Harry Potter and Fawkes Gift
Chapter Two
Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter or have met his wonderful Creator Ms. Rowling's.
The next morning Luna was sitting with Harry and his friends at Gryffindor. Last night had been quite exciting and loud, much as she had Seen, in the Ravenclaw common room. Professor Flitwick lectured the whole house about bullying and stealing. After an hour he told everyone to get off to bed, he would deal with the punishment in the morning.
Before everyone went down to breakfast, punishment still not handed out, Professor Flitwick advised Luna to sit with her friends at Gryffindor table. And so, she was, waiting for the show to start while eating a light breakfast. Some of the Gryffindor students were confused and wary of her sitting with them but didn't voice their concerns Harry greeted her and welcomed her to sit.
After everyone was settled and at-least started their breakfast Professor Flitwick approached Professor Dumbledore to make an announcement. Professor Dumbledore called for everyone's undivided attention then asked them all to pay attention to Professor Flitwick. Certain Ravenclaw students looked at each other and blanched, this was not going to be pretty. Over at the Gryffindor table Luna looked on with excitement, making most of the nearby students more curious.
"May I have your attention please. As head of Ravenclaw House I have a few announcements to make. It has come to my attention that several acts of bullying and theft have been carried out by members of my house to a younger member of my house. I shall not say who was being bullied or who brought it to my attention. I will however state the names of the perpetrators and the punishment they will be receiving; Cho Chang, Marietta Edgecombe and Michael Corner. They will each will lose fifty points from their house, the Ravenclaw hourglass that kept track of their house points reversed 150 sapphires, they will each serve one month's detention with me twice a week which will carry over to next year, they will each be banned from their house quidditch team for the remainder of their stay at Hogwarts, and they shall not be awarded the responsibility of Prefect. To steal from and bully other students for any reason is not what and of the houses stand for and certainly not Ravenclaw. Should I find this behavior happening again, the perpetrating students will be suspended and if they do so again after they return, they shall be expelled." Professor Flitwick announced from the podium in front of the staff table.
Professor Dumbledore stood as Professor Flitwick took his seat once more. "Students, I implore you to treat each other with compassion and honor, this sort of behavior will not be tolerated any more. There has been enough this year already without adding more." Professor Dumbledore says with a clear look to Harry. Those that catch where his gaze lands duck their heads in shame, the majority of the school had turned on Harry with the 'Heir of Slytherin' fiasco just for Harry to be the one to fix it. "Let us learn from this year so that we do not repeat our mistakes. I fully support Professor Flitwick's punishment of the offending party."
As Professor Dumbledore sat down everyone but those mentioned started talking actively about the announcements while slowly eating what was left of their breakfast. Cho, Marietta and Michael were so shocked at the level and publicity of the punishment they couldn't eat, it didn't help all their housemates were giving them dirty looks. Harry and Luna were both ecstatic to see justice being done after nearly a full year of torment from their fellow students.
After an exciting breakfast they all returned to their classes. Non-5th and 7th years still had to take their O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s while all the other students still had review lessons to make sure their understood the course even if there was no end of year test for them. Luna stayed as close to Harry as she could when not in class, which he didn't. In fact, he was quite fond of her company.
FG
Next Monday Professor McGonagall asked Harry to stay behind after class. She had a strained expression, Harry wondered what was up so remained in his seat until the class emptied.
"Mr. Potter, I have spoken with Neville's guardian about the matter you brought to me but I was unable to convince his Grandmother to get him a new wand. Apparently, you were right, she is making him use his father's wand, Ash with Unicorn hair which does not pass on its allegiance willingly. I have discussed this with Mr. Longbottom but he is hesitant to go against his Grandmother. Perhaps you might have more luck with him or another idea." Professor McGonagall said, hoping Harry could help.
Harry thought about this for a few moments. 'There a few options but they could all blow up in our face'. "Would it be possible to bring Mr. Ollivander here to talk to Neville? Maybe have Neville's Grandmother with them to prove to her the wand is causing Neville's trouble, not his skill or power."
Professor McGonagall was surprised, she hadn't thought of that. "I will see if that can be arranged Mr. Potter. Perhaps you might talk to Mr. Longbottom about this while I attempt to organize this, it wouldn't do to get Mr. Ollivander here just for the boy to refuse due to his Grandmother."
Harry agreed and left to find Neville. After searching Gryffindor tower, he went to check the library. Luna and his friends were sitting at their usual table waiting for him but he couldn't see Neville. Harry decided to ask for some help.
"Hey guys," Harry said quietly, "Have any of you seen Neville? Professor McGonagall asked me to talk to him about a problem he's having." Harry asked as delicately as he could.
"He was here a little bit ago, but it seemed he was having trouble concentrating so he left. I think he's heading towards the greenhouses. He seemed a bit troubled." Luna said, looking a bit spacy like when she's Seeing something but talking to others.
"Thanks Luna, I'm going to try and catch up to him then I'll come back here if there is time before dinner. See you soon." Harry said, before taking off towards the Greenhouses. He missed the confused and slightly annoyed looks on Hermione and Ron. Luna got another Glimpse and as a bit concerned, but she kept what she had Seen to herself. Only Harry believed her anyway and she would work to minimize the damage that was happening to the so called 'Golden Trio'.
FG
Harry finally caught up to Neville near the Greenhouses. "Hey Neville, got a minute?" Harry asked as he ran up to him.
Neville stopped and looked back. Harry looked like he'd ran the whole way there. "Sure Harry, mind if we talk in Greenhouse 6, its mostly botanical with healing plants." He said as Harry caught his breath.
Harry followed Neville into the Greenhouse. He watched as Neville seemed to relax as he walked among the flowering plants. Harry let Neville have a few moments more before broaching what was sure to be a difficult conversation. "Neville, McGonagall asked me to stay behind after class today. Last week I let her know about a problem I was seeing. I've been watching you Neville; your wand work and incanting is good but you don't get the right results. I asked her if it might be your wand and she said she would look into it. She met with your Grandmother and found out your using you father's wand, Ash with Unicorn hair, she told me that type of wand doesn't change allegiance willingly. We think that's why your having trouble with your spells, your wands fighting you because it didn't choose you."
Neville looked at Harry, shocked. 'Could this be why I'm always having trouble? Not because I am a near squib, but because my dad's wand won't recognize me'. "My Gran always says 'it worked brilliantly for your father, it will be good for you, honor your father by using it'. She got angry when I asked why I didn't go to Ollivander's like everyone else. Why are you bring this up?"
"Professor McGonagall asked me for some ideas since talking to your Grandmother didn't work. We came up with a few ideas but they wont work unless you want them to. She wants to bring Mr. Ollivander here with a sample of his wands to help you find yours and maybe explain to your Grandmother it's the wand. She says she wants you to use it in his honor, but if it is holding you back, I don't think your father would want that. Do you?" Harry replied, hoping he was getting through to Neville.
Neville was stunned. He could see Harry was trying to help him but he was terrified to go against his Grandmother. Harry's last comment though struck true with him though, Gran was always telling him what a great man his father was. He didn't sound like the kind of man that would hold his son back from doing his best just to be honored. Was he really honoring his father by using his wand when the wand wouldn't acknowledge him?
"What do you think I should do Harry?" Neville asked. The look in his eyes told a strong story; the desire to act but needing help breaking free, he needed a someone to pull him where he wanted to go until he could stand on his own.
"I think you should meet with Mr. Ollivander here or over the summer. If you don't want your Grandmother with you when you meet him you can meet him here but ask Professor McGonagall not to invite here, or we can meet over summer to go to his shop together. If you still want to carry your father's wand then carry it with you but use the wand that works for you. I know you can do this Neville, you are strong, brave and loyal." Harry said, glad to help Neville break free of his cage. Neville looked unconvinced of that last part so Harry tried to explain.
"Neville, you manage most of your spells to at least some degree even though your wand fights you every step of the way, that takes serious strength of will if nothing else. The sorting hat placed you in Gryffindor for a reason, despite all your struggles you persevere and don't give up, it takes great courage to continue fighting when everything seems to fight against you. I can tell your truly loyal to your father and Grandmother, you were just told you were struggling due to being made to use your father's wand but you don't rush for an easier path. I think there is a great wizard inside you, lets see if we can release him and honor your father at the same time. Besides, better the proud roar of a lion than the angry roar of a tickled dragon, right?"
Neville could only stand there in amazement, barely containing tears. Never had anyone ever talked about him like that. Harry had just emphasized his character in such a shining way that Neville actually had to take pride in himself. He had never felt worthy of his magic or his father's wand, certainly not of being in Gryffindor, feeling lucky to get what he had. Now Harry makes him feel worthy of his magic and his house. That he could be as great a wizard as his father. Maybe is was time to let the cub roar and start earning its mane.
As Neville went through the revelations Harry had just trust upon him Harry noticed something with his enhanced eyes. Neville's magic was starting to surge and at its peak his wand in his pocket was reacting. 'It seems Neville's wand is intrigued by what he is feeling'. Harry's own magic was guiding him to reach one arm.
Neville stepped forward and grasped it. The two embraced in a manly fashion, or at least as manly as two twelve-year-old boys could. Both felt the magic around them thicken, a sense of rightness and power, a sudden flash and the magic leveled out leaving both boys looking amazed and curious.
"What do you think that was Neville?" Harry asked, seeing spots from the flash. Whatever that was it was certainly powerful with an undercurrent of old magic.
"I'm not certain, but I think that was a Bond of Valor. Two warriors grasp arms after a promise of aid, then both are driven to accomplish said aid. In this case your desire to see me be my best; brave, strong, and true to myself. I think with you there I might, no I will, be strong enough to meet Ollivander and face my Grandmother. You'll help me right Harry?" Neville answered.
"Of course, Neville. If you need a hand I'll be there if I can. Come on, let's go up the library, I told the others I'd come back if there was time before dinner. Maybe we can also look up this Bond of Valor you mentioned." Harry replied leading the way. Neville quickly agreed.
When they back to the library Neville went to look for a book on bonds while Harry went to join his other friends. When Luna saw them enter, she gasped and then broke into a wide grin. When the others asked what had her grinning, she just shook her head and wouldn't tell, not till she talked to Harry first. She could see the bond between Harry and Neville. She knew once they got Neville free to be himself few could stand against Harry and Neville together. But there was still some time till that happened.
FG
Next Monday, Professor McGonagall asked Harry to stay behind again. Ron and Hermione were surprised Harry was asked to stay back again but said they would wait for him in the library. Harry said he would meet them there.
"Mr. Potter, I have arranged for Mr. Ollivander to come here next Monday. I would appreciate it if you would be there with Neville when they talk to his Grandmother. I've actually noticed a slight improvement in his work since last week. I assume you were able to talk to him." Professor McGonagall said, a slight smile on her lips.
"Yes Professor, I encouraged him to be proud in himself and see Mr. Ollivander about the new wand. He didn't realize it was the wand that was his problem and let himself believe what everyone said about him. I was able to bring out his inner lion and his magic reacted. We ended up activating a Bond of Valor, accidentally, and I promised I would help him. Of course, I'll be there for him, he would do the same for me." Harry responded, shocking Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall was surprised, to say the least. Bonds of Valor were not very common these days, especially while the Bonder's were still in school. She herself only really knew what she did of them because Gryffindor was the house of Warriors and Valor, they had had quite a few Alumni throughout history enter into such Bonds. The Bond would make each a bit stronger, braver, and smarter so as to help their Bonded, they would be fiercely loyal to each other, and they would know when the other needed them and where to go. "Thank you, Mr. Potter, for speaking to Mr. Longbottom about this. It has clearly already helped and his new wand should further help him become the wizard he was meant to be."
"Thank you, Professor. Will that be all? I suspect Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Luna will be wondering what is keeping me." Harry asked, respectfully, not wanting to seem rude but wanting to get back to his friends.
"No. I think that will be all, Mr. Potter. Mr. Ollivander has arranged to meet in my office next Monday after classes. Madam Longbottom, Mr. Longbottom's Grandmother, will likely be there as well. Please wait with Mr. Longbottom after class next Monday and I shall escort you both to my office for the meeting. Good day, Mr. Potter." Professor McGonagall said.
Harry bowed slightly and left for the library. When he entered, he found his four friends sitting at a large table surrounded by books. Hermione was once again immersed in a large old tome, which looked to be about arithmancy. Ron appeared to have been convinced to read ahead and was reading a book on Divination. Neville was still trying to find out about the Bond of Valor so had a whole stack of books on Bonds. Luna ha borrowed one of their second-year charms books and was reading ahead.
As Harry walked up Luna set the book aside so she could focus on Harry. "What did Professor McGonagall want Harry, I hope your not in trouble." Said Luna in her light airy manner. She already knew of course but just glimpsing didn't show you the whole picture and wasn't as much fun.
Harry smiled as he sat down. Harry had felt a sense of calm when he talked with Luna since he first met her, like the world around her seemed to slow. "Professor McGonagall just wanted to thank me for helping with a problem and asked me to stay after class next Monday. Apparently, there is a meeting she wants me to be involved in." He said, Harry had agreed not to talk openly about Neville's problem and he knew Luna knew what he meant.
Harry retrieved a book on Ancient Runes he had been studying and everyone got back to reading. They read until dinner and headed down after putting their books away. Like every meal for the last two weeks Luna sat next to Harry at Gryffindor, nobody even bothered to look up any more except a few older students who thought they looked cute together.
FG
The week passed quickly and it was once again Monday afternoon. Neville and Harry stayed behind after Transfigurations. They were both a little nervous, this was the first time Neville had gone against his Grandmother and this would be the first time Harry met her. After the last student left her class Professor McGonagall told Harry and Neville to follow her to her office.
When they walked in Harry saw an old woman with a vulture on her hat and Mr. Ollivander. He assumed the older lady to be Madam Longbottom, Neville's Grandmother. Mr. Ollivander was still like Harry remembered him; tall, greying, and those creepy eyes that seemed to see right through you. Madam Longbottom was a tall woman, sleek, and wore an expression fierce enough to compare to the vulture on her hat. Clearly, she was not happy to be here while Mr. Ollivander seemed eager for a challenge he had been denied.
As soon as they entered the office Mr. Ollivander did what he always did when he swws another witch or wizard; identify their wands. Harry's Holly and Phoenix feather, 11''. Professor McGonagall's Fir with Dragon heartstring, 9.5 ''. Neville's Ash with Unicorn hair, 10''. His eyes lingering on Neville in an uncertain manner, his eyes seeing the connections between wand and wizard.
"It's about time you got here." Snapped Madam Longbottom. She didn't want to get Neville a new wand. She didn't want to replace the wand her son used. She was quite annoyed she was being forced to be here by her Grandson's head of house and a second year.
"Thank you for coming today Madam Longbottom, Mr. Ollivander. I understand your both busy, so we will try to keep this short. As you both know Mr. Longbottom here has been having difficulty with his casting for the last two years, it was brought to my attention earlier this month by Mr. Potter here that it might be the wand as his wand motion and incantation were accurate but not producing the desired results. I approached Madam Longbottom about this, as Mr. Longbottom's guardian, and found that he was never given a new wand but encouraged to use his father's wand of Ash with Unicorn hair. She refused to talk about bringing Mr. Longbottom to Ollivander's and was adamant I leave. I went to Mr. Ollivander's to try understanding the problem with the wand so I might be able to help Mr. Longbottom. There I found out why the wand seemed to be giving Mr. Longbottom trouble, both wood and magical focus are highly resistant to changing hands, together they are even more reluctant to acknowledge a new owner. In this case Mr. Longbottom's wand does not acknowledge him as its owner and resists his attempts at using it, causing him to struggle with any wand magic and reducing the output of the spells that are able to be used. Mr. Longbottom has so far gotten around this problem through pure force of will and hours of extra practice. That approach is not only dangerous for the young man but will be insufficient in his latter schooling.
"I approached Mr. Longbottom about this but he was reluctant to go against his Grandmother about his wand stating she wanted him to honor his father by using his wand. I then approached Mr. Potter to try and help Mr. Longbottom accept my help. The next day Mr. Longbottom asked me to set this meeting up. I don't know what Mr. Potter said but since then Mr. Longbottom has carried himself with an air of strength and courage, with a level of conviction not seen in most adults. Madam Longbottom, please allow this. It can be very dangerous to overcharge your wand for continued time, leading to either a burnout of the wand or in worse cases damaging of a person's magical core." Professor McGonagall said in a stern tone, at times slipping into her brisk Scottish accent.
Madam Longbottom was stunned. She hadn't realized all the trouble Neville was having because of her forcing him to use his father's wand. She was horrified by what could happen if she didn't allow Neville a new wand, she would never forgive herself if Neville got hurt do to her pride and stubbornness. She was surprised and proud to hear it was Neville who pushed for this meeting and her involvement, 'that must have taken real bravery given how timid he always is around me' she thought.
Madam Longbottom was further surprised by what she heard next. "Gran, I need to do this. I will still carry Dad's wand but I need my own so I can reach my potential and be the wizard I'm meant to be. While Harry was talking to me, encouraging me to do this, I felt that potential and I want to feel that way again, proud and strong and not afraid to be true to myself. When he mentioned my inner lion and the school motto, I heard the lion roar as was not afraid for I knew it was with me. Gran, our magic led us, at that moment, to forming a Bond of Valor, Harry promised to help me become who I am meant to be, who I want to be, and I will stand by Harry whenever he needs me." Neville laid it all on the table to his Grandmother, he needed her to accept this.
Madam Longbottom looked at Neville, his head held high and practically shining with power and conviction. She looked to Harry, who had yet to speak, his hand on Neville's shoulder in support. Her eyes wandered to Professor McGonagall, who was clearly proud of her 'pride' watching Neville and Harry with pride. Mr. Ollivander seemed to be very eager, eyes darting between the boxes of wands on the table that he had brought with him.
"Very well, Neville. If you promise to still carry your father's wand, I shall allow this. It fills me with pride to see you show such conviction and strength, your parents would be proud. And you Mr. Potter, thank you for standing with my Neville. I can only hope you will be successful of bringing out the amazing wizard I know rests within my grandson. Minerva, I apologize for my behavior towards you on this matter, I thought you were trying to over step your bounds by forcing Neville to get a new wand." Madam Longbottom said, looking each in the eye as she talked to them. Here gaze was much less fierce than when they had entered.
Neville was ecstatic that his Grandmother accepted this, he would have been crushed to have to do this without her support but he would have. Harry stood there proud next to his friend, happy Neville would get what he needed and the support of his family. Professor McGonagall gave Madam Longbottom a pert nod, a tight smile on her face. She was still miffed with Madam Longbottom but would hold her tongue for now, Mr. Longbottom was getting what he needed without too much of a fight. Professor McGonagall was glad she didn't have to go behind the woman's back which would have led to hours of shouting from both of them.
"Well, Mr. Longbottom. Now that I may be of assistance, let us begin getting you measured for your wand. I have brought several with me along with several samples of wood and magical focuses." Mr. Ollivander said with excitement. He had felt several samples reacting while Neville had talked. So out came the magical tape, measuring every inch of Neville.
Neville tried several wands with little results until he reached out and one shot towards him. The wand that reacted was a Cherry with Unicorn Hair, 13''. As soon as Neville grabbed the wand his magic reacted as fiercely as Harry's had when he found his wand. The magic in the office thickened and sparks of red and gold trumpeted out of the wand.
"Cherry; a wood favored in Japan for its versatile boost of spells, each one favoring a different spell type. Unicorn hair; versatile in its uses, consistent magic, hard to turn to the dark arts, and produces the most faithful wand but stubborn if mishandled. Length, 13 inches. Flexibility; sturdy yet lenient. A fine wand for one with an affinity with Earth magic and faithful to their friends. We can expect great things from you Mr. Longbottom." Ollivander explained as he examined the wand that choose Neville before handing it back to him.
"An outstanding wand Neville. I know you will do well with it. I was right that Unicorn hair fit you, I'm just sorry it took so long to see you needed your own." Madam Longbottom said, giving Neville a light hug. "Well, I better let you get off to your friends. I'll see you when you get home next week Neville. Mr. Potter, thank you for starting all this in motion and being a true friend to Neville. If you ever want to visit just send an owl, and feel free to call me Gran when were not in public."
"Thank you for the invitation Gran, it was good to meet you. Come on Neville, Luna and the others said they'd wait in the Library. I swear, Luna and Hermione are trying to read next years whole course before summer break." Harry said happily, that had gone over much better than I expected.
With a wave, Harry and Neville left the adults to join their friends in the Library. Hermione had moved on from Arithmancy and was reading the Ancient Runes text Harry had been reading. Ron was reading from a current Care of Magical Creatures book though it was rumored Professor Silvanus Kettleburn was planning on retiring. Luna was reading Harry's second year Transfiguration. They quietly sat down and read till dinner with their friends. Neville, having found everything he could on Bonds, pulled out his Herbology text while Harry was trying to read the Arithmancy book.
One more week and they'd be heading home for summer. Ron's dad had written him saying he'd on a Daily Prophet lottery pot drawing and they would be getting him a new wand and visiting Bill in Egypt this summer. Hermione as usual was going out of country for the second half of summer, this time to France where she planned to check out all the magical side there had to offer while enjoying time with her family. Luna was going on a magizoology expedition with her father for their newspaper, The Quibbler. On the way to the Library Neville told Harry he was spending summer at home and Harry welcome to visit, recommending the Knight bus or the Floo if Harry could get to the Leaky Cauldron. Harry was looking forward to this summer, he just had to get his Uncle to sign his permission sheet for Hogsmeade visits next year, shouldn't be that right?...
Thank you for your patience for this chapter. For those who think I miss paired I did not, I happen to think Neville is more of a emotion driven young man who is loyal with low self esteem and needed a massive shove to break free of his own cage. Next up is summer vacation, trips to the Longbottom's, and the appearance of everyone's, minus Severus, favorite dog and Vernon's sister. See you all then.