Bad news at breakfast

[alt_neville]

I got an owl from my Gran this morning, letting me know my Great-grandma Kate died. (Not Gran's mum, Great-grandma Kate was on the other side of the family.) I used to see her a couple times a year. She hasn't been real spry the past couple years, but her mind was sharp as ever. Still, old as she was and all, it was a shock to get the news. She was the kind of person you almost expected to live forever. She was always real nice to me and Evelyn whenever Gran would take us to visit her. Gran said Evelyn's a bit upset over it. She used to exchange letters with Great-grandma Kate once every other month or so.

Gran's arranged it with the Headmistress for me to floo home over the weekend for the funeral.

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[alt_alice]

oh.

oh my.

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[alt_molly]

Alice, I'm so sorry. I'm assuming by the 'other side of the family,' Neville means she was your grandmother?

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[alt_alice]

yes. Yes. On my mother's side.

Oh, Molly. She thought I was dead. We decided it would be best to not... to only keep in contact Augusta, and she thought I was dead.

She never knew about Kevin.

I never got to say good-bye.

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[alt_molly]

Oh, my dear. I am so dreadfully sorry indeed.

Well, perhaps what they say about the dead is true. Maybe she does know the truth now. Somehow, somewhere.

I think you'd better spend a good deal of time holding Kevin today. I'm sure Arabella can juggle things to have the others take over your duties, whatever they may be. And I'm glad that Frank is with you.

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[alt_arthur]

Our deepest condolences, Alice.

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[alt_alice]

Thank you, Molly.

I hope that you're right.

And I shall keep them both close by today.

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[alt_poppy]

Alice, I'm very sorry. I can only imagine how far away you must feel just now. Do know that I'm thinking of you.

Is there anything I could do? I'll be happy to check that your son's Floo journey goes smoothly, but of course, Minerva will be able to let you know that, too.


He's a good boy, that one. But you know that.

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[alt_alice]

Thank you, Poppy. That's quite kind of you.

I'm sure he'll be fine with the floo, but I know he'd appreciate a kind word in the next day or two.

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[alt_kingsley]

Alice, do you think you'll try to attend the funeral, using polyjuice? Does Stephen have any left? Because if you do, maybe one or two of the Players could escort you, just so that you'd be in a group of three or so, rather than there alone by yourself.

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[alt_alice]

Kingsley, thank you for being so very thoughtful.

I thought of going, but I'm worried about sticking out too much. After all, it'll most likely be a small affair, and I wouldn't want to draw attention.

It's been years since my last wanted poster went up, but they just might have someone waiting there for me to show. Even with polyjuice and the escort, it's a risk.

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[alt_frank]

we've got plenty of polyjuice for you and two players at least. and if you go as Lucinda or something they won't look twice.

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[alt_frank]

and they'll be looking for one or two, not three.

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[alt_alice]

It's much more risky than Blackpool was. You know that.

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[alt_kingsley]

Well, the offer stands, Alice. Think about it, and let us know.

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[alt_frank]

thanks Kingsley, mate.

we'll talk it over, let you know one way or the other.

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[alt_sirius]

I was thinking the same thing, myself!

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[alt_lupin]

I'm so sorry, Alice.

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[alt_alice]

Thank you, Remus.

I miss you so very much right now.

I know it's selfish of me to say, but at times like these, you want the people you love close by. And I've got my dear Frank and my darling little boy, but I wish I had you here too.

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[alt_lupin]

If I could get there safely, without putting all of you at risk, I'd leave this very second. Unfortunately it's just not possible, so these little words on parchment will have to provide what, if any, comfort they can.

It's a shame about the funeral, but I quite understand what you mean about the degree of risk it presents. This is surely precisely the type of event the Aurors will be watching.

Perhaps you can say your own goodbye to her. Wherever you are, and wherever she might have gone on to, I know she'll still hear you.

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[alt_alice]

Did you see what Neville wrote just now?

Oh, Merlin.

My whole body hurts.

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[alt_lupin]

Oh Alice.

Maybe there's something else we could do. Maybe

Neville's being allowed home for the weekend, yes? It might not be safe for you to see him at the funeral, or at Frank's mother's home, but maybe you could see him somewhere else, somewhere the Aurors would never think to look, like the shop? We have a back room, and even Augusta needs to shop.

I don't know, perhaps it's too dangerous, or not even possible, but .. well, the shop's here, if you need it.

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[alt_alice]

That's definitely a possibility.

And much less of a risk, to be sure.

I'll talk it over with Frank and let you know.

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[alt_kingsley]

Remus, my friend, I think the idea's brill. He's right, Alice, it'd probably be quite a bit safer than attending the funeral itself.

The Players could set up a perimeter around the shop, too, just to make sure your meeting would be secure.

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[alt_frank]

it is a good idea.

and that'd be perfect, Kinsgsley. it'd help my peace of mind at any road.

thanks.

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[alt_sirius]

Oi, you're dead clever, Moony, you know that?

Sometimes I think you were the best of us, sport.