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Chapter 732: Frank and Alice
Wade had never truly met Neville’s parents before. Of course, he had seen their photos once at Sirius Black’s house—images of a younger version of the couple, gentle and kind-faced, their round features always lit with a smile that made people feel instantly at ease. They were the kind of people who, at first glance, seemed harmless and deeply likable.
Now, Frank Longbottom was no longer young. He looked ten years older than his actual age—his face thin, his eyes shadowed with fine lines, his frame slightly hunched, his short gray hair sparse. Yet he still held his back straight, his浅褐色 eyes—soft and warm—narrowed slightly as if still searching the world with quiet attentiveness.
He reached out and gently supported his wife’s arm. Alice looked even more worn than Frank, but her eyes sparkled with a vitality that gave her face a luminous quality. Her lips curved naturally into a gentle smile, her gray hair neatly tied into a loose braid that fell over her shoulder, its ends adorned with a small cluster of wildflowers.
“It’s a pleasure… to meet you,” Frank said, smiling slowly. He lifted a trembling hand and placed it firmly on Wade’s shoulder. “Thank you, Mr. Gray. For everything you’ve done.”
His voice was hoarse, like rusted blades scraping against each other, but the effort to speak clearly and fully was evident.
“You’re far too kind,” Wade replied carefully. “You’re both heroes. To have been of any help is an honor.”
Madam Longbottom immediately wore an expression of quiet pride, her eyes glowing with pleasure as she looked at them.
“We watched… your match at the Stadium,” Alice said with a warm, twinkling smile. “We haven’t finished… but it was absolutely spectacular.”
Harry was surprised by their condition. He managed a small, hesitant reply: “Thank you… I mean… I’m so glad to know you.”
Dumbledore smiled warmly. “It’s truly a joy to see you both recovering so well.”
Madam Longbottom gave a slight nod, her tone measured. “The Treatment Specialist was amazed by how quickly they regained their strength. Honestly, it’s because they never gave up—even when they were delirious. They kept fighting. That’s why they’re awake now.”
There was a clear note of pride in her voice. Dumbledore added gently: “It’s extraordinary. I doubt many could endure such a battle for so long—decades of unyielding resistance, and then finally, a chance to awaken.”
Seeing Harry’s confusion, Madam Longbottom explained: “Fourteen years ago, after Voldemort vanished, Bellatrix Lestrange and her followers tortured my son and daughter-in-law with the Cruciatus Curse. It drove them mad. They only began to come back… recently.”
She glanced at Wade, her voice thick with gratitude. “Young Mr. Gray heard about it and lent Neville a magical tool. That’s what began their recovery.”
Harry stared, stunned. He looked from Wade to the Longbottoms—his jaw slack. After a long silence, he lifted his head, his voice trembling: “I… I don’t even know how to express it… What you’ve both been through… but the most important thing is… you’re safe now. This is… this is incredible.”
He offered a sincere smile. “Neville must be so happy to have you back.”
Frank lowered his gaze. Alice reached out, her hand gently brushing the scar on Harry’s forehead. “We heard about your parents,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry, Harry. You must… take care of yourself. James Potter and Lily Potter… they would be so proud of you.”
Harry’s eyes filled with tears instantly.
“Professor Dumbledore,” Frank said slowly, with quiet determination, “I’m so glad to see you’re still strong. It’s wonderful. We’ve heard… he’s come back. Soon… we’ll return to the Phoenix Society.”
Alice nodded, smiling, but said nothing.
There was no trace of regret in their eyes—only the quiet certainty of having stood against the Dark Lord, and won.
Dumbledore’s eyes shimmered. His voice softened even further. “My dearest Frank, my dear Alice… seeing you both return to yourselves—this means more to me than any victory ever could.”
He looked at them seriously. “The main gate of the Phoenix Society will always be open to you. But remember—your greatest battle has already been won.”
Madam Longbottom suddenly brought her walking staff down hard on the floor with a deep thud. The vulture specimen on her hat flapped its wings in surprise.
“Hmph. Don’t act like I’m not here!” she snapped, her sharp eyes locking onto Dumbledore. “When that scoundrel resurfaces, don’t you dare forget to tell me. Just because I’m old doesn’t mean I can’t still fight!”
Dumbledore chuckled. “Of course I won’t forget you, Augusta. But I suspect Voldemort’s hiding now—he’d be too afraid to show his face.”
“Be careful,” Frank said, his breath heavy with concern. “He’ll likely begin gathering his followers again. He’ll want to rebuild.”
For an instant, the old lady’s eyes flashed with something terrifying—cold, merciless fury.
“You’re right, Frank,” Dumbledore said. “Azkaban’s walls won’t hold him. I spoke with Rufus Scrimgeour yesterday—about reinforcing the prison, and especially about managing the Dementors.”
Frank and Alice listened intently, their faces drawn with focus.
But before Dumbledore could finish, he noticed their legs trembling. Frank reached out to steady himself against the wall.
After lying in a hospital bed for over a decade, the dark magic had left deep scars on their bodies. Even with potion support, they hadn’t fully recovered. They were still too weak to stand for long.
Dumbledore paused, then said gently: “Enough for now, my dear friends. There will be time enough to talk of war later. Right now, you need to rest.”
Madam Longbottom glanced at the timepiece on her wrist and waved a hand dismissively. “Indeed. You two should lie down. War isn’t something for the sick to worry about. If you want to do something, get better first!”
Her tone wasn’t kind—but they both recognized the care beneath it. They smiled softly, exchanging quiet farewells.
“Until next time… Professor Dumbledore… Mr. Gray… Mr. Potter.”
“We’ll visit again soon!” Harry said, unable to hold back.
Wade nodded. “I hope you both make a full recovery.”
Alice smiled. “Thank you… Neville’s been so lucky to have your care at school.”
“He’ll be here soon,” the old lady grumbled, pretending annoyance as she gently guided them toward the ward. “Didn’t you two talk last night? If you’re so eager, go prepare the gift for him!”
(End of Chapter)
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