Hearing the otion, Augusta peeked out from the kit. She fshed Alex a quick, knowing smile before stepping over to help calm Neville. Once he was settled, she returo her cooking. Alex, now more cautious, stayed close to Neville but didn’t touch him, not wanting to actally make him cry again.

  Soon, the front door opened, and Frank and Alitered, cheerful and full of energy. Frank stretched, grinning as he spotted Alex. "Alex! I almost didn’t believe it when Mom said you were ing! Alid I are always running around, so it’s a relief knowing you’ll be here to keep her pany—and maybe help us avoid a bit of her nagging."

  Alex ughed. "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 kit. "I hear someoalking 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 wi 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 fvor. Frank and Alice clearly ehe 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 aed at first, but after Alex insisted, she accepted them gratefully. She took the rge ham to the ste room, while Frank eagerly opened a bottle of Ogden’s Aged Firewhiskey. He poured himself a small gss and shot Alex a pyful grin, enjoying it like a kid sneaking a treat.

  Alex chuckled at Frank’s amused grin. The evening was filled with ughter, warmth, and rexed versatioually, Alice joihem in the living room, holding Neville, while Frank leaned back with his drink, still smiling.

  "So, how was your first year at Hogwarts? Did Professonagall catch you in any trouble?" Frank asked, eyes twinkling. "She was always giving us detention when we were there."

  Alex grinned. "Professonagall keeps a close watch, but the Gryffindors and Slytherins who like causing mischief always keep her ooes."

  Frank ughed. "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. "Ba 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 b him. "Speaking of Sirius, have you heard from him? My letters haven’t reached him, Lily, or James."

  At this, Frank and Alice exged 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 ’t reach them."

  Frank added, "And as for Sirius, he’s had to y 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 watg out for him."

  Alex nodded, feeling relieved to finally uand why his letters had gone unanswered.

  Just then, Augusta returned, having fiidying up after dinner. She looked at them, hands on her hips, as she addressed Frank with her usual firm tone. "It’s getting te. 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 yht was far too big! I could feed this entire house on it for a month!"

  Frank chuckled, caught off guard by his mother’s ent, and gave Alex a friendly nudge. "e o’s get you settled in."

  As they made their stairs, Frank muttered under his breath, “She’s n about the ham though,” which made Alex ugh, easing the tension from the serious versation 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 chug.

  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 fortable rhythm at the Longbottom home. Alex kept up with his disciplined habits, exerg every m and evening, studying runes, and practig 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 ofteioned how 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 satisfa in helping Augusta, knowing she ofte lonely with her family stantly away.

  One m, as they prepared lunch, Augusta shared her pns. "Alex, Frank and Alice have tomorrow off. I’d like to invite some neighbors over. We could serve that ham yht. Any ideas for dishes?"

  By now, Alex had bee 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, ied. "Let’s see… We’ll have quite a few people. The Weasleys, for ohur works with Frank, and his wife, Molly, is expeg. 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 etric but still a good neighbor."

  As she listed the guests, Alex made a quick t. "So, that’s about six adults, eight children, including two babies, with one more on the way."