Hearing the commotion, Augusta peeked out from the kitchen. She flashed Alex a quick, knowing smile before stepping over to help calm Neville. Once he was settled, she returned to her cooking. Alex, now more cautious, stayed close to Neville but didn't touch him, not wanting to accidentally make him cry again.
Soon, the front door opened, and Frank and Alice entered, cheerful and full of energy. Frank stretched, grinning as he spotted Alex. "Alex! I almost didn't believe it when Mom said you were coming! Alice and I are always running around, so it's a relief knowing you'll be here to keep her company—and maybe help us avoid a bit of her nagging."
Alex laughed. "Thank you, Frank, Alice. I'm really grateful for the invite, and I'm looking forward to spending the summer here."
"Hmph," Augusta's voice called out from the kitchen. "I hear someone talking about me. Dinner's ready! Stop standing around!" She shot Frank a sharp look as she walked out, drying her hands.
Frank shrugged sheepishly. "Alright, alright! I'd rather not upset Mom." He winked at Alex, who couldn't help but smile at the lighthearted family moment.
Dinner was a feast. Augusta had gone all out, and the food was warm, delicious, and full of flavor. Frank and Alice clearly enjoyed the meal, judging by the look on their faces. After dinner, Augusta doted on Neville, feeding him with a warm smile.
Once everyone was settled, Alex brought out the gifts he had prepared. Augusta looked surprised and resisted at first, but after Alex insisted, she accepted them gratefully. She took the large ham to the storage room, while Frank eagerly opened a bottle of Ogden's Aged Firewhiskey. He poured himself a small glass and shot Alex a playful grin, enjoying it like a kid sneaking a treat.
Alex chuckled at Frank's amused grin. The evening was filled with laughter, warmth, and relaxed conversation. Eventually, Alice joined them in the living room, holding Neville, while Frank leaned back with his drink, still smiling.
"So, how was your first year at Hogwarts? Did Professor McGonagall catch you in any trouble?" Frank asked, eyes twinkling. "She was always giving us detention when we were there."
Alex grinned. "Professor McGonagall keeps a close watch, but the Gryffindors and Slytherins who like causing mischief always keep her on her toes."
Frank laughed. "Ah, probably those Slytherins stirring things up." He quickly caught himself, realizing Alex was in Slytherin, and added, "I mean, the ones who boast about 'pure-blood supremacy.' Not all Slytherins are like that."
Alex nodded in agreement. "You're right. Some pure-blood students tried messing with me early on, but I made sure they backed off."
"Good for you!" Frank said with a grin. "Back in the day, Sirius and James used to dangle bullies upside down with the 'Leviosa' spell—it was quite a sight!"
'I'd prefer something more direct,' Alex thought, amused. But he had a question that had been bothering him. "Speaking of Sirius, have you heard from him? My letters haven't reached him, Lily, or James."
At this, Frank and Alice exchanged a worried look. Alice was the first to speak, her voice serious. "Dumbledore believes Lily and James are in grave danger. He's hidden them somewhere safe, so we probably can't reach them."
Frank added, "And as for Sirius, he's had to lay low. The Death Eaters are after him because he knows where the Potters are hiding. But don't worry—he's not alone. He's got people watching out for him."
Alex nodded, feeling relieved to finally understand why his letters had gone unanswered.
Just then, Augusta returned, having finished tidying up after dinner. She looked at them, hands on her hips, as she addressed Frank with her usual firm tone. "It's getting late. Frank, take Alex to the guest room at the end of the hall. And Alex," she added, eyeing him with a hint of amusement, "that ham you brought was far too big! I could feed this entire house on it for a month!"
Frank chuckled, caught off guard by his mother's comment, and gave Alex a friendly nudge. "Come on, let's get you settled in."
As they made their way upstairs, Frank muttered under his breath, "She's not wrong about the ham though," which made Alex laugh, easing the tension from the serious conversation just moments before.
Frank wasn't quite off the hook, though. Augusta wrinkled her nose, sniffing the air, then gave him a pointed look. "Have you been sneaking drinks again, Frank? You know you have work tomorrow."
Caught, Frank chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry, Mom!" He quickly led Alex upstairs, both of them chuckling.
Alice, holding Neville, couldn't hold back her giggles, earning an amused eye-roll from Augusta.
In the days that followed, life settled into a comfortable rhythm at the Longbottom home. Alex kept up with his disciplined habits, exercising every morning and evening, studying runes, and practicing Occlumency at night. During the day, he helped Augusta with chores and even cooked now and then, which delighted her.
Though Augusta was stern, she came to appreciate Alex's responsible nature and cooking skills. She often mentioned how nice it was to have someone sensible around. Frank and Alice were busy with work at the Ministry, especially with the pressures of the ongoing war. Alex found satisfaction in helping Augusta, knowing she often felt lonely with her family constantly away.
One morning, as they prepared lunch, Augusta shared her plans. "Alex, Frank and Alice have tomorrow off. I'd like to invite some neighbors over. We could serve that ham you brought. Any ideas for dishes?"
By now, Alex had become quite the cook in the Longbottom household, treating Augusta to new meals every day. He thought for a moment. "It depends on the number of guests. If it's just a few people, we could make something simple and elegant. But if it's a big gathering, I suggest a buffet with lots of variety."
Augusta nodded, interested. "Let's see… We'll have quite a few people. The Weasleys, for one—Arthur works with Frank, and his wife, Molly, is expecting. They have quite the family; she's managing several kids on her own! Then there's the Diggory family, who also work at the Ministry, and Xenophilius Lovegood from The Quibbler—a bit eccentric but still a good neighbor."
As she listed the guests, Alex made a quick count. "So, that's about six adults, eight children, including two babies, with one more on the way."