Chapter 9
Harry woke up with a slight jerk from the nightmare that plagued his dreams. He woke up tired as he was still exhausted from the troll incident the previous night. Getting up he noticed no one else was asleep, rolling over to look at the time he was quite disturbed to find it was 1 PM, rushing out of bed he quickly put his robes on and tamed his hair then left. Halfway through the corridor he realized that it was Saturday and that they did not have classes till monday. Slamming his hand in his face in embarrassment he walked over to the library where he knew all his friends would be. Looking around he saw Draco, Parkinson, Theo, and Neville studying. Neville looked as if he was never beat up, Madam Pomfrey had healed every bruise last night, Harry gave a fake smile and walked over to the group.
Parkinson was the first to notice Harry walking over to them, "Hey Harry! Fancy seeing you here, Draco said you would never wake up." Pansy said giggling, Draco looked at him apologetically.
Harry gave a quick painful smile at the girl using his first name, he only gave his friends permission to use his first name. Deciding to not correct her and remain civil, for Draco's sake he casually sat down and said, "Hello, Parkinson pleased to see you as well. Anyway, Neville, how do you feel?"
"Madam Pomfret said it wasn't too bad, she just gave me a potion and all my bruises were gone in an instant." Neville barely whispered in response, Harry didn't bother responding and got out his books on curses and hexes to study. They were 3rd year difficulty, Harry wouldn't admit it but he was excited to show Professor Quirrell the spells he wanted to learn. The man was his favorite teacher. Even though he wouldn't let him practice the dark arts, he would give him books and discuss it with him. His teacher didn't stutter, nor did he act jittery around him. Harry knew there was more to the professor, he just couldn't care.
An hour later he heard the doors to the library open, looking over he saw Professor Quirrell walking towards them. Draco groaned we he thought the professor was incompetent, which he was at teaching a whole class. Harry thought he would be a much better tutor than teacher, but Harry didn't dare say it out loud.
"H-H-Hello I n-need t-t-to s-s-s-see Mr. P-Potter" Professor Quirrell said then turned around and started to leave the library. Harry got up wordlessly and started to follow the older man, leaving his friends gaping at them. Harry was quite curious about what his Professor wanted. They usually had lessons on weekdays, and after curfew to avoid getting caught. When they arrived at the Professor's office he immediately shut and locked the door. It slammed shut with a satisfying "BANG!"
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"Now Harry, I wanted to talk to you about something very important." Voldemort said with a grin, Harry has proven to be a very impressive wizard. The information Harry has confided in him is that he already had slight control over his magic before Hogwarts. The troll incident from the previous day was unfortunate for him, he would have gotten the stone if the boy hadn't killed the thing. However Voldemort was also prideful as well, Potter used an overpowered "Diffindo" charm to murder the beast. A spell he taught him last week.
"Yes sir, what is it?" Potter asked curiously, worry threaded in his voice as well. Faint but noticeable to the Dark Lord. Voldemort inwardly smiled at the boy.
"Potter, do you know why the 3rd floor is restricted for students and staff members?" Voldemort already knew Harry didn't know the answer, but for some reason he wanted Harry to admit he didn't know something.
"No sir, but I doubt it's just maintenance like everyone else thinks. There is something hiding on the 3rd floor. I'm assuming it's something you want. You sent the troll, didn't you?" Harry stated. Voldemort's smirk turned into a full on smile, he was proud of the boy for being able to pick that up. Though he quickly changed it back to cool and calculating.
"Yes, you are correct Mr. potter. You have to promise me to not tell anyone this information, if you do it could be my life at stake." Voldemort said, as he observed the boy's reaction. The younger man was staring at him mimicking the same facial expression he was wearing, cold, calculating, and dark.
The boy then smiled a wicked smile and said. "I'll keep your secret if you let me practice a few dark spells."
"I think I can arrange something… It'll be hard since your wand has a tracker on it, but I think I could figure it out. Now on the 3rd floor there is a stone, if you use it, it can make you live forever. I want to give this stone to a friend who needs it. In a week I plan to send another troll, do not kill/harm it under any circumstance. Do you understand?" Voldemort said his expression darkened. Potter's face dimmed as well, he was grinning though so it made him look quite manic. This was the side to Harry no one saw cold, dark, and calculating. Voldemort savored in the fact the boy trusted him enough to show him this side. Voldemort smiled in return, and they soon fell into a comfortable silence. The comfortable silence ended however, when Harry turned away and walked out.
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Harry left the office with his heart pounding in excitement. It was rare for him to get excited, especially when it comes to school. He does everything in near perfection as everything comes naturally to him. Besides potions, but Harry doesn't know if it's because Professor Snape breathes down his neck, or if he just isn't good at it. ' Probably both' Harry finally concludes. Besides that it felt nice to be himself for a bit, he always acted like the "Perfect child". Parkinson was the closest to see behind the mask, he noticed the fearful glances he gets from her occasionally, even if she does try to conceal it. Theo might have, just because of his sheer ability to observe and know, but if he has he never mentioned it.
When Harry returned to the library he noticed all his friends left for lunch. Only a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were there. Though what did surprise him was to see Granger, and Weasley in the room whispering quietly to each other. It would have been normal if it was just Granger, she spent almost all her free time in the Library. As for the youngest, Weasley hasn't even stepped in the Library yet. The red-headed boy prefers to talk his head off, and yell at the Slytherins for "pranking him" whenever he got a bad grade. Quietly he stalked up to the two and hid behind a bookshelf, giving him access to hear whatever their saying.
"-We could get killed for that, or even worse expelled." The bushy haired girl said with determination in her voice.
"Hermione we won't be killed, we just need to be quiet. It's obvious Quirrell is up to something, we need to stop it before someone gets hurt. Whatever he wants on the 3rd floor could be-" at this point Harry turned away and sprinted to the common room with his chest pounding. Any hunger Harry might have had banished, he felt the urge to tell his Professor but decided against it. He quickly realized that Professor Quirrell could defeat and kill those two easily, especially because they were Gryffindors. Harry didn't doubt Granger though, Granger by herself was strong and intelligent, she could easily plan a way to stop Professor Quirrell. He didn't like Granger at all, she was too arrogant, spoiled, and close minded on other people's opinions. But those were facts he had to admit. The youngest Weasley however was the complete opposite, he was stupid, and an average wizard in strength at best. Harry knew Weasley would just convince Granger to make a stupid descion that would get them both killed. Harry did not worry about it anymore.
Slowing down his stride he noticed Neville was chasing him, Harry stopped and turned around to look at his friend.
"HARRY, HARRY! I HAVE AMAZING NEWS!" Neville exclaimed in pure happiness on his face. Harry forced a smile on his face, attempting to mimic Neville's excited expression.
"Oh? What is it, Neville?" Harry asked, doing his best to seem excited.
"I asked Professor McGonagall if she would let us go to Diagon Alley to get me a proper wand, she said yes! We'll be going tomorrow evening, if everything goes to plan. It took a lot of convincing as we aren't technically allowed to leave the castle until we are in 3rd year and my grandmother won't know about it. So keep quiet, we don't want the whole school to know." Neville said slightly calmer, but the excitement was still clear in his voice.
Harry smiled a genuine smile this time, if he got Neville a wand, Neville will basically just do anything he wants. Harry is basically Neville's only friend. All of a sudden Neville seemed to have remembered something and started shuffling through his pockets looking for something. He grabbed an envelope and handed it to Harry. Looking at the letter Harry realized it was from Gringotts, Harry forgot about the requested meeting as it was before the year even started. He was happy about it though, he still hadn't learned much about being the heir of a noble family yet. Opening it, the letter said,
"Dear Mr. Potter,
I would like to apologize for the long wait to receive this letter, my time has been occupied with more time consuming things. You will be arriving at Gringotts this Sunday evening, I have personally asked for permission for you to leave the school campus, so do not fret over leaving.
Gooday, Griphook."
"It came during lunch but you weren't there. I took it so I could give it to you later. Sorry. What is it?" Neville stated unsure if he pushed a boundary by taking Harry's letter.
"Thank you, and don't worry about it Neville. This letter is from Gringotts, I have requested a meeting so I could learn more about my family's financial situation. And what duties I need to fulfill in order to take the Lord Potter title. I'll give you the money to buy your wand with Professor McGonagall, while you get your wand I will go to Gringotts. We shall meet at the leaky cauldron and floo back to Hogwarts." Harry stated, they said a quick goodbye and Harry continued his stride to the common room. He knew that this letter was most likely Headmaster Dumbledore's doing, after all its rare such a coincidence could happen.
Arriving at the common room he could see his fellow Slytherins reading or drawing, they all were more relaxed than usual. Harry naturally relaxed as well and moved to his bed where his trunk was. He gingerly grabbed it and took out his book on dark curses and hexes. Professor Quirrell would be teaching him a few spells so he might as well pick a few he'd like to learn.
What caught his eye was a shadow spell, it turned the caster into their own shadow. Some people who got really good at it could force other objects/people into the casters shadow. Effectively trapping them until the wizard or witch sets them free. It was made illegal in 1943 when a person named Nicholas Weather casted the spell on his entire family, he kept them prisoner for a week. They all starved and died. The book explained that it was fairly simple to make yourself a shadow, the hard part was getting or taking other things in your shadow.
The rest of the day happened in a blur, it was spent reading and studying. Draco forced him to eat dinner, which he begrudgingly accepted. It's not that he hated food, he just never felt hungry. Harry knew it was because he was frequently starved, and beat if he stole food at the orphanage.
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Today was the day that Harry would be going to Diagon Alley with Neville, he was excited to get this whole thing over with. He had a rather viscous nightmare as well, he dreamed of a pale-snake-like man on the back of Professor Quirrell's head. The Professor was screaming and begging for his life back, and the snake man possessed him. Harry woke up screaming and terrified, it was as if he was Professor Quirrell. Later though a morbid satisfaction came over him and played the scene in his head over and over. When he finished getting ready, Harry walked up to the Great Hall for breakfast.
Much to Harry's surprise he saw Neville sitting with Draco, Parkinson, and Theo, they all were talking quietly to each other. Not only that but the other Slytherins seemed to not care as they did not glare/bully Neville for sitting with them. He knew the others tolerated Neville but he never suspected that they would allow the Gryffindor sit with them. What didn't surprise him however was the Gryffindors, they were glaring at Neville as if he just betrayed them. Rolling his eyes, he sat next to Theo and grabbed the smallest portion that Draco would allow him to eat. Soom however Neville let it slip that Harry and him would be gone for the evening, this of course let them get a wildfire amount of questions on where they will be going.
Neville flushed and said, "Well uh, uhm we'll be going…." Before Neville could finish his statement Harry interpreted,
"Where both going to detention, Professor Mcgonagall caught us trying to get into the restricted section."
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To say Neville was surprised at how good of a liar Harry was is an understatement. He watched Harry as he told this story on how Harry wanted to make Polyjuice potion for a prank and he, Neville, decided to help him find it. He even managed to fake a shudder when he mentioned how 'scary' Professor McGonagall was when she was angry. Neville chalked it up to Harry being a Slytherin, all Slytherins seemed to be excellent liars anyway.
But now that he thought about it he doesn't really know much about his friend, Harry tended to talk but not actually say anything at the same time. It was very confusing. Neville knew that there is more to Harry than he lets on. It doesn't bother him as much as it should. Harry's presence feels amazing. Every person he's met has insulted him for being "weak" and too "Huffepuff. Neither was his fault! He was weak because his borderline abusive grandmother gave him his father's wand instead of a wand that actually chose him. He was also naturally sensitive, he always has been. It's not like the sorting hat could ever be wrong, so he doesn't even understand that either. Though when he met Harry it was as if he was introduced to a new world! Harry showed him what it's like to have friends, he'll admit it Harry's friends are kind of intimidating but nice to him anyway. He couldn't leave Harry, even if he wanted to.
After breakfast Neville, Harry, and his friends head to the library. Though halfway through the corridor Professor Snape ran up to Draco and demanded he go to his office. Draco told them to head to the library and he would just meet them there. The group agreed and parted ways. They sat down and all agreed to study charms together as they had a test, most said it was too hard to complete without studying. After thirty minutes Draco arrived back, though something was clearly wrong. His eyes were rimmed red and he looked angry. Draco specifically asked to talk to Harry and for the others to not follow.
Neville did not see Harry until evening came.
Harry seemed off since the library incident. His face was always impassive most of the time, but his face just looked dead and lifeless. Neville was very worried about what confrontation happened between the two boys, and what part did Professor Snape play in this situation. Harry never went to Professor Mcgonagall's office so he followed Neville instead. After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence Neville finally asked, "So what happened with Draco?"
"I don't see how it matters to you." Harry hissed with venom dripping off his voice. Neville swore he could feel a cold dark breeze happen when Harry snapped at him. Neville decided to not respond as it's obvious he was in the mood to talk about it.
They finally arrived at Mcgonagall's, the older woman smiled at them and said, "Hello, Potter, Longbottom. I trust that this will be a fast trip in and out, no messing around as we are still technically breaking the rules."
"Yes Ma'am, we understand." Neville and Harry said in unison. After a few instructions on what to do. Professor Mcgonagall took the floo powder, walked into the oversized fireplace and yelled "Leaky Cauldron" then threw it on the ground. Green flames burst and the Professor was gone. Neville nervously took the powder and followed his Professor's instructions. He was greeted by the inside of an old run down pub, shivering as he got out of the fireplace. Almost one second later they were joined by Harry, who was still acting odd.
They all walked in silence as they arrived at Ollivanders, Harry said his goodbye and walked towards Gringotts. Neville noticed Professor McGonagall stare at the boy before shaking her head and walking into the building. Almost immediately they were greeted by a white haired, slightly erratic man, Neville immediately recognized him as Mr. Ollivander.
"Why Longbottom! I do believe our meeting has been long overdue." The man said darkly and then took out a wand and shoved it in his hands before he could respond. His slight social anxiety made him freeze up, McGonagall grabbed his shoulder and said,
"Calm down Mr. Longbottom, now give it a wave." She sounded warmer than her usual stern voice. Neville flicked the wand at the vase behind Mr. Ollivander, it broke.
The older man slightly jumped and muttered, "How strange I thought this one would choose you." Before pulling out another wand, which did not choose him. After five minutes of wands not choosing him, and endless muttering from the man.
Mr. Ollivander finally spoke out loud and said, "It appears to me I might have underestimated you, Longbottom. Seeing as your parents had extremely light wands I assumed you did too." Neville looked up at Mcgonagall who visibly paled. Ollivander grabbed a wand, it was an odd shape, slightly curved but to Neville it looked perfect. Without a word Ollivander carefully handed it to him, and Neville gave it a flick.
Instead of breaking something, the wand repaired the broken vase from earlier. Neville was ecstatic, he finally found a proper wand! Interpreting his thoughts Mr. Ollivander stated what kind of wand it was.
"That wand, Longbottom, is a Blackthorn wood, with a dragon heartstring for its core. A very powerful wand, do be careful with it. That'll be eight Gallions, thank you for your purchase." Neville enthusiastically nodded his head and gave the money.
When they left the building McGonagall said, "Longbottom, do be careful with that wand. Ollivander is right, it's powerful but dark. That does not mean however you are dark." Neville nodded shyly, he hoped Mcgonagall did not think differently of him. Hopefully though he'll be able to impress his fellow Gryffindors with this new found power. He'll have to do more research on wands, just out of sheer curiosity. They finally reached the Leaky Cauldron just to find Harry not there.
To pass the time while waiting, Mcgonagall bought them a warm cup of butterbeer. Smiling at the surgery treat he took a big sip from it. After a few minutes of pleasant conversation Harry entered the bar looking better than what he did previously. His face remained impassive, but no longer dead looking. He walked over to them and said,
"Apologies for the wait, it had taken longer than I expected. Shall we go back to school?"
Mcgonagall smiled warmly and said, "No worries Mr. Potter, let us go. Come Mr. Longbottom, we must hurry!" Neville nodded and walked over to the fireplace. Another pang of excitement shot up in him, he was excited to tell Harry what wand chose him. When they all entered Hogwarts, Neville practically grabbed Neville and took him outside where they could talk about his wand.
"So what wand chose you? Clearly it must be powerful as you are excited to tell me." Harry stated in a cool tone.
"Oh you have no idea! The wood is Blackhorn, and the core is a Dragon Heartstring. Oh I'm so excited to practice using it, I hope I'm stronger than I was before." Neville said practically jumping in place.
"Oh don't worry, I know you'll be stronger than last time. I'm happy for you, Neville." Harry stated as fact, this was another thing that Neville liked about Harry. His friend tended to state compliments as facts, it was comforting to him. It didn't feel like pity whenever he complimented you.
"Thanks Harry, just nervous ya know. Though I do have a question, what happened between you and Draco? It's fine if you don't want to tell me, it's just that I consider Draco a friend as well and I don't want to pick sides in case something happens…" Neville said shyly, he didn't want to offend Harry or have a repeat of today's evening. Much to Neville's surprise however Harry didn't start yelling, his face turned sullen and he gave a deep breath.
"No it's fine, you have every right to ask. Draco and I are still friends. It's just that Draco' s Godfather, Professor Snape, said some really awful things about me to him. Draco tends to cry when he's extremely angry, he wasn't sad, he was just blinded with rage." Harry explained. It was clear he was leaving out some part of the whole story, Neville didn't care to call him out on it though.
"Oh okay, that's better than what I thought happened." Neville whispered.
"Yes it is." Harry said, his voice cold and distant. Before Neville could respond to lighten up the mood Harry walked away, leaving Neville speechless.