Disclaimer: For a full disclaimer, see Chapter 1
A/N: Things will start to get darker soon…be warned.
Chapter 10. Driving Down Memory Lane
"These were my Dad's keys?" asked Harry.
"Yep. You guessed the one. That is to vault that holds the balance of your parent's estate. What you have in your vault was your trust fund to get you through school. Your parents left you the balance of their estate when you graduated. It consists of the ring, which you already have, plus their vault, two pieces of property, your Dad's car and other miscellaneous items," added Sirius.
"You have to go see the solicitor tomorrow morning about signing some documents, but I got the whole thing started today. AND I got those keys for you."
"I don't know what to say, Sirius. Thank you. So these are the keys to Dad's car?"
"Yes. He wanted you to have it. But you have to learn to drive it. I will help get it to the Burrow so you can practice. Are you guys ready to go?" he asked. He turned and looked to see if anyone was watching. When he was confident they weren't, he tapped his wand on the bike's seat and it disappeared.
"So how are we getting home?" asked Ginny.
"Well, if Harry will give me the keys, I will drive this," he said, pointing at the red car he was leaning against.
Harry's eyes widened. The car was a classic 1965 Ford Mustang convertible. It must have come from America, as the steering wheel was on the left. The red finish was highly polished, and the black roof and interior were perfect. Harry handed the keys to Sirius and he followed Ginny into the car. Sirius started it up and backed out of the parking spot, then smoothly pulled away, heading toward Ottery St. Catchpole.
***
Neville and his grandmother had left King's Cross and were heading to St. Mungo's Hospital. He listened to her talk about his parents, but his mind kept thinking about Luna. When he had talked to Harry and Ginny, she had glanced over at him and smiled. He was smiling when the car stopped.
"Well, I am glad this news is making you happy," his grandmother said.
"It does. But I suppose I won't be adding to my gum wrapper collection as often."
His grandmother smiled as she led him in to see his parents.
***
Luna's father watched his daughter with a keen interest. Something about her had changed. She was joking with that red headed girl he supposed was Ginny Weasley. His suspicions were confirmed once he saw Harry Potter walk over to them. He saw Ginny light up and he knew at once who she was. Luna however became quiet again. Oh, he saw her laugh with Harry, but once that other boy had joined them, Luna became very quiet. As he watched the interaction between the young people, he realized that his daughter was in love.
The young man who Luna watched walk away went to speak to Mrs. Longbottom. Luna's father shook his head. Neville Longbottom. He knew the name from listening to Luna talk about her friends at school. His sources had assured him that Neville was a nice young man who was well thought of. And he knew that Neville, along with Harry, had been accepted to Auror training. That spoke well of the young man.
"Hello, Father," said Luna.
"Hello, dear," he replied. "All set?" She nodded. "Good! We are having tea at home; then we have been invited to a party."
Luna smiled. She had loved going to parties since she was a little girl.
***
Neville walked into the ward where his parents stayed. In one of the beds was Gilderoy Lockhart who had been a Professor at Hogwarts during his second year. He looked up at Neville and smiled.
"Hello, young man. You look well today! I do believe you have a surprise in store," he said, smiling. Even after all the years in the hospital, he still had a nice smile.
"Here you are Gilderoy. Just sign these and you can go. Remember, however, you must come back once a week to talk to the Healers. I will miss your warm personality, so please keep us updated as to how you are getting along," the nurse added.
"Gran? Professor Lockhart is getting out?" whispered Neville.
"Yes, dear. He has finally gotten his memory back. He seems sad that he was so mean to people, so they are letting him move out to a community that helps get people adjusted to living back outside the hospital. Now let's go see your parents."
Neville followed her to the rear of the room. Opening up the curtains, he was shocked when he heard "Surprise!" and saw a cake on his mother's bed. His mother and father were sitting next to each other smiling. His mother had a tear in her eye. "Congratulations, Son," she said.
Neville ran to her with tears in his eyes and hugged both her and his father. He looked up into his Father's eyes.
"Son," he whispered. "I am much better. Both of us are recovering our memories and we know how much we love you."
Mrs. Longbottom stood back with tears in her eyes watching her grandson reunited with his parents.
***
The large old house stood alone on the moor. Johnny remembered when he was just a small boy and a rich family had come there every summer. Their son was not very nice, and he looked at Johnny with disgust. But they had not come for several years and the house had fallen into disrepair. Occasionally, people would notice strange things happening, but no one was brave enough to investigate. In fact Johnny was closer to the house than anyone had been in years.
There were no signs of life in the house, but the eerie stillness of the moor was a sign that all was not what it appeared to be. The only sounds that he heard were occasional popping noises from the far side of the house. He was almost to the front door when it suddenly opened and someone in dark robes stepped out. Johnny turned to run but was blinded by a bright green light.
***
Harry and Ginny were having a wonderful time. Sirius was driving and telling stories of when he and James took rides during their teen years. As they drove through Ottery St. Catchpole, Sirius told of one time when James had gotten grounded from the car for a whole month because of a note that was sent home by Professor McGonagall. Harry laughed as Sirius turned into the driveway at the Burrow.
