Chapter 12 – The Longbottoms

When Harry returned to Grimmauld place a few hours later he found Narcissa in the library looking through all of their properties. He walked over and gave her a lingering kiss before he sat down beside her. Narcissa immediately moved her feet so that they laid across his lap as she continued to peruse the files.

"Have you been flirting with the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement all this time?" she asked with a smirk. Harry rolled his eyes.

"No, I was taking care of the other business we talked about," said Harry as he handed her an envelope. Narcissa nodded.

"I'll go speak with him tomorrow," she responded.

"Very well," said Harry, but he couldn't hide his grimace.

'He has a good heart.'

'I'll have to take your word for it.' Narcissa let out an exasperated sigh.

"We've already discussed this, and you agreed," said Narcissa in an annoyed tone.

"I did," replied Harry.

"Do we need to continue to discuss it?" she asked as she looked up from the parchment she was scanning with an intense glare.

"No," said Harry, trying with difficulty not to chuckle. 'You're cute when you are annoyed with me.' Narcissa just continued to glare.

"Let's talk about something else, when is your date?" asked Narcissa.

"How did you know she said yes?" countered Harry.

"I was in the room when you asked, I had no doubt she was say yes, well?"

"It is on Monday," Narcissa nodded.

"What are you going to do?" she asked.

"Dinner, maybe go rescue some death eaters," responded Harry nonchalantly. Narcissa laughed.

"I'm pretty sure Amelia is the only person in the world that would actually consider that a romantic date," Narcissa replied. Harry smiled at her.

"I thought so too," he said with a shrug as he started to massage her feet. "What will you do?"

"Mmm," she hummed as she closed her eyes, "I think I might try out the tiara and go see Ella, at least for a little while."

"And Milcah?" asked Harry.

"Perhaps," she replied.

"I'm glad you are going to visit. I'm sure they all miss you," responded Harry. "Have you found anything for us?"

"There are several options, but I think Emrys Manor is our best choice. It is completely isolated and very well protected. It is under the same stasis charms as the castle in Albion so it should be in perfect condition, which would allow us to move in right away since we don't have to wait for repairs or anything," explained Narcissa.

"Great, shall we take Draco and go look at it after lunch then?" asked Harry. Narcissa answered him with a passionate kiss.

A few hours later the three of them were standing in the center of a gorgeous entrance hall. The manor appeared to be a smaller version of the castle in Albion, but clearly built by the same person. Just like on the first day in Albion, Narcissa made the changes she wanted as they walked through each room. Harry made sure all the wards were updated and put the manor under the Fidelus charm. He wasn't sure it was strictly necessary since no one knew the house even existed, but he wanted to be sure they had a safe place to go to if needed. Harry was secret keeper. He wrote the location down and passed the parchment to both Narcissa and Draco before burning it. They would take visitors at Grimmauld place, for now no one would be allowed here.

"Kreacher," called Harry as he walked out of the study.

"How may I serve you Lord Black," said Kreacher in a deep bow. 'Narcissa really is doing wonders with him.'

"Please let both Narcissa and myself know if anyone visits Grimmauld Place. We will entertain any visitors there and may stay sometimes, but we will mostly be living here for now. Will you be alright going back and forth as needed? I know Dobby and Winky are very busy between the three safe houses, so it seemed easiest for everyone to ask you." Harry explained.

"As you wish, sir," said Kreacher and then with a small pop he was gone. When Kreacher was gone Harry went to find Draco.

"I saw a quidditch pitch out back, Draco. Want to go fly?" he asked.

"Absolutely," said Draco as he ran out of the house. Narcissa chuckled while Harry called Kreacher back and asked him to bring their brooms from Grimmauld Place.

"I think I'll join you," said Narcissa.

"Really?" said Harry in amazement.

"Don't look so surprised dearest, I'm quite good on a broom," claimed Narcissa.

"She's right," yelled Draco from the doorway, having come back when he realized he didn't have a broom. "Who do you think taught me to fly?" Narcissa smirked at him in satisfaction.

"See," he said as Kreacher returned with the brooms.

"Very well, we'll see how good you are Cissy," responded Harry. "You can even use my firebolt." They walked out to the pitch and then Harry grabbed one of the training brooms from a shed near the pitch and they took to the air. They flew and passed around a quaffle until dinner, all three of them returning to the manor sweaty, but happy. Harry quickly learned that Narcissa was in fact very good on a broom and didn't need the advantage of the firebolt. 'You would think I'd know by now not to underestimate her.'

"I've missed flying," said Harry as they laid in bed that evening, Narcissa's head resting gently against his chest.

"Hmm, me too. I was so surprised when they didn't fly at all in Albion or play quidditch. That was a lot of fun today," Narcissa responded.

"It was," replied Harry as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Do you think a time will ever come when we can get all of our friends together; well at least Draco's and mine, and play a full game, or even a series of games?"

"I hope so, I hope more than anything a time will come that we can all be on the same side," answered Narcissa.

o – o – o – o – o

The next morning after breakfast Harry went to the safe houses to start some defensive training with his new allies while Narcissa floo'd Hogwarts.

"Narcissa. What the fuck is going on?" came the grim reply.

"Language Severus, let me through and I'll explain," she replied.

"Very well," sneered Snape. Narcissa walked through the fireplace with her usual grace and took a seat in an armchair. Snape sat down across from her and looked at her expectantly.

'She's even more stunning than usual. Something has definitely changed.' Narcissa's smile twitched.

'Of course, I am, it's amazing what unlimited funds and the love of handsome husband can do for a woman. Hopefully, I can use his infatuation with me to my advantage.'

"Have you forgotten your manners Severus," she said as she tapped her foot in annoyance. Snape rolled his eyes and conjured a cup of tea for Narcissa along with a pot of cream and bowl of sugar cubes.

"How thoughtful of you, thank you Severus," Narcissa said as she stirred in some cream and a cube of sugar before sipping it with a pleased smile. She noticed Severus eyeing her Emrys house ring and waited for him to ask about it.

"So the editor of the Daily Prophet hasn't had an aneurysm? You have actually married that dreadful Potter spawn," growled Snape. Narcissa's anger flared, and before Snape could even react, he found himself against the wall with Narcissa's wand pointed at his throat.

"That is my husband you are insulting Severus and you know I protect my own," Narcissa said in a harsh whisper. Severus gulped and nodded. "How is Tom these days? I heard Harry left him in quite a state." Narcissa removed her wand and walked casually back to her chair.

"That was Potter? The Dark Lord blamed it on food poisoning." Said Snape. Narcissa laughed so manically that if Snape had closed his eyes, he would have been certain it was Bellatrix in his quarters instead of Narcissa.

"Food poisoning indeed. My dear husband rescued Draco before he could be forced to take the dark mark, then he rescued anyone there unwillingly and tortured the rest into unconscious, and he's Lord Emrys now, you shall give him his due respect Severus," said Narcissa as she gave him an intense glare. Severus scoffed, but wouldn't meet her eye as walked back to his own chair.

"If he is so powerful why did he not just kill Voldemort and be done with it?" asked Snape.

"I think you know why Severus. Besides, I'm pretty sure Harry is toying with him. He has a way of ensuring Voldemort can't do any real damage until his times comes, but he wants to make him sweat first. I think he believes quick and easy is more mercy than Tom deserves," replied Narcissa.

"What of Lucius, I assume he is responsible for his disappearance as well?"

"Yes, he took his magic and sent him to a muggle - I'm not sure how to say it – psy- atric ward something. Anyways, he's a squib, but in good hands," said Narcissa with a smile.

"Took his magic?" repeated Snape in disbelief.

"Yes," said Narcissa simply.

"He can just do that all of the sudden?" asked Severus.

"Well, not all of the sudden. He has had twenty years to perfect it." Narcissa responded. Snape scowled at her. Narcissa knew he was at the end of his patience, so she sighed and grew serious. She told him about calling for Kreacher when she was close to death, and then Harry bonding with her to save her life. She told him about their visit with the Flamels', the years they spent with the Druid and taking the elixir after she lost what would have been her third child.

"So you will be 35 forever?" he asked incredulously. 'And beautiful, that's not fair.' Narcissa laughed.

"Well for a very long time anyways. I will look like I am in my thirties for about 150 years," she replied with a wide smile.

"And Potter is..." started Snape.

"30 now," answered Narcissa. Severus was silent for a while and Narcissa waited patiently sipping her tea.

"If you are on Potter's side now, why are you here?" Severus eventually asked. Narcissa took the envelop that Harry had given her the day before out of her pocket and handed it to Severus.

"He would like to employ your potion making services for the foreseeable future," said Narcissa.

"Potter wants me working for him?" sneered Severus.

"No, he wants nothing to do with you. It took a tremendous amount of convincing on my part to persuade him that your skills were worth your - unpleasant disposition," said Narcissa with a slight frown. Severus opened the envelope and his eyes widened as he read.

"This is three times what I make at Hogwarts," said Snape.

"I know, and he will give you a house and pay for all of your ingredients and supplies. I've read it. I am here to give you a chance Severus. A chance to choose the right side. He is more powerful than you can imagine. You know it wasn't food poisoning, think about what he must be capable of. Where do you want to be when he defeats Voldemort?" replied Narcissa. Snape continued to scowl.

"He can remove your dark mark, if you are truly willing to denounce the Dark Lord," Narcissa added. Severus raised his eyebrows but still didn't speak. "Think of Lily. Don't you think it will make it up to her, at least a little, to side with her son when it counts."

"I told you not to bring Lily up in front of me," growled Snape. Narcissa just waved her hand and continued to sip her tea.

"I know you still love her, help him change the world. It is the only way this ends well for you," claimed Narcissa.

"I'm not saying I will agree, but if I do, what do you get out of hiring me? Why are you looking for a potion master in the first place?" asked Severus. Narcissa handed him another sheet of parchment.

"This potion doesn't exist," he drawled after he looked it over.

"Not yet, it will once you make it," said Narcissa.

"Did you create this?" asked Snape.

"Harry and I did it together, he is quite good at potions now. He would brew the potion himself, but he doesn't have the time to dedicate to mass producing it, and neither do I, so we decided to hire someone," answered Narcissa. Suddenly she switched her train of thought. "You know, he is also well beyond NEWT level in alchemy. He is very impressive Severus." Snape scoffed.

"That boy is one of the biggest dunderheads I have ever taught," he sneered.

"Perhaps that 'man' seemed like the biggest dunderhead you have ever taught because that is how you wanted him to be." Suddenly Narcissa was standing again, and Snape moved out of her reach. "I had hoped he was wrong about you, but it appears he was not. You disappoint me Severus and you would have broken Lily's heart." She sighed as she began to pace.

"Did you know that Albus illegally bound his magic and then he spent his childhood being abused by Petunia and her whale of a husband. You are more familiar with that sort of situation then most are you not?" said Narcissa as looked over at Snape intently. "And you clearly have at least some awareness of the Dark Lord's attempts at immortality, but did you know a piece of his soul is in Harry's head? Dumbledore knows and he has been raising him like a pig for slaughter. I knew James, and I assure you Severus, Harry is not his father." Snape continued to scowl, but Narcissa could tell by the glint in his eyes that her message was getting through.

"He is Lord Emrys now, and he will take them both down, I have no doubts about that. So, it is up to you to decide how you will be remembered," she said as she turned and walked towards the fireplace, but Snape's unusually soft voice stopped her before she left.

"Albus planned to sacrifice him?" asked Snape.

"I believe so, yes," responded Narcissa calmly. Severus nodded.

I'll do it," he mumbled.

"A wise choice. I expect you at Grimmauld Place at 6 tonight for dinner," she demanded as she stepped into the fireplace.

o – o – o – o – o

Harry, Narcissa, and Draco had just sat down to eat when Snape walked into the kitchen. Narcissa tried but failed to hide her disapproval that he was late.

"How nice of you to join us Severus, have a seat," she said tersely. Snape scowled at her, but did as she requested. Harry let his magic flare and was surprised to only see Severus' lips curl in distaste as if he suddenly smelt something foul and might be sick. 'So Narcissa was right his hatred is with my father not me, I only remind him of past wounds.' Harry scanned his mind and saw Snape's childhood, Snape's love for his mother, Snape begging Dumbledore to help them, and him crying over her dead body. When he saw Snape cast a doe Patronus, he pulled out of his mind with a sigh. 'There has to be good in his heart somewhere if he can cast a Patronus and the fact that it's the same as Lily's…..'

"You dare?" Drawled Snape with a raised eyebrow. Harry had the decency to at least look slightly ashamed.

"You are the first to notice," Harry responded.

"No one has been that far in my mind in many, many years. Voldemort himself cannot penetrate my defenses. I knew you were there, but I could do nothing to stop you. How is that possible?" asked Snape incredulously.

"I am capable of many things that would surprise you," responded Harry.

"So Narcissa says," said Snape as he sat down at the table and was immediately served by Kreacher.

"Draco," said Snape looking over at his godson.

"Professor Snape, it's a pleasure," responded Draco. Snape looked him over with a sneer.

"A blood adoption?" he asked.

"Yes," said Narcissa coolly.

"I suppose the hair colour suits you," commented Severus.

"You loved my mother?" said Harry loudly as he stared directly at Snape. Severus looked deep into his eyes.

"Always," he replied.

"I didn't think you were capable of love," said Harry.

"I am capable of many things that would surprise you," replied Snape.

"So Narcissa says," responded Harry with a smirk.

"Your offer is nearly impossible to refuse, though I expect you know that," said Snape. Harry nodded. "What is it you will have me do?"

"Narcissa told you about the potion?" asked Harry.

"She showed it to me, yes, but we did not have time to discuss it as she left rather- abruptly," replied Snape.

"Well, what I want you to do is brew it, lots of it, continuously for now. We will need a lot of it. I'm sure you read this in the contract, but I will provide you with adequate accommodations, workspace and supplies. In your free time you can do whatever you like, create new potions, brew high demand potions and sell them on the side I don't really care," said Harry waving his hand in dismissal. "I am even willing to give you 10% of the profits from the lycanthropy potion and you can name it if you want. I only have one request."

"Which is?" asked Snape impatiently.

"Consider taking Draco on as an apprentice. He is interested in becoming a potions master and this would give him the chance to see if the field is really for him," said Harry. Snape looked over at Draco.

"Draco is very adept at potions, or at least he was. If he still is, I am willing to take him on as an apprentice," replied Snape.

"Very well," Harry waved his hand and a sealed envelope appeared which he handed to Snape.

"This is the information on your new property, I believe you will find it more than suitable to your needs. Make a list of any ingredients and supplies you need or want and give it to Narcissa. She will see to getting them purchased. Everything needed for the lycanthropy potion is already in the lab. The house is well protected, but if you choose to leave and something happens to you that's on you," said Harry. Snape's lips curled into a slight smile.

"So, you won't come rescue me, like you did Draco?" Severus asked mockingly.

"No," said Harry.

"Fine, you said ingredients I want?" Said Snape with a raised eyebrow. Harry laughed.

"I will leave it up to my darling wife to decide what she is/is not willing to purchase for you, but for some reason she's fond of you so I imagine you'll get most of what you ask for," replied Harry. Narcissa smiled at him. "I expect you to give your notice to Dumbledore as soon as possible, and I would appreciate it if you didn't mention you are now working for me."

"Very well," responded Snape. Harry nodded and conjured the original contract and a blood quill.

"Sign if you accept," said Harry. Severus took the quill and signed with a flourish.

"And my dark mark?" he asked when he was done.

"I can remove it, if it is truly your heart's desire. If you have any remaining loyalty to Voldemort it will not work and it will be extremely painful for you, but I am willing to try either way," said Harry with an almost feral grin. Snape looked at him for a moment then lifted the sleeve of his robes.

"Proceed," he said confidently. Harry easily removed the mark and then went back to eating his dinner. Only Narcissa noticed the quick flash of red in his eyes before it disappeared. They finished dinner in silence. When Kreacher came to remove the plates, Severus spoke.

"Tell me about this potion. How does it work? From the ingredients I have a basic idea of what you expect it to do, but I am assuming there is also an incarnation involved to focus the potion?"

"Yes, the longer someone has been infected the more space is needed to contain the lycanthropy, but our research indicates that for a hundred-year-old werewolf, the potion would require approximately a leg to work. It would be nice to test it though to know for sure," replied Harry.

"You could test it on Lupin. He's been a werewolf since childhood," responded Snape.

"You just hope it doesn't work the way I think it will and he ends up suffering," said Harry.

"That would be an added bonus," replied Snape. Harry rolled his eyes.

"It is a good idea though. I'll talk to him. When is the next full moon?" asked Harry.

"Two weeks," answered Snape.

"Could have a vial brewed by then so we can test it?" asked Harry. Snape nodded.

"So, if this potion works, every full moon the lycanthropy curse could be contained to a maximum of just the leg?" asked Snape in disbelief.

"Yes so their leg would turn all wolf like and hairy, but the rest of them would be completely unaffected, including their brain, so there would be no loss of self-control or desire to bite people, no change in mental function or even a desire to howl. I imagine if it was the whole leg, they wouldn't be able to do much during the full moon, but I think that will be pretty rare. For most people it would only impact a foot or a hand, or even a butt cheek if they didn't mind a furry arse. The incantation allows you to pick what part of the body contains that curse. But it's even better than that," said Harry excitedly with a large grin. "You don't have to take it every full moon you only have to take it once." Snape thought for a moment while he stared at Harry in shock.

"Is it possible to remove the curse once you've taken the potion?"

"Yes, if the person is willing to live without whatever part of the body they choose to be the container, so to speak. If we were to give the potion to someone who had recently been bitten, so within the last year or so, we would be able to contain the curse to something as small as the tip of a finger or a toe. I imagine a lot of people will choose the loss of a bit of finger or toe to being a werewolf for the rest of their life. It's not an ideal cure I suppose but..." started Harry, but Snape interrupted him.

"It gives them a choice, and that is something they have never had before. They could live normal lives. It the affected area was somewhere people could not see easily no one would ever need to know," said Snape. Harry nodded.

"My thoughts exactly," responded Harry.

"What is your plan?" Snape asked.

"Well, once you have made enough to stock St. Mungo's, I plan to sell it to them and then get a law passed in the Wizengamot that will ensure that as long as they take the potion they will not be classified as a werewolf, therefore allowing them to retain their rights and status as a wizard," said Harry nonchalantly.

"Lofty goals," drawled Snape.

"Perhaps." Said Harry.

"Why? Why have you gone to so much trouble over lycanthropy. Most people would say the wolfsbane is sufficient and not waste their time," stated Severus.

"I know Voldemort wants the werewolves to join his side. If I can get them on my side instead, under my protection, then Voldemort won't be able to reach them, and less people will be killed or harmed," said Harry.

"So you plan to steal all his allies?" asked Snape. Harry nodded. "It sounds to me like you are trying to set yourself up as the next dark lord." The silence in the room was deafening after Snape's statement. Narcissa had a tight frown on her face while Draco looked distinctly uncomfortable.

"That is unfair Severus. I helped him come up with his plan, I know better than anyone what his intentions are. Right now, there are two options, follow Tom and most likely die, or follow Dumbledore and most likely die. Harry is simply giving people a third option which, in my opinion, if taken gives them a much better chance of survival," said Narcissa with barely contained fury. Harry squeezed her hand in gratitude for defending him.

"Very well, thank you for dinner Lord and Lady Emrys. I think I will go check out my new living arrangements," said Snape as he stood. "I'll have a list to you tomorrow Narcissa, and Draco feel free to come on Saturday if you'd like. I should be set up by then." He nodded to each of them, even Harry, and then left the kitchen.

That night in bed Narcissa mentioned what had been worrying her since dinner.

"You are absorbing more of Voldemort's magic each time you remove a dark mark aren't you?" She asked quietly. Harry sighed.

"I think so. I wasn't sure at first, but each time I do it the connection feels stronger and it's the only reason I can come up with. It is not a big enough difference that I thought it was worth worrying about. I imagine it will be nothing compared to absorbing the Horcruxes," answered Harry as ran his fingers through her hair.

"But if you remove hundreds of dark marks on top of the Horcruxes? What then?"

"I don't know, but I don't imagine Voldemort has that many unwilling followers," responded Harry.

"I know what your plan is, and I know you have no intention of taking over the world, but Voldemort would, and you would be giving him the perfect vessel to do it in. Please Harry." She begged looking up at him intently. "If the darkness becomes too much, please tell me. I will help you carry this burden if you need me to."

"I know you will love. I'm fine really, but I promise to let you know if I get concerned," said Harry. Narcissa looked at him skeptically. "Let me show you just how fine I am."

o – o – o – o – o

Saturday morning, Draco went to start working with Snape while Harry and Narcissa went to Grimmauld Place and nervously waited for Neville and his gran to arrive. They both knew it would be a challenge to get them to trust Narcissa enough to even sit down and have a conversation, but they truly hoped they would be willing to listen.

As soon as Neville and Augusta walked through the fireplace, they both drew their wands on Narcissa who simply raised her hands in surrender and offered a kind smile. This wasn't an entirely unexpected way to do introductions.

"So it's true," said Neville with a frown. "You married a Malfoy. How could you?" Harry could see Neville's eyes welling with tears that he refused to shed.

"I know my sister did terrible things," said Narcissa timidly. "But I am not her. Please listen to what Harry and I have to say. We only want to help you." Neville lowered his wand slightly at her declaration and looked back and forth between her and Harry for a while before he made a decision.

"What is it you think you can help with?" Said Neville as he lowered his wand completely. His gran following suit shortly after.

"Your parents," said Harry. Neville's hand twitched as it tightened around his wand, but he didn't raise it again. 'That's a good sign.'

"What makes you think you can help him. What do you know that the healers at St. Mungo's don't?" asked Neville. Then he turned to Narcissa, "And if you know how to help them, why now, why not 15 years age?" continued Neville in a harsh whisper.

"All very important questions that deserve an honest answer, but I'm afraid it won't be a quick answer. Will you at least come sit down and I promise I will answer every question you have of me." Said Narcissa softly. "You are important to Harry, and I want to prove to you that I am worthy of him." Neville gave a small smile as he nodded, and Harry knew he was coming around. Not that he was surprised, Narcissa knew what she was doing. They all sat down and Kreacher immediately popped in with tea for everyone and a light snack in case the conversation went past lunch.

"So, for your first question, dear?" Narcissa said looking over at Harry.

"Right, well, do you notice anything different about me Neville?" Asked Harry with a cheeky smile.

"You've aged," Neville said as his eyes narrowed. "The Daily Prophet mentioned some kind of time paradox." Harry nodded and briefly explained about claiming the Emrys title and going to Albion to train with the Druid for twenty years. 'It is never going to get any less weird explaining this.'

"We spent twenty years there, Neville. That was a lot of time to do research and create potions and charms and whatever else we wanted really. We had a lot of free time. One day, Narcissa was helping me with some research when she found a book that Bellatrix owned and was apparently quite fond of. She figured out what curse she put on your parents. It was a modified Cruciatus curse, and Narcissa believed that the state your parents are in was more due to the modifications then the Cruciatus curse itself, so we spent a few years developing a counter curse for the modifications," explained Harry.

"So you think you can heal my parents?" asked Neville skeptically, but there was no hiding the hint excitement in his voice.

"There is no guarantee I suppose," said Narcissa calmly and quietly. "But we are very confident it will work."

"Why should I trust you?" Said Neville.

"You don't have to trust me, if you trust Harry," said Narcissa with a sad smile. "I can never give you back the time you lost with them, I wish I could, but if this works, they don't have to miss anymore."

"What do you want in return? Nothing is free from a Malfoy." Said Madam Longbottom, joining the conversation for the first time. Narcissa winced.

"I am no longer a Malfoy, Madam Longbottom, I have no requests of you. I would hope we could be allies in the Wizengamot, because I believe you and Harry share many interests, but we would help you regardless, because it is the right thing to do," responded Narcissa.

"You have changed," said Augusta with raised eyebrows.

"Many people would probably agree with you on that, but it doesn't feel that way to me," said Narcissa. "I simply feel as though I am in a position to finally let people see who I always felt I was." Augusta continued to stare at her, but Narcissa just sat patiently, letting her make up her mind.

"Is there any chance it could go wrong and make them worse? What would happen if it didn't work?" she eventually asked.

"If it didn't work they would most likely remain as they are. There is a chance that even if it doesn't fully work, there would be some improvement, but either way it cannot hurt them further," Harry stated. Augusta nodded.

"Then do it," said the Longbottom matriarch. "If it won't make them worse and there's even a slight chance it could work, we have to try." Neville nodded excitedly next to her.

"Very well, when would you like to go? I am a trained Druid healer, and it will have to be me that performs the counter curse, but I will draw on Harry's magic to do so. I promise he will keep an eye on me at all times." Said Narcissa with a mischievous glint in her eye. Madam Longbottom laughed and Harry let out a sigh of relief. 'Things would work out.'

"I wouldn't have agreed if I had any doubt that I could trust you Lady Emrys, but thank you for the reassurance," said Augusta.

"Can we go now," said Neville excitedly.

"If you wish," said Narcissa with a soft smile.

"We can use my dad's old invisibility cloak to get into the hospital undetected. We just need you show us into their room and then ensure we are not disturbed. Narcissa will only need a few minutes to do the counter curse," said Harry. Augusta nodded.

"Sounds easy enough," Augusta responded.

A half hour later Harry and Narcissa were wrapped up together in the invisibility cloak and slowly following the Longbottoms' through St. Mungo's when Harry groaned. 'Maybe we should get another invisibility cloak to make things like this easier.'

'Why? Do you not like being this close to me anymore, Harry?'

'You know very well that I have the opposite problem. It's too distracting.'

'We will be home soon love, and I will be sure to reward you for your effort.'

'That's not helping Cissy.' When they reached the room that Alice and Frank were in, Augusta motioned for them to follow Neville in and then stood guard at the door.

Harry and Narcissa took the cloak off and then Narcissa took a deep breath before walking over to Alice and clasping both of her hands gently. She closed her eyes and began the incantation, pulling on Harry's magic and forcing it into Alice as she chanted. Suddenly her mind filled with images of Alice's consciousness. She appeared to be holding a baby Neville and walking down an endless winding footpath through a dark forest. Narcissa searched through her mind and instructed Harry's magic to fill any cracks that she encountered. Suddenly, the winding road seemed to end, and she watched as Alice walked towards Longbottom Manor. She took a quick look through her mind again and when she felt certain that all the cracks had been filled, she began to pull out. As soon as she opened her eyes she felt the body in front of her begin to stir, so she stepped away so she didn't frighten the woman when she opened her eyes.

Neville looked on in shocked disbelief as his mother opened her eyes and looked around the room in confusion. "Where am I?" She asked. Neville gasped.

"Neville, go get your grandmother. It will be less frightening for her to see a familiar face," said Harry. Neville nodded and rushed out of the room quickly being followed back in by Augusta.

"Augusta," said Alice when she looked over to see who had come into the room. "Where are we? What is wrong with Frank?" A single tear rolled down Augusta's cheek as she squeezed Neville's shoulder tightly.

"M-m-mother?" stuttered Neville.

"Neville?" Asked Alice looking over at him with narrowed eyes. "Why are you so old? The last time I saw you, you were a baby, and I was carrying you through the woods at the manor... oh Neville!" Alice began to cry fiercely, and when she opened her arms Neville ran into them with tears streaming down his own face.

Narcissa wiped the tears from her eyes and then moved over to Frank and did the same thing, filing the cracks in his mind with Harry's magic. Instead of walking through a forest, Frank was running as fast as he could, desperately trying to get out of the way of an erupting volcano. Narcissa had no idea how his heart hadn't given out being stuck in this stressful situation for so long. It was clear to her that the damage to Frank's mind was much worse than Alice's had been, and it took substantially longer to fill all the crack, but eventually he stopped running, and as his paced slowed his surroundings steadily changed into a vast open meadow. When he began to stir Narcissa pulled out and moved away, standing next to Harry in the corner.

"Frank?" gasped Augusta when she looked over to see Frank opening his eyes.

"Mother?" he asked in confusion. Augusta walked over and hugged her son deeply, crying tears of joy into his hair. Harry and Narcissa watched the reunion for a few minutes and then donned the invisibility cloak and left the room. There would be a lot of catching up for the Longbottoms' to do and they didn't need them intruding.

When they got back to Grimmauld Place, Harry immediately pulled Narcissa in for a soul-searing kiss.

"I thought I was supposed to be rewarding you," said Narcissa huskily. Harry kissed her again in response.

"Thank you my love. You have given Neville the most wonderful gift, and I am so incredibly proud to have you as my wife," said Harry.

"I know it doesn't make up for what my sister did, but it felt good to help. I'm starving," she said as she scraped her nails up his chest. "Shall we eat and then go back to the manor. You know what using your magic does to me." Harry readily agreed and so they ate the lunch that Kreacher had prepared for them and their guests and then apparated to the Emrys manor, where they took the opportunity to break in some of the new furniture since Draco was out.