While the paper said that the family wished for privacy Lottie knew, she just knew that Alvin needed a friend. He'd looked after her during their school years and been just that friend to her, and there was absolutely no way she'd be able in good conscience leave Alvin on his own. So instead of visiting Christabel today she'd arrived at a different part of Hogsmeade to be there for a friend.

The butler had almost turned her away, in fact he would have, had Alvin's elder brother not come across the scene. She didn't know Rufus well but she remembered him from her school days. There were new lines on his face now, a sadness that seemed so at odds with what she remembered of him. He'd led her into the parlor and went to find Alvin.

Lottie had drifted to the window as she waited, taking in the street outside. Flowers were blooming and ducking their heads against the rain. Wasn't it odd how flowers seemed bent when it rained? People when they grieved did the same thing. They stooped down as if their grief were rain.

The door opened behind her but Lottie didn't hear it. In fact she jumped when Rufus showed Alvin in and barely noted when he'd left the room. "Oh, Alvin!" She sighed. He'd never looked worse. She floated toward him and wrapped her arms around him in a hug. Something that was quite common in their school days, but so few people ever thought her hugs were common these days. A shame, for it really was the best way to show someone you were there for them.

Alvin Bixby