[You and Maiden Gao Lanying become acquaintances. Talent Reward — Peerless in Arms. Claim now?]
Theo's eyes lit. Being decent pays dividends, apparently.
Among heroines of the mythic wars, Gao Lanying was less famous than Deng Chanyu, but her record was no poorer. Deng's Five-Colour Stones sent foes reeling; Gao's Sun-Piercing Needles blinded them—and then she cut them down. Countless gods and immortals fell to that chain of moves.
Two top-flight hidden weapons encountered in a single school year—unexpected bounty.
He skimmed the other two prospective rewards from befriending Gemma: Peerless in Arms—nice, but eclipsed by his staff-mastery; likely smelt-fodder. Eyes Like Lightning—now that was practical: massive vision boost and protection against flash-type jinxes. Merged with his Night Vision and Keen-Eared, Sharp-Eyed talents, who knew—perhaps Clairvoyant Sight or Innate Spirit Eyes? Worth cultivating.
He'd be seeing more of Senior Farley.
Just then, a familiar silhouette swept in from the sky. Theo's owl, Hermes, landed on his shoulder with a nuzzle, bearing today's Daily Prophet—the usual fluff, best part the jokey margin column—and two letters.
One, from Warwick, effusively grateful—and thrilled that Hagrid would join the Pokémon plan. Hagrid's reputation preceded him: the man who kept Acromantulas at school!
The other, from Ollivander. Though he had a son, old wounds had driven the boy away; now the wandmaker fussed over Theo by post—"The Ollivanders know everyone; don't let yourself be pushed about at Hogwarts," between the lines.
Theo smiled, thinking of the Ollivander seal he'd been given. Perhaps he could befriend by letter and see whether the System would count it. If so, unexpected rewards might abound.
Nicolas Flamel came to mind; in System terms he surely ranked no lower than Snape—Perfected Jade Cauldron-tier at minimum.
Even if the System refused, the correspondence would ease a future introduction.
He stroked Hermes' head.
"Tired from the run? Come on—breakfast. Then something special to make you faster than your namesake—a true divine courier."
When Theo reached the Great Hall, his roommates were already gathered.
"Did you have the runs again last night?" Hermione asked, worried.
Ron looked concerned as well—Theo had vanished after dropping Harry off and hadn't been seen till morning.
"Rock cakes," breathed the Weasley twins, eyes gleaming. *"If you get more, give them to us.
"Laxatives.
"Or just for a proper clear-out."*
Theo's cheek twitched—saved by a thunder of wings.
"Gran sent me a parcel!" Neville cried, hands shaking.
*"I only wrote yesterday—to tell her I've taken work in Professor Sprout's greenhouse. I don't know what she'll say…
"She always worries I'll botch everything—you know me."*
He gulped and opened the packet.
Inside lay a thick letter and a smaller, fine-wrapped box.
Neville read first; tears pooled at once, fogging his eyes. He finished, then pushed the letter to Theo.
"For me?"
Neville nodded.
"I told Gran you encouraged me into Herbology—and begged Professor Sprout with me. She says I should share this with you. There's a gift."
Theo unfolded the heavy paper—and his face sobered.
First came Gran's words to Neville, with a sheaf of photographs.
*"My dear Neville, you've grown faster than I imagined. I thought it would take longer.
"Do not fear my anger. You are a Longbottom, and the child of heroes.
"I went to St Mungo's and told your parents. They have not woken—but I promise, they heard. See? They look as they do every time you visit—smiling."*
Then, pinned below, a shining L-shaped badge, and a paragraph for Theo.
*"And dear Theodore—your kindness to Neville I will never forget.
"House Longbottom thanks you for your friendship. Please accept this badge of fellowship.
"I wished to find a magical item you could use—but St Mungo's costs are heavy. I turned out every drawer and found only this suitable thing. Take it with our thanks.
"In some places, the Longbottom name still carries weight. May our forebears watch over you as well."*
Theo cupped the badge carefully.
The Seven-Apertures Heart shivered.
His pupils tightened.
*"This… badge—
"Luck-bearing? A Treasure of Fortune?!"
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