Written for a prompt - sadness (word), Alice/Frank Longbottom (pairing), snowing (weather conditions)
I didn't make up a surname for Alice. She's just Alice. Because I like just Alice. XD (Reminds me of Alice in Wonderland, too) :3 haha
Word count: 1589
It was sixth year. Frank woke up excited. Today was the day he was going to ask Alice. It was time to ask her the big question. If only he wasn't so nervous.
Frank dressed hurriedly, remembering today was the first Hogsmeade weekend of November. Racing down to the Great Hall for breakfast, he thought about a plan.
First, he'd take Alice to the Shrieking Shack. He looked up at the ceiling. Big flakes of snow fell, mimicking the weather outside. Yep, it was snowing. Perfect!
Then, Frank planned, munching on eggs and bacon, they'd go to Honeydukes and the other shops. Finally, they'd finish at the Three Broomsticks. A bottle of butterbeer always made the day cheery. Maybe he'd buy her something at one of the shops.
Frank looked around the tables, but didn't see Alice. Ah, knowing her, she was probably still asleep. He smiled to himself and headed back to Gryffindor Tower.
Once in his dorm, Frank readied his plans. He would take enough money to pay for Alice, like a true gentleman. Mum would have his guts if he didn't! Thank goodness he had worked over the summer at Uncle Algie's shop, making some extra money for times like this. Hopefully, Alice would be up by now.
Frank magicked a note to fly to her and carried it down to the Great Hall. Entering the room again, he spotted his girl surrounded by a group of Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Alice was a popular girl. She was so nice to everybody, she had long reddish-brown hair, and her eyes were blue-grey. She was perfect.
After sending off his note, Frank sat down and tried to look inconspicuous. Of course, his plan failed stupendously. As the Gryffindor Beater, Frank was immediately swamped by his own group of friends.
In between conversations, Frank glanced up and caught Alice's eye. She had received his note and was pleased, if her smile was anything to go by.
At eleven, Frank met Alice by the Hogsmeade platform.
"Well, that went over well," Alice laughed, seeing Frank's expression. Frank's long brown hair was unusually tousled.
"You look beautiful, sunshine," Frank said, kissing Alice's forehead.
Alice blushed, not used to showing affection in public.
"Frank," she whined, pulling on his jumper.
"Oh, all right. Let's go!" Frank wrapped his arm around her shoulders and the two trudged off through the snow.
Their footprints made perfect tracks in the snow as they crossed Hogsmeade village, making their way towards the Shrieking Shack.
"You know," Frank said, "I heard a rumour about the Shack."
"Oh, really?" Alice teased, eyeing Frank carefully. Running around with the Prewett brothers had given Frank a joking side. Half the time, Alice wasn't sure if Frank was serious or joking.
"I heard," Frank lowered his voice to a whisper, "that the Shack is haunted to keep out lovers." He tickled Alice mercilessly until the two fell into the snow.
"Ah! Frank! Stop!" Alice yelled, sounding happy despite her protests. She wasn't doing much to keep him off her, anyway.
Frank loved when Alice laughed. She was so perfect.
They finally reached the Shack and after about five minutes, Frank got bored. As usual, Alice thought sadly.
Does Frank get bored of everything? she wondered, stealing a glance at her boyfriend. She sullenly hoped he wouldn't get bored of her. Mind racing, Alice was lost in thought and didn't realize they had turned back towards the village.
"What's wrong?" Frank asked, frowning. Shaking Alice and getting no response, Frank said louder, "Hey, Alice. What are you thinking?"
"Hmm? Oh, sorry, Frank, I was, um, well, thinking." Feeling embarrassed about her doubts, Alice shivered. "Brr! It's cold out here, Frank. Come on!"
Frank felt a small cloud of sadness wash over him. Was Alice losing faith? Was she thinking of someone else?
Jealousy got the better of him. And Frank had never dealt with jealousy well.
"Sorry," Alice said, pushing her way through the crowd. "Excuse me. Passing by, sorry." She ducked and threaded her way through the crowd until she approached a rather large boy.
"Sorry," Alice said, ducking around the boy.
"'Scuse you," the boy replied, blocking Alice's way.
"Sorry, I was just trying," Alice started to say.
"I know you," the boy leered. "Alice the Hufflepuff. What a catch, finding their precious little Chaser."
Alice was quickly losing interest, eyeing the nice warm pub behind the boy. But before she could even speak, Frank was by her side.
"Hey," he said, his threat losing its power as he huffed, "stay away from her!"
"Ah, the brave little Gryff, coming to rescue his princess," the boy sneered. "Looks like some fun." Several Slytherin boys sidled closer to the speaker.
Frank eyed them all warily. "Very well, take me on, then. See how you like it." He was brave, but he'd defend Alice for all he was worth.
The Slytherin boy was left on his own. Frank was a good dueler, as shown in class.
"Ack, you're not worth my time, squirt," the Slytherin said, deciding it'd be better to stop harassing Frank and Alice. "Let's go," he said to his mates. The Slytherin gang left the area, headed towards the less reputable Hog's Head Pub.
"Well, that went well," Alice drawled, rolling her eyes.
Frank smiled, "But I saved you, honey." He was teasing her, doing his best imitation of Sirius Black.
Alice hit his arm playfully.
"Just because you heard Sirius asking out Marlene, does not mean you can try that on me, Frank."
Alice had meant to scold Frank. Instead, she found she was holding his hand.
"And what exactly do you mean by that?" Frank asked, gripping her hand tighter. Stepping back, he did some fancy footwork before twirling her around and around in the snow. He loved watching her long hair spread out around her. It was like he was looking at an angel. An angel of beauty.
"Your eyes are shining," she whispered in his ear. "Come on, I'm getting cold."
Frank nodded and allowed Alice to lead him into the Three Broomsticks.
Hours later, they left Hogsmeade with two bottles of butterbeer and bags of candy weighing down their pockets.
"So this is it," Frank said, looking back at the small village.
"This is it," Alice agreed, nodding.
"I think it's about time, don't you?" Frank asked.
Suddenly, Alice felt tears slipping down her face. Was Frank going to break up with her? An unbearable thought crossed her mind. What if Frank had found another girl? Her heart hurt in places she never knew could feel hurt.
"Alice?" Frank asked, worried.
"Frank? Is it over?" Alice asked, voice cracking.
"What?! No!" Frank was confused. Then suddenly, he smiled. "Oh, I get it. You're trying to pull one over on me. Okay, Alice, I fell for it."
Alice sobbed even harder.
"Frank Longbottom, you are unbelievable!" Alice ran. She didn't know where. But she couldn't stand to see his simpering face for one more second.
"Wait! Alice!" Frank yelled. "Argh! Save me from unpredictable women," he muttered, chasing after her.
"Alice! Please, Alice," Frank begged, tripping in the snow. He fell, going down in slow motion. "Ouch," he mumbled, scrambling to stand again.
Alice turned in time to see him on the ground. Stopping, she started to walk towards him.
"Alice, please, listen to me. I wasn't going to break up with you. I was actually going to ask you, well," he flushed, becoming nervous.
"Yes?" Alice said, voice full of curiosity.
Frank sat in the snow, not having the strength to stand up.
"Will you marry me, Alice?" he asked, voice soft. She had to lean in to hear him. "Will you, Alice? I love you like the -"
"Oh, save it, Frank," Alice said, exasperated.
Frank's face fell. He couldn't look at her beautiful face. Even when she was crying she was pretty.
"Of course I'll marry you, you dolt! I just wanted to give you the same feeling I had! What is with men and going around things all the wrong way?" Alice giggled.
Frank immediately stood up, suddenly finding energy. Sweeping Alice up in his arms, he kissed her soundly on the lips.
"Alice, I knew you had some Prewett in you!" Frank teased.
"Oh, don't go all soft on me now, Frank. I still have some tricks up my sleeve." Alice flashed him a sinful smile.
Frank laughed. All sadness was now forgotten. Frank carried her the whole way back to the castle.
"I will write and tell Mum. Would you like to stay with us for the holidays?" Frank asked, knowing Alice hated going home. Her parents had a falling out and ever since third year she had been staying with distant relatives.
"Love to," Alice replied, soundly snogging her fiance.
"I'm so glad I asked you," Frank whispered in between kisses.
"I thought you might never."
"You doubted me? How could you!"
"Because I started to think you'd get bored."
"Beautiful perfection is never boring. I will never bore you." Frank winked at her.
"Frank!" Alice scolded. "Come here!"
Augusta couldn't be happier for her son. Alice must finally be knocking some sense into that thick Longbottom skull. Laughing, Augusta set about making arrangements for two holiday guests.
