Little Brother

Albus Dumbledore observed the two boys sitting at the end of the Ravenclaw table. Dylan Lestrange's appearance was a complete shock to him, but a quick check on the Book of Admittance of Hogwarts had gotten the information he had needed. He had never expected Rabastan to have sired a bastard child. As soon as he found out about it, he had rushed to the Ministry to find out everything possible. If the boy was anything like his father or uncle, it would be disastrous. The threat of Voldemort and to an extent, Harry, was bad enough and he didn't need anymore. But Sirius had already moved ahead. He had gained custody of the boy.

He had conflicted about that. On one hand, Sirius taking custody of the boy was better than someone like Lucius Malfoy or Aiden Avery or even Theodore Nott Sr. But the problem was that Sirius Black was anti-Dumbledore and Albus couldn't have that. The entire Wizengamot also was up in arms over the issue. The traditionalists were against the boy because he was an illegitimate half-blood child. The Lestranges were pureblood fanatics and they couldn't have that. Sirius, however, was right. They couldn't stop Dylan from claiming his heritage. Line-theft was serious business in the magical world. The heir ring on the boy's finger only proved who was right.

The centrists were not that powerful without support from either side, so it didn't matter what they thought. The liberals, on the other hand, under the 'light' banner wanted to get rid of the boy. Augusta Longbottom had been the most vocal and the fight she and Sirius had in the Wizengamot earlier this summer was legendary. Albus was happy about that because Sirius had lost some support with the liberals even though he was Regent Gryffindor. Unfortunately, that did not mean Sirius was any less powerful – he was now Lord Black and the Regent of Houses Potter, Gryffindor and Lestrange. He controlled four important votes, but Dumbledore had been in the political game for a century. Sirius was still a newbie.

He needed to have Dylan Lestrange under his control. It would be a great asset in the war against Voldemort if he could convince the boy to spy on the Death Eaters for the Order; being the son of a very high-ranking Death Eater would certainly have its benefits. Albus was sure that whether it was five, ten or twenty years, Voldemort would rise again and they would have to be ready for it. He would have to talk to the boy and get him out of Harry's influence. He did not need Legilimency to see the pure hero worship in the boy's eyes every time he saw Harry. No, until Harry could be firmly placed with the light, he was dangerous. Albus was still working on his plans to redeem Harry and get him to change his view on Muggles. It was very important. After all, the path of Grindelwald and Voldemort had started with Muggle domination; that was the root cause of it all and it was imperative that Harry did not take such a path in his life.

Once the feast was done, Dumbledore got to his feet. "A few start-of-term announcements," he said happily. "I would like to mention two staff changes this year. First, please welcome Professor Remus Lupin, the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Good luck, Professor."

People clapped politely, but some were less than impressed with Lupin's worn and faded robes. Remus bowed slightly and resumed his seat. Snape was glaring at him.

"Since Professor Kettleburn decided to retire this year, I am pleased to announce that our new Care of Magical Creatures teacher is none other than Rubeus Hagrid!"

Harry raised an eyebrow as people at the Gryffindor table cheered. He knew that Hagrid knew a lot about creatures, but did that mean he was qualified to teach? Knowing something and teaching it are different. Just look at Snape! He was the worst teacher anyone could have in Potions, but no one could doubt the fact that he was brilliant at the subject.

"That's all for tonight. Pip, pip!" said Dumbledore, dismissing them. Harry led Dylan to Ravenclaw Tower, showing him useful shortcuts along the way. Once they entered the common room, he followed the boy to his room. It was quite tiny and simple, just like the rest.

"Well, it's better than the orphanage," said Dylan, examining the room. "I'm happy that I get my own room."

"What's your favourite colour?"

"Green," said Dylan promptly. Harry smiled slightly. Maybe some things were genetic, after all. The Lestranges were proud Slytherins, or maybe it was a coincidence?

Harry flicked his wand to his hand, idly noting that his spells had become more powerful since the addition of the basilisk fang ivory in the wand. Waving his wand in a long fluid motion, he expanded the room to a large size. The walls turned from stone to green and beige and the closet expanded. All in all, it was quite luxurious for a student.

"Wow! I love magic!"

Harry chuckled as he ruffled the boy's hair fondly, just like Sirius did to him. "I'm glad you like it. Remember, if you need anything, you have your mirror with you and you can call me. My room is two floors up and you are welcome there anytime, got it?"

"Thanks, Harry," said Dylan with a bright smile. "Good night!"

"Good night."

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

The next morning, Harry got up early as usual and went out for his morning run. Two hours later, he came back pink and sweaty and went to take a bath. Ensuring that he was impeccably dressed as always, he gracefully walked down the stairs, not noticing the admiring looks the girls in third and fourth years were giving him. Entering the Great Hall, he sat down at the Ravenclaw table and began helping himself to food. He had to clear his schedule with Professor Flitwick after breakfast and start his N.E.W.T. classes. He was just finishing his breakfast when Daphne and their friends arrived. When Professor Flitwick left the hall, Harry kissed Daphne goodbye and rushed after him as the other sixth year students left as well.

Dylan Lestrange came down to the Great Hall too. He had just seen Harry leave and he was on edge. He knew that nobody would want to talk to him, but he should try, right? He carefully sat down near a group of Ravenclaw first years, helping himself to food. Five minutes later, he realised that it was going to be more difficult than he thought. Dylan closed his eyes in frustration and misery. Even in the magical world, he was still a freak!

A few older years were watching Dylan with barely concealed scowls.

"That's Rabastan Lestrange's son, right?" asked seventeen-year-old Tony Wallace.

"Yes," snarled Kevin Taylor. "The Lestranges murdered my grandparents! I think it is time we taught him a lesson! He's probably the same as his father – a murdering, bloodthirsty lunatic!"

"And a bastard to boot," said Tony darkly.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Harry was immediately cleared to continue with Ancient Runes, Arithmancy, Charms, Herbology, Potions, Defence Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration. His first class was Potions and he proceeded to the dungeons along with the sixth years. Snape entered the classroom in a dramatic fashion as always.

"You are now N.E.W.T. students," he began. "I only accept the best of the best in my class so I won't handle anyone blowing up cauldrons here. If I feel that you are not up to the mark, I will ensure that you are not sitting in my class, so be well prepared before you enter my classroom."

Snape's lip curled when he spotted the thirteen-year-old boy amongst the sixteen-year-olds. "So, Potter, you managed to get into my N.E.W.T. class. Tell me, how many people did you bribe to get an Outstanding in your O.W.L.s?"

"None, Professor," said Harry calmly. "There are anti-cheating quills used by students and evaluators as you very well know. There are also other measures taken that prevent such fraud. Why, Professor Snape, do you doubt the competence of Madam Marchbanks and her team?"

"Ten points from Ravenclaw for your cheek, Potter," Snape retorted automatically. "Today we will be preparing the Draught of Living Death. This is the most complicated potion you have come across till date. Be warned; any mistakes you make could make the drinker enter a state of coma from which he can never recover from. It may also lead to death so be careful with what you are doing."

He saw a few people gulp and Snape mentally smirked in satisfaction. He saw the impassive face of Harry Potter and decided to test him again.

"Let's see how much our resident prodigy knows about the potion," he said silkily. "Potter, what are the two main ingredients for the Draught of Living Death?"

"Powdered root of asphodel and an infusion of wormwood, Professor," Harry replied immediately.

"What is the last step before which the potion would be complete?" asked Snape.

"The last step is to add a small piece of Valerian root," he answered, "after which the potion turns very pale and transparent."

Snape's lip curled as he stared at the boy. "The instructions are on the blackboard. You have an hour and a half. You may begin."

Harry waited for everyone to finish gathering their ingredients while he prepped his workstation. He charmed his rods, ignited a magically controlled flame, cast enchantments around the cauldron that would prevent accidents and then went to gather ingredients.

He had prepared this potion beforehand. As always, the ghost of Alfred Potter was quite happy to tutor Harry again. He also used his mother's notes to a great extent. Lily Potter had really been a genius and he was quite proud of that fact. He took his silver knife and crushed the sopophorous bean with the flat side of his dagger, ignoring the instructions in the book.

Harry also added a clockwise stir after every counter-clockwise stir. He remained calm as he watched Snape frown, walking towards him. Harry quickly flicked his wand as a sample of the potion was filled in a phial.

"Potter, what is this?" asked Snape angrily.

"The Draught of Living Death, Professor," said Harry casually.

"Tell me, Potter, can you read?" snapped Snape. Harry heard someone snickering in the background. He was not oblivious to the people in the school who were jealous of him. Harry still had many people who disliked him. Sirius had explained that it was mainly resentment because they felt Harry had everything while they didn't. He had the money, the good looks, the fame, a fiancée and was in the accelerated program. Who wouldn't be jealous? Of course, none of them truly knew the extent of Harry's suffering; but jealousy was not something anyone could reason with.

"Of course, Professor," said Harry, not falling for the trap to rile him up, though as always, he did retort with a cheeky reply. It would have worked if Snape hadn't tried it a hundred times before over the past two years. "I would never have been allowed in this class if I had not learnt how to read or write."

"Five points from Ravenclaw," the Potions master snapped. "Read the seventh line of the instructions for me, Potter."

Harry simply looked at the board. "Cut the sopophorous bean and pour the juice in the cauldron."

"Now read the tenth line for me."

"Stir counter-clockwise until the potion turns as clear as water. I don't see the problem."

"Don't you?" said Snape dangerously.

"No, I don't," said Harry quietly. "I know exactly where you are going with this, Professor Snape, and there is no reason I need to follow those instructions when there are alternate ones available that provide better results. You don't follow the same instructions when you brew the potion but you somehow feel that I shouldn't use the alternate instructions which every potions master uses."

Snape loomed over him dangerously as he whispered, "I am not someone who is impressed with my students cheating in my class, Potter. I don't know where you got these instructions from but you will not use them in my class!"

"This textbook is not the only source of reference, sir," said Harry, his eyes cold as the temperate dropped in the dungeon slightly as both wizards released some of their magic in anger. "As any good student would do, I researched the properties of the changes and applied them. The changes I used were confirmed by a certified potions mistress. Do not call me a cheat."

Harry and Snape stared at each other, anger displayed on both their faces. "How dare you use those instructions?" he snarled quietly, his face turning red in anger.

"Why would I be asking you permission for a method that is used by several potions masters around the world?" asked Harry haughtily. "You and my mother were not the only ones to discover it. Following my mother's instructions is hardly something to be frowned upon. Didn't you do the same? You both altered several potions together after all."

"Enough!" barked Snape, before leaning closer to speak in hushed, harsh tones. "Fifty points from Ravenclaw and detention with me, Potter! Don't you dare talk about Lily! Class dismissed!"

The rest of the class hurried out but after packing his bag, Harry remained, looking at Snape with an unreadable look on his face.

"What are you still doing here, Potter?" spat Snape. "Get out!"

"First shut up and listen to what I have to say."

"What did you say?" asked Snape dangerously.

"You have some nerve even mentioning my mother's name when you are the reason she is dead!" hissed Harry. "I have put up with enough hippogriff shit from you over the past two years, Snape, but I have reached the end of my tether. I don't have unlimited patience. You treat me like crap because of what my father did to you during your school days but you don't realise that you are exactly what you hate most – a bully!"

"Why you little –"

"You leaked the prophecy to Voldemort, do you deny it?" snapped Harry, making Snape stop in shock, his wand still pointed at Harry, the tip glowing. "You're the reason my parents were targeted. You're the reason my parents were killed. You're the reason I am an orphan. You are the reason I wound up living with Petunia and getting the shit beaten out of me every day for being a wizard. Don't act as though you are all mighty, Snape, because you're not. I know that I don't stand a chance if you choose to attack me right now, but know this. My influence in this country, especially after the Chamber of Secrets fiasco, is not something I am unaware of. I'm Heir Potter-Gryffindor, and that holds sway in the government. I'm the Boy-Who-Lived. You may have Dumbledore, but I have the entire magical population under my thumb. A former Death Eater won't stand a chance. Don't push my buttons or you will regret it!"

With that, Harry walked out of the class, slamming the door shut.

Snape gripped the handle of his wand tightly. Someday, he would get his revenge on Potter. He would make sure the boy suffered for mentioning Lily. It was not his fault that Lily had died; not really. If Lily had never married James Potter and married him instead like she was supposed to; if she had never had a child with Potter, then none of this would have happened. It all came back to Potter again; it was always about James Potter and the bastard's son was just like him! But it was only a matter of time, of that Severus was sure. He would watch as Potter cried. He would make sure the boy lost everything just like he had lost everything when Lily died.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

The next two weeks at Hogwarts went on without much of a fuss. Harry had been irritable for the first few days, but some quiet time with Daphne had managed to calm him down. He also began spending more time in the Room of Requirement, duelling against the practice dummies, his spells getting more violent by the day. He would not be weak. He knew that if Snape had chosen to attack him, Harry would have had arse handed to him. He was not stupid.

The Defence class was better than Harry expected. Professor Lupin began teaching them about curses and how to counter them. Since Harry studied ahead, he knew the theory, but the practical portion was good as well. His classmates were struggling with the spells because Lockhart had not taught them anything the previous year, but Sirius and Amelia had ensured that Harry was taught the subject well. He found himself helping those who were struggling in class and that was met with surprise from everyone. Professor Lupin did not acknowledge Harry as anything other than a student and Harry was perfectly fine with that.

With all that was going on, he hadn't had much time to interact with anyone except Daphne and a few minutes with Dylan every night. So when he entered the Great Hall for lunch during the end of the second week of school, he frowned when he saw no sign of Dylan. Harry had not come to the Great Hall much over the last two weeks, having a house-elf provide food for him in the Room of Requirement (being Lord Gryffindor had its perks, even if he could not use that title outside Hogwarts until he was seventeen) as he studied and practised magic. His notice-me-not charm was still active so he stood back and observed after casting a disillusionment charm on himself.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Dylan Lestrange was not having a good time at Hogwarts. This place turned out to be as bad as the orphanage. He thought Harry would be there for him, but the older boy was not always around, having a full schedule of classes, but he was touched that Harry had made it a point to talk to him every night despite being so busy. Astoria was the only one in his year who spoke to him. No one seemed to want anything to do with him. Daphne and her friends were alright and were quite nice to him, but they were older. Sure, Harry was older too, but it was Harry and there was a difference. Then there were the bullies.

It had started off small on the second day of school. A trip jinx, jelly legs, something like that. But slowly, especially over the past week, it had become worse. He didn't want to go to the hospital wing in fear of retaliation so he hid his injuries under his robes and acted as though everything was fine; the biggest problem was hiding it from Harry every night, but he had somehow managed. He had to remain strong if he was going to survive here. He didn't want to let Harry down or Uncle Sirius and Aunt Amelia for that matter.

But the worst part was that for the past three days, the older students weren't letting him eat food in the Great Hall. None of the teachers noticed because the students were quite subtle. They used a variety of spells to ensure they were not caught. Dylan would barely be able to grab a few slices of toast before he was forced out. He was quite hungry. He knew that he had to tell Harry about it, but he didn't know how much sway Harry had over them. From what the older boy had told him, Harry's popularity had taken a massive beating the previous year. What could a thirteen-year-old boy do against a dozen seventeen-year-olds from all four Houses? Dylan had been called a bastard so many times over the last two weeks, it had already become routine for him. He had just traded one word for another, but he wasn't sure if being called a bastard instead of freak was any improvement.

Just as Dylan entered the Great Hall, he quickly made his way to the Ravenclaw table and grabbed a few slices of toast.

"Hello, Lestrange," said a voice quietly.

Dylan stiffened and turned towards the staff table. The boys were disillusioned as always. "Tell the teachers anything, Lestrange, and we'll make you regret it," growled a voice. "Now get lost. We don't want murderers in our school! Go back to the orphanage where you came from. No one wants you here!"

Dylan clenched his fists. He had heard that phrase too many times growing up. The anger had long since faded away. Each time he had been angry, he had been punished badly. He didn't have the strength to feel anger anymore. Just as he was about to leave the Great Hall, someone put their hand on his shoulder. He stiffened.

"Look at me," said Harry quietly, lifting the boy's chin with his hand. Harry looked into the boy's eyes and what he saw made his blood boil, his green eyes darkening.

"Well, if they don't let you sit at the House tables, we'll have to make ourselves comfortable on the floor!" said Harry with a dark smirk.

"What?" asked Dylan, still in a daze at seeing Harry at the Great Hall.

In response, Harry flicked his wand. A thick picnic mat appeared in the middle of the Great Hall. With another flick, comfortable pillows appeared as well. Everyone had stopped talking now and was staring at them. Supremely unconcerned, Harry sat down gracefully on the mat.

"Well, what are you standing over there for?" asked Harry with a teasing smile on his face. "Aren't you hungry?"

"Harry –" said Dylan uncertainly, his face flushed.

"Sit," said Harry firmly. "Trixie!"

A Hogwarts house-elf appeared in front of him. The Great Hall was silent as a grave. It was a very good thing that Dumbledore was away at some I.C.W. conference.

"What can Trixie do for young Master?" asked the elf.

"Trixie, could you please provide us with some food? A chocolate cheesecake too, for dessert, if you can manage it. It's Dylan's favourite."

"At once, Master Harry!" said the elf, beaming at him before it disappeared. When he saw Harry staring, Dylan flushed with embarrassment as he sat down next to Harry on the floor.

"Mr Potter, may I ask what you are doing?" asked Professor McGonagall angrily.

"Well, there are several students here who are denying Dylan to eat at the House tables or even eat at the Great Hall at all for that matter," Harry replied with a fake smile. "So, I thought something should be done about that. If they don't want Dylan there, I'll simply create another place for Dylan, simple as that!"

Snape was very tempted to say something, but he held his tongue. The incident two weeks ago was still fresh in his mind.

"Not allowed to eat?" repeated Professor McGonagall, her eyes flashing, hands trembling in anger. "Explain!"

"Why don't you ask Wallace and Taylor, Professor?" asked Harry, turning towards them, eyes burning with fury. "I'm sure they'll know more about it. In the meantime, Dylan here has not had a proper meal in three days. I need to do my duty as his older brother and ensure that he's well fed."

There was a collective intake of breath when Harry said that and Dylan's jaw dropped in shock as well. Trixie appeared in front of Harry, leaving delicious food all over the mat. Harry cut a piece of Shepard's Pie and put it on a plate for them both. When he was serving, a knowing smirk formed on his lips as another person sat next to him.

"Oh good, you have all my favourites," piped Daphne as she helped herself to food.

Dylan just gaped as Daphne began eating, not at all bothered that she was sitting on the floor amidst hundreds of students staring at them. He was startled to see Astoria sitting on his other side.

"Pass me a plate, Harry," she ordered.

"What do I look like, your waiter?" asked Harry with a mock frown. "Wait, don't answer that! I know what you'll say."

"For the record, you are what I say you are, so deal with it," Astoria smirked challengingly as she took a bite of her salad, ignoring the playful glare being sent her way.

"Budge along," said Fred and George as they sat down. "You really know how to throw a picnic, Harry!"

"I can't believe I'm doing this," muttered Blaise under his breath as he Tracy and Theo sat down as well. "You could have conjured a table, you know."

"Now where's the fun in that?"

"Any more room?" asked Susan Bones, Hannah Abbott and Padma Patil, taking a seat.

"Feel free!" Harry replied. He then looked at the stunned face of one Dylan Lestrange. Leaning forward, he whispered in the younger boy's ear, "I promised you that I wouldn't leave you alone. I will honour my promise, little brother."

Biting his lip to control his tears, Dylan opened his mouth only for Harry to feed him a spoonful of his favourite chocolate cheesecake.

A privacy charm ensured that they didn't have to listen to McGonagall yelling at the group of sixth and seventh-year students at the top of her voice. Harry mentally smirked in satisfaction.

No one messed with the people he cared about and got away with it. A wink from Fred and George got the confirmation he needed. The twins would take care of them now.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

"Why didn't you tell me?" Harry demanded angrily.

"I-I thought I could handle it," Dylan cringed. Madam Pomfrey kept muttering about immature teenagers.

"I can't believe what this school has come to," spat Madam Pomfrey angrily as she healed Dylan's injuries. "A dozen seventh years picking on a first-year is utter cowardice, I tell you!"

Five minutes later, she finished. "You'll be fine, Mr Lestrange," she said. "Next time, don't be stubborn and actually come to me if something is bothering you. Merlin, why people are treating you like this is beyond me! I remember your mother and she was one of the sweetest people I have ever known!"

"You knew my mother?" asked Dylan in surprise.

"Yes, a very sweet and soft-spoken girl actually," said Madam Pomfrey with a sad smile. "She was a Hufflepuff, but she stuck to a very small group of friends. She used to spend a lot of time here because she had desired to become a Healer. But she left in the middle of her sixth year after her parents were attacked ..."

There was a momentary silence. "I don't know much about her personal life, Mr Lestrange, but I can tell you everything I know. If you are interested, you can come to my office this weekend. A few memories are better than none," she said quietly.

"Thank you, Madam Pomfrey!" said Dylan excitedly. Once done, Harry led the boy to the Room of Requirement.

"The next time something like this happens, I want you to tell me immediately, got it?" said Harry firmly. "I won't have them treating you like this."

"I don't want to be a burden," said Dylan fidgeting.

Harry sighed as he sat down next to the boy. "Dylan, you are not a burden," he said quietly. "We have known each other for a few months now and you have already managed to break the ice with me. When I look at you, I see myself and trust me, that is not something I want to see in anybody. But I also care about you and I want to see you happy."

"Did you really mean that?" asked Dylan hopefully. "When you called me your little brother?"

"Of course I meant it," said Harry honestly. "Not many people can get close to me, but you succeeded in a short amount of time. You may not believe it and quite frankly I'm finding it hard to understand myself, but yes, I do consider you family."

Dylan threw his arms around Harry, hugging him tightly. Harry stiffened in panic but wrapped his arms around Dylan slowly too.

"Then you're my brother too."

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

On the twenty-second of September, Harry, Andromeda Tonks, Susan and Susan's parents were in St Mungo's Hospital, waiting for Amelia to give birth. After waiting for two hours, the door opened and Elizabeth Greengrass, wearing her Healer's robes and looking slightly worn out beckoned them in.

"Everybody, I would like to introduce to you the newest member of our family," said Sirius, beaming with happiness. "Meet our son, Rigel Sirius Black, the new Heir Black."

Harry looked at the baby with a smile on his face. The baby was in Amelia's arms and he cuddled up to his mother, his hair turning from black to red.

"He's a Metamorphmagus!" exclaimed Susan in awe.

"It's a trait that is dominant in the Black family," explained Andromeda with a smile. "Dora started changing her hair colour when she was born too."

Harry looked at the baby fondly when Amelia cleared her throat. "We have also decided something else. Susan, Harry, will you both accept the honour of being Rigel's godparents?"

Susan squeaked in happiness as she nodded and Harry was quite stunned. "Of course, I would be honoured," said Harry with a small smile.

He pulled Sirius aside. "Can you set up the godfather ritual later on?" he asked quietly.

"Of course, Harry," said Sirius with a smile. "I did the same for you when you were born. It is quite simple, actually. Let the rest of them leave and we'll have it done."

About two hours later, the others had all left and Harry was holding the sleeping infant in his arms. The boy looked really adorable and Harry lightly tickled his cheek, making the infant smile in his sleep.

"I don't think I have ever seen anything so beautiful in my life," said Harry softly.

Amelia smiled. "Wait until you get to babysit him," she said teasingly.

Harry chuckled. Sirius gave him a slip of parchment which had the words of the oath and Harry took his oath as Rigel's godfather that he would do his duty to protect him and take care of him. After spending some more time there, he returned to Hogwarts with a smile on his face.

HP*SAVIOUR OF MAGIC*HP

Things had smoothened out nicely after the incident in the Great Hall. Some of Dylan's classmates hesitantly decided to give him a chance and Harry was happy to see that they weren't actively shunning him anymore. The boy was also quite close to Astoria and the two of them seemed to spend time in the library doing homework or Astoria teaching him about pureblood culture. Of course, people were still calling him a bastard, but Dylan had learnt how to deal with that thanks to Astoria's help. If anyone called him that anymore, he would just raise his hand and showed them the Lestrange heir ring on his ring finger, signifying his position even if he was born out of wedlock. That was enough to shut most of them up. The rest couldn't be helped.

Harry had also been receiving funny looks from Neville Longbottom. He knew that it was only a matter of time before Neville realised the truth, so when the Gryffindor boy asked if they could talk privately, he had no reason not to oblige.

"Harry, what the hell is going on?" began Neville, his eyes wide with panic. "I-I was told that L-Lestrange was just like his father and that I should stay away from him. My gran said that it was a mistake to let him come to Hogwarts and that he will be just like R-Rabastan. But after observing him, h-he doesn't act like that at all!"

Harry sighed. "Look, Neville, I'm not blaming you for thinking that way. Your grandmother is too set in her ways and the incident with your parents has created a block against the name Lestrange. Her paranoia and anger at Bellatrix, Rodolphus and Rabastan have taken a new target. She has been quite outspoken in the Wizengamot about not allowing Dylan to come to Hogwarts. What she doesn't realise is that Dylan is not Rabastan! The poor boy didn't even know who his parents were until this summer. He was raised in a Muggle orphanage and trust me, living among Muggles when you are a wizard is not paradise. Your grandmother, in her anger at all things Lestrange, is targeting a child."

Looking at Neville, Harry continued. "Tell me, what would happen if the three of them broke out from Azkaban and found out that there is a half-blood who now wears the heir ring to their family? How do you think Bellatrix would react were she to realise that the heir of the Lestrange line to which she is the Lady of, is a bastard born out of wedlock? How do you think they would react were they to realise that he is the son of a Muggle-born?"

Neville swallowed. "He would be killed," he whispered.

"Exactly," said Harry calmly. "Your grandmother needs to stop blaming a child for the actions of his father. If I had done the same I would have bloody murdered Draco Malfoy already for his father's role in Daphne's petrification last term. But I didn't do that. I don't blame Draco for Lucius' crimes. Why does she not blame Narcissa? Isn't she the younger sister of Bellatrix? What about Crouch Senior for his son's role in the crime?"

"I get your point," said Neville. They stayed silent for ten minutes, looking at the beautiful Scottish scenery outside the Astronomy tower. "Do you think I can apologise to him?" he asked quietly.

Harry snorted. "Trust me, he will not hold it against you. He's too sweet for his own good. Daphne and Astoria actually think it's cute."

Neville snickered as they climbed down the stairs.