The next day found the students running around for last minute check to ensure that everything they needed got packed. Harry helped as Luna searched for a pair of missing shoes. The petite blonde quickly become a source of strength for Harry. Her steady calm unflappable manner helped ease his mind and reign in his energy and rage. Then, they were loading up into the carriages that would take them to the Express.
Harry stared out the window of the Hogwarts Express and took a deep breath. It had been an absolutely stressful school year. Now they were back on the Express heading home for summer, or in Harry's case Longbottom manor. He had sent an owl to the displeasure he was sure of his aunt and uncle, letting them know that he would not need to be returning for the summer. He smiled, finally feeling free from his prison. Not only was he about to have a summer that was Dursley free, but he was looking forward to spending time with his friends. Across from him Neville and Luna shared a seat, leaving space next to Harry for Ron and Hermione after they finished with their rounds on the train.
It seemed like no time had passe at all to the green-eyed wizard and they were unloading at King's Cross. This time though Harry said his good-byes to the Weasley's and Hermione and followed Neville to where a formidable witch stood in a crisp set of slacks, a white blouse, and sweater her grey hair pulled into a severe looking bun reminiscent of his head of house. Neville made the introductions as smoothly as he could, "Harry, my grandmother Augusta Longbottom. Gran, this is Harry." With that done Harry followed the Longbottoms to the flue and they made their way home the way that most wizarding families did. When finally, Harry stepped out of the flue he found that he was in a very warm, but nice-looking manor house. Standing in the receiving room of the Longbottom home Harry looked around and observed the beautiful ancient cherry wood floors and furnishings, they appeared in terrific condition in spite of the fact that they must have been in the family for generations. The sever looking witch who was Neville's gran ordered, "Neville give Harry a proper tour and then get started on your summer homework both of you and I will see you at dinner." With that the boys departed, and Neville led Harry through the manor. Harry's eyes grew wide at the sight of the library that would have made Hermione green with envy. There was a dueling room that they could use to work on their skills, and green houses which judging from the look on the shy wizard's face was his pride and joy. There was a potions room, but Neville cautioned that it was his grans.
Next, the two wizards moved up a large staircase to the bedrooms. Neville opened one decorated in red and gold on the nightstand was a picture of a couple that Harry assumed were Neville's parents. Neville smiled, "This is my room. Your room will be the next on this side, and Gran's is down the hall on the right. There are two more still not handed out, guestrooms of course in case we have anyone else come over. Harry nodded and went to put his things away in the room that Neville had indicated was to be his. Before starting on summer homework Harry dashed off quick messages to Ron and Hermione letting them know that he made it to Longbottom manor and to reach out regularly this summer.
Two weeks passed and Harry and Neville fell into the routine of having breakfast with his gran. Then, retreating to the library where they could privately study and work on summer homework. They even settled into working together in the greenhouse. Followed by lunch and practicing defense. Followed by dinner again with his gran. Finally, the day arrived when a huge eagle owl came through the window interrupting breakfast. Neville relieved the owl of her burden and handed one to Harry, slowly opening his own.
Neville Longbottom
Herbology O
History E
Transfiguration O
Defense O
Charms E
Potions A
Astronomy O
The shy wizard grinned this was better than he expected. He looked over and smiled, "I did better than I thought how about you Harry?" The green-eyed wizard smiled at his friend, "That's great Neville. Mine were all right."
Harry Potter
Herbology O
History E
Transfiguration O
Charms O
Defense O
Potions E
Astronomy O
Harry missed the grin on Augusta face as he read his grades off to Neville. The witch turned out not as severe as she sometimes comes off. She just loved her Grandson and feared him not being able to oversee himself well. The change in Neville since he got his own wand and the confidence that had built in him over the last year had been a great relief to her. The elderly person said, "This sounds like it is worth a proper celebration does not you think? If your fathers were only able to see this, they would be so proud." The boys exchanged glances, Neville beaming in pride and Harry shocked at the reference to his dad. Finally, Harry cleared his throat, "You knew my father?" Augusta smiled, "Indeed and your grandparents as well. You know my son Frank was in Gryffindor with your dad. He was brilliant and incredibly talented. It would have thrilled him to no end to see how well you did and on the Quidditch team to boot. He was quite a Quidditch player himself in his time as I am sure you know." Harry nodded, "Head Boy and Girl." Augusta nodded, "I am sure that you have a ton of questions about our world. Neville told me that Albus seems to have kept you poorly informed on your family and history."
The green-eyed boy wondered where to start even though he had so many questions. So, Harry began with asking her, "That night when Voldemort killed my parents what happened? I know obviously that he did not succeed in killing me. Sirus ended up running off on a mission of vengeance and somehow, I ended up at my aunt and uncles." Augusta nodded along seeing where the boy was going. The elderly witch looked in sympathy at the boy, " That is part of what worries me. Dumbledore clearly has not taught you our ways or informed you of your birthright. He took guardianship of you and your holdings in our world. Of course, he placed with your 'relatives.' I use the term loosely there. It is unfortunate that Sirus did what he did, and Alice and Frank ended up as they did, or he could never have gotten away with it. Do not get me wrong, he is a great leader, but he is a politician. I plan to teach you about your family history and take you to check on things at Gringotts Bank."
The green-eyed boy stared at her, "You mentioned Neville's parents what could they have done to prevent Dumbledore from taking over as my guardian?" Augusta cringed, "No one told you! Your parents were quite clear that if anything happened you were to live with either Sirius or Alice and Frank. Dear boy, Neville is your godbrother. We have been fighting Dumbledore to try and get you here since You first turned up at Hogwarts." Harry turned to his friend, "Why didn't you tell me?" Neville blushed, "Everyone wanted to be your friend including me, but you barely noticed. Once it was clear that you did not know, I did not want to intrude and force a friendship where it was not wanted ." Harry shook his head, "Obviously forgiven, but of course it was wanted. I just wish that I had known sooner." The meal and conversation moved forward, and Augusta released the boys to their day. Shaking her head as she wondered what Dumbledore, Bagnold and Crouch could have been thinking.