Author's Note: I'm sorry, I've gone and done it again. You must think I'm terribly forgetful. I'm been doing this for ages, how could I forget? I got up, planning to write, and then I just started painting. It was nearly dinner by the time I finished, and by then I'd completely forgotten about it! I'm sorry.

[Alice Longbottom]

Friday, January 9, 1981

Dear Harry,

How lovely it is to see you again! I couldn't see you and Lily for Christmas unfortunately, I just got back from a visit to Frank's mother, Augusta. She's quite intimidating, as I suspect most mother-in-laws are. I didn't feel quite proper enough to be dining with her. But Frank was there, as well as my little Neville, and everybody loves a baby.

Oh, and Frank's mother wasn't the only one there. It had not been a surprise, but there were more of Frank's relatives there. Frank's father wasn't there, unfortunately. I know him better than I know Augusta, but he was ill. We visited him in Saint Mongo's a couple of times, and he's going to be fine, but that didn't help the awkwardness at dinner. But Frank's aunt Enid, and her husband Algernon were there, so that helped. They were perfectly lovely. Both very interested in Herbology, which made it much easier to have a fluid dinner conversation.

Enid's a wonderful woman. We got to talking, and I find her much more approachable than Augusta. Algernon, on the other hand, I found somewhat odd. Well, I wouldn't mean to speculate, but he seemed a bit off to me. Maybe I just don't know him. But a mother is always protective of her children, so I'm not sure I'd let him hold Neville without me right there.

I do try not to gossip, though, so I'll change the subject.

Your mother is doing fine, as is your father. They seemed to have enjoyed the holidays. There is this hideous vase, though. I can't imagine who gave them that, and I don't want to ask in case it's a sore subject. I arrived too late to see Sirius Black, though I'm not too disappointed. James seems to have matured since school, and Merlin knows Frank has, but I'm not sure Sirius has. Marriage changes people, as does having a child. Perhaps Sirius just hasn't found the right lady. Though I pity the woman who thinks she can control him.

Oh, and I'm talking about people again, aren't I? And just after I promised not to as well. It's not my fault- it's this Wizarding Book. It feels so much like a diary I just want to write down whatever I'm thinking, willy-nilly. I'll try to stop, though.

I'll talk about you, then. You're growing up so well. I brought Neville with me, you'll be pleased to know. The two of you are becoming fast friends, I'd wager. I wonder if you'll be in the same house? It isn't too impossible, but I know you'll be friends anyway. How else could it be, when I keep visiting so often? Besides, it'll be good for the both of you to make friends outside of your houses. It's so uncommon these days, but so very worth it.

Whatever. I'm sure Lily will raise you right, despite the influence you'll most assuredly get from James and his friends.

You and Neville make the most delightful cooing noises. Sometimes when you look at each other, it's like you're talking! Fancy that, two little babies, and you're making noises like you're talking. It's delightful to watch. I took more than a couple photographs as well, of the two of you. They're certainly going in the adorable baby picture folder. It's a bit silly, too. Side by side, the two of you almost look like siblings, like twin brothers! Isn't that interesting? I expect you'll grow to look different, but for now you look very similar. It's a miracle that the two of you were born so close together. It's just fate, yeah? Destined to be the best of friends, I think.

Goodness, is it really that late? I've really lost track of time, haven't I? I just have so much fun while I'm here. It's great to see Lily. I should get home before Neville falls asleep, though. So I'll have to leave this entry here. Goodnight, Harry.

With love,

Alice

Author's Note: Just to reiterate, all my wizarding-world facts come from the Harry Potter wiki. That Algernon is Uncle Algie who pushed Neville off a pier, and who dropped him out the window to "force some magic". I'm not terribly fond of him, and neither is Alice.

PS- to Acro111- I don't know how far back they go, but I'm pretty sure you can just google the year and place, and you'll probably find something.

EDIT: Thank you to Fred And George Weasley's Girl, who pointed out that Neville could see the Theastrals because he had witnessed his grandfather's death. And while it could be that he was referring to his maternal grandfather, it is more likely that he meant his paternal grandfather, since he grew up in his paternal grandmother's house. I've changed this chapter accordingly.