A/N - I FEEL LIKE A HORIBLE WRITER. I made you all wait too long and I feel horrible about it. 10 DAYS. I just have a lot of papers due and a plot that is being difficult as my original plan is not panning out exactly how I want it to, (word count wise) and as result you get really short chapters. Sorry, this one is Neville centered though with quite a bit of Weasley's. Very little James/Harry interaction in this chapter (but its there), was supposed to have the Nine but for the life of me I can't find it in me to write their interactions. This is why it took so long. :P.
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Black Cottage, Evening, December 5, 1983
"Sirius," James yelled as he flew from the floo not missing a beat of his fast paced walk before coming to a halt in the middle of the kitchen waiting for someone to answer him.
"He isn't home yet Jamie. He went to pick up Astraea from 'Dromeda, Remmy and Reggie should be over soon they need help with something or other. Is something wrong?" Marlene yelled from the kitchen, James took off for the kitchen, Marlene turned to face James cooking spatula still in her hand. James, not bothering to give her warning pulled her into his arms and spun her around as if she were no bigger than Neville.
"He did magic, Marley purposeful beautiful magic."
"I am confused."
"Prongslet did magic,"
"He has been doing magic for a while."
"Not like this Marley, He has made scared magic but never like this. He was so calm, he…"
"Someone sounds like a proud papa." A voice said from the door way.
"Good evening Remus,"
"Hello Marlene,"
"Prongslet did magic Moony, levitated a toy brick right up to the top held the whole thing together with magic too. I have never seen a kid be able to do that it was, it was something. You had to see it." James practically gushed.
"Congratulations Prongs." Regulus showed up not minutes later, Sirius not far behind carrying a very colorful Astraea who seemed so happy to see that new people where at her house she attempted to chortle each one to her room so they could 'play', more commonly known as making a mess to anyone older than five.
Soon after arriving both Black brothers where regaled with a tale similar to the one that James had told Remus with the addition of his agreement to call forth the nine. Regulus congratulated him politely, as always and Sirius pulled him into a tight.
"Welcome back Papa Prongs," He had whispered before releasing him and taking a step back.
"Yey 'ar'eee" (Yey Harry) Astreaea said using her new favorite word.
James just smiled before he remembered he had to get back and explain to Lily and that the nine would meet the next day at five in the evening Sirius, the only person that was directly affected by that news seeing as he had to attend, nodded before slapping James on the back.
"Now run back to your family. Leave the logistics to us."
The Burrow, Early Afternoon, December 6 1983
The small sock monkey lion lay limply in the slightly shaking chubby hands of the little boy as he perched on the old looking couch. His small brown eyes trained on the floo waiting to be taken away. Neville Longbottom never was very fond of the Burrow. It was loud, mixed matched and a far cry from the soft but comforting halls of Longbottom Manor or the more homey slightly louder but equally tranquil Godric's Hallow.
He wanted the distant comfort of cookies waiting at his bed side and notes slipped though doorways and read by house-elfs, he missed the gripping hugs and stern reminder to tuck in his shirts that his grandmother always supplied. He missed his Aunt Lily telling him he couldn't go outside without an adult. He missed the wide range of characters that entered and existed who could and would fill that very gaping hole of adult. The nonchalant organized chaos of the burrow was so different it made him feel alienated from the many red headed children running around.
Mostly however he missed bedtime. He missed being kissed on the forehead, just below his hair line and above his temple as he was already half asleep curled up in Aunt Lily or Gran's lap in a rocking chair after hearing one of Uncle James' or his Gran's crazy stories. So not to feel babyish by having his cheek kissed but not feeling so grown up to not feel the lips of the person kissing him goodnight rather the pressure against his head. Gran, Aunt Lily, and Uncle James had the goodnight kiss down pat. Molly Weasley's quick kiss on the top of the head left something to be desired in Neville's book.
"Neville, are you in here?" A soft voice said. Neville turned to see the unmistakable tuff of Weasley red hair, the hair was also very hard to name which Weasley approached you. Height was a much better indicator for Neville to identify them by. By the short tuff barely seen over the arm of the couch Neville guessed it was Ron coming to speak with him.
"Hi," Ron whispered, Ron like Neville was quite pudgy. In fact he was only slightly more thin than the other three year old. As such his hand was a small cubby palm with short stubs as he waved to Neville happily.
"Hello Ron," Neville offered back.
"The twins are looking for you," Ron said as he sat down on the couch as well. "Mum said they had to apologize for making your toy a spider and scaring you." The red head explained.
"It's not mine," Neville said before turning to face Ron. "And I wasn't scared." The boy exclaimed.
"You weren't," Ron asked surprised.
"No spiders aren't scary, they keep other bugs away and they don't hurt flowers. Auntie Lily said so." Neville said happy to know something the red head did not. "I was just scared 'cause I wasn't 'specting it." Neville explained.
"But theys are creepy crawlies."
"But theys are good creepy crawlies." Neville said and the two fell into silence.
"I still don't like them." Ron supplied.
"I don't like the playing mansises," Neville admitted, "theys bugs, and theys not bad but theys look weird. It's okay though. Auntie Lily says everyone is 'fraid of something. She is right, Uncle Jamie, Sirius and Remus, don't like rats theys don't scream when theys scared though they hex, It funny."
"Sounds funny," Ron nodded. Then the two fell in to silence. "Why do you call the Potter's auntie and uncle when theys not your auntie and uncle?" Ron asked, the question, like all questions asked by three year olds was said in childish ignorance. He had heard his Mummy and Daddy talk about It before and wanted to know from Neville.
"Yes they is," Neville said back his voice defensive.
"Nuh-huh, Mummy said yous Mummy and Daddy is sich and yous have no Auntie's and Uncles and that why you live with yous grandma," Ron said.
"Nuh-huh, Auntie Lily and Uncle Jamie are my auntie and uncle, so is Auntie Tuny, Marley, Nymphie, and Mary and Uncles Sirius, Remus, and Regulus, theys all my Aunties and Uncles," Neville explained.
"But Mummy says theys not really, Auntie's and Uncles are your Mummies and Daddies brotha's and sista's, and yours are not related to you, so theys is not." Ron said.
"Auntie Lily says that no matter, they love me like Aunties and Uncles," The floo roared a few seconds later showing a slightly worn but still smiling Lily Potter. Neville launched himself from the couch into her arms.
"Auntie Lily!" He said as the woman pulled him into a hug.
"Hello Dirt Monkey, you seem very excited."
"Is Uncle Jamie home," Neville asked.
"Nope he had work today. He will be home later though." The woman assured him.
"Then can we's play with the 'nitch, I think I is getting better."
"I am not sure we have quite a bit to do, however, I am sure you are improving daily, you are after all my very smart little Dirt Monkey." She said before turning her attention to the small red head who sat on the couch.
"Hello Ronald,"
"He no like being called Ronald Auntie Lily, he like being called Ron," Neville exclaimed from his spot perched on Lily's hip.
"Well pardon me, Ron, how are you today."
"I is okay, Mummy is in the kitchen." The small boy said and Lily ruffled his hair. She was about to explain how she would much rather talk to the three year old when Molly Weasley burst through the door way holding her youngest, Ginny, on her hip. All smiles and offering a one sided hug Lily reluctantly took.
"Hello Molly,"
"Hello dear, how are you?" She asked in a tone that though sweet Lily could help but feel was condescending.
"Fine," She said, "Has Neville eaten Lunch."
"Of course of course, he is a growing boy after all." Molly said pinching the three year olds cheek. "You look right worn dear, why don't you come have some breakfast; I still have some left, I just finished it up not too long ago." Molly continued.
"I don't really think we have the time, I am already running late, busy day and all."
"We are going to see Mummy and Daddy, right Auntie Lily,"
"That is right Dirt Monkey,"
"Lily he is just a boy, I don't think that taking him to see Alice and Frank would be a good idea, it may upset him." Molly said her mothering tone taking over.
"It would hurt him more so to never see them." Lily countered.
"Please, if it is a time issue I can watch him longer."
"It is not a time issue Molly, we go see them once a month."
"That is not healthy,"
Lily took a deep breath, "Neville can you go get your overnight bag." She asked setting the boy down on the floor. The small boy began to move before Molly stood in his way stopping him.
"Oh don't make the poor dear do that here let me call Charlie and have him bring it down."
"Neville is fine fetching his things on his own Molly. He is three," The older woman perused her lips at Lily's comment but moved and allowed Neville though.
"How was he for you?" Lily asked.
"Oh a right dear, my boys just love having him around don't they Ron."
"Kinda," The red headed three year old supplied. "The twins like having someone else to prank I guess."
"Prank?" Lily asked.
"Oh nothing big, just some fun. You know boys will be boys, it's all in fun." Molly said with a nervous smile. "Of course you know that, with your husband and all." The woman supplied.
"Yes, I also understand how pranking can get out of hand quickly."
"My boys are well behaved."
"I never said they weren't," Lily assured as Neville clambered back down the stairs with a large smile dragging a small Hogwarts like trunk behind him. Lily grinned watching the small boys face set into a determined snarl as he lugged the weightless trunk down the stairs.
"Ready Auntie Lily,"
"Say goodbye to Ron Neville, we must be going, you have a nice day Molly. I will see you in two months." Lily said pulling Neville into her arms as she shrunk the small trunk and placed it in her pocket.
"Yes of course," the small woman said as Lily turned to floo back home.
St. Mungo's, Late Afternoon, December 6, 1983
Freak named Harry was slightly worried. The Mummy was late, he could tell by the way the doctor lady kept looking at the door. He wondered if the Mummy got mad that he did something freaky yesterday. She didn't seem mad when he did it. She didn't even yell at him like his aunt did sometimes. She had smiled and made a joke. Maybe she had thought about it and decided she didn't want a freak for a son. After all she seemed like a good Mummy, or at least she fit the man's explanation of a Mummy pretty well and Freak named Harry liked her more than he liked most other ladies. Even more than doctor lady actually, so what had happened.
"Don't worry Harry; I am sure your mummy is just running late. She did have to pick up Neville today." Freak named Harry's heart dropped quickly to the depths of his now full and slightly warm stomach. That was right; the Mummy said she was going to bring the Neville. Freak named Harry was still not really sure what a Neville was but he didn't think he would like one. The doctor lady stood and checked the hall before looking back at Harry with a sigh.
"She will be here any minute." She assured it was ten minutes before a hair brained looking Lily slipped into the room Neville perched on her hip. She put the boy down quickly and turned to apologize to Mary for running late.
Freak named Harry pulled his blanket close to him and tried to hide his face as the new boy, who seemed quite big in comparison to Harry's petite frame. Neville used the hospital chair to climb up to the edge of the bed and sit himself at the foot.
"You is little," Neville said simply. Harry backed away slightly. Neville stuck out his bottom lip and crawled closer to pick up the edge of the blanket and look under it to catch the other boys eyes.
"Is yous playing hide and go seek. I is liking that game. Auntie Lily is a really good seaker though. Yous gotta play with Uncle James if you wanna good game. He is really bad. He can look right at you a trillion times and no see you." Neville jabbered not noting the distress on the small boys face. To Freak named Harry this new boy was bigger, loud, and energized, all those led to one of two words Dudley and threat. Harry tried to hide a bit more and let out a small whimper.
"I is not gonna hurt you, you is little like 'Ria, I know is gotta play easy. See I can be soft," Lily must have heard Neville's voice because in seconds she was at the bed side pulling Neville back so he could not reach Harry. The small green eyed boy was now shaking quite violently. Lily then left the room with Neville so Mary can calm Harry down.
"I didn't do it," Neville said quickly once they were in the hall way.
"Neville remember I said we had to play easy with Harry. He is hurt."
"But I no do not'in wrong."
"I know Dirt Monkey, but you need to calm down. Harry is scared of you."
"But I is little, I is not scary." Neville exclaimed.
"I know but Harry doesn't understand. To him you are big and new."
"Can I try again?" Neville asked.
"Of course Neville just be soft. Harry is still very scared of new people."
"Can I give him his toy to say sorry and give him sorry hugs?"
"How about you put it on the edge of his bed instead,"
"But you always gots to give sorry hugs when you say sorry."
"Most times you are right, but this time is a bit different alright." Lily said brushing the boy's hair back.
"When he is better can I give him sorry hugs?"
"Of course Neville," Lily said before opening the door and letting him back in. Harry had yet to calm and was throwing quite the fit as he shook against the door of the closed closet. Lily sat Neville on the bed and moved to help.
"Harry, Harry its Mama, open your eyes and take a deep breath for Mama," She said but the small boy was having none of it. Neville saw the blanket and old book lying on the bed and scrambled to grab them before sliding off the edge and moving toward the other three people in the room. Lily was still pleading with Harry to calm when he got there.
"Auntie Lily, read" Neville said placing the book in her hands before sitting down in front of Harry. Neville then tuned back and added, "please," staring ahead Neville's brown eyes met the small boys green eyes opened and widened at the site.
"I is not gonna hurt you I just is giving you your blanky, I gots you a toy too. It's a lion. He says roar! And he is really brave. I have one too. Gran says to give it big hugs when I feel scared and it makes me brave like a lion. You want to try." He asked handing the small sock monkey lion over. Harry made no movement. Neville placed the toy on the ground closer to Harry than himself before turning to Aunt Lily and nodding his head toward the book once again.
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You're off to Great Places!
You're off and away!" Lily began her voice soft watching slowly as the tension left the small boys body and he slumped against the wall half asleep she looked over to see Neville studying the boy carefully. Once Harry was completely asleep he turned and faced his Aunt Lily.
"He is sleepin'"Neville said before raising his fingers to his lips and shushing her. Lily repeated the action.
St. Mungo's, Late Evening, December 6, 1983
James Potter watched as the low moon light flickered against his sons sleeping form. His hand ached to reach out and smooth the boys hair back but he stilled himself, not wanting to scare the three year old. As he watched the small boy sleep he let a small smile out.
"I think it's going to work Har," he whispered softly with a smile. "I'm not going to tell Mama yet, just in case, but merlin I think it could work. Mummy and Daddy love you Harry. I know you don't understand that yet, but you will, I will make sure you do." James continued. Harry whimpered in his sleep turning slightly in what seemed like nightmare induced panic. Softly James reached to card his hand though Harry's mop of baby hair and softly sang the old lullaby.
"Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, hush now, don't you cry!
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, Too-ra-loo-ra-li,
Too-ra-loo-ra-loo-ral, that's an Irish lullaby."
Even though it was in mist of a dream Freak named Harry could not help the smile that lit his face. The voice that sang was quite rough and not at all as pretty as Aunt Petunia's had been. Nonetheless, it was more comforting than Aunt Petunia's could ever be, because it was the daddy who was singing just for him not for Dudley or anyone else. Just for Freak named Harry, and Freak Named Harry liked that very much.
A/N - There you have it. Chapter 13 :)