Chapter 48
Chapter 48
As Theo walks down a random hallway he trails his fingers along the wall pushing his magic toward the castle. He feels powerful magic pressing back at him and he smiles. Out loud he asks, ‘where are you leading me today?’
The words barely leave his lips when he hears a familiar humming. deciding to follow it he finds Luna dancing with the Bloody Baron near what appears to be tea service.’
The Bloody Baron notices Theo first and gets Luna's attention.
‘Oh, Theo, I didn't see you there. Would you care to join us?’
‘No, I think I will leave you two alone.’
As Theo turns to leave the Baron tips his hat in thanks. Theo rounds a corner and leans against the wall and places both hands on the wall.’
‘Thank you for showing me a sweet moment. Is there anything else you would like to show me?’
Slowly he feels a pull in the opposite direction. without a Thought Theo begins to follow while trailing his fingers along the wall for guidance.
*.*
Neville wakes to the feel of a magical pull. Instantly he pushes his magic into the castle.
‘Morning. This must be urgent. Normally you dont wake me up.’ There is another burst of magic that feels like a frustrated huff. ‘Hey I’m up. Let me get dressed and you can show me what is so important.’
The next burst feels urgent. ‘Ok, ok, I’m hurrying Ralts?’
‘Yes?’
‘Please bring me something to eat that I can walk around with. I'm not sure where my morning will lead me.’
-pop-
‘What a lovely bag, is that all for me?’
His elf rolls her eyes before popping away again and Neville just smiles. During his conversation with his elf Neville has dressed and is putting on his shoes.
He grabs his cloak and the bag with his food, ready to see where he is needed.
‘Alright I am ready. Lead the way.’ Neville says as he presses his hand to the door before he leaves the tower.
The walk takes Neville to a small empty classroom. There are 3 young students in the room. One of them is crying, another radiates anger and the third is trying to calm them both.
‘Is everything alright?’
Suddenly all three gather themselves and look back at him.
"Everything is fine. Nothing for a Griffindor to worry about.’
‘I may not be in the same house as you but I can still help. You shouldn't distance yourself from everyone based on the house. What will you do after school?’
Neville shakes his head, knowing now is not the time for this conversation. ‘Nevermind. I thought I could help but I guess I was wrong.’ Neville turns to go but is stopped suddenly.
‘Wait.’
‘Yes?’
‘You really just want to help.’
‘I do.’
‘Some forth years were bothering us because we are friends. You see I’m Hufflepuff and they are Slytherin.’ This was said in a rush from the girl who was crying.
‘what did they say? What house were they in?’
‘One was Ravenclaw…’
‘And the other? Or are you not saying because the answer is Gryffindor.’
The hufflepuff girl looks down as her lip trembles.
‘You are all in 3rd year, I'm guessing?’
All three nod.
‘What did they say?’
No response.
‘I can’t help unless I know the extent of things.’
‘That they share me and will throw me away when they are done with me.’ she whispers quickly.
‘Look at me, all of you.’ slowly they each raise their gaze to Neville. ‘Not one word of that is true. You can all be friends without anything like that getting in the way. You are not someone that can be thrown away. They were wrong and I will find out who they are so they can be properly punished.’
‘They were not wrong though. They caught us snogging.’
This admission caused Neville to pause.
‘Are you all in a relationship? Or at least seeing where this leads?’
They nod in unison.
‘Then you are not doing anything wrong. Being in a triad is not a crime. It is actually beneficial to your household later in life if there are 3 adults linked to the wards. You can ask the goblins for ward knowledge when you are of age if you wish to know more. But you - none of you deserve to be disrespected and bullied. Will you come with me to the Headmistress office?’
‘I don’t know…’ she whispers.
‘We weren’t ready to tell people yet.’
‘I understand. Then I will tell the headmistress about the bullying and leave the description of who to the houses and the years. Where can I find any of you to tell you what I learn?’ No answer is spoken.
‘Alright you boys are in Slytherin right?’ They nod.
‘Do you know the 6th year Tracy Davis?’
Again they nod.
‘I will ask her to pass on what I learn alright?’
‘That sounds good. How do you know her?’
‘We are … friends.’
‘Sure, so are the three of us.’ The previously angry Slytherin says while the other smirks in agreement.
Choosing to ignore that, Neville looks through his bag and pulls out some pastries.
‘Do you want some? My elf decided to give me more than i can eat.’
‘Thanks.’ They say as they each grab something to snack on.
‘I’m going to go talk to the Headmistress now.’ as he walks away he hears them snickering and he just shakes his head.
Walking toward Headmistress McGonagall's office Neville thanks the castle.
‘I’m glad I was able to show them that not everyone will treat them badly over something simple like being in a triad.’
Hogwarts guides Neville toward a small alcove where a first year is stuck to the wall.
‘Are you ok?’
The trembling child shakes her head.
‘Who did this?’
Again, she shakes her head.
‘I’m going to set you free but I'm going to catch you so you don't fall, alright?’
Her eyes widen and she shakes her head but he already casts the spell. She falls into his arms and shrieks in pain. Looking down at her frail body he sees bloody torn clothing and many bruises forming.
‘What happened?’ Neville whispers. The child is trying to get to the floor but Neville easily keeps her in his arms.
‘I’m not going to hurt you. If you give me a minute I can cover you with my cloak and take you to Madam Pomfrey. You need Mediwitch assistance.’
She squeezes her eyes shut and tears form on her eyelashes. Neville rearranges his cloak and begins the walk to the hospital wing.
On the way there Hogwarts again redirects Neville.
‘Come on. I need to get her to Madam Pomfrey. Can’t this wait?’
The pull intensifies.
‘Alright but I have to keep her safe too.’ the castle pushes back with reassurance.
Stopping at the corner of a hallway Neville looks down at the girl. She seems to have slipped into a light sleep. Neville pushes his magic into the wall and a chaise lounge appears with several soft pillows.
‘Keep her safe and calm. I hope this is quick.’
Rounding the corner Neville enters a battleground. With a sigh he pulls his wand and immobilizes the corridor.
‘What is going on here?’ backed into a corner is a Ravenclaw that looks to barely be standing, the wand he is holding is clutched tightly but his entire arm is shaking. The attackers look to be a Gryffindor and a Hufflepuff. Both look infuriated to be interrupted.
‘Start talking.’ Neville growls. Nothing.
‘Alright. Incarcerous.’ He casts at all three.’We will get to the bottom of this.’
Neville levitates all three and returns to the first year. She is still sleeping. Gently Neville picks her up and continues on his journey to the hospital wing. This time he arrives without any additional detours. Upon arrival Neville shoulders open the door and steps through before guiding his unwilling guests with him.
*.*