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A/N: Sorry guys for taking so long to get this chapter out, I have been dealing with a lot at work these past few weeks and with the Holidays, I just didn't have the time to devote to this story, but I should be back on track now and hope you enjoy this Chapter. Happy Holidays Everyone!!
Chapter 11 -- The New Neville
The next morning, Neville woke up strangely well rested, considering he only slept a few hours, he felt good. After getting cleaned and dressed, he walked down to eat breakfast. What he witnessed as he entered the room was something Neville had never seen in all his years living at Longbottom Manor. Sitting at the table eating breakfast was Harry surrounded by at least twenty House Elf's, Dobby included.
Harry, who just noticed Neville enter the room, turned towards him and said, " Morning Nev, what you want for breakfast, Winky here is doing special orders today, so whatever you want, what's it gonna be?" Harry finished as Neville just stood there slightly dazed.
The House Elf's began to fidget in their seats as the silence began to grow until a House Elf stood up and spoke.
"I am sorry my Lordship but we mustn't be taking up any more of your valuable time, truly the honor was mine and I look forward to our next discussion. Lord Potter-Black, Lord Longbottom." and with a loud crack, twenty three House Elf's disappeared, leaving two House Elf's and one very confused looking Harry.
"Neville, what's wrong Mate? Take a load off, are you feeling okay?" asked Harry with concern in his voice as he rose up and walked over towards his friend. Neville slowly took a seat as he was trying to gather his thoughts just as Harry made his way over to him taking a seat right next to him. Harry waited a few seconds for Neville to get himself together before prompting him. "So what's wrong Neville, you thinking about what might be waiting for us later today at the bubblegum factory?"
Neville was about to speak when he stopped hesitantly and took a shy glance over at Dobby and Winky who were sitting at the table eating breakfast still. Harry noticed Neville's discomfort about addressing whatever was bothering him in front of the House Elfs. "Dobby, Winky, can you two give Neville and me a few minutes to talk in private, I promise it wont take long and you can return to your breakfast soon, I would greatly appreciate it." Harry asked as the two House Elf's popped up out of their seats immediately. Dobby simply smiled as he disappeared silently, but Winky asked if she could bring Neville back some breakfast upon her return. Neville's shy nod was all that Winky needed as she too disappeared silently leaving Neville and Harry alone.
It took Neville a few seconds before he looked over at Harry and began to speak very quietly. "Harry…. Who were all those House Elf's and why were you eating breakfast with them?"
"What do you mean Nev, those were your House Elf's….don't tell me you didn't know that? Is that why you were so startled when you came in?" asked Harry. Neville looked even more shocked then before. " All of those House Elf's were….mine?" said Neville looking very disturbed and down right embarrassed that he didn't know a single one of them.
"Yes Neville….well yours and your Grandmother's, they are the Longbottom House Elf's, some of which have been working here at Longbottom Manor for decades." finished Harry as he was trying to disguise his anger at the thought of some purebloods like Neville that took for granted all that House Elf's do for them without even the simple decency of recognition. Harry would bet all the gold in his vaults that Neville probably didn't even know two of their names and if he did, he knew that Neville couldn't pick them out of a crowd.
Neville looked down at the table, he couldn't look Harry in the eyes. He knew that Harry was upset, he could tell by how his tone had changed, and really he couldn't blame him, he was also upset, upset at himself. Why hadn't he even thought about it before, al those times he had asked for assistance, never thinking twice about who was serving him, not even thanking them. As Neville finally looked up, he met Harry's gaze and without expressing it in words, Harry understood.
"It's alright Nev, it's how you were raised, most purebloods never think about those who serve them, it's just expected. I would love to see what they would do if one day all the House Elf's in England just stood up and left, they wouldn't know what to do, how to cook, half of wizarding England would starve to death." Harry finished as he laughed out loud at the thought of that and Neville slowly joined in.
"Your right Harry, but it's still no excuse, it's not like I'm four years old anymore, I should be more aware, I'm sorry." Neville finished as he looked over at Harry.
"Don't be sorry Nev, just take the time to acknowledge all that they do for you and your family. It also wouldn't hurt to talk to them with normal conversation instead of just barking orders around, you never know, one day one of your House Elf's could save your life, mine certainly did." Harry finished with a huge smile.
"Your right Harry, and I promise things will be different from know on." Neville smiled as Harry nodded. "You take House Elf welfare to another level, Hermione would be proud." Neville finished as Harry's smile slowly faded at the mention of Hermione's name, something that did not go unnoticed by Neville.
"Harry can ask you something?" as Harry just nodded, Neville continued. "About Hermione and Ron, I understand about how you feel that they betrayed you but are you sure, I mean it could be all a misunderstanding or worse, another manipulation from our favorite Headmaster."
"I know, you might be right, I didn't have enough time to ask Albus about how he manipulated Ron and Hermione, or even if he had. All I got out of him before he collapsed was how he Manipulated you." Harry finished as he called for Dobby and Winky to return to help change the subject. Winky sat down a plate full of food in front of Neville and the two House Elf's returned to their plates of food.
Neville looked up towards Winky and said, "Thank you Winky for the breakfast, I was starting to get really hungry and I appreciate you taking the time to cook for me, you really didn't have to."
Harry simply smiled as Winky responded, "Lord Longbottom, there is no need to thank me, I love to cook, and breakfast is my specialty, at least that's what my Master tells me."
"Winky, how many times do I have to tell you to call me Harry, not Master, and you are incorrect, Neville does need to thank you for your generosity, and so does anyone else that you cook for, and if they don't, then I don't want you cooking for them again, is that clear?" Harry asked as Winky bashfully nodded that she understood. Winky looked over to Dobby who shared a glance with her as they both smiled. Without saying a word, they both understood what the other was thinking, Their master was constantly breaking barriers, who knew where this would lead to, maybe an entire generation who respected House Elf's and maybe even granted them privileges that humans had, but that was just crazy thinking, wasn't it?
As Neville began to dig into his breakfast, he murmured that this was excellent breakfast, Harry didn't lie when he said that Winky's specialty was breakfast. After wolfing down the breakfast and thanking Winky again, Neville went up to his to gather a few things leaving Harry alone with Winky and Dobby.
"Dobby, can you return to Harrington Palace and bring me one of the unused cell phones, I would like Neville to have one, have you heard from Jennifer or Krista today?" asked Harry as Dobby shook his head no before Winky spoke up.
"I returned them to their homes late last night, they asked me to have you call them later after you return home from your errand with Lord Longbottom." said Winky as Dobby disappeared only to return moments later with a brand new cell phone still in the box.
Taking the box from Dobby, Harry opened the phone and did his best to set Neville's up. He still wasn't completely confident about working the phone, that was Krista's specialty, but he knew enough to activate Neville's and get his number. Pulling out his own cell phone from his pocket, Harry turned the power on and started to store Neville's new number in his memory just as his phone began to vibrate. Clearing the screen, he noticed that he had several missed calls and a few new voicemails. Trying to remember what the girls had taught him, he finally figured it out and listened to his messages. He thought to himself how cool these cell phone things were as he listened to Krista and Jennifer worrying over where he was.
Neville walked in just as Harry finished with his messages and he called Nev over to him.
"Here Nev, I got you a little gift, this is a cell phone, do you know what they are?" asked Harry as Neville took the phone from Harry as he replied. "I do, but I am not sure how they operate." said Neville a little confusedly. After several minutes of detailed explaining, Neville felt confident about working the phone, mostly. After storing Harry's phone number, Harry had him store Krista and Jennifer's as well. Neville was a little reluctant to, seeing how he hasn't even met them yet, but Harry assured him that he would and in case of an emergency, they could help out or help find Harry.
After stowing away their cell phones Harry asked if he could check Neville's magical core to see how strong he had grown over night since the binding was lifted on his magical core. Neville agreed and Harry pulled his wand and closed his eye's concentrating on Neville's magical aura. Opening his eyes, Harry noticed that the binding was slightly still there but it was nowhere as strong as it was yesterday when he attempted to remove it. Focusing his power of will magic, Harry attempted to remove it completely, closing his eyes, he felt a rush of wind circle him and Neville. Even with his eyes closed, he could see the blinding gold light that encircled them. After several long minutes, Harry had given all he could, for now anyhow as he lowered his wand.
Slowly Harry opened his eyes to a vividly smiling Neville who was staring at his own hands as if this was the first time he had ever seen them. "Harry, Mate….I don't know how I could ever thank you….I feel amazing….for the first time in my life I feel like a real wizard….I can feel the magic within me …..it feels……amazing!!" Harry simply smiled as he was slightly exhausted as Dobby entered the room and rushed over to Harry's side.
"Master…are you okay, your magical core is very low." asked Dobby in a very concerned tone. Harry just smiled at Dobby as he explained. "I'm fine Dobby, I just exhausted myself trying to unbind Neville's magical core." At hearing the concern of Dobby, Neville realized that he was focused on how amazing he felt, that he barely registered how bad Harry was feeling at his expense. Walking over to get closer to Harry to see if there was anything he could do but he never made it very close as Dobby stepped in front of Harry protectively, guarding Harry from any opposing danger.
Neville took one at Dobby standing in front of Harry and he knew that he was not to be tested, stopping in his tracks and slowly retreating with both his hands in the air to signify that he meant no harm. Neville was starting to get scared before Harry told Dobby to relax, that Neville was a friend and meant no harm, but Dobby would not budge from his stance in front of Harry.
"Neville, it's okay….can you give Dobby and I a couple of minutes in private, I will meet you in the library okay?" As Neville nodded as he slowly backed out of the room and disappeared down the hallway as Dobby shut the door and sealed it to prevent anyone from entering before turning around and looking bashfully at Harry.
"Dobby, really I am fine….there is no need to attack Neville or seal the room off …if you could just get me some pepper up potion, I will back to normal in no time." Harry finished with a smile as he tried to get up before falling back down into his seat.
"No….you don't understand….in your weakened condition…..someone could take advantage of you…..I am not letting you leave this room until you have recuperated." finished Dobby with a fierce look of determination on his face. The only thing Dobby was thinking of was how he could get Harry back his strength…in fact it was all that Dobby wanted at this moment. As Harry attempted to get to his feet again, Dobby rushed over to help him up, and when they made contact with each other, a bright gold light erupted from where they were connected as a swirl of wind circled the two of them like a mini tornado.
As the tornado of bright gold light started to fade, lasting only a couple of seconds, when it vanished, Harry and Dobby were left in an awkward silence until Harry realized that he felt stronger, much stronger in fact. Looking towards Dobby, Harry asked, "Dobby, how do you feel? Do you feel weaker or magically drained even the slightest bit?" Dobby took a second to gage his magical strength before shaking his head that he didn't, if anything, Dobby felt stronger then before the mini gold tornado encircled them.
"I don't know what just happened Dobby, but I feel remarkably stronger, better then I have felt in a long time, and if you are feeling stronger as well, then something is definitely going on between us. I know I mentioned that researching this bond between us was on my to do list, but I think it just jumped to the top of the list." Harry finished as Dobby simply nodded that he understood.
Harry walked over to the door and paused waiting for Dobby to unseal it, then he made his way to the library to find Neville and apologize on behalf of Dobby for his protectiveness. Entering the library, Harry had a small shock as the vision of Neville talking casually to his mother, Lily Potter, startled him. He felt he was never going to get used to seeing her moving and talking as if she was still around. The thought left him with a searing pain in his chest.
Neville, who just noticed Harry walk in, jumped up to attention as Dobby was right on Harry's heal. "Harry, I am truly sorry, if I would have known how much helping me would hurt you, I would have never asked you to do that." But before Neville could get any further, Harry raised his hand to silence him as he began to speak.
"Neville, please stop apologizing, I knew it would tire me out, but that's all, normally all it would take is a little time, a couple of hours maybe, to regain my strength, a small price to pay to completely unbind your magical core, wouldn't you agree?"
"I would but wait, Normally? Are you feeling better now?" as Harry shook his head that he was feeling fine to Neville's questioning looks, Neville understood that Harry would explain later. Neville was going to say something again before Dobby stepped around Harry and addressed the Longbottom heir. "Lord Longbottom, I am fiercely sorry for threatening you, I sincerely apologize for my behavior but I wish for you to know that I will not hesitate to do so again if I feel my Master is being in danger."
Neville simply smirked as he would expect no less from Harry's House Elf. From what little he knew of Dobby, the one thing he knew for sure, was that no one and he meant no one, would get away with bad mouthing or threatening Harry Potter in his presence. He laughed internally at the thought of Dobby hexing the Queen of England herself if she were to say something hurtful in regards to Harry. Neville was beginning to see a pattern in regards to one Harry Potter. Everyone who got the chance to meet and become friends with Harry, whether they were House Elf's, Goblins, Wizards, or Animals, it didn't matter, they would choose to give their life to protect him and Neville was starting to become another one to throw his name in to that hat as well.
Harry who was beaming proudly at Dobby, was brought out of his musings by his mother as her voice floated in the air, snapping him back to reality. "Harry, as I was mentioning to Neville before you came in, Chewies Bubblegum Factory was Alice's favorite of the business' that she and Frank had owned. If Alice were to hide something important, it stands to reason that it would likely be there. But few really knew how much she loved that place. The workers at that factory were way more then just employees, they were like family, I don't know if it's like that anymore?" Lily said as she pondered what the factory was like now, years later.
Harry looked over to Neville and noticed the far away look he had on his face. " Nev are you ready for this, you know, we could do this at another time, were not even sure if we are going to find anything there?" Harry let the question linger before Neville seemed to snap out of it and replied to Harry.
" No, I will be okay, I want to do this, I have a feeling that the answers we seek are somehow connected to that Factory, especially after hearing your Mother talk about how much my Mother cared for that place. It's just too many coincidences for us not to find something there." as Harry nodded that he kind of agreed, all the clues were in someway pointing to that factory. Harry was hoping they find something there, because if they didn't, he wasn't sure where to go from there.
After Neville handed over the address to the Factory that he received from his parents financial records, he still wasn't sure how to get there. Harry figured the best way to get there was Dobby anyhow, Harry handed over the parchment to Dobby, after he scanned it for a few seconds, he nodded as he stowed away the parchment. Harry assumed that he knew how to get there, as he turned to look at Neville. "All right, are you ready to go?" Harry let the question linger before turning to Dobby, "Dobby once we arrive, I want you to stay with us, I'm not sure what to expect and it would be better to have your magical power for back up, but I want you to be invisible, can you handle that?" Harry smiled as Dobby beamed up at him as he nodded that he understood.
Harry made one last check that he had everything he needed and then looked towards Neville, who took one deep breath, then exhaled as he nodded that he too was ready. Both boys looked over to Dobby who stepped between the two boys, just as Dobby was raising his hand, Harry heard Lily say "good luck boys, be careful." as Dobby snapped his fingers as the trio disappeared.
Looking around as they arrived, Harry realized they were in a back alley of what looked like a row of huge buildings. Looking towards Dobby as Neville started to investigate further down the alley. "Harry, Chewies is the last building on the left, just over there." Dobby finished as he pointed to the building just down the alley. Neville took the lead and Harry followed with Dobby on his heal. As they reached the double wide glass doors, Harry turned to tell Dobby that it was time to go incognito, but he was already gone. "Don't worry Master, I will be by your side the entire time, if you need me, just call out." Said an invisible Dobby as Harry smirked. Harry pulled open the door and followed Neville over to the countertop.
Looking around, Harry noticed that the building seemed to be split right down the middle, with small cubicle like offices on the right side, and huge machinery spread out all over the place down the left side. Harry assumed that the machinery was producing and packaging the bubblegum, and that the offices were staffed with people marketing and selling the product. The front office that they were in right now had an overhead view of the entire Factory floor. As they were waiting for the secretary to return, Neville pointed out that at the end of the Factory, there was two double doors that he guessed lead to Merlin only knows where.
Harry turned behind him and whispered, "Dobby, head down to the far end of the factory and investigate what is behind those double doors. Don't worry about us, but make it quick, and don't touch anything, just take a quick look around and see how many people are back there." Dobby replied, "Yes Master" just as the secretary returned with a rather large man in a dark grey business suit. He must have weighed at least three hundred pounds Harry thought to himself as Neville took the lead.
"What can I help you young gentleman with? My names Calvin Bixby, I am the Head Honcho so to speak at this Factory, let me guess, you gentleman heard about our amazing bubblegum and want to sell it in your stores. Well let me tell you, we don't just let anyone sell our amazing product, why should I allow you boys to sell Chewies Bubblegum?" The rather large man finished with a questioning look.
Neville just smiled as he looked over to Harry who simply shrugged as if to say, your call mate. Neville wasn't sure how he should proceed, he was thinking of going along with the story that was already laid out for them as shop owners but that wouldn't get them to fully investigate the place the way they wanted. Making up his mind, Neville threw himself fully into it as Harry smirked at his one time shy friend, Hogwarts look out, here comes Neville Longbottom Harry Thought.
"So Let me get this straight, you don't sell your product to everyone that wants to sell it, can I ask you why that is, because to me, that sounds like bad business." Neville finished confidently. Mister Bixby was taken back by Neville's comment, so much in fact that he backed up a few steps as he began sputtering incoherently for several seconds to the snickers of not only Harry but his own secretary as well.
After composing himself enough to get his words out so they were at least understandable, Mister Bixby's face started to get redder and redder, so much so that Harry was having Vernon Dursley flashbacks. Harry decided to help the big guy out a little by jumping in here and clarifying a little bit. "I think we got off on the wrong foot, Mister Bixby, I would like to introduce you to Lord Longbottom, does that name ring a bell to you?" Harry asked as the Secretary gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. Mister Bixby calmed down visibly as well as taking a few more steps back in silent shock.
Harry smirked at the scene that played out in front of him. The Chewies Employees were completely flustered and Neville was confidently smirking at the Head Honcho as Mister Bixby put it. Gathering his thoughts, Mister Bixby finally found his voice, "Mister…Lord Longbottom…my apologizes….I….well….we were never informed….I mean.." but thankfully Neville rescued the bumbling idiot from putting his foot further into his mouth.
"Relax Mister Bixby, I am not here to drill you or to make your life miserable, at least not today that is. Today I am only here to tour this factory with my associate here. I am not sure how long we will stay today, but after we are shown the Factory floor, offices, and employees, my partner and I will discuss the futures of the staff at this factory, that is if you still have one." Neville finished completely stone faced. Harry had to hand it to him, he played the part perfectly, so much in fact that Harry was starting to fear for the poor guys health for it looked like he was about to have a heart attack.
"Of course Lord Longbottom, please follow me and I will show you the factory floor." said Mister Bixby as he lead the way out of the lobby entrance and down the spiraling staircase that opened up to the main floor below. As they reached the bottom, Neville and Harry noticed the Secretary take off towards the offices, no doubt warning all the employees of their surprised guest. After watching her disappear around the corner, Neville turned to Mister Bixby and informed him that his partner, ( Harry ) was going to mingle around and check things out on his own. Bixby simply nodded that he understood as he walked a little further giving Harry and Neville a quick moment to discuss their plan.
"Make your way to the back and check things out as best you can, I will have Bixby take me back there in fifteen minutes exactly." said Neville as Harry nodded. "Scan the entire place and everyone you meet along the way very carefully, later we can re-examine it in detail in my pensive, ohh and by the way, be careful and if you feel like your in danger, call for Dobby, okay?" replied Harry and Neville nodded as he smiled, catching up to Bixby as he thought to himself, " reviewing in the pensive, what a brilliant idea, I guess that's why he is the Chosen One."
Harry went to the right, along the long hallway that had various cubicles of offices that spread out everywhere. Not stopping and talking to anyone as he tried to get to the private offices as fast as he could, after all, he only had fifteen minutes to investigate before Neville returned. As he made his way down the hallway, Harry noticed the frantic and rushed faces that were watching him pass with fear in their eyes. Finally making it to the rear of the factory, Harry took one look around before opening the door and walking through.
After closing the door behind him, Harry started to stealthily walk forward before realizing that he actually had permission to check the place out. Shaking his head at his stupidity, Harry took another step forward before Dobby appeared right in front of him.
"Harry, I have checked in every room back here and I have located your Godmother's personal office, and it is just like the portrait of your Mother said it would be, completely sealed off, even I could not get through that sealed door. I think your Mother was correct, Only Neville can open that door." Finished Dobby as Harry nodded before he walked a little further and checked out the offices that he could with Dobby explaining what he found. They explored what looked to be Mister Bixby's office and several other offices, not finding anything of importance. Glancing down at his watch, Harry had about three minutes left before Neville brought Bixby back here. Harry told Dobby to hang out by the sealed door and wait for him and Neville to return before heading back towards the way he entered and exiting the private offices.
Lingering by the offices near the rear of the factory, Harry waited for Neville to show. Looking down at his watch, Harry smirked when the time was up and Harry looked up and saw Mister Bixby with Neville right on his heals.
"Well like I said Lord Longbottom, this is where your office and my office is located, as well as the other Managers the only thing is…." Mister Bixby got rather nervous about this like he wanted to say something but didn't want to sound crazy. Harry picked up on what it could be right away and for the second time decided to save this guy the stress.
"Let me guess, the door has sealed itself and no one has ever been able to open it, no matter what they tried." Harry suggested with a small smirk. Mister Bixby was slightly shocked but nodded his head that Harry was correct. Neville picked up on it right away and realized that this must be his Mother's private office that Lily was talking about.
"Not to worry Mister Bixby, that is an old family secret to keep those private business matters….private so to speak. This is partly the reason for my visit today, the other part is to evaluate your teams performance as well as their productivity. I want you to return to the general offices and gather your team in the main conference room you showed me earlier in lets say twenty minutes, that will give my associate and I enough time to share information and come to a decision." Finished Neville sternly as Mister Bixby nodded and vacated the private offices to gather his team.
"Bloody brilliant Nev! I'm telling you….you have been in rare form today" said a slightly chuckling Harry before continuing, "you know what the funny thing is? You actually are the big hancho, Mister big time Lord Longbottom!!" Harry teased.
"Shut it Harry" said a slightly smirking Neville as he made his way over to the sealed door just as Dobby made himself seen. "So ummm what is it that I'm supposed to do to open this door?" asked Neville
"Lord Longbottom, just place your hand on the door knob and wait for the door to open itself, that's all it should take to unseal the door." said Dobby as Neville complied.
Suddenly the door glowed slight gold before several clicking noises were heard and the door swung open slowly. Harry, Neville and Dobby walked in and closed the door right away. The office was rather large as Harry and Dobby slowly walked around looking here and there. Harry wanted to give Neville some time to be first to explore as much as he could, if this was his Mother's personal office, he would want to be the first one to so as well. Unfortunately they were on a short timeline.
After Neville did an initial sweep of the office, Harry and Dobby joined in and ransacked the office without making too much of a mess. After about fifteen minutes of serious searching, they come up with nothing. They even tried placing their hands together on every object in the office, still turned up empty. Both boys were seriously disappointed, Harry was sure this was where it would be, with the way the room was sealed and everything. Neville walked around and leaned against the desk next to Harry.
" I don't know Harry, I really thought that the prophecy was going to be hidden here. But it looks like we were wrong." said Neville dejectedly.
"No Neville, I refuse to believe that, I think it's here, but maybe hiding it away in her personal office would be to obvious. I have a gut feeling that the answer we seek, is in this factory somewhere." said Harry assuredly.
"Yeah…maybe your right…about her office being too obvious of a hiding spot but what are we to do, go around placing both of our hands on everything in this factory?"
"Well, that's one option" said Harry as Neville chuckled before he continued. "No actually I think the best thing to do, is go back out there and reassure everyone that their jobs are safe for the time being and that we will be around over the next couple of months with some slight business changes we will be implementing. Then after we review everything from today in the pensive, we can return and explore the factory, section by section."
Neville nodded before saying, "I think that's as good a plan as any Harry, well no sense making those poor employees wait any longer, lets get out there and shake things up a little." Harry nodded as he watched Neville stand and walk out the office, stopping just outside. As Harry and Dobby followed, Neville closed the door, as he did, that slight gold glow surrounded the door again as several clicks signaled the door resealed itself as the glow faded. Harry asked Dobby to stay with them and to check closely to every employee in the conference room, just in case. Dobby understood and went invisible again as Harry followed Neville to the meeting.