Chapter One - Survivors
July 30, 1997
Longbottom Manor:
"Harry! Thanks for coming."
Harry picked himself up from where he fell after exiting the floo and took Neville's hand.
"I hate floo travel. Happy Birthday Neville. Your message said that you needed to speak to me, what can I do for my best mate?"
"I think it's more what we can do for each other Harry." Neville led him to the Sitting Room. This was possibly the most formal room Harry had ever seen. Something about Neville's manner screamed "BUSINESS" to Harry. Neville gestured Harry into a chair while sitting himself. On a side table by the chair Neville selected for himself were a pile of parchments.
"So, what's going on Nev?"
"We're officially adults now Harry."
"Well, tomorrow for me, but yeah."
"I got some surprises in the post this morning, and Gran explained what was going on to me. It occurred to me that if I didn't know, and I grew up with this crap, you wouldn't have a clue when yours arrives tomorrow."
"Ok, what are we talking about?"
"These." Neville gestured at the pile of parchment. "Are proposals from various pureblood and old line families of marriage contracts with their daughters."
"You're kidding."
"I wish I was. It's a pureblood thing dating back to the 1200s. It's fallen to the wayside for most people, but you and I are heads of Ancient and Noble houses, for us it stills happens."
"You're kidding. You've got to be kidding."
"Harry, I got 27 offers. Me. You're a fucking hero. You are going to be mobbed."
"I'm not going to accept any of these stupid things."
"Neither am I. We just have to be careful not to accidentally accept one. And yes, some are them are written so as to trick you. Gran found two in this pile that were."
"How is Hannah taking all this?"
"She doesn't know. I suspect she's going to be pissed when I tell her." Neville smiled. "I'm hoping she tries to convince me to forget about them. She can be very persuasive."
The pair shared a laugh.
"Anyone we know?"
"Harry me lad, you wouldn't believe me. I am evidently quite the catch."
...---ooo000ooo---...
"Thank you for asking me to spend the night Mrs. Longbottom."
"It's always nice to have one of Neville's friends over. Especially when they want to know about the old ways." the woman's eyes sparkled.
"Have you ever considered teaching Mrs. Longbottom? You certainly know your history, and the history professor we have is, well, not the liveliest teacher."
"I don't believe I have the temperament to teach Harry." She smiled, and then the look faded. "I was sorry when Neville told me of your falling out with Dumbledore and the Weasley clan. It had looked like your future happiness was ensured. Why they would treat someone like that I will never understand." Her expression brightened. "Still, it will be interesting to see how many offers you get given your notoriety."
"I'm hoping for none."
"Ha! Harry I got 27." Neville's eyes danced with laughter. "I'll give odds that you bust three figures."
