stay alive

The Desk of Alice Longbottom. auror mother phoenix don't touch my family.

[alicethelongbottom]

FRANK LONGBOTTOM.

It was jarring - being united as a family again, after the time they had spent apart. It hadn’t been more than a few days, he knew, but with everything that had happened, it felt much longer. The image of the three of them cuddled together on their bed almost felt like it had no place in their current state - but he also knew it was the only place that he felt truly whole. His mind wandered to the Potters, who would never feel whole again. How do they return home, after something like this? How do James and Lily arrive at their house that feels quiet, cold, and broken and continue on? Do they always listen for soft baby cries from an unused room, do they keep the crib and toys that no longer serve a purpose, do they have the strength to look at each other in the eyes? The questions, and the answers too dark for him to consider, weigh heavily on Frank. 

The only thing that pulled him out was his wife’s hurried voice - his anchor, always and forever. He knows that Alice loves him. Knows it to the very core of him. Yet there’s still some warmth that rises within him when she repeated his statement, his vow to her. It allowed him to turn his attention from her back to their little boy, whose chubby fingers grasped as his as he sat upright. He wanted to vow so much more than love to Neville - protection, happiness, future. He had failed. He had failed as an Auror, failed as an Order member, as a friend. Now he was failing as a father, unable to protect Neville from everything around them. 

Frank listened as she ushered out an apology - knowing without a doubt that she had meant it, and hoping that he would be able to truly forgive it. “I know,” he said with a nod, licking his lips that had gone dry. He wanted to tell her that it was okay, that it hadn’t hurt him, that her voice hadn’t echoed thoughts already in his head. But he didn’t want to lie to her. “I forgive you,” because he had, mostly, and he knew that he would. “I’m sorry that I -” his words get caught in his throat - sorry that he wasn’t a better partner, better husband, better father. But he focused on her words, focused on the little boy squirming in his lap and his wife in his hold. “You’re right. That’s what’s important.” 

They were safe. For now. And now that Neville was back in their care, with his parents, the place he was supposed to be the safest - Frank couldn’t calm his thoughts. Though he missed his son incredibly the few days he was away and still thought about him every second, he had felt less worried about his safety. “It’s going to get bad again,” he said, rubbing his hand softly on Neville’s back. It wasn’t meant to scare her, or to act is if he knew anything - he said it because this was war, because it was always coming. The question he knew he needed to ask sat in his throat, clawing through his pride and fear and own desires. “Are we what’s best for him right now?” 

Impossible. That's what these past few days had been - these past few weeks. And yet here they were, cuddled together, somehow whole after weeks of being broken. It wasn't just Neville that brought them together, either. No, their love was deep. It was strong, and steadfast. They were just children when it began, but now here they were, over a decade later. Frank and Alice were a family together, they were eachother's home. Neville wasn't the glue to that, but an incredible addition. He was the light of it all, her own heart. Her greated regret was doubting this beautiful thing they all had together. It was more than most ever got within a lifetime - she would be an idiot to test its strength again.

She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Part of her expected him not to forgive her, part of her knew she didn't deserve it. But he was kind and caring and selfless. Of course he would forgive her. And even more, something about his lack of excuses and sweet nothings comforted her more. She didn't need him to tell her that she did nothing wrong, or that her actions were warranted in some way. They both know that she had and they weren't. Telling her otherwise wouldn't have done either of them favors. This was their relationship - blunt honesty, no lies or placations. "Thank you."

Alice was pressed flush against her husband with his arm around her shoulder, but still it didn't seem like enough. In a somewhat petulant attempt to get closer, she threw a leg across his knees, tangling herself into him and their son. She was going to cry all over against looking at him and Neville. They were safe, for now. All their mistakes and missteps, all their failures, and they were still lucky enough to come home to each other. They failed the Potter and that was something Alice could never forgive herself for. But she refused to fail her husband again. They would stay whole like this, forever.

Neville cooed and giggled - it was enough to bring a smile back to her face. "What is it my sweet boy?" She said quietly, tickling his tummy enough to make that wonderful laugh continue. But Frank's blunt words pulled her out of this trance, that perhaps they could be happy again and pretend that they were safe inside this room. Her brow furrowed, but her eyes didn't leave their son. She cupped Neville's cheek gently. "What do you mean? Of...of course we are. We're his parents. We just need to be together. Always. We shouldn't be separated again." Alice was shaking her head, tears threatening to come back. He was right. Neville was in danger with them. But... "We shouldn't be separated again," she repeated, fingers curling into Frank's shirt. "We can protect him...right?"

[alicethelongbottom]

EDGAR BONES.

edgar.

“   Because he has two parents who are willing to the hard thing to make sure that he is.   ”   But could he really be sure of anything?   No.   The Potters were proof of that.    Shifting on the bench,   Edgar turns to look at her,   meeting her gaze.   If he couldn’t be sure of anything,   he would at least try his damndest to make his words came true.   “   We won’t let that happen.   Frank,   me,   Greta,   we are all here.   You aren’t alone.  ”   He wished he could include the Order in that,   but it seemed that even that support system was failing.   There was a traitor in the ranks,   it’s what landed the Longbottoms in this position in the first place.   He brushed aside the uneasy thought,   placing a hand on her shoulder as he continued.  “   It must be impossible what you’re feeling   -   I can only imagine   -   but if you want to make sure Neville has something to come back to,   your attention has to be here now.   It’s okay to ask for help,   ”   a pause,   brief,   “   and you did.   You have to make peace with that.   He’s far away from this mess.   And when it’s cleaned up,   he’ll come back.   Safe.   I know it.  ”

It was incredible the way they weaved in and out of tough conversations,   but that was the nature of their friendship.   The teasing and the joking happened naturally,   but so did the serious bits.   “   That sounds vaguely like a threat…   Remind me to take Neville to Honeydukes when he gets back.   ”   He takes on a thoughtful tone,   though one that carries with it hope for the future.   Sitting back,   Edgar sighs,   getting a bit more comfortable talking about the subject.   “   Well we haven’t really discussed that part yet,   you see.   But when the time comes,   I’d hoped you’d be on my side.   ”   

Alice took a deep breath. She wasn't sure if it was to steady her nerves or to fight back tears from Edgar's kind words. He was right - of course he was. He usually was. But it was that maternal instinct within her screaming at the auror and Order ones, a battle warring inside of her while there was a real one threatening everyone's lives. "Yeah...yeah, you're right. That's why we need to do everything we can to figure out who killed Harry and to stop them from doing it again." Determination hardened her features briefly, jaw tense at the thought of it all. They had names, but what could they do with them yet? After a moment, she softened, a small smile coming to her lips and she crossed her arm to place a hand over Edgar's on her shoulder. "You're going to an incredible dad, you know that, right? If you're this great of an uncle-slash-god-father, then the real thing will be a piece of cake."

She feigned disgust and disappointed, although that smile still played on her lips. "How dare you! I bet you don't even know his favorite sweet - and yes, this is a test." Alice hummed, crossing her legs onto the bench. Not the most professional position, but it was comfortable, and that's what this conversation was - comfortable. "Fine. But it can't be anything too ridiculous. And this has to be kept between us. Greta will never forgive me for this betrayal."

[alicethelongbottom]

ARABELLA FIGG.

closed starter for @alicethelongbottom·

It wasn’t easy being back in her home. The house, so full of memories – many good and many bad – had been her sanctuary. When Dumbledore had come to her, it had become the sanctuary of others. But then it was compromised. A Death Eater walked through her homes, up the stairs, and stolen a child from her bed while she laid paralyzed on the ground. After so much, this was no longer a sanctuary for herself or for others. When she’d come back, it was to start the process of saying goodbye. 

A lot would be entailed in saying goodbye which she wasn’t quite ready for so she was starting small. Sorting through a collection of books, most of which were ending up in the donate pile, Arabella heard a knock on her door. She frowned at the book she was holding – the cover of which depicted a man in a loincloth and a woman covered by a carefully placed blanket – and set it aside before turning to the door. Peering through peephole, her heart sunk. Alice. She tentatively cracked the door open, peaking her head out.

“What can I do for you?”

This wasn't going to be an easy conversation. She knew that going it. But Frank's stern scolding had finally gotten to her - she was right, everyone was: she needed to apologize to Arabella. In that moment of fear and anger, she lashed out at the first person available and the person who deserved it the least. It had taken her this long to swallow her pride and knock on the other woman's door - too long.

"Just to talk...about...what I said to you." Alice was twisting her wand anxiously in her hands, tapping the heels of her feet in chaotic rhythm. In all honestly, she didn't expect forgiveness, but she hoped to be heard out.

[alicethelongbottom]

NARCISSA MALFOY.

Narcissa let out a breath of relief that she didn’t even recognize was caught in her chest. Unfortunately, after everything that had happened, she couldn’t help but worry about what public perception was of her. She assumed the news of where Harry had been located had gotten out at this point. These sorts of rumors didn’t quite stay quiet, so she was a bit surprised when Alice didn’t already know where Harry had been all this time. Of course, a part of her was relieved. If Alice didn’t know, maybe the rest of the world was still in the dark.

“Well, thank you,” she breathed out, almost unaware that the words had left her mouth. She felt so exhausted, as if the past few days had been years instead of mere hours. “I appreciate that.” Especially coming from Alice. At least she didn’t have to worry about an surprise Auror visits any time soon. 

After a brief pause, a bit of awkward tension filled the room and Narcissa motioned to the table. “Care to stay for tea? I’ve made a bit too much and it’s quite easy for me to set another spot.” And really, Narcissa wouldn’t mind the company. It would be nice to have someone who understood to talk to. Lucius did, of course, but he was still part of the organization who had killed Harry. Alice was, potentially, neutral. Or at least a more neutral leaning voice. Beyond neutrality, though, she was a mother. The injustice they both felt might be comforting.

Alice hesistated. There was a kinship between the two women, mothers during wartime with children to inherit the wreckage. But...this was a place where Harry was ruthlessly murdered, when the Death Eaters clearly found a home. It made her nervous to stand where so many monsters and murderers likely stood before her; it made her uncomfortable to sit and have tea where blood had been spilled. No matter the trust she held for Narcissa, the history of this manor couldn't be changed. As an auror, she should be making an arrest at this admission. As a mother, she knew the grief Narcissa must be dealing with, too.

"No, thank you," she said regretfully. She was shifting her weight from foot to foot, her fingers inching for her wand. Every instinct created within her told her to track down clues, evidence, and suspects - this wasn't just a house, but a crime scene.

"Maybe we can go somewhere else, though. It'd be nice to...talk." It was an offer she hadn't expected to make, but the words came out easily. Because it was true. It would be nice to talk - she could gather more information about what happened, but also try to understand Narcissa just a little more.

[spidaerman]

[floralguccistyles]

[gwenlockhart]

Closed for @alicethelongbottom​:

She didn’t have a lot of experience with good moms, but if her opinion counted for anything Alice was one of the best.  And her little man was adorable – he was going to be a killer herbologist one day, and hopefully it was back here so she could give him his first job.  This might have been a silly idea, but she thought she’d run it by Alice and see.  If not she could find a nice window sill for the plants that she had gathered just in case.

“Hi,” she waved awkwardly as Alice rounded her bookshelf and came into her workspace.  “I had an idea, and feel free to tell me that it’s a dumb idea, I promise I won’t cry,” she laughed awkwardly.  “anyway – I know Neville isn’t around right now and I was wondering if you wanted to put together a little package for him?  I’ve gathered some baby friendly plants – and if the box looks spare we could pick out a few more?  I don’t have kids so this could be completely off base, but…” she trailed off with a shrug.  “Feel free to run out of here screaming though, promise I won’t be offended.”

[alicethelongbottom]

Hearing from Gwen was always a pleasure - Neville enjoyed the plants, and Alice enjoyed the company. It was shocking when she first discovered that her twin was that obnoxious twat, Gilderoy, with all of his preening and bragging around town about his mediocre books. Gwen was so kind, so down to earth - it was wonder they shared any DNA, let alone the same womb. Just thinking about it baffled her. But she shook off the thought, mood focused on finding the right workspace than musing about her friend’s heritage. It did sting a bit, being here without Neville. He would love it - he would probably try to eat something, but he would love it all the same. 

Gwen’s space was cute, homey - much more comfortable than that rigid, no-nonsense office of hers back at the Ministry. This was the sort of place she wouldn’t mind spending the better part of a day at. “Hey,” she returned with a grin, surveying all the little pots and plants laid out before them. And with each word and idea Gwen offered, it felt like her heart swelled and swelled until it might burst. She missed Neville so much and this...this would be the perfect thing to make her feel closer to him, and him closer to her. Her eyes were watering a little bit and she shook her head furiously by the time Gwen finished. “No, no...it’s perfect. It’s an incredible idea. It’s just,” she met the other woman’s eyes, her smile bittersweet and genuine, “it’s so thoughtful, Gwen. Thank you. I think he’d love it. And I do, too.”

[theamctavish]

who: @alicethelongbottom

As the doorbell jingled to signal her exit from Flourish & Blotts, Thea couldn’t help but take in a deep breath. Diagon Alley might not have been the cleanest in terms of pollution. In fact, Thea sometimes felt more claustrophobic here than she had in the actual city of London. As she made her way through the streets, navigating the familiar cobblestones on the way to the Leaky, Thea almost tripped over a small child who was running with a sparkling balloon. “Oh, goodness, sorry,” she said, apologizing to the younger witch’s parent, before turning around and almost running into no other than Alice Longbottom. The sight of the other woman caused her to jump, hand flying to her heart. 

“Blimey, Alice.” A laugh escaped her and she tried not to feel like Alice was following her now too. After all, Tarquin didn’t always visit during her lunch break. Then again, maybe she was just being paranoid. People also ate at the Leaky for lunch. It was only when her heart started hammering that she realized that Alice’s drink had fallen to the ground. “Oh, Godric. I’m so sorry. It seems I’ve got the clumsiest feet today. You think I’d be used to children around here, but they’re always so all over the place. I suppose I couldn’t blame them. Diagon is so exciting for kids and… well, um. I’m rambling.” Thea laughed again, nervously moving her bag on her arm. “Can I get you another?” 

[alicethelongbottom]

Sure, the Ministry had a cafeteria and various places to find your caffeine fix, but Alice much preferred leaving the office for her breaks - staying there, it was almost as if she could feel her unfinished paperwork sitting heavy on her desk, the tense atmosphere looming over what was meant to be a relief from her work. Sometimes she wandered to nearby muggle pubs, other times she decided the Leaky Cauldron was the safer bet for her time constraints. And today, it was the latter she decided on. A nice, peaceful meal - the extra side of chips were a mistake - followed by a brief stroll around the Alley before she headed back. 

But it startled her when she was knocked into, sending the remainder of her tea sloshing to the ground. It was nearly cold anyway. What was more interesting was that it was Thea’s eyes who met her own - they looked so much like her brother’s. After her emotional conversation with Tarquin in that dark alley, Alice found herself having trouble meeting Thea’s gaze. Her perception of the entire McTavish family had shifted a bit, leaving her wary of where she stood with each member of the duo. “No, it’s not your fault - I promise, it’s okay - Thea, please,” Alice tried to interject, but was unable to get a word in edgewise. She matched the laughter with a chuckle of her own. “It’s fine, I swear. I was almost done with it anyway.” She turned her head slightly, following the path of the balloon bobbing through the crowd. “Neville used to love those balloon - I guess Uncle Florean started handing them out again.”

[alicethelongbottom]

EVAN ROSIER.

“Just easily distracted then?” He replied pointedly glancing at the papers on her desk. He rolled his eyes, going back to filing the paperwork he had been working on. “Though I can’t blame you. I’m sure this must be very hard for you. Don’t you have a son the same age as Harry?” Evan knew very well that her son had been sleeping next to Potter’s but he looked at her anyway, his expression almost sympathetic. 

“Oh, I clearly am. Maybe you should take your own advice,” he retorted, closing the file he was working on and reaching for another one. “I’d disagree. I’ve never seen Moody staring at me in the office. Truly, Longbottom, I’m flattered.” 

Alice tried not to let it get to her - his nasty little comment. They'd worked together long enough that he knew it could, if she allowed it to. It took all her strength to swallow that angry retort and instead reply, "Yes, they were good friends. That's why anyone who even knew about the plot to murder an infant will answer to me. I've used the curses before, I'm not afraid to again. You should know all about that." She paused, wondering how he would react to the tail statement.

She spared a glance over at Moody's desk, where he was working dutifully without the unnecessary bickering Alice had started over here. She wondered what peace and quiet felt like in the office - she hadn't experienced it in week. "He keeps his love for you a secret. I'll let you know the next time he looks over."

[alicethelongbottom]

GRETA BONES.

Running on time had never been her strongest suit, even for work she found herself dashing through th doors of St Mungos with only moments to spare before the beginning of her shift. It had gotten even worse - something she hadn’t thought was possible - since she’d found out that she was pregnant. Where before she usually had the best intentions and something happened to cause a hiccup in her plans to be on time, no her mind was so busy that she found herself forgetting what arrangements she’d made. A nagging feeling in the back of her mind had been the only indicator that she’d had someone to be until Edgar had reminded her.

As she walked through the playground she did her best not to get distracted by wondering if one day things would be safe enough for her to bring her child there. Perhaps she would muse it aloud to Alice but she had to tell her first. “But I’m here now, aren’t I?” Arms raised into a playful shrug before expression took on a more sheepish quality. “Can I claim ‘better late than never’?” With everything that had gone on she hadn’t been able to see her friend as much as she would have liked and it was a relief to see that she was fine. Or as fine as any of them managed to be. The teasing cadence her voice had held only moments ago melted away into something softer and more fond. “It’s good to see you.”

It was as if Alice's heart let out a sigh of relief when her friend finally arrived. There was a peace between them, an understanding that only sisters could share. Although not by blood, Greta and Edgar were family - they always would be. So their presence, either one, separate or together, noticably comforted Alice. There were no reservations, no expectations - just nice company in a cool, moonlit park.

"Hmmm," Alice hummed aloud, as if lost deep in thought. "I'll let it sldie this time, but only because I like you." She grinned - a genuine one, not the facade it seemed everyone was wearing these days. "You have no idea how great it is to see you, Greta. It feels like it's been weeks, so catch me up. How's...well, everything."

[angel-veil-blog]

guide to life

[alicethelongbottom]

MARLENE MCKINNON.

“It’s not stealing, it’s borrowing,” she replied, voice almost eerily monotone when it lacked it’s usual oomph. “The owner and I have a deal. I pick up a few extra shifts every once in a while and she turns a blind eye when I take a few bottles. It works out in her favor, trust me.” Probably not her best move, throwing her boss under the knight bus like that, but it was true. Marlene stopped accepting payment from her former (/sometimes current) boss, so now she was profiting more from the work than she was losing in booze. Of course, that didn’t make up for the four (or more) years she was paying Marley in galleons and bottles, but that wasn’t the point. She sucked in a sharp breath through her nose, more out of annoyance than anything. “Take your money. I don’t want it and she doesn’t need it,” she said, lifting her gaze from the knuts and sickles to the auror. Alice was on her way though, and damn it, Marlene was hot on her heels, following her out of the pub. “You gonna tell me where we’re going?”

At that very moment, Alice wished she had a similar agreement with Adinah. Bottles and bottles of booze seemed to be the only remedy to grief surrounding the two women as they left the crowded bar. She was grateful that they each had one for themselves and another to share - that should be enough. Any more and they might be in for a trip to St. Mungo's - she was sure neither of them wanted that. "There's a muggle warehouse not far from here. It's been empty for years," she explained as they walked, but she didn't slow her pace. The harsh pace was the only thing keeping her grounded. Guilt and shame and anger and sadness filled her to the brim; she wondered if she stopped moving for even a moment, would the earth would swallow her whole? Perhaps, but she wasn't about to find out. "No one's ever cleaned it up, not really. It used to be some sort of ceramics store or maybe a factory. I don't think it really makes a difference." She turned a sharp corner, and briefly turned to make sure Marlene was still following. A joyless smirk curved her lips as she finally revealed, "It's a very, very nice place to break things."

[alicethelongbottom]

EDGAR BONES.

edgar.

“   He’ll be safe.   ”   His words are reassurance for both of them.   Harry was bad enough   -   but he didn’t know him like he knew his godson.   While he felt for the Potters,   Edgar wasn’t sure he wanted to imagine how things would have been if it was Neville in Harry’s place.   That might have been selfish,   but it was the truth.   Absorbing her words in silent understanding,   he nods.   “   You’re strong,   you and Frank both.   You’re a good team,   good parents.   ”   In case she needed a reminder.   “   Neville couldn’t be better taken care of.   I mean it.   ”   It was a difficult choice.   The right one,   from his perspective,   but an impossible one.   The Longbottoms were some of the strongest people he knew,   and it went without saying that he thought the world of them both.

“   Supervised visits might be in order,   ”   he can’t help but laugh at her words,   still regarding the situation with a sense suspended belief.   He still struggles to think of this as real,   to think that soon he’ll have a child of his own.   A living breathing child to raise.   “   That’s hardly a fair bet.   ”   He hadn’t told Frank,   mostly because he hadn’t seen Frank for some time.   But he hadn’t wanted to get in the way.  Heaving a sigh,   he chuckles a bit.   “   Greta’s already revoked my naming privileges.   Think you can help on that front?   ”

Alice couldn't stop fidgeting. She was switching which leg crossed the other, or smoothing her hair, or peeling back the paper on the coffee cup. Sitting still wasn't something she was normally good at, but now? Given everything? It was nearly impossible, even given the rare moment of peace between two friends. As comforting as his words were, especially coming from him, she still found them difficult to believe. "How can you be sure?" Her voice was quiet, hesitant. It was better to have him far away where this horrible, ugly war couldn't touch him and yet...she wondered if anyone could protect him better than she and Frank could. "I trust my Uncle Manny but...what if something happens to him over there? Or to us here?" There were a million things that could go wrong, and there always would be. No amount of kind sentiments from Edgar could calm her raging mind. "What if Neville doesn't have anything left to come home to at the end of all this?"

"Supervised visits? No, no. Frank and I are taking that little munchkin whenever we please, and we'll send them home with a bag full of treats. There's nothing you can do to stop us." It was so increidble, Edgar and Greta becoming parents. Finally. She was excited for them, excited to see their happiness grow. "Oh come on. You and I both know our husband well enough to know that my bet is fair." She hummed and tapped her chin, eyes narrowing just a bit. "That depends on what name you suggested. I trust her judgement - if you proposed some ridiculous name, I'm sorry but I'll have to support her."

[alicethelongbottom]

AMELIA BONES.

Amelia had to admit it - that was not the answer she’d been expecting. Not that she’d thought too hard about just what she did expect, but she’d been itching for a fight, ready to turn down excuses and apologies, but Alice’s explanation made her pause, frowning. “Maybe he’d still be alive if you’d brought the information to me. You could have had all the Department’s resources at your disposal, but you chose not to. Who were you trying to protect?” Although she didn’t back down a single step, there was a note of pleading in her stern, demanding tone. The thing was, no matter how much easier it made things, Amelia didn’t want to blame Alice, but who else was there? Dumbledore? The kids who’d initiated the whole matter by taking the Carrow boy? Amelia sure as hell blamed them too, but they didn’t answer to her. They didn’t know better. They weren’t in any position to do things properly. Alice and Frank were, and she’d thought so much better of them. It was why, no matter how furious she was, Alice wouldn’t be fired - because she was better than this, she was smart and capable and the DMLE was the better for it. That didn’t change the fact that this misstep could very well have cost a child his life. And for what? “Was it worth it?” The question was too harsh, even by her standards, and she swallowed hard. “Did you at least get something out of Carrow before he died too?”

There was someone she had been trying to protect - several someones. In that diner, with James sitting anxiously across from her, she told him this was a mistake. She urged him to go through the proper routes, warned him that this was an abuse of the auror code. They would go up against Wizengamot and lose, even though he had been so convinced their actions were justified. When she realized there was no arguing him out of it, when she heard that Carrow was already locked away in their care, she decided to minimize the damage by getting involved. But the damage wasn't minimized at all, it escalated further than anyone expected. "There were people involved who don't have the same credentials that I do. I knew it was an abuse of my power, but I did it anyway. My actions are mine and only mine," she said smoothly, although it was difficult to hide the emotion in her voice. Whatever James or Lily or Frank said on the matter was up to them - but Alice wouldn't try to blame them for anything. She knew the risks and she took them; no one forced her. Alice felt so small in that moment - she'd always been short, but small? No, she'd always felt large, like she took up space in a wonderful way. But now, it was like the entire world could swallow her whole without effort. "Carrow gave up the names of known Death Eaters, but even so...I don't think it was worth it, no. If we acted differently, maybe things would have gone...better." And she meant that. There were only a few names on the list, but they were unusable due to the means by which they were gotten.

[alicethelongbottom]

DANNY FAWLEY.

“you look so cute when you fall asleep in public,”  danny mumbled.  he considered checking for a pulse, but she spoke up, so he sat down across from her.  “and such a way with words, too.  how does she do it, folks?”  he was more concerned than he was letting on, but he knew alice well enough to know he wasn’t going to get anywhere by treating her like she couldn’t handle herself.  he eyed the barely-touched butterbeer.  “although i guess you’d have to finish your first round.”  sensing she wouldn’t drink it, he made a grab for the glass.  who didn’t love sharing between friends?  no sense in letting good drink go to waste.  “long day?”  he tutted, although he knew all too well that it was.  they worked in the same office, after all.  “you wanna talk about it?  drink about it?  both?  i vote both.”

Alice lifted her head slowly, as if it was a monumental effort - and it was, sort of. Exhaustion, grief, and general bad vibes had been haunting her for weeks now. She glared at him, scrunching up her nose a bit. "I'm the entire package, haven't you heard? A bad wife, a bad friend, and a bad mother, all wrapped up with a bow that reads ‘bitch’," the grin she offered was brief and obviously false. She batted her eyelashes for good measure. Then, she slumped again, resting her chin on her palm as she watched Danny drink her previously untouched butterbeer. "Drink about it first, talk about it second. I think the former will make the latter easier - or incoherent. Either way, I'm all in." Alice was never one to get roaring drunk - and if she ever did, it was with Frank in the comfort of their own home. But right now she needed something to make the world more tolerable, and perhaps a fire whiskey was just the trick.

[alicethelongbottom]

EDGAR BONES.

edgar.

Although it felt nice to be transported out of the war for a moment,   it was always looming just around the corner.   A news-stand employee would herald the latest Death Eater sighting,   a new person would turn up missing,   or be found dead.   It was in everything they did.   So it was natural for it to bleed into conversation.   “   A loaded one,   maybe.   But not a trick.   ”   He acknowledges that there’s no real use in asking something like that,   but it’s all that he really can do,   isn’t it?   His next words are genuine.   He does care after all.   “   But I wouldn’t mind an honest answer.   I’ve got time.   ”   

“   News does travel.   ”   They’d planned to keep it quiet per mutual agreement,   though he couldn’t have expected Greta to keep it from Alice.   He returns to gesture,   bumping her shoulder good-naturedly.   If he was going to ask her hard questions,   he should have expected her to do the same to him.   “   Yeah,   well.   Guess we took our time on that front.   ”

Alice heaved out a breath, one she hadn't realized she was holding. She wondered if Greta had passed on the news, or if Frank gotten to Edgar first. Either way, she figured her revalation wouldn't come as a shock and would, in some sense, be an easier topic on conversation that it was with others. She trusted Edgar - she always had. Their families were close...she could handle a few moments telling him the current status of his godson. "Well, Neville is...away. And that's just...impossible. I miss him every single day, every single minute, but we couldn't let anything happen to him." She hesistated, swallowing back the emotion that was always on the edge of spilling over these days. At least she and Frank were lucky enough to still have their child, alive. Lily and James would be missing Harry for the rest of their lives - Neville would return one day.

"Well, you can expect Aunt Alice and Uncle Frank to spoil your little miracle. They'll have an ego the size of Gilderoy Lockhart's by the time we're done with them." Her smile was wide, proud - if there was ever a couple deserving of a child, it was Edgar and Greta. It was such incredible news, that it almost outshined all the darkness clouding around them. "Have you told Frank yet? I'll bet you five galleons that he'll cry." She was teasing, although only a little. She teared up at the announcement, so she wouldn't be all that surprised if her other half did as well.

[alicethelongbottom]

GIDEON PREWETT.

Gideon always prided himself on getting a laugh out of someone. Whether it was an entire class erupting into laughter or one friend chuckling at a joke, Gideon valued his humour. 

“Oh, I’ll be sure to let her know about this,” he joked. It was interesting how his relationship with his old professor had changed now since they both left Hogwarts. He was glad of it and of course, always grateful she could no longer give him detention. He laughed. “What? Think I’m too proud to go to Puttifoots? If you wanted to go, my dear Alice, let the record stand that I’d suffer through it for you.”

Alice feigned offense at his words. "Suffer? At Puttifoots? Why, it's the most incredible place on Earth. The last thing you would be doing is suffering." But even she couldn't keep a straight face. Frank had tried to take her on a date there years ago and neither of them could stomach it more than a few minutes. "The Leaky Cauldron will do, you heathen," she bumped her elbow against his playfully.

--let's do the time warp--

Seated comfortably with a plate of chips between them, Alice felt a moment of relaxation. It was so refreshing to be out of the office, with someone she didn't typically see on a daily basis. A change of pace from the recent monotiny was nice. "So, tell me, how've you been holding up? Since the attack, with the Ministry's new measures, with...the news...And don't lie, because I'll be able to tell." Alice pointed a chip at him as if it were the most threatening object in the room.