Through The Years... And a beginning!
Harry, Neville and Dudley do not have many friends growing up. Well, Dudley did have a friend group once, but they came to bully Harry and Neville (Neville being the one to get beaten up and verbally abused the most).
But once Dudley discovered this, he had stopped spending time with that group, leaving the 3 boys to only have each other 's back…
Especially after Dudley had punched his former friend group’s leader in the face, with Harry kicking them in the shin and Neville pushing them against the wall.
After that incident, they were attached to the hip. Of course Vernon hadn’t known whether to ground them or to be proud of them for standing up for themselves.
(In the end, he made them promise to use words instead of fists, which Harry and Neville take into their stride… unlike Dudley of course)
Petunia had only broken into a fit of laughter.
The boys know from an early age just what Harry and Neville are. How they will end up in different boarding schools (of course they had all seen how unfair it was that while Neville and Harry stuck together, Dudley would be alone.)
“Wait, so me and Harry will be together, but Dudley has to go to a boring normal school?” Neville had asked when they had first learned this.
Petunia and Vernon could already see the wheels turning in the boys' heads and in an instant they all began to bawl, hugging each other closely. “No! I wanna stay together!” Harry and Dudley had cried.
Once they had calmed down, Petunia and Vernon told them to get a good night’s rest.
That night of course, Harry and Neville had changed the colors of their bedroom walls to a light blue, due to that being their favorite color, when the truth about their parents had come out.
Now to the public, such as Marge, as far as they know, Harry’s parents had died in a car crash with Harry surviving, and Neville’s parents were mentally ill, so severely that it would have been impossible for them to raise Neville.
While the truth of their parent's fates was accepted and mourned deeply, it had been Neville to suppress the sadness the most. Petunia and Vernon had seen it.
That Neville… With his eyes, holding so much love for the people in his heart, had chosen to suppress his sadness over his parents, to mourn Harry’s.
In fact he had strategized a way for Harry to not look into his own.
And just what had brought their fates.
Neville, knowing that Harry Potter was The Boy Who Lived, decided that Harry’s past was more important than his own, and continued to hide his growing sadness behind a very good smile, an act that had fooled them twice, and a growing concern to Petunia and Vernon, which they addressed once Harry and Dudley had gone to bed.
“Darling, we know what you’re doing and you don’t have to” Petunia had said, while stroking Neville's soft hair. “She’s right son, you’re a good and very smart boy. You don’t have to hide some sadness” Vernon had added only for Neville to shake his head. “No, Harry deserves to know his place in… our world. It’s not about me.” he had said, before going to bed.
Once he was gone, the couple had been left in solemn silence. Neville had referred to the wizarding world as ‘our’ world.
That was proof that Neville had come to accept that while he and Harry had a place in the world of magic, Petunia, Vernon and Dudley did not.
They weren't sure if that was a good or bad thing.
But this once again confirmed that taking Neville in was the right thing to do. They can only imagine what his grandmother’s influence would have done to him.
They knew Neville would be the most caring, loving boy…
Willing to do things to himself just to ensure the happiness and safety of others and Petunia and Vernon, will support him, even if they need to respect his wishes when it’s clear he doesn’t want to be found.
Meanwhile, Harry, Neville and Dudley continue to grow in bliss, with the two unaware of just what Neville is doing.
(The couple continue to pretend to never notice when Neville ‘secretly’ stays up to correct Harry and Dudley’s homework, when he surprisingly learns how to cook even the most complicated dishes and sweets, taking over as the chef of the family despite his belief that he has ate enough, even when Petunia and Vernon begin to notice him skipping some. Never as a regular, but they notice. They also notice when he continues to take care of the plants… and especially when they first see the fresh cuts on his arms, covered with some make up… Something Harry and Dudley never notice)
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Anyways, for all the boys do to keep themselves out of trouble, both Harry and Neville can’t explain why Harry’s hair had grown back after Petunia had cut it for him, why suddenly Harry, Dudley and Neville had found themselves on the school’s roof right after Neville had wished to see the view from the roof, or why their teacher’s hair had turned blue and why that teacher’s classroom had become a jungle of roses! (yes all of that happened in one day).
The boys had gone home crying and paranoid that the Ministry Of Magic would come for them. But at midnight when they didn’t, they had broken out of their rooms, with Neville making some midnight chocolate pudding to celebrate.
Petunia and Vernon heard the ruckus they made, but pretended not to notice. (Along with pretending to sleep when they hear Neville cleaning the place up)
Sometimes strangers come up to shake Harry’s hand, ignoring Neville and punching him behind (not like Harry and Dudley notice, but if they did they would care.)
“This is so creepy” complains Dudley in a whisper at the supermarket, when Harry was embraced by a man stating it was an honor to meet him, but by doing so, he accidentally pushes Neville and Harry against a fridge holding eggs.
“Rude too” adds Harry. “Honestly it’s like our lives might be a tv show” agrees Neville.
“Quiet” warns Vernon with Petunia genty shushing them. “Honestly I know why they enjoy your presence Harry, but to do that and ignore the risk of exposing the - er, well you all know what I mean” she finished, with everyone agreeing.
Later that evening, Dudley asks if he can learn karate, so that way he can punch the next person who does that to Harry, Only to be disappointed when his parents remind him to use his words.
Despite this, he continues with the karate idea, enjoying it with his father, along with enjoying a simple task in pottery.
Harry enjoys golf with Vernon and writing with Petunia.
And Neville enjoys cooking, sewing/knitting his own clothes (really he is good and has made a few suits for Vernon, Dudley and Harry and even a few dresses for Petunia. Nothing too grand really), making art (really masterpieces), and taking care of plants with Petunia, while enjoying some construction with Vernon.
Of course, Neville often has to dodge Harry and Dudley who often try to see what he is making and always beg him to present it in public, only for him to laugh and repeat the same thing over and over “No!”. Which they have all come to accept, even if they don’t want to.
Despite this, things are still going incredibly simple. Happiness is simple (Even if Petunia begins to worry a bit more by the long sleeves Neville wears)
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Arguments are… not exactly enjoyed by the boys. Especially if the argument is something they begin. And they did, Petunia and Vernon could only listen. They had taught the boys to speak for themselves. In the end, if hurt words were said, they were tasked with comfort.
Dudley will often be the first to raise his voice to get his point across, with Harry joining him later. Neville on the other hand would keep a steady voice, even when insulted and try to keep peace.
This one had been a classic. It was almost sundown. Neville had finished tending the garden, His dinner was delicious as ever. And now he had just finished a small wooden sculpture. Unknown to Neville, Harry had entered their room to see Neville smile at his creation. As per usual, when Neville saw Harry, he smiled and quickly hid the figure.
That had been the last straw before the yelling began. Harry wanted to see Neville’s work. Neville wasn’t sure if it was ready. Harry yelled that Neville never thought anything was ready. The yelling attracted Dudley who got the gist of it, raised his voice complaining that Neville was always hiding.
It continued for hours until Harry finished it off. “I SWEAR I WISH WHAT HAD HAPPENED TO MY PARENTS HAD HAPPENED TO A SECRET KEEPER!”
The silence after that was deafening.
Harry had crossed a line.
He knew it.
They all did.
Just when he was about to speak again had he gotten the shock of a lifetime:
Neville pulled him and Dudley into a hug.
Almost instantly the confusion only grew. “It’s ok Harry. I know you didn’t mean it” he said confidently.
This just made everyone concerned, mainly Petunia and Vernon. “Are you sure?” asked Dudley.
Neville smiled “I know you guys want me to show you my work. Honestly I've been thinking of showing them soon. But I don’t want to spoil the gifts I’m making for your birthdays” he said, ending with a sing-song note.
That… Got Harry and Dudley’s attention because soon they were back to being their usual selves.
Petunia knows that inside of Neville, what Harry said will having staying up late, but once she sees him join the other two inna game of soldiers, well… she isn’t exactly nervous anymore.
Once again, happiness is simple.
But she knows it won’t last. It won’t be long until the letters to Hogwarts arrive, and with that, their innocence of what is good and bad in the world will fade as they grow.
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It’s a normal morning… Well not really.
After eating breakfast, Dudley had gotten his new school uniform, something that made them all laugh.
The uniform was mainly maroon tailcoats, orange knickerbockers, and flat straw hats called boaters. The uniform also came with a knobbly stick, which Dudley assumed was used for hitting each other while the teachers weren’t looking
Quite actually his uniform was hideous.
Suddenly they all realized the presence of a horrible smell in the kitchen. It seemed to be coming from a large metal tub in the sink. Dudley, Neville and Harry went to have a look. The tub was full of what looked like dirty rags swimming in gray water.
“What’s this?” he asked Aunt Petunia. Her lips tightened as she herself smelled it. “Yours and Neville’s new school uniforms. Once I finish dying it” she said.
What?
Upon seeing their confused expressions, Petunia only laughed. “It's not as if the letters won’t come in soon. But if Marge or anyone else askes, we have to keep the fact that wizards aren’t well, real. So I thought that if I had some spare uniforms that went with the dress code of that local public secondary school, we wouldn’t have to answer questions” she explained.
It was the only thing she could think of and Vernon had agreed. It was all they could do to ensure the secret of witches and wizards remained a secret from the rest of the world who simply would never handle it.
And besides, often when Marge came in, they would pretend to hate Harry and Neville and favor Dudley.
After all, when Lily, Alice, James and Frank went into hiding, Petunia stopped mentioning them, making the public specifically Marge believe that she and Vernon hated them.
While she hated the idea, it was all she could think to do. Not only to keep her sister and friend safe, but to make sure the Death Eaters wouldn’t hurt innocent people who mentioned them. When she told Lily her plan, her sister had supported her profoundly and it was set into motion.
Soon rumors spread, lies were told until soon, only the people who had ever heard or known Harry and Neville, believed they were born from the bad part of society,
Marge had been the one who was impacted by the lies the most. She had always been arrogant and abusive, and she, through the years, pampered Dudley (who did not like it one bit), while humiliating and abusing Harry and Neville.
(Often more on Neville, who was never able to eat due to Marge’s hatred of him for having “mentally ill parents who were unfit to care for him” than Harry for having a “drunk, unemployed father” and a “bad egg mother” {Her words not theirs})
But anyways, the boys seemed relieved that they wouldn’t have to answer Marge as they soon returned to anything else.
Once Vernon came into the kitchen, it seemed to be a usual day.
Vernon reading the paper, Neville and Dudley talking about school and Harry would join them soon, when suddenly they heard the click of the mail slot and flop of letters on the doormat. Harry got up to fetch it, after all it was on his daily chore list. Everything was fine.
Until an ashen faced Harry forced the door open and stumbled his way back into the room.
Once he came in he dumped a postcard from Marge and a bill. But soon approached his aunt and uncle. With trembling hands he offered his aunt 2 letters.
2 letters in wrinkled brown envelopes and emerald green ink for the receiver's address.
One addressed to himself, the other to Neville down to the details of their bedroom.
She knows it all too well. Without a moment's waste, Petunia and Vernon grab the letters and throw them into the fireplace.
As the flames eat the letters up, they turn around and seeing the boys incredulous expressions, they both begin to laugh.
They’ve planned this and they thought it would be nice for Harry, Neville and Dudley to meet an old giant friend of theirs.
Still not understanding why the couple has a reason to laugh, the boys wait patiently before Vernon speaks up. “Me and Petunia want you all to meet someone. But in order to do that, we will need to ignore them for a while.” he said.
If Vernon said that was the plan, then that was that.
Only then did the boys notice the owls.
Then did they laugh with their aunt when the letters even came in the eggs from the supermarket.
Then they noticed how more and more letters came in.
And how each was destroyed by themselves in different methods.
When Sunday had arrived, it seemed that it was about time they gave up, as there was no post on Sunday. But they all knew better
Soon however, something amazing happened… very slowly.
First, the opened windows showed them all that there were so many owls outside.
Then a pair of letters came flying through the chimney, only to be caught by Petunia.
Suddenly a rumble from the chimney, making Vernon cover his ears.
And finally, about thirty or fourty letters came flooding in.
That is when the fun began.
Each took a turn at either dancing in the rain of letters and making fun of each other.
However once they calmed down, it became clear of one thing:
Hogwarts would never give up on them.
Petunia and Vernon only knew that the flood of letters meant that their giant friend was almost giving in to coming. He just needed a push.
Without waiting, Vernon smiled with an idea forming in his head.
And in the nick of five minutes, the family decided to have some fun again and see if Hogwarts would chase them to a hotel.
Let’s see!
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As soon as they got to the hotel near the edge of the big city. They all slept soundly, with Petunia and Vernon already knowing that they had found the perfect spot to meet their friend at Harry’s Birthday.
The next day, they ate stale cornflakes and cold tinned tomatoes on toast for breakfast.
They had just finished when the owner of the hotel came over to their table. “'Scuse me, but is one of you Mr. H. Potter? And Mr. N. Longbottom? A funny name if you ask me. I got about an 'undred of these for the two of you at the front desk."
She held up 2 letters so they could read the green ink address:
Mr. H. Potter
Room 17
Railview Hotel
Cokeworth
And the other,
Mr. N. Longbottom
Room 17
Railview Hotel
Cokeworth.
Without a second, Vernon stood up. “I’ll take them,” he said to the owner, signaling to the others to pack up.
Later on, Vernon had parked at the coast, telling everyone to stay in the car and disappeared.
Now Harry, Neville and Dudley were getting antsy. Who could Petunia and Vernon possibly want them to meet? Neville tried to lighten the mood. “Look on the brightside, tomorrow is Monday!” He ended with a sing-song voice.
Yes that’s right: Harry’s birthday is on Monday.
Even if they were far away, HArry knew it would be a fun day. His aunt and uncle would make it fun.
Soon Vernon returned and had the family come with him.Vernon was pointing at what looked like a large rock way out at sea.
Perched on top of the rock was the most miserable little shack you could imagine. "Storm forecast for tonight!" said Uncle Vernon gleefully, clapping his hands together. "And this gentleman kindly agreed to lend us his boat!"
A toothless old man came ambling up to them, pointing, with a grin, at an old rowboat bobbing in the iron-gray water below them.
Once they arrived and went inside, they should have expected it.
The inside was horrible; it smelled strongly of seaweed, the wind whistled through the gaps in the wooden walls, and the fireplace was damp and empty. There were only two rooms.
Soon, it was nearly midnight, with the boys counting the seconds. When the clock struck midnight, they all yelled “Happy Birthday Harry!”. Harry smiled. He loved his family… Maybe Hogwarts would come through soon and -
BOOM!
The whole shack shivered and Harry sat bolt upright, staring at the door. Someone was outside, knocking to come in.
“He’s here!” Petunia whispered and soon, Petunia made room on the couch, with Vernon getting a, surprisingly very big and dry, towel. Harry, Dudley and Neville could only watch in anticipation as…
SMASH!
The door was hit with such force that it swung clean off its hinges and with a deafening crash landed flat on the floor.
They all looked up from the door to see…
A giant of a man was standing in the doorway.
His face was almost completely hidden by a long, shaggy mane of hair and a wild, tangled beard, but you could make out his eyes, glinting like black beetles under all the hair.
The giant squeezed his way into the hut, stooping so that his head just brushed the ceiling. “Sorry ‘bout that” he said as he bent down, picked up the door, and fitted it easily back into its frame.
The noise of the storm outside dropped a little. He turned to look at them all and smiled.
Without waiting, Petunia threw herself into his arms as he twirled her around, and soon grabbed Vernon into it. “Ya great prunes haven’t changed a bit!” the giant said gleefully as he placed them down. “Neither have you Hagrid!” said Vernon happily.
Without waiting, the giant - Hagrid - came forward, and looked down at Harry and Neville. "Las' time I saw you, you two were only a baby," said the giant. "Yeh look a lot like yet dad, but yeh've got yet mom's eyes.” He said to Harry.
When Hageid saw Neville, his smile grew “And Yeh look a lot like yet mom ‘cept yet yeh’ve got yet dad’s eyes" he said as he sat down in front of the fireplace they were never able to light up.
Hagrid, took out an umbrella and pointed it at the logs, and soon three small sparks escaped the umbrella’s tip, and soon the fireplace was alight.
He then turned back to the 3 boys in front of him, looking astounded by what he had just done.
Seeing their expressions, the adults couldn't help but laugh. “I haven't introduced meself. Rubeus Hagrid, Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts." he said. “And a good friend to have over for tea.” added Petunia. “Yes and a good sport” agreed Vernon.
Suddenly, Hagrid got up and looked at Harry."Anyway -- Harry," said the giant, turning his head to look at the boy, "a very happy birthday to yeh. Got summat fer yeh here -- I mighta sat on it at some point, but it'll taste all right." From the inside pocket of his black overcoat he pulled 2 slightly squashed boxes.
Harry and Neville opened both with trembling fingers. Inside the two boxes were large, sticky chocolate cakes, one with Happy Birthday Harry and the other with Happy Birthday Neville in green icing.
“Thank you!” Harry and Neville both smiled, and soon the two ran up, with Dudley in tow, and embraced the giant man. Harry didn’t think anyone else other than his aunt and uncle could ever be this huggable. But he loved it.
“Now, I knew yeh two prunes had something to do with ‘em not getting their letters.” he siad to Petunia and Vernon, who looked sheepish, but not at all guilty.
Then he turned to Harry and Neville. ‘But I think it’s ‘bout time yeh both knew what they even said” he said and soon pulled out ti letters - One for Harry and One for Neville.
When Harry opened his, he couldn’t help but read it out loud.
“HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY
Headmaster: Albus Dumbledore (Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc., Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump, International Confed. of Wizards)
Dear Mr Potter,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on 1 September. We await your owl by no later than 31 July.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
The second page:
HOGWARTS SCHOOL of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRY UNIFORM
First-year students will require:
1. Three sets of plain work robes (black)
2. One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
3. One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
4. One winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.
COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:
The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1) by Miranda Goshawk
A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot
Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling
A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch
One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore
Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander
The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble
OTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales
Students may also bring, if they desire, an owl OR a cat OR a toad.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICK
Yours sincerely,
Lucinda Thomsonicle-Pocus
Chief Attendant of Witchcraft Provisions”
he finished, with a smile.
Neville's letter was the exact same, except for the name. Upon hearing the list of supplies, Petunia could only laugh. It was like she could see Lily in them, just when she had gotten her letter
Harry, Neville and Dudley all smiled and danced around, only for Harry to give a very big yawn.
Upon hearing this, Petunia cleared her throat. "Hagrid, how would you like to join us at Diagon Alley tomorrow?” she asked, knowing full well that Harry, Neville , Dudley and Hagrid were not ready to say goodbye to each other.
All of them said something at once.
“Yeh sure? Wouldn’t wanna impose…” (Hagrid)
“Really! Hagrid, we get to spend more time together!” (Harry”)
“I’m so excited! Who else is!” (Dudley)
“This is the best day EVER!” (Neville)
Vernon loved them all, but quite frankly, if they’re going to do anything tomorrow, it will have to be with a good night’s rest.
“QUIET!” he roared, getting everyone's attention. “Now how about we all get some sleep. Hagrid, we’ll see you at, well you know where , tomorrow” he said with a smile.
Soon Hagrid left. The fire was out and they all went back to bed with excitement of what the morning would bring…
And with only one message in there minds:
“Diagon Alley: HERE WE COME!”
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The next day was turbulent. They go with Hagrid to the Leaky Caldron, meet fellow witches and wizards, along with the stuttering Professor Quirrel.
They went to Grignots, which in petunia’s opinion was the best as they saw how much money Harry and Neville’s parents left for them. It had seemed that Dumbledore had created a name and safe for Neville and Harry separately, ensuring that they both had it in case of emergencies.
The boys, particularly Harry and Neville, are enjoying Hagrid company, with each taking turns riding on Hagrid’s back. An innocent friendship she hopes will grow through the years.
Harry and Neville get their books and materials. Both stops are enjoyable, except for when they stop to get their uniforms, where the two boys (who had gone in without the others) meet, according to them, a boy who was arrogant and… rude.
After their description of the boy, Vernon can only think of one type of wizard arrogant enough to even have that behavior and he is not in the mood to see how it will affect the boys in future. (He’s already upset to see Neville's reaction) and he sure wonders what will happen if the boys meet at Hogwarts.
Later, Hagrid gets Harry and Neville a gift. Something Petunia could never believe she would say yes to.
An owl.
A female snowy owl to be precise.
Almost immediately, she is ready to refuse, only to see the happy expressions on the boy's faces. Seeing how the bird quickly takes a soft liking to them. How she nips at Harry’s fingers affectionately, nuzzles into Neville’s hand and lands on Dudley.
An immediate bond one would call it.
And she'd be damned if she said no to that.
Soon they are off, with their new friend, Hedwig, Harry decided, after reading it from “A History of Magic” by Bathilda Bagshot.
Later, if Vernon asks her what caused her to change her mind, she’ll answer that it was due to Hagrid already spending money. Even if he’ll know it was due to her love for the boys.
And besides, an owl will be useful, it always is.
Lily’s owl was useful for keeping in touch.
Hedwig will be as well.
“We only need…. Wands” Dudley said, and in an instant, the boys were filled with excitement. This is what they were all waiting for.
“A wand?” asked Hagrid before continuing. “Just Ollivanders left now - only place fer wands, Ollivanders, and yeh gotta have the best wand." he said, going in the direction of said shop.
Upon hearing the name, Petunia couldn't help the bubble of excitement going through her. She was with her sister when she got her wand. The experience was magical. She had no doubt this would be anything less.
Entering, she saw that the place hadn’t changed much, safe for a few new boxes that had been left on the desk, clearly waiting to be shelved. "Good afternoon," said a soft voice, making them all jump. Hagrid must have jumped, too, because there was a loud crunching noise and he got quickly off the spindly chair.
An old man was standing before them, his wide, pale eyes shining like moons through the gloom of the shop. "Hello," said Harry awkwardly, just as Neville timidly said “Hi”. Petunia and Vernon, seeing the boys' nervousness, quickly approached.
“Good afternoon Mr.,Ollivander” said Vernon, before adding. “We’re all here so these two” she said, pulling Harry and Neville up front. “Can get their wands” he finished.
"Ah yes," said the man,nodding. "Yes, yes. I thought I'd be seeing you soon. Harry Potter and Neville Longbottom" It wasn't a question.
He then turned to Harry "You have your mother's eyes. It seems only yesterday she was in here herself, buying her first wand. Ten and a quarter inches long, swishy, made of willow. Nice wand for charm work." he said. Petunia swallowed a lump upon remembering Lily’s face when the wand chose her.
Mr. Ollivander moved closer to them. Harry wished he would blink. Those silvery eyes were a bit creepy, he thought, quickly grabbing Neville's hand.
Comfort eased into him almost instantly when Neville’s hand squeezed back. A message of comfort saying “It’s alright. I’m here with you”
Mr. Ollivander continued. "Your father, on the other hand, favored a mahogany wand. Eleven inches. Pliable. A little more power and excellent for transfiguration. Well, I say your father favored it -- it's really the wand that chooses the wizard, of course." Of course.
This is something Vernon and Petunia had drilled into their heads almost when they were old enough to understand.
Mr. Ollivander had come so close that he and Harry were almost nose to nose. Harry could see himself reflected in those misty eyes. "And that's where..." Harry, Neville and Dudley weren't sure what he was talking about…
Until Mr. Ollivander touched the lightning scar on Harry's forehead with a long, white finger. "I'm sorry to say I sold the wand that did it," he said softly. "Thirteen-and-a-half inches. Yew. Powerful wand, very powerful, and in the wrong hands... well, if I'd known what that wand was going out into the world to do...."
Dudley, having had enough of Mr. Ollivander, scaring all of them, was about to go into a rant to give that man a piece of his mind, when suddenly, his attention was turned towards Neville. “Now Mr. Longbottom, you have your mother’s face shape and your father’s eyes.” he said. Before continuing. “Your grandmother was here a few days ago.” he said.
What?
Petunia and Vernon couldn;’t believe this.
When Neville had first been left with them, they had tried to reach out to Augusta, at least to share some photos of how Neville was growing. (Vernon’s idea. Not Petunia’s. In his words “the woman deserves to know how he’s doing” he said)
Anyways, it became clear a day later that Augusta had no intention of learning about Neville.
While they had not tried to badmouth her, they had been honest to the boys about Neville's grandmother, making her a new fear for Neville and something for Harry and Dudley to hate.
Suddenly after years without contact, she is first mentioned, and seeing Neville’s rigid expression, Petunia is quick to pull the boy to her side, melting when he nuzzles against her.
“And what did she want?” Vernon asks sharply, both knowing none of them are ready for whatever outrageous demands the woman has.
Mr. Ollivander seemed to take a box out of a shelf. “Now I will help Mr. Longbottom get his wand, but your grandmother has tried to bribe me into giving you your fathers.”
“What? Why on earth-?”
“She said that if you truly are your parent’s son, you should have no problem with it at all.” he said.
“WHAT?!” Hagrid bellows before continuing. “WOMAn NEEDS TO KNOW THAT HER GRANDSON’S FINE AND YEH TELLING ME THAT SHE ONLY WANTS HIM TEH FOLLOW HI’ PA’s FOOTSTEPS!” he yelled, causing a gust of wind and bad breath to enter the shop.
“Yes thank you for that Rhubeaus.” he said before looking at Neville again. “I will help you find your wand, but I believe you would like to have a piece of your father with you, so I will also be giving your father’s wand for you. A gift.” Petunia felt a wave of gratitude course through her, especially when Neville's eyes shine with the same gratefulness.
“Though you shouldn’t use it. Quite frankly the wand chooses the wizard, and this wand would never work as well as your own. Once we find it” Mr. Ollivander said, quickly getting back to the task, ignoring Neville moving closer to Harry and Dudley, while Petunia’s heart melted with gratitude towards Mr. Ollivander’s kindness.
"Well, now -- you two. Let me see." He pulled a long tape measure with silver markings out of his pocket. "Which is your wand arm?" he asked.
"Er -- well, I'm right-handed, he’s left-handed" said Harry, pointing at Neville.
"Hold out your arm Mr.Potter. That's it." He measured Harry from shoulder to finger, then wrist to elbow, shoulder to floor, knee to armpit and round his head.
As he measured, he said, "Every Ollivander wand has a core of a powerful magical substance. We use unicorn hairs, phoenix tail feathers, and the heartstrings of dragons. No two Ollivander wands are the same, just as no two unicorns, dragons, or phoenixes are quite the same. And of course, you will never get such good results with another wizard's wand."
Harry suddenly realized that the tape measure, which was measuring between Neville’s nostrils, was doing this on its own.Mr. Ollivander was flitting around the shelves, taking down boxes.
"That will do," he said, and the tape measure crumpled into a heap on the floor. "Right then, Mr. Potter.” he said and bought 8 boxes in his arms, 3 in front of Harry, the others in front of Neville.
“Now, Mr.Potter, Try these. This one is made of Beechwood and dragon heartstring. Nine inches. Nice and flexible. This is Maple and phoenix feather. Seven inches. Quite whippy and this is ebony and unicorn hair, eight and a half inches, springy”. He said
Then the man turned to Neville.” Now you Mr. Longbottom, first here, as I promised: your Father’s… and your mother’s”, he ignored Neville stifled gasp. “Wands” he said, gesturing to two boxes which clearly hadn’t been opened in years.
Neville seemed frozen, but quickly looked at the man, his eyes shining. “Thank you” he whispered, quickly wiping his eyes.
No one had ever actually acknowledged the death of his parenst to him on their own, besides Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon.
Mr.Ollivander nodded.” Now, here you have them. Cherry wood and unicorn hair, seven inches, flexible, and perfect for transfiguration. Chestnut and phoenix feather, ten and a half inches, quite useful in defense magic. And Fir wood and unicorn hair, 6 inches, powerful in charms.. Now go ahead and give them a wave.”
Everyone was watching in anticipation. But each time either of them took a wand, Mr. Ollivander would snatch them away. Clearly he saw something none of them saw.
The pile of tried wands was mounting higher and higher on the spindly chair, but the more wands Mr. Ollivander pulled from the shelves, the happier he seemed to become.
"Tricky customers, eh? Not to worry, we'll find the perfect match here somewhere -- I wonder, now - - yes, why not -- unusual combination –” he trailed off, before coming forward with two boxes.
He set one in front of Harry “12 3⁄4 inches long, ebony and dragon heartstring core, unyielding” he said and then turned the other box to Neville. “Holly and phoenix feather, eleven inches, nice and supple." he said, suddenly strangely serious.
Harry and Neville, looking at each other for confidence, took their wands at the same time. Suddenly something happened.
Warmth flooded their bodies, but while Harry and Neville both felt the sparks their wands released, Neville wand reacted the most, with rainbow and gold sparks shooting from the end like a firework, throwing dancing spots of light on to the walls.
Hagrid, Petunia, Vernon and Dudley all whooped and clapped and Mr. Ollivander cried, "Oh, bravo! Yes, indeed, oh, very good. Well, well, well... How curious... How very curious... "
He put Harry's wand back into its box and wrapped it in brown paper, still muttering, "Curious... curious..”
Curious?... The room suddenly felt extremely serious, With Petunia giving aan apologetic, yet pointed look towards Hagrid, who quickly stepped outside.
Whatever Mr.Ollivander was going to say, Petunia was sure it would remind her of why she hates that man.
Meanwhile, said man kept muttering “curious” over and over, even after Neville (Despite Harry’s protests) paid. Harry wanted to know. "Sorry," said Harry, after stealing a glance at his cousin and foster brother. "But what's curious?"
Mr. Ollivander fixed them with his pale stare. "I remember every wand I've ever sold, Mr. Potter. Every single wand. It so happens that the phoenix whose tail feather is in your wand” he said to Neville. “And the dragon heartstrong in yours” he said to Harry, before continuing “gave another of each -- just one other of each.” he said.
Then he turned to Harry. “Mr. Potter, it is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its sister tortured Mr. Longbottom’s parents.” he said.
Then quickly turned to Neville. “And you, Mr. Longbottom. It is very curious indeed that you should be destined for this wand when its brother, murdered Mr. Potter’s parents and gave him that scar.”
A sudden silence…
Then…
“What!” from both Dudley and Petunia. While Harry and Neville were staring at the others wands, frozen. But Dudley marched forward, grabbed the front of Mr. Ollivander’s shirt. “WHy YOU WRINKLY OLD GIT!!! I SWEAR THAT-” Dudley never got to finish his threat, because of two things:
1.Harry and Neville had run outside
2.His own mother was now yelling at Mr. Ollivander, with his dad trying to pull her back
Dudley runs after his cousin and foster cousin.
While Petunia is dragged out by Vernon… Honestly to tell the two children that… Now she remembers why she hated that man but not anymore.
Soon the day is over. Harry Neville and Duly each take turns saying goodbye to Hagrid. Something none of them are ready for.
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That night, everyone is sleeping, except for Petunia and Vernon.
Soon everything will change…..
Well… not everything.
The promise (and demand) for letters from Hedwig have already been placed.
The request to stay at Hogwarts during Christmas, with any new friends has already been approved.
The love that grew from day 1 will always be here, even if they are all apart.
Because that love is in their hearts
With that thought, the couple fall asleep, knowing that even if their boys are apart, 2 of them will be in an extraordinary world, the other in a bit more of a normal land.
But even then, the love in this family will never change.
The love in this family will never ever die.
Because Love…
Lives…
Forever!
-----------------------------
THE END