Chapter 29 – House of Bones

Harry appeared in the fire place of a large formal living room that looked quite similar the formal sitting room in Potter Manor although the room was decked out in black furniture with white soft furnishing. Harry stepped out of the fireplace and charmed the dust off him and stepped onto the carpet. There were family portraits all around the room and a large one above the fireplace of a young red head girl sat on a red headed woman's knee and a kind faced brown haired man with his arm around the woman.

Harry assumed that this was a young Susan and her parents as they all looked happy and smiling and he assumed this was before her parents were killed. Harry thought about how he always thought it was just him that had grown up without his parents but Susan and Neville had just the same problem even if they had a caring relative and family around them.

"I love that picture." Susan called coming into the room wearing a yellow summer dress that clung to her figure and emphasized her bust. She was wearing a pair of white pump shoes and had a white lightweight cardigan over the top covering her arms and shoulders.

"It's a really nice picture. You all look very happy and you look cute." Harry replied honestly smiling at the picture.

"When did you become so smooth Potter?" Hannah Abbott teased as she entered the room with a big smile on her face followed closely by Neville.

"Hi Harry!" Neville greeted giving him a small wave "Love the jacket, where are you getting these clothes from?"

"Hi Hannah, Hi Neville. I'm getting them from a muggle clothes store Nev. I'll tell you about it later if you like and I'm not smooth Hannah…. Just honest." he replied with a grin.

"Well, Lord Potter, let me welcome you formally to my humble home." Susan greeted giving Harry a dramatic and overly flamboyant curtsey. Harry picking up on the joke straight away didn't miss a beat in taking Susan's hand and bowing and kissing her hand and saying "Why Lady Bones, I'm delighted to be here in your wonderful residence." causing them all to laugh at Susan and Harry's banter.

"Let me show you around Harry, we've just given the tour to Neville, so I can't imagine he'd want to see it again but I'm sure Hannah can keep him occupied until we return." and with that she took Harry's arm and led him through one of the doors out of the room.

"So how long has Susan fancied Harry then?" Neville asked Hannah.

"God, since about first year when he got sorted. She's had a serious crush on him since forever and she's always been really shy around him because she likes him so much but since that day of the will reading at Gringotts when he fell onto her on the floor she seems to have gained confidence with him." Hannah replied as she started leading Neville to the kitchen as that was where the tour concluded before when they showed Neville around.

"Well she seemed pretty happy at the ministry ball." Neville said with a smile trying to stop himself from checking Hannah out as he followed her through the door.

"Hmmm yes well I don't know what got into her at the ball but I know she had a good night." Hannah replied.

"Can't be all bad getting kissed by the most eligible wizard in the country can it?"

"You should have seen her that night when we came back here. She was on a massive high saying it's the best most amazing kiss she's ever had and I think she's determined to try and develop things with Harry now." Hannah said

"Well I think she's going to have competition." Neville commented taking a seat at the marble breakfast counter in the kitchen as Hannah moved to the side and picked up a bottle of oak matured mead and four glasses and started pouring them some drinks.

"Well we Hufflepuffs don't mind a little competition although I don't think Suzie ever really expects to be able to get above Hermione Granger on the Harry's heart ladder."

"But she's with Ron now." Neville pointed out.

"Oh honestly Neville do you really think that Hermione and Ron will last? There always arguing and fighting with each other. I was shocked when I found out they had got together as they are so incompatible." Hannah stated as she handed Neville a glass that he took.

"Thanks, I'll admit that I was surprised Harry and Hermione didn't get together as I thought they would for sure in sixth year when Ron was with Lavender. I think Hermione and Harry are perfect for each other." Neville admitted causing Hannah to look at him hard.

"I don't know Susan well enough to know whether she and Harry would be but I think he could quite easily fall for her, it's just that I've seen Harry and Hermione together for years and they just work well together."

"Well I don't think Susan really expects to be number one in Harry's heart but I think she'd happily settle for second or third and possibly fourth at a push." Hannah said taking a drink.

"What do you mean she's happy to take second, third or fourth?" Neville asked.

"Well, Harry can have more than one wife as he's head of four houses, so I think she'd share with others if she can't have him all to herself. Anyway enough about them let's talk about you Lord Longbottom and whose chasing after you." She said with a wink and taking delight at making Neville blush to his ears.


"You've really got a lovely home Susan. It's got a nice feel about it and I love the swimming pool, that's a great idea. I could do with putting one at Potter Manor to help me try and get into shape." Harry said as they made their way from the stables where Susan had shown off her horse, Daisy, and explained to Harry how she felt about horse riding like he felt about flying.

"You look in perfectly good shape to me Harry." Susan replied before blushing and putting her hand to her mouth cursing herself for yet another slip of the tongue with Harry.

"Ha ha thanks Susan." Harry said blushing himself.

"Suzie." she countered.

"Are you sure? I thought only your closest friends could call you Suzie?" Harry asked.

"You are a friend Harry." She said and smiled at him. "I often think if we were in the same house we would have been really close. I asked the sorting hat when I was being sorted if there was any way I could be sorted into whatever house you were being sorted into."

"Really?" Harry asked genuinely surprised.

"Really. The hat said that he couldn't put me where I wanted because he hadn't seen inside your head where you should go and that he had to put me where it thought I would be happiest, which was Hufflepuff. I've never admitted that to anyone before and I thinking about it can't believe I just admitted that to you." she replied blushing prettily.

"I think we would have been close as well if we'd been in the same house. You've always been really nice to me and you helped me form the DA."

"It was Ron and Hermione that helped you form the DA. I just signed up." she responded.

"No if it wasn't for you asking about whether I can produce a corporal patronus I think the rest of them would have lost interest and left, so technically you saved it from everyone just walking out. As you've been honest enough to share a secret about your sorting with me I'll share one with you if you promise not to tell anyone. I've not even told Ron or Hermione this."

"I promise I won't say anything to anyone Harry." she said eagerly.

"Alright well I'm putting my trust in you. The Sorting Hat didn't want to put me into Gryffindor. It wanted to put me in Slytherin." Harry told as Susan gasped.

"But why, you're such a good wizard you don't have any cruelty or evilness in you?" Susan asked.

"Maybe it thought I was cunning. I basically asked for anywhere but Slytherin because I'd just had a run in with Malfoy on the train and I didn't want sorting into the same house as him."

"Wow. I promise I won't ever tell anyone Harry. Not even Hannah." Susan said taking his hand in hers. "Let's go get some drinks and then we can hang around with Hannah and Neville and then we can have some lunch if you want?"

"Sure let's go." Harry said taking her hand more firmly in his and thinking that it was nice to be holding hands with her. He couldn't help feeling a bit guilty about holding Susan's hand as he thought of Hermione but he pushed the guilt down saying he was only holding her hand to walk to the kitchen and Hermione was with Ron, so it wasn't like he was doing anything wrong.

Harry spent an enjoyable afternoon with Susan, Hannah and Neville laughing and joking and talking about things that happened when they were in Hogwarts and their preparations for going to their new schools.

Hannah and Susan made the boys a nice lunch and told them about being in Hufflepuff all the students get taught cooking spells and things when they first join the house and Neville and Harry appreciated the work they put into making lunch.

After lunch Hannah suggested some more drinks but Susan pointed out that the mead they'd drank was the only alcohol she had in the house and that if they wanted more, then they would need to go and get some.

Neville said he'd go to Diagon Alley and get some and Hannah said she'd go with him, so that Susan and Harry could talk about an idea she had had. Harry and Susan went to Susan's office where she closed the door behind him and went and sat on the couch against one of the walls and indicated for Harry to join her.

"So what's the idea you've had?" Harry asked.

"Well you know I was saying that I want something to leave behind after my time is done and I want people to remember my family's name. Well I was thinking that Diagon Alley is the busiest shopping place in the country and that it would be a good location to put it."

"I agree that Diagon Alley is probably the best place to set up. So you're talking about a shop or something?" Harry asked.

"Not technically a shop. I was thinking about building something fun for families to spend their time together or for parents to be able to leave their kids while they go about their shopping without having kids playing up or slowing them down."

"So you're thinking about some sort of play center?" Harry asked.

"Sort of…. but not quite. I have heard of a place that muggles go to for fun where there are different games and things and they can win tickets the better they play at the game the more tickets they get and then they can trade those tickets in for prizes." Susan explained.

"Ah you mean an amusement arcade." Harry realized.

"Is that what they call it. Have you been to one?" she asked him eagerly.

"I've heard of them but I've never been to one. So I assume you mean to make a magical one in Diagon Alley." Harry said and getting a concerned look and confirming nod from Susan who was biting her lower lip in nerves waiting for his thoughts on her idea.

"I think it's a brilliant idea Susan." he said grinning at her.

"Really? You don't think it's a bit stupid and childish?" she asked him seriously.

"Not at all I think it's a great idea. The magical world seems so far behind the muggle world in so many things that something like this would probably be a massive hit. So have you thought about what you'd put there games wise and things?" he asked her eagerly.

"Well, no like I say it's an idea at this stage. I'd have to do a lot of research into what it's like in a muggle arcade, the games they play and then figure out a way that we can magic them up a little. Then there is the start-up cost, finding a location, price structuring, employing people to work there and manage it and loads of other stuff I just wanted to get your opinion on whether you think it was worth doing."

"It's definitely worth it. I wish I'd come up with the idea myself. Really cool idea Susan." he replied causing her to give him a radiant smile.

"Well I was wondering whether you'd like to become partners in doing it?" Susan asked.

"Partners?"

"Yes equal partners, everything can be split fifty fifty. See I've got quite a lot of gold that my family have put away over the years but I don't want to tie all of it up in one thing and leave myself with nothing to live on or have nothing else to invest in as I've no idea what I want to do after I get my NEWTs but this will at least give me something to focus on in the meantime. So do you think you'd be interested in being my partner?" she asked hesitantly hoping he'd say yes.

Harry sat and thought the idea through for a moment thinking about the benefits of what she was proposing and he if his plan worked would have the perfect place to put it. "Susan I'd love to be your partner." he responded with a grin.

"Oh Harry that's wonderful!" Susan exclaimed jumping up and crushing him with a hug that knocked him back onto the couch, so that she was half lying on him with her arms around him and her head in the nook of his neck. He could feel her ample bust pressing against his chest and feel the rest of her taut stomach pressing against his as well.

"Although normally I'd expect you to take me on a few dates first before proposing." she smiled and then laughed as the look of horror spread across his face thinking that he'd total misunderstood what she meant by "partner".

"I'm just joking Harry." she laughed, "I mean in business. Although this is the second time we've ended up with one of us lying on top of the other."

"Ha!" Harry barked and laughed. "Well it is becoming a regular occurrence but I can think of worse things."

"Hmmmm, me too." Susan commented with a smile and reluctantly extracted herself from him. They talked about what they thought would be good ideas and the potential problems that they might encounter and agreed to discuss it with their account managers at Gringotts. Seeing as how they were going to be business partners Harry told Susan his plans for leaving a legacy on magical Britain, which she took on board with great enthusiasm.

They talked for over an hour before a laughing Neville and Hannah returned with some drinks and Susan decided that it might be fun to go for a swim in the pool or something. Neville pointed out he and Harry hadn't brought anything to go swimming in and Hannah joked that maybe they should just not bother wearing anything as it's less to dry later.

While Harry did take a second to consider the idea, he reluctantly said that he'd floo home quickly and get something and Neville did the same and they made their way back to the House of Bones within five minutes of leaving and when they arrived back Susan directed the boys to a couple of rooms that they could use to change and she and Hannah disappeared as well saying that they would meet them by the pool and for the boys to take the drinks down.


Harry and Neville got changed and made their way into the basement where the pool was located. Neville went to a bar besides the pool that looked like it was from a Hawaiian themed pub and got some glasses as Harry looked over what they bought.

"So you and Hannah seem to be getting on Nev." Harry commented causing a grin from Neville.

"Well she's nice. It's quite a nice thing having a girl talk to me for once and not to make fun of me. She's cool, funny and just really nice. Plus, she's gorgeous as well, I've felt like I've been blushing constantly the whole time I've been here." he said with a roguish grin spreading on to his face.

"Without sounding rude Neville, what do you think made them invite you? Susan asked me over because she had a business proposal for me and just wanted to hang out as I said I'd help anyway I could to re-establish her family name." Harry explained.

"Well I've known Hannah and Susan for years and didn't really speak to them too much except for class and I've been to a few formal things with gran and talked to them there but it was seventh year at Hogwarts I got to know them better.

I helped them one day when in assembly the Carrows were going on about how 'The Dark Lord was this and the Dark Lord was that.' and Susan out of nowhere just stood up and said that you were going to how did she put it "kick Voldemort's arse"."

Harry gasped "She really said that? I thought the Carrows were nutters?"

"Oh they were, they were a right pair of crazies and they started shouting at her and told her that she had detention and that she'd be feeling the cruciatus curse and that would teach her a lesson. Hannah then stood up and said that when you met them next that you'd be the one teaching the Carrows a lesson as unlike them you were a good teacher and could actually teach something good and useful and that if they thought Susan was going to be there for a detention then they could think again." Neville explained recalling the event.

"Well the Carrows went ballistic and started throwing hexes and curses at them which Susan and Hannah were having to try and defend themselves. McGonagall and most of the other teachers started stopping the Carrows and in the confusion I grabbed Susan and Hannah and lead them to the Room of Requirement to hide out. They were the first two people that ended up staying there with me and I got to know them pretty well from there. There both great girls." Neville finished and Harry could see that he meant what he said.

"Wow, I never knew any of this stuff that happened at Hogwarts in seventh year as Ginny never told me anything that was going on after the battle and the last couple of weeks." Harry said thinking maybe it was because she was too busy with another boy behind his back.

"Well the three of us can tell you all about it. Anyway you and Susan hey?" Neville asked wiggling his eyebrows at Harry.

"What?"

"It's pretty obvious she really likes you."

"Nah I think you're way off there Neville."

"Huh, are you mental? She blushes every time she talks to you and that's not to mention that kiss she gave you at the ministry ball."

"I really don't think she likes me Neville…. besides…."

"Besides what? You've got a really pretty witch liking you and you're free and single now you aren't with Ginny." Neville said as Harry looked down at the ground.

"It's not that it's just…." Harry didn't know whether he should tell Neville about it, well not here of all places. He liked Neville but they hadn't really spent as much time together as he'd have liked.

"It's just what? It's alright Harry if you don't want to tell me then that's fine but if you do I won't go repeating it to anyone I promise. I'd never do that to you. Did you know that your mum was my godmother?" on seeing the surprised and shocked look on Harry's face he got his answer.

"Yep straight up your mum was my godmother and if Voldemort hadn't done what he did the night he attacked your house me and you might have grown up together." Neville said as Harry met his eye and gave a smile. "We'd have grown up as brothers Harry and even though I don't have any brothers or sisters I'd like to think that we would have been brothers for each other."

"Brothers…. I was always jealous of Ron having so many brothers and him never really appreciating how lucky he was. I've always wanted a brother." Harry commented.

"Me to." Neville said thoughtfully. "After everything you've done and having to grow up without any family Harry I…. I want you to consider me your brother from now on. If you ever need anything, be it someone to have a laugh with, a confidante, some advice or a second opinion on something, someone to listen or talk to you, when you're not with Hermione anyway or just someone to have your back I want you to know that I'm there for you. I know I'm not the coolest or most popular person in the world but I've got your back."

Harry truly touched by Neville's kindness and desire to be a good thing in Harry's life and to be there if he needs him felt himself choking up with emotion. Not trusting his voice, he stared Neville straight in the eye and stood a little taller "Same here Neville. I'd be honored to be able to class you as my brother." and a grin stole over both of their faces as they clasped hands and gave each other a half hug with their other arm.

"Is this a private moment or can anyone join in?" Hannah called out from behind them as she and Susan entered the room carrying beach towel. Hannah was wearing a red bikini that showed off her figure perfectly. Susan was wearing a black bikini of which the top was really trying its hardest to keep her breasts contained.

Harry and Neville both stood there with their eyes bulging and their mouths opening and closing drinking in the sight of the two gorgeous witches.

"Oh dear I think we've broken them Suzie." Hannah quipped and looking at Neville in his swimming shorts and noticing that his body was toned but not too much that his muscles were defined. Susan only had eyes for Harry and she was trying to contain herself from drooling over him as she took him in wearing a pair of black flip flops with three red lines going across them and the pair of matching swimming shorts that were a little less baggy than Neville's making her think that she could see a ghosted outline of what he had underneath.

Her eyes made their way up seeing the toned and lean body that a seeker should have and she noticed a long red scar going along one of his wrists and on his left shoulder was another long scar that went from just above his armpit on his torso over his shoulder and disappearing somewhere down his back. This scar wasn't as red as the one on his wrist and she knew that he'd gotten the scar on his shoulder from where the Horntail had caught him during the Tri-wizard tournament but she didn't know where the one on his wrist had come from.

As Susan's eyes made her way up to his she saw that he was checking her out toe to head as well and she pushed her bust out slightly and blushed just a little as her eyes met those green emerald eyes that seemed to sparkle as they stared into her.

Susan cleared her throat and put up a confident front that wasn't quite there and said "Well if you two are going to stand there like goldfish we may as well get in the water so you're in your more natural habitat." and she jumped into the pool and Hannah laughing at Susan jumped in after her.

Harry and Neville turned to each other and then seeing the other had their mouths hanging over promptly closed their mouths. Looking back at the pool where Susan and Hannah were just surfacing after jumping in they winked at each other and grinned. "Gryffindors Roar?" they both shouted before running at the pool and jumping into cannonballs that made Susan and Hannah get splashed with the water as Harry and Neville emerged out of the water laughing.

"Right that's it, this is war!" Susan said smiling at Harry as she tied her hair back into a long ponytail as Hannah did the same. "Let's show them why no one should underestimate a Hufflepuff Han." and Susan leapt at Harry and Hannah at Neville as they both struggled to try and dunk Harry and Neville.

Being Gentlemen the boys after a short struggle let themselves be dunked by Hannah and Susan who gave a triumphant whoop and high fived each other as the boys emerged spluttering.

The next hour was a good for the four teens as they splashed around and dunked each other repeatedly as they talked about the previous year. They'd even had a game of bulldogs where Susan had been hoisted up onto Harry's shoulders and Hannah on Neville's as they tried to push each other off. Hannah teased Harry that this was the second time he'd ended up between Susan's legs and that he was making a habit of it, which caused Susan and Harry to laugh and Neville wonder what they were going on about as Susan started to explain the joke Hannah managed to take advantage of Susan's mind being elsewhere and pushed her off and into the pool.

After this they decided that they'd retire to the hot tub just to the side of the pool for some more drinks and they all talked for hours re-telling stories of their time at Hogwarts but from their own points of view and it was interesting for Harry to hear what the gossip and speculation of his adventures were from different points of view but the two girls found the true events of the story even more fascinating than the gossip.

Susan bit her lower lip gently before steeling herself "Harry can I ask about how you managed to get that scar on your wrist?"

Harry's hand moved to cover the scar as he had forgotten to cast a glamour over the ugly three-inch scar.

"You don't have to if you don't want to Harry." Hannah added quickly as Susan blushed at his embarrassment.

"I'm sorry Harry. I really didn't mean to embarrass you or anything." Susan said tears starting to form in her eyes.

"It's alright, really it's ok. Just another scar really as we've all got them just not all of them are visible I suppose." He said leaning back and reaching for a bottle of mead to refill their glasses. "It happened during the third task of the tournament….


Author's Note:- Big thanks for Goldzar for my editing.

- So in this chapter Harry and Susan have decided to go into a joint business venture together and Neville and Harry have agreed to be like brothers for one another. They've both had a hard life and grew up almost on their own so they have that in common and I thought them being close would be a good thing for both of them especially when Ron isn't around too much these days.