A/N: Thank you so much for reading—I can't believe we've hit 100 reviews on this. Your support means so much! I hope you enjoy this chapter!

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Thirty-Six: November 1946

Albus Dumbledore liked to think that he knew his own mind and body. Ever since an unfortunate Quidditch incident when he was twelve, Albus preferred to keep away from anything that would cause him to lose control over his limbs. Since his sister's untimely passing, he had extended this control to his emotions, as well.

With Minerva, he had come the closest to losing control as he had in years. Albus had forgotten the unpleasant feeling of watching one's world crumble around them; he had so rarely needed to control anyone else that it almost shocked him to learn that he couldn't. As the months had passed, with their interactions cold and infrequent, Albus had expected their bond to take some time to settle. He had experienced enough of Minerva's emotions since their bonding that he felt well-equipped to handle it.

However, he didn't know quite what to do with the random, new feelings of arousal and love that kept spurting from his chest at all hours. The first time it happened, Albus had chalked it up to hormones—he had even permitted himself to think that perhaps Minerva had found another man attractive. After it had occurred more regularly—and more intensely—Albus had forced himself to conclude that perhaps Minerva had found herself a new romantic partner. Indeed, that was the only explanation he could offer himself, for he could not devise another reason why he would feel a pressing need to rip open one of his colleague's robes during a staff meeting.

Albus had been slightly shocked to think that Minerva had moved on. There was a small but insistent part of his brain that thought that she would find his way back to him, that she would realize their bond was too indivisible to stay apart for long. Unfortunately for him, he had clearly been replaced.

It wasn't a feeling that Albus enjoyed. During his get-togethers with Callum and Lucy, neither offered much information regarding Minerva's love life. They had mentioned that work was keeping her busy, and that was all they had told him; the secrecy was most likely due to some sort of familial loyalty that Albus would never understand. When more information wasn't forthcoming, some subtle inquiries through an old Auror contact confirmed that Minerva had re-entered the field, much to Albus' dismay. Albus had thought about asking after Minerva when he saw Aidan or Ro, but he couldn't figure out how to explain why he couldn't just ask Minerva himself.

It was only by summoning his infamous Gryffindor courage that Albus decided to drop in to see Lucy and Callum spontaneously in the hopes that Minerva would be there. He knew Callum would most likely be angry, but he needed to see Minerva again. They had seen each other exactly three times since ending their relationship, and now, he had an ulterior motive. It was his insatiable curiosity that propelled him forward as he knocked on Lucy and Callum's door one chilly November evening.

"Albus?" Callum's eyebrows creased as he opened the door. "Is everything all right?"

"Yes, yes, all is well. I was in town for some business that unexpectedly ended early. Seeing as I had already asked for the evening off-duty, I thought I would see how you, Lucy, and Iolanthe were faring."

"Well," Callum said hesitantly, "we're all doing well. Lucy is getting a bit anxious; her due date is only two days away. We think Iolanthe is finally starting to understand that a baby is on the way."

"She is only two. She'll be forced to understand sooner rather than later," Albus laughed. "May I come in?"

"I actually don't know if that's the best idea at the moment," Callum replied lowly, strategically blocking Albus' view into the flat with his body. "Minnie is here, and I don't want to spring you on her."

"Ah," Albus murmured. His pulse quickened, thrilled at the prospect of finally seeing Minerva. "We have seen each other, Callum."

"You haven't ambushed her before, Albus," Callum replied. "I genuinely think it's better if you leave."

Just when Albus was about to lose all hope, the men heard Aidan's voice call, "Callum? Who is at the door?"

Callum regarded Albus with a stony look in his eyes. Sighing, he opened the door fully. "Albus is in town for work and decided to stop by."

"Brilliant! It's good to see you, Albus!" Aidan said happily, walking over so he could clap Albus on the back. "It's been far too long. How's everything up at merry old Hogwarts?"

"Oh, nothing new." Albus waved his hand dismissively. "Students cause trouble, we do our best to impart knowledge, quidditch matches cause house rivalries to flare up, the usual."

"Are there any students I should target for new recruits?" Aidan asked. "We could really use some new team members, what with everything going on."

"There are a few names I could pass along. Do you remember Lucas Longbottom?" Albus inquired.

"The one that just married Augusta? Yes, of course," Aidan answered, leading Albus and Callum into the sitting room.

"Lucas has a younger cousin by the name of Leandra. She's a gifted Hufflepuff and has consistently been at the top of her class in both Defence and Transfiguration. I'm afraid I don't know much about her intended professional pursuits after graduation, but I can certainly put in a good word about the Auror department."

"Thank you, Albus. That would be great." They rounded the corner, and Aidan called, "Hey, look who we found!"

Albus' breath caught in his throat as he caught his first real glimpse of Minerva in months. Her hair looked impossibly longer, tossed carelessly over her shoulder. She had a rare grin on her face as she bounced Iolanthe on her knee, tickling her niece's tummy.

The smile disappeared from her face the second she locked eyes with Albus.

"Hello, Lucy. Minerva." Albus nodded in their direction. "I apologize for the intrusion, but I was in the neighbourhood and thought I would drop in."

"It's wonderful to see you, Albus." Lucy welcomed him. "I'd stand up and give you a hug, but I'm afraid it's a bit difficult to stand up at the moment."

"Of course," Albus laughed. "I hear it's almost time."

"Yes, and I can't wait," Lucy moaned. "This pregnancy has been more difficult than Iolanthe's, and I just want it over with. Does that make me a terrible person?"

"Not terrible, just old," Aidan teased. Aidan sat on the couch beside Minerva, and something about how closely they sat rubbed Albus the wrong way.

"Would you like some tea, Albus?" Callum asked.

"Yes, that would be lovely."

"All right, I'll grab you a cup. Feel free to sit beside Lucy; I can take the chair."

"Thank you," Albus called in the general direction of the kitchen. He sat down beside Lucy and watched Minerva out of the corner of his eye. Biting the bullet, he asked, "How is the Auror office, Minerva?"

"It's going well, thank you. We have many new policy initiatives that we're interested in, which is exciting. And, of course, it is lovely to be on the field again."

Despite her outward show of confidence at the question, Albus could feel a general uneasiness roll through her.

"Are they keeping you safe? Do you have Callum and Aidan with you?"

Minerva pursed her lips in distaste. "I keep myself safe, Albus. But yes, Callum is usually on my team."

"If you ever want to have fun, don't go on multiple missions with your sister," Callum joked, entering the room and handing Albus his tea. "It's quite the experience."

"And I'm sure it's not complete without the last member of your trio." Albus nodded in Aidan's direction. "How are you keeping busy, Aidan? Are you not on missions these days? I thought the office needed all the help it could get."

There was a moment of silence that confused Albus. Everyone else seemed to exchange glances until Aidan slowly took Minerva's hand in his, and the impossible truth slammed into Albus' heart.

"Well, I suppose now is as good a time as any to tell you," Aidan grinned. "I'm keeping busy on a different Auror team. Min and I have been dating for a couple of months now, and consequently, we're not allowed to go on the same missions."

Albus was now sweating, a result of his own nerves and Minerva's. He met her eyes briefly—it would be too unlike her to shy away—and found fear and uneasiness within.

Merlin, she was afraid of him.

"Congratulations to you both," Albus said, but he could hear how hollow his words were. "You two make a very good pair."

"I like to think so," Aidan laughed. "She has always been the one person to put up with me, even when it was beyond reason."

"And it often was," Minerva added, tossing a smile Aidan's way. "Isn't your godfather barmy, Iolanthe?"

"Aid-wan baw-my!" Iolanthe giggled, causing the rest of them to laugh.

Albus felt very out of place. While his pride told him that no other man would ever be able to have the same connection with Minerva as he had, he knew that he had lost her.

Besides, Aidan and Minerva fit so well together. They were the same age, working the same career, and with Iolanthe cuddled on her lap, well, Albus could imagine the family they would have.

He suddenly felt very, very sick.

Albus took a sip of his tea, and as he did so, he surreptitiously Vanished what was left of it. "Thank you for the tea, Callum. I'm afraid I should be off."

Minerva narrowed her eyes. "You only just got here."

He didn't rise to the challenge. "Yes, but I didn't know that I would be interrupting a family gathering. I never meant to intrude. I simply wanted to stop in and see some friends. Please, Lucy," Albus added, "do let me know when the baby comes."

"Of course, Albus." Lucy squeezed his hand. "If you ever want to babysit, you're more than welcome."

"We'll see about that," Albus chuckled. "Enjoy your evening, everyone. It was lovely to see you all again."

"Here, Albus, let me walk you out." Aidan jumped up from his spot on the couch and gestured to his old professor. "After you."

When they could no longer be heard by the occupants of the living room, Albus asked, "Is everything all right, Aidan?"

"Yes, yes. I think so." Aidan rubbed a hand through his hair. "I wanted to apologize to you for not telling you earlier about Minerva and me."

Albus' stomach plummeted. "Why would you feel the need to apologize to me?"

"Because you're our friend, Albus," Aidan shrugged. "We should have told you earlier. At the very least, I should have; we both know how private Minerva is about these things."

Yes, I do, Albus thought. I taught her that particular reflex.

"Please don't think I'm trying to be impertinent because I'm not," Aidan continued, "but I suppose I didn't tell you because I feel like you and Min have had a falling out. She hasn't mentioned anything, but her attitude changes every time one of us mentions that we've seen you."

"There was a slight falling out," Albus admitted. "We are all grown-ups, though, so we'll find our equilibrium again soon."

"That's a relief," Aidan smiled. "I don't like it when people are fighting."

"No, neither do I," Albus murmured. "How are things going between the two of you?" He hated himself for asking, but he needed to know.

"Really well." Aidan's eyes lit up. "Sometimes it feels like we became too serious too quickly, but we know each other so well that I don't think that's possible."

"Too serious? Don't tell me you're engaged after two months," Albus joked meekly, his envy beginning to spike.

"Oh, Merlin, no," Aidan laughed. "Although, while it may sound crazy, I'd love to propose. I don't know how anything could ever feel as right as this does, but with Minerva, I need to wait until I know she's all right with it. She hates surprises. If she doesn't know, it's probably a recipe for disappointment."

Isn't that the truth? Albus shook his head. "So no engagement, but..."

"Well, we're practically living together," Aidan chuckled. "She hasn't tried to kill me yet, so I think things are going well."

"Good. I am very happy for you, Aidan. I'm happy for you both. Now, you should get back in there. You can't have Minerva missing you for too long." Albus bobbed his head and left quickly.

He had a new dilemma to solve, and that involved finding a way to get over Minerva, and quickly.

Minerva had been anxious when Aidan followed Albus into the hall. Truthfully, the ball in the pit of her stomach had developed the moment she had seen Albus, and it hadn't stopped growing since. She had known that she'd have to see him again at some point since embarking on her romantic relationship with Aidan, but she hadn't expected it to be today.

Since dating Aidan, Minerva had been happy. Wonderfully, truly happy. While a nagging part of her mind knew that she would always be inextricably linked to Albus, Aidan had opened her up again. She laughed, she spent more time with her family, and she had even taken to declining over-time shifts so she could enjoy more of her free time. For the first time, Minerva was thinking about her personal future and liking the various scenarios her mind imagined: a small wedding, her own little family at the manor, Aidan reading to their children…it all seemed perfect. Life was blissfully happy and felt full of wonderful opportunities, and she enjoyed it that way.

Which is why she wanted to know what her boyfriend was telling her former partner.

"Do you have any idea...?" Lucy asked, trailing off.

"Nope, none. Absolutely no idea," Minerva sighed. "I doubt it's anything good."

"Aidan still doesn't know that Albus was the mystery boyfriend, does he?" Callum shook his head. "That's a recipe for disaster, Minnie."

"Awntie Minnie!" Iolanthe giggled. "Minnie, Minnie, Minnie!"

Minerva glared at her brother. "I hate you for this nickname, you know that?" When he did nothing but smirk, she answered his question. "No, Aidan doesn't know. I feel that would be too much for him. He loves Albus, and it would make things...uncomfortable."

"I'll say," Callum muttered, lifting his head as Aidan came back. "What was all that about?"

"I apologized to Albus," Aidan shrugged, sitting beside Minerva again.

"What on earth for?" Minerva asked. "Do I want to know?"

"I just apologized for not having told him about us sooner," Aidan replied. "That's all."

"Oh, I see. How did he take that?" Minerva's heart hammered against her ribcage.

"He seemed fine. Perhaps a bit weirded out, but nothing bad."

"Weirded out? Why, Aidan, what—"

She was interrupted by a shriek of pain and surprise coming from Lucy's direction. "Lucy?"

"I think my water broke," Lucy groaned. Sure enough, the group all looked down to see a puddle on the floor.

"Oh, Christ," Aidan whispered.

"All right, we're going to head to St. Mungo's." Callum took charge, Summoning a few bags from their bedroom. "Are you two okay to stay here with Iolanthe?"

"Of course." Minerva nodded briskly and stood up. "Now, Iolanthe, say goodbye to your parents. You'll have a new sibling before long!"

"I hope it's not too long," Lucy murmured, gritting her teeth. "Goodbye, darling." She kissed her daughter on the cheek before clutching her stomach. "Cal, we really need to go."

"I'm on it," he replied, rubbing Iolanthe's head. "I'll call when the baby's ready, and you can come and visit."

"Good. Now, Cal, go," Minerva laughed. She pushed him towards the fireplace, where Lucy was already waiting. With a wave, the two left.

"Well, our night suddenly took a turn," Aidan commented. "I suppose I should cancel our brunch reservations for tomorrow?"

"Most likely. I'm sorry, I know you were looking forward to seeing your old roommates," Minerva apologized.

"Min, why are you sorry? They're my mates, they'll understand. Besides, this is family. It will always be more important." He looked at her, tilting his head. "I don't understand that look on your face, love."

She smiled slightly and gave him a quick peck. "You've just never referred to us as family before."

"You have been, for a very, very long time." Aidan laughed and pulled both Minerva and Iolanthe into this lap. "Perhaps never in the "could someday be legal" way, but you have been."

"As have you." Minerva poked his side. "We should probably get this little one to bed so that she has at least some sleep before Cal wants us at St. Mungo's."

"Does that mean we have to sleep, too? Or can we stay up?" Aidan murmured, kissing her neck.

"You should cancel brunch, and then we should also sleep," she teased. "Otherwise, you may hate me if we end up in the hospital at three in the morning with no rest and a fussy toddler. And I most certainly won't have the energy for two grumpy people."

"I could never hate you, but I see your point. Why don't you put her to sleep, and I'll meet you in the guest room?"

"Perfect. Now, little Mira," Minerva whispered in her niece's ear, "this is your last night in this room all by yourself. Enjoy it while you can. Before you know it, another baby will be here."

Iolanthe simply stared at her, her little toothy grin spreading up to her grey eyes. "Minnie!"

"Yeah, yeah, that's me." Minerva rolled her eyes and gently placed the toddler in her small bed. "I really need to kick your dad's arse for that one, don't I?"

"Should I let Callum know you're cursing in front of his toddler?" Aidan smirked, leaning against the open door.

"Are you spying on us, Scrimgeour?"

"Cancelling was much easier than expected," he shrugged. "And you're adorable when you parent her."

Minerva blushed. "She makes everyone look adorable. Bed?"

"Always," Aidan replied, and she shook her head, laughing as he followed her to the spare room.

Four hours later, they were woken in the dead of night by Callum's Patronus. "It's another girl. Lucy and the baby are doing well. She wants to see Iolanthe, though, so please come as soon as you can."

"Well, it appears I have another niece," Minerva said happily, throwing off the covers.

"So many McGonagall women," Aidan commented tiredly. Minerva glared at him and he responded, "What? You outnumber us even more now."

Minerva ignored him and walked to the toddler's room. "Iolanthe, dear," Minerva whispered, picking up her niece. "You have a sister."

Her niece did nothing but yawn, snuggling deeper into her aunt's shoulder.

"Oh, I should get a picture. This is too cute." Aidan Summoned Lucy's camera and took a photo.

"Aidan! I just got out of bed!" Minerva admonished, heading towards the fireplace. "Really!"

"You've never looked more beautiful," he shrugged, and Minerva's heart couldn't help but melt. "Shall we go meet our niece?"

The three of them made their way to the hospital and met Callum outside of Lucy's room.

"You look tired," Minerva commented. "Meal do naidheachd!"

"I'll forgive you for the tired remark since you broke out the Gaelic," Callum laughed. "Thank you. Are you ready to meet her?"

"We've been dying to," Minerva confessed. She grinned widely as she caught sight of Lucy cuddling the tiny bundle in her arms. "Hi, Luce. Congratulations."

"Thank you. We've been waiting for you to be here so we could tell you her name."

"Is she named after me this time?" Aidan joked.

"No, but if it's okay with Minnie, we wanted to name her after Diana. Aoife Diana McGonagall, to be exact. Is that all right?" Callum asked, his voice hesitant. "We didn't want to take the name if you were planning on using it later on."

"No, it's, um," Minerva took a deep, tearful breath, "it's perfect. Each of your daughters is named after their aunts, and I think that's brilliant. Diana would be so happy."

"And Aoife is a cool name," Aidan said. "I like it. Your kids have cool names."

"Thanks, Aidan," Callum laughed.

"Do you want to hold her, Min?" Lucy asked softly. "We can switch daughters."

"I would love to," Minerva responded, and they gently maneuvered Aoife into her own arms and Iolanthe into Callum's. She walked over to Aidan, lightly stroking Aoife's head.

"She's beautiful," Aidan whispered.

"Your reaction to her is much more emotionally sound than when you first saw Iolanthe," Minerva teased. "You must be growing up."

"Only a little," Aidan laughed. "I maintain that she's tiny, though."

"Babies usually are." Minerva breathed in the baby's scent, pressing her impossibly closer to her chest. "Merlin, holding her makes me want one of my own."

"Want to get started on that?" Aidan smirked.

"No, we'd need to be married first," Minerva muttered offhandedly. Her eyes widened in alarm as she realized what she said. "Oh..."

"Is that your way of proposing to me, McGonagall?"

Her breath caught and her blood ran cold. "No. That is one thing I will definitely not do for you," she stated. Aidan's face fell at her unemotional tone, and she sighed inwardly. "Let's go outside for a moment."

"Okay, just don't bring the baby with us." Aidan nodded at the dozing newborn. "Make sure to give her back to her mother."

"Of course." Minerva rolled her eyes at herself and walked back over to Lucy's bed. "Luce, is it all right if I give her back to you?"

"Yes, of course." Lucy held out her arms. "Everything okay?"

"I think so." Minerva flashed her a brief smile and followed Aidan out of the hospital room, closing the door behind her.

"Min, I was just joking," Aidan started. "I didn't think you were actually proposing."

"I know," Minerva said, preparing herself for what she was about to say. "I know you didn't, but what surprised me was how much I think I wanted you to. Still want you to, in fact."

Aidan's mouth dropped open comically. "You want me to propose?"

"Not right now, clearly." Minerva rolled her eyes. "But I think I want that. I know that we've only been together for a few months and that the timing might seem a bit quick for some people—"

"Timing isn't a factor when you're with the right person, Min." Aidan took her hands. "So, what exactly are you saying?"

"That I want a baby. At least one," Minerva spoke quickly, not quite believing that she was saying the words. All she knew was that they felt more right than anything she had felt in months. "I want to get married, and I want you to propose. Sometime soon."

"What caused this?" Aidan asked, bewildered. "I'm thrilled, but..."

"This evening," Minerva admitted. "Sitting with our family, taking care of Iolanthe...seeing Albus, truthfully."

"Albus?"

"He just reminded me that life shouldn't be difficult," Minerva said slowly. "And with you, everything is so easy. There's no fighting, no hiding, nothing. We're just Aidan and Min."

"That we are," Aidan grinned. "So, I have your permission to propose, however I see fit?"

"Not however you see fit. Nothing public—no restaurants or festivals or anything of the sort."

"I'm offended," Aidan laughed. "Don't you think I know you enough by now to know what kind of proposal you'd want?"

"You know, I think you do." Minerva smiled and leaned into his open arms. "I trust you."

She had never trusted anyone more.