A/N
Thank you for your ideas regarding Neville's Patronus. I'll stick to one of the more traditional ones (which one you'll see later). It's not a very 'unique' one (the bee would have been like the one I had been thinking about for a while: the Bowtruckle), but according to an internet side I found about the meaning of animal symbols, it was simply too appropriate for him.
Btw: I intend to write about another 6-7 chapters for this story, so it should be finished around end of July. After that I'll start the sequel about the events of the Summer Break and Year 5.
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Time to Heal
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Hospital Wing – 22nd of March – Wednesday Afternoon
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Three days had gone by since the attack on Hermione, three days since Daphne awoke in the middle of a fight. Since then Ginny and the twins had left their long sleep too, deadly exhausted but otherwise well and without any permanent damage to their cores. Daphne had been more than a bit relieved to hear that.
From time to time one of the teenagers looked up from their work and glanced towards the unusual group at the back of the room. Harry and Neville – who was a bit afraid about Hermione still not being fully healed and overtaxing herself – were helping Daphne with the subjects she had missed. A few older Gryffindors and quite a number of girls from other houses had offered to do the same for the twins, but Fred and George happily declined – under the glares of Daphne and Hermione and the smiles of Harry and Neville. Daphne assumed that in Fred's case it was a healthy respect of Angelina's fury that convinced the boy not to allow some fan girls near his bed.
Luckily Daphne had been advanced enough in her preparative work that she would now be able to catch up within a few days. She was eager to leave her bed again and continue the training with her friends, despite the exhaustion that still had her in its grip. She was looking forward to the training plan she had prepared for Harry with Hermione's help – multicoloured like it was supposed to be – and the third task was waiting now to be put into action. Hermione had used the previous week to read about former tournaments and had a rough idea what could be expected.
Every time it had been a kind of obstacle course, combat area or arena, bristling with riddles and dangerous animals of all kind. Instead of choosing one especially large and dangerous enemy – like the dragon in the first task – Harry had to expect a large number of dangerous plants and animals like Acromantula, Salamander or swarms of Doxies. They hoped that nothing like a Chimaera would be part of the test, but feared that the judges would put to good use the last remaining of Hagrid's blast-ended Skrewts. Only a handful had survived the term, but those were larger than a horse now and immune to most magic.
Dodging attacks, casting all kind of shields and protective spells and a wide area of attack and use spells to circumvent his enemies broad range of defences was part of the training plan. Luna had been especially helpful with the riddle part. Somehow she had been able to convince the picture protecting the entrance to the Ravenclaw Tower to part with every riddle of the past ten years. Harry hoped that Luna wouldn't really act on her threat to ask him every single one of them over the next weeks.
"They won't get healed faster by the heat of your glare, Neville," Daphne whispered with a smile. She was nearly as anxious as Neville, but better able to hide it.
Neville sighed and with much self-control turned around. "But she's still not fully healed."
"Hermione knows what she's doing," Daphne reassured him. She suppressed her smile. His concern is really cute. Hermione is lucky to have him. "She has to be careful with hasty moves and luggage, but overall she does fine. Poppy allowed her to cast the spell, remember." Hermione had to visit the Hospital Wing two times a day but otherwise Poppy had allowed her to attend the lessons.
Neville nodded hesitantly and Harry added: "And it had to be Hermione or Daphne, you know that. Ginny couldn't relax enough with one of us boys being the mediator." Neville nodded again, this time with more conviction. Harry was right: It had to be a girl to relax Ginny far enough, and Daphne was still not well enough to endure the exhaustion of casting and sustaining the Mind Speech Spell for such a long time.
After a last look all three tried to concentrate on their work and allow the group around Hermione some privacy – as far as this could be possible with the twins and their father watching the scene Argus-eyed.
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"My chest hurts."
A flash of pain crossed the minds of Augusta, Amelia and Ginny. After a short "sorry", Hermione tried to concentrate again on the pictures that Ginny was sending. She had tried to suppress the thought, but more than one hour of concentrating on the spell had been a bit too much for her – only three days after the attack. And while the Pain Reliever Potion had been enough to numb her left arm, she still sensed the growing cramp in her right leg and the deep cut in her chest hurting with every single breathe. Perhaps she should have waited a few more days, but she wanted to do this now.
For a short moment pictures of her ideas how to punish Zacharias Smith for his cowardly attacks flooded the other three minds. Hermione blushed deeply, but three "it's okay, really" – messages calmed her down. Augusta, after hearing about the attack, had been quite clear in her statement, that she wouldn't allow the boy to go unpunished. Amelia Bones on the other hand had been conflicted. She was horrified to hear about the attack and the used spells, but at least now her niece was exonerated from all accusations about the poisoning. That Hermione was able to see this good side too only endeared her even more to Amelia.
Arthur was waiting with the twins to take Ginny away from Hogwarts – at least for a while. She would stay with the twins at the Burrows and recover from the ordeal of the last few weeks. All three Weasleys were thoroughly exhausted and needed some time to recover. The twins planned to return after the spring break. For Ginny – they had to wait and see.
Hermione hoped that she would be the old Ginny again afterwards. Since her awakening Ginny had clammed up, hardly able to answer Poppy's questions about her condition. When Harry took a seat on her bed, the girl had even tried to run. Only Harry's strong grip and even stronger embrace prevented it. For minutes she had been trembling in his arms, tears running down his shoulder, while she mumbled apologies. Under the soft smiles of his friends Harry had been there, silent, waiting for her to calm down. His behaviour had earned him one of Daphne's most passionate kisses afterwards.
It had been Neville's idea for Ginny to share her memories with Hermione, allowing the older witch to show what happened to Arthur and the twins in an intensity that words could never contain. Pictures and emotions of the last months, of every conversation with the Headmaster and her mother, of every letter she got. Ginny had been frazzled afterwards, but apparently it had been helpful to get rid of her big secret. She even allowed Hermione to show the memories to Daphne, Harry and Neville – "to understand".
Now she was showing Hermione the memories for a second time – together with pictures about the events of her first year, the events around the Chamber of Secrets. It had to be done because this time it was official. Hermione was the mediator of the Rapport spell, but the recipients were Amelia Bones for the DMLA and Augusta Longbottom for the Boards of Governors. Hermione hoped that these memories would influence both ladies to be especially eager to help the girl. And it would allow Ginny to avoid an interrogation in front of all governors.
All four were sitting in a close circle and holding hands. Not that Hermione needed such a method anymore after weeks of training, but she hadn't to show everyone how far her knowledge in memory speech already reached. Harry had proven to be the strongest 'emitter' by far while Daphne was the best receiver. Together they attained the farthest range. Hermione's talent manifested itself in moments like this: Sharing information. Neville, at last, was the best at using the link to calm his friends and integrate others like Luna.
"Do you want to stop, Ginny?" Augusta asked in a surprisingly warm and soft manner.
Despite her still existing temper she had shown this new side of her character now and then in the last months, a change that surprised Neville even more than anyone else. Perhaps the knowledge that Neville would be a worthy heir of House Longbottom and the long letters she shared with Hermione had convinced the old lady that softness at the right moment wasn't a weakness.
"No, I can do this," Ginny responded. She breathed deeply a few times and continued with the pictures about the Chamber and her abduction two years ago. It was only to finish the story, as Augusta had been more interested in the behaviour of the Headmaster and the teachers before that moment. Augusta suppressed a sigh. How could he ignore this danger for so long? How could Albus allow these events to happen? And why had he been unable – or unwilling – to acquire Mandrake Potion faster? Hermione had been petrified for weeks, weeks that certainly had been dreadful – awake but unable to move. Feeble excuses - again.
Amelia nodded curtly, a hard smile on her lips, reminding Augusta that she was unable to hide her own mind while the link existed. Hastily she put her thoughts away and concentrated on Ginny again.
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"Professor Lupin agreed to help with your home schooling." Arthur's announcement didn't cause undivided enthusiasm among his children. He hadn't mentioned his wife, but apparently she still lived with her family. Despite Ginny awakening Arthur wasn't willing to forgive so easily – especially after the memories he had been shown. The twins had been especially angry about the part Ron had played in the schemes and promised revenge.
"I'll write to you, Ginny." Harry announced, reaping a soft and thankful smile.
"And I'll speak with Colin about sending you his notes about the coming lessons," Hermione added, causing more sighs than smiles. She glared at Neville, who hastily tried to cover his reaction with an innocent smile.
Suddenly everyone was silent when the realization dawned, that it was really time for Ginny to depart. What could they say? What could they do to reassure the girl? One after another the four teenagers hugged the redhead without words. Only Harry whispered a single one:
"Friends."
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"It's time, isn't it?"
The four teenagers looked up and watched Amelia Bones and Augusta Longbottom with puzzled looks. The Weasleys had departed an hour ago and now it was nearly Dinner time. Both ladies had been talking with them for a while and especially used the time to learn some last details from Daphne.
"Time for what?"
Like an answer for Harry's question the door was opened and a maliciously smiling Susan Bones entered. "Professor McGonagall sent me, Auntie. They're waiting for you and Governor Longbottom."
For a second Amelia glared at her niece for using that nickname before she slowly nodded.
"Good," Augusta clapped her hands, her face showing the same malicious smile that was on Susan's lips. "Let's face the music." Ignoring the still puzzled looks from the teenagers, she passed Susan and left the Hospital, directing her steps towards the Great Hall. Hastily Harry put Daphne into the wheel chair she had been using for the last two days and followed the ladies.
"Do you know what your grandma is talking about?" Hermione whispered.
Neville shrugged: "No idea. But according to her smile I wouldn't expect anything nice."
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Hogwarts – Great Hall – dinner time
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Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore was a happy Headmaster at this moment. The Weasley-girl had survived and woke up a few days ago as did the Weasley-twins and the Greengrass-bitch. Everyone was happy again and would be more lenient towards him now. At the court he would engineer the trial against Nott and Smith 'with the necessary sharpness' and show everyone that he still cared, that he still was the Dumbledore everyone had adored for decades.
And now he was sitting here, especially invited by Minerva to attend the Dinner. The Great Hall was well occupied. More or less every teacher and student was present, as it seemed. Like a shepherd watching his flock, so felt Dumbledore as he looked down on his little sheep – easy to influence and needing his helping hand to find their way in this bad world out there.
Yes, he was a lucky Headmaster.
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BOOM!
Neville felt like hiding from the stares behind Harry and Daphne, but Hermione had clasped hands with him and walked especially erect behind Augusta and Amelia. Grandma has too much of an influence on her, Neville groaned inwardly. Augusta's little thunder spell certainly got her the attention of everyone and with a grim smile she stepped towards the teachers' table.
"Headmaster!"
The greeting and the slight nod could have been a polite gesture – had Albus not noticed the sneer on Augusta's face. His mood changing within seconds, he tried to be in lead of the situation again, rising from his seat: "Lady Longbottom, I'm happy to see you at Hogwarts again. What's the joyful reason of your surprising visit?" Out of the corner of his eyes Albus noticed the wicked smiles of Minerva, Filius and Severus. His blood ran cold. What are they planning?
Augusta turned her back towards the headmaster and cast a Sonorus on herself.
"Dear students. As most of you certainly know, I'm Augusta Longbottom, Chief Governor of the Board of Directors of Hogwarts. The lady at my side is Mrs. Amelia Bones, head of the DMLE."
Everyone was silent now. The news about the attack on Hermione had gone around and every student was eager to learn what would happen to the attackers. Augusta gestured Hermione to step at her side, what she did with Neville following close behind. Augusta put a hand on the girl's shoulder and smiled reassuringly.
"You certainly heard about the attack on Miss Granger three days ago. I can't go too much into details about the whole issue, but I wanted to clarify a few things at least and inform you, what will happen now."
"Lady Longbottom," Albus tried to interrupt her, "do you think this is the right place…"
"SILENCE!"
Albus paled his eyes wide open. None of the students could really believe what was happening there. Nobody had ever behaved like towards the headmaster. Hermione flinched, but struggled to show a determined expression, while Neville felt an unknown flow of satisfaction running through his body as he noticed the Headmaster's pale face. Harry glared at the Headmaster. It's time, he pondered, it's really time. And he really liked the idea to inform everyone about what was happening around them. It had been policy of the school for far too long to cover up everything.
"As I said," Augusta continued her voice soft again. "Three days ago there had been an attempt to murder Miss Granger."
For a moment Augusta had to stop as everyone was whispering now. An attack they had known, but attempted murder? Some of the Slytherins – Draco, sitting aside a very pale Astoria, surprisingly not belonging to them – threw some insults towards Hermione. Sentences like "they should have done better" reached her ears until Professor Snape of all people stopped them: "Fifty points from Slytherin for your disgusting behaviour. The next insult earns the culprit detention with Professor McGonagall."
Augusta nodded slightly while Albus stared at Severus like he had grown a second head. "The culprits have been caught. One of them – Mister Theodore Nott – already confessed. He was only a tag-along. While not without fault, he was never really planning to do serious harm to anyone and seriously regrets his course of action."
His snorted "cowardly bastard" earned Neville a glare from his Grandma, before she continued.
"Nonetheless he'll leave Hogwarts and continue his education at another place. The Board of Governors wishes him well for his future."
Harry's "good riddance" was not as silent as he hoped it to be. Amelia coughed slightly and hid her grin behind her hand, while Daphne mock scolded her boyfriend with a smile in her eyes.
"The other culprit is far more serious. Mister Zacharias Smith not only used some dark magic to attack Miss Granger, intending to kill her, but he used the same spells against Miss Greengrass and my grandson. To top it all off Mister Smith used an Unforgivable against Miss Granger."
Again she had to stop and allow the students some minutes to share their opinions. Even the Slytherins were glaring now. Attack the mudblood was one thing, but Daphne was still one of them. And the use of an Unforgivable was deadly serious.
"It should also be mentioned that in the fight Mister Smith admitted to have imperiused Miss Bones a few months ago, forcing her to buy poison and use it on the wine she gave Miss Granger as a present. Mister Smith – who has been prematurely declared to be of age yesterday – will face a trial before the Wizengamot for two attempted murders, two uses of Unforgivables and several cases of grievous bodily harm."
This time nobody whispered. It was eerie silent with everyone trying to understand the repercussions of this. Declared to be of age Zacharias Smith would be sentenced like an adult, certainly meaning a long time in Azkaban. They wouldn't see him again until their own children left Hogwarts. That one of his victims had been the niece of Amelia Bones would certainly not be helpful for him.
"From the standpoint of the Board of Governors the case Zacharias Smith is at an end. From now on it will be in the DMLE's responsibility to handle the matter. But this leaves us with the question: How can we try to prevent something similar in the future? There have been some… incidents… for the last years to happen, incidents that should never have been allowed to happen. Hogwarts hasn't been the safe place we all hoped for it to be. We want to change this. We want to make Hogwarts a place of learning again, a place worthy to say 'I'm a Hogwartsian.' You should feel safe again, not endangered by enemies, other students or creatures that have no place at a school.
"The Board of Governors will have a meeting in the week past Easter. We will discuss a number of proposals how to change Hogwarts – the living conditions and the curriculum. We want to modernize the curriculum, allow you to learn something that will really help you to live in these changing times, adapt to what is happening around us. It won't be something we can do within a few weeks or even months. We'll need years, but you'll see the first changes after the summer break, I assure you."
"I would like to see these proposals, Lady Longbottom," Albus was much more polite now, feeling that the situation was certainly not to his favour. He was still inwardly fuming about Augusta's audacity to announce all this at this place, but his fury had to wait.
"You will… after we decide on your part in the future of Hogwarts."
Augusta and Albus were glaring at each other now, while everyone around was staring at them open mouthed. Did she really say this? Did she really suggest that…?
"Headmaster Albus Dumbledore," Augusta continued with a voice of steel. "As you already know, the Board of Governors expects your participation in the coming meeting. We will discuss your behaviour of the last years, especially regarding the welfare of our students and the security of Hogwarts. You will have time to explain in detail your former decisions. But to our sorrow you already proved, that you're willing to cover up dangerous incidents. Your willingness to downplay the attack on my ward, Miss Granger, is inexcusable. We can't allow this to happen again. Until our meeting we have to be adamant that you let rest your position as Headmaster of Hogwarts. Your…" Augusta glared around to stop the chattering. At least Albus was unable to respond. Very pale he was sitting in his chair now, apparently not really able to understand what was happening around him. "Your position will be filled by Professor McGonagall until we decide upon your successor."
It was certainly no coincidence that Augusta didn't mention the possibility of Albus' return after the meeting. For a moment Minerva feared that the – now former – Headmaster would have an apoplexy. He looked near fainting and was mumbling something incoherently in a low voice. Augusta showed no mercy. I promised not to forget about that spell you cast, Albus, she mused.
"I expect you to leave the school tomorrow morning and allow Hogwarts a chance to recover from those hurtful incidents. We'll see each other at the meeting, Albus." You'll never return to Hogwarts, Augusta promised.
With a last nod towards Minerva, Augusta turned around and left, Amelia and the four teenagers fast behind.
"That wasn't very nice, Augusta," Amelia scolded her friend slightly: "To sack him in front of the whole school."
Augusta only shrugged, her face still determined and her smile a bit evil. "He'll survive."
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Hogwarts – Hospital wing – 7th of April – Thursday Evening
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It was a quiet, contemplative evening for once, a welcome change to the week before. Tomorrow afternoon they would leave Hogwarts for the Spring Break, two weeks of family, relaxation and without any assignments. Professor McGonagall had somehow convinced every teacher – even Severus Snape – to refrain from handing out any assignments for this time. "The students need the time to take their minds of the things that happened here. They'll be serious again soon enough."
It was nearly unthinkable that Minerva of all teachers would utter such an opinion, but Madam Sprout recalled it to Neville a few days ago with a soft smile. The Mistress of House Hufflepuff shared her opinion and had been very happy to notice the change in her old friend. It didn't make her weaker, in her opinion, but only more human.
Daphne's trunk was standing beside her bed, packed by Tracey the evening before. Hermione had left for some last reading in the library, while Harry went for the dungeons to plan his visit of 'Privet Drive 4'. Professor Snape had offered to accompany him and Daphne hoped that would all go well.
This left only Neville for company this evening and after finishing their newest homework, they were reading some letters they received today. As promised Harry had started to write Ginny – with much more endurance than feared by Hermione who know Harry's listlessness regarding letters. But the others wrote to her too and after a while Ginny started to answer. In the beginning it had been only short two-sentence letters, but slowly they grew, and Neville in particular had been able to draw her bit out of her shell.
"She's a bit annoyed because the twins never leave her alone," Neville laughed softly. Shortly he glanced towards Roxanne. Daphne's mother had been working the past weeks in the Hospital Wing, doing a kind of internship in preparation of the healer education she wanted to continue after her daughters' coming of age. It had been a bit weird for Daphne and Harry to know that every kiss could be interrupted by Roxanne's arrival, but Lady Greengrass had tried hard to allow them some privacy.
"It sounds like she's really feeling better. She'll stay at home for the rest of the term. Apparently Professor McGonagall allowed her to take her exam in the first week of the summer break. Remus is still coaching her and is content with her progress."
"That's good," Daphne sighed. She had feared that Ginny would have to repeat the year and lose the few friends of her year she still had. But Ginny was quite intelligent and not nearly as lazy as Ron. With Remus' help she would certainly at least handle the exams. "Did she write something about her mo… her family?"
"They'll spend Easter together. Even Charlie, Bill and Percy will be there. Only Ron preferred to visit his mother. She's living with Aunt Muriel at the moment." Neville sniggered. "From what Ginny told about this Aunt, this is punishment enough for Molly."
"It's deserved," deadpanned Daphne. She was still more than angry about Molly, although not nearly as furious as she was at Albus Dumbledore. Daphne had stopped calling him Headmaster in her thoughts, and really hoped that he would be unable to find a way to squirm free of the accusations this time.
"I hope they allow her some time alone," Neville continued gently. "If the twins' continual attention is already annoying her, the whole bunch will certainly not be easier to handle."
"They were horrified, Neville," Daphne responded. For a moment she went very still, as memories of the moment flooded her mind when she had cast the spell to rescue Ginny. "We were of one mind at that moment, Neville, and I could feel their emotions. They feared to lose their sister and felt guilty about not seeing it sooner, felt guilty that they hadn't done more to protect her from Dumbdork and her mother. They won't survive losing her again, Neville. But perhaps we could write them a letter, explain that Ginny needs peace and normalcy now."
"That would be good," Neville nodded: "And your letter – who sent it?"
"It's from Fred," Daphne laughed. "Here… read yourself."
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Dear Daphne,
We – I the more handsome twin and his ugly companion – wanted to thank you for your wishes. We're seventeen now – of age – can you imagine? In the beginning we had been a bit disappointed to be away from Hogwarts. Lee and the girls had planned some superfragilistic birthday party to celebrate April the First – the most important day of pranking history. Instead we celebrated in private, planning a family party next weekend and to make good with a party after the Spring Break.
But Daphne: George explained to me a week ago that there is no reason for disappointment. It is the best birthday ever for us, because we have the best birthday present there could be… our little angel, even if she is more of a devil most of the time now. Yesterday she sent a bat-bogey-hex my way only because I disturbed her one or two times in her room. Can you imagine?
But enough of the touchy-feely talk.
We really liked your birthday presents. Thanks a lot! The booklet with the pranking potions was incredible, nearly as incredible as the thought that you all four participated in the work – even Miss 'I-never-break-a-rule' Granger. I promise that we'll take the recipes to good use in the future.
Warm greeting to you all from the Genius and his mediocre twin
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"He really doesn't know Hermione very well," Neville grinned.
"Perhaps he doesn't know the revamped version of her," Daphne responded. The birthday present had been quite some work, but wholly worth it. A booklet containing thirty pranks, all around a special potion or powder. Harry had helped with ideas, Neville with his knowledge about herbs. But most of the work had been to invent the spells and put them into potions. Hermione had done most of the potions work while Daphne invented the spells. It had been more than proof enough that the days of Hermione only repeating knowledge from books was far behind her.
"You know how I wondered in the beginning about her Patronus form. An otter is the symbol of playfulness and originality. Both weren't Hermione's strong points a year ago. But perhaps her Patronus knew that she only needed someone to give her a little push – someone like you. Don't deny it, Neville," Daphne gently scolded him as he started to fidget on his seat. "Hermione has certainly been good to you, but you have helped her quite the same. I like the improved Hermione even more than the former one and in no time she'll be a real otter."
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In a few minutes Neville had to leave the Hospital. Roxanne had shortly shown up and reminded the teenagers to call it quits and now they were collecting their books and papers. Neville stopped his doing when Daphne suddenly addressed him.
"You have been a real friend, Neville. You've been the only one who never doubted my wish to help Ginny, who never tried to persuade me to care about her. Even Harry and Hermione had their moments, but never you. Thank you."
She hugged him shortly and smiled, until she noticed his expression: "Something the matter, Neville?"
Neville sighed and looked down at his feet. "I haven't been completely honest, Daphne. You know: I wanted you to spend your time with healing. I hoped, if you saw how much you can do for others, you would decide to follow the path of a healer."
"And why do you want this?"
"Daphne… I didn't want to put pressure on you, but you're not simply a healer. According to your Aunt you could be much more and I hoped…"
For a while he was very silent. Daphne gestured her mother to give them some minutes and waited impatiently. "Daphne, some months ago I accidentally listened to a conversation between your mother and your aunt about your talents."
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"We didn't tell them about Daphne's other talent."
Roxanne and Anne had left the room, leaving Harry and Daphne with the newly arrived Grangers – parents and daughter – to have a calm breakfast before they left to collect the new wands.
"No, we didn't" Roxanne agreed. "It is better this way. I don't want to force her even more in that direction."
"I understand, but… it is really, really unique. Even in the Congregation we only have less than a handful witches with her talent and according to Spiritualist Nowles she could be exceptional in a few years, a decade at most. We can't allow her to…"
Anne felt herself seized by the collar and forced against the wall. "It is her decision, hers alone. Do you get my meaning? Yes, I would like… no, that's not strong enough… I would love to see her choosing that path, but I'm not Daphne, I'm only her mother. To be a Spiritualist is a difficult path, you know that exactly. To heal a broken mind is never without influence on the healer. We won't force her in any way."
Roxanne accentuated every word of her last sentence and Anne nodded slowly. "Okay, I understand. But shouldn't we at least tell her…"
"… Tell her that she could heal Neville's parents in a few years?" Both missed the gasp coming from the niche where a shadow was hiding since a few minutes. "With that amount of pressure… yes, this information would be a kind of emotional pressure… do you really assume that there could be any other decision for her? You've seen how close she is with her friends. You know how much his parents mean to Neville. Telling her about this would leave her with only a single choice: Become a Spiritualist too, a mind healer."
Anne sighed deeply. "You're right. I'm sorry. I'll stay silent about that."
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"A Spiritualist?" Daphne whispered. "She really assumes I could be a Spiritualist?"
"Yes, darling." Her mother's soft voice prompted Daphne to whirl around.
"Why didn't you tell me?"
Roxanne sighed and sat down on an empty bed. "The Spiritualist, the Mind Healer, is a very difficult and dangerous path. To merge your mind with those having a mental illness can endanger your own mental health. You're far too compassionate and willing to help others. This is good for a healer but will tempt you to use your abilities before you're really able to control them and protect yourself from the repercussions to your own mind. I wanted to give you another decade, to grow and steady yourself before you go down that path."
"I understand you, mother, but… if I really could do this… Neville's parents. If I really could help them… now… not in ten years or twenty…"
"I know, darling. I knew you would react like this. Please promise me to be careful. And allow Spiritualist Nowles to teach and guide you for a while. I don't want to lose you."
"Okay, Mum, I promise." Mother and daughter shared a smile, before Daphne turned towards Neville, who still watched uneasily. "Neville, I'm not angry about you."
"Okay", he relaxed a bit. "But I'm sorry that…"
"Don't be," Daphne interrupted him. "I understand." She smiled reassuringly and pressed his hand. "And next time you'll visit your parents, I'll come with you."
"Okay," Neville's smile broadened. "Okay."
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Ministry of Magic – Court Room 5 – 12th of April – Tuesday Midmorning
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Harry and Remus were sitting on the first balcony, overlooking the courtroom packed with the assembled judges, attorneys and a bunch of journalists. A few teachers were present too, but only Madam Sprout was expected to give testimony. Smith's attorney apparently hoped to hear something positive from her about the culprit's character. Don't think so, Harry sniggered. The Hufflepuff Lady had been especially furious about the Imperio use on Zach's housemate Susan Bones.
Hermione, Neville and Daphne had to wait in an adjoining room to testify against Zacharias Smith. Roxanne was with them for moral support while Augusta had her place beside the prosecutor. With Hermione being her ward and the main victim, it had been possible to invoke the right to be joint plaintiff in the case, allowing her to call her own witnesses and ask her own questions. On a bench behind her Harry saw Minerva sitting aside an overwhelmed Emma Granger. Hermione's mother had been horrified to hear about the attack and wanted to be here today to support her girl.
Harry had expected to be one of the witnesses too, but apparently his written statement had been enough. Harry suspected that Dumbledore wanted to avoid that everyone concentrated on his person, on the boy-who-lived, instead of him, the great leader of light.
Five judges would be responsible for this case, and while most of them weren't of any interest to Harry, he felt uneasy about the leading judge. Albus Dumbledore himself had taken the role, causing the case to be of much more interest to the publicity than it should be. Yes, it was about attempted murder and the use of an Unforgivable. But Smith wasn't a renowned Death Eater. He was a simple student attacking another student. Harry feared that Dumbledore tried to use the case to put himself in a better light again.
"They're coming," Neville whispered. And really, with Albus strutting at the front, the five judges entered the room and took their places. On Albus' sign two Aurors led the culprit to his seat, a wooden chair allowing the culprit to be magically shackled. Smith was a pitiable sight. Small and brittle he walked between the two hulking Aurors. More than once he stumbled and one of the Aurors had to prevent a fall. The shackles appeared to be too heavy for him to wear. But there was no compassion on Albus' face.
He wants to set an example, Harry mused. He wants to be the firm-handed man, protecting the poor masses from all dangers. What a hypocrite.
After a short statement of the Auror leading the detachment, that had accompanied Amelia Bones to Hogwarts, it was Poppy's turn to explain the condition of everybody at the scene. Naturally she spend the most time describing Hermione's injuries and while the Imperio left no sign on her, the Reaper spells were easy enough to identify. He had seen her, but still Harry shuddered as he heard about the seriousness of her wounds again.
She would have died without the bracelet, Harry pondered. This sick bastard would have killed her. I hope he'll get the kiss. Perhaps it wasn't too bad that Dumbdork was leading the judges.
A second Auror explained the results of his examination of the Hospital wing and the wands of everyone involved. "Everyone else used normal spells, mostly to stun, shield or disarm. Mister Longbottom used a number of Reducto spells, which caused some damage to the furnishing of the Hospital. Only on Mister Smith's wand I found the unique signature of an Imperio and at least four Messorius spells."
The statements of Daphne and Hermione were pleasant short and clear. Hermione in a strong voice and Daphne still exhausted – which had nothing to do with the attack but apparently pleased Dumbdork nonetheless – both described the fight in simple words. They tried to skip any emotions they felt, but at least Daphne was unable to do this completely. Not only Harry felt pity to hear about the confusion to awake in the middle of a fight, unarmed and helpless, simply hoping to survive. Or the gratitude Daphne expressed to watch Neville and Harry enter the room – the cavalry for the rescue.
Dumbdork tried to sway her away from mentioning the boys too much, but on Daphne's pleading look, Augusta raised her voice: "I want to hear this as certainly everybody else. The public has a right to know," she finished with a short bow to the attending journalists. Harry grinned maliciously as he noticed Dumbdork's expression.
"You have to understand my feelings at that moment. I trust Hermione with my life, but she was already severely injured. Seconds before she took another hit that had been meant for me; that would have killed me certainly. No wand, unable to help her and still confused from awakening moments ago, I feared the worst. And then Harry and Neville entered the room, wands blazing, angry without bounds. While Harry was able to subdue Mister Nott fast enough and without danger, I feared for Neville's life. Mister Smith used those dark spells against him too, these Reaper spells. Luckily Neville proved to be strong and fast enough to avoid any injury until he knocked Mister Smith out. It was a sight to behold. We both owe the boys our lives."
After a short break and some words from Madam Sprout about Smith's character – "a proud and irascible young man, certainly not someone I would have expected to join my house" – it was time for Theodore Nott to save his neck. Very detailed he spoke about the events – the poisoning and the attack in the Hospital. Harry felt a bit ill to hear Nott's calm voice explaining how Smith admitted to have imperiused Susan Bones to buy the poison and put it into the wine for Hermione.
"I had no idea how serious he was, Your Honour. He never told me that he wanted to kill the poor girl. I knew that he hated her, but this… I never expected him to do this. I would have stopped him."
It was not very believable – at least regarding his own part. But it was enough to remove any doubts about Smith's guilt. For a moment Harry wondered why nobody mentioned the reason of Smith's hate. But then he understood: Smith's father was an important man, a politician. He would rather sacrifice his own son than to tell everybody else that Smith wanted to take revenge for a wound his father got as he ran around with some Death Eaters. His part in the whole affair could get Smith's father his very own criminal trial in no time.
This is not over, Harry mused. Hermione has to be careful in the future.
It was not long before the trial came to an end. The statement of Zacharias Smith was a painful affair. He really tried to explain that he had no idea about the seriousness of the used spells and that he never intended to kill her. Because he had to skip any reference to the cause of his hate and there was no way to convince the judges that he had a 'difficult childhood', there was no chance to convince them to show any mercy. With his head hanging Smith expected the decision.
He already knew, Harry realized. He knew that he has no chance to avoid the harshest punishment. He gambled and he lost.
Another short break was announced, but nobody left the hall. Nobody at least aside from Smith's father, who barely had looked in his son's direction, and his mother, who seemed barely able to hold herself together and nearly caused a scene when her husband dragged her away.
What a disgusting father.
Only a few minutes later the judges returned and Great Master Dumbdork raised his voice.
"A heinous crime has been committed, a crime that causes every parent to have nightmares. Our sympathy is with every parent today and especially with the Grangers." Shortly he nodded towards Emma Granger. Her reaction was certainly not as hoped. Emma – who had been informed about the former Headmaster's attempt to cover up the attack – grimaced in his direction and turned away. She had no interest in helping Dumbdork in any way.
Albus coughed slightly and continued. "Nobody is able to prevent every fight at a school as large as Hogwarts." Again he was interrupted, this time by a number of coughs and deep sighs, the loudest and mostly heeded one from Harry. "But it is our duty to show every student that we don't allow such behaviour and punish such a crime with a firm hand."
Yes, if that's what lets you sleep at night, Harry groaned. Dumbdork, father of lightness and master apologizer "it was only a prank" is speaking about firm hands. Funny.
The reactions from the people around – especially Remus wicked smile – showed Harry that he perhaps was not only who thought these last words.
"In view of the youth of the culprit the tribunal can't condemn Mister Smith with a clear conscience to the one and only possible sentence: The Veil."
That was to be expected. Despite Smith being in court as an adult, he still was only fifteen years old and nobody wanted to condemn him to death. And perhaps there was still a bit of respect towards his father. It was easier to condemn him to a life sentence and forget him.
"Because of this the tribunal decided to condemn you, Mister Zacharias Smith, to a life sentence in the prison of Azkaban. After 25 years there will be a rehearing and you'll get a chance to convince us that you've changed to the better."
Life sentence, really, Harry was still surprised. He hadn't expected the sentence to be this harsh. Despite any hate he felt towards the boy, this was not appropriate. There was no chance that Smith would change, not with the Dementors around. Even Sirius had been influenced through their vicinity and he had been an adult with a very strong will from the beginning.
"Do you have any last words, Mister Smith?"
The boy was barely able to shake his head.
"Then…"
"I want to say something." Harry smiled, as he noticed Hermione's small frame, standing proud besides Augusta and her mother, daring to oppose Dumbdork's show of firm handedness.
"Miss Granger, I fear…"
"I was the main victim," Hermione simply interrupted him again. "And I want to speak now."
Dumbdork swayed his head but one of the other judges – an elderly man that had more than once grimaced because of Albus' wordings – interjected: "I think we can allow this. I assume, Miss Granger, you want to say something regarding the sentence."
"Yes, Your Honour." Hermione nodded slightly. "Certainly the deed of Mister Smith has been a heinous one and nobody wishes more to see him punished than I do. But still I can't sit here and stay silent, watching a boy being used as a pawn. Zacharias Smith is a young man who did something very wrong and he should be sentenced for this. But only for this and not as a show of strength, not as a testimony of the supposed care we experience at Hogwarts. As Lady Longbottom announced last week, there had been made mistakes at Hogwarts, mistakes the Board of Governors wants to correct in the future. But to condemn this young man to such a sentence is certainly the wrong way.
"Your Honour, even with the possibility of an amnesty after 25 years, this sentence will destroy Mister Smith's life. Is this appropriate? Is he a criminal so hideous that there is no other way? I look at Zacharias and behind all his hate and weird opinions I still see hope for him. Perhaps I only want to see it but still I can't help myself. I beg you, Your Honour, not to destroy this young man's life. Show him mercy. In my opinion a sentence of prison on the upper levels of Azkaban, with Aurors and not Dementors as guardians, would be more appropriate. And please, allow his rehearing to be earlier, perhaps after ten years and not twenty-five. With the possibility to enter life again in his mid-twenties he'll have the chance to show us that he still can be a worthy addition to our society. Wouldn't that be better than to lock him away and forget about the key? I beg you, Your Honour, don't destroy his life."
.
A/N
Next chapter it will be the time to pay Aunt Petunia a visit and after that we'll see if Albus show of strength did him any good.