INTERMISSION (slytherin boys imagines)

As The World Caves In~ TN

"Fuck! Harry what were we thinking?!" I whisper-yell as we apparate into hogsmeade. The alarms are blaring so loud I can barely hear myself think. Almost a year on the run and this is how we're greeted back? These last couple months have been hell; from Ron running away to me almost dying in Malfoy manor, I'm happy to say that i've survived being hunted by one of the most powerful dark wizards to ever live.

"Look! Over there!" Hermione yells.  A door is open with a man beckoning us into his store. We all run towards the door and rush inside, successfully avoiding the death eaters. "What in Merlin's name are you doing here?!" The old man yells at us, clearly recognizing harry. "We need to get to Hogwarts. Now." Harry responds as he looks around the bar-like property. "I hate to break it to you but if you can't tell, it's almost impossible to get into Hogwarts." The older man responds, carrying food and water with him.

"Thank fuck. I am starved." Ron says as he takes a piece of bread and stuffs it down his mouth. "There has to be a way, don't lie to me." I look at the man; We need to get into the castle. I need to get into the castle. "And who are you?" He questions me "Someone who never should've been dragged into this mess in the first place, yet here I am. So are you going to help us or what?" I stare him down. I'm so fucking desperate here and for all the wrong reasons.  The old man turns towards a portrait and whispers something to the girl in the painting. She silently nods her head then walks away into the distance of her own painting.

"That's your sister, isn't it? I know who you are." Hermione chimes in catching everyone's attention. "You're Professor Dumbledore brother, Aberforth, aren't you? And that was your sister Ariana." She continues. I swear she's so fucking smart because I would've never came to that conclusion. The old man stays quiet, clearly she hit a nerve. "Dumbledore had a brother and a sister?" Harry asks, the betrayal in his tone is evident. I knew Dumbledore was keeping secrets but from harry? That's a low fucking blow. "My brother and his secrets, they always catch up with him don't they?" Aberforth seems to be speaking to himself at this point, in self pity or maybe just reminiscing. Before anyone can say anything, I see Ariana come back and it seems as if she has someone with her.

"Guys, she's back and it seems as though she brought someone." I pull my wand out and make sure to be ready for whoever it is coming our way. The portrait slowly opens and Merlin I have never in my life been so happy to see Longbottom's face before but today seems to be full of surprises. "Harry! Hermione Ron! Y/n?" All the excitement in his tone seems to vanish when he speaks my name. "Nice to see you too, Longbottom. Can you get us into the castle?" I ask him, not in the mood in the reminder on how I've tormented some people in my days at Hogwarts.

"I... Yes, um follow me." He stutters over his words then signals for us to follow him into the portrait. I let the trio go in first before I follow inside. I know Neville feels uncomfortable with me around, he probably thinks I'm a death eater or something of the sorts just because I'm a Slytherin. Prejudice pricks those Gryffindors are, the lot of them. "Not to be rude but, what are you doing here?" Neville asks and I know it's a question directed to me.

"Look at you finally growing into the bravery of being a Gryffindor. Don't you worry your pretty little head, Neville. I'm here for the same reasons as those three." I look over to Neville and give him a small smile. Okay I may not be here for the exact same reasons as Harry, Hermione, and Ron but I am here to help them. "Did you just... compliment me?" The shock in Neville's voice makes let out a snort. "Yes, longbottom. I think I did." My grin is from ear to ear as we continue to walk towards what I'm hoping is the castle.

We stop in front of what seems to be a door, Neville turns back to look at us and smiles. "Everyone's going to be shocked to see you lot. Just know that a lot of us are... grieving. This school year has been different." Neville's smile died down towards the end of his sentence as he turns back around and swings open the door. I hear chants and yells coming from the other side as Harry steps out from the doorway. All of it dies down once I come into view, the room filled with mummers that I'm sure are about me.