Neville Longbottom- The Boy Who Lived

Into the Forest

Chapter 15: Into the Forest

Initially, I was so ecstatic that Hermione said yes that I forgot about our impending detention. I never wanted to cause trouble at Hogwarts, especially as I thought I didn’t even make it in. I can’t imagine the family disappointment if I got expelled now. I tap on my shoulder brought me to the attention of a certain bushy haired friend.

“Neville? We need to go and meet Hagrid now.” Hermione grimaced, clearly avoiding the fact that she has a detention. I know she wants to do well, and didn’t want a detention. It’s all my fault though, if I could just defend myself then Hermione wouldn’t have got involved.

“I can see what you’re thinking Neville. Yes, I don’t want this detention, but I don’t regret my actions for a second. You’re my only real friend here, and I will happily defend you… even if it means detention.”

“Thanks Mione, let’s get this over with, shall we?” Rather than make this sad, I tried to cheer her up. The detention may be boring, but I want the trip down there at least to be fun. I offered my arm, “M’lady?”

Hermione hooked her arm through mine and we skipped through the portrait hole, whilst I sung some weird old song from my Gran’s collection. Needless to say, I certainly will not be making a career as a singer, but at least Hermione was laughing.

“Neville? Is that you wailing down the corridor?” I turned, embarrassed for a minute, until I realised who it was.

“Harry! Where are you going?”

“Following you?” Harry replied with a wink. Clearly he inherited his father’s cheek. His response confused me though, we were heading to detention… wait…

“Harry, do you have detention? What did you do?” I asked, laughing. What could he have possibly done?

“Well, Nevvy, this.” I was confused, until,

“BOO!”

“ARGHHHHHHHH” I squealed, jumping at least two foot in the air whilst Harry and a red head laughed hysterically. I look over to my left, and see Hermione shaking with laughter too.

I now realise what scared me, yet it still makes no sense.

“H..Harry, why was I frightened by Ron’s floating head?” I stuttered, trying to get my heart rate back to a regular speed.

“My…My Da…Dad’s invisi…bility cloak!” Harry managed to explain, before breaking down once more into uncontrollable laughter. Of course, as well as his Dad’s cheek, Harry has also inherited James Potter’s talent for causing trouble.

“Ron and I were doing this to Slytherins, and ended up getting reported. But detention is only with Hagrid, so it won’t be that bad. That prank was so worth it.”

“Maybe I can get Fred and George to help us next time, we might not get caught!” Ron chimed in. It certainly will be an eventful year if I make friends with these two.

Hermione knocked on Hagrid’s door, reminding us that this is a detention we’re serving, even if it is only with Hagrid.

“C’mon, come in.” Hagrid said, whilst pulling on his massive coat and placing a leash on Fang, his dog. “Righ’ we’re going to go into the forbidden forest.”

“Wait… The forbidden forest? Aren’t there werewolves in there?” Ron asked, visibly shaking.

“Werewolves are the leas’ of your worries.  Righ’ then," said Hagrid, "now, listen carefully, 'cause it's dangerous what we're gonna do tonight, an' I don' want no one takin' risks. Follow me over here a moment." Hagrid led us to the edge of the forest and held the lamp up. He pointed his massive hands down a large winding earth track that disappeared into the thick black trees.