A/N: Thanks to everyone that is sticking with this fic. Here's the next chapter. It's not as long as I was hoping, but I hope you like it.
I'm grateful of all the reviews I have recived so far. Thank You!

-CHAPTER SEVEN-

The Hogwarts Express

The weeks passed with no event, other than Minerva being a bad patient, of course. Before the family knew what was happening it was time for them to head back to Hogwarts to ready themselves for the feast. As always Albus and Minerva planned to take Marie with them via portkey, but this year, she had other plans.

"Why can't I go on the Hogwarts Express?!"

"Because it won't change to your needs, and one of us will have to come with you."

"But – "

"No, Marie."

"Why can't mom come with me?" Marie looked hopefully at Minerva who had sat on the floor, in front of the fire, silent through the whole argument. "Mom?"

"Don't drag your mother into this."

"Albus." Minerva looked up at her husband. Albus' expression soften slightly as he looked down at Minerva."If she wants to go on the train, let her. I'll go with her. And, I'll be at the castle in time for the sorting. I'm sure Hagrid will look after her, besides, Hermione's going with the first years, and she on the train."

"If you wish, Minerva." Albus sighed and walked briskly off to the master bedroom.

"Thanks, mom."

"It's okay, kitten. It's been a while since I've been on the train with the children." Minerva embraced her daughter warmly before going in search of Albus.

"Albus?"Minerva stepped into their bedroom to find Albus stood starring out of the window. "Albus?" When Albus didn't reply, Minerva went and stood in front of him. "Albus?"

"Minerva."

"Why Albus? Why did you shout at her? And why won't you let her go on the train?"

"I don't want her to go on the train because I need to know that you're both safe. After this summer, I don't want to risk anything." Albus cupped Minervas' face and kissed her gently.

"But, why not simply tell her that, Albus? Why shout at her? You know full well that she'd understand."

"I know, Minerva. And I'm sorry." Albus hung his head slightly.

"It's not me you need to be saying that to Albus. Now, I think you should go and explain your actions to your daughter while I pack a small bag for on the train."

***

An hour later, the McDore family stood on platform 9 3/4. Hermione was helping Marie onto the train and into a compartment for the three of them. While Minerva stood in Albus' embrace.

"Promise me you'll take care Minerva. I don't want you or my little kittens to get hurt."

"I'll send you my patronous if either of us need any help. I promise."

"I'll be on the platform waiting for you with the portkey straight to our rooms." Albus engaged Minerva in passionate kiss and duel of tongues. "I love you, tabby."

"I love you too, Albus." Minerva hugged her husband while he kissed his forehead and then headed onto the train when the whistle blew and after all the children were on board. Minerva stood at the door and waved at Albus as they set off. Marie too hung out of one of the windows, with Hermiones' help and waved and blew a kiss to her father. Once the train rounded the corner, Albus portkeyed to Hogwarts and Minerva joined the two girls in their compartment.

Marie was sat in a corner snuggled up with Hermione while Minerva grabbed her book and buried her nose in it, smiling to herself as she did so. Marie and Hermione had always been close. Minerva had noticed that since Marie found out that she was pregnant, she had been spending more and more of her time writing to Hermione and in floo calls. It was obvious that the pair were growing closer. How close was the million galleon question.

Two hours later, there was a loud crash in the corridor so Minerva went to check things out, leaving the pair to themselves. Marie opened her eyes slightly, smiling up at Hermione and sighing. It was the first time the pair had been alone since the end of the school year.

"Hello sleepy head." Hermione smiled as she ran her fingers through Maries' long raven hair.

"Hi, 'Mione." Marie said, her voice thick with sleep.

"How are you feeling, honey?"

"My legs hurt, but other that that, I'm fine. You?"

"I'm okay. Worried about you though."

"You always say that." The girls giggled and Hermione pulled Marie onto her lap and pulled her close.

"I know." Hermione looked loving at the girl in her arms and wiped away the single tear that had trickled down her perfect cheek. "It's okay, love. We'll be at the castle soon."

"I hope so. I don't know how much longer I can keep my pain from mom."

"You should tell her dear."

"I know, I just don't want to worry her. She's only just got off bed rest and I really don't want to worry her any more than needs be."

"Okay, love. Is there anything I can do? You know how much I hate seeing you in pain."

"I'm sorry 'Mione. You could hold be close for the rest of the journey though. That would help." Marie smiled sweetly at Hermione.

"Okay." Hermione pressed a gentle kiss to Maries' forehead and held her close. Hermione could have sworn that she was feeling love for the girl in her arms. No, not the sister type. More of the ... girlfriend type.

Marie rested her head on Hermiones' chest and sighed as she listened to her strong heart beat. Marie wrapped her arms around Hermiones' waist and held her close. Sitting for half an hour in comfortable silence came easily for the pair, nothing being said until Minerva walked back into their compartment.

"It seems Draco Malfoy has a son that likes to follow in his fathers footsteps." Minerva sighed as she sat down, resting her hands on her slight bump.

"This year should be fun then." Hermione giggled slightly. Draco Malfoy had a son. Merlin she would have some fun this year.

"Was Draco the one that calls you a 'mudblood'?"

"Yes, my sweet." Hermione started to stroke her hair, hoping to sooth Marie a little. She could she the pain in her sweethearts eyes and it hurt her that she couldn't do anything to take her pain away.

Minerva smiled and looked at the pair. "You both look rather comfy."

"We are thank you, mom."

"Good." Minerva raised an eyebrow at the two girls. She knew the look in their eyes far too well, as it was the one that she and Albus saved for each other. Reminding herself to keep an eye on the two, Minerva opened her book and dived back in the world of the muggle author, Karin Slaughter, for the rest of the journey. Meanwhile, Hermione and Marie were whispering to each other. Sometimes they would whisper endearments, sometimes they would whisper about other things, like if they had a girlfriend or not. Marie knew that her mother didn't like the thought of discussing romantic relationships with her, as she had tried many a time, finally turning to Hermione, whom was only too happy to help Marie figure out her sexuality. Even though Marie was eleven, she was very mature. A old head on young shoulders, one may say.

When the train pulled up to the platform, Minerva looked out the window and saw Albus waiting for them. Noticing his eyes were twinkling in their usual loving way. Minerva looked at her daughter and the woman in the arms she was lay, she smiled brightly at the sight and sighed. It seemed to Minerva, that her star pupil had found someone to love. As had her daughter. She'd been so blind before, now though, she could see everything. Even if they hadn't realised it themselves yet.

Stepping out onto the platform, Minerva was pulled into a passionate embrace by her husband, while Marie was holding Hermiones' hand.

"How was the journey, kitten?"

"It was okay, dad." Marie looked at her father, hoping to tell him how much pain she was in without having to worry her mother. Marie held Hermiones' hand tighter as she felt the pain get worse as she moved towards her parents.

"Which way do you want to go to the castle then? Portkey or boat?"

"Boat."

"I don't think that's a good idea, sweetie." Hermione looked at Marie. Her eyes begging her to go with her parents back to the castle.

"Why's that, Hermione?" Minerva raised her head from Albus' chest and looked at Hermione to Marie and back again.

"I'm in pain, mom. Have been since you went to sort Malfoy out."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"This is why. You'd start to worry and send for dad. You would have got yourself all worked up and not be able to teach or help Hermione out with her classes." Marie looked down at her legs and closed her eyes. "I just want to be treated normally for once."

"I'll take care of her Minerva."

"Send for me if she gets too cold, or if she's in too much pain." Minerva turned and buried her head in Albus' chest. All she wanted was for her daughter to be safe. For her to come back to her in one piece.

"I promise." Hermione nodded to the two professors and headed towards the other first years with Marie in tow.

"See you later, kitten."

"Bye dad. Love you mom."

"Love you too, angel." It was a whisper, but Minerva knew that her daughter would pick up on it. She always did have a way of hearing things that she wasn't meant to.

"Shall we head back to the castle, my dear?"

Minerva nodded and held onto Albus. "I hope she's okay."