In the dusty attic of Hogwarts, five friends stumbled upon a box labeled 'Frank Longbottom.' It was Harry who discovered it, hidden amongst old robes and forgotten charms.

He showed it to Neville, who hesitated before opening it. Inside, they found some old photos and two birth certificates - one of Harry Neville Longbottom, and the other of Neville Frank Longbottom.

They looked at the pictures. One showed a man holding a baby Neville, identified as Frank. Another showed a woman named Alice, holding a baby that strangely resembled Harry.

The room was silent as the group contemplated the implications. Could it be possible that Neville and Harry were brothers? And were Frank and Alice Longbottom not only alive, but also Harry's real parents?

They were lost in their thoughts when a rat dashed across the attic, breaking the silence. "This is insane. We need to find out more," Harry said, determination creeping into his voice.

They agreed to question Neville's grandmother first. A stern, brave woman known for her candor and resilience, Augusta Longbottom had long been their source of truth about the Longbottom family.

They found Augusta in the library, her thin lips pursed as she read a thick tome. On seeing the artifacts they'd found, her already pale face turned ghost-white, and she dropped her book.

Harry and Neville mustered their courage and asked her about the documents. Augusta looked at them for a moment that felt like an eternity before she finally started speaking, her voice trembling slightly.

"Frank and Alice...They were thought to be dead," she began, causing the group to shudder. "But there were rumors, whispers that they might have survived their ordeal with You-Know-Who."

The elderly woman continued, "About the birth certificates, I can't say. They were kept from me. But I know Alice had another child she gave away for safety...a child named Harry."

There it was. The confirmation. Harry and Neville were brothers. Their shared shock was immense, but there was also a blossoming sense of bond and relief.

The group decided to find out more about Frank and Alice. Ron suggested they dig into old Ministry records, something his Dad could help with. Hermione decided to pore over Hogwarts' vast library.

Dudley, who'd been on a unique journey of redemption, journeyed into the Muggle world to seek clues, while Harry and Neville reassured each other they would find out the truth about their parents.

They met up after a week, each having found pieces of evidence that suggested Frank and Alice were indeed alive. The friends felt a sense of hope as they put together the puzzle.

They found an obscure record of two wizards, identified as F.A and A.L., being treated at a hidden magical healing center years ago. The descriptions matched Frank and Alice.

Hermione also unearthed an old newspaper clipping. It was an interview with a Muggle who mentioned seeing two "peculiar folks" years ago. The man's description matched Frank and Alice.

Dudley provided the cinching evidence - a letter from a woman named Alice to a 'Petunia,' a name Harry recognized as his Aunt's. It spoke about keeping Harry safe from a dark threat.

The friends knew they were onto something big. The hunt for Frank and Alice was far from over, but they were closer to the truth than they had ever been.

Neville and Harry shared a deep connection now, fueled by their shared mystery and the love they had for their lost parents. Their bond had grown stronger with shared adversity.

And so, the friends continued their quest to uncover the truth about Frank and Alice Longbottom. They knew it would be a difficult journey, but they were ready to face it together.

The mystery of Frank and Alice revealed secrets that shook their world. But it also brought them closer together, shaping their lives and friendships in ways they had never predicted.

Now equipped with determination, the friends made their way to the Ministry of Magic. Arthur Weasley, Ron’s father, was waiting for them. They presented their findings, and Arthur, intrigued, agreed to help.

While Arthur dived into the old Ministry files, the young wizards ventured into the Department of Mysteries. They knew it held secrets that not many dared to explore, but they were ready for the risks.

They roamed the dark labyrinth until they stumbled upon a room filled with spinning, glowing orbs - the Hall of Prophecies. Among the thousands of glass spheres, one caught Harry’s eye. It was marked with his name.

Harry carefully lifted the prophecy. His mind was filled with images of Frank and Alice Longbottom, fighting bravely against the Dark Lord. The prophecy ended with a mention of two boys, their fates intertwined.

They regrouped with Arthur Weasley, who had discovered an unmarked file in the records. To their surprise, it contained information about an undercover operation involving two Aurors - Frank and Alice Longbottom.

The information corroborated the prophecy and further solidified their beliefs. Frank and Alice were indeed alive. They decided to find the secret healing center that the records hinted at. Their journey was far from over.

Armed with fresh hope, the group prepared to leave the Ministry. They knew the road ahead was tough. With each other's support and their newfound determination, they felt ready. The search for Frank and Alice Longbottom continued.