That afternoon, Alan prepared lunch for the Weasleys as usual, calling for Bill to help set the table. By now, the children were remarkably obedient; even Bill, who was barely a year younger than Alan, treated him like an elder. Though he still called him "Brother Alan," Bill was as docile as a toddler whenever Alan assigned him a task.
"Alan, what's for lunch today?" Charlie was easily the most gluttonous of the lot, always the first to scramble into his seat.
"You'll see in a minute. Go and get the others." Alan flicked his wand, using a Levitation Spell to guide the serving dishes to their precise spots on the table.
Augusta and the rest of the children soon filtered in. George, the more mischievous twin, saw the glistening reddish-brown spare ribs in front of him and instinctively reached out to snatch one.
"Cough, cough." Alan cleared his throat lightly. George's hand froze mid-air. He sheepishly retracted his arm, picked up his knife and fork, and began to eat with practiced decorum. He didn't dare speak out of turn or risk throwing food.
Over the past week, the twins had been thoroughly subdued. Alan's policy was simple: whenever they misbehaved, he punished them both regardless of who was at fault, making them stand in the corner together. The two little rascals were now on their absolute best behavior whenever Alan was in the room.
As they were eating, the front door of the Burrow swung open. The children froze, exchanged knowing glances, and then scrambled down from their chairs, rushing toward the entrance.
Alan followed them. Sure enough, Molly was home.
She looked tired but well, cradling her infant daughter in her arms with Arthur by her side. Frank and Alice followed closely behind. After a week of recuperation at St. Mungo's, the family was finally whole again.
The children swarmed her. Some shouted "Mommy!" at the top of their lungs, while others clung to her legs and sobbed. Molly, her face still shadowed by grief, managed a brave smile as she comforted them.
She made a point of thanking the Longbottoms and Alan. She knew that without their support, the combined weight of her mourning and her worry for the children might have crushed her.
Lunch was finished amidst a rare atmosphere of relief, while the adults turned their minds to more somber duties.
"We've decided to name her Ginevra Molly Weasley," Arthur told the group, looking down at the bundle in Molly's arms. "We'll call her Ginny."
"Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall came to visit," Molly added, her voice steady. "They've helped us arrange the services for my brothers. I want you all to be there. Don't worry about me; I'll stay strong. If not for myself, then for Arthur and the children."
Alan and the Longbottoms nodded in agreement. They knew the road to recovery would be long, but seeing Molly face her new reality with such courage was a relief to them all.
Not wanting to crowd the family further, Alan and the Longbottoms bid their farewells. Alan left the Burrow to the reluctant cries of the children, who were loath to see their favorite cook depart.
Back at the Longbottom estate, life returned to a quiet rhythm until the day of the memorial arrived. Dumbledore had also invited them to the McKinnon family's service. Given Alan's ties to the Order members and his stay with the Longbottoms, his presence was expected.
The day was grey and heavy. Alan changed into dark wizarding robes and accompanied the family to a cemetery in southern England. Because they had fallen in the same skirmish, the Prewetts and the McKinnons were being honored with a joint memorial before being laid to rest in their respective family plots.
A large crowd had already gathered. The Weasleys stood solemnly to one side, flanked by Marlene McKinnon's relatives. Alan spotted Charles standing nearby, his eyes red and his gaze vacant. The two boys shared a silent, somber nod.
Many familiar faces were present: Emmeline Vance, Mad-Eye Moody, Edgar Bones, Kingsley Shacklebolt, and Barty Crouch. Alan also noted Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew standing apart. Professor McGonagall and Hagrid were there as well; though they were faculty, their ties to the Order ran deep.
Alan scanned the crowd for Sirius or the Potters, whom he hadn't seen in over six months.
He made his way toward McGonagall and Hagrid. The half-giant was currently dabbing at his eyes with a large, wet handkerchief.
"Alan," McGonagall said, nodding as he approached. "Arthur told me everything. Your help was a great comfort to them."
Alan shook his head gently. "Molly is a remarkable woman and a wonderful mother. I was just glad I could be there. I only hope they can find peace eventually."
Hagrid let out a choked sob. "Oh, Marlene and the boys... they were such good people! Why is fate so cruel?"
"Perhaps death is only the beginning of another adventure," Alan sighed, trying to offer Hagrid some small comfort. "For now, we should focus on supporting those who are still with us."
"Those are truly wise words, Alan."
The voice came from directly behind him, yet when Alan turned, he saw only empty air. Then, the space seemed to ripple and peel away, revealing two familiar figures.
It was James and Lily.
"Lily, James! It feels like a lifetime," Alan said, a rare, genuine smile breaking through his somber expression.
Lily smiled back, though her eyes were weary. "We've been in hiding. Dumbledore was very firm about us not contacting the outside world. We can only slip out occasionally under the Invisibility Cloak—even for a funeral. It's so good to see you again, Alan."