Of Centaurs, Pendants, and Dragons

I own none of this, and I thank JKR for letting us play in her universe.

Chapter 1: Ministry Messes

Neville Longbottom's brow beaded with sweat, and the moon-shaped pendant dangling from his neck cast a blue glow that reflected off his chin. He stood at the north point of a ring composed of many of Harry's friends, their hands all connected and their faces all etched with concentration. House rivalries were absent here; he noted that Padma Patil clutched Vincent Crabbe's larger fingers in her left hand, and Hannah Abbott grasped her right. Neville allowed his eyes to drift over the patchwork of Gryffindors, Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and Slytherins. He was astonished that so many students were brave enough to join this circle of support for Harry, so many selfless individuals willing to combine their magical energy for this untested plan against Voldemort.

A centaur stationed outside the southernmost point of the circle began reciting a haunting chant in a language Neville did not recognize. The deep pitch induced a shiver that prickled at the nape of his neck and trickled down his spine. When the centaur's rolling words grew in intensity, Neville felt the crescent moon on the pendant begin to draw energy from the gathered students. The heat became even more extreme, nearly scorching his flesh through his shirt. He gritted his teeth, willing himself to remain steady. He was in complete awe of the strength of the magic that siphoned its way through his body and pooled at his chest. In one instant, the energy suddenly surged through the pendant, as if it were all called upon at one time. The strength of the magic was too overwhelming for Neville, and he collapsed.

Thirty miles away, Harry Potter faced Voldemort with an intense stream of wandless magic that emanated from his outstretched fingers. The Death Eaters that hadn't fled watched in shock as the body of their revered Dark Lord exploded into basic chemical elements. The sun-shaped pendant illuminated at Harry's chest shattered into tiny fragments, and the Boy Who Lived sank to his knees into blackness, his body exhausted. No one noticed as one of the Death Eaters grabbed a fragment of the pendant and disapperated with the others.

A great aura of confusion settled upon the wizarding community in the days following Voldemort's death. The Daily Prophet published every stray rumor that they stumbled across, especially any gossip that could be linked back to 'Harry Potter, Savior of the Wizarding World'. No one seemed to want to take charge of The Ministry, which teetered on broken moral foundations. Over a third of the employees had affiliations with or were actually Voldemort supporters, including some members of the Wizengemot. The Ministry building itself was somewhat damaged due to fighting between Death Eaters and Aurors, and many employees refused to return.

Madam Amelia Bones, the head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, finally decided that the situation had become quite ridiculous. She took temporary control of the wavering Ministry, and addressed the public over the WWN.

"I know how difficult the last few years have been for many of you listening today. For some, this is the second time you have dealt with the uncertainty and fear that accompanied the rise of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. For others, this was a frightening introduction into adulthood. Yet again, we owe our thanks to young Harry Potter, although some publications have portrayed him as a simmering threat against Wizardingkind because of his cooperation with magical creatures. The time has come to embrace changes in our world. There is no question that some of these changes may be difficult to accept, but we have witnessed the price we must pay when we are close-minded."

The day after her self-appointment and subsequent speech, Minister Bones presided over a meeting composed of an eclectic assortment of individuals. She recognized Minerva McGonagall from past encounters, and she was fairly sure that the scrubby bearded Wizard was Amos Diggory, from the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures. The representative from the Aurors was a very young woman she didn't know very well, and only Arthur Weasley represented Ministry relations with Muggles. It was a small, sad bunch, but she needed to begin somewhere to implement her ideas.

"Greetings," she began, acknowledging each person seated at the table with a nod of her head. "I know you might be curious as to why I asked you to meet today, though it appears that only a few have braved the events outside of these doors."

Minerva McGonagall gave a sad smile that did not reach her eyes. "The Hogwart's grounds are also rather flooded with... visitors at this time, so this was no burden."

Minister Bones regarded the new Headmistress, who still seemed weary from fighting. "I'm sorry for your loss at Hogwarts. Albus Dumbledore was an incredible wizard, and though I am not aware of all the facts, I understand he died bravely to aid Harry."

Her words were echoed by the others at the table. McGonagall bowed her head in a quiet and graceful gesture of thanks.

"Most of you here know that I try to be fair and logical when approaching a situation," Amelia Bones continued after a moment. "This past week, though, it appears that there are a few fundamental flaws in our general beliefs. I have decided that the best approach would be a complete restructuring of some departments."

This proclamation was met by several surprised noises. Amos Diggory wondered, "Is that really necessary?"

"Oh yes, I do think that this is necessary." She paused until the whispers quieted. "First of all, I believe that it is quite obvious that a department needs to specifically be created for Pureblood, Muggleborn, and Muggle relations. This wall dividing the old Pureblood families from others must be breached, because it has been ignored long enough. Arthur, I intend to move you to head of this department."

Arthur Weasley's eyes widened in shock. "Err...thank you! Though, I don't really think I am the best candidate..."

"Nonsense. You are certainly capable, and I hope to see you working on this immediately." She turned her gaze onto Amos Diggory. "Mr. Diggory, your entire department will need work. When Minister Grogan Stump was appointed in 1811, he used his own biases to determine which creatures were beings and which were beasts. This separation is what our entire Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures is based upon, and it is just not acceptable."

Another burst of discussion followed this announcement, halting only when Diggory blurted, "Now wait a moment here! Are you suggesting that in the past few hundred years, some of these creatures became intelligent?" He wrinkled his nose in disgust at the idea.

Madame Bones shook her head in response. "You are aware of the rumors circulating that the Centaurs assisted Harry Potter, are you not? Are there not accounts of house-elves using magic against Death Eaters? These events need to be investigated with an open mind."

While Amos Diggory sputtered, the Auror spoke up. "Mr. Diggory, I am Alicia Spinnet, and although I am still in training, we all assisted in some way on the day Harry faced You-Know-Who. I witnessed house-elves in battle, and I have to say that they seemed to be organized and working together against the Death Eaters they were fighting."

He gave the young woman a sharp look. Arthur Weasley narrowed his eyes and seemed ready to defend her.

"Enough," Madame Bones interrupted. "We will need to work with house-elves, along with many others who aided us. I believe we need to approach the Centaurs first though, because, again, it appears that they assisted Harry greatly, although I am unaware of the details. This will need to be approached carefully, as they seem to find our Centaur Liaison Office in the Division of Beasts to be insulting. Ms. Spinnet, I intend to inform the Aurors of this immediately, as this will not be very popular and may upset many people."

"Pardon me," Headmistress McGonagall interjected, "But I know of several students who might be beneficial. Luna Lovegood, a sixth year Ravenclaw, has an uncanny knack for communicating with the Centaurs and could assist you with relations. I fully insist that she complete her final year of school, but she might be an asset in that capacity as well. For your new department, Arthur, might I suggest Mr. Malfoy, who will be completing his final year soon? Many of his views have dramatically changed in the last year, and although he still seems to have an unpleasant disposition, he might be approachable about this." Arthur Weasley looked unhappy at the thought, but he didn't voice his opinion.

The table was quiet for a moment, the silence broken only by shuffling parchment. Madame Bones found what she was looking for and turned her attention to Headmistress McGonagall. "Now for Hogwarts, I have a proposition for your consideration."

"And the governors?"

Madame Bones arched a thick eyebrow. "As four of the twelve governors are now suspected in aiding Death Eaters, I believe that they needn't be informed at this point."

McGonagall's lips crept into a tiny, enlightened smile.

"I would like to suggest an Advanced Studies program at Hogwarts, something that would be Ministry-sponsored and would combine field experience at the Ministry with class work at Hogwarts. We could extend invitations to exceptional students, asking if they would be interested in studying one or more subjects at a more advanced level. Of course, the Professors would need to be consulted first, as they would be responsible for working with these students."

The Headmistress looked rather interested in the prospect. "Hogwarts really is the safest place to be, especially if there are retaliations from upset supporters of You-Know-Who. If we invited those students that were serious about their studies, they would also be of assistance to you in rebuilding the Ministry."

"And as you all may know," Madame Bones added in a humble tone, "I have personal interest in a project like this, as I do have a niece in her seventh year."

Arthur nodded his head in understanding and exchanged a knowing glance with Amos Diggory, while Alicia watched on, curious. "Madame, I think that we quite understand what lengths we will go to for the protection of our kin."

One year and eight months later...

The Hogwarts Quidditch pitch was where Harry Potter found himself on this early spring morning, elated despite a lesson with his flying students. Not even the snarky remarks from a first year know-it-all Ravenclaw had dampened his spirits. The source of his happiness was a general post Owl that had visited him yesterday, bearing the news that Ron was going to be joining him and Hermione at Hogwarts.

A year and a half ago, much to Harry and Hermione's disappointment, Ron had not been accepted into the Ministry's Advanced Studies program. As it was, Harry wasn't quite sure just why the Ministry had selected him for Advanced Defense Against the Dark Arts Classes. He certainly didn't see himself as anything special, and he had been satisfied with an offer for temporary flying instructor at Hogwarts. It seemed to be a much more relaxing occupation of his time for a while, compared to the frantic days that had led up to his final confrontation with Voldemort.

Hermione's invitation made a bit more sense to Harry. She had been selected for three advanced classes, more than any other student. Harry knew he didn't have the same drive that Hermione displayed with studies, and one class was quite enough, thank you. At the beginning of her second year of the advanced program, she had astounded Harry once again by adding a monthly Ministry publication, something that defended Minister Bones' decision to begin recognizing some magical creatures as Beings rather than Beasts.

"That's Hermione," Harry thought to himself. "She wouldn't feel comfortable unless she had a full schedule."

As he collected the school brooms up off the pitch after his class departed, he reflected a bit on his current situation. He truly enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time at Hogwarts, which felt more like a home to him than Number 4 Privet Drive ever had. And although he enjoyed spending time with Hermione, he was a little saddened by Ron's absence. Hermione could be counted on to keep him on his toes regarding his studies, but she just wasn't the right companion for when he wanted to goof off. He had learned that lesson long ago in fourth year, but now it was distance that kept Ron from him, rather than silly arguments.

While he headed back to the castle to drag Hermione out of the library for lunch, he let his mind wander back to the day they had broken the news to their friend. He remembered the shock on Ron's face as they had explained the contents of the official Ministry letters.

"Err...Congratulations! Really! That's really wonderful for you both, isn't it?" Ron had said this all very enthusiastically, but his ears had been bright red, and his honest eyes, which never could disguise emotion, had betrayed jealousy and confusion.

"Are you sure you're all right with this, Ron? I know we made some plans to visit somewhere tropical." It had been painful for Harry to disappoint his best mate like this, but the Ministry/Hogwarts program commenced immediately after the seventh year ended.

Harry assumed it was a bit harder for Hermione to deliver this same news to Ron. He suspected that his two friends had a not-quite relationship simmering, and this event, however good it was for Hermione, would not bode well for romance.

She had tried for days to appease Ron's unacknowledged, though obviously hurt feelings. One evening, as all three had lounged in the common room, munching snacks after their last N.E.W.T., she had created a small chart for him and had presented it with a flourish. "Look how many ways we can communicate and easily meet as wizards and witches of age. We can send Owls, use Portkeys, Apparate, travel by Floo..."

Harry had made a face at the mention of the Floo network, which had finally brought a smile to Ron's face.

"...and if you take that job at the Ministry with you father, we can visit there as well, when Harry and I fulfill that portion of the Advanced Studies," she continued on, oblivious to Harry's expression.

Ron had finally laughed, saying, "All right Hermione, I get the point! Now let's talk about who should eat that last chocolate frog." He still had seemed to be in good spirits the following day, when Harry and Hermione had accompanied him to the train platform in Hogsmeade with all the other homeward-bound students.

As Harry ascended the steps towards the library, he looked back on that day when Ron had left Hogwarts, wondering why he hadn't suspected anything was amiss. Ron seemed chipper, cracking jokes about Pig as he thrust the cage into Ginny's arms and told her that he'd meet her in a compartment. He had thumped Harry on the back in that bloke way, saying, "Take care of yourself, and make sure Hermione doesn't start color coding everything she touches, like she did before the N.E.W.T.s ."

Hermione had huffed at that, but her lips had curled into a soft smile when Ron had warned her to not let Harry spend all his time in the kitchens drinking butterbeer with the house-elves. Ron had paused then, his feet shuffling nervously, and his eyes flicked over to Harry, to the ground, and then back to Hermione's face again. "Goodbye, Hermione," he had said softly as he leaned forward, pecked an innocent kiss on her lips, and proceeded to flush brilliantly. Harry had watched as Ron quickly turned and walked away and Hermione had brought her fingers to her lips, smiling shyly.

It seemed like such a sweet moment, and neither he nor Hermione had realized that Ron had really meant that goodbye. Not until four days later, when Pig had dropped off mail from their friend onto Hermione's cereal that morning. She was already breaking the seal to the letter as Harry crumbled up bits of bacon to feed to Pig. He had become immersed in his task of rewarding the owl, when he heard the sharp intake of breath next to him. He looked up, and was stunned at seeing Hermione crumple the letter in her fist and drop it, jump up, and rush towards the doors of the Great Hall while blinking back tears.

Harry shoved the remainder of the bacon towards Pig and pulled the rumpled parchment closer, while flattening it with his palm. His eyes darted across the page as he read:

Harry and Hermione,

Ginny and I got back to the Burrow safe, so don't worry about her. I thought I was okay about things, but maybe I'm not. Everything is a bit too much for me - the Centaurs, you and Neville and those pendants they gave you, the circle of magic, and now these classes you're both in, while I still have no idea what to do. My dad wants me at the Ministry, but it's a mess right now. I even heard that Malfoy might be working there, can you believe it? That ferret does a bit of spying for the Order, and suddenly, they're flinging jobs at the git in pureblood relations? Anyway, Charlie is heading back to Romania, and he asked me if I wanted to go back with him. I'm not really crazy about dragons, but I think I need to get away for a while. We'll Portkey out this afternoon. I'm sorry Hermione, don't be mad. Bye Harry

Ron

It had taken several months and a few Owls before he felt comfortable again about his best mate leaving the country so soon after the final battle with Voldemort. He assumed it had taken longer for Hermione; she was still referring to Ron as "the idiot" a year after the incident.

Harry shook his head to clear his mind of the memories, and brought his thoughts back to the present. "No sense in dwelling in the past," he whispered softly to himself as he reached the library and started looking around the cavernous room for a bushy-haired head. He finally spotted Hermione at a back table in the rear corner of the library, tucked in between two enormous piles of books. She looked entranced as always, so he made sure to create quite a lot of noise as he plopped into a chair across from her before attempting to grab her attention. "Hermione...lunch."

The studious girl blinked a few times before finally looking up and smiling briefly. "Oh Harry!" she replied, sounding surprised. "I wasn't aware it was lunch already."

Harry nodded his head silently in reply before gesturing to the stacks of books surrounding her. "What's all this about then?" he asked as she started gathering up ink and parchment.

"It's actually very fascinating reading," she answered as she packed up. "Luna and her assistant Timothy Scott asked me to do some research for their office on historically significant cooperation between magical creatures and wizards. None of the reigning popular texts have anything on this, but I've located a few passages in some of the more obscure books here at Hogwarts."

"Really?" Harry commented, trying to sound at least vaguely interested as she prattled on.

"Oh yes. It just underscores the prejudice in Wizarding society against anyone who isn't a wizard. It's only in memories or diaries that I tend to find anything useful." She enthusiastically shoved a horrendous, thick-looking volume across the table at Harry, who shot an incredulous look at the huge book. "You know Harry," she began, "It really would be wise of you to start reading about some of these atrocities that wizards have inflicted on magical creatures. As wizards raised among Muggles, we should be more aware about..."

"Hermione," Harry interrupted, desperate to thwart what appeared to be another sermon on equal rights. "Lunch, remember?" he added, when she looked crossly at him.

"I know, "she shot back as she crammed the remaining books into her satchel and they exited the library.

"Don't want to see Ron again for the first time in over a year on an empty belly!" Harry couldn't help adding.

She blanched a bit, stuttering out, "Yes. Of course. That thought... has been rudely interrupting my concentration on my lessons."

Harry flashed her a pitying smile as they entered the Great Hall and took a seat at the rear table, where several of the other advanced students were seated. This table had been specifically added for the Advanced Studies students and was not affiliated with any house. It ran perpendicular to the four house tables, mirroring the head table positioned across the room.

Hermione brightened up a bit as they began to load food on their plates. "Won't it be nice to have the three of us here at Hogwarts again?" she reflected as she took meticulous care in adding sliced carrots to her plate.

"Without the homicidal maniac after me," Harry added dryly. He watched as she rolled her eyes at that, but silently agreed to her sentiments. Mealtimes, studying, even Quidditch matches were strange without Ron. It just wasn't as satisfying trying to discuss the latest Hufflepuff - Gryffindor match through owl post. It was even worse now that Ginny was gone; Hermione just didn't have the interest in that subject like Ron and Ginny. He sighed to himself inwardly, wondering what his girlfriend of nearly a year was doing right now. She had been picked up as reserve Chaser by the Wigtown Wanderers a few months ago; perhaps she was at practice right now?

Harry drifted off a bit, daydreaming about the last weekend she had spent with him in Hogsmeade. He was just recalling a delightful little afternoon at the ice cream parlor, when he realized that Hermione was still talking to him.

"Have you even heard word I've been saying?" she was asking, waving her hand before his eyes repeatedly.

Harry grinned sheepishly at her. "Just wondering if Ginny was going to get a chance to see her brother soon." She snorted in disbelief at that, and he hastily added, "So what were we discussing again then?"

Hermione looked a bit miffed at having to repeat herself. "What I was saying before you drifted off to Ginny-land, was that I am very interested in seeing a living example of this species of dragon Ron is bringing here."

Harry thought of his experiences with dragons, which were not all that comforting, and occasionally, had been life-threatening. "It's not very big, is it?" he asked her, his eyes growing wide at the thought of another Norbert or Hungarian Horntail.

"Oh, nothing as big as that," she replied, as though reading his mind. "When Ron first Owled us about working with the Khamaidermis last year, I did a bit of research. According to International Guide to Dragon Species, the Khamaidermis grows to one and a half meters in length, not including the tail."

"That's not too bad."

"The book also describes it as one of the most docile species of dragons, easily handled."

Harry smiled as she said that. "Would have been nice if that was the kind of egg Hagrid had in first year."

She laughed softly, agreeing, but her face quickly became sober. "The Khamaidermis is very rare, rare enough that most of the books I researched have only basic details about its existence."

Harry was thoughtful for a moment, idly watching as other students finished their meals. "Ron wrote me once saying that the Khamai-whatsis is why Charlie had to rush back to Romania so quickly after... well, you know."

Hermione nodded in understanding. "I believe it was because the reserve had only a few of that dragon species and half the poor things went missing."

Poor things, Harry thought to himself as he finished his meal. He wasn't quite ready to admit to any pity over missing dragons yet, but before he could voice that opinion, a small ball of feathers slammed into the side of his head, knocking his glasses askew.

"It's Pig!" Hermione gasped as she dropped her fork. Glasses back in place, Harry grasped the hyperactive owl in one hand while he removed the letter tied to its leg. Hermione tipped a bit of water into her empty glass for Pig, and her eyes met Harry's across the table, silently communicating her apprehension. They both remained quiet for a moment, staring blankly at the letter in Harry's hand. Finally, Hermione broke the silence. "Well, go on then," she urged, "we both know what it is."

Harry ripped apart the seal and pulled the letter out, revealing the very familiar handwriting contained inside. His eyes darted across the parchment, while Hermione looked on nervously. "Ron's here," he told her unnecessarily, offering the parchment out to her. She didn't take it, but preoccupied herself with fussing over Pig.

"He's down by Hagrid's then?" she asked briskly, her attention focused on the tiny owl.

"Yes," Harry answered slowly, regarding her face. Did she look a bit peaky? "Are you going to be okay with this?" Harry asked her, a note of worry hiding in his tone.

Hermione heaved a deep sigh, but when she lifted her head, the tiniest hint of a smile graced her lips. "It's silly, actually," she murmured. "I was so angry for a while, but then communicating by owl allows you to say things much easier on parchment than you ever could to someone's face."

"Oh...so you..." Harry began before she quickly interrupted.

"For both parties I mean," she elaborated as she encouraged Pig off to the Owlery.

Harry wished he had some sort of advice that he could share, but unfortunately, his mind drew a blank. He had a much easier time developing his relationship with Ginny, and he credited this Advanced Studies program for allowing him a chance to remain near her for her seventh year of school. Now that she was playing professional Quidditch, owl post had become a flirty game to them.

During his silence, she had gotten up, grabbed her bookbag and slung the immense thing over her shoulder. She looked determined, with no sign of the short lapse in her usual manner. She started gathering up several rolls, wrapping the still-warm bread into a cloth napkin, and then turned to Harry. "Ready to go see our long-missing friend?" she asked as they started to leave the table.

Harry pocketed the letter he still had clutched in his hand, and followed her out of the Great Hall. "Just waiting for you!" He glanced over at the bundled rolls, and looked up at her questionably. "Are those for Ron or the dragons?" he wondered with amusement.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at him and gestured across the hall to the table they had just left. "You don't notice things do you!" she scolded. "Did you see Neville here? Honestly, if I didn't remind him in our Advanced Herbology lesson that I'd see him at lunch, the silly boy would stay in the greenhouses all day! He'll want to know that Ron made it here too. We can pick him up on the way to Hagrid's."

Harry bit his tongue as they headed out of the building, and silently wondered if the silly girl next to him would ever leave the library to eat if he didn't remind her either.

They made their way toward the greenhouses, keeping a comfortable silence as they picked their way around mud holes on the familiar path. As they walked, Harry wondered about Ron. Would he be the same friend that had left over a year ago? They had exchanged owls, but that wasn't quite the same. So many things had changed for Harry, including his relationship with Ginny. Ron knew about that, of course, but would it be strange to hold Ginny's hand right in front of her brother? Harry was still a bit nervous when he though about that, but his excitement widely overshadowed his apprehension.

"I don't know which one he is in. Perhaps if we split up?" Hermione's voice broke into his thoughts, and Harry realized that they had reached the greenhouses, which glinted brilliantly in the afternoon sun. He hummed an agreement and headed towards Greenhouse Two. The air was thick and moist inside the glass structure, fogging Harry's glasses for a moment. Plants were crammed in every space available, creating the illusion of somewhere eerie and exotic. Harry checked both aisles, gingerly stepping over a purple, leafy thing baring sharp teeth. He gave the ...thing... a wider berth and called out, "Neville?" Greenhouse Two was beginning to feel very creepy. He turned to find an exit, but misstepped and tripped over a vine. Harry Potter, Savior to the Wizarding World, fell face first into a large shrub.

"Never...Herbology...evil," he mumbled while he detangled himself from the sticky branches. Just as he regained his footing, he heard something, which sounded like large stones scraping against each other. Harry pushed aside the shrubbery branches and peeked through a small gap.

Neville was several yards away, leaning on a table in the shadows cast by the large plants. He was watching a small object swing from a cord, which was balled in a sloppy knot that spilled from his fist. Harry brushed the shrub branches further apart for a better view, and his breath caught.

Was that...it couldn't be...right? Harry watched the object swing for a moment. It certainly looked like a small chunk of the original pendant the Centaurs had given Neville, but hadn't that shattered like Harry's had? He tried moving forward just a bit for a better glimpse, but one of the greenhouse doors slammed shut and both he and Neville jumped. Neville dropped to the ground out of sight, though Harry could still hear that scraping stone noise again. He jumped for the second time when he felt a tap on his shoulder.

"What are you doing, Harry?" Hermione asked, her bushy hair nearly hiding her bemused expression.

Harry finished detangling his robe and grinned sheepishly. "Just looking for Neville."

"Oh. Well, I've checked two greenhouses, so I thought..."

Neville chose that moment to round the corner. "I'm here!" he called as he approached. His robe looked rather filthy, but he used his sleeve to scrub at his face anyways. "Is there anything wrong?"

Hermione launched into her explanation of Ron's arrival and shoved the fabric- bundled rolls into his arms. Neville's eyes flicked over to Harry, but then he quickly averted his gaze. He began to pay an absurd amount of attention to the bread as Hermione related the nutritional dangers of skipping meals.

Harry watched as Neville fidgeted. Had he noticed Harry peeking at him thorough the bushes? And even if he had, what was he hiding from his friends? Harry had his suspicions, but didn't want to spoil his good mood over something that could just be completely silly. He resolved to mention it to Hermione later, then remembered that he could share this with Ron as well, rather than write him about it. This perked Harry up considerably, and he moved to intervene on Neville's behalf.

"So Neville, Hermione, should we head down to Hagrid's and give Ron a great big welcome back?"

Hermione stopped mid-sentence and blushed. Neville just smiled, grateful for the interruption. Harry sighed. This was going to be interesting.