Longbottom

Frank Longbottom, the one and only. I'm an Auror by day and a member of the Order every day. Day I kissed her: 18/05/78

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

[alicetheraven]

She gave a small shrug, smiling as he thanked her, and taking another sip from her glass. Once they were situated away from the little throngs of people, Alice took the opportunity to look around the studio of sorts. It was not very large, but held enough space for the dance floor to appear roomy. Everyone seemed friendly, some more serious about the class than others. But, just as she had hoped, no one appeared to be too serious and professional about any of this. Frank made for a great dance partner - the best, perhaps - but they were not going on stage anytime soon.

Her eyes met his as he spoke. Despite his initial attempts to deny anything was wrong, his expression continued to imply otherwise. At last, he admitted there was something on his mind, and her face deepened with concern. But she did not need to press him to continue, as he did so himself.

Giving his hand a small squeeze when it found hers, Alice let out a sigh, awaiting his explanation. Though when she got one, her eyes glimmered sadly. “No, you do not need to apologize. I just… I wish you would not worry so much. I cannot deny that the possibility of something horrible happening is nearly always in the back of my mind, yet I wish I could somehow reassure you that things are okay, at least for a minute or two.”

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

Taking another mouthful of juice, Frank remained silent as he listened to what Alice had to say on the matter. He had known it wasn't the right time to worry himself over such things but being around so much danger and darkness got to Frank quite regularly. However, he tried his best to lighten his expression and pull the corners of his lips up into a smile. 

"I'm terrible when it comes to worrying, right?" he replied, his lips curling into a soft smile. Before he continued, Frank let out a faint sigh. "I know, for now, everything is okay. We can enjoy Christmas and celebrate it with those we love and care about. I didn't want to dampen our evening, Alice, that's why I'm sorry; I feel like I've ruined it now." 

Turning his head away from Alice, Frank focused on the cheerful voices buzzing around the hall from the people who seemed to be so carefree and without worries. Maybe, Frank thought, he ought to take a leaf out of their books and just enjoy the time he had right now instead of worrying about the future. He knew he was prepared for whatever was coming - or at least prepared enough - so why not smile and cheer for a while?

"But anyway," his head snapped back to face Alice, "no time to dwell on such things. We have dancing to do."

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

[alicetheraven]

Frank’s mind appeared to be elsewhere. She could tell from the distant and troubled expression that had captivated his features and the delay in his reply. Her curiosity and worry began to blossom, though it was not long before he did say something in return and moved to wrap his arms around her. Feeling his hand slip into hers, she glanced down at the floor with a smile, wrapping her fingers in between his. Then he spoke and she glanced up, “I believe I saw some when I entered.” Alice glanced around, spotting the table and nodded, making her way over, guiding him as their hands remained together.

They arrived and she pleasantly greeted the few people nearby. It was a reluctant action, but she removed his hand from his in order to pour each of them some juice. “For you, my lovely dance partner,” she picked up one glass with a smile, handing it to him. After taking a sip from her own cup, she made her way over to the nearby wall and leaned against it, not wanting to block access to the refreshments.

But even as she glanced to him with a smile, Alice couldn’t fight off the memory of the worried look that had been on his face, and it made her sad. She didn’t want him to be unhappy, and she wished she could help somehow. Taking the chance to ask, not entirely sure whether or not he would share, she straightened up and spoke softly. “Is everything all right? You seem a little… distracted.” Her eyes were widened with concern.

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

Gratefully, Frank took the drink Alice had kindly poured him and sipped at it's refreshing contents. He knew his worrying was pointless at that moment in time because this was a night to enjoy; they were, after all, surrounded by people who had no idea who they really were and it was all thanks to Alice who'd thought of the idea. She'd put it all together, their second date.

A date. Another one. Now, how was that something not to enjoy?

"Thank you for the drink," Frank piped up, feeling his gratitude was a little late. He followed Alice, however, and slipped against the wall beside her so they could enjoy their drink away from the chatter of the other learners in the hall. 

At Alice's concern, Frank found his head shaking from side to side. "No, no, I'm fine. Well... No, I'm fine," he pressed, his brow crinkling up with a frown. "Okay maybe I'll a little worried." Frank shifted his glass into his lift hand so that his other could reach out to take hold of Alice's once more. For some reason, the feel of her hand in his calmed him. "I guess I'm just waiting for the next be fireball to come crashing down, ruining any chance of me, of us, being happy for more than five minutes. I'm sorry." 

[hiroming]

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

[alicetheraven]

The grin that greeted her when she looked at her dance partner made Alice even more inclined to smile in return. That being said, it felt as though resisting a smile was an impossibility at this point. “I do not plan on doing anything of the sort,” she let out a soft laugh, glancing down for a moment but keeping in step with him. Messing up their dance was the last thing she wanted to do right now.

With the music seemingly past the halfway point, the raven-haired girl cheered herself with the thought that today they would be allowed more than one dance together. It made her happier than she might admit, especially since they were dancing without the pretenses of a party or a dare.

Despite her best wishes, the song did come to a close, and she steadied her feet, looking up to Frank with a smile before taking a step back and giving him a little curtsy. “I think we are improving,” she murmured, her eyes alight with joy at having the opportunity to be here with him.

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

There was a war on. Frank was well aware of what his roll was within that, how he needed to be strong, fast and highly skilled in order to make it out the other side. His father had once told him that having friends or loved ones posed as threat, a target to get you hurt. He'd also told Frank that it was those you care about most that help you get through the day. Frank's mother was one of those people he hoped to protect from the war, his friends from Hogwarts were a few more. But, as Frank danced holding tightly onto Alice, he realised there was someone else he'd risk anything for.

No, you can't do that, a voice ordered him. There is no time to be happy right now. All Frank had ever wanted was to become an Auror, find the girl of his dreams and live life to the fullest. How could he ever do that with a war hanging over his hand? He wasn't prepared to let Lord Voldemort and his brain-dead followers ruin Frank's chances, however.

With his internal babble, Frank was only half aware that Alice had uttered a reply and that the song was coming to an end. He looked to her, his expensive turning soft and warm after his troubles. "We certainly are," he replied, his arms slipping from around her. His fingers traced down Alice's arm as Frank pulled away, only to slip into her hand and clasp it tightly. "Do they have any refreshments?" he questioned aloud, scanning the room quickly. "I could do with some juice."

[iheartjgl-blog]

[iheartjgl-blog]

[maraudersmischiefmemoriesblog]

Daisy Hookum and Frank Longbottom roasting marshmallows on a fire near Hagrid’s hut.

Taken by Alice Jamestone, 1976.

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

[alicetheraven]

She nodded, a smile filling her slightly pinked cheeks. There was a short moment in which she glanced downward, but she returned her happy expression to him, away from their shoes. “I am very glad about it, as well. Everything has been so busy recently, and I have absolutely missed this.” Admitting it felt less daunting than it might have been, and it made her happy that Frank felt similarly. “You just might - you have a wonderful pair of dancing feet.”

The music commenced and she let him lead her to the dance floor. His hand was warm on her back, and she turned to him, taking his hand and moving her other arm around him. Glancing over at the instructor and her partner, Alice began to move slowly. The steps seemed simple enough, and it was introduced as a box step. Alice concentrated as she went, taking care not to tread on Frank’s toes. The steps changed and she shifted once more, falling into a comfortable pattern.

It was fun, and when she was able to stop thinking so much about her movements, she looked to Frank, her smile spreading. “I have not crushed your feet yet,” she said in a joking tone. They had danced together on several occasions, and each time they had flowed together very well, but she still worried that she might mess up at some point.

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

Shifting into hold, Frank's chest swelled with happiness before he let out a contented sigh. The steps were simple; the basics to a Waltz seemed to slip from Frank's feet effortlessly. His mother had been keen to teach Frank how to entertain a dance floor because she'd always thought it was the best way into a woman's heart. 

Frank continued to lead, sliding his eyes to and from Alice and the instructor. This was something he could easily get used to if they decided to do it again some time because Frank could feel his muscles relaxing and the tension of a days work slipping away. His eyes returned to Alice's face in time to see her smile.

"No, and I don't think you will," he replied with a grin of his own. "We've danced plenty of times before and you've never hurt me, Alice, so please don't start doing so!"

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

[alicetheraven]

The environment of the dance studio was a friendly one. It was warm and inviting and the women were dressed in colorful dresses that swooshed around their legs as they walked. Their cold-weather boots were deposited under their coats, nice dancing shoes adorning their feet. Alice had not given this much consideration since she had apparated here, but no one seemed to notice that she had only taken off her coat and not a pair of boots, as well. Once she was approached, she began speaking kindly to the woman before her.

It wasn’t long before several other women came up to her. They all seemed very pleasant and glad to have a new addition to their class. Several of the young ladies filtered off to meet some of their friends, leaving Alice face-to-face with one sole member of the class. Just as they began speaking about what had happened in the class recently, she heard footsteps behind her and turned around at the sound of a familiar voice. Her eyes lit up and she smiled as his hand moved to her back.

"I think you are right on time," she replied, feeling her cheeks flush slightly as he looked over her. Then he kissed her cheek and she smiled at him for a moment before turning her attention to the woman next to her. "Helen, this is Frank," Alice gestured as she spoke. "Frank, this is Helen." The woman introduced herself before excusing herself to go get ready. "Thank you for coming with me," she shifted to face her fellow Hogwarts graduate more fully.

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

Smiling kindly at the woman known as Helen, Frank nodded his head in greeting before turning about to his dance partner. Work had been rather chaotic lately which had left Frank with hardly any time to really have for himself. There had been investigation after investigation into random Ministry workers deaths, muggle-born disappearances and spontaneous explosions. Most hours were spent hunched over parchment and ink pots, resulting in Frank hardly leaving the office. So, tonight really was a special occasion. 

"Don't mention it," he replied with a gentle wave of his hand at Alice's thanks. "I'm glad we've found some time to actually get together and do something fun. I've missed this." And he had; he'd missed Alice, missed her presence around him, bringing a warm smile to his face that just seemed to linger for hours. "I'm just hoping that I don't show you up!"

A low hum of music started to stir around the room and people began to break off into pairs, looking across the dance floor for a space in which they could move gracefully to the music. Frank's head shot around and his eyes landed on an area of wood flooring that had yet to be occupied. "There, come on," he said, guiding Alice slightly with his hand that was still pressed to her back.

[phinnick]

(x)

[alicetheraven]

Dance the Night Away -- Frank and Alice

Dressing up for lessons had always been an easy task. While at Hogwarts, the list had been simple: uniform shirt, skirt, tie, socks, shoes, cloak. Check. Even now, for Auror training, she just had to pick out a pair of comfy trousers and a simple shirt that matched and ensure none of her ensemble could slow her down if it was a duel day. But tonight proved that the task apparently wasn’t always such a breeze. Twenty minutes had passed, and Alice was still wearing only her undergarments and dressing gown. Her wardrobe doors were thrown open in front of her, with several dresses splayed out. What did one wear to a muggle ballroom dancing class? She chewed anxiously on her lip, her eyes darting from one dress to another. Finally, she snatched a hanger with a grey-blue dress on it and eased the garment from it.

With an appraising look in the mirror, Alice gave a nod before checking the time and letting out a sigh of relief when she discovered her long debate over what to wear had not set her behind. Slipping on a cardigan, followed by her coat, she grabbed her bag and then apparated nearby the building where the classes were to be held. She and Frank had agreed to meet there, though when she entered, she noted that she had arrived first. Hanging her coat on a nearby hook, she smoothed down her dress. She was pleased to see that most of the women there were dressed similarly. Now all she had to do was hope Frank would like it. Merlin, since when had she cared so much about such things? Luckily, it was not long before she was distracted from those thoughts, since just several seconds later, one of the women approached Alice and introduced herself.

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

Whenever Frank was laid with the task of dressing himself up to impress, he was thankful he owned a few muggle suits. Though the traditional wizarding dress robes were unique to his kind, a well fitted suit was far more comfortable with it's perfectly cut trousers and snug suit jacket. Frank looked at himself in the mirror propped up again the wall in his bedroom and found himself smiling at his reflection. Hopefully it was good enough for whatever tasks the muggle dancers had in store for Alice and himself.

Soon, Frank had clicked his heels and disapperated from his cozy flat and arrived on a chilly corner of a London street. The building where he was about to show his dancing skill shone out with a warm, orange glow from it's large windows. Frank hurried up the entrance steps and through the large doors in seek of warmth.

Before leaving home he'd managed to through on a coat which Frank now peeled off himself and tucked it onto a hook where, he noticed, other coats lay waiting for their owners to return. With caution, Frank walked into the large, wooden dance floor and cast a glance around for a face his knew. Alice was standing with her back to him, seeming to be in conversation with another woman. He strode over there, his lips turning up at the corners. "Sorry, ladies," he interrupted, his hand slipping onto Alice's back. "Apologies if I'm late." Frank looked upon Alice, admiring her dress before leaning down a planting a kiss against her cheek. 

[greaserstaygoldponyboy-blog]

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

I was told for a long while not to contact anyone. Sorry, I hope it's not inconvenient or anything... -L.

[owl] Why were you told that? No, it's not inconvenient at all. Don't worry. But how are you? -F. Longbottom

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

[owl] I understand the feeling, and I think we need to right it immediately. I found a little place just south of London that looks fairly good and not overly expensive. Would you like me to contact them? Alice x

[owl] Yeah! Give it ago. Hopefully they'll have some classes free before Christmas for us to enjoy. -Frank x

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

[owl] Not to worry! Work keeps me very busy, and I can only imagine it does you, too. If you would like to do it, I would be happy to, as well. Do you want me to try to find a class? Alice x

[owl] Super, horribly busy. I feel like I'm losing all touch with my friends and that's not a very pleasant feeling. If you like! We need to find some time to really get back together and have some fun. -Frank x

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

I can't really say. It's all supposed to be very secret as I understand it. I probably shouldn't even be sending this. - L.

[owl] Wait a second. If this who I think think it is? Why are you doing this? Why now? Not that I'm angry, I just don't understand. -F. Longbottom

[frank-thechaser-longbottom]

[owl] Would you actually like to attend a muggle ballroom dancing class? Alice x P.S. Very true.

[owl] Alice, I'm so sorry but I've only just found this letter under a large pile of notes at work. But yes, I think that'd be quite fun! - Frank x