The GILDED FRAME SWINGS OPEN, revealing -- in actuality -- what the painting had replicated. Athena pulls back from the hug...
INT. PASSAGE - CONTINUOUS ACTION - NIGHT
... into the passageway as Neville comes into the light drifting from the sitting room. Long hair. Gashed face. Swollen eye. Clothes ripped and torn.
Alice and Frank frown at the sight of their future son.
Athena: Neville, you look...
Neville: Like hell? I reckon. This is nothing. Seamus is worse. You'll see. Hermione! Ron!
Neville embraces them, then turns to Aberforth.
Neville: Hey, Ab. There might be a couple more people on the way.
The trio turns, see Aberforth standing in the doorway, watching Ariana drift back into the canvas. Neville turns to Athena, Ron and Hermione. Smiles again.
Neville: Well? Ready?
INT. PASSAGE - NIGHT (MOMENTS LATER)
Neville leads the others down the passage.
Ron: I don't remember this being on the Marauder's Map.
Neville: 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.
"Merlin..."
Hermione: How bad is it, Neville? With Snape as Headmaster.
Neville: Hardly ever see him. It's the Carrows you have to watch out for.
Athena: The Carrows?
Neville: Brother and sister. They're in charge of discipline. Like punishment, the Carrows.
Neville points to a GASH on his face.
Hermione: They did that to you? But why?
Neville: Today's Dark Arts lesson had us practicing the Cruciatus Curse. On First Years. I refused. Hogwarts has changed.
"Clearly," Minnie said.
The others look shocked. Neville grins.
Neville: 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, Athena. C'mon, we're almost there.
The trio exchange glances, follow Neville.
INT. PASSAGE - NEW ANGLE - NIGHT (MOMENTS LATER)
Neville leads them up a short flight of stone steps to a DOOR, pauses. Looks back. WHISPERS.
Neville: Let's have a bit of fun, shall we? [pushing open the door] Hey! Listen up, you lot! I've brought you a surprise!
Seamus (O.S.): Not more of Aberforth's cooking, I hope. Be a surprise if we could digest it.
A few chuckles were heard around the hall.
Neville looks back, jerks his head toward the open door. Athena, Ron and Hermione step forward, duck through and...
INT. ROOM OF REQUIREMENT - CONTINUOUS ACTION - NIGHT
... emerge into a large room that looks like a sumptuous tree house. Faces turn. Blink. Utter silence. Then...
Seamus: Blimey!
... VOICES EXPLODE. Madness ensues as the trio is swallowed up in a scrum of backslaps and handshakes.
Many familiar faces are present. Luna. Dean Thomas. CHO CHANG. LAVENDER BROWN. Neville leans down, WHISPERS to NIGEL.
Neville: Get the word out to Remus and the others that Athena's back.
YOU ARE READING
Athena Potter 🎞
FanfictionIn which the marauders generation watch Athena Potters life and see the dangers of which awaits them. Where friends becomes enemies and enemies become allies. What happens when they realise they've been lied too? Will they be able to prevent the dan...
