2/2

Who genuinely needed three estates? Just one probably required lots of maintenance and workers, the majority of which were undoubtedly house-elves. Of course, then there was the family itself. The Longbottom family wasn't too big, certainly smaller than the Weasleys, if whatever Ron complained about wasn't a gross exaggeration. However, there was still quite a few of them, in Shikamaru's mind, anyway.

And they all looked down on Neville.

Not just the number of cousins, but the adults too. The first thing said - sneered, really - to Neville when Shikamaru introduced himself as a friend was, "How much did you pay him?"

Shikamaru tilted his head and let his eyes go half-lidded. Neville - far too used to such comments to do anything except make Shikamaru become more irked - tried to appeal to his friend's better nature to spare his idiot cousin from a terrible fate. It didn't work, because the unintelligent twit said something along the lines of, "What? Not going to admit it? It's not like I'd expect anything less from a loser like you. You'll ruin the family, you will. Heir my arse."

Even Ms. Longbottom was eyeing their guest warily as his face grew flat with irritation. The brat just kept going, in spite of the frantic movements of the so called 'loser' cousin that was trying to save his spectacularly stupid self.

He ranted about how Neville would cause problems for the adults and how it wasn't fair that a near-squib like him got to attend Hogwarts, while he was stuck at home. He raved about how Neville shouldn't have gotten a letter because he was so useless and slow (and really, Shikamaru had heard evil monologues less irritating than this). And he just kept digging his grave deeper and deeper, unaware that Shikamaru was just cataloging ways to make him shut up, permanently or not, he wasn't picky.

And then the cousin made the mistake of mentioning and insulting Neville's parents in the same sentence, and three things happened simultaneously: Neville went whiter than snow - with anger, it might be noted - Ms. Longbottom's eyes tightened dangerously and Shikamaru had finally had enough. Surprisingly, nothing exploded. No, instead, his magic lashed out and the marble floor of the entrance hall and the surrounding stone pillars cracked.

Neville's cousin stopped talking to find that Shikamaru had somehow gone from the front door to right in front of him, slouched, eyes on him lazily, dangerous.. Ah, he had some common sense after all. Shikamaru didn't enjoy terrorizing children, but he wasn't squeamish about it.

"Don't you know when to shut up?" Shikamaru drawled.

The boy swallowed whatever retort he was planning to say when Shikamaru stepped forward. He backed away nervously.

"That abysmal display of your lack of intelligence just shows that whatever you have to say is worth nothing at all. Was that how you were taught to treat family? Or your elders? I'm sure your parents are proud," Shikamaru said, no hint of anger in his voice, just a cool taunt. His eyes, however, were dark and full of warning. The cousin didn't respond. Even Ms. Longbottom found herself hiding a shudder in spite of the approval rising within her. This child was dangerous.

"We've all heard enough out of you for this lifetime. I suggest that you apologize and then leave." Shikamaru nodded at Neville and Ms. Longbottom. "And I don't want to see you near Neville again until you've managed to grow up a bit." A pause. His eyes land on the cousin's and drill into them. "Understood?"

The cousin squeaked out an apology and then ran for his life. Shikamaru sighed through his nose, and the oppressive atmosphere vanished without a trace, though his expression was a little tight when he turned to face his friend. (2)

"Um...welcome to my house?" Neville tried tentatively, sneaking a quick look at the damaged pillars and floor.

"Ah, sorry about that," Shikamaru said, not sounding at all apologetic. Neville's grandmother waved her hand dismissively.

"It gives the place some character," she sniffed. "I always thought the marble floors and pillars were too... expected of a pure blood family. Besides, it was amusing to see that child get scolded. Really, I don't know what his parents were thinking."

Neville gaped at his grandmother and Shikamaru grinned slightly in satisfaction.

"Well? Show your guest his room, or, your room since you two will be rooming together," she said briskly. "Dinner will be in exactly three hours. I have some relatives to deal with."

Still stunned, Neville led the way to his room with an entirely new perception of his grandmother and increased appreciation for his friend.

...

Shikamaru,

How are you? I heard from my mom about an orphanage attack and the building being burned down. She couldn't remember the name, but the location sounded familiar; that was your orphanage, wasn't it? Were you injured? I have been trying to get my hands on information about the attack, but I haven't been able to for some reason. It's rather frustrating, actually. Are you somewhere safe?

Also, have you heard from Harry at all? I've asked Ron, but he hasn't gotten any replies from his letters either. I hope everything's okay. Please let me know, and Ron too, he's worried because the Daily Prophet didn't cover the attack - strangely enough. I told him and he asked his dad, who hasn't heard anything about it either. That's weird, isn't it?

Anyway, with hopes for your well being,

Hermione.

...

Hermione,

I'm fine. Sorry for worrying you. It's been busy recently, but I'm actually staying with Neville for the rest of the summer. Consequently, I have found a whole new dislike for pure blood 'expectations'. I'll just say that Neville doesn't just get picked on at school. On a completely unrelated note, several of his cousins and relatives now leave the room whenever I come in for some odd reason… Maybe it's karma finally coming back to bite them for so many years of mistreating a family member.

And, yes, I did in fact help defend the orphanage from an attack by a You-Know-Who supporter, but I didn't return to it and left to stay at the Leaky Cauldron, which is where Neville found me. I've been managing two part-time muggle jobs for school supplies, so you'll forgive the late response? Also, I'm not surprised that the Ministry hasn't said anything about the attack on the orphanage. It was by a self-proclaimed follower of You-Know-Who (can I ever just use the man's name?) who was posing as my...therapist - disturbing lack of screening as far as background information goes. He came suddenly and tried to hold the orphanage occupants hostage, but eventually just set the entire building on fire with the people still inside. I managed to get everyone out okay, and I hope that bastard's rotting in Azkaban.

Hypatia has been coming back with the letters I send to Harry, so I just stopped a few days ago. Whatever is happening is disabling owl contact, I believe. Probably those damn relatives of his don't like owls so they're keeping them away. I'll owl Ron so that he doesn't worry much. If it is the Dursleys, we can't do much if they don't hurt him, unfortunately, but I'll have Hypatia keep an eye on him to make sure he's not being mistreated or anything. If you want, you could ask your parents to visit them and pretend to be a regular muggle girl who met Harry at the park, unrelated to magic.

Shikamaru.

...

Ron,

I'm fine. I can feel your anxiety from however many miles away, and I'd like you to stop before you hurt yourself. And please tell me you haven't told the twins about my... situation? I'm living with Neville and am therefore very safe and secure. Any imaginings of me living on the streets or in shady corners can be banished right now, because before Neville, I lived in the Leaky Cauldron. Just to save us all some ink and paper from the inevitable questions, my orphanage was attacked by an overzealous You-Know-Who supporter, who apparently doubled as what muggles call a 'therapist' (I believe the equivalent would be a mind-healer in the wizarding world?). No one from the orphanage was hurt, but I refused to go back there. By the way, have you had any luck with Harry? It's been a week, and Hermione has only gotten more concerned. Tell me if and when you get news. What are you upt to, by the way?

Still in one piece,

Shikamaru.

...

Our budding prankster,

Ron has seen fit to inform us of your plight.

Don't lie, Fred, you stole his letter. I saw you. He was very cross with us about it.

And we feel very hurt that you would hide such a thing from us! (Details, twin of mine, details. And he needs to learn that sharing is caring anyway; no better time than the present.)

There is no 'we' in 'me', brother dearest. The hurt is all yours. (And not always, Frederick, what about herpes? Surely it can't be 'caring' to spread that.) But I am questioning these sudden lines of secrets, Shika. I fully expect some answers in a letter, and soon-

If you don't mind, Georgie, I was trying to make a point. (And you know how I feel about being called Frederick - it isn't even my name! Am I really going to argue with you about herpes, of all things? Because, if so, I will most certainly win.) Anyway, Mister Nara, I intended on fully sending you on a well deserved guilt trip before my dear twin interrupted me-

Not without good reason (and no, I wasn't arguing herpes with you; good chocolate frogs and fireworks, I was merely questioning your quip. Why on earth you would wish to discuss a disease like...that is beyond me…)

But...oh, now I've lost my train of thought. (I am very much done with this conversation now. We are probably desecrating Shikamaru's innocent brain with all this talk of herpes, if he knows what it is.) Good going, brother. Anyway, write back soon with information on everything (and he does mean everything, all the juicy details, and it's your fault for bringing it up) or you'll be hearing from us again in a week's time, with something less pleasant than a letter.

Sincerely,

Gred and Forge.

...

Troublesome twins,

Your owls wouldn't stop badgering Neville, Hypatia and me before I finally read your letter (and how many owls does it take to send one letter, anyway). I do hope you know that I have a life, right? I have things to do, places to be and see and-

Hi, Neville here, uh...Shikamaru got pulled away by some stranger. We're sitting in Florean's ice cream place, by the way. Shikamaru has got two jobs already and apparently applied for a third. Is that legal? Anyway, he's staying at my house since his orphanage was...made unsuitable, and he's been here for about two weeks. We're doing okay, even if he's scared the robes off of most of my cousins. I think you'd be proud.

By the way, have you met a DADA 'expert', Lockhart? Shikamaru reckons he's an "unintelligent idiot that wouldn't know a defensive spell if it smacked him upside the head" (his words, not mine). I only met him because there were some last minute books Shikamaru wanted to get, and we literally ran into him while he was doing a book signing (apparently he's doing a 'special' this summer - one signing a month). I barely kept Shikamaru from hexing the dolt's (again, not my words) face off, but I count it as a success. Oh! Here's Shikamaru back again. Good talking to you both.

Right, sorry about that. I just had to secure another means of income because the two muggle jobs are very nice, but it would be good to have some wizarding experience too in the work field. I'm staying with Neville and it's been pretty nice, even though his house-elves are consistently trying to stuff me full of food because I'm "too short and skinny" for someone my age. Other than cute, dangerous magical creatures (I'm sure I saw a unicorn around here somewhere...), I'm fine.

Yes, my orphanage was attacked by an insane follower of You-Know-Who (gotta come up with another expression for him), but no one was hurt besides them and the building that needed to be replaced anyway, and I escaped a life of unintelligent people that strived to make my life hell on earth. A win-win, I think. Heard from Harry yet? I hope so, that boy will give Hermione and I ulcers by the time we're fifteen. She's trying to convince her parents to go visit him as regular muggles who know nothing of magic. So far, it's unsuccessful.

Also, the continued discussion of the sexually transmitted disease known as herpes is both disturbing and enlightening. Teenage boys will be teenage boys - hormones and all that - and as a matter of fact, I do know all about 'the Birds and the Bees', so there is no mental scarring happening. Fortunately for you; what would your mother say if she read your letter? I think you'll find some other way to imprint less than nice thoughts in my brain somehow, though.

The continued insomniac,

Shikamaru (and Neville).

...

Shikamaru,

Uh...hi? I, er, have had a strange and peculiar summer, but that's probably typical and should be expected of The-Boy-Who-Lived (what's with all the hyphens? I swear I didn't use half as many before I became a wizard). First of all, I got visited and harassed by a nutty house-elf . Kept going on about saving my life and Hogwarts being dangerous this year. Ron thinks it was probably barking mad, and I have to say, I'm inclined to agree. Anyway, the house-elf (Dobby) kept all of my mail from me, and ended up aggravating my relatives to the point where I was pretty much a prisoner in my own room - and treated worse than one too at that - until the Weasleys came to get me. I'm not telling you this so that you can get mad - Ron's done enough of that for the group of us - but because I know you'd kill me if I didn't. But now I'm very much okay and living with the Weasleys.

Oh, yeah, Ron and I met that person named Lockhart you mentioned in your letter to the twins, the guy who wrote our DADA books for this year. Our new Defense teacher must be some delusional witch or something, because he seems like a bit of a fruitcake, to put it lightly (Ron's words, not mine). I'd bet all of the gold in Gringotts that he can't do half of the things that he claims he can in his books (yes, I started reading them and had to stop. They were so...anyway).

Also, I heard about your orphanage. I'd say I'm sorry, but I have a feeling you're not particularly beat up about it. I'm just glad you're alright.

The-Boy-Who-Lives-As-Life's-Punching-Bag,

Harry.

...

Boy-of-Woes,

Met Lockhart and was not at all impressed, to say the least. He seemed narcissistic and…fake. Hopefully our teacher is only misguided and not similar in personality and skill. Sorry to hear about the house-elf. They are very cunning creatures, aren't they? Despite their lack of education or ability to speak English properly, they're fairly clever. Yours seems to be a certain type of special, though. Perhaps someone sent him as a prank and then told him not to tell? Other creatures can be rather unpredictable. Be careful, though, because if the elf is indeed crazy, than he may go to extreme lengths to 'help' you. Just be on guard for now. Hopefully he won't try anything when you're with the Weasleys.

I am not particularly upset about my orphanage - other than the fact that the leader was the therapist that was supposed to be helping me, not spying on me. I guess there are creepy people everywhere.

I'm glad you survived the house elf and your deplorable relatives.

Friend-of-the-Boy-Who-Has-Been-Too-Influenced-By-Other-Wizards,

Shikamaru.

...

Queen,

Yeah, I am calling you by the chess piece that you were decided as last year. Why not? It's fun. So, how's it at Neville's? Any better? Are his relatives still being prats? I bet they are; people can't change so quickly.

So anyway, what's with the focus on Mr. Fakes-a-Lot? It's like we're doing what he wants by talking about him and his teeth so much. Although, Harry says he probably doesn't have that much intelligence, but still… I just hope the teacher this year knows what she/he's doing, and not completely focused on Lockhart and all that.

Ginny says hi, even though she's never met you before, and Scabbers is as lazy and useless as ever. Man, I want a new pet. Even a bloody toad would be better than this fur ball of worthless. Whatever. See you around, and try not to kill any of Neville's relatives before the start of school, yeah? I'd hate for you to be arrested before second year.

Ron.

...

Shikamaru shook his head at Ron's letter and folded it up, placing it with the others.

"How's Ron?" Neville asked, munching on a cookie.

"Fine," Shikamaru replied. He sighed and stood up. "All packed for tomorrow?" he asked. Neville nodded.

"Yup. I didn't even lose Trevor this time," he said happily. Shikamaru nodded.

"Then, that's an improvement from last year. What do you say we make it a record by not losing him on the train?" he teased lightly. Neville laughed, taking it with good humor. The summer with a supportive and protective friend had done wonders for his self-confidence and social skills.

He was more relaxed and much less shy when around Shikamaru or his grandmother, which was good enough, the former supposed. Soon, Shikamaru would have his friend confident around all people, but it was a marked improvement from the shy and insecure boy he had once been.

"Man, it's going to be strange being back at Hogwarts, right?" Neville sighed. He stood up as well, and surveyed the enormous backyard that he and Shikamaru had been lying in. The latter had taught the former the benefits of cloud watching - complete and utter relaxation. Not to mention it was good for the imagination.

"Yeah. At least we won't have to deal with a possessed professor, right?" Shikamaru asked dryly. Neville grinned.

"Ah, see? Now you've just jinxed us!" he said. He pointed at his friend in an accusing manner. "Now we'll have to deal with an incompetent professor, You-Know-Who, and a mystical item! You've doomed us all!" he declared dramatically.

Shikamaru just raised an unimpressed eyebrow. "Eh, well, we'll deal with it. No year will ever be completely normal with the 'Potter' luck," Neville said with a grin and a shrug.

The aforementioned luck had been aptly named sometime the previous year, referencing Harry's almost impeccable ability to find the largest source of trouble and dive in head first, bringing his friends with him, usually. Well, nothing could be worse than the previous year, right? It was only school, after all.

He should have known better than to assume.

Ninjutsu (Techniques):

Kage Bunshin no Jutsu (Shadow Clone Jutsu): Creates an identical shadow clone. B-rank, hand seals are Tiger or Horse

Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique): Can change the user into other people, objects, plants, or animals. E-rank, hand seals are Dog – Boar – Ram, in that order

(1): He doesn't know that magic isn't individually identified and is usually just identified by area, so the Ministry wouldn't know he used magic in the Leaky Cauldron even without his trace removed.

(2): I figured that if Neville has trouble at school, he would probably have problems at home too. I don't know if the cousins are canon or not since Rowling only provides a grandmother and great aunt/uncle, but I figured that a pure blood family would have more than just than six members, right?

Guest Reviews: (Bottom to Top):

Jen: No, thank you for the review. And I have taken all opinions into account when making this chapter, so I hope it makes you happy. And while I acknowledge that I am in fact the author, it won't be without input from the readers, for whom I'm partially doing this for. Here's the new chapter! A few weeks late…

kuro kage: I'm very glad you like this story. And no, I'm sorry, but this story won't have more Naruto arriving in the HP verse, mostly because this is about Shikamaru and what I think his impact would have been in the HP world. And your English is beautiful, dear, we all make mistakes. Thanks for the review! Please continue to ask questions or even make suggestions!

DarkerBeauty: Wow, I'm very flattered by your declaration, and also quite happy. And I'm rather impressed by the whole reading it in six hours, that takes dedication. I have finally come out with this chapter, and I will certainly be doing the rest of the books. And I would have PMed you, but I decided to do this instead, hope you don't mind? Anyway, thanks for reviewing despite not being logged on!

Allison: Well, I hope you don't mind this format, I just decided that it would be easiest to do the summer in one chapter, otherwise there wouldn't have been enough content for a group of them. Thanks for reviewing and giving input! It is always appreciated.

Wakamme: Thank you! And I will certainly recommend some crossovers that I find wonderful, certainly better than my own. Much appreciation for the review!

Guest: Thanks a lot!

Allison: Well, I'm glad you like my stuff so much. Sorry if I've kept you in suspense for a long period of time. And thanks for checking out what I recommend, I feel like those people deserve some recognition for their efforts. Much gratitude for the review, especially if you've written all of the other ones posted by 'Allison'.

TEMMM: Here's the update you asked for! Sorry it's so late and stuff. And thanks for being a fan. Actually, this chapter was surprisingly difficult to get out, but this is it! I hope I didn't disappoint. Thank you so much for the wonderful review!

Guest: Thank you very much! Haha, that would be telling ;)

A/N: Summer is done. Hrmmm, not too many changes.

RECOMMENDATIONS: (Tell me if you like them and have any of your own)

Messing With Time - Nim-the-Lesser: A rather humorous multi-chapter story where Harry goes back in time. Fun and un-canon events ahead, because Harry is a bold little shit that does whatever he damn well pleases. Rated M, but not for sex so far.

If The Sky Comes Falling Down - Kolbie Ru-Ru: Nice multi-chapter fic which hasn't updated in a bit, but I still am rather fond of it. Sasuke sort of discovers that things suck in the future, and therefore decides to do something about it. Make your own conclusions. Rated T.

you can be king again - zxycyan: Oneshot Naruto/Sasuke friendship story, where they're both kids and having a heart-to-heart. It's adorable, and the author(es) says it might be pre-slash, but not actually slash, so it's okay for those of you who don't do that sort of thing. Rated K+ for heavy topics.

Changes to 10 (see how I've stopped trying? This is what revamping has done to me):

Not too many changes, just a brush-over, so you won't miss anything it you don't re-read it. Mostly just details, grammar, and other things to make it flow better. You don't have to re-read it if you don't want to, but I'd like it if you did.