Authors' note: Happy Halloween! This isn't a scary chapter at all, we promise! And a Happy Birthday goes out to my co-author, Heaven, as she celebrates her birthday! Please read and review !
With Easter holidays fast approaching, many Hogwarts students were thinking of their upcoming break and not their studies. Katie Malfoy wished she could be thinking of her holiday plans instead of working on her Potions assignment.
She was doing well in her classes, thanks in large part to her sister Ashley's help. In the last few weeks, Ashley had patiently helped her sister with her assignments and Katie was extremely grateful. This was the closest she could remember ever feeling to her sister, something that made their parents very happy.
It was lunch time now and while Katie would have loved to catch up on that day's gossip, she was trying very hard to finish her assignment before class.
"Linds, did you get the answer to number four?" Katie asked.
"Yeah," Lindsey said. "Wolfsbane."
Katie wrote the answer on her worksheet. "There. I'm all finished."
"I'm still on question seven," Lindsey sighed. "I hate Potions."
Katie toyed with the ring which she still wore on a chain around her neck. "You just don't like Professor Snape. He's actually not that bad. He just needs a little colour."
"Maybe you should invite him to Brighton," Lindsey said jokingly. "Let him lie on the beach for a day."
Katie giggled. "Linds, that's not a nice image! Ewww...."
"That is SO gross," Lindsey squealed. "Snape...on a beach...wearing a swimm---."
"Stop!" Katie interjected. "Or I'm going to be ill."
Lindsey giggled in response and Katie grinned. It was nice having her friend back, but she was going to keep her on a short leash.
Katie spotted her mother enter the Great Hall and sit down at the staff table. She looked at Lindsey. "Watch my stuff, okay? I want to tell Mum about how well I did in Charms today."
"Okay," Lindsey agreed.
Katie was beaming from ear to ear as she made her way across the Great Hall to her mother. Perhaps this news would earn her a shopping excursion to Paris over the break, Katie thought to herself. The idea of that reward made her so excited, she forgot to take her normal precaution of tucking her necklace inside her jumper.
"Mum!" Katie exclaimed as she approached the staff table.
Julie smiled at her daughter. "Good morning, Miss Malfoy."
Katie grinned. "I can't wait to tell you about Charms class today!"
"How did you do?" Julie asked.
"Full marks," Katie said proudly.
Julie grinned. "That's fantastic, sweetheart! I knew you could do it!"
"I couldn't have done it by myself," Katie admitted. "Ashley helped me a great deal. She should think about being a teacher herself, you know? She's so patient."
Julie was happy to see her daughters getting along and helping each other. There had been a time not so long ago that they had always been at each other's throats. "You've worked really hard, Katie and I'm sure your Dad will love--" Her voice trailed off as she looked at the necklace around her daughter's neck. "Katherine, what's that you have on there?"
Katie caught the ring in her hand. "Um... just a necklace."
"May I see it?" Julie asked.
"It's just a silly thing," Katie covered, tucking it into her jumper.
"If it's just a silly thing, why can't I see it?" Julie asked holding out her hand.
"Because it's mine," Katie replied.
Julie folded her arms. "Katherine Rose, let me see it. Now."
With a sinking feeling, Katie undid the chain around her neck and reluctantly handed it to her mother.
Julie saw that the charm hanging from the necklace was actually a ring; a ring with a rather large emerald in the centre. She knew this ring. "How---how did you get this?"
Katie shrugged.
Julie stood up. She did not want to have this conversation in front of the other staff members. She motioned for Katie to follow her.
She dragged her feet as Julie led her into the corridor. "What's the big deal?" she asked angrily. "It's just a ring!"
Julie held it up. "Katie, when your--" She was not going to call Draco Malfoy her children's grandfather. He had not earned that right. "When Nick's father gave you this ring, you heard what your Dad said, right? He said that you were not to have this ring."
"So?" Katie asked sullenly.
Julie sighed. "How did you get this? Did he send it to you?"
"Yes," Katie answered. "He sent it into my pocket before he left on Christmas Day."
Julie shook her head in disbelief. Her daughter had been carrying this around for weeks now. There was no telling what sort of spells he might have put on this.
"Why can't I have it?" Katie asked. "It's just a bloody ring and I LIKE it!"
"Katie, just let me take it to your father and we'll make sure it's not cursed or charmed," Julie said pocketing the ring.
"It's NOT!" Katie said, angry tears springing to her eyes.
Julie's expression softened. "If you knew the things that Nick's parents had done, you would not object at all to us being careful about this. If everything's okay, I will talk to your father about keeping it."
"You will?" Katie calmed down.
Julie nodded. 'Yes, but I wish that you would have told me the second he slipped this into your pocket."
"You wouldn't have let me have it," Katie said, crossing her arms.
"I only want to keep you safe," Julie said. "You and your sister mean the world to me."
"I know," Katie said, but she still felt like pouting.
"If everything's fine with the ring, you'll get it back," Julie reassured her. But she wasn't so sure that Nick would agree. He hated anything that reminded him of his parents.
"I better," Katie said. "It's mine."
Julie could not imagine what would make Draco Malfoy suddenly so generous with his possessions. That man never gave anything away without expecting something in return.
"Just be patient," she told her daughter. "I expect that from you."
Katie nodded reluctantly. 'Okay."
"And I am very proud of you for how well you've done this year," Julie said.
Katie smiled. "You are?"
"Absolutely," Julie hugged her tightly.
"Will that help me keep my ring?" Katie asked with a grin.
"I'll bring it up when I talk about this with your father," Julie promised.
Julie walked her daughter back into the Great Hall and gave her a quick hug before sending her back to her friends. Of all the things Julie had expected to deal with today having Draco Malfoy reappear in their lives was not one of them. With a heavy sigh, she walked over to Headmaster Wood and told him she was going home for a few minutes, but would be back for the afternoon classes. He offered her the use of his fireplace and Julie hurried out.
Her husband was in his home studio sitting at the piano going over some lyrics. Nick looked up in surprise when he saw his wife. "Jules? What are you doing home?"
Julie held out the ring on the chain. "I thought you should see this. Katie's had it since Christmas."
The smile on Nick's face faltered when he saw what was in his wife's hands. This bloody ring, he thought to himself. His father's most prized Malfoy possession. He remembered how his father had bestowed it on Katie at Christmas. "How?" Nick asked, frowning.
"She told me he sent it to her pocket," Julie sighed.
Nick shook his head. He wanted to ask why his daughter had not told them about this, but he already knew the answer.
"I thought we should test it for any charms or curses," Julie continued.
Nick nodded. "And I think I'm going to go and see my dear old Dad. See what he's on about with this."
"Are you sure that's wise?" Julie asked.
"I'm going to tell him that I don't appreciate him giving gifts to our daughters when I specifically told him Katie could not have that ring," Nick said. "I mean, the bloke ignores the two of them their entire lives and then he shows up at Christmas like that?"
"I know," Julie said. "Just don't blow up at him."
"I can't make any promises," Nick said shaking his head. "He has some nerve, Jules!"
Julie put a hand on his arm. "Just remember yourself- you know how he can be and you just be the bigger person."
"Right," Nick said. He pocketed the ring. "I'll see you later..."
Julie gave him a kiss. "I love you."
Nick smiled. "I love you, too."
He said goodbye to his wife and decided the best place to find his father would probably be his private practise in Sydney.
With a heavy sigh, Nick Apparated himself to Australia to the corridor of his father's office.
"May I help you?" an older woman asked.
"I'm here to see my father," Nick said, looking around. "Where is his office? I'll wait there, if he's with a patient."
"Healer Malfoy has a son?" the woman asked in disbelief.
Nick sighed in exasperation. "I look just like him."
The woman put on her glasses and studied him. "So you do. Hold on, one moment. I'll let him know you're here."
"I'm just going to wait for him in his office," Nick replied. "You can tell him I'm in there."
"Of course," the receptionist told him. "It's the third door on the right."
Nick just hoped he wouldn't have to wait long. If need be, he'd search every room of this place to find him.
Nick opened the door to his father's office and could only shake his head. The office was large and stately and not a book or paper was out of place. A large desk was in the center of the room and the window boasted a spectacular view of the beach. Nick stepped forward and examined the massive bookshelves filled with books that Nick bet his father had never read. Everything was here for appearance.
He wondered why his father was even a healer. Healers were supposed to be selfless, caring people. Look at Lizzy Weasley or her partner, Liam Thornhart. They would do anything to help people. But, they were about as different as night and day from his father, Nick thought. Draco Malfoy had never cared about anyone or anything but himself.
To illustrate his point, Nick picked up a frame from the desk and rolled his eyes. It was one of his parents, of course. They were dressed to the nines and looking so smug and pleased with themselves.
"Some things never change," he mumbled.
The door to the office opened and Draco Malfoy stepped inside. "Gwendolyn said you were waiting for me and I had to come here myself to make sure she wasn't hallucinating."
Nick glared at his father and wordlessly pulled the ring out of his pocket and tossed it on the desk.
Draco smiled. "Little Caitlyn didn't like her ring?"
"If you're going to give my daughter something, you could at least remember her name," Nick said coldly.
"Katherine," Draco said snapping his fingers. "That's her name, right? I like her. She has spunk."
"You don't talk to my daughters," Nick said angrily. "You don't contact them, give them things, nothing!"
"They're my grandchildren, aren't they?" Draco asked innocently. "You always said I didn't pay you enough attention when you were a kid. Maybe I'm making up for it now."
"You don't do anything that doesn't benefit you," Nick told him.
Draco put a hand to his heart. "Nicholas, you wound me."
"Oh come off it," Nick rolled his eyes. "What did you do to that ring?"
"Nothing," Draco replied.
"You had to have done something," Nick argued.
"I did nothing," Draco said picking up the ring. "This has been in our family for centuries, Nicholas. Since you turned it down when I offered it to you, I thought it was only right to offer it to your daughter. The one who was sorted into Slytherin."
"Her being in Slytherin doesn't mean anything," Nick said.
"Ginevra and I are quite impressed with little Katherine," Draco said. "Severus tells me she's quite ambitious."
Nick stared at him in disbelief. "You're checking in with her professors? That's sick. Really sick."
"That's me looking out for my own," Draco said. "And I saw Katherine's face on Christmas. She wanted that ring."
"She doesn't need it," Nick said shortly.
Draco laughed. "Yes, she does."
"You leave her alone," Nick warned.
"Your mother and I were actually thinking of inviting you and your family to Sydney this summer," Draco said.
Nick shook his head. "Yeah right."
"I'm sincere," Draco told him.
"Why?" Nick asked. "Why now? Because my daughter is in Slytherin?"
"I've written to Katherine about it and she's very excited," Draco said.
"You've got some nerve," Nick snapped.
"What?" Draco asked.
"Inviting my twelve year old daughter here without talking to us. You think you can just do whatever you please." Nick said.
"I invited the whole lot of you," Draco said. "Even the Potter girl can come."
Nick shook his head. "You don't contact us. Ever again. I don't want to have anything to do with either of you."
"Nicholas, be serious," Draco said. "You are our son."
"You should have realised that sooner," Nick said coldly.
"It's never too late," Draco said, moving over to his desk. "Your mother and I were thinking that you could come over the last two weeks of June."
"No," Nick said.
"Do you really want to break Katherine's heart?" Draco asked. "Her and...Ashley? I hear she's quite the artist."
Nick crossed his arms. "You aren't going to change my mind. Don't write to Katie again. Don't even start writing to Ashley. Don't send that ring to her. If I see it on her--"
"I'm her grandfather just as much as Potter," Draco interjected.
"No you aren't," Nick said. "You haven't been a part of her life."
"That's because you wouldn't let us," Draco said.
"Wouldn't let you?" Nick nearly exploded. "Oh, that's rich. You never cared!"
"Well, I do now," Draco said sitting down at his desk. "And so does your mother."
"Too little too late," Nick said. "I have to go."
"I will see you again," Draco told him.
"Not if I can help it," Nick retorted.
"There's nothing wrong with the ring," Draco told him. "It's not cursed. It's not charmed. It's just a family heirloom."
"I wouldn't care if it was from someone in the FAMILY," Nick said.
"You ARE my family, Nicholas," Draco said. "No matter how much distance you put between us or how you pretended that nanny of yours was your mum."
Nick rolled his eyes. "I don't have time for this."
"Just think about what I said," Draco said.
"I can already tell you the answer is no," Nick said.
Draco nodded. "Talk it over with your family and then let me know."
Nick shook his head in disgust and slammed the office door.
What in the world was his father up to? Why after all this time was he interested in being a grandfather? Why was he all of a sudden asking them to spend part of the summer hols in Sydney?
Nick didn't really want to know. All he wanted was for his parents to stay out of his life forever.
He hoped Katie had not become too attached to that ring because he would never let her have it again.
He decided to tell Julie what had happened but he knew they would never go visit with his parents. There was obviously some ulterior motive and he had no desire to find out what it was.
He would also have a long talk with his daughter about defying her parents' wishes.
"Hey, Sophie," he greeted his daughters' dog as he arrived back at the house.
Sophie barked enthusiastically at Nick.
Nick scratched the little dog behind the ears. "How about a walk?"
A walk was just what he needed to clear his head.
Nick clipped on Sophie's leash and headed outside.
His life now could not be more different than it had been as a child. He had a family of his own and he hoped that he was a better father to his daughters than his father had been to him.
Back at Hogwarts, Katie was still fuming over the loss of her ring. She had told Lindsey what had happened and swore the other girl to secrecy. She didn't think she could bear Jemima finding out.
But, she also knew that Jemima was looking for any ammunition to get back at her. She and Lindsey were walking towards the Potions classroom when she saw her sister. "Give me just a minute, Linds."
"I'll save you a seat," Lindsey said.
"Thanks," Katie said hurrying over to her sister. "Ash!"
"Hey," Ashley said. "What's up?"
"It's absolutely horrible!" Katie told her. "Absolutely horrible!"
"What?" Ashley looked alarmed.
"Mum found out about the ring," Katie said. "And she took it from me and said she was going to tell Daddy..."
"Katie..." Ashley said. "I know you don't want to hear it, but you knew they'd eventually find out."
Katie sighed. "It's my own fault. I was so excited about telling her how well I did in Charms, I forgot to tuck in back under my jumper."
"Maybe they'll let you have it back," Ashley said.
Katie frowned. "Ash, you know how they are about anything having to do with that side of the family. But, Grandfather's hoping that he can convince Mum and Dad to let us go there for the summer."
Ashley gaped at her. "Katie---you've heard from him since Christmas?"
"He's been writing to me," Katie nodded. "Grandfather likes me."
"Writing to you?" Ashley asked. "Katie, do Mum and Dad know about that?"
"No," Katie admitted.
Ashley shook her head. "They're going to flip when they find out, Katie."
"Maybe they won't," Katie said.
Ashley looked at her watch. "Look, I have to get to class, but you really need to let Mum know about this before Dad finds out."
Katie sighed, knowing her sister was right. "I guess..."
"But, I promise they won't hear it from me," Ashley told her.
"Thanks," Katie said. "I'll see you later."
Ashley watched her sister and could only shake her head. She hurried to the Defence Against Dark Arts class that she had with her mother.
Julie smiled at her daughter as Ashley slipped in the door.
"Just in time, Miss Malfoy," Julie said.
"Sorry," Ashley sat down next to Zander.
"I thought history was about to be made," Zander said teasingly. "Ashley Malfoy...tardy."
"Yeah right," Ashley joked. "And mar my reputation?"
Zander laughed. "I must have you confused with my cousin."
"Who should be arriving any second now..." Ashley said. "Three... two..."
Julie was closing the door but Brittany slide in just at the last second. "Miss Murray," Julie chastised.
"I'm sorry," Brittany said breathlessly. "I had an emergency."
Julie folded her arms. "What was it this time? Last week, it was that you ran out of lip gloss..."
"I um... I tore my skirt." Brittany replied. "So I had to change it."
Julie stifled a laugh. "Take your seat."
Brittany slipped into her seat on the other side of Ashley.
"What was it really?" Ashley whispered.
"I sort of lost track of time with Evan," Brittany whispered back.
"Well, where is he?" Zander asked, looking around the room.
"He really did tear his trousers," Brittany replied with a little laugh.
Ashley giggled. "Brit!"
Julie called everyone's attention to the lesson, but her mind was far away. She wondered how Nick's visit to his father had fared.
It was hard to believe that Katie had hidden that ring from them for weeks.
There was definitely more to the situation- that was clear as day.
If Julie was being honest, Katie shared a lot of the Malfoy qualities.
In a lot of ways, she was very much like Draco and Ginny. But at the same time... she could be very sweet and was quite loyal.
Julie glanced at her older daughter and wondered briefly if Ashley had known about this ring. Over the past few months, Ashley and Katie had grown quite close.
She decided to ask her daughter after class. She motioned for Ashley to come to her desk as everyone was packing up.
Ashley walked up to her mother with trepidation. "Mum?"
"Hi sweetheart," she said. "I need to ask you something."
"Sure," Ashley said.
"I found out today that Katie has had the Malfoy family ring since Christmas," Julie said. "Did you know about it?"
Ashley nodded. She promised her sister she would not tell about the letters. "Yes."
"You know you can tell me anything," Julie said. "I'm not going to get angry or punish you..."
"I know, Mum," Ashley said. "Katie knows that, too."
Julie nodded. "I'm happy that you two have gotten close."
Ashley smiled. "Me too."
Julie gave her a hug. "Go on ahead. I wouldn't want to make you late for Potions."
"Of course not," Ashley said. "Tell Daddy I said hello."
"I will," Julie promised.
Julie watched her daughter leave and couldn't help thinking that this was not going to be the last they would hear from Draco Malfoy. She just could not understand why he was coming around now after all this time.
She also wondered what her mother in law thought of all this. Draco and Ginny had a history of not talking things out with one another.
What a strange relationship the two of them had, Julie thought to herself.
She packed up the rest of her things and was glad she could head home for the day. She knew she and Nick had a lot to talk about.
*** *** ***
After only another day or so at the hospital, Frank and Alice were ready to leave for the first time in many, many years. Neville wanted to have his family over to celebrate, but decided to hold off for now.
Arthur and Molly were coming over as well as Harry and Hermione. Neville figured that wouldn't be so overwhelming, and his parents had been friends with the Weasleys before everything had happened.
Frank looked up at the nurse from the wheelchair. "Is this really necessary? I mean, I can walk."
The nurse laughed. "Mr. Longbottom, its St. Mungos policy."
Frank grunted. "Policy..."
Alice smiled at her husband. "Frank. Come on. Be nice."
Neville also smiled. "Once we're out of here you can walk wherever you want."
Neville did the honours, pushing his mother's wheelchair while the nurse helped Frank.
Alice closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air. "It feels wonderful out here."
Neville squeezed her shoulder. He felt a little overwhelmed himself with all this. He never thought in a million years that he would ever be escorting his parents out of the hospital.
Frank gladly pushed himself up off the chair once they were outside.
"Good luck, Mr. Longbottom," the nurse told him.
"Thank you," Frank replied, reaching for Alice's hand.
"Yes," Alice said to the nurse. "We appreciate all that you did for us over the years."
The other woman smiled. "It's been my pleasure."
Neville had made a rather sizable donation to the hospital as thanks for the care they'd given to his parents over the years.
"Cho's waiting for us at home," Neville told his parents. "We thought we'd have Molly and Arthur over in a little while..."
"Arthur and Molly Weasley?" Alice asked.
"Yes," Neville nodded.
"Remember?" Frank asked his wife. "Neville said that our granddaughter, Allison is married to one of their grandsons."
"Of course," Alice nodded.
Frank chuckled. "It's hard to believe we're grandparents, eh Alice?"
"I can't wait for you to get to know your grandchildren," Neville said. "There are a lot of them."
Alice smiled. "And great-grandchildren. Frank, we're great-grandparents, too."
"That little redhead one," Frank said. "Emily?"
"Emma Madeline," Neville said. "She's something else, Dad."
"So I've heard," Frank said. "I'm looking forward to seeing them all."
They arrived at Neville and Cho's house a few minutes later. Neville held his mother's hand as he helped her up the front steps.
"Neville, you have a beautiful home," Alice told him.
"Thanks Mum," Neville replied. "Cho and I have worked really hard so we can live nicely."
Cho opened the door. "Hello! I thought I heard voices out here!"
"Hi sweetheart," Neville said with a grin.
"Welcome home!" Cho exclaimed, stepping forward to give Frank and Alice a hug.
"Hello, Cho." Alice kissed her daughter in law's cheek.
"I hope you're hungry," Cho said. "Neville made a wonderful breakfast."
"I'm starved for real food," Frank said as Cho ushered them all into the house.
Cho smiled. "Well, you will not be disappointed."
"It's not that big a deal," Neville said modestly. "Just bacon, eggs, toast, pancakes--"
Frank grinned. "That sounds perfect, son."
Cho had set the table for four. "Molly, Arthur, Harry and Hermione will be by in a few hours." she said.
Neville helped his mother with her seat.
"Can I help with anything?" Frank asked.
"No," Cho told him. "Absolutely not."
"Just sit and enjoy," Neville said to his father. "After breakfast I'll show you the room we got ready for you."
"Can I get you some coffee or tea?" Cho offered.
"Tea?" Alice perked up. "It's been so long since I've had tea..."
Cho smiled. "Coming right up. Frank? How about you?"
"Tea as well," Frank said gratefully.
Cho poured them both a cup.
Alice smiled. "The last breakfast I can remember having with Neville was when he was just a baby. He used to throw his cereal at Frank."
"I could do that today for old time's sake," Neville joked.
Frank laughed. "No thank you."
The four adults tucked into their food as Neville and Cho brought them up to speed on the family and current events.
Frank looked at Neville. "And what about James and Lily? How are they? You didn't mention them."
Alice nodded. "I bet Lily is busy spoiling those grandchildren and great-grandchildren of hers."
Neville and Cho exchanged sober looks. "Dad um... James and Lily Potter were killed... a long time ago."
The smile on Alice's face fell. "No---"
Neville recounted the story of that horrible night. "It was pretty bad for a number of years."
Alice wiped at her eyes with a napkin.
"It's okay now," Neville said. "I mean... Voldemort's gone. He's been gone for awhile. And Harry's happy."
"And he has his own family," Cho said. "He's very happy."
"I'd like to see him," Alice said. "You said he's coming over, right?"
Cho nodded. "And I'm sure he would love hearing about his parents."
"I'd be happy to tell him anything I can remember," Frank said.
"So many of our old friends lost in the war," Alice said quietly.
Neville nodded. "It was rough on everyone."
"And for you," Alice said reaching for her son's hand. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart for what you had to go without."
"It's not your fault," Neville said. "Not at all."
Alice nodded and wiped at her eyes. "Today is a happy day, right?"
"Absolutely," Cho said with a smile. "And soon, when you both are up for it, we'll have a family reunion."
"We look forward to that," Alice said.
"And this is a mighty fine breakfast, son," Frank said. "Where did you learn to cook like this?"
"Gran," Neville said. "She taught me everything."
Frank smiled. "I'm glad that you had her."
"I miss her," Neville nodded.
"You know, she didn't like me at first," Alice admitted. "Thought I was all wrong for her precious son."
Cho looked at her. "She didn't like me for the same reason."
"We grew on one another." Cho said. "When my daughter Chiaki was born, she loved her very much."
"Of course," Alice smiled. "That was how she was with Neville."
"Well the whole thing with that was because Chiaki... she's not biologically my daughter," Neville revealed. "And Gran, at first, thought I was making a big mistake."
"What do you mean?" Frank asked.
"I got pregnant with Chiaki by another man," Cho explained. "I thought he loved me... but it turned out he didn't." she explained what had happened with the near abortion and how Neville came to her rescue.
"Oh, you poor girl!" Alice exclaimed sympathetically.
"He was my hero," Cho said reaching for Neville's hand.
"I adopted Chiaki," Neville said. "And I love her as much as my other daughters."
"Of course you do," Frank said proudly.
Neville smiled. "Come on," he said. "Let me show you that room."
"Alright," Frank agreed.
"If there's anything you want to change, you can let me know," Neville said. "And we'll take you out and get you whatever you need."
Cho linked her arm in Alice's. "And I'm always up for shopping."
Alice smiled. "I'm sure it's quite different than it was before."
"We'll take Frankie with us," Cho said. "She's our fashion expert."
"That's your youngest daughter?" Alice asked.
"Yes," Neville said. "And the one who gave me much of the grey in my hair."
"When she was younger, she liked to date around a lot," Cho explained with a grin.
"That's an understatement," Neville said.
"She settled down quite a bit and got married to Will," Cho said.
Neville opened the door to the guest room. "Here we are..."
"Oh this is lovely," Alice breathed.
Neville watched as his parents entered the room. He wanted everything to be perfect for them. He owed them that much.
"This is quite nice," Frank nodded. "I think Alice and I will enjoy this very much."
Cho squeezed her husband's hand. "Told you they'd like it."
"Everything has to be perfect," Neville said.
Frank picked up a framed photograph of he and Alice on their wedding day. He called her over to look at it.
"I remember that," Alice said fondly. "I'm so glad I remember that..."
"Could never forget that day," Frank said putting an arm around her.
"Why don't we leave you two to get settled," Neville said. "Cho and I have a few things to get ready for company."
Alice nodded. "Thank you both."
Neville hugged both his parents tightly.
Cho was waiting for him out in the hallway.
"That went so well," Cho said happily.
Neville nodded in agreement. "They're adjusting a lot faster than I thought they would."
"We'll just take this one step and one day at a time," Cho said.
"Absolutely," Neville said, whirling her around.
Cho giggled. "Neville!"
"I have it all now," Neville told her.
"You do," Cho said before giving him a kiss.
"Come on," Neville said. "Let's go get everything ready."
It did not take them long to clear away the breakfast dishes and prepare tea and scones for their guests.
"When did you tell them to arrive?" Cho asked.
"Eleven," Neville replied. "So they should be here any minute."
"This will be fun," Cho said, getting out a bottle of wine.
"I'm really glad that Arthur and Molly will be here," Neville said. "I think that will mean a lot to my parents."
"Of course it will," Cho said. "They were friends before all this happened."
"And I cannot wait for them to meet all the children," Neville said. He had been grinning from ear to ear ever since this had happened.
"We all know that the kids are excited," Cho said. "Especially Emma."
Neville laughed. He could just imagine what his granddaughter would have said if she had seen the breakfast he'd made.
"Hello!" Molly Weasley called out from the sitting room. "Neville! Cho!"
Neville went in. "Molly!"
Molly engulfed him in a hug.
Neville laughed. "Save a few of those for my parents. They're eager to see you both."
Arthur grinned. "We're eager to see them."
Cho came back into the room with Frank and Alice in tow. "The guests of honour," she said with a grin.
Molly gasped. "Alice Longbottom!"
"Molly?" Alice asked.
Molly nodded and walked slowly over to her old friend.
The two women embraced as Frank approached Arthur. "It's good to see you," he said, his hand out. "It's... well... it's incredible isn't it?"
"Absolutely," Arthur said shaking Frank's hand. "You look the same, mate."
Frank laughed. "If only that were true."
Frank had met Arthur Weasley when he was just out of Auror training. They had worked together a few times when Arthur's department helped with raids. The older man had been like a mentor to Frank.
It had been very hard on Arthur when he'd found out about what had happened to Frank and Alice, and something like this was truly a miracle.
"You still collecting those Muggle artefacts?" Frank asked him. "You must have thousands of them by now, eh?"
"He has a whole shed full of them," Molly said. "You'll have to come by and see."
"You'll have to clear away an entire day," Cho teased.
"We have time," Arthur said with a grin. "It's good to say that."
"Too right," Frank agreed.
"I have some tea, if anyone would like some," Cho said. "I also have some wine, or butterbeer..."
"Tea would be lovely," Molly said. "For both of us."
"Coming right up," Cho said. "Help yourself to the crumpets."
"Thanks," Molly said. She looked over at Neville. "Alice and Frank, you must be so proud of how Neville turned out. He was at school with my Ronald and Harry."
"We are," Alice agreed smiling at her son.
"Followed in my parents' footsteps," Neville said. "All my life I heard about what great Aurors they were."
"We didn't have time to do much--" Frank began.
"People still talk about the work you and mum did against the dark wizards and your work with the Order," Neville said.
"They do?" Frank said interestedly.
"Absolutely," Neville agreed. "In fact, if you're up to it, I'd love to take you to headquarters."
Frank's eyes brightened.
"Room in here for two more?" Hermione asked from the doorway.
Cho stood with a grin. "Of course!"
Frank turned and he swore that James Potter was staring right back at him.
"Harry," Neville was saying. "Come on in and meet my parents!"
Frank extended his hand. "It's an honour to meet James and Lily's son."
Harry shook it. "An honour to meet you as well."
Alice came forward. "You look so much like James. But, you have your mother's eyes."
"So I've heard," Harry said, a bit wistfully. He did not begrudge Neville getting to know his parents- in fact, he was thrilled for his friend. But he couldn't help but wish that it was his parents that he could bring back.
"We were so sorry to hear about what happened," Alice said softly. "Lily was one of my best friends..."
Harry nodded. "I was only one when they... when they died."
"From what Neville tells us, they would have been very proud of the man you've become," Frank said. "I can still remember how happy James was when you were born. He must have brought in thousands of pictures."
Harry nodded. "Perhaps you can tell me more about them."
"Of course," Alice promised. She looked over his shoulder at the pretty brunette. "You must be---Hermione?"
"Hello," Hermione extended her hand graciously. "It's so lovely to meet you both."
"Hermione's the Minister for Magic," Neville told his parents. "She's the one who approved the
grant for the research that cured you both."
Alice smiled. "It's an honour to meet you, Minister."
"The pleasure is all mine," Hermione said, kissing her cheek. "Neville is such a wonderful friend to us."
"He's my boy," Alice said.
Neville grinned. "I was just telling Dad I'd like to take him by headquarters."
Harry nodded. "That's a great idea."
"Can we do that soon?" Frank asked eagerly.
"As soon as you wish," Neville said happily.
"Today?" Frank suggested hopefully.
Neville chuckled. "Sure, Dad. If you're ready."
"We ladies can hit up some shops," Cho said. "If Alice feels like she wants to."
Alice nodded eagerly. "I'd love that."
"And when you're up for it, I'll have you over for a big dinner at the Burrow," Molly said. "Whatever they were feeding you at St. Mungos certainly didn't help!"
"Maybe it's a good thing we don't remember that," Alice joked.
Molly laughed. "I'll have you both filled out in no time."
Harry watched wistfully as Neville started engaging his father in stories about work. Cho tugged at his arm and led him into the kitchen. "I didn't even think...how hard this would be on you, Harry."
"It didn't hit me until I saw them," Harry admitted.
Cho nodded. "I know. I felt a twinge of guilt, too. I'd give anything to have my parents back, too."
Harry sighed. "I'm really happy for Neville. I really am. If anyone deserves this it's him. But I can't help but wonder..."
"What if," Cho finished.
"Right," Harry agreed.
Cho nodded. "It doesn't make you a horrible person. It makes you human."
Harry smiled at her. "How's he been all day?"
"He's so happy," Cho said. "He spent last night with them at hospital talking about anything and everything."
"That's great," Harry replied. "He deserves this."
"He does," Cho agreed. "And the girls have never really had grandparents before. Frankie, Chiaki and Allie---they finally have that."
Harry nodded. "Thankfully we had Robert and Elinore for as long as we did, and now we have Arthur and Molly."
"Everyone's surrogate grandparents," Cho smiled.
"I'm glad to have them," Harry said, helping her clean up a few dishes from breakfast that morning.
"Well, I know it's not the same as having your parents back, but Alice and Frank did know your parents quite well," Cho said thoughtfully.
"Maybe they can tell me more about them," Harry said. "I'd really like that."
Cho grinned and nudged him. "And I'm really glad that my best friend is here to share this with us."
"Wouldn't have missed it," Harry nudged her back.
Cho laughed. "Come on, let's get back out there."
Harry followed Cho back out to the sitting room where he saw Neville and Frank talking and joking together. He felt a slight pang but managed a smile as he sat down next to his wife.
"Alice was just telling me how great a cook your mum was," Hermione said. "Which obviously was passed down to her son."
"I was trained well with the Dursleys," Harry made a face.
"The aunt and uncle that raised you?" Alice asked.
Harry nodded. "My mum's sister."
"Petunia, right?" Alice recalled.
"Yeah," Harry said. "I haven't seen her in years. My uncle died awhile back, and I don't know where she and Dudley moved to after that."
"Well," Alice smiled at him. "You have your own family now."
"We brought pictures to show you," Harry brightened.
Alice grinned. "I would love to see them."
Hermione produced several of them and moved over to sit with Alice.
Alice looked through the photographs and listened with fascination as Hermione talked.
"Saffron is our youngest," Hermione said. "She's getting married in about five months."
"How lovely!" Alice gushed. "And what a beautiful little baby!"
Hermione smiled proudly. "I am biased, but she is wonderful."
Alice smile faltered a bit as she thought about her grandchildren---children she had not yet met officially. Neville had told her stories about them, but she wanted to get to know them herself. She wanted to hold them and hug them and make them laugh.
"Are you all right?" Hermione asked concernedly.
Alice nodded. "I'm fine. I just cannot wait to meet my grandchildren and great-grandchildren."
Hermione patted Alice's hand. "Chiaki, Frankie and Allie are the best." She turned a couple of pages in the photo album. "Here's the three of them when we were at Hillsdale. Chiaki was twenty there, Allie was fifteen and Frankie was twelve."
Alice smiled. "They're beautiful girls..."
"They are," Hermione agreed. "On the inside and out."
"Neville told me Chiaki comes by with her two children sometimes," Alice said.
"She did," Hermione said. "She always looked forward to the visits. Even when she was a little girl."
Alice smiled again.
"Do you remember any of their visits?" Hermione asked.
"Vaguely..." Alice said.
Hermione nodded. "Well, now you can make new memories with them."
"I'm looking forward to it," Alice said.
"When are you going to meet them?" Hermione asked.
"I'm not sure," Alice said. "Neville said he would arrange it when we were all ready."
Alice looked over at her son and smiled as she saw him with Frank. It was still surreal to see him like this.
Neville and Frank were laughing about something with Arthur and Harry. "I think we're going to head over to headquarters for a bit." Neville said.
Alice looked at her husband. "You sure about that, Frank?"
Frank nodded. "Will you be all right?"
Alice looked around the room uncertainly. "I think so."
"If you don't want me to go--" Frank began.
Alice shook her head. "No, you can go. I'll be fine."
Frank smiled reassuringly at her. "First time in a long time we'll be apart."
Alice stood up and walked over to him. "I'll be fine." She hugged him tightly.
Frank kissed her cheek. "I'll see you later."
Neville gave his mother a hug. "I'll look out for him, Mum."
"I know you will," Alice said.
"We'll have fun, Alice." Cho promised.
The men left the ladies alone and Alice sat back down on the sofa.
"Where would you like to go?" Hermione asked Alice.
Cho had an idea but she was not sure if Alice would be up for it, without Frank. It would also be a way to make it up to Allison for being left out of the decision for awhile. The kids would be in school save for Adam and so it should not be too overwhelming for Alice.
"I have a great idea," she said.
"What's that, love?" Molly asked.
"Come on," Cho said. "I know someone who will be home and very eager to see you."
Alice stood up and smiled at her daughter-in-law. "Okay."
Cho remained mum until they arrived at Jon and Allison's new place. "Alice... you're about to meet your middle granddaughter and great grandson."
A grin spread across Alice's face.
Cho grinned back. "Allie's on bed rest, like Neville told you. She and Adam are upstairs. Come on..."
Allison lay back on her pillows and sighed. She was still trying hard not to feel sorry forherself but this bed rest was a fate worse than death.
Adam held up one of his cars. "Watch, Mummy!"
"What are you up to?" Allison asked with a smile.
"Vroom, vroom!" Adam exclaimed, about to set his car on the floor when he spotted his grandmother. "Gamma Cho!"
"Hi, baby." Cho said, opening her arms.
Adam toddled over to her.
"Hi Mum," Allison pushed herself up. "What are you doing here? I thought today was the day..." her voice died as she saw Alice appear behind Cho.
"Allison Weasley," Cho said smiling at her. "Meet Alice Longbottom."