DISCLAIMER: Nope. Not mine. Used shamelessly and without remorse.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I know that fluffy-Dumbledore isn't goint to fly anymore. But it would when I first thougt this ff!

SUMMARY: An ill-tempered Minerva, a family reunion and some blackmailing from Dumbledore. No wonder that Aberforth turned out to be a strange fellow.

MCGONAGALL'S PRECIOUS CUBS

They flew over Hogwarts, the Forbidden Forest and finally they landed with a small thud in Hogsmeade. The sky was gray - it was raining lightly and the roads were all muddy.

Minerva thought it was odd, hiding near Hogwarts when the whole Ministry would be looking for them, but she knew better. He must have a plan. He always did, even if he never shared it.

They walked to the Hog's Head. The tall bar keeper greeted them 'warmly'.

"I thought you said you were coming alone." said the bar keeper in a seriouss tone, but his twinkling blue eyes, so much like his brother's, were smiling mischievously.

"She wouldn't have it any other way." said Dumbledore, sitting on a chair with Fawkes by his side.

"So, you two have been plotting this for some time now."

"Yes" said the brothers on a perfect imitation of the Weasley twins when they are caught with their hands in a cookie jar.

"I don't appreciate you planning my conduct without my presence." McGonagall said crisply.

"He" said Aberforth pointing an accusatory finger to his brother "was hoping to ditch you. And with good reason, I might add."

"I most certainly was not!" said Dumbledore in mock indignation.

Minerva tensed and sat down next to him. It wouldn't do to extend this meeting any longer. They were, after all, on the run.

Aberforth poured some tea on preposterous tea cups that mismatched their saucers earning a grimace from Minerva.

The bar was closed. There were no customers to eavesdrop on them. With as little detail as theis fleeting situation awarded, they discussed Dumbledore's plan, the Order and Dumbledore's Army. Aberforth laughed at that. "Silly boy. Very loyall, very blunt. You can't help liking this kid, don't you?"

"We all do, Aberforth" answered Minerva. Her eyes full of wonder for the boy. Dumbledore's Army, really!

"That brings us to this conclusion, Minerva" Began Dumbledore hopefully "You agree that we need someone to keep Dolores under control in Hogwarts, don't you?"

"Of course I do! The students and the teachers will be lost without some support against that, that woman." Spat Professor McGonagall. "But you see Dumbledore, the only one who could exert some control over her, is you."

"No, my dear. You have quite an impact on her as well."

Minerva blushed slightly.

"Well, I try" she said with the smallest of smiles.

"So, since the whole Ministry is looking for me, the sensible choice would be…"

"NO, Dumbledore!" interrupted McGonagall. "I see what you are trying to do and, trust me, it won't work!" Minerva knew she was been irrational. She knew that Dumbledore needed her at Hogwarts. She was fairly certain that she also would be in his way on whatever he was supposed to do. And yet, the thought of leaving him was terrifing.

Aberforth sighted. He got up to fill their long empty cups, muttering something that sounded like "damn stubborn Gryffindors" and barely avoiding a flying-saucer that Minerva hurled on his direction.

Dumbledore, too, sighted. He didn't want to send her to that vicious woman anymore than she wanted to be there. But some things should be endured for the greater good. Even now. Especially now.

It was time for a strategic move.

"Think about the students, Minerva. Think about your little cubs." Dumbledore tried not to smile as he said 'little cubs'. He knew that her weak spot was her precious Gryfindors and she would never forgive herself if something bad happened to them whislt she was gone. He also knew that this was great blackmail material.

"Are you trying to do a sentimental blackmail with me, Professor Dumbledore?" asked Professor McGonagall with one eyebrow raised. Gods, the woman was fast. She'd make one cunning Slytherin. His lips twitched - if she knew what he was thinking, she'd be doing a lot more than raising eyebrows.

"I wouldn't dream of doing so" answered an amused Dumbledore.

"Good" Minerva said it a little too quickly. "Now, WHAT do you find so funny, Aberforth?!?!" inquired a distressed McGonagall at a laughing Dumbledore. "This is a conspiracy!"

There was some silence and then the room exploded in laughter.