It's All Just Temporary with a Bit of Necromancy

by TC.Hand

Harry gets his magical inheritance as a Necromancer, the first in centuries. Unsure of his future or even who to trust after the Light shuns him, Harry turns to the Dark, the only other side that can assist him in seeking his revenge. However, it's all just temporary. It's just an alliance until his goals are met and then that's it. Just temporary...right?

28. Chapter Twenty-Eight: No One Suspected

Everything is J.K. Rowlings. I only claim the plot. Everything else is hers, all the characters and the magic, all of it. Please let me know what you think though, I encourage feedback of all kinds, just be nice about it!

Right, so compared to the last two chapters this chapter might be a bit anti-climatic but the story does need to continue on and emotional turmoil can only last so long. So now we have Neville, I hope you all still enjoy it even though it's not as intense as it has been. Personally, this isn't my greatest chapter which I'm sad about because I feel I'm doing a disservice to poor, sweet, Neville, but I wanted to get something out to all of you wonderful and loyal readers.

Originally I had wanted to post the Yule chapter on Christmas as my Christmas gift to everyone but admittedly, in hindsight, that was a bit too ambitious of a goal. It was the holidays and I am in my first thesis course for my Masters where I just had to submit my first 15,000 words of my actual novel - not too terrible but a lot of pressure when submitting it for class - the next 15,000 to be submitted in another week or two. So my attention was a bit divided and I obviously did not reach that personal posting goal. I hope to work on the Trial and the Yule chapters soon though. So bare with me.

Thank you again to everyone who has liked and reviewed this story. The support really is astronomical and mind-blowing.

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No One Suspected

"Ah, come in, come in, my boy. Yes, wonderful. So glad you were able to pop in for a quick chat. I'll try not to keep you long, I know you're probably eager to visit Hogsmeade." Dumbledore smiled, looking very much like the charming grandfather Neville had always thought he was.

"Of course, Headmaster. Sorry, I haven't been able to visit much," Neville replied, shuffling nervously as he stood in front of the Headmaster's desk. The small flower pin attached to the collar of his jumper was innocuous and hadn't drawn attention any of the other times he had been summoned to the old man's office but Neville couldn't help but feel the flash of worry that maybe this time would be different.

Hermione and Daphne had somehow, through their combined genius and questionable methods, blended about six different charms and runes together to provide him with a Legilimency shield that should also remain undetectable. And just in case that failed, Neville had been practicing Occlumency along with the others loyal to Harry but Neville didn't feel particularly confident in that skill yet.

"You're a busy boy, completely understandable," Dumbledore said, still smiling. "Please sit." He held out an aged and wrinkled hand, gesturing to one of the wooden chairs in front of the desk.

Neville nodded and moved to sit, his nerves causing him to stumble into the chair and almost knock it over. "Sorry! Sorry," he mumbled, face reddening as he quickly sat in the seat. Timidly looking up to not quite meet the Headmasters eyes. Instead, he stared at the edge of the man's glasses. Neville didn't want to take any chances, and while he trusted the shield spells on the flower pin, he didn't want to push the limits.

Neville hated when he had to visit the Headmaster. He didn't understand how Harry had handled it. Though admittedly when Harry had visited he didn't know how manipulative the old coot actually was so the grandfather act was probably more believable. Neville tried to take a deep breath without it being obvious. He had prepared for this.

It seemed he now spent almost every night in the Room of Requirement. Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna were always there as well. Some nights they would host a DA meeting for everyone, those nights were longer because immediately after the general meeting they would hold a meeting for those of the DA still loyal to Harry, a group that was steadily growing larger by the week. Other nights Neville and the others met with the Slytherins, making plans or dueling or trying to stay on top of homework. Theo and Draco were coaching Neville and the other Gryffindors in Occlumency. And wasn't that strange? Being on such friendly terms with the Slytherins that used to bully him constantly for five years. But since coming to that truce back in September and working together multiple nights a week...well it changed things. Neville didn't feel he would ever count them as particularly close friends but he knew he could trust them. Or at least, trust them enough to not fear for his life.

Plotting to overthrow the Wizarding World was a remarkable bonding foundation. And loyalty to Harry solidified any cracks.

"How are you doing, my boy?"

"I'm doing well, sir," Neville replied. He didn't have to try too hard to be the same bumbling, nervous boy he had been in other years despite his growing confidence. Despite knowing what a fraud Dumbledore was, the wizard was still powerful and Neville was still nervous in his presence.

"I'm so glad." There was silence as Dumbledore watched him over steepled fingers and Neville tried not to fidget too much. Instead, he looked around the office as if in awe of the grandeur but it felt a bit much in all honesty and there weren't even any plants, not even a cactus or a succulent, just shiny trinkets. "Now, I'm sure you've been keeping abreast of the news lately, reading the papers and listening to that mockery of a press conference."

"Yes sir," Neville agreed immediately, bobbing his head. "I have. Hermione is really thorough in keeping tabs on Potter. She rants a lot. And even if she didn't, I mean I'd still read all about it. He's always in the papers nowadays. Potter really is showing his true colors now, isn't he?"

"He really is," Dumbledore agreed quietly. "I'm sorry to say that through my encounters with her at the Wizengamot and in passing, it seems that your grandmother is succumbing to Harry's sugar-coated lies as well."

Hours upon hours had been spent on preparing Neville for interrogation. Whenever the group wasn't strategizing or dueling everyone would test him, making sure his answers were perfected and his mannerisms exact. Dumbledore couldn't suspect a thing or everything would fall apart and Harry trusted Neville to maintain this role to gain intel. Neville couldn't fail Harry. The Slytherins had been ruthless in picking apart every word and answer he said. Remembering to say 'Potter' instead of 'Harry' had been annoyingly hard to maintain. Remembering to be hateful towards Harry, one of his first-ever friends was like continuously twisting a knife into his stomach. In the end, the Slytherins had decided that truthful avoidance was probably the safest tactic; say the truth with heavy implication.

"Gran and I don't agree on much," Neville said, trying to play the part of a sad child. Lately, the things they didn't agree on were fairly small but they still disagreed; so he wasn't lying.

"Yes, yes….you don't get on much with Augusta, do you?" Try as he might to sound saddened by this, Neville could see the triumphant gleam in Dumbledore's blue eyes. "It is so sad to see families unable to support each other." Neville just nodded. "Yes, Harry succumbed to the pull of Dark Magic far quicker than I would have thought. I blame myself, I saw the signs. Every year I saw the signs but I did hold out hope."

"It's alright, sir. No one suspected. And it's okay to be wrong occasionally."

"Yes, in my old age I find myself becoming wrong more often. Alas, none of us are infallible." Dumbledore chuckled and Neville tried to as well, but his throat was too dry. "It pleases me to see that you don't judge so harshly against such an error on my part."

"No, of course not sir. I'm hardly one to judge people on their mistakes."

"Yes, you've always been rather forgiving and trusting," Dumbledore said, trailing off slightly looking like his mind was a thousand miles away. "So easily overlooked that I again must find myself begging for your forgiveness that I myself didn't realize how you fit the prophecy far better than Harry did."

"Sir?" Neville asked, trying not to sound too hopeful.

The past few times they had met Dumbledore hadn't told him much. The meetings had been awkward and forced and short. Now, it seemed that Dumbledore might be more willing to divulge some information. Or maybe he was just getting desperate and was willing to overlook how unhappy he was with Neville as the replacement. Neville didn't particularly care for the reason so long as he learned information to then relay to Harry.

"There were so many similarities between Tom and Harry. Harry brought it to my attention as well, even he noticed back in his Second Year. I had thought that the closer the similarities were the greater the differences, you see? I thought that actions would speak louder... Unfortunately, the similarities were more than just coincidence. Whereas you, my dear boy. You are almost the complete opposite of Tom. He and Harry sought the limelight. As much as Harry pretended to not enjoy it ― and didn't he have us all fooled, even then? ― you can't ignore how well he thrived under it. Yes, attention and success seemed particularly drawn towards Harry and Tom. Whereas, you don't want the attention. In fact, you actively avoid it. Playing down your strengths even. You are unassuming, easily overlooked, a Pureblood….yes it all makes sense that you would be the Chosen One, natural even. The Pureblood correcting the errors of the Half-Blood."

Neville felt particularly disgusted and revolted by the nature of this conversation and he hoped his face didn't reflect his own distaste. But it didn't really seem that he was supposed to make any input. Dumbledore seemed content to just ramble his thoughts, his discoveries, and his conjectures. Neville was to just be his adoring audience. Staring off into the distance as though it made him look wiser, Dumbledore paid no attention to Neville at all.

"Tom the Slytherin; Harry the Slytherin hiding in Gryffindor; and you, the Gryffindor who wished to be a Hufflepuff. Yes, the exact opposite. No overt desires or ambitions. The power he knows not. That is you, Neville." Dumbledore's eyes fell on him, twinkling merrily and Neville smiled weakly. Satisfied he still had Neville's attention, Dumbledore looked away again. "I thought it was love when I considered the Prophecy Child was Harry. It was the only major difference between the two that I could detect. At least, I thought Harry felt love before his Dark roots came to light. Another error in assumption on my part, I'm afraid. Far too hopeful in my old age. I thought Harry had the power of love but he just had the continued power of ambition. All those acts I thought were selfless. Alas no, just acts of ambition to be better and to survive without suspicion." Dumbledore sighed mournfully and fell silent.

Neville had to take a few breaths to stop himself from shout about how idiotic and stupid he thought Dumbledore was. "What power is it that I have that Voldemort doesn't? That Potter didn't?" Best keep the man talking, no matter how much Neville wished he could not be sitting there.

He wished he could have joined the others that morning after breakfast when they left for the village. They were meeting Harry in the afternoon and the longer Neville sat here the harder it would be to make it to the meeting on time. And plus, Hannah had wanted his help in choosing sweets at Honeydukes. He wanted to still have the chance to help her before the meeting. Neville didn't know what assistance he could provide to Hannah in choosing sweets but she had looked so beautiful asking that he agreed without question.

"The power of being unassuming." Neville blinked, feeling incredibly insulted and astonished that the Headmaster was just beaming at him as if he had just bestowed the greatest compliment. "The power of normalcy. Something neither Harry nor Tom craved nor understood the importance of."

Neville blinked and clenched his fists. "Right." Was all he could manage. "Glad I'm able to help." Dumbledore just smiled more, as if that was exactly the response he expected. Which was good, Neville supposed. "But sir, you keep mentioning Potter. I thought the Prophecy was only for Voldemort. Are you expecting me to take them both on?"

"Of course."

Neville gaped and remembered his role just in time to splutter. "What? Why? I can't do that. I'm just me. I can't face two Dark Lords!"

"That is the exact reason why you can, Neville. This whole revelation about Harry has made me realize that the entire prophecy must have been misinterpreted. I was reading into it far too literally, another mistake on my part. Do forgive me. If I had only realized the truth of the matter then all of this could have been prevented."

The Headmaster stared at him like he actually wanted a response. "Right, yeah. Forgiven," Neville said, trying to keep up with what was happening.

Dumbledore smiled at him as if Neville's forgiveness was the very thing he needed to live. A small part of Neville wanted to believe it. A small part of him enjoyed feeling so needed and wanted by one of the most powerful wizards alive, being useful and helpful to the cause. The rest of him was aware of just how Dumbledore had managed to pull the wool over everyone's eyes. Plus, all he needed to do was remember just how useful and helpful he actually was. Harry was putting so much trust into him, into Neville Longbottom. How could Neville not feel wanted and needed with that knowledge? It really wasn't even a choice between Dumbledore and Harry.

"I thought that the Dark Lord could only mean one person. Instead, it meant two. It speaks of the creation of the second but also the way to defeat them both."

"I don't follow," Neville admitted.

"'The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches, born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies'. I believed it to mean either of you. But it actually means both of you. Harry has the power to vanquish the Dark Lord but only as a means to then take his place as the new Dark Lord. Whereas you have the power to vanquish them ― meaning the reigning Dark Lord ― entirely; whether that be Tom or Harry or both. 'The Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not'. Again, I thought this line was in regards to the same person. But it's not. So foolish I was, so desperate for words on the end of the war that I didn't stop to remember that prophecies are never so straight forward." Dumbledore sighed here and glanced at Neville.

"It's fine." Honestly, what was he expected to say? The more Dumbledore talked, the more desperate he seemed. He also really liked to drag things out, Neville thought bitterly. Neville did have other places he wanted to be after all. "But please, explain more."

"Of course, of course. Allow me to enlighten you further. 'The Dark Lord will mark him as his equal', this still refers to Harry. The scar is a clear indicator. But the line meant that the Dark Lord would mark Harry as an equal, a successor. A wizard of equal Dark power. Whereas the other part, 'he will have power the Dark Lord knows not', refers to you, my boy. Your power of averageness. The rest is again referring to you and Harry at the same time. I believe soon that Harry and Tom will challenge each other for the title of Dark Lord, 'neither can live while the other survives'. They want to be the best, they need to be the best, and this can't happen while the other lives. However, you are also referenced because whoever lives, whoever survives as the Dark Lord must then be defeated by you in order to fully survive. I believe Harry will be the one to succeed, as he was claimed as the one to vanquish the Dark Lord alongside yourself in the prophecy. So it is my theory that you and Harry will need to face each other. A troubling theory to be sure, but rarely have my theories been very off the mark. "

Neville just stared. What the bloody hell... "So, should we just wait till they off each other before making our move? How long do you think that will take?"

Dumbledore hummed a bit, looking out his window. Neville also looked and saw the sun was almost at its highest point. The meeting would be in another hour or two. He doubted he would have the chance to meet up with Hannah at all now. He had to start leaving soon but he was reluctant to leave with all of this new information pouring forth.

"I'm hesitant to explain all of my thoughts, not that I do not trust you, my boy. I was hesitant to tell everything to Harry due to his age and I am grateful for my foolhardy wish to keep him a child. Hmm…." Dumbledore trailed off with a sigh and Neville fought to not roll his eyes. Would Dumbledore just get on with it? "I trust you understand the importance of secrecy regarding what I say?" Dumbledore looked at him and Neville nodded, his eyes wide and mimed zipping his lips shut. "I believe that Harry and Tom shall challenge each other in the next coming months, possibly even before Yule. But most definitely before the summer. Dark Lords never play nice with others for long. Harry will not be able to stand being second best and under Tom for much longer. Plus, Harry is young and impulsive. He is used to things working in his favor, a fault of my own, unfortunately. I favored him far too much in school, he won't be capable of patience for long. This is obvious by the way he is making a mockery of the Wizengamot, treating it like his own playground. No, they will challenge each other soon and in the shambles of that fight, we will make our move. The Dark will be weakened by the fight for leadership, whoever wins will need to focus on securing their dominance. And that is when we will strike. I do hate to put this all on your shoulders, my boy. But by the time the next school year comes around, the Dark will be defeated. You will no longer be able to cling to the shadows as you have in the past, you will be hailed a hero. I am sorry to burden you with this."

Neville looked to his hands twisting in his lap and nodded. "I understand, Professor. I know you wouldn't ask it of me if you didn't think I could. I just want things to get better. I want all the lies to stop and for people to see the truth. If that means I have to face off against the one stirring up all this trouble, then I'll do it." Neville raised his head and tried to look nervously defiant. When really he couldn't wait for Dumbledore to just be done.

"I appreciate your dedication, Neville. Now, do not allow me to detain you any longer. It is a Hogsmeade weekend after all. You need to enjoy it while you can. After Yule, we shall start scheduling times to prepare for our strike against the Dark." Neville nodded and stood up to leave. "Oh and Neville." Neville stopped just as he reached the door and turned his head slightly over his shoulder. "I do appreciate the trust you have placed in me. But I must caution you against placing your trust so easily in others. Again, you don't know who you can trust outside of myself, especially when our own family members are proving accepting of the lies and manipulations."

"Of course, sir," Neville replied before quickly leaving the office and running down the steps leading up to the Headmaster's office.

Feeling shaky and hot, Neville leaned against a wall and gulped down as much air as he could. He didn't let himself rest for too long though, he had to get to Hogsmeade. He needed to tell Harry what had happened. Swallowing hard, Neville began to walk quickly to the One-Eyed Witch statue. After a whispered 'Dissendium', he jumped down into the opened tunnel. Lighting his wand, Neville jogged the distance as far as he could. Stopping occasionally to catch his breath but still walking quickly as he did. The dueling practice had certainly helped his endurance and he only stopped twice along the tunnel. Sneaking into Honeydukes cellar would have been easier with Harry's Invisibility Cloak, or if he had mastered the Disillusionment Charm, but Neville managed it. His clumsiness, while slowly fading as he grew into himself, was still present and almost got him caught a few times as he snuck into the front of the store.

"Neville!"

He jumped at the sound of his name being called. "Hannah," he breathed. He could feel his face heating up as the blonde Hufflepuff darted through the crowded store to get to him. "Susan," he added when he saw Hannah's best friend standing with her. Susan waved before Hannah captured his attention again.

"How are you? How was the meeting with the Headmaster?" Hannah's brown eyes stared at him intensely. Neville winced and rubbed the back of his neck. Hannah watched this with a frown forming between her eyes. "That great, huh? Come on, let's get out of here." She grabbed his wrist and pulled him out of the store with Susan following behind him.

"I'm glad you were able to show up for a bit though," Susan commented when they now stood outside, snow falling around them. Having used the tunnel to get here, Neville had forgotten that it was snowing outside and shivered. He had not dressed properly for the snow, too desperate to get to the village after talking to Dumbledore to dress better. "Potter was spotted here early this morning, shopping apparently." Susans' eyes swept the bustling street as she spoke, her words neutral in case someone not loyal was listening in.

"You don't say? Well, even Dark wizards need to Christmas shop I suppose," Neville said blandly, his eyes also sweeping the street. However, it seemed that no one was paying them much mind. The clustered groups of students darting into the various stores to avoid the cold. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you choose sweets, Hannah," he said, looking back at Hannah. "But I've got to go get warmed up with some butterbeer at the Three Broomsticks."

"Oh that's perfectly alright, how about you just help me choose some over the holidays?"

"Yeah, sure, I'd be happy too," Neville said, hoping he didn't sound too eager but the snow was falling on Hannah's eyelashes and the cold was making her cheeks even rosier and she was smiling at him and he couldn't breathe properly.

"Sweet Merlin," Susan muttered. "Come on, we'll walk with you to the Three Broomsticks. We could use some butterbeer too."

"She's right. Allow us to escort you," Hannah giggled.

"Gladly." The three started to walk and Neville shivered again, the cold starting to hurt his ears. Wordlessly, Hannah looped her arm through his and pressed against him. Neville jumped a bit and hoped the redness of his face could be passed off for the cold.

"You're cold," Hannah explained simply. "Body heat does help against that you know." Her eyes sparkled and Neville felt himself grinning.

Susan made no move to help him against the cold and Neville was glad. Hannah holding his arm and pressing against his side made him warm enough and the silly grin on his face might just freeze on his face. The Three Broomsticks and Honeydukes were pretty far apart and so the three of them struck up a conversation about their latest Herbology assignment to pass the time. Well, Neville and Hannah talked about it. Susan just walked next to Hannah.

Stepping into The Three Broomsticks flooded him with warmth so intense that Neville immediately felt too hot, his skin burning at the temperature change. He walked with Hannah and Susan through the crowd as they claimed a surprisingly empty table near the back. "Well, how about I go order you two some drinks? The least I can do for the wonderful escort you provided me," Neville offered, reluctantly dropping Hannah's arm so she could slide into the booth.

"Sounds good," Hannah agreed, smiling her dimpled smile that made his head fuzzy. He saw her placing her bags on the seat next to her and frowned slightly, he hadn't noticed the bags earlier.

"Oh, did you end up buying things at Honeydukes after all? I'm sorry again for not providing much help."

Hannah froze, her eyes wide. "Yeah, um… I just got some basic chocolates you know, nothing fancy of course. But well, I'll need your help choosing the better stuff. I'm sure you know all the best sweets. You'll still be able to help me over break, right?"

She looked nervous, worrying her lower lip. It was rather distracting, Neville thought as his eyes drifted to stare. "Of course, I'll still help you. I look forward to it," Neville breathed, relieved he could still help her. Forcing himself to look into her eyes and not creepily stare at her lips. "I really don't think I can provide much help but I'll do my best," he promised and Hannah smiled sweetly, her eyes soft. "Um...right, anyway, I'll go get you girls your butterbeer."

Feeling overly warm with the memory of Hannah's smile, Neville approached the bar and ordered Butterbeers for Hannah and Susan before slipping towards the back hallway and knocking on the door with the large number '4' on it. The same room as last time. Greg opened the door a few seconds later and stared at Neville.

"What spell did you use on me in First Year?"

Neville frowned, thinking back to when he was eleven. "None….I don't think I've ever used a spell against you. I tried to fight you during the Quidditch match but no spells."

Greg grinned and stepped back. "Yup."

Stepping into the room, Neville saw everyone already seated. Draco and Pansy and Tracey shared one of the couches. Ginny and Blaise sat together on another couch, well Ginny had her back against the couch arm and her feet up on the cushions, her toes slipped under Blaises' thigh and her boots on the floor. Ron, Hermione, and Luna sat on the third couch and Theo and Daphne cuddled on the fourth couch. Greg returned to the table where Vince sat. Neville walked over to the armchair he sat in last time before being stopped by Harry who wrapped him in a quick hug.

"Hey, mate, glad you could make it," Harry said.

Neville grinned and returned the hug. Pulling back, Neville saw Harry's green eyes shining with warmth, his unquestionable power lurking in the depths of the green, so much more evident now than even a few months ago. His leather jacket over a dark blue pullover looked high quality and gave Harry the appearance of a laid back teenager while screaming of power and mystery. It was a disorienting combination. "Glad I could make it. I thought Dumbledore would never let me leave." Harry frowned a little, holding him back to scan him to check if he was hurt in any way. Neville smiled fondly.

Harry really was one of the first friends he'd ever had, even if they hadn't always been super close. But Harry had never teased him, never mocked him, never avoided him. It had meant more than Neville wanted to admit to his eleven-year-old self that Harry seemed to like him at all. And as the years went by, Neville witnessed Harry become shackled with more and more weight and responsibility but he always remained kind. Neville remembered nights in the dormitory or the Common Room when Harry's temper would reach its limit and he'd yell and shout at anyone who approached him but he always apologized after. Harry really was the best person Neville had ever met and being counted among his most trusted friends made Neville proud. He would never betray Harry, no matter what Harry chose to do. Neville would follow that boy who always helped him, who defended him from bullies. The boy who inspired him even back then and even more so now.

"What did he say?" Hermione asked, her legs tucked up under her as she sat on the couch next to Ron.

"That man is off his rocker," Neville sighed as he and Harry sat in their seats. "He has another interpretation of the prophecy. He's twisted it so that it applies now to the both of us."

"How did he manage that?" Theo asked. Neville wondered when the Slytherins had actually learned of the prophecy, if it was Voldemort or Harry had informed them of the entirety of it.

"By grasping at straws," Neville said with a roll of his eyes. "He seems to think that the prophecy refers to both of us. We shall both vanquish a Dark Lord. You the current one and then me you, when you take over as the new Dark Lord."

Harry gaped before starting to laugh which released a chain reaction of everyone laughing.

"How did he explain that one?" Daphne asked when the laughter had died down.

"He seems to think that the line referring to being marked as an equal still refers to Harry, but being marked as an equal of Dark power. He thinks the Dark Lord marked you as his successor when you were a year old. And then the power he knows not, that applies to me."

"What power is this? Is it still love? Because I'm touched, Nev. I love you too mate," Harry said, grinning with a cheeky wink.

Neville laughed and shook his head. "Get this. He thinks that I have the Power of Averageness. Yeah, being unassuming and normal is my power against you and Voldemort. Apparently, I'm the exact opposite of everything you and Voldemort stand for. No ambition and no desire for anything but being ignored. Can you believe that."

"Bloody hell, he's an idiot," Ron laughed.

"I can't believe he actually said that," Ginny muttered. "Can he be any ruder?"

"I'm glad he hasn't realized how powerful you actually are," Harry said. "Then he'd start thinking you're the up and coming third Dark Lord."

Neville felt a bubble of warmth in his chest at how easily Harry acknowledged his strength. Neville knew that it was a bit of a stretch, he'd never be powerful enough to match Harry or Voldemort. In reality, Hermione, Ginny, and Draco were all the next up in terms of power within their little group. But in the past year or so, Neville had grown into his power and it was still growing much to his delight. But the way Harry so casually accepted and praised Neville's power was heartwarming and mind-blowing.

"Oh and there is more," Neville said, growing serious again. Harry frowned, taking note of his seriousness and straightening a bit. "He thinks that soon you and Voldemort are going to challenge each other for power, something about Dark Lords not playing nice with each other. He thinks that you won't be able to stand being in the shadows much longer because you're so young and impulsive. Anyway, he plans to make his move to topple the Dark completely after you two battle it out for Greatest Dark Lord. Dumbledore plans to use the time of uncertainty after this great duel to make his move and have me fight off whichever one of you wins."

Harry stared hard at the coffee table. Neville felt pleased to know that he was being taken so seriously. His contribution to the cause was just passing information and since Dumbledore hadn't been providing much until now, he'd felt pretty useless. He wasn't like Ron with his strategies, or Hermione and Daphne with their intelligence, or Ginny, Theo, and Blaise with their dueling prowess or Pansy with her healing knowledge or Draco with his connections or even Luna for her fresh perspective. Neville had to keep Dumbledore in the dark and he could finally start playing his part now.

"When does he expect us to have this Dark Lord showdown?" Harry asked, still frowning at the coffee table, countless thoughts passing across his face.

"No later than this Summer, he even mentioned it happening before Yule."

Harry snorted. "Before Yule, wow, he must really think I'm impatient."

"He thinks he's spoiled you during your time at school into believing things should just be handed to you or something."

Harry rolled his eyes but didn't bother commenting.

"Who does he think will come out on top?" Ron asked, leaning forward with his forearms on his knees. His longer jacket covering the thin scars that Neville knew covered his arms from their Battle at the Ministry which felt like a lifetime ago.

"He thinks Harry will win."

Harry snickered. "Can't wait to tell him that, he'll be cranky for days."

The words were spoken quietly, so Neville doubted anyone else heard besides him since he sat the closest. Neville just shook his head. It was still hard to believe how much life had changed and how Harry and Voldemort were suddenly okay with each other, friends even. It was bizarre and if he thought too hard about it his head started to hurt. But occasionally, there were comments that made Neville wonder at just what actually happened in that manor when no one else was there. When there were no Death Eaters to put on appearances for, just what did Harry and Voldemort do in such a large manor all day.

"Alright, thanks, Nev. Anything else new?" Harry asked.

"Dumbledore plans on having us meet more regularly after Yule so I can train up for when I face off against you."

"Great," Harry said, smirking. "And during Yule, you lot can come over and we can really train and prepare. My Guard is looking forward to having some duels with all of you." The Slytherins exchanged smirks and eager looks. "We'll have to decide just how much power we want him to know you have," Harry continued, looking back at Neville. "Over Yule, on top of just training you in general we are also going to have to work on training you to not unleash everything."

Neville just nodded. The faith that Harry had him was overwhelming sometimes. And Neville could only hope that he could prove himself worthy of it. "Did I miss anything before I got here?"

"Oh no, we were just talking about the DA," Luna said airly.

"Will you be sneaking in anytime soon to talk with your DA members?" Neville asked. He didn't know how Harry would manage to sneak into the castle without alerting Dumbledore or tripping any wards but he knew that if anyone could it would be Harry Potter. Plus, Neville knew it would mean a lot to everyone who had sworn their loyalty to actually get to see and talk to Harry a bit.

"They're hardly my DA members," Harry replied with an eye roll.

"Mate, they're your members, just accept it," Ron laughed.

Harry looked uncomfortable with the thought and he ran a hand through his hair, messing it up even more. "Anyway, yeah I'd like to speak with them after Yule. I was able to chat with a few earlier this morning when I was wandering around the village."

"How's the Wizengamot going?" Blaise asked. Neville wondered when Ron would notice how close his sister seemed to be getting with the Slytherin but decided against mentioning it. He'd probably start to notice once he got his head out of his arse about Hermione. "We read the papers and it seems you're doing well but how is it really?"

Harry frowned. "It's going well I suppose. I mean I've only been to two sessions and people seem to be favoring me. But I don't know. I'm worried about the trials coming up. I won't be a Wizengamot member then, I'll be a witness and accuser. I won't have as much sway since all of my seats are out of the running."

"I mean technically you'll still have sway," Blaise said. "I mean yeah, you can't vote with your seats but you still have them. People won't want to go against you too openly when you can just use your seats later on."

"Dumbledore won't be involved in the Court either, remember," Hermione mentioned. "So he doesn't have the same influence too."

"Yeah, I guess. I don't know. I feel like I'm just winging it every time I talk. I really don't know what I'm doing but everyone seems to think that I do." Harry slouched in the armchair and Neville felt for him. He remembered attending sessions as a kid and even during the summers with his Gran. He'd always found it incredibly boring and did not look forward to taking the Longbottom seat when he came of age. Though it might be more entertaining with Harry stirring up so much trouble now.

"Harry, you always feel like that," Ron pointed out and Harry glared.

"Anyway," Harry said pointedly. "What else has been happening at the school? How are the students feeling about everything?"

"Most really don't know what to think," Ginny said with a frown. "I mean the majority still seem nervous and fearful because you're Dark but they also all seem to be really interested in all the changes you are making. So they don't really know which feeling to lean on more."

"Your school idea is really popular," Tracey pointed out.

"Oh yes, people couldn't stop talking about it," Pansy agreed. "The location of the school and what classes offered were the most discussed.

"Good," Harry grinned. "I want a lot of interest stirred up about that. Hopefully, it will help get things passed quicker with public support."

"Have you spoken with Death recently?" Luna asked out of the blue.

Harry's reaction was an odd one. He looked pained and his eyes filled with an intense longing. "Not Death exactly. Well, earlier this month, yeah. But, the other day I actually...I..." Harry took a deep breath and Neville leaned forward a bit, eager and anxious to hear whatever Harry was about to say. "I spoke to my parents and Sirius."

Shocked silence permeated the room before Hermione and Ginny and Ron started talking all at once. Neville couldn't hear exactly what they were saying but he got the impression it was words of elaboration and encouraging support. Daphne, Pansy, and Tracey joined in a few moments later. Neville sat in the armchair and felt strange.

His first feeling was one of happiness and support and relief and gratefulness for his friend. He knew how hard it was to be without parents. Sure he had Gran but the shadow she held him under was suffocating. Harry, Neville was sure, probably felt much the same. To have the chance to speak with his parents for the first time must have been an incredible feeling. Again, his first feeling was one of support and happiness.

His second feeling was a wave of bitter jealousy that he quickly tried to brush aside. Bitter over not having the same opportunity. Jealous that he could never speak with his parents because his parents were still very much alive, they just couldn't remember him. The feeling twisted in his chest and he felt shame growing hotter the harder he fought to push the feelings aside. Harry didn't deserve those feelings from Neville.

"What did they say?" Pansy asked cautiously.

Harry took a breath, his eyes looked glassy and wet and his smile was shaky. "They said they loved me." Neville, and the others it seemed, were content to ignore how Harry's voice broke towards the end. "And that they support what I'm doing," Harry continued. He looked a bit dazed and Neville smiled softly. Honestly, having such immense power and ability really couldn't have been gifted to a better or more deserving person.

"So, Harry, what are you getting Voldemort for Christmas?" Ron asked. It was a blatantly obvious attempt to take the attention off of the private moment that Harry had experienced with the ghosts of his parents and it definitely worked. Everyone in the room twisted to stare at Ron who looked unfazed by the gaping looks.

"What?" Harry asked, blinking. It looked like he was physically forcing himself back into the present moment. His eyes lost their haunted, wet look.

"Christmas, you know it's coming up soon," Ron continued. "I figured you'd be getting Voldemort something, you know since you live with him and are allies."

Harry gaped and then looked terrified. "Oh Merlin's balls," he cursed. "You're right. Bloody hell, I'll need to get a birthday present too then…." A hand went to grip his hair and Neville snorted in amusement.

"Wait, you know the Dark Lord's birthday?" Draco cut in looking astonished.

"Um...yes…" Harry said, shifting nervously. "What do I get him though? Do you think he'd expect something? Bloody hell… He's already got everything, what could I possibly get him?"

"Whoa, Harry," Ron said, wide-eyed and hands raised. It was obvious Ron hadn't been expecting this type of reaction. "I'm sure it'll be fine. You'll get him something great. I mean honestly, you probably know him better than anyone else."

"Better than Fenrir anyway," Harry muttered, looking rather smug as he crossed his arms.

"What? You mean Greyback?" Tracey asked, her eyes narrowed.

"Nothing, no one. It's fine. Yeah, I'll think of something to get him. Anyway, Yule plans, how long do you guys think you can manage to come by for practice?" Harry said all of this in a rush trying to move forward even though his cheeks were still red.

Hermione allowed Harry's topic change but her eyes were shining with the same look she got when she was close to solving a particularly difficult homework assignment. "Oh, I'm sure we will be able to drop by most days. All of our parents support you, mine too even if they don't get what's happening, so we won't have to sneak out or anything."

Conversation dissolved after that into inane topics and light laughter. When it was about time to leave Harry motioned for Neville to join him in the corner of the room. Confused, Neville did and watched as Harry cast a numerous amount of privacy spells wordlessly.

"Is everything okay, Harry?" Neville asked. He couldn't deny he felt a bit nervous. What could Harry have to say that needed privacy spells? It couldn't be anything war-related, because that would involve Hermione and Ron too, and considering the current company wouldn't need privacy spells either.

"Oh, it's all good. I just have something to talk to you about and thought you'd appreciate the privacy. It's a personal subject after all." This just furthered Neville's confusion and Harry obviously read it on his face because he continued talking. "It's about how I got to speak with my parents and Sirius."

"And I'm glad for you mate," Neville assured him immediately.

Harry smiled. "Thanks, Nev. Well, the thing is ― and I'm sure you've heard me mention this in interviews ― as a Necromancer I can grant that same opportunity to others." Neville nodded and wasn't sure how to feel. Neville's parents weren't dead, what was Harry getting at? Neville couldn't imagine Harry would be cruel enough to mock him about it. "Well, see the thing is, Death seems to believe I'm ready to do that since I succeeded with my family. And well, I want to offer you the opportunity first."

"What?" Neville stared stunned into Harry's earnest eyes. "My parents aren't dead."

"I know. That's why what I'm about to ask, well I want you to think about it before giving me your answer. Now, you know that I can take Life from people, and well, I asked Death about what state people would be in after they died. And all Death said was that those who died were no longer plagued by the pains and sufferings like in Life. So I guess, what I'm asking is….will you give your permission for me to Claim your parents' Life in order to then hopefully speak with them in Death?"

Neville breathed sharply, opened his mouth, and then shut it again. He felt lightheaded. "Um...what?"

"I know it's a lot to take in and honestly, there is still the chance that even after they die they would remain in their current state. But I feel like they won't be. So I guess, I'm asking if you want to take the chance, the risk that by dying they will return to how they once were mentally and you'll get the chance to talk to them properly." Harry paused and watched Neville closely. "Between the two of us, we know what it's like to live without our parents and Nev, you have been such an incredible friend and I doubt I can ever thank you properly enough for all that you've done for me and I just want to give you the same opportunity that I had. But again, it's not a guarantee. We really won't know if it worked until it's already happened and I'm trying to summon them. You know?"

"Right," Neville said numbly. "Why ask me? Why not my Gran?"

"Because you're their child. Your Gran had your father throughout his entire life and even your mother for a few years. You never got to know them at all. And well, I feel that it should be your decision what happens. Of course, speak with your Gran, she should know obviously because I'd expect her to be there when I try summoning them and Claiming them. But the ultimate decision I think should be yours. They are your parents. You visit them regularly and by doing this you won't get to any longer." Harry took a deep breath and he tugged at his sleeves. Neville felt like he was underwater, his ears and brain clogged. "The thing is. You would be choosing between keeping your parents the way they are alive and visiting them whenever you want but them not knowing who you are versus allowing me to Claim them, taking the opportunity of you visiting them in person ever again, with the chance of holding a conversation with them, to see them whole for the first time. Again, this isn't a guarantee but I feel pretty confident in the outcome if I Claim them."

Neville just nodded at all of Harry's words. "When do you need a decision?"

"Well, according to Death after Claiming a Life, it will take a week before I can summon them. So I figured, if -with your permission - I Claim them right at the start of the break, then you can talk to them right around Christmas, maybe a few days after."

Neville swallowed hard. Right around Christmas he could talk to his parents, or he could not and he'd never be able to even accept bubblegum wrappers from his mother ever again. It could be the best Christmas present or the worst moment of his entire life that would plague him with regret for the rest of his life. Could he give up on having a guaranteed interaction with his parents, even if they didn't know him or couldn't speak, for the chance of talking to them whenever Harry was able to? Could he forgo the bubblegum wrapper presents his mother always gave him for the chance to hear her laughter even once?

"Th-thanks," Neville said roughly, clearing his throat around the lump lodged in it. "I'll think about it and talk to Gran and let you know. And Harry," he said, reaching out to grip Harry's arm when his friend moved to take down the spells surrounding them. "No matter what we end up deciding, thank you for presenting the option."

Harry gave a small smile. His eyes sad and soft, clutching at Neville's arm in return with a small nod. No more words were spoken as Harry dropped the spells and they joined the others. The conversation of the others was forced and jilted as everyone tried to appear like they hadn't been closely watching their private conversation.

"Sadly, I think it's about time you guys started to walk back," Harry said with a forced cheery smile. "Don't want to miss the carriages again."

Slowly the others started to move and get ready to leave, wrapping their warmer layers about themselves. Forming a line, everyone said their goodbyes to Harry, the Slytherins giving nods or waves while the Gryffindors and Luna embraced him in tight hugs. Entering the front room of The Three Broomsticks once again, Neville followed behind Ron and Hermione as they weaved through the crowd.

"Neville!" Turning at the sound, Neville gaped at seeing Hannah still sitting in the booth he had left her and Susan in hours ago.

"Hannah! What are you still doing here? Where's Susan?" He pushed his way to her and offered her a hand to get out of the booth just as his Gran had taught him. Hannah didn't drop his hand once she was standing but Neville didn't feel the need to point it out.

"Oh, Susan just left. She wanted to get back to work on some essays. I figured you might want company on the trip back so I stayed."

"Thank you, Hannah. That means a lot." Hannah just smiled and finally dropped his hand to loop her arm through his.

"Not at all. I know you can't talk about all that just happened," she said, her voice lowered so Neville had to lean closer to hear. "But I thought you might want some lighthearted distraction? You seemed preoccupied when you were walking just now."

"Lighthearted would be great," Neville admitted and led her out of the Three Broomsticks.

He saw the others had stopped just outside, obviously waiting for him. When they spotted Hannah, Ron smirked and gave a wink before pulling Hermione and Luna to continue walking to the carriages. Ginny shot him a double thumbs up from where she stood with Blaise, Tracey, and Pansy. Neville could feel the heat in his cheeks and he glared at Ginny who just laughed.

"You won't believe the gossip I overheard while in the Three Broomsticks," Hannah began and Neville lost himself in the sound of her voice as she talked about nonsense things that neither of them particularly cared about but it was carefree and amusing. In the carriage ride to the castle, she talked of her plans for sprucing up the Leaky Cauldron when she inherited it from her Great Uncle Tom and Neville provided what suggestions he could.

Unfortunately, they arrived at Hogwarts far too soon for Neville's liking. Hannah gave him a tight hug in the Entrance Hall before stepping away to head down to her Common Room. Neville stood rooted on the spot and smiled as she turned to wave one last time. Somehow he returned to his dorm room and Ron smirked at him from where he reclined on his bed, shuffling his Chocolate Frog Cards. Dean and Seamus were sharing Dean's bed looking at a Quidditch magazine. Neville glanced at Harry's empty bed and felt nostalgic for what might have been and what had been. Neville really didn't know why the empty bed remained but it twisted his heart every time he saw it, and he knew Ron felt the same. Quickly, Neville went to brush his teeth before returning to his bed and grabbing his pajamas.

"How was Hannah?" Ron asked, a toothy grin stretching across his face. Dean and Seamus perked up in interest.

"Shut up," Neville muttered, face hot. "I wasn't able to meet with her at Honeydukes earlier as I planned and so she was nice enough to wait for me at the Three Broomsticks. That's it."

"I didn't know you and Hannah had a date at Honeydukes planned," Ron said, sitting straighter on his bed and looking concerned. "You should have said, you could have gone. It would have been alright if you missed meeting up with us."

Even though Dean and Seamus had sworn their loyalty to Harry, some of the first to do so, it was still better to talk vaguely. One never knew if listening spells had been cast without their knowledge.

"I couldn't do that. Besides, it wasn't a date. She just wanted help choosing sweets at Honeydukes, wasn't sure what the best ones were." Neville stripped off his jumper and pulled on his pajamas to get into bed. Once dressed, he looked back at Ron who was now resting back on his pillows again with a smirk on his face. "What?" Neville asked as he slid into bed.

"She needed help to choose some sweets?" Dean repeated slowly.

Neville frowned and shrugged. "Yeah. But she was fine with me missing it; said I could help her over break instead."

"I'm sure she did," Seamus replied, exchanging a look with Dean and looking far too amused for Neville's comfort.

"Neville, Hannah has been coming to Hogsmeade for three years now and she was raised in the Wizarding World," Ron spoke slowly as if waiting for Neville to pick up whatever he was trying to say but Neville just frowned. "Mate, she knows what the best sweets are."

That did make sense, Neville mused. "Then why did she ask for my help?"

"She wanted it to be a date," Dean explained rolling his eyes. "You weren't asking and so she tried to create it."

"Oh." Neville stared at his roommates but didn't really see them. "You think so?"

"Yeah. Positive," Dean assured him.

"So do you think I should ask her out tomorrow?"

"I think if you don't ask her soon she is going to move on," Ron replied.

The thought of Hannah going on a date with someone else stirred something dark in his chest. It was decided then, tomorrow after Charms he would ask Hannah Abbott out. Hopefully, Ron, Dean, and Seamus were being serious. Admittedly Neville was worried about dating Hannah while the war was brewing and with Dumbledore's attention fixated on him. But at the same time, he needed something to strive for in the future. The future when Dumbledore was defeated and Harry brought the Wizarding World out of the Dark Ages. A fleeting thought was spared for how bizarre it was that Neville felt hopeful for a future where Harry and Voldemort ruled it, but that was how life was now. After the lights went out, Neville closed his eyes and remembered Hannah's laugh and her hand on his arm. His smile didn't leave him all night.