Chapter 25: Phawkes
The day after the extraordinary birth of Nicolette Dumbledore; Albus found himself sitting in his office/ library staring at the fire bird on his desk.
"I believe I owe you a debt of gratitude. Had you not gotten my mother-in-law I might have lost two of the most precious treasures I own," Albus said humbly.
The bird cawed softly and allowed the man to bet his plumage softly.
"I don't know where you've come from but you are welcome here anytime you wish…Katherine has said the same for her house. Though Stewart asks you not give him a heart attack again," Albus explained with a chuckle. The bird made a noise that sounded like a laugh.
"May I ask your name?" Albus continued.
~Phawkes~ A voice replied.
Albus blinked and looked around before turning back to the bird.
"So you can speak telepathically?" Albus asked.
~Should I feel inclined to do so~ the bird nodded.
"Why not just tell Katherine last night then?" Albus asked.
~She understood enough from my actions. Though I believe she might be able to hold a stimulating conversation every now and then~ Phawkes answered.
Albus chuckled and pulled a sherbet lemon from his robe offering it to the bird.
Phawkes eyed it and sniffed it before cawing his thanks and taking the treat.
"Well I suppose you'll leave now then?" Albus asked.
~No. I believe you should make an acceptable companion and master for me. I should like to stay and look after you and your new family~ Phawkes stated.
"Well if you would like to we would greatly welcome you friend," Albus smiled and petted the bird again as he transfigured a pen into a nice golden painted bird stand. Phawkes cawed and flew over to the stand to sleep as Albus quietly left the room.
Albus headed up stairs to the main bedroom and gently eased it open to find his beautiful wife with her hair hanging loose over one shoulder as she fed their daughter. Katherine quietly and stealthily entered behind him carrying a lilac blanket and some baby clothes and a diaper.
Albus crossed the room and sat on the bed gently squeezing Minerva's leg.
"Hey," Minerva smiled looking up from the suckling baby.
"Hey," Albus smiled.
"Did you talk to him?" Minerva asked.
Katherine was humming softly as she went around the room doing this and that. She was straightening and enlarging a small bassinet for the baby.
"I did," Albus nodded as he watched the baby stop suckling and Minerva gently lift her to burp her.
"Well did he talk?" Minerva asked.
"He can communicate telepathically if he chooses to. He said his name was Phawkes and…he asked to stay. I said he could," Albus explained.
"Stay? Why?" Minerva asked confused as she heard the tiny baby burp softly and brought her back to her lap.
"Well technically to be a pet," Albus replied.
"Really? That's odd for a phoenix isn't it?" Minerva asked.
"Yes…but he says he likes us. He likes your mother too," Albus said as he watched Katherine take the baby from Minerva and walk over to a little changing table still humming whatever in the world she was humming.
"Well he's welcomed. We owe a lot to him," Minerva smiled leaning toward her husband.
"We do indeed and to your mother as well," Albus nodded leaning closer.
Their lips met in a sweet kiss that became slowly more passionate.
"All right here we are all dressed and….good sweet Morgana's tomb Albus stop that!" Katherine admonished as she turned around with the baby.
The couple broke apart and looked at Katherine like embarrassed teenagers.
"Six weeks Albus! Six weeks before any of that stuff. We have to let Mina heal," Katherine sighed.
"Okay. Wait Six weeks!?" Albus blinked and hit the floor with a clunk. Minerva giggled as Katherine hurried over to where he was sprawled on the floor.
"You know…I should make some clever comment about your libido… but I'll let it slide this time. Get up!" she stated.
Albus stood and smoothed out his clothes before taking the baby in his hands. She looked so small in his large hands.
"Ta ta!" Katherine smiled leaving the room.
"Wait! You aren't going to leave us are you?" Albus asked panicked. Minerva looked anxious as well.
Katherine sighed dramatically and posed in the open door way.
"All right I'll floo Stewart and speak with him. We'll bring Gabby and stay for a month to help you two new parents get used to the baby," Katherine winked and left the room.
"Gabby won't hurt her will she?" Albus asked suddenly feeling very protective.
"Gabby is too much like mama for that," Minerva shook her head.
"I thought you were," Albus laughed. Minerva just rolled her eyes as she snuggled into the bed.