New chapter for my lovely readers...

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Chapter 5:

Alice had spent several weeks with her family. Her cousin Molly had come to visit with her husband and son. Bill was adorable. Molly wasn't very happy that everyone had taken to calling him Bill. She kept reminding them that his name was William. Alice smiled at the little boy in her arms. He was fast asleep. Alice's mother smiled at the baby, "he really is very handsome!"

Ignatius smiled dotingly at his wife, before coughing loudly. Lucretia frowned, "are you okay dear?"

"Quite well, love," Ignatius encouraged his concerned wife. Ignatius had seemed quite ill for a while now although he made out that there was nothing wrong with him.

Lucretia smiled sadly, "are you sure?" He nodded before kissing her on the cheek.

Molly stood up, her stomach was slightly round; she was pregnant again. She was due in December. She had just told the family at the beginning of the week. "Right, I think Bill needs his bed."

"Do you want me to take him up Molly?" Alice offered, "I could carry him up the stairs for you."

"Thank you Alice, but I'm not that big just yet," Molly laughed. Arthur smiled as his new wife walked out of the room with their young child.

It was Frank's first summer without his father at home. The house felt incredibly empty. He really didn't like it. He spent a good amount of time with James and Alice but he felt guilty leaving his mum alone so much. Mrs Potter had been good to her, visiting almost every day. Frank was amazed by how well his mother was holding up. She was so brave. She often spoke of her late husband; re-telling stories from their youth. "Did I ever tell you the story of when your father put a fanged gerbil in my handbag? He was so very funny."

"Yes, mother you have," Frank answered lovingly.

"I still keep a mousetrap in my handbag to this day," Augusta laughed. "We've been invited round to the Potters' for dinner next week. Apparently they are inviting a few close friends."

"Will the Prewetts be there?" Frank asked excitedly.

Augusta smiled, "I believe so."

Lily had finally heard from Snape. He had sent her a short reply saying that he would love to come with her and that he would see her at the weekend to arrange the details. He wouldn't be returning from Avery's house until then.

Lily had also received a reply from Alice. She smiled at her owl as she opened the letter.

Dear Lily,

I'm so glad to hear from you. I really miss you too but don't talk rubbish. You hate the marauders. You'd die if they turned up at your house. However, if you are sure, I could arrange it.

France sounds like so much fun. How are things with Petunia? She isn't being to awful, is she? I think that you might be dreaming if you think that Snape is ever going to stop spending time with the other Slytherins. He's a Slytherin. They are his friends. He belongs with them as much as you do with us. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be his friend, only that you can't expect him to leave his other friends. Besides, I'm not sure he really needs their influence.

The news in the prophet was dreadful. I think every day there are new names on the missing list and they never say very much. I spoke to James and Frank about it. James said that chances are they are muggle-borns and the prophet is being paid off by the ministry to keep it quiet. They won't want to scare anyone. I wish I could say that I disagree with him but it seems logical. Frank agreed too. James asked his father if his thoughts were right and Charlus said that the ministry has been known to do that sort of thing in the past. James says his father doesn't seem to like the minister for magic. James said his father would look into it. I'll let you know if he finds anything out.

I'm very good, thank you. The family have been lovely. Molly is pregnant again. Bill is gorgeous. It's been so good having him here. I've also seen quite a bit of Marlene. She has been staying with her grandmother so she is very close by. Marlene, James, and Frank and I have had no end of fun together.

I think Frank is missing his father quite a lot. I don't really know how to help or what to say.

James' parents are having a dinner party next week. My family are going. I believe Frank and his mother are coming as well. I think Marlene might be too but I'm not sure. It's not supposed to be a big thing just a few close friends but everything the Potters do is rather large.

Anyway, I really can't wait to see you. I'd love to come visit you after your trip to France. It will be so great to see you and all the girls. I really can't wait.

Lots of Love,

Alice. xxxx

Lily smiled at the letter, she'd asked James. Why does everyone think James knows everything? Lily asked herself, feeling slightly angry. He's just a stupid, arrogant pig! Why can't anyone else see that.

Dorea smiled at Milly, "So we've sent invites to… Lecretia, Ignatius and Alice, Augusta and Frank Longbottom of course, Mrs McKinnon, her son Andrew, his wife Alicia and their daughter Marlene, The Weasleys; Septimus and Cedrella, and their boys, so that's another three plus Arthur's wife Molly and baby Bill, Ignatius' brother and his wife – you know Molly's parents, pure-blood families are so complicated – and their children, so other than Molly that's Fabian and Gideon."

"Mistress, would you excuse Milly – do you think that if you are inviting so many of the Prewetts you might want to invite Muriel and Tessie Prewett?"

"Oh, of course, Ignatius' sisters," Dorea smiled, "what would I do without you? Did you know that when I was teaching at Hogwarts back when Charlus and I were courting, I taught Muriel and Tessie?"

"No mistress, Milly is not knowing that," the house elf replied, looking up from his list of guests.

"Who else?" Dorea thought out loud. "Of course, we must invite Albus and don't forget Minerva."

Dorea stood up, pacing across the room as she thought about who they could invite, "Oh, would it be wrong of me to play match maker a little?"

"No, mistress."

"I think I'll invite Elphinstone Urquart. He's been trying to win Minerva's heart for almost twenty years now. The poor man – it's so romantic!"

So please review...

Next chapter... I have no idea...

Mary...

Remus...

The dinner party...

and Lily and Sev on holiday...

That's just a guess though so don't hold me to it.