FIN.

FIN.

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Alice laughed, nodding in agreement with Marlene’s sentiment. These parties, however lavish and grand, were nothing short of dull. Alice had hated them as a child; though her parents didn’t attend many of the parties all that often, they were careful not to burn too many bridges with the rest of the Rosiers, so she had been subjected to her fair share of boring parties. Luckily for her, Marlene had often been there to liven them up, so it felt full circle that she was here tonight, even if she wasn’t really supposed to be. 

Alice shrugged. “He tries to get back at least once every couple of weeks, but it’s usually only for a few hours. I guess it’s taking longer than expected.” She couldn’t really say more, not even to Marlene, because it was Auror business and not anything to do with the Order, so she gave an apologetic smile for her vague response. “Moody promised he’d be back in time for the birth, though, so fingers crossed I don’t go too early.” 

Alice’s smile softened at Marlene’s words. “Thanks, Mar, but I’ll be okay. I have the perfect alibi since I was actually invited. I would have come even if we hadn’t come up with this insane plan.” She shook her head, making it clear that she hadn’t been one of the ones on board with this. It seemed more risky than it was worth. “Being able to be here and help if someone gets into trouble is far less anxiety-provoking than sitting at home wondering what’s going on.” 

*

“That’s shitty, but at least he’ll be back for the birth.  Can’t imagine him missing that.  You must be getting excited though!  Or nervous?  Or both?  I can’t imagine pushing something the size of a small watermelon out of my vagina”, Marlene crossed her eyes, “Sorry, that’s probably not helpful.”  She was excited to meet the baby once it was born, she knew the little child was going to be so loved.  It was bizarre to her that anyone would decide to have a family in the middle of a war, but then again, you never knew what was going to happen each day, so what was the use of putting things off if you really wanted them?

“That’s surprising”, she laughed, “but I don’t blame you.  They do always have great food.”  That may have been the only nice thing that she could say about the Lestranges and their gross flair for the dramatics.  Even then, she realized that the compliment was more for whoever would have prepared the food, and she smiled.  That was fair enough, she would have felt exactly the same way.  “Nothing is going to happen, we’re going to get in, get information, and get out.  I’m willing it to happen.  All is going to be good.”  

Even though she wasn’t all that worried about being recognized, she realized that it was probably time for her to go.  Giving Alice one last smile and salute, Marlene winked, “Well, I should be off.  Information isn’t going to find itself.  Owl me if you need anything while Frank is gone, okay?”  Resisting the urge to give Alice a hug, she gave her arm an affectionate squeeze and then disappeared back into the crowd.