Longbottom:

[alt_draco]

You're on notice. I saw your little act at the train station, and so did Blaise, Teddy, and Bode.

You offend him and you offend me, got that? You've done a bang-up job hiding your true colours until now, but I saw them come out today when you thought no one but your mates were around. I bet you all had a good laugh together later, didn't you? Laughing not just at a Professor, but at a Hero of the Protectorate, no less. Milli was right, you really are a blood traitor.

Better do a better job of watching your step, if you know what I mean.

Comments

[alt_neville]

Huh?

What are you talking about, Malfoy?

I wasn't taking the mickey out of anybody!

[alt_draco]

Oh, I just knew you were going to show up and feign innocence. I've got you figured out now, Longbottom.

[alt_neville]

You're saying I was imitating his limp? But I wasn't! I wouldn't do anything like that.

I didn't even see the Professor. He was there at the station?

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_neville]

I have absolutely no idea what he's talking about.

Blimey, what a way to start out the new school year.

[alt_draco]

Oh just give up, would you. "I don't know! I'm thick and harmless!"

Pathetic.

OF COURSE HE WAS AT THE BLOODY STATION. HE'S HARRY'S BODYGUARD. SEE WHAT I MEAN?? NO ONE IN THE ENTIRE PROTECTORATE IS THIS THICK.

[alt_neville]

Well, I didn't do it. I didn't.

I remember now, I tripped over my trouser cuff right before I got on the train. And Ron and the rest were laughing at me, not anyone else. Surely even you can believe I'm a lot more likely to stumble over my own feet than try to make fun of somebody else. Much less a Hogwarts Professor, who is, as you say, a Hero of the Protectorate.

And I'm not a blood traitor. I don't have any parents, remember? Just my Gran. She's been my legal guardian for over ten years, and I've never known any other.

[alt_harry]

Right, whatever you say Longbottom.

I didn't think you were mean like that. But blood will out I guess.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_neville]

Oh, no. Not him, too!

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_pansy]

There's no reasoning with Draco right now.

I do think you ought to say that you're very sorry and didn't mean it to Harry, even if he doesn't buy it right now. Just so the other people reading can see it.

I'll see what I can do later, if I can do anything. Merlin knows why Draco's all touchy -- he seemed pretty okay about it back when the story just came out. Harry seems like he's awful close to Professor LeStrange, maybe that's why, if he thought you were making fun?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_pansy]

And don't say anything more about being a blood traitor. Because even if you're saying you're NOT one, people will keep making connections between you and that.

And that would be bad.

The sooner people stop talking about it altogether the better, and if you try and deny it any more than you already have, it'll just drag on.

I'm sorry, though, Longbottom. And I know you didn't mean it.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_pansy]

If you can pull it off, making a public apology to Professor LeStrange before anyone asks you to might be good too.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_neville]

Good idea, and I've done it. Thanks.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_hermione]

I bet you anything it's because Lucius Malfoy told Harry he had to be more of a prat.

I mean he didn't SAY that. But he MEANT it. I'm pretty certain.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_pansy]

Harry's just too thick to pick up on

Of course he wouldn't ever say

How would you even begin to know

I'd bet having your own personal bodyguard can give you a bit of a stuffed head too. Is that why he was being so weird with Ron?

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_hermione]

Probably.

He didn't exactly tell me, you know. But he came back and said something about setting a better example, and he's been out of sorts. Anyway, I don't think he has a stuffed head, I think he just doesn't know what he's supposed to do really, and nobody can really tell him.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_pansy]

Draco is one thing, but Harry's the son of our Lord, and even if he just hints at that sort of thing could really mean bad things for Neville. Unless that's his idea of setting a better example and it's what he intended to do all along, which isn't his style at all. At least it didn't used to be his style.

Well, if anything, people will be more scared of him now than they used to be, so if that's his goal, he's accomplished it.

He might listen to you.

[alt_neville]

I'm so very sorry, but it's all a misunderstanding, honest. I didn't see Professor Lestrange, and I never would have tried to insult him in any way.

[alt_percy]

Yes, well, someone in your position needs to be exhibit exemplary behaviour at all times, Longbottom. Your professors--and particularly one with such a record of distinguished service to the Protectorate as Professor Lestrange--will not tolerate any cheeky attitude on your part.

I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_gredforge]

Humungous Big Head Boy attitude is far, far worse.

Chin up, Neville. Don't let the tossers get you down.

Re: I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up to No Good

[alt_gredforge]

But keep your wand handy.

Just in case.

[alt_harry]

You regret it now. But it just isnt on. Really Neville.

[alt_ron]

Don't be daft.

I don't care what you say to me, but you can leave off Neville right now.