The Coming Storm

Frank prayed Pandora was right about Alice. It terrified him to think of life without her and yet he couldn’t see how she could possibly forgive him. He was filled with nerves and felt as if he was being ripped to pieces. “No,” Frank thought back to the only other time when the darkness has enveloped him. Pandora had been there with a smile and a stubborn attitude. She pulled him out of the depths of her despair. He chuckled at the fact that Mum had wanted the two of them to date. She didn’t understand that the affection was platonic… familial even. “I didn’t know you would stay but I honestly didn’t want to get through another day. I didn’t know how. Everything has gone wrong and there was something coming no one else saw.” Frank nuzzled her hair. “You believed me though about the death eaters. Even back then.”

He loved the way she smiled up at him. “I always will be love.” He smirked. “So will you ask Xeno out please? Or even better just kiss them!” Frank chuckled but was serious in many respects.

“Of course I believed you, Frank,” Pandora pointed out unable to stop herself as she rolled her eyes in amusement not that he could see it, but she often gave him a teasing amount of attitude, “But no one could deny that something was coming. It was just a question of what was coming for most people but they didn’t know what it could be. You were smart enough to read the signs when many people just wanted to go on believing that everything would be okay.” Pandora shifted to lean on her elbows so that she could meet his gaze evenly, “You need to give Alice a chance to prove to you though that she can see past the darkness like I did. I really think if you give her the chance she’s going to prove me right.”

Frank wrapped his arms around Pandora holding her close to his chest. They had always been like this, from all the way back to when Frank’s father had passed. Many people had not understood and many kids in other houses often assumed they were dating but things had never been that way with Pandora. She had been a safe place to hide, a shelter in the storm. He didn’t know what he would do without her. “But what if leaving was the only way to keep her safe? What if it made her happier?” He asked concerned. “It feels weird to say but I don’t have the same history with Alice that I do with you. She hasn’t seen how dark I can get… how bad…” he sighed disappointed in his weakness.

Frank smiled at her words. “The option is always there Dora.” He smiled “You’re my ball of sunshine and I adore you.” He breathed her in deeply as he continued petting her hair. Pandora was home she always forgave him, always knew what to say.

Hogwarts was meant to be where Pandora got to flourish as a person and no longer be the weird girl in her classes. But she had been grossly misinformed. Even surrounded by the people that were suppose to be equally weird as she is she still stuck out like a sore thumb with kids her own age. The only person she had seemed to fit in with was Frank. He was far more popular than she could ever be, but he always made her feel as if she was a priority. Probably because she had seen him at his worst, and she never wavered from his side. If anything she held on tighter not letting him sink into himself. “Did you know that I would stay if I saw the darkness? Give Alice the same chance you gave me, and if she runs…she runs. I’ll be here for you if she does.”

Frank loved Pandora. She was the goofy young girl who had gotten sorted into Hufflepuff and couldn’t really figure out the other first years. Frank had adopted her in a way studying with her and keeping an eye on her and overtime their friendship grew. She was one person who knew him better than almost anyone. When his dad died during his fourth year and he was in his darkest hour, she was there. She’d often sit on his lap or lay down on top of him when he was sad and to this day her dramatics in doing so never failed to make him smile. “How do you know Dora? I love Alice with everything I am but I could have gotten her killed. How do you apologize for that? How do you apologize for accidentally aiding in a terrorist attack?” Frank turned away so she didn’t see the tear that ran down his face. 

Frank tried to smile a bit as he ran a hand through her hair. “You know I’ll always protect you, Dora. You can hide behind me anytime. You could be my backpack again.” He smiled thinking of the end of his seventh year when she hung on him almost constantly.

Kids her own age were always so confusing to Pandora.She was never able to quite connect with them the way that she had with Frank. It was almost an instant connection, and no matter how weird she got he never made her feel wrong for it. If anything he constantly supported her way ward thoughts no matter the topic. The least that she could do was be there for him when he needed a friend to hold him. Reaching up she rubbed the tear away from his cheek as she let out a quiet sigh. “I don’t know,” She admitted softly to him, “But I do know you don’t give up. Leaving Alice now doesn’t change the past, and she needs you now. I know I still need you, and she’s the one in love with you.”

Pandora couldn’t help but hum happily as she felt him playing with her hair. It was her weakness to have him running his hands through her hair. “I miss being your backpack. It was a great way to get around the castle without people blocking my path. I’m sure Alice would get sick of me being around all the time though.”

Frank sighed knowing they didn’t really understand. How could they, there were only a select few who were there that night who understand the depth of the sorrow that had become so familiar to him. Frank ran a hand through his hair. “Maybe not the whole thing, but Alice getting hurt was my fault. I opened the aurors’ office. I exposed her to the fight. Who knows maybe if the aurors’ office had stayed secure the ministry might now have fallen.” Frank said expressing the thoughts which often haunted him.

Frank bust out laughing when Xeno thought he planning to break up with Alice to date Pandora. “You’re hilarious, Xen. I really needed that.” He said with a smile. “Alice and I are working on our relationship, but we’re solid. She’s the love of my life. Pandora is like my baby sister. I have never and will never see her that way.” Frank took a deep breath. “What I’m asking is if you have any romantic interest in Pandora.” Frank explained with a smile. “Be honest please, this is important.”

It probably wouldn’t be much use trying to get Frank to hear him out about this, but he needed to at least try. Frank couldn’t beat himself up about this forever. Yes, it had gone wrong, and maybe he was the one that had opened up the Ministry, but that didn’t make it his fault. “Frank. It wasn’t your idea alone. Things went south but its not your fault. Alice was fighting for the right thing and she’s still here, she’s okay. It’s the price any of us would pay to have things set right. This isn’t on your shoulders and you can’t keep acting like it is. It won’t get you anywhere.”

Xen’s face twisted in confusion as Frank laughed at them. They couldn’t really make out what was happening to be honest. “Are you certain? I’m sure the two of you would make a good couple.” Xen bit their lips and toyed with the rings on their fingers. “Like I said, anyone would be lucky to be with her. She’s wonderful. As close to perfect as it gets. Of course I-” The usually confident wizard’s lips pursed. “I’ve always liked her, but it’s quite alright.” Their smile grew a bit sad. They were strange and usually they wore their bizarreness with pride, but it meant they weren’t exactly everyone’s taste. And that was fine. Most of the time. “But a person like me doesn’t wind up with a girl like that, do they?”

With @frankxlongbottom

In the Castle

Some days before the Fundraiser

The bruises of the battle at the Auror’s Quarters had completely disappeared and Alice could scarcely remember all the spells she’d been hit. Since that day, even if she had been upset that Frank was indirectly causing the whole situation, she could not blame him. She’d forgiven her fiancé a long time ago, but she knew his personality and maybe he was blaming himself for a while. Frank had tried to disappear from the map, he had not slept well nowadays, much less he seemed to be able to drop the negative thoughts that constantly came to his mind. Alice loved, even more, her fiancée and did not want him to suffer from his own problems, it was unfair and he was not comfortable with it at all.

Alice had tried every way to cheer Frank up, and every now and then it worked, but she was starting to run out of ideas. She’d thought about starting over her ideas and even just being by her side to be the support Frank needed. Her thoughts seemed to occupy the kitchen as she made tea and some biscuits so they could both have a quiet afternoon after a long day at work. “Baby.” Alice approached Frank as she entered the room at the same time. She carried tea for him, offering the cups to go back and get the biscuits. “Have I told you today that you’re a bad way?” She bit her lower lip fighting the urge to take his lips to herself and forget what she had lovingly prepared for him.

Who would have thought that over the years since he’d let him down and Frank’s effort win her over, Alice would open her heart to open him up one more time. They had been living together for some time and had never matured so much now, together, they dealt with all kinds of trouble and trouble. She put the cookies on the floor and smiled at her boyfriend. “Tell me, how was your day today? I’m curious to know how your fighting is going.”

He got to their room at the same time as Alice. He met her eyes and felt the guilt wash over him as she handed him the tea. He was the one who is apologizing and yet she had made them tea and then went to get them biscuits. She spoke and he nodded setting down the tea and then taking the biscuits before setting them down again. Frank took Alice’s hand and pulled her into his lap as he said down on the couch in their room. He held her close and stroked her hair placing a gentle kiss to her lips. “I know.” He said looking at her sadness in his eyes. “I’m so sorry Aly. I dont know how to make it right. I don’t know how to make things better. You should hate me.”

It was almost ingrained into the young Hufflepuff to be there for those that were important to her, but there was always something special about her relationship with Frank. She called everyone her family, but with him he was truly her brother. Whether that was over the course of her clinging to him while he dealt with losing his dad, or when he took over protecting her whenever anyone decided to make her life a little harder. Either way it carried over to now as she tried to know exactly what her friend needed to deal with everything going on. “Frank Longbottom you are far from a traitor, and Alice knows that better than anyone. She knows how much you love her. Are you thinking of joining the Death Eaters? No? Then you still know the difference between right and wrong.”

She knew at the end of the day she needed to make a move. She couldn’t keep wondering what if, it wasn’t any way to live her life. She wanted to know once and for all if she even had a chance, and if she didn’t she truly needed to move on. “Just remember that you offered if it blows up in my face that I get to hide behind you, Frankie.”

Frank loved Pandora. She was the goofy young girl who had gotten sorted into Hufflepuff and couldn’t really figure out the other first years. Frank had adopted her in a way studying with her and keeping an eye on her and overtime their friendship grew. She was one person who knew him better than almost anyone. When his dad died during his fourth year and he was in his darkest hour, she was there. She’d often sit on his lap or lay down on top of him when he was sad and to this day her dramatics in doing so never failed to make him smile. “How do you know Dora? I love Alice with everything I am but I could have gotten her killed. How do you apologize for that? How do you apologize for accidentally aiding in a terrorist attack?” Frank turned away so she didn’t see the tear that ran down his face. 

Frank tried to smile a bit as he ran a hand through her hair. “You know I’ll always protect you, Dora. You can hide behind me anytime. You could be my backpack again.” He smiled thinking of the end of his seventh year when she hung on him almost constantly.

“It wasn’t your fault Frank. You’ve got to stop beating yourself up about it. You couldn’t have known what would happen. None of us did or we wouldn’t have  gone through with it. It isn’t your fault things went wrong. Now we just have to figure out how to set them right again.” There were plenty of people to take blame for any slew of things going on, but Xen didn’t feel that Frank needed to be putting the weight of what happened with the Ministry squarely on his shoulders.

“Pandora?” Xen tried not to sound too surprised. They weren’t particularly close with the beautiful Hufflepuff and Xeno couldn’t quite put together why Frank would be asking them about her. And hadn’t he just all but said he and Alice were happy? Their brow knit slightly as they tried to think of how to reply. “Well I think she’s wonderful. She’s always been kind and friendly. Absolutely brilliant mind too if the years at Hogwarts are any measure of it. She’s wonderful. But…I mean, you’ve just said things are going alright with Alice. You’re not thinking of breaking up with her are you? Anyone would be lucky to have Pandora but, well I know I’m not usually one to say this, but stop and think rationally about this for a moment Frank.”

Frank sighed knowing they didn’t really understand. How could they, there were only a select few who were there that night who understand the depth of the sorrow that had become so familiar to him. Frank ran a hand through his hair. “Maybe not the whole thing, but Alice getting hurt was my fault. I opened the aurors’ office. I exposed her to the fight. Who knows maybe if the aurors’ office had stayed secure the ministry might now have fallen.” Frank said expressing the thoughts which often haunted him.

Frank bust out laughing when Xeno thought he planning to break up with Alice to date Pandora. “You’re hilarious, Xen. I really needed that.” He said with a smile. “Alice and I are working on our relationship, but we’re solid. She’s the love of my life. Pandora is like my baby sister. I have never and will never see her that way.” Frank took a deep breath. “What I’m asking is if you have any romantic interest in Pandora.” Frank explained with a smile. “Be honest please, this is important.”

It took a while for Benjy to process what was happening. The minute Frank had started to walk into the room something had changed, or maybe it had changed for a while, and Benjy had been too blind to realize it. Each word out of Frank’s mouth only contributed to the confusion in Benjy’s face. ❝No❞ he said barely a whisper, ❝that can’t be…❞ Benjy shook his head. In the span of seconds Benjy had tried to recall the time he had spent with Frank since the war had started, nothing had shown signs of Frank’s involvement with Aversio. But neither had Marlene’s, or Gladys. When was it going to stop. How many more of his friends were going to turn out to be in Aversio? Or the biggest question was how much more pain and heartbreak was he going to be able to take? When Benjy had learned about Marlene being in Aversio he felt as if a part of him had been ripped away. And now Frank… 

❝That’s not true❞ Benjy still refused to accept what Frank was saying as the truth. How could it be true? Frank could not have been the one to let them in, Frank was the best Auror, he was loyal, he was like a brother to Benjy. ❝Frank…❞ Benjy said sounding a like the six year old that used follow Frank around, ❝I would never hate you❞ tears had now started to pool in his eyes. How could he ever hate a person who was there by his side since he was a little kid? It seemed impossible. Frank had been the one that to let Benjy fly on a broom before he was allowed. The one who even while in Hogwarts always made sure to let Benjy know he was there for him. ❝I could never hate you❞ it was a simple fact, even if Benjy’s heart was being broken to the point where he wondered how much more he could take. The younger boy walked towards the kneeling Frank and wrapped his arms around him. 

Frank pulled Benjy close moving to sit on the ground the closest thing he’d ever had to a brother clutched close to him. “Benjy I am so sorry.” Frank said unable to let go of him. He felt so ashamed of all that he had done. Benjy had looked so heart broken, the tears in his eyes only caused Frank to pull him closer. “Benjy... I... I thought it would be a good thing. That it would just take more action.” The tears slowly rolled down his face. “I wanted so badly to get revenge... for my dad. I didn’t... I didn’t think it would make everything worse.” He said sadness lacing his voice. Benjy had been like family for so long, Frank couldn’t imagine his life without him. It had all been to easy to fall in with Aversio, to believe when they said they were going to make the world better. Frank only wished he could go back and stop himself.

Pandora didn’t have a bad home life by any means, but considering she spent most of her year in school surrounded by her classmates she had to piece together a second family. Frank fit into her life perfectly with his charming smile, quick wit, and warm affection he became her brother in every sense that mattered to her. Once the witch cared about someone though it came her consistent loyalty, and yes he needed it several times through out the almost decade of their friendship, but she never batted an eyelash at being there. Instead now she did her best to wrap her arms around him so that she’d be able to make him feel as secure as possible. “You can’t be blamed for what Aversio made you do, at least not with me. If Alice doesn’t blame you, that’s what really truly matters isn’t it?”She asked him knowing what would be weighing the heaviest on his heart.

“You don’t have to fake a smile for me. We can talk about my hopeless love life without the smile, but it does make me feel a tiny bit better,” Pandora couldn’t help but try to tease him. It might get him to laugh or at least help him breath a little easier, “I’ll do my best to actually flirt. But when it crashes and burns in front of me I’m holding you personally responsible.”

Pandora had always been there for Frank and had supported him through his hardest times. He loved her and she was one of the most important people in his life. When she tried to hug him Frank couldn’t help but sigh and wrap his arms around her allowing for her affection even if he didn’t feel like he deserved it. “They didn’t make me do anything.” Frank sighed looking away. “It was my choice to let them in. That was my call, and I made the wrong one. I just don’t know what to do anymore. I don’t know that I know right from wrong.” He said sounding defeated. “What happened to me, Dora? I don’t understand why Alice still wants me. If I’m honest I think it’s only because she saw how bad I was and took pity on me.” He sighed squeezing her a bit tighter. “Why else would she want to be with a traitor?” Frank grumbled.

He looked up at Pandora and gave a small smile. “You’re love life if not pathetic you drama queen.” He said his smile a little wider. “You just happen to be in love with one of the worlds most oblivious people.” He laughed. “It’s cute though. I can see you two fitting well together.” Frank nodded. “It would be good. You will totally flirt and it will go great and if I was wrong you can hide behind me forever.”

Xeno had been surprised to get an owl from Frank. It had been a while since they had spent any time together. They could understand why Frank had chosen to leave Aversio, but that didn’t necessarily make it okay to them. Frank had walked away from the one group that was trying to actually do something about everything going on in the wizarding world. Xen had always gotten along well with Frank, but things felt a little off lately in ways Xeno couldn’t quite describe. Still he was glad to get to spend some time with him. Hopefully it could just be a nice evening to relax and talk, maybe smoke a bit, and have some fun. 

Despite their hesitations, Xeno returned Frank’s hug tightly–there wasn’t enough love in the world and he wasn’t about to start adding to the list of people shortening it. “It’s good to see you too Frank. I hope everything’s going well with you and Alice.” He put in an order for coffee, leaning back into the chair, legs stretched out in front of him. “Not that I mind a talk, but what has sparked the conversation now?”

Frank smiled. He has always enjoyed Xeno’s honesty and the way he was upfront about things. It was true they had not spoken in a while but Frank wanted to ensure that Pandora wouldn’t get hurt if she tried to pursue him romantically. Frank appreciated the tight hug knowing he was in need of the affection. 

“Alice and I are okay...” Frank sighed. “We’re better than I would expect given the circumstance. I honestly didn’t expect her to even look at me anymore, let alone to still be dating me.” He confessed, there was something about them that made him want to be honest. Frank chuckled as Xeno asked what sparked the conversation. Frank rubbed the back of his neck nervous. “If I’m being honest, Pandora did. I... I want to know what you think of her.” He stated slowly not wanting to seem strange or too obvious.

July 26th, 1979

Lily’s Apartament

The days at St Mungus were getting more difficult. In addition to the training and various subjects to study, Lily needed to be in the infirmary daily learning the various types of diagnoses and diseases in practice. It was an extremely fascinating work that allowed her to do her best to save people and use her strong personality so that people would follow rigid potions prescriptions.

Instead of going to the castle, Lily decided to go to the house she had rented from the time she graduated from Hogwarts. She could have gone to live with James, but she also wanted to know what it was like to live alone so she could learn to miss her boyfriend. At the same time, Lily wanted to go on with her life even more now with Petunia’s situation so perpetuated her mind that she needed to think about how she would get on with James.

That night, having spent the day asleep for having worked several shifts at night, Lily had woken up to eat and see the world outside. She was about to finish the pasta sauce in a Muggle mode when she heard the sound of knocking on the door. In the past, she would tell you to come in, stay home and enjoy her comfortable couch. But with the war going through her head, she turned off the stove and soon followed the door, finding a person not expected for that night. “Frank!” Lily smiled at her best friend and then made way for him to enter. “Do not stay out there, come on in.”

@frankxlongbottom

Frank had needed a break from the goings on of the Order castle. He was making gains in earning back people’s trust but they were slow and hard earned. He and Lily had been seemingly just missing each other as of late and it felt as though he hadn’t really talked with her in a month or two. She was one of his closest friends. Sweet like Pandora but not as willing to allow him to get a pass on the things he’s done. He loved her and her fiery spirit and so he decided to pay her a visit.

Frank stood outside of her door with chocolate and crisps and some cupcakes as a peace offering. Frank had frown used to people being upset with him so when Lily opened the door with a smile Frank couldn’t help but smile back. “Lils,” He said a little bit of cheer in his voice as he hugged her as he entered the apartment. “How have you been, love?” He asked curiously. “Has James been treating you well?” Frank was always a bit concerned hoping that the answer would be yes or hearing news that they were engaged.

Frank took a breath enjoying the familiar sight of Lily’s flat. “I brought treats.” Frank said offering the bad of indulgences. “I hope you don’t mind.” He said flashing a bright smile “I’ve missed you Lils. Things have been rough.”

“Frankie,” She breathed quietly as she walked over to the couch in order to drape her body over his breathing in his scent for a moment as she collected her thoughts. “Did you mean to make the ministry fall? Did you mean for Alice to get hurt? I know you probably almost as well as you know yourself and I know you didn’t. We’ll get it all fixed I promise,” Pandora told him quietly holding onto him knowing he needed to be physically reminded that he wasn’t alone in having to handle his problems. No matter what she was practically glued to his side it didn’t matter how dark times got there was no way that Pandora would just abandon him.

“You do realize there’s a good chance he has a girlfriend, right?” Pandora asked him curiously shifting her head in order to look up at him, “If it makes you feel any better I will ask him for coffee though. That can be friendly and nice,” She caved knowing worst case she could always lie to him even if deep down she knew that wasn’t a possibility.

Frank couldn’t help but smile at the childhood nickname. There were so few people who called him anything other than Frank it felt good to know Pandora was with him. He chuckled as Pandora laid down on top of him as she had since they were children every time he was down. She was such a weirdo but she was the closest thing he’s ever had to a sibling and he adored her and thought of her like a baby sister. Frank sighed breathing in her sweet smell. She had become a second home at some of the darkest points in his life, when he thought he had lost everything and now was no different. He wrapped her in a bear hug closing his eyes trying not to let her see the tears which formed in them, his hands pet her hair the motion one which had comforted him since school. “No I didn’t mean it... but I did mean to be a part of Aversio and I did mean to let them into the office.” He turned his head, facing the back of the couch, his breathing unsteady. “The consequences of that are my fault. I caused it all. Alice would have been safe had I not unlocked the office, who knows maybe the whole ministry wouldn’t have fallen. It was my actions that caused everything...” Tears slid down his cheek. 

He took a deep breath and wiped his eyes before looking down at her as she talked about Xeno. He put a smile on his face as he looked at her. “He’s not dating anyone, Dora.” Frank said with a  smile. “In fact it would make me feel better if you asked him for coffee.” Frank said with a teasing smile. “Promise me you’ll also make some physical contact and actually flirt?” 

Pandora couldn’t help the smallest sigh of relief that escaped her as she felt herself being enveloped into Frank’s arms. A hug wasn’t going to solve everything, but at least she knew that her friend was there buried under all the darkness. With no hesitation she wrapped her arms as tightly as she could manage around his waist before he had a chance to pull away. Once she had the door shut and locked again she returned her focus to him as she shook her head, “You didn’t fuck up, Frank. You’re one person in a larger organization fighting a war. But let’s focus on that tea first, okay?” With a flick of her wand her tea pot began to fill in the sink before placing itself on the stove top.

She didn’t bother hiding her eye roll from him knowing exactly who he was hinting towards. “You know you’re always sorely disappointed whenever you ask. There’s no one new, but there’s also no progress on that one.”

Frank couldn’t help a small laugh as she squeezed the air out of him. “Mercy, Dora. You’re too strong for me.” He chuckled quietly before walking to flop down on the couch putting his face in his hands. “I betrayed the Aurors, I got Alice hurt, I betrayed my dad, and I helped cause the ministry to fall.” Frank lays down completely on the couch distraught. “How is that not fucking up.” He groans as she puts on tea.

He still couldn’t help but smirk at her eye roll even as he was laying on the couch. “Come on Dora. You gotta ask him out. My life’s a mess which means your life needs to get better for us to be at the required net neutral.” Frank said with a tiny smirk.

Times were hard on everyone. There didn’t seem to be a single person that the war wasn’t affecting one way or another, but there were certainly some that was taking it harder than others. It was those people that Pandora made sure she reached out to consistently to remind them that they weren’t alone in all of this. She knew after they lost the ministry that there was no way Frank was holding on too well. She knew that sending an owl wasn’t the best, but the young witch didn’t want to push herself onto him. He knew where she lived, and that her door would always be opened to him should he need it.

“I’m coming!” Pandora quickly called out from where she had been sitting on the couch working on a project when she heard Frank’s voice. She opened the door with a warm smile seeing her friend standing there, “Come on in. Do you want me to start some tea?”

Frank was happy to see Pandora as she opened the door. “Pandora,” Frank smiled more than he usually managed as she opened the door. He pulled her into an embrace as he entered the apartment. “I’ve missed you.” He said softly. “I hope I didn’t bother you or interrupt anything I just...” He let out a sigh the momentary smile gone from his face. “Dora I’ve fucked up so bad.” He said the sadness in his eyes showing. “Yeah tea would be great.” He was unsure how to even start explaining everything that had gone so terribly wrong to her. He just knew he needed help and someone who he hadn’t completely betrayed. 

“So how have you been?” Frank asked trying to avoid talking about himself. “Have you been seeing anyone?” He said teasing a slight smirk on his face.