Frank and Alice

This was the first time Wade had truly met Neville's parents.

Of course, he had seen photos of them at Sirius's home before. In their youth, they had looked gentle and friendly, their round faces always wearing smiles that made people happy at first sight. They were the sort who seemed harmless and likable at a glance.

Frank Longbottom was no longer young. In fact, he looked ten years older than his actual age. His face was thin, several fine lines creased the corners of his eyes, his body was slightly stooped, and his short gray-white hair had grown sparse.

But he still tried to straighten his back. His light brown eyes narrowed slightly without his noticing, and his gaze was exceptionally gentle.

He reached out to support his wife by the arm. Alice looked more haggard than her husband, yet her eyes held more life. Her lips naturally curved into a faint smile, and her gray-white hair had been carefully tied into a bundle that fell over her shoulder, with a string of tiny flowers pinned at the ends.

"Very pleased... to meet you." Frank smiled and spoke slowly. He raised a still-trembling arm and solemnly placed it on Wade's shoulder. "Thank you, Mr. Gray, for everything... you have done."

His voice was hoarse, as though rusty blades were scraping against each other in his throat. Yet it was clear that he had done his utmost to speak smoothly and completely.

"You're too kind," Wade said gravely. "You are both brave warriors. It is an honor to have been able to help, even a little."

Old Mrs. Longbottom immediately looked proud as she gazed at them with satisfaction.

"We watched... recordings of your matches... in the tournament," Alice said with a beaming smile. "We have not... finished them yet...