… - ...

Chapter Thirty-seven

Lasting Images

Sunday June 22 1998

"A Knut for your thoughts Hermione; you seem to be ruminating on something," remarked Emma as she sat at the breakfast table in their home in Crawley.

Hermione was startled. "Sorry mum, my mind was elsewhere. I have an idea about something but I'm not sure what to do. I don't know how it would be received."

"What is it?"

"It's about Neville's parents, Frank and Alice. They've been in a near catatonic state for fifteen years. We were at Elf Land and Luna said something a month or so ago that I haven't been able to put out of my mind. Neville had asked how some trees were moved and she told him, The elves asked them to move, silly. Then Harry mentioned that they have the gift of being able to speak to anyone or anything. I had the idea that maybe the elves could talk with Frank and Alice. Then we'd know if they were still in there."

Emma stared at her daughter for nearly a minute, pondering her words. "Perhaps we should talk to Healer Crabtree and Healer Windsong. Maybe they can shed some light on their condition. Better yet, let's talk to Neville and his grandmother and suggest they take Frank and Alice to Elf Land. The magic is strong there, perhaps that will help them also."

"Winky," asked Emma.

A moment later, the remarkable magical being appeared and asked, "Yes Emma, what can Winky do for you?"

"Do you think we can bring Harry's friend Neville's parents to Elf Land to see if any of the elves can communicate with them?"

"Is Neville Ms. Moonbeams betrothed?"

"Yes."

"Winky will ask." She paused for a moment. "Other elves say bring them and we will try for Moonbeam's Neville. I will make arrangements with other elves."

"Hermione, you and Harry should go and talk to Neville soon."

… - ...

A few hours later, Harry arrived at the wand shop and immediately went into the back room looking for Dobby who was cutting blocks of Oak.

"Hi Little D. would you do me a favor?"

Dobby looked up and smiled saying, "You know I'll do anything for the Great Mr. Harry Potter Sir," with a big smirk.

Harry laughed. "Can you take these letters to Luna and Neville? Please wait for a reply."

Dobby immediately popped away and returned ten minutes later.

"Harry, both Neville and Ms. Luna will be here at 6:00 pm."

Promptly at six, the two teens arrived and Redeye let them into the shop. Harry greeted them, "Hi guys. I'll be just a minute and then we are going to the Grangers for dinner. We have something we want to talk with you about." Harry told Sharpeye and Redeye that they were closing for the day and locked up. He grabbed Neville by the arm and Hermione took Luna and they activated their portkeys home.

After dinner was finished Emma served coffee and biscuits.

"Thank you for coming to dinner," said Hermione. "Luna, last time when we visited Elf Land, you said something that I haven't been able to able to stop thinking about. It was mentioned that the Elves can talk to anyone. Neville, I was wondering if you'd take a chance and bring your mother and father to Elf Land and see if they can communicate with them?"

While Luna watched and silently contemplated Hermione's idea, Neville sighed and sat back. He looked first at Luna and then at Harry. He hated getting his hopes up but was desperate to talk with them rather than to them, even if it was just once. "Hermione, do you really think this will work?"

She replied, "I'm not sure, but it's worth a try. If it doesn't, then no harm done, if it does, perhaps you can talk to your parents through one of the elves."

Winky popped in then. "Neville should try. Time is short, have to do soon."

Neville smiled at Luna. "Harry told me that I should pay attention to smart women when they tell me to do something. I'm willing to try. I'll talk to my Gran. I think she would like to be there."

Hermione looked thoughtfully at Harry.

… - …

Tuesday June 24

Two days later Harry, Hermione and Emma port keyed Luna and the Longbottoms to Elf Land.

Frank and Alice were led to a bench under one of the large Vinewood trees. Emma and Augusta sat on a bench a few feet away from Frank and Alice. Many of the elfling's squealed with pleasure when they spied Emma in the group and gathered around them. Some sat up in the tree branches and others arrayed around the group on the grass. Little Hollyden and Oaken climbed unto Emma's lap with contented sighs. Another elfling climbed up on Augusta's lap and started sucking her thumb. Augusta had a look of amazement on her face.

As other elves gathered around, Winky, Knobby and an elder Elf named Sandy came over and sat between Frank and Alice. Sandy took hold of each of their hands. After almost thirty minutes, Sandy spoke.

"Alice and Frank say they love you, Neville. They told me that they could understand you when you visited and talked. You've grown into a fine young man. They adore Luna and wish you both happiness and many grandbabies."

Both Luna and Neville blushed.

"Frank asks if he could have a pint? He told me, It's been too many years. Alice says she ached to talk to you when you came to visit but couldn't. They asked me to say thank you, mum for taking care of Neville."

"Augusta, they told me after they were attacked by the Lestranges and put into the hospital, Severus Snape visited them in their room and gave them a dose of Draught of Living Death that he modified some way."

Neville screamed in rage while Luna held onto him, comforting him. Sandy dropped their hands and slowly rose to her feet. She looked very fatigued, and Dobby held her arm to steady her. She announced, "I'm sorry but they have serious problems. They are slowly dying. Over the years, their minds seriously atrophied. I don't think they have much time left."

Augusta thought, "I need to see Amanda Crabtree as soon as possible."

… - …

Wednesday June 25

Head healer Amada Crabtree led the group into a conference room on the floor of the Janice Thickey Ward. "Please take a seat everyone." Waiting a moment for everyone to sit down she began, "Augusta and Neville, I have the results of the tests. They confirm that Frank and Alice received a Draught of Living Death. It wasn't the typical potion; it was diluted and had a double masking agent. It's how it remained hidden. I've administered the antidote, but Frank and Alice have too much damage already. They are not much improved and still can't talk."

"What can we can do to help them?" asked Luna. She clearly understood her future In-law's situation and desperately hoped to help her love.

Amanda continued, "Well, we have a difference of opinion." Nodding at Emma, she said, "At the request of Emma Granger, I've asked Senior Healers Windsong and Maysong, both respected and experienced healers from the Goblin Nation to consult, as well as Poppy Pomfrey of Hogwarts. I've also spoken with Potion Master Horace Slughorn for his opinion.

"I believe that they each could be given a massive dose of wit sharpening potion. This would be given at bedtime, about 9:00 pm. Frank and Alice would wake up essentially normal – but for about one day. The result is that it will accelerate their decline. They probably would die in their sleep that next night." They were exactly the words that Neville wanted to hear but there were other opinions to be heard.

"I am Senior Healer Windsong. I don't think this is a wise course of action. I believe that they would need to be given a near lethal dose of the potion to produce the response that Healer Crabtree described and more than likely, it would instantly kill them, or at the best would in a few minutes. I realize those are not the words that you wish to hear." The gleam in Neville's eye barely flickered at her words. He looked to the next healer.

"I am Healer Maysong and take the position that they might have a bit longer. I think it will work and they may get a day and half. I agree that the dose must be very large, perhaps ten times the usual. I know it is a risk, but I think it's a reasonable one. Given that the alternative of doing nothing will likely result in their deaths in another month."

"Poppy, what do you think?" asked Augusta.

"I'm not sure. I watched Frank and Alice grow up in Hogwarts. I've no experience in this situation; there are simply no case studies to consult with. We've only educated guesses to offer you. Personally, I agree with Maysong. If you do nothing, it seems the progression will take their lives in a month or two, so why not take the chance? Their current quality of life is nil."

Amada Crabtree spoke up again: "Based on my experience, I believe that they'd have a completely lucid day then succumb within 24 hours, more or less. Take a few days and discuss it with your family and let me know."

Windsong was deep in thought regarding the optimal dosage based on their age, weight and exceedingly poor condition. There would be a very narrow margin between the dose being ineffective and it instantly killing the patients that just might work. Their family would have to realize that they were signing the couple's death warrants. They had no way of knowing in advance if they would be lucid for an hour or a day. Anyone stating differently was simply providing optimistic platitudes.

… - ...

A few hours later, Harry stumbled out of the floo, still upright but not perfect. Cleaning the ash off himself with a wave of his wand, he wondered if he'd ever get the hang of floo travel.

"Hello Harry. Welcome to Longbottom Hall," greeted Neville as he grasped Harry's hand. "Please come into my study."

"Wow, Nev, this is nice. I've never been in this part of your home." commented Harry as he walked through the double entry door and looked around. The wall with the entry doors had floor to ceiling glass door bookcases. The wall to his left had a large fireplace with an ornately carved marble surround and mantel. A large painting of Frank and Alice was centered over it. The far wall had two large windows overlooking well-manicured Victorian styled gardens. The right-hand side was open floor to ceiling bookcases. In front stood a large mahogany desk with carved acanthus leaves on each corner post. A maroon-colored leather couch fronted the desk. Two matching leather chairs flanked the couch. A beautiful Persian rug in blues, greens, and reds, covered much of the floor.

"Thanks, Harry. My mum decorated this for dad just after they were married. I've grown to treasure it."

"Is your parents painting a magical one?"

Neville admitted, "I don't know. Magical paintings don't wake up until the person passes. But I have no way of knowing if mum and dad pushed their magic into it. Would you like some tea?"

"Sure."

Once tea was served Harry looked at Neville expectantly. Longbottom stood and began to pace back and forth.

Harry laughed. "Nev, it's usually me who wears a grove in the floor from pacing. What's on your mind? Just spit it out."

Neville grinned and sat down. "Harry, you're the only one I know who may be able to help me. I need your perspective on something personal to both of us. We're almost in the same position, and I want your opinion on what to do with my mum and dad. Your parents died and you never had a chance to grow up with them. You don't know them at all. Mine were catatonic. I saw them but there was nothing. It's been 15 years Harry. The healers say there's a chance by grossly over-potioning them to have them back to normal for perhaps a day or so, but some think it will just kill them without waking up. Most of them say that their time is very short. My Gran said maybe we should take them back to the elves and ask them what they want. I don't know what to do. What do you think? Do we have the right to speed up the timer of their deaths in the slim hope of having one perfect day with them?"

Harry sat back and pondered for a moment. Hermione was usually the final say when it came to a moral rudder. He then asked, "What does your Gran think?"

"Gran told me it was my decision. She thinks since I'm their son it should be up to me. She wants to try though."

"Look Nev, I've said more than a few times I'd give up everything to have my parents back; even for just a day. I have a few old pictures; some stories from different people and two memories that Dementors dragged up when they were near. I've got just an vague impression of what they were. You're in the same boat, except you have your parents and your view is of two sick people in a hospital ward.

"Would you give anything to have a perfect day with them; or even a half-day? You could spend time with them, to talk, to see what makes them tick. Wouldn't you love to know if your mom and dad have a sense of humor? What were their dreams for you? I believe that if I was in your situation, I'd try it.

"Listen, no matter what, their time is short, according to the healers. Winky told you there isn't much time also. I've learned to listen very closely to what she tells me. You could get married that day and have them be at your wedding and have Colin take a thousand happy pictures that you could show to your grandchildren some day. What could be better?"

Eyes dazzling from the thought of the image that his best friend had painted, Neville replied, "Are you sure?" as he nervously ran his hands through his hair.

"Listen Nev, if you give them the potion and it doesn't work, then it's the same as before. You don't really have your parents now the way they are. You don't want your last pictures and memories of them completely overshadowed by their hospital beds. If you try this and they die, you'd be able to look anyone in the face and state that you tried everything that there was to try and move on. I've never been able to grieve. I'll always wonder what my parents were like."

Harry paused and they looked at each other, sipping their tea.

"Nev, if you do nothing, things are the same, no harm done. But if it does work, you could have about the best day of your life. You'd get to know them. You could dance with your mum at your wedding. I see it as a no-lose option. Take them back to Elf Land and see if they want to try. I would if I had the chance."

"Luna and Gran told me to take them back too."

"Nev, I think you need to try. Otherwise, I think you will eventually regret it. This seems to me to be a one-time chance. Hermione and I saw an old movie last month, "Casablanca." This guy Rick said, "You'll regret it. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but soon and for the rest of your life." Harry paused a moment for Neville to think. "Don't let this chance slip away, Nev. Grab it and run."

"Thanks, Harry. We've had to grow up too fast. Your friendship means a lot to me, to be able to talk to someone as equals. I have one last thing to run by you. If we do this, Luna and I have decided to move up the wedding, like you mentioned to perhaps try and do it with my parents if this works. Either way, will you stand with me on the alter? If Dad wakes up, then I'd have him there too, but I want you there."

"Of course, I will. You can also have the wedding feast on my property on the beach. Just give me the specifics and I'll arrange the food and drinks."

… - ...

Thursday June 26

Hermione squealed: "Luna and Neville set a date! They're getting married in just over two weeks."

"Yes, I heard. Neville asked me to stand with him. He asked Nobby if they could get married on Elf Land and he said yes. I also told them they could have the wedding feast on the meadow behind the beach houses. I didn't know they decided to wait two weeks."

Hermione looked a little cross eyed at Harry. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Harry deflected, "Have you talked to Luna yet?"

"Only for a minute."

"Well, I think you should."

"That's not an answer, Harry!"

"I don't really have a good excuse. Until they made a decision, it wasn't my secret to share."

"Harry!"

"Well look at the time, We'd better get to the shop."

Hermione stood there with her hands on her hips pouting. "Don't you think you will avoid this conversation, Harry Potter."

With a smile Harry activated his portkey and disappeared.

"Smart man that Harry," observed Dan as he turned the page of the Quibbler.

"Daaad!"

"Oh, look at this Emma, the Quibbler is reporting a Snorkack sighting in of all places, Dorset."

Hermione stomped out of the kitchen.

"You really shouldn't wind her up, Dan," remarked Emma before she started to laugh.

… - ...

Saturday July 12

"Master Neville should sit and have breakfast. It's too early to go to Hospital; Senior Healer won't be there for another three hours," said Jasper, the Longbottom Family Elf. "You were there late last night. She told you not to go there before seven."

"No Jasper, I'm too wound up to eat anything. I'm going to go and sit with Mom and Dad. How about packing me a picnic basket to take with me. Have enough for me to share with mom and dad and Gran. Oh, and put a pint in there also. The can of brown lager Gran told me he likes."

"I will pack you the basket, but Jasper does not think a pint of brown lager is a breakfast beverage." A minute later, the stern elf said, "Master Neville, here is your basket and don't forget the garment bag with the suit for Master Frank."

… - ...

At 8:30, Healer Crabtree swished her wand to check on the Longbottoms. "It won't be long now till they wake."

"Why is it taking so long? You said they'd both be awake an hour ago. Shouldn't they be awake by now?" asked Neville."

Healer Crabtree was waving her wand and watching data appearing above the prone form of Alice Longbottom.

"Her vital signs are all over the place but are starting to stabilize."

A few minutes passed. "OH NO! she's crashing! Don't leave us now, Alice," shouted the healer as she spelled a variant of the pepper up potion into her patient's stomach.

Neville cried, "What's happening?"

Alice laid still for a few seconds and then with a great heave of her lungs, she gasped for breath.

"She's breathing!"

Alice opened her eyes and abruptly sat up. She looked widely around and spied Neville standing to the side of Healer Crabtree.

"Neville, oh my handsome boy. Come here and give your mum a hug."

"Mum, you know me?"

"Of course I do, Neville."

"Alice? Mum? Neville? I can't see. Is anyone there?"

"Just a moment Frank, I've got you," said Healer Crabtree. "Let me clean your eyes, they're crusted shut."

"Neville, I'm thirsty," rasped Frank. "Did you bring my pint?" asked Frank with a grin. "Come here, son and let me hug you."

Neville choked up as he hugged his father.

"Oh, and Luna, come here also," said Alice, smiling. You and Neville make such a nice couple."

Luna mentioned, "We want to get married today, with you and Frank there."

"Then Luna, you and I need to go get dresses, don't we?" Winking at Luna, she added. "Assuming you don't have one yet?"

"I'd love that, Mrs. Long…"

"Hold it right there, no Mrs. Longbottom baloney for you. Call me mum, or Alice."

Luna burst into tears and hugged Alice.

"And you need to call me Gran, like Neville," added Augusta.

Frank pulled slightly back from Neville. Looking his son in the eyes he said: "What do you say we go and get ourselves some dress robes for the wedding, then grab a lunch in a Pub with the ladies, and then you can show Mother and I Longbottom Acres you've told us so much about?"

"I'd love to, Dad." The name sounded perfect to him. He silently thanked Harry a hundred times for his recommendation.

… - ...

A moment later, Harry walked in and said, "Hi folks, I'm not interrupting am I?"

"James?"

"No, I'm just Harry, Mr. Longbottom!"

Neville snorted, "Just Harry."

"Harry? You're Alice's Godson, James' and Lily's boy. Come over here and give me a hug," ordered Frank.

"Not that I'm not happy to see you, Harry, but what brings you here?" asked Neville.

"Well, I had high hopes for your parents Nev and was very confident they'd wake up, so I made wands for Frank and Alice." Harry thought of Winky handing him the oak and beech blanks the previous day. He had no doubt that they'd work well for Frank and Alice.

Alice with a little help from Luna walked up to Harry and started to cry as she hugged him. "Oh Harry, I so wished you and Neville could have grown up together."

After a minute, Harry managed to clear the lump in his throat. "Let's get you fitted with a wand. You'll need one for your day ahead. Try this one Alice; its beech."

Alice took and gave a wave and bright golden sparks flew out the end. "Feels good to have a wand in my hand, Harry. Thank you," said Alice as she hugged him again.

Harry thought she hugged a bit like Emma Granger. Is that what a real mom's hug felt like?

"Here Frank, try this one. This is oak and is 14 inches." Frank gasped as the warmth flowed up his arm when he touched it. He gave it a flick and swish and produced three bouquets of flowers which he levitated over to Alice, Luna and his mother. "Oh, this will do brilliantly. Where did you get these, Harry?"

"I'm a wandcrafter and I made them."

Frank and Alice were gob smacked.

"Wicked Harry!"

… - ...

An hour later, Luna asked, "Where are we, Alice?"

"Luna this is Genevieve's Bridal Couture. They have off the rack and bespoke dresses. It's where I got my wedding dress."

"You didn't have dress robes?"

"Nope, they're way too stuffy for me. I shocked everyone. I thought Augusta had sucked on a lemon; her face was so puckered when she saw me! I couldn't help but laugh at all the pureblood stuffiness. I'm a pure blood also but I just never bought into the bigotry. Now for a dress for you. We'll find you something off the rack that you like, and I'll wave my new wand and make it fit perfectly for you."

Luna admitted, "I never went shopping for clothes with my mother before she died."

Alice drew her into a hug. "I'm happy that we can spend time together and do this. I never had the chance with my mum either. So, tell me how you and Neville got together." Smirking she asked, "Is he a good kisser?" Alice burst out laughing as Luna blushed beet red and started to giggle.

"Good enough. He'll need a lot more practice and I intend to give it to him."

"Have you talked about having babies?"

"I want at least two, you know the old saw," said Luna as she turned her nose in the air and said with a deep voice: "An Heir and a Spare," but Neville gets nervous when I bring up the subject. I think he'll do whatever I want in that regard. Maybe we should have four, like the elves."

Alice burst out laughing. "I really like you, Luna. You and Nev seem so good together. He seems so confident when he's with you. I've really appreciated you accompanying Nev when he visited us at St. Mungo's this past year. I didn't know how to answer back."

"How about this dress, Alice?"

"Don't you think the bust line is a little, too plunging and oh... risqué?"

"At least I'd get Neville's undivided attention," giggled Luna, setting that one aside as they kept looking.

After a few minutes, carefully examining each one, Alice asked, "How about this one?"

The beautiful blonde teen burst into a smile. "It's perfect! I love it. Are you sure you can alter it?"

"Positive. Let's go have lunch with the boys and you can tell Frank and I all about yourself and Bright Moon."

"Well, until I met Harry, Hermione and then Neville, I had no friends and now I have over 2,300!"

… - ...

Neville asked, "How do you know about this place Dad?"

Frank started laughing. "The Screaming Hag. This was my favorite pub when I was an Auror. It's muggle, and the story I heard from the original owner, depending on his mood that day, was it was either named after his mother-in-law, or his wife, or both! He ran the Pub to get away from them. Several of my mates in the Auror department would come here with me after duty hours and have a pint or two. What do you want to drink?"

"I'll have a Brown Ale."

"Ah, a man after me own heart. Waitress, please give us two pints of Brown Ale and some chips. Extra crispy please."

"Did you always want to be an Auror, Dad?"

Frank nodded and replied, "Oh yea. No way was I interested in being a gentlemen farmer, just running Longbottom investments. I hired Gringotts to do that. I wanted to be a dark wizard hunter, or at least a hit wizard. So, after I got my N.E.W.T.S I took the test, got into the academy, was trained by Alastor Moody and saw a lot of action." Neville was soaking up every word. He'd literally waited his entire life to have this conversation.

Frank added, "I understand you have a bit of green thumb. You really take after your mom. She loves her plants, even though she was an Auror like I was. We both felt we had to stand up for what was right. Too much war." They looked at each other and Neville saw the sad truth in his dad's eyes.

"So, Dad, how did you meet mom and what was your first date like?"

"Well, we were in the same house and in fourth year we started to look at each other. Fifth year I got up the courage to ask her to Hogsmeade. The first date was a bloody disaster! Her girl friends followed us around to chaperon. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore and started sending stinging hexes to them to leave us alone. Alice was a bit upset and stormed off, but then she laughed about it the next day. It was quite the prank by her friends." Neville drank in the image of his parents as rambunctious teenagers.

Frank asked, "What about you and Luna?"

"Well, I'm friends with Harry and Hermione and she's friends with Luna. Being around her, I thought she was pretty special. I started spending time with her and I took her to the greenhouses to see my plant projects, then I asked her to Hogsmeade and that's that."

Frank raised his left eyebrow. "Plant projects? Is that what they call it today? She has a unique personality. She reminds me of her mother. I knew Pandora. We actually went on one date. Your Luna definitely takes after her mother. Not many as smart as that witch. Only one as smart was Harry's mom."

"Do you like your wand, Dad?"

"It's great, feels even better than my old one. What ever happened to it?"

"Well Gran had me use it, but I think you burned it out fighting the Lestrange's. I could never get much out of it. Then we had the Great Wandout."

"I broke it fighting that bitch, Lestrange. I'm surprised you could even get a spark out of it. The last thing I tried was to stab her with it. What's the Wandout?"

Neville talked about his fourth year for a few minutes while Frank listened with rapt attention. Finally Neville added, "Well, the last night of the Tri-Wizard tourney, Harry got to the Trophy cup first. He was whisked away. It turned out to be a portkey. After a while, all the wands suddenly were ripped away from everyone. They all disappeared, or suddenly combusted in the air. There've been loads of speculation as to what happened. I don't know for sure, but I suspect Harry had something to do with it. Luna told me that Harry was in a titanic contest of wills with Voldemort. Harry won; Voldemort lost. Somehow all the wands were destroyed as well as everyone who bore the Dark Mark. All the Death Eaters died that night. I asked Harry one night what happened, and he told me he'd tell me what happened someday, but today was not that day. Harry made me a wand when he went off to wand school. It's a terrific fit." Frank nodded, soaking in the conversation that he'd wanted to have for the last fifteen years.

"Dad, how did the Lestrange's find the manor?"

"I have to assume Snape stole the information from Dumbledore. We gave him the address on a piece of paper. He was supposed to have destroyed it. It's the only way I can think of how it happened. Then Snape came and drugged us in the hospital. I'd kill the bastard if he was alive. I think I'd kill Dumbledore for what his mistake cost our family. Straight out of the academy, I caught Snape cursing a muggle one night. I should have cut his hands off for what he did. Dumbledore insisted that he was simply a troubled teen who deserved another chance. Well, water under the bridge, Neville."

Waiting until his dad was having a sip, Neville mentioned, "I heard that Harry's godfather Sirius Black pissed all over Dumbledore's portrait and then set it on fire."

"Frank snorted. "Couldn't have happened to a nicer guy." They laughed together at the image. Frank hoped that Black had finished five pints before he started.

"What's your favorite food, Dad?"

"Well done, crispy fish and chips; yours?"

Neville, blushed. A waffle, egg and sausage sandwich for breakfast. What was it like growing up with Gran?"

"Too strict."

Neville laughed. "Understatement of the year, Dad."

"Thank god for my father. He was very easy going. Mum was always saying I took after my father and he was way too easy on me, especially when I got in trouble."

"Trouble?"

"Your Gran doesn't know but I hated that vulture hat. I used to mess it up in subtle ways. I'd charm it to change colors once she was out in the sunlight, have one eye blink periodically. Harry's father helped me with one charm. It made a burping sound. She never caught me. I was always careful to do it when we had company; especially James and Lily." They laughed so hard, Neville's side ached.

Just then Alice, Luna and Augusta came into the pub, Frank and Neville looked at each other and broke out in laughter as they saw Augusta's hat.

"This was great Dad."

Frank winked and nodded.

After they all ate, Neville said, "Well, that was a great lunch, let me take care of this," as he picked up the check. "What do you say we go visit the operation, Mum and Dad?"

Five minutes later Neville announced, "Mum, Dad welcome to Longbottom Acres," as he swept his arm in a wide arc. "We have ten large greenhouses, employ eleven people, magical and non-magical, plus we have six great elves that used to work for the Greengrass importing company."

Alice asked, "How did you get them?"

"One day they showed up in Harry's Wand Shop looking for work once Minister Amelia Bones issued the Freedom Proclamation. Luna called shortly afterwards, and I employed them through Bright Moon immediately. They needed very little training and they are truly skilled with plants. With their help and the irrigation, misting systems and grow lights we grow even tropical plants. We produce most of the potion's ingredients used by the apothecaries in Britain and have made huge inroads in Western Europe. We also grow Kale and sell it to muggle grocers all over Britain. We produce twenty-five bushels a week. When we need extra help, I just call Bright Moon for temporary help. Last year turnover was just about 1.75 million galleons and I'm projecting over two million this year; we're very profitable."

Frank hugged his son and declared, "Neville, you have done an amazing job with this. You've done yourself well, son. I'm absolutely impressed. Words just escape me. I can't express how proud I am. Not only this but Luna; what a nice girl, and the friends you have. You've built yourself a rich life, son. I hope for the very best continued success."

Just then Augusta's brother, Algie walked around the corner of the nearest greenhouse. "Frank and Alice! Augusta sent word you had woken up. How good to see you!"

Alice stepped in front of her husband, Neville and Luna before either could move. She hauled off and punched him in the nose, putting her father in laws brother on the ground.

"What'd ou do dat for?" said Algie through his hands holding his gushing nose.

"That's for throwing my son off a pier and out a window to find out if he had magic, you jackass. Stay away from my son!" She whipped her wand out and stunned him. "Humph, you can fix him up after we leave, Mother Longbottom. Better yet, leave him as he is."

"Merlin, Mom that was awesome. You rock!" exclaimed Neville as he spun her around and hugged her.

Frank surreptitiously cast an itching hex on Algie as Augusta stood there silently scowling. Frank wondered if she was angry with her brother, Alice, himself, or Neville over the incident as they walked away.

Luna said, "He has an amazing number of Nargles flitting around his head."

… - ...

At two pm, the final guests had arrived through the floo into the reception room at Longbottom Hall. An aristocratic bearing elf dressed in a tuxedo met the guests, "On behalf of the Longbottom family I bid you welcome and thank you for attending Neville and Luna's wedding today. The ceremony will be held at a secret site. Please take hold of this rope. It is a portkey to the venue. After the ceremony there will be another portkey to the wedding feast."

… - ...

Once everyone was holding the rope, the elf said activate and the group appeared in a clearing in an old forest with large trees. Neville stood in front of a small table that was under an enormous vinewood tree.

"Welcome honored guests to Elf Land. Thank you to the Elven community for all you have done for my family and for allowing us to be here today. Today is a bittersweet day for my family. On the sweet side, I'm marrying the love of my life and betrothed Luna Lovegood. On the somber side, I'd like to inform you of the status of my parents who have been in St. Mungo's all these years. They are declining rapidly and in a miracle, brought forth by Elves, Goblins and Wizarding healers and potioneer's, my parents Frank and Alice have had a treatment that have allowed them to be here for our wedding. Unfortunately, the treatment, while allowing them to be here, has accelerated their decline and instead of a few more weeks in a catatonic state, they have only a day or so before they succumb to their afflictions. Mom and Dad, please come up here."

There was stunned silence from the invited guests as Frank and Alice walked in front of the table and then everyone started talking at once and rushed up to them to shake hands, hug and talk. As requested, Colin Creevy silently flitted around the group taking candid pictures.

Connie Hammer hugged Alice. "My lord! I thought I'd never get to talk with you again, Alice. I'm so happy to see you both. How is this even possible?"

"First I appreciate all the visits over the years. We knew you were there and heard your words and prayers. Neville and his friends brought us to Elf Land a few weeks ago and they were able to communicate with us. Then their friends figured out a way to wake us up. We, Frank and I wanted to be able to see Neville get married and to say goodbye properly. We had no life in our state. That bastard, Snape potioned us. I don't know if he acted on his own or at the behest of his master." There was no question which Master, Alice was referring to.

Connie huffed, "If the bastard wasn't already dead, I'd slowly kill him myself for what he did."

After looking around Alice asked: "Why are there so few order members here?"

"Well except for us, Amelia, Minerva, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, they're all dead."

Alice nodded at the truth she'd just heard.

… - ...

Sirius greeted them next. "Frank! I'm very happy for you and Alice to be up and about. I'm sorry I was never able to visit you. A conspiracy between Dumbledore, Crouch and Bagnold put me in Azkaban until a short time ago. I was only recently cleared."

Frank replied, "We need to share a pint with Remus after the wedding ceremony Sirius, for old times' sake."

"You bet. Have you met my godson, Harry yet?"

"Oh yes. Neville brought him around. He made me a wand."

Sirius replied, "He does that for friends."

… - ...

Amelia cornered Augusta. "Why didn't you say anything about Frank and Alice? I'm shocked."

"Well, there was a good chance that they'd just die from the potion, so we didn't say anything beforehand. Alice almost did. Then they woke up and we decided to just announce it at the wedding, so it would be a surprise. Due to that potion that Snape gave them, they would have died anyway in a few weeks. This way, at least we get to say goodbye and they can see Neville and Luna get married."

… - ...

Once the furor died down, Neville cleared his throat, "Please take your places. Minister Bones has graciously agreed to officiate."

The guests sat on the transfigured benches and over 2,000 elves gathered around. Many were sitting or standing in the trees bordering the small clearing; others arrayed in a semicircle around the seating.

Amelia cleared her throat. "Thank you, Elves for allowing this to take place here. Thank you all for attending." She looked at Neville and he moved in front of the table with Frank and Harry to his right side. She looked at Luna, then nodded.

The elves started singing a melody in elvish that made everyone feel calm and happy.

Hermione Granger led the way followed by Alice and then a radiant Luna, resplendent in a beaded lace ball gown, who was escorted by her father Xenophilius. Her two attendants stood to the left and Xenophilius stopped in front of the table and lifted Luna's Veil. Kissing her on each cheek, he said, "I bless this marriage."

Amelia began, "Please hold hands," as she began the ceremony.

After a few minutes of heartfelt words and advice, she led the young couple through their vows and declared, "With the power vested in me as the Minister for Magic, I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss your bride, Neville." Everyone clapped and cheered as Colin continued to take pictures that they'd cherish for a lifetime.

The elves began singing again. A tune that rose and fell like a summer breeze gently caressing their ears and minds. Fawkes flew overhead and trilled an uplifting song of his own.

At the end of their first married kiss, Neville addressed the crowd. "The Portkeys will take you to the Wedding Marquee. You will notice off to the side of the band stand there is a screen and a few chairs. Please make your way over there at some point and have your picture taken. Colin Creevy is our photographer, so please see him."

The Marquee was just a few hundred yards away on the grounds of one of Harry's houses on the beach and Elf Land was hidden from sight. Anyone at the feast location would simply see an old hedgerow. There was just one big rectangular table to seat the twenty-four guests. Neville and Luna were at the head of the table with Frank, Alice, Augusta and Xenophilius. Arrayed down one side were Harry, the Grangers, Windsong and Maysong, Healer Crabtree and Connie Hammer. Across the table were the three Abbots, Sirus and Remus, Minerva and Kingsley Shacklebolt and Amelia and Susan Bones.

There was a large wooden dance floor and providing music was a thirty-four piece mixed brass, wind and string orchestra of elves, dressed in black and white tuxedos and playing classical and 1930's and 40's big band music. The feast was coordinated by the Bones elf Smidgen and cooked and served by Moonbeam elves.

While everyone was enjoying cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres, Colin was snapping picture after picture of the wedding party. Harry thought, "These will be a nice addition to my family photo book."

Once dinner was served and it was between courses, the music started to play.

Luna walked up to Harry and told him: "Dance with me, Harry. It's a foxtrot" At the same time, Neville asked Hermione to dance.

While they were circling the dance floor, Luna said, "Thank you, Harry, We are so grateful for you helping us with Frank and Alice and the wedding. Your property is beautiful."

"You're more than welcome, Luna. It's the least I can do for friends and my Godmother. How was your morning? Did you have a good time?"

"Yes. It's been so amazing." Tears started to well in Luna's eyes. "Alice treated me like what I always imagined a mom would with a daughter that she likes. We went to a shop and bought my dress and she charmed it to fit me. Then we met Frank and Neville for an early lunch. We had lunch in a non-magical pub called of all things, The Screaming Hag. You should see the signboard hanging over the door. It's an old women in old fashioned dress with an apron, a very long hooked nose with a big pimple on the end, holding four pint glasses in each hand and her head is back and she appears to be yelling! We had pints and fish and chips. Frank is so funny. I didn't stop laughing. Then we went to the manor and got ready for the wedding. It's been a whirlwind for sure. Thinking about this morning, looking at you and how you interact with the Grangers and Neville, I suddenly realized how much all of us have missed without our parents."

When the song ended Alice stepped up. "Not so fast, Godson. I want my dance."

A slow waltz was playing, and Harry led his Godmother around the dance floor with a huge grin on his face. "I never dreamed I'd get to meet you, let alone dance with you."

"Your mum and I were great friends. I met her at school. We studied runes together. She was brilliant. We got married close together and were pregnant together. Till we went into hiding about three months before you and Neville were born, we were together a lot. I was heartbroken when I heard."

Colin stopped by and snapped a picture with a smile just as Alice put the side of her face against Harry's. Colin thought, It will make a great picture, as he walked away looking for the next subject.

Meanwhile Frank was dancing with Amelia.

"We appreciate you officiating for Nev and Luna. I was surprised to say the least. So, Minister of Magic? You've risen quickly in the government."

"I took over with the Great Wandout and our intrepid corrupt leader Cornelius Fudge skipped town. I never had much of an interest in politics but this trial by fire has worked all right. To be honest, I had a lot of help along the way."

Frank snorted, "You're kidding? How the hell did Fudge ever get elected? He was on the take on the obliviator squad." Laughing he said, "We used to joke in the squad room about Fudge's motto: "A hand out, not a hand up!" I take it he could be swayed by campaign contributions?"

"You've got him pegged, hard to believe you've been out of touch and know Fudge so well. At least he did not get to enjoy his graft. He recently had a stroke and died in St. Mungo's. I guess it's Karma as they say."

Frank asked, "Did you ever catch Nott and Malfoy?"

"We did. But far too many of the members of the tattoo club bribed their way out of trouble with Malfoy the head contributor. They mostly skated. We were fighting corruption, an exhausted Bagnold, and that bastard Dumbledore preaching forgiveness. It led to a dozen years of oppressive government. I'm convinced it was leading to another civil war." She didn't mention Harry's actions in the graveyard. Even in these circumstances, she respected that it was his story to tell if he chose.

… - ...

At eleven when the last dance was had by Neville and Luna, Frank stood up and said, "Thank you all for coming and sharing this wonderful time with my family. It was a true gift to share their happiness with new and old friends. So, a toast to the newlyweds! "Peace, love, happiness and enough little ones to give you both gray hair!"

When the laughter died down Alice stood up and said, "A toast to my mother-in-law. I admire you for always coming to visit us, but more so, my heartfelt thanks for giving Neville a home and teaching him what it meant to be a good man and a Longbottom!"

Frank joined Alice and said, "We thank you all for coming and sharing this day with our children. A hearty thanks to the elves who made most of this event day possible and to Senior Healers Maysong, Windsong and Crabtree who gave us a chance to be here. Finally, many thanks to our godson Harry, who graciously allowed the use of his property for our reception. At this point Alice and I would like to meet with each of you briefly to say goodbye. Our time grows short and wish to spend the remaining time with our immediate family. Your portkeys will take you back to Longbottom Manner. There will be refreshments in the reception room; and when you're ready, you can use the floo to go home."

It was almost midnight when Frank and Alice spoke to the last guest, and they left. They made their way to the east facing beach. Harry had conjured a wooden deck for them. It had a large double recliner, several chairs, and a fireplace.

The couple hugged their son and daughter in law. "Neville, we're getting tired now."

Frank and Alice climbed onto the well-padded recliner. Sitting up against the raised back, they cuddled together in a large quilt. Neville started a fire and he and Luna sat beside his parents on one side and Augusta sat on the opposite side. The Longbottom family elf, "Jasper" served hors d'oeuvres and passed Frank his favorite pint, a brown Ale.

The family sat on the beach quietly talking with the gentle waves forming a peaceful background. Frank and Alice answered questions from Neville and Luna, talking about their childhood, families and careers. Frank and Alice in turn asked about Neville and Luna's dreams for themselves. The sun was just starting to rise, casting a gentle light in the east.

Alice jerked and gasped, "Give us a final hug here, my dear son and daughter. Our time is upon us."

The young people hugged Frank and Alice.

Brushing tears away from his face, Alice whispered, "I love you and Luna so much. Bless you both. Fear not for us, my son. We're off to a better place. Thank you for doing this. Remember this day we had together and not the last fifteen years in St. Mungo's. Always remember, dad and I don't want to see you in the beyond for many years."

With obvious effort, Frank added, "Neville, I love you and Luna so much. Please think of this day as the sun raising on the new Longbottom Family. A new beginning and not an end. Please bury us in the crypt at the manor. Don't grieve... Remember what we had today, chart your course for the future. I'm so proud of you both. Thank you for giving us this day together. Cheers."

Augusta hugged Frank and Alice, "Goodbye mum... We love you... Thank you." The perpetually stern woman sat down and silently cried. Alice sat between Frank's legs and leaned back against his chest. Frank put his arms around her and pulled the quilt around them tightly. The sounds of the surf were very peaceful.

Neville and Luna sat together like Frank and Alice and held hands.

At 5:00 AM the orange of the sun was just beginning to flood the horizon lighting the cove and beach. A large group of Elves gathered around and began to sing a haunting melody that was both sad and uplifting at the same time. Frank and Alice looked at each other and whispered, "I love you," in unison as they closed their eyes, gasped and were no more. The elves followed their wishes and moved their remains to the family vault.

As they departed, Augusta realized that she'd received the forgiveness for her hundreds of unfair comparisons that she'd made to Neville for fifteen years. Luna had felt the love of a mother. Neville had never known the affirmation of loving parents before yesterday.

It had been the most memorable day of each of their lives.

… - …

Colin Creevey worked tirelessly. Half of photography was getting a good image to begin with. The other half took place in the dark room – cropping the image just so to turn a good image into a great one.

In one example, he began with what appeared to be a fairly ordinary picture of Harry awkwardly dancing with Alice, who was deftly avoiding getting stepped on. Colin's eye saw something much better. Focusing on the faces, he captured the eye contact and the love that finally connected after being stolen for fifteen years.

The original image might be amusing for about three seconds; the finished image was priceless. He made copies as requested and continued with the next image.

… - ...

When it came time for Colin to deliver the finished photographs, Harry, Hermione and the Grangers invited Colin, the Longbottoms and Xeno over for a late summer BBQ.

It had been a celebration of life as much as a wedding. Colin began passing 8x10 prints around for people to look at. When the looked at the first one, Emma noticed little Oaken climbing onto Frank's shoulder. Xeno saw Luna and was reminded how beautiful Pandora had been at their own wedding. Neville felt the love and acceptance of his parents, with their hands on Luna and his shoulders. Harry noticed Hedwig perched in one of the branches, watching over the events of the evening.

Dan quipped, "Nice group shot."

Harry had commissioned a set of the images for Augusta, Xeno, Dan and Emma, one for himself and Hermione, as well as a framed set for Luna and Neville as an extra wedding gift from Hermione and himself.

Neville and Luna's framed copies of the 96 images ended up arranged together on a wall in their study. From time to time, they added another image to the growing story of their life together.

A/N

This chapter is an illustration of what the results can be regarding working with a co-writer. This is substantially Tom's work. I gave him an outline written on a couple of e-cocktail napkins and offered him the opportunity to write it. In my opinion, he hit it out of the park. Please be so kind as to leave him a note.

The Final Chapter of this tale will be posted next Thursday.

cheers