the sun will rise again tomorrow

Alice Longbottom | a wife, a witch, an Auror | Order of the Phoenix

[danielzovatto]

[lapieldelmal]

Couples that clean blood off of each other are couples that stay together.

(via master-lestrangex)

[honoremetfamilia]

maybe, baby, we should talk about it; 14th of December, 1978 | {Frank & Alice}

[honoremetfamilia]

Frank has seen Alice try the doorknob, knew that it was her, and felt guilty for not opening the door. With both sides recuperating from the recent battle and work at the Auror office consisting largely of paperwork for those who had been in Paris, Alice and Frank had a rare couple of days where both of them would be at home together. He knew he should have been taking advantage of it, but instead he was sulking in his office behind a locked door. 

Frank’s guilt returned to him now, he knew Alice was looking forward to spending the day together, he had been looking forward to it as well. It had been ages since they were able to take their lunch breaks together. It used to be Frank’s favorite part of the work day, back when they were newly trained Aurors and the darkness hadn’t spread to every part of Frank’s life.

“Don’t turn this around on me, Alice,” He did tell her everything, exceptions being when she was away on missions, when communicating with her was impossible, and if it was then telling her he was injured would only provide a dangerous distraction when focus was needed the most. But the fighting was over, they were home now, and still she said nothing. 

Frank always kept others at a safe distance. He often felt as if he hadn’t made a true connection with another person in years. It was like he was living on an island where people could come and go, and he would greet and welcome them. But they always left, and Frank was stuck there, incapable of leaving. Alice was supposed to be on that island with him, they were supposed to be in this together, they were supposed to tell each other everything.

The Longbottoms were a force to be reckoned with, everybody knew it. The couple, together could face down anything, but Frank couldn’t get over the way his heart lurched each time he heard Alice yell, the way he always had to keep her in his peripheral vision. He couldn’t get over knowing that he would do anything to keep her safe, even jeopardize the greater good. So he simply refused to go into the field with his wife and Alice had stopped fighting him on the subject long ago. 

“Someone asked me how you were today and I had no idea that my own wife had been injured in the first place. Then I had to lie and pretend that I knew, ” the proper word to describe what he had felt in that moment was embarrassed. What kind of husband doesn’t know when his wife is hurt? What kind of husband has to hear from someone else that his wife had needed healing. He could feel the judging eyes, those eyes were asking how could you not know what I’m talking about? The embarrassment returned as he retold what had happened, remembering the conversation.  

“So why didn’t you tell me Alice? It’s been days since it happened, you had no reason not to.” 

[imalicelongbottom]

She didn’t look at him, she refused to. Surely one would think that a married couple would tell each other everything, but many of the married people weren’t the Longbottoms. Alice had never minded that not everything they did could be discussed with one another. It was the policy that if you weren’t involved in certain case you weren’t allowed to talk about it - even if the person you wanted to talk about it was your husband, and also an Auror. And sometimes she included her wounds into that category as well.

It wasn’t like she lied to Frank - she just sometimes found it better not to tell him how badly she had been injured. Because Alice knew that her husband would use any excuse to argue about her being an Auror. She knew that Frank had grown almost overprotective on her, and would rather see her at home than on the field. But being an Auror was something she had wanted to be longer that she had had Frank in her life. And she wasn’t going to give up on that just because he felt like it. No it was her life, and Alice knew that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself in the filed, why was it so hard for Frank to see it lately.

Alice knew that it wasn’t fair to question Frank’s actions, but she couldn’t help herself. His actions irritated her, she wasn’t his property and she knew for sure that he didn’t always tell her everything, admitted he that or not. Everyone had secrets these days, and Alice didn’t really mind. As long as they weren’t major things that people were keeping secret. Alice still didn’t think that her getting slightly injured in Paris wasn’t too big of a deal. And to be honest, she was a bit embarrassed about it - it had been such a rookie mistake to duck a spell and fall from the stairs and break a bone. It had been so small thing to Alice that she really hadn’t even remembered that. But of course her dear husband was different.

She closed her eyes when Frank started speaking again. She had been too terrified to speak before - he sounded so angry and disappointed in her. There really was no need for that! “I’m sorry you had to lie, to pretend that you knew. I’m sorry I let that small thing slip my mind. What can I say?” she asked, still not looking at him. Alice moved her hand down to find the wine glass she had abandoned there earlier. What did he want her to say? That she was sorry? That nothing like that would happen ever again? She couldn’t read his mind! She took a sip of the wine, sighing deeply.

“It really was nothing. I wanted to forget it because it was embarrassing. For me. A broken bone, that’s all! I don’t know who saw what, but that’s all that happened in Paris. And had I remembered it, had I told you, you would have wanted me off of the field. I know you do. No matter how small my injuries are, you find those as an excuse to use against me”, just now she dared to look up from her wine glass. Alice blinked her eyes, trying to get those tears disappear from her eyes.

“But do you know how I feel, when they try to pair us up in the Department and I have to say no because I know you don’t want to go to a mission with me? The talks, the gossips. I know the reason why you don’t want to fight besides me, but they don’t. They assume the worst, they look at me - eyes filled with pity and sadness. As if they knew something was wrong between us. And even if we were to explain it, well, they’d just think it’s an excuse. So no, you don’t get to guilt me about not remembering to tell you about my small injury", she said, finally looking up into Frank’s eyes.

[honoremetfamilia]

maybe, baby, we should talk about it; 14th of December, 1978 | {Frank & Alice}

“Frank how’s Alice doing?” 

“Pardon?” 

“Alice? I saw her being healed in Paris but didn’t have time to stop and check on her.” 

“I- She- Oh. Oh, yes. She’s doing well. It was nothing serious,” Frank clenched his jaw as he carried on with niceties of the conversation, thanking the fellow Order member for checking up on his wife. His wife who, it seemed, didn’t think it important to mention to her husband that she had been injured, despite the countless opportunities she’s had since the fighting ended to let him know. 

Frank was feeling increasingly alienated from his wife’s life, they barely spent any time together at home. He only ever seemed to catch her in between Auror assignments or Order missions, and of course his own responsibilities didn’t help. Everyone made sacrifices during war, Frank knew that, he knew what he was signing up for when he agreed to join the order. But after years of fighting things were just as hopeless as when they’d started and Frank just wanted some part of his life to be untouched by war and destruction, and it was becoming increasingly apparent to him that his marriage could never be it. 

He avoided her for the rest of the day, spent the entire day in his locked office filling out paperwork and scouring through reports, looking for any useful intel to bring back to the Order. He worked late, as late as he could without raising suspicions. He finally emerged from his office, avoiding the startled looks he received from people who clearly didn’t even know hew as there, obviously assuming he was either out on assignment or had never shown up at all. 

He walked home instead of taking the floo network, breathing in the cold December air til his chest hurt and his lungs were ice. Their apartment was in a modest part of London, a decade of Auror work meant they had saved a decent sum. It was nothing extravagant, just the right amount of space for two people to cohabit. He would see the lights on and shadows moving under the door from the hallway, indicating that Alice was home. He unlocked the door, set his coat and scarf up on the hanger and went looking for his wife. He found her in the living room and he sat in the armchair across from her. 

She was so beautiful, her face so familiar and so distant at the same time. He felt as if he hadn’t seen her, hadn’t been with her, in ages. Weeks, months, years. Frank had lost grasp of time when it came to Alice, their lives were meant to be intertwined as one, and yet he felt as if they were each on separate trajectories, running parallel to each other, only crossing paths occasionally. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you’d been injured, Alice?” He used the quiet, leveled voice he reserved for the most serious of situations. 

[imalicelongbottom]

After her resent trip to Paris, France, Alice had fallen back to her normal routines. She had been rather busy with the Department, spending more time on the field rather than in the office. Meaning that she hadn’t seen Frank as much as she would have liked to. And to be honest, Alice would have spend this day on the field as well if it meant that she didn’t need to do the paper work. But no, there were papers to fill out and return to their Head. So it was an office day for Alice.

She did know that Frank would be working in his office as well, and had hoped that they could work together. And at breakfast everything had been well, Alice missed their shared breakfasts since usually only one of them was home at the time. The down sides of their work, they were hardly ever home at the same time. And while Alice would have wanted to work with Frank more, she herself knew she was at her best while working alongside her husband, Alice knew that Frank didn’t like working with her on the field. They had had arguments about it, and over the time Alice had let the subject drop. They still worked together, but it was rare, making it harder to find time with the other. Today though had been different, and Alice had enjoyed the fact that for once she knew where Frank was.

And then something happened during the day. She couldn’t say exactly when, but it was clear to Alice that her darling husband was avoiding her. Had she been a colleague she wouldn’t have noticed anything wrong with Frank’s attitude and posture. But to Alice who knew him, it was clear as day that he was avoiding her. His office was locked, she had tried to get in only to find it locked and while she could have opened it with a spell, Alice knew that Frank had a good reason to stay locked in his office - so she didn’t bother him. Alice wondered what had happened, but knowing Frank, it would come up sooner than later.

So Alice busied herself with work. There was little of what she could get to the Order, but thankfully she got everything sorted and was once again ahead of the paperwork. Meaning that she hopefully didn’t need to sit down behind her desk in a week - but one never knew with the Department. After sending the finished papers to their Head, Alice was ready to go home. And since there was nothing else to do for her, she left a note saying that if needed, they could send an owl - she would be home.

With a longing look and a sigh, Alice passed Frank’s office on her way to the Floo network. Their flat was protected with different spells, so it always took an extra minute or two before she could actually travel by Floo. But she didn’t mind, because that meant that their house was protected and safe. And not long after her last words echoed in the Ministry, Alice was at home. She stepped out from their fireplace, careful not to bring the ashes with her. Alice walked straight to their bedroom and got rid of her robes, chancing into a jumper and a skirt. Barefoot she walked to the kitchen, ready to cook.

And the hours passed. The dinner Alice had prepared had went cold, though she had eaten, Alice wasn’t stupid enough to wait for Frank to come home before eating. Because clearly he had no intentions of showing up early. The later it came, the more furious and frustrated Alice became. It was one of their rare days they should have had together, and what does her dear husband decide to do? Stay at work after the office hours! Typical!

She was sitting on their couch, her legs tugged underneath her, and a wineglass in her hand, when she head the door being unlocked. Frank. She made no effort to go and greet him, even if deep inside she wanted to go and give him a hug. But she was upset with him. And clearly he was upset with her as well, since it took some time for Frank to come in and to actually find her.

Then the question was dropped, and Alice understood why he had been acting like he had. And Merlin did she hate his stern voice! Well, when it was used on her. “Do you inform me every time you get injured?” she asked, setting the wine glass to the floor. “And I didn’t say anything, because it was nothing.” She stressed the last three words, but knew very well that Frank wouldn’t let this pass.

[imalicelongbottom]

From safe haven to death trap | December 9th, 1978 | Alice & Fabian

Had it been any other reason for Alice to be in Paris, she would have enjoyed the trip very much. But it was an Order mission, and a bad one too. Alice still couldn’t believe that the war had spread to France also - it was bad enough to try and handle it on their side of the English Channel, but now here too? She knew nothing about the French community, how well they had been prepared, if they even knew what was going on in Britain!

Alice was still rather confused, standing there on the steps of the Paris Observatory, where she had been advised to wait for her partner. Apparently she would meet a fellow Order member. From what she had understood, they didn’t actually need her to fight against the terrorists. She refused to call them Death Eaters until it was confirmed properly, but if they really were Voldemort’s Death Eaters - well, then the problem would be bigger and more dangerous than first believed. But now they needed her help with the injured wizards and witches.

The Observatory itself was a gorgeous building, they certainly didn’t have this kind of architecture in Britain. And when she had been sent there Alice had been told that the wizards did indeed use it more than the muggles, which made it easy and logical place for evacuation. It wasn’t a hospital though, but they would do the small tricks before they were transferred to the hospital. It was a good thing that Alice had had a good practice on healing, otherwise it wouldn’t do any good for her being there.

Alice wondered not only who would come and help her alongside the French witches, but also where the hospital was. They had told her the name, but since Alice didn’t speak French at all, she hadn’t gotten the name and wasn’t even trying to pronounce it afterwards. She had seen hospitals nearby, but were they muggles ones or not, Alice wasn’t sure. The blonde stood there, clearly visible for everyone, but since it had been rather quiet here and it didn’t look as chaotic here in the 14th district as it had been in the 6th. The Luxembourg Garden had been a mess!

The cold wind blew towards her face, and Alice lifted her collar up. It was strange to wear muggle clothes, but it was easier since she could easily see muggles walking down the street. Plus the witches she had seen and talked with definitely didn’t wear robes - there was no doubt that Paris was the capital of fashion, and the wizards and witches made no exception with it. And then she saw a familiar face. Her face lit up, and Alice took steps closer to meet her partner.

She was pleased with the choice, not that anyone would be bad choice really. “Fabian!” she exclaimed as the young lad came closer. A smile on her face, Alice went to give him a hug.

[ofremuslupins-blog]

Diagon Alley | Nov 24, 1978

[ofremuslupins-blog]

Now that they were off the main Alley and somewhere more secluded with walls at their backs and a good vantage point to watch the rest of the shop, Remus felt safe. The world was rapidly deteriorating around them - war was literally on everyone’s doorstep, and there was no knowing who Voldemort might target next. For weeks now, Remus had felt like he was walking around with a giant target painted on his back — he was a werewolf that was openly connected to James Potter and the Order, which meant he was known to Death Eaters. Looking across the table at fair-faced Alice, he knew that her job was no easier. Being an Auror for the Ministry was a hard job at the best of times, but acting as a double agent and working for the Order on the side was a thankless job. But, if Remus knew Alice, he knew that she wouldn’t complain.

Settling into the hard wood of his chair, Remus felt his face flush when Alice refused his offer to buy her tea. He would’ve insisted he buy it if it were anyone other than Alice, but he knew that she understood his current situation — it was humiliating that he could hardly afford his own cup of tea, let alone hers, but the Longbottoms had always been kind to him. Remus nodded when he waved it away, trying to will his hart to slow down and for the shame to ebb away by distracting himself with her question. “They come over—” and just as the words left his mouth, a witch dressed in magenta robes appeared at their table while a notepad floated beside her head, ready to take their order. “Just two teas, thank you,” Remus said, and the witch gave one mute nod of her head while the notepad scrawled the order down with a floating quill. “They’re very discrete here,” Remus continued as the witch walked away. “I don’t know how true it is, but apparently there’s all kinds of charms over the shop to deflect listening spells — and apparently that witch can’t actually speak…”

Remus’ eyes flickered to the door to the kitchen in which she’d disappeared before he shrugged and turned back to Alice. “Anyway, we can talk freely here — and I was going to ask you about the last mission you worked for the Order,” Remus said, his elbows on the table as he peered imploringly at Alice. “I just-… I know I’m probably paranoid about it, but-… do you think Dumbledore is-… I mean to say, you haven’t-… heard anything about me, have you?” Remus frowned to himself. “I haven’t heard from anyone within the Order until I bumped into you, and I kind of-… got the feeling that I was being ignored.” The suspicion itched inside Remus like a disease. He’d always been worried about people forgetting him or dropping him as their friend — he worried about being left behind, alone, without anyone. The silence from the Order might have been nothing but a coincidence, but Remus needed to ask someone, just to be sure. Just to make sure it wasn’t all in his head.

“I’m being paranoid, aren’t I?” he said with a sigh and looking away from Alice. “Sorry. I just-… I’m worried, you know? I heard a few weeks ago someone mention Fenrir Greyback and Voldemort in the same sentence, and if werewolves are working with Dumbledore-… what must the other members of the Order think of me?” Remus was still frowning over it when their teas levitated over to their table and settled quietly without spilling over the sides. Pouring three sugars into it, Remus stirred his tea idly while avoiding Alice’s eyes, fearful of the answer she’d give him.

[imalicelongbottom]

It was easy to notice, that Remus’ posture became more relaxed and little less suspicious as they were comfortably sitting in the table. She couldn’t judge him for staying suspicious, it was everyone’s nature these days. But one couldn’t be too careful and trusting these days, even if Alice tried to fight against it and let herself relax more than one would think an Auror would. They didn’t need to be on edge the whole time, they were allowed a little break here and there. Though if needed, Alice was ready to fight in seconds, so no big harm done in relaxing, eh?

Alice knew that it wasn’t easy for Remus to let it be, to let her pay her own tea. It was not only against his nature, but of course it would hurt his pride a little as well. But Alice knew that he shouldn’t be using his money on her, he needed every Galleon he had way more than Alice. Yet Alice thought that Remus shouldn’t be ashamed at all, he wasn’t the only wizard having money problems and wouldn’t be the last one either, but it was the boy’s nature that just wouldn’t let it pass that easy. She really should pop by and see how he was doing, and bring him some food. Surely Remus wouldn’t like that, she knew that the boys didn’t want charity from them, but they were her, and Frank’s, friends and when in need, friends were there to help one another. Her thoughts were interrupted by both Remus’ words and the waitress in stunning magenta robes - she should ask where they were from, because the robes were brilliant. “Yes, I noticed”, Alice answered to Remus with a playful smile on her lips. She nodded to Remus’ words, and was surprised when the witch didn’t say anything. That was extremely odd. Her curiosity was satisfied by Remus, and Alice was sure her jaw hit the floor by the time he mentioned that the witch may or may not be mute. “The privacy part I do like, but I can’t help but feel a bit taken aback if the waitress really can’t speak”, she spoke and shook her head in disbelief.

The blonde witch listened as Remus rambled away, clearly worried about his status in the Order. Poor lad indeed. Alice smiled kindly as he stopped, his face showing that he himself wasn’t too convinced that he was needed. She let out a sigh, as Remus wondered if he had been ignored by everyone else. Alice decided that it would be easiest to start from his first question, about her last Order mission. “Well, let’s see”, she began as the wheels in her head turned, trying to locate the latest Order mission. “It must have been two and a half weeks since I’ve last been on an Order mission. I was merely helping Kingsley with some inside information from the Ministry that the Order could use”, Alice told. “I haven’t heard him speaking about you, but then again, I haven’t heard him speaking about Kingsley either nor the Prewetts. And by no means are you being ignored, darling. From what I’ve learned, they - Dumbledore and Alastor mainly, have kept it low. There was this incident with the Ministry, and I don’t believe anyone was really contacted in these past weeks. Sometimes we just have to adjust to the silence”, Alice spoke kindly wanting to make sure that Remus would never ever believe that he was ignored!

“It’s understandable, but unnecessary, believe me”, she answered. Then the conversation changed to the werewolves and mainly to Greyback. Alice shivered a bit, Greyback was someone she would gladly see locked up in Azkaban for the rest of his life - and not only because what he did to Remus! She was just about to answer, when the teas were levitated to their table. Alice took hers closer and while Remus put three sugars into his tea, Alice was fine with just one. She took a sip before speaking again, even if Remus was avoiding her gaze.

“First of all, you have to remember that Greyback has his own motivations, and isn’t really liked among others”, Alice still wasn’t sure if she should include Remus to the werewolf community or not, because he wasn’t like most of them. So she kept her words as neutral as possible. “If he is working with Voldemort, doesn’t mean that everyone else will jump to the other side with him. Most of them are working with the Order as you are fully aware. And I don’t think anyone will think any different of you, even if Greyback is now in Voldemort’s side. We know who you are, where your loyalty lives and how important you are to us, Remus. And I’m not saying these things to make you feel better, I’m saying these because it’s the truth”, she told him.

Alice then abandoned her tea cup and reached over the table to take Remus’ hands into her own. “I understand that you are worried, but we are here for you Remus. We are not going anywhere, I promise you that”, she said and after giving their joined hands a small shake, releasing them.

[jesusofsuburbia]

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

The Leaky Cauldron | November 23, 1978

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

Narcissa was skeptical, but nodded. Alice and Bella were similar that way, much more hands-on than Narcissa would ever be, and she couldn’t wrap her head around it, having a job or obligation that required putting so much of herself into it. The only thing she could ever imagine doing that for was having a family of her own, and that hadn’t happened yet. She couldn’t imagine the toll it was taking on Alice, having to see the things she’d seen.

"Believe me, if Lucius tried to speak of nothing but Firewhiskey and Quidditch, his mother would be getting an owl, meaning he’d soon be getting a howler." Narccisa said, laughing at the very thought. She nodded, "Then all I can say is that I’m glad you’re happy." And she was, truly. Narcissa was a romantic at heart, and it was easy to see Alice and Frank were very much in love. A perfect match, in her eyes—both of them intelligent, repsectable, and pureblood, though that didn’t matter in their eyes. As far as she was concerned, Alice’s only downfall was her loyalty to ideals not aligned with her own, and things like that could be changed.

Narcissa took Alice’s words as a compliment to herself, rather than words against her husband, in an effort to keep the peace, “Aren’t wives always more tolerable than their husbands?” She quipped with a laugh, before adding, “I doubt anyone would be good enough for Frank in her eyes. She’d probably be just as glad if he’d never married—you could be Morgana come again and she’d still find fault with you.” She reassured the other witch, wrinkling her nose. Augusta Longbottom was a witch you respected—or you’d probably suffer for it—but not one that you had to like, and Narcissa didn’t find her very likable.

The subject of children and families was common ground Narcissa was only too happy to explore, as her own sister wasn’t someone she usually spoke to about such things, “You do have a dangerous job…” Narcissa conceded, “But I do think you would make a lovely mother, Auror or not.” She smiled, inclining her head when the question was turned on her, “We wanted to get ourselves established, first, as a married couple, but…. I think the time may be right for a child. I want—well, as many as possible. Both boys and girls—I know Lucius wants a family as well, but I’d rather his schedule at the Ministry settled down before we have a child—I don’t want to raise them alone with help from only the House Elves.” She explained, taking another sip of her wine.

[imalicelongbottom]

Alice laughed alongside Narcissa. There was no doubt that if Lucius were to talk about nothing but Quidditch and other manly things, Narcissa would easily put an end to that. And an Howler to Lucius’ mother - if the other blonde ever did that, she would be much braver than Alice on talking to her mother-in-law. “I have no doubt that you would do that. And I do believe Lucius was raised better than most of the men I work with”, she told her with a smile. Alice took a sip from her tea, which was rather long lasting, she should take bigger sips then. She flashed an adorable smile to Cissy, there was no doubt that she wasn’t telling the truth. “Thank you dear. And I’m happy for you too“, Alice told her back - and she was. Even if their husbands couldn’t be any different, the main thing was that they both were happy. And from where Alice was sitting, it was perfectly clear that Narcissa Malfoy was indeed a happy woman.

Had she known that Cissy had taken small offense of her words, while Alice may have said that Narcissa was more likable than Lucius, she had by no means meant it the wrong way. In his own way Lucius was tolerable, but their views differed so much and Alice had never taken the time to get to know him, not like Alice knew and liked Narcissa. But Alice was clueless of what was going on in Narcissa’s head, and just politely smiled. And then she laughed at Narcissa words about wives always being more tolerable than husbands. Maybe to every other mother-in-law else but not to one dear Augusta Longbottom! She nodded as Narcissa commented that even Morgana wouldn’t be good enough for Augusta’s precious son. “Yes, I have to agree with you on that. Augusta is a mystery one just can’t solve”, was her final word on the subject.

When Narcissa said that Alice would indeed make a good mother, the Auror could feel her cheeks redden. It was rather nice to hear that kind of compliment. “Thank you darling, I really appreciate you saying that”, Alice said with a smile, taking once again sip from her cup. With a smile, Alice listened as Narcissa spoke. It was sweet so see an hear her talking like that, Cissy too would make a wonderful mother some day - hopefully soon! As Narcissa finished speaking, Alice continued from there. “I understand perfectly, it’s a lot easier when you have your own routines as a couple before you have your firstborn. I can easily picture your mansion filled with children, and I do hope you get children soon since that’s what you really want”, she spoke softly with a smile: “Yes, I think it’s important that both parents are involved in raising the child. I mean house elves are great, but you definitely don’t want them help raising your kids. And as you said to me, I think you too will make an excellent mother.”

Alice may not have grown up surrounded by house elves, and they definitely didn’t have one with Frank, but even she couldn’t deny that the little creatures were indeed practical to some people. But even if she had a house elf, she would never ever let it be the one helping to raise her child. It would be, well, not wrong, but definitely weird.

[imalicelongbottom]

Unfortunate events, but to who? | December 3rd, 1978 | Alice & Bellatrix

[bellacktrix]

Bellatrix had been practically about to come out of her skin when her Lord offered her this mission. The altercation she and Rodolphus had fought in was nearly a fortnight ago, and she had never done well with sitting still. Of course, she had done her duty, called on the proper people, but the only truly memorable moment of her week before had been that encounter with a mudblood, something that seemed like a travesty in her opinion. Needless to say, when the Dark Lord offered, she jumped at the chance. 

His words still rang in her head, and something in her chest ached to respond, to verbalize her total loyalty, to prove herself over and over again for no other reason than to please. It transformed into determination and a sloped smile on her face that had made some of the weaker beings in her group give her space. Even now, as she apparated onto snowy grass, it sat there, betraying her excitement with her task. 

The home of the family on her list was not overly large, but well kept. Bella wondered if that meant they were a proud sort and hoped they were. The proud always fought for life, and the look in their eye as she stole it from them was something that she relished. She looked over the house for a moment, taking in the placement of the windows and accessibility of exits, her wand in her palm like an extension of herself. Quietly, she cast a jamming charm on the windows of the lower floor, knowing that a jump from one of the upper would only aide her in her cause. 

Had it been earlier in the week, she probably wouldn’t have bothered with this, but Bella was enjoying the anticipation, drawing it out for herself. With a smile, she started towards the house, quiet but for the crunch of snow under her shoes. She really should have simply apparated inside, but it would have ruined this feeling, this prickling of her skin spreading through her. The back of her neck tingled, and Bella stopped. 

Bella was too far into the light of the house, and her eyes were too poorly adjusted to see in the dark of the night around her. Still, something was off, and Bella’s anger flared at her own paranoia. She turned back towards the door, moving faster, deciding to forgo any more build up of her own anticipation. A mudblood family would surely not result in much of a challenge, anyway. 

[imalicelongbottom]

Alice didn’t know how well the house was protected. She supposed that because Dumbledore hadn’t let her Floo or Apparate in, it was protected by some spells - but with which ones and how powerful? She hadn’t even thought that someone might attack on the family, so Alice hadn’t asked about these things. What a foolish mistake, especially since the figure was moving closer to the Primley house rather than away from it.

This wasn’t good, but now her only solution was to do this by herself. There was no way she could get out a word to either the Primleys’ inside their house or to the Order. Alice was sure the other person had something to do with Voldemort. There was no way anyone else than Voldemort and his followers were interested in this family - interested in every muggleborn family in the United Kingdom it seemed. Would they really need to protect every single one of them? It wasn’t possible, but if this was what the had time for, the Order had to take action. But after this.

With great interest Alice followed the actions of the mystery person. She saw the spell cast towards the windows, but didn’t know what spell it was. Or if it would work. Dear Merlin she should have asked about those protecting spells! This was turning into a nightmare, something she didn’t want to happen.

Taking a better hold on her wand, Alice took lighter and faster steps towards the figure and the house. The lights from the windows weren’t bright enough to reveal the identity of the intruder. Thanks to the time she had spend in field all these years, Alice’s eyes had adjusted rather quickly to the darkness surrounding her, and she saw the person stopping. The blonde Auror held her breath and stood still - she didn’t need to reveal her whereabouts.

The snow was a great contrast to the darkness, and in any other circumstances Alice would have found the time to appreciate the beauty around her. Alice sighed silently, still bit unsure of how to handle this situation. But she knew that this wasn’t the time or place to hesitate, and so she made the decision. She closed her eyes and focused - and sooner than one could have said Gryffindor, Alice had apparated from behind that other witch or wizard to between the intruder and the house. Alice covered from the quick trip fast, and had her wand pointing at the person in front of her.

“You better stop there right now”, Alice said firmly. She wasn’t afraid, this was what she was used to - and from her experience Alice also knew that talking would be pointless. Sooner rather than later spells would fly, and they would be nasty ones.

[imalicelongbottom]

Unfortunate events, but to who? | December 3rd, 1978 | Alice & Bellatrix

It had been a while since Dumbledore had previously contacted Alice. But she hadn't mind at all, less Order business meant slightly easier days, as if an Auror had easy days. At least she didn't have to deal with the bad guys both on and off working hours. While Alice had been relieved from the short, but very needed, break, she was glad to get back into business.

She had wanted to take part on this mission, not only because it kept her occupied from worrying over Frank, but also because Alice hadn't been doing anything Order related in weeks. And she missed it. A Muggleborn family needed their protection, her protection and there was really no way Alice would let Voldemort and his minions to get to that family. Alice knew that the Auror Department would never do this kind of work, no - you needed something to actually happen unless you were the Minister of Magic who could easily get full protection...

It had been agreed with the Primleys and her, via Dumbledore naturally, that she would apparate nearby and send a patronus to them, before walking in their house. As Alice apparated nearby the Primleys' home, she stayed put for a few minutes. She wanted to make sure that no-one was too close to her, nor the house. Alice wasn't sure if Voldemort had indeed ordered his followers to attack the family, but she wouldn't doubt the danger. Dumbledore wouldn't do this if he didn't firmly believe that they were indeed in danger. And Alice would surely made it her personal matter to keep them safe.

When she was sure that there were no suspicious wizards, or witches, nearby, Alice prepared herself to create a patronus. She had her eyes almost closed, thinking the most happy moment in her life, and Alice had always been glad that the particular moment wasn't hard to pinpoint. But life, more often than not, doesn't go as planned, and Alice was brought back to this cold and dark December evening, when someone apparated too close to the Primleys' for her liking.

The Auror let her wand stay up, but didn't light it up - she wouldn't give them, or was it just a one person - Alice wasn't sure, the advance of seeing her. Quietly she made her way closer to the person, yes I was definitely just a one person, and to the house she was supposed to guard. 'Bloody Merlin. Really? My first mission in ages, and it's already put in jeopardize! They should have let me apparate inside like I suggested!' Alice thought frustrated as she became closer and closer to the person between her and the Primleys.

[ofremuslupins-blog]

Diagon Alley | Nov 24, 1978

[ofremuslupins-blog]

There was something foreboding in the way that Alice said that they’d talk about that later - Remus’ life was the last thing that he wanted to talk about, but he knew better than to disobey Alice Longbottom. She was a lovely person - friendly, socialable, kind - but she was also an auror who could hold her own against any other witch or wizard that came her way. Remus knew, therefore, that if Alice wanted to do something, then he’d either have to get on board or get out of the way — Alice was a force of nature when she wanted to be. “It’s alright,” Remus said with a shrug when she commented on his current job. “Mundane muggle work pays the bills, I guess.” 

He smiled when Alice agreed to leave Flourish and Blotts, and lowered his eyes to only just notice that she had items to purchase. “Right, of course,” he said, nodding and waving her toward the counter while he placed the book that he couldn’t afford back on the shelf before trailing after her. “No, uhm— no, I’m fine,” Remus said, flashing a tight smile to the attendant before leading Alice out back into the sunshine of Diagon Alley. It truly was a beautiful day, and Remus took in a deep lungful of fresh air — he didn’t get to spend a great deal of time appreciating the small things, what with the war raging on around them and his monthly changes happening in between them. Everything was a lot, all the time: what few precious days they had off from work were usually spent sleeping and tending to wounds. Glancing across to Alice, he didn’t see any obvious bruising or cuts, meaning that it had been a while since she’d been on work for the Order — normally they all crawled to the Tonks’ house beaten and bloody to be healed, but Alice looked fine.

"It’s just up here," Remus said, pointing to a small tea shop that was a little off the main alley. Ducking his head, Remus glanced through the windows to see that it wasn’t particularly busy, so he opened the door and held it open for Alice to walk through first, before walking in after her. Once they had settled at a table to the back of the shop, walking through perfumed air filled with the scent of perpetually brewing tea, Remus folded his hands and leaned his elbows on the edge of the table. He felt safer here - away from the crowds, he could see who approached them from all angles, a precautionary measure that he’d had to start learning to take since joining the Order. "Can I buy you anything?" he asked, sliding the plastic menu across to Alice. "I think I might just get a tea myself, and talking about Order business is always better with a warm beverage in hand, I’ve found." 

[imalicelongbottom]

She very well knew that Remus wouldn't want to talk about his personal life with her. Alice knew that out of the boys only Sirius had no problems talking with her properly. But then again, the raven haired Black was completely different case than his brown haired friend, whose life couldn't different any more from their ordinary lives. But in reality, there was nothing Alice wouldn't do for her boys - she had for sometime now referred to the Marauders, and Frank obviously, as 'her boys' because well, they were her boys, simple as that. And she wanted to be there for them. "That is a start to begin with", Alice stated with a smile. It was great that Remus had gotten a job. In the wizarding world if it was hard for a woman to get a job, it must be nearly impossible for people like Remus to find a job. Such a shame, because if they were anything like Remus, they deserved and needed a job. There was no need to shut them outside the community.

Alice flashed a smile to Remus, when he had finally noticed that Alice indeed had done some shopping. As thought, Remus followed Alice to the counter but unlike the blonde woman, the young man didn't buy anything. For a moment she wondered if he really was just window shopping, but thought it would be best to let it be. Alice put her items to the inside pockets of her robes, the robes were rather handy at times. She didn't see Remus' tight smile as she was already walking towards the door. Stepping out to the sun made Alice blink several times, letting her eyes to adjust the unusually bright weather after spending time in a dark shop. Alice took in a deep breath as she walked besides Remus, destination unknown, but clearly Remus knew where he was leading her.

The Diagon Alley was rather busy, so Alice was just glad that they walked away from the busy main street. As Remus confirmed that they were indeed close, Alice nodded with a smile. She hadn't been in this part of Diagon Alley in a while, though she knew there was a tea shop, Alice had never been there. A good tea was something Alice couldn't live without, and maybe if this place was good, she might become a regular customer. And she couldn't help the little voice in her mind, that suggested that maybe she could meet Cissy there some times. Oh how Remus might have surprised and terrified if she ever told him that she not only had met Narcissa Malfoy yesterday but wished to see her again. The war didn't define with whom Alice was seen with. But she kept silent, and smiled when Remus let her enter the shop first. Such a gentleman he was.

The tea shop was rather idyllic, the air was filled with different tea scents and Alice could have stood there forever, trying to figure out what teas they had here. The shop wasn't too busy, which was just perfect for them. It vaguely reminded her of Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop in Hogsmeade, though this wasn't as lovey-dovey as Madam Puddifoot's, which Alice was more than glad. And hopefully they had better tea than she did. The two of them found a table in the back. And while one might think that Alice wanted to see the room, be able to ran if the situation became too heated, it wasn't the case. She didn't need to see the tea shop or the people in there to sense if things weren't alright.

Alice let her robe slip to her chair, if that thing wasn't needed she wouldn't wear it. She had a simple blue and black pantsuit underneath it. Relaxing, Alice leaned backwards and smiled at Remus. When he offered to buy her something, she waved her hand. "It's very thoughtful of you, but I think you better save that money to something other than dear old me", she said with a smile, and took the menu. "I've noticed that too. And I'll be taking a tea too", she spoke, looking the menu thought she already knew what she would order. "Do they come here to take our orders, or do we go to the counter?" Alice asked curiously.

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

The Leaky Cauldron | November 23, 1978

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

Narcissa smiled, “I certainly don’t envy you the more physical aspects of your job.” And she certainly didn’t envy if Alice ever came head to head with Lucius or her sister. She tried to think which of them would be a more formidable foe—Lucius was an excellent duelist, but there was a wildness about Bella, especially when she fought, that frightened even Narcissa, who knew her sister would never hurt her. Narcissa sighed softly, hiding it behind her wine glass. She truly hoped, for Alice’s sake, that it never came to that.

She waved her hand dismissively, “Perhaps not as much as I’d like right now, but that can hardly be helped. I can’t fault Lucius for wanting to make a better world for our family and I suppose for him to do that, it’s going to take up some of his time.” She hesitated, knowing her words were close to breaking the unspoken agreement between them, that they wouldn’t discuss their differing views on society and what exactly would make it better or worse. So she changed the subject, “How do you find working with your husband? Is it nice to have the same job, or does it have it’s own complications?” She smiled, trying to imagine going with Lucius to his job, or him coming to St. Mungos with her. They were so often on the same wavelength that she doubted it would cause friction, but her mother always said there could be too much of a good thing.

The blonde inclined her head in thanks at Alice’s well-wishes, and laughed, “To be honest? Sometimes I get the feeling Lucius’ mother likes me more than him.” She joked, a small smirk on her face. She shook her head, “Then again, Augusta Longbottom is a different beast altogether, isn’t she?” The woman was famous—or infamous, depending on how you looked at it—within pureblood social circles. She was quite formidable and… blunt, was one way of putting it.

She smiled, nodding again, “I don’t pretend otherwise.” She knew she was especailly lucky, relatively safe from the harm of the war that was heating up, although her loved ones weren’t so lucky in that regard. Narcissa’s heart caught as it always did when someone mentioned children. Alice had been married even longer than she and Lucius, and still… was it impolite to ask? “Have you… that is, if it’s not too personal to ask, have you and Frank discussed… a family?”

[imalicelongbottom]

"It's something you just get very used to", she answered honestly. Alice took a good long sip from her tea, muttering a quick spell to reheat it - too much talking and too little drinking wasn't a good idea when you had a hot drink before you. But the truth to be told, it wasn't the physical aspects that weren't worth envy - she would gladly take just the physical part of her job if it meant that Alice were never again to see a dead and tortured body, or body parts. The pain that came when she saw the dead bodies, or part of them, was something Alice still didn't want to see, but saw anyway. It was part of her job and she would have to deal with it, just as she had been dealing before.

Alice would have loved to raise her eyebrows, question what Narcissa meant by it taking Lucius' time to make the world better for their family. But she didn't, long ago they had agreed not to talk about their differing views and Alice would respect that, so Alice smiled. "I think it's only reasonable from him, and admirable. I do know men from work whose only interests lie in Firewhiskey and Quidditch", Alice told her, trying to ease up the tension. And had she known that Lucius' wasn't Voldemort's supporter Alice would have been glad to support his actions. But that wasn't the case. Thankfully Narcissa changed the subject, and while taking a sip from her drink, she listened the other blonde. She smiled as she thought about the question. "I rather enjoy it. From the beginning I knew that this might be challenging, but I've learned to love it. Even if we don't always work together and are often sent to mission separately, I wouldn't change it at all", she spoke happily. "I also love how good we are when we are paired together. Especially when we are at home", Alice said lowering her voice just a bit, and then winking at Cissy.

She laughed alongside Narcissa, and smiled happily at her. It was good thing that at least she had a decent mother-in-law. "Well I have to agree with her on this, you are definitely more likable than Lucius", Alice said smirking as well. The blonde Auror groaned as her lovely mother-in-love was mentioned, though Alice herself brought Augusta up so no harm done from Narcissa's side. "She is. I've done everything in my power to make her to like me, but the old hag still refuses to come around. But if she doesn't like me, that's her problem. I've tried, and thank Merlin it's Frank I'm married to and not her", Alice told her and shrugged. Alice was done with Augusta, had been for years but because of Frank she had been willing to try. But Augusta Longbottom had long ago decided that no woman was good enough for her Frank.

Drinking her tea, Alice let the cup down so she could politely smile to Narcissa's answer. And there really was no denying it, Narcissa B-, no Malfoy, was incredibly lucky woman to go on a vacation during these times. When Narcissa asked her about children, for a split second Alice was frozen. But to think of it, it was understandable question from her, and Alice didn't really mind. She loved talking about children and spending time with every child in her circle of friends, mainly the Weasleys and Narcissa's niece, little Dora. "Not at all, love", she began with a smile and putting her cup down. "We've been talking about it since Hogwarts actually. And we both do want children, I would love to have my own baby boy. But I fear that with everything going on, it wouldn't be right. You know what we do, so does almost every wizard in Great Britain - a child would be perfect target if someone wanted to get to us. Maybe someday." Alice tried to smile bravely, but she knew herself that her smile wasn't too convincing.

Thinking if Narcissa was comfortable enough to ask Alice about her plans family wise, she should be prepared to answer to the same question herself. "What about you and Lucius then? Have you spoken about it? I have to say, your children would be gorgeous, Cissy darling", Alice spoke now with a real, happy smile on her lips.

[babybatwrites]

The Tonks Household | Nov 28th, 1978

[babybatwrites]

Andromeda wouldn’t have been able to keep the red from staining her cheeks if she had tried. She was use to thank yous and compliments on her cooking when everyone was licking their wounds and sipping soup, but there was a different set of thrills that went through her from hearing the words outside of her actively helping someone. They were what she always wanted after all- as egotistical as that may sound- for someone to praise her, thank her, to take note of the work she put into everything and be grateful for it. “Alice-” She rolled her eyes with a grin as she turned around to face the blonde, her smile holding through the others stern look, “I- uh… thanks. Honestly. Its a different work though, not as big and scary as beating down the bad guys.” She didn’t want to seem like she was pushing herself in the corner, but she knew as helpful as she may be, she wasn’t on the same level as Alice or any of the other Order members work. She didn’t take up a wand and fight, risking her life every day, and putting everything she had and ever could have into the Cause. Though, she was quite content with that fact.

Her small pout took over the smile, though she wouldn’t protest. Maybe it was important for the girl to be home where she could be called upon whenever she was needed, though Andromeda wished desperately she could stay. She nodded her head along, still feeling a tinge of pity for the other woman. She is really trapped there. “Well, I’ll figure out how to survive with just having you for now, then.” Her sympathy was erased with a grin.

A ‘tsk’ escaped her lips before she could bring it back, “I’m glad I have you guys to come around.” She said, and it felt like the millionth time she’d said it, but she’d been asked similar things before. There was a little girl in the house with soldiers marching through while she slept, how is that a good upbringing? They were in enough danger already- an ex-Black married muggleborn, why paint a bigger target by consorting with the Order? In all honesty, there wasn’t much of an answer on her point. Mostly it was the fear of being completely alone like she was when Dora was a baby, of not knowing what was going on with everyone else, of feeling like she wasn’t doing anything with her life. Another homestuck women like her family wanted her to be.

It didn’t even seem like a possibility for Alice to grab her own chair, a fact Andromeda didn’t even note when she smirk at the girl, immediately cutting into the cake as her butt hit the wooden chair. “I’ll have you know ‘Ci-” Andromeda faked a cough at the name, unsure of why her brain had suddenly decided to pull her sisters name into the conversation before she remembered what she was about to say: ‘Cissa was the most easy child who was ever born’. “Sorry-” she said, pretending to catch her breath, “I was the most wonderful child ever born. I ate my veggies and everything.” She said, her voice overly exaggerated with a small wink. The cake seemed to be forgotten mid-slice as Meda leaned forward in her seat, “Merlin- pick up a box of her crayons and pick one; she’s had them all at least three times now.” Frilly pinks, sky blues, purple on multiple occasions… “I think she looks best with Teds colour, but she prefers to look like a love bird.” Andromeda said, taking her own slice from the dessert and handing it over for Alice to get herself a slice.

“By making the most, then you mean catching up on dishes and maybe repainting my toes?” She said, “I’m making more of it by chit-chatting and stuffing my face than I would be alone.”

[imalicelongbottom]

Watching as Andromeda's cheeks turned red, Alice wondered were the compliments she just gave to the brunette that rare. Because in no way they should be - Andromeda's job was no less important than Alice's. But maybe that was the problem, they didn't find Andromeda's job as important as hers just because the other woman wasn't an Auror or didn't have a "real" job. She really needed to have a chat with Dumbledore, because there was no way she would let Andromeda feel like she didn't deserve those compliments.

When Andromeda finally seemed to be able to speak again, Alice smiled to her. The blonde moved her hands to her hips when, even if thanking her, Andromeda belittled her part in this war. "Darling, it may differ from what I do, but do you know how screwed up we would be if it wasn't for you? You and Ted have let us use your home for Merlin knows how long now, you are here working your arse off just to make sure the people coming in have all enough food to eat, so don't you dare to think your work isn't important", Alice spoke.

Alice answered to Andromeda's put with her own, though it was no use since also her lips curled up to a smile as did Andromeda's. But it was a shame, her not being able to stay too long at the Tonks'. Oh dear Merlin Alice would have wanted to stay here, but the rules were rules and you obeyed them no matter what. Though hopefully Frank would be home soon and she would plan a proper visit to Andromeda. "Well I didn't bring that cake here for nothing, did I?" Alice asked laughing.

"Good, because I plan on coming here more often when I have my husband back home", Alice announced with a smile. Had she known what Andromeda was thinking, she would have been taken aback quite a lot. Alice herself would have never questioned Ted and Andromeda's decision to let the Order members crash their home. Merlin had Andromeda told her that others questioned their parenting, then what would they think of two Aurors having a child? But Alice didn't know, there would be time when they would advice her and question her choices as well.

Alice sat there watching as Andromeda attacked the cake, cutting it so fast she wondered how fast the other witch might have eaten it if Alice wasn't there. As Andromeda spoke again but then faked a cough, Alice could easily tell it was a fake one, and she was almost sure Andromeda were to mention Narcissa. And Alice wasn't sure if she should tell Andromeda that she had indeed spent time with Cissy that week and that Alice wouldn't mind if she wanted to talk about her younger sister. But then Andromeda was already continuing, and for now Alice thought it was best for her to keep shut. "Weren't you the little angel then! I can remember not eating my vegetables until I was seven, weren't I horrible", Alice told her with a dramatic hand movements. "I can only imagine how it must be, her changing her hair that often", she spoke sweetly. Alice nodded when Andromeda told her she preferred Dora with Ted's hair. "He does have a good hair colour. Though I can understand Dora wanting to look more like a lovebird, who could resist their colourfulness especially when you are able to do so?"

She took the cake, and took a piece of it to her plate. Alice then took a bite, and it was good, even if she had made it. "Dishes are easy, and I would happily help you repaint your nails if you let me borrow the polish as well", Alice answered with a light laugh. "But I have to agree, catching up with you is far more than what I would be doing by myself at home", she agreed and took another bite from the cake.

[ofremuslupins-blog]

Diagon Alley | Nov 24, 1978

[ofremuslupins-blog]

The invite was most likely offered out of politeness on Alice’s behalf, but it made Remus smile nonetheless, warming him right down to his toes. There were nights when he would lie awake, trying to count on his fingers how many people he could genuinely trust and rely on if anything happened to him — if he lost his job or went bankrupt, people whose doors he could knock on at 3am and have them not slam it back in his face. The Longbottoms were both such people that Remus knew he could count on if things got bad. “I would love to,” he said, smiling a little more genuinely now. 

Remus didn’t know how Alice dealt with being away from Frank so frequently — often, he knew, they weren’t paired together for the missions that the Order sent them on, and he had to wonder how they made time for each other at all. Was it a relationship of owl mail and ‘hello’s as they pass each other in the morning, going their separate ways? Surely not, because Alice still seemed as smitten with Frank from the first time Remus had seen them together, and he made a mental note to ask her about it sometime. “I hope he comes back soon,” Remus said, not wanting to ask for any details of the mission in case they were overheard — Lord Voldemort’s spies could be anywhere, anything. “I’m okay,” Remus replied, shrugging away the question and the genuine concern that would probably be in Alice’s face if he looked up from his shoes. “I’ve got a job at the coffee house in London, for the moment at least, and I don’t have another… change… until mid-next month, so I’m making the most of the day,” and he held up the book in his hands with a grimace. 

A tiny part of Remus’ insecurities were quieted when Alice said she hadn’t been on any work recently either. He was still forever waiting for Dumbledore to change his mind about Remus: to decide that no, he wasn’t worth the trouble, but knowing that Alice had been keeping herself occupied at the Ministry made him nod. “Would you like to go get a coffee?” he asked suddenly. “I’d like to talk more about your work, but,” and Remus looked around again, “not here. There’s a little place just up the Alley that’s pretty small, if you’re free, of course?”

[imalicelongbottom]

Alice knew that when people invited others to visit them more often, it was just small talk - there was no actual meaning to those words and they definitely wouldn't be expecting you to visit them. But Alice was an exception, she liked visitors especially when she as by herself, the house felt less empty that way. Of course she didn't invite every person she met to visit them, but the most of the Order members were always welcome to their home - with or without an invite. "You better, or I will come and get you to visit us!" she threatened but was serious. Alice knew Remus could easily growl to his shell and not see too many people and in Alice's opinion that was little unhealthy. And she really wanted Remus to visit them more often.

While Remus seemed to be lost in his thoughts, which Alice thought was rather adorable yet one would never say that to a bloke. They never wanted to hear being adorable, manly - yes, handsome - yes, good at DADA - yes, but adorable, never in a million years. Her eyes then wondered to behind Remus, making sure that no-one had made their way back there. They really didn't need anyone to eavesdrop them, not that they would be talking anything Order related, but one could never be too careful these days. "i hope so too, but if I know them at all I know they are enjoying too much of their freedom and try to keep the case continuing as long as possible", she said while shaking her head. Other than Frank there were two married men with him, and they sure did love it when they could drink without their wives nagging them about it.

Remus' answer didn't convince Alice, and she frowned her eye brows. The lad better spill up what was going on, or she would put her training in good use. "We'll talk about that later", Alice said with a stern voice. "But I'm glad that the next change won't be in a while. And a coffee house, that sounds brilliant Remus", she continued and this time she smiled at the bloke. It was good that he had gotten himself a job, it would do good for him - maybe make him a bit more social.

Alice was taken aback just a bit, when Remus asked if she was able to take a coffee with him. But it was a positive surprise in every way. "I agree, we should take this to somewhere more private. Let me just pay for these", Alice held up the quill and ink: "and you can show me this place." She then turned, believing for Remus to follow her, and walked to the counter. "This will be all", Alice said to the salesclerk and then paid for the items. "Did you have anything, or are we good to go?" Alice turned to ask Remus.

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

The Leaky Cauldron | November 23, 1978

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

Narcissa couldn’t help but smile as Alice sat down across from her and spoke. The other blonde was so unlike Narcissa in many ways; more open and comfortable letting her guard down, kindness showing on her face naturally where Narcissa wouldn’t dare to show too much of anything for fear or being percieved as weak or imperfect. She nodded in understanding, noting the irony in the back of her mind that her sister and husband likely contributed to Alice’s caseload even if she weren’t aware of it. “They’re working you hard, then? The Auror department has never had a reputation for being the easiest place to work but if I recall you were quite handy with a wand in school so I’m sure you’re doing admirably.” More admirably than some of those admitted—James Potter, for instance. Though he was good with a wand, Narcissa had never seen the serious side to him and just couldn’t imagine him in that position. “Lucius has been rather busy at the Ministry as well, but I suppose that’s the drawback of working for the government. Not as much downtime as jobs in the private sector.” She smiled, a real smile, when Alice asked how she was doing. “I’m well. Lucius and I were married, as I’m sure you know.” She gestured to the ring on her finger, “And so I’m no longer at home with the parents, which as you can guess is only a good thing.” She laughed, remembering her teenage self complaining about her overbearing parents to Alice once or twice. She loved her parents fiercely but every child feels smothered at times. “I’m hoping that if Lucius’ work schedule allows, we’ll be able to go to France for the later part of December. But that remains to be seen. I think a vacation would be just what I need.” She smiled, “Do the Aurors give you enough time off to relax or are they working you round the clock?”

[imalicelongbottom]

Alice didn't know if Narcissa knew what her oldest sister was up to - that the Lestranges' had been on their list for ages. Did Narcissa realize how dangerous the people she spent her time with were. But if she didn't know, or care, Alice wasn't the person to tell her - they had had their ways years ago, and they would respect those now as well. "The work seems never ending, but I chose that and I just have to deal with it", she began, taking a sip from her tea before continuing. "That rumour is sadly also the truth. Why thank you, I do hope they would think like that in the department as well. They seem to think that because I'm a woman I can't possibly be good in my job." There was a sigh after that, and Alice sure hoped that she hadn't bored Narcissa too much with her ramblings about her job.

When Narcissa made her remark of Lucius, Alice politely smiled. She knew very little about the work Lucius did, but what she had heard about it wasn't too pleasing. But since he too worked for the government it couldn't be too easy for him either. "I can only imagine. I hope you two do get enough time to spent together, though", she spoke then taking a sip from the tea.

She smiled happily when Cissy told about herself, it was nice to know that they could indeed remain what they had back in the day. "Yes I did hear about it. and I'm extremely happy for you", she said with a smile. Alice then eyed the ring on Narcissa's finger, it indeed was beautiful. Alice's was much more modest and practical, but then again it was Narcissa's wedding ring, it couldn't be anything but outstanding. Laughing to her comments about living with parents Alice couldn't but agree on that. "I'm sure it is much more pleasant to live with your husband than with your parents", Alice commented. "And I do hope your mother-in-law isn't half as bad as mine, she is still convinced that I lured his dear baby boy into marriage right after Hogwarts", she added while shaking her head - Augusta had never came around when it came to Alice and her marriage with Frank.

Alice let an envious sigh when Narcissa mentioned France - oh how wonderful a proper vacation would be. "I think no-one would deny him his day-offs. And France, you are one lucky girl Cissy", Alice said with a smile. "It really depends. They do let us leave between four and five, but it isn't guaranteed that we'll get a nice evening at home, let alone plan a visit! And usually they want the Aurors who don't have a family at home", there was a little sadness in her voice which Alice was sure Narcissa would notice. And it wasn't a secret either that they didn't have a child, something Alice really wanted. "I do hope I'm not boring you too much with my work related topics", Alice said apologetically.

[babybatwrites]

The Tonks Household | Nov 28th, 1978

[babybatwrites]

It seemed like such a simple kindness to bring a cake for a visit, but being raised in a society where every greeting and event was so elaborate, the homemade dessert was such an easy comfort. Certainly meaning more than the wine she was given when she was thirteen or the blood stained carpets that she got when someone came by unexpectedly now. “And you are an absolute angel honestly.” Andromeda said, eyes moving from the cake and back onto Alice as she took the treat from her and set it on the counter. 

Andromeda nodded her head, “Oh, I can’t imagine. One job sounds like so much energy to me: I can’t imagine having two. Much less both being so time consuming. Granted I never did actually work.” She said, turning back to the soup and stirring the ingredients for a moment, talking back over her shoulder to Alice, “You are welcome to stay here, of course, Fred comes here after missions with the boys sometimes. Even if not, it’s better than being home all alone.” Andromeda wasn’t sure if the words come out as inviting as she’d meant them, cringing to herself and brushing them, Andromeda followed on to the next point. 

"Do you know what I would be doing if you guys didn’t come- nothing, that’s what." The Order ran her life at this point, and she wasn’t even part of it. It was the only thing that she had to do other than chase after Dora. "Don’t think for a moment you guys or any bother. If you were, I’d tell you to beat it." Andromeda grinned, pointing the wooden spoon at Alice. "Oh, sit, sit, look at me- forcing you to stand up while I flail from one end of the kitchen to the other." She grabbed the plates and the cake from the counter, apron untying non-verbally as she walked into the nook. 

Andromeda smiled at Alice, part of her at the sound of her daughters name and the other at the blondes interest in the rascal. It was a mothers eyes, she knew it well enough in herself to see it in Alice. Dora was unexpected, a whirlwind through her whole life who shined into it the moment she was born- certainly nothing planned and nothing wanted until she knew she was coming. But Alice wanted a child, the way her brown hues lit up when Dora forced her to draw with her or chase her around the living room, there was no question about it. “The absolute devil. As usual.” Andromeda said, pulling out a chair for Alice before sliding into her own, “She’s always a princess when you’re around, though, so I’m sure you don’t believe me. I swear her hair is blonde for days after you leave.” The little girls hair seemed to change to whomever was her favourite last, turning a million and one shades of brown and blonde- red when Lily dropped by- until she found a new colour pencil that she liked best. “Ted has her now, daddy daughter bonding time.”

[imalicelongbottom]

Alice laughed when Andromeda referred to her as an angel. "Thank you love", she answered sweetly. It was nice to know that her small gesture was appreciated, though for Alice it wasn't as big deal as Andromeda made it to be. But a girl could always use the compliments!

Her eyes moved as Andromeda moved closer to the stove, where she was making a soup. Alice shook her head to Andromeda's words - as if the woman did work! Did she even hear herself? "Dear I think you forgot that you are raising and taking care of lil' Dora, maybe a bit of Ted too, and you are letting various Order members to crash in, you are making almost as much food as the house-elves in Hogwarts! Plus healing the wounds I know the members have. I'd say that you do have two jobs yourself. And I think you are doing excellent job in both, especially as a mother and a wife", Alice told her with a stern voice that let no room to argue.

She smiled when Andromeda invited her to stay over. "You know I would love to stay here, but if the Auror Department needs me I have to stay at home", she said and made a face. "They have to know where we are, and now when I can't just let Frank know where I am, I'm forced to stay home as much as possible", Alice confessed. She listened as Andromeda told her what she would be doing if the Order wasn't coming and going around their house daily, and it eased Alice's guilt a bit. And then the other woman threatened Alice with her wooden spoon! Laughing Alice raised her hands for surrender. "Okay, okay! I do believe you. And I'm happy to have you hosting us, letting us come around", she told her with a smile.

"You, Andromeda, aren't forcing me to do anything. I could have gotten myself a chair if I had needed one", she said walking just few steps behind her, following the hostess to their living room. She watched as the plates and the cake were put down on the table, then listening to Andromeda talk about Dora. "Aren't they always?" she questioned as she sat down to the chair Andromeda had pulled out for her. It was nice hearing that Dora indeed liked her, the girl might be a devil at the times but Alice really liked the little girl. And a blonde hair? Dora would look nice in that, though the little girl looked cute no matter what her hair colour was. "I can only take your word from that. And blonde, well that's would be a sight", Alice told Andromeda. "What's been the craziest hair colour she's had?" Alice wanted to know.

Smiling as Andromeda said Dora was with Ted, Alice couldn't help but imagine how her and Frank's child would be raised. It would be more complicated than it seemed to be with the Tonks or with the Weasleys. "Then you must make the most of it, having the house all for yourself. Well, add lil' old me to that scenario", Alice said laughing.

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

The Leaky Cauldron | November 23, 1978

[mrsxnarcissamalfoy]

Narcissa relaxed a bit, taking a drink of her wine and closing her eyes. It had been a long afternoon and while this was definitely not her typical kind of place, it would do for time and convenience’s sake. At the very least, she was alone and there were very few people she’d actually want to run into. As if Merlin himself had heard her thoughts, a voice broke through the solitude she’d been enjoying and she opened her eyes to see a face she hadn’t seen, much less spoken to, since her graduation from Hogwarts years ago.

Alice Longbottom hadn’t changed much in the time that had passed. Her face had gone from being young—a child’s face, like Narcissa was sure her own had been—and was now more mature, but more or less the same otherwise. She looked… content, if not a bit tired. She and Alice had always gotten along in school, quite strange considering their respective houses, but Alice was from a good family and wasn’t (in Narcissa’s opinion) as foolhardy and utterly obnoxious as most Gryffindors had been.Sometimes Narcissa wondered why the girl had ever been sorted into Gryffindor at all. They’d fallen out of touch after school, both of them going very separate ways, politically speaking. But then, it wasn’t as though either of them hadn’t known the other’s viewpoints on blood purity while in school, and they’d managed, so why should that change now? It might be nice to catch up, and maybe she’d even learn something of use.

All of this decided within a few seconds, Narcissa nodded, giving Alice a small but genuine smile. “Alice Fort—well, Alice Longbottom, isn’t it now? It’s been a while. Yes, of course you can join me.” She waited for the other woman to sit down before leaning forward, asking, “How have you been?”

[imalicelongbottom]

Narcissa was still as beautiful as she was back in school. Matured a bit, but the beauty was still there. She was a looker and any man would have been glad to have her - and not only because of her looks, Alice knew there was more to the youngest Black, well Malfoy actually, than those stunning looks. Many would have been surprised to know that Narcissa was far from the stereotypical blonde, at least she had been back in Hogwarts - and Alice realized that she indeed knew nothing about this witch sitting there. With that realization she was determined to catch up with her, and maybe dig into what her husband was doing. Even the thought irritated Alice and she wondered what Narcissa saw in Lucius, possibly it had something to do with their shared ideas of blood purity.

Alice let out a small but kindhearted laugh, when Narcissa were to address her by her maiden name. "It's been Longbottom for almost a decade now", she answered while she sat down. "Thank you. But indeed, it's been quite a long time." She took a comfortable posture on the chair, keeping her back straight and crossing her ankles under the table. Alice could remember her being this way in school too, always putting on her best act when she was around Narcissa. Though there was no harm on sitting with a straight back, would her mother say.

She let her finger draw circles in the air, making the spoon on her tea mimic the actions. "I've been doing just fine. Though if someone were to cut down the cases I have to work on you wouldn't hear me complain", Alice answered with a playful smile. She wasn't too worried on mentioning her work to the other blonde. It was rather common knowledge that both she and Frank were Aurors, and if one weren't to read that from the Daily Prophet, Alice was sure that Narcissa would have heard that from Lucius who worked in the Ministry as well.

"How about you, love? Life treating you well - though I don't think that would ever be the case with you Narcissa", she kindly spoke. And it was true, Alice didn't think for a moment that Narcissa's life would be anything but great, she was a Black to begin with and married to a Malfoy. But was she happy?