Order Only Private Message to Alice Longbottom

[alt_nymphadora]

Have you had any word from Frank? I mean to say, I haven't seen any messages here in the journals, but maybe you've had an owl or-

Do you have a charm or token or something that tells you he's all right?

I don't like waiting and not hearing anything! And I imagine you like it even less. How are you managing?

We had a really small group here last night, which stands to reason. Most everyone was at the other end of New London, celebrating. Well, until they all came home and decided they ought to 'patrol' the streets. Sirius and I stayed with Ellie overnight just in case, and well we did because a crowd of them came banging pans and pounding at the door in the small hours. They'd have broken the windows out if we hadn't been here to cast re-enforcing charms.

It was all right by the time I had to leave for the Ministry, and everything's in one piece this morning. Well, there was a pile of rubbish left on the pavement and some paint bashed off the door, but Remus reckons it was time to repaint, anyway.

I should be sleeping now, but, well- we were supposed to be going to Ashford today, and I guess I can't help thinking

I mean, I know they're fine. I do.

I just wish we'd hear from them. Something. Even if it's just to say, 'we're here, talking to Irish people. don't know if they're listening. just thought you'd want to hear we're all right.'

Because I do just want to

I know.

Only, argh!

Alice! Don't you wish you were there? Doing something to help? It's making me completely mental.

More than usual.

I'll stop now. Really.

Don't think I'll be going to sleep, though, so if you do hear something, please say!

Thanks.

Comments

[alt_alice]

I know the feeling. I haven't been able to sleep since he's left.

It's not quite the same as it was when Sirius was taken. But the not knowing is hard. And while we were all waiting to hear about Sirius, I had my Frank right there next to me.

Since we've been charged with Moddey, we don't tend to put all our eggs in one basket like we used to. Going into some place we know will be dangerous together, I mean. Too much at risk if both of us

Still. I do want to be there. Badly.

The children do provide their distractions. They had quite the parade of costumes yesterday, and they were so excited about those caramel apples that I very nearly forgot how worried I was, and got quite a good laugh out of dear sweet Felicia Saint dressing up as a leek, which is her least favourite veg. And our Terry Boot, bless his heart, spent all night as the Professor keeping watch with me in the memorial garden.

He really does think quite a lot of you, Tonks. Frank, I mean. I think he finally feels like he's able to do something that's moving us forward (and I agree, of course), and he's been so impressed with how you've been able to manage things. I know you'd mentioned that you'd like to learn more, but he quite appreciates the help you've been able to give him so far, and he talks about you quite a bit.

[alt_alice]

And no. No word. No tokens. He didn't even take his wedding ring. I've got it on a chain round my neck.

It's bloody hard, is what it is. But he'll check in soon, and until he does, I've got to assume he's fine.

[alt_nymphadora]

I'm sorry.

I was so hoping you'd have heard.

But you're right. They're all fine out there unless we hear differently.

Now if I could just get Sinbad to believe that and stop pacing in circles.

[alt_alice]

I might

Might I swing by for tea tomorrow? To Grimmauld, I mean.

I think that it'd be rather nice to see you all for a bit.

[alt_nymphadora]

That would be completely brilliant! We'd love it.

If we leave Ellie in the shop, we could be at Grimmauld by half-three and no need to go back until time to open the garden for the evening.

I'm so glad!

[alt_alice]

Good then. I'll be there.

[alt_nymphadora]

And. Alice, thank you for saying that Frank thinks I'm all right.

I know I'm not the partner he deserves for those trips into the camps, but I'm learning, or I'm trying my best to do.

[alt_alice]

He doesn't give praise unless it's deserved. He also doesn't go out of his way to work with people unless he trusts they'll hold their own. He had a choice, love, and believe me when I say he chose to work with you for many more reasons than the fact that you can change your face around.

There's always more one can learn, and I'm glad you're willing.