Chapter 17
"Are you really fine?" Neville asked anxiously when Harry had finally managed to get back to the Gryffindor common room. "It's all over the castle, was Malfoy did."
Harry sighed and sank into the overstuffed couch in front of the fireplace. "Yeah, I'm fine. I just can't do much magic for a week." Before Neville could worry more, he added, "But I asked about the ceremony and my healer said that it'll be fine, as long as we're not planning a huge magical communion with everyone."
Neville smiled crookedly. "I'm sorry, it's probably the last thing on your mind right now. I feel awful for even making you think about it."
"You didn't," Harry said firmly. "I thought about it, too, because it's important. The invitations are all sent out, in any case."
"And we're looking forward to it," Dean said, sitting down next to Harry. "Are you sure you don't want presents?"
"Very sure," Neville said, accompanied by a nod from Harry. "Just come and have fun."
Seamus sat down on Harry's other side and grinned. "Expectations are high after Hermione's birthday party, you know. And Lavender's been psyching herself up to ask for exclusive bragging rights for the Herald."
"She can have them," Harry said after exchanging a look with Neville. "My, uh, my dad can't come, and it'll be good for him to see something nice in the paper for once."
"Yeah, that's true, mate." Dean clapped Harry's shoulder. "But now tell us what'll happen with that git Malfoy. Susan Bones said her aunt was here ... will he go to Azkaban?"
"I wish," Harry muttered. He rubbed his eyes. "For now everyone's being interviewed, and our wands were tested, and Madam Bones said she'll ask for permission to get memory evidence from everyone ..." Harry repeated what Finch had explained in the infirmary.
When the amount of settlement money came up, Ron, who obviously had listened in from a hiding place, jumped up and cried, "What would Hermione need even more money for? Malfoy should go to prison, and good riddance!"
Harry flushed hotly when a lot of other students echoed the sentiment. "It's not for us to decide. Hermione's parents will decide whether they'll accept weregild on her behalf, or press charges."
"There'll be pressure either way," Neville warned quietly. "She'll need a good law wizard for the negotiations."
"She's got that, at least," Harry replied without elaborating. "But enough of that, how was Transfiguration?"
"Weasley's group didn't do so well, thanks to Weasley and Bulstrode," Dean said, looking pointedly at the furious redheaded boy. "Don't get huffy, you had the least lines and botched up the spell casting. What did you expect?"
"Yeah, you can be glad Lily and Runcorn won't murder you or Bulstrode in your sleep for only netting them an Acceptable," Seamus agreed. He shuddered. "Can you imagine what Hermione would do to us if we slacked off?"
Dean laughed. "I really don't want to." To Harry, he said, "You know how I was partnered with Parkinson, Crabbe, and Nott. Bit unfair of McGonagall, if you ask me, but Parkinson and Nott at least know how to buckle down and get things done. Crabbe was a dud, but they just shoved a portion of the presentation at him to read out loud, and we all did our spells okay. EE all around and we're still alive. I call that a win."
"Great!" Harry grinned. "And I'm glad your group will be able to make it up on Wednesday, Seamus."
"First thing, naturally, and yours too, but that's alright. I'm just glad Hermione is okay." Seamus glanced towards the stairs leading to the dorms. "Even if she did look rather shaken."
"It's the third time she's almost died at Hogwarts," Harry said, all humour lost. "She hasn't said anything yet, but her parents threatened to take her out of Hogwarts if this continues."
"Oh, shit." Dean actually gaped at that. "First Moon and Runcorn, and now Hermione? At that pace, there won't be many Gryffindors in our year group left."
"My, uh, my dad won't be thrilled either," Harry confessed. "No idea what he'll do, but if he says it's not working out anymore ... I guess I'll go."
"You can't leave!" Ron almost shouted.
Every conversation in the common room stopped at once.
"I mean it, Harry! If you leave, magical Britain will go nuts!" Ron continued, and for once it looked like he was saying what everybody else was thinking. "You-know-who is out there, you can't jump ship!"
"Well, I'd hate to see Harry go, but he definitely can," Neville said. "He's Sirius Black's adopted son, it's Lord Black's duty to protect his heir to the best of his ability."
"Yeah, and that includes taking him out of a school that regularly tries to kill him," George Weasley said cheerfully.
Angelina Johnson huffed loudly. "I bet a whole galleon that the Daily Prophet will try to bury this story."
"Sucker's bet!" everyone booed and she grinned.
Harry winced. "I'd better go up and check in on Hermione before I call it a night. I'm knackered."
"Do you want something to eat? You weren't at dinner," Neville asked.
"I do, but I'll ask a house elf to help with that. Thanks, though, I appreciate it." Harry heaved himself up, a little dizzy now that Brady's pepper-up potion was wearing off. "I'll see you all tomorrow."
Staggering up the stairs, he rang the hidden bell for the third year girls' dorm and asked for Hermione. She met him on the landing only a moment later.
"Oh, Harry," she almost sobbed. "It's horrible. I can't stop thinking about what my parents will do now."
"I know," he murmured, drawing her into his arms and burrowing his hand in her hair just the way she liked. "It'll be alright."
"Will it?" she whispered, hugging him back almost violently.
"I've got Sirius now," Harry reminded her. "He said I have options. I can change schools, too. Right now, I don't like Hogwarts very much, so it wouldn't even be hard."
"You're crazy, Harry James," she hiccoughed. A few tears dampened Harry's neck. "Thank you."
They stood a bit longer, just breathing in and out. Finally, Hermione shyly loosened her hold and wiped her cheeks.
"I hope you can sleep well tonight," she murmured. "Thanks again for saving me. I probably owe you my life."
"I probably owe you mine, too," Harry said. He leaned forward and bravely initiated a kiss. In her surprise, Hermione opened her mouth a little and Harry couldn't help but flick out his tongue for a taste.
"Oh," Hermione breathed, flushing.
"Too much?" Harry asked, staring into her red-rimmed yet still lovely eyes.
Her wet lashes fluttered a little and the blush deepened. "No."
"Mmh." Harry leaned in again, lips pressing against her, his tongue sweeping against her mouth again, a little bolder this time. "You taste nice."
"Runcorn threw chocolate at me to stop my blubbering." Hermione collected herself and returned the favour shyly. Harry's stuttering breath made her smile. "I ate it all."
"You deserve all the chocolate," Harry told her. "Will you be able to sleep?"
"I don't know, but Healer Williams gave us sleeping potions. I'll be fine."
Harry rubbed her arms. "If you need to talk to someone, just say the word. I'll ask Brady if he can help, or maybe Sharptooth can find someone."
"You'll talk to Healer Williams about it?" she asked in a small voice. "The longer it's been, the more I'm thinking that I'm probably overreacting. It was such a short moment, it seems rather silly to still be so upset."
"Yeah, it was just a moment, but that's not what's important. Important is that Malfoy actually tried to kill you. It'd have changed a lot of lives forever. You can bet that I'll talk about it, probably for weeks."
Hermione bit her lip. "That trial, or whatever ends up happening, will be hell. I never thought things would get that far." Fresh tears spilled over her cheeks. "I can't believe Malfoy hates me enough to actually do this."
"He'll regret it. A lot." Footsteps on the stairs alerted Harry to Parvati and Lavender's arrival. "I guess it's time for you to go back up."
Parvati nodded at him. "Thanks for looking in on her. Madam Pomfrey sent a note that said that she should try and sleep as much as she can. Something about combatting the trauma naturally."
"Take the potion," Harry encouraged her. Then, heedless of the other girls' presence, he pressed a lingering kiss to Hermione's cheek. "Good night."
"Night, Harry," Hermione mumbled. She smiled gratefully and allowed Parvati to lend her a hand for the trek back up.
Inside his own dorm room, Harry allowed himself to fume violently. Despite feeling exhausted, heat flared up in his chest and crawled through his extremities.
"Harry must calm down," Blue said, pushing his little head out of Harry's collar. "Magic doesn't feel good."
"If anyone tries that shite again, I'll kill them," Harry hissed back.
"I will help," Blue promised. "Bad boy was full of malice. It was hard fighting him off."
"It bloody drained me." Harry stilled, and to his relief his magic settled down again. "Wait. What do you mean, it was hard? What have you done, Blue?"
"I helped," the snakeling uttered defiantly. "Harry needed push to call his magic."
"I did," Harry acknowledged, "but you could've gotten hurt! Are you alright? Do you feel exhausted?"
"I'm fine," Blue hissed, winding around Harry's neck and seeking the warmth of his skin. "Harry needs food, though."
Harry's stomach grumbled promptly, and three house elfes popped into existence on his comforter. "Hey there, Betty. Lulu, Dory, nice to see you again so soon."
The elves bobbed small, apprehensive curtseys and presented little plates with food.
"Harry Potter sir be needing lots of nourishment," Betty squeaked. "This be soup with elf berry, chicken with elf mushroom sauce, and baked apple from Harry Potter sir's own tree with goblin potion caramel sauce."
"Harry Potter sir be eating all of it," Lulu said. Her eyes were suspiciously wet. "Magic be needing to come back quickly. It not be safe."
"Dory be terribly sorry. We be apologizing on behalf of all house elves for not being quick enough to protect Harry Potter sir's Mione from evil boy," Dory wailed. "We not be thinking children be that evil, even though Dobby warned us of his old master's spawn."
"It's alright, you couldn't have known," Harry tried to console them. "It happened really quickly, and if one of you had intervened, Dumbledore might have found a way to punish you for it."
"Betty be feeling awful," Betty whimpered. "Betty should be ironing her ears for letting Harry Potter sir down! Dobby will be so disappointed."
"No ironing of body parts, you hear me? Hermione and I are fine," Harry insisted.
"Lulu be wanting to make it up to Harry Potter sir," Lulu sobbed. "Lulu be accompanying Harry Potter sir everywhere from now on. Lulu be next for learning how to fight from Ninja! Harry Potter sir be needing many bodyguards!"
Instead of starting a discussion about their protectiveness, Harry just thanked them sincerely for their concern and their help, gave each of them a hug, and then tried to enjoy the food despite his clenching stomach.
Afterwards, he opened Sirius' journal and poured out all his jumbled anxiety for the man to read. It felt good to do that, and to have Sirius' reassurances that they'd do whatever was necessary to get through it.
oOo
Tuesday morning with Hermione was the only time that week where Harry felt somewhat normal. Surrounded by students and teachers, he was always scrutinized, like he were about to blow his top any moment, especially since the altercation with Malfoy had only yielded a tiny article in the Daily Prophet without any details. While Harry usually detested attention, he fiercely wished the world to see what sort of person Draco Malfoy was.
Sirius managed to make up for that in spades, though. His lawyer had a press release published in the Wizarding International Timesin which he stated his intention to sue Hogwarts for gross neglience in Harry's care. Since they didn't want to put their own legal proceedings with the Malfoys in jeopardy, this release also didn't give any details, but it was bound to make people curious - and make the Malfoys and whoever fancied siding with them nervous. Madam Bones certainly had an air of smugness about her as she returned to personally extract the necessary second memory from Harry and Hermione and those classmates who'd gotten retroactive permission from their parents.
The one upside to this whole business was that Malfoy remained sequestered in the hospital wing the whole time, and that the rest of the Slytherins were too wary to get on Harry's bad side while the investigation was still ongoing. Not that they'd have much fun with that, since Harry's house elves were in no mood to tolerate unruly children.
They were even less tolerant of abusive teachers; news of Professor Snape getting a cauldron flung into his nose as he was unfairly berating and thereby reducing a fifth year Hufflepuff girl to tears made the rounds fast.
Since Harry hadn't even been on the same floor that time, Snape hadn't been able to blame him, but that didn't mean he wasn't out for blood. This, of course, meant that the house elves had their hands full punishing him for all the ensuing harrassment and legilimency attacks, of which they diligently informed not only Harry, but also Sirius, Sharptooth, and Mr. Finch.
By the end of the week, three of the four houses had lost so many points that they might as well just give up the running for the house cup now, and Snape seemed perpetually dazed from getting hit in the head so many times. Rarely had a weekend been more anticipated, and everyone had plans to vacate the castle if at all possible.
"School's so crazy right now," Neville puffed as he, Harry, and the girls tasked with organizing the party, hiked to the edge of the Forbidden Forest to see how the preparations were going. "I'm glad we have this, otherwise everyone would go bonkers."
"Snape's been such a beast," Parvati hissed. "Be very, very glad you've got your tutor."
"We are," Hermione agreed feelingly.
"I won't go back to his class," Lavender announced. "I told my mum to file my grievance so she can get a partial return of the tuition."
"You didn't tell me, Lav!" Parvati cried. "Why ever not?"
"You were so determined to see it through for the newspaper," Lavender replied, "and I wanted to help, but it's not going to happen. That man is crazy! And I caught him staring at my boobs. It was creepy."
"At least he has single-handedly delivered enough fodder for the whole November edition of the Herald," Hermione said. "Which is good, because we might finally get rid of him. I'm just sorry he's been such a git to you."
"Well, this edition will go down in history as the Snape Scorcher," Lavender said. "We've got anonymized letters, anonymized copies of complaints, even reports to the DMLE and about two dozen requests for Gringotts to cut the tuition. If that won't get him fired, nothing will."
"How many have complained?" Neville asked, horrified wonder in his voice.
"Out of around four hundred students, almost a hundred now. The number for tuition cuts is probably at least double of what we know so far," Lavender said. "Keep it quiet, though, we don't want to lessen our impact."
"My lips are sealed," Harry hurried to say. They came to a stop in front of a huge glass structure that had already been filled with plants, tables and benches. "Oh, wow, look! The house elves are almost finished!"
Neville ran inside, crying, "Nobby!" Delighted, he scooped up one of the house elves and spun him around. "What are you doing here?"
"Aw," Parvati cooed. "I didn't know Neville was friends with a Hogwarts house elf."
"Oh, Nobby's his best friend at home," Harry explained, glad to have learned as much from Neville. "Neville didn't know, but I've sent for his family elves to come to the party tomorrow and they obviously decided to help with the set-up."
"My mum would love to have a house elf," Lavender said a little wistfully. "My parents work so much that it's hard to stay on top of the house work."
"Even with magic?" Hermione asked.
"You try doing that after fourteen hour days at the Prophet, or in the shop. Spells are as likely to explode in your face as not when you're bone tired."
"Ah." Hermione smiled a little. "Well, maybe they'll find one soon."
"I don't think so. They're not exactly advertising themselves," Lavender sighed. "Besides, they're flocking to old families if possible, for protection, food, and of course work. It's just a magic thing, since they need strong human magic to unlock their own abilities. Also, if there's not enough to do, they'll get restless, and I guess our little bit of house work just doesn't cut it."
"I see," Hermione murmured, looking back at Neville, who was still hugging Nobby and talking with him.
"I know that look," Parvati teased. "What are you thinking?"
"Oh, nothing." Hermione shook her head and inhaled. "Shall we get busy? We need to sketch in the place for the ritual on our plan, and where to put the food. Also, have Harry and Neville decided on music?"
"Harry asked that we not play too much wizarding music. Said it mostly sounds like caterwauling to him." Parvati laughed. "Thank the Lord for house elf resourcefulness, because we've got a gramophone and lots of records. That should take care of the entertainment. There are also some games, and we managed to borrow a few brooms, in case someone wants to go flying after the ceremony."
"Well, it is rather nice out here," Lavender acknowledged. "So that nod to Harry's favourite hobby isn't too strange."
"Half a dozen brooms are hopefully enough - they are the least damaged school brooms, which is frankly horrifying. Do we have enough chairs and benches for everyone? The guest list was longer than I thought it would be." Hermione looked around. "It certainly doesn't look cramped in here."
"Expansion charm," Lavender explained. "The conservatory will be large enough inside, don't worry. Everything will be just fine. Look at how seriously the house elves take this. It's adorable."
It really was a marvel, and when a tea tray popped up on a table for all of them, a bit of a festive mood came up.
"Now that I'm seeing all this, I can hardly believe that we're actually doing this," Neville confided as he spooned elf berry jam onto his scone. "It seemed so far away when we first talked about it."
"Like half a year has already passed, what with everything that's been going on," Harry agreed. He took a gulp of his tea. "I'm not sure I'll get back to real time anytime soon."
Hermione smiled at him. "Take your time. This might go on for a while yet."
"I'll drink to that," Lavender said and raised her own teacup. "By the way, have you invited Weasley to your ceremony after all?"
Harry sighed. "We didn't, but I feel kind of rotten about it. I keep thinking that something's going on there."
"Well, tomorrow is your day," Parvati said, not bothering to hide her relief. "You and Neville should be able to enjoy it. Whatever's up with Weasley will just have to wait. It's not your fault he's the way he is."
"Life goes on," Lavender added wisely. This earned her hearty snorts from her friends, making her grin. "But really, it does. If you always allow others to ruin fun things, you won't have any sort of life. At least, that's what my auntie says when my uncle doesn't want to go out with her ... which is usually once a week or so."
"That doesn't sound good," Hermione said, taken aback. "How are they still together?"
"Auntie just finds friends to come along," Lavender said and shrugged. "It works out for them."
"We invited Fred and George, though, and Percy," Neville offered. "After almost all the faculty accepted, we decided that we want more students so it'd be an actual party for kids, not just them."
"Considering the number of RSVPs, you managed to invite at least seventy people," Hermione teased. "You're such softies."
"You try not inviting Dennis Creevey when Colin looks at you with those puppy dog eyes," Harry muttered. "Besides, Neville has a lot more friends than he lets on. It's not just me, you know."
Neville flushed a little. "My friends are more the quiet sort."
"I couldn't help but notice Zabini's RSVP," Lavender said, waggling her eyebrows. "He might be a Slytherin, but he sure is handsome."
"And he's an excellent study partner," Hermione stated. "It'll be a good show of inter-house relationships."
"Do you think he'll really come? He'd be the only Slytherin," Parvati said.
"He said he would, and so far he hasn't gone back on his word, even after Malfoy's stunt." Hermione gave the other girls a look. "Behave and he won't have cause to flee."
"Well, if house disapproval doesn't stop him, likely nothing will," Parvati said and poured a hefty amount of milk into her fresh cup of tea. "Do you have anything else you need?"
"Nobby will bring a cystern from Longbottom Manor," Neville said, looking a little apprehensive. "My grandma said that a cleansing before the ritual is a good idea, and she, er, also said that using my family's cystern would be a statement. If you don't want that, we can get a different one, Harry."
Harry, who had actually expected something like that to happen, shook his head. "No, that's alright. We have our vows to each other, anything else is just ... padding."
"Your grandmother looking to bring Harry into the fold?" Lavender asked shrewdly.
"She wants to try, yes," Neville sighed. "She can be overbearing, but she means well. Especially after Dumbledore's weird behavior. I'm not sure she'll forgive me for not using the vow she suggested. It's rather, er, heavy-handed."
"Well, it's not her business anyway, now that Sirius Black is back in the picture, is it?" Hermione asked matter-of-factly. "I wonder what he'd say if she got her way."
The boys grinned at each other and Neville said, "I have no interest whatsoever in finding out. Lord Black's law firm is the stuff of nightmares."
Lavender giggled. "It is. My mum said that the Ministry is already shaking with fright at the lawsuits coming through the ICW."
"Anything newsworthy yet?" Hermione asked.
"No, but the rumour mill is working overtime. There's talk of several million galleons in compensation for unlawful incarceration, and then there's the matter of the Potter will." Lavender frowned. "Dumbledore had it sealed after You-know-who died and every year he refuses to unseal it. The goblins are hopping mad about that. They send the Archmagister of the ICW a howler every time it happens."
Parvati grinned suddenly. "And you know what? The next howler is due on November third."
"That can't be common knowledge," Hermione stated.
"It wasn't, but ever since Lord Black sought refuge with Gringotts, the goblins have made it their business to air the Ministry's dirty laundry," Lavender explained. "I told you about how cut-throat my mum's colleages at the Daily Prophet are, right? Well, since the Ministry is squashing everything right now, they've taken to freelancing for international publications ... and to get material for their articles, they're sneaking around and interviewing everyone at Gringotts who's keeping still long enough. It's become a game, really. The whole staff has a grand time, and so do the goblins."
"Everything's perfectly legal, of course," Parvati hastened to reassure Harry, who wasn't worried at all. "The goblins would never do anything to hurt Lord Black's case, or yours."
"Even the fact that he is Lord Black, magically speaking, is telling everyone a lot. Nevermind the fact that he's also your godfather and adopted dad." Neville smiled at Harry. "Honestly, my grandma's expecting a huge explosion when your dad and the ICW are ready for the actual trial."
"Everyone's expecting a huge explosion," Lavender said. "Parvati and I are already lobbying for listening time on the wireless so we can experience the making of history." She smirked. "It'd be loads more informative than the drivel Professor Binn's usually spouts."
Harry couldn't help himself; he laughed. "Can you imagine Snape's face?"
This caused his friends to also break out into laughter, and after that there was no more talk of trials, ceremonies, or even cranky potions masters.
oOo
"It's time, isn't it?" Harry asked, tugging on the robes Jerry had urged him to don. "I'm nervous."
"Of course Harry Potter sir be nervous," Jerry squeaked, sounding unruffled and even a little amused. "It be big day for Harry Potter sir. Harry Potter sir's magic be knowing that a big wrong be rightened."
"What if I forget my vow?" Harry tried to breathe calmly, but his chest was tight and his hands sweaty. "I feel faint."
Jerry hopped onto the bed and pulled Harry towards him with a tug on the robe's lapels. "Harry Potter sir be needing to know how he be feeling. Then, everything else be unimportant."
"You mean ... how I feel about becoming Neville's brother?" Harry asked uncertainly.
Jerry nodded, large eyes watching Harry attentively.
"I'm happy about it." Harry exhaled. "I've always wanted a family."
"Harry Potter sir be having a father already, now he be getting a brother," Jerry said, grinning. "Nothing be more important. Magic just be excited."
"I can eat some magic," Blue offered, poking his head out of Harry's collar and staring at him. "But not all."
"Do your best," Harry answered, huffing again. "Should I even take you? Brady said that foreign sources of magic can make cleansing difficult." To Jerry, he said, "What about Blue? I can't take him into the cystern. People would probably notice."
"One of us be able to hold Harry Potter sir's Blue snake until ceremony be over," Jerry offered. "We be putting Harry Potter sir's Blue snake back with just a snap."
"Right, you can do that. Would that be alright, Blue?"
Blue preened, showing off his pretty hood, before lazily hissing, "Of course. House elves have much magic, and they're always toasty warm."
"Thank you," Harry first hissed and then repeated in English. Jerry's little face flushed with pleasure and he fussed a little more with Harry's cravat. "Gosh, I'm going to be late."
"Harry Potter sir will not be late," Jerry assured him. With a snap of his fingers, Harry suddenly stood in the conservatory, right next to the cystern.
"Good lord!" Neville shrieked, jumping at least a foot at Harry's sudden appearance. "Warn a guy!"
"I didn't know I'd take the elf express," Harry defended himself. He grinned at Jerry. "Thanks, it was a good ride!"
Jerry bowed and popped away, taking Blue with him with Neville being none the wiser.
"That was one of your Potter elves, wasn't he?" Neville asked. His colour was still a little high, but his mood hadn't soured due to the shock. "His uniform was cute."
"My family apparently didn't believe in tea towels or pillow cases," Harry replied. "And really, why would they? House elves are fantastic tailors. They made these robes for me in a day." Harry showed off the fabric and the smart cut.
"My grandma bought mine, but maybe I'll ask our house elves whether they'd like to try their hand next time. Yours really look great." Neville rubbed his hands on his tighs. "Are you as nervous as I am? The first guests should arrive soon."
"I'm so nervous," Harry moaned. "Jerry tried to cheer me up, but this is so important and I don't want to mess up."
"You won't," Neville said loyally. "Why don't we check the place out? That way we'll at least know where everything is. Plus, we need to check the circle one last time."
Harry was only too glad to let Neville guide him around the conservatory. With the finishing touches it looked like something out of a fairy tale - with real fairies flitting between the many plants, blessing the venue with their glittering dust. On the buffet tables, the heaping platters and overflowing bowls of food were already giving off a delicious smell. Mingling with that were the scents of freshly brewed coffee and the undercurrents of tea, but there were also bulbous carafes of lemonade, juice, and water waiting to be consumed.
The Longbottom cystern had pride of place a little to the right of the large ritual space. As the cleansing was part of the whole thing, the house elves had taken special care to adorn it with flowers and creeping plants.
Their circle was next. Since Harry had only begun to read up on ritual magic, he didn't have much experience other than preparing a very simple circle for a communion. Neville was much the same, and so they had decided to rely on the circle the book about bonds recommended, although they had made an effort to understand the meaning of the runes and had also painted the circle themselves instead of using a copying spell. Now, the gold color was shimmering slightly in the weak afternoon light and a handful of fairies was flitting all over the circle.
"North feels still right for me," Neville said after their careful inspection. "If you don't mind?"
"It's perfect," Harry replied. "I thought I'd take South, but right now I'm feeling more like East. Do you think I should go with it?"
"You should do what feels right after the cleansing," Neville offered. "Just because you're a Gryffindor doesn't mean that fire is the right element for you. People aren't that simple."
"What if it messes up the circle?"
Neville placed a calming hand on Harry's twitchy arm. "It won't. It's been designed for children. Our magic's in flux all the time. It'll compensate, so don't worry."
"Alright. I'll try." Harry hated himself for fidgeting. "Oh man, I see people coming. The girls, and they have Hagrid in tow. And Zabini."
In short order, guests began to fill the conservatory. The gramophone played quiet but uplifting music, and invisible hands passed out drinks to the newcomers.
"It looks fantastic," Hermione said, eyes wide and admiring. The tall glass of chilled elf berry lemonade in her hand was sweltering. "The house elves did an outstanding job. And your circle turned out really nice. The gold colour really settled overnight."
"The fairies might have helped with that," Harry admitted. He glanced around. "I didn't think everyone would come, but it's getting full."
She smiled and took his hand, hidden between their robes. "It'll be great. Neville will be your brother!"
"That's what's keeping me upright." Harry grimaced. "Can I have a sip of your lemonade?"
"Take as much as you need. I can get more later."
As Harry took a few desperately needed gulps, the rest of the faculty arrived ... all of them, except Professor Snape, who had declined to attend.
"I can't believe Dumbledore is actually daring to show his face," Hermione hissed. "The nerve of that man!"
"And he's looking mighty smug, too," Parvati observed. "I don't think he means to just sit down and enjoy the ceremony."
Professor Flitwick stepped up to them, bouncing a little with obvious excitement. "How are you feeling, lads? Are you ready for your big moment?"
"Yes, sir," Neville said. "We're just waiting for the last stragglers."
"Nice work on the circle," Flitwick complimented. "It's a more old-fashioned one, but it should suit you well. And that's a Longbottom cystern! What a lovely statement from Augusta."
"Thank you, sir."
Flitwick beamed. "This promises to become quite the event. Why, there's Mr. Zabini chatting quite amiably with Miss Patil. I'd give points, if I could."
He moved on, in the direction of the nearest refreshment table.
"Oh, there's Mr. Finch," Hermione said, pointing at the wizard who was keeping to himself. "Why do you think he came?"
"Well, I can't be alone with Dumbledore, and I guess he wants to make sure everything goes according to plan," Harry replied. "Brady couldn't come, an emergency in Gringotts' snake house, so I'm glad at least he's here, even if I've only just met him."
"Me too," Neville breathed. "Oh Lord, and there's my gran. Ugh, why does she always have to wear her horrible vulture hat? That thing's ancient."
Harry and Hermione grimaced and all three quickly schooled their expressions when Mrs. Longbottom approached them with quick strides.
"Well! You've certainly outdone yourself, Neville," she exclaimed. "Good, I'd hate to have to read about a subpar ceremony in the paper. It's just not done in families as old as ours, or Mr. Potter's. Now, do you need help with any last minute issues?"
"Everything's well in hand, ma'am," Harry said bravely. "Just enjoy a drink and mingle."
Mrs. Longbottom eyed him critically before relenting. "Fine, I'll leave it to you. Neville, I'll be there if you need anything. Don't hesitate to ask for help, alright? This is your big moment and I want you to be able to enjoy it."
"Thanks gran, I will," Neville promised. He smiled and gestured for her to take his elbow. "I'll get you a glass of the punch. It's fantastic."
"Now that they're gone, do you want to hide and have a snog before you start?" Hermione asked mischievously. "You look like you could need a distraction."
"I do," Harry confessed, "but is it really okay to use you for that?"
She grinned. "I offered, so it's more than okay. Come here."
Harry let himself be led behind a huge potted plant and fell into the warm, firm hug Hermione initiated. Since that afternoon in the infirmary, he felt even more sensitive to ambient magic, especially her magic, and right now hers was reaching out fearlessly, inviting his to embrace it back.
"You feel so good," Harry murmured into her wild hair. "Screw snogging; if I had to choose, I'd choose this."
Her laugh at that was lovely and her voice soft and teasing when she said, "It's good that you don't have to choose, then, because I want both."
Then her equally soft lips were on Harry's, and her shy tongue soon followed, questing carefully and causing a rush of heat to run through Harry's whole body.
Harry felt overwhelmed with it, but not as much as in the beginning, when Hermione's closeness - and her willingness to be that close to him - had surprised him.
"Was this okay?" she whispered long minutes later, looking right into Harry's eyes. Her gaze was searching, but her reddened lips smiled like he'd given her a great gift.
Harry smiled back, hopelessly charmed. "I like it. It just feels like you give me too much. Of you. You always do, you know."
"Because I like you," Hermione murmured, leaning her forehead against Harry's. "So much."
Harry pulled her closer to him and buried his face into the bend of her neck again. "I like you, too. I like that you're ... that you're mine." He flushed, grateful that she couldn't see it. Her tightening grip soothed some worry in him that he'd maybe overstepped.
"It's almost time," Hermione whispered regretfully. "You and Neville will perform the ceremony wonderfully, and we'll all have a great party."
"I'm not worried anymore," Harry admitted. "Your hugs are magic, 'Mione."
She laughed. "Thank you. So are yours."
Sighing, they separated, taking a moment to fuss with their hair and robes, and to give their cheeks a chance to lose some of their colour.
Then it was time, and Harry and Neville stepped into the empty space of the conservatory side by side. Almost at once, all conversation and the music stopped and every eye was on them.
"Dear guests," Neville began, "welcome to Harry's and my godbrother ceremony. We are pleased to see so many of you here and hope that you'll have a good time witnessing our bonding."
The teachers began to applaud, the students following suit and cheering for them.
"I'd like to ask my grandmother, the Lady Regent Augusta Longbottom, to lead the ceremony," Neville continued after the applause had died down. "If you are so willing, please step forward."
Eyes suspiciously shiny, Mrs. Longbottom stepped forward. "Of course I will, you silly boy." To everyone's surprise, she curtseyed prettily. "It is an honour."
Harry straightened himself, deciding right then and there that he was going to take a risk. Mr. Finch as a legal representative of Sirius would have been fine, but it didn't feel nearly as right as his spontaneous choice. "As there are no Potters left to support our bonding, and my father by blood and magic cannot be here today, I call on Remus Lupin, one of both their oldest friends, to stand with me. Please, sir, if you are so willing, step forward."
"Harry-" Remus' voice broke. "Truly?"
The magic so forlornly reaching out from the werewolf only bolstered Harry's decision. "Yes, sir."
The man rubbed his eyes, inhaled sharply, and bowed. "It is an honour." Calmly, he left the ranks of the spectators, surprised murmurs in his wake, and took a place by Harry's right side.
Something like a warm cloak settled around Harry's shoulders and he couldn't help but lean into the feeling.
Clearing his throat delicately, Dumbledore pushed himself forward. His bright scarlet robes with yellow snidgets flitting around drew even the most unwilling eye to his person. "Do you think that's wise, my boy? Professor Lupin is nearly a stranger to you, surely you'll want someone more meaningful to guide you through the ceremony?"
Harry inwardly snorted. "No, sir. Professor Lupin suits my needs for this event very well. But I thank you for your concern."
It was the proper response, right out of the book, and it had several of the adults smirking into their cups.
"Without further ado, let's begin," Mrs. Longbottom intoned before Dumbledore could press his point, and thankfully no one else raised any concerns. "I ask for silence as these two wizards go through the ceremony. Neville, Harry, please step forward."
The boys did, Professor Lupin respectfully a step behind and to the side.
"As Lady Regent of my house, it is my honour to offer you, Harry James Potter, the use of our cystern for your cleansing," Mrs. Longbottom said. "May its magic bid you welcome to the family. To prove to you our intentions, Neville will go first."
Throwing Harry a grin, Neville followed the prompt and carefully stepped into the wide, low brass bassin. Runes all around the rim lit up, both inside and out, and a strong mist heaved up and around the boy. Colourful swirls lit up and then drained away in a matter of moments, and then Neville stepped out again, looking fresh and content. All of their friends looked on in awe, even those who already knew about ritual magic.
"Please step in now, Harry," Mrs. Longbottom said. Her expression gentled. "Have no fear, our family magic will not harm you."
Neville clasped Harry's shoulder and with that assurance, it wasn't hard at all to cross the few yards and step inside the cystern. As it had done with Neville, its runes lit up all at once. From the inside, amidst the rising mist, it looked a little otherwordly.
Harry only had a moment to admire the sight before the Longbottom family magic was upon him, shrouding him in opaque billows and taking away everything that was not him. It was a bit intrusive, and definitely clingy, but most of all the prodding and tugging felt friendly. It felt like the idea Harry had of Neville, which was doing more to soothe him than all the kind and helpful words people had offered before this.
The cleansing went on for so long that Harry couldn't help but reach out to the foreign magic, tangling with it and teasing back when its cool tendrils went under his collar and up his arms to tickle him.
Finally, the mist receded and Harry once more joined Neville, Mrs. Longbottom, and Professor Lupin.
"As you've both cleansed yourself of outside influences, it is now time for you to activate your circle. Who of you shall perform this duty?" Mrs. Longbottom asked.
"I shall," Harry said. His hands only shook a little as he walked to the North point, wand in hand. It was the work of only a moment to walk deosil around the shimmering golden circle and call upon the elements for protection. As Harry went, runes lit up in his wake. "As I have invited the elements to guard us, I also invite them to stand witness to this ritual." Harry took a breath as the glow of all the runes intensivied, and called, "May Magic look kindly upon our unified purpose."
The guests oohed and aahed quietly as golden light heaved up from the runes.
"The circle has been opened. Remus Lupin, please assist your ward to find his place in the circle."
Professor Lupin bowed and turned to Harry. "Which place in the circle have you chosen for this ritual?"
"I chose East," Harry said, calmly and clearly. Neville's approving nod lifted his spirits.
"Why does East speak to you?" Lupin asked in the same manner.
"East represents the element of Air, and Air represents not only movement and flight, but constant change in the world. To be the best brother I can possibly be for Neville, it is my goal to change my circumstances and myself to the best of my ability."
"So mote it be," Lupin said, leading Harry to the appropriate cardinal point and squeezing his shoulder.
"So mote it be," Mrs. Longbottom echoed. "Neville, which place in the circle have you chosen for this ritual?"
"I chose North," Neville replied, firm and fearless.
"Why does North speak to you?" his grandmother asked. It was so quiet in the conservatory, one could hear a pin drop.
"North represents the element of Earth, and Earth represents not only durability and nurturing, but also growth. To be the best brother I can possibly be for Harry, it is my goal to be as steady and supportive a presence in his life as I can possibly be."
"So mote it be," Mrs. Longbottom said. With no little amount of pride, she took Neville's arm and led him to the northern cardinal point of the circle. She then stepped back to Lupin's side and intoned gravely, "Your choice has been acknowledged. You may enter the circle."
Glancing at each other, Neville and Harry stepped forward as one, crossing the runic barrier and shivering at the rush of magic skittering over their skin.
"As you chose places side by side in the circle, link hands and raise your wands with the other."
Harry felt another surge of magic welling up inside him. The tip of his wand started to glow. Neville to his right, at last equipped with a wand uniquely suited to him, looked a bit startled when the same happened for him.