Harry woke up feeling not so very good for the first time in a while. The nightmares had been horrible. Voldemort was angry. His followers had done something wrong and so the punishments had began. Voldemort had been tossing around the Cruciatus Curse like it was candy. While Harry didn't necessarily mind seeing people like Lucius Malfoy or Pettigrew get some pain for their horrible choices and opinions, but in his nightmare he had also seen young people getting tortured. People who had looked so very scared and shocked being brought out in the room full of people wearing robes. People who Harry thought might have been muggles or muggleborns.
Harry had thrown up everything left in his stomach when he woke up early that morning.
He had a good day yesterday. He had claimed the one Lordship he had expected and one he didn't, he got unexpected help from the goblins with the Horcrux hunt and today he had a meeting with Augusta Longbottom, the Lady Dowager of the Noble House Longbottom.
Harry needed to shake of that horrible dream/vision and start preparing so that such a thing wouldn't happen again. To anyone. He had to try.
He would go and train for a while after breakfast before he had to go to Longbottom Manor. Harry decided to try some of the spells out of the Hit Wizard book Sirius left for him. A few of the more violent ones so he could release some frustration.
He made good process with mastering the new spells he had found in the book before. He couldn't wait for the opportunity to turn a Death Eather in a duck with the spell he learned recently. Could you immagine Lucius Malfoy as a duck? Lucius would be turned into the most common duck ever just with probably very nicly groomed feathers if Harry had anything to say about it.
Harry had also wanted to try some of the Family Magic from the grimoires he had gotten out of the Vaults in Gringotts. They were his family legacy and he wanted to excel in them. For the Potter Family it was mostly Potions and Transfiguration. For the Blacks it was Battle Magic which was very handy. They had written down a lot of curses in the Black Family Grimoire.
The Slytherin Family Grimoire had surprised Harry. While he didn't believe they had all been racist arses, it had been a surprise to learn that the Slytherin Family magic focused on Healing and Charms. It was all so very interesting to learn.
Soon it was time for Harry to go to the meeting. He showerd and dressed smartly for it and hoped Neville wouldn't be to surprised to see the new him. Harry had never cared much for his own appearance but that had changed a bit in the last few days. He had learned it was important to look good. To represent his family the best he could by looking his best. He just hoped he wasn't turning into a Malfoy.
Together with Dobby he popped in the Longbottom's Entrance Hall as Madam Longbottom had told him to do. He was straightening out his clothes when he heard a unsure sounding, "Harry? Is that you?" And Harry turned around to look at Neville.
"Hi Nev, how are you doing?" Harry said with a sheepish grin. Neville looked gobsmacked as he got a good look at his friend.
"Merlin Harry, what happend to you?" Neville asked, shocked. Harry laughed and told him that it was a long story but that in short that Sirius left him some stuff, "I will tell you the rest later. It is a bit of a long story and I have to meet with your grandmother first."
Neville nodded with understanding and said, "Ah yes, I will take you to her. You shouldn't keep her waiting. I hope you know what you are doing there, mate."
Harry looked side ways to Neville as they walked through the beautiful Manor and asked, "Is she truly so scary?"
"Probably not for you, Mr. I-slayed-a-Basilisk-at-the-age-of-twelve. But she is quite intimidating for the rest of us mortals. So I wish you good luck and I will see you soon. Then you and I can talk about what you've been up to."
Neville left him after those words with a grin on his face. Harry was glad to see his friend so relaxed in his home. Sometimes he had worried that Neville's homelife might have mirrored his but that didn't seem to be the case here, he was glad to see. Neville was indeed intimidated by his grandmother, but the worst of the story's Neville told were always about his uncle Algie. If Harry ever meet that man-
Well, he hadn't been practising his curses for nothing.
Harry looked at the beautifully carved wooden door Neville left him by and just decided to knock. He was a Gryffindor after all. No old lady could be that scary, could she?
He knocked twice and heard a old sounding but cultured voice say he could come in. He opened the door and there she sat, the fearsome, to her grandson at least, Lady Dowager of House Longbottom. She stood up as he approached her and he air kissed the hand she gave him as the Culture book said he should when greeting a Lady.
She looked him over critically and said with some approval, "At least you seem to have some manners. Now, welcome to Longbottom Manor. Let's take our seats and call for some tea. Then we can talk about why you asked for this meeting."
Harry could see why Neville used to be so nervous of his grandmother with her being so direct but honestly, even if they only met, Harry really admired her. She seemed like a tough old lady. He was glad that his friend still had his grandmother in his life.
Harry wished his grandparents had lived. Harry didn't know much about them unfortunately. Their names, yes, but not much more. Hopefully he could find out more about his ancestors when he got further in the Potter Family Grimoire.
Harry smiled at her and said, "Thank you, Lady Longbottom, for your welcome and for agreeing to meet with me. I wouldn't say no to a nice cup of tea."
They sat down and a House Elf popped in with a tray with tea and biscuits. She was a cute looking thing for a House-Elf, Harry thought. Very small with big shining blue eyes. She looked healthy and well cared for. Which reminded him of Winky. That poor Elf was drinking herself to death and he needed to do something about that now that he had his own home.
He would ask Dobby to talk to her for him when he got back home. Harry had enough room for another Elf, if she wanted to be part of their little family. It wasn't right that Winky lived in shame for something her former masters did. Shaking that sudden thought off he went back to the Lady in front of him.
As the Dowager Lady daintily sipped her tea she looked at him and told him, "So, Lord Black, tell me your story and let us see what I can do to help you."
And Harry did. He told her about everything. The Dursleys, his years at Hogwarts, Sirius's death and how he came to be at his safe house. He told her about all the things that happend this summer. The letters he got from Sirius, his parents and his meeting with the goblins. He told her about the Prophecy and the Horcruxes Voldemort made. And he told her he needed a plan because otherwise he didn't think he would survive this war.
While he was telling it all he could see in her face was anger and disbelief. He could also see her softening to him. Harry really hoped she would be willing to help him after he told her all of it.
He shouldn't have worried because after he was done she looked like she wanted to hug him. "Oh you dear boy. What a life you have lived. I am so sorry that I didn't fight harder to get custody of you after the death of your parents." Lady Augusta continued with a sad smile, "My Alice was your godmother, did you know? You and Neville could have grown up as the brothers as your parents would have wanted you to be if the worst had happend."
He had not known that. Harry thought that that would have been wonderful, growing up here with Neville. But he wouldn't tell her that. The old woman was grief stricken enough already.
"If only I wasn't so grief stricken and afraid of others Death-Eaters coming after my grandson. If only Dumbledore wouldn't have made such awful decicions lately. I do wonder if everything is alright with that man. He's so old now and his decicions have been so strange lately." Lady Augusta said strongly.
Harry thought she might have a point about Dumbledore. He was acting weird. Maybe he was having mental problems in his old age? Surely someone would have noticed something like that? But that was a problem for later.
Now he said carefully to Neville's grandmother, "I would have loved to grow up here in this beautiful home, my Lady, but that was not what happend and I can't blame you for your grief."
Harry continued with, "I just hope you can help me now. There is so much I don't know about in this Wizarding World and now I have two Lordships. I have two adult wizards strangely obsessed with me and I don't know what to do about any of it. I just want a normal life. Is that to much to ask?"
She looked at him and said, "Dear boy, of course I will help you. If things had gone different you would have grown up here and called me Gran alongside my Neville. So first things first, it would truly please me if you called me Gran."
Harry was surprised but touched and nodded his agreement. He would call her Gran from now on. Harry had no grandparents of his own and this tough old lady seemed like she would make a good Gran. He couldn't wait for the look on Neville's face the first time he would call her that in his hearing.
The poor guy didn't know it yet but he had suddenly gained a Black as a brother.
Gran looked like she knew what was going through his head and she seemed be both amused and approving. Then she seemed to sober, "Now we need to make a plan together. You said you know next to nothing about the Wizarding World. We need to fix that as soon as possible. It won't be long before you can take your seat on the Wizengamot and you need to be prepared for that. You are famous in this world of ours and you need to learn how to use it to your advantage. You also need allies. I agree that Amelia Bones is a very good choice as an ally."
She seemed to think for a moment before she voiced her thought, "But have you thought about Andromeda Tonks? She is both a healer and a disowned Black. She too, would be a good ally to have in your corner and the House of Black could really use some more sane people, I should think. And excuse me if I'm wrong, but it might be a good idea to get some private healing done after the life you have lived."
She took a deep breath and continued, "You also need a lot of lessons in politics, dueling, manners and strategy. And that is outside of your normal schoolwork. You will be very busy but know that we will help you. I can tutor you myself in most of this and if you can get Amelia Bones on your side, she can teach you the rest. She can each you how to be a warrior."
Harry was relieved that she seemed to have a battle plan so soon already. She was right, he needed to contact Andromeda Tonks as soon as possible. He hoped she would be willing to become a Black again and perhaps even help him with his health. Perhaps Andromeda could be a good aunt to him. If she wanted to have him as her nephew. It would be nice to have more family around him and the Black family really needed more members in it.
"Thank you for your help, Gran." Harry said with a smile that lit up his sparkling green eyes. The fearsom Lady Longbottom visibly softened seeing Lily's smile on her son and patted him on the cheek, "You are a good boy, Harry. Now go visit my grandson. He has looked out for your visit and we can always talk more later."
"Thanks, Gran!" Harry stood up and went to look for Neville. It took a while and eventually he asked the House Elf with the pretty blue eyes if she could take him to Neville. She agreed cheerfully and popped him away to what he thought was the greenhouse Neville always liked to talk about. Neville was always talking about his plants and Harry was sure that his friend and godbrother was skilled beyond age. He had heard rumours already about Professor Sprout being interested in taking Neville on as an apprentice.
Neville was crouched in front of a pretty dangerous looking plant with a lot of sharp purple spikes. His friend seemed to be talking to it and Harry had to smile. His best friend was a very gentle guy and Harry really appreciated it. He softly called out to Neville as not to startle him into the big spikes of the unknown plant.
Neville calmly stood up, said something to the plant and walked over to Harry. Harry could see that Neville had grown into himself a bit more this summer. He looked more confident and seemed to be losing his baby fat. Good for him, Harry thought.
"Hi Harry, how was your talk with Gran?" Neville asked while walking to Harry.
Harry grinned at Neville and said, "It went great! Don't know why you find her to be so scary. She seems awesome!"
Neville rolled his eyes and said, "Of course you would think so. You think doing death defying stunts on your broom are the safe and normal thing to do."
Neville continued with, "Shall we take a walk on the grounds? The weather is nice and then you can tell me all about your summer." And so they went.
Harry talked until his voice was hoarse but he left nothing out. Neville deserved to know everything as he was his best friend but also the other option for the Prophecy. He needed to know.
Neville was quiet while Harry talked but when he finished he just said with slightly bigger eyes then normal but still calmly, "That explains a lot."
Harry had to laugh at that. It was such a Neville answer. "Yeah, things will get worse before they will get better but I have asked your Grandmother for help with some of it and I think it will be alright. I just need some help from smart and capable adults and Dumbledore just wouldn't be that person." Harry knew he sounded a bit angry while saying that but that couldn't be helped. He was very disappointed in the Headmaster.
Harry let out a breath and said, "But your Gran and I will make a plan and with the help of some allies like the goblins and maybe Amelia Bones. I think I might actually survive this war now, Neville. That is such a great feeling. The feeling of having an actual future."
Neville nodded, looking very understanding said, "Thank you, Harry, for taking on this burden. Know that I will do anything in my power to help you survive this war. This I swear to you as the Heir of House Longbottom and as your friend, so I say, so mote it be."
There was a bright light surrounding them and Harry never felt so supported. It was a strange thing. Neville looked a bit shocked but also happy as he explained, "Our magic sensed our intentions and supported it. Think of this as a vow of support. I swore to help you and now it will be so. You call for aid and House Longbottom will answer."
Harry was again shocked but also very grateful. He wanted to do something in return so he asked Neville what he was already planning. He asked if Neville wanted to become an Animagus with him.
Neville seemed excited and quickly agreed. So Harry promised to bring him a Mandrake leaf with the instructions soon. They would take the potion together at the end of the month to find out their animal. It will be a good advantage to have in the war.
But for now he would go back home to train and read some more in his Grimoires. He called Dobby and after saying goodbye to Neville and his new Gran, he popped back home. When Dobby got them both back he asked his friend to wait for a moment.,
They went to sit on the couch in the living room where Harry asked, "Dobby, how would feel if we asked Winky to come live with us? I know she is at Hogwarts but she's still so very depressed about the loss of her former family. I thought that perhaps we could give her a home?"
Dobby seemed to deflate for a moment, "Master be kind to think of poor Winky. Dobby keeping eye on Winky but Winky be very sad still and drinking lots of butterbeer. She not be good Elf right now. She thinking she be never good enough for a proper family."
Harry was sad to hear that Winky was still drinking so much. It was strange to him but butterbeer had the same affect on House-Elves that Wodka had on humans. It wasn't good that she drank so much of it.
"Well, do you think it might help her if we asked her to sober up? That if she can stay sober for the rest of the school break that I will take her into our family? It might help if she has some hope for a better future." Harry hoped so at least. He still didn't know enough about House-Elves but he was trying. He hoped he could help her. Winky did not deserve what the two Crouch men did to her.
Dobby nodded thoughtfully and popped away. Harry assumed that it would take a while and went to grab his books. It was some time later that a jubilant Dobby was standing or rather, jumping up and down in front of him.
"Winky be saying yes! Winky be very grateful to Master Harry Potter sir and agrees to stay sober now. She be seeing you when yous be getting back to Hoggywars for bond!" Dobby was clearly happy that his friend had agreed to Harry's proposal and so was Harry. So was Kreacher when he came out of the kitchen to see what all the noice was about. Harry hoped that the female Elf would be happy here in their small family.
This too had been a good day. Even after the rough night he had with the visions of what Voldemort was doing. He had gained a grandmother, made some new plans for study areas and had a few new ideas for allies. He noticed he had a lot of good days since leaving the Dursley household. It made him smile.