Brave [2]

Chapter 45

Neville stares at me for a moment, dumbfounded. I know to get Neville on my side first because he seemed to recognise the fake Galleon from our Dumbledore's Army days earlier in the hall, and like me, he's changed.

He's a lot more confident in himself, he's strong and brave and kind, and people will listen to him. He might seem like just another side character, being in Harry's shadow, but Neville Longbottom is all kinds of awesome. Harry lost his parents, but Neville is still losing them, every moment of every day. But he doesn't let it pull him down from greater heights, keeps striving to make them proud, never losing hope.

Harry might be my Godbrother, but on a whole when it comes to school, I think I spend more time with Neville. I work with him in Potions, he tutored me for Herbology, we used to meet up at the library for study sessions. I know how hardworking and diligent he is, and that's why I know he's perfect for this.

"Hang on, please can you repeat that?" he frowns, rubbing at his head. "You're a what?"

"A Seer," I repeat slowly, a slight smile on my lips. "I can see the future. It was in dreams at first, which is why I used to be awake at night, but then they started coming during the day, too. Sometimes I give prophecies, although those are nowhere near as often."

"A Seer... like Professor Trelawney?"

I just blink at him. Why do people keep asking that? "Nowhere near as insane," I reassure him, then fall silent for a moment. "At least, I don't think. I've gotten pretty crazy out of late. I guess that's what comes of being around Bellatrix Lestrange."

"You're a Death Eater spy?" he repeats, slowly trying to process everything. "And you're using your visions to... what?"

"The more I know, the more I see," I explain patiently, looking around at the room, only to realise in surprise it's almost identical to the Gryffindor common room, like when Fred kissed me a few years ago. I sit on one of the sofas. "If I know Vo– the Dark Lord's plans, then it might trigger some of my visions. At least, that's what I'm hoping. But for the most part he trusts me, and that's why I'm hoping I can stop Harry from getting caught, stop people from getting hurt."

"That seems rather dangerous," he says hesitantly, now looking at the mark on my arm, sleeve still rolled up.

I give a fake solemn look, trying to make light of the situation. "Yes, completely. But, you know, swings and roundabouts."

He seems to consider everything for a moment, still looking at the Dark Mark, but a minute later he straightens up, gaze meeting mine. I can see determination in his eyes. "What do I do?"

"The Carrows are ruthless," I explain, crossing my legs on the sofa. "They don't seem that nice, even if that's what they're trying to get across. Hogwarts is going to change this year, and not for the better. Knowing Amycus and Alecto, punishments are going to rise, even worse than Sev's teaching. Like I said in the hall, we're going to need to work together, and that's why we need to restart Dumbledore's Army."

"What about the First Years?" he questions. "They've just joined the school and they'd be scared, but if we asked them to join then they might be more of a target for the Carrows. Even then, they deserve their fair chances."

"Okay. So what do you suggest we do?"

He thinks for a moment. "Get someone from each House to talk to the First and Second Years, get to know them. They can figure out which ones can be trusted. Ginny can do Gryffindor, Luna can do Ravenclaw–"

"Madison can do Hufflepuff and Taylor can do Slytherin," I nod, agreeing. It's a good thing we have friends in all Houses. "But first we need to get the old DA back together, and I need to explain things to them. They probably hate me right now, but after I've told them then I'm sure they'll come around. Maybe not as fast as you, but eventually."