The Speaker and His Wraiths

Set In Motion

Plans

Theo suggesting they use Neville's connection to Professor Sprout sounded like a bad idea at first, but once he explained further it made perfect sense. That's what led Harry to pull Neville aside as they were getting ready for bed that night.

"I don't see why it wouldn't work." Neville hummed after Harry explained the Memory Potion. "It seems like a good plan." He paused, and then looked at Harry curiously. "Why're you telling me though? I'm no good at Potions. You know that. I'd probably blow the whole thing up by just standing nearby."

"Actually, it was Theo's idea." Harry grinned, "We all know how awesome you are with plants, and we need your help collecting all the ingredients."

"How could I help with that?" Neville frowned, "If I broke into Snape's potion stores like you have, I'd be caught for sure." He didn't sound self-depreciating, more like he was stating a fact. Harry wasn't so sure that was true anymore, but he didn't push it.

"We don't need to for some of them." Harry explained, "Here's a list." He handed over a roll of parchment that featured Hermione's slanted handwriting written with utmost focus to make it legible.

THE MEMORY POTION

Jobberknoll Feathers
Galanthus Nivalis (Snowdrop)
Stewed Mandrake
Powdered Sage
Alihotsy (Hyena tree)
Peppermint
Eel Eyes

Neville looked up from the paper with a spark in his eye and understanding written across his face. Harry grinned.

"Half of these are either growing in the greenhouse or stored there in Professor Sprout's alcove." Neville said, a grin spreading across his face as well. "The question is, how did Nott know I have a key to Professor Sprout's private alcove?" Harry shrugged.

"It's Theo," He replied, "He pays attention to everything." Harry then faced Neville seriously, meeting his blue eyes firmly. "Can you do it?"

"Yes." Neville said, confidence finally making an appearance. "I'll have them by dinner tomorrow."

"Thanks Neville." Harry sighed in relief, "I'm really glad we're friends." He smiled, and Neville reached out to grasp his shoulder.

"You can count on me, Harry." Neville said seriously, then he smiled and departed with a soft word of goodbye. As soon as he was gone, Harry felt the anxiety and doubt creep up on him.

Three more days until Easter Break. Tuesday was over, which meant they'd probably have the ingredients by the end of Wednesday, when Neville delivered. That meant they'd brew it that night, not waiting for morning when they'd be interrupted by classes. With that timeline, they'd have a finished Potion by Thursday morning and they'd all be very tired. Even tired, they could administer it anytime on Thursday. If it didn't work... they'd have to leave the next day for Break knowing they might never get the chance to help Lisa.

Harry knew he was a good leader, maybe even a great one. His Wraiths trusted him because he trusted them, and they always had his back because he had theirs too. He couldn't do it without them, and was lucky they believed in him. However, Harry felt like he'd failed them just a little. Especially Lisa. She'd put her trust in him, and then he hadn't been able to protect her. Maybe it was ridiculous of him to feel that way. In the office Harry had seen that she had her own plan, and he'd trusted it would be alright. But it wasn't alright, and he didn't know what to do with that.

"Hey, O'fearless leader." Harry turned as Fred leaned down with an elbow on his shoulder and George smirked as he ruffled Harry's hair.

"Whatcha thinking about?" George inquired.

"Lisa." Harry admitted, and they both sombered at the mentioned.

"You're not still beating yourself up about that, are you?" Fred asked suspiciously.