Hello again everyone, no, you're not imagining things, this is an update, and hopefully there will be many more of them sooner rather than later. I have some updates I'd like to share here and hopefully people who read both of my stories will be excited with this update. I have started a rewrite of the first chapter of The Girl Who Lived, I read it and cringed at nearly every line, so I decided it was time for it to be changed. When this will be out will be entirely dependent on how much time I have to write it. I'm also tossing around the idea of getting a new tablet for writing, mine has not aged terribly well, and it was more than expected considering how much I bought it for. So if I finally break and get a new tablet, hopefully updates will be more frequent. I think that covers everything for now, so please, enjoy the chapter and I hope it turns out worth the wait.

Death is only the Beginning

Chapter 6

At first, all Harry could do was sit there, watching the scene about to unfold as though he was separate from the world before quickly snapping back to reality and standing to face Ron, doing his best to block him from Remus' view.

"Ron, can you give us a second, we were just finishing up a personal conversation."

Harry could see the curiosity bloom in Ron's eyes, something that shocked Harry to the core, he had never seen Ron curious about anything other than food, Chess and Quidditch. Ron said nothing but nodded and stepped out of the compartment. Harry let out a sigh of relief before turning to Remus, seeing him about to explode with rage. Harry knew he had to be quick to stop Remus from making a mistake that could possibly let the rat escape.

"Moony, calm down right now! We can't risk him knowing we're on to him!"

Harry fancied he could feel Hermione's questioning gaze on him as Remus fixed him with one of his own. Knowing that he had the situation in hand for the moment, Harry spoke, making his point quickly to keep Remus from risking the confrontation.

"Moony, use your brain, do you really think Ron's just going to let you kill his rat? Of course he won't, he'll try to stop you and if the rat gets away so does any chance we have of freeing Sirius! So keep yourself under control because I swear if you ruin this you'll wish that being a werewolf was the worst thing in your life!"

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Harry almost laughed himself silly at the gobsmacked look on Remus' face. Harry gave Remus enough time to think things through and only when he saw the older man nod did he turn and move to the door, hoping beyond hope that the rat hadn't seen Remus' face. When Harry pulled the door open he almost let out another sigh of relief, Pettigrew had been sleeping through the whole exchange as far as Harry could tell.

"Sorry about that Ron, come on in."

As much as he hated acting civil to one of the main people who ruined his life many times over, Harry did his best to keep things under wraps, he planned to keep things the same as much as he could, knowing that Ron would give him plenty of opportunities to cut him out of his life during this year alone. The trip passed uneventfully, something Harry was eternally grateful for, they had even managed to keep Ron oblivious to his growing relationship with Hermione, an easy task to be sure but still one he was happy to have completed. A growing eagerness to return to the school filled Harry, knowing that he was about as excited to return as he was to arrive his first year but he quickly decided he didn't care.

Stepping off the train, Harry stopped once he had a chance and looked up at the castle, smiling at the view it gave him and the happiness that filled him, he was home. As Harry, in the company of Ron, Hermione and Remus, made the journey to the carriages, Harry found himself planning the year out as best as he could. When he realized what he was doing, Harry had to fight back the laughter at the realization, he'd never planned anything in his life and here he was, planning things months in advanced. Shaking his head to pull himself from his thoughts, Harry stepped into the carriage, sitting next to Hermione as Ron sat next to Remus, Harry suddenly frowned and turned to Hermione.

"Hey Hermione, have you seen Nev, he just kinda disappeared after the Dementors showed up."

Before Hermione could answer Ron scoffed and waved off Harry's question as though it was unimportant, but his words made Harry come close to losing his control.

"Who cares, he's probably still in the bathroom, too ashamed to come out because he wet himself when they came in the room. How someone like that got into Hogwarts let alone Gryffindor is beyond me."

The resulting silence was so absolute that even with the rattling of the carriage a pin falling on the floor could be heard. Harry was about to react when Hermione beat him to it.

"Don't you dare talk about Neville like that! He's supposed to be your friend, is that how you talk about Harry and I when we're gone?"

Harry smiled at Hermione, noting the approval on Remus' face at Hermione's words and when Remus decided to weigh in, his words couldn't have been better if the situation had been scripted beforehand.

"Well said Hermione, I'm glad to see you've at least chosen one of your friends wisely Harry."

Harry grinned at Remus before he responded.

"Well Professor, if I had've known this is how he acts towards people he doesn't consider useful I wouldn't have even considered calling him a friend. I can't believe he even thought it let alone said it. I wonder how true Hermione's question is. With how you treated Hermione first year I wouldn't be surprised if it was true."

The remaining journey up to the castle was uncomfortable for one Ron Weasley, and Harry saw him almost scrambling to get out of the carriage and away from the other 3 occupants. Harry put his hand on Hermione's shoulder and let Remus exit the carriage first giving Harry enough time to kiss Hermione on the cheek and whisper to her before they exited.

"It is good to know that I chose so well with you, in more ways than one."

Harry smiled as he saw Hermione blushing fiercely as she stepped from the carriage. When Harry got out himself he quickly looked around to find Neville. When Harry saw him he hurried over to Neville and placed a hand on his shoulder, frowning when Neville crouched and almost ran away from him, his eyes wide with fear. It wasn't the fear in his eyes that bothered Harry, it was the black eye that was already forming around his left eye that drew his attention. Neville gulped when he saw the look on Harry's face and stood.

"S…s….Sorry, Harry. I thought you were…..someone else."

Harry saw Neville's eyes dart toward the doorway and just caught Malfoy walking into the Entrance Hall, smirking at Neville. His smirk vanished quickly when he saw Harry standing next to Neville however, and he quickly made his way into the Hall, Harry noticing that someone must have healed the damage he did to not only Malfoy, but to Crabbe and Goyle as well. When Harry turned back to Neville he saw fear and shame in his eyes and Harry decided it was more than past time he helped his friend.

"Malfoy did this to you. It's about time you stood up to not only him but everyone else as well Nev."

Harry watched as Neville hung his head and mumbled something that he couldn't quite hear over the noise of the students.

"What was that Nev?"

Anger coursed through him as Neville repeated himself, this time loud enough for Harry to catch his words.

"He's right Harry, I don't deserve to be here, I can't cast the simplest spells."

"No, that's enough Nev. You and I are going to work on your spellcasting this year, you'll have Malfoy cowering at the sight of you by the time we're done, that's a promise."

Neville didn't respond verbally but with a shaky smile that just barely held. Harry slapped Neville on the back and pulled him into the Hall, noting that Hermione had waited for them both and the 3 walked into the Great Hall together for the welcoming feast. While Hermione and Neville were engrossed in conversation, Harry participated only peripherally, his mind working over the problem. Harry knew that Neville improved in his previous lives when he got his own wand, but he needed one now and Harry was determined to get him that wand as soon as possible. So engrossed in his musings Harry didn't even pay attention to the sorting and missed Dumbledore's speech completely, only being pulled from his thoughts when Hermione nudged him when she noticed he hadn't moved to get any food when it appeared on the plates.

"What's wrong Harry? I don't think I've ever seen you so distracted."

Harry quickly glanced at Neville, wondering how to handle this situation. Harry shrugged softly and started to pile some food onto his plate.

"Just wondering where Neville and I are going to practice his spellcasting."

Harry didn't miss Neville's blush of embarrassment or Hermione's smile, Harry of course knew where he was going to go to help his friend but Hermione and Neville didn't need to know that. Participating more in this conversation than he had before, hoping to find a way through it to help Neville get his new wand. He needn't have been so worried as Hermione, as she always seemed to, came up with the perfect solution to the problem, regardless of the fact that she wasn't aware of the true problem.

"Why don't we talk to Professor McGonagall and see if she can suggest some exercises to help?"

Smiling happily at Hermione, Harry squeezed her hand under the table, a poor substitute for the kiss he wanted to give her.

"That's a great idea actually, perhaps we can get her to look at your wand too Nev, maybe Ollivander couldn't get a good enough match to you."

Harry watched Neville carefully as he mumbled his agreement.

"Nev, what's wrong mate?"

Neville started, as though he was shocked to find Harry still speaking to him.

"It's nothing Harry, but, do we really have to talk to McGonagall about my wand?"

"Nev, if it's affecting your spellcasting then we need to fix it mate, it's not like it's a complete mismatch of your wand right? I mean it's not like you're using someone else's wand."

Neville's reaction was just what Harry needed and wanted, he dropped his fork and his jaw dropped open and before he could even think about what he was saying, he spoke the words Harry needed him to say.

"How did you know I'm using my dad's wand?"

Schooling his features into a look of surprise was difficult for Harry, internally he was celebrating, things worked out beyond his best hopes despite the embarrassment of someone he hoped would become one of his closest friends.

"I didn't Nev, but if you are, that could be the problem. If your wand isn't matched to you, it could be the reason you're having so much difficulty."

Harry watched Neville closely, waiting as patiently as he could while Neville hid his face in his hands for a few minutes before he finally looked up at Harry and Hermione.

"Can we talk about this later please? I promise we can go to McGonagall tonight if you want but just drop it for now okay?"

Frowning at his reaction Harry suddenly realized where they were and looked around the hall, noting that their discussion had remained ignored at least he hoped so. Harry turned back to Neville and nodded.

"Sorry Nev, I wasn't thinking. We should've had this conversation later."

"It's okay Harry, I know you both are just trying to help."

The rest of the feast passed with amazing quickness for Harry, he barely even remembered the conversations they had that night but as the feast broke up, Harry nodded to Hermione and then jerked his head toward Neville, Hermione smiled and nodded, Harry knew she would keep Neville close by even if she had to curse him to do it. Standing up Harry turned toward the head table and headed straight for McGonagall. As though sensing his approach Harry found McGonagall waiting for him at the head table, her arms crossed over her standard emerald green teaching robes, the same stern look on her face, her ebony hair in the same old immaculate bun making Harry smile, glad to see that some things never change.

"Well Mr Potter, what trouble are you causing now?"

Deciding to have a bit of fun with one of his favorite teachers, Harry adopted a look of scandalized shock and gasped.

"Me? Why Professor, how could you utter such words? I am the school's one and only model student after all."

Having a hard time keeping his own face straight, his resolve broke and he started laughing as he saw McGonagall's jaw drop for a few seconds in shock. His laughter brought the realization he was causing trouble again and she started rubbing her eyes in response. It took a few seconds for Harry to regain control and stop laughing, finally managing it, Harry cleared his throat and smiled at McGonagall.

"Actually, I need to talk to you about Neville. Can we go up to your office to discuss this?"

Whatever she was expecting, it wasn't what he said. Harry watched as McGonagall's eyebrows rose up, almost disappearing into her hair from shock, before nodding and leading the way out of the Great Hall. Harry followed a few steps behind her, waving for Hermione and Neville to follow when he saw them waiting outside the doors to the hall. As they fell into step with him, Harry saw Hermione give him a questioning look, responding only by shaking his head softly and mouthing "later" to her. The trip up to McGonagall's office was quick and silent, Harry trying his best to plan out the conversation, wanting to help his friend, remembering all the times Neville had followed him and helped him out.

Upon reaching her office, McGonagall held the door to her office open, and ushered the three students inside. Sitting down in one of the chairs in front of her desk, with Neville and Hermione on either side of him, Harry waited for McGonagall to sit down before starting to explain the reason they were there.

"We're sorry to bother you so early in the school year but, we need some help. Hermione and I recently found out something about Neville that would explain a few things about his spellwork."

Harry looked over to Neville and nodded at him to take over. He watched as Neville sat silent for a few minutes before closing his eyes, swallowing hard and looking up at McGonagall.

"Harry thinks that because I'm using my dad's wand it may be holding my spell casting back. Is there some way that you can check and see if he's right?"

Turning to McGonagall, Harry saw her sitting with her eyes wide, turning her eyes on Harry she narrows them for a second before turning her eyes back to Neville.

"You should have come forward with this sooner Mr Longbottom. It could indeed be the problem you are suffering from. There are times when familial wands will work for others, but in most cases you will find the wand will refuse to bond with the wielder. I am unsure why your grandmother would do this to you however, she is aware of the need to have a wand suited to a specific person."

All eyes in the room were on Neville, who couldn't bring himself to look at anyone , his eyes glued to the ground.

"Gran says if I can't use his wand I'll never be as good as my dad was."

Harry's eyes widened in shock and anger, but his attention was drawn immediately to McGonagall, he could hear the growl she was emitting and it shocked him, he had only seen this much emotion coming from her a handful of times, but what shocked him more, was seeing her stand, walk over to her fireplace and throw in a pinch of floo powder. He barely registered anything she did after that point, Neville had come back into his field of view and he found himself growling at the tears falling down his friend's cheeks. Before he could say or do anything, Hermione had stood and walked over to him, and wrapped her arms around his shoulders, tears of her own streaming down her cheeks, Harry swallowed his own emotions, and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Nev, I don't care what your grandmother says, you are no worse than your father because you can't use his wand."

Any response Neville may have had was drowned out by the two elder witches who had started raising their voices. For all three students it was something to behold, watching their teacher, who had always been so dispassionate in every situation screaming in defense of her student. For Harry, it reinforced every bit of faith he had in her, but it was the response from Neville's grandmother that broke his silence.

"It would be a waste of time to get Neville his own wand! He can't even use his father's wand properly, what good would it do him to give him another wand to fail with! He will need a miracle to be even close to as good as his father! He's a disappointment to this family!"

For once in her life, the elderly woman found herself shocked into silence without a word needing to be said. Both her and McGonagall found themselves staring at Harry, the anger coursing through him making his magical energies run wild, just barely contained. When he woke his voice was just barely above a whisper, but everyone in the room heard every word he spoke.

"How dare you speak of your grandchild that way. He is an exemplary wizard, and he would be able to show it to everyone, if only his fool of a guardian would realize that he is not his father! Frank Longbottom would have thrown you out of your family if he knew how you were treating his son! You are his guardian, his grandmother, his own flesh and blood, start acting like it!"

His final words echoed in the silence that followed, stunning everyone but most of all shocking Augusta to her core. Harry's eyes bore into hers and everything he said started to hit her, hard. Finding herself unable to speak, she simply turned to McGonagall and nodded before turning to Neville, a look if sorrow and shame etched into her features. Turning to the fireplace, she left without a word. The silence reigned for a few more moments, allowing Harry to reign in his emotions and calm himself, it was strange for him to have to be able to do this, he never found himself able to calm himself like this before. Once he felt sufficiently calmed, Harry turned to Neville, intent on apologizing for speaking on his father's behalf as he did but McGonagall cut him off.

"Mr Longbottom, tomorrow you and I will be taking a trip to Diagon Alley, we have much work to do to correct any bad habits you may have developed using a wand not suited to you. Miss Granger, if you would take Mr Longbottom to Gryffindor tower, I would like to have a word with Mr Potter in private."

Hermione nodded, giving Harry a sympathetic smile as she stood and pulled Neville out of the room. Once they had left Harry braced himself for a verbal lashing that was sure to be legendary in the Halls if Hogwarts for generations to come, but after what felt like hours, McGonagall still said nothing. Harry found himself looking at her, curiosity making his mind race, but when she spoke, it was to drive him into shock induced silence.

"Harry, I wish I could tell your parents what you just did for your friend. You may not be aware of this but I was quite close with both of your parents and I know they would both be extremely proud of your actions. When it was time for you to come to Hogwarts, I found myself excited, I couldn't wait to see you again, and welcome you home, welcome you back to where you belong, and help guide you to be the extraordinary man we all knew you would become. The headmaster asked that I keep my professional distance intact so I stopped myself but I find that I am unable to do so any longer. I'm very proud to call you one of my lions Harry, more so than any other student before you."

The words washed over Harry and he found himself fighting tears himself, having been caught completely off guard by her words. Stammering and stumbling to try and find something to say, he found himself cut off once again.

"You should head to the tower Harry, it is getting late and you need your rest."

Recognizing the dismissal, Harry nodded and stood, still too shocked to say anything. About to turn the handle and leave the office, Harry stopped and turned his head when McGonagall called his name.

"Since I was unable to say this earlier, I'll take the opportunity to do so now. Welcome home Harry."