Compass for Friendship
This continues from Shattering Distortions
2. Compass for Friendship
Harry took a moment to settle his mind gathering courage before stepping to dining room to find
it empty. Sharpening his ears he couldn't hear a thing from the kitchen either.
So the quarrel was propably over but what was the result? A sulking Ron cornered with logic
and upset Hermione afraid of having spoiled the party for the rest of them? Harry cursed the poisoning shadow the conspiracy had left between Neville and Ron. He was sure that Luna had been ready to hex Ron at any second if needed.
"It takes courage to stand friends," Harry muttered smiling sadly to the memory.
Hoping to uplift his mood he knocked the wireless to turn it on and searched until that evening's Wizjockey General show Dancing on the Gallow's Pole started to flow through the air. Slumping down the chair he poured the rest of the wine.
Drop by drop the jokes and silly stories aided up by the wine and music corroded their deed in and he found himself laughing to the story of a muggle skydiver who had got an enchanted parachute that flew upside down finally leaving the diver floating a foot over the ground.
"I thought hearing music," Luna smiled as she walked in carrying a glass of wine.
"At least fourth-hand wireless from Diagon Alley. That guy is downright out there," Harry chuckled.
"You are not supposed to party here alone. Hermione wanted to fetch you. She was already in the tobaccoroom," Luna said turning serious.
"Is she allright? Where's Ron?"
"I volunteered for she seemed a bit off colour allthough Neville has the ability to really be there for you without constant babbling."
"Let's not forget about tomorrow's show Hottest Songs at the Stakes," the WJ enthused.
"Ron left quite a while ago to his room, Hermione told us. He propably have to drive some intermingling spirits away. Ronald lures them with his odd manner of connecting right words in all the wrong places, and they confuse him," Luna explained serenely.
Before Harry could say a thing she was elsewhere.
"Hey, the WJ is playing a slow one. It must be The Slowly Swaying Hourglass. Please bring it along and share it with us. We have a fire there, found a bucket of old coals. They glow nicely and there's enough room to dance."
Harry lifted the boxy wireless laying it back again, the effort urging the wine to do it's trick.
"Oh, is it that heavy? I can levitate it if you are going to leave standing here to rest your arms. did But then Neville will have two girls to choose from, but you know he is brave," Luna chaffed lightly but the certain sense of truth spiking it.
Harry followed feeling left with a choice of being a shoestarer.
Entering via the hall to a candelabra lighted room Harry saw that they had gathered the armchairs in front of the fireplace along a square shaped table. He set the wireless on one of the chairs standing idle by the window. From their carvings Harry guessed them belonging together with the table.
”There's great music on the wireless,” Luna informed happily to Hermione and Neville
leaning over the back of Neville's armchair hair touching Neville's cheek.
"It would be a shame to waste these songs. Would you like to join me, Neville? Harry almost got jellylegs," she suggested, laying her hand on Neville's shoulder.
Hermione hide her giggle quickly behind palm as Harry pulled a face on Luna.
Neville froze eye's widening.
"I know I am not that bad a dancer. Sorry I didn't mean to press the mesmerising spot. Or was there something in the wine?" Luna inquired.
"The wine is excellent, oh I mean.." Neville bit his lips shut.
With a quick move that made even Harry wonder Luna was kneeling in front of Neville.
"It's allright, you are among friends. You can whisper it to me if you want," she spoke softly.
Neville closed his eyes and opened them again.
"Don't be afraid, I have not morphed into a mirage. Now, shall we drink these away and then enjoy?"
Hermione could see and even more so feel how Neville put his guards aside with the glass as he rose along Luna letting his body settle against the other in response as they moved away on the floor.
She bet Harry had sensed the change too. Oh yes, most definitely, staring at the sources of the current beginning to drift along the room. She picked her wand and dimmed the light to a single candle, getting a small smile from Neville.
"Harry, this is a wonderful song, and you are gaping," Hermione broke in in a low voice, but pointedly.
"Mm, one of the most wanted songs in this show, two weeks already. I believe you know it for they say the band is a real heart-throb. Even housewiwes dream dancing with them," Harry teased.
His attempt to prolong the joke dried down Hermione rising up.
"Very droll. Are you over the hysterics?"
Harry took a formal hold.
Hermione let Harry lead for a minute but then Luna whispered something to Hermione's ear in passing making Hermione take an exaggerated look to ceiling.
"What did I do, jellylegs?" Harry asked, slightly irritated.
"I am not going to shout it from mile away," Hermione mocked light-heartedly.
”Allright then,” Harry responded blandly.
Hermione looked at Harry for a second.
"Harry, may I ask a favour?" she inquired carefully.
"Of course,"
"Please forget about Ron for a moment."
Harry said nothing, but let Hermione pull him to close the gap.
"Are you allright?" Harry asked.
"Better now, thanks. Luna wondered if we were going to play round game around them."
They changed pairs for the next one.
"Neville, we aren't going to go round them either," Hermione stated loud enough
for Harry and Luna to hear making them giggle.
Neville replied by taking few empty eyed zombie steps sending Harry to another fit but causing Hermione to give an impatient look to Harry while Luna gave a very long stare to Neville.
"You aren't going to hex me, are you?" Neville asked at good arm's length.
"No, if you close this gap and dance the next two songs with me."
"What is it?" Hermione whispered into his ear.
"Oh it's nothing, I just feel so good" Neville breathed.
"When we started to dance I spoke to Luna about the insences that create all kinds of shapes to the air. I searched them but they don't make them anymore. She just said we are real enough."
Hermione agreed in her mind leaning her body against Neville enjoying the feeling of him relaxing with the trembling fading away.
"How are they doing?" Hermione whispered, lifting her head just enough to speak.
"Luna uses interesting perfume," Harry answered.
"You told me not to stare," Harry defended ten seconds later to the meaningful silence.
"Allright, wait" Hermione felt Harry turning his head a bit, then nothing.
"Harry, where are you?"
Harry just coughed as if lost the ability to speak properly.
Hermione took a surreptious glance over the other pair.
Neville's eyes were shining with pure joy of the moment and the mist that usually curtailed Luna's eyes wasn't there, unveiling her.
"Hermione," Harry quietly broke the spell.
Hermione swallowed to ease the strain in her throat.
"They are radiating. It's so sweet. She promised not to break his heart"
"When did she tell you? Is there magic involved?" Harry tensed.
"Shush, they knew better than that," Hermione soothed.
Harry's face was glowing as he looked instinctively over Luna and Neville.
Hermione sighed again eyes glinting.
"Harry, you can see the magic yourself in the way they move," she whispered.
"More like feel it," Harry admitted giving in.
"They intended to tell you but there never was proper time. Yes, I had time to think about it." Hermione smiled.
"Fast brains is a virtue," Harry stated slightly enviously.
"But then again you have always helped Neville and been a friend to him," he concluded.
"Don't sell yourself short," she murmured squeezing Harry warmly.
Harry blew lightly to Hermione's ear sending shivers going for revenge.
"And with this song I, Wizjockey General, wish you pleasant dreams. Peace to you on duty. All, remember to take care, share and dare until we meet again at the next beat over night o'clock"
"I will tell you later," Hermione promised as the intro floated around the candlelight wowing it to a
thread of togetherness around them.
The notes were no more to be heard but in the minds of the two pairs enclosed
in slow pleasant wawes the music had eased to wash through them.
Hazily Neville looked around to find the source of thin tingling sound.
"Sorry. This reminds me of the potion. I should have buried this under the pillow," Harry muttered ears turning red.
Lifting a fingertip sized golden bell out of the neckline he squeezed it between his fingers to quiet it down.
"Better safe than sorry," Hermione said eventually.
"Ruined the moment. I forgot the potion into bag."
"I'd like to have some tea before turning in. Would you Harry, it leaves better taste than the potion," Neville suggested.
"Good idea. I'll hit the pillow then. Might as well take the advantage on the potion. Whatever flavor you decide is fine with me."
Luna considered for a moment turning her eyes straight to Neville's.
"I'd love to taste some mint, the coolness feels nice on tongue afterwards. But roseberry is more relaxing and suitable for the evening, and I think I would like that taste too."
"So roseberry and some honey and milk just in case, on two trays and two pots,"
Neville caughed the wand trembling a bit. The settings manifested with rather loud crack.
"Thanks. See you in the morning then," Harry bade hastily taking the tray.
Suddenly some bisquits appeared on it.
"Oops, sorry, wine" Luna mouthed as she hid her wand into sleeve, cheeks going pink.
Hermione acted quickly, picking her cup and putting it on Harry's tray and moving the bisquits to the other, wawing him to keep quiet.
"I hope you don't mind if I join Harry and call it a day too"
"Not at all. I'll take care of Neville. Have a pleasant night," Luna replied with nary of the ethereal or sing-song tune, focusing her attention back to Neville who had turned still.
"Should we take our's along too, Neville?"
Neville cleared his throat, but his voice was barely audible.
"Could you please pick the tray then. Seems I can't trust myself now because I don't remember trying the bisquits."
He rose trying to avoid to look at Luna.
Harry felt hot under the collar for he was sure of what the bisquits would taste like.
"Don't worry there's nothing else in them," Hermione whispered,
grabbing Harry's arm and leading him towards the staircase their tray flying in front of them.
Harry stopped for a moment in front of Ron's door considering whether to knock on it.
It looked extemely firm and tightly closed in the dim light of the few working lamps.
"You do remember how stubborn he can be," Hermione said softly.
"Well, it's time for the potion. Good night, then, and oh, thank you for the dance,"
Harry replied a bit awkwardly.
Harry tried to pick his cup and the honey but the tray floated further.
"What made you think that? Besides there's only one teapot" Hermione stated objectively, looking Harry straight in the eye.
Embarassed, Harry shuffled to his door, only to find the tray hovering in front of his nose.
"You forgot the tea," Hermione stated amusement rippling on the dry tone as she drifted to Harry.
Harry noticed that the tray was too far away for a quick grab.
He opened the door making a mock courtsey, managing barely to snap his head down once more to avoid the tray zooming after Hermione.
"Lumos" she whispered Harry closing the door with shaking hand.
Hermione picked the candle on the bedside table making the tray neatly land on it. Lighting it she set it on the time tanned mantlepiece.
Harry rummaged his bag putting a jacknife and a small collapsible camera on the bed.
"I am afraid I'll be a lousy match to have a conversation after drinking this," Harry smirked pulling out a sturdy wooden box of the size of his palm, setting it on the tray.
"It doesn't knock you out though, so we can talk, can't we?" Hermione smiled.
She conjured a pair of pillows to sit down on the floor, levitating the tray between them.
There was a knock on the door.
"It's Neville or Luna, the knocking" Hermione stated.
"True," Harry admitted opening the door to meet Luna and Neville who held the iron bucket from downstairs.
"Sorry, but we thought these might be for good use. Heating charms are handy but the fire freshens the air too. We already took some."
"And the red glow shapes the bare body perfectly. Oh, I forgot something into my room," Luna added softly and disappeared leaving a glowing Neville on the door.
Something clicked in Harry's head.
"Neville, go to your room!" Harry whispered sharply when Neville attempted to talk.
Bemused, Neville stared Harry.
"Sorry, I mean she wants to, you see, candles," Harry continued.
Neville did not seem to comprehend.
"Pyjamas," Harry winked adding lowly the second and final strike.
Neville inhaled straightening himself. He got away only to turn back after few steps grabbing Harry's arm before he closed the door.
"Thanks, Harry."
Harry could tell Neville was all nerves.
"Yes, there will be a full trial in the morning," Harry threatened hoping it would work.
A pale smile appeared on Neville's face.
"And it's proviscea" Harry muttered fixing his eyes to Neville's arm feeling his ears warming up.
"And a, " Neville continued but stopped hot faced.
"light straw over. " Harry filled in calmly, surprising himself.
"Thanks again. I have read it thousand times but..."
"Anytime. Now Go!"
”Harry?” Neville hesitated.
”Yeah?”
”When we arrived to the room we saw Hermione before she perked herself up.”
Harry waited patiently as Neville took a sideways look to him.
”It is a great feeling just to share the sleeping with a good friend.”
”There's nothing dirty in it, even if it would take a year to explain to him,” Neville went on seeing Harry's eyes sweeping to Ron's door.
”This is like back to school again,” Neville grunted frustration rising it's head.
”Neville, you wrote to me, muggles who slept with a sword between them,” Harry reminded hastily.
”Should we be there to help your clothes off then? The spell will work best if starclad.
I'll ask Hermione to do the spell for you. I bet it won't be full bodybind this time,” Harry threw in out of the blue pretending to turn receiving a kick to shins.
”Dh-amn you Poth-er,” Neville hitched in vain try to swallow his laughter.
”Thanks for this evening and say thanks to Luna for me too. Don't worry, the potion will do it's job.
And hey,”
Saying nothing Harry looked Neville in the eye and squeezed his shoulder strenghtening his meaning with quick, honest smile.
Nodding Neville turned and jogged away.
Harry picked the coals and closed the door satisfied for driving Neville's lurking moodswing away.
2. Compass for Friendship
Harry took a moment to settle his mind gathering courage before stepping to dining room to find
it empty. Sharpening his ears he couldn't hear a thing from the kitchen either.
So the quarrel was propably over but what was the result? A sulking Ron cornered with logic
and upset Hermione afraid of having spoiled the party for the rest of them? Harry cursed the poisoning shadow the conspiracy had left between Neville and Ron. He was sure that Luna had been ready to hex Ron at any second if needed.
"It takes courage to stand friends," Harry muttered smiling sadly to the memory.
Hoping to uplift his mood he knocked the wireless to turn it on and searched until that evening's Wizjockey General show Dancing on the Gallow's Pole started to flow through the air. Slumping down the chair he poured the rest of the wine.
Drop by drop the jokes and silly stories aided up by the wine and music corroded their deed in and he found himself laughing to the story of a muggle skydiver who had got an enchanted parachute that flew upside down finally leaving the diver floating a foot over the ground.
"I thought hearing music," Luna smiled as she walked in carrying a glass of wine.
"At least fourth-hand wireless from Diagon Alley. That guy is downright out there," Harry chuckled.
"You are not supposed to party here alone. Hermione wanted to fetch you. She was already in the tobaccoroom," Luna said turning serious.
"Is she allright? Where's Ron?"
"I volunteered for she seemed a bit off colour allthough Neville has the ability to really be there for you without constant babbling."
"Let's not forget about tomorrow's show Hottest Songs at the Stakes," the WJ enthused.
"Ron left quite a while ago to his room, Hermione told us. He propably have to drive some intermingling spirits away. Ronald lures them with his odd manner of connecting right words in all the wrong places, and they confuse him," Luna explained serenely.
Before Harry could say a thing she was elsewhere.
"Hey, the WJ is playing a slow one. It must be The Slowly Swaying Hourglass. Please bring it along and share it with us. We have a fire there, found a bucket of old coals. They glow nicely and there's enough room to dance."
Harry lifted the boxy wireless laying it back again, the effort urging the wine to do it's trick.
"Oh, is it that heavy? I can levitate it if you are going to leave standing here to rest your arms. did But then Neville will have two girls to choose from, but you know he is brave," Luna chaffed lightly but the certain sense of truth spiking it.
Harry followed feeling left with a choice of being a shoestarer.
Entering via the hall to a candelabra lighted room Harry saw that they had gathered the armchairs in front of the fireplace along a square shaped table. He set the wireless on one of the chairs standing idle by the window. From their carvings Harry guessed them belonging together with the table.
”There's great music on the wireless,” Luna informed happily to Hermione and Neville
leaning over the back of Neville's armchair hair touching Neville's cheek.
"It would be a shame to waste these songs. Would you like to join me, Neville? Harry almost got jellylegs," she suggested, laying her hand on Neville's shoulder.
Hermione hide her giggle quickly behind palm as Harry pulled a face on Luna.
Neville froze eye's widening.
"I know I am not that bad a dancer. Sorry I didn't mean to press the mesmerising spot. Or was there something in the wine?" Luna inquired.
"The wine is excellent, oh I mean.." Neville bit his lips shut.
With a quick move that made even Harry wonder Luna was kneeling in front of Neville.
"It's allright, you are among friends. You can whisper it to me if you want," she spoke softly.
Neville closed his eyes and opened them again.
"Don't be afraid, I have not morphed into a mirage. Now, shall we drink these away and then enjoy?"
Hermione could see and even more so feel how Neville put his guards aside with the glass as he rose along Luna letting his body settle against the other in response as they moved away on the floor.
She bet Harry had sensed the change too. Oh yes, most definitely, staring at the sources of the current beginning to drift along the room. She picked her wand and dimmed the light to a single candle, getting a small smile from Neville.
"Harry, this is a wonderful song, and you are gaping," Hermione broke in in a low voice, but pointedly.
"Mm, one of the most wanted songs in this show, two weeks already. I believe you know it for they say the band is a real heart-throb. Even housewiwes dream dancing with them," Harry teased.
His attempt to prolong the joke dried down Hermione rising up.
"Very droll. Are you over the hysterics?"
Harry took a formal hold.
Hermione let Harry lead for a minute but then Luna whispered something to Hermione's ear in passing making Hermione take an exaggerated look to ceiling.
"What did I do, jellylegs?" Harry asked, slightly irritated.
"I am not going to shout it from mile away," Hermione mocked light-heartedly.
”Allright then,” Harry responded blandly.
Hermione looked at Harry for a second.
"Harry, may I ask a favour?" she inquired carefully.
"Of course,"
"Please forget about Ron for a moment."
Harry said nothing, but let Hermione pull him to close the gap.
"Are you allright?" Harry asked.
"Better now, thanks. Luna wondered if we were going to play round game around them."
They changed pairs for the next one.
"Neville, we aren't going to go round them either," Hermione stated loud enough
for Harry and Luna to hear making them giggle.
Neville replied by taking few empty eyed zombie steps sending Harry to another fit but causing Hermione to give an impatient look to Harry while Luna gave a very long stare to Neville.
"You aren't going to hex me, are you?" Neville asked at good arm's length.
"No, if you close this gap and dance the next two songs with me."
"What is it?" Hermione whispered into his ear.
"Oh it's nothing, I just feel so good" Neville breathed.
"When we started to dance I spoke to Luna about the insences that create all kinds of shapes to the air. I searched them but they don't make them anymore. She just said we are real enough."
Hermione agreed in her mind leaning her body against Neville enjoying the feeling of him relaxing with the trembling fading away.
"How are they doing?" Hermione whispered, lifting her head just enough to speak.
"Luna uses interesting perfume," Harry answered.
"You told me not to stare," Harry defended ten seconds later to the meaningful silence.
"Allright, wait" Hermione felt Harry turning his head a bit, then nothing.
"Harry, where are you?"
Harry just coughed as if lost the ability to speak properly.
Hermione took a surreptious glance over the other pair.
Neville's eyes were shining with pure joy of the moment and the mist that usually curtailed Luna's eyes wasn't there, unveiling her.
"Hermione," Harry quietly broke the spell.
Hermione swallowed to ease the strain in her throat.
"They are radiating. It's so sweet. She promised not to break his heart"
"When did she tell you? Is there magic involved?" Harry tensed.
"Shush, they knew better than that," Hermione soothed.
Harry's face was glowing as he looked instinctively over Luna and Neville.
Hermione sighed again eyes glinting.
"Harry, you can see the magic yourself in the way they move," she whispered.
"More like feel it," Harry admitted giving in.
"They intended to tell you but there never was proper time. Yes, I had time to think about it." Hermione smiled.
"Fast brains is a virtue," Harry stated slightly enviously.
"But then again you have always helped Neville and been a friend to him," he concluded.
"Don't sell yourself short," she murmured squeezing Harry warmly.
Harry blew lightly to Hermione's ear sending shivers going for revenge.
"And with this song I, Wizjockey General, wish you pleasant dreams. Peace to you on duty. All, remember to take care, share and dare until we meet again at the next beat over night o'clock"
"I will tell you later," Hermione promised as the intro floated around the candlelight wowing it to a
thread of togetherness around them.
The notes were no more to be heard but in the minds of the two pairs enclosed
in slow pleasant wawes the music had eased to wash through them.
Hazily Neville looked around to find the source of thin tingling sound.
"Sorry. This reminds me of the potion. I should have buried this under the pillow," Harry muttered ears turning red.
Lifting a fingertip sized golden bell out of the neckline he squeezed it between his fingers to quiet it down.
"Better safe than sorry," Hermione said eventually.
"Ruined the moment. I forgot the potion into bag."
"I'd like to have some tea before turning in. Would you Harry, it leaves better taste than the potion," Neville suggested.
"Good idea. I'll hit the pillow then. Might as well take the advantage on the potion. Whatever flavor you decide is fine with me."
Luna considered for a moment turning her eyes straight to Neville's.
"I'd love to taste some mint, the coolness feels nice on tongue afterwards. But roseberry is more relaxing and suitable for the evening, and I think I would like that taste too."
"So roseberry and some honey and milk just in case, on two trays and two pots,"
Neville caughed the wand trembling a bit. The settings manifested with rather loud crack.
"Thanks. See you in the morning then," Harry bade hastily taking the tray.
Suddenly some bisquits appeared on it.
"Oops, sorry, wine" Luna mouthed as she hid her wand into sleeve, cheeks going pink.
Hermione acted quickly, picking her cup and putting it on Harry's tray and moving the bisquits to the other, wawing him to keep quiet.
"I hope you don't mind if I join Harry and call it a day too"
"Not at all. I'll take care of Neville. Have a pleasant night," Luna replied with nary of the ethereal or sing-song tune, focusing her attention back to Neville who had turned still.
"Should we take our's along too, Neville?"
Neville cleared his throat, but his voice was barely audible.
"Could you please pick the tray then. Seems I can't trust myself now because I don't remember trying the bisquits."
He rose trying to avoid to look at Luna.
Harry felt hot under the collar for he was sure of what the bisquits would taste like.
"Don't worry there's nothing else in them," Hermione whispered,
grabbing Harry's arm and leading him towards the staircase their tray flying in front of them.
Harry stopped for a moment in front of Ron's door considering whether to knock on it.
It looked extemely firm and tightly closed in the dim light of the few working lamps.
"You do remember how stubborn he can be," Hermione said softly.
"Well, it's time for the potion. Good night, then, and oh, thank you for the dance,"
Harry replied a bit awkwardly.
Harry tried to pick his cup and the honey but the tray floated further.
"What made you think that? Besides there's only one teapot" Hermione stated objectively, looking Harry straight in the eye.
Embarassed, Harry shuffled to his door, only to find the tray hovering in front of his nose.
"You forgot the tea," Hermione stated amusement rippling on the dry tone as she drifted to Harry.
Harry noticed that the tray was too far away for a quick grab.
He opened the door making a mock courtsey, managing barely to snap his head down once more to avoid the tray zooming after Hermione.
"Lumos" she whispered Harry closing the door with shaking hand.
Hermione picked the candle on the bedside table making the tray neatly land on it. Lighting it she set it on the time tanned mantlepiece.
Harry rummaged his bag putting a jacknife and a small collapsible camera on the bed.
"I am afraid I'll be a lousy match to have a conversation after drinking this," Harry smirked pulling out a sturdy wooden box of the size of his palm, setting it on the tray.
"It doesn't knock you out though, so we can talk, can't we?" Hermione smiled.
She conjured a pair of pillows to sit down on the floor, levitating the tray between them.
There was a knock on the door.
"It's Neville or Luna, the knocking" Hermione stated.
"True," Harry admitted opening the door to meet Luna and Neville who held the iron bucket from downstairs.
"Sorry, but we thought these might be for good use. Heating charms are handy but the fire freshens the air too. We already took some."
"And the red glow shapes the bare body perfectly. Oh, I forgot something into my room," Luna added softly and disappeared leaving a glowing Neville on the door.
Something clicked in Harry's head.
"Neville, go to your room!" Harry whispered sharply when Neville attempted to talk.
Bemused, Neville stared Harry.
"Sorry, I mean she wants to, you see, candles," Harry continued.
Neville did not seem to comprehend.
"Pyjamas," Harry winked adding lowly the second and final strike.
Neville inhaled straightening himself. He got away only to turn back after few steps grabbing Harry's arm before he closed the door.
"Thanks, Harry."
Harry could tell Neville was all nerves.
"Yes, there will be a full trial in the morning," Harry threatened hoping it would work.
A pale smile appeared on Neville's face.
"And it's proviscea" Harry muttered fixing his eyes to Neville's arm feeling his ears warming up.
"And a, " Neville continued but stopped hot faced.
"light straw over. " Harry filled in calmly, surprising himself.
"Thanks again. I have read it thousand times but..."
"Anytime. Now Go!"
”Harry?” Neville hesitated.
”Yeah?”
”When we arrived to the room we saw Hermione before she perked herself up.”
Harry waited patiently as Neville took a sideways look to him.
”It is a great feeling just to share the sleeping with a good friend.”
”There's nothing dirty in it, even if it would take a year to explain to him,” Neville went on seeing Harry's eyes sweeping to Ron's door.
”This is like back to school again,” Neville grunted frustration rising it's head.
”Neville, you wrote to me, muggles who slept with a sword between them,” Harry reminded hastily.
”Should we be there to help your clothes off then? The spell will work best if starclad.
I'll ask Hermione to do the spell for you. I bet it won't be full bodybind this time,” Harry threw in out of the blue pretending to turn receiving a kick to shins.
”Dh-amn you Poth-er,” Neville hitched in vain try to swallow his laughter.
”Thanks for this evening and say thanks to Luna for me too. Don't worry, the potion will do it's job.
And hey,”
Saying nothing Harry looked Neville in the eye and squeezed his shoulder strenghtening his meaning with quick, honest smile.
Nodding Neville turned and jogged away.
Harry picked the coals and closed the door satisfied for driving Neville's lurking moodswing away.