The Bonds That Tie
A week had gone by since Harry located his family home, then got Dobby and some house elf friends of his work get the place cleaned up. Harry had been spending most of his Easter break from Hogwarts with Severus to learn Occlumency properly and also healing to put into motion his plan to try and save Alice and Frank Longbottom from insanity caused by Bellatrix using the Cruciatus curse years ago. It would be a medical breakthrough if Harry succeeded. That was the keyword, though. If.
"You're doing very well, Harry," Severus complimented as they were coming down the stairs and entering the main room of Malfoy Manor where everyone was sitting around.
"I learn a hell of a lot easier when I'm not being screamed at," Harry countered with a grin.
"You're not letting that go, are you?" Severus rolled his eyes.
"I'll let it go the day you die." Harry teased.
"That is so unfair! Once you turn me, I won't die!" Severus gasped.
"Exactly, I'm not letting it go that you were an ass, Severus. Look how much easier things are between us when you stop fighting me at every turn? We could have had this kind of peace years ago if you'd let it go for once." Harry smiled.
"Whatever, Potter," Severus ignored the teenager.
"Merlin, you've gotten lippy. Maybe I should find a way to keep your lips busy." Harry commented as Severus blushed. "That got you quiet."
"You two bickering is oddly entertaining." Draco chuckled. "Playful bickering, of course. How'd lessons go?"
"Harry's mastering healing pretty fast, has a natural talent for it. Occlumency still has its challenges, but it's a hard skill for anyone." Severus stated. "But he's got the idea down."
"Have you taught him the chest trick like you did with me, Uncle Sev?" Draco wondered.
"Chest trick?" Harry questioned.
"I struggled with learning too, but Severus found something else to help me." Draco informed.
"What trick?" Harry looked at his bonded.
"You still struggle with maintaining your emotions, which I'm not criticizing. But being able to control them is key, Harry. Your shields weaken and break easily because of emotion." Severus explained.
"I can't help it. Even as a vampire, I just care too much. I can't turn it off like flipping a switch." Harry reminded.
"Let me try this way. When you lived with your muggle relatives, were you overly emotional or did you just hold firm in whatever they did because you knew it would be worse if you reacted?" Severus questioned.
"Didn't react." Harry responded.
"Maintaining your emotions is that mindset, all the time. Controlling them is not reacting to things you see, feel, or hear." Severus stated. "The chest trick I taught Draco involves envisioning a chest in your mind and throwing all your thoughts, feelings, and memories in it. Then you lock it and cast silent protection charms before imagining walls and barriers forming around it."
"And why didn't you teach me this the first time around?" Harry muttered. "I might have gotten the idea if you did that."
"Didn't think it would work on you. Draco was raised from a young age to control his emotions and maintain a certain image. He was raised to know time and place for everything. You were not and as you've admitted; you care too much. Draco cared about very little before Hogwarts and during. There's very few he holds close." Severus mentioned. "If you'd like to try it, we can. But you did tell me you had something to take care of and that's why we stopped the lesson…" He paused. "Where are you going anyway?"
"The Longbottom's." Harry informed.
"You're not going to try to heal the parents yet, are you? Harry, you're doing well with the healing…But not yet ready to tackle-," Severus began.
"Severus," Harry put a hand on his chest. "Chill. I'm not going to ask if I can do it right now. I'm only going to run the possibility by them. It's pointless to keep going on the lessons if they're not going to agree. It's just a talk." He smiled.
"Do you believe they'll go for it?" Voldemort wondered.
"I believe Neville will, right away; he talked about it all the time during the meetings for the army. Praying and hoping for magical or even modern methods to be developed to save his parents. The one that will take some convincing is his grandmother. But she likes me, so I think it shouldn't take much." Harry stated. "I'll be back in a bit."
"Stay safe, dear!" Narcissa said.
"Always." Harry replied before disappearing from the room.
. . .
Harry appeared outside of the Longbottom Estate, covered in his cloak as it was still daylight out. Harry waltzed forward to press into the wards; Neville and his grandmother, Augusta, would know someone was there and he was being expected as he'd messaged Neville about a meeting to discuss something regarding his parents. Harry waited as Neville came outside and opened the gate for him.
"Harry, so sorry to keep you waiting out here in the sun." Neville stated. "Come, inside quickly."
"Neville, it's alright. I'm cloaked and safe. The heat of the sun can't hurt me, just the rays." Harry enlightened as he walked beside his friend.
Soon they were in the home as Neville led Harry to the main room where Augusta Longbottom sat comfortably in a chair, tea saucer in one hand while the other held the teacup itself.
"Gran," Neville said gently. "This is Harry Potter, my friend," He introduced.
"Dear grandson…Harry Potter needs no introduction. He is, after all, the boy who lived." The woman stated. "It is lovely to finally meet you, Mister Potter."
"It is an honor to meet you formally, Lady Longbottom," Harry bowed in respect.
"So respectful and courteous. My grandson speaks highly of you, and I am aware of your…Vampirism." Augusta informed.
"I believe, madam, that just about everyone knows of it now." Harry stated.
"True, yes." Augusta nodded. "I believe I owe you thanks for your efforts last year. You helped Neville with defensive magic."
"It was always in him, we just had to work at it in calmer settings." Harry replied.
"If I may, Harry…" Neville interjected. "You said this was about my parents?"
"I do not desire to raise your hopes or come off as disrespectful to their sacrifice during the first war…However, I believe I might be able to help them recover fully." Harry remarked calmly.
"It's thoughtful of you, dear boy, but quite impossible. I've called on people from around the world to evaluate them and their status is permanent." Augusta said gently.
"Gran, maybe we should hear him out?" Neville offered. "I've told him about how they are and if he thinks he might have a way?..."
"I suppose it won't hurt, but understand, Mister Potter…I don't have much faith in the possibility." Augusta stated.
"I am aware that they were tortured to insanity through the Cruciatus Curse. I know through Neville's stories that mind healers, potions masters, and those well accomplished in Legilimency have tries to heal and reverse the damage. However…I believe they are still there and just…Need to be located. Helping finding their way." Harry said calmly.
"That is precisely what mind healers have tried," Augusta revealed.
"But their ability is limited to only seeing inside the mind and the remnant of the damage brought on. I believe that it can be repaired if there was someone who could possess them and actually be there to handle the healing. But also locate where they are. Insanity is being lost in one's mind and through the torture they got, it's possible that they may have…Retreated within to escape reality and have not come out because they're lost in the mess of their minds, or believe it's not yet safe to return." Harry explained.
"It's an intriguing theory, but there is no one with such ability aside the dark lord if I recall his possession of you last year." Augusta informed.
"I can possess, Lady Longbottom." Harry told her. "As a vampire, I have that power and I am being trained in the arts of mind healing. I could possess them and try to repair the damage. Of course, I make no guarantees, but…If it's possible to try this method, then isn't it worth a shot? If I fail…They remain as they are now. Nothing lost…" Harry countered. "I can also Astral Project, which is where my soul can leave my body and go to others. It's similar to possession, but without me taking control over another's body."
"Grandmother…I-If this was to work, mum and dad would be alright again." Neville said right away.
"I understand that, Neville…But it is as Mr. Potter has said, it is not guaranteed." Augusta reminded.
"But we could try…Can we not?" Neville hoped.
"We could, but despite your intentions and abilities, young Harry…I do not know how comfortable I am with you possession my son's or daughter in law's bodies to attempt this. You are still just a student yourself." Augusta remarked.
"I ensure you that despite being a student, my abilities are beyond Hogwarts level of teaching, Lady Longbottom. I can successfully possess bodies, astral project, and control the mind as a vampire. And I am learning how to mind heal as effectively as those working in St. Mungo's." Harry offered.
"But your wand is required for such aspects and you cannot bring yours with you during such. You cannot do wandless mag-," Augusta started.
"I assure you that I can, Ma'am. It's something else I've become quite proficient in since becoming a vampire. And I have Severus Snape teaching me mind healing." Harry mentioned. "I just want to try fixing some of the damage from the first war. So many lives were ended prematurely or ruined because of what occurred. I still intend to do my part and rid the world of the one who has caused everything. I'm being called the savior of the world, so I'm asking you to give me a chance to save everyone I can. No one else has the ability to try this and if it does not work, I will never mention it again. But if there's a chance…I believe we should try." He requested.
Augusta looked at Harry, then Neville, who had hope in his eyes that she'd agree. Finally, she looked back to Harry. "Very well, Mr. Potter." Augusta agreed. "I consent to let you try and repair my son and his wife. I will contact the hospital and set up allowing you to attempt treatment. I would like to request being there when you do this."
"Of course, anything." Harry nodded.
"When would you like to do this?" Augusta inquired.
"I was hoping to attempt it after the school year ends. I am still being trained, but Professor Snape has assured me that I'm doing exceptional with healing magic lessons. I'm already farther than most who take the courses after primary learning." Harry stated.
"Over-achiever?" Neville chuckled.
"I just don't sleep, Nev, so I get a lot of time at night to study up. Plus, I don't forget anything either." Harry stated.
"Very well, Mr. Potter. I'll arrange things in June for this to take place. Send word when you're prepared?" Augusta asked.
"Of course. Thank you so much for the opportunity, and this meeting." Harry rose to shake the woman's hand.
"I'll walk you out." Neville stood and walked with Harry to the door. "We miss you, Harry. In Gryffindor. It's rather boring without you around."
"I'm sorry, Neville," Harry frowned.
"Hey, don't be…I'm just letting you know. Everyone knows what happened isn't your fault, and we behaved like idiots." Neville informed.
"You've nothing to apologize for, Neville. You and Luna never treated me differently, you just seemed…Surprised by it. I can understand the fear, of course, but you didn't let it stop either of you from approaching me to let me know that we were still friends." Harry told him. "Wish I could say the same about the others."
"I think they've all realized they messed up. Ron and Hermione are miserable…Won't you consider forgiving them?" Neville hoped.
"I've forgiven them, Neville. I've forgiven just about everyone. I'm keeping my distance for other reasons that people wouldn't understand." Harry stated lightly.
"What's going on, Harry? It feels like there's a lot more going on and we're your friends…We want to help with whatever it is. Gran and I are on your side, no matter what. So are Dean, Seamus, Ron, and Hermione. Others from Dumbledore's Army…" Neville tried.
Harry wanted to, he really did, but could he trust Neville with the truth? "I can't tell you. Not yet…" Harry said. "I need someone out of the way first."
"The dark lord?" Neville inquired.
"Ssh," Harry clamped a mouth over Neville's mouth, then pulled him to the side before erecting a barrier and a silencer spell. "What I tell you, tell no one else. Do you understand? It's top secret and plays a role in the fate of the world. Don't tell Luna, Hermione, Ron, anyone…I'll reveal things when it's time." Neville nodded.
"I promise, Harry." Neville vowed. "You have my word."
"Dumbledore." Harry revealed. "That's who I need to get rid of."
Neville's eyes widened. "Harry, why Professor Dum-,"
"Neville, he's not the grandfatherly Hogwarts headmaster everyone believe he is. He's a master manipulator who wants control over me, my finances, and my influences in the magical world." Harry informed lightly. "He started a marriage contract between Ginny and I without ever asking how I felt about it and said it would be for after Hogwarts. I don't like Ginny like that, and now he's got it in her head we belong together, so she's harassing me. He left me with abusive muggle relatives on my mum's side when he knew perfectly well that I was being abused and starved. He's been using my money at the bank." Harry explained. "I have a piece of the dark lord inside me from the night his curse rebounded with mum's sacrifice…It's a piece of his soul, it's why we're linked mentally. Neville, in order to kill the dark lord; I have to die to get rid of that piece and Dumbledore has known this for years. He told Snape, told him that I had to die and Voldemort had to be the one to do it."
"Harry, I…" The boy didn't know how to respond at the information. "That's awful."
"I know…But I'm working with my friends in Slytherin, Snape, and the Malfoy's to fix it. Not only that…" Harry paused to look around. "Neville, I'm…Allied with Voldemort."
"You're what?!" Neville's eyes widened.
"It's not what you think, Neville…I swear." Harry said quickly.
"Harry, he killed your parents. He had Bellatrix torture mine…He's the reason they're locked up in St. Mungo's. Bellatrix killed Sirius! How can you be allies with him?! Have you lost your plot?" Neville exclaimed.
"I know what he's done. I know the awful things he's done, believe me…" Harry sighed. "But Neville…It wasn't his fault. Dumbledore, years ago when Voldemort was still just a kid known as Tom Marvolo Riddle, manipulated him into what he is now. Yes, Voldemort took the dark path, in anger, of how he was brought up inside Hogwarts under Dumbledore's tutelage." Neville eyed Harry, looking for lies, but found none. "Albus created Voldemort. He laid those plans, he put Tom on the path of darkness and Tom did choose to walk it. He's manipulating me the same way…But I didn't go dark. Neville, you have to believe me. He's not dangerous anymore, he wants to fix the world. In fact…It was his idea to try and restore your parents. He's trying to undo the damage from years ago."
"Harry…I just don't know." Neville sighed. "It sounds-,"
"Mad, I know…But I swear to you it's the truth. He wants to fix the corruption of Dumbledore, and the ministry. I support that goal, so I'm helping him. Remember that piece of him inside me…Everything he's done, the murders, it tore his soul apart and allowed him to make Horcruxes, which are objects which you hide pieces of your soul in that way if your body is destroyed; you cannot die with the piece hidden elsewhere." Harry explained calmly. "I found the other objects, the only ones we haven't restored are the one in me and the one that was in the diary that possessed Ginny back in second year with the whole Chamber of Secrets thing. Neville, the only way to put the soul back together when it's been torn apart is by being remorseful. By being sorry and having guilt for the things he's done. Right now, aside from the piece in me and the one that was destroyed in the diary, he has his soul back together."
"Y-You mean to say that he felt remorse for what he's done?" Neville asked.
"Yes. Yes, Neville. Exactly that. His guilt and remorse repaired five parts of his soul. I have the other and he's asked me to hold onto it for safe keeping. The diary one is gone, unable to be recovered." Harry stated. "I'm trying to build out the army again…To fight on Tom's side. I've been distant because I know none of you were gonna like it, but right now, Nev…Dumbledore is more dangerous than Voldemort. I've told you this because you're my friend and I don't want you in the dark. But, Nev…Just like Hermione and Ron, if I can't trust you not to go right to Dumbledore, the ministry…I'll have to obliviate you. Sorry, but I have too much riding on this to have it blown." Harry informed honestly. "Are you with me?"
Neville stared at Harry for a long moment before he gave Harry an affirmative smile. "Bet your bottom, Harry."
"Thank you." Harry said.
"Why can't I tell the others?" Neville asked.
"I can't risk Dumbledore finding out. He's a skilled Legilimens, which is the ability to read the mind. Snape is training me to block my mind with Occlumency. I've kept my distance because I don't want him thinking I'm good with all of you and then use you against me." Harry informed.
"Well, we can learn like you, right?" Neville questioned.
"You could, but it's very difficult. You have to be able to control your emotions and erect mind barriers strong enough to stop attacks." Harry mentioned.
"Would Professor Snape teach us, when school resumes?" Neville wondered. "We want to help, Harry…Even if it means working with the dark lord."
"I appreciate that, Neville. I'll talk to them first about how to go about things. We do want people on our side, but only those we can absolutely trust. No one has to take the mark! I want that clear. Voldemort has his death eaters, and I have everyone else. I'll summon people with the coin, for only those who want to join the cause. For now, don't tell anyone." Harry informed.
"I won't breathe a word, Harry." Neville nodded.
"Good, thank you. I need to get back now. We'll be in touch soon." Harry ended the spells he'd put up and once outside, apparated away to Malfoy Manor.