Chapter 7: Escape

In the cosy dining room of the Longbottom household, Frank and Alice sat at the table, enjoying a lively dinner with their son, Neville. As Neville gleefully flung peas across the room, Frank chuckled, "Neville, my boy, I believe those peas are meant for your mouth, not the walls." Alice joined in, laughter sparkling in her eyes. "Oh, Frank, I think he's aiming for the artwork. Trying to add his own touch to the masterpiece."

Just as they were about to have another round of laughter, a sharp knock echoed through the house. Frank furrowed his brow, exchanging a curious glance with Alice. "Who could that be? Our wards are quite selective."

Opening the door, Frank's eyes widened in surprise as he saw Sirius Black standing before him, cradling a sleeping infant in his arms. "Sirius? What on earth brings you here? And who is this little one?" Sirius entered, a mixture of relief and weariness etched on his face.

"Frank, Alice, it's a long story. This little one here is Harry Potter." Alice gasped, taking Harry into her own arms. "Harry Potter? I thought he…?" She looked at him with awe and tenderness, realizing the significance of his presence. Sirius proceeded to explain all that had happened. Frank's eyes narrowed in concern. "But how did Voldemort breach the Fidelius Charm? We thought it was foolproof. We were going to use it ourselves."

Sirius sighed heavily. "Peter was the Secret Keeper, we'd switched…and he betrayed them. He'd been on a scouting mission when he learned something which caused to him to lose focus and he was caught. Under threat he turned and started working for Voldemort. In hindsight it only now makes sense why he wanted to be the secret keeper…but all that is in the past. Needless to say when I caught up to him yesterday he was already a broken man, the guilt of his betrayal eating him alive." A look of sorrow and pity haunted Sirius' eyes as he spoke.

"However he revealed something which has had me hurrying over once I realised the gravity of the situation." Taking a deep breath and looking Frank and Alice in the eyes, he conveyed the horrible truth to them, "Someone leaked the prophesy." Alice gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. "The prophecy... Voldemort and his followers know about it?" The Longbottoms exchanged worried glances, the weight of the revelation settling upon them.

"So, Voldemort knew about the prophecy," Frank stated, realization dawning. "That's why you're here, Sirius. Voldemort and his followers would never either boy live." Just as the gravity of their situation sank in, the sound of shattering wards echoed through the house. Alice's eyes widened with determination. "Quick, Frank! Put Harry in the crib with Neville. We can face them together!"

Sirius shook his head, "No! We can rebuild houses but we don't know that we can survive this night, we don't know how many there are. I'm done taking chances and I beg of you to leave with me!" Frank looked stubborn and like he wanted to refuse, but after a moments hesitancy and a look at Alice, they nodded and grabbed Neville. Clearly able to sense the disapparition wards in place they rushed to the fireplace, their hope pinned on the Floo Network as their escape route. However, their anticipation turned to disappointment as the green flames refused to ignite.

Sirius's eyes widened in concern. "The Floo Network is blocked." He glanced around the room, searching for another way out. "Do you have any escape passages in this manor?"

Frank's face brightened with a sudden realisation. "Wait! I remember exploring a passage in the cellars when I was younger. It led to a hidden exit that I think could reach beyond the disapparition wards." He looked at Alice and Sirius with determination. "It's our best chance."

With urgency filling the air, they rushed towards the cellar, Frank leading the way.

Finally following the steps down into the cellar, Frank started searching for the hidden entrance. After a moment he pushed aside a dusty barrel, revealing a concealed door nestled within the stone wall. "Here it is!" he exclaimed, excitement tinged with a hint of nervousness.

Following a loud explosion from upstairs that shook the house, Alice clutched onto Neville tightly, and whispered, her voice laced with both fear and determination. "We have to trust that this will lead us to safety, let's go."

With a deep breath, Frank opened the secret passage, revealing a narrow and winding tunnel and led the way, his wand casting a soft, guiding light. The darkness seemed to swallow them whole as they ventured deeper into the unknown.

As they navigated the twists and turns, the tension in the air was palpable. Each step was a leap of faith, fuelled by their love for their children and their determination to keep them safe. Thoughts of the impending danger weighed heavily on their minds, but they pressed on, their determination unyielding.

Minutes turned into what felt like an eternity, until finally, a glimmer of light emerged at the end of the tunnel. The Longbottoms and Sirius emerged into a secluded forest clearing, far away from the confines of their once-secure manor.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Sirius turned to Frank and Alice. "I can feel we're outside the wards."

Frank nodded, his eyes scanning their surroundings, "We need to leave, where to?"

Sirius looked at Frank and Alice with a determined expression. "Meet me at the Shrieking Shack. I'll take you to a small cottage further into the forest where I've been staying with Harry. It's hidden and relatively safe for now."