Embracing His True Self

Chapter 86

"Merlin, she said yes, didn't she?" Harry asked, gaping at the sight of Barty at the door. He was bloody almost boiling over in excitement; Harry wasn't sure he'd seen Barty that animated before.

Pansy, Theodore, Blaise, Luna, Rodolphus and Rabastan all glanced up from the card game to look at Barty. All wondering what on earth that meant, especially Rabastan who hadn't seen his friend this manic in years.

"Who said yes to what?" Rabastan asked, still slightly jealous of the friendship Barty and Harry had struck up. He and Barty were still close though, didn't spend as much time as they used to together…but enough. Enough to stop him doing something rash to begin with, but he was slowly beginning to spend more time with Harry and that was leading him to realize just why Barty was drawn to him to begin with.

"Hermione said yes to my proposal," Barty said smugly.

"Then what the fuck are you doing here?" Harry asked wryly, watching Barty pour himself a drink and sit down, peacocking around. Why wasn't he with her?

Pansy and the other younger Slytherins grimaced, "A Mudblood? Really? Do you think the Dark Lord's going to accept that?" accept one of his inner circles being engaged to a Mudblood?

"She a purist?" Rodolphus questioned, figuring that would be the only reason Barty would be here.

"A purist?" Harry frowned, what the fuck did that mean?

"A Virgin," Luna patted Harry's hand in amusement, "If she was a pureblood, she'd fetch a rather high price if she's chaste and entering into a marriage contract."

"No wonder everyone in school gets around," Harry muttered, he would too if it meant his parents would get less for marrying their kid off for a damn price like a piece of meat.

"Hey!" Pansy complained as if Harry had personally offended her, which could actually be possible.

"Trying to tell me that's not why you do it?" Harry snorted in disbelief.

"It's…older wizards that want virgins," Pansy admitted staring at the table angrily. "Most young ones would rather have a wife that knows what they're doing. Older wizards would rather teach their brides how they like it." things were changing, they weren't how they used to be.

"Not all of them," Luna said fondly, a look of love adorning her features for Rodolphus.

"Oh, please, Bellatrix will definitely have been forced to be chaste!" Pansy snorted, "Neither Lord Black or Lord Lestrange would have allowed otherwise." And it was always the females that had to remain virginal, heaven forbid the woman experience a little bit of life before marriage.

"You speak about people as if you actually know them," Harry said shaking his head, "When you don't know a damn thing. It gets rather irritating if I'm honest with you." especially when she went on about what the 'Dark Lord' would like, even he couldn't say he did and this was his partner they were talking about for Merlin's sake.

"I know them better than you," Pansy pointed out, "I've been in the magical world my entire life." She added smugly as if it was something to be proud of, as if Harry was lacking due to his first decade not in the magical world.

Blaise and Theo slumped their shoulders, putting their cards down resignedly. Rolling their eyes at the girl, she just didn't learn at all. Theo noticed that the others had not argued against his words, protested. They never really argued with Harry, his position demanded respect, but Draco and Pansy didn't seem to figure that one out yet. Although Draco had been sent home, Narcissa hadn't wanted him around.

"Have you actually ever spoken to them?" Harry asked, making a point.

"Of course, we have," Pansy said, it was a small world.

"I meant you, not your parents," Harry corrected her.

"Well, no, but until I'm seventeen I don't really need to," Pansy pointed out, until she began taking over the Parkinson estate. Her mother was teaching her everything she needed to know, with her father chiming in now and again. He'd wanted her to get a husband and have him take over the running of the estate. She'd put her foot down immediately at that. She absolutely refused to allow any future husband of hers to control her and her estate. After hearing that, she and her father had come to an agreement that she could only spend so much a month of the estate, practically a stipend. Apparently afraid that she would somehow manage to spend the entirety of her estate on clothes.

She wasn't that bad. But her father begged to differ, to keep things smooth she'd agreed, only after insisting she could marry whomever she pleased, then signed the contract and it had gone to Gringotts.

"Then you don't know them, Pansy, and people don't like when assumptions are made about them." Harry said patiently, which wasn't like him but he was tired of everyone believing they knew everyone better. So much so that they spoke up about someone they're barely even met.

"We all think the same," Pansy pointed out, refusing to back down.

"We really don't," Harry said wryly.

"Harry's right though, why did you come back? Why aren't you out celebrating with Hermione?" Luna asked, "Who by the way is not a typical Mudblood as you say, she's related to the Malfoy family."

Pansy's jaw dropped, "You lie!" she gasped in shock.

Rodolphus cleared his throat, glaring at the girl, uncaring that she and Luna were the same age, "I saw the results for myself." He warned her she was on very thin ice. He would not allow anyone to disparage Luna, even if it was just said in the heat of the moment between two gossiping girls not believing the latest piece of news.

"But how?" Pansy gaped, "Oh, a squib?" it was the only possible explanation. Grimacing in disgust, squibs were the most disgusting thing on the planet, they shouldn't be allowed to exist.

"Can we get back to the game? Please?" Theodore jumped in, before Pansy could make her opinions on squibs next.

"You've obviously got a good hand then," Harry said, grinning widely. "So…you going to answer Luna and I? Why are you here?" already back at the game, putting a couple of coins into the centre.

"She's telling her parents," Barty said in amusement, sipping on the whiskey.

"I'm surprised she agreed to marry you," Blaise mused, "She's quite…vocally light. A good friend to Longbottom, always defended him." Being polite about it, adding his own coins to the pot, after a thoughtful look at his cards.

"That's because she doesn't know he's Bartemius Crouch, she thinks his name is Bartholomew Crouch, from the cousin branch…now the main branch." Luna commented, and Hermione really liked him, she spoke about him all the time when they wrote.

Both she and Harry had warned him not to tell her, for good reason. He had no intentions of telling her, and that was a good thing. Her future was much, much happier for it. Not only hers but Barty's too. "A letter is coming for you," Luna commented, as she decided to fold, her cards were not going to get any better.

Nobody so much as blinked when Luna said that, used to her ways by now.

A minute later as more of the guys folded, a peck at the window announced the owl.

Harry got up, taking his cards with him, opening the door he patiently waited for the owl to swoop in and land on a chair. Leg out expectantly, Harry chuffed, smiling wryly, owls' man, they were so demanding and total drama queens. Although, his owl out drama queened them all without a doubt. Taking the letter recognizing the handwriting immediately. "Huh," he murmured, breaking the seal he read the contents.

"That's Hermione's handwriting…" Barty frowned, the urge to grab the letter and read it himself was strong but he refrained. He wasn't that sort of person, to demand people's mail and read it, it wasn't for him. "Is she alright?" how on earth had it gotten here so fast? Had she sent that when she went to the toilet after he proposed? It was the only conceivable way.

"She wants to talk," Harry said thoughtfully, picking up his goblet and drinking it in one go. "All of us, at Longbottom estate."

"A celebration! How lovely!" Luna said perking up, clearly seeing just a glimpse.

"Probably better without me there," Harry scoffed, vividly remembering how his meeting with Neville went. Honestly, he shouldn't have been surprised.

"You'll be surprised," Luna said looking at him eerily through those blue knowing eyes of hers.

"Meaning?" Harry cocked his head the side, accepting the drink of firewhisky Rodolphus gave him. Pouring in the last of his butterbeer from his bottle before he drank it down.

"Hannah's spoke to him," Luna confided, "You'll notice a big difference in him,"

"Because of Hannah?" Harry asked doubtfully, not doubting her, but Hannah was one of the biggest gossips at Hogwarts. She didn't care for anyone's feelings, gossip mattered more…and if he recalled correctly, she'd been very nasty during their second year because of his abilities.

"We're all growing up, we aren't children anymore," Luna said wryly, grinning at Rodolphus, "How about you, would you like to come? As my boyfriend, of course."

"I'd really rather not," Rodolphus admitted, as much as he'd like to go with her…Longbottom estate held a lot of bad memories for him. It's where he'd been caught and captured, before being sentenced to Azkaban for well over a decade. "Aren't the Longbottom's at the estate now?" there had been something about it in the newspaper. About how they were recovering enough to return home with round the clock care from Medi-witches and healers.

"Yeah, they wanted the two somewhere familiar…plus, they can only visit them during visiting hours at St. Mungo's at the estate they'll have significantly more company." Harry easily deduced, no doubt Neville and his gran wanted them close.

"I'd probably want the same thing," Blaise admitted, if it were his parents anyway. His father had died when he was a baby, he'd only ever had his mother. He couldn't imagine if something had happened to both of them. Probably because he didn't have either sides grandparent's, he only had his mum.

"Ugh," Harry sighed, putting the letter down, he'd really rather not go either. "Fine, but only until dinner." He was not missing out on his 'date night' with Voldemort. He hadn't seen his partner in over a week. Although, it would serve him right, he thought sourly, if he'd sent the asshole away, they would have been having a much more exciting time. "Maybe even later…"

Rodolphus snorted, arching a brow, staring at Harry as if he was insane. He had heard what happened, Trig had been absolutely shaken by what went down when he'd interrupted Voldemort and Harry. So much so he'd asked what the heck was wrong, he was shifty and terrified as if he was going to be struck down any second.

Harry just smiled back innocently enough causing Rodolphus to snort again. Honestly, Luna might look like a fallen angel, but she was a little devil, he wondered if she'd gotten it from Harry or if it was all a natural talent after seeing everything she'd seen.

"Good luck with Granger, you're going to need it," Blaise commented, holding out his cards, indicating he'd won. He accepted his money, before he gave a nod, "Another time," realizing that the games were definitely not starting back up again.

"Yeah, sorry about that," he said apologetically, when he's asked if they'd like a few games he hadn't expected all this. Hell, he thought Barty would be gone all night.

"It's cool," Blaise waved off his apology, "See you later!" he had come out with more money in his pocket so all was good. The others except the Lestrange Brothers and Barty were quick to follow, the atmosphere well and truly blown and it was clear they wouldn't be playing any more games or drinking.

Which was a shame, it was quickly becoming one of Harrys' favourite thing, playing cards and having a drink, just feeling really, really normal for the first time in his life. With people who honestly didn't give a shit about his fame or name.

"What do you think she needs you for?" Barty asked confused, why was she wanting to talk to Harry after saying she was going to her parents? Why not just say she wanted to talk to her best friend? Was it a girl thing?

"Barty…calm the hell down, she obviously wants to celebrate, its why she's asking all her friends to celebrate with." Harry said dryly, "First time I've seen her react in a typical female way, Hermione hasn't always been one for…social norms."

"But we're not together to celebrate, she's not written to me," Barty pointed out perplexed, when a couple come out engaged, they celebrate together.

"Yeah, some couples do just that, but not all of them, plus you're Hermione's first real relationship and as much as she likes to pretend, she knows everything…she doesn't." Luna added, joining in and reassuring Barty that there was nothing nefarious going down. "If you want to celebrate with everyone…plan something but suggest something first." Hermione's list of people she knew was astonishingly small, Barty knew more people, but Hermione? She might have five people she truly considered friends…perhaps less. Hermione…wasn't one to suffer 'fools' gracefully, and often found herself ostracized due to her intelligence and inability to understand people. It was a very good thing the incident with the troll had happened as it did, otherwise, another of Hermione's possible futures wouldn't have been a good one.

"Is she going to find out?" Barty asked, unable to help himself, he just had to ask.

Rodolphus glared at Barty, she wasn't her gift, and he had no right asking for answers from her. The only one that was ever going to get away with that would be the Dark Lord and Harry of course.

"Only if you tell her, but if you do, she'll leave, take her family and run, she'll never be found." Luna easily answered. Not at all afraid to admit what was what, and how it would all go down. Not here, not now, she now felt comfortable in and on herself, her abilities, her gift. It saved Harry, saved her…given her a family…yes, she was wholly appreciative of her abilities.

Barty swallowed thickly, he guessed Harry definitely had Hermione pegged right. He'd contemplated telling her the truth. So that she would know exactly who she was marrying, despite the fact any tests performed would come back with his new name, new identity. In the end he chickened out, asked her to marry him despite not knowing who he really was. She'd made him so very happy by agreeing.

To know that if he ever revealed it, she'd leave sort of hurt, but it also clinched it for him. Hermione was never getting to find out who he really was. He knew he could trust the others to remain silent too, the Dark Lord had made it impossible for anyone to reveal their 'identities' to someone, like an outsider. The Dark Lord had been smart enough to realize that children couldn't be trusted with that information. So, made it impossible for it to ever be discussed outside of those already in the know.

In other words, the likes of an immature Draco Malfoy weren't going to cause him concern or trouble. Knowing how smart Hermione was, made him also realise he was going to have to be a little careful. She was smart yes, but it's not as if she'd known him before or anything like that. "Come on then, let's get going, you might as well make a night of it yourself," Harry shrugged, as he urged Luna up out of her seat, he wasn't going to have to endure this alone.

Although, he was deeply curious about the Hannah remark Luna had made earlier. Surely, surely, he couldn't be relying on her when it came to his friendship with Neville being on shaky ground for Merlin's sake.

Wouldn't that just be the icing on the cake?

-0 Flashback 0-

"Okay, what's wrong? You've had a face like someone killed Trevor all day," Hannah sat down, staring expectantly at her boyfriend. She was much more secure in her relationship with Neville these days, despite his continued friendship with Hermione and Luna. Knowing Neville would never cheat, especially with Hermione or Luna. He considered both of them almost sister-like, it's why Neville and Luna's relationship hadn't worked out. Not that they'd done much of anything, it was more of a companionship than anything else. "Is something wrong with Harry?"

"Harry?" Neville squeaked suddenly, glancing up at Hannah wide eyed, why would she assume Harry?

"Your planner has a meeting set with HP, unless you know anyone else with the initials," She pointed out in amusement, wondering at Neville's reaction.

"It's…nothing you'll probably think he's evil," Neville shook his head.

Hannah sobered, "I know I was a horrid kid, believing everything everyone used to say to me." She murmured quietly, a faraway look on her face. Yeah, she'd been quite horrid at twelve, especially in her regards to Harry. "I was just being a kid, Harry doesn't have an evil bone in his body, what's going on Nev?"

"He came here wanting to buy my share of the Leaky Cauldron." Neville was weak, he couldn't keep anything from anyone.

"Oh," Hannah murmured, her sinking a little, she had asked her parents to buy the other half of the Leaky Cauldron, make it wholly her and Neville's. Do it up fancy, and make it theirs. While Neville was off gaining his Mastery in Herbology. "Why does he want it in particular? And why would you make it sound as if he's evil for that? Because you know I want it?" honestly, did Neville actually think she was that vindictive? If he did…then she was most definitely in the wrong relationship.

Neville shifted clearly uncomfortable.

It dawned on Hannah, as she stared at her boyfriend, half up out of her seat. "I have a feeling you think he's evil more than wanting to assume I would." Just what had happened in that meeting? Augusta was constantly singing Harry's praises, Neville agreeing utterly, he was giving back the Longbottom's their family. Harry and Severus had created a potion for Merlin's sake, to do just that. "Neville, why do you think Harry's evil?"

"It's nothing," Neville murmured, cringing, he hadn't wanted this at all.

Hannah stood up, mouth in a grim line, "Don't make me go to Harry and find out what happened!" she argued, getting annoyed by Neville's inability to communicate.

"NO!" Neville stood as well, clearly shaken by the threat.

Hannah just shook her head bewilderedly, "Come on, Neville, Harry wouldn't hurt anyone!"

"He joined the dark side!" Neville spat out breathing heavily.

"The dark side?" Hannah asked bluntly, "What exactly is the 'dark side?', pray tell?"

What most people seemed to forget was that the Abbotts were Neutral. They never joined in the war between the so called 'light' and 'dark' sides. Hannah was much like the rest of her brothers and sisters…raised to be the same. Yes, sometimes they deviated and began thinking differently, but it didn't happen often.

"What? Well, you know!" Neville pointed out, so very confused by Hannah's sudden turn.

"No, Neville, I don't," Hannah explained, "light and dark are types of magic, some of the most predominantly light spells can kill, while those predominantly dark can save lives. The minister's classification of magic is severely outdated and needs to be changed. Magic is magic, and I am not disregarding what your parents went through. People did that, not magic. Magic truly shouldn't be classified, especially spells and potions that could save lives but are regarded as illegal due to the Ministry's propaganda trying to control which magic you can and cannot use every day."

Neville stared at Hannah his jaw open, gaping in stunned disbelief as if he'd never seen her before.

"If what you're implying is that Harry now is a practitioner of 'dark' magic then it doesn't make him evil." Hannah insisted, seeing the look on her boyfriend's face, "I am not twelve anymore," in fact, it was after that year she was pulled aside by her parents and given the talk. Not the sex one, no, she learned that before she entered Hogwarts. This was the political talk, and she learnt the running of the estate at the same time too. It had been a long torturous summer for a twelve-year-old but she very much appreciated it now. Luckily, she had an older brother who could run the estate, so she wasn't going to have to. plus, it would have made her relationship with Neville be on borrowed time if she was the Heiress to the estate. She wouldn't have been able to marry Neville, he was responsible for the Longbottom estate, and wouldn't be able to take on her name if she'd been the first born. "My brother Adam practices dark magic, admittedly it was for his Mastery, which he's completed." She confided it was nothing to be ashamed off.

"But when you use dark magic it's only a matter of time…" Neville bleated out.

"Where on earth did you hear that?" Hannah asked perplexed, "I mean your family was predominantly neutral, your parents were the only exception on both sides of the family." Augusta Longbottom was as neutral as could be, especially for someone who had lost their child to dark magic.

Neville shifted, "Ron may have gone on about it a bit," he admitted, "Ginny too."

Hannah laughed, shaking her head, "Of course, they did. Neville only two out of a hundred wizards and witches end up with an unhealth addiction to dark magic. That's only because they go around unchecked, most families make sure their children know the dangers and damages of too much exposure. It would take decades for it to become a problem. If Hogwarts brought back the Dark Arts course, we wouldn't have trouble at all. Dumbledore removed it from the curriculum when he became Headmaster. The Weasley's are not good examples to listen to. Are my belief's going to be a problem?"

"Only two?" Neville murmured, vehemently shaking his head, no, no her beliefs weren't going to be a problem. He loved her as she was, nothing else mattered.

"Yes, and nine times out of ten, a stay in St. Mungo's a few purging rituals they're as right as rain." Hannah explained, "It's just the younger Weasley's that believe this. Bill, Charlie and the twins use dark magic too, although they probably don't widely advertise it. Bill is a curse breaker; he has to use dark spells to counter dark spells in the tombs. Charlie looks after Dragons; it takes someone extremely powerful to be able to do that. The spells they use, you should look them up. The Minister consider them dark, forbidden, at least here."

Neville sank into his seat once more his mind reeling over what Hannah was revealing.

"Hasn't your gran been telling you any of this? Teaching you everything you need to know to make an informed decision? Or better yet…teaching you so you know the ins and outs of your estate?" Hannah asked, she knew Neville was still learning, he often had to leave for meetings with his grandmother which were meetings to deal with the running of the estate. Augusta wasn't going to be doing it forever.

"She said she'd do it when I was ready to listen," Neville confided, "I think…I think she knew I wasn't ready to hear it." not then, but the looks she'd been giving him suggested she'd been waiting.

"Then maybe you should listen, there's a reason most families are neutral during the war. They understand both sides, but don't find it worth it to become involved." Hannah explained, "Plus, the war is over, it isn't about to start back up again, we hope. To start it up again…may spell the end of all of us and for what? Magic? We're tearing ourselves apart for magic? No what we need is a decent Minister for magic, hopefully they'll make it better so we don't find ourselves on the cusp of another war…with another Dark wizard turned Dark Lord." The last war had almost slaughtered a lot of good families, destroyed a whole lot more. When you believe in something you do…horrific things and in the end nobody wins.

Neville frowned, was that what all neutral parties thought? Was that what his grandmother thought? When he thought about it, what the hell did he know about the war? Why it was happening? He hadn't cared to find out, even his own grandmother realized he didn't want to know.

Of course, even Neville didn't know the extent to which Harry had joined the 'dark' side, and Augusta had no intention of ever informing him. No, she would take that secret to the grave with her, that Voldemort had returned that Harry had a close personal relationship with him. She would rather her family were not targeted again. For what Harry was doing for her family…it's a secret she'd gladly keep.

"But what about the things the dark side did?" Neville asked, "What do you think of that?" what did his girlfriend think? He'd never expected to be getting into political debates with his girlfriend, neither he thought, had cared much for politics.

"Oh, Neville," Hannah sighed softly, staring at her boyfriend, just how naïve was he? How much had Augusta shielded him? "Do you honestly think it was only the…dark side…" rolling her eyes at the words coming out of her mouth. "Were the only ones to get their hands dirty for their belief? Neither side are innocent in this, they killed, hurt and maimed each other…they even hurt innocent bystanders, both sides."

Neville shook his head vehemently, "My parents wouldn't have done that," he protested, refusing to believe for a second that they would have hurt anyone.

"I think it's a discussion you need to have with your grandmother, but to consider someone evil because of the magic they use…is diabolical." Hannah told him, seriously. "Harry isn't evil, my brother isn't evil. It's time you learned the truth, not the truth Dumbledore believed and tried to shove down the throat of every student to walk Hogwarts halls." Luckily for her, she'd respected her parents a hell of a lot more than he had Dumbledore and had actually listened. "Would someone so evil…help your parents? Their magic inclinations should never be used to judge a person…after everything Harry has been through, I honestly don't blame him for doing everything he could to protect himself."

"It was…bad to treat him that way wasn't it?" Neville admitted, he'd stuck up for Harry through thick and thin…this shouldn't change that at all.

"Most definitely," Hannah agreed, "That potion…it's a miracle Nev, he and Severus had to have worked on it for years…this isn't just something that's pulled out of the ground."

"You won't mind giving up the Leaky Cauldron?" Neville questioned, "I can make it a stipulation that you are in charge, that you be the Land Lady." Or sorts, unofficially, maybe.

"If he'd need someone, I would gladly play the part, but if he has something else in mind it won't matter." She replied, seriously. "Now go on, before you lose one of the best friends you could ever have." Seeing that he wanted to get up again.

"I think…I think I need to talk to my gran," Neville murmured, getting up, he kissed her in silent thanks for getting his head out of his ass.

Over an hour later, Neville emerged from his grandmother's sitting room, red eyed but entirely unconflicted.

"Thank you," he murmured, kissing her on the lips, a small genuine smile on his face. "I'm sorry about earlier."

Hannah smiled, "There's a letter waiting on you, Hermione I think," she informed him, "And you're welcome."

Neville wandered over to his desk, plucked the letter and opened it, eyes widening, "Hermione wants to have a little celebration, she's engaged she wonders if everyone could come here, just a few people."

"That's a given, there aren't many Hermione would want to celebrate with," Hannah laughed lightly, not at Hermione of course, just at the situation. "I can't believe she's engaged…" and before her too, but she really does like Barty though. His parents though, naming him something horrendous like Bartholomew. She hadn't met him yet, and was looking forward to seeing if he resembled any of the other Crouch's.

Neville watched Hannah curiously…was that a hint? Did she want to be engaged? They hadn't been dating long all things considered. Although, his parents had been engaged very quickly, a month into dating he'd been told.

Ironically enough, he wasn't the only one going to be thinking that by the end of the night. It was for sure going to be on the mind of Rodolphus Lestrange also.

Not that Neville would appreciate that fact.

-0 Flashback ends 0-

"Neville!" Luna said with a beaming smile, hugging him close, she'd always care about him fiercely, even if they'd been incompatible. No, she'd found her true match while seeing the future, which was odd since you know, seers didn't normally see their own future. Everything she's read said the exact same thing. "Hey, Hannah, is Hermione here yet?" smiling at the girl who could truly make Neville happy.

"Yes, she is, I'll take you to her," Hannah said, grasping a hold of Luna and practically dragging her indoors. Painfully obvious in her desire to see that Neville and Harry were alone, and undistracted.

Hannah, dear girl, thought she was rather smooth, the poor thing. Luna just smiled at her as if she was the clueless girl she'd always been assumed to be.

"Are you alright?" Harry asked, remaining a few steps away from Neville, slightly tense. "I can leave if you'd prefer, make up an excuse to Hermione?" he knew Luna wouldn't have brought him here unless Neville had a reason for letting everything go.

"I'm sorry!" Neville said, stepping forward, "Really sorry, I just…I was an idiot." He blurted out, gripping Harry's arm to stop him leaving.

"About what?" Harry asked gazing at Neville blankly.

"For judging you, for being an idiot, your magical inclination doesn't say who you really are." Neville blustered through the apology. "Magic is magic, I just thought people who used the Dark Arts all end up obsessed and…eventually begin hurting people."

"Some do, it's normal to think such a thing, especially without classes at Hogwarts educating otherwise." Harry nodded curtly, still pissed at Neville for earlier.

"No, well, yes, I suppose, but I really am sorry for being a dickhead, I spoke to Hannah and my Gran…they've explained things to me." Neville sighed, "I just…after what happened to my parents, I got so set in my way that I didn't notice I was not just hurting others but myself…and the Weasley's didn't help."

"You can't use them as an excuse anymore," Harry stated.

Neville's face became…goofy, and Harry couldn't help but grin at the sight. Honestly, the look on his face one would associate with a new girl not just getting to know his parents. They could talk, one word at a time, just a few words before they were exhausted mentally and physically, but they were getting better. "Look…will you forgive me?"

"Of course, I will, Nev," Harry said, patting him on the shoulder, he honestly hadn't expected to retain that friendship. If word ever got out who he was with and who Luna intended to marry one day…then that friendship would well and truly be over. Fortunately for all concerned, there was absolutely no plans for the world to know their true identities.

As far as the world would ever know, the Death Eaters had died and it would remain that way.

"And erm…here," Neville said, thrusting the paperwork at Harry, "I erm…only ask that Hannah can get a position there…she wanted to me Land Lady but…maybe manager?"

Harry blinked in confusion before getting a glimpse of the paperwork. The transferal of the Leaky Cauldron ownership all signed. All it needed was his name, and it looked as though they were expecting absolutely nothing for it judging by the zero at the money sign. "I can't accept it for nothing…" his protest vehement.

"No, Harry, what you're doing for those people…I'd like to do my bit," Neville confessed, he'd assumed it was just rumours of course. Why would Harry want to help anyone down in Knockturn alley? The place was derelict, no sane wizard would want to deal with that particular mess. Yet his gran informed him that everyone from Knockturn Alley was in fact staying at the Leaky Cauldron while the buildings were demolished and rebuilt from the foundations up. "That and more had been destined for St. Mungo's in a few months. We always made rather large donations there…we'll make it a smaller contribution this year."

"If you're sure?" Harry murmured, it was true, the Longbottom Estate was probably thriving, the money required for the Leaky Cauldron was probably a pittance. Although he wasn't hurting for money, he had two estates and more money than he'd ever be able to spend in a single lifetime even if he lived over one hundred years.

"I am," Neville nodded eagerly, "I'm really sorry, can we…sort of start over again?" could Harry really forgive him for how badly he'd been behaving?

"Of course, Nev, friends have disagreements, although…if you ever treat me that way again…that will be it." Harry said seriously, "I mean it, I had enough of that two-faced bullshit from Ron…even Hermione for a time. It's not the kind of friendship I want. I know what real friendship is like now…nothing substandard will do now." Barty definitely had let him see what real friendship was meant to be.

"It won't," Neville declared strongly, he vowed it to be so.

"Good, now consider it water under the bridge, and let's go celebrate with Hermione," Harry said grinning, as he patted Neville on the back. He was a good friend all things considered, but he meant what he said. He wasn't going to endure the back and forth like he'd put up with Ron. Thankfully, he hadn't really considered Ron a real damn friend.

"Can you believe it?" Neville said, shoulders relaxing, "Hermione engaged? First out of all of us!" laughing heartedly.

"Yeah, but pureblood's very rarely waste any time." Harry said wryly.

"Yeah," Neville shuffled slightly, as they walked in the grand entrance hall of Longbottom estate. "They don't." he agreed, looking at Hannah with moon eyes, wondering what kind of ring she would like…no doubt engagements would be on her mind now. Plus, he wanted to be with her forever, she was amazing. She was so gentle with his parents, loving with him and strong and stalwart with his gran. Yes, she was perfect.

Harry laughed again at the look on Neville's face, it was more than likely that Hermione wasn't going to be the only one engaged for long.

Hannah and Luna were awing over Hermione's ring, the look on her face, contentment, happiness and just pure unadulterated excitement. She was happy with Barty, he wanted to snort at the reality of it, knowing if she ever found out the truth she'd run. Run fast and far, and apparently never be found again. She'd never trust anyone else again either.

He felt zero guilt not informing her.

"Congratulations Hermione!" Harry said, giving her a short hug, "But you really should have told Barty,"

Hermione puffed up at that, ready to begin a diatribe.

"It's his engagement too," Harry stated curtly before she could say a thing, "His happy day as well, you should be celebrating together." It had nothing to do with her 'belonging' to another man as he could see she'd taken it.

"Oh," that certainly took the wind out of her sails. "I didn't think…"

"Purebloods usually plan a massive party," Neville said, "It's a big thing, that's shared with friends, family and acquaintances."

"A ball more like," Hannah said in excitement. "Oh, its always wonderful! My brothers party was just…breathtakingly sweet."

"They take part in every single decision, it's an important step in marriage, bringing you together, binding one another." Luna said softly, "If they take no interest in it…then it doesn't speak well for the future."

"And…and you're okay with our engagement, Harry?" Hermione asked pensively.

Harry's eyes widened; she was concerned about that?

"I know he's your best friend, I…don't want to cause any animosity or anything by his choice." Hermione informed him quietly.

"Hermione…we're friends, I forgave you long ago for what happened when we were kids," Harry said sincerely. "We were just kids, you learnt from your mistakes we all did. I'm really happy for you and Barty…he deserves good in his life. Someone who will love him, care for him like he cares for them. All I ask…" here he paused.

"Yes?" Hermione leaned forward.

"That you never put your work constantly over Barty, spent time at home, with him and any children you have in future. He spent his younger years of his life watching his father constantly work and abandon his mother even when she was sick. He became like a husband taking care of the estate and his mum…his father was…mentally abusive, emotionally distant."

"Like his brother then," Neville screwed up his nose. Remembering Bartemius Crouch Senior very well. "He didn't work in the Ministry, did he?" he couldn't recall.

"No, the brothers didn't get on either, Barty hadn't met his uncle or cousin in his life, thank Merlin for small mercies. I think Barty's said that his father moved to America before he was even born?" He fibbed.

"Yeah," Hannah snorted, "I mean seriously? Death Eater cousin and a waste of space for an uncle…"

"Can't judge him for family though," Harry stated firmly, "It's a shame though, I wouldn't wish no family on anyone."

All of them sobered at that, agreeing fully, ironically, only Harry was the one without any family while they all had one. They were aware of that, so they were sensitive to his case. Despite the fact that Harry honestly didn't care…how can one miss what they didn't have? Sure, he used to wish for them when he was a child, but he had since grown up and realized the world would chew you up and spit you out if you let it.

"I promise, I'll never do that," Hermione said, magic flaring, holding her to her word, determination written across her face. "You're an amazing friend Harry, he's so lucky to have you." two friends who were both orphans…no wonder they were drawn together.

"I…honestly expected you to end up with Weasley," Hannah admitted with a little laugh, giving Hermione an apologetic look, but it didn't change how she thought.

Hermione admitted, "I thought so too," she'd been stupid to think she'd be happy with Ron, but then she met Barty, who had shown her how to debate without taking it personally, complimented her on how smart she was, how well she'd done on her exams without expecting her to do anything for him in turn. Why would he when he was so smart? It was lovely being with someone so intellectual, and not just discussing the war, Harry or even Quidditch or the Ministry.

"How did he take you splitting up with him?" Hannah asked, still a bit of the old gossip left in her. "Ronald, I mean…he has quite a temper." Genuinely worried as well.

Harry straightened up, eyes narrowing in silent contemplation, waiting on Hermione's answer too.

"I sent him a letter," She admitted, cringing, "I've been ignoring all replies, and been ignoring him when he comes to the door…luckily he comes with either the twins or his father who Apparate him and they stop him trying to break in." not that he'd be able to, her parents house was as secure as could be.

"Merlin!" Neville murmured, "Are you going to be okay coming back to Hogwarts? You can stay with us…I'll do whatever I can to protect you…" ever the protector, and defender, even without the power to back him up.

"I did think about just taking my exams at the Ministry…but it might not reflect well on an application…" Hermione admitted, "I probably looks lazy, uninspired and incapable of seeing things through." She had taken six years of her schooling so far. The excuse she gives employees? My boyfriend might not have taken our split well? Yeah, right. She'd never give over such personal details; you were always told never to get personal at interviews.

"Or that you're really smart, know your own mind and are ready to become independent, you're already seventeen. Legally an adult in the magical world, nobody would be surprised," Hannah pointed out, wondering if Hermione was always this insecure about her place in the world? She'd never thought so, she was always so well balanced, sure of herself. To hear her insecure shifted her perspective of the girl.

"I'm not returning to Hogwarts myself," Harry answered with a nonchalant shrug. "I'll be taking my exams though, probably in the next few months." He felt more comfortable at the idea of taking them.

"What?" Neville blurted out wide eyed, he was going to be left to deal with Ronald himself?

Harry grimaced, "Sorry mate," he murmured.

"It would be difficult being away from your partner for so long wouldn't it?" Hermione said in understanding, feeling a whole lot better about giving next year at Hogwarts a miss. It would have her parent's money; it would allow her to graduate early and gain her independence…it was win-win added bonus of not having to deal with Ron.

"Does Barty know about Ronald?" Luna asked serenely.

"No!" she blurted out immediately, bloody hell, "Well, sort of, that we used to date, yes, but nothing else." not that he was still owling her all the time, or coming to visit, he might take it the wrong way or think she was encouraging the behaviour. Plus, if he tried to confront Ron…well, she didn't want to see the outcome, Ron did have quite an explosive temper when angry. He'd proven that time and time again.

Luna and Harry shared a look, "How bad has it gotten, really?" she turned to Hermione.

Hermione shook her head, "Nothing I can't handle, at least he'll be back at Hogwarts for the term, and won't be able to ask the twins to Apparate him…and I'm fairly certain Arthur won't be in any condition to Apparate him anywhere least of Hogwarts for a while." poor man, it had been in all the newspapers, she'd been to visit him, brought him flowers and fruit. "Have you been to see him yet?"

Harry licked his lips before shaking his head, "No," no he hadn't been to see him yet.

"He looks so frail, but someone paid for his bill," Hermione said, giving Harry a knowing look, "Is paying for his bill." Nobody else had that kind of money to help the Weasley's out, absolutely nobody. Otherwise the Weasley's wouldn't have constantly been in dire straits. "He was talking about someone, her name began with an A, he so desperately wanted me to write to her. But I didn't know who it was or her address! And none of the Weasley's had heard of her, they think he might be dreaming…the Medi-witches did say he might disassociate when wakening. Finding her could help him, he's just withering away! Whatever it is…it's eating him up inside and even his children aren't able to help him. He's ready to just give in. If this person really exists, I'd love to be able to get in touch with her!"

"Is he that bad?" Harry asked, rather alarmed by it.

Hermione nodded, "He's losing so much weight, they're thinking of committing him, and you know the Weasley's cannot afford that."

"And the rest of the Weasley's are ignoring the one thing that he actually wants?" Harry stressed out, accepting the champagne that was handed to him by Hannah.

"Not ignoring, they just don't know who it is," Hermione defended the Weasleys.

"Uh-huh, when everyone with brain knows he's spent the past two decades drugged with a love potion…it can only be one of two things. A childhood friend or a friend he made at Hogwarts…since you can't ask his parents…maybe Muriel or perhaps the school year book." Harry stated bluntly.

Hermione gaped at him, heart pounding, feeling so utterly stupid, oh, why hadn't she thought about that? Oh, it was so bloody obvious, she was an idiot! "Another Gryffindor in his year!" she breathed.

Harry remained impassive, yeah, Gryffindor his ass, he wondered how she'd feel about Arthur knowing he loved a Slytherin.

Maybe he should inform the aforementioned girl, that Arthur was asking for her.

And if it rekindled something…and distracted the Weasley's from the war…well, another bonus was it not?

7.6K in three hours! I think I've found my personal best! :D well, here's another update edging closer to Arthur getting his HEA will the Weasley's leave Britain for a while? to recover from the horror of what their mother wrought on them? who will become the Minister for Magic? shall we have it a woman from the dark side? surprise everyone...it's mostly always wizards i have becoming Minister so might make a nice change! not Hermione of course ;) shall we see how Daphne is getting on with her apprenticeship with grant? so much to write :D R&R please!