Chapter 732
Frank and Alice
Chapter 732 Frank and Alice
This was the first time Wade had actually met Neville's parents.
Of course, he had seen photos of the two of them at Sirius's house before. When they were young, they looked gentle and friendly, with round faces always wearing a smile that made people feel happy. They were the kind of people who could make people feel harmless and like them at first glance.
Frank Longbottom was no longer young at this time; in fact, he looked ten years older than his actual age. His face was thin, with fine lines around his eyes, his body was slightly hunched, and his short, gray hair was sparse.
However, he still tried his best to straighten his back, his light brown eyes unconsciously squinting slightly, his gaze appearing very gentle.
He reached out and supported his wife's arm. Alice looked more haggard than her husband, but her eyes were more vibrant. A natural smile played on her lips, and her gray hair was carefully tied into a bun, hanging down her shoulders with a string of small flowers tucked into the ends.
“It’s a pleasure… to see you all.” Frank smiled and said slowly. He raised his still slightly trembling arm and solemnly placed it on Wade’s shoulder: “Thank you, Mr. Gray, for everything you’ve done.”
His voice was low and hoarse, as if his vocal cords were rusty blades scraping against each other. But you could tell that he had tried his best to speak fluently and completely.
“You’re too kind,” Wade said solemnly. “You are all brave warriors, and I feel honored to be of any help.”
Mrs. Longbottom immediately showed a proud expression and looked at them with satisfaction.
"We watched...the video of your match...on the field," Alice said with a smile. "We haven't finished watching it yet...but it was...absolutely fantastic."
Harry was somewhat surprised by their interaction and quickly replied, "Thank you... I mean... it's nice to meet you."
Dumbledore also said happily, "It is truly gratifying to see that you have recovered so well."
Mrs. Longbottom nodded gently and said demurely, "The therapists were also surprised by the speed of their recovery... Fortunately, they did not give up on themselves when they were delirious and kept fighting, which is why they are now able to regain their senses."
Her tone was clearly boastful, so Dumbledore chimed in, "That's amazing. I dare say not many people can do that—perseverance for over a decade, finally waiting for the turning point."
Seeing the confusion on Harry's face, Mrs. Longbottom explained to him:
"Fourteen years ago, after Voldemort disappeared, Bellatrix and her gang tortured my son and daughter-in-law with the Crucifixion Curse, driving them insane until recently..."
She looked at Wade and said with gratitude in her voice:
"When Mr. Gray heard about this, he lent Neville a magical item, which helped them gradually regain their senses."
When Harry first heard about this, he gaped in shock, looking at Wade and then at the Longbottoms.
After a moment of silence, the boy raised his head, his voice trembling, and said, "I...I don't know how to express it. You went through such torment...but most importantly, you're all better now. That's...that's wonderful..."
He gave a genuine smile: "Neville must be very happy."
Frank lowered his gaze, and Alice reached out and gently touched the scar on Harry's forehead, whispering, "We heard... about your parents... I'm so sorry... Harry, you must... take care... James and Lily... will definitely... be very proud of you..."
Harry's eyes welled up with tears instantly.
“Dumbledore…Professor,” Frank said slowly but firmly, “I’m so glad…to see you in such good spirits, it’s wonderful…I heard that person…has been resurrected…we will soon…be able to return to the Order of the Phoenix…” Alice smiled and nodded without saying a word.
They seemed to have no regrets whatsoever about their decision to fight the Dark Lord.
Dumbledore's eyes flickered slightly, and his voice was softer than usual:
“My dear Frank and Alice, seeing you rediscover yourselves makes me happier than any victory.”
He said earnestly, "The doors of the Order of the Phoenix will always be open to you, but please remember—you have won the toughest battle of your lives."
Suddenly, Mrs. Longbottom slammed her cane on the ground with a loud thud, and the vulture specimen on her hat flapped its wings.
"Hmph, you lot, don't pretend I don't exist!"
The old lady stared sharply at Dumbledore and said sternly, "Don't forget to let me know when that guy shows up. Don't think that just because I'm old I can't go to the battlefield!"
Dumbledore chuckled, “Of course I haven’t forgotten you, Augusta. But I think Voldemort is too busy hiding to show his face in public.”
“Be careful… Azkaban…” Frank said, his breathing heavy. “He will probably… regroup his followers…”
In an instant, a terrifying murderous intent flashed in the old lady's eyes.
“You’re right, Frank,” Dumbledore said. “The high walls of Azkaban probably won’t be enough to stop a wizard of Voldemort’s caliber. I was discussing this with Scrimgeour yesterday, about strengthening Azkaban’s defenses and managing the Dementors…”
Frank and Alice listened intently, their faces showing focused attention. But before Dumbledore could finish speaking, their legs began to tremble slightly, and Frank reached out to steady himself against the wall.
Having spent over a decade in bed, the dark magic had severely damaged their bodies. Even with the help of potions, they had not fully recovered and remained too weak to stand for long periods.
Dumbledore then stopped talking and said, “Well done, my dear friends, there’s plenty of time to talk about these things later. Now, you should all lie down and get some rest.”
Mrs. Augusta Longbottom glanced at the time, waved her hand, and said, "Indeed, you two should go to bed. The war is none of the concern of the sick! If you want to do anything, get well soon!"
Her tone wasn't exactly friendly, but neither of them mistook it for concern. They smiled gently and said goodbye softly.
"See you next time... Professor Dumbledore... Mr. Grey... Mr. Potter."
“We’ll come see you another day!” Harry couldn’t help but say.
Wade nodded: "I wish you a speedy and full recovery."
Alice smiled and said, "Thank you... Neville is at school... thanks to everyone's care..."
"He'll be coming to see you soon," the old lady said, feigning impatience as she pushed the two of them into the ward. "Didn't you talk on the phone last night? If you really miss him, go and prepare the gifts you want to give him!"
(End of this chapter)