A/N June 9, 2005: Hum, that was a bit longer of a wait than normal for new chapters, and for that I'm sorry. But, it's that time o' year again and finals are all next week. Grumble grumble... -crosses fingers- Please pass French! Ohh man, I'm gonna flunk. I'll be taking French One until I'm twenty. That is also why this is a slightly shorter chaper. Sorry for that, but I will make it up to ya with a whole heap of answers to questions and action and DEATH -gasp!- comin' soon. No worries.

lucidity: Holy smokes! 13 reviews! Thanks times forty-two! Plus five hundred:-D That meant a lot to me, thanks a ton for makin' my days bright!

Turning Your Time Around
By: Cheelalaucha

Chapter dedicated to: lucidity for readin' & reviewin'! And because of the fact that "Secrets and Lies" is totally awesome :-)

Chapter 21: "Lost & Found Part Two"

Neville didn't stop running until he was at the edge of the town again. Trying to catch his breath, he put his hands on his knees. He knew those eyes, the eyes of the young boy. Those blue eyes were the first thing he'd seen and liked of Hogwarts. He wasn't scared of them, or the person they belonged to.

Even though he wasn't scared of them, Neville was getting extremely worried. Why shouldn't he be? He had a good reason, he thought. After all, you had to go back pretty far in time to see a seven year old Albus Dumbledore. But the thing that made him nearly want to jump off a bridge was the fact that the 100-something year old headmaster would be the one to tell him he was expelled for underage wizardry, as soon as he was in the correct year. Now Neville was thinking one thought alone: should he even go back at all?

There really isn't a point in going someplace where I know I have no future. I guess I could stay here, there's plenty of room. I will make some dirt house or something. That doesn't sound so bad. . .

But, as always, Neville did not have time to think everything through. The dirt piles around him, and the sun, were fading into nothingness. He didn't move one single finger, toe, or hair as he found himself standing in a dusty old room.

There was just enough light to see shadows of objects that were near to him. Without thinking much of it, Neville reached up and pulled a string above his head. Light flooded into the room and reflected off several mirrors on walls. Neville's stomach grumbled but he ignored it as he studied his surroundings.

Whoa! How in the worlds did I know that was there? Okay, I'm freaked now. But, wait. . . this place is familiar. . . .

"Bloody hell! I'm in our attic!" Neville shouted to no one.

This was indeed was not something he expected to see. Sure, times were becoming stranger and stranger with every day, but this was totally different. The attic he was in now was not his grandmother's attic. This was his parent's house. He'd never been here after what happened to his parents, but he was positive of where he stood just by the feel of it. Neville turned around to get a better view of the room and saw a chair behind him. Without another thought, he let himself fall back into it. Dust flew into the air and made him cough, but he did not mind.

On the small round table beside the chair there laid a stack of papers and photos. Curious, Neville reached out to pick up whatever was on top of the stack. A folded up letter was what he found. The name "Ally" was written in big bold handwriting, and he opened it as gently as he could. He read the love note from his father to his mother while his heart raced a mile a minute.

Ally,

You are a star, a treasure, an angel, a beautiful friend, and my wonderful wife. Look at us back in school! (there must have been a photo with it before, Neville thought.) More often than you know, your words have soothed my day. Your caring has lifted sadness from my heart. Your insight has cast a new light on my path. And your friendship has made me feel so thankful there is you. May we have a lot more years.

Your lover,
Frank

Whether if he wanted it or not, Neville felt his eyes burn and his vision become blurry. But, he told himself to get a grip and did not let one single tear fall. Setting the note down, Neville picked another from the bottom of the pile. This was also from his father, but a younger one since the style of handwriting was a little messier than the last. With a deep breath, Neville began to read the letter.

Ally,

Sorry I haven't written in a while, I've had lots of training and not much time for myself. How are you doing? I'm fine, but I miss you. I hope you'll be able to visit my house this summer. My mother said she would think about it, but she wouldn't make any promises. (Sounds like her, Neville told himself.) How are the teachers? Is Stole still giving you a hard time in Potions? Sometimes I'm glad that I am not at Hogwarts anymore, but then I remember that you're there and I just miss you twice as much. I hope you can write me back soon. I'll be watching for your owl.

Lumps of Love,
Frank

"Lumps of love?" Neville repeated with a raised eyebrow.

For about an hours time, Neville read through letter after letter and note after note in the stack of papers. The twenty-sixth note he picked up was totally blank, so he moved to set it down again. However, at just that moment, words appeared on the paper. Neville's eyes widened at what he saw.

Longbottom?

Not knowing what to do, Neville glanced around the room and said out loud, "What the...?" The words disappeared and were replaced with new ones.

Where are you?

"Uh.. quill, where's a quill?" Neville searched around for one, but got a reply on the paper instead.

Just speak. Where are you?

Okay, that was more than a little weird. Nervously, Neville answered, "I-I'm in my ol-old a-at-attic."

Stop stuttering, Longbotttom. What year are you in?

That had to be Snape. No one else would just order him like that, he was pretty sure. Well, let's show him what I'm made of. With his voice strong and confident, Neville replied, "I'm not entirely sure. It has to be before my parents were tortured." That had hurt somewhat to say, but he'd done it and not stuttered once. That was something to be proud of, right? There were no new words for about a minute, so Neville sat back further into the chair until they appeared.

I tried to return you here, but I was unsuccessful. I cannot try again for another twenty-four hours.

"And in the mean time?" Neville questioned with a sigh. Even though he couldn't realize it, his mood shifted and he was acting, talking, and thinking a bit more darker and in a way that implied he had no fears.

In the mean time, I suggest you stay where you are.

Neville went along with it for another long hour without any words from Snape. He finally could not stand just sitting around waiting. "This is so boring," Neville whined. "Would you just get me out of here already!"

One: I do not care how bored or entertained you are. Two: I am your teacher and you will act respectful. Do you understand?

Neville laughed and said, "In your dreams." before he could stop himself. He covered his mouth with his hand and his eyes grew wide. Before his professor could react, Neville quickly said, "I'm sorry, I didn't mean that!"

Should I just leave you where you are? I have no problem having you out of my hair for good.

"No!" Neville pleaded. This place was making him crazy! Putting his hands over his eyes this time, he tried to banish the thoughts that entered his mind. Thoughts of cursing Snape with a Crucio or two, or maybe poison would be better. . . . He didn't seem to notice that he was speaking out loud the next few minutes and wasn't aware Snape could hear him.

-

Severus Snape sat alone at his desk in the gloomy candle light. Rain and thunder made their noises against the castle as he thought of how dull his life was. He'd just heard the Longbottom child yell a "No!" to his question. Snape smirked. He had the upper hand now, didn't he? That child would obey him now, he thought.

But, as he sat there, Longbottom's voice continued to echo through his office. Snape's smirk vanished as he heard the pleading tones. Those were not directed at him, Snape realized, but the Gryffindor was muttering to himself. The Potions master was growing increasingly worried as the child went on and on.

Don't think that. . . Come on, just leave me alone. . . I don't want to hear it anymore. . . .

"Longbottom?" Snape asked aloud, knowing the boy could read his words. When the other's voice rang out again, he was glad to note that it was much calmer than a few seconds ago.

Professor? I'm sorry for what I said. I didn't mean it. . . It's probably just because I. . . I'm. . . hungry.

"When was the last time you ate?"

The day before yesterday, s-sir.

Severus frowned at that. If the boy couldn't get here in the next 24 hours, then what was he supposed to eat? It would have been much better if he had ended up in a town of some sort so that he could buy what he needed, but things did not always work out for the best. "Is there anywhere you can find food?"

The door's lock-locked, sir.

Oh, just brilliant. Things were getting better by the minute. "Well, stay where you are. You don't want someone to find you up there."

Yes. . . sir.

Hours passed without any words, and Severus had taken to grading papers. He'd almost finished grading when he heard a groan. That had to have been Longbottom, Snape thought to himself silently. "How are you holding up?" Snape asked in a slightly gentler tone than he had ever spoken to a student with.

Not so good, sir.

The boy had gasped out that last bit, and Severus was getting slightly nervous. I can't just sit and do nothing no matter how much I want to. He sighed and said, "Have you tried sleeping?"

I. . . I. . . .

"Longbottom?" Severus asked the air. He heard another groan from the boy and then the words weakly spoken after.

I cannot fall asleep, sir. My head is pounding, it feels s'like it's going to exp-explode.

"What school subject do you enjoy?" Severus asked in a slightly desperate try to keep the Gryffindor's mind off food. There had been several times when he, Severus, had to go for days on end without eating, and he knew just how bad it could get.

H-Herbology, sir.

"What are the three most deadly plants in England?" Snape inquired. The boy replied with the correct answer for once, and Snape continued on with questions like, "Where are violet Tremptone plants found?" and "Who discovered the Memory Vine?" and that kept the other talking. Not a single question was answered incorrectly, much to Snape's surprise. How did this boy know all this and still not be able to make a decent potion with these things? Severus was just about to ask another question when the boy's voice reached his ears.

Sir, please. . . no more.

Snape sighed. Time was going by slowly and the blasted child must be starving by now. He would be lucky to be able to move after the 24 hours was up. Then something occurred to Severus: what if Longbottom didn't end up in the right place again? And if he didn't, would he still be able to communicate with the boy? If that happened, and he ended in the middle of nowhere, Longbottom would surely die of dehydration without water. It was unlikely to happen, but possible none the less. How could he solve this new problem? It would not exactly look good if he just left the stupid Gryffindor to die. It was just amazing that the child hadn't blown himself up in class trying (and failing) to make a first year potion. So, what should he do? He wondered for a while but kept coming back to one solution. Oh for Melin's sake, Snape thought.

-

Neville's eyes actually drooped closed after his last sentence. Think calming thoughts, that was always best. Even though it felt like only one minute, it had actually been hours later when he awoke. Before his starved body could react, he found his head being tilted back and a liquid rushing down his throat. After a few seconds, he was able to move with less pain and his headache was fading into nothingness.

"Wha?" Neville whispered out as he glanced around for the source of the relief. Two dark eyes peered at him from not too far away. "Whudder you doin' here?" Neville asked groggily as he lifted himself to his hands and knees.

"Watch your manners, Longbottom," the Potions master growled.

Neville was about to apologize when a shiver ran through his body. He drew back a bit and rubbed his own arms to stay warm. As he stared at the floor, a pale hand came into his line of vision. He looked up and was surprised to note the hint of concern he could see in those Death Eater eyes. He took the hand offered and was lifted on to his feet.

"How are you feeling?" Snape asked, though his tone suggested he didn't care much about the answer. That was no news to Neville (that Snape hated him). He supposed that if the roles were switched, he'd find himself rather annoying.

Keeping up with his calm face, he answered plainly, "Better. Thank you."

The way the Gryffindor was speaking was nothing like how he used to stutter in class. Perhaps this whole thing with Merlin had done the boy some good.

"Sir," the boy began lightly, "has anyone died since I left?"

"Why would you ask something like that?" Snape was truly shocked at what had come from that sixth-year's mouth. Alright, maybe the situation with Merlin was not doing him any good.

"I don't want to be sad when I hear it, but I know I will. I'd rather not have an audience. It's best to just know now while there's hardly any people around to see me."

Okay, that was a bit of a stunner to the Potions master. When was the last time Longbottom had used his brain? Never. So, what was going on now? "No," Snape looked him over, "there have been no deaths."

"Attacks?" Neville questioned further.

"No." Severus replied shortly.

"Raids?"

"None."

"Have-"

"Mr. Longbottom," Snape ground out. "If you say one more word, it's detention for a month!"

Neville shut his mouth and didn't say another word for the next hour.

-

As the 24-hour wait was ending, Severus could feel the Dark Mark tingling on his arm. That was his cue to be ready at any moment to fulfill his part of the plan. He would return with Longbottom right on time. That was definitely good news since his whole career and even his life were on the line tonight.

"You will see that the Gryffindor is alone when our dear Lucius arrives, will you not?" Voldemort had asked him in the last meeting.

"Yes, my Lord," Severus had replied.

Well, Voldemort would certainly get the idiot student out of his hair for a few days. The Dark Lord would have some fun for sure, as would he (Severus). Thank the gods for small blessings. Goodbye you useless Gryffindor, Snape thought with a smirk.

-

A/N: What'd ya think o' it? I'm havin' a slightly difficult time comin' up with a title name. What could ya call a meeting with a lot of people? I'm losin' me mind just tryin' ta think of a good word/words. Oh well, thanks fer readin'!
The first letter from Frank to Alice was from an actual note my grandfather wrote for my gran. It was in a box of old papers, and I thought it was so sweet.
Got some questions? Here could be your answers...

Why was the chapter called 'Lost & Found'? What did they find: Hm, well, Neville (and now Snape) are lost somewhere in time. And, Snape has found it in himself to be civil and not scare Neville to death. Neville also found some letters, uh, pictures, things like that. Nev found out that his dad was in some sorta training away from Hogwarts. Hey, did ya notice that I mentioned Professor Stole again?
Is Snape a traitor to the light: Now that would be giving something away, wouldn't it? If he was a traitor, he'd eventually get what he deserved and that would be death.
Which Gryffindor is Snape 'after': Well, it could be any of them. Hah!
Neville's acting weird, why is that: Neville's got some changing attitudes, did you see that? I guess I can say that being in the past for so long is having effects on Nev. That just might lead to something bigger...
How'd Snape get where Nev is?: He did the same thing he did to get Nev in his parent's old house. I will tell how he did that in either the next or some chapter soon. No worries, yet.
Arrg! This is so aggravating! Who's bad and who's good: I know ya get mixed signals, but it's not in the 'Mystery' category for nothin'!

lucidity's Q's from reviews...(ones that haven't been answered already) : Neville, evil... I would never do that ;-D I'm also a good liar. Nope, Rotiart isn't actually Tom, but you are.. on the right track. Dumbledore's could be good or evil, depending on how ya look at him & his actions. Snape has to be quick minded, our great spy that he is. But, he's been doing it for years, and Neville was successful with out any practice in lying (and making those lies believable). Does that not suggest that Nev will lie a lot when he's older? Hehehee... Oh yes, Snape & Ron & Nev are workin' together. That git needed some payback after all those years of scaring my poor baby Nev:-D There was some things in the last chapter that will have an impact on later chapters.

One last thing: Something happened in chapter #11 that will give Neville & Snape some troubles. Can you guess what?