Chapter 4

Longbottom

Friday, 23 August 1996

Harry was tightening his tie as emerged from his room in his suit, that he was begrudgingly having to accept he was getting used to. He leaned against the floo as the rest of the family (minus Ginny) were sitting down to supper.

Hermione had to have some fun. "Harry, looking dashing tonight."

"You've seen me in this suit before 'Mione."

"True, but still dashing."

"I'm afraid I do 'aft agree 'arry."

"Alright, I surrender, fine, I may look decent."

"Harry, " Molly reminded.

"Yes ma'am."

Then he heard the sound of steps on the stairs. He turned to see and his mind came to a complete halt. Her new boots were visible first, Then he saw her very athletically toned legs and the black velvet dress hugging quite nicely. She was wearing the evening gloves and touches of Crimson's makeup and fire effect hair. She looked fantastic and she knew it . While she knew Harry was the only one that could see her she held a wicked grin and even winked. Then on the very step that anyone else would, she shifted to a pleasant, and delightful smile.

"Well, what do you think?" she asked, and received a very warm reaction.

Hermione was the first. "Ginny, you look fantastic."

"Absolutely lovely," Molly said.

Ron had to force a little bit. Assisted by Hermione's elbowing. "I have to admit, you do look good."

"Wow, Ron, that had to hurt. Thank you." she said with a smile.

"Alright, I can't pass this up," Arthur said, "I'm getting my muggle camera for this."

"Dad, you don't-"

"Oh yes I do!" as he went upstairs.

Finally Ginny turned to Harry, grinning, as she twirled around to grant a full view. "Do I get any kind of reaction, love?"

Harry literally had to shake his head and swallow. "Well, first I need to remember ANY of the English language, but once I do I think I will go, 'dear sweet Merlin, you are absolutely gorgeous.'"

She smiled. "Good answer," she rewarded him with a peck on the chee

Finally Arthur returned, and got his photo of the two of them with Harry affectionately holding her in front of him. "Thank you very much."

"Sure Dad, but may we go now?"

"Well, I suppose," he smiled.

With relief and smiles on both the pair flamed away to Longbottom Manor. They arrived on the floo of a grand hall. with polished black and white marble tiling and dark oak woodwork on the walls. Candle chandeliers hug from lofted ceilings illuminating the room with artwork decorating the side.

As they stepped out, Ginny quietly whispered to Harry. "Did you know about this?"

Harry shook his head. "Not to this degree. We had some talks over the years. I knew his family was along these lines but never been here and I never had this much detail."

As they chatted in front of them a small blob of color spun into existence. As it popped and solidified, they recognized it as a house elf. "Greetings," he said with a bow. "Welcome to Longbottom Manor. I am Sarvont. How may I help?"

Ginny was caught off guard. Between Dobby and Kreacher, Harry was half expecting something like this. He pulled his invitation from his breast pocket and gave it over. "Harry Potter and Ginevra Weasley, as invited."

Sarvont returned the invitation, "Very good, if you follow me, supper wil.l be served promptly in the dining room. Ginny kept an arm wrapped around Harry's left as they gave a passing glance to the decor.

"Seriously Gin, now that I actually have remembered how to talk, let me just say, you are knock out beautiful, even better than Crimson Witch."

A large smile came to Ginny's face. "Careful, Flattery will get you, Harry."

The Dining room was down the hall and to the right and Sarvont opened the door for the pair, and announced them. "Now Arriving: Master Harry James Potter and Lady Ginerva Weasley."

That triggered Ginny so she leaned over and whispered, "Um Harry, when did I become a lady?"

"Just go with it." he whispered back.

To both of their relief as they turned the corner. Neville rose from the table but also Hanna was there. Both came to meet them and, more importantly, they did so just like they would in the common room, which blessedly relaxed Harry and Ginny quite well.

"Hey guys, Glad you could come." Nevel said he was also wearing a suit with a blue dress shirt. Hanna was in a cream colored evening gown. Harry and Neville clasped hands and even slapped shoulders a bit. Fearless Ginny hugged them both. Harry played conservative and smiled warmly and nodded to Hanna.

"You look lovely tonight, Hanna." he said.

"Me?! BOTH of you!" I don't know how you two could look this good! That is completely unfair."

"Agreed, but I am going to have to say, Ginny wins. Sorry, Harry, I've seen you in ties in school. Ginny, I've never seen you anywhere on this level. Just wow."

She nodded with a "Thank you, Neville. You're quite handsome yourself."

"Ginny gets full credit. She picked out both outfits. I'm just the model."

"Model boyfriend, yes, that's a good description for you." Ginny quipped. Harry just smiled and shook his head.

"Wait, Ginny, YOU put this together?" Hanna asked, pointing to Harry. "If I bring Neville's measurements could you and I maybe.."

"I'm sure we can work something out."

Which finally got everyone laughing.

Neville led them to the table, where his grandmother was sitting but now rose as they approached. She was wearing a fine blue dress with silver wrap, Behind her was a glorious fireplace of finely carved and polished granite. "Master Potter, Lady Weasley, thank you for visiting tonight."

"It's an honor to be invited. Thank you for your hospitality." Harry said with a nod.

"Yes, indeed," Ginny confirmed. Harry and Ginny sat on the left side of the table with Neville at her right hand and Hanna next to him.

"Well Master Potter, as you can imagine Neville has been sharing stories about me since your first year."

Harry grinned. "Well first, Harry is perfectly fine. Second, if Neville is sharing stories, I deny everything." The table smiled.

"Only if you'll call me Augusta… and I thought you would say something like that," she said with a knowing smile.

"In that spirit," Ginny spoke up, "I will completely confirm and respect Harry's recent developments, but I'm not a noble lady, by any stretch of the imagination. I'm sorry if there was a misunderstanding somewhere."

Augusta smiled. "I'm aware of the technical realities, but … well for reasons I think you will soon find out you have my respects."

Ginny smiled, "Thank you, ma'am."

Augusta turned ang gently patted Harry right hand. "You very much are your father's son, Harry."

Harry smiled and tried hard not to roll his eyes. "I've been told I look like him with my mother's eyes."

"I couldn't speak any resemblance to your mother, I never had the pleasure. While yes there is a strong physical resemblance between James and yourself, I meant your spirit and personality."

She turned to the table at large with a smile. "May I assume he has a bit of irreverence in him. Very willing to find … flexibility with rules?"

Everyone smiled, and looked elsewhere.

"Thanks for coming to my defense guys." Harry groused.

"Oi, I'm not lying to gran!"

"Fear not Harry, I've found a dash of grit is almost required to get anything done these days. From what I've heard and read I'm actually quite impressed with you. That's largely why I invited you."

At that time Sarvont returned with a plate for each of them with a filet mignon with rich balsamic glaze, veg. "As there is some business to discuss you will forgive me if the drinks are simply sparking cider." Augusta explained.

"My brother has a similar philosophy." Ginny nodded.

"Which one?" Hanna asked.

Ginny chuckled, "Fair question, eldest, Bill."

"I'm far more appreciative of the meal and company than to worry about the drink, Ma'am. Thank you. House business? Harry asked.

"Nothing to fret about, we'll cover that later." Augusta said with a wave of the hand. "For now Harry, I wonder if you would humor an old woman."

Harry looked around, "Show me an old woman, and I'd be happy to." he grinned. "But for Neville and his family, happy to help. He's a good man."

"Thank you, mate."

"Oh, he is a charmer," Augusta addressed the other ladies and all three exchanged smiles.

"Well then Harry, and you too, Ginerva,"

"Oh Augusta, please, Ginny is fine."

"But Ginerva is also such a beautiful name."

Ginny knew well enough not to argue with a granny. "As you like, Ma'am." then sipped her drink.

"First and foremost, I wonder if you two would tell me your points of view of the Battle of the Burrow and now of Diagon Alley. What have the papers NOT told me?"

Ginny smiled. "Go right ahead love, I'll hop in as needed."

This time Harry did roll his eyes a bit. "I almost feel like I need to start this with 'Once Upon a Time,' but that wouldn't be fair because this is all true." So for the second time that week he recounted the summer's war highlights, with assistance from Ginny. Augusta seemingly hanging on every word.

"Well Harry, even if you had not inherited a station, I dare say you would have earned it." she summarized as they all finished their meal. "Ginerva, would it cause too much of a lover's spat if I borrowed your suitor's arm for a moment. There are a few things I would like to show him."

Ginny all four of the youths laughed. "Well, I think I can trust Harry, I don't know about you though…but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt."

"Thank you. Neville I trust you could entertain our ladies in our absence, Show them the art and such. "

"Yes, gran."

"Harry," Augusta said as she rose, "Be a dear and lend a lady your arm."

"My pleasure,' he replied as he did. "

"Thank you, what I want to show you is across the hall please."

"Certainly," Harry had only seen Augusta a handful of times and using a walker occasionally with those so the fact she just needed an arm to, he was happy to help."

"Now, Harry, has anyone ever told you where your family earned its fortune?"

"No, I've been told precious little about my family."

"Now, THAT is a shame. I met your father more in passing than anything else, but your grandfather, Fleamont, him I got to know fairly well. As he told me, the original boon to your house was back in the 12th century, your family developed Skele-gro and Pepper Up potions."

"Wow, I can imagine how that went."

"Indeed, then when your, Fleamont, came. Now that man and a mind. Back in 1926, he developed Sleekeazy's Hair potion, and that was so successful that quadrupled your assets."

"Thank you, May I ask how you knew my grandfather?"

"Business to start with. Neville has told you that the Longbottoms largely are an agriculture and horticulture family?" Harry nodded. "Well because of that we were a major supplier to your family for their potions. So lots of direct interactions and in similar circles and indirect meetings. Have enough happy dealings with someone they become less business connections and they are more friends. That's how Fleamont and I were."

Harry nodded, no one had ever given any information of his grandfather, All of this was news to him. "And as he grew up, James was put to work through the family business a bit. And Fleamont was always so proud to show off his son. That's how I came to know him. Sirius too."

"You knew Sirius too?"

"Oh yes, when Sirius was about your age, he cut ties with the Black family, at least technically. Clearly not legally. But he was quite close with James at the time so Fleamont brought him in like a second son. Merlin the mischief those boys could get into. You say you have your mother's eyes, that may be. But there is a twinkle of mischief you get from James. That grin you flashed earlier, THAT is most definitely James."

"May I ask a question?"

"Please Harry, part of why I invited you over." She guided Harry out the dining room and across the hall to a library. With another grand fireplace.

"So… Skele-gro, Pepper Up, Sleekeazy's, I haven't heard about my family's connection to any of them. What happened?"

Augusta nodded, "Fleamont Retired, in '72, James and Sirius had started at Hogwarts, so Fleamont liquidated it all. Wanted to travel with Euphemia, that would be your grandmother. And they did for a spell, then in '79 they passed through a combination of old age and a wave of dragon pox. Your father inherited it, but was already keeping himself busy, one presumes with your mother, and … Well I think you are versed from there. "

"Augusta, Thank you very much. That is the most through family history, I've EVER been told."

"Well that is a tragedy, your family were all good people and ought to be remembered more."

With that Augusta looked to the fireplace. With a very ornate cherry wood box on top of the mantle. On either side of it were framed and displayed Auror badges. Augusta's voice dropped octave to a much more serious tone. "Harry, I trust you are familiar with the fate of Neville's parents?"

Harry tried to stand tall and rigid in respect, "I am ma'am. Neville and I are quite familiar with our similar histories."

She pointed to the badge on the left. "That was Franks, my sons."

Then she pointed to the right. "That was Alice's, a good woman, wife, and, mother."

"They were Aurors during one of the worst times to pursue that profession, when they had to be, when they could afford not to be, because they believed they were right. It cost them dearly. That bitch Lestrange didn't even give them the dignity of a clean death."

Harry was surprised to hear Augusta swear so bluntly, but if there was any reason to, that would be it. With a surprising show of strength. Augusta let go of Harry's arm and walked to the fireplace, She opened the cherry wood box,reached in and grabbed something. Then returned to Harry's arm. "Back to the dining room, please."

"My pleasure," Harry gently and happily escorted Augusta back. When they reached the hall she waved for Neville to bring the ladies away from the art and back to the table. Ginny had a look of restrained excitement as they all sat down.

"Harry, dear, before we leave there is one painting here I feel you really must see."

"I trust your judgment, Gin, sure."

"Now," Augusta said, claiming the floor. "I am well aware Hanna has already earned Neville's trust that it's pointless to ask her to leave, as Neville will just tell her anyway." The pair shared smiles and shrugged. "But she's proved a good match to him and trustworthy, so I've no complaint and high praise for her." Hanna smiled even brighter. "You and Ginerva?"

"Same, Gin already knows all my secrets and literally covered me in combat. I trust her with my life."

Ginny, smiled very brightly.

"Fine with me. On to House business. Harry, from one head of house to another, I will be honest, so please do me the honor of the same. It has been years since Neville and I put on this level of airs for anyone, but I feel you deserve it. Tell me, what other houses have honored you?"

"You're the first and only ma'am. So, for the record I do feel VERY honored."

Augusta squared her jaw. "How many Houses have come alongside you?"

This was NOT what HArry expected for tonight's conversation to be. But might as well shoot straight. "Two, House Bones, and " Harry looked over to Ginny, "House Weasley has literally agreed to consider me one of their own. What they may lack in galleons they more than make up for in heart and courage."

Augusta chuckled and looked over to Ginny. "And that's why in MY house, you'll be referred to as Lady. I've half a mind to dub you myself, but I'll let your suitor take care of that." Both of the ladies shared smiles.

Turning back to Harry. "What word do you have from the Ministry?"

Harry smiled. "The Ministry has not seen fit to contact me."

Augusta's jaw clenched again. "Mmmm, cowards, the lot of them." she groused. "I admit I am an old woman, but that also means I can see which way the wind blows. Only a fool would fail to recognize you as a pivotal player in the events at hand. You've done more against the Death Eaters than the entirety of the Ministry combined. The silence is deafening. This is what I mean when I say a dash of irreverence is useful."

"Neville, it's time. Augusta said as she pounded the table harder than most people thought she was capable of. When she pulled her hand away she revealed the signet ring for House Longbottom. "House Longbottom will align under House Potter. You will lead us."

"Gran? I've no problem with supporting Harry, but you're-"

"My turn was the First Wizarding War. This one is yours, Master Neville. You've already been to the front lines twice. Your time is now."

Harry could tell Neville's head was spinning. Clearly this was a surprise to him too. "Mate, do you remember the Ministry of Magic?"

"Who'd forget."

"Well one of the things I remember is when it seemed over, before Dumbledore showed. For a good several minutes it was the two of us. Last Friday I seem to remember you and me coverring each other's arses. Mate, I'd take your hand in a heartbeat."

Nevel looked at the signet ring for a moment, and Harry knew exactly how he felt. Neville looked over to Hanna, with a smile of such confidence and warmth, it could comfort the most terrified of hearts. It worked. Neville steadied himself, donned the ring and extended his hand. "House Longbottom stands with you."

Harry grabbed it and grinned. "House Potter welcomes you, and we are not afraid."

"Good," Augusta said with a very approving smile. "Now if you will excuse me, I would like to retire for the evening. But please talk and enjoy the house as long as you like. Harry, Ginerva, you are always welcome. Sarvont." she called.

The house elf appeared with a pop, "Madam." he said in a deep voice.

"To my room please."

"Of course, madam." as he took her hand and the pair apparated away.

The teens all let out a collective sigh of relief. Neville stared at his newly acquired ring. "Harry, hand to Merlin's beard, I thought it was going to be a 'congratulations on your inheritance / new position' thing. I didn't expect this!"

"I believe you." Harry reached out for Ginny for grounding. "It's the domino effect of the last war. So many heads fell that the leadership roles are falling to the last generation, us."

"How are you two doing?" Hanna asked kindly scratching Neville's hair.

"I'll be okay," Neville replied. "Just a bit of shock."

"Babe?" Ginny asked in concern.

Obviously faking, "Me, oh, I'm fine. This is my second house negotiation in a week." He kissed the back of her hand to comfort both of them.

"Oh ya, second," Neville asked, "When did Susan come on board?"

"About 20 minutes before we started shooting last week. I seem to be attracting the people out for vengeance."

"About that, Harry, I feel I owe you an apology from last week." Nevel asked.

"For what?"

"The Crucio."

Harry bobbed his head back and forth a few times. "I don't feel I can judge. Back at the Ministry, I tried the same thing, I just wasn't pissed enough to pull it off. You've got a little more time for the resentment to build up. So if you want to hear it, sure. Apology accepted."

Harry paused for a moment. "I guess if I'm thinking tactically. I don't see the purpose of us casting that one. It's a torture spell. Frankly, I'd rather you stun her or even kill her. Sorry Hanna."

"No judgment here, Harry. Eaters caused enough pain to my friends, all of you included. I have no issues with finality. I just don't know if I have that in me."

"We're out numbered so often I'm a fan of one and done." Harry finished. "Frankly I have a larger issue with the two times you went off half cocked."

"Yea, sorry about that, mate."

"How about this? When class starts up Gin and I, and Ron and 'Mione, we'll be putting in a morning run and workout. I can personally vouch that a few rounds with a punching bag does wonders for frustrations. You both are welcome."

"Punching bag, at Hogwarts?" Neville asked.

"I owled with Mcgonagall, there's enough muggleborn mages now they added a gym this year."

"Oh, well then sure, feels right if we're going to war."

"Babe," Ginny said scratching the back of Harry's head, "Is this going to happen at every fancy dress party we go to?" She held a straight face for a whole 5 seconds before the table started laughing.

"Thank you, Gin. I needed that. Did you say something about a painting?"

"Yes! Please follow me." Gin took his hand and led back out to the hall. "Right over here." Ginny stopped by the painting of a lovely looking woman. Long coal black hair down to her waist over long flowing blue robes with gold trim holding a large spell book.

"Oh, I know this one. One of the founders of Hogwarts…" Harry snapped his fingers trying to remember. "Ravenclaw!"

"Very good," Ginny said. "But look closer." she wrapped around Harry.

Harry scanned the background, took a second look and the lady. "Gin, I've had a heck of evening, little help."

Ginny stretched up and whispered in his ear. "Look in her hair."

Harry focused in… and saw it. "It's the bloody tiara!"

Ginny nodded. "I mean, I don't know how this helps, but there is at least more proof that it exists. You know, you're not crazy."

"No, this helps a lot! It gives us a research point. A name. Ravenclaw. Especially when we are going back to school. We get Miracle 'Mione to lead the way on homework. We can turn this into something!" He picked Gin up and gave her a kiss and celebratory spin.