So was reading a bit of fanfiction and then father of the bride part 2 came on and guess what I got inspired! So this is set in book 3 and basically I might continue it after I've finished my exams but it depends if yous like it!
I sadly own nothing- wish I did.
Age shouldn't matter
Minerva sighed, removing her glasses and pinching the bridge of her nose. She was halfway through her marking for the night and felt exhausted. She sighed. Something was amiss- she didn't know what but she wasn't quite right. She tried to go back to marking the essays but she kept losing her train of thought after a few lines. Maybe she was just getting old. She decided that she was going to get no further and picked up the remaining essays to take to her shared quarters with her husband of nearly fifty years. That definitely made her feel old. Then there was the photos of their two children- aged 31 and 29 they also made her feel old. She picked up the photos for a moment and saw them waving to her. Uncharacteristically she felt tears on her cheeks- she never cried over something as trivial as her children being away from home. They were fine, living their lives, and she had spoken to them only two days before. Yet when Albus came in later that night he was shocked to find her crying over an album full of their pictures.
"Minerva what's wrong?" He came and sat beside her wrapping an arm around her attentively.
"I don't know. I just saw their pictures and…" She stopped and looked into his eyes alarming him slightly. "Am I old Albus, am I?"
Had she not looked so distraught he would have laughed. "Of course not- you don't look a day over twenty one. You really must be off if you're asking me dear. How about we go straight to bed."
"Yes I think that might be a good idea. Maybe I just need a good night's sleep."
The next day however she felt no better. During her second class of the day a sudden wave of dizziness overtook her and she had to cling onto her desk luckily few students noticed. First years were usually the least observant. She sat down quickly though. Something definitely was amiss. She had eaten a decent breakfast and the night before she had gotten the best sleep she'd had in weeks. She waited for the spell to pass before inspecting the class' work. However she was more than happy when that class left and her dizzy spell had cleared up. She ate a full lunch and was happy when Albus didn't ask if she was feeling any better. He worried far too much sometimes and she wanted to spare him the worry. She had an inkling as to what it was but only if she had a certain sign would she go to poppy. She would know by the end of the day and she just hoped she could get there incident free.
Minerva cursed her luck when during her last lesson she suddenly felt hot. The room's temperature seemed to rocket up and she could feel her cheeks flushing. She opened all the windows and saw as some in her class shivered but she remained hot and clammy. It seemed that maybe she was ill and visiting poppy would be a good idea.
At dinner she managed to avoid the topic again with Albus and was happy to note that poppy wasn't there. She could give her a nice surprise. She walked along after dinner to the infirmary quite determined to get a potion and leave.
"Poppy? Poppy?" She wandered him hoping she hadn't come at a bad time. Poppy was shocked to hear her friend though- Minerva never came to the hospital wing unless she was incredibly ill and usually due to her husband.
"Minerva? What are you doing here?" She bustled out of her office making no attempt to hide the look of shock on her face.
"Well..." Minerva stopped when she saw two pupils in the infirmary's beds. "Could we maybe continue this in your office?"
"Of course." Poppy's gaze had followed her friends. When she had closed her office door and cast a silencing charm she began her interrogating. "So what brings you here Minerva?"
"Well I think I might possibly be going through the change."
"The change?"
"You know- menopause." Minerva had flushed again but this time due to embarrassment. "I've been feeling a bit off should I say. I'm late, weepy and tired and I was wondering if you could give me a potion."
"Minerva are you sure? I mean you're awfully young."
"I'm 66, I know I'm old Poppy. I have a grandchild due next year."
"Yes but Minerva witches age more slowly than muggles, you know that. I suspect that you are maybe pre- menopausal. You won't be fully menopausal until you've stopped menstruating for a full year. I'll need to run a few quick tests but I'll be able to give you a potion to deal with any side effects. Now up on the examining table."
Poppy began to cast diagnostic spells firstly all over Minerva and then over abdomen. She was nearly finished when she gave a little gasp. Minerva sat up suddenly, her cat like reflexes quick. "Poppy?"
Poppy saw the look on her friends face and knew what she had to say would not go down well. "Minerva remember how you said you were late? Well what other condition could that signify?"
"No. I'm too old Poppy- we've been through this."
"Well you're obviously not Min. Describe your symptoms again- and think about it."
"But…" She gave up protesting "Well there was that dizzy spell and I got all upset looking over the photos of the children and the fatigue but I had a hot flash that's not right is it?"
"Well it's not uncommon for pregnant women to feel too hot. I suppose it never crossed you're mind- have you felt at all nauseous?"
"No not really. If I had had morning sickness I would have put two and two together. Are you sure Poppy?"
"Yes quite sure Minerva. Really you should be excited having a baby is wonderful, you know that."
"But Poppy I'm 66 years old- too old to be doing this all over again. Albus is over 100. I can't be pregnant- and what about Voldemort? Poppy please do it again and show me that you're wrong."
"Min, No! I did it twice. Look you loved being pregnant and I'm sure it'll come back. Albus will be thrilled and he'll keep you and the baby safe- after all where's safer than Hogwarts?"
"But Poppy, I'm going to have this baby in the school year?"
"Only Just Minerva. We can use charms to conceal the bump, no one will know."
Minerva left quickly after trying her best to remain composed she thought it would be best to visit Albus and get it over with. As she came up to the gargoyle she began to get nervous. When she knocked and heard no answer, she walked into the room and sat down on the window seat waiting for him to come in. He strolled in a moment later going to his desk to write a letter to fudge probably. He wouldn't necessarily see her straight away so she gave a little cough. He didn't move, his quill diligently scratching away. She tried again and yet the same response. So she got up and stood in front of his desk. He still didn't notice her. He's getting bad, she thought to herself. She coughed again and this time he jumped when he saw her.
"Minerva, when did you get here?"
"Just now. I came because I've just been to see Poppy." His mouth formed a curious O and he put his quill down. "She discovered something rather important."
"Minerva before you tell what it is should we maybe go through to our private quarters". He nodded towards the portraits, they were known for their nosiness and gossiping ways. She walked straight through to their small living room. There was a roaring fire and she sat down on the sofa taking her husband's hands in hers.
"Now Minerva tell me whatever it is that's wrong?" He gave her a concerned smile, settling her nerves for a second.
"Well I thought I was just getting old. Poppy was going to give me a potion for my symptoms but then she did a quick examine to check everything was alright and well she found something." Minerva could feel a tear rolling down her cheek. Her husband was rubbing her back trying to coax the rest out of her.
"Whatever it is, I can take it really, and I'll always be here." She seemed to shudder slightly. "Now what did she find darling?"
"She found that I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby Albus." He stopped suddenly.
"But I…I thought we were too old. I mean how did this happen?" He had his face in his hands.
"That's what I said to Poppy but apparently it's perfectly common for witches to have children at my age."
"But Arianna's having a baby, we can't be." He stood up pacing. "I'm over a hundred and the war and our careers and…we're going to have a baby." The last part came out softly as Albus plummeted to the floor.
"Albus!" Minerva dropped down to him checking that he was still alive, when she saw he was she tried a quick revio. He came around slowly rubbing his head. He suddenly looked at her, scared or confused, she didn't know.
"Are we really having a baby?" Minerva nodded watching as a smile appeared on his face. "I suppose I'll have to look out that book on names. Here help me up darling, my head's spinning."
Minerva gave him a hand up onto the sofa, a smile engulfing her face. "Poppy said you'd be happy."
"I am more than happy dear, I am thrilled. Of course you gave me quite a shock. So when will this little surprise be joining us?"
"The start of May. I suppose I could go back to teaching a few days after. Poppy said something about charms, I was in too much of a daze to pay any attention."
"That's not like you. We will manage fine, we always do." He turned to look at her worried for a second by the look on her face. "You are happy with this?"
"Yes I am but I'm so worried. It's the wrong time, I never thought I would have to go through those sleepless nights again or the worrying that our child will be discovered. I mean I loved having children but I have responsibilities here and I was looking forward to just babysitting not caring for a baby fulltime. What if something goes wrong? What if Voldemort comes back, what if…if something happens to you?" She burst into tears on his shoulder and he began to whisper soothing words into her hair.
"Minerva you will be as wonderful as you were with Arianna and Brian. Nothing will go wrong with Poppy taking care of you- you know that. We've lived through dark times before- I think we can manage to do it again with a baby. I cannot promise you that I will always be here but you will never be alone and I've given you something to remember me by, thrice-fold now." He patted her flat stomach. "Now I think you two need some sleep, don't you?"
Minerva and Albus were unsure of when to inform their children that they were due a sibling. They decided on a Saturday and invited them for lunch. The atmosphere was comfortable enough but both of the younger adults could tell that something was happening. When their father came to the table after starting lunch in the great hall he raised his glass and took Minerva's hand in his free hand.
"Your mother and I have something very important to tell you." He chuckled thinking about their reactions in a few moments time. "Early May we shall be welcoming a new Dumbledore to the clan."
"No dad I'm due at the start of February." His daughter rubbed her visible stomach attentively.
"Arianna dear your father meant that WE are the ones welcoming a new baby in May." She watched as her children turned to look at each other a perfect picture of shock.
"You have to be joking." They had started to laugh.
"We're not." The room grew silent again.
"But you're old." Albus shot his son a look of warning. "What I meant is I mean is it really wise for you too to be having a child with your positions and with black lose?"
"I have told you before Brian, Black is innocent. Your mother and I didn't plan this, things just happen."
"You sound like two teenagers in trouble." Albus could feel his cheeks flaming up, his daughter only adding to the tense tone of the room.
"That Is enough Arianna. I know it's a shock but really."
"She's right though dad, I mean how silly can you get? You two always told us to be careful. It isn't fair on the child, you and mum never have any spare time and with this war looming, it's being cru-"
Before Brian could finish his speech of condemnation though Minerva got up from the table and left muttering something about the bathroom. Albus was shocked. Minerva never ran away, never. He stood up glaring down at his children with a look that rarely crossed his face.
"You two will sit here and think up a suitable apology. Do you think it's been easy on her? She has worried about everything. She was scared of telling you in case you reacted this way and it seems you've proven her fears right. I thought we had brought up well mannered, sensitive mature adults but it seems you're both too selfish and spoilt for your own good, I am angrier with you than I ever have been and I could not care less if you're feeling hormonal Arianna because so is your mother and you Brian have no excuse!" With that he swept out of the room leaving his children to reflect upon their actions. He came into his room to find his wife crying into her pillow.
"Minerva really what's happened to you?" He stroked her back trying to offer some comfort. "What have they done to you darling? Arianna didn't mean it she's just hormonal and I think she thinks you've stolen her thunder. Brian puts his foot in it, you know that. They'll come round they're just in shock. Come on all this crying can't be good for the baby."
She sat up looking at him, her hair had fallen out of its bun and her eyes were watery, yet Albus had couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked. Her voice wavered when she spoke though. "What if they're right? How could we be so stupid?"
"Do not listen to them Minerva. They didn't mean it, come on let's go see them, they'll be worried about you."
When Minerva and Albus re-entered the sitting room they were surprised to the see their children sitting at the table looking sheepish.
"Mum we're sorry. We were just shocked." Arianna came up to them offering her mother her arms.
"She's right Mum. It'll be nice to pass some tricks onto someone." Brian's comment earned him a playful slap as Minerva embraced both of them. She whispered a small "Thank you," leaving her children rather red in the face.
The next big event was Harry's attack by the dementors and his firebolt that replaced it. Minerva was expecting a victory for the Gryffindors- there was no reason that Hufflepuff should beat them after all they had a weaker team. So when she heard screams she couldn't help but clutch Albus's hand. She heard him shout those words before seeing an all too familiar blur of red and yellow fall from the sky. The dementors were approaching it fast. She raised her wand and cast the strongest patronus she could muster. They disappeared quickly but she along with Albus was livid. "Tell fudge they are gone." He nodded.
She made her way with Albus to the infirmary to survey the damage to harry not before she bumped into Seamus and Ron carrying a pile of twigs. "Professor, its Harry's broom!"
"Mr Finnegan, Mr Weasley, I think you should postpone showing Mr Potter that." She waved an arm at the broom. They nodded rather sheepishly. She walked straight into the infirmary not expecting to find Harry's fan club. He was unconscious but his friends were waiting for him to wake up. She gave a nod to poppy to inform her when he woke up, before leaving him to his followers.
Harry returned back to school after his incident with the broom. He was rather downcast as his nimbus 2000 could not be fixed. Minerva felt guilty but the new firebolt was too expensive. She was planning on buying him a cheaper version for Christmas however when he received one in the post she was surprised. Albus was away on Ministry business and he wouldn't be back for another two days. So when Filius pointed it out at breakfast she knew that she had to break his heart.
Harry took it well or as well as she had expected him to. Rolanda was nearly crying when she had to strip it back however when Filius found it to be completely safe she was more than happy to reconstruct it. When Minerva called him back at the end of the lesson to hand it back she couldn't help but feel some joy. Harry would have been a grandson to her had his parents not died and she had tried her hardest to make Albus reconsider leaving him with his aunt and her family. They had slept in separate beds for a week.
By the time February arrived Minerva was beginning to show. At six months she was more than half way through her pregnancy but she was still adjusting to the idea of becoming a mother again. She had thought she would love the baby more as the months went on and she did but it was not the same. She did not feel as excited as she should have or as motherly as she had expected. She did not stroke her belly as she had with the other two; she struggled to talk to this child. She knew everyone was worried about it but she just hoped everything would change as soon as he/she arrived. She was sitting marking papers when she got the all-important floo call from her daughter. She had been expecting it for several days and sent a quick note to her husband and left immediately for her daughter's house. When she arrived she couldn't help but smile at Kingsley helping his wife into one of the arm chairs. "Mum!" She looked tired already and by the sound of her voice was already in pain.
"I'm here sweetheart- I'm not going anywhere. Now I think you might just be ready for St. Mungos."
When the three of them strode into the reception area, or more Kingsley and Minerva supported Arianna through the main doors, Minerva felt a ghostly caress and the quietest whisper of her name. They were met by Brian who said he knew the perfect healer. Minerva couldn't help but chuckle when he introduced Bella Montague, a vela if she ever saw one. Arianna gave her a weak smile as she was wracked with pain again. Minerva rubbed her back trying her best to comfort her daughter but knowing all too well the pain she was going through.
When the contraction had passed and Arianna was resting in the bed Kingsley jokingly asked," Is it any worse than the cruciatus?"
"Worse?" Arianna gave him a deathly glare similar to her mothers. "It is off the scale- ask mum."
"Do not involve me in your little tiff."
"Mum, you're supposed to back me up!"
"Yes but I also want to remain a nice mother in law. Poor Kingsley has no one to take his side does he now?" Her daughters face suddenly twisted as another onslaught of pain approached. Minerva began to rub her back as Kingsley counted her through the contraction. Just as it finished she fell back into the pillow.
"I can't do this anymore, I really can't."
"You can sweetheart- your mother said exactly the same thing." Kingsley and Arianna looked around for the source of the voice.
"Albus I think it's time you came out and stopped playing hide and seek." He appeared next to Minerva and took her hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
"How did you know it was me?" He took his daughters hand next. "You are doing superb sweetheart, really. So are you Kingsley. Now I believe Kingsley has someone to take his sid-"
Just as he began to spur on the argument between Minerva and Arianna, his wife grabbed his wrist and clutched her stomach. Her face suddenly went white as she let out a little hiss of pain.
"Minerva? What's wrong?" He grabbed her and helped her down into the chair beside his daughter's bed.
"Mum, ohh god, Mum?" Arianna had forgotten the pain for a moment as she studied her mother closely. She grabbed her husband's hand tightly, needing support.
"Albus, I think it's the baby. Something's wrong, quick, get someone, NOW!" She began to pant, tears streaming down her face but then she saw the fear in her daughters face, she stopped crying and tried her best to hid her fear saying "Arianna I'll be fine, okay?" The moments that they waited for a healer to come seemed like hours whereas they were really only minutes.
Albus brought back in the Bella girl and she helped move Minerva to another room saying it would be alright in the end. Minerva kept crying though as pain came and went. She was quickly put into a bed and given a vile tasting potion.
"Minerva I need you to drink this. It'll stop your labour and save the baby. If you could Mr Dumbledore help her drink it." He held it up to her lips as she struggled to get it down but eventually it was all gone. He sat by her side stroking the back of her hand.
"It'll all be alright Min, I promise you." She had kept a protective hand over her bump as soon as she was put into the bed. She stared down at it trying to speak to her baby telepathically. Please darling, live, I couldn't bear to lose you, I love you so much; please stay in there for a little longer so I get to meet you. She suddenly felt a kick as if her baby had heard her. Her baby, not the baby anymore.
"I think it will be Albus. I want this baby so much and I never realised it. Poppy will be mad as anything." He chuckled glad to see his wife back. "Are we grandparents yet?"
"Well if you'll be alright by yourself I'll go check maybe I can send Brian in?"
"Yes I suppose he was rather worried. And one more thing- thank you."
"Thank you for what?"
"For giving me this." She patted her stomach. "And them and loving me no matter how difficult I can be. Most importantly though for being here today." He leant down and gave her a quick kiss before leaving her alone with her thoughts.
Brian strolled in a few minutes later. "Dad said you were back."
"Don't be so cheeky, I may be in this bed but I'm still able to tell you off."
"Wow he was right." He came down and sat beside her, his body language and tone of voice suddenly changing. "I glad you were here when it happened. I spoke to dad about it for a few moments before he went to go wait for news."
"And what did you say?"
"That you were lucky. That you need to slow down or stop getting so stressed. He said neither would happen. I agreed completely. However I would like to get to meet this little brother or sister so maybe let him do more of his letters."
"I want you to too. I didn't realise how much I loved this baby until earlier. I was more excited with you and your sister and this time well, I felt old." She was rubbing circles around her stomach.
"You know we never meant all of that that night we came for dinner?"
"Of course I do. I hope you never have to understand." She had picked up his chin and was looking directly into his eyes. "Now tell me more about this Bella girl."
Albus smiled when he saw his son sitting talking away to Minerva. She looked better already- a weight obviously lifted from her shoulders. As he entered the room they both looked up.
"And?"
"You are grandmother to a baby boy Minerva." She broke into a massive smile and tears streamed down her face. Brian smiled triumphantly.
"Well looks like I need to go give that boy some ideas." Albus laughed but Minerva frowned.
"Brian, I do not want to hear it… can I go see him Albus?"
"No mum. I'm sorry but you need to rest for a little longer. Have a little sleep and if you're fine at your next exam then I'm sure there will be no problem."
"But Brian I'm fine and so is my baby."
"Minerva let the poor boy go. Look I'll stay with you and we'll go see Anna once she's caught up on her sleep."
"But Albus I was supposed to be there, I need to go she nee-"
"No Minerva. She is fine but you are not and you are either going home to bed and poppy or you can sleep here tonight and see them before we go home tomorrow. I will not budge on this Minerva."
She sighed realising that he wouldn't be swayed and getting angry would do no one any good. She pulled up the covers around her and fell into an eventful sleep. She kept reliving those horrible moments when the pain started. Several times she woke up to find her husband stroking her forehead or sitting there watching her with a look of anguish on his face. She knew he was thinking about the same thing.
The next morning came bright and early with Minerva waking as soon as the sun came up. She had been woken for another dose of the potion in the night and she knew that she would have one more this morning before seeing her grandson and going home to Hogwarts. Albus was dozing in the chair beside her and she watched him for a moment. Brian I'll have to marry that Bella girl now. She rubbed her stomach humming a lullaby she used to sing to the children when they were small. Bella appeared just as she finished bringing the vile potion with her. Minerva gave her a small smile.
"Ahh Ms McGonagall just one more dose and a quick examine and hopefully you will be ready to go home." She flashed a dazzling smile, her French accent only making her seem prettier. As she gave the potion to Minerva, Albus stirred. He was surprised to see his wife take the potion willingly. She took it quickly, wincing slightly at the aftertaste.
"Mr Dumbledore, good morning. Ms McGonagall should be ready to go back to Hogwarts with you this morning. I need to give her a quick examination- would you like him to leave Ms McGonagall."
"No he can stay Bella- but around by my end of the bed and please call me Minerva." She took Albus's hand in hers as she was examined. It was quick a few incantations a little peek below (Minerva closed her eyes when that happened) and Bella was finished. "Well Minerva it seems you are fine. The potion should have not only stopped the labour yesterday but also stop it from happening again. I shall have a few words with Madam Pomfrey but you are free to go. Your daughter is awake and waiting for you."
"Before we dash off healer should Minerva have some bed rest?" If looks could kill then Albus would have died several times over.
"Well she should take things easy but I don't think bed rest will make a big difference according to healer McGonagall."
"Thank you for everything."
"You're welcome now I must get around to my other patients." She left the two knowing that no one could know of their relationship.
"Well she was nice, I take it our son is enchanted by her?"
"She was nice but you!" She gave him a swat as she got out of the bed. "Bed rest? I am fine- she said so and you had to suggest bed rest?"
"Well it was only to see if you were feeling any better my dear." He chuckled as she stood up, her stomach now a concave. She looked years younger with her hair down and that scowl.
"Why are smiling at me like that? Pass me my robes will you?" He passed it to her a dreamy expression still on his face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Because you look so beautiful. In fact you look just like you did last time you were pregnant."
"No I don't Albus that was nearly thirty years ago. I hardly look like that anymore."
"But you do to me." He came over gave her a small kiss before heading out to wait for her to get dressed. She smiled.
She emerged a few minutes later her hair up and her robes hiding their little secret. He offered her his arm and they walked along to their daughter's room. When they came to the door he gave her a reassuring squeeze as she tentatively knocked.
"Come in."
"Congratulations sweetheart." Minerva went up to her daughter giving her a warm embrace. "How are you feeling?"
"Mum I'm fine. A little tender maybe." She gave her an elated smile. "How are you?"
"I'm fine, we're fine." She patted her stomach. "Let's not talk about that, where's my grandson I want to say hello."
"He's in the bassinet there." Minerva walked over as Albus gave his daughter a hug. The little boy had tight curly black hair and Arianna's blue eyes. His skin was a milk chocolate colour the perfect blend of Arianna and Kingsley. "Hello sweetheart what's your name?" She picked him up gently.
"Well we discussed it last night. His first name is going to be Apollo and then Kingsley, Albus Shacklebolt."
"You can't be calling him after me." Albus looked shy all of a sudden.
"Well Kingsley suggested it. I said we should call him after him then too."
"Really Albus you should be happy." Minerva was rocking him slowly. "He's big. How much did he weigh in the end?"
"9, 4." Arianna laughed as her mother winced. He's long too- I suppose he's going to be tall."
"Yes, I'm sorry I wasn't here." Minerva suddenly looked like she was going to cry.
"Mum don't say that, you can be here next time."
"So there's going to be a next time already?" Minerva laughed. "Here Albus you have a cuddle." Minerva handed over the baby to him and sat down next to her daughter. Albus light up when Apollo opened his eyes. "Hello, I'm your grandpa yes I am."
They spent another twenty minutes before Apollo got hungry. They left them promising to visit in a few weeks. Once they were safely in their quarters they went to look at the room that would be the baby's. The walls were bare and there was only two pieces of furniture in the room, a rocking chair and crib. "It needs a bit of work doesn't it my dear?"
Minerva laughed and leant into Albus. "I suppose we'll need to fix that won't we?"
"Leave it to me."
"No… I want to do it."
"Really my dear let it be a surprise for you." He nuzzled her neck slightly. She was just about to speak when they heard a familiar voice.
"Albus? Minerva? Are you there its Poppy!"
"Ohh, i suppose we'd better answer her."
"Yes we should my dear, come on, I'll get it if you want." She nodded and he led her through to the living room. "Yes Poppy what can I do for you today?"
"Albus is everything alright? I just got a note from St. Mungos saying Minerva had been admitted."
"She is fine Poppy. She was last night but she's home. Come see for yourself." He moved away from the fireplace and she appeared a moment later.
"Minerva are you feeling alright?"
"I'm fine Poppy! We just had a little scare that's all."
"A little scare? How little?"
"I…I..I"
"Minerva went into early labour Poppy whilst she was with Arianna."
"Oh Minerva I'm so sorry."
"Its fine they managed to stop it."
"Well I think you should go on bed rest- is someone sending the notes to me?"
"Yes Arianna's healer also treated Minerva but she said that bed rest would be useless. Brian agreed with her."
"Oh well, if they've said so. Thank goodness everything is alright. Now I suppose I'd better get back to the infirmary."
The weeks seemed to flyby however the entire castle was scared when Sirius black was reported in the castle. Albus faced criticism about removing the dementors but he had the full support of the staff and the night it happened everyone pulled together. When the teachers were sent out to patrol, Albus pulled Minerva aside. "Go back to our chambers. Get some sleep let everyone else deal with it."
"No Albus. They don't know about the baby. I will be fine- I can still hex faster than most of the staff combined. I will be fine- I doubt he's still here."
"Well I think we should tell the staff tomorrow." She nodded before hurrying into the night.
The attack on the castle loomed over them all the next day and so the staff were not surprised to see the headmaster and deputy stand up to make an announcement.
"As you all know Sirius Black was supposedly in the school last night. Minerva and I however have something else to announce. For all of those who do not know we are married and have been for nearly fifty years. We have two grown-up children and we found out a few months ago that we shall be expecting a third at the start of May. I hope I do not have to warn you but this information is not to leave this room, understood?" The room was hushed until Rolanda Hooch and Pomona Sprout chorused "Yes headmaster". As Minerva and Poppy's best friends they already knew however it was the faces of some of the other professors. Snape glared. Remus Lupin was the first to offer his congratulations which both of them accepted warmly. Most of the other teachers followed suit except Hagrid. "I'm so happy for yas, I suppose you might be needing a baby sitter again."
"Of course Hagrid- you were always Arianna and Brian's favourite." Minerva's comment surprised many of the younger members of staff. They were suddenly seeing her in a new light. Severus stormed out not long after the announcement.
April seemed to come quickly that year and by the end of the month everyone was on edge for one reason or another. For the pupils it was Sirius black for the staff it was Sirius black and Minerva's impending due date. She was more nervous for the latter knowing all too well the pain she would go through. She wasn't the sort of person to get scared but she was worried about it. What if something went wrong again?
May the 1st came with the sun. It was a Saturday and Buckbeaks death was imminent. It wasn't Minerva's first concern though. She had been promised the big unveiling of the nursery and the children were coming over for lunch. After breakfast she removed the concealment charm happy to see her bump in all its glory. She tried to sit down and read her copy of transfiguration times but she couldn't concentrate she started to change one of muggle paper weights that Albus had bought her into an array of different things. When he appeared she muttered a quick finite and the paper weight reappeared. "How are you my dear?"
"I'm good. It's so nice to be pregnant."
"Yes you do look glorious. Now I just spoke to Brian and Arianna."
"And?"
"They should be here any minute now." As if by magic the fire roared into life as Brian stepped out. He stepped aside and familiar vela stepped out.
"Mum! Dad!" She gave her husband a look that said it all. She would have a daughter in law within the year.
"Brian!" She gave him a warm hug or as well as she could with the baby.
"I'm sure both of you remember Bella?" She shyly nodded a hello.
"Of course we do. Bella how are you?" Albus shook her hand. Minerva did the same seeing how nervous her son was.
"I'm well and you?" She smiled at both of them.
"We're both well and very excited." He gave a warm smile and beckoned to the sofa. As they sat down with a goblet of wine (pumpkin juice for Minerva) the fire roared into life again.
Out stepped Arianna carrying a sleeping Apollo. "Sorry we're late, Kingsley only just got back from his shift on the Sirius black case."
When she had stepped aside he came just after brushing the soot of and giving Albus a strong hand shake. Arianna went and sat beside her mother giving her a hug.
"Look at how big you've gotten. See Apollo that's your aunt or uncle in there." She pointed but the baby was fast asleep.
"May I have a hold? I could do with a practice." Arianna handed her precious bundle to her mother and started talking to Bella and Brian.
The lunch went well and everyone was retiring to the sitting room as Albus made his apologies. "I will only be an hour or so but I said to the minister I will meet him in my office and then we will go to Hagrid's hut. I think we should do the grand unveiling once I return, all agreed?"
Everyone nodded. Once he had left, they all started talking about the baby. The first topic was whether it was a boy or girl.
"Well I think it's a boy." Brian said. "I want a little brother."
"No I want a little sister." Arianna was feeding little Apollo in a corner.
Kingsley had no comment and Bella agreed with Arianna. Brian was a little miffed, "So Mum what do you think you're having?"
"Well I think it's a girl and so does your father."
"So have you thought up any names yet?"
"No we haven't really. Your father said he liked Athena a few weeks ago but that's been it. We've been far too busy."
"Well I like it. It's the Greek counterpart to Minerva isn't it, mum?"
"Yes I think that's why your father wants it. So is there anymore news?"
"No not from our end." Arianna had finished feeding Apollo and was burping him.
"Well Bella and I are officially an item, I suppose that's news." He laughed as his mother and sister looked at each looking almost identical with their raised eyebrow.
"I hope your father is okay, poor Hagrid was so upset after the trial."
"I'm sure everything is fine mum." The sat in silence for a few moments until Brian asked Kingsley about how the auror department was doing. Eventually Albus returned a smile on his face.
"What are you so happy about?" Minerva reached up to him from her place on the sofa.
"Buckbeak got away."
"WHAT!" The whole room jumped at her reaction, Albus jumped back slightly.
"When we went into the cottage he was tethered up in the pumpkin patch and when we went out for the execution, he was gone."
"But how? I mean there should have been no one ar-"
"Well fudge tried to blame Hagrid but I think you know as well as I do who it was."
"yes." Her voice was low and dangerous. "maybe I should visit Gryffindor tower."
"no, no leave them be. We still have your surprise."
"Of course." They all jumped up and Minerva tried to get up but she didn't get very far. "Well will someone help me up?"
They all offered her a hand. She took Brian's in the end. Albus came behind her and tied a blindfold over her eyes and took her hand and lead her towards the new room.
"Now Minerva I'm going to take off the blindfold and open the door in 10, 9, 8…." Everyone around him began to chant. The fabric fell away as they shouted one and Albus opened the door revealing a dream. Minerva's breath caught in her throat. The ceiling was similar to the great hall- there was a ceiling of blue sky and clouds. The walls were off-white with a large mural on one wall. There was a space for a name and around it birds flew. There was opposite this a large window looking out over the grounds. The fireplace was in the middle of the far wall, spitting away softly. The rocking chair was beside it complete with a comfy cushion. Next to the door was the changing table and adjacent to that a wardrobe. A cot with a quidditch mobile was below the mural and opposite the window, it already made ready for a baby. There was also a toy chest and a rocking hippogriff and a self with books and another with cuddly toys. "Ohh Albus it's beautiful." She gave him a kiss. "Where's the cradle?"
"I put it into our room this morning I thought you might want to have the baby in beside us at the start." He had thought of everything and she was thrilled. The baby gave a sharp kick of agreement.
"Well I would say it's perfect for little Athena." Arianna was slightly jealous of how beautiful the room was.
"Who said it was a girl and she was going to be called Athena?"
"Well what do you think we spoke about when you were at Hagrid's?" Albus stood there for a moment and then went to the window- it was getting dark fast.
"Well I and Kingsley need to get home, Apollo needs his bed and so do we." Arianna gave her mother a kiss and hug before leaving the room. A few moments later the fire was heard bursting into life and taking them away.
"I suppose me and Bella should probably head off too. Thank you for everything mum- it was fantastic."
"You could stay longer." She said as she gave him a hug. Albus mouthed just go to his son and girlfriend.
"It was lovely to meet you properly Bella."
"Yes thank you so much for your hospitality and good luck with the baby." They showed them to the fire place and watched as they disappeared back to their lives.
"Well that was nice my dear."
"Mmmm yes it was, thank you for the nursery it really is beautiful." She played with his beard. "Now I really must check for those three trouble makers. I really wish they could have one y-"she was cut off by a howl. "There's not a full moon tonight is there?"
"Yes there is but-"He stopped realising what must be going on.
"I have to check." She rushed to the door.
"Wait Minerva your charm!" She quickly cast the spell trying to get out again. "If they are gone come straight to me, no looking for them yourself." She nodded before rushing out as fast as she was physically able.
When she found her three charges missing she hurried back to Albus. "All three of them gone."
"It's okay, we've found them. Harry was down by the lake in the woods with Sirius. The dementors nearly finished them off but they were saved. Hermione and Ron were with professor Snape. Potter attacked him apparently but you know Severus. Mr Weasley has a broken leg and miss granger a slight concussion. Black is awaiting the kiss."
"Ohh no." Minerva had started crying when realisation hit that they were missing but one of her innocent pupils receiving the kiss only exuberated her tears.
"Yes well I suppose I should speak to them. Will you be alright without me here? I also have to see to fudge."
"Go, I'll be fine." She collapsed into the sofa, exhausted from the day's events. She wanted to go look at the nursery again. She found an old music box which they had had in the original nursery. As it began to play she rocked in the chair. It had always been good when she had a sore back. That was strange she didn't have a sore back a few minutes before. She kept rocking though having her fingers walk across her stomach. She closed her eyes and imagined sitting singing softly to a baby in pink with Athena written in the mural. It was snowing outside when she heard someone calling her name.
"Minerva? Minerva wake up, come on." Albus was gently shaking her shoulders. The fire had gone out and it was nearly dawn.
"Mmmh Albus? Is that you?" She opened her eyes and her hand immediately went to the small of her back.
"Sore back?" She nodded. "Come on let's get you to bed, it's a Sunday you can sleep all you need to. Oh and Sirius black escaped."
"He WHAT?" Minerva woke up immediately. "How?"
"Must you ask?"
"Ahhh, good for them." She stopped holding onto the bottom of the bed. "Ooooh"
"What's wrong?"
"My back, the pain was there last night but I thought it was nothing. It almost feels like a contraction but it's not in my stomach."
"Why don't you try and get some rest and I'll floo for Poppy." She nodded and clambered onto the bed.
"Poppy?"
"Ah Albus how can I help you?"
"Minerva's complaining of a sore back, I was wondering if you could see to her?"
"Mmmh I'd better check that she's not going into labour." She said it with a small chuckle.
"She says it feels like a contraction but it's not coming from her stomach," Albus studied poppy's face, "maybe you should just come over." Poppy nodded and within a moment she was dusting soot off her clothes.
"Minerva how are you feeling?"
"Poppy what are you doing here?" She shot Albus a glare.
"Well I can't just give you a potion without double checking it's correct for your symptoms." She watched as Minerva's face contorted with pain. "I have a feeling we have more than just a sore back."
"Really Poppy I'm fine." She was trying to hide the pain but her friend saw right through it.
"You're not Min. Now it will only take two minutes for me to examine you."
Two minutes later and she gave them the answer that both had in many ways been expecting.
"You are definitely in labour but it's concentrated in your back. Now I am slightly worried about the baby's heart rate. It was dropping slightly during that last contraction so I would like to send you to St. Mungos. Albus you have permission for a port key?"
"You do?"
"I called in a few favours. That's the safest way Poppy?"
"Yes unless you use the floo network but if Minerva gets a contraction then you might miss your grate."
"Well there's a hospital bag already in the wardrobe. Come on then let's go have a baby."
"Oh Albus how did I get you."
"By being yourself dear."
The port key took them straight into Bella's office. She was waiting for them. Albus held onto Minerva to steady her.
"I'm impressed you got around the security. You must have called a lot of favours." Minerva was clutching his arm when suddenly she let out a little squeal. A pool of water formed at her feet.
"Bella how nice to see you again. I think Minerva's ready to go."
"Yes it certainly does seem so. Now Minerva I need to get you to a room as soon as possible and check on the baby." She nodded allowing Albus to guide her to the room and help her onto the bed. Just as she sat down a contraction hit. She let out a groan.
"Minerva I'm going to monitor the baby's heart rate okay?" She nodded as another moan escaped her lips. Albus stood holding her hand. He was watching Bella for both of them as his wife's eyes were closed and saw her frown. She waited for a second contraction to come and it stayed the same. Minerva was breathing deeply. Her brow covered with sweat and her lip quivering. He gave her a quick kiss and saw as Bella shook her head.
"Minerva The baby's heart rate is dropping. I'm worried that your contractions are just coming too strong and too quickly. If things don't improve soon then we'll have to perform an emergency C section. I need to go check on a couple of other patients but I'll be back in five minutes."
Minerva's contraction had stopped but she looked incredibly pale. "What if something goes wrong- I can't lose our baby I can't."
"And you won't. Shush my darling." He placed little kisses over her crown and rocking her ever so gently.
"Oh another one's coming. I forgot how bad it is." She began to breathe in and out.
"Do you remember the first time? When you broke my nose. Then hexed me into a tea cup." He laughed slightly but she let out a wail. It was quiet and she sounded tired. Guilt washed over him but he knew that he couldn't do anything and so did she.
Bella reappeared after another contraction; she checked quickly but shook her head again.
"I'm sorry but I've not seen a big enough improvement." She saw panic flash across their faces before Albus nodded gravely. "If I need to I can have the baby out in 1 minute- so don't worry Minerva. Now let's get you down there."
Albus waited outside the theatre pacing back and forth. Brian came to join him trying to offer his father some comfort. "Bella knows what she's doing. Everything will be fine."
After thirty minutes Bella brought out a white bundle. "Congratulations Mr Dumbledore."
She handed him the bundle pulling the blanket back to reveal a pink hat. "Well it seems I got my girl after all. How's Minerva?"
"She's wonderful. They'll be bringing her out in a minute."
"I have a little sister- congratulations dad!" Brian clapped him on the back. Albus was beginning to cry slightly as he looked into her deep green eyes. She had little hair but he had a suspicion he had finally passed on those auburn locks. He walked back along to his wife's rooms talking to his daughter as he went. "Now my darling girl you have given us a few frights haven't you? Mummy's going to be so happy to see you. She was very worried about you. But you will make her very happy, yes you will. You're her little miracle, her special surprise. Now I wonder if she's back yet."
He came into the little room and found his wife waiting patiently for him. She smiled at the two of them her heart over flowing with joy. He was exactly how he had been with Arianna, smitten. He came over and handed over their precious bundle.
"Well done darling. She is truly beautiful." He came and sat beside her, letting her rest against him.
"It wasn't just me you know."
"I know. I think this is the best mistake I've ever made." He stroked the baby's cheek gently as she gave a little yawn. "She needs a name and I forgot my book."
"Well I like Athena. Now middle names."
"Well what about Lily after Lily potter, she was always one of your favourites."
"I do not have favourites! But yes I do like it. Another one maybe? What about Kendra for your mother?"
"Yes. Athena Kendra Lily McGonagall."
"She's not going to be a Dumbledore?"
"Not right now but one day maybe." Minerva sighed watching her daughter sleep.
"Will you ever get to be my husband?" He laughed.
"I always will be. Will you always be my wife?"
"Well after tonight I'm not sure." He suddenly looked hurt. "Of course darling, I think after fifty years I'm not going anywhere and I definitely can't right now."
"She is beautiful." He was utterly entranced by the little girl before him. Minerva nodded laughing as she began to cry for the umpteenth time since she had become pregnant. They were unaware of the little crowd that had gathered outside their room waiting to see the newest member of the Dumbledore family. Eventually Brian knocked and went in when he got no answer. He smiled at the sight. His parents were lying fast asleep with the baby tucked safely in their arms. He decided to let them sleep but decided it might be a good idea to move his sister just in case. As he placed her in the bassinet he heard a familiar voice from behind him.
"Put her back please, she is not a toy Mr McGonagall."
"It's Mr Dumbledore actually." He turned around and saw his mother holding her arms out.
"Please Brian; I am her mother after all."
"Yes but that doesn't mean you won't crush her. She'll be awake again soon anyway she was beginning to stir when I put her down."
"When did you learn so much about babies?"
"When you and Arianna started the factory." She gave him a seething look and he could tell he had maybe overstepped the mark. He mumbled a quick sorry however she didn't get to reprimand him any further as Athena began to whimper. "See, what did I tell you?"
"Well would be as so kind to give her back then? I take it that racket is everyone waiting to see her?"
"Yes, a few select members of her fan club." He lowered her into his mother's arms.
"Well they can come in once she's been fed but do not open that door until I tell you, understood?"
"Yes mum." He sauntered out. Minerva smiled down at her daughter thinking about how once upon a time her son had been silent like this. "Are you a hungry girl?"
Just as she latched on Albus woke up. He was surprised to hear his wife talking to their daughter.
"Your brother is a silly boy isn't he? Taking you away from me like that. He's always been a cheeky boy, even when he was a baby. He gets that from your father though."
"Does he now?" He nuzzled into her neck slightly. There was still a faint smell of her perfume.
"You know her fan club is waiting outside already. I can't believe we're doing this again. Remember we said never again after Arianna and Brian as well?"
"No you said that. Not me." She tutted. "I would do it hundreds of times again with you Minerva if you didn't have to go through the pain."
"Well I'm glad that it's happened." She turned and smiled at him. "But a hundred times is a bit excessive."
The baby stopped feeding, her eyes opening for a second, as she took in the strange people looking at her. Albus held out his finger and she took it. "Here you burp her, I'll get myself ready for our visitors."
Within 15 minutes the room was filled with all the well-wishers. Brian and Bella were there and so was Arianna and Kingsley with little Apollo. Poppy, Rolanda and Pomona were there too with an assortment of parcels. Each came over and met the little bundle. She was oblivious to her visitors happily sleeping as she was passed and cooed over.
"Mum, dad, congratulations!" Arianna took out a wizarding camera. Albus was holding Athena and turned her towards the camera grinning. Minerva was smiling too. Kingsley took a photo of his wife and in-laws twice, once with Apollo. A photo was taken of Poppy, Rolanda and Pomona cooing over her. They also took one of them surrounding Minerva. "She's been taken into the fold already dad."
"Well Brian, I'm not surprised."
"So what's her name?"
"Well your father got Athena. We each chose a second name as we did with you two. Her full name is Athena Kendra Lily McGonagall."
"A pretty name for a pretty girl."
Minerva was off work for a week after Athena was born. Albus told the school she had caught dragon pox. She came back from St. Mungos late Tuesday. She was glad that her cuts had healed quickly (thanks to faukes) and it was nice for her to spend time with her new baby. Their first night home from the hospital was interesting to say the least. Albus was waiting for his wife to arrive by carriage late that night. When she stepped down with the baby took her arm in his and they hurried to their quarters. He took her straight to their bedroom.
"You must be tired Min, it's not exactly a short journey."
"I'm fine Albus, once she's settled I'll come join you, now go get ready for bed- I don't have work tomorrow." He went off and brushed his teeth, he could hear the baby crying. And saw Minerva pacing with her back and forth in the mirror. "Minerva?"
"Yes Albus?" She sounded rather irate.
"Would you like a hand?"
"No, she's just not settling. I can't get her to go into the cradle. Every time I lower her down towards it she screeches like a banshee."
"Let me try walking with her." She grudgingly handed the baby over knowing that they both needed some sleep. After 20 minutes she took the baby back. Then 20 minutes later she gave her away again. When Albus finally handed her back, the look of desperation on his face mirrored her own feelings.
"Why is she still crying? Have you feed her? Changed her?"
"Of course I have." Minerva lay her down on their bed and almost instantly the cries died down to little whimpers. Albus's eyes widened and he nodded when Minerva reached her hands out to pick the baby up. As soon as Athena was picked up she started wailing again.
"What if we lay her between us tonight? The beds big enough?" Albus was realising that his wife had been right about the sleepless nights. He felt old and tired. It had never been this hard the last time.
"No we can't. She needs to have a routine as early as possible. I have an idea I don't know if it'll work. Lay her in the cradle and rock it gently." Albus did so and watched as his wife transformed into her animagus. She curled up at the baby's feet purring softly. The crying soon died down to a few little sobs and then nothing. They could hear the baby breathing heavily and Minerva jumped out of the cradle into her husband's arms. He carried her over to the bed where she transformed back.
"You always do have the best ideas." He whispered to her as the lights went out.
"I just wanted to get some sleep."
"Me too my dear, me too."
They ended up doing this for the rest of the week and even managed to get a decent amount of sleep. Minerva was getting ready to go back to teaching. They were trying to decide what to do with Athena though. Minerva had been given a special cloth by Bathilda Bagshot when she had first had Arianna. It was designed to act as a sling yet it had special properties and it could blend into its surrounding hiding the baby. She had used it with both of them and as long as she kept an eye on her daughter could use it again. When she pulled it out from her cupboard Albus smiled.
"I remember the first time you ever used that." She handed it to him as she tidied boxes back into the cupboard. "Arianna loved it."
"Well hopefully Athena will too." She had just closed the door when she heard a familiar wail. "Time to try it out?"
"You know it's so strange to hear a baby cry again."
"That's the second time you've said that today." She scooped her daughter up and instantly she quietened. "She's getting used to the cradle maybe I can stop being her comforter."
Albus chuckled softy and came to sit by Minerva as she began to feed Athena. "How are your cuts healing?"
"There's next to no trace of them. That was a good idea to use faukes." She watched as Albus gave a rather longing look towards their daughter. "You can have her as soon as she's finished Albus."
"I was thinking more you should try the sling when you switch sides." He passed her the cloth. She looked nervously between Athena and the fabric. Her daughter stopped for a second as if on cue. She quickly picked her up and Albus positioned the fabric. Athena gave it a quick glance before turning back to her feed, oblivious. "See she loves it."
"Well I just hope it works Albus."
"I'm sure it will and if it doesn't I can take her."
"But she needs to be fed."
"Well I can always call you out for an emergency?" He gave her a seductive smile.
"Albus, look she'll need to be fed almost every hour or two hours for the next few weeks, I can't keep popping out. After the summer I can arrange my timetable so it isn't so disrupted by it and you can take her when I can't."
"Ahhh well there may be a slight snag." She flashed him a warning look.
"Snag Albus?"
"Well my dear the ministry has decided to reopen the triwizard tournament next year and guess who has been given the honour of hosting it?"
"Who Albus?" Her voice was dark and menacing thankfully though Athena didn't notice.
"We have my dear."
"WHAT!" Athena stirred slightly and Minerva reverted her voice back to a loud whisper. "What on earth possessed you to agree?"
"Well I think it would do well for relations across wizarding Europe, don't you my dear?"
"It may well do that but there must be safer ways. Remember why they stopped them? Those poor children dying? For what? Honour? Money?"
"Really Minerva calm down it will be safer than ever before- no one will be harmed if I can help it."
"You'd better be right Albus, I mean it. If one person is harmed I will leave you and this precious school." With that she stormed out leaving her husband dumbstruck. She slammed the door of the nursery leaving him no chance to reply.
The next few weeks flew by and soon everyone was preparing to leave for the summer. Minerva had established a routine after returning. Everyone had been pleased to see her. Athena had been excellent, she would sleep most of the day and no one ever seemed to get suspicious. It was a relief that they gotten through her first month without her being discovered. The staff adored her all except Severus but even he was beginning to come around to her. Albus and Minerva lived at the castle all year around apart from taking an annual holiday in the summer. They were unsure about where to go this year. Going abroad seemed silly and impractical but they wanted to get away.
"How about Iona? We went there when the children were small and they loved it." They were sitting up the astronomy tower two days before the end of the term. Athena wasn't sleeping and so Albus had suggested they take her up there and show her the stars. She had fallen asleep almost straight away but they stayed up there. It was a nice night and late enough that no students would interrupt them.
"Yes I suppose that's a good idea. How long have we got before the ministry arrives?" she was watching her daughter intently still rather annoyed at Albus and the ministry for the tournament.
"Three weeks." She sighed. "It's not too bad my dear; Athena will get some time with us. She'll get even more with you since I can say we don't need you for every preparation."
"Albus I fear that you do. Otherwise we could have a mess. I'm sure poppy will watch her while I'm needed or Rolanda and Pomona."
"Look at her though- a month old already." He laid his pinkie in her palm.
"And she's got you wrapped around her little finger." As if to prove a point her pinkie curled around the end of his finger. They both chuckled. "I just wish we could be there more, she's going to see so little of us next year. I take it I will be expected to teach all day?"
Albus turned to her, his attempts at changing the course of the conversation having failed. "Your timetable will be fuller, hopefully only a couple of extra classes, so maybe an extra lesson each day?"
"Why this year Albus? Of all the years." She snuggled in closer to him as he wrapped an arm around her.
"Because we both know a war is coming. We need good communications and relations with Drumstrang and Beauxbatons, they will be useful."
"Useful or not, if one child is seriously injured I will stick to my earlier threat." Her voice was dark and forceful yet only a whisper.
"Please Minerva let's not talk about it. Enjoy the stars with me and our daughter." She saw the look in his eyes and gave a deflated sigh.
"Why do you have to always do that?"
"Do what my dear?"
"Manage to win an argument without even shouting or losing your temper?"
"Because you do it enough for the two of us." She gave him a playful slap on the wrist.
Minerva watched as the last coach took the children towards the train. Athena was in the sling, awake but content. She hurried back into the castle before taking her out of the sling and carrying her in her arms. "How about a tour of the castle now that everyone is gone?"
They walked around everywhere apart from the dungeons- Minerva telling her "you won't ever need to go into the dungeons. Not if I can help it."
She came to Albus's office and gave the password of exploding fizzbees to the gargoyle. It moved as the two of them made their way towards his door. Athena began to fuss as they got to the door, she was hungry and Minerva had a small dilemma. She couldn't open to door with Athena in her arms and she couldn't reach her wand. She could wait but that could take hours. She was just getting Athena back into the sling when the door was opened and her husband gave her a bemused look.
"Here for a little visit are we?" She was looking rather tired. He held out his hands and his wife gave over their daughter coming into the room and collapsing into her usual chair. "Busy day my dear?"
"No we've just been exploring the castle." He brought Athena over and she reached out for Minerva. "She's hungry Albus."
He sighed and handed her over and instantly Minerva had her positioned and her Athena for a feed. He sat down in his seat opposite her summoning his packet of lemon sherbets. Minerva raised an eyebrow. "What, she's not the only one who's hungry."
"Yes but someone is eating lots of sugar." He feigned a huff. "I'm only worried about your health darling."
"You worry far too much my dear." He banished his sweets though. "Another year over."
"Yes the castle seemed sad today when everyone had left. I'm glad in many ways it's over though- I will certainly not be forgetting this year anytime soon." She nodded at Athena.
"Yes it has been rather memorable. By the way my dear, I got invited to the world cup and they said I could take a guest."
"Oh Albus, do you mean me?" He nodded. "But Athena?"
"Yes which is why I said no thank you for me, however I did manage to procure some tickets for you and Rolanda. I could possibly watch her for the day."
"You did?" Her eyes were gleaming. "Thank you! Did you hear that darling your daddy has made me very happy?"
"Well the minister won't be coming till that's over so I thought I could spend some time with her. Arianna has to watch Apollo so she can't come but Brian is going." She gave him a lingering kiss.
"I suppose this summer will be just as memorable."
So that's it- don't know how you feel about it- I have ideas for extending it.