Before The Past

Ch. 21

"I believe I only found one or two things that would help." I said, trying to find the book I was reading the other day. 

I grabbed the book and flipped the pages, glancing over them to find which one rang a bell. After a few more pages, I finally found what I was looking for. I pointed to the title, which read 'Tibetan Turnip' and had a picture of a flat, but well rounded turnip. 

"This will help me breathe underwater?" Potter asked. 

"I think so, I'm just not sure how or where you'll get it." I sighed. 

His face was unreadable, but he seemed slightly disappointed.  I looked through again, seeing if there was anything else, but it was all I could find. Suddenly, I heard muffled voices coming closer to us. We turned around to see Granger and Weasley arguing about something as they approached us. When they looked up, they froze glancing at me and back at Potter. 

"There you are Harry, we've been looking everywhere for you."  Weasley said hesitantly. 

"Sorry, I was just seeing if Aro- Hawthorne was able to help me find something." Potter responded. 

"What could she possibly help with that we couldn't?" Granger sneered. 

"Well, I didn't think you guys really cared much for plant finding, and she mentioned reading about it the other day." Potter shrugged. 

Granger was about to say something else when Moody appeared behind them. 

"I hate to break up this important discussion, but Professor McGonagall needs you in her office. Not you Potter and Hawthorne, just Weasley and Granger." He said calmly. 

"But sir, the second task is only hours away-" Granger began 

"Which is exactly why he needs a good nights rest to prepare, now off you go." Moody's voice raised a bit as he ended his sentence. 

The two walked off diligently, while Potter and I stayed behind glancing at each other. Moody stood for a few more seconds, looked behind us and back at us again. 

"Longbottom! Help Potter here put his books away. Hawthorne I expect you'll be heading off to bed soon, you don't want to get caught up late again, hmm?" 

"No sir." I answered, looking down at my feet. 

After a few seconds Moody left and a scrawny looking boy walked over nervously. 

"If you guys are interested in plants, you'd be better off with Goshawk's Guide To Herbology" He said. 

"Thanks Neville, but we really don-" 

"Hold on a minute, if he's giving us advice on what to read, maybe he'll be more useful than me." I interrupted. 

"Well, I'm not an expert, but I'd be more than happy to help." Longbottom smiled.

 Potter sighed and looked over at me, then at Neville. 

"Do you happen to know where to get any Tibetan Turnip? To help me breathe underwater." 

"Well, I'm not sure about a turnip, but you can always use Gillyweed." Longbottom answered. 

"And that is?" Potter asked. 

"It's a sort of slimy plant that when you consume it causes gills to grow on your neck. It also causes your feet and hands to extend and web." Longbottom explained. 

"And do you know where to find any?" I questioned. 

"Umm, well I do, but it'll be risky." He paused and looked at us "On second thought though, leave it to me, I'll get some to you, when do you need it by?"