Chapter 5: Hogwarts Gets Interesting
Neville was leaving Transfiguration about a week later.
"Mr. Longbottom, may I talk to you alone?"
Neville started to sweat nervously at the thought of being alone with the stern Transfiguration mistress.
"I assure you that you're not in trouble."
Neville nodded in relief as he sat down.
"Is it true that you get bullied by the Slytherins?" McGonagall asked him.
"Yes, I do but how do you know?"
"I'm ashamed that I didn't know before this I received this letter."
Neville was confused so he asked. "Letter?"
"It's from my distant cousin Timothy Armiger, he teaches at the Wizarding School in The Sierra Nevada Mountains."
Neville's head snapped up when she said the Sierra Nevada mountains. That's where Delaney goes to school.
"So, you know someone who goes to that school?"
Neville nodded, smiled slightly and said. "Yes, she's my best friend we met when my parents were transferred to America when I was seven."
McGonagall nodded and said. "Okay, you are excused."
Neville left the room. Harry had been waiting for him.
"So, what did McGonagall want to talk to you about?"
"Nothing," Neville lied.
Harry shrugged. The day continued. The last incident of bullying for Neville was at the first flying lesson a few days later. Though he wasn't even there for it since he had broken his wrist when he fell off his broom during the flying lesson.
"Are you okay, honey?" Alice asked.
"Yes, I'm fine mum," He assured his mum.
"Why haven't you told your dad or I that you get bullied?" Alice asked, sweetly.
"I thought you two would be upset with me since -" Alice cut her son off.
"Honey, we'll never be upset at you for being bullied. Your father was bullied as well," She said.
Neville looked at his mum surprised. His dad didn't look at all like he was bullied.
"Don't look so surprised sweetie, he might be a formidable auror now but he was just like you," Alice laughed just as Frank walked in the Hospital Wing.
"Talking about me?" Frank asked, grinning at his wife and son.
"What makes you say that?" Alice teased.
Frank just sat down next to his wife.
"Dad, is it true that you were just like me?"
Frank nodded and said. "Yes, I was exactly like you except you got your mum's forgetfulness."
"What changed?"
Frank smiled at Alice and said,"I became friends with your mum."
Neville could see his mum blushing.
It turned out that Harry was asked to be on the Quidditch team. That's quite the feat for a first year but he knew it wouldn't be fair to others.
It was now right after Halloween. Neville was writing Delaney back.
Dear Laney,
The Slytherins don't bully me anymore. I guess the teacher you told is distantly related to McGonagall and he wrote her a letter telling her I get bullied. Thanks for that. I broke my wrist in our first flying lesson. I was never really good on a broom. My wrist feels better though.
You'll never guess what Harry fought a few days ago. He fought a troll. He had to save Hermione from it because Ron was tactless and insulted her in Charms. I wonder who let the troll in. I hope you're doing well.
Your friend,
Nev.
He smiled at the letter and went down to the Owlery. Delaney received the letter.
"Ms. Friar do you know much about Hogwarts it's the Wizarding school in Scotland?" Delaney asked the History of Magic teacher.
"I know quite a lot about Hogwarts actually," She smiled.
"You do?"
"I taught there for a year but I didn't really like it, I much prefer teaching in America."
Delaney nodded.
"This is about your friend that goes to Hogwarts?" She asked, smiling knowingly.
Delaney nodded again and said. "Technically, not because his god brother fought a troll on Halloween."
"Who would let in a troll to a school with children, that's unsafe!"
Delaney shrugged.
"I'll do some research and report back."
"Thanks Mrs. Friar."
The woman smiled and they parted ways. Delaney decided not to write Neville back until Mrs. Friar reported back which she reported right before Thanksgiving break. The troll was one of the guards of something called the Sorcerer's Stone. Delaney was writing Neville back.