The Boy Who Fought: OC X Hermione

Ravenclaw

"I don't remember this being on the Marauder's Map." Ron comments.

"That's because it never existed till now. The seven secret passages were sealed off before the start of the year. This is the only way in or out now. The grounds are crawling with Death Eaters and Dementors." Neville explains to the group, leading them back.

"How bad is it, Neville? With Snape as Headmaster." Hermione questions, holding onto Carson's arm.

"Hardly ever see him. It's the Carrows you have to watch out for."

"The Carrows? Like the ones with those twins from the Slug Club?"

"Alecto and Amyscus are brother and sister. They're in charge of discipline. Like punishment, the Carrows." Neville tells them, pointing to a gash on his face.

"They did that to you? But why?" Hermione asks, shocked.

"Today's Dark Arts lesson had us practicing the Cruciatus Curse. On First Years. I refused. Hogwarts has changed, and not for the better."

The four don't say anything, taking in what they just heard. "Aw, c'mon. Don't be grim. We're all used to it by now. And the thing is, it helps when people stand up, gives everyone hope. I used to notice that when you did it, Harry. C'mon, we're almost there."

They arrive at a doorway, as Neville walks up the steps. "Let's have a bit of fun, shall we?" Neville pushed the door open, hiding the four from view. "Hey! Listen up, you lot! I've brought you a surprise!"

"Not more of Aberforth's cooking, I hope. Be a surprise if we could digest it." Seamus shouts.

Neville nods, sending the four out of the door. Everyone looks shocked to see them, that shock fading into happiness.

"Blimey." Seamus whispers, seeing the four.

"Get the word out to Remus and the others that Harry's back." Neville commands, as Nigel grabs a radio. Lavender rushes herself into Ron's arms, and they share a kiss.

"River, DA calling. Do you read? We have a new weather report: Lightning has struck. I repeat, lightning has struck..."

"Okay, okay! Stand down! Let's not kill them before You-Know-Who gets the chance!" Neville instructs, "Right then. What's the plan, Harry?"

Harry looks at the expectant faces in the room, noticing how everyone looked broken and empty, only motivating him further because all these people wouldn't give it a second thought to help him.

"Okay. There's something we need to find, something hidden here in the castle. It could help us defeat You-Know-Who."

"What is it?"

"We don't know."

"Where is it?"

"We also don't know that. I realize it's not much to go on."

"That's nothing to go on." Seamus comments.

Harry looks around the room once more, looking at the Ravenclaw banner in the corner.

"I think it might have something to do with Ravenclaw. It would be small, easy to conceal, valuable. Any ideas?"

"Well, there's Rowena Ravenclaw's lost diadem." Luna speaks up.

"Bloody hell... Here we go..." Ron whispers.

"The lost diadem of Ravenclaw? Hasn't anyone ever heard of it? It's quite famous."

"Yes, but Luna, it's lost. For centuries now. There's not a person alive today who's seen it." Cho tells her.

"Excuse me. But would someone tell me: what's a bloody diadem?" Ron interrupts.

"It's a kind of crown. You know, like a tiara." Cho explains to him, "Ravenclaw's was rumored to have magical properties, to enhance the wisdom of the wearer."

Just then, Ginny bursts into the room, staring at Harry. They lock eyes for a moment before she speaks up. "Harry."

"Ginny."

"Six months she hasn't seen me and it's like I'm Frankie First Year. I mean, I'm only her brother." Ron tells Hermione and Carson.

"Got loads of those, though, doesn't she? There's only one Harry." Seamus tells him.

"Shut up, Seamus." Ron snaps.

"What is it, Ginny?" Neville asks.

"Snape knows. He knows Harry's been spotted in Hogsmeade."