March: How Delightful to Find a Friend: Alice

[Arthur Weasley]

Six.

Six boys.

Six boys in ten years.

While it was a desperately sleep-deprived Arthur Weasley making his way up to the Atrium for tea with a friend, he couldn't imagine how his wife was managing in that house of theirs. She was a miracle worker, it was true, and having one newborn instead of two this time was a bit of a relief...but Fred and George were entering the "terrible two's," and there was only so much that the older boys could do to help...The busy father rubbed his eyes as he left the lift, hoping to bring some color and wakefulness into his face. It wouldn't do to make young Alice worry. He'd left Annette in charge of the office for this midmorning spell, trusting the lass to take care of anything that came their way - and to come and get Arthur immediately if an emergency came in that would put her over her head. Pride was sometimes a detriment to the young people who had been his assistants before, getting in the way of smart decision making; but Annette had outlasted them all, they'd become damn good partners if he did say so, and it shouldn't be a concern for him to kip upstairs and keep this appointment with Mrs. Longbottom.

The accomplished young lady had become dear to him over the last few years of shared space at the Ministry, and as he'd started seeing her less and less lately, Arthur reached out via owl to arrange a time for them to catch up. He trusted that everything was all right with her, as well as things could be anyway, but it never hurt to check in. He hurried into the atrium a few minutes past their agreed upon meeting time, but the lass was of the understanding sort, and as he saw her and made his way over, Arthur knew he'd be forgiven for causing her to wait a little bit.

"Alice, dear!" he called familiarly, a genial smile clearing his tired look. "I hope you haven't been here long, you know how the time escapes me here. Let's get something warm, hmm? Drive off the chill of the day, just dreadful out there." Windy and rainy, the early spring had yet to bring any lasting sun or warmth; Arthur hoped he'd be able to stay in the office today and not be called out to the field, but if that happened, well, it happened.

[Alice Longbottom]

In the middle of a war, it wasn't exactly easy to say that life was good, but in a few short months it would be getting better. Alice touched her stomach for a moment, hoping it wasn't too noticeable. She was glad she'd gone this long without being found out, but then her mother-n-law had asked her if she was gaining weight. Thanks for that, Augusta.

Keeping the pregnancy a secret from everyone had been a joint decision between her and Frank. In one way they were delighted, because they had wanted to start a family. It had been hard not to owl everyone to celebrate. She'd stepped down from being in the field for both the Order and in the Auror department, and those involved had been good about not spilling the beans. Surely Arthur would be able to understand her fear, bringing a child into the world when the world was in such turmoil. He and Molly had just welcomed their sixth baby - another boy - recently. She hadn't gotten the chance to meet the new addition yet, but she was sure he was darling.

So when she saw him, she couldn't stop the smile spreading across her face. He looked tired, but that wasn't out of the ordinary. "Arthur, it's lovely to see you," she answered, reaching out for a hug. "Don't worry, I was a bit lost in my thoughts myself. Something warm sounds lovely." she studied him as she stepped back, glad to see that he seemed in good health. Sometimes when they spoke he just seemed out of it. "How are Molly and the boys? I want to meet your new little one!"

[Arthur Weasley]

Arthur stepped into the hug that the young woman extended to him, glad that time hadn't put distance between them. She was such a dear, and while she was involved in the troubles of this war more heavily than he was, Arthur had learned over the years that she was more than competent in doing what needed to be done. It was stunning to him, really, how these young people - Alice and her husband, his own brothers-in-law - could keep their wits with what they saw, with what they did...Thank Merlin for them.

"Oh, they're grand," Arthur said with a wistful smile as they took a small empty table. They were in luck, really - elevenses was a popular time to take a break, after all. But hopefully luck would continue to be on their side today! "The twins are turning into slight terrors, but it's because they're so creative. It's marvelous, really - well, it will be, looking back. Everybody's healthy, it's just a - er - quite a busy time. You and Frank have got to come by soon for dinner though! Molly would love to see the two of you, and then you can meet our Ronald. We keep thinking the next will be a girl, but, well - what can you do!" The father laughed, wondering if he and his wife would be so lucky in the future. It wasn't that they didn't love their boys, but it would be good for them to have a sister to care for, it would be good for Molly to have a little lady in the house so she wasn't so dreadfully outnumbered, and that little girl...she'll be tough as nails, growing up with the lot of them. Some may have thought it foolish, the Weasleys growing their family so much during a time so uncertain, not to mention with so little funds - but whatever else he was, Arthur was a family man first. Nothing made him happier than learning from his children as they grew up, or teaching them what he could, or horsing around with them. If his world could consist of the Burrow, his family, his trinkets...

One day the war will be behind us. One day.

The Ministry worker caught the eye of the rather harried waitress, smiling genially as she came by. "Good morning, Greta - we'll be easy, don't worry. Kettle of Earl Gray work for you, Alice? With milk on the side, dear - thank you kindly." The new graduate scurried off, and Arthur returned his attention to his companion, too-short arms on his maroon robes showing his wrists as he clasped his hands on the table. "How have you been? It may just be me - Annette and I are up to our elbows in cases, so haven't been out-and-about as much myself - but have you cut back hours here? Nothing wrong with it, don't misunderstand me," he assured quickly, "but I couldn't help but be curious. Is everything all right?"

[Alice Longbottom]

Alice laughed as Arthur spoke, quite able to imagine the trouble the twins were causing. Considering how many conversations they had over the trouble Fabian and Gideon got into, it would seem the younger duo were following after their uncles. And to have six boys! Oh, she had always wanted children - and given the circumstances that was a good thing - but to have six boys! she could understand the desire to have a little girl, oh it would be so sweet. They hadn’t decided yet if they wanted to know until the baby was born, but she couldn’t help but wonder. It had been hard enough keeping this whole thing a secret, not when she wanted to share what in most circumstances would have been great news. War had that a way of changing happy moments into frightening ones. It had a way of changing a lot of things.

”Oh, I would absolutely love to come and meet him. I’ll owl tonight after I talk to Frank and we can set up a time, I have to say it’s wonderful to watch him hold a baby.” The first time she had seen him hold a baby, she had to keep herself from demanding they start trying then and there. Alice gave a nod as Greta took their order, flashing the sweet girl a smile before she was off. Arthur was as sweet as ever, it was not surprising for him to ask such a question. Especially if he knew she had stepped down from her position within the Order as well, she wasn’t sure how much the Weasleys even knew about it.

”I have cut back my hours,” Alice answered with a smile, positive she was going to give everything away before she even got the chance to say anything. She hadn’t told anyone yet, and it was so delightful to finally tell somebody. Especially someone who was so fond of children he seemed determined to have his own Quidditch team. ”Everything is fine, no it’s actually good news. You’re the first person I’m getting to tell, other than work of course. We will be welcoming a little Longbottom in July.”

[Arthur Weasley]

Arthur gave an excited nod as his companion agreed to finding a time for their families to get together. While theirs sometimes felt like a madhouse to those who weren't accustomed to having little ones afoot, the Longbottoms always seemed comfortable at the Burrow. He gave a knowing smile as Alice spoke of watching her husband hold babies, wondering how long it would be before the young couple decided to bring a child into the world. With their obligations to the Auror office and the Order, he wouldn't be surprised if that time was far off; the slight wistfulness in Alice's voice indicated as such as well. Arthur knew that that would be the more prudent choice, of course, but...it's your life to live, kiddo. If the Longbottoms wanted a child, they would make it work. He listened intently after his question, hoping that Alice wouldn't think he was prying out of anything other than concern. As she spoke, the man began to beam, hardly able to contain his excitement until she'd finished.

"Alice dear, I am honored that you told me," he said warmly, reaching over to give her hand a squeeze. How fantastic was this?! "This is the most marvelous news!" If it was possible, Arthur's smile widened as a realization came to him. "You're stuck with us for life now, you know," he continued genially, blue eyes sparkling. "Our Ron and your child, they'll be classmates at Hogwarts!" He laughed loudly, giving her hand another squeeze before letting go. "If there is anything, and I mean anything, that you need through this journey - please, do not hesitate to ask me or Molly," he encouraged. Guiding the younger couple through the down's - and hopefully being included in the up's - of Alice's pregnancy was something he knew his wife would be on board with as well. The anecdotes of those who had been there before could surely help calm any nerves, right?

[Alice Longbottom]

With everything she had been through in the past few years, it seemed odd that right now she was afraid. She had gone through the three year Auror training program in one year, which had been one of the most exhausting years of her life. Her and Frank had dealt with dark wizards, and even the Dark Lord himself. They had survived so much, her and Frank. But this new chapter of their life was far more terrifying than anything she had faced so far. She had no idea how to be a mother, even if she had fantastic role models to look up to. Her parents were wonderful - and in a different country ever since they had been targeted. She hadn't even told them yet, unsure if contacting them was even worth the risk. And while she had always wanted children, was she really ready to be a mother?

But Arthur's joy at the news was contagious, and she found herself smiling and laughing with him as he talked. "Thank you Arthur, you don't know how much all this means," she said as she reached across the table to give his hand a squeeze, soon having to move out of the way as their tea arrived. "I'm really glad our little one will have friends to grow up with, but I have to admit the idea of bringing a kid into this world is scary." She looked down to the table, the tears stinging the corner of her eyes a surprise. "My worst fear is that something will happen to Frank and me, it's just so risky these days."

[Arthur Weasley]

Oh but Arthur could not wait to get home and share this joyous news with Molly! He squeezed the young woman's hand back as she reached out to him, giving her a fond smile as she spoke. He gave a nod of thanks to Greta as the girl dropped off their tea, but that smile turned into a sad but understanding look as Alice got into her fears. Arthur pulled a clean and embroidered handkerchief from a pocket of his robes and handed it to her discreetly before pouring their tea, taking a few moments to gather his thoughts before he spoke.

"There's nothing more frightening," he admitted, the sparkle that usually lit his tone fading with the severity of the turn in conversation. "I've had those thoughts too, about Molly and me, ever since Bill was in the womb. We're obviously not supporters of You-Know-Who, what with me doing this work," he said calmly as he fixed his tea, "and with the twins doing theirs. You and Frank have openly made your choices too." The newfangled term thrown around in attempts to degrade purebloods like himself and the Longbottoms, "blood traitor," was all sorts of ridiculous...and while he didn't want his family in harm's way because of what he or Fabian and Gideon did (words could be brushed off, but the worry was that the words would lead to undesirable actions), none of them were going to compromise their principles and ignore the work that had to be done. They made their homes as safe as wizardkind could, and...it hasn't yet been proven foolish to hold onto hope. "I'm not going to tell you the fear will go away. I can't promise that, not while all of this is still happening," Arthur went on, fingers tapping on his teacup as his eyes met hers, the shadow of a smile reappearing. "But you, my dear, are fantastic. You've got Frank, your families, your friends - pardon me if it's crass to say, but you've got an army behind you." He lifted the cup, blowing across the top before taking a sip and sighing, leaning back in his chair. "How is Frank doing? If you don't mind me asking."

[Alice Longbottom]

Alice took the handkerchief offered to her, dabbing at her eyes gently. This wasn’t something she wanted to cry about, she had made that decision when she’d discovered she was pregnant. No matter what, this baby was good news. But there was no denying that the world her child was being born into was one in turmoil. It wasn’t just her job that had her concerned, not really. She was still going to do as much as she could, both from the Auror offices and the Order Headquarters. She had decided when she was in her fifth year that this was the path she wanted to take in life, regardless of how bad things got. But back then, she would never had suspected it would be this bad. She would never give up hope that the war would end, that Voldemort would lose. She wouldn’t be able to live if she didn’t have hope.

“Frank’s delighted,” she answered Arthur quietly, taking a sip of the warm tea. While the first emotion from her husband hadn’t exactly been delight, that was partially due to the fact she’d had poor timing. “He’s terrified of course, although I know he’s going to be good at being a father. It’s just...a lot.” Because while she was taking a step back from the field, Frank wasn’t. He was taking a step forward, taking a position as a captain within the Order “I know we have an army to back us up, but it’s not been the same since my mum moved,” she added, exchanging a knowing look with Arthur. While it was hard to trust people, she’d long ago confided in Arthur about what had happened. Most of the world assumed her mother had moved by choice, and not due to the looming threat that was Lord Voldemort making an appearance at their house.

Alice leaned across the table, lowering her voice. “Arthur, if anything happens to me or Frank - you have to make sure someone looks into the Lestrange family. I can't give you proof, or you know we would have dragged them in already.”

[Arthur Weasley]

Arthur gave her some quiet to compose herself, taking up his tea and averting his eyes until she felt up to speaking again. He was heartened to hear of Frank's excitement at fatherhood, although he knew that the joy of it was likely, unfortunately, marred by circumstance. He hoped that the couple could make the best of the growth of their family, even though it would change...everything. He gave a nod of acknowledgment as the young woman continued; neither was a stranger to the other's experiences with You-Know-Who, and it was dreadfully sad that the Fortescue family had been targeted once their daughter had made her choices public. But while Alice was a fighter, she seemed to have fallen quite far from the tree, and so her mother's retreat had to be taken for the best for them all. "I wish she could share this with you, Alice," he said gently. "We couldn't replace her, and that is not our intention - but you are always welcome at ours. We'll help however we can."

Alice went on covertly, her words making his already sinking heart drop even further into his stomach. Needless to say, the Lestranges were one of the many banes of the good folk left in the Ministry. It was obvious that they were intimately involved in You-Know-Who's organization, but blood, history, fear, and an uncanny ability to cover their tracks had left them free to do as they liked for far too long. He had organized raids to their manor before, and would be doing so again, especially as Alice indicated that they could be personally attacked...We haven't ever found anything. But that doesn't mean we won't. A preemptive strike against them couldn't hurt, for if Alice was truly this worried...Do you think I'll let it come to something happening to you before I investigate? "I promise I will." The words were not frivolous, they were not light, and he felt the weight of them. But he wouldn't be himself - and long ago he'd sworn to the leader of the likes of the Lestranges that he wouldn't be anyone else - if he didn't take the promise and do what he could to help. "They won't be free much longer, if I can do anything for it."

[Alice Longbottom]

“Thank you, Arthur. That means a lot,” she told him, hoping he knew just how much she meant it. Her father had stubbornly refused to leave, not willing for anyone else to take care of the ice cream parlor. She admired that about him, his love for his work and his dedication to it. But a threat from the Dark Lord was not to be taken lightly, and while she felt slightly better knowing her mother was across the water - she didn’t want to lose her father either. He’d been convinced to move into the studio apartment away from the house, but he wasn’t going to leave London. For everyone’s safety though, she didn’t know the location of his new place. Her only interaction with him happened in Diagon Alley, and even then Alice did feel as if he was truly safe. There hadn’t been an attack there yet, but it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility. She was hesitant to believe that there was anywhere that was really safe, but she held out hope that the Dark Lord and his pack of pureblood supremacists wouldn’t win this war.

Still, it was dangerous giving such an open statement in the Ministry these days, but no one was around them to overhear the conversation. She knew how many times Arthur had raided the Lestrange mansion and found nothing, they were good at covering their tracks. It was how Rodolphus managed to gain power anyway, by killing his father. It may not have ever been proved, but Alice would die believing the two brothers had a hand in the mysterious death of Reginauld Lestrange. Their meetings in the field with the Lestranges had been more brutal as of late, and she was sure there was something personal about it. Arthur’s statement had her raising her brow though - did he have something on them? This was neither the time nor place to ask, but she wondered if the twins had turned up something during one of their missions and mentioned it to their brother-in-law. So she gave him a smile and a nod, reaching out to pat his hand. “Have you heard from the twins recently? I’m sure they are delighted at having another nephew to spoil. Which, I probably shouldn't say anything - but have you heard from Roderick by any chance?”

[Arthur Weasley]

Arthur made a mental note to visit the ice cream parlor sooner rather than later - perhaps he and Annette could pop over at the end of the day, dreary as it was - for a treat and to check in. There were few who had better eyes on the wizarding street than the shopowners themselves, those who remained, anyway - and Florean, bless him, was committed to continuing to set up shop day in and day out. And beyond enjoying something sweet, Arthur was curious to learn the man's why. Did he stay to remain close with his daughter, in hopes of seeing her when she was in town? So she knew that he was still here and in her corner? Was it to show that he was not afraid, that he would always have his doors open for those who needed respite and cheer? So that there was still a friendly place for the children to gather in, full of color and music and life, as the light of the world grew dimmer by the day? Whatever his reasons, Arthur hoped he could remain for good, to be here for Alice in her mother's absence, in the very least.

Their talk took a serious turn as one of the most horrid of horrible families was brought up, and it truly got Arthur's mind spinning. How many cases had he and Annette tracked almost to their door? How many times were they missing just the final piece that would link the Lestranges to a crime? Rabastan and Bellatrix's unlimited access to the Portkey office could not be ignored, especially as it came to crimes against muggles happening across their country; combined with the intimidating figure and undeniable influence of Rodolphus, there was no telling how far their reach truly was. It was beyond frustrating, it was maddening, and were it not for Annette talking him down from time to time, were it not for the risks it would pose to his already so exposed family, Arthur felt he would have done something rather rash and regrettable by now. And now, knowing that Alice was concerned for her safety, specifically due to them...He had to wonder what brought that on...

And yet - it wasn't prudent to discuss such things openly. Not here, where the walls had ears, and the list of those he held no suspicion of grew thinner by the day. So he returned her smile as she patted his hand, taking a deeper breath as he logged in her concern about being targeted by the Lestranges - and tried to let it go. For the moment. There were happier things in their lives, thankfully, and with any luck, and all of their hard work, they would keep having them to look forward to for a long, long time.

"Haven't seen the boys much, lately," he admitted, curious for the details she surely knew that he wasn't privy to. "They met Ron, but..." Fabian and Gideon's recent move within the Order meant more secrets, less contact, and all the more worry for those who loved them. He worried for them, and he worried for Molly; the stress of not knowing where and how they were, needing to wait for them to reach out so that they knew that the boys were safe and sound, it was a different beast than what they had done their best to manage to this point with Fabian and Gideon's involvement in this blasted war. She'd put on the bravest of faces, his Molly, and with all of the little ones to care for, there were so few quiet moments within which to worry. But it felt different, this not knowing, and he hoped it wouldn't be for long. "Well - surely you know, better than I do?" Arthur's curiosity went down another path entirely as she spoke of Roderick. In the same breath as their Ron. With just enough of a twinkle in her eye, a shouldn't have said that smile, that he had to grin in bemusement. Roderick. Roderick Bones. And little Mary Macdonald... "Can't say that I have," he said, fighting back a laugh, "but I take it the honeymoon...went very well?"