Punishment

The warm winter sun streamed through the circular window of Dumbledore's office, illuminating a long rectangle on the floor. Fawkes, the phoenix, perched on its stand, watched with curious eyes as Anthony and Snape stood before the desk."My deepest thanks, Henry," Dumbledore began gravely. "Just received word from Madam Pomfrey that Mr. Longbottom is on the mend."Anthony bristled. "This is hardly a minor incident! These students need a severe punishment to understand the gravity of their actions! Their arrogance and ignorance nearly cost Neville his life, and they just stood there watching!"Snape snorted derisively. "One hundred and sixty points, Professor? A school record for deductions, I daresay.""Snape, are you serious?" Anthony shot back, his voice tight. "Longbottom nearly drowned, and the culprit, along with his friends, did nothing but gawk!"The portraits of past headmasters lining the walls, feigning slumber, all opened their eyes in unison, fixated on the tense exchange."We need to inform Mr. Malfoy, Severus," Dumbledore said solemnly. "Such malicious behavior is extremely rare, especially amongst first-years." He raised his hand to silence Snape's impending protest. "I agree with Henry; they clearly lack an understanding of life's preciousness. However, Minerva," he turned toward Professor McGonagall, who had entered moments prior, her face etched with fury, "detention might be a bit drastic.""Detention? I was thinking expulsion, at least for the main culprit," McGonagall countered, her voice firm.Snape interjected, his voice low and dismissive. "Don't fret, Minerva. Several governors have contacted me, offering increased financial support for Hogwarts. They believe the school offers the most stable foundation for these students.""You can't just..." Anthony pivoted sharply towards Dumbledore, his voice rising in frustration. "Headmaster, I say expulsion! At the very least, the main culprit—""Malfoy's family has more galleons than they know what to do with, I'm sure," Snape sneered, interrupting again. "Besides, Dumbledore, these are still children." Each word was heavily emphasized.The calming hum of the silver instruments on Dumbledore's desk abruptly ceased, plunging the office into an unsettling silence. Fawkes shifted on its perch, its movement creating a soft creak.Dumbledore sighed. "Severus...""Has the child's future and well-being suddenly become unimportant?" Snape challenged. "Longbottom was almost killed, yes, but wasn't he saved, Minerva?"Professor McGonagall glared at Snape, who met her gaze unflinchingly. For a moment, her chest heaved rapidly, and she looked away first."Severus, they didn't save him," Dumbledore said calmly. "They didn't grasp the severity of their actions."Anthony stood beside them, increasingly frustrated. The conversation seemed less about Malfoy's fate and more about something else entirely.He interjected, "Headmaster, excuse me, but how is Mr. Longbottom doing now?""He's still in the hospital wing when I left," Professor McGonagall turned to him, her stern features softening slightly. "A bit weak, but nothing life-threatening. Mostly the scare, I suppose.""Not life-threatening?" Anthony thought, bewildered by the seemingly lax medical practices in the wizarding world. "Generally, their philosophy seems to be that as long as you're breathing, no matter the accident, magic will pull you through. Wizarding medicine is like a powerful safety net, snatching back adventurers who wander too close to death. No wonder they don't consider 'almost dying' a serious matter."The incident culminated in Snape assigning a month's detention for all those involved. While Anthony wasn't entirely satisfied with the outcome, Dumbledore had agreed, and Neville's Head of House, with a frown, raised no further objections."Speak with them, Severus," Dumbledore said gently. "Let's avoid another tragedy.".....The office was a mess when Anthony entered. His skeletal cat, drenched from its ordeal, lay sprawled on the floor. Anger flickered in Anthony's eyes as he realized the cat had returned on its own. He stoked the fire fiercely and settled cross-legged before it, the cat trembling in his arms. "I'm sorry," he murmured.His strong desire to save Neville had undoubtedly affected the cat, his familiar. With a touch, he transformed it back to its ginger tabby form. The fur, once soaked and matted, became soft and dry, yet a puddle remained on his lap."Do you want to see the boy?" Anthony asked softly, his gaze meeting the cat's intelligent eyes.The cat's ears twitched in agreement. Anthony, clutching his feline companion, made his way to the hospital wing. Madam Pomfrey, the stern matron, initially refused entry. However, after Anthony's assurances of quiet behavior, she reluctantly agreed. But the cat was another story."Let it in, Madam Pomfrey," Neville pleaded from his bed. "It saved me."Madam Pomfrey sighed, studying the cat for a moment, then relented. "Very well, Professor. But keep a tight hold. No jumping anywhere. Remember, the patient needs rest. Half an hour, that's all."…"Thank you, Professor Anthony," Neville whispered weakly. His eyes flickered towards the cat. "And thank you…" he trailed off, looking at Anthony expectantly.Anthony chuckled. "No name yet. Thank you too, Madam Pomfrey, and yourself, Neville. You have a powerful will to live. You saved yourself."A small, grateful smile graced Neville's lips. Just then, Professor McGonagall entered the room. After a curt nod to Anthony, she addressed Neville."Mr. Longbottom, regarding your incident… We're all deeply troubled by what happened. Professor Snape docked Slytherin House a record-breaking hundred and sixty points. All involved have received a month's detention and a suspension warning. The school has contacted your parents by owl…""Oh no," Neville muttered, his voice barely audible."…Your grandmother responded that she'll be at Hogwarts as soon as possible." Professor McGonagall paused, a complex expression on her face. "Merlin's beard, Neville, Merlin's beard."###

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