A/N: Here's another chapter. There will be many more, so don't count on an ending just yet. I appreciate those who reviewed. Thanks so much. I hope you will all review again.
Chapter Eleven- The baby
Albus jumped out of bed and threw back the covers. Minerva's nightgown was soaked.
"Get Poppy."
Albus nodded and flooed to Poppy. They came back, Poppy's med bag in hand.
"Alright, Minerva. We've done this once, let's do it again."
Minerva moaned and lay back against the pillows.
"Albus, I need you to get me some warmed towels and wet rags."
Albus went to the bathroom and soaked some rags and warmed some towels. He brought them back out to the bedroom where Minerva was panting and red in the face.
"Breath, Minerva, breath. It won't be for a while. Just breath."
Minerva slumped back in the pillows and closed her eyes. Albus set the things on the table and went to Minerva.
"Albus."
She gasped.
"Poppy, this doesn't feel right. Something's wrong, I can tell."
"Just relax, Min. If you're stressed, the baby won't make it. Breath deep and slow."
Albus took Minerva's hand and kissed her forehead.
"Shh, Minerva. Do as she says."
"I'm trying. It hurts."
"Shh, it's all right. Try not to think about it."
Minerva took a deep breath and lay back against the pillows. Albus pushed her forward a bit and crawled in behind Minerva. She squeezed his hand and lay back against him.
"Okay, Minerva. I've checked the vitals of the baby and everything seems to be in order. We just have to wait for your contractions to speed up. I'd give you a potion but it might harm you and the baby."
"Thank you, Poppy."
Minerva closed her eyes and inhaled Albus' scent. It took away the pained feeling in her stomach for a moment. She sat for about 15 minutes before another contraction hit. She cried out in pain and arched her back.
"Alright, Minerva. Breath. Albus, placed your index and middle finger at the base of her spine and apply light pressure. It will help some pain."
Albus did as he was told and Minerva seemed to calm a bit. She took a deep breath and let it out through gritted teeth. She groaned as the pain stopped.
"It hurts."
"I know, shh, darling, I know."
"No—you—don't. Curse you for doing this to me!"
"Now, Minerva, just breath. Albus is only trying to help."
Sweat made her hair cling to her face. Albus got a cool rag and dabbed her forehead. A contraction hit her again and she cried out.
"Breath, just breath. Just a few more minutes and the baby will be ready to come out."
Minerva rested against Albus and slowly breathed.
"Alright, Minerva, my readings are exact. You should be having a contraction in about five seconds. Then you'll push."
Minerva cried out but focused on pushing as Poppy told her to. She squeezed Albus' hand and leaned forward.
"Okay, breath."
Minerva did and waited. She felt the familiar sensation of movement in her as she had with Lily.
"She's coming."
Minerva pushed and pushed.
"Stop, Minerva, she's out. She's out!"
Minerva fell back against Albus exhausted. The room was growing fuzzy and Poppy's voice was getting quiet. She heard Albus call her name but only just. Everything went black and she had only one thought.
'I didn't get to see my baby, now I'm going to die.'
"We're losing her. Albus lay her on the bed and take the baby."
Albus did and carefully held his daughter. He didn't look at her, he wanted Minerva to see her first. Poppy ran spell after spell and Minerva's color came back and her breathing was even.
"She's stable. She'll wake up in a few minutes. There was some internal bleeding and it was filling her vital organs. She'll need a lot of rest. Teaching is off limits for a while."
"Thank you, Poppy."
"Not a problem. I have to get back to the infirmary. Let me know when you have a name for the baby and I'll get the birth certificate ready."
"Alright."
He walked over to the bed. Minerva was starting to stir.
"Minerva. Minerva, wake up."
"Am—Am I dead?"
"No. No, my darling. You are perfectly well. Come, open your eyes and see your baby."
Minerva blinked a few times and then looked to Albus. She pushed herself up and leaned against the pillows. Albus handed her the little pink bundle that he had been holding. Tears poured from her eyes as she stared into the round face of her newborn babe.
"My baby, our baby. Albus, whatever shall we call her?"
"Whatever you decide."
She smiled and stroked the soft cheek with a finger.
"Elizabeth, Elizabeth Kendra Marie McGonagall-Dumbledore."
"It's perfect. She's perfect. And I'm so glad you're okay."
"As am I. I thought of one thing as I lost it. I thought I'd never see her."
"But you made it and now, you can see her all you like."
"Albus, what happened?"
"You had internal bleeding. Poppy managed to stop it in time. And, she said you can't go back to work for a long while."
"What will the students think?"
"That you are just very sick. That is all I will say and that is all anyone else will say."
"Who will teach my classes?"
"I will find a substitute."
"Albus, what about Harry?"
"I will have him come after breakfast. Which reminds me, it's only 3 in the morning dear. Get some sleep. I have the basinet ready for Elizabeth at the foot of the bed."
"Okay, thank you Albus."
"I love you, Minerva."
She smiled and lay down in the bed. She fell asleep within seconds. Albus smiled and lay his newborn baby in her bed. He stroked her cheek with his long finger and then went to lay with Minerva. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. He fell asleep with a smile on his lips.
Albus awoke when he heard Minerva's voice singing. She held Elizabeth in her arms and was swaying back and forth as his daughter suckled from her mother's breast. Albus sat up and then got out of bed and went to Minerva.
"Good morning, love."
"Good morning, Albus. I've just sent Harry a letter."
"Good, good. And how is our darling daughter this wonderful morning?"
"Just fine. At the moment, eating."
"I can see."
He chuckled and kissed her cheek.
"Shall I get you some breakfast?"
"Yes, I'd like that."
"Alright then."
He summoned a house elf and told it to bring fruits and a breakfast of pancakes and bacon. Minerva wrapped Elizabeth in a blanket and placed her in her bassinet. Albus placed a kiss on her cheek and held out a chair for her.
"How are you feeling?"
"Tired and hungry. I'm rather sore too."
"Well, you'll have to take a nap this afternoon then."
"Yes, I suppose I will."
A pop announced the arrival of their food. Minerva helped herself to some pancakes and a side of fruits.
"Binky is also bringing the paper for yous."
"Thank you, Binky."
Albus took the paper and unfolded it. When he saw the front page, he closed the paper quickly and placed it on the floor.
"Anything interesting in the paper, love."
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive."
"Can I see it?"
"Why don't you eat?"
"I would like to see the paper, Albus."
"Minerva, darling, you need to eat."
"Albus, let me see the paper. Now."
He did and focused on the meal in front of him. Minerva unfolded the paper and looked at the front page. A loud gasp escaped her lips.
"I can't believe them! Look at this."
"I saw it dear."
QUESTIONS ARISE AS TO WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE DEPUTY HEAD OF HOGWARTS
Many have been wondering what has been wrong with the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts, Minerva McGonagall. No one seems to know what illness has befallen the esteemed woman. Any questions that have been asked have yet to be answered. We took the liberty of questioning a few of the Hogwarts students. One in particular, Draco Malfoy, gave us an in depth opinion.
"I think the Professor has been hiding something from all of us. She's been gone for most of the year now. I think she's got some secret affair that turned bad and ended with her having some loser's child. Well if that's the case, where's the Gryffindor courage that everyone says she's got. And if that's not it, well no one knows."
We may never know, of course. We tried to question Mr. Harry Potter, but he was keeping a closed mouth on the subject which makes us believe he knows. We won't know for sure until we can get a comment from Professor McGonagall herself. Until next time, this is Rita Skeeter with the inside scoop.
"The nerve of that woman. What on earth does she think she's doing? Prying into my private life. And Mr. Malfoy, he must receive detention or something."
"Minerva, calm down, please, you'll wake Elizabeth."
"Oh, Albus, it's all snowballing back to us. We thought we'd make it work, but it just isn't."
"What are you talking about, darling? It is working."
"But all these rumors, they make it so hard."
"I know darling, soon, Voldemort will be gone and we will tell the world."
"But, Albus, I'll never be able to tell the world about Elizabeth. She'll grow up distanced from me and you."
"Oh, Minerva, I wish there was something I could do."
"I know, darling, I know, but there isn't. And I'm sorry, I'll try not to get my emotions in control of me."
"Alright darling, now eat up and we'll make things work."
Minerva nodded, not sure what Albus had in mind. Albus meanwhile had a plan brewing in his brain. Minerva finished her breakfast and checked on Elizabeth. Albus retired to his office and Minerva took a nap. Elizabeth cried out later and Minerva went to her. She fed her and then cuddled her in the large bed.
Albus sat in his office working nonstop. He had a plan to destroy Voldemort. It was, to him, simple and would be easy to execute. He called to Alastor over the Floo network and told him.
"Albus, this is rather risky."
"I know, but I have to. It's tearing every thing apart. Everyone's life, everything."
"All right. I'll get the team together and we'll do it."
"Thank you, Alastor. Now, I've got business to attend to. Mr. Potter will be joining me shortly for a meeting."
"I'll contact you as soon as we are ready."
Albus nodded as Alastor left through the fire. He got up and went to check on Minerva. She was curled in bed with Elizabeth beside her, fast asleep. Albus smiled and went back to his office.
A knock sounded at the door and Albus waved his hand to open it.
"Hello, Harry."
"Hello."
"Well, I have some things to talk to you about before we go and visit your grandmother and someone new."
"Someone new?"
"Yes, our daughter was born this morning Harry."
"Well, congratulations."
"Thank you. Now, on to business. Harry, I've set up a team that leaves tonight to destroy Voldemort. I'm welcoming you to come along. Your grandmother must not know about it."
"When do we leave?"
"Right after dinner."
"Alright. I'll bring my invisibility cloak."
"Okay, now, let's go visit your grandmother. I must warn you, she's a bit exhausted and she's not feeling well. She had internal bleeding when she gave birth and it harmed her organs. She will need rest and no stress."
"Okay. What's my new "aunt's" name?"
"Elizabeth Kendra Marie McGonagall-Dumbledore."
"Long name, but very beautiful."
"Yes."
"Well, let's go."
Albus chuckled and led Harry to his rooms.
"She was asleep when I last checked on her. Let me take a peek and I'll let you know."
Albus walked to the bedroom and opened the door. He found Minerva sitting in bed, rocking Elizabeth.
"Minerva, Harry's here."
She looked up and Albus was startled to see tears streaming down her face.
"Minerva! What is it?"
"Oh, I-I'm sorry, Albus. I w-was just thinking and I c-can't believe we have a little b-baby."
"Oh, Minerva. I know how you feel. But darling, Harry is here and I think he might be a little bit worried to see you crying."
She chuckled and wiped away her tears.
"I suppose you are right. Let me just get changed."
"Alright, we'll wait."
Minerva climbed slowly out of bed and placed Elizabeth in her bassinet. She went to her wardrobe and found a simple outfit. It was a spring dress that fell to just above her ankles. It hugged her form, but revealed nothing. She put her tartan throw around her shoulders and went to sit in the bed. She took a deep breath and redid her hair in a braid. She waved her hand and the bed was made. Elizabeth started to whimper, so Minerva went to her.
"Hush, little one, mummy's here."
Elizabeth quieted at the sound of Minerva's soft voice. Minerva smiled to herself and then set to rearranging the blankets in the bassinet. A knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Albus' head poked around the door and then he opened it. Harry followed Albus with a small package in his hands. He smiled warmly at Minerva and she smiled back at him.
"Hello, Harry."
"Hello. Congratulations! I, uh, got you something from Hogsmeade the other day."
He handed her the package and she thanked him. She unwrapped it and smiled. Inside was a pair of baby socks with kittens running around on them.
"Thank you, Harry. It's perfect."
"I know how much you like cats, so I thought I'd get the baby something with cats."
"Thank you. I'm sure Elizabeth will love them."
Minerva lay the socks in the bassinet and embraced Harry.
"Now, have a look. She's fast asleep now, but I'm sure she'd like to be held by you."
Harry went to the bassinet and peered inside.
"She's so tiny."
"Yes, she was born a month early, but she's so perfect."
"I agree. Can I hold her?"
"Of course."
Harry gently picked Elizabeth up and sat on the edge of the bed. Minerva sat beside him, wincing slightly. He took notice.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm terribly sore."
"Oh. Well, you should get some rest. I think grandpa and I can take care of Elizabeth for a while."
"I'd really like that, but she's not on the bottle. And she's only a few hours old."
"Oh, I understand. Well, I'll put her back to bed and leave."
"No, don't leave just yet. I haven't seen you in a while Harry. Please, stay and talk."
"Alright, I will. How are you feeling?"
"I'm rather tired but I am so overjoyed! I'm very glad that Elizabeth made it into this world unharmed."
"Yes, that is a wonderful thing."
"But, I'm rather saddened that she is an illegitimate child. She was born out of wedlock and once Albus and I are able to tell the world about us, I hate to think of what everyone would say."
Harry took her hand in his and smiled at her.
"It won't be all that bad, honestly. If anyone makes big a deal it will be Rita Skeeter, and I know how to handle her. Besides, no one really believes her stories any way."
"And, Minerva, I would never let anyone say anything about you or Elizabeth. Please, try not to think about it too much."
"I won't."
Minerva let out a sigh and leaned back against some of her pillows. She closed her eyes and relaxed a bit. Albus started to talk to Harry and she soon felt herself slip off to sleep. She felt Albus move her so she was lying more comfortably in the bed. Harry smiled and placed kiss on her cheek.
"Sleep well, grandma."
She quirked her lips and then buried her head into the pillow. Albus walked Harry out of the room and came back to the bed, Elizabeth in his arms. He smiled down at his fiancé and then at his daughter. She gurgled as she looked back at him. He chuckled. Minerva turned a bit in her sleep and was facing away from Albus. He decided to join his wife in bed for a little while. He carefully placed Elizabeth in the space between the pillows and crawled into the bed next to her. Minerva's hand instinctively reached for Elizabeth and Albus smiled. Minerva gave a little contented sigh as she slept and curled her fingers in the baby's blanket. Albus marveled at the bond between them already. Elizabeth closed her little eyes and buried her head into her pink blanket. Albus lay his head back into his own pillow and closed his eyes. Soon, the entire Dumbledore family was fast asleep.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Keep checking for the next one, but while you wait, drop a review!