Chapter 199

No. There were many targets of their rage: Severus Snape, for his treatment of their son in Hogwarts; Albus Dumbledore, for what he put everyone through; Augusta, for her treatment of their son almost since the day she'd become his guardian; Algernon 'Uncle Algie' Rosier, for trying to kill their son twice; Sirius Black, somewhat, for doing something so damned stupid as to get himself arrested and tossed into Azkaban; Minerva McGonagall, for proving to be a failure as Head of House and protecting their son from Snape; the other alliance members, for failing to uphold the Charter; Remus Lupin, for not being there for Harry when he should have been; and the Wizengamot, in general, for failing to do its job.

They both knew what an incredible gift they'd been given by the young Potter Lord, Harry, and the incredible cost this time dilation chamber must be costing him and Black. They knew enough to know what costs were likely to be involved.

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―==(oIo)==―

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After dinner, knowing the Longbottoms would now be up and about and wanting news, Harry and Hermione wrote them a letter.

~ # ~

Lord Franklin and Lady Alice Longbottom,

By now you should be up and somewhat about. At the rate of approximately two hours 'outside' for every day 'inside', we estimate just over a week has gone by for the two of you. For us, it's been barely fourteen hours. It's now early evening on the same day I, Harry, organised for you to be taken from Saint Mungo's.

So far, word has not gone public that you've disappeared from the hospital. However, I've no doubt both Augusta and Neville would know by now. My heart aches that he will currently be in a state of high anxiety over your disappearance. And I'm truly sorry he has to go through that for the next couple of days.

I also don't know if he'll ever forgive me for doing this, but I know him getting his parents back hale and healthy makes it all worth it for me, for us. If, at the end of this, you believe the alliance should be terminated or the Charter rewritten, the House of Potter understands and will support you.

Though I know by now you've read the rather large 'report' I sent you as background of what's been going on in the wizarding world since you've been otherwise indisposed, I think this time I'll tell you more about your son from the point of view of a friend who shared a Gryffindor boys' dorm with him for the past three plus years. And Hermione will be adding points, too.

The first time I met your son was when this young nearly twelve year old muggleborn girl flung open the door of my compartment on the Hogwarts Express on 1st September, 1991. She was helping another 'little firstie' look for his missing pet toad, Trevor.

It was actually he who introduced me to Hermione, the girl, because she had forgotten to introduce herself. (Ouch! She just smacked me on the arm!) So, in a way, Heir Longbottom introduced Heir Potter to his later-to-be betrothed.

Once we got to the castle and while we were in the antechamber waiting to be taken into the Great Hall for the Sorting by McGonagall, as an aside Neville said to me he felt extremely lucky he even got invited to attend the school. Even back then it was very clear the boy grew up believing he was little better than a squib; his own House and relatives had been demoralising the boy that much. He even said he'd be very happy to even be chosen to be a 'Puff. And believed he had no chance to be a Gryffindor.

Imagine his surprise when, very soon after the Hat was placed on his head, the Hat called out, "Gryffindor!" He was so surprised and pleased he immediately dashed to the Gryffindor table before McGonagall had a chance to pluck the Hat off his head first.

Thinking back to that night, I like to think I had a hand in Neville ending up in the House of the Lions because, back in that antechamber when he said he didn't feel he was brave enough to go into Gryffindor, I said something along the lines of, "You're eleven, Neville. Just how brave do you think however or whoever does the sorting thinks you need to be?" I know it made him think about that.

After I convinced the Hat to put me in Gryffindor, too, we became dorm-mates. We even sleep in beds next to each other.

One thing to know about Neville is that he, like me, is a 'neat freak'. His and my combined area in the dorm is a clean oasis in a sea of teenage boy mess. It's another thing we have in common.

By the end of the first week it became very apparent Neville is a prodigy when it comes to Herbology. To Hermione's unearned sometime chagrin it is one of the few subjects she is consistently beaten for top marks. Neville absolutely whoops her bum in it! (Ouch! I just got unfairly whacked on the arm again.) She claims their unofficial competition in the subject helps them both.

I know that Professor Sprout has had her eye on directing Neville towards a Mastery in Herbology. And I've not interfered with that, because I know it's Neville's dream, too. The joy on his face when he's working 'up to the elbows' in manure, re-potting or whatever, is heart-warming. Fair warning: I would be quite upset with you both if you were thinking about trying to steer him away from the subject.

However, while Neville is a prodigy at Herbology, when it comes to Potions he's his own worst enemy. I know that sounds odd, in that both Herbology and Potions should be quite integrally linked, but it's true. And the reason is obvious to anyone who saw the two together in the same classroom for more than about five seconds - Severus Snape.

Neville is going to need to start learning about Potions right from the beginning. Severus Snape's constant belittling and harassment of him has led Neville to be terrified of the subject. He has often been hurt by failing and or exploding potions. So he needs to be gotten over that before the real teaching of him of the subject of Potions can begin.

If Snape had not been such a bastard, or McGonagall had done her job of protecting her 'cubs', the situation would not have evolved into the mess it currently is. It is for that reason I recommend Neville receive personal tutoring in the subject. Actually, I think we should both have personal tutoring in the subject. Neville was not the only target of Snape's vindictiveness.

[...]

Hermione and I send you our love and support. Please use this time to get your health, strength and magical abilities back up. When you come out, there's a lot of work that'll be waiting for you both. The first of which, of course, is to hug your son on Tuesday morning.

Lord Harrison and Lady Presumptive Hermione

~ # ~

When both agreed the letter was done, Harry called to Dobby to deliver it to the time chamber via the goblins.

"They must be going spare!" sighed Hermione.

"I know," replied Harry. "It doesn't change the fact, though, that this is necessary."

"That letter is going to both relieve them of some of their worry, and anger them quite a bit," she said.

"I know," he replied. "However, in their robes, I think I'd rather know than not."

"Agreed," she sighed.

After checking the clock she declared, "It's late. Time for bed."

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