August 23rd, 1965

Amadeus McGonagall Dumbeldore (under the last name Shaylander, claiming to be Clara's second cousin) was about to make his magical debut playing before 300 witches and wizards in Bletchly hall. This expansion of the Ministry was fairly recent and equipped with the best instruments of the day. Amadeus had been in to practice on the piano several times. He had carefully selected his two hours of repertoire, and spent hours in the company of friends and family, fine-tuning the magical elements of his performance. Even now, the palms of his hands were sweating, and his was having a slightly problem getting a full breath in without feeling dizzy.

At eighteen, Amadeus was an exciting new performer in the wizarding music scene. His most recent piano instructor, Daniel Unser, while barely able to mold and shape the entire scope of Deus' talents, had been able to secure him debut tours and records for both the magical and muggle communities. All through his seven years at Hogwarts, the boy had spent his every spare moment plugging away on a grand piano kept in the room of requirement for his use. While his family would be at quidditch matches, watching the stellar progress of Teddy to Griffindor team captain, Deus would slip unnoticed from the Ravenclaw common room travel to Hogsmead for a lesson from Unser on the piano Aberforth kept in a back room of the Hogs Head. He would play until his entire upper body was too stiff to move, but had to gently refuse offers of pepper-up potion Daffy had just recently learned to brew in her favorite subject.

As soon as "Amadeus Shaylander" received his diploma from Hogwarts, he was released from his parent's stipulation that he finished school before pursuing a musical career. By mid-July, Deus had both of his records out in stores across England, the continent, and America. The sales had been fairly encouraging. Witches and muggle girls the world over were wooed by the flaming red hair and enticing blue eyes of this extraordinary musician. Mr. Unser, now full-time agent, insisted on a full-blown tour of the world. For the magical performances, Deus would be forced to travel all over the world. There were few wizarding communities large enough to provide the audiences necessary to fill the halls they were frequenting. And, Daniel had warned him early on in his training that playing solely for magical audiences (while far more rewarding for a wizard with such extensive magical symphonic abilities) would never pay the bills. Therefore, they drilled every single song he played both in a magical and muggle style.

Deus' confidence never wavered, as he plunged deeper and deeper into an incredibly ambitious career. But at every minor performance and informal concert, his friends, family and occasional strangers would assure him that they had never seen talent on his scale. Thus boosted with confidence, Deus took his first un-shaken breath in several hours, straightened his robes, and flourished onto the stage.

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By the end of 1965, Amadeus Shaylander was a massive sensation in both the wizarding and muggle classical music worlds. His record was at the top of the classical charts, his music was played across the country both on the Wizarding Wireless and the contraption muggles referred to as "radio". His tour had now extended through the rest of the performing season into May. Deus and Daniel were already pulling together works for a second recording. In July of 1966, Deus returned to spend the summer relaxing and polishing work for his next record.

Once again, the McGonagall Dumbledore family had reached a comfortable routine. Minerva and Albus were finally falling into a graceful stride with their academic, political, and research- based work. Thus the entire month of July was a secluded family holiday on the McGonagall estate. It was a wonderful slice of heaven for the largely scattered and over committed Dumbledores. Daphne was free to simply pursue her potions work, with her father's continuous supervision and assistance. Minerva spent hours on her research, and in her spare time helped Teddy perfect his dueling. At the end of the day, they would take an hour to sit enraptured by the latest piece Deus honed. One night, as Deus locked up the piano in the conservatory and walked back to his room, he overheard his parents' quiet conversation.

"Minerva, did you ever think that starting a family would lead to this?" Deus slipped closer to see his parents in the fireside room. Both were wrapped around each other with their backs lazily toward the door. There was no suspicion, there was no watchfulness. They were safe, they were at peace.

"Darling, not in my wildest dreams." Minerva murmured.

"I'm so very proud of all of our children." Albus chuckled, "Though Daphne's got a knack for trying to concoct some incredibly volatile potions. I hope her curiosity never gets the best of her…"

"I'm sure she'll be fine. She's got a good head on her shoulders. As do the rest of our children." Minerva placed a tender kiss on Albus' cheek. Deus ducked back behind the doorway, not wishing to spoil the moment. "I never dreamed Deus' career would take off the way it has. He is exceptionally popular. Do you think he is in danger at all?" Her voice had tightened with worry in a way that Deus wished he could soothe.

"I believe that he is a smart enough wizard, and a strong enough Occlumens to keep his identity protected." Albus sighed. "And I must say, I am exceptionally glad he's touring both in muggle and magical performances. Nothing unites our world like music, my dear. I am proud to have a son who uses it in such a manner."

"As am I!" Minerva lay back against Albus' shoulder. After a moment's silence, she whispered, "I wish Neptune could be here now…"

"I know, my darling, I know." Albus pulled his wife in closer. Deus heard his mother's quiet sniffling and knew it was time to depart.

Neptune had become increasingly brooding and removed from the family since Deirdre's untimely death. His research in charms had led to a position in the Department of Mysteries. He kept a flat in London, and as a result, the family had not seen him since the previous Christmas. Tiny Mars had been whisked away to live with Lydia McCrae, his maternal grandmother. While Lydia loved Neptune and deeply respected the McGonagall clan, the deep depression that had overcome Neptune made him ill-suited to single-parenthood. Outraged, but unable to deny his mother-in-law's accusations, Neptune McGonagall refused to have any further part in the upbringing of his child. He had fiercely loved and protected his wife and son, and to have both taken away, with no recourse, hardened his genial, magnanimous demeanor. This rift had hurt Minerva more deeply than she ever let show.

Despite the absence of Neptune, however, that month progressed rapidly. Before anyone was prepared for it, the month ended, and each were off to pursue their chosen vocations. A vivacious, party-filled London welcomed the new musical hero with open and somewhat lascivious arms.