Authors' note: Tonight finds us with a trip down memory lane as Alice and Frank share a memory of Harry's parents. We hope you enjoy it! Please read and review!
When Neville had asked Harry if he minded stopping by the house to sit with Frank and Alice for awhile, he'd readily agreed. Not only just to help out his friend- his motives were also a bit selfish. He was dying to ask them questions about his parents. These were two people- aside from Lupin- who were his parents' best friends. They'd worked together, lived near one another... Frank and Alice could probably tell him loads about them and perhaps things Lupin hadn't even known.
Harry also knew that Neville's parents were still dealing with everything they had learned about the war. Neville had told him how hard it was to tell them about the old friends that had died and the ones who had turned dark and fought for Voldemort.
So he patiently sat by while he, Frank and Alice enjoyed some tea and scones that Neville had made earlier.
"I'll say this for Nev," Harry said. "He knows how to make a mean scone."
"From what he tells me, you're quite a cook yourself," Alice said to him.
"I had years of experience," Harry replied.
Alice nodded. "Living with your aunt and uncle."
Harry nodded too but didn't say anything. It had been so long since he'd lived with the Dursleys or even heard of anything involving his aunt or cousin, but sometimes thinking back on those years cut him deeply.
"Your mother loved you so much," Alice said softly. "She never wanted you to feel unloved or unwanted." Neville had told her about how cold and distant Harry's relatives had been. She knew that Lily would have hated to know that her son had grown up under such a roof.
"I always hoped I would have made them proud," Harry said quietly.
Frank nodded. "I think James and Lily would have been very proud."
Harry smiled at him.
"And they would have been proud of your children and grandchildren as well," Alice commented.
Harry laughed. "They probably would have all given each other a run for their money."
Alice looked at him. When Neville had told her that Harry was going to visit, she had looked through some of her old mementos and found a couple of photographs she thought he would want to see. She slid the photographs across the table at him. One photo was of she and Lily holding their year-old sons. Neville's face was smeared with chocolate icing and he waved enthusiastically at the camera from his mother's lap.
Harry laughed. "Where did this come from?" he asked.
"Right after your first birthday party," Alice recalled. "James and Frank had just returned home from a mission. Sirius and Remus were there, too. Since you and Neville were born to close together, your mother and I planned this big party."
"You did?" Harry asked interestedly.
"Yes," Alice said and she nudged her husband. "And Frank kept telling me I shouldn't go all out because Neville was too young to remember it."
Frank laughed. "All Neville wanted to do was put his hands in that cake."
Alice smiled at the memory. It was one of the last happy times that she could remember. Although the war with Voldemort was heating up, she and Lily had wanted their sons to live as normal a life as possible.
"No, no Harry," Lily said, laughing. "You mustn't eat that candle."
Harry looked innocently at his mother and held out the birthday candle.
"Thank you," Lily smiled and took the candle from his chubby fingers. "You're a mess, my little man."
Harry held up his arms and Lily picked him up. "I can't believe you're a year old, Harry James."
James came up behind her and made a goofy face at his son. "Lil, he's a year old. You act like tomorrow he's boarding the Hogwarts Express..."
"Before we know it, he will be," Lily kissed her son's cheek.
"I'll need to buy you a load of handkerchiefs when that happens," James teased. "I can just see you crying a river at Kings' Cross."
"I'll fill the lake by Hogwarts," Lily replied with a grin.
"I'll be right there with you," Alice said before hurrying to catch Neville before he reached the cake.
James laughed. "These two are determined to get into that."
"Troublemakers just like their fathers," Alice said with a grin.
"I resemble that remark," James retorted playfully.
"We don't go looking for trouble," Frank said picking his son up and putting him on his shoulders. "It just always seems to find us, doesn't it, Nev?"
Neville pulled hard on his father's hair, making Frank wince.
"Good one, Neville," James grinned.
"You're one to talk, James." Lily said. "Remember when Harry yanked out some of your hair the other night? You wanted me to put it back in with a spell--"
"Lily!" James interjected.
Alice laughed. "You boys are so vain."
"Well, when you look this good," James said puffing his chest out.
Lily poked him in the chest. "I'm sure Frank and Alice don't need you raising their roof with your ego."
"You know you love me for it," James said leaning in to give his wife a kiss.
"Yayayaya!" Harry shouted.
Lily laughed. "I think that means he's ready for his birthday cake."
"So is Neville," Alice said as Neville again tried to launch himself at the cake.
Lily sat down at the table with Harry in her lap. His eyes were wide as he looked at the birthday cake. "James, will you light the candles? One for Neville and one for Harry."
"Sure," James said, pulling out his wand.
Lily bounced Harry on her lap and he laughed happily.
James grinned at his wife and son. "I can't believe he's a year old already."
"The time goes by so fast," Lily said kissing the top of her son's head. "Which is why we need to cherish these memories while we can. The world is so...unpredictable right now. "
"I know," James agreed soberly. "Frank and I are leaving next week for another raid."
Lily frowned. "James, you just returned..."
"I know," James said. "But this raid could really give us the information we need to get Voldemort, Lil."
Lily nodded. "I know."
Frank also nodded. "This is a big one. A lot of Death Eaters will be there. Alice is coming too."
"What about Neville?" Lily asked looking at the little boy who was trying unsuccessfully for the cake again.
"My mother's going to watch him," Frank replied.
Lily nodded. "If she ever can't take him--"
Alice smiled at her friend. "I know, Frank and I love you for that. You know the same stands for us with Harry."
Lily grinned. "I hope the boys are close when they get older. They'll be seeing a lot of each other."
"They'll be thick as thieves," James said confidently.
"Of course they will be," Lily began laughing as Neville managed to get himself a handful of icing.
Alice shook her head. "Neville!"
"Ummm!" Neville jammed his hand into his mouth, smearing the icing all over.
James grabbed the camera. "Alice, move over beside Lily. I want to get a picture of this."
"Come on little man," Lily said, picking Harry up. She laughed when the little boy grinned at her.
"Ma," Harry said leaning against her.
Lily kissed the top of his head. "Smile for Daddy, Harry."
Harry locked eyes with his father and grinned.
"That's a boy," James laughed. "Hey Neville! Over here!"
Neville waved and smiled at James.
In the present, the adult Harry looked down at the photo of his younger self looking happy and innocent. "She called me 'little man'?" Harry asked Alice.
"Yes she did," Alice recalled. "Because you looked so much like James."
Harry smiled. "That's what I called Ethan when he was younger."
"Must have stuck in your head," Alice replied.
"Yeah," Harry said softly.
"Your parents revolved their world around you," Frank told him. "You meant everything to them."
Harry nodded, feeling tears welling up in his eyes. He had only one year with his parents. It seemed so unfair, but at least he had Frank and Alice around now to tell him stories. It was the next best thing to having them here.
Alice moved around the table next to him. "They died to protect you," she told him. "We would have done it for Neville if we'd been in his place."
Harry nodded. "I know."
"Frank and I will be happy to tell you everything we remember about them," Alice put a comforting hand on his shoulder.
"Thank you," Harry said, hugging her. "Thank you so much."
Alice patted his back. "I think they'd be very, very proud of you."
Harry smiled. "Yeah?" He was an adult now, but he still needed to hear that.
"Absolutely," Frank agreed with a grin.
Alice and Frank shared a few more stories with Harry before excusing themselves to sit outside in the garden. The weather was unseasonably warm and Alice liked being outside. Harry stayed inside and looked at the photographs Alice had given him.
He wasn't jealous of Neville for having his parents back, but he still wished it could be him.
He felt a hand on his shoulder and looked up to see Cho. "Hey."
"Hi," she smiled. "Where are Frank and Alice?"
"Sitting in the garden," Harry replied.
"It is a lovely day today," Cho said. "I might see if they want to go for a walk."
Harry did not answer her and Cho looked over his shoulder to see what he was studying.
"Is that you with your parents?" Cho asked. "And is that Neville?"
Harry nodded. "That's us."
"How sweet," Cho commented. "Look how happy your mum is."
"My dad was the one taking the photograph," Harry told her.
"It's a really nice picture," Cho said, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Are you all right?"
Harry nodded and wiped at his eyes. He had not cried in front of too many people in his life. He had seen it as a weakness, but now, he could not hold it in.
"Hey it's all right," Cho said comfortingly. "I know how much you miss them. I miss mine too."
The war had taken so much from so many people, Harry thought as he cried in Cho's arms.
Cho rocked him back and forth like she would a small child until he settled down. "I'm sorry..." Harry said. "I hate doing that."
"You don't have to apologise," Cho said softly.
"I just really miss them sometimes," Harry said. "And no one else really understands- except you."
"You know you can talk to me about it anytime," Cho told him.
"I know," Harry offered her a slight smile.
"With everything that's been going on, I guess we haven't really had a chance to talk just the two of us," Cho said. "I miss my best friend."
"Me too," Harry nodded. "We're all so busy these days."
"Never too busy to make time for each other," Cho said. "We'll have to do better. Frank and Alice...they've taught me one thing---never take the people you love for granted."
Harry agreed. "I'm going to make a copy of these so I can take them home with me to show Hermione."
Cho smiled and looked at the photograph. "That's how Ethan looked, too. You know? When he was a baby..."
Harry smiled. "My mum called me 'little man' just like I did with Ethan."
Cho laughed. "It must run in the family."
Harry wiped at his eyes. "Thanks, Cho."
"Anytime," Cho told him. "You know you can come over anytime to talk to Frank and Alice. They love the company."
Harry smiled. "How are they doing? Any more memory slips?"
"In the past few days they've been really on," Cho said, looking out the window.
"That's great news," Harry commented.
Cho nodded. "Neville's so happy. I'm so excited for him."
"Me too," Harry said. "I can't remember when I've seen him this happy."
Cho squeezed his arm. "He knows you wish it were your parents. He wouldn't begrudge you that, Harry. But it means a lot to him that you're happy for him."
Harry was glad to hear that. He took out his wand and duplicated the photos and pocketed his copies.
"Want to stay for dinner?" Cho offered.
"Maybe another time," Harry replied. "I should go home."
"Tell Hermione I said hello," Cho gave him another hug. "And tell her how you're feeling. I imagine she knows how it feels too."
"I will," Harry promised. "Thanks again."
"You know it," Cho smiled at him before heading outside.
Harry arrived home and found his wife in her office. She smiled up at him. "Hi. How was your visit?"
"It was good," Harry said, settling on her sofa.
Hermione sat down beside him. "You look a little sad."
Harry looked thoughtful for a few moments before recounting what Alice had told him, and his moments with Cho afterwards. "I just really miss them, Hermione. I feel cheated. I never got to know my parents."
Hermione squeezed his hand. "I know you do."
Harry pulled out one picture. "Alice told me my mother used to call me little man."
"Just like you with Ethan," Hermione said softly. She looked at the photograph. "And look at that handsome little boy..."
Harry smiled. "She looks happy."
"She does," Hermione agreed. "You know, remember how you felt when Julie was that age. Our first child...and she was happy and healthy. I imagine that's exactly how your mum felt."
Harry smiled. "That was an incredible feeling. Each time."
"It was," Hermione agreed.
Harry put an arm around her and kissed the side of her head. "My parents only a had a year with me. I'm lucky to have had as many as I have with Julie, Ethan and Saffron."
"And hopefully you and I will have many, many more," Hermione said.
Harry hugged her to him. "I plan on that, Mrs. Potter."
*** *** ***
Alexa and Gabriel had managed to clear away some time on their busy schedules to study and were currently sitting in his grandparents' sitting room. Alexa smiled at the look of intense concentration on her boyfriend's face as he studied his textbook.
He looked up and saw her watching him. "What?"
"You look so serious," Alexa teased.
Gabriel smiled. "I'm studying about the insides of the human heart."
Alexa looked over at the picture that had held Gabriel's rapt attention. "Wow...hard to believe all that is inside you, isn't it?"
Gabriel nodded. "Among other things."
Alexa nudged him. "Dr. Boyd."
"I can't wait until I get to intern," Gabriel replied. "To really be there and see things firsthand. I don't get to see the surgeries yet."
"You'll be great," Alexa said loyally. "You certainly work harder than anyone I've ever known."
"Thanks Lexie," Gabriel replied.
"Well, I'll let you get back to your heart," Alexa said. "I'm going to finish reading my assignment for American Lit."
"Something interesting?" he asked.
"Steinbeck," Alexa replied.
Gabriel nodded. "I'll stick with the heart."
Gabriel was trying to highlight a passage in his textbook, but the marker was dry. He asked his girlfriend if he could borrow one of hers and she told him to look in her backpack. As he did so, he saw a pamphlet for the University of London. "Lex? What's this?"
"What?" Alexa asked. "Oh that... um..."
"Why are you looking at this?" Gabriel asked.
Alexa sighed. "Well... I'm thinking of going there next year."
"What?" Gabriel asked taken aback. "Why?"
"Because I'm not happy here," Alexa said. "Not like I thought I'd be."
Gabriel looked at her with genuine surprise. "When were you planning on telling me?"
"I don't know," Alexa said. "Soon."
Gabriel shook his head. "I can't believe this."
"Gabe it's not that big a deal," Alexa said. "I just miss England. I miss my parents."
"Not that a big a deal?" Gabriel asked sarcastically.
"It's not like we'd see each other any more or less than we do now," Alexa said, growing defensive.
"That's what this is about!" Gabriel retorted. "Me not spending time with you."
"It is not," Alexa denied. "I just told you why!"
Gabriel sighed. "Right."
Alexa rubbed at her forehead. "You have to admit, things aren't right between us."
"Yes, but things will slow down in the summer," Gabriel argued.
"You told me the other day that you'll be interning most of the summer," Alexa said. "How do you plan on being in England and interning here?"
"I was hoping to talk you into staying here," Gabriel said.
Alexa stared at him in disbelief.
"I can't stay here," she told him. "Saffy's getting married."
"Yeah but that's not the whole summer," Gabriel pointed out.
"Yes, but there's all the planning and I already promised my mum I'd help her at the bakery," Alexa said.
"You do that every summer," Gabriel said. "Come on Lexie. We can make this work."
"I don't know," Alexa replied.
"So you're ready to just give up on us?" he asked.
Alexa shook her head. "No, of course not. I just--"
Gabriel shut his book and shoved it into his bag.
"Gabe," Alexa said. "I was going to tell you about this. I was."
"Right," he said coolly. "As you were on your way out the door?"
Alexa knew that he had a point there. She had just been waiting for the right time to tell him. "The truth is I haven't been very happy here. It's like I'm here and the whole time I'm here, I was wishing I was home. It's not you. I understand how important this is to you and I know how busy you are. But, this is about me and what I need to do for myself."
Gabriel sighed. "I guess I haven't really been around as much as I thought I would."
Alexa reached for his hand. "You don't have to apologise for following your dream. I'm so proud of you and I know that you have to work hard to make this happen."
"Thanks," he said, a bit wistfully. "I guess I thought I could have it all."
Alexa smiled. "You are your father's son after all."
"I guess," Gabriel sighed.
Alexa hugged him. "I'm sorry I didn't say anything sooner."
"I think we're both at fault here," Gabriel admitted.
Alexa nodded. "We knew it was going to be busy, but I don't think either of us know how much."
"So what do we do?" Gabriel asked.
"I don't know," Alexa said honestly.
"We already tried taking a break once," Gabriel said.
"Maybe we could try it again," Alexa said. "We still love each other. We both know that, but right now, you have to put all you have into your studies. And I need to figure out what I want to do."
"I guess," Gabriel said reluctantly.
"Not a break-up," Alexa clarified. "We'll still see each other when we can."
"Sure," Gabriel replied.
Alexa gave him a kiss. "I still love you."
"I'll always love you, Lexie." Gabriel said, hugging her. "You know that."
"I know," Alexa said softly.
"I guess we should get back to school," Gabriel said quietly.
Alexa nodded. "Yeah."
"I'll drive you back," Gabriel offered.
Alexa shook her head. "It's okay. I can just Apparate."
"Are you sure?" he asked.
"Yes," Alexa said. "Besides, you need to study."
"Yeah," he nodded. "If I can keep my mind on it."
Alexa gave him another hug. "You can, Gabe."
"I'll call you soon?" he asked her.
"You'd better," Alexa said smiling at him.
Gabriel watched her go with a heavy feeling in his chest. Even though this was the second time they'd taken a break, this felt different. It felt final to him. And that scared him a lot.
She was the first girl he had ever truly loved and it was hard to think of her not being a part of his life.
Alexa arrived back at campus and ducked into her room. She knew it was late in England, but she wanted to ring Saffron and tell her what had happened.
Thankfully, the room was empty as Carmen was in class.
It had just gone ten and Saffron was checking on Ellie when she heard her mobile ring. "Andrew," she said in a loud whisper. "Will you get that?"
Andrew nodded and looked at the screen. "It's Lexie."
"I'll be right there," Saffron said.
"Hiya, Lexie," Andrew said answering the phone.
"Andrew!" Alexa said in surprise. "Sorry- I wasn't expecting you to pick up."
"Saffy's just checking on Ellie," Andrew told her.
"How is my goddaughter?" Alexa asked.
"Adorable," Andrew replied. "Though she's getting tired of Saffron being in her face trying to get her to say 'mama' every five seconds."
Alexa laughed. "We know Saffy's persistent."
"I heard that!" Saffron hissed.
"Uh oh," Andrew said. "I'm in trouble."
Saffron swatted at him. "Let me have the phone."
"See you later Lexie," Andrew said before his fiancée snatched her mobile out of his hand.
"He's exaggerating," Saffron told Alexa. "I haven't been in her face and I'm only coaching her like any good mother would do. If she happens to say my name first---it's only fair, you know?"
Alexa laughed. "You DID carry her inside you."
"That's what I keep telling Andrew," Saffron said. "So, what's up with you?"
"Well," Alexa began. "Gabe and I broke up... again."
"How are you feeling?" Saffron asked.
"I feel okay, actually." Alexa said.
"Did you tell him about the University of London?" Saffron asked.
"He sort of saw it on his own," Alexa told her. "At first he seemed really angry but I think he understands where I'm coming from."
"Well, I think it's great that you guys finally talked," Saffron said. "And maybe this will be good for you."
"I hope so," Alexa said. "I'd love to work things out."
"Maybe you can," Saffron said.
"Time will tell," Alexa replied. "I can't wait to come home this weekend."
"Me too," Saffron said. "We'll take your mind off of all that drama."
"It's really helped me get through the last few months," Alexa replied.
"Well, we have loved having you, you know that," Saffron told her. "Especially Ellie."
"Spending time with her is so much fun," Alexa agreed. "I love watching her grow."
"Which she is doing very fast," Saffron said, smiling as Andrew carried Ellie into the room.
"She's not ready to go back down yet," Andrew told her.
"Lex, I have to go, but I'll see you on Friday, okay?" Saffron said.
"All right," Alexa said. "Take care, Saffy."
Saffron set the phone down and looked at her daughter. "If she was our age, she'd be begging for sleep. But, look at her. Wide awake."
"She knows we're tired," Andrew kissed his daughter's cheek.
Ellie smiled at him and reached a chubby hand up at him.
"What?" Andrew made a face at her. "What do you want, baby girl?"
Ellie cooed as she reached for Andrew's fringe.
"Oh no," Andrew said. "Daddy's gotten too quick for you."
Saffron grinned and looked down at her daughter. "Ma-ma. Ma-ma. Come on, Ellie."
""Don't listen to her, El." Andrew told the baby.
Saffron knew Ellie was too young to start talking, but she could not help herself. "Don't listen to Daddy," Saffron countered.
"Actually you should keep it up," Andrew said. "She might get bored enough to sleep."
"You're lucky that you're holding her right now," Saffron warned him.
Andrew made a face at her and she couldn't help but laugh.
"Let's just lie down with her," Saffron suggested. "That usually helps."
"All right," Andrew agreed.
Saffron led the way into their bedroom and Andrew gently lowered himself down on the bed. Ellie was still cooing happily in her father's arms. She tossed her mobile on the dresser then got herself ready for bed. "She's really talking tonight."
"She's happy," Andrew said patting Ellie's back.
Saffron smiled. "I know how she feels."
Saffron climbed into bed and rested her head on Andrew's shoulder. The baby was lying on Andrew's chest and her eyes met her mother's. "Hi, little face."
Ellie smiled toothlessly.
Saffron leaned in and kissed her daughter's cheek. "That's my girl."
"She's been a great baby," Andrew commented.
"Well, of course," Saffron said with a grin. "Her parents are soooooooooo fabulous!"
"Especially her father," Andrew said with a straight face. "Star of the Wimbourne team."
"Oh, really?" Saffron asked giggling.
"Absolutely," Andrew replied. "And she manages to live down the shame of the Puddlemere side--"
"Again, very good for you that you're holding the baby," Saffron said.
"You couldn't do anything," Andrew said smugly.
"She's going in her crib son," Saffron said. "Let's see how bold you are when it's just you."
"Ooooh I'm scared of the two stone girl," Andrew said jokingly.
"As you should be," Saffron said with a gleam in her eye.
"That is a bit of a scary look," Andrew admitted. "I think El needs me to stay with her all night..."
"Are you sure you're a Gryffindor?" Saffron asked.
"Shut it," Andrew replied.
"Ellie, your daddy is a silly goose," Saffron said.
Ellie yawned and blinked at her.
"Finally sleepy," Saffron said softly.
"Me too," Andrew replied.
"I'll go and put her in her crib," Saffron said.
"All right," Andrew kissed the top of the baby's head.\
Saffron picked up Ellie and carried her into the nursery. "Sweet dreams, Ellie."
Ellie smacked her lips, already asleep as Saffron put her into the crib.
Saffron looked down at her daughter for a few moments.
She was already getting so big. Soon her baby would be walking and talking.
Saffron was still smiling as she left the room.
"All tucked in?" Andrew asked when she came back into the bedroom.
"And out like a light," Saffron replied, climbing back into bed.
"I'm about there myself," Andrew said, reaching for her.
Saffron nodded. "Lexie and Gabe broke up."
"I had a feeling that's what happened," Andrew said.
"Maybe they can work it out, I don't know," Saffron said. "But, she seems okay with it."
"I wonder how he's doing?" Andrew said. "I'm sure he's not too happy about it."
"I'll call him tomorrow to see," Saffron said.
"I'm sure he'd appreciate that," Andrew told her. "He's a good bloke."
"He is," Saffron agreed.
Andrew yawned. "You'll have to let me know how he's doing."
"I will," Saffron said closing her eyes. "Night, Andrew."
Andrew kissed the side of her head. "Night Saf. I love you."
"Love you too," Saffron said.