Just the Two of Us (Frank and Alice Longbottom)

Chapter 31: Alone

September 1975

Frank

I PUSHED ALICE'S TROLLEY THROUGH THE BUSY STATION OF KINGS CROSS. Alice had her arm gripped tightly around my elbow. Her hand shook. I slipped my hand underneath hers and delicately brought her hand up to my lips and kissed it. I looked at her and smiled. Alice nodded, understanding my wordless sentence, and smiled back.

A couple of days ago, Alice asked me to write letters to her friends, asking them to not bring up her family. It was that day when the Daily Prophet accused Alice of murdering her family. Although many Aurors denied the accusation, that didn't stop the writers from publishing childish rumours. At least they didn't stop until the minister stepped in. Then all at once, the rumours disappeared, but no explanation was given to the public.

At first, I tried to hide the articles from Alice but she found them. Since then Alice has been dreading going back to school. But, the day's didn't stop and alas, September 1st crept in.

Alice abruptly stopped walking. Confused, I turned to look at her. She kept her eyes forward. I followed her gaze and saw the brick wall between platforms 9 and 10.

"I can't do this," She said.

"Why not?" I whispered.

"My dad..."

"I bet he's here. I bet they're all here." I kissed her forehead.

She looked up at me. "Really?" Her eyes glistened.

I nodded. "Mhm. Why would they miss your last time walking to the platform?" I asked.

She smiled and turned her head back towards the wall. "Can we go together?"

"Of course, darling," I said. I reached around Alice's back and grabbed the handle of the trolley. "Ready?"

Alice nodded, "Ready." I waited until Alice began to run and quickly followed her. We rushed into the brick wall. A gush of wind brushed our hair back.

The thunderous sound of the crowd filled my ears. Smoke from the train surrounded the air. As I looked around, I noticed many people looking at us. Glaring at us. Alice tugged the sleeve of her jumper down to cover her arms. Noticing her discomfort, I leaned down to her ear.

"Let's find Lily," I whispered as my lips grazed her ear. She looked up at me and nodded.

We put the trolley over by the others.

I laced my fingers with hers and we began our search for Lily. As we scanned the crowd, I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with the number of eyes that stared at us. However, I swallowed the distressing feeling.

"They're looking at us." Alice's voice filled with panic.

"They're just jealous," I said.

"Jealous of what?"