Chapter Three - Meeting Minerva

"Lunch is ready," called Kate from the kitchen.

Albus and Maxim got up from the comfort of their chairs and made their way into the warm rustic looking kitchen. The large oak table that dominated the kitchen was piled high with a variety of Albus Dumbledore's favourite foods, much to the delight of Albus.

The youngest McGonagall daughter came skidding into the kitchen and came to an abrupt stop when she saw Albus standing beside her father. Her mouth dropped open and she fiddled with her fingers as she looked at him.

"P-professor Dumbledore!" she finally said, before disappearing into the downstairs bathroom.

"We hadn't got around to telling her about your stay," explained Maxim, with a small smile.

"Well that would certainly explain her reaction," replied Albus, as he sat down around the oak table "Kate, this is a lovely spread, I hope it's not just down to my visit."

"Of course it is Albus," she answered as she handed him a plate "Maxim, would you be so kind to fetch your daughter from the bathroom?"

"Certainly my dearest," replied Maxim as he made his way out of the kitchen to fetch his youngest daughter.

"Will Minerva be joining us?" enquired Albus.

"I doubt it," replied Kate "she has a interview with Alastor Moody for a highly sought job of joining the Alpha hit squad."

"Alpha!" asked Albus "She must be good to get an interview. Alastor only wants the best for his team."

"That's what I'm afraid of, Albus," said Kate, as she slid into the seat next to him "Minerva is still my little girl. I had hoped she would go into teaching but no she chooses the Auror life instead."

"Minerva will be an exceptional auror, Kate," reassured Albus, placing his hand on her arm and giving it a gentle squeeze. "She still may decide on teaching, and my job will be available in a few years and she will be first choice."

Maxim and Athena returned to the kitchen and Athena kept close to her father as they sat down. Throughout the meal, Albus was aware of Athena watching him closely, he even caught her eye a few times but she quickly looked away. Albus found the whole situation rather amusing as the lunch progressed.

The three adults were chatting together when the back door swung open and in swept a cloaked person. Albus could make out a slender woman beneath the thick green and red tartan, heavy travelling cloak. She pulled down the hood and revealed a mass of ebony wavy hair and piercing green eyes. Her features were delicate, she looked like an expensive porcelain doll.

"You would not believe the day I have had," she spoke, her Scottish accent light and soft. "the ego of that man."

She removed her tartan travelling cloak and flung it over a nearby chair, she was wearing slightly fitting emerald green robes.

"There will be other jobs," answered Kate, slightly pleased that her daughter appeared not to have gotten the job.

"I got the job Mum," she answered "but I still feel Alastor Moody has an inflated ego."

"I wouldn't let him hear you say that," said Albus softly "he is likely to hex you into next week."

"Professor Dumbledore!" said Minerva as she whirled around to face him, a smile lighting up her face "I didn't know you were here. What a pleasant surprise