Chapter 2: The McGonagall's
Albus had been brooding in his rooms for the past three days, he had refused to see anybody. Armando Dippet was concerned about his friend and colleague, he had tried to talk to him but Albus would just sit there, staring into space. It was usual for Albus to keep his feelings close to his chest but not this close. Armando decided to have one more go at trying to get through to Albus.
He knocked on the door and wasn't surprised to get no answer. He strolled into his friend's private chambers without being asked. He found Albus sat in his usual chair beside the fire, looking out of the window and across the lake, into the hills. Albus showed no recognition of Armando's arrival, and this was the last straw for the current headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
"Albus Dumbledore!" said Armando "Enough is enough. I refuse to let you sit here and waste away. I am ordering you to have a break."
"I can deal with this myself," replied Albus, through gritted teeth "in my own time."
"Well you can deal with it in your own while you're on your break," answered Armando "my word is final."
With a swish of his robes, Armando disappeared leaving Albus alone to think about what he had said. Albus sat there for a few moments wondering, where on earth he would go when an idea popped into his head. He wasted no time in fetching the floo powder and throwing a small handful into the roaring fire beside him. He stated clearly "Maxim McGonagall."
He waited a few moments and then a head appeared in the green flames. The man had raven-colored hair and bright green eyes, his face was happy and wise.
"Well. well Albus Dumbledore," spoke Maxim with a wide smile "it's been too long, old friend."
"Maxim," greeted Albus with a small smile "you haven't changed one bit. How are you, Kate and the girls?"
"All is well," answered Maxim "the girls are wonderful but that's not why we're talking, is it?"
"No," replied Albus, truthfully "I have meant to get in contact before, but with one thing after the other I haven't. I feel terrible."
"Well don't," said Maxim "I know how hard you're working."
"I know this is a bit out of the blue Maxim," said Albus "but may I come and stay for a few days?"
"You know our door is always open to you, Albus," answered Maxim "It will be nice to have some male company for a change."
"I have to pack some belongings then I'll be with you," said Albus, gratefully.
Albus threw a few belongings into his plain dark purple traveling bag and scribbled a quick note, explaining to Armando his plans. He walked over to the fire place, and threw a big handful of floo powder into the flames before stepping into the and stating "Sonas ends Soraidh".
Albus stepped out of the fireplace into a warm, inviting living room where Maxim and Kate McGonagall were waiting for him.
"Albus," said Kate warmly, as she embraced him. "How are you?"
"Hello Kate," answered Albus, returning the embrace "I'm holding up."
"Tell us what happened," she said softly as she led him over to a comfortable looking couch.
Albus filled Kate and Maxim in about what had happened with Avalon and Donald, both gave their deepest sympathies. Kate squeezed his hand before getting up and disappearing into the kitchen to prepare lunch for them all.
"I thought I had found my answer to your Kate," said Albus, once she had gone.
"Really?" enquired Maxim "I was never really sure about her, to be honest."
"I thought she was the one," said Albus "how wrong I was."
"Albus," said Maxim "no one expects you to get over this woman quickly, take your time and try to enjoy your time here with us."
"I know," replied Albus "enough about this for now. Tell me about those two wonderful girls of yours."
"Athena will be starting Hogwarts this year, as no doubt you know already. Minerva has just completed her auror training, passed a year before she was meant to. It's not a job I wanted my little girl to go into but you know Minerva, once she has an idea in that pretty little head, there is no stopping her."
"Oh yes, I know Minerva," replied Albus with a smile.