this. Also you should be prepared for another attack, but I suppose you have to always be ready for that young warrior. I have a few Guards stationed in secret throughout Hogsmeade, if needed, they will be at your command.
Your Friend,
W.
Harry lit the message on fire and watched as it burned into nothingness. Stepping out of his trunk, the atmosphere in the train compartment had lifted a little. Harry supposed that was because this core of friends he had were truly battle tested. What other core of teenagers have battled Death Eaters more and lived to tell the tale. Harry knew that was the one aspect that was driving Riddle bat crazy.
"Harry Mate, I like the no glasses look, is that why you have that smug smile on your face?" asked Neville
At that statement, everyone's attention in the compartment turned towards Harry.
"Oh My Harry! Your eyes are remarkable." blushed Katie
"Oh come off it you guys." smiled Harry although he was starting to redden himself.
"I feel sorry for those blokes who have trouble with the ladies, thankfully I'm not one of them." smiled Dean
"All right, all right. I think we had enough fun teasing me, lets get down to business." smirked Harry as he now realized what Remus meant. He felt somewhat foolish for not getting it sooner, but really he hadn't had time to think as an average teenager does about girls. Shame really, as some of the prettiest girls around were within his entourage.
"What is it Harry?" asked Neville growing serious
"I've heard from some Comrades that there is a nice little welcoming party waiting for us at Hogsmeade Station." answered Harry
"That's to be expected though, isn't it?" asked Katie
"Yeah, but I think I should use this opportunity to make that statement we talked about. I mean wouldn't it be better to come right out with the truth before the Prophet can make up the lies?" asked Harry
"I think that sounds bloody perfect Mate. Beat them to the punch so to speak." added Dean
"Unfortunately, Bumbledore will never allow it, he will have escorts awaiting to rush us away from the crowd and into the School where he has ultimate control." stated Luna simply which silenced everyone.
"She's right. You wont be able to make a long statement, the Headmaster is to scared of what you will say." answered Neville breaking the small silence
"But what if you guys were to cause a distraction, enough so that I can have a few minutes, that's all I'll need for now." asked Harry
"I Think we can do that, can't we guys?" asked Dean
"We can try." said Neville
"That's all I can ask. Also in case of an attack, do your best to protect yourselves but your main priority has to be shielding the students. If you have a shot without risking the safety of the students, by all means take it, but shielding them will be our responsibility. I am sure that there will be friends there to take care of the offense side but there won't be many shielding the students." said Harry calmly
"All right Mate, now as for that distraction." smiled Dean
The last minutes before the trains arrival into Hogsmeade Station were spent planning and planning. Harry had prepared a small speech, and the gang was ready with a few distractions courtesy of the Twins that should give Harry the time he needs.
As soon as the doors opened, a tremendous noise exploded throughout the station. The shouts and yells from Parents, Reporters, Teachers, and Ministry Personnel all at once sent all the students into sensory overload. Harry feared a strike from Riddle would destroy them all. Because of this, He looked back and found the eyes of Neville who locked gazes for a few seconds, then nodded as he knew exactly what Harry wanted.
Neville turned back and grabbed Katie's hand and made a dash through the crowd. Neville whispered something to Katie while they ran, suddenly she picked up her pace and she was now leading Neville through the crowd as she amplified her voice.
"All Students make your way to the Castle as fast as you can, Prefects escort all first years, do not stop for anyone including your parents. Board the carriages as fast as you can and pack as many students as possible in each carriage, now is not the time for a stroll through Hogsmeade with only your friends.
The students understood her meaning for the most part. Several students recognized her as one of the only students who was free to roam around the train while it was under lockdown, meaning she knew what was going on.
Suddenly students poured out of the train in staggering numbers, relieving the bottle neck problem and confusing most adults at the station. The Reporters were having trouble identifying students as they looked hurriedly trying to spot one Harry Potter.
As carriage after carriage left Hogsmeade Station faster then ever before, a small gathering of Professors were smiling fondly of the leadership of the Prefects who understood the situation perfectly and ensured the safety of the students. One Professor was keeping a keen eye out for one raven haired student.
The good majority of the students were already off towards safety, with only a hand full of sixth and seventh years remaining. As Harry finally exited the train, he was swarmed by Reporters just like he assumed. Harry had to smile a little as Dean and Luna took control and ushered the many Reporters away from Harry as he made his way over towards the remaining carriages.
"Mister Potter, can you comment on what you were feeling as the Hogwarts Express was under attack?"
"Mister Potter…Over here….James Daily from the Daily Prophet , Reports are still coming in about the identities of those individuals that assisted in the attack at Kings Cross Station. Many are holding the Goblin Nation responsible for fighting in the station and risking the lives of all the students, care to comment?"
"Mister Potter…Over here.."
"Mister Potter ….Mister Potter….Mister Potter…."
Questions were coming hard and fast and from every possible direction. Harry assumed it would be rather chaotic but this was even worse then he was expecting. He was trying to stick to the plan and get as close to the carriage as possible before gathering everyone's attention and making his statement before fleeing inside the carriage before they could respond to his statement. The one good thing with so many Reporters is even the great Headmaster would have a hard time justifying interrupting Harry from speaking his mind.
It was Luna who suggested remaining quiet all the way until right before entering the carriage. Her reasoning was that the Headmaster would assume that Harry would flee all the attention seeing how he usually hated the spotlight, until it was too late, he would have a hard time stopping Harry once he began to speak.
With the majority of the student body already gone, Harry relaxed a little seeing how apparently Riddle was not going to attack tonight. Upon finally reaching the carriages, Harry spun on his heals as the collective Reporters gasped and quickly quieted in anticipation of Harry Potter making a statement.
As Harry waved a hand to silent the remaining Reporters from asking questions taking the opportunity to get their questions heard in the sudden silence, Harry spotted several faces in the crowd including most sixth and seventh year prefects. Clearing his throat which effectively shut everyone up as flashbulb after flashbulb exploded around him, Harry spotted the Headmaster making his way quickly towards Harry but he was too late.
"I will not be answering any questions but I do have a few things I would like to say. First off, today's tragedy could have been dampened if everyone would have practiced caution and been prepared for a probable attack. Like I have been saying since the end of my fourth year well over a year ago, Voldemort has returned and has been growing stronger and stronger as he rallies more and more allies to aid him in his psychotic cause."
The collective gasps when Harry said the word Voldemort turned into an uproar of questions that Harry couldn't make sense of because it just sounded like a babble of mixed words. Harry didn't have time for this because the Headmaster was getting closer even though no one noticed with all their eyes solely on Harry Potter.
"Please don't interrupt, like I said earlier, I will not be answering any questions. I would like to take this time to thank all of you lovely Reporters who slandered me and bad mouthed me to the point that every student inside the halls of Hogwarts, thought I was a complete nutter, so thank you for that. If the general public would learn to use their brains for once instead of blindly following the lame cover ups by the Ministry, maybe some people would have been better prepared and their lives saved instead of the death and destruction starting from the Diagon Alley attacks and leading up to today."
As several more camera flashes erupted, the Reporters grew increasingly more silent as Harry's words sank in.
"So let me be blunt this time so there is no misinterpretation. VOLDEMORT HAS RETURNED! He is gathering his Death Eaters and a war is steadily approaching us. Whether you choose to believe me or not, I could care less, it's your lives you'll be forfeiting. As for blaming the Goblins for today's incident is extremely laughable to me, although it doesn't surprise me one bit. No one wants to admit their failures, so what does Wizarding England do, turn to a scapegoat, the Goblin Nation. The real question you should be asking is where were all the Auror's and Ministry defense while those brave Goblins risked their lives to protect your children."
Harry let that statement air out as the Reporters looked towards one another completely ashamed as Harry continued.
" Many brave Goblins lost their lives today fighting a cause us humans were to stubborn to acknowledge, and how do we reward them for their bravery? We slander them to a point that some suggest we should war with the Goblin Nation….Pathetic!" spit out Harry in disgust.
"I for one would like to thank the Goblin Nation for their assistance and I am deeply saddened by your brothers who were lost to us today. I hate to think of what could have become of all those students had those Goblins not have come to our aide. I strongly suggest everyone to reconsider what they believe in and take a stand, now is not the time to sit in the bleachers. I acknowledge anyone who stands up for what they believe in even though the majority is against you, trust me I know how difficult that can be."
A few Reporters snickered at that seeing the irony in that last statement.
" As for Voldemort's Pureblood supremacy cause, I will leave you with this thought. To judge someone by their so called purity of blood is absolutely ridiculous. We should be judged on our character as Humans and our skills we possess. It makes no matter what heritage you have, I have met some tenth generation purebloods who couldn't tell the difference between a book and a dumbbell. And I have also met some Muggleborn Wizards who could rival Merlin himself. This whole pureblood cause is just Voldemort's excuse for causing a war and unleashing mayhem upon our world and we are just stupid enough to fall for it. If you want proof of this, just look into his heritage. Are you aware that Voldemort, leader of the pureblood cause is a half blood himself. His real name is Tom Marvolo Riddle, whose Father was a Muggle, not a Muggle born Wizard but a Muggle.
To say that the collective group of Reporters were shocked to hear that would be a serious understatement as whispers grew as they couldn't believe what they were hearing.
"That is all I have to say for now, thank you for listening and being respectful while I got those things off my chest, and thank you to everyone fighting the good cause. CONSTANT VIGALANCE!"
And with that Harry stepped into the carriage with Dean and Luna jumping in behind him as the Reporters surged forward shouting out various comments and taking pictures as the carriage zoomed off towards Hogwarts.
"Well that went better then I thought it would." stated Dean
"Yeah, I'm glad your idea paid off Luna, by the time the Headmaster realized I was making a statement, it was to late." smiled Harry
"Yes, it's always easier to plan of someone's assumptions." said Luna
"Merlin Harry, that was kinda crazy. I have no idea how you put up with that kind of chaos on the regular." asked Dean
"Like anything, it gets easier with time. Now you know why I like being James Harrington so much, no one gives him a second glance, quite refreshing you know." declared Harry as the carriage was making the final turn through the front gates of Hogwarts.
As the carriage came to a stop, Harry and crew popped out and made their way towards the front doors. Standing outside was Katie and Neville looking anxious.
"How did it go mate? Just like we planned?" asked Neville
"Pretty much, just like Luna planned." said Harry as Luna beamed and hugged Neville
"We wished we could have heard your speech, how did the Headmaster take it?" asked Katie as the group of teens looked back at the last of the carriages pulled up.
"He was clueless, he just beamed at us until right before we got into the carriage." said Harry
"Then he realized Harry was going to say something and then he looked panicked." stated Luna as the group started making their way into the Great Hall.
" Yeah I was ready to throw our little distraction plan into action, but as it turned out, we didn't need to." said Dean
As the group entered the Hall, everyone's attention turned towards them as the whispers grew. Luna turned to head towards the Ravenclaw table when Neville pulled her back by not letting go of her hand.
"Stay with me Luna, unless you would prefer to sit at your house table, in that case…..can I sit with you?" asked Neville
"Luna was shocked. Harry just beamed at Neville, how much he had changed since last term. Leading the way towards the Gryffindor table, Harry walked past a disgruntled looking Ron Weasley, sitting next to Ginny and shockingly, Lavender Brown.
Luna and Neville caught up with Harry, Katie, and Dean and the five sat down.
"Decided to sit with Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw huh Mate?" teased Dean and Neville slightly blushed but hid it well.
"That was my idea actually, most of Ravenclaw House doesn't like me very much, all of my friends are Gryffindors, so it seemed logical that I should sit here, I hope you don't mind." stated Luna quietly
"Now that you mention it, we do mind! Why don't you go back to your own House table." said Ron
"Ronald!" chastised Hermione who was sitting a few seats down next to Parvati.
"She has more right to sit here then you do traitor!" grinded out Neville as most of the Gryffindor's stopped chatting and were paying attention.
Harry stood up and glared down his House table.
"Does anyone else have a problem with Luna sitting here besides Weasley?" stated Harry as he glared down the table.
No one said a thing, in fact most people were shaking their heads that they had no problem. As for Ron, he turned a pale color of red at Harry's use of his last name, but said nothing further.
"Then that's settled, Luna stays." declared Harry taking his seat once again before adding, "If you still have a problem with that Weasley, your free to join the Slytherin table with all the other traitorous filth!"
Ron said nothing in return besides an even meaner glare as the Headmaster entered the Hall and everyone looked towards the door as the Professors' followed Dumbledore.
The Headmaster made his way to the podium and a silence grew across the hall.
"Welcome everyone, welcome. I am glad that majority of you all made it safely and securely. I would like to take this moment to thank those Prefects who used wisdom and good judgment to ensure the safety of all the students, especially Head Girl Katie Bell."
With that the Gryfindor's cheered her on, especially Harry's crew including Dean who was banging his fist on the table.
"Yes, Yes, Great work indeed. On to more serious news. As you are aware, we are facing dark times ahead. It is with that reason, all Hogsmeade trips have been banned to all students below sixth year." stated Dumbledore
There was a murmur of disappointment but after the Death Eater attack on the train, most students realized it was probably for the best.
" Now onto School business, I would like to introduce our new staff member, Professor Slughorn, who will be replacing Professor Snape in teaching potions."
There was thunderous applause as Professor Slughorn stood up, mostly because Snape was no longer teaching potions.
"Could it be, has my biggest dream come true?" stated Harry in mild shock until Neville patted him on the back and pointed near the front doors as Professor Snape sweeped through heading for the staff tables. Behind him was the majority of Slytherin students as they made their way over to their House table.
Harry and crew just glared at them not saying anything but with the smug looks on most of their faces, Harry knew they were pre-warned about the attack on the Train.
"Taking over Defense Against the Dark Arts position is our ex potions Teacher, Professor Snape." said Dumbledore
"And once again, my dreams are crushed." said a deflated Harry
"Don't worry chap, I think everyone's dreams were crushed with that last statement. At least he will have trouble trying to stump you in defense." stated Dean
"Don't worry, he will find a way." said Luna simply
Everyone looked towards her for a second before smiles and snickers took over, causing more glares from Ron further down the table.
" Thank you Professors, That Is all for the announcements, now after a rocky start, here's to another year, let the feast begin!" stated the Headmaster as piles and piles of food appeared from seemingly nowhere.
Immediately Harry and crew dug in, after everything that happened today, they were completely famished. Towards the end of their pig out session, Harry was interrupted by a tap on the shoulder. Turning around, Harry was startled to see two Hufflepuff students before him.
"Ummm Harry, can we talk to you for a second?" asked Susan Bones
"Yeah, sure." answered Harry as stood up from the table and followed Susan and her friend out the Great Hall and into the Atrium.
"What's up Susan?" asked Harry
"Well, I…..I mean we, just wanted to say thank you. We both scored O's in owl Defense O.W.L. and you are primarily to blame for that." said Susan
"Not to mention making sure we were prepared and always safe. Because of your pep talks, my family initiated an escape plan in case of emergencies." said Hannah in a slight whisper as Susan continued
"Yeah, Hannah's family Manor was attacked this summer by Death Eaters…..completely burned to the ground."
"My God Hannah, I'm so sorry. I didn't hear anything about that?" said Harry
"It's okay really, it's just a house. Because of you, my whole family is safe. My family said I was being paranoid but I was insistent." smiled Hannah as she lunged forward and hugged Harry so fierce, he thought she might have broken a rib.
"I am so happy to hear that everyone is safe Hannah, but I'm not to thank for that, you are. I merely gave everyone suggestions on how to be safe, you were the one to initiate them and antagonize your family until they listened. So really Hannah, you don't owe me anything." stated Harry after Hannah released her death hold on him.
"I told you he would say that." smiled Susan as Hannah shook her head
"No Harry, your wrong. I owe you more then I can ever pay back." said Hannah
"Okay, in that case I would as for one thing for payment." said Harry
"Anything Harry." answered Hannah as she stared down at her feet
"Your friendship." smiled Harry as Hannah looked up so fast with a confused look on her face.
"No matter how many times I tell her, she never believes me. I told you Han, he's not that way." said an amused Susan.
"I'm not what way?" asked Harry somewhat confused.
"Hannah here thought that you, like most purebloods, would request payment in a more….how should I say….sexual nature." smiled Susan as Harry understood and blushed madly as he looked towards Hannah who was also blushing.
"Ohhh, well to say that I am flattered would be a serious understatement." said Harry
"I'm sorry, stupid really. I know. Like the great Harry Potter would want someone like me." said Hannah as she laughed nervously while Susan frowned.
"No Hannah, don't say that." said Harry as he lifted her head so she could see he meant what he was saying; " any Wizard would be damn lucky to have your affections, you are a very beautiful young witch." smiled Harry
"I am?" whispered Hannah as Harry nodded his head yes.
"Hannah, it's just that you know what lies ahead for me, and to be honest I don't really have time for a girlfriend, you know."
"I know, your right. But it's not fair, your always sacrificing yourself for other people, don't you deserve to be happy as well?" asked Hannah as Susan nodded.
"Unfortunately, I can never be that happy while that bastard is still alive and breathing. But on a side note, just thinking about your supposed repayment option will keep me happy for several weeks." beamed Harry as Hannah smiled big and Susan laughed
"Thanks Harry, and just so you know, that offer is still on the table if you ever change your mind." giggled Hannah as she leaned forward and kissed Harry before turning around and heading back into the Great Hall with Susan. Harry just stayed there for a second in shock. Shaking away bad thoughts, Harry also made his way back in and over towards Neville and the gang that were now half way through dessert.
"What was that about Mate?" asked Neville while sliding over some Treacle Tart.
"Nothing really, but I will explain later." answered Harry grabbing his favorite dessert and digging in.
"Really Mate, nothing…doesn't look to me like that was nothing." teased Dean as he was looking towards the Hufflepuff table to where Susan and Hannah were sneakily giving glances back towards Harry.
"What's wrong Dean….are you getting Jealous? Are you losing your touch with the ladies? Do you need me to give you some pointers?" asked Harry with a fake concerned expression.
"What! No need for that Brother, me losing my game, you cant be serious." answered Dean while puffing out his chest and running a hand through his hair.
Harry just smiled as he knew that would distract Dean enough to forget what he was talking about. Suddenly two Ravenclaw girls were heading out of the hall as Dean was doing his chest puffing thing.
"Hi Dean." said the girls in unison as they giggled something to each other while walking away.
"Hey ladies." smiled Dean as everyone had a laugh at Deans expense although he didn't seem to mind.
"That's right, I still got it. Losing my game, Potter you have gone mad." declared Dean as more laughter ensued.
"Excuse me Mister Potter, this is for you." stated a small Hufflepuff girl who had to be a first or second year because she was so small.
Before Harry could reach out and grab the note, Neville pulled out his wand so fast and cast a spell on the note silently, the little girl was so startled, it looked like she might have had an accident in her pants. Harry looked over at Neville as if to say; what are you doing?
"You never know Mate, it could have been charmed or spelled, I mean who would think to use a innocent little girl to deliver death. I'm just saying." shrugged Neville and he turned his attention back towards Luna.
Harry just smirked as he shook his head, he then apologized and relieved the little girl of her message. Flashing her a huge smile, Harry watched the little girl blush and giggle as she made a mad dash back to her House table. He opened the message completely relaxed that it was not a cursed letter thanks to Neville, and began reading.
Harry
It pains me to admit this, but I have made very poor decisions in regards to you, I just don't know where it all went wrong. Professor McGonagall has giving me quite the wake up call, I assure you. I would like to take this time to extend an olive branch if you will of friendship. I know you may not believe it, but I am on your side of things, I want Lord Voldemort vanquished as well. If you would, I would appreciate you giving me one hour of your time tonight, I feel it is time for me to tell you things I should have told you that night in the Hospital Wing your first year. Stop by my office tonight at 8:00pm, that should give you enough time to relax with your friends after the feast.
I understand if you feel you can not trust me still, If you are not here by ten after, I will assume that I have more work to do in extending that olive branch.
Hoping to see you tonight
Headmaster Albus Dumbledore
P.S. I do so love Mars Bars, you wouldn't have any by any chance would you?
Harry stowed away the note as he thought hard about what the Headmaster's motives could be this time. Looking at his watch, Harry still had some time to decide whether or not he would accept the Headmaster's invitation. Tuning back into the conversation going on between Katie, Dean, and Luna.
After finishing up dessert in the Great Hall, the pack of Gryffindors made their way to the Head Girls Dormitory. Katie was so excited, and who wouldn't be when you had your own room just for yourself. Although she did share the common room with a Ravenclaw boy named Eddie Carmichael.
The Fearsome Five spent a few minutes chatting and checking out Katie's new place, they said goodbyes, and Harry and Dean made their way back to Gryffindor Tower and Neville walked Luna back to Her Common room.
"I wish I was a Gryffindor, then I wouldn't have to leave everyone all the time." declared Luna
"I Know, but look on the bright side, with all your stuff locked away safely in your new trunk, you wont have to worry about anyone touching your things anymore." smiled Neville
Luna cheered up at hearing his words.
"Besides, if you get too lonely, just enter your trunk and floo over to mine." winked Neville as they made it to the hidden entrance to Ravenclaw Tower.
"I might just do that, Goodnight Neville." smiled Luna as she tip toed up and kissed Neville briefly and entered her Common room. Neville stood there for a second processing what Luna just said. "This year is already looking promising." Neville said to himself as he bounced happily all the ay back to Gryffindor Tower.
After cheerily conversing with the Fat Lady, Neville made his way to the sixth year dorm. When he entered the room, he spotted Dean sitting Indian style on Seamus' bed chatting excitedly, Ron was rummaging through his trunk, throwing things everywhere like always, and Harry was no where to be seen. Walking deeper in the room and towards his area, Neville spotted Harry's Trunk expanded and in his usual Trunk spot, Neville assumed he was probably down in there hanging out with Alissa.
"Hey Nev, everything go okay with Luna?" smiled Dean as he and Seamus were calming down from a fit of laughter.
"Beautifully Mate, why, you still looking for pointers?" answered Neville teasingly
"Not you too. You and Harry have gone bonkers I tell you, bonkers!" said Dean as he shook his head while Seamus and Neville laughed.
"Laugh it up suckers, you'll see sooner or later, now if you don't mind, I'm off to the owlery, you said you wanted to come with Seamus?" asked Dean getting up from his bed and grabbing a few letters.
"Yeah, Mate, let's go. See Ya Nev." said Seamus as he too grabbed a few letters and left the dorm with Dean.
An awkward silence started to grow as Neville pulled his wand and started to clean his bed linens and hangings before stowing his trunk. Ron was just glaring at him without saying anything. Finally Neville had to say something, turning around and facing Ron.
"Do you have problem Ron, or can I help you with something?"
"I'm just wondering when did you become best friends with Harry and Dean?" asked Ron
"Well, seeing how we have been dorm mates since first year, I would think that was obvious. You know, you used to be one as well, that was before we found out you did the unthinkable." stated Neville simply
"Unthinkable, it didn't start off that way." said Ron sounding a little defeated as apparently his anger was subsiding.
"That's funny, Hermione said the same thing, but you know it doesn't matter what your intentions were, you were getting paid to be Harry's friend, how did you think he was going to take that?" asked Neville honestly
"You wouldn't understand Longbottom, you have always had money so it's not a concern of yours. I wanted to be Harry's friend anyways, I mean he is the bloody boy-who-lived. Getting paid was just a bonus."
"You might be right about me always having money, but that doesn't mean I don't have morals, and you definitely crossed that line Ron."
"Maybe I did, but it was the great Albus Dumbledore that was asking me to do this, and I was bloody eleven for Merlin's sake." shouted Ron
"All valid points, but your attitude and demeanor since before Sirius' will reading couldn't be more clearer, we have been seeing the real Ron Weasley lately and we want no part of it." stated Neville simply
"You just don't understand, no one could unless you have been in my shoes." said Ron much more calmly.
"Your right about that, I don't understand. I used to be so jealous of you, you know. You had a huge Family that loves you. You had two best mates in Harry and Hermione, you were popular and everybody liked you, and after having all of that, all you cared about was how many galleons were in your pocket." said Neville shaking his head.
"You don't know what it's like being poor!" shouted Ron
"Yeah, yeah, I know. But you see I do. That just goes to show how little about me you actually know." declared Neville getting tired of this conversation, but apparently that shut Ron up for now.
Neville pulled out his Trunk card and enlarged it where he usually stowed his trunk. Ron realized right away that it was very similar to Harry's instead of the Potter crest, there was the Longbottom crest.
"Nice trunk, yeah…like you know what it's like to be poor." grumbled Ron
"It is a nice trunk, Present from Harry to all his TRUE friends. You could have had one as well, but….ohh never mind, it's like talking to a wall. Have a nice night Ron…alone." stated Neville sadly as he pushed something on his trunk that Ron couldn't see and he was astonished as it opened up right down the middle, and Neville walked in as the lid shut behind him.
Ron was gob smacked, now he realized that's probably where Harry was as well, inside his trunk. Walking closer to Harry's to check it out better, Ron decided he would see just how cool it was. Reaching out to lift the lid, was the last thing Ron remembered as he touched the Trunk and flew backwards, slamming against the stone wall of the tower, and falling unconscious.