Cheers for the reviews
hopefully this chapter makes up for the non-chapter before it. it was the only way I felt I could bring everyone up to speed without being tedious about it. I tend not to write on the weekend as that's valuable time with the wife, and as it's her birthday weekend I managed to write two today while she's visiting her mum
a scooby snack goes to everyone that gets the movie reference in this chapter
this story is in danger of getting away from me with side-reels so after this chapter I'll try and bring it back to the whole point of the Fic
Again, I own nothing
Myrtles Bathroom
Standing outside the bathroom Hermione pondered just why she had been asked to meet up here. The last time she had been here was her second year when she brewed Polyjuice potion for her, Ron and Neville to infiltrate the Slytherin common room to get information on the Heir of Slytherin. It never occurred to her to just ask Harry about it at the time. It was only when Harry visited her in the hospital wing due to her partial transformation that it occurred to her that Harry might know something about it. Later that year she found it very ironic that the very place they were brewing illicit potions was the very place that housed the fabled monster. She was very glad she was out of it for the whole thing really after being petrified by the Basilisk.
Maybe this was where Harry trained? After all he must go somewhere and the Room of Requirement wasn't always occupied during the times he went missing. Had Harry set up camp in the Chamber of Secrets? Hearing a noise behind her she turned around. It was Harry. She was so glad to see him again that every thought she had of chastising him disappeared as she glomped him. "Oh, I'm so glad to see you're ok Harry" she said clutching onto him. Gently prizing him off her he asked her to follow him. Puzzled but curious Hermione followed him until they stopped in front of a sink with a snake motif. Hearing parseltongue always made Hermione shiver. It was very creepy. Harry turning to her with a cheeky grin grabbed her and dove into the open hole head first. Terrified Hermione screamed all the way down until after a minute of sliding they came shooting out of the hole at the bottom. Getting up and laughing Harry helped Hermione up. Immediately she started batting him on the arms "do not ever do that again Harry!"
Looking around left Hermione bewildered. Judging by how wet the walls were they must be miles under the school itself. Following Harry through hole that was propped up by pillars, this must have been where the cave in happened she thought and the two checkpoint doors she stopped very suddenly at the sight of Salazar Slytherins head. If that was an accurate portrait then he wasn't very attractive. He looked like an ape!
"Yeah, not very attractive, is he?" Harry asked rhetorically as they walked up to it. "I believe this was created by his grandson to protect Salazars horde that he'd gathered over the decades. He didn't trust goblins and was very mistrustful of everyone else too. I think he must have had glaucoma or something because it looks nothing like Salazar. -speak to me Slytherin, greatest of the Hogwarts four-" Harry said as they reached the mouth. Translating for Hermione she gave a wry grin and said "Humble, wasn't he?" as they walked through the hole into a room with a table, several chairs and a fireplace with an empty portrait above it. Three doors lined the room with the fourth wall having the hole on it.
"Actually, he was" Harry replied as they entered a door to a library. Hearing Hermione gasp he said "touch nothing Hermione. It's been warded to react viciously to anyone of muggle blood" walking to a particular section he pulled off twelve books and two scrolls and led Hermione back into the room with the table
"Salazar was not the bastard everyone thinks he is" Harry continued from earlier "it was his grandson that was the prick. He's the one that created the whole 'pureblood' nonsense but that time in history was such a long time ago that it has since twisted into being Salazar. It was his belief that muggles shouldn't interact with magicals. Don't forget that at that time England as we know it was being formed and Christianity was taking root as the primary religion. The church condemned magicals as heretics and as such were often found to kill anyone that showed magical powers. Salazar believed that magical children should be separated from their parents as soon as it manifested to prevent them being murdered. I'm not going to argue with you over this Hermione" Harry said seeing she was about to object. "We both have very different opinions on muggles. As far as I'm concerned, he was a Noble man and it was a noble goal"
"That's almost enough to make a grown man cry" came a voice from the wall "but not this guy"
Turning around Harry and Hermione looked in the direction of the voice. It came from the portrait. Where before it was blank it was now occupied by a man with olive skin, a pointed chin, sharp looking green eyes, black hair pulled back into a ponytail and a black goatee and moustache.
"Hermione Granger, I present to you Salazar Slytherin. Salazar, Hermione" Harry said
"Slytherin? The Salazar Slytherin?" Hermione asked numbly
"I though you said she was intelligent" Salazar asked looking at Harry "the evidence so far contradicts you"
"Give her a break Sal" Harry said chuckling "it's not every day that you get to meet a legend in the wizarding world especially one you've been told for six years is a muggle hating prick too"
"Must you mangle my name every time Harry?" Slytherin asked exasperatedly "I was named Salazar at birth and it will always be Salazar!"
Hermione's brain finally caught up to her at the end of that sentence "he does the same to me! My name is Hermione, not Herm, not Mione. Hermione." she finished firmly. Turning to the portrait she said "It's a pleasure to meet you"
Nodding Salazar turned to Harry and asked him about the books he had taken out. Hermione was curious too. Behind that door lay a library! One she couldn't touch either, Which was very frustrating. Looking at the books and scrolls she went to pick one up before she was stopped by Harry grabbing her hands. "don't touch yet Hermione" Harry said sharply. "I've not taken the hexes off them yet; you could easily lose your hands!"
Taking out his wand he chanted for a good thirty seconds over the assorted books and scrolls. Finally putting his wand away Harry stood up and went to a drawer pulling out parchment, quills and ink. passing a few books over to Hermione he said
"I'm looking for anything you may have on the Withering Curse, either to slow it down or to halt it completely" Harry stated "phoenix tears haven't helped cure it so I'm not banking on finding anything but at least I can tell myself I've tried"
"The Withering Curse? I've never heard of that" Hermione said looking concerned "what is it?"
"It's exactly what it says girl" Salazar stated "it withers what it touches. If used on plants they shrivel up and die, on muggle humans it kills virtually instantly as there is no magic flowing in them to counteract the curse but on wizards it attacks the magic of a person and causes them to lose body parts a bit at a time until it reaches the heart. Once it reaches your heart you die. It's very painful and a horrible way to die. Who do you know that has been hit with this curse? And how are they still alive? It usually works within hours consuming everything in its path and you don't seem to be in much of a hurry to gather information"
"Albus Dumbledore has been hit with it" Harry stated causing Hermione to gasp and tear up. "He was hit with it during the summer holidays because he's an idiot and didn't check for traps on an item after already dismantling several wards and curses laid down by your descendent on it. Honestly, he deserves to die for pure stupidity but the wizarding world rely on him a bit too much and I could do without the histrionics that will be sure to follow his death. The crying will be insufferable. So, I'm having a look at these books and scrolls to see if I can find anything. So far, he's been kept alive by potions that the former potion master created specifically for this curse. The man may be a bastard but he's also a genius. It'll be a shame to take his head off his shoulders" Harry finished musingly
"Ah, ok" Salazar said thoughtfully stroking his goatee "well I doubt there is anything in those scrolls that you don't already know about it but it's worth a shot I suppose. I shall leave you two to it" with that he walked out of the portrait
"Now," Harry began "most of these have very horrific curses described in them. Normally I'd keep these away from anyone but time is of the essence and you're a speed-reader for fun. Dumbledore has got until maybe May, June at a push before the curse take his life. Some of these are written in a squiggly language, don't worry about that as I can read Parselscript but the others should be fine. You can ask your questions while we look for clues on the curse but as Salazar said, there may be nothing here. We have a few hours before curfew so let's get started"
With that they both reached for books and began talking to each other. Hermione it seemed was loaded with questions but Harry answered all of them the best he could. Hermione brought him up to date on what was discussed with the other friends, Harry with his goings on over the days. The duel made Hermione stop and come and give him a hug before resuming their search for information
The parchment Harry had taken out had become loaded with information on similar curses and hexes but sadly nothing on the withering curse. Just what Salazar had told them and the curse itself. This was likely how Tom had come across it in the first place. As curfew drew near, Hermione gathered up their notes on the various curses and piled them up while Harry replaced the viewed books back in the library. Walking up together to the hole Harry veered off to the right and hissed at a hidden snake making the wall open and they stepped on a platform. Hermione was very curious as to what was happening when Harry hissed again and they started to ascend and came out at a door on the second-floor corridor. Giving Harry a flat stare Hermione asked "are you telling me we could have ridden an elevator down to the Chamber rather than jump down the endless hole of Doom?"
Harry jumped out of bag swinging reach before laughingly replying "yes, but where's the fun in that? Now you got to experience what Ron and I did!"
"You absolute swine! Get back here Potter!" she shouted as she chased him to Gryffindor tower. Once there Harry allowed her to catch up and said cheekily "now that I've escorted you home, I'll bid you goodnight. Shall we meet up again tomorrow at the same time? I have family business in the morning"
Giving the Fat lady the password she said "It's a good job I love you, Potter. I'll see you at the same place?"
Giving her a hug, he said "yes, keep our research between us for now, ok? Dumbledore doesn't want anyone to know and it's not our place to tell anyone"
Returning the hug, she nodded and then made her way into the Gryffindor common room where she spotted Ron, Neville and Ginny sat by the fire. Plonking herself next to them she put up a silencing ward and answered the unasked question of where she'd been "I was with Harry, he finally graced me with his presence and he took me down to the Chamber of Secrets where we had a long overdue chat. Did you guys know there is massive library down there? It's such a shame I can't touch anything because I'm muggleborn" seeing their questioning glance she added "Salazars grandson apparently warded it against anyone of 'impure' blood. Git"
"The Chamber" Ginny exclaimed shuddering drawing her legs up to her chest "why would he go down there?"
"He's set up his base there it seems" Hermione replied "I knew he was going somewhere when he wasn't with us. Apparently, it all started in fourth year during the tournament to have somewhere to train and not be disturbed. The wards down there are pretty extensive so they could handle the spells Harry was throwing around better than the Room of Requirement could"
"Is that bloody big snake still down there?" Ron asked "that thing was massive"
"How would you know that?" Hermine asked. "weren't you on the other side of the wall at the time?"
"Yeah" Ron replied "but I asked Harry to show me the memory last year. Ginny had been attacked in the Quidditch match and I wasn't allowed to see her so Harry and I got drunk in the RoR and I asked if he'd like to exchange viewing memories in the rooms pensieve. I really wish I hadn't. But it was a way of reaffirming that Ginny was ok in my head. I'm not going to talk about what we watched so don't ask. It was boys' stuff"
Shaking her head Hermine said "I assume we're still under the secrecy oaths concerning Blood Feud?" receiving a confused nod from Neville she continued "well Ginny you'll be pleased to know that Harrys Blood Feud is half over with. Yesterday he took out their fathers"
Gasps came from all sides with this information so she continued "Harry beat Nott, Crabbe and Goyle before disarming Malfoy. He then asked your dad to finish it which he did. Apparently, your dad was the only other person that could interfere in that particular instance due to being Head of the Weasley family and their ongoing Blood Feud with the Malfoy family. He's also sworn an oath on his family magic that the Weasleys will not become indentured servants to the Potter-Black family due to services rendered, whatever that means. Your dad will likely tell you all in person next week when it's all finished. That's about it really. He's busy tomorrow with Family business but were continuing our chat tomorrow evening. Hopefully I can find out more then." hiding a yawn she got up and wished them all good night. Neville was about to go upstairs when a house elf asked him to go to see the headmaster for family business. Curious Neville made his way there hoping everything was ok
Longbottom Manor
At around 9:30 pm a beautiful snowy owl made her presence known to the sole occupant in the sitting room. Augusta Longbottom was brought out of her musings as she accepted the letter
Dowager Lady Longbottom of House Longbottom
I hope this missive finds you well. I am writing to try and set up a meeting with yourself and the future Lord Longbottom tomorrow around 10am at the Black Mansion? The floo will activate for five minutes after that time but will close after that time. Just shout Grimmauld Place
I have some news that I feel you should both be made aware of. I swear on my magic I mean you no harm
Hoping to receive a reply
Lord Black
p.s Hedwig will wait for either a confirmation or a declining letter
Well, isn't that curious Augusta thought. She of course knew that Neville and Harry were close friends. She would have thought that he would be the new Lord Black. Evidently not given the lack of the Potter surname on the letter. Feeling she had nothing to lose she replied with an affirmative. Throwing some floo powder into the fireplace she called out "Hogwarts, headmasters Office", receiving an invitation she stepped through
A very surprised Albus looked up as Augusta Longbottom's head appeared into the fireplace admitting her, he wondered what was wrong "Augusta? How may I be of service"
"Hello Albus" Augusta replied "I'm afraid some urgent family business has come up and I need Neville to attend with me. I shall bring him back tomorrow evening"
"Certainly" Albus replied "Nippy?" he called and a pop signalled the arrival of a house elf "can you go and retrieve Neville Longbottom please, tell him his grandmother is here for urgent family business. Thank you" turning around he invited Augusta to sit while he carried on with his correspondence. Five minutes later a curious Neville appeared and his grandmother whisked him away leaving Albus very puzzled
Neville followed his grandmother through to the sitting room where he poured her a cup of tea and waited for her to talk. "I have just received a letter off the Lord Black requesting us both at his manor tomorrow morning at 10am"
"Lord Black?" Neville asked puzzled "why would Harry want to see us both?"
"I assumed Harry was the new Lord Black" Augusta replied "evidently he isn't"
"But he must be!" Neville exclaimed "the whole hall heard him swear Blood Feud on his name of Lord Potter-Black"
"Blood Feud?" Augusta asked sharply "what do you mean Blood Feud has been sworn. Do not leave a single thing out Neville!"
Neville, confused at her vehemence explained just what had gone on the previous Monday and Tuesday and what had caused Harry to call for Blood Feud. He told her of the deaths of the pureblood lords yesterday and the upcoming deaths of the five students next Tuesday.
After a good few minutes' silence Augusta said "thank you for informing me, Neville. I don't believe this has anything to do with that but at least we know Harry is Lord Black and I can sleep a little easier knowing just who's house we're going to. Good night, Neville. I shall see you in the morning"
The next day saw the two Longbottoms standing in front of the fireplace at 9:55. Augusta hoped Harry opened the floo when he said he would. She hated tardiness. She often remembered her mother telling her "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late and to be late is utterly unacceptable" and it had stuck with her for all these years. The clock chiming on the wall saw them both look up just as the floo flared to life. Calling out "Grimmauld Place" they both went through to be greeted by the strangest house elf Augusta had ever seen. He was a good foot taller than most house elves and was dressed immaculately in a blue toga. If it wasn't for the ears Augusta could have sworn it was a small child. Following the Elf who named himself as Dobby they arrived at a room with a table surrounded by comfy chairs. On the table was a pot of tea and an envelope. Standing up next to the fireplace was Harry
"Greetings, may you find peace here today Lady and Heir Longbottom" Harry said looking at them both
"I thank you for your hospitality and hope peace prevails" came Nevilles reply. Augusta looked on approvingly, he would make a fine Lord of House Longbottom
Sitting down Harry poured them all tea, sat down and started the conversation "I hope my letter didn't cause you too much concern Lady and Heir Longbottom"
"Augusta please" came the reply "Lady and Heir Longbottom is such a mouthful to say. I must admit it did slightly give me cause for concern as it wasn't signed 'Lord Potter-Black', just 'Lord Black'. I assumed you were the new Lord Black, I then thought I was wrong but it took Neville informing me of what went on this week to ease my mind"
"Ah, yes" Harry said "well the business I have with House Longbottom falls under the remit as Lord of House Black. I've had to, on several occasions now, separate the two houses when conducting family business. And our business today is indirectly related to the impending Blood Feud. This is more 'cleaning house' as it were as it pertains to Voldemort and his minions, one Bellatrix Lestrange in particular"
Standing up he said officiously "Lady Longbottom, Heir Longbottom, House Black owes you a debt. It has come to my attention that a member of House Black has attacked and permanently incapacitated the Lord and Lady of House Longbottom. This is unforgivable. And as such Bellatrix Lestrange and any progeny she has or may have in the future has been disowned permanently from House Black for this crime. In this envelope" he said picking it up "is the key to a vault where Bellatrix Blacks dowry is held. It is now in the name of Longbottom. No reparations can erase what that woman has done but I hope that this can go some way to cover the medical expenses for the care of the Lord and Lady Longbottom"
Augusta was barely holding back the tears at what Harry had done. Neville asked what she was thinking before she could however "why are you doing this Harry?"
"Because, it is something the previous Lord Black should have done Neville" Harry said "Arcturus failed to do his duty as Head of House Black by letting this deed go unpunished. I have come to find out that he was so scared of being assassinated by his own family and the Black name going to the Malfoys that he refused to present himself to the goblins to do what should have been done. I have rectified that. It is purely your choice whether or not you take this key. It is not charity. Should you refuse then I will go behind your backs and give it to any children you should have Neville" he said cheekily smiling "It is rightfully your families"
"Thank you, Lord Black" Augusta said tearily "on behalf of the house of Longbottom we accept the restitution owed us and consider the matter over. You're a good person Harry"
Nodding Harry sat back down and let out a sigh "I was so scared that I would do that wrong you know? Yesterday was the first time I invoked Head of House for family matters when I disowned Bellatrix and threatened Narcissa and Draco with the same. I was worried that I'd insult you Neville"
"You did very well Harry" Neville replied "I've been having this drummed into me my whole life, you've only had three months of it. Welcome officially to the 'pureblood bollocks talking society'!"
"Neville!" Augusta said shocked by what her grandson had said "there was no need for that kind of coarse language"
"Yes grandmother" he said cheekily smiling around his drink
"Now Mr Potter" Augusta said officiously "tell me about the Blood Feud and why you felt it necessary"
"Gran" Neville said "he doesn't owe us an explanation"
"Actually, Neville I kind of do" Harry said interrupting Neville "you wouldn't have been told this yet as you only become Head of House next year. This year is where you'll learn about the alliances that House Longbottom has and what will be expected of you, you've likely already been told who to watch out for in the political arena. I've only had a crash course on them so far but the main alliance I will be hoping to reconnect is the Potter-Longbottom alliance. Our family has stood together for centuries and I hope it will stand tall together for a few more at least"
The discussion that followed went on for a few hours until Dobby came and told Harry about his next appointment that was due at 2pm. Realising they'd been there for a few hours the Longbottoms left via the floo. As Harry ate some food and waited for Andromeda and her family to turn up he reflected that this was yet again likely to be a very long day.