Chapter36– Win some lose some
.
The train was racing to Kings Cross with Luna and me in our own private compartment because we were different. Anyone approaching the compartment would see shy Neville and weird Luna with a look of dottiness. It was better to move on to more lively compartments.
I spotted it the moment I looked out over platform 9 ¾. Mr. Lovegood and Gran were standing together looking at the train. When Luna and I departed the train we were hustled to the 'floe' and Longbottom Manor. Luna and I were almost shoved into a couch and the two adults took seats across from us.
"Now none of your double talk you two, explain "like bunny rabbits".
"Or what?" I asked.
"We have drawn up a marriage contract…" Mr. Lovegood started.
"No I will not be pushed nor manipulated." I headed out of the room and headed to the garden.
"Now listen here young man…" Gran was starting but by now I was out of hearing what I was required to do. The garden was well kept by the elves and it let me think of what I wanted to do about everything.
Lady Longbottom had started on another rant but Luna cut her off. "Harry will jump off the Astronomy tower like he did before; he will not let himself be manipulated or pushed. He's done it before so drop the subject. I need to talk with him before he throws himself in front of another car." Luna raced out.
Lady Longbottom turned to Mr. Lovegood, "What is she talking about and did I just hear your daughter call my grandson Harry?"
"Lady Longbottom I am afraid that my Luna is a walking seer. When she gets that lost expression she is viewing something somewhere that will happen or in this case effect that young man whoever he is or where ever he is going. She hides her talents because she is afraid the Ministry will lock her up to use her powers of sight."
"You enjoying the Humbliters, you know the Nargals are terrified of you right now don't you." Luna exclaimed.
"Have they decided what they will make me do? By the way how do you feel about all this?"
"I don't think we need to make a decision right now but I would like to accompany you when you go to Gringotts."
"Why would I want to go to…? The Gringotts owl arrived and thrust a parchment into my face."
The parchment read, "Lord Longbottom it is imperative that you contact Gringotts immediately."
"Damn another thing to put on my list to do next week…"
"No Harry when Gringotts says immediately they mean now!"
Lu was always a mystery, she never pushed but she said things like a fact or sometimes she seemed to know what was going to happen before it did. I should sit down and ask her why she can do these things but I don't like to be pushed so why should I push her as it was obvious she was hiding something. Our arrangement was strange but very comfortable and I for one did not want to upset what was working so well. We headed to Gringotts.
/Scene Break/
I was worried about Luna being strange when I should have looked at myself. We got to Gringotts and Lockjaw led us to his office and started a tale. The tale was just the kind that Harry Potter should have; weird.
"Lord Longbottom we here at Gringotts have a baffling yet intriguing set of circumstances. We were hoping you could help us unraveled our little problem."
"I am happy to assist you Lockjaw as long as I don't end up in the middle of some weird plot to marry me to Voldemort or some other life threatening encounter."
"We here at Gringotts wish to be honest with you Lord Longbottom and we hope you will find trust in us in return. Our magic is different that wizard magic as you realize we carry no wand. When everyone saw the body of Harry Potter after the Tri-Wizard tournament few would say that he was not dead yet our magical files say he is still alive."
"Yes I was there and saw the body myself; there could be no doubt that the body was definitely dead."
"Indeed, however our magical files show that he is not dead and his vaults are attempting to resist all transfer attempts. There are further complications that have arisen Lord Longbottom that require your immediate attention as it seems our files show you are dead. Could you shed some light on our problem by any chance? Our thoughts of an inheritance test come first to our mind. This however is your choice as we cannot make you take the test but we can freeze the vaults until you do take the inheritance test."
"Might I ask why this has suddenly come to your attention?" I asked while Luna whispered in my ear to go with the test.
"I see no reason not to tell you. Albus Dumbledore has paperwork authorizing him to claim the Potter vaults upon Harry Potters death. The ministry has also submitted paperwork stating they have claim to the Potter vaults yet our paperwork keeps showing the Potter heir still lives. This is highly unusual and we would like to assure that distribution is done to a valid claimant."
"All findings will of course be kept secret?" I inquired.
"Of course Lord Longbottom, everything done here is confidential."
"Then let's do the test as with my luck I will be related to the Queen of England and have to marry her third cousin one removed." Only I have this kind of luck, I couldn't be just crazy and thinking I am Harry Potter, of course the Goblins were about to prove I'm crazy beyond a shadow of a doubt. As the first name appears on the parchment it show me as Harry Potter aka Neville Longbottom, heir of Black, Gryffindor, Longbottom and a half-dozen other names I had never heard of. The parchment then shows I am Lord Slytherin by conquest. There always seems to be something to sully my reputation and give people a reason to hate me, Lord Slytherin my ass.
"Lockjaw I want to tell you a story you will not believe and make a request you probably can't allow, that is if you have the time."
I told Lockjaw the whole stupid story of my lives as I remembered them, Thanatos and the 'fates'. When I finished he just shook his head and pointed his finger with the sharp looking claw at the inheritance test paper and said, "Our magic does not lie, you Lord Longbottom are also Harry Potter both related through the Gryffindor line. That would partly explain why the Longbottom vaults accepted you. I accept what our magic and paperwork state. What is your request?"
"Dumbledore and the Ministry want my Potter vaults, the Malfoys' want the Black vaults and somebody will probably claim the rest of the vaults before this is all done. Can we move all the contents of all my vaults into one of my other line vault? They can have the titles, and they can have the empty vaults but I will be damned if I will finance Voldemort, Dumbledore and the Ministry."
"As long as you pay the fees for the empty vaults we have not problems complying. As for your new vault name..."
Lockjaw let loose a laugh that sounded like a snarling bark. "Oh great maker there is an inheritance line that will fit you perfectly. The line has no current vault or monies but if you pardon me it fits your life like it was you who lived it."
"This I have got to hear."
"You are now Sir Harry Pelleas if you wish. The original Sir Pelleas was doubled crossed by his friend and cockold by the lady that he loved. After finding them together he left his sword on the two sleeping on his bed and left. The rumor is he married the lady of the lake."
"Yep sounds like it could fit into my life style so let's go for the new name and vault."
"We will forward you your new money wallet once everything is secure in your new vault."
I swore Lockjaw was still giggling as we left to see what trouble Luna and I could get into, the day was still young.
/Scene Break/
By now I am having feelings for Luna. She is Ravenclaw smart and Slytherin cunning and if she isn't seeing the future or paths to the future I will eat my broom. She trapped me into this relationship and honestly I'm more than happy being caught; besides the sex is fantastic.
Luna and I had a nice summer in between minor disasters. We met in the Hogsmeade cottage as much as possible avoiding marriage contracts that Gran and Mr. Lovegood kept waving around. Avoiding them was difficult based on I lived with Gran and Luna live with her father so it was a constant war. When it got to depressing or we had an argument with them we disappeared to the cottage. So the majority of the summer was spent in the cottage. One day in August I laid back on the couch and woke in a white room, white furniture and lying on the white floor. I looked around as a figure dressed in white entered and sat in the chair across from me. I knew where I was but not why?"
"Alright Thanatos what's the deal, I didn't off myself or did someone do it for me in my sleep? Why am I here and what's with the décor?"
"Well it's this way, the big boy has told me not to tell you. Everyone is busy about what is going to happen and I needed a change of scenery"
"Gee thanks for bringing me all this way not to tell me all about what's going on."
"Not at all, just remember that you will be between a rock and a hard place with Dumbledummy. Just follow Luna Nargals and if she starts yelling you might want to pay attention." Bang I was back in the cottage.
"Lu would you have heard from the Nargals about me recently?"
"Funny that you asked the Duckdorkins are buzzing around and the fog is really heavy. I think the Nargals have taken a break for awhile. I feel that we need to piss-off the Headmaster Duffisdork to no ends."
Yep the game was still playing but I sure had no idea what was going on and apparently they had Luna in a fog but why not? Luna was way too happy about something and didn't let me sleep much in the next two days.
/Scene Break/
September 1st came and the shy Neville Longbottom and Loony Lovegood were early arrivals and secured a compartment in the rear of the train. Normally we were left alone but on this trip I saw the beginning of someone's fingers manipulating our world.
"Hi Mate mind if we join you everywhere is full." Dean Thomas had arrived with Hermione Granger.
"So what did you do this summer Neville?" Hermione was just starting her questions.
"Want to play a game of chess?" Dean asked which got me a flash thought. Did Dean die this summer and Ron was having another go?
"Where did you stay this summer your Grandmother seemed upset you didn't stay a lot at Longbottom Manor?" Hermione's question of course had one minor flaw in it, that being how does she know?
"Lu dear, care to take a walk my legs are starting to cramp up."
"Of course Nev I'd love to."
The trip was mostly trying to shake Dean and Hermione from us and asking questions. We finally found the engineer who ran the train and let him regale how it ran and all its functions. Ron and Hermione had lost us and we meant to kept it that way. Keeping tabs on us or asking questions of someone they had ignored for years was odd, we were now sure any information they gathered was headed to Dumbledore.
The welcoming feast was always good food and finding out how everyone spent their summer. Neville Longbottom was always the third person out of any two-way conversation. Looney Lovegood had the same problem in Ravenclaw with any conversation not containing Nargles.
After the feast we headed to the secret room and didn't reappear until breakfast the next morning, when, "Mr. Longbottom please report to my office" sounded across the Great Hall. We again gathered our Heads of Houses and Luna and I entered Dumbldore's office, Snape was lurking in the shadows.
"I didn't request you Miss Lovegood nor anybody but Mr. Longbottom." His dismissal of the Professors was working till I got up and tried to leave with them.
"Where are you going Mr. Longbottom?"
"Why dear Headmaster if they go I go, it's so simple that you should grasp the meaning of the concept."
"Fine but Miss Lovegood has no reason to be here and is dismissed."
"Oh dear! Miss Lovegood had been hired as my advisor and confidant, she stays." I was not overly happy. "Headmaster I would advise you to come to the point as I have better things to do that sit here and listen to you tell me things that are not of any importance."
"Mr. Potter!" McGonagall was about to rant.
"Professor McGonagall if we could get to the reason I am here or do I leave?" I wanted the shoe to drop whatever it happened to be.
"Very well, if you insist Mr. Longbottom. This is of the most secret of information and must not be divulged to anyone. The entire magical community would be at risk should this information get out."
I couldn't resist, "Maybe I should leave, you' all know how I can't keep a secret worth a damn." I smirked.
Dumbledore continued as if I had not spoken, "Before you were born there was a prophesy made by a seer. It said that a boy whose parent defied Voldemort three times would be able to defeat Voldemort. I made a great error in believing that Harry Potter was that person. Young Longbottom you were born one day before Harry Potter and your parents defied Voldemort three times. I am afraid you are destined to fight Voldemort as you are, by prophesy, the only one that can defeat him."
"Oh Sweet Merlin! I will rise up and slay the bad guy and save the world. Sorry, I am afraid of my own shadow and won't fight; I might get hurt or get a bloody nose." I sat down and tried to pretend I was in terror.
My mind was racing at first I though, nice try duffus but you can't get something that doesn't exist. I am an emancipated Lord so your guardian paperwork is for shit.
"Luna as my girlfriend what do think we should do. I am terrified to think I should attempt to kill someone that powerful."
"Relax my love the Nargals have told me that private quarters are needed to boaster your nerves. Furthermore access to the restricted section to help you overcome you adversaries and a canceling of curfew, so you can train late into the night is a must.
"I am afraid my dear that that would be showing favoritism and that we can not allow here at Hogwarts. I am afraid Neville that you should remain in the Gryffindor dorms with your two friends for their needed support. Their assistance and help will be of great assistance to you in overcoming your fight with Voldemort."
Finally the bull slinging session was finished and everyone departed. Luna and I headed to the secret room knowing full well that in the next day or two questions would be raised as to where we were sleeping.
/Scene Break/
I have known a girl or two in my life. I have known love, Veela allure and love and then there was Luna. All I can say is happiness and contentment was something that surrounds us and I decided never to give that up no matter what. So enters Headmaster Dummydork, his potion master Batboy and the entourage of fools.
"Mr. Longbottom please report to my office after breakfast."
Luna, Filius, Minerva and I tromped to the great leader of the light's office. We were met with Molly Weasley, Ginny Weasley and Snape, aka Batboy.
"Ah Mr. Longbottom it is my greatest pleasure to inform you that your grandmother had decided that you should be under more controlled guidance. As I foresaw your plight I have Madam Longbottom's approval and her transfer of your guardianship I am now your guardian and as such will provide you with all the training you will need to accomplish your distasteful task as the chosen one. Proffessor Snape will be providing 'Occlumency' lessons.
"Stone the crows you can't be serious, been smoking wacky backy I'll bet."
"No indeed it's now my privilege to…"
I gave him the two finger salute.
"Now to even out your recklessness I have decided and sighed a contract on your behalf with the Weasley's for your marriage next week to Miss Ginny Weasley. Your honeymoon will be at the Order of the Pheonix headquarters as it is now too dangerous for you to go anywhere else."
"Kiss my todger and shove off ass hole."
"Mr. Longbottom please settle down, I would think you would be celebrating your marriage contract and the new family that you be living with." Duffisdork continued.
"Professor McGonagall I think you best check Augustus for memory charms or the imperious curse." I just shook my head.
"Why would you make such a serious charge Mr. Longbottom?"
"Well let's see, Gran had this marriage contract that she demanded I sign. Problem is it was with Miss Lovegood and not Miss Weasley. So Lu my love what do we do next? Have the Duckdorkins left town yet?"
"No Harry they haven't but I knew this was coming before the fog settled in and I know what you will do. I love you Harry." Luna dashed from the room.
"So now that the distraction has left the room Mr. Longbottom I have some rules that you will follow…"
I broke into laughter, "You boob, the idiot of control and more stupid than Boris the Bewildered training trolls for the ballet. Piss-off DummyDorkin you have lost again." I ran across the room and dove out of the window; I was not going to be controlled.
Dumbledore leaped from behind his desk and speed to the window with surprising speed. His office was at the top of a tower and while not a tall as the astronomy tower a jump like Neville had just made was fatal none-the-less. Leaning out with his wand pointed to stop Neville's fall the Headmaster saw nothing.
I had to make a decision. Do I continue the fall headfirst or 'apperate' away? I could no longer do the Phoenix change or could I? The choice was taken from me as I lost consciousness mid fall.