A Cat And His Wizard

In the Library Blaise saw that shy, round-faced fourth-year Gryffindor boy, Neville Longbottom. He was searching in the Herbology division. Blaise smiled - the boy was turning the pages of the Plants of Fields and Woods. Blaise called:

'Interested in Herbology, are you, Mr. Longbottom?'

The boy turned and said quietly, 'Yes, Professor.'

'Professor Sprout spoke very highly of you.' Blaise imparted to him.

'She says I am talented.' Neville shared.

'Most talented, by what she said,' Blaise endorsed. 'And as she is a notable Herbologist, I know she has to be right.'

'Thank you, Professor,' Neville said.

'And you know, a talent is a great thing. It's a wonderful gift, unique for each among us, for one unique thing. I, for example, am very poor at Charms and Transfiguration, but with animals and herbs I have a knack. I expect you are like this at Herbology, are you?' Blaise said.

'That's true, Professor,' Neville said.

'Ah, I was right, then.' Blaise smiled. 'Oh, the old good Plants of Fields and Woods, I see? A thoroughly splendid book, one of my personal favorites.'

'Really?' Neville said, flushed.

'Yes. Very good artwork, and all about the herbs' habitat, appearance and uses, and all kinds of legends and lore around these herbs, for example, that the lady's mantle generates water, when, of course, it just collects dew on its down and it gathers in the bottom of the funnel-shaped leaf,' Blaise said.

'Interesting,' Neville said, his eyes shining. 'Professor....do you think Herbology could help Harry in the tasks? They're SO dangerous.'

'I think it can,' Blaise said calmly. 'It's a great science.'

'I think he didn't cheat, did he, Professor?' Neville asked.

'I KNOW he didn't,' Blaise said. 'I spoke to him.'

'Oh, I'm so glad to know it for sure!' Neville said.

'Very well.' Blaise smiled. He waved his own book - the Wild Flowers of Man. 'I say, I think we could have an interesting talk, Mr. Longbottom.'

'Oh, do you, Professor?' Neville said enthusiastically.

'Yes, I do,' Blaise said, and they headed for a secluded aisle of the Library.

* * *

Some time later Blaise left the Library, smiling. Neville was a clever boy, well versed in Herbology. To converse with him was pure delight. Blaise felt he liked the boy very much, more than any other student in Hogwarts.

Blaise went to the wing where his rooms were. As he walked, he marveled at the beauty of the buildings and courtyards again, though many years he spent in these walls. But this castle was ageless, forever wonderful. It hasn't changed since the days Blaise was a student here. Blaise smiled, remembering those times.

Suddenly someone ran into him.

'Oh dear!' a young female voice said. 'I hope you are all right, sir?'

Blaise looked up. It was a girl about thirteen, with dirty-blond pigtails and a vacant look.

'Quite,' Blaise said. 'Oh-aren't you hurt yourself? No fractures, or something? Are you feeling alright?'

'Thank you, Professor, I am.' the girl smiled.

Blaise smiled in answer:

'Dreaming, were you?'

'Yes,' the girl said.

'So was I.' Blaise smiled. 'I was remembering my student days.'

'Did you go to school here?' she asked. 'I thought you were French.'

'So I am.' Blaise smiled. 'But nevertheless I went to Hogwarts. I'm a British subject since I was nine.'

'Really?' the girl said.

'Yes,' Blaise said. 'You're a Ravenclaw, are you? Miss Lovegood, right?'

'Luna Lovegood, Professor.'

'That's a beautiful name, means the moon,' Blaise said. 'I remember you asked me a lot of questions of the odd creatures I saw. You like strange things, don't you? You're a visionary... I like the flight of fancy. Maybe one day you'll go to the distant lands and discover creatures that were once undreamt-of.'

'I hope I will,' Luna said with bright eyes.

'You are an interesting person, young Luna,' Blaise said. 'I can tell you more of the distant lands - and give you books on this matter.'

'Oh, thank you, Professor,' Luna said.

'I think we shall make friends, young Luna,' Blaise said.

'Oh, do you?' Luna said. 'I'd be so happy!'

Blaise smiled.

'I'm not Newton Scamander, of course, but I'll share with you what I do know.'

'Oh, please do!' Luna said.

'I promise,' Blaise smiled.