I do not own anything to do with Harry Potter, or the Addams Family.
Hello guys, Badger here. Merry Christmas Eve, or Merry Christmas, or Happy New Year, whenever you you are reading this.
Before we begin, I have some explaining and apologies to do. It has been a few months since I updated any of my stories. I went on an, unplanned break. Due to University, I was unable to write and I actually forgot I even had a Fanfiction account. But over the last few days, I have been working on drafts for my stories and hopefully, I'll be able to start writing and updating again, semi regularly.
But, enough of that. You know how it goes. Read on, enjoy and I will see you at the end.
….
Chapter 9
Longbottom And Lovegood, Friend Or Foe
Dumbledore paced back and forth, wringing his hands together, as he waited inside 12 Grimmauld Place. He was still enraged that Ron, Hermione and Ginny were unable to bring Harry back to Grimmauld Place. It was clear that the boy was being influenced by something, or someone. That simply wouldn't do. Dumbledore needed to get the boy back under his influence and control and, once he did, he was going to keep Harry on a tight leash, to make sure he never slipped away again. A few mind control potions should do the trick and, failing that, there was always the Imperius Curse, as a last resort. Before that, however, Dumbledore needed to send someone to convince Harry to return home, and the Headmaster believes he knows the right people for the job. The sound of someone knocking on the door, averted his attention.
"Enter…" Dumbledore called out,
Dumbledore had a smirk on his face, when he saw Neville Longbottom and Luna Lovegood enter the room. His last hopes in getting Harry to see sense and return to his clutches. Dumbledore has, of course, been monitoring Harry over the past year and has noticed that Harry has added the shy Gryffindor and the weird and quirky Ravenclaw to his inner circle. Something that has benefited the two, Neville has become much braver and confident, and ever since Harry took Luna under his wing, she's no longer the outcast other students would bully, or ignore, she's in a place she's accepted and is left alone by students who used to bully her, likely due to fear of what Harry would do. Despite the boys faults, he was very protective and loyal to those he cared about.
"Ah, Mr Longbottom, Miss Lovegood, so glad you both could make it" Dumbledore smiled, gesturing to a few chairs, "Please, take a seat"
"Why did you want to see us, Sir, your letter said it was urgent…" Neville said, as the two sat down, whilst Luna looked around, airily, her wand ever present, behind her ear
"I'm afraid it is quite urgent, Mr Longbottom" Dumbledore replied, feigning concern, as he sat down "It's about Harry…"
"Harry?" Luna asked, looking at Dumbledore, concerned, with a look of seriousness that was rarely seen on her face, if at all, whilst Neville leaned forward in his seat, with equal concern, "Is something wrong, has something happened?"
"I'm afraid something has happened, Miss Lovegood" Dumbledore sighed "It seems, Harry has been greatly affected by Sirius' death, more then I initially thought…greatly affected to the point he has run away, abandoning the Wizarding World entirely…"
"WHAT?!" Neville and Luna yelled in unison, as they jumped out of their seats
"Sir, we have to find him, we have to bring him back!" Neville exclaimed
"Please, calm yourself Mr Longbottom…" Dumbledore said, calmly "I understand your concerns, which is why you two are here…we know where Harry is…we just need your help bringing him home…Ron, Hermione and Ginny tried, but failed…you are our last hope…it's possible he's under someone's influence, so we need you to get him to see sense and return home, as he isn't thinking clearly right now"
"You can trust us to bring him back, Sir" Neville replied
…
Harry sighed to himself, as he sat in the main living area of the Addams Villa, formerly Malfoy Manor. He was still hurt and angry over Ron, Hermione and Ginny, but he tried his best not to think about it. Harry was still thinking about Wednesday. He hadn't seen the beautiful, yet creepy, girl since their, odd and rather twisted game of tag. According to Gomez and Morticia, this was normal behaviour for Wednesday, and has done it before, with other boys. It still sent shivers up his spine, thinking about it. He was, almost certain, that she wouldn't have hurt him, that badly. Sudden hands slapping him on his shoulders, made him jump in surprise, as Fred and George vaulted over the back of the sofa and sat, either side of him.
"Hey there, Harry, you stud!" Fred said, jovially
"How have you been, old boy…we've not seen you around much since we moved in" George grinned, a toothy grin "You've not been avoiding us, have you, cause we'd take offence to that, wouldn't we Forge?"
"That we would Gred, that we would" Fred grinned, with an equally toothy grin, before nudging Harry "So, spill old bean, where have you been?"
"Just…been busy…" Harry shrugged "I'm still figuring out what to do next, you know…"
"We understand, old bean, we understand…" Fred said, patting his shoulder
"Just don't leave us on the sidelines, we'll help you, however we can, when you need us" George finished
Harry smiled, before their attention was averted to the green flames of the Floo Network, lit up the fireplace, in an ominous green glow, as someone seemed to be trying to call and communicate, with them. Harry jumped off of the sofa, and went to the fireplace to see who was trying to call and step through. To his surprise, he saw Neville's face in the green flames.
"Neville…" He said "Why are you calling…how did you know I was here to begin with?"
"Dumbledore informed me, Luna too…" Neville said "He told us that…you ran away…he wants us to talk with you…"
Harry silently growled to himself, at that. Harry knew Dumbledore wouldn't give up so easily, but he wasn't expecting the ancient Headmaster try again, so soon and, once again, the old fool has tried using his friends to guilt trip him into returning. Was this all Dumbledore was going to do…send people to try and get Harry to 'see reason'…if so, what next, he sends the entire Ministry of Magic to bust down his doors and windows, like the FBI on one of those police shows he had seen the Dursleys watch multiple times, growing up which, of course, he wasn't allowed to watch. Harry pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing a little. He had given the others a chance, he may as well give the same chance to Neville and Luna. Whilst he wasn't completely sure about Neville, he hoped Luna would understand.
"Okay…I'm opening the Floo Network on my end, so you and Luna can step through, so we can talk properly" Harry said
…
Dumbledore had a smile on his face, as he watched Neville and Luna disappear through the fireplace, as they were engulfed in a mass of green flames. He needed to contact the Order of the Phoenix, for another meeting soon. If Neville and Luna were unable to bring Harry, as well as the Twins back, then he was going need to make new plans quickly, before Voldemort got to Harry first. If Dumbledore had to storm the place Harry was staying, with the entire Ministry of Magic at his side and drag the boy back, by force, with the collar of his shirt, then he will do so.
As soon as the green flames of the Floo Network died down, Dumbledore made his way to the room he had claimed as his office, within Grimmauld Place, to look through the Pensieve Memories he had acquired, in hopes of finding clues of where the rest of Voldemort's Horcruxes were hidden. He had a theory on one of them, he just needed to confirm those theories, before he did anything rash or reckless.
…
Harry and the Twins watched as the green flames of the Floo Network grew bigger, before Neville and Luna stepped through a few seconds later. Harry barely had time to react, before Luna rushed at him, like a blur of blonde hair, as she wrapped him into a tight hug. Her life had changed for the better, after meeting Harry, so she was happy to see him, after what Dumbledore had informed her and Neville. The last time she had seem him was on the last day of Hogwarts. He was alone and was a complete wreck, because of the death of his Godfather, Sirius, and she had been there to comfort him, when he needed it most.
It took Harry a few seconds to balance himself, after Luna tackled into him, but he returned the hug, a small smile on his face. Unlike Hermione, who would always squeeze him a little too hard when she hugged him, Luna was gentler, and loving, like a hug should be, even when she hugged a little tighter than normal. Fred and George looked at one another, nodding in unison, as they took this as a sign to leave and let Harry talk to Neville and Luna in private. The two of them gave Harry a pat on his back, before leaving the room.
"Please, sit down, I need to explain some things…" Harry said, as he guided Neville and Luna to the sofa's
"What's going on Harry?" Neville asked as he sat down "Is it true, what Dumbledore said…have you really abandoned the Wizarding World?"
"Well…not completely…" Harry sighed, running a hand through his untamed hair, messing it up, even more "Look…Neville, Luna…I'm going to say the same thing I told the Twins, Hermione, Ron and Ginny…I'm tired…ever since I found out that I was a Wizard, I was excited, as I felt like there was finally a chance for me to belong in a place where I fit in…but ever since entering Hogwarts, every year, I've had to risk my life time and time again…First Year, Quirrell and the Philosophers Stone…Second Year, the. Chamber of Secrets…Third Year, the Dementors and Peter Pettigrew…Fourth Year, the TriWizard Tournament and I don't think I need to tell either of you about last year…and now that everyone knows Voldemorts return, everyone's looking at me to stop him, because I'm the Boy-Who-Lived, conveniently forgetting all the slander the Ministry and Daily Prophet were giving me last year, calling me a liar and attention seeker…all the while, Dumbledore has done nothing to help me and has been keeping secrets from me…when I'm not a punching bag for the entire Wizarding World, they look to me to stop Voldemort, instead of Dumbledore, the Ministry, or anyone else who has decades of experience when it comes to magic…so I'm done…I no longer want to be part of it, I want to live a normal life…far away from Dumbledore and Voldemort, and learn magic elsewhere…but I don't want to abandon everyone…I want to give you two the same chance I gave the others…if you two can accept that I'm starting a new life elsewhere, then we can still be friends…"
For the second time, Luna had tackled into him, hugging him tightly. This time, Harry had to grab onto the arm of the sofa, to prevent himself from falling and bringing Luna down with him, due to how hard she had tackled into him.
"You don't need to explain, anymore Harry…I can understand why you'd want to leave…" She said "It's not fair that everyone expects you to save the day, especially after how everyone has treated you recently, I understand and I hope you find the peaceful life you're looking for"
"Thanks Luna, I hoped you would understand…" Harry smiled, before looking at Neville "What about you Neville…what do you think about all this?"
"I have to admit, Harry…I don't like it…" Neville sighed "But, I can understand why…if I was in your position, I'd probably do the same thing…just keep yourself safe, okay…"
"Trust me Neville, after the last couple of years, I don't plan on getting myself into any danger…" Harry smiled, giving Neville a firm hug and handshake "I'm glad you two understood…you both are also welcome to stay here, if you wish…"
"Oh, yes please, if you don't mind" Luna nodded "Father is out hunting for Crumple-Horned Snorkack, like he does every year, and won't be back for a few weeks and it can get quite lonely at home, on my own…I'll have to send him a letter, of course, but he'll understand…"
"I would like to, but Gran won't let me…" Neville sighed "After everything that happened in the Ministry she has been overprotective of me…more so then usual…however, I'll be able to keep you updated on everything going on…I don't think Dumbledore isn't going to be happy, when I tell him you refused to come back…"
"Trust me, I know…he's already tried once before…I won't be surprised if he tries again after this" Harry rolled his eyes "Just, be careful Neville…and I hope to see you again soon…"
"Same here, Harry…keep out of trouble, both of you…" Neville said
Neville gave Harry and Luna a hug, before he stepped into the fireplace, giving them a smile, as he disappeared into a combustion of green flames, as the Floo Network activated. Harry waited for the flames to die down, before shutting off the Floo Network, so no one can come through, where he then led Luna out of the room, to give her a tour, and to find a room for her to stay in. With a place as big as, what was formerly, Malfoy Manor, there should be a few rooms, available here and there.
…
Dumbledore was pacing back and forth, as he waited for Neville and Luna to return, hopefully with Harry alongside them. He kept pacing, until the Floo Network activated once again. He beamed, as he watched the green flames, though that quickly turned into a look of confusion and repressed rage, when he only saw Neville step through, before the flames died down, once again.
"Mr Longbottom…where is Miss Lovegood and Mr Potter?" The ancient Headmaster asked
"I tried, Professor" Neville lied, feigning a look of annoyance and frustration "I tried getting him to come back, but he was so stubborn, he refused to see reason…Luna, however, chose to join Harry and stay behind…I had no choice but to leave them…I'm sorry Sir, I tried…"
"I see…" Dumbledore muttered, internally seething "At least you tried, Mr Longbottom…you may go…"
Neville nodded, before quickly leaving the room. As soon as he left, closing the door behind him, his look of frustration turned into a grin. He couldn't believe he was able to lie so easily, especially to Professor Dumbledore. Granted, it wasn't a complete lie, but the Headmaster didn't know that. As Neville left Grimmauld Place, he began thinking about his possible future careers. If Auror, or something involving Herbology doesn't work out, then perhaps acting could be the way forward. Though, he thought that a stage name would be better to use then his actual last name…like Lewis or something.
"Neville Lewis…maybe not" Neville shrugged, speaking to himself "Maybe, Matthew…I don't know, we'll see…"
…
As soon as Neville had left, Dumbledore angrily removed his wand and destroyed a nearby cabinet, causing it to fall to the floor, with a loud crash. Potter was getting more and more out of his reach, it was causing him headaches. Dumbledore was certain now, that the boy was being influenced by an, unknown, third party. He had to be. Dumbledore was beginning to wish that Harry would just drop dead now, to save Dumbledore the hassle of trying to get the boy to return and convince him to sacrifice himself for the Greater Good of the Wizarding World. But he wasn't about to give up. He was Albus Dumbledore, for Merlin's sake. Headmaster of Hogwarts, the Leader of the Light and the greatest wizard alive, since Merlin himself. He was not going to give up. With a bit of time, and patience, he'll find a way to bring Harry back.
For now, Dumbledore will focus on the whereabouts of the other Horcruxes, and let Harry enjoy the freedom that he has, as it won't last long. Before long, Dumbledore will be dragging the boy back to the Wizarding World and Harry will sacrifice himself for the Greater Good of the Wizarding World, whether he likes it or not.
Even if Dumbledore has to use the Imperius Curse, on the boy, to do so, it will be done!
…
And that is the new chapter. What did you think?
The idea of bringing in Neville and Luna came, much later, when planning this story. As of yet, I don't know what roles the two will play. I was thinking about having Luna go with Harry, Wednesday and the Twins to Nevermore, but I don't know if that would be too much. Let me know what you think of that idea, cause I'm a little stumped on it.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed. I'm still working on drafts for my other stories, so expect them at some point. I'm also undergoing the first chapter of the remake of my first ever fanfiction story on this site, I don't know when that will be out, so keep an eye out.
But, until then, I hope you all enjoyed and I hope to see you next time, in whatever story I see you in.
Badger Out.
