(Diagon Alley – Summer 1995)
Neville Longbottom was going shopping with his Gran. He had recently survived Voldemort resurrection after the task of the fourth year. Unluckily for Voldemort, he was immediately exposed when Dumbledore and some Aurors had come after him. Neville had managed to save Cedric and sent him back. He was looking around the Alley and saw something that he never thought that he would see. A Hufflepuff holding hands with a Slytherin. More specifically Harry Potter, who everyone thought of as a friendly fool that was friendly to mostly everyone, was holding hands with Astoria Greengrass.
“What has you so surprised?” asked Augusta Longbottom, Neville’s grandmother.
“Harry is holding hands with Astoria Greengrass.” Stated Neville
“I don’t see anything wrong with that.” Stated Augusta Longbottom
“He is a Hufflepuff, and she is a Slytherin.” Argued Neville
“This happens every few generations, the last major one was the Tonks I believe.” Stated Augusta as pops were heard in the alley and Death Eaters appeared including Voldemort himself as spells started to fly as everyone attempted to flee or fight back. Neville attempted to fight back as a spell came towards him but was swatted back.
“I will defeat you Longbottom.” Sneered Voldemort as he readied a spell, but Bellatrix Lestrange was knocked across the Alley at Voldemort’s feet. Neville felt a strong power and they both managed to turn, and it surprised him. Harry Potter was standing there with his wand in his hand, he could see the power in Harry’s green eyes. Beside Harry, was Astoria and she was cut with a spell.
“You hurt her.” Stated Harry coldly as he cast spells so fast at Voldemort that he had issues blocking them all, Neville took his chance and started to cast some spells of his own at Voldemort. Voldemort clearly was overwhelmed and after his wand arm was cut off, he managed to flee using a portkey.
“Are you okay, Astoria?” asked Harry as he kneeled next to her.
“I could use a Healer.” Stated Astoria as Harry turned to an Auror.
“I need a Healer here.” Stated Harry as the shocked Auror just nodded, as he cast a Patronus as Neville rushed over to Voldemort’s fallen arm, as Dumbledore came rushing over.
“I can as soon as I heard.” Stated Dumbledore as he noticed that Neville was staring at something.
“Dear merlin, Neville my boy did you do this?” asked Dumbledore shocked not expecting this when he showed up.
“It … It was Potter.” Whispered Neville as Dumbledore was again shocked and turned to Harry who was standing next to Astoria Greengrass who was receiving medical attention for a cut on her side.
“Mr. Potter? Did you do this?” asked Dumbledore as he approached them with Neville behind him.
“Do what?” asked Harry confused.
“Cut Voldemort’s arm off.” Asked Dumbledore as Harry stared behind them and saw the arm.
“I guess I did.” Admitted Harry with a shrug.
“How … How did you cast so fast?” asked Neville in awe, as Harry blinked.
“I don’t know.” Admitted Harry as he scratched his head in confusion.
“Surely you must have some idea?” asked Dumbledore
“Nope.” Stated Harry cheerfully as Dumbledore sighed.
“I want to be the first to congratulate you, for delivering such a crucial blow to you-know-who’s eventual fall.” Stated Dumbledore
“Huh?” asked Harry confused.
“He is saying thank you for cutting you-know-who’s arm off.” Explained Astoria
“But it was Voldemort’s?” asked Harry confused.
“That is who he means.” Stated Neville.
“Oh, it is no problem.” Stated Harry as he turned to Astoria.
“We should probably get back, before my parents hear about what happened.” Suggested Astoria
“Yeah, Mum is probably worried.” Stated Harry as he took Astoria’s hand as they walked away.
“Headmaster, how did this just happen?” asked Neville
“I believe we saw the power of love, Mr. Longbottom.” Stated Dumbledore.
(Longbottom Manor – a few days later)
Neville was sitting with his friends Ron and Hermione in his manor, the events in the Alley had made the papers.
“I heard that you cut off you-know-who’s arm, great job mate.” Stated Ron
“I was there but it wasn’t me.” Supplied Neville
“It was Dumbledore?” Guessed Hermione
“No, you will never guess who. I am still shocked that they managed to do it. Even Dumbledore was shocked.” Replied Neville
“Don’t keep us in suspense, who was it?” asked Ron
“Harry Potter.” Revealed Neville as Ron laughed.
“That is a good joke, mate.” Stated Ron
“I am not joking.” Defended Neville
“I have nothing against Potter, but he isn’t the best when it comes to Magic. How could he cut off Voldemort’s arm?” asked Hermione skeptically.
“He was in the Alley with Astoria Greengrass, and they were holding hands … “Started Neville
“A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin?” asked Ron shocked.
“My Gran says it happens at least one a generation. Anyway, I had just noticed it when the Death eaters attacked. I think that Lestrange had attacked Astoria and it set Harry off.” Revealed Neville
“What do you mean set off?” asked Hermione with a frown.
“I suddenly felt a powerful source of energy, and his eyes which were usually dull were flowing with power. He said, ‘you hurt her’ and started casting spells really fast. Voldemort had trouble keeping up and I started to cast as well. I saw Harry’s cutting curse hit Voldemort’s arm and it fell. Voldemort had to flee.” Explained Neville
“Whoa.” Stated Ron surprised.
“What did Harry say about it?” asked Hermione curiously.
“He said he didn’t know how he did it. Explained Neville
“I know who I am not messing with anymore.” Shuddered Ron
“Are you sure it was Harry? He doesn’t seem the type.” Argued Hermione
“Hermione, I know what I saw.” Defended Neville
“It is just highly unlikely.” Stated Hermione
“I know.” Stated Neville
(Hogwarts: Hallway - 1995)
Neville was walking down the hallway with Ron and Hermione at his side. They were heading down to the Dining Hall, when he saw Draco Malfoy and his two goons stopping Harry who was walking with Astoria.
“What do you think you are doing, Potter?” Sneered Draco as he aimed his wand at Harry while his two goons backed him up.
“Oh, hi Draco, I think that me and Astoria are going to dinner. Isn’t that, right?” asked Harry as he turned to Astoria.
“It is.” Stated Astoria with a smile.
“Greengrass is my witch, not yours Potter.” Declared Draco as Harry scratched his head in confusion before turning to Astoria again.
“You aren’t his, are you?” asked Harry confused.
“No, I am yours.” Stated Astoria with a smile as Harry smiled back before turning back to Draco.
“I think that you must be wrong, it is okay there are plenty of withes around here.” Stated Harry cheerfully as Draco made a mistake and, in his anger, cast a spell at Astoria which caused her to fall to the ground unconscious.
“You will regret that.” Stated Harry coldly as he had his wand in his arm in an instant.
“Bring it on, Potter. It is three on one.” Sneered Draco as Spells started to get exchanged.
“I believe you.” Whispered Hermione as she took in the display in front of her.
“I surrender.” Panted Draco as he was hanging upside down with his goons below him, in a heap in all less than a minutes.
“Astoria is mine, do you understand?” Demanded Harry
“Of course, I will not bother you again promise?” pleaded Draco as Harry let him fall on his goons, before quickly managing to stand with his two goons standing behind him.
“Leave.” Stated Harry as they ran off as fast as they could before Harry bent down and checked on Astoria as Professor McGonagall showed up.
“What is going on here?” demanded McGonagall
“Oh Hi, Professor. Draco cast a spell at Astoria, and I had to stop him.” Revealed Harry
“And where is Mr. Malfoy?” asked McGonagall with a raised eyebrow.
“Professor, Potter dueled him, and Malfoy managed to run away.” Stated Hermione as she stepped forward and McGonagall paled inside, remembering Dumbledore telling her what happened in the alley.
“Why don’t you get her to the infirmary?” Suggested McGonagall as Harry picked up Astoria bridal style before making his way to the Infirmary.
“Alright, everyone clear out.” Stated McGonagall as Hermione turned to Neville.
“How? How is he so strong yet so … empty headed?” asked Hermione
“I don’t know, even Voldemort is afraid of him.” Responded Neville
“What?” asked Ron shocked.
“Gran told overhead from Sirius who was talking to Harry’s mum that Voldemort has said that the Potters and the Greengrass’s are off limits.” Explained Neville
“But he cut off his arm.” Argued Hermione
“I know. That Harry’s is scary, I just wish that I don’t have to face him, ever.” Stated Neville as he shivered.
“I agree with you.” Stated Ron
(Potter Manor – 1996)
Neville Longbottom was inside Potter manor, with Ron and Hermione. Sirius had asked him to come over, apparently Voldemort did want revenge on Harry for losing his arm and managed to steal Astoria Greengrass. Harry was obviously very angry at this course of events and was going to go out and search for her, alone. Currently, Harry was pacing around the manor.
“Have they found her?” demanded Harry
“They would have messaged.” Stated Ron as he put his foot in mouth, as Harry turned on him.
“Maybe you should let me be out there, instead of being useless here.” Snapped Harry
“That is what he wants you to do.” Tried Hermione
“Then let me do it, I took his arm off last time. Maybe this time I will take his leg.” Sneered Harry
“You don’t even know where they are.” Said Neville
“Please isn’t it obvious of where they are keeping her.” Stated Harry
“They why didn’t you say something sooner?” Demanded Hermione
“Because I am rescuing her, not anyone else.” Retorted Harry
“Why?” Demanded Neville
“Apparently they didn’t learn their lesson last time.” Explained Harry angrily
“I have to ask, why do you act so … empty-headed?” asked Hermione
“Act? You think that I act like that? That is me.” Retorted Harry angrily
“Then what is this?” Argued Hermione
“Someone that I care about is danger, what do you expect me to do?” Demanded Harry as Hermione had no response.
“I had enough of this, I am going right now. Either get out of my way or come with me. I don’t care which.” Declared Harry as he readied his wand.
“We can’t let you.” Stated Neville as he readied his own wand, with Hermione and Ron grasping their own wands.
“I gave you the choice, Longbottom.” Stated Harry as stunning spells were sent at the trio before they could blink.
Neville saw that the stunning spell had been cancelled and managed to see Sirius standing over him.
“What happened?” asked Sirius
“It was Harry, he wanted to go out and search for Astoria. Said he knew where they were keeping her, we tried to stop him, but he stunned us.” Explained Neville
“Did he say where?” asked Lily, Harry’s mother.
“No, he was pretty upset. Like that time in the Alley.” Stated Neville as Sirius turned to Lily.
“Not again.” Stated Lily as she shakes her head.
“I should have thought that he would react like that, how did James ever manage.” Stated Sirius
“I think that it more severe in Harry than James.” Said Lily
“There is a reason for Harry acting like this?” asked Hermione as Sirius and Lily turned to each other, having a silent conversation.
“I assume you know about Family magics; well, the Potter technically have two. The second belonged to a powerful family, the magic is hard to control sometimes and is dangerous to use all the time. I guess that Harry calls on it when someone is in trouble.” Explained Lily
“So, if he could control it, he could use it all the time?” asked Neville
“It is very difficult to gain that level of control. My late husband James tried but couldn’t do it. I am glad that he only uses it sparingly.” Admitted Lily as a Patronus came running into the room before stopping before Sirius so only that he could hear it.
“Dear merlin.” Whispered Sirius
“What? Is Harry, okay?” asked Lily concerned.
“Yeah, he is at St. Mugos with Astoria. Wherever they were holding her, wasn’t so lucky.” Admitted Sirius
“What did he do?” asked Neville
“Knowing Harry in that state, it could be anything.” Stated Lily
(12 Grindelwald Place – next day)
“Where were the death eaters keeping Astoria?” asked Neville as he was waiting in Sirius’s house the next day as the Order dealt with the fallout of Harry’s rescue mission.
“Malfoy Manor, I hear that it is a ruin now.” Explained Sirius
“He burned it down?” asked Neville in shock.
“Yes, he did. And that wasn’t all, he also subdued most of the death eaters inner circle who were there for a meeting.” Explained Sirius
“How did he do that?” asked Neville surprised.
“He wouldn’t say, he hadn’t left Astoria’s side the entire time.” Admitted Sirius
“At least at this rate, the war is almost over.” Admitted Neville
“Hopefully.” Stated Sirius
(Hogwarts: Main Hall – three months later)
The war wasn’t over, while most of Voldemort’s followers that Harry had subdued at his attack on Malfoy Manor were executed, Voldemort had more followers and decided he was going to take control of Hogwarts. The defenders were currently in the main hall, preparing for the Death Eater’s attack. In one of the corners, Lily was having a heated conversation with Harry which Neville noticed.
“That doesn’t look good.” Admitted Neville as he stood near Hermione and Ron.
“You don’t think that you-know-who did something to Astoria again?” asked Hermione
“We could use it, what we could.” Stated Ron as the others shot him looks.
“Maybe I should see what is going on.” Stated Neville as he walked over to where Harry was standing.
“Why would she do that?” Demanded Harry
“Maybe it wasn’t her choice.” Stated Lily sadly.
“You think that she would do that, voluntarily?” Hissed Harry
“You know that I didn’t mean that, Harry.” Stated Lily
“Is everything okay?” Interrupted Neville as they both turned to face him, Neville could see that Harry was even angrily than he ever saw him.
“Someone gave Astoria to Voldemort; it is someone here and when I find them.” Stated Harry coldly
“I am sure that no one here would do that, Harry.” Tried Neville
“Don’t lie to me.” Hissed Harry as Dumbledore walked over.
“Mr. Longbottom had nothing to do with it.” Said Dumbledore
“Then who did?” demanded Harry
“I am truly sorry, but I had Snape give her to Voldemort.” Explained Dumbledore as Lily gasped, and Harry aimed his wand at Dumbledore.
“How could you?” asked Lily in horror.
“It was my only choice. Both of you are the children of destiny, I had to make sure that Voldemort was defeated.” Stated Dumbledore.
“If anything happens to her, then I will get my vengeance I promise you that.” Vowed Harry angrily.
“It is for the greater good.” Replied Dumbledore
“So is me destroying you if she is hurt or dead.” Snarked Harry
Voldemort had sent out a message, he would fight Neville and Harry alone then attack Hogwarts. They knew that it was a trap, so the defenders readied while Neville and Harry went to confront Voldemort in the Forbidden Forest. They had finally their way to the Forbidden Forest where Voldemort was waiting. As they approached, the death eaters let them pass.
“Where is Astoria?” Demanded Harry as he aimed his wand at Voldemort who laughed as Neville felt some wards come up as the Death eaters surrounded them.
“Nice of you to join us Potter, Longbottom. You see that you both will not be leaving here.” Declared Voldemort.
“What are you talking about?” asked Neville as he too aimed his wand at Voldemort.
“My plan was never to attack Hogwarts; it was to neutralize the both of you. The two threats to my reign. I took extra precautions so neither of you are leaving. You might be able to take me, Potter but not my entire army of Death Eaters.” Monologued Voldemort.
“Where is Astoria?” Demanded Harry again.
“I gave her to some loyal followers to look after, I hear that Draco Malfoy wants her. Not that it will matter to you soon.” Sneered Voldemort.
“You were lucky that you weren’t at Malfoy Manor when I burned it to the ground, I would have taken your other arm or maybe a leg.” Stated Harry as Neville wondered what he was doing.
“I am above death.” Replied Voldemort.
“Yet, he took your arm.” Inputted Neville.
“Something that shall not be repeated.” Said Voldemort smoothly as he aimed his wand at Neville as they started to exchange spells with some death eaters also casting spells as Neville was hit with the Killing Curse by Voldemort and fell to the ground as the spells stopped, as Harry’s wand fell to the ground as Voldemort made it come to him.
“I already killed Longbottom; you might be more powerful, but I am stronger.” Sneered Voldemort as Harry raised his hands.
“I just find it funny; your name means flight from death. Clearly you fear death.” Stated Harry as Harry very carefully moved his hands, out of view, and luckily there were no death eaters behind him.
“I am above death.” Declared Voldemort
“You are not.” Stated Harry as Voldemort narrowed his eyes.
“It doesn’t matter what you think, Potter. Your wand is mine, and you are surrounded.” Stated Voldemort as Harry laughed with Voldemort narrowing his eyes at this.
“Why are you laughing?” demanded Voldemort.
“Because.” Stated Harry as he reached further down his back.
“Because?” asked Voldemort
“Because death will always have it due.” Revealed Harry as a wand was revealed and he started casting spells at an alarming rate including fiendfyre which caused most of the Death Eaters to retreat as Voldemort cast the killing curse which Harry returned, and it turned into a battle of wills as the fiendfyre went ravaging around the forest.
“You will not win, Potter.” Sneered Voldemort as he attempted to put more power into the spell.
“Death will always have its due.” Declared Harry as he put even more power into the spell, as it rapidly was overtaking the power of Voldemort spell, before exploding Voldemort’s wand killing him.
“Good riddance.” Stated Harry as cast a cutting curse at Nagini, killing her. Before kneeling down and checking on Neville.
“It is safe.” Stated Harry as Neville stood and was shocked at what he saw.
“He is gone?” asked Neville
“I think so.” Stated Harry as approached a dying death eaters and ripped off their mask, revealing Lucius Malfoy.
“Where is Astoria?” demanded Harry
“Why would I tell you?” Stated Lucius as he was hit with a spell, and he gritted out in pain.
“Fine, the ruins of Malfoy Manor.” Shared Lucius as Harry knocked him out.
“You are going after her, aren’t you?” Guessed Neville
“I am.” Stated Harry as he walked away.
Lily was pacing around the Hogwarts main hall, Neville had returned and told them what happened. He was currently being treated by some healers. She was worried about Harry when she saw him walk carrying Astoria in his arms. Thankfully, neither looked that worse for wear.
“Is she alright?” asked Daphne, Astoria’s sister as she approached Astoria along with Lily and Sirius.
“Yes, just come cuts. They are lucky that it wasn’t worse.” Stated Harry
“Let me take her to a healer.” Offered Sirius as Harry nodded before passing Astoria to Sirius.
“How did you-know-who get her?” asked Daphne
“Dumbledore had Snape give her to Voldemort.” Revealed Lily as gasps were heard.
“That is a lie.” Stated McGonagall.
“Why would I lie? He admitted to me, Harry, and Neville. He needed Harry to fight with Neville and was willing to waste an innocent life to get his way.” Stated Lily angrily
“It is true.” Declared Neville from the doorway.
“It was for the greater good.” Defended Dumbledore as Lily approached him with her wand drawn.
“You led my son, his girlfriend, and Neville to what could be their death? So, you didn’t have to get your hands dirty?” Demanded Lily.
“You know that there is a prophecy.” Said Dumbledore
“From Trelawney, who is no doubt a fraud. And if it was true, it said that neither could live without the other. So why couldn’t you capture him and let either of them do the killing blow or throw him through the veil.” Demanded Lily
“I … I didn’t think of that.” Admitted Dumbledore
“Of course, you didn’t. You wanted them to be Martyrs but guess what? They aren’t and everyone will know what you were willing to do. I will make sure that everyone knows this.” Said Lily as she stormed off.
(Hogwarts: Infirmary)
Astoria Greengrass woke up to see that she was inside the Hogwarts Infirmary, the last thing that she remembered was being in the ruins of Malfoy Manor, as the prisoners of Draco Malfoy. She saw Harry sitting next to her, with a couple of bandages on him. He must have noticed that she was awake because he turned to her.
“Astoria.” Stated Harry happily
“Did your rescue me again?” asked Astoria
“I did, after the battle.” Revealed Harry as Lily and Daphne walked in.
“Lady Potter, Daphne.” Greeted Astoria
“Tori, I am glad you are alright.” Said Daphne
“Is it over? Who kidnapped me?” asked Astoria hopefully.
“Yes, it is.” Stated Daphne
“And it was Dumbledore had Snape hand you over to Voldemort.” Revealed Lily as Astoria gasped.
“Why?” asked Astoria
“He wanted me to fight.” Stated Harry
“Dumbledore wanted Neville and Harry to go fight Voldemort.” Explained Lily
“And you beat him?” asked Astoria
“I did.” Said Harry cheerfully
“Come close.” Said Astoria as Harry came closer as Lily raised her eyebrows, as Astoria kissed him on the lips as Harry returned it.
“What … What was that for?” asked Harry confused as they broke apart.
“A Maiden’s kiss, for defeating evil.” Explained Astoria as Lily smiled.