Embracing His True Self

Chapter 44

"We might not have long to run with this," Harry said from where he sat, gesturing towards everything surrounding them, which was a great deal more than Harry could have anticipated or hoped. Between both of them, they could quite literally write a book the size of a doorstep on the old fool. Gathering the information hadn't been easy either, half it was through sheer persistence and bribery. They sort of knew it wouldn't be easy, otherwise some reporter would have already spilled the beans on Dumbledore, whether it was just after he defeated Grindelwald and was just a professor, or last year after his reputation took a serious knock. It still hadn't recovered fully, but Dumbledore was nothing if not persistent himself, and didn't give in easily. He also knew how to keep his reputation and name near enough completely clean. "There are outside forces doing what they can to bring him to justice,"

Voldemort glanced over at Harry, who had a thoughtful look on his face, the information he had brought him had coincided with his own. Solidify them if you will, with a few bits and pieces from places he hadn't thought to look. Including the contracts department, which housed over a dozen NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreements) which differed from the Muggle ones, these were magically binding, holding the swearer to his word, given in blood and thus magic. What those agreements actually were, they didn't know, they weren't written down, it was a word of mouth agreement to remain silent between two parties. "I'm going to assume you aren't just talking about Augusta Longbottom?"

"You'd be right," Harry admitted grimly, "And I'm not really all that into stopping him." not because he didn't 'care' or anything like that. But if Sirius was right…he deserved answers, they both deserved answers.

"Are you keeping secrets from me?" Voldemort hissed out through gritted teeth, sounding more like his older self. Eyes flashing suspiciously, as he glared angrily at Harry, disappointed despite himself.

Harry smirked, unperturbed by Voldemort's mood, it would happen, always, Voldemort was suspicious by nature. Nothing was going to change that, not even him being a Horcrux would stow that suspicious mind. Although it did irk him that Voldemort suspected him of something. Hadn't be proved his loyalty? Well, not really, just stopped messing up his plans…and help him enact new ones. "Is this how you're going to be today?" Harry asked blankly smirk fading, staring at Voldemort without an ounce of feeling showing on his face or in his eyes.

Voldemort narrowed his eyes at Harry's impudence, if not for the threat of secrets hanging in the air between them, he would as always been extremely awed by the extent that Harry stood up to him. Yet, secrets, he continued to eye Harry, refusing to be drawn into a debate. "Explain. Now." He uttered two words, demanding an explanation to his earlier words.

Harry sighed, he could do without the threats, not that they scared him or Voldemort going into a huff. Honestly, the guy was like a toddler when he didn't get his way. He wouldn't just take it out on him either but everyone around him. He decided to take pity on everyone who would be around Voldemort today and just tell him, stave off his petulance. He'd probably be away again in seven hours, he was going to go back to Neville's.

"Alright," Harry said, sitting up tapping the table as he thought of the best way to explain, Sirius hadn't made the most sense after all. "The first full moon after you were temporarily defeated, Remus was alone for the first time in just over a decade for the full moon. He'd just lost his entire pack, he returned to his childhood home, there was only one person who knew where he was that night. Dumbledore."

Voldemort frowned, well, this wasn't going where he'd expected it to. All the anger drained from him along with the suspicion as he listened.

"That night, like every full moon Remus made sure he couldn't escape the confines of the property, repeatedly." Harry stressed the words. "He confessed to Sirius that something had happened that night, why he so rigorously took the Wolfsbane potion each month despite the…damage it was doing. Somehow despite all the precautions he took, someone got through the wards and he mauled a Muggle to death."

Voldemort rolled his eyes, only Lupin would care about such an insipid thing.

"Still reeling over what he did, Dumbledore came to see him, asked him not to visit me, to let me grow up without the 'fame' and burden with it." Harry sneered, "Having just killed someone, Remus agreed, too terrified he'd end up hurting someone or ending up executed so he basically drifted around the Muggle world for near enough twelve years."

"Very unlike Black to suspect Dumbledore," Voldemort said astutely.

"Hardly," Harry said wryly, "He knows Dumbledore knew he was innocent, knew he was kept in Azkaban to keep him out of my life. Well, not until I told him my suspicions, but I believe I only helped the seed of suspicion grow otherwise I believe he would have ignored the implication and continued on for my benefit." The belief was held true by the fact Sirius had wanted to stay in Grimmauld Place and allow the Order to use his home as a base of operations.

"It's one thing to know he was capable of keeping him in Azkaban, but murder?" Voldemort pointed out. He knew that Sirius Black and the ilk that surrounded him those in his 'Order' all revered the ground Dumbledore walked on and would never believe him capable of anything unless there was irrefutable proof. Then they would abandon him like rats did a sinking ship.

"Dumbledore was the only one who knew where Remus was apparently, and Sirius believes Remus, who probably hasn't thought for a second that Dumbledore is capable of such duplicity." Harry shrugged, "He's been searching through Remus' childhood home and the surrounding land looking for clues to where the wards had been twisted."

"How long?" Voldemort asked, arching an eyebrow in disbelief, surely it didn't take that long to find the breech in the wards.

"Been weeks," Harry admitted, "I sent him a book that would help him pinpoint it quicker, but I haven't really spoken to him in ages, just quick reassurances that I'm fine in the mirror." Despite Sirius' attempts to get him to talk, to explain what was going on, Harry just ended the call so to speak. Sirius didn't press too hard, he knew that someone he cared about had been injured, but that was the extent of it. He definitely didn't know what exactly had happened.

"It has been long enough that finding the breech would be next to impossible," Voldemort conceded his mind contemplating everything he'd just learned. The suspicion had already fled him, but he was annoyed that Harry had not informed him of this latest development.

"Not impossible, just difficult," Harry argued mildly, "More so for someone who isn't an expert, I did contemplate informing Fenrir, he would be able to find the vicinity in which Dumbledore had stood, feel the essence of Dumbledore's magic." Remus definitely wouldn't his senses were all fucked up due to the damn Wolfsbane potion he had taken for years.

"You understand that distributing all this information will not only endanger the reporter who chooses to publish the findings…but his desperation will grow worse each given article." Voldemort warned him blasely. He didn't much care for the Longbottoms or anyone who trusted Dumbledore. In his book they only got what they deserved, but Harry despite all his procrastinations' on the subject…cared, even if it was only a little. "Anyone he believes might have information on YOU will become a likely target I suspect." With his reputation in tatters he would be even more desperate to end the war, to become a hero again in order to elevate himself in the eyes of the public once more.

Harry's green eyes gleamed otherworldly at the suggestion of Dumbledore being desperate. He relished in the fact he had screwed up Dumbledore's plans. For too long he'd been complacent in his role as the Saviour of the magical world. For too long had he allowed Dumbledore to lord over the fact he had the perfect weapon. For too long had he put his life on the line for a cause not his own. He wasn't responsible for Dumbledore's actions, he refused to be or feel guilty over what happened to the Longbottom's. It wasn't as if it had been him under the Imperius curse that hurt them or anything like that. Alright, he did feel a little bit responsible, Neville wouldn't have been targeted if he hadn't befriended him. But bloody hell, he couldn't go around feeling guilty over every move he made.

His mind unwillingly drifted to Luna who had been included in their little group for a while. Now, Neville would be utterly devasted if he found out his crush on the girl had led to her death by association. Admittedly he liked Luna too, even if she was a little strange she stayed true to herself. That kind of character made him feel more than just a little respect towards the blonde. Gritting his teeth, "Looks like I'm going to have to call in a few favours," he grumbled under his breath in annoyance. It wasn't exactly what he wanted to use his favours on but needs a must.

"Oh?" Voldemort eyed him in amusement, already suspecting what Harry was about to do.

Harry just huffed, the urge to stomp his foot in frustration was extreme.

Well he best get to work so he could return to Neville's soon.

Seven hours later

"Any news on Dowager Longbottom?" Harry asked Grant as he entered the room they'd set up as a de facto Hospital wing of sorts. Grant had been in contact with the Greengrass' and actually had some success with Daphne Greengrass. Her father had also been in on the meetings, due to her underage status her father also had to sign the apprenticeship contract with her. Harry always felt a sense of satisfaction when his ideas were put to use, since they were so often – always actually – discarded as if he was a silly little boy coming up with childish ideas.

"She's not woken up, but her vitals all look good," Grant said, not even pausing his perusal of his book to answer Harry's question.

"You can head out, I'll call you if I need you," Harry said, letting him know he'd be spending the night without actually saying so. He and Neville would probably be talking all night, along with a lot of denials he was sure.

Grant didn't waste any time in packing up his meagre belongings he'd brought with him. "Any news on…" glancing at the new unconscious people before giving Harry an expectant look.

"Nope, didn't say anything," Harry replied, "Go get something to eat, a shower and some sleep, hopefully this will be the end of your need on this case once Neville comes around." Between Neville and the House-Elves Augusta should be well cared for.

He had timed Neville's unconscious state accurately, three minutes after getting himself situated comfortably, Neville began to move slightly as he began to swim back to consciousness. Harry cleared all thoughts from his mind, focusing on Neville completely.

"Wa…appened," Neville murmured his eyelids fluttering before opening.

"Easy, you're alright, it's just me, your house is under the Fidelius charm, you're safe from any attack, here, drink this," Harry said in a low soothing voice pressing a straw between Neville's lips silently encouraging him to drink the water from the goblet. "Go on," he added, as Neville's bleary eyes latched onto him.

Neville drank deeply from the goblet, sucking as much water as he physically could, greedily accepting the ice cold water. Quenching his thirst, until there was nothing left in it, which left him nigh on already exhausted despite doing nothing. He was very grateful Harry was here, he could relax and try to process what had happened. "Was it…real?" he whispered, eyes taking a haunted broken quality.

Harry didn't answer straight away, instead he helped Neville into a sitting position.

"Need more water?" Harry asked, his face revealing nothing.

Neville shook his head, his stomach sinking at the fact Harry wasn't telling him what he wanted to know. This was going to be bad, very, very bad.

"What about food?" Harry questioned, knowing he was probably adding to Neville's anxiety but food and water was essential for his recovery.

Neville's stomach grumbled, loudly much to Neville's embarrassment judging by the flush that crept upon his cheeks.

"I'll take that as a yes," Harry said grinning in genuine amusement, it was nice to see some things with Neville wouldn't change. "Rose?" he called out, knowing their schedule.

A pop sounded immediately afterwards, "Young Master! You is awake!" Rose looked at Neville with tears of gratitude running down her face.

"I'm fine, Rose," Neville's voice was quiet and he wore a small smile on his face, lying blatantly to make the House-Elf feel better.

"Go and get Neville something to eat, something he can drink in a cup of some sorts, soup and maybe a sandwich," Harry suggested, not wishing to be nasty, but he had a lot of information to share with Neville, who wasn't going to like what he heard.

"I will be doing that now Lord Potter-Black," Rose said, bowing low before once more disappearing with a pop.

Neville shot him a look of gratitude, perhaps for the way he spoke to the House-Elf. "Potter-Black?" he murmured quietly, licking his dry lips.

"Yeah, I didn't get a chance to tell you, I took on the Black Lordship," Harry showed off the two rings on his hand, watching Neville's eyes go wide in astonishment.

"Wow, I…didn't expect that," Neville admitted, he knew Sirius was innocent obviously, had before the newspapers published the news. So why hadn't Sirius taken on the mantle of the Lord of the Black estate? He would take on the Longbottom estate when he turned seventeen in just over a year. He knew everything that came with it, his Gran had ensured that.

Harry just grinned wryly, it was a bit much lording over two estates but he wouldn't have it any other way.

"Why are you avoiding my question?" Neville asked, unable to look Harry in the eye, as doubts and questions began to swim around his head, causing it to pound relentlessly.

"I will answer, I swear," Harry said right away, "Just eat first."

"Alright," Neville agreed, not wishing to upset Harry, he went rather tense every time he brought it up.

Speaking of food, the House-Elf reappeared with a steaming goblet of soup and a plate of sandwiches.

"I'll take it," Harry stated immediately, "Thank you, Rose," he said dismissing her.

Rose bowed before leaving looking much more relaxed than Harry had ever seen her. The news that Neville was going to be alright had eased her worries considerably. Harry had to wonder if she had been with the family long enough to have helped raise Neville.

"Think you can drink it on your own?" Harry asked, the plate of sandwiches went on Neville's lap. Harry then began pressing the goblet into Neville's hand, keeping the other hand on the rim while he ensured that it wouldn't be spilled everywhere.

"I'll be fine," Neville nodded, the warmth of the goblet helped him feel less cold inside. Merlin, his stomach felt as though it was going to jump out from his stomach and devour anything it could find. He was also anxious as hell, he knew what the answer was going to be but his mind couldn't come to terms with the fact.

Harry sat down again, mulling over everything he'd learned, pondering on how Neville would deal with it. He doubted very much Neville would ever join the Dark side. Not after what happened to his parents, he and Neville may have a few things in common, but their personalities were completely different. Neville couldn't, wouldn't, ever be able to hurt another soul whether they deserved it or not. The best he could hope for is Neville turning neutral, refusing to take part in the war. It might be a bit too much to hope for, he could just decide not to side with Dumbledore but remain loyal to the light side. Dumbledore may be the 'epitome' of all things light according to the magical world, but it simply wasn't true, just a belief most people clung on to.

"Do you need a pain reliver?" Harry asked him, eyes filled with sympathy, watching him devour the food like a dying man.

Neville paused, he was in pain, nothing intolerable at the moment, he suspected he still had a pain reliever running through his system. He didn't want to take anything, not unless he had to, he wanted to be one hundred percent cognizant for this conversation. "Not yet," he whispered before eating the remaining sandwich, eating slower, not only to delay the conversation suddenly, but because his stomach was fluttering with nerves and the feeling of fullness. "How…how is my Gran?" he asked, glancing over at her.

"Her vitals all look good," Harry revealed calmly, "She's recovering, slowly but surely, even though she hasn't woken yet, give it time she's not as young as she used to be."

Neville nodded as he swallowed the crusts of his sandwich, smiling a little in gratitude when Harry took the goblet and plate and put it aside for him. Sighing softly, as he relaxed back, although how long he'd feel even remotely 'relaxed' remained to be seen.

"Straight up or soften the blow?" Harry asked, turning back to face Neville, tone grim, his fingers pressed together under his chin, elbows on his needs as he observed the boy.

Neville once again licked his lips nervously, "Straight up,"

"What happened to you…did," Harry revealed, despite the fact Neville already suspected this a shocked, horrified gasp left his mouth regardless. "I watched the memories myself, they have not been tampered with, in fact…your Gran must have suspected something like this may occur, she had her Longbottom Consort ring concealed upon her hand, and this…you received this recently didn't you?" his fingers brushing against the chain that was still around Neville's neck.

"Just a week ago, Gran said she wanted to give it to me for my birthday, but she wanted me to have it now." Neville whispered, eyes filling with tears. Both at the thought of losing his Gran and the perpetrator behind it. Well, a week ago in his mind, failing to realize it was a fortnight ago, he had been unconscious for a week.

"This has spells and very tiny runes etched on it, it would give you the same protection as you would have had wearing your Lordship ring…probably stronger actually, she's extremely smart, it's so intricately done that it took me ages to get through all the layers of protection. Don't worry I didn't disable it, I wouldn't want to, its…amazing qualify and superb work." Harry explained his awe evident, "Dumbledore tried to plant memories on you, so that you wouldn't know who really attacked you. The same with your Gran, he never even realized that they failed in his panic and haste to get away after his recklessness." Harry would have rather liked to know what sort of memory he'd planted, who he'd had attacking Neville to be frank.

Neville flinched, "Recklessness?" he rasped, "That's what you'd call his attack on us?" his mouth already bone dry.

"You know that's not how I meant it," Harry retorted calmly, giving Neville a pointed look, "But I probably should have used a different word." Of course Neville would be offended by his words, the attack was brutal in his eyes, not just reckless.

Neville just felt his entire world was about to collapse, he was unable to stop the flow of tears. A wizard he had trusted, looked up to had attacked his Gran for no reason then proceeded to make sure he was hurt maybe even killed. How could he truly ever trust again? He just didn't understand what the cause behind it was…but his Gran…she must have suspected something he thought, as he grasped the pendant she'd given him with his fist. Unable to feel shame as he cried, just too beyond caring at this point. The pain had flared up as well, adding to his compounding misery.

"I'm sorry for what you're going through, Neville," Harry said quietly, patting him on the shoulder, giving it an absent squeeze. "I get it," he had been through something similar.

"You get it?" Neville turned to face Harry, despite his red blotchy face. "How? What did he do to you that made you run?" feeling sceptical as he began wiping his tears with the back of his hand, knowing his Gran would have his head if she'd been awake to see him doing so. Harry had never, ever, explained why he'd left Hogwarts, not really, just said he couldn't take Umbridge anymore and gave him some really great advice. So much so that he'd gathered all information on an herbology apprenticeship.

He was going to do what he wanted to do, end of story.

His Gran surprised him by accepting his decision and suggesting he use a room in the manor – which got a lot of light – to take care of his plants. It was her way of showing her approval and pride, she so rarely said the words, but Neville knew she was proud of him. Same with when he got Trevor, although truthfully, that had been one of the rare times when he'd received gifts and words of loving praise. He had done accidental magic, proved beyond a shadow of a doubt he was a wizard. They'd still been worried…worried that he didn't have enough magic to attend Hogwarts.

Harry pursed his lips, scooting forward, "Let me tell you everything that happened in Hogwarts in the past five years from my point of view." Harry suggested, and then proceeded to do so. Telling him about the letters, his cupboard, the second bedroom, the cabin in the middle of the sea, Hagrid's entrance, visiting Diagon Alley for the first time, being told about his family, the truth about it. How Hagrid conveniently had to pick something up that very same day. Harry left nothing out, laying it all bare for Neville.

Including the fact he had been actively encouraged to seek out his parents killer at the age of eleven. Pointing out all the obvious manipulations he'd observed.

Being left to fight a basilisk on his own, Dumbledore had known obviously, if he sent his pet bird to help. How he was rewarded for nearly getting himself killed instead of reprimanded. Leaving out information on the Horcruxes obviously.

How angry Harry felt on finding out more about his own history from the newspapers and general public. How Dumbledore had accepted Sirius' innocence on the word of two thirteen-year-old's, how Pettigrew got away, and how they found out years later that Dumbledore had in fact truly known Sirius was innocent, that his parents wills had stated as such.

The look of horror on Neville's face would forever be imprinted on his mind.

Fourth year wasn't quite so easily explained, for that year felt like it would never end and he had to edit a few bits of information. He did confirm that Dumbledore could have gotten him out of the contract, but didn't do so. Not that it mattered, Harry said, he had been grateful for the freedom being entered into it had given him. Since he had been legally an adult since his name had been entered into the tournament. It wasn't just that either…it had also led him to his true home. Laying bare all of Dumbledore's true crimes in the process.

"He knew how illegal such an item was, his reputation in tatters or not…he could have gone to the Ministry or the public even, and they would have had to arrest Umbridge." Harry said grimly, as he finished his tale. "Instead he forced many of us to endure the feel of her blood quill sinking into our hands over and over again. She picked on those who didn't have a family…or one who wasn't of great importance." She had gotten what she deserved. Neville knew most of this, but learning everything painted a very different picture of Dumbledore.

"But why attack us?" Neville knew Harry was working him up to something, perhaps trying to get him to realize why on his own? That was what he just did not understand at all. He didn't really want to, nothing, and he meant nothing could be acceptable when it came to other peoples lives.

"Oh, Nev, can't you think of why?" Harry asked, green eyes glimmering, "You're smart, you don't need told the answer, although I think it's more along the lines of not wanting to accept it." Denial, it was going to be a common theme in the magical world soon enough.

Neville closed his eyes and slumped on himself, the sour tang of defeat and unwilling acceptance coursing through the Longbottom heir. "Dumbledore believes like everyone else that you'll be the one to defeat You-Know-Who, just because of a stupid prophecy." Licking his lips, unable to continue, feeling sick to his stomach, yet he knew he had to. "He was willing to attack us for real just to draw you out."

"Yes," Harry said quietly, "I'm sorry he attacked you, I'm so sorry that I put you in danger by befriending you…" scoffing derisively, "Never thought I'd see the day where I worried about Dumbledore's actions not Voldemort's." ignoring Neville's squeak of terror at his words.

"No," Neville retorted sharply, spine straightening so suddenly that Harry nearly got whiplash. "No, this is not your fault, NEVER take back our friendship, not ever." Neville couldn't stand the thought of Harry saying as such, he would do it all again, Harry was…basically his best friend, the only real friend he had.

Harry swallowed thickly, would Neville think that when the inevitable truth came out? He didn't know, but he would relish and enjoy in the friendship he had with Neville now. If it didn't last the revelation then that was fine, he understood he would lose a lot of people in his life…but he couldn't fight for a cause not his own. Not when he would have to die for that damn cause in the end. "Thank you," Harry managed to choke out, feeling rather overwhelmed that Neville wouldn't deny their friendship even in the event of his Gran potentially dying…him potentially dying too.

"LUNA!" Neville cried out, already trying to get out of the covers, eyes filled with nothing but fear.

Harry however, pressed him back into the bed before he could get far, "Calm down, listen to me, Neville, are you going to listen?" as Neville continued to struggle against him.

"Don't you see? Luna might be in danger too…" Neville wanted to lash out at how calm and composed Harry was, and would have done so if Harry hadn't been one endless loop of calm since he woke up what felt like hours ago. He was so Zen despite the conversation that Neville was frankly worried, Harry was always overly emotional, easy to anger, at least he was until last year, he had calmed considerably their fifth year.

"I have eyes and ears on her," Harry promised him, and it had cost him his damn boons and favours to ensure they were all safe. "Believe me, they won't be seen and if Dumbledore makes an appearance he will get them to safety. Same with the Grangers' I may have fallen out with her…but it doesn't mean that I don't care." Well, he cared maybe just a tiny bit, but truth was, Hermione had been constantly annoying throughout the school years. It was as though she didn't know how else to be. Sad really. He knew next to nothing on Hermione's homelife, she'd never shared anything with either Ron and him, except her parents occupations. He had Barty on Hermione right now, he was the only one he actually trusted around Muggles – ironically enough – and his Muggle-Born ex-best friend. The Lestrange's were on Luna, well Rabastan was right now.

"Why are you leaving them vulnerable to attack?" Neville's brow furrowed not comprehending the bigger picture, yet he had relaxed considerably since Harry spoke. He had no reason to doubt Harry's word, since he had never told him a lie.

"Tell me, Neville, would you have believed me if I say…came to you, having used a time-turner to forewarn you about Dumbledore's attack on you. Would you have in all honesty…been able to say you'd have believed me?" Harry asked, "You know how much Hermione reveres the ground Dumbledore walks on…can you say she would have believed me? As for Luna…even I can't say I could guess her reactions, no, we must watch and wait…but let me tell you this…nothing will happen to them. I trust these people with my life. I'd rather them unaware and alive than doing their best to alienate the help offered because they don't believe me."

"We can just tell them!" Neville blurted it out, "We have our memories! They can stay here, my Gran will understand! She will!" she'd be grumpy over having two girls staying, but she'd definitely understand after Dumbledore attacking them.

"And two Muggles?" Harry asked pointing out the fact Hermione's parents would be weak and defenceless.

Neville opened and closed his mouth, chewing on his bottom lip, "I…don't know," it wasn't that his Gran was prejudice but this manor and the grounds could be very dangerous to Muggles who didn't have an ounce of magic to use in order to protect themselves. "I'm not sure they'd be all that comfortable here, not long term." Brow furrowed as he tried to think of something that would swing in the Granger's favour.

"And the added fact I very much doubt Hermione truthfully told her parents everything," Harry sighed, shaking his head, "Muggles wouldn't understand, not really, Voldemort's just a bogeyman. A mystical creature that can't really hurt anyone. But if Hermione revealed the complete truth…I doubt the Grangers would have actually let her come back to Hogwarts." They actually cared about their daughter, quite honesty, even Hermione had told him that they struggled to understand about certain things, mostly centred on magic admittedly.

"Are you sure they're going to be okay?" Neville asked, still worried, more so since he couldn't think of a way that would see Hermione actually coming to the manor and leaving her parents…and the fact the Grangers would definitely not feel happy here, not long term.

"Most definitely," Harry stated firmly. "Those looking out for them know what to look out for, and will do everything they can in their powers to get them to safety and they are quite powerful."

"Okay," Neville agreed, slumping back down, the fight finally leaving him. He was grateful that the property was under the Fidelius charm, that Harry had kindly thought to do it. Otherwise he honestly didn't think he'd feel comfortable being here, especially while his Gran was so vulnerable. After all he had gotten in twice since the holiday's started…who would be there to stop him a third time? Harry apparently.

Had Dumbledore tried to return? Was he even worried? Did he even care what he'd done?

"What you need is rest, your body needs to recuperate, so relax and know everyone is going to be okay, hell you better write to Hannah if you ever want to get out of her bad books." Harry grinned wickedly at Neville, expertly distracting him.

"Bloody hell!" Neville croaked as he paled, "How am I going to explain anything to her?" his mind going to the dreadful fear that she would be targeted too. "What if he's already been and hurt her?"

"Okay, you're getting a little too overly worked up there mate," Harry said, patting his arm, part of him wanted to laugh, but the truth of the matter was…it hurt to see Neville so suspicious, so on guard. He had always been a carefree soul, would never hurt or suspect anyone. There were changes already appearing in Neville and Harry wasn't sure he liked them. "What he did to you and your Gran was very, very impulsive, on his behalf, he's desperate, he has no reason to go to Hannah and jeopardise her."

"He knows we're dating, if he can't find me he might go for her!" Neville cried out, trembling with so many emotions wracking his frame.

"Alright, alright, I'll tell you what, why don't we invite Hannah and her family here for a few weeks?" Harry suggested, "See if you can extend the stay near the end, I'm sure they'll absolutely love your Billiards room."

"It's a game room, not a Billiard's room," Neville laughed, temporarily distracted, he could do that, and it would be great having Hannah with him during the summer.

"Funny how you knew what I was talking about," Harry teased him, grinning at the success in helping Neville feel better.

Neville grinned sheepishly, "It was Luna," Luna and her father often take trips looking for animals which result in her being in the Muggle world quite often. She was quite good at playing Billiard games, and boy, she'd proven that one, he'd had his ass handed to him three times.

"Write your letter, I'll take it myself it in the morning," Harry suggested, it was a bit late to send any letter now, not that she'd get it for at least twelve to fifteen hours he reckons if he used an owl. Neville could use the company, and honestly? Who better than his girlfriend? "What are you going to tell her?" he asked, wondering if they'd even get a single article out before Dumbledore was arrested.

"Rose? Bring me my stationary box from my bedroom, please," Neville said, before turning back to Harry, "I don't know, what if nobody believes me or my memories? What if Gran doesn't remember the attack and everyone just tells me I've been confounded?"

"You have a point," Harry agreed, "Maybe waiting until your Gran wakes up and letting her decide, if she remembers though…I wouldn't want to be Dumbledore."

Neville snorted in amusement, "Yeah," he said with a cheeky grin, "Gran isn't someone you want to cross, she's formidable." Dumbledore was going to know all about it if his Gran remembered. He was going to do everything he could to make sure she could actually remember if she didn't.

"She is," Harry said in agreement, she had a presence around her that spoke of taking no shit from anyone. The memories he'd seen showed a woman who wasn't in awe of Dumbledore…maybe that was why she wasn't in the Order? Everyone and he meant everyone in the Order worshiped Dumbledore so maybe Dumbledore only used those who he could full trust to always look up to him? Slide the questionable dealings aside? Who really knew?

The fact she didn't go along with Dumbledore despite the way he'd spoken to her…made him wonder if she actually respected him for standing for Neville against her. She'd been shocked by the vitriol that had come out of his mouth for sure, and while speaking to Dumbledore she had been respectful.

She always called him Lord Potter as well. Yet that could merely be habit ingrained into her since birth.

He would soon find out.

Leaning back content to just be there for Neville for now, letting him write his letter to his girlfriend as he ponded on what the best way forward was. Too many outside variables, like he'd told Voldemort didn't give them much in terms of time and…well elation at knowing they were destroying Dumbledore.

There we go! :D another chapter, I'm stuck between updating Lord of Time or A Life worth Living...although I think it will be difficult to get an update of LOT done, I've hit a bit of a snafu, I'll need to skip over the wandless class Harry's going to 'aid' the boys in, I've tried writing it a few times but I just get stuck...ironically it's happened in the past and BOOM out of nowhere I'm writing the entire chapter as if I hadn't been stuck at all! :D don't expect another update on this again LOL five in a row is my limit I think :D but I must admit it will be nice to get more stories finished :) I am looking forward to the next few chapters of this though :D a party Death Eater style ;) although I truly can't decide whether I want them to know NOW as apposed to next year...either way its going to be fun deciding! Read and Review please!