Sorry this took a bit longer; I hope you guys like it!

Sweet Disorder

Chapter IV

Sophie listened in awed fascination as Dumbledore recreated the history of the Wizarding world. He had planned on telling her only about Hogwarts, but he suddenly found himself regaling her with tales of Beadle the Bard, the Ministry, and even his life. Leaving out his childhood, of course.

Three hours later, Diana was dead asleep and Albus had just finished talking about Harry.

"Oh," Sophie began, "he's the one you wrote to me about. The one you felt so strongly about." She paused. "The one that you couldn't bear to tell about his past."

Albus looked down. "I should not have told you that." He pushed himself off his chair and moved to sit on the steps leading to the sitting room in the rear of his office. "Sometimes I feel as if I could tell Harry, but Sophie, he is so young."

Sophie moved to sit by him. "But he should know," she replied quietly. Sensing Albus' weariness of the subject, and not feeling close enough to him to encourage its pursuit, she changed the subject. "Why do you not tell anyone these things?"

"No one should bear the weight I do, my dear," Albus answered. "I would not wish it on anyone-"

Suddenly, the door creaked open. Snape stood there, watching them with an odd look on his face. "Headmaster, the Minister and his… posse is here. Minerva is babysitting him in the Great Hall."

Dumbledore chuckled softly and sounding a bit relieved, stood and walked to the door. Sophie quickly picked Diana up and followed him. "Well," she began, "judging from what you've told me, this conversation ought to be extremely interesting."

"No doubt, Miss Stromwell," Snape said, tilting his head. "The Minister is an egotistic pig; I'd watch myself if I were you."

Sophie looked surprised. After what Harry, Hermione, and Ron had told her… "Thanks, Professor."

Dumbledore smiled secretively. "We are all adults here, are we not? First name basis sounds nice to me," he said vaguely, but Sophie could tell it was more of a command. She smiled: how very sly of the old man.

Snape rolled his eyes sulkily. "Of course, Albus… Sophie."

The Headmaster clapped his hands together cheerfully. "Wonderful! Now, I can only subject Minerva to a certain amount of 'Minister Entertainment' before I get killed later, so let us be on our way!"

Grabbing the tin of lemon drops on his desk for the walk, Albus left first, leaving Severus and Sophie to bring up the rear, shaking their heads, amused, or in Snape's case, annoyed.

It turned out the Headmaster walked tremendously fast, as did the Potions Master, making Sophie practically run after them, Diana a dead weight in her arms. 'Boys,' she thought irritably.

Sophie's first impression of the Minister of Magic was not a good one. In fact, as soon as she saw him, she had a sudden urge to annoy the hell out of him. Diana's beautiful blue eyes stared up into hers, seeming to understand, as the toddler suddenly cracked a smile. "Yes, my dear," she cooed under her breath. "This should be fun. Like Mr. Simmons."

Mr. Simmons had been Sophie's sixth grade science teacher, and his know-it-all, let's-never-smile personality had encouraged Sophie and her classmates to drive him up a wall. Which they did.

Which also meant Sophie had quite a lot of practice with this type of thing.

What she didn't take into account was exactly how much this man would piss her off. As soon as he caught sight of her, he grimaced. "Why, Albus, you didn't tell me that your Muggle was a young mother also! What a surprise," he said unctuously. Dumbledore's eyes narrowed in a way Sophie thought was very out of character.

"I'm afraid you have drawn the wrong conclusion, Cornelius," Dumbledore began, cracking a smile when both Minerva and Severus coughed to cover a mutually said 'again'. "Miss Stromwell rescued this child from an untimely death, and this castle, meaning the four founders seemed to recognize that. Whether or not there were more reasons for the castle's glamour falling, we are still trying to figure out. The Heads of House and I agreed a blood test will be administered tomorrow."

A young woman nervously stepped forward from behind the group of Ministry officials. "Excuse me, sir?"

Albus smiled at her. "Yes, Miss Trapp?" The girl squeaked quietly, surprised. "Yes, I do remember you. You are Victoria Trapp, and you received an extremely high NEWT in Charms. I am so glad that the Ministry decided to employ such a talented young witch."

The girl blushed, grinning from ear to ear. She didn't seem nervous anymore. "Well, Professor Dumbledore, I was just wondering if you checked the Hogwarts registry? Maybe Miss Stromwell and the child might be on that list?" She asked. Sophie beamed at her when their gazes met. She was glad some witches and wizards didn't believe Muggles were totally inferior.

Minerva started. "Why, I hadn't thought of that! Severus, would you mind perhaps…"

Snape bowed slightly. "No problem at all, Professor McGonagall. I will return in a moment." He stiffly turned and left quickly through the side door.

Discussion about what was to be done about Sophie resumed, and a weak-willed Cornelius Fudge found himself bowing to the combined persuasive skills of Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore. By the time Severus returned, dinner was fast approaching as students began to enter the Great Hall. The group moved the raised platform in front of the teacher's table to make room for the hungry Hogwarts inhabitants.

"No sign of them, Headmaster. Not thirteen years ago, nor in the coming years. I even checked with the nearest magic school to Boston. Nothing, I'm afraid," Snape informed them.

Sophie's shoulders slumped. "Guess we're just Muggles then, aren't we, my dear?" She cooed to the child in her arms. The three Hogwarts professors looked at her, concerned, but her shoulders suddenly straightened. "Oh well," she said, loud enough for the Ministry officials to hear, "more fun for us, I guess!" She swung Diana around in a circle, both laughing happily. By now, the hall was full, and most were watching the two with cute smiles on their faces.

However, Fudge snorted. "Well, Dumbledore, we'll be on our way. Make sure the Muggles don't bring down our entire existence!" He made it sound as though he was joking, but Sophie decided some retaliation was in order.

She walked quickly over to Minerva and Albus, loudly whispering. "Wow, who died and put him in charge? And anyways, why aren't you Minister, Albus? You're clearly more intelligent and powerful." Then, smirking at the hall's astonishment, she quieted.

Fudge turned around slowly, his face so red it was nearly purple. "You shut your mouth, girl!" He yelled at her, waving his wand at her menacingly. "Watch how you speak to your superiors! Stup-"

Before he finished the spell, Albus had jumped in front of the young woman and the child, casting a strong Protego charm; nothing could've gotten past it. Luckily, there ended up being no need for that at all.

For the floor under the Minister of Magic had swallowed him up, wand and all. The Ministry officials stared in horror, while the entire hall burst into laughter. Sophie bent down, whispering her thanks to the castle. Hogwarts purred in response.

Dumbledore raised his hands, and quiet instantly descended. "Let this be a friendly warning to you all. Miss Stromwell and Diana are not to be harmed while staying in this castle. This castle is extremely protective." He laughed. "Now, let us all stuff our faces!"

The students roared in agreement as food appeared. Albus turned around to face a disapproving Minerva. "Now, Albus, was that graphic image really necessary?"

Sophie laughed, and looked out the window, where Fudge had just appeared, escorted by wary officials.

The young woman left Diana with Poppy, making her way to the Gryffindor table. "This is the last time I'll be eating here. Minerva is going to get me a seat at the Head Table." The Golden Trio looked sad.

"And we were just getting used to you," Harry joked.

They ate in a comfortable silence, until Sophie couldn't help but ask a question that had been on her mind since she had arrived. "So, those two," she nodded toward Dumbledore and McGonagall, "how long have they been together?"

Ron nearly spit out his food. "McG? And Dumbledore? Together?" He looked at her with wide eyes. "Are you insane?"

Sophie shrugged, hurt. "Well, it looks pretty obvious to me," she retorted. She suddenly had the attention of their section of the table.

Lavender Brown sighed. "You really think so? I mean, it could be kind of adorable if you look at it the right way…"

Harry and Hermione shook their head. "No way in hell," Harry said decisively, and Hermione nodded, agreeing with him.

"I mean, they're opposites," Hermione observed.

Neville leaned forward, joining the conversation. "Not really. They're both very intelligent and powerful, and fair-minded and they both love chess. And didn't Dumbledore teach Transfiguration before McGonagall came along?"

"Yes, when McGonagall was in school," Hermione emphasized. "I think it would be too awkward for them to have a relationship after he was her professor."

"You never know," Sophie shrugged. "There's a lot of occurrences where students and teachers actually get together during the student's school year, and I bet it's been a long time since McGonagall was in…" She paused at the disgusted looks on the students around her. "What? Well, it happens, and I don't really think you guys could understand. You're only thirteen, and probably have never had a serious crush on a teacher."

Seamus snorted. "And you have?" At Sophie's blush, he grinned slyly. "You have…"

"Hey!" She exclaimed defensively. "He was hot, and it wasn't that serious. It's not like I wanted to have sex with him or anything…"

"Too much information!" Hermione shrieked, clapping a hand over Sophie's mouth. "We do not need to know anymore."

Suddenly, the black-haired girl's eyes widened. "There!" she pointed furiously at the couple, who were currently leaning toward each other as they spoke. "Right there! See that smile on his face when he looks at her? And the way they're practically holding hands on the table? They're totally together!"

Hermione shook her head. "Okay, maybe I see it, but that does not mean they are together. You know what I think?" Everyone leaned in as Hermione whispered, "I think they're in love… they just haven't realized it yet."

Suddenly, it was both a mutual agreement and the juiciest bit of Hogwarts gossip in years. Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore were in love.

Or, at least, they thought so.

HPHPHP

"Everything here is just so surreal," Sophie whispered.

Albus turned back to her. "I know, my dear. It seems I have to take it in again and again every time I walk through these halls, even when I'm in a rush."

After about five minutes of walking, they came to a stop in front of a painting of an old bearded man. Dumbledore stopped short, nearly sending Sophie crashing into him. "Lord Merlin," he greeted, bowing low.

"Professor Dumbledore," the painting intoned. "It is satisfying to see you well. Who is the young maiden?"

Sophie stepped up to the painting, following Albus' lead and curtsying. "Sophie Stromwell, Lord Merlin." She paused. "If you don't mind me asking, Merlin as in… the Merlin?"

The painting chuckled. "Yes, my dear." He turned to face Dumbledore. "I think I might grow to like this one, Albus."

Dumbledore placed a hand on Sophie's shoulder, squeezing affectionately. "She is quite likable."

Sophie frowned up at the two old wizards. "I do wish you would quit talking about me as though I wasn't here," she said, upset.

"Well, I do believe this will cheer you, my dear," Dumbledore commented vaguely, "but first you will have to set a password."

Sophie was confused. "A what?"

"A password," Merlin reiterated. "It is a sort of magical lock; only those who know your password will be able to enter your rooms."

Sophie only looked more confused than ever. "Wait, I have more than one room?"

Dumbledore only peered at her. "Set a password, my dear," he repeated.

Sophie rolled her eyes. "Alright," she thought aloud. "Well, my mom is a Literature professor, so I suppose I'll pay homage to her. First line of a poem, and I'll change it every two weeks."

"Okay, get this down, Merlin. First password: Death, be not proud."

Dumbledore looked at her curiously. "Interesting choice; John Donne is a fabulous poet, albeit a bit dreary for my own tastes."

Without much preamble, the portrait swung open, revealing a cozy main room. The only problem was its color.

"Why is it all white?" Sophie asked.

The room was perfect. A couch and two fluffy looking beanbags were situated in front of a burning fireplace, and there were picture frames and scrolls hanging on the walls and on the mantels. There was even a few bookshelves lined along a corner. Only, as Sophie had pointed out, the room was completely colorless.

Dumbledore replied by answering her question with another. "What is your favorite color?"

Sophie threw up her hands. "I give up! Keep your vagueness!" She paused, then grinned up at him. "It's purple."

Dumbledore shook his head slowly at her, pulling out his wand and waving it over all the furniture. "I have more fun being vague. Also, I believe you have enough bluntness for the both of us."

Sophie laughed. "Stupid American attitude," she chided herself.

Now the room was accented in different shades of purple, and Dumbledore informed her that her bathroom and bedroom were the same way. He pointed to a staircase. "That leads up to both yours and Diana's bedrooms, but Diana will stay with Poppy tonight so you can make yourself familiar." He pointed out the bathroom, and showed that by tapping a certain book, a passage would appear and lead to his office, in case she wanted to pop in.

Finally, Dumbledore turned back to her, resting his hands on her shoulders. "You did mention you painted?" She nodded. "Well, the castle hears all. Come this way," he waved his hand towards a door in the back that she hadn't even noticed was there. He opened it, and she gasped in shock, then happiness.

Inside was a completely white room that seems to go on forever. One corner was overflowing with drawing supplies and a huge circular window dominated the middle of one wall. One minute, Sophie was nearly fainting, then the next she had hugged Dumbledore, murmuring thank you, then dropping to her knees and thanking the castle.

Sophie was soon knee-deep in painting utensils and the paint itself, and whispering good-bye, Dumbledore waved his hand and immediately all the candles lit.

She didn't even notice him leaving.

HPHPHP

As Albus entered his office, he was already beginning to hear the sounds of another argument coming from his two favorite staff members. Oh dear Circe, he was beginning to get the most awful headache.

"Minerva, Severus, did you two find the food well?" He asked calmly as he entered the office.

"Very," Minerva replied tersely. However, her hardened expression melted when she saw the expression on his face. She knew that expression. She quickly dismissed Severus, asking him to research the Dementors and why they did not attack Diana and Sophie. As soon as the door closed, she pulled Albus over to the couch and made him sit down.

"What is it, Albus?" She asked carefully, offering him some tea.

The Headmaster politely took a sip, then sat it down. "Nothing, Minerva. You know, you would make a wonderful headmistress."

Minerva groaned. "Oh Albus, not this again. Not one student hates you, and they'd all probably up and leave Hogwarts if you made the decision to resign."

Albus sighed. "What if I am not meant to survive this war, Min? I love Hogwarts so much, but I guess I know I would be leaving it in good hands," he mentioned indistinctly.

The Transfiguration Mistress' eyes narrowed. "You know something, don't you Dumbledore? Something else you are going to refuse to tell me. Well, forget it. I will not beg you for your secrets any longer."

As much as Albus wanted her to stay, he didn't have the strength to utter a single word. Only when she was long gone, and only a faint scent of vanilla lingered in front of him… only then did he have to the courage to say a small phrase. "I'm so sorry," he croaked.

But he knew without question that a simple apology was no longer an excuse, and it probably never had been with them.

HPHPHP

There you guys go! Hope you enjoyed the slightly angsty ADMM moment at the end; it was fun to write.

Please review.

~lala~