Sasuke Uchiha in Harry Potter - Part 2

Longbottom Residence

It had been five days since Neville returned home, and his grandmother was still upset with him because of the letter she received from Professor McGonagall about Transfiguration.

Augusta: Wake up, Neville, come down for breakfast.

Neville: I'm coming, Gran.

Neville quickly got out of bed.

As they were having breakfast, his grandmother spoke to him.

Augusta: Neville, eat quickly. Mr. Banks will be here around 10:00 for your private Transfiguration lessons.

Neville: But, Gran...

Augusta: No 'buts,' Neville. You need to be prepared, even if you didn't take Transfiguration in your sixth year. My friend Griselda Marchbanks told me that you can still take the N.E.W.T.s.

Neville: How is that possible?

Augusta: There are many students who studied in different schools or were homeschooled, and they can take the N.E.W.T.s at the Ministry. You need good grades to become an Auror like your father.

Neville: But...

Augusta: No 'buts,' Neville. You will do as I say, or you'll only disappoint your parents. You know they were great Aurors.

Neville wanted to tell her he was tired of always being compared to his parents, and now also to Harry Potter, but he didn't have the courage to confront her.

Neville: Alright, Gran.

The doorbell rang.

Augusta: It's too early; Mr. Banks should arrive in an hour, she said as she walked to answer the door.

When she opened it, she was surprised to see Dumbledore standing there with his phoenix.

Augusta: Professor Dumbledore, to what do we owe the pleasure?

Dumbledore: I apologize for arriving unannounced, Augusta, but I would like to speak with you and Neville.

Augusta: Come in, Professor. Please, have a seat.

Neville, Augusta, and Dumbledore moved to the sitting room.

Dumbledore: As you know, Neville, the O.W.L.s practically determine a student's future. But I've been thinking that it shouldn't be this way. I've decided to offer an opportunity to students who didn't achieve the required grade to continue their studies up to N.E.W.T. level. Letters are being sent to several students, inviting them to take an exam in two months to determine if they can proceed.

Augusta: Professor Dumbledore, this is fantastic!

Neville: Professor Dumbledore, this is...

Dumbledore: Consider it an opportunity, Neville. I've come personally to tell you because I've seen how much you've grown these past two years.

Neville: Professor, you've been watching me?

Dumbledore: Of course. I saw how you joined Dumbledore's Army on your own, and how, no matter what, you stood up to the Death Eaters to save Sirius Black. Even though it didn't concern you, you stepped up and did what was right. Don't doubt it, Neville—you are a true Gryffindor.

Neville felt acknowledged by those words.

Augusta: So, Neville has the opportunity to take Transfiguration next term?

Dumbledore: Indeed. Several professors are pleased with your progress. From when you were a first-year to now, as you're about to start your seventh year, Professor McGonagall has expressed great interest in giving you private lessons. She hopes to see you in her classes next term, along with Professor Slughorn.

Neville: That's amazing, Professor. I didn't expect to be recognized like this.

Dumbledore: Have more confidence in your abilities, Neville. Your magic has grown, especially since you switched wands.

Neville glanced at his wand, recalling Sasuke's words—that the wand chooses the wizard, and one that didn't choose him would never work properly.

Dumbledore: As for Potions, I know you're worried about your memory, but let me give you this.

Dumbledore handed him a book titled Study Techniques.

Neville flipped through the table of contents:

. Study Out Loud – pg. 5

. Record Yourself – pg. 10

. Songs and Gestures – pg. 15

. Teach a Lesson – pg. 20

. Ask Questions – pg. 25

. Make Flashcards – pg. 30

. Study in Groups – pg. 35

Dumbledore: It's a Muggle book—very helpful and practical. I'm sure you'll find a method that works for you. Trust in your abilities, Neville. You're a good wizard—don't doubt that.

Neville: Thank you, Professor. I'll study and work hard.

Augusta: This is wonderful, Neville. I'll support you—I know you can do it...

Dumbledore bid them farewell, but as he was heading out, he stopped.

Dumbledore: I almost forgot. Neville, your parents' old mentor has expressed interest in training you in Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Neville: Old mentor?

Dumbledore: From the Auror team. I'm talking about Mad-Eye Moody.

Neville: Really? He's going to train me personally?

Dumbledore: Yes, Neville. He's aware of your progress too. It was his idea to train you. Now, I must take my leave.

Dumbledore touched Fawkes, and the two vanished.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, in Grimmauld Place's basement, Harry, Ron, and Sirius were training.

Sirius: Come on, boys, get up. We still need to keep going. Don't forget, in a few months, you'll be official members of the Order.

The magical duel continued. Sirius had adapted to using his prosthetic, and he was easily dominating Harry and Ron.

Sirius: Let's take a break.

Sirius levitated three chairs for them to sit and rest while they drank some water.

Ron: And Hermione and Ginny? They don't have to train like this?

Harry: You know Hermione would be here if her parents let her. They're upset about not knowing anything about the war.

Sirius: It's probably for the best. We never know where the Death Eaters will strike, and if she's close by, she can protect her parents or escape with them. But don't worry—a member of the Order keeps watch near her house at night, casting protective spells.

Sirius: As for Ginny, Molly flat-out refused to let her participate, since she's not of age yet.

Harry: Sirius, I wanted to ask you about that article Skeeter wrote.

Sirius: Harry, whatever Skeeter says is rubbish. Your dad may have played some pranks, but he wasn't a bully. We were just having fun.

Harry nodded in agreement.

Sirius: Besides, I think all these accusations came from Uchiha. We can both play the same game.

Harry: Sirius, what do you mean?

Sirius: Well, if Uchiha likes newspaper articles, she'll really enjoy the next one that's about to be published.