Neville Longbottom and the Boy Who Lived

Chapter 15 - House (Cup) and Home

The room was, quite simply, magical. Neville could almost feel the magical properties emanating from the astounding number of items packed into the headmaster's office. He glanced over at his house mate, and found she too was wide-eyed at the array of treasures laid out before them. Somehow the two students continued to follow Professor Dumbledore until they were standing in front of his desk, and the professor was seated behind it.

"Now, then," he started. "Tell me what happened, starting with Miss Granger."

Hesitantly at first, but with growing pride and determination, Hermione told the Headmaster her strange story. "It really started in September, when Harry, Ron, Neville and me took a wrong turn and wound up finding Fluffy for the first time."

"Fluffy?" Neville interrupted. "That thing is named Fluffy?" An amused twinkle shone from Dumbledore's eye as he bade Hermione to continue.

"Anyway, we figured the beast was guarding something, and through some research and a little luck we discovered it was the Philosopher's Stone. We also came to believe someone was trying to steal it. Harry told Ron and I the break-in at Gringotts was only hours after he and Hagrid had visited the exact vault number in question.

"Our suspicions led us to believe Professor Snape was trying to steal it. On Halloween, he was wounded, and Harry believed it was by Fluffy. We watched him closely after that. When he jinxed Harry's broom at the first Quidditch match, I..." She hesitated for a moment. "I set him on fire to break his eye contact." Neville gaped at Hermione. Between what she had done to both the potions master and himself, he would never underestimate her again.

Hermione paid no attention and continued like a freight train with no brakes. "Harry received...something...for Christmas that...aided him in sneaking around. As he continued trying to unravel the mystery, he overheard a conversation in which Professor Snape was bullying Professor Quirrell. We were convinced to keep an even closer eye on him.

"During the detention in the forest, Harry met a centaur who confirmed the Stone's presence at Hogwarts, and clued us in that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was somehow involved. And when we heard you had left for London, we realized tonight was the night Professor Snape would make his attempt.

"We waited until everyone had gone to bed and met in the common room. That is, we thought everyone had gone to bed. Neville, I am so sorry." Tears began to fall from Hermione's eyes. "Neville was in the common room, and he tried to stop us. He told us to think of Gryffindor and how our getting in trouble again would only make things worse. But we had to hurry so I...I...hexed him." The exhausted girl couldn't stop the tears for a long moment before she was composed enough to continue. In the uncomfortable moment, Neville looked up at the Professor to see that he was almost as affected by emotion as Hermione.

"I used the Full-Body Bind on him, and we made our way to the third floor corridor. Harry brought the flute Hagrid had given him for Christmas and we all went through the trap door. We landed on the Devil's Snare, got past that and made our way to the room with the flying keys. It only took Harry a couple of minutes to catch the key; his Quidditch skills came in handy. Then came the Chess board.

"Ron was brilliant. Chess is a hard enough game to play when you are only worrying about playing the game. Ron not only won the game, but saw to it that neither Harry nor I were taken. He only sacrificed himself when he realized the next move would win the game. We tried to make sure he was all right, but we had to keep going. In the next room was the troll, but it had already been knocked unconscious.

"Then the logic puzzle made up of poisons and potions. It took me a minute to figure it out, and when I did we realized there was only enough potion left for one of us. I knew Harry had to go on, so he took the potion and went forward, while I took the potion to go back. I had just got back to Ron when Professor McGonagall came into the Chess Chamber. I told her where Harry was, and she went to go help. But she said she couldn't get past the fire either and that Harry was on his own. Madam Pomfrey showed up and they bound Ron's wounds and we headed back towards the entrance. And you caught up to us underneath the Devil's Snare."

Hermione had finished and a long uncomfortable silence filled the air. After a moment, Professor Dumbledore rose from his chair and walked to a bureau in the corner. He opened the bottom drawer, and gave a chocolate bar to Hermione. "Thank you, Miss Granger," he said. "It's time for you to head back to the infirmary. Walk slowly and eat this on the way. As I'm sure you've realized in your studies, chocolate has marvelous magical healing properties." Hermione looked back to Neville, tears still in her eyes as she rose from her seat and left the room.

Neville was speechless. He had thought his school year had been eventful. But Hermione had told a story of intrigue, adventure and courage that seemed to dwarf the strides he had made.

"And now, Mr. Longbottom," the headmaster said as he opened the top of his bureau. "Tell me how you fit into this picture."

Neville didn't know where to begin. His year fit so haphazardly with the trio's exploits he didn't know what was important. "Professor, I don't really know how I fit in to all this. So if you don't mind, I'll just tell you what I know, and let you put the puzzle together."

The headmaster smiled as he nodded, and bade Neville to proceed. The Gryffindor told of his entire year. He poured out his stories of failures at Potions and flying. He recounted his experiences with Fluffy, the three-headed dog, and Rinkle the house-elf. He talked about his dreams and how they changed as the year went along. He told about his familial connection with Trevor, and his detention in the Dark Forest. And he laid out every step of the night's adventure, from the confrontation with the trio to the present moment where he was currently standing in Professor Dumbledore's office.

When he was finished, Neville sat down in the chair directly across from the professor. For the first time since he arrived at Hogwarts, Neville could see the kindly old man who had given him his book when he was five. And after a long moment, Dumbledore handed Neville a chocolate bar as well.

"Neville, I thank you for your honesty. On one hand, it appears many rules were broken tonight. But on the other, it's important to know when and why those rules were challenged. Your narrative allows me a perspective I wouldn't get from interviewing those directly involved. Now run along to the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey will want to have a look at you before you turn in."

But Neville still had a question. "Professor, I get the feeling you know everything that's going on here all the time. I may be getting in more trouble here, but did you know about Hagrid breeding the dragon?"

"Yes, Neville. After the dragon was gone, Hagrid came to me and confessed it was his fault that Mr. Weasley was injured and four students were in trouble. There are two things to remember. Even if what you, Mr. Potter, Miss Granger and Mr. Malfoy did were for the right reasons, they were still done in the wrong manner. Hagrid was also being disciplined when the five of you went into the forest. Although I should realize after all these years, the forest is hardly a punishment for our groundskeeper.

"The second thing to remember is that bravery, self-sacrifice and loyalty will always be rewarded at Hogwarts. Trust in that when you are in doubt as to what you should do. You proved all three traits reside in you tonight."

Neville gulped at the compliment. "Thank you, Professor. Good night." The Gryffindor closed the door behind him and slowly made his way back to the infirmary. When he arrived, he found Hermione sitting in a chair between the beds holding Harry and Ron.

"Neville, I..." she began.

"Hermione, forget about it. After hearing your story tonight, a part of me is glad you did what you did. Don't worry about me; you have your friends to worry about."

"You're my friend, too," Hermione said. "I promise I'll never do anything like that to you again. We should have had you join us instead of leaving you behind."

"Can you imagine that?" Neville smiled. "I likely would have knocked myself out getting past that dog. No, tonight things probably worked out for the best. But someday, someday I will be a strong enough wizard that I will be there when I'm needed, no matter what."

Hermione leapt from her chair and gave Neville a bear hug. "I believe you, Neville. And I believe in you. Never forget that."

"Excuse me," Madam Pomfrey interrupted. "That will be quite enough of that. Mr. Longbottom, if you will follow me. I will be giving you a full physical, and then you, and Miss Granger, can return to Gryffindor Tower."

Neville smiled.

*****

The rest of the year passed in short order. It was a full day before Ron could leave the infirmary, but when he awoke, he insisted on going to the Gryffindor versus Ravenclaw Quidditch match. Afterwards, he wished he had stayed in bed. The Gryffindor Quidditch team was no match for Ravenclaw. All of the Gryffindor players were tired, and slow to react, possibly from their worry and guilt for their youngest team member. In the end, the young second year reserve seeker for Ravenclaw, Cho Chang mercifully ended the match. The final score was 290-40.

It was another two days before Harry awoke. Both he and Ron gave Neville effusive apologies which were quickly accepted, and promised never to be talked about again. Hermione had been among the first to talk to Harry, and had quickly filled in Neville on the rest of the story. Neville became a minor celebrity; the only person to know the whole story. He was sought out across the castle to tell the tale as the days dwindled and the Leaving Feast drew near.

The Great Hall was decorated in Slytherin green and silver as the hourglasses showed the current standings. It was Slytherin's seventh consecutive year winning the house cup, and the arrogance rising off of their table was palpable as Neville entered for the feast. He found a seat across from Hermione and between Percy and Dean.

And then Harry entered. The room went deathly quiet for a moment, and just as quickly the ambient noise became deafening. Every student at every table was talking about the Boy Who Lived Yet Again. Neville chuckled, realizing much of this was his doing. He had passed on the story more than anyone. For several long moments the sounds echoed through the hall, at least until Professor Dumbledore arrived, when the students hushed and waited expectantly.

Dumbledore started his speech with a couple of platitudes, and announced the House Cup standings, along with current point totals. Upon naming Slytherin as the leader, a great amount of cheering interrupted the headmaster. For his part, Dumbledore appeared nonplussed by the distraction, and after allowing the students a moment, he quieted them down.

"Yes, yes, well done, Slytherin. However, recent events must be taken into account." Students from all houses were looking around the room trying to decide who was going to be singled out during this most public of moments. Many eyes fell on Harry. "Ahem. I have a few last minute points to dish out. Let me see. Yes..."

"First - to Mr. Ronald Weasley..." Ron's face lit up as he heard his name. "...for the best-played game of chess Hogwarts has seen in many years, I award Gryffindor house fifty points." The Gryffindor table was ecstatic. Even the normally reserved Percy began boasting on his younger brother.

"Second - to Miss Hermione Granger..." Tears started to fall from Hermione's eyes. "...for the use of cool logic in the face of fire, I award Gryffindor house fifty points." Neville had never been so proud of his friend. Hermione hid her face, not wanting the world to see her tears of happiness. And after that, everyone knew Dumbledore wasn't finished. Before he spoke again, everyone started watching Harry.

"Third - to Mr. Harry Potter..." Harry looked like he wanted to hide, the pressure of everyone gawking at him becoming too much. "...for pure nerve and outstanding courage, I award Gryffindor house sixty points."

Neville had never heard so much noise in his life. The unusual total of sixty points had lifted Gryffindor into a tie for the house cup with Slytherin, to the raucous cheering of three houses, and the angry recriminations of one. For his part, Neville was happy. The one hundred and sixty points more than made up for the points lost the night of the dragon incident. And all things considered, a tie for the house cup wouldn't be so bad.

After several moments, Dumbledore raised his hands and after a moment the crowd fell silent. "There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends. I therefore award ten points to Mr. Neville Longbottom."

Neville couldn't move. The noise in the Great Hall had reason to almost deafening levels. He looked across the table to see Harry, Ron and Hermione smiling and cheering, genuine affection in their eyes. The Gryffindor table jumped from their seats and began to swarm him. Percy was slapping him on the back as students from all years reached to touch him and offer congratulations. Before he knew it he was on someone's shoulders, and although he couldn't hear Professor Dumbledore, he could see the headmaster clap his hands, and the decorations turn from green and silver to crimson and gold.

He could see the Hufflepuff table. Hannah was crying she was so happy and Justin couldn't stop jumping up and down. An even better sight was Draco Malfoy throwing his black hat on the table in front of him, and the simmering hatred coming from Crabbe and Goyle. Neville knew he would have to be even more careful around those two from now on, but for tonight, no one was going to spoil this feeling.

The party continued well into the night. Smuggled Butterbeer and left over sweets from previous Hogsmeade visits were passed around. The Weasley twins laid out more food, which Ron said came from the kitchens. The whole of Gryffindor house continued to talk about the amazing reversal. Even Hermione, who had practically memorized Hogwarts, A History, could not recall an instance where four first-year students had so dramatically changed the outcome of the House Cup. At midnight, the prefects broke up the party and the students eventually made their way to their dormitories.

Neville readied himself for bed and climbed into his four-poster. Within moments he was sound asleep.

*****

He was standing in a room. He was frozen in place, and the only thing he could move was his eyes. He saw his mother lying on a bed, and his father standing above her. Both were in their hospital gowns. He looked to the left and saw four people in dark hooded robes start towards his parents. He tried to scream a warning, but no sound came out. The four pulled wands, and shot spells at the helpless couple. He couldn't hear the screaming, but could see his mum and dad were in agony. Then the screaming stopped, and he could hear again.

The four people turned towards him, and suddenly he could move again. He looked over his shoulder, and standing behind him was a throng of people wearing crimson and gold robes. The people looked at him with respect and admiration, and his will was steeled. He turned back to the hooded figures and spoke.

"These are my friends, and my family. If you want to hurt me, you will have to deal with all of us." The four people retreated and one by one they exited through a door. Before the final figure left, it turned and lowered its hood.

The face of the potions master was revealed. "Watch your arrogance, young Gryffindor. You will still be in my care for many years."

And with that, he awoke.

Neville now had a new, greatest fear.

*****

The rest of the time at Hogwarts was over in a flash. Neville finished with the second highest grade amongst all first-years in Herbology, trailing only Hermione. His high mark brought his average up above the remedial line, allowing him to progress to second year along with the rest of his class. And with the results in, the students packed their trunks, found their pets, and began the journey home. The boat ride across the lake was a light adventure this time, as opposed to the wonder-inducing journey at the beginning of the year, and Neville found himself in a compartment with Harry, Ron and Hermione on the way back to London.

Neville made sure to stop by Justin and Hannah's compartment on the ride home, and was equally cognizant to avoid Malfoy and his thugs. Soon enough, the train pulled into King's Cross Station and the students began to slowly cross the barrier back into Muggle London.

Gran, Algie and Enid were there to greet Neville as he emerged. Algie lifted Neville off the ground in a bear hug. "I knew you would make us proud. We can hardly wait to hear the entire story." Algie set him down, and carried the trunk to a taxi they had standing by.

"So, does the hero have any plans for the summer?" Aunt Enid asked.

"I have an idea, if it's all right with Gran," Neville replied as he waved goodbye to his friends. "I'd like to have a birthday party."

END BOOK ONE