Author's note. Can I ask that if anyone has any critic, that they make it constructive? Don't just swear and rant that I'm not listening, explain to me calmly how I could make my story better if I'm making a mistake (like using the word softly too often). Although if you've reached this chapter, chances are you like it but please be calm and sensible when leaving me a review. I got a couple of flames from the same person; they wanted nasty bratty Harry and called my story a couple of names for not doing this. This isn't clever and frankly, I'll just do the complete opposite of any flames I get so it's within everyone's interest to be polite.
Obviously, 99.9% of my readers enjoy this story and if there's anything not working for them, they've told me politely but just in case I've done something that's really upset someone. Just try to explain it to me in a polite way and it might be something I can change. Some things I can't, like making Harry a brat but there are improvements I can make. Thanks anyway to all those who left Constructive reviews.
I've changed the canon speech a little, just so everyone isn't bored by hearing it again, hope this is okay. I based McGonagall's tartan on a picture I found but if it's wrong, feel free to tell me. Trying to keep this flowing, I know some people feel this has been a bit slow but I'm trying to do this as naturally as possible.
Don't forget, I'm still looking for Snape snark, he is just master of the cutting comments.
Enjoy and please review.
"The First years, Professor McGonagall," Hagrid said respectively and she nodded.
"Thank you Hagrid, follow me everyone."
The all trooped after her, Hagrid someone managing to melt away to the Great Hall, and taken to a side chamber. Professor McGonagall then turned and regarded them sternly but not unkindly although you could only really tell this if you knew her. Harry remembered being a little terrified of her, she just looked so no nonsense and very likely to squash any mischief. She was wearing her usual emerald green robes with the McGonagall tartan sash of pink, purple and light brown.
"Welcome to Hogwarts," she began what sounded like a well rehearsed speech. "Our start of term banquet will begin very shortly but first, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, before you can join the feast, you must be sorted into your Houses. The Sorting ceremony is extremely important as your House will be something like your family when you are here at Hogwarts."
This made Harry smile, recalling how true this had been for him. Even when times were bad, Gryffindor had always been family and home to him. This wasn't quite the same for Ron and Hermione, they both had families who were alive and who loved them.
"You will attend classes with your fellow Housemates, sleep in your House dormitory and be able to spend your free time in your House Common Room. The four Houses are called Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Each House has its own noble history and each has produced outstanding witches and wizards. While you are at Hogwarts, your triumphs will earn your House points, while any rule breaking will lose House points."
The trio thought of all the points they had won and lost, was it a record?
"At the end of the school year, the House with the most points is awarded the House cup, a great honour. I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever House becomes yours."
Many students stood a little straighter at this, mainly those who already had a House in mind. The other students just looked overwhelmed by all of this, even those who had already known about Houses. Hermione fidgeted slightly, she really wanted to comfort the other First years and assure them they had nothing to worry about. As far as they were aware, all of their year had been happy with their allocated House.
"The Sorting ceremony will begin momentarily, until then you must wait in this room and perhaps take the opportunity to smarten yourselves up a bit."
She didn't look at Ron because he didn't have a smudged nose this time round. Poor Neville was fidgeting as his cloak wasn't very neat but Professor McGonagall never purposely stared at a single student. Harry automatically had a go at flattening his hair, he didn't relish the prospect of all those eyes staring at him, which for them would be the very first and definitely not the last time.
As Hermione smoothed down her robes, Professor McGonagall said.
"I shall return when we are ready for you, please wait quietly."
When she was gone, everyone relaxed and started murmuring among themselves.
"This is weird," Ron muttered to Harry. "Bloody déjà vu."
"I know what you mean," Harry murmured back. "Didn't George say we had to do a painful test or something?"
"Nah, it was Fred," Ron said as Hermione stepped a little closer to them. "He said we'd have to wrestle a troll."
"Well, he was telling the truth," she teased in a low voice so no one would hear. "We did end up wrestling a troll."
"Heckling more like," Ron disagreed with a grin. "Harry's the only one that had a go at tackling it."
"And that's something I have no intention of repeating," Harry stated firmly just as the ghosts appeared, making nearly everyone scream.
The trio of course, barely noticed even as the ghosts loudly argued about Peeves. Harry had told the others of the Grey Lady's and Bloody Baron's history during their exchange of letters. They had been amazed by the story, it was a true tragedy full of betrayal and regret. At least there was one Horcrux they could easily retrieve although destroying it would be another matter. They weren't too worried, they would find a way and were satisfied that no one would discover that Horcrux.
"Hope to see you in Hufflepuff!" the Friar was just saying. "My old house, you know."
"Come along now," came Professor McGonagall as she suddenly appeared back in the room. "The Sorting Ceremony is about to start."
"Here we go," Ron said with a harsh sigh, he was nervous of the Sorting. What if the Sorting Hat insisted on splitting them up?
"Yep," was all Harry said as they formed a line under Professor's McGonagall's instruction.
Harry had placed himself in front, feeling that he should brave the Great Hall first with Hermione behind him and Ron behind her. As one, all the First year followed Professor McGonagall into the dazzling Great Hall, lit up by hundreds of gently floating candles. Harry remembered being nervous of dripping wax but despite the fact hot wax did run down their sides, they never dropped onto the heads of students. They just seemed to pool at the bases, spreading like a ripple of water.
They were lead between two long tables which each had a long table on their other side. Each table was laid with beautifully glittering gold goblets and plates and students hungrily waited on benches for the Sorting ceremony to be over and the feast to start. Harry stared straight ahead; he wanted to be just another First year for as long as possible. The ghosts were now hovering all over the place, casting misty silver glows over the nearby students.
Overhead, the ceiling revealed a velvety sky dotted with bright silver stars which shimmered slightly as he watched. He quickly focused on the person in front of him, no point in stumbling around like an idiot. As they reached the end of the tables and formed a huddle in front of the staff table where all the staff sat watching them carefully. Before they could focus on anyone, Professor McGonagall suddenly appeared with a four legged stool that she placed on the ground before placing on that a ratty, rather dirty looking hat.
Harry had always wondered why no one bothered to clean it.
"Oh, you may not think I'm pretty," the hat began after a slit appeared near the brim.
The trio smiled as they listened to the merry song, a sharp contrast to the ones they'd heard in their last couple of years at Hogwarts. They couldn't even imagine how grim the one during their Seventh year must have been. The song extolled the virtues of the different Houses and each House cheered when theirs was mentioned. When the Sorting Hat finally finished, everyone cheered and clapped, causing the ragged hat to bow before becoming completely still.
"When I call your name, you will put on the hat and sit on the stool to be sorted," Professor McGonagall now said. "Abbott, Hannah!"
The scene played out as Harry remembered it, Professor McGonagall would call out a name, the student would stumble tremulously onto the stool before the hat was placed on their head. After either a moment's pause or a few minutes deliberation, the hat would call out the name of their House. No one went to a different House meaning there were no surprises until it was finally Hermione's turn.
"Granger, Hermione."
"Good luck," Harry murmured as Hermione stepped forwards and headed for the hat.
Harry and Ron couldn't hear what the hat was saying to their friend but it was certainly different from the usual conversations that hat had with students.
"Well, well, what's this? According to your memory, we've met before Miss Granger."
"Yes, we have," Hermione thought back nervously.
"Interesting, I've never met a student who has gone back to their First year body before. And...what this? There are more of you?"
"Just two more," Hermione assured him. "And we all know where we want to go."
"Gryffindor, same as the first time," the Hat mused. "Well, while I am glad you liked my choice first time, there are the other Houses to chose from. Many times, I'm forced to Sort students into a certain House merely because their family went there but they could have done better in a different House."
"I know," Hermione agreed. "I can imagine that happening but I think in this case, you made the right choice. I know that we could all do well in the other Houses but we really feel like Gryffindor is the best choice. You'll be able to talk to the others but could you please put me where I want?"
"If you're sure you know what you're doing," the Hat cautioned before saying. "But you are most definitely brave and bold; you will be a credit to your House...again!"
"Gryffindor!" was the cry that echoed through the Great Hall and the Gryffindors started cheering as the Hat was plucked from Hermione's head so that she could run to the Gryffindor table.
"Thank bloody Merlin," Ron said with relief; he'd be worried the Sorting Hat would insist on putting her in Ravenclaw.
They watched as their fellows students were Sorted including poor Neville who tripped on the way there and then ran to the Gryffindor table still wearing the Hat. Then there was Draco Malfoy who swaggered over to the Hat and was Sorted almost instantly. He seemed to have regained his confidence although he still shot Harry and Ron a calculating look. Or at least, he hoped he did, to the Newt's students, it just looked a little silly.
More students were Sorted, there was more clapping and the number of First years in the huddle steadily dwindled. Harry tried not to grimace, in a few moments his identity would be revealed and everyone would start pointing and whispering. He'd really enjoyed being just another person, not somebody famous but at least he could deal with it better this time round. He wouldn't have to deal with that strange sick feeling when people acted weird around him, which had been the worst bit about being 'famous.'
"Look out, it's almost you," Ron muttered and Harry saw he was right, Sally-Ann Perks was currently being Sorted and he was right after her.
"Ravenclaw!" the Hat shouted and as Sally-Ann hurried to her new House, Professor McGonagall called out the next name.
"Potter, Harry."
Sharing a brief glance with Ron, Harry stepped forward as excited whispers broke out.
"Potter, did she say?"
"The Harry Potter?"
"Yes, it's him," Harry thought rather sarcastically even though he knew they didn't mean any harm. That didn't mean he couldn't be a little annoyed about it.
"Ah, your one of those others Miss Granger spoke," the Hat instantly said as soon as it went over his eyes. "Interesting, very interesting."
"Well, that's better than being difficult," Harry thought wryly and he heard the Hat chuckle.
"You're still difficult in a way Mr Potter, if you didn't have a definite House in mind, I might have had a lot of trouble Sorting you. You would still do well in Slytherin, you know."
"I know," Harry thought, this time without fear or being offended. "But I still think Gryffindor's the right choice, although I did give Slytherin some serious thought. But how many Slytherins could pull that sword out?"
"Ah, so you know my little secret," chuckled the Hat. "Yes, if I do say so, that was one of Godric Gryffindor's more brilliant ideas. It has only appeared a few times before in the past."
"It appeared to a couple of others," Harry thought quietly. "Me and Neville."
"Ah yes, Mr Longbottom, he was an interesting Sort. Poor boy was convinced he wouldn't go anywhere but I could have easily placed him in Hufflepuff, he's a very loyal boy. But I could within the extraordinary potential to become something great even though he didn't believe me. But I can well understand how he would manage to pull the sword out, he does posses great bravery that will show its self when it is most greatly needed."
"I know," Harry thought, remembering all those times Neville's true brave self had shown forth. "And we'll look after him, help him see what he really is."
"That would be good, the poor boy needs someone to tell him that," the Hat stated sorrowfully. "But I sense there's something you want me to do."
"Yeah," Harry chuckled. "Could you not tell Professor Dumbledore what you saw? This is something we need to do on our own, at least for now. I know he has our best interests at heart but it would be better if he was kept in the dark for the moment."
"I can see why," the Hat agreed. "Very well Mr Potter, I shall do as you ask as I can see you want to do much good, including bringing the Houses together. Just don't forget to ask for help if you truly need it."
And Harry knew the Hat wasn't just meaning telling Professor Dumbledore if things got out of hand, he also meant the sword.
"I'll do it, don't worry," he assured the Hat who whispered back.
"Good luck Mr Potter."
"Gryffindor!"
As the hat came off his head, he could see people had been staring at him, no doubt wondering what was taking so long. There was a pause and then the Gryffindor table burst into cheers and Hagrid sent him a big beam and thumbs up. Harry sent him a smile back before heading to a free place.
"Why didn't you tell us you were Harry Potter?" the twins demanded as Harry sat opposite Hermione after shaking Percy's hand.
Harry shrugged.
"I'm still getting used to being Harry Potter."
The twins stared at him, not understanding that at all. However they just shrugged and turned back to watch the rest of the Sorting. There was only a small group left and it wasn't long until Ron's name was called.
"Weasley, Ronald."
"He'll be fine," Harry whispered to Hermione who looked nervous again.
She smiled at him and they watched as the hat was placed on Ron's head.
"And here it the last one," the Hat said sardonically. "And you're just as interesting as the last two."
"Really?" Ron thought, surprised.
"Most definitely, Mr Weasley," the Hat replied firmly. "You're very relieved your friends are in Gryffindor because you care about them so much and want to look after them."
"Because I didn't do a very good job the first time," Ron mumbled painfully.
"You made a mistake," the Hat corrected. "But what I can see, you've always stuck by your friends and looked after them even when things are bad. And the point is, despite certain mistakes, you have always come back and done your damndest to put things right. Believe me, not many could do that and make their friendship even stronger. I saw your friends' minds and how they care for you. As a brother for Mr Potter and something much more for Miss Granger. Just keep doing what you're doing Mr Weasley and you'll be fine. Never forget your friend could not have got this far without you."
As Ron digested this, the Hat continued.
"Despite what you may think, I could have put you in at least another House but I believe you truly belong in..."
"Gryffindor!"
Still looking rather bemused, Ron slid off the stool and headed for the table, to the side Harry was sitting on.
"Well done, Ron, excellent," said Percy Weasley pompously across Harry.
"Thanks Percy," Ron said with a smile as his body relaxed and he grinned at Harry and Hermione. "That wasn't so bad."
"No, it was rather interesting," Hermione agreed as Blaise Zabini was Sorted into Slytherin.
Dumbledore now stood up, spreading his hands and beaming at them all. Harry smiled to himself; it was so good to see Dumbledore back in his proper place, alive and healthy. Some might have held it against the headmaster for what he'd done but really, how else could he have gotten rid of that Horcurx? At least by Voldemort killing him, he had an incredible advantage when he came back in that Voldemort had no idea he was alive and therefore, lowered his guard completely.
Dumbledore hadn't wanted him to die, he'd wanted him to live but in the end, it had been Harry's choice to live.
"Welcome," he said. "Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. And here they are: Nitwit! Blubber! Oddment! Tweak!
Harry laughed out loud; he'd forgotten those mad things Dumbledore liked to say.
"Thank you," Dumbledore said graciously to applause and sat down as the tables suddenly filled with food, making nearly all the First years gasp in astonishment.
The trio grinned at each other before helping themselves to the delicious food on offer, including several different roasts, plenty of vegetables, meats, sauces, gravy, Yorkshire puddings, salad, cheeses and many other mouth-watering foods. This time, Harry grabbed a handful of peppermint humbugs to eat at a later date; they would be nice sucking on during class. After all, he needed to start acting like a real First year.
"That does look good," Sir Nick sighed and they were treated to the usual routine of Nearly Headless Nick introducing himself before someone asked why he was called Nearly Headless and then the ghost demonstrating just why.
Harry grinned at some of the faces, you were always rather disgusted the first time but everyone quickly got used to the Gryffindor ghost. Harry glanced over at the Slytherin ghost and spied the Bloody Baron hovering about, unsmiling and not talking to him. It was strange to think he now knew how the Baron got those bloodstains, it was something every student wanted to know but few dared to ask him.
Harry also sent a sneaky glance at the Staff table where all the teachers were eating or talking to each other. Dumbledore was tucking into what looked like roast beef with gravy while listening to Professor McGonagall. Quirrel was nervously putting food on his plate, occasionally twitching and now wearing that ridiculous purple turban. But the real shock was Professor Snape who was eating like the others and only occasionally checking the students.
He just looked so...young compared to how Harry had last seen him. He had to swallow as he remembered the last time he'd seen Snape, bleeding to death from that horrible neck wound. And his staring black eyes, devoid of even the merest spark of life which had probably freaked him out the most. But now Snape was missing all of those lines of age and stress that he'd developed over the seven years Harry had known him and actually looked like a young man.
He still was rather unpleasant to look at with greasy black hair, sallow skin and a scowling expression but it was good to see him alive. Harry did want to make an effort with the Potion's master but seeing him brought back all the unpleasant memories of his interactions with the man. He'd need to create some better ones fast or it would be extremely difficult to be civil to him.
He looked away quickly, if he stared too long Snape would notice him and likely shoot him a nasty glare. Dinner past well, people were mostly eating rather than talking and it was only when the desert appeared when people started to really speak. Ice cream in every flavour, different pies, jelly, rice pudding, éclairs, spotted dick, jam roly poly pudding, jam doughnuts, strawberries and many more.
As Harry helped himself to his favourite, treacle tart, people started talking about their families.
"I'm half-and-half," said Seamus. "Me dad's a Muggle. Mam didn't tell him she was a witch 'til after they were married. Bit of a nasty shock for him."
People laughed at this but Harry grimaced. Snape's father had been a Muggle and from what little he'd seen, hadn't been pleased to find out about magic. Harry could only guess what had happened but Snape had clearly had an unpleasant childhood. While Seamus's father had obviously accepted what his wife and son were, others hadn't been so tolerant.
"What about you Neville?" Dean asked after explaining that his mum and sisters were Muggle but they lived with his Muggle stepdad meaning he wasn't sure if he was Muggleborn or a Halfblood as his dad had disappeared after he'd been born.
"Well, my gran brought me up and she's a witch," said Neville, "but the family thought I was all-Muggle for ages."
The trio shared looks at this; they knew why Neville had been brought up by his grandmother. And how he'd been told all his life that he wasn't as good as his parents but somehow, he must outshine them.
"My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and force some magic out of me — he pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned..."
Hermione choked before spitting out a mouthful of pumpkin juice as she stared in horror at Neville as Percy vanished the mess she'd made. Harry was also staring, everything had been such a new experience the first time that he hadn't really put much thought to Neville's words but now he was. And so with Ron, if that frown was anything to go by.
— but nothing happened until I was eight. Great Uncle Algie came round for dinner, and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid offered him a meringue and he accidentally let go. But I bounced — all the way down the garden and into the road. They were all really pleased, Gran was crying, she was so happy.
"Oh my goodness, that's horrible," Hermione exclaimed, causing those around them to stare.
As Neville was too alarmed to speak, Percy asked.
"What's horrible?"
Ignoring Ron who was shaking his head at her, she said.
"What Neville's Great Uncle Algie did, that's nothing short of abuse."
"Abuse?" Neville repeated, very confused.
"Yes," Hermione stated almost shrilly, astonished that nearly everyone was giving her bemused looks. "Neville, you just said he almost killed you and for what? To prove you had magic...what if you didn't have magic and you'd died?"
Neville just stared at her with wide eyes so Harry quickly said.
"Uh, what Hermione's trying to say that if anyone did that in the Muggle world, they'd be arrested or at the very least, banned from contact with the kid in question."
"They would?" Neville asked in amazement as Dean said.
"Oh yeah, I heard on the news a story about a kid who was getting beat up by their stepdad but he finally got arrested when someone reported it. Don't you guys have police?"
"We've Magical Law Enforcement," Ron stated who knew enough by now to give the wizard equivalent to police. "And Aurors, dark wizard catchers, for the really serious criminals and stuff."
As Dean nodded with interest, Neville said.
"But...he's not beating me or anything; he was just trying to catch some magic out of me."
"But why didn't he just wait for you to show magic on your own?" was Hermione's demand. "If you had magic, you had magic and if you didn't have magic, you didn't, what does forcing you to perform magic achieve?"
"I uh...," Neville stammered, he had no idea how to answer those questions.
"Hey, maybe we could talk about this another time," Ron interjected. "The point is, you are a wizard and you're in the best House there is, Gryffindor."
There was a murmur of agreement, as Ron took the opportunity to hiss to Hermione.
"Drop it."
Quickly adding as she shot him a severe look.
"Not now, we'll talk later."
She had a rather stubborn look on her face but seeing how distressed Neville looked, nodded her agreement.
"I'm sorry Neville, I guess things are different in the wizarding world," she apologised to Neville who looked very relieved.
"T-that's okay," he assured her timidly. "I-I can't imagine how things are in the Muggle world, must be pretty weird."
Her smile was a little forced but she managed it. Ron filled the silence by quickly giving a description of his family with distracted everyone as his family was massive by both wizard and muggle standards. Harry honestly felt sick as he imagined how Neville had been abused and mistreated but the Welcoming Feast was not the place to discuss it. They'd need to get onto this as soon as possible but avoid scaring Neville off.
Harry wanted to be the boy's friend but he also didn't want Neville be terrified with them if they came on too strong.
"Hey Harry," Ron muttered, giving Harry a subtle nudge. "Snape's watching you."
Harry resisted the urge to turn around, knowing he'd be met with a glare of loathing.
"For long?" he whispered back.
"Nah, just for a few moments but he doesn't look happy," Ron said quietly, adding. "I think Hermione got his attention, he's giving us all a look... Oh wait, Quirrel just stuttered something to him, he's not looking anymore."
Trusting his friend, Harry shot the Staff Table a sneaky look and saw that Snape was indeed not paying the Gryffindor table any attention. He looked grumpy but after seven years of being taught by the man, Harry knew that for Snape, that was a fairly neutral expression. Harry turned back to his pudding, helping himself to some cranachan ice cream, a delicious mixture of oats, honey and raspberries.
"You know, I'm not particularly looking forward to Potions but at least Snape did teach us stuff," Harry sighed. "It's going to be a nightmare listening to Quirrel."
"We'll just have to get rid of him then," Ron said as though it was obvious.
This made Harry laugh but he didn't say anything else, you never knew who was listening in. The rest of the feast passed pleasantly until everyone was full and very satisfied. The remains of the feast all vanished, prompting Dumbledore to stand up again to give his start of year announcements.
"Now that we are all fed and watered, I have a few start of term notices for your attention. First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden to all pupils. And a few of our older students would do well to remember that as well."
The trio caught each other's eyes and grinned while the Weasley twins sent their headmaster very innocent looks. After giving them a twinkle, Dumbledore continued.
"I have also been asked by Mr. Filch, the caretaker, to remind you all that no magic should be used between classes in the corridors. Quidditch trials will be held in the second week of the term. Anyone interested in playing for their house teams should contact Madam Hooch.
This made Harry smile, he wasn't sure yet if he'd be able to join the Gryffindor team yet but it was worth considering.
"And finally, I must tell you that this year; the third-floor corridor on the right-hand side is out of bounds to everyone who does not wish to die a very painful death."
This caused a lot of mutterings in the Hall but Harry didn't bother to ask Percy this time what Dumbledore meant.
"And now for the school song."
The trio laughed along with some of the older students as they spotted the look on the other teachers' faces. As soon as the words were formed using golden ribbons, they happily sung it with all the other students. Once the Weasly twins finally finished their funeral marching tune, Dumbledoe wiped his eyes, saying.
"Ah, music, a magic beyond all we do here! And now, bedtime. Off you trot!"
Everyone trooped off to bed, the First years following Percy and were only briefly waylaid by Peeves the poltergeist. Ron managed to neatly shove Neville out of the way when Peeves tried to drop his walking sticks on him, causing the shy boy to gratefully mumble his thanks. As soon as they reached their Common room, Harry hissed to Hermione.
"We'll talk when everyone's gone to bed."
She nodded her agreement before following the First year girls to their dormitory. Harry and Ron automatically headed to there, grinning as they beheld their gold and red four poster beds. Their luggage was already there including Scabbers still snoozing away in his cage with a little dish of food and a bottle of water. Ron grimaced at the sight but quickly decided to ignore it.
Along with Neville, Dean and Seamus, they changed into their pyjamas before getting into bed. However, while the other three boys quickly fell asleep, Ron and Harry somehow managed to stay awake despite how full they felt.
"This is going well so far," Ron hissed at Harry who nodded.
"Yeah, let's hope it stays that way."
Once about half an hour had passed, they snuck down to the Common room where a fire was merrily sparking. Taking the most comfortable chairs, they waited for Hermione to join them and she didn't disappoint.
"Sorry I took so long," she said as she hurried over to them. "The girls wanted to chat a bit, they've only just fallen asleep."
"No problem," Ron said lazily.
Hermione nodded, taking a seat before bursting out.
"Did you hear what Neville was saying about his relatives, I can't believe it."
"I know," Harry said darkly. "I didn't like it either but that wasn't the place to talk about it. It was just upsetting Neville and we didn't want to spoil the feast for him."
Hermione looked chastised as Harry assured her.
"But we will do something, isn't that right Ron."
"Yeah but it might not be easy," Ron said darkly. "Unless his relatives actually caused him serious injury or used a Dark spell on him, I don't think there's really any law against it. I remember mum and dad talking about these families that force their kids to show magic as early as possible and what happens if they don't. Remember that wizard who turned his seven Squib sons into hedgehogs? That's completely legal."
"I know and it's so frustrating," Hermione said angrily. "I bought a basic book on wizard law and there's no mention of laws protecting abuse victims. How can that be?"
"Pretty bloody difficult to prove abuse," Ron said wisely. "You can modify your victim's memories; control them with spells and potions and all sorts of things."
"Yeah and let's face it," Harry added. "For better and worse, wizard kids are under their parents control for at least eleven years and their interaction with others depends on who their parents let them be with. Half bloods and Muggleborns can get to school so the authorities are more likely to pick up on abuse but I think some Purebloods can be in pretty bad situations."
"But what can we do?" insisted Hermione. "We have to do something or it'll take years for Neville to throw off the abuse, longer than it should."
"We could try speaking to Professor McGonagall," Harry suggested. "She can easily handle Neville's gran and she might be able to advise us.
"Well, we can try," Ron said with a shrug. "I don't think Great Uncle Algie ever did anything else to Neville, apart from get him that hideous plant."
"What they did had lasting effects," Hermione said very grimly. "Constantly telling Neville he wasn't good enough, he believed them wholeheartedly, it was only when Bellatrix escaped that he really broke free of that mindset."
"And having a wand that wasn't his probably didn't help," murmured Harry, remembering how much Neville had improved in Sixth year. "We'll sort something out Hermione, don't worry."
She nodded before asking with concern.
"You're feeling alright aren't you Harry? Quirrel isn't hurting your scar?"
"Nothing yet but I haven't directly looked at him," Harry confirmed. "Speaking of which, Defence is going to be a pain in the arse with him."
"I know what you mean," she said, sighing heavily. "If only we could get rid of him sooner rather than later."
"But how are we going to get rid of Quirrel without him blasting us?" Harry asked.
"I have an idea," Ron said slowly. "It might just work."
Author's note. Heh, sneaky little cliff-hanger but I thought I'd leave you guessing what Ron's idea is. By the way, does anyone recognise the quote Ron used? Hint, it's from a YouTube video and I'll reveal the answer next time. Brownie points for those who guess it. BTW, any idea when Trevor finally escaped Neville for good? According to wiki, Trevor finally managed to escape to the Hogwarts lake but it didn't say when. I know he had him at least in Third year but can't remember beyond that.