My plot beta scraped chunks of this chapter.. I've got loads to learn. Sorry Julie is on vacation and I don't have another grammar/spelling beta. PM if you want to be a beta.

Harry was fully alert at way too early in the morning. Across the bed from Harry was Dobby with a full English breakfast. The little elf could not be more chipper. Harry was good natured about the visit but was having flashbacks to a charmed bludger.

"Dobby can do something nice for the great Harry Potter," the little elf repeated like a broken record.

"Dobby, breakfast is nice but I can't eat any more," stated sleep deprived Harry.

"Harry Potter write his Wheezy letter," said Dobby as he handed over a quill and parchment.

"Wheezy, do you mean Ron," Dobby nodded to Harry comment. "He in Egypt, it's too far to send him a letter." Harry remembered the condition Errol was in on his birthday.

"Dobby do something nice," stated the little elf. "Dobby bring your Wheezy letter." Dobby danced with excitement.

"Dobby, why are you going to be in Egypt?"

"Dumbee is going and taking Dobby too," Dobby clapped.

"Well, I'm glad that Dumbledore is personally taking care of that rat." James chimed in.

"Anything I should add Dad," asked Harry. James smirked, knowing he wasn't in trouble for listening in on his son.

"Your mother would tell you to find out why Ron selected his electives. I personally would leave it be but you dropped a class. No one likes being blindsided," James responded. "Oh, you should charm it so only Ron can read it."

Harry wrote a lengthy letter letting Ron know of his summer. He explained blowing up his aunt and finding his parents portraits. He talked about wanting to please his mum so he changed classes. Due to the charm James had taught him, Harry even thanked Ron for his present. The letter was sealed and whisked away by Dobby.

"So are you going to explain why you're up, Dad?" Harry questioned.

"Portraits don't require sleep, it's just a habit. And I have always had a knack for late night wondering." James answered.

"Any more tricks like that charm?"

"Shouldn't you return to bed?"

"Not when I'd be grouchier when I would wake, Dad. I'll just have to crash earlier." Harry stated as he put on his neck brace. At least one good thing would come from being up this early.

James started chatting about different forms of communication he had used or developed while at Hogwarts. Mirrors, invisible inks, concealment charms and anything else that would work in a bind. Harry was told of some of his non-official adventures at Hogwarts with a promise he would not tell Lily. Harry held the Marauders with respect and hoped he would have as many great memories.

James' stories reminded Harry that there was life outside his little group of Ron and Hermione. He reflected that he barely knew any of his dorm mates even if he lived with them for the last 2 years. They hadn't started dorm room traditions like his father. Not that his father's had started before 3rd year. Harry guessed that Ron and him knew the guys better than Hermione knew the girls. Did his year group have a disconnect? The shower books were remembered, Lily had received one from all of her roommates. His year group had broken up into pairs with the exception of the trio and Neville. Lavender & Parvati, Dean & Seamus, Fay and the other girl who Harry couldn't even recall her name. Yesterday was the first time he had done something with one of them outside of class. Neville was accidently out for a few misadventures, but not enjoying himself.

Harry's muse sent him looking for the knowledge on what happened to Neville's parents. Harry and his family had known that they weren't going to like it, but that did little to prepare him for what he found out. He understood why Neville never talked about it. His parents were living, but mindless. Harry had a new found hope for a friendship with Neville.

Harry transitioned to updating his calendar and plotting his study plan on his memo board. His new wall clock showed that it was nearly 5 am. Diagon Alley was in full operation until 9 and it was Saturday. He modified Hermione's work first, play later and created a work rotation. A checklist with his goals for half hour studies and exercises was executed. He didn't want to be bound to the books like Hermione. The plan was plenty, but needed flexibility. His family had designed it with weekends off, which didn't line up with spontaneous outings with classmates. Starting this Saturday any weekend accomplishments would be applied later as needed for freedom. Harry added in his own pursuits of goblins and house elves to his weekend rotation.

The studying did not take on Hermione's rigid strategies, but opened Harry up to learn. His focus was to improve his understanding not follow the school's structured paths. When Harry had questions he looked them up, making for organic learning. His curiosity paved his way, unlike Hermione's determination to be the best and know the most. His only rule was the subject had to be pursued to count towards his goal.

Harry worked through his rotation until he got to potions. He justified his actions that it would improve potions. So Harry started pounding his father with questions, "Dad, what does a subject tutor look like at Hogwarts."

"Working on potions?" James asked.

"Of course Dad."

James explained that early in Hogwarts existence, people did not get a multiple discipline education. Parents were irate when they thought their favorite subject was not getting enough attention. They tried to take over through the use of private tutors. To limited the problem rules were created and parents were told they could always self-educate if they disagreed. Tutors were then controlled by the Heads of Houses to be used as needed.

"The problem now is Hogwarts changed how funding works. Tuition is paid to the whole school and not your house anymore. So the only way the Heads can get a tutor now is through private funding or from the Headmaster. From what I know surplus funds are made available to students in need," James finished.

"Dad, my trust fund isn't unlimited."

"No, it's not, but from your numbers, you can pay for one for two years. Harry, what I found out from my father is that Snape has the highest pass rate. The problem is you need an O to get into his NEWT class," James stated. "The difference between an EE and an O is confidence. There is no way Snape is giving that to you."

"That's why he's allowed to stay," Harry mumbled to himself.

Before the guys could carry on the conversation there was a knock at the door. Tom with his toothless grin was standing awkwardly in the hall. The man found anything and everything distracting from whatever was his purpose. Harry was frustrated with the early morning intrusion asked, "Something the matter Tom?"

"Uh… one of the patroons… heard talking… I'm just checking," explained an embarrassed Tom.

"Aren't there silencing charms on all of the inns rooms? That's what you told me," commented Harry.

"That doesn't keep some from trying to get through them."

"Why does anyone care if I'm talking in my room? It's really no ones business but my own," stated Harry.

"Someone thinks your hiding Sirius Black," Tom apologized.

"Afraid not"

"Well, watch out. Some of the Aurors wanted to use you as bait. Professor McGonagall gave them the what for when she found out. Never get on her bad side," Tom rambled as he tried to find a quick way to leave.

"Understand," Harry said as he closed his room.

"Oi, the Aurors must be crazy if they think Padfoot would fall for that." James stated.

Harry regrouped them in the library. He unsuccessfully attempted to pace the small room. "I'm never going to have any privacy."

"Son, it's not that bad. My training taught me that you can only detect voices behind the Leaky Cauldron's silencing charms. They can't find out what's said or who said it," James stated, trying to calm his son down. "I bet some Auror was hoping to get lucky, It would be a big break to land Siri right now."

"Dad, it's the principle."

"Harry, we don't have anything to hide. If they did find out, most people would find it boring."

"Dad, he saw me in my neck brace."

"Oh son, chalk up the brace up as a way to improve your quidditch skills," James said.

"No one is stupid enough to believe that."

"Oh, people are way too gullible. They believed you could be the heir to Slytherin. It's funny what people will believe before the truth," James responded.

What are my favorite guys doing," chimed Lily.

"He's in a mood Lilykin. Our favorite house elf decided to do something nice for him and he found out how nosy the neighbors are," James sarcastically stated.

"Harry did you get any sleep?" Lily questioned.

Harry cheered himself up at his mother's concern. "It's alright, but I'll have to go to bed early," smiled Harry. "Before we were so rudely interrupted, Dad and I were discussing tutors."

"Is that what you want?" Lily hoped for her son.

"A tutor is the only thing that makes sense to me. I don't trust myself to play around in potions. It's too dangerous. And Snape would have me in detention all the time if I used the practice lab," stated Harry. "The only person who doesn't need one is Hermione."

"I disagree, I sure Hermione needs one. Something was wrong with your polyjuice potion. If it was nearer to perfection the color would of changed when she added the cat hair. The original creator did for see that kind of problem. I will give her credit for getting it close enough to work," Lily commented.

"I'm surprised at you Lily. You're not going to tell your son how crazy that stunt was?" asked James.

"Well… I can't say much given some of the potions I worked on with Severus. We played with more volatile ingredients in our second year," Lily quietly stated.

"You know the professor!"

"Yes Harry, we grew up together and were close friends once," Lily explained.

Harry was shocked but quickly decided that Snape blamed his father for the wrench in the friendship. He still thought the dungeon bat an overgrown baby for taking his personal problems out on him.

"Mum, do you trust him?" Harry asked.

"Ah… I think I do because Dumbledore must trust him. Severus made some really bad choices. I think he's now living out their twisted consequences," Lily stated. "Harry, if he is a double agent, he sees no choice but to be cruel to you. This does not justify his actions."

"James don't you dare start," Lily shouted. "You were dreadful to him."

It wasn't the best time to pry for more information so Harry asked, "I would need to communicate with Professor McGonagall if I want a tutor." Harry frowned, "redoing all of that class work… well is boring."

Lily laughed, "Harry there are tons of different types of potions and variations. There are more than you could make outside of the restricted section."

"You could bottle fame, brew glory, or even put a stopper in death," mumbled Harry.

"Think a little simpler honey, beauty products, love potions, cleaning supplies, specialty inks and herbology potions."

"I doubt we would agree on a selection," Harry stated.

"You wouldn't need to. You shouldn't have to worry about sabotage in the tutoring sessions. The tutor should be able to arrange you to avoid reactions. It would be easy if you came up with a preapproval system." Lily explained.

"How would we deal with the ingredients?"

"Don't worry, we included that in our estimate at cost. The tutor will have to maintain stores like in your potions class. It's part of why they would get paid."

Harry was getting excited about the opportunities. He re-asked his question, "All I need is to get Professor McGonagall's approval?"

"Correct Son," interrupted James.

Lily glared and stated, "You might be able to catch her today." Lily answered Harry's unspoken question, "She always in Diagon Alley for muggleborn orientation. Professor McGonagall is probably eating her breakfast downstairs right now."

Harry didn't need to be told twice. All of his school stuff was packed into his messenger bag. He added a few selections from the library. Harry selected his new favorites to wear and left room eleven in a good mood.

Lily was correct. Professor McGonagall was sitting in a booth with Neville Longbottom and his grandmother. Neville was trying to fade into the background. Harry used all of his Gryffindor courage to approach the formidable ladies.

Mrs. Longbottom noticed Harry first. She said, "Mr. Potter please join us. I know Neville could use some company." Neville looked embarrassed.

Harry to a seat and greeted everyone. He ordered a bowl of fresh fruit and milk.

"Mr. Potter, shouldn't you get a more appropriate breakfast," commented his head of house.

"Ma'am, Dobby came by early with a full English breakfast, before he left with Professor Dumbledore," Harry answered.

The professor was pleased with his answer and asked, "What are your plans for the day?"

"Uh," Harry was having a hard time collecting himself, "I was hoping to talk to you about a potions tutor for our class."

"Where did you get that idea, Mr. Potter?" questioned Professor McGonagall.

"Ah… My parent's heirloom paintings," Harry stated.

McGonagall choked on her tea when she heard. She smiled as she said, "I'm glad that you have some connection to your parents."

Neville's grandmother brought the conversation back to the topic. She started, "I think a tutor would be wonderful as long as it's not just my Neville needing one." If Neville wasn't embarrassed before he was now.

Minerva McGonagall did her best to overlook the treatment of the timid child. She asked, "Mr. Potter, do you know what you want these sessions to look like?"

"Ma'am, my parents say the difference between an O and EE is confidence. I was hoping we could have an interest driven class where we would get our potions preapproved by the tutor. We could work around a theme like an interaction or ingredient. Mum said it wouldn't be hard to manage as long as we didn't have to worry about sabotage." Harry explained.

"That sounds like an excellent idea. If this is to work you are to inform the rest of your classmates. And let the Wesley twins know that I'm threating them with a month's worth of detentions if they try to pull a stunt in your sessions," commanded the professor.

"I must insist that I pay for half," demanded Neville's Gran. She returned to her discussion with the professor.

Harry realized the awkwardness and asked, "So are you here to do your supply shopping?"

"Not exactly, Gran's on the school board. It's her year to be a representative to the muggle born families. Her plan is to do my shopping at the same time as the new students," Neville stated.

After a minute of silence Neville ventured, "What are your parents like?"

"I think you would like them," Harry stated before daring to touch a hard topic. "You know my mum was your godmother," Neville nodded as Harry continued, "Yours was mine, Mum asked after you… I'm sorry I didn't know…"

Neville interrupted, "It's not your fault. You're probably the only person who could understand."

"Neville, it's more than us that were affected by the war. Susan Bones was orphaned too. I'm guessing there are others I haven't found out about yet," Harry commented. He paused as he thought then asked, "Neville, do you mind if I try something?"

Neville's eyes got wide, but he didn't say no. Harry waited until he had the ladies' attention again. He asked, "Mrs. Longbottom could I take Neville to do his shopping. It would be nice if he would help me compose the letter to our classmates."

Everyone held their breath while they waited for a response. Neville's Gran stared Harry down, but stated, "It's alright as long as you're both on your best behavior." The boys smiled at each other. Neville didn't know that Harry wasn't finished yet.

Professor McGonagall made her leave as the muggle families started gathering. Harry took his chance catching Mrs. Longbottom before she left for her duties. Harry knew he was going to be fibbing so he put on his most innocent face. He started, "Mrs. Longbottom, I was wondering if I could do something for my mum." She nodded for Harry to continue. "I was hoping to but Neville a wand. Our mums had planned to take us together."

"Neville has his father's wand."

"I know, I have a family wand too. Plus, I have the wand that was purchased for me. Didn't your son carry both?" Harry responded.

Neville's Gran was tongue-tied. After a moment she nodded yes. The boys waited until she gave a verbal consent. Before Mrs. Longbottom left she went over appropriate behaviors like they were no more than toddlers.

Neville was shaking his head, "I think she didn't take me because she was afraid that no wand would choose me since I'm so close to a squib."

"Don't say that, it's not true. Mum thinks you're like your mum. And your grandmother didn't know her very well," Harry said.

"We best be going before Gran changes her mind," Neville stated.

Harry stopped him by saying, "I've got a better idea." And Harry dragged Neville up to his room.

"Ah… sorry I don't have a seating area. I've got to get my parents pictures from the library. You can sit on the bed if you want." Harry vanished into the library. He explained to his parents what was going on and sent them away. Harry found it disconcerting to watch a portrait being moved. He didn't want to scare Neville.

Lily's face lit up when she saw Neville, making the boy blush. It didn't take long for Lily to put Neville at ease. She conversed about his life and shared some about his mum.

"Mum, can you help us make a list for Neville. It's the best way to shop," Harry smiled.

It didn't surprise Harry when his mum talked Neville into dropping Divination. Harry was glad that it didn't feel like Neville was getting manipulated. This mother had explained how useful Arithmany was in greenhouse creation and advanced plant plans.

James joined in asking Neville about his pocket money. Neville was shocked to find that his Gran had treated his father the same way. He always thought she was only like that to him. James explained how Frank earned pocket money with his green thumb. James had a copy of one of Frank's plans because he had borrowed a book. The book was found and the boys left on their trip.

Neville's Gran never gave this level of freedom. Instead of timid, Neville took on a quiet present that was calming. He had no troubles asking for the class change without his grandmother over his shoulder. Harry realized that the first years would stop at Ollivandars last. He cunningly delivered Neville inside before the boy noticed what was going on.

"Mr. Longbottom, you are overdue, but no matter," Mr. Ollivandar stated as his tape started flying.

Harry didn't know if it was because Neville had magic training, but he wasn't destroying anything. By the time Neville found his wand, Harry would have turned the shop into a hazard zone. Bright red sparks floated through the room when he took the wand.

"13 inch cherry and unicorn hair, Mr. Longbottom, very powerful but not prone to outburst. Your type of magic only works when your life is threatened or you call on your magic," stated Ollivandar. Neville was a brilliant shade of red, but Harry found it encouraging.

Neville and Harry finished off their shopping in avoiding the touring muggleborns. Lily's list made it so nothing was missing. Harry didn't want his Gran to regret her decision. Neville needed freedom if he was ever going to be himself. They had plenty of time to spare so Harry talked Neville into stopping at Plant'N Things.

The store had a small dark front room that opened up to one of stores greenhouses. It was 3 times the size of the greenhouses at Hogwarts. Harry could see that this was Neville's element. He was bright and shiny instead of timid and awkward. Neville had more knowledge than one of the new shop helpers. Two little old witches dotted all over Neville with memories of his father. They told him that his father earned an engagement ring from profits from his dorm room venture. The ladies helped Neville adjust the plan for generation changes and new variations. Wrapped bags of mini day lilies and iris bulbs that stood no taller than your thumb full grown joined Neville's school supplies. Harry talked Neville into taking a late birthday gift. A magical rose bush, who blooms always stayed in bloom would take to the train by Harry for him.

The Browns were no competition at shopping in a timely manner. Harry was enjoying himself while they returned to the Leaky Cauldron for Lunch. Neville's Gran didn't approve of food cart vendors. Harry would of continued on if Neville hadn't reminded they had potion tutor letters to create. Lucky or not, Neville knew the protocols for school letters. They would not be able to plead ignorance.

Neville stated, "An official letter which is what Professor McGonagall requested would include a tentative plan. We're not Hermione."

"No we are not, but if Hermione was in charge these sessions would look just like school," Harry said. "What I liked about the tutor plan was the pursuit of interests. Everyone would benefit that way. We need to remember my dad and keep things simple."

Harry, it's… well I need everything. I don't understand preparation or the process. If someone would show me maybe I could understand. I've always done well in Professor Sprouts class and she exhibits everything," Neville stated.

"Snape just goes over the theory and leaves us on trial for the practical." Harry paused as he plotted. "What if the tutor demonstrates instead of lectures?"

Neville smiled and stated, "I think there's an OWL technique guide that breaks things down by how common they are."

Harry found some references in the library and the boys created lists by importance. Drafts littered the room, but they were proud of their final. Neville wrote out the letters since his penmanship was best. Harry used a copy charm to duplicate the list they would enclose. The letters were sealed and hand to Tom to be mailed.

Dear Professor McGonagall,

Here is a copy of the letters we sent out.

Dear student,

Gryffindor 3rd years have obtained a Potions tutor. Following Hogwarts regulations 2 single and 1 double session will be available weekly. The session's goal is to promote confidence and excellence in Potions.

Students are responsible for creating a personal list of 10 potions to be preapproved. Enclosed is a list of suggestions and requirements. The tutor will have the final call on selections and progression.

Each session will include a demonstration of an OWL frequent technique. Scope and sequence enclosed in the second list.

To promote our goal students will only be allowed to take EE grade potions from the sessions. Students are encouraged to revise potions until they meet an O level standard.

Yours Sincerely,

Neville Longbottom and Harry Potter

Neville left with his Gran and Harry relaxed to one of his father's stories. Harry felt a connection to James' Lonely Wolf story. The boy had lived in isolation just like Harry. Harry liked that the wolf's friends changed all of that. Neither the father or the son knew when Harry nodded off to sleep.

The night was anything but peaceful when a house elf woke the boy.

"The not-dog needs you."

Sorry Sirius' part got scraped by the plot beta. She claimed it would ruin the overall story.

If you can't tell I like miniature things.