Harry got up early on Saturday morning. He had been called by Hermione the day before. Aunt Petunia, surprisingly, did not complain about the call. She had invited Harry over to her house to talk about their lessons and magic and books and … Harry had interrupted her and said he would like to but he had to get permission.

Harry had then turned the phone over the Petunia just as Hermione had turned the phone over to her mother. An agreement was reached and Harry would spend that Saturday being entertained by the Grangers. Petunia found out that the couple were dentists living in what most considered an A ranked neighborhood, and was much more amenable to the arrangement as a result.

Harry dressed in trousers and a shirt he had bought in Diagon Alley when he got his uniform. The Dursleys, goaded by Petunia, were dressed to receive guests in their best.

As 9:30 approached, the whole lot made their way to the front garden. Harry tried to ignore the Dursleys and the pretentiousness made him a bit annoyed. He was careful to hide this as the Dursleys HAD improved in the last two days.

Harry saw a large, black luxury car coming up the road. When it stopped and Hermione emerged, his face took on a large grin. With a yell of, "Harry!" Hermione ran over to him and glomped him. He was not quite used to this, even though he had seen hints of it when he had met her only two days earlier.

"It took us a while to follow the directions to come to this neighborhood, the drive on M25 was quiet but it was a long trip. How far have you got studying? I've gotten through most of the History book but I'm also reading another book I bought. Did you know your name is in several books? I was quite surprised, let me tell you! Why, in one book alone …."

Hermione's parents had never seen her react that way to another child. Her chatter to them when she had a good day at school was very similar, but she normally was much more reserved around others her age as most did not respond positively to her enthusiasm. That Harry did not seem to mind was a big plus in their book.

Mr. Granger introduced himself to the boy's family. "Hello, this is my wife, Jane Miranda Granger and I am Graham Alistair Granger. I assume you are Vernon and Petunia Dursley?"

Vernon was at his best, not wanting to offend someone who bought drills. Petunia simpered a bit. Dudley was quiet, but a bit mulish – he wasn't used to being the "other boy."

Finally, Harry had gotten Hermione calmed and they made their way out. Harry was looking forward to finally spending time with a friend.

Albus was in his office when a beautiful snowy owl arrived and landed on his desk. He was quite surprised as owls were always redirected.

"My. You are an attractive owl. I remember you from Harry's return to his home. How did you enter the office?" The bird just looked at him with a stern expression and held out her leg.

He took the note, and searched around his desk. When he couldn't find what he was looking for, he called out to Tippy. "Tippy, can you go and get some owl pellets from the Owlery?" Tippy nodded cheerfully and disappeared and reappeared quickly. The bird hooted and ate the treats.

He read the note that had arrived.

Dear Professor Dumbledore,

I wanted to thank you for the practice wand. I wrote a letter to Neville and he asked where he could get his own. Can they be found in Diagon Alley or is there somewhere else you can get them?

Hermione hasn't asked for one yet – but I'd like to get her one too.

I have been enjoying reading the books. My owl I named Hedwig. That's from A History of Magic. She seemed to like the name.

Hoping you are doing well.

Harry Potter

1stYear Student, Hogwarts

Albus chuckled at the letter. For one that was likely one of his first, he didn't do too badly. He looked at the owl that had finished her treats and was waiting patiently.

"Thank you, Hedwig, for delivering the letter." The owl hooted and nodded; a curiously intelligent owl, then. "I will be only a moment."

He wrote a reply on a small piece of parchment, and then tied it to Hedwig's leg. The owl moved to the window and then looked back at him and hooted. He used his wand to open the window and the owl left quickly.

Dear Harry,

That is an excellent idea for your friends. Practice wands aren't common, as they can be confused for a real one unless made sufficiently different in appearance; thus the blue for your own. Also, unless it is the same shape it doesn't necessarily improve familiarity.

However, I can rectify that myself. I will attend to Mr. Longbottom today and possibly Ms. Granger. At the latest, I will do so by early next week.

As a side comment – I am aware that the anniversary of your birth is Wednesday next. You might not be aware, but young Neville's is the day before yours. Please be certain to wish him well for that day.

Best Regards,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster, Hogwarts

Albus had wanted to meet Neville. He was another alternate of one of his grandchildren from his own past. He was quite looking forward to meeting him.

He made his way down to Hagrid's hut to check in on the gentle giant of a man. When he knocked on the door, Hagrid opened it and smiled when he saw the visitor. "Perfessor Dumbledore! Come right in! I was jus' 'bout to have a cuppa. D'you care to join me?"

Dumbledore nodded cheerfully. He sat in one of the visitor chairs – much smaller than the ones for Rubeus himself and accepted a large mug of tea. "Well, Hagrid, how are your studies progressing since the return of your wand?"

Hagrid beamed. "Jus' fine, jus'fine! It's a bit tricky, but the Perfessors been right patient and I'm makin' real progress. I fixed up a few things that needed repairin' right quick with my new wand." He pulled out his wand. "Eighteen inches, Oak, Unicorn hair." Hagrid was likely to describe his new wand at every opportunity and Albus didn't blame him.

Albus smiled. "Very good. I am glad to hear that. Now, besides wanting to check on your progress, I would like to find out if you have perhaps one or two scraps of wood that you've carved. I have been asked to provide practice wands for two aspiring first years after having done so for young Harry Potter."

Hagrid beamed. "You've seen 'arry? How's the lil tyke doin? I 'aven't seen seen him since we took 'im to his family's 'ouse."

Albus smiled a gentle smile. "He is doing well now." His smile took on a sad cast to it. "I erred in not ensuring he was treated well there. Although physically well, they were not the friendliest to him while he grew up. I took the opportunity to improve his circumstances when I had the chance."

Hagrid had been getting angered when hearing that Harry might not have been treated well. However, he trusted Albus Dumbledore when he said he had fixed the situation. Great man, Albus Dumbledore. "Well, if I'd heard about 'im being treated badly and no one else had taken steps, I'd likely 'ave got in trouble. I'm 'appy to hear it ain't needed."

Albus could imagine what Hagrid would do if someone he cared for was threatened. It would not be pleasant. Albus' face took on a slightly mischievous look as he said, "Yes. I have taken steps. However, if his family should need reminding, I will ask you to accompany me to emphasize the care Harry requires as a young Wizard."

Hagrid grinned. He wouldn't mind that chore. "I'd 'preciate that, Perfessor. Now, the scraps." He moved to a corner of his hut. "You sure you wan' scraps? I 'ave fresh if you wan' em."

Albus, having stood to inspect the offerings, replied, "Actually, in this case: No. It is a bit easier to permanently transfigure wood if it has already been worked; the fibers are already cut. I used a broken toy for Harry's. When Harry's letter arrived asking for two more for his new friends, I remembered that you liked carving and thought you might have suitable pieces."

Hagrid beamed as he moved several larger pieces aside. Finally, he found just what was asked for. "These pieces I made a mistake when trying to carve a flute. The woods now a bit too thin for other carvings, but it'd likely work for practice wands."

He held out two twelve inch pieces with the middle bored out. However, areas between the holes had apparently been weak and had cracked between them. They were just about right. "Excellent! I can use these quite easily. Thank you, Hagrid." He put the pieces in one of his pockets and then looked at Hagrid. "Harry's birthday is coming on Wednesday next. Neville Longbottom's is the day before and has made friends with Harry. By that time, Sirius should be released from St. Mungo's and I am certain that he will want to celebrate with Harry and his friends. I will ask Sirius if you can attend the celebrations."

Hagrid beamed. "I'd sure 'preciate that, Perfessor. Jus' let me know when an' I'll be there."

Albus took his leave and made his way to the closest point that Hogwarts' wards could be crossed. It would take much less time to apparate to his Ministry office and use the floo there than to make his way back to his office at Hogwarts.

When he finally arrived to his office, he moved to the floo. He got down on his knees and opened the connection. "Longbottom Hall!"

A house elf was present to respond. "This is Albus Dumbledore. I would like permission to come and meet briefly with Neville Longbottom. Please ask your Mistress is I can arrive."

The house elf replied, "Dippy be asking Mistress." The house elf disappeared.

Shortly, Augusta Longbottom appeared. "Come on through, Headmaster."

Albus stood and flooed in to the entranceway of Longbottom Hall. "Madam Longbottom, thank you for receiving me. I have come to provide something to young Neville at the request of Harry Potter."

Augusta was very curious. She called for Neville. "Would you like some tea or refreshment?" She led Albus to the sitting room.

Albus replied as he sat down, "I just had a cuppa with Hagrid. But thank you."

Neville arrived. He was quite nervous. Augusta turned and said, "Headmaster Dumbledore has come to give you something at the request of Harry Potter." She turned back, "Headmaster?"

Albus began, "How are you, Mr. Longbottom?"

Neville replied with a bit of reluctance, "I'm doing well, Headmaster. How are you?"

"I am also quite well. Now, to the matter at hand: Harry wrote me a letter saying he had explained his practice wand and you had inquired as to where to get one yourself. As there are none ready-made, I have come to make one custom."

Neville looked a bit awed. "Thank you, Professor. You didn't need to come out of your way to do that."

Albus replied, "Nonsense! Your parents fought with me during the last conflict and they ultimately paid a steep price for doing so. It would be poorly done if I did not make certain that their son was properly trained. So, please bring your wand so that I know how to shape the practice one."

After Neville left Augusta said, "I thank you for taking the time and effort. Ever since my Frank and his wife Alice were struck down, I have done my best to raise him. For a time, we weren't quite certain if Neville was even going to able to attend Hogwarts. He didn't have any accidental magic until a couple of years ago."

Albus was quite curious. "That is very strange. I clearly remember his having shown signs of being a wizard at quite a young age."

Augusta was surprised. "I did not know that! Frank and Alice didn't tell me." She was quite upset. She was the grandmother – she should have been told about any accidental magic.

Albus sadly provided, "By the time it occurred, your son and his family were in hiding. It was only just previous to the remarkable defeat of Tom Riddle by Lily Potter. They might not have had time."

Augusta could understand that. "Well, that answers that question. Thank you for telling me. I can see how I wasn't told." She then asked about something the Headmaster just said. "You say Lily Potter defeated Tom Riddle? I thought it was Harry Potter that defeated him when he survived the curse."

Albus sadly replied, not commenting on Neville having arrived at the door while Augusta asked her question, "In fact, I know for certain that Lily learned several protection charms when in hiding. I am quite sanguine about stating that it was her sacrifice that allowed Harry to survive." He turned his head toward Neville, who was wide-eyed at the revelation. "I also was aware that she taught those charms to your mother, Neville. Neither Lily Potter nor Alice Longbottom would be satisfied without taking all precautions to ensure that their sons were protected."

He recalled a passage he had read recently. He was not Christian – rare was the wizard that was. However, a particular passage leapt to his attention when he was reviewing the prophecy that Wulfric spent so much time and effort on. He passed on what he could remember:

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. … Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. … And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."

Augusta and Neville were visibly moved at the passage. Finally, Albus returned to the reason for his visit. "In recognition for two great friends and comrades in difficult circumstance, I have come to help their son. So, let me see your wand."

Neville took his Cherry Wand out to show the Headmaster. "It's Cherry, 13 inches, Unicorn Hair."

Albus inspected the wand closely. He took the chunk of wood and, with his wand, changed the chunk of wood to match Neville's wand very closely save the fact it was the same bright neon blue as Harry's practice wand.

Once he completed that, he handed it to Neville. "As I told Harry, using this to practice wand movements will prevent accidentally casting a spell as it is magically inert. I would not like to see you harmed or cause damage from a simple mistake."

Neville looked over the practice wand and compared it to his actual wand. "This is brilliant, Professor! Thank you!"

Albus say back. "You are quite welcome. Now, do you have time to tell me of your childhood?"

Neville looked to his Gran, who looked startled that the Chief Warlock, Headmaster, and Supreme Mugwump would take the time to chat with a prospective first year. She did not look disapproving. "Sure, Professor. What you like to know?"

"Just tell me about growing up."

Neville talked about his childhood. As he talked he became more animated. He included visits to his parents as the Headmaster certainly knew about their condition. He talked about his Gran. He talked about meeting Harry and Hermione.

Finally he mentioned one thing, "Let me tell you! I was happy to find my wand having such a reaction. The family thought I was all-Muggle for ages. My Great Uncle Algie kept trying to catch me off my guard and force some magic out of me. He pushed me off the end of Blackpool pier once, I nearly drowned - but nothing happened until I was eight.

"Great Uncle Algie came round for dinner, and he was hanging me out of an upstairs window by the ankles when my Great Auntie Enid offered him a meringue and he accidentally let go. But I bounced - all the way down the garden and into the road.

"They were all really pleased, Gran was crying, she was so happy. And you should have seen their faces when I got in here - they thought I might not be magic enough to come, you see. Great Uncle Algie was so pleased he bought me my toad."

Neville suddenly took notice of Professor Dumbledore's expression and the charged feeling of the air. His Gran was looking at the Headmaster with a bit of fear, for it was apparent that the Supreme Mugwump was in a towering rage.

He looked like he was trying to calm down. He looked at Neville. "Please excuse us for a short while. I need to speak to your Grandmother privately."

Neville took the chance to retreat. It was obvious that something he said had triggered a response in the Headmaster that wasn't all that pleasant. That he was excused boded quite well for his own sake. He really was curious about what was happening, but he wasn't THAT curious.

When Neville had left, Albus turned to Augusta. "At this moment, I am utterly appalled at what I just heard." Albus took a deep breath. "Before I do something I might regret, I have to ask: How long would it take to gather your relations? Especially, Uncle Algie?"

Augusta, normally a very severe woman which intimidated others without even trying, was peculiarly feeling quite small. She answered, "It might take the better part of an hour."

Albus said, "Very well. Please call them here quickly. I will go and calm down, but I have desperate need to address your entire family in a matter of utmost urgency. I shall return in approximately at 12:00. That is one and a half hours away."

Augusta nodded, feeling very much like a chastised school girl. Albus flooed to the ministry and went to the DMLE. He was very curt to the Wizard minding the office. "I need immediate access to the records of the investigation of the attack which put the Longbottoms in St. Mungo's. I need it now."

The man saw that the Chief Warlock was in a less than pleasant mood and decided to find the records very quickly. Before be could move Albus added, "I am specifically searching for the actions taken by the responding Aurors and any other DMLE personnel. I do not need to see trial transcripts that have nothing to do with that. I will be in my Wizengamot office." The man nodded and scurried off.

Albus made his way to his office and called for Fawkes. He really needed some help to calm down.

At 12:00, Longbottom Hall saw a gathering of most of the remaining Longbottoms. This included Augusta, Harfang Longbottom, his wife Callidora, Algernon Longbottom (he shared a first name with the head of the Unspeakables), his wife Enid, and a couple of his cousins that were all of a similar age to his parents. Neville was present as well.

Neville was a bit taken aback at the nervousness displayed by the elders in the family. The cousins were chatting with each other, curious about the reason for being called to the family seat.

At 12:00 exactly, Albus Dumbledore arrived by floo. The house elf, very nervous about the magical emissions being given off by the famous wizard, led him to the gathering. The Wizard was well-known as being a good Wizard and recently Hogwarts elves had spoken about how much better they had been treated recently. As a result, the elf's protective streak was absent.

Albus entered the room. Augusta, having calmed a bit, said, "You have requested a meeting with the Longbottom's. We are all present."

Albus nodded curtly. He took a file out of a pocket and tapped it with his wand. It expanded back out to full size. He held it as he spoke in a quiet voice.

"I am Albus Dumbledore, as I am certain all of you know. During the conflict with Voldemort," all of those present flinched, "Frank and Alice Longbottom were heavily involved with a group I headed which had the sole purpose of opposing him and trying to bring him down. They were highly decorated as Aurors, well-respected as protectors, and much loved as comrades and friends.

"On 30 July 1980, this remarkable couple had a child: Neville Francis Longbottom. At the same time, another couple – fellow members of the Order of the Phoenix – also had a son on the very next day: Harry James Potter."

"In the months that followed, both couples were targeted by Voldemort (flinch) and, as a result, both went into hiding to protect their sons. When Voldemort (flinch) was defeated other followers, trying to find information about their absent master, attacked Frank and Alice to interrogate them as to his location."

Here Albus paused. Neville was a bit wide-eyed. He knew his parents had been attacked, but not all the details. The rest of the family was fully engrossed in the tale.

"Little known fact: Both boys were targeted because Voldemort (flinch), considered by many the darkest Dark wizard in history, was afraid of those two boys."

The family was stunned.

"Both boys gave several indications of being very powerful wizards in the making. This was kept hidden as much as possible because none wanted any information to make its way to the opposition.

"Earlier today, in deference to the relationship I had with his parents, I took time to sit down with Neville to enquire about his childhood. Neville, please repeat the last part of what you told me when we talked."

Neville looked quite nervous to repeat it, but Professor Dumbeldore calmly encouraged him. Albus bowed his head as Neville repeated the statement he had made – almost word for word to the surprise of his Gran. He wasn't known for having a good memory.

When Neville was done, Albus – with his head still bowed – said, "Imagine my surprise. I knew Neville had shown several indications of powerful magic. When I asked Augusta to call you all here, I made my way to the Ministry to look at several reports.

"In a report given by the Auror on the scene, Neville was found in a closet. His mother was in front of the closet, having protected her son with her body – even as she was being tortured. It was noted that Neville was inconsolable due to having heard the actions taken by those attacking and so a Ministry Obliviator had cast an obvliviation on Neville to relieve him of his pain.

"Now. Neville was only just older than 15 months old. Imagine how delicate a child is at that time. Imagine a child of that age having witnessed a vicious attack on his parents. And imagine the damage that a poorly chosen spell could do on such a young mind. Is it any wonder that Neville did not show signs of magic?"

The adults in the room were all horrified. Most were about to express outrage at the Ministry for having performed the spell, but Albus headed that off before it got there. He wanted to make a point. The Longbottoms could storm the Ministry on their own – later.

In his quiet voice filled with power Albus continued. "Neville's tale filled me with outrage. A boy I knew as a babe, fresh from his mother's womb, has been systematically abused. Family members, who are supposed to protect their own, tried to scare the magic out. Because of a lack of accidental magic, his loving family almost killed him. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am quite vexed with you."

The elder Longbottoms were all quite frightened at the almost visible aura of power present as Albus Dumbledore expressed his displeasure. Algie especially, as the instigator of many of these occurrences, was quite frightened for his life.

"As of this moment, Neville Francis Longbottom, Scion of House Longbottom, is under my personal protection. This is not the protection of the Chief Warlock, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, or the Supreme Mugwump." He paused here, to gauge their reaction. All appeared to be getting the point. "He is under the protection of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, the Defeater of Grindelwald, the Wizard most feared by most Dark wizards currently in existence." He looked around the room. Yes, they all understood.

"I will be taking steps to correct, as possible, the appalling action taken by an impatient Ministry obliviator. I suggest that you all make it a point to chastise those that allowed this – which is not the current administration.

"As of right now, I will take the role of an older confidante – as I should have done ten years ago." He turned toward Neville. "I do encourage you to come to me when you might have issues you don't feel comfortable talking with others about."

"I will expect all of you to review your actions towards Neville, and make a full apology. Because I know that he IS loved, I will take no further action toward you – as long as Neville is safe and happy."

He turned toward Augusta. "Madam Longbottom, you shall author and campaign for a Law in the Wizengamot that will make it a punishable offense for family to endanger children when trying to encourage accidental magic. A budget shall be proposed which will allow Hogwarts to get extra help from St. Mungo's and the Ministry at the beginning of each year to examine and interview each Hogwarts student to verify their home situation. The Law should specify that the Hogwarts healer shall have full authority to do so, regardless of family wishes. And for any abuse found, charges of abuse and assault shall be proffered at the healers' recommendation. Social status shall be no shield against prosecution.

"In exchange, I will take no official action toward past behaviour. I do this in hopes such an occurrence shall never be repeated."

He paused here and finished his statement, "Be glad that I am limiting myself. An hour ago I was fully prepared to challenge all of you to formal duels – honor duels if you catch my meaning. Be happy I have a phoenix that can provide calm to me as necessary."

The family was nodding visibly, not wanting any part of duels with a steamed Albus Dumbledore – he was VERY respected in many circles for his magical prowess.

"Now, I will speak to Neville briefly before I take my leave. Good day." He moved to lead Neville back out of the room.

Neville was just a bit overwhelmed with the complete change between what he expected his day to be and what had actually occurred. He was a bit cheesed off at what had happened to him as a baby vis a vis the Obliviator, but mostly he was somewhere between completely frightened and completely relieved by the attitude taken by his future Headmaster. Such things didn't happen to him – ever.

He was a bit nervous at how his family would now treat him – but, privately, to himself, in the deep recess of his mind, he was feeling dead chuffed about someone having stood up to the family on his behalf. For his whole life, as he remembered, he was expected to take the insults and abuse and not complain. Now, he had someone who could stop it when it happened again. He was feeling quite friendly toward Professor Dumbledore at that moment.

When the two had arrived to a sitting area outside, Albus said to Neville, "I wanted to say that my protection of you is not something to brag about but feel free to let people know as necessary. I also wanted to tell you something that Harry will most likely inform you of when he next sees you in person."

Albus did not quite use the same level of humor as Neville was not the type of get that comfortable with his elders. "I did mention – on a very private basis – that the trace will not be applied until you are sorted. This is not something to talk about with those who might object. Do not try anything dangerous and do not perform any spells where you might get in trouble. St. Mungo's has many wizards who have to have reversals performed when they try dangerous magic without supervision."

Neville was in awe. "You're giving me permission to do magic out of school?"

Albus smirked a bit. "It's not permission so much as informing you of little-known facts. Such things are quite useful to some people. If you are more comfortable with magic when you start Hogwarts, it might be a good thing. We never had this conversation. Do you understand?"

Neville, feeling like he was a member of a conspiracy (he was), smiled. "What conversation were you talking about, Professor?"

Albus laughed. "Very good. Feel free to owl me any concerns. I shall take my leave of you now."

Neville waved the Professor off as he made his way back to the floo.

A/N: Fun fact I came across when researching possible plot devices. Did you know that Emma Watson (Hermione Granger) and Emma Thompson (Sybill Trellawny) share the same birthday (April 15)? So two Emmas who worked together on a film share a birthday on American Tax Day. Scarrrry.