DISCLAIMER: I don't own Harry Potter or any of it's Characters, and if you would be so kind as to review I would be very happy. Thank You
Chapter 25 -- Neville's Tale
"Potter Castle!" said Harry in shock
"Yeah, I have seen it Harry and it is Bloody amazing!" said Neville
"You've seen it? How is this possible, you couldn't have seen it Neville it was all some type of crazy dream or something." said Harry as Remus and Luna looked on confusedly.
"No Harry, believe me, this was no dream, let's get out of here and head back to the Palace and we can talk all about it." said Neville as he grabbed some clothes that were sitting on a little counter, and headed over behind the screen to change.
"Actually I have another place in mind, what do you say Remus, care to do the showing around?" asked Harry
"I would love to, but first you have to key everyone in, I believe me and Neville shouldn't be a problem, but if we are to bring along Goblin Aide and the lovely Luna, they will have to be keyed in before hand." said Remus
"Okay then, Luna you stay back with Neville and security while me and Remus check out the place real quick, when were ready, we'll send Dobby for you, okay." said Harry
"That works for me mate, I could use a little rest." said Neville as he laid back down on the bed fully dressed.
"More rest, you've been sleeping for three bloody days, and you need more rest?" asked Luna
"Long story, I'll tell you all about it once were all together again okay, for now, why don't you…..why don't you come lay down next to me and rest a little as well?" asked Neville bashfully.
Remus and Harry jostled a second as Luna sort of froze.
"We'll see you kids later, two hours max, rest up you too." said Remus as he walked closer to Harry and put his hand on Harry's shoulder.
As Remus was walking towards Harry, Luna unfroze and made her way towards Neville's bed. The last thing Harry and Remus saw was Luna jumping on the bed next to Neville and lying down with a huge smile on her face. Harry thought of the passcode and his destination, and suddenly, they were there.
Harry was looking up at a huge White Mansion, they must be in the backyard for this view looked like the back of the house. It looked to be four or five stories and huge white pillars running from way at the top, all the way to the floor. The building itself was extremely large. There were several patios and greenery all around.
Walking slowly closer to the Mansion, Harry was looking all around him and the hugeness of the place. Remus was walking slowly behind Harry, he too was looking all around but his eyes seemed to be not really looking at anything in particular. Harry assumed he was lost in yesteryear.
Entering the house, Harry was amazed. The place was enormous. Huge vaulted ceilings and Marble floors. The place had a very distinctive old English feel to it, if Harry didn't know any better he would have thought this was some Palace tour or something. Suddenly Harry felt a whoosh of wind and suddenly all the lights powered on and Harry felt his magical core reacting to the wards around the house.
"I was wondering when that would happen. The one thing I remember the most about this place was that it was always bright. After changes, I would wear sunglasses around the Manor, Uncle C used to call me shades." smiled Remus
With all the lights on, Harry could get a real good look at the place. The first thing he noticed was how dusty the place was, it looked like no one has stepped foot in this house for a long time.
"A little dirty, nothing your good friends Dobby and Winky couldn't take care of." said Remus.
"Yes, I suppose you are right." smiled Harry as he thought how happy they would be to have to clean this huge place, it would probably take them the rest of summer just to finish. "Do you know where the ward control center is so I can key everyone in or is this something I can think about and find the answer myself." asked Harry
Remus laughed " I do, but I can not enter it with you, come along, it's this way." said Remus as he led Harry over towards the grand staircase, he paused as he studied the cabinetry along the side of the stair case.
"Don't tell me, it's somewhere stored in a tiny room under the stairs, and here I thought I wouldn't have to ever spend time in a room under the stairs again." said Harry a little frustrated.
Remus frowned a little as he looked sideways at Harry before continuing to study the side of the stair case.
"Oh I can't remember where the door is. Just place your hand here on the wall and say open ward stone room." said Remus as Harry walked closer and did what he was asked.
Nothing happened at first and Remus was thinking about what plan B would be when suddenly, a little ways down from where Harry was placing his hand, a small panel shined in a bright gold color before a small clicking noise was heard and a small door popped open.
"Wicked!" said Harry as Remus smirked at him as they both made their way over to the room.
"Now Harry, it looks extremely complicated in there but it really is quite simple. Everything is voice activated. Just speak very clearly what your intentions are and it will tell you what to do, step by step. If you would like I could show you some tricks but you have to grant me access to the Ward Stone room first, that is if you want, you don't have to of course." said Remus a little bashfully
"I don't mind Remus, but you are apparently already keyed into the wards, so why don't you just come in and show me everything now?" asked Harry
"I may be still keyed into Potter Manor, but only a Potter or someone a Potter specifically gave permission to, can enter the Ward Stone command center, for security reasons you know."
Harry nodded, that does make sense, he thought as he made his way inside the room. The door was very small, so small he had to duck just to make it inside. He was having very eerie flashbacks to Privet Drive, that was until he made it completely inside. It was very deceiving, because inside the room was much, much larger then he would have ever imagined.
The first thing he noticed was the huge screens that were hanging all over the walls which definitely gave it a command center feel. Second, there was a very comfy looking high back chair in brilliant gold and red leather although it was rather dusty, in fact everything in here was rather dusty. Making his way over towards the chair, Harry pulled out his wand and cast several spells to eliminate the dust problem as much as he could for now, then he took a seat in the high back chair.
The moment he sat down on the chair, a small red light flashed on the control board and a small whisper like voice interrupted the silence.
"Please state your full name while placing your hand on the control panel" said the animated voice as a small hand print on the control panel flashed blue.
Harry placed his hand over the blue hand print, then stated his full name. suddenly several flashes of light emanated from the control panel then Harry felt a sharp pain in his fingers and he pulled his hand away from the panel, looking at his hand to see what that was. The animated voice spoke again as more lights flickered on the panel.
"Harry James Potter…..confirmed. Welcome Lord Potter-Black. Awaiting instructions…." said the voice as all the screens suddenly turned on and Harry was staring at several different view points inside and outside the Manor. Unsure what to say exactly, Harry figured the direct approach was best.
"I would like to edit the list of acceptable people to be allowed admittance into Potter Manor property." said Harry as he hoped that was sufficient enough.
The voice responded, " accessing keyed magical signatures to Potter Manor." on the screen directly in front of Harry, was a small list of names. Harry frowned when he saw some of them and immediately removed everyone except Remus and himself. Then he added all the names of his entourage, starting with Neville and finishing with Dobby and Winky. Then he granted access to the Ward Stone Command Center to Remus and Neville only, then he rose from his seat and called for Remus to enter.
"Wow Kido, I have never been inside this room before, although it is very similar to the Ward Stone room that is in Grimmauld Place. I remember James and Uncle C would spend a lot of time talking in here." said Remus as he walked over to a smaller chair that was in the corner and rolled it to be closer to the high back chair Harry was sitting in.
Remus looked up at the screen in front of him and took note of everyone Harry had added to the access list.
"I see you added some of Whiplock's security team, do you think that is wise?" asked Remus
"I do, I only added the Goblins I truly trust, those Goblins fought side by side with me and have risked their lives in doing so." Answered Harry with finality.
Remus showed Harry a few things that were available to him within this room and explained to him that in case of an emergency, he should bunker down in this room because it was much like a muggle panic room. Looking at the time, Harry figured it was time to head back to St. Mungos and pick up Neville and the rest of everybody, he was very interested in Neville's story of this other world.
Harry and Remus left the Ward Stone Room and Harry watched as the door closed then sealed itself again. Harry smiled, it was times like these he truly loved magic. You would never know that a room was even there. Harry called out for Dobby and Winky who immediately appeared before them silently making Remus jump back a little in surprise.
"Dobby, Winky, I would like to welcome you to Potter Manor" said Harry as both Dobby and Winky looked around with huge bright eyes in awe.
"No, No, No, this will never do Master." said Winky
"I know, it is a little dirty, but no one has been here for several years." said Harry
"Don't worry Master, we will get right on cleaning this Manor." said Dobby proud fully as Winky was itching to begin cleaning.
"Thank You Dobby and Winky, it is a rather large Manor so don't overwork your self's, I don't expect this place to be cleaned for several weeks. Remus and I are going to return to St. Mungo's to pick up Neville and Luna as well as a few other guests, we will return shortly."
"I will begin cooking and will have everything ready upon your return." said Winky
"That is nice Winky but completely unnecessary, if we get hungry I will take care of it myself. Please start cleaning with the sitting room, that will be where we will conjugate when we return." said Harry with a smile
"As you wish Master." said Winky as she and Dobby both bowed their heads then silently disappeared.
"Do they always disapperate silently like that Harry? Because I have never met a House Elf that could do that, let alone two of them." said Remus
Harry nodded that he understood that for he was a little shocked weeks ago when he first discovered that himself.
After making their way back to the wizarding hospital, they made their way to the secret level and towards Neville's room. Upon entering, they were a little shocked by the number of people that greeted them. Besides Neville and Luna, there was also George, Fred, Ernie, Lee, Krista, Jennifer, and Katie. They were all surrounding Neville's bed and had huge smiles on their faces when they spotted Harry enter the room with Remus on his heels.
"What are all you guys doing here?" asked Harry in surprise
"What, we cant visit our dear friend and make sure he is okay?" asked Ernie as everyone nodded as the Twins and the girls came over to give Remus a hug.
"Welcome back mate." said Fred and George together
"Well of course, it's just.." stumbled Harry
"You weren't expecting to see us all here." said Katie with a smile
"Well…yeah." answered Harry as Jennifer and Krista made their way over to Harry quickly and enveloped him in a strong three way hug.
"I'm sorry Harry, it's my fault really, Krista called me asking about how everyone was and .." said Luna
"And I told Jennifer, who told the Twins, who told…." said Krista before Harry interrupted her
"Yeah, yeah, I get it." said a grinning Harry
"Are you not happy to see us or something Mate?" pondered Fred with mock hurtfulness.
"Not at all, in fact this will be easier, lets get out of here and head over to our new base of operations, I am looking forward to hearing Neville's tale." said Harry
"I wouldn't mind hearing your tale of the rescue mission as well Harry." said Krista as Jennifer, and Luna nodded that they agreed.
"Base of Operations? You mean Harrington Palace right Harry?" said George
"No ….better, way better right Harry." said a beaming Neville
"Yeah, it is but you will see, everyone ready?" asked Harry looking around at everyone's beaming smiles as Kongack interrupted.
"Lord Potter-Black, we will be leaving several guards here to watch over the rest of your charges but I must remind you that our Lord Whiplock insists that I and my team accompany you until further notice." said Kongack a little apprehensive
"I figured as much Kongack and have already taken precautions and included your team, but only your team will be granted access to our new base, I will explain everything in detail upon our arrival." said a smiling Harry
Kongack and the five other Goblins that were guarding Neville's room pounded their weapons on the ground and bowed their heads to Harry who couldn't remove the silly grin from his face.
Harry grabbed a Quibbler that was sitting on the small nightstand that Luna was reading and turned it into a Portkey to Potter Manor. As he was doing this he overheard one of the Goblins whispering to Kongack, " He actually included us, Goblins? He truly is remarkable isn't he sir?"
"Everyone please gather around and grab a hold." said Harry as the large group did what he asked, then suddenly the group disappeared. When they reappeared, they were standing in the huge sitting room in Potter Manor. As everyone was looking around in awe, a few people were looking at Harry oddly.
"That was the easiest Portkey I have ever taken, in fact if it wasn't for the fact that we are obviously someplace different, I would swear we never left." said Krista as several others nodded that they agreed
"Let me welcome everyone to Potter Manor, please everyone take a seat and relax." said Harry as he pulled out his wand and more comfy chairs were added to accommodate his larger Goblin friends.
After everyone was seated, Harry explained a little bit as to where they were.
"This Manor has been in the Potter Family for centuries. I have recently become aware of it because I am of age, I mean emancipated, whatever. I know it's not looking the best right now but that will change in the coming weeks. This Manor has several security enhancements that most Manor's do not, thus making it one of the most secured buildings, even more so then Hogwarts." said Harry
"Wow! Really, more then Hogwarts?" said Lee
"Well when you think about all the stuff that has happened to Harry over the years, Hogwarts isn't all that safe as everyone assumes it is." said Fred as George nodded along
"lets just say that if someone who Harry hasn't given permission to, attempts to step foot on this property, it will be the worst mistake they have ever made." said a beaming Remus
"That is if they can even find the Manor, I believe it is unplotable, not to mention all the charms and protective spells that have been placed on this Manor over the Decades." said Neville
"That is true but like I said, this Manor is very old and is protected by very old magic, but enough about the Manor for now, we will continue this conversation after we hear from Neville." said Harry with a little smile as everyone turned their attention towards Neville.
"Umm, if you don't mind everyone, I would like to discuss this first with Harry and Mister Lupin, if that's all right with everyone." said Neville somewhat nervously.
"That;s fine Nev, How about we check out this sweet place some more Harry, is that cool?" said Fred
"Yeah, of course. Just remember that it might be dusty and dirty, Dobby and Winky only cleaned this room so far, so just be prepared. Oh, and another thing, while exploring, if you come across a locked room, do not attempt to enter until I have time to check the place personally okay." said Harry as everyone started to break away to explore Potter Manor.
"If you don't mind Harry, we can help get rid of the dust and whatnot, so Dobby and Winky don't have to do it all by themselves. This place is kind of huge." said Luna
"Great idea Luna, this could be fun, besides, if this is going to be OUR base of operations, we should help clean it up as well." said Krista and everyone agreed
"Thanks guys, I know Dobby and Winky would appreciate that…..I think?" said Harry as he heard some laughter as everyone left the sitting room. It was quiet for a minute as Neville gathered his thoughts.
"Well, I'm not sure where to begin. The last thing I remember from the Diagon Alley attack was chasing down Bella Bitch. At first she started to fight me but I think I surprised her when a few of my shots hit her, then she duck tailed and ran for it. I was so angry I just took off after her. I realize now that I probably shouldn't have done that." said Neville as he looked away from Harry and Remus.
"That's okay Nev, I did the same thing in the Department of Mysteries, if you remember. But at the time I just wanted payback for what she did to Sirius. So I know all to well what you were feeling at the time." said Harry as Neville smiled a little at hearing that.
"I won't make that mistake again, I will use my head and think things through next time." said Neville
"It is the hardest thing to learn when you are dueling someone. A lesson I think everyone learns the hard way." said Remus as both Harry and Neville nodded.
"Anyways, I chased her into a broken down store. There were small fires everywhere as merchandise was burning. The black smoke made seeing a little difficult, but I trapped her in the corner of the store. We dueled some more and I used some of those close counter moves you taught me Harry when we got close to each other. I knocked her wand out of her hand and connected with a few kicks and punches. Just when I thought I had her for good, five more Death Eaters entered and surrounded me. Lestrange was knocked out and we dueled some more but I was outnumbered and I didn't last very long, although I think I took one or two out before everything went black. The last thing I remember thinking was that I wished I killed Bellatrix before I died." said Neville
Harry and Remus looked pensive while Neville collected himself.
"Then I came too and was tied to that beam and I looked up to see a mob of Death Eaters and Goblins and no one else in sight besides of course, you and Molfoy's mom of all people. Then suddenly there was a commotion, the Death Eaters began to stir and I knew something was up. Then I see you Harry and I won't tell you what was running through my head at that moment. I knew what you were up to, stalling. Classic Harry maneuver, get the bad guys talkin while you figure out your options, I'm learning." smiled Neville
"What can I say, being the Chosen one and number one on Riddle's hit list does has it's advantages!" smirked Harry
"Really now?" grinned Neville as Remus interrupted
"Hey now, I do believe I am number one on that list, I mean I just got granted that honor, now your trying to steal it away already?" said a teasingly Remus
"True, true, I must give credit where credit is due." smiled Harry as Remus bowed with pleasure esthetically as Harry continued; " this situation is prime example though, when you are number one, Riddle usually wants to do you in personally, and seeing how he never does anything himself, when his minions come calling, they are usually ordered to only contain you, not kill you, this defiantly gives you an advantage in battle." as Neville and Remus both nodded to that
"I never thought of it that way before, really." said Neville
"Yeah….well, people who have been in the vicinity when these instances occur, usually think I am really brave or just ego inflated, but really it's because I know they are not going to attempt to kill me, just drag me to Snakeface so he can do it while gloating. Although today that sort of changed, McNair began to throw the killing curse " said Harry stoically
"Well, as you were stalling, I began to try and untie myself and I must say Harry, you are damn good at distracting because you even had me engaged while talking to Bellatrix. As for what you did, I don't know how you do it? Come up with the most brilliant plans sometimes I mean really, stripping her magic away from her, bloody brilliant! Did you know that it would happen the way it did?" asked Neville smiling from ear to ear
"No, I had no idea mate. It was something that came to me and I figured I would give it a try, if it didn't work, I wasn't really worse off, you know. But when the bright light erupted from her, I knew it was my only chance at a great distraction to switch to the offensive, I freed you and blasted the Death Eaters closest to you as I emptied my storage crystal supply and the battle raged from there." said Harry
"Yeah, I tried to free Remus, but bloody hell mate, you were some serious dead weight, then the next thing I know, Bellatrix is right on me, wand blazing. As the words rolled off her tongue, they came at me in slow motion, I couldn't believe it, after all that, AK'd by that bitch! Then nothing happened, nothing! That look on her face is something I will never forget, I reached back and blasted her one right on the chin, she didn't even attempt to block, she just sat there with that shocked, dumb expression on her face." said Neville obviously reliving the moment.
"Then McNair hit you with that curse and took Remus and disappeared." said Harry
"Yes, I vaguely remember the green curse flying my way and then the next thing I know, I'm waking up in a forest somewhere, completely alone." said Neville
"A Forest?" asked Remus
"Yeah, I walked around a little bit, I was really confused, I figured that I was in some type of afterworld or something but it wasn't anything like I expected."
"I can imagine, what was it like?" asked Harry
"weird, I figured there must be somebody, somewhere, so I just started walking. I finally ran into some people who unfortunately were not very friendly. I didn't have my wand but thanks to Harry, I know a little wandless magic. When they started attacking, I dodged as much as I could and angled myself to try and take the first one out wandlessly. But something weird happened. When I attempted that fire blast curse, I incinerated the whole lot of them when a small explosion erupted from my hand."
"A small explosion?" said Harry as he and Remus looked at one another
"It was like nothing I have experienced before, I was completely shocked but it felt amazing! After though, I was kind of scared, I know they attacked me first and everything but if I was in the After Life, I don't think the Gods will be happy with me ending five lives just minutes upon my arrival."
"So what happened next?" asked Harry
"I left that area and made my way to higher ground, I had to get my bearings to find out where I was or where I should be going. I made it to a clearing and I could see a town not far away, so I made it there and began to explore the village. Again it was one of those places that I would not likely have visited if I had a choice, there were some shady looking people hanging about. After what just happened in the forest, I was looking to avoid more trouble."
"I spotted a pub and ducked inside to avoid the people out on the streets. It wasn't very busy and I found a corner booth unoccupied. It had a small window that looked out towards the rear of the pub, just on the other side of my booth was a door that I figured led out towards the back. The waitress approached my booth to take my order, I was still a little confused about just about everything at that point and I definitely could have used a drink, fortunately for me, I never got it." said Neville
"What do you mean you never got it, did you order it?" asked Harry
"That's the thing, I never did. I was startled a little when she finally reached my booth because she was…..well…beautiful, startling so. There was something there…..a connection of some sort, I can't really explain it. An awkward silence began uncomfortably and just when I was about to say something, the door to the pub busted open and about ten hooded figures walked in. The next thing I know, the waitress is taking off down the back alley from that side door. Immediately those hooded guys ran after her and I was left sitting there dumbfounded." said Neville
"Let me guess, you ran after them to try to help her." asked Harry
"What else could I do, there was something to her, something important, I couldn't explain it at the time I just knew I had to do something. Running down the alley, I found her being held by two of the hooded creatures, with another one standing before her talking at her and the remaining ones standing off to the side blocking the exit from the alley."
"When they sensed my approach, the person talking stopped and turned towards me and started to walk in my direction. When that happened, I stopped and took stock of my situation, I had two choices, fight or flee back in the direction I came in. I wasn't really sure as to my fighting abilities in this new found place, you know?" said Neville
" So you chose to fight, seeing how you appear to be in one piece, I'm assuming you did alright." said Remus with a smile
"Yeah, well I wasn't sure like I said, so I used a Harry technique and stalled a little by trying to diffuse the situation with words while I strategize my plan. I had a feeling that these guys were not into negotiation, and they thought ten verses one was a no brainer. I said that the girl was a family friend and that I was responsible for her safety and if there was another way that I could solve whatever problem they had with her. At hearing this, the leader said that there was and lowered his hood."
Neville paused here for a few seconds as he regained his exposure.
"What was hidden under the hoods, was something I have never seen before. I can't even describe it. The best way I can think of is that they looked like a mix between Inferi and Dementors. After seeing what my fire curse did, I was hesitant to try that again, so I went with simple stunners, that was the first wandless spell I was ever really good at. The first one I hit, flew backwards into the small crowd of the others giving me a few extra seconds. I turned my attention to the two who were holding the waitress, one of them broke off from her and pulled what looked like a knife, then suddenly it was a huge sword. I panicked a little and blasted him with the fire curse as he drew back his sword. He lit up like a Christmas tree, by this time the crowd began to regain their position and when I turned towards them, my adrenaline was pumping so fast, my hands began to glow. When the remaining hooded people noticed this, they decided that they would flee to see another day, I was so thankful because I really wasn't sure if I could have taken all of them." said Neville as he once again was lost in the moment.
"This is completely amazing!" said Harry in awe
"It is Neville, do you think we can witness some of this in Harry's pensive? I would love to see these people or creatures first hand." asked Remus
"Yeah….sure." answered Neville
"Let him finish with this tale first, then we can re-visit those situations in the pensieve, without Neville." said Harry, he got the impression by Neville's hesitation in answering Remus' question, that he really didn't want to relive some of what he encountered, Harry could definitely relate to that.
"That works for me, how about you Neville?" asked Remus
"Yeah…Thanks, now that I started to tell the tale, it would be better if I could just finish it now and then I can show you guys after." said Neville
"Great, so after they ran for it, what happened next?" asked Harry
"Well, I walked over to the waitress and after she regained her composure, she took me to her residence and we began to talk. She knew right away that I was new to this place and she started asking me all these questions about me. I was a little hesitant to answer without some answers of my own, like who the hell were those people I just battled? Before she answered any of my questions, she threw me off by asking if I was a Longbottom?"
"A Longbottom? What did she mean by that?" asked Remus
"Well she said she recognized the aura around me when I battled, she said she couldn't explain it or why I was there, or even where I cam from, she said she only knew that I was definitely a Longbottom. That shocked me to the core, which led me to ask, how many Longbottom's do you know? I wasn't prepared for her answer, she said five, and that she was currently dating one."
"Dating a Longbottom? I don't know what to say? I'm speechless!" said Harry
"Finally, after all these years, Neville has done the impossible!" said Remus. This got Neville to laugh and lightened up the mood a little.
"She introduced me to all five Longbottoms and that's when everything began to get much clearer. They took me to a small like castle to the east of that little village. That Castle was a Longbottom Manor in that Realm. They told me that the world I was in was called Thrice, those creatures were something along the lines of police in that realm, although they are not fair but they are the law, so to speak. They were quite interested in how I came to be there. I told them everything I knew and they answered some big questions I had."
"Queestions….like…?" said Remus
"Like why was I so much more powerful in this realm. They said that was because they didn't use wands to harness their magical powers. Because I had to practice and focus my energies to cast wandlessly that when I attempted to do the same thing in their realm like I would from my own, the spell would come out in full force. They told me that any spell I could perform with a wand would work even better in that realm, and it did, beautifully!" beamed Neville
Harry and Remus smiled at watching Neville's face light up.
"I told you that you had real power, it looks like it took you going to another dimension to finally realize that." smiled Harry as Remus and Neville laughed
"Well, anyways…they figured that I came into that reality because of my ancestry armor that I was wearing but they weren't completely sure. They said that their smartest elder was away at the moment but he was due back soon and that he would most likely have more answers for us and when he arrived, he most certainly did, it was my Grand Dad, Nigel Longbottom."
"Wait, the same Grand Dad that you saw get murdered when you were very little?" asked Remus hesitantly
"How….how do you know about that." asked Neville
"I was one of the Order members on the scene after it happened, you couldn't have been older then four or five, I'm sure you didn't remember me being there, but it was something I could never forget." said Remus
Harry just stood there, mouth gaping.
"well, yeah the same one and only. To say that I was shocked would be an understatement. He was the one to fill me in on our ancestry, not only the Longbottom Family but also the Potter one as well. He was the one that gave me information on Potter Castle and where it is located. He said that his biggest regret was that their was no one in our realm that you and I had that could fill in the gaps about our family heritage. He said my Gran never knew all the pieces and that she wanted to keep me safe and swore to him that she would do her best to keep me from finding out, she never believed in Thrice." said Neville
Harry was soaking up everything Neville was saying and his mind began to analyze and overanalyze everything.
"So the armor, your Longbottom Armor, how did that, send you to Thrice? I don't understand how that can be?" asked Harry, more to himself then to Neville
"Me either Mate, but Nigel explained it to me. Do you know the origins of the curse Avada Kedavra?" asked Neville
" I know that it was first known way back in the early fourteen hundreds and it was banned not much later due to the drastic effect it caused, later being nicknamed the Killing Curse." said Remus as Neville nodded
"Actually it was created much earlier, Thirteen Thirteen to be exact. What the killing curse actually does is not kill, but send the victim to the underworld, the gates of Heaven or Hell, depending on what you believe in. it was created to be used as a death sentence to those the high counselor deemed worthy of such a horrific outcome. It was then that the Pureblood Nation, which was rather formidable at the time, created the Armor that I was wearing, it's purpose was to specifically rechannel the AK to instead of sending you to the afterworld, it would send you to another Realm. The Grandfathers of Magic were steeped in other realm knowledge and were even rumored to travel to other realms and back again." said Neville
"You know Neville, I was telling Harry here that his Grand Dad used to tell me and Sirius along with both your dads about other Realms and fantasy worlds, we used to think they were just childhood stories, but I think a little differently now." said Remus
Neville smiled brilliantly at hearing that, but then his demeanor changed and he continued his tale.
"So, I know that you think of yourself as a half blood Harry, but from what I was told, you were born into the Potter Family, and by being a Potter, you are granted not only the power of your ancestry but the laws and lands that belong to that family name, as you are finding out now that you are emancipated, is any of this making sense?" asked Neville
" I think, so what your saying is that blood status isn't primarily based on your actual blood? That my Mother being a Muggle has nothing to do with my being half blood?" asked Harry
"Exactly! When your Pa, chose to marry your Ma, that made her a Potter, a TRUE Potter! Through Magic that I can not explain. And you being of both TRUE Potter's makes you a TRUE Potter, a Pureblood Potter, one of the oldest Bloodlines in the Magical World." smiled Neville
"So those magic Grandfathers that you spoke of earlier, created the armor as a way to protect the AK from being used against them?" asked Remus
"Yes, The armor itself is just the catalyst, the true power comes from the wearer of the armor." said Neville
"So, if lets say Krista was to wear your armor, it wouldn't work for her?" asked Harry
"No it wouldn't, but Krista wouldn't even be able to wear the armor even if I granted her access, like I said earlier, the power of the armor comes from the wearer, and if that person does not possess that old world bloodline power, they will not be able to wear it, they would get blasted away from it if they attempted to put it on." answered Neville
Harry was again processing everything he was hearing as was Remus and Neville paused his story to let the information sink in for them.
"So you obviously didn't know any of this before and from the way you are talking, I have a set of this same type of armor don't I?" asked Harry
"You do, and yes, I had no idea. In fact I know you are wondering why I never told you anything about the armor, the reason for that is that I didn't want anybody to know because I didn't want it getting back to my Gran, you see she prohibited me from ever wearing it when I asked about it in our Family Vault." said Neville
"Okay, so why didn't your Grand Dad, Nigel, make his way back to this realm?" asked Harry
Neville looked sadly at the floor as Remus answered
"I think it has something to do with him not having a body to re-enter."
"Not having a body to…….ohhh." said Harry
"Well yeah, but he said that he truly enjoys Thrice and his part to keep it safe from those monsters. He also said he was very impressed with you, and he, as well as everyone else are very proud of the two of us finding each other the way we have."
"wait, how does he know about us, and who is everybody else?" asked Harry
"You mean there is a way to communicate between the realms without actually going there?" asked Remus
"There is, and the answer is right up your alley Harry, and it definitely answered some questions I had but might explain a few things for you as well. The answer lies with Free House Elves." said Neville dramatically
"Free House Elves." said both Remus and Harry simultaneously
"Apparently, The old World Purebloods and House Elves had an alliance. The House Elf Elders and Nation were tired of their enslaved lives but were forced by magic to remain slaves. The rule that House Elves lose their magic if they are not enslaved was nothing but rubbish to keep people from setting them free. But the Grandfathers knew better, and it was a Potter that began the uprising from within the Old World Pure Bloods, setting all of them free. By doing so, the House Elves became extremely loyal to those chosen Families and stayed once freed. Al those House Elves at Longbottom Manor that flocked to you, well they recognized a TRUE Potter and came to pay their respect. I had no idea but all those Elves are Free Elves just like Dobby and Winky were." said Neville
"Oh no, I bonded with them. I should immediately free them once again." said Harry
"No! Do not do that. I can't explain why just yet. I need you to trust me on this one Harry" said Neville
"Okay mate, I do trust you so I won't ask again."
"So House Elves are the key to communicating between realms?" asked Remus trying to keep Neville back on topic
"Yes, apparently there are several portraits in Longbottom Manor and in most pureblood Manors that House Elves can travel into and can communicate within them to these other realms. Nigel as well as some of your ancestors have been keeping tabs on us from mostly Longbottom Manor Elves, they recently have been getting updates about you since you first stepped foot on Longbottom Manor." said Neville
"That Magical outburst I felt when you first keyed me into the wards." said Harry as he pondered back to that day.
"Yep. The Elves cast those themselves to alert them of the day you had arrived to the manor. I used to talk about you a little to Gran about your crazy adventures from school. Nigel really got a kick out of you discovering the famous Chamber of Secrets. He said he knew the day would come that we would become like brothers, the way it was supposed to be long ago." said Neville
" I think I am understanding most of this, even though it sounds completely ludicrous. But explain to me how you made it back to this realm?" asked Harry
"That is something I do not know. Nigel was investigating it nonstop. He was worried that something was going to happen to by body, preventing me from ever returning, but I told him I knew you would win that battle in Diagon Alley and have my body somewhere safe. He said the key to leaving Thrice was knowledge gained from our Realm. That most wearers of the armor were taught how to channel it's powers and how to re-enter your primary realm upon being sent to another one. That I must be the first person who was ever sent to this realm without knowing about it's existence. He also said that it was practically impossible to return if I was no longer wearing the armor. But he said that no one could remove the armor without my permission so he wasn't worried about that happening."
Harry looked alarmed at hearing that. "But mate, you weren't wearing the armor." said Harry
"I know, Luna explained it to me how they got it off. I still don't know how it happened, but it was something you did that sent me back to my body. The last thing I remember happening in Thrice was me talking to Nigel when I started to glow, a greenish gold color and Nigel was smiling. He said something to me but I couldn't hear, there was a whoosing sound like a hurricane, then I could hear random voices of people I had no clue who they were, and then I heard you and Luna and I knew I was back. I woke up a few minutes after that." said Neville
"Wow Neville, that's some story! So what now?" asked Remus
"I know how to send a message to Nigel, I bet he has some ideas as to what you did Harry. As for Potter Castle, I know you want to get there right away and figure stuff out but I need you to trust me again Harry and not go on that mission until the Christmas Holidays." said Neville slightly hesitant
"Christmas Holidays? That's months away." said Harry before he took a deep breath and interrupted Neville before he could say anything.
"Okay Nev, I trust you, I already told you that, I was just looking forward to exploring that place." said Harry
"I know mate, but you can always explore this place. I mean it is pretty amazing, just from the stories I have heard that is." said Neville with a smile
"Great! Another person who knows more about my Manor then I do." pouted Harry as Neville and Remus laughed
"Everything will make sense this Christmas, trust me Harry. In the meantime, we train and practice and exercise until school starts. I mean it's not like were going to be bored or anything, there's much to do." said Neville
"He's right Harry, I have to get back to the Werewolf's and begin with experimenting with the cure, not to mention the rebuilding that needs to be done in Diagon Alley." said Remus
"I know, you guys are both right. Remus, you have to create an alternate identity, I don't want Remus Lupin wandering around outside anymore unprotected. I am going to make you a portkey to return here in case of emergency and I don't want you ever taking it off." said Harry a little too aggressively.
Remus just chuckled as he smiled away, " from you Harry I would expect no less., and believe me, I will never take it off, I learned my lesson the hard way as well."
"lets go find everyone else and see how much damage the Twins have caused already" said Harry as the three of them left the sitting room together with smiles on their faces.