When All is Lost One is Found

Chapter 42: Battle Scars in Class

When All is Lost, One is Found

Author: Rinoaebastel

Chapter 42: Battle Scars in Class

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and gain no profit from this fanfiction other than writing practice. JK Rowling owns Harry Potter.

AN: This story may contain scenes taken from the Harry Potter movies and books, but it's not exact dialogue, just rewording of dialogue or omission. It is not marked.

October, 1996

The new golden trio couldn't be more idiotic. But it was fitting. Perhaps the name should be changed to the intellectually inept trio instead. A brainless girl whose only skill was looking at the Weasley boy had replaced their only member with brains. It was disgusting. He could almost see how the magic of that girl created hearts instead of curses.

But part of him was glad that Granger didn't have to deal with these idiotic people, even if they were her supposed friends.

She was again, practicing with Neville. Another potential disaster but at least she wouldn't be harmed by his spells. Though, he wasn't as incompetent in this class as he was in potions.

He moved around his students, looking at their dueling stands and their supposed spells. They still were unsuccessful with the non-verbal spells, and he had more things he needed to teach them. Soon, whether they knew how to do them or not, he would have to move on. He needed to cover all the dark magic the Death Eaters used if they'd were to have a chance in surviving the coming battles.

Because Dumbledore wouldn't be here.

His eyes searched for a certain blond haired boy only to see nothing. Ever since the confrontation with Draco, he'd ignored all his calls. And now he was going through this blind. He had no idea how Draco was going to achieve the assassination of Dumbledore.

He would have to find a moment to grab the boy and have a word with him. But it was hard to find a proper moment. Hogwarts was always full of life and the only quiet and secure place were his domains. Draco wasn't stupid to put a step near them. He might be a coward child but he was intelligent and cunning.

He went back to observing the students as a whole. More than a month and a half had passed and they were still at the same level they were when starting. Why weren't they focusing? They didn't deserve to have this kind of training unless they put their full effort into it. A scowl invaded his face as the irritation grew. He crossed his arms and waited. This will be their last class on this subject, no matter what. Much to his distaste, he needed to continue.

A cry filled the classroom and the wand moving stopped.

He looked around to find the source as he untangled his arms in a slow motion.

Neville was on his knees holding his stomach.

She'd been successful? Was she recovering her confidence?

His eyes moved from the student in pain to her. Her wand hand was shaking. She grabbed her wrist with her free hand to still it. He heard a whisper from her but he couldn't make out what she said.

She had achieved it, but she didn't look as proud as she should've been. She appeared scared with her actions.

He walked closer to the pair and looked at Neville for a brief second, but after seeing he wasn't in danger, he ignored the boy and his eyes went straight to her. She hadn't noticed him and her face was becoming paler.