Ch. 10 Letters and Revelations
Harry looked away from the stove as an unfamiliar owl flew into the kitchen. The owl landed on the table and held out his leg waiting for him to remove the letter. Moving over to the table he removed the letter as Teddy was trying in vain to reach the owl to pet it as he laughed. Smiling at the child he ruffled his hair and went back to the stove to finish cooking breakfast. The owl flew over to the perch to wait.
With breakfast finished and plated Harry sat at the table eating while reading the letter. Harry was pleasantly surprised to see it was from Neville. As Teddy played with his cheerios Harry ate and read his letter.
Dear Harry,
Hey mate, hope everything is going ok for you. I was sorry to not see you on the train though I understand why you chose to not return. As it would happen, McGonagall appointed me Head Boy. Can you believe it? My Gran and Hannah were quite surprised and proud. I was writing to see what you are up too and what your plans are. I remember you mentioned you wanting to be an Auror but somehow I doubt that still holds true. Well, I will end this letter as tomorrow is the first day of classes and it wouldn't do for the Head Boy to be late.
Your Friend,
Neville
Harry sat the letter down thinking. He was happy that McGonagall had selected Neville for Head Boy. He had really come into his own over the last two years especially last year with the war.
"Who's the letter from?" Andi asked walking into the kitchen and sitting at the table and digging into her breakfast making appreciative sounds. "Once again Harry, your breakfast is wonderful."
Harry smiled at the complement. "Thanks Andi. It's from Neville Longbottom. McGonagall made him Head Boy."
"Longbottom, is that Frank and Alice's boy?" Harry nodded as Andi looked thoughtful. "The Longbottoms and the Potters have long been allies in the Wizengamot. It would be a good idea for your plans if you were to re-establish those ties. If I remember correctly, he was dating Miss Abbot also correct?"
"Yeah they started dating at the beginning of the summer I think. Hanna and her friend Susan both attended my birthday party."
"Those would be two other good relationships to cultivate as both of their families have seats on the Wizengamot. The Wizengamot will be resuming here in the next week, and with the more ultra-conservative families depleted, if we could gather a strong coalition right from the start, we can start to make some changes."
Harry thought about that for a second, he knew that in order to bring about change, he would need help. And who better to help than people he already knew and trusted. "Ok, so how do we go about reforming our alliance?" Andromeda smiled and what followed was a crash course in Pure Blood Politics. Harry was glad that he had a few hours until he met with his Biology tutor as Andi seemed ready to fully educate him. By the time it was over, he had two letters written to Neville with one containing something that would help him in his duties.
LPF
Neville was sitting in his common room enjoying some alone time with his girlfriend after a long first day of classes when his owl returned. Letting out a frustrated sigh at the interruption, he took the large envelope from the owl and gave it some owl treats before it flew off to the owlry. He opened the large envelope and two more envelopes fell out and one old looking piece of parchment that Neville thought looked familiar. He looked the envelopes and took the one that said "Read First" on it. With a questioning look from Hannah he opened the letter and began to read.
Dear Neville,
Thank you for the letter and congratulations on Head Boy. You deserve it and don't let anybody say you don't. I included something that I think will help you in your duties. All I ask is that you take good care of it and return it to me at the end of the year. If you tap the piece of parchment that I included and say 'I solemnly swear I'm up to no good', you will see why this is so helpful.
Neville paused reading the letter and did as instructed. To his amazement, lines spread from his wand and formed a map of Hogwarts complete with moving dots with people's names' on them. He quickly found his and Hannah's name in the Head's Common Room. He handed the map to Hannah.
"Look what Harry sent me."
"Wow," she exclaimed with a surprised expression. "So this is how he stayed out of trouble while sneaking around the school so much."
"Yeah, I've only seen it a few times. This should make my duties a lot easier." He went back to reading the letter as Hannah continued to look over the map.
When you are done with the map, say 'Mischief managed' and the map will become blank again. As Dumbledore once told me, "Use it Well."
Now for the other reason for the letter, what my plans are. You are right; I'm not joining the Aurors. I am finishing up my NEWTS and my Muggle tests in order to attend Muggle University. I've started a foundation with my family money in order to make our world a better place. That brings me to the second letter. I understand from Andromeda that our families used to have an alliance of some sort in the Wizengamot. So if you could read that second letter now, I apologies for the wording, but Andromeda said that it should be official.
Neville picked up the second envelope and opened it up.
Dear Mr. Longbottom,
As Head of House Potter and House Black, I request an audience to discuss the possibility of reforming our Alliance. It is my hope that together our families will be able to forge strong ties that will be beneficial to both of our Houses.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter-Black
Neville sat the letter down and went back to the first one.
I realize that was rather vague but Andromeda assured me that was the proper form. I am hoping to form a coalition in the Wizengamot to try to bring equality to our world. In order to do that, we need to go through the Wizengamot. I was also hoping that you could talk to Susan and Hannah about this also. We could really use their help. Well, that's all that I have. Let me know what you think and when we can get together, possibly on your first Hogsmead visit.
Your Friend,
Harry
Neville sat back on the couch smiling. He knew Harry wouldn't be satisfied doing nothing. By the sounds of this, Harry wanted to change the world and Neville wanted to be right there with him.
"What has you smiling like a loon?" Hannah asked finally looking up from the map. For answer, Neville just handed Hannah the two letters. She quickly read over both of them and handed them back with a smile on her face as well. "Well, I can't speak officially for my family or for Susan's but I have a feeling that we would both be open to joining." Neville smiled at his girlfriend. They might have only been dating since the beginning of summer, but they both knew where this was heading and both families approved. Neville found a spare piece of parchment and wrote a quick reply back to Harry agreeing to meet at the next Hogsmead day and went back to paying attention to his girlfriend.
LPF
As the days turned into weeks, Harry fell into a comfortable routine. During the week, he would work on his lessons, muggle in the mornings and magic in the afternoons and evenings. While on the weekends, he would spend time with Teddy, Andromeda, and the Grangers. Hugh and Harry's golf games had indeed become a weekly event. Hugh was turning Harry into a decent golfer and even surprised the young man by signing them both up for a father son golf tournament at the club. Harry had to blink back tears when Hugh showed him the sign up form with their names on it. They ended up placing in the top third; a feat that Hugh said was very good for someone who had only played for a few months. Harry didn't care how they finished, he was just happy playing with the older man. When they were not golfing, the small group traveled around doing things that Harry had never done before. They toured the tour of London, the British Museum, countless castles and other historical sites that the Dursleys refused to let him visit.
To his great surprise, Harry found himself learning things much quicker and easier than he ever did at Hogwarts. His magic seemed to flow better than it ever had before. He rationalized it as a result of not having to worry if this particular teacher was going to try to kill him or some psychopath would devise an overly elaborate way to kidnap him and try to kill him. Even professor Flitwick noticed his improved performance and aptitude with his charms work.
Three weeks into their tutoring sessions the two were sitting down to tea before Flitwick headed back to Hogwarts. "Mr. Potter, I must admit, I am quite pleased with how well you are doing. I feel that I am teaching your mother all over again. The way you seem to be picking up new charms and adapting old ones so easily is just amazing."
"I know what you mean Professor. I've noticed that in all of my magical classes but not as pronounced. It's like my magic has been unleashed and is finally allowed to do what it always knew it could. I can't really explain it better than that or why it's happening."
"Hmmmm, I have a theory that it might have to do with your scar. You said that you had a piece of Voldemort lodged in your scar correct?" Harry nodded. "Well, I believe that that fragment caused your magic to be rather unstable. It had to constantly fight the parasite from growing and it didn't allow it to flow as smoothly as it should. Now that you are free of that leach your magic is flowing like it should have and we are seeing some of your true talent come out." Harry nodded at the small Professor. "It is that talent that I would like to talk to you about. I know you are busy and planning on going to University next year, but I would like you to consider also studying for a Charms Mastery. You clearly demonstrate the potential for it, and I would be honored to be your mentor for it."
Harry sat back shocked. He never considered going for a Mastery in anything. He had always just been mediocre in his classes until now except for Defense but he felt that was more out of necessity. "I am honored Professor, I will have to think about it." Nodding at his student, Professor Flitwick rose finished his tea and after saying goodnight to took the floo back to his office at Hogwarts. Overall, Harry was quite pleased with his progress. His muggle tutors had declared that he was on schedule to take his first round of tests before the New Year, and he had already made arrangements with the ICW to take his NEWTS at their headquarters in Switzerland over the Christmas Holidays. Everybody had agreed to make a holiday out of it and spend a week skiing in Switzerland. The Grangers would be joining them as Hermione had written explaining that all those serious about doing well in their NEWTS were staying over the Holidays. Though they tried to hide it, Harry could tell that they were disappointed.
LPF
The weeks also passed quickly for the students of Hogwarts. After receiving positive responses from Hannah, Susan, and his Gran, he sent back a letter to Harry telling him they would meet on the first Hogsmead weekend in October. Both girls were curious as to what Harry was planning and both were looking forward to this meeting. Neville utilized the map to maximum efficiency. Using it, he was able to find students sneaking out of bed and using broom cupboards for things other than storing of cleaning supplies. Granted, unlike his counterpart, he just sent the offending students on their way with a warning. Hermione became rather curious at his effectiveness at finding students out of bed but for some reason, he chose not to mention that Harry lent him his map.
During the first month of school, Neville came to an obvious conclusion. Neville had seven years of watching the 'Golden Trio' and could now see that Harry was the glue that held them together. Arguments between Hermione and Ron intensified in both frequency and intensity, a few times almost coming to spell fire. He could not understand why those two were getting married if they argued so much. It was a question that he needed an answer for as he could tell in the letters he exchanged with Harry that he really was missing his best friend, and Neville knew his best friend didn't have red hair. Neville's curiosity finally got the better of him three weeks into term when once again he had watched Hermione storm out of the Great Hall holding back tears at something Ron had said. Quickly getting up from his seat he followed his fellow Head. Referencing the map to see where she ran off to he quickly followed. He found her curled up on the couch crying in their common room.
"Hermione, are you ok?" Neville asked nervously sitting on edge of the couch.
Hermione looked up trying to wipe her eyes. "Oh hi Neville, yah I'm fine, why would I not be?"
"Well, maybe because for the third time in a week Ron has said something that made you cry?" Neville looked at her worriedly. "Hermione why are you two getting married?"
"Because we love each other, isn't that enough?" She replied looking confused.
"Maybe, but are you sure you love him? I mean, you two fight so much and he always leaves you in tears. That can't be healthy for a relationship." Neville watched her nervously. He usually didn't like getting involved in other people's business, but felt that he should say something if just for Harry's sake. Neville knew he would do the same if their roles were reversed. "Hermione, have you written to Harry lately?"
"No, I haven't. I've been really busy lately, and he hasn't written me either."
"I don't think he has gotten over Hedwig yet since he hasn't bought a new owl." Neville watched as Hermione worried her bottom lip.
"I don't know if he would want a letter from me. Our last conversation didn't end very well."
Neville smiled with a knowing smile. "I doubt that, I suspect he misses you."
"Then why didn't he come back with us?" Hermione asked in a confused whisper. "He seems to care more about Teddy than he does about us."
"You know that's not true Hermione. Harry cares so much for all of us. Did you try to ask him why he didn't want to return?"
Hermione had the decency to blush at that question. "No, I think I just ranted a little." She quietly whispered. "Why did I do that? I used to always hear Harry out when he wanted to say something." Hermione face screwed up as she apparently was trying to think hard about something. "Ahhh I can't think straight. Its late, I'm going to head to bed. Tomorrow I will be able to think clearly again. I will write him tomorrow. Goodnight Neville."
With that Hermione quickly got up and went to her room closing the door leaving a confused Neville. Something was definitely not right here. For the next few days he kept a close eye on Hermione noticing other small things that did not fit. There was nothing overtly different about how she was acting but there were a lot of inconstancies. The morning after they talked, he had thought she would go straight to the owlry and send Harry a letter, but to his knowledge she never did. When he brought up their conversation from the previous night it almost seemed that Hermione didn't remember. Neville was sure something was wrong but for the life of him, he couldn't think of what.
The morning of the first Hogsmead day Neville escorted Hannah into the Great Hall and together they made their way to the Gryffindor Table. It was the first weekend of October and the weather was perfect for a nice walk to the village. Both Hannah and Neville were dressed in their formal robes in anticipation for the meeting today. Harry had written and informed them that he and a few others would be waiting for them at the Three Broomsticks in a private parlor he had reserved from Madam Rosmerta.
Neville sat down and began to eat looking around the table seeing who was already there. To his surprise, Ron was already down at breakfast and eating away. Usually the red head chose to sleep in on weekends only getting out of bed to sneak into the kitchens for breakfast. He had even beat Hermione down today. Speaking of Hermione, she was just walking in going directly towards the Gryffindor table. Neville watched out of the corner of his eye as she sat down next to Ron and gave him a good morning kiss on the cheek that looked a little forced to him. Ron said something and then passed an untouched cup of pumpkin juice towards Hermione.
It was like a lightning bolt stuck Neville. All of a sudden the pieces fell into place. Whipping out his wand he summoned the goblet of juice towards him out of Hermione's hands and then shot two stunners at Ron and Hermione. Professor McGonagall was quick to make her way down from the staff table at the first red stunner came out of his wand.
"Mr. Longbottom, what is the meaning of this?" McGonagall demanded her lips paper thin in anger.
"I'm sorry Professor, but I think that something is wrong with Hermione and whatever is the cause is in this juice" he quickly said holding up the half-drunk goblet of juice.
The professor eyed him shrewdly obviously trying to decide what to do and if to believe him. She seemed to come to a decision as she pulled out her wand and levitated Ron off the table. "Take Miss Granger and follow me to the infirmary. Bring the juice with you. We will discuss this further when we have more information."
Neville nodded nervously not knowing whether to hope he was right or wrong but quickly followed behind the Headmistress. The two made their way to the Hospital wing floating their charges in front of them. They entered the hospital wing and both lowered the stunned pair onto separate beds as Madam Pomfrey walked in.
"What happened?"
Professor McGonagall turned to Neville who took this as his queue to explain.
"Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that Hermione has been acting strange and things were just not adding up. Then this morning, I noticed Ron handing her a goblet of pumpkin juice that was already poured. I suspect that there might be some sort of potion involved." Neville handed the Healer the goblet in question. She took it and moved over to a work station casting charms over it. Neville watched as the Healers face became grimmer the more spells she cast. Neville understanding what those faces meant quickly came to a decision. He lifted his wand again and out jumped a silver bear that bounded through the wall.
"Mr. Longbottom, to whom did you send that Patronus to?" McGonagall asked.
"I sent it to Harry. He was planning on meeting me today in Hogsmead. I suspect he will be quite interested to know why one of his best friends was giving potions to his other best friend."
Both women paled at the realization that they would soon be dealing with an angry Harry Potter. A Harry Potter that both women knew would go to great lengths to protect Miss Granger. "Well, we better be ready for his arrival. I will go and fetch Professor Slughorn, as we will need his expertise and a bottle of his Veritaserum."
LPF
Harry walked into the Three Broomsticks followed closely by Andromeda, Jane and Hugh with Little Teddy riding in a carrier on his back. Originally they had planned on it just being him and Andi but the Grangers had wanted a chance to see Hogsmead and maybe even Hogwarts. Together the small party walked into the bar with Harry trying to ignore the stairs, the pointing, and the muttering as he approached Madam Rosmerta. After pleasantries were exchanged, she led them upstairs to a private parlor she used for meetings of the like. Harry ordered a round of butterbeers for everyone and they settled in to wait.
The group had not been seated long when a silver bear appeared out of the wall. Conversation immediately stopped as Harry recognized Neville's patronus. The bear opened his mouth and Neville's voice came out. "Something happened and Hermione is in the Hospital Wing. You should come." The room erupted into action.
"I'm going to Hogwarts, Hugh; Jane would you like to come?"
"Harry they won't be able to get through the front gate." Andromeda said.
Harry just flashed a lopsided grin "who said I was going through the front gate." Harry handed Teddy to Andi. "I'll let you know what's happening. Please give my apologies to Madam Longbottom." Harry quickly followed by the Grangers left the room and they made their way to Honeyduke's. With the store full of Hogwarts students, nobody noticed them as they moved past the counter and down into the store room.
"Harry, are you sure you know where you're going? I don't think we should be down here." Jane said in a whisper.
"Don't worry Jane; I've done this a few times. There is a secret passage into the school from here." To illustrate his point Harry moved a box aside and opened up the trapdoor. Taking out his wand he quickly lit it and led the Grangers down the tunnel into Hogwarts. The three moved silently hunched over as they made their way through the tunnel. Before they knew it they were climbing a set of stairs and came to the end of the tunnel. Harry tapped the statue and muttered the password as the hump opened up and allowed him entrance.
Harry didn't take the time to dwell on being back in the castle and he noticed that the Grangers were not even noticing the moving portraits or the staircases that changed position as Harry led them on the familiar path to the Hospital wing. They arrived at the double door entrance and Harry quickly threw open the doors only to be tackled by a brown haired missile who immediately wrapped her arms around him.