Will nodded slightly, straightened his robes, and pointed to the stack of books on the high-backed chair. "I'd like to borrow these books. May I?"
Mrs. Longbottom nodded. "Of course, Mr. Behrens. Please, don't stand on ceremony."
She was deeply grateful to Will. Even if he had asked to keep the books, she would have given them to him without hesitation.
Will waved his wand. The silver high-backed chair turned into a silver suitcase, swallowed the stack of books, then floated into his hand.
"What exquisite Transfiguration." Mrs. Longbottom shook her head in admiration. "Please follow me, Mr. Behrens."
Dinner was held in a small private dining room on the ground floor of Longbottom Manor.
Only five place settings had been laid, because only five people were attending.
Will, Mrs. Longbottom, Neville, and the newly awakened Frank and Alice.
No one else had been invited because Mrs. Longbottom knew Will's identity had to remain secret. The rest of the Longbottom family had the good manners to understand why the Healer was being entertained privately.
"Will, sit here." Neville pulled out a chair for him.
Will smiled and sat down without protest.
"Mr. Behrens..."
Frank Longbottom sat across from Will, looking at him with solemn eyes. "I... I don't know how to thank you. You didn't just give me a second chance at life. You... you looked after Neville all these years, too."
"Yes," Alice Longbottom said, gently clasping Neville's hand as though afraid her son would vanish if she let go. "We missed his childhood. We missed all those little moments as he grew up.
"If it hadn't been for you, Neville... he would have been so lonely."
Neville sat between his parents, looking a little overwhelmed.
"Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, you're giving me too much credit." Will lifted