The Way it Should Have Been

by margaretrevie

The interweaving paths of Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore. Their lives may not have turned out as they thought, but they are forever intertwined. MMAD fic, featuring lots of OCs, plus Poppy, Augusta, and Rolanda. Re-doing and updating in 2021. Warning for character deaths and pregnancy loss.

43. Chapter 42

A/N: Thank you so much for your messages and reviews. I hope you enjoy this week's chapter.

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Forty-Two: March 1948

Life with a newborn in captivity was proving to be an interesting experience for Minerva. Her recovery had taken longer than she would have liked, but both Poppy and Aidan had been rather insistent that she not push herself further than she was able. Seven weeks later, Minerva was finally back on her feet, capable of performing most of her usual activities.

To her surprise and worry—and truthfully, a bit of relief—she hadn't felt her bond with Albus since she had given birth. At first, Minerva was horrified that Albus had been killed. Poppy and Aidan had done their best to reassure her, claiming their bond was most likely overstimulated and would remain that way for a long while, but Minerva wasn't convinced.

Minerva was cradling Dalton in her lap one afternoon when she decided to pressure Aidan once again.

"Are we absolutely certain that Albus is fine?"

"Min, I think you would know if he were dead. I'm sure you'd feel him dying, as horrifying as it is to say."

"What if my labour was him dying?" Minerva pressed. "Aidan, I feel the need to do something."

"No, Min. We've talked about this. Your only jobs are to heal and spend time with your son. Before you interrupt," Aidan continued, heading off Minerva's opening mouth, "you're not fully healed. You're taking it easy, and you're out of bed, but it's not like you can go and play quidditch. Hell, I don't even let you walk upstairs by yourself."

"I am well aware," Minerva grumbled. "But don't we have a responsibility to make sure it's investigated? For the sake of the wizarding world?"

"In case you forgot, you're the one who rid us of Grindelwald, not Albus," Aidan chuckled darkly. "For the sake of the wizarding world, it's you I want to keep safe. I know I may seem like I don't care, but I do. I sent Ro off to investigate, and she didn't discover anything."

"You did what?" Minerva hissed, doing her best not to yell with her baby in her lap. "I specifically asked you not to do that!"

"Yeah, but I knew you wouldn't rest until you knew what happened to him—which is completely fair," he added quickly. "Ro couldn't find any answers, so if Albus is still in danger, it's very hush-hush. We can't do anything else without risking our family's safety. You know this, Min."

"Perhaps, but that doesn't make it any easier." Minerva inhaled deeply and closed her eyes. "It's just odd that I can't feel anything."

"I freely admit that I'm not an expert on soul-bonds, but perhaps the part of him that—for lack of a better word—controls the bond is injured."

"Huh," Minerva pondered. "That could be it."

"Glad we agree. Can I hold my son now?" Aidan laughed, holding out his arms and moving closer. "You've held him for hours."

"Well, when you can figure out a way to feed him from your breasts, perhaps you'll understand why I want to hold him when he is sleeping, not just hungry." Minerva quirked an eyebrow at Aidan as she maneuvered Dalton into his arms.

"Then we'll just need another baby so that we can each hold one," Aidan teased, but there was an unspoken question that Minerva didn't like.

Aidan had proved to be a wonderful father—not that Minerva had thought he wouldn't be. He was attentive and kind, and he genuinely enjoyed spending time with Dalton. Admittedly, Aidan was also a godsend when it came to feedings and nappies: he woke up in the middle of the night to keep Minerva company when Dalton wanted a late-night feeding, and he changed more than his fair share of nappies. What had filled Minerva with dread, however, was how much he seemed to enjoy it. She knew he would be itching for another child as soon as she was able. Unfortunately for her husband, Minerva had been doing some thinking of her own.

"Aidan," Minerva said gently, "I don't want another child."

"Ha ha, Min, very funny," Aidan laughed. When he saw her serious expression, his eyes dropped down to Dalton. "When did you change your mind?" he asked, frowning.

"Perhaps I should word it differently." Minerva hesitated, searching for the right words. She felt anxiety fill her stomach, and she did her best to shrug it off. "It's not that I don't want more kids, dear. I would love more children. But Aidan, I'm not going through childbirth again. I know that I can't feel my bond with Albus now, but we have no way of knowing if this reprieve will last. If we can't find a way to dissolve my bond permanently, pregnancy will always be dangerous for both the baby and me. I wouldn't enjoy it the way I did with Dalton, not knowing how it could end." She looked at her hands and swallowed. "Aidan, I know I act like I'm fine, but I know how close that was. I'm frightened. I know as a Gryffindor that this is shameful to admit, but...I'm scared."

Aidan looked at his wife, knowing that she would only ever admit those feelings to him. "You're allowed to be scared, Min. Hell, I was terrified. There's even a part of me that's glad to hear you say that. I understand that Dalton's labour was traumatic, and I obviously want you safe," Aidan sighed, "but I wish there was another way."

"There's always adoption if we want another child. I know we talked about having more than one, but it's not like Dalton will grow up alone. He'll have Iolanthe and Aoife. Also," Minerva laughed, "our baby is literally seven weeks old. It's too early to have this discussion, don't you think? Besides, Poppy won't even let me have sex yet; if I told her I wanted to give birth in another nine months, she'd probably hex us both."

"As usual, you're right." Aidan freed one of his arms to wrap it around her. "And truthfully, I feel like I have the entire world with me right now."

"Oh, don't be sappy," Minerva scolded despite her smile. "It doesn't suit you."

"Just wait until I teach Dalton the art of the prank." Aidan wiggled his eyebrows. "You'll be wishing I had stayed sappy."

"Oh, Merlin," Minerva groaned. "I won't be able to handle pranks in my house, Aidan. Especially before his magic is untrained and he heads to Hogwarts."

"Speaking of houses," Aidan said, "where do we want to live?"

Minerva frowned. "What do you mean? We have our flat. We can use our spare bedroom for Dalton's nursery."

"We didn't have time to talk about moving before we ended up here," Aidan responded, "but I had thought that it might be a good opportunity to move. Get out of the city, perhaps find an actual house with a backyard. After seeing Iolanthe and Aoife here, I think it might be a good idea."

"That could be nice," Minerva conceded. "Although, honestly, dear, I don't see the point in discussing it until we know if and when we can ever leave this cottage."

As if Merlin himself could hear her, a clang and a puff of smoke emerged from the fireplace in front of them.

Moving faster than she had in two months, Minerva had her wand outstretched and was standing protectively in front of her family, ready to duel.

"Woah, Minnie, really?" A familiar voice coughed. "I haven't seen you in almost a year, and this is how you greet me?"

"Cal—?"

"Min, be careful," Aidan murmured behind her.

"Right. How do we know who you are?" Minerva challenged, desperate to believe it truly was her brother standing before her.

"Oi, Minnie! If we must: we once chased each other around the Gryffindor common room after you teased me for getting caught with Lucy; during our dance at the Yule Ball, I told you Lucy was pregnant; and, before I was taken, you had confirmed your own pregnancy to Albus and me."

"It is you!" Minerva screamed, running at her brother. Callum laughed and picked her up, swinging her around. "I am so happy to see you!"

"Not as happy as I am, I can assure you," Callum chuckled.

"How did you escape?" Minerva cried. "Heavens, are you all right?" She took a step back so she could appraise her brother. "Do you need a doctor?"

"Woah, Minnie. One question at a time, okay?" Callum squeezed her arm. "We escaped with a lot of dumb luck, truth be told. Albus was able to get his wand back—don't ask me how—and then, well, we fought our way out. I've had better days, but Albus Apparated us out to his Auror detail. They fixed all of our more critical injuries, and Albus gave me the location of this cottage. Now, I'm here. Voilà."

"I'm shocked they let you go today," Minerva said, shaking her head. "I would think they would want some information from you first."

"If it were just me, I would still be detained in a Ministry holding cell," Callum admitted. "However, Albus demanded that we be released immediately to our families, with the understanding that we'll have to return to answer questions in the morning."

"I'm so glad they listened to him," Minerva responded. "Merlin, I'm so happy you're here."

"I'm happy to see you too, little sis," Callum said, "but what are the chances my wife and kids are here?"

"Oh, right!" Minerva apologized. She turned to the open door and yelled, "Lucy, get over here!"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" Lucy called from the kitchen. They heard footsteps as she neared the living room. "Do I hear a new voice? Are we finally allowed guests?" Lucy asked, rounding the corner. She stopped suddenly at seeing Callum in front of her.

"Lucy, I believe you know Callum McGonagall," Aidan commented drily, earning an elbow to the ribs from Minerva.

Lucy stared at her husband, dumbfounded. He had seen better days: his clothes were rumpled, his hair a shaggy mess, and he was sporting a new scar across his jaw, but it was undoubtedly Callum. "Cal...?"

"It's me," Callum responded, striding over to Lucy before she could collapse. "Darling, it's me."

Minerva felt herself tearing up. "We should give them a moment, no?" she murmured to Aidan.

"Probably," Aidan chuckled. He raised his voice slightly, despite the fact that the couple wasn't paying attention. "We'll go and keep an eye on the girls."

"Let's go." Minerva nudged Aidan and led him around the embracing couple. They entered the kitchen where Poppy and Ro were watching the girls, clearly awaiting some news.

"So, what did you want Lucy for?" Poppy asked. "We thought we heard..."

"He's here," Minerva announced, unable to keep the smile off her face.

"Really?" Ro grinned. "Does this mean we get to leave now?"

"Ro, honestly," Poppy admonished. She shook her head. "That's what you're concerned about?"

"Don't worry," Callum said from behind them, "your girl will be back on her broom soon enough."

"Daddy!" Iolanthe screamed, jumping into his arms. Aoife was slower, toddling along to follow her sister.

Minerva sniffled as she watched her nieces fall into her brother's arms. "This is so heartwarming," she murmured to Aidan.

"It really is," he agreed. "Oh here, Poppy," Aidan added, tossing a tissue to the Medi-Witch, who too was crying.

"It's good to see you, Poppy. And you too, Ro," Callum called as he hoisted both daughters into his arms. "And as for you, Aidan, well..."

"He's sorry he ignored you in the living room," Lucy interrupted, heading off a joke before it could start.

"I missed seeing you two together," Ro laughed. "Finally, the whole gang is back together again."

"Yeah, I suppose it is good to see you, Aidan," Callum teased. "And I hear I have a nephew to meet?" Callum grinned at his younger sister and brother-in-law. "Congratulations, you two."

Aidan walked over to Callum. "Here's Dalton."

"Hi, little guy." Callum gently ran his finger over his nephew's face. "At least now we won't be so outnumbered, eh Aidan?"

"You may have just returned, but I'm not afraid to hex you, Cal," Minerva admonished, a smile on her lips.

"If you hex me, perhaps I won't have to go to the Ministry tomorrow," Callum sighed. "That would be a blessing; that's sure to be quite the interrogation."

"I wish you didn't have to leave again so soon," Lucy said, biting her lip. "Are you sure they can't come here instead?"

"I'm not about to ask Albus to tell the Ministry about this place, not after he so kindly kept you all safe." Callum put his children down so he could wrap Lucy in his arms. "I promise, I'll be back this time. Hopefully, with news on when we can all leave this joint for good."

"As long as you're happy and at home, I don't care if we're stuck here for a hundred more days," Minerva declared. "It hasn't been too bad, honestly."

"Speak for yourself," Ro grumbled.

"What my dear partner is trying to say is that while we all have fond memories of this place, we are rather looking forward to returning to our own homes," Poppy said, glaring at Ro. "Sometimes you need more tact, love."

Ro shrugged. "Take me as I am, babe. Now, Callum," she grinned, "what would you like to do first? Eat? Sleep? Sneak Lucy upstairs?"

"Ro!" Lucy yelped. "Honestly!"

"Actually," Callum said, running a hand through his hair, "I need to have a conversation with Ro and Minerva." Lucy looked at him, shocked. "Luce, we'll be right in the next room, I promise. I'm not going anywhere, but I do need to talk to these two."

"I'm coming with you," Lucy said firmly.

"As am I." Aidan looked at Callum. "If it involves the safety of my wife and son, I want to be there."

"I can watch the children," Poppy added helpfully. "I can put Dalton and Aoife down for their naps, and Iolanthe can help me cook you a welcome home dinner."

"Fine." Callum exhaled. "Where's the best room for a talk?"

"We can go back to the living room. It has enough couches for all of us to sit," Minerva said, heading out of the kitchen.

Once they were all settled, Callum began, "I'm sure you all want to know who took me, but I don't know much. Albus knows that one of the men who took him is named Crabbe, but other than that, the minions did a damn good job of hiding their identities from us."

"You didn't catch a glimpse of them? Not even once?" Lucy asked. She wrapped Callum's arms around her. "I don't like the sound of that."

"They wore masks, love. And it was always dark."

"Why did they want you?" Aidan asked. "Did they give any indication why?"

"Albus and I were there together for the last couple of months. We think the main reason was to try and lure Albus into captivity. I suppose they thought Albus would try to find me."

"He did," Ro said quietly. "He really tried. I don't think he meant to be taken by force, though."

"No, probably not," Callum sighed. He looked at Minerva. "Minnie, you're not going to like this next part, but we heard the name Tom Riddle tossed around a hell of a lot."

"Riddle?" Minerva gasped. "You must be kidding."

"Wow." Aidan let out a long whistle. "I shouldn't be surprised, but I didn't think he'd go so far as to consort with Grindelwald. Jesus."

"We all knew he was bad news," Callum agreed, "but I didn't quite think he was evil warlord bad."

"What else do you have to tell us, Cal?" Minerva asked. She knew her brother better than most, and she sensed that he had something else he needed to divulge.

"Something I will only tell you and Ro." When Lucy and Aidan both attempted to interject, Callum continued, "Minnie can tell you later if she wants, but she chooses if you hear this, not me."

"Then why does Ro get to stay?" Aidan grumbled, clearly put out.

"Because Ro already knows," Callum explained.

Ro's eyebrows shot up her forehead. "Oh, we're telling her about that? Wait, you know?"

"What the hell is going on?" Minerva demanded, looking between the two of them. "Ro, what haven't you told me? You've only seen me every day for the past nine months!"

"It wasn't my news to tell," Ro shrugged, and Minerva wanted to smack the nonchalance out of her friend.

"I suppose that's our cue, Aidan," Lucy sighed. "You know we're not winning this. We may as well help Poppy prepare dinner."

"You'll tell me if it's bad?" Aidan asked Minerva quietly. "Or if you think I should know?"

"I promise," Minerva answered, squeezing his hand. She watched the two leave before turning back to Ro and Callum, furious. "Now, are you going to tell me?"

Ro looked at Callum. "I suppose I can start. For the record, I told Albus to tell you. It should be him telling you, not us."

"Telling me what?" Minerva snapped.

"He's engaged, and Violet is expecting," Ro said in a voice gentler than Minerva had ever heard her use. "I had snuck out one afternoon—"

"You did what?"

"I was restless, so one day, I said I was going to the Ministry and instead walked around the villages surrounding Hogwarts. I thought if I stuck to the Muggle village, I would be safe. Which I was," Ro added pointedly. "Anyway, I caught Violet and Albus coming out of a ring store. She was noticeably pregnant and couldn't wait to show me the ring."

Minerva felt a faint twinge of anxiety pierce her stomach. "Why did you feel the need to tell me secretly?"

"We know things are complicated between the two of you," Ro answered. "Like I said, I asked Albus to tell you. For whatever reason, he didn't; Merlin knows I don't understand half of what that man does, or why."

"Cal?" Minerva turned to her brother. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"When Albus was captured, he was in a very bad way," Callum said. "I honestly didn't think he'd make it. He was muttering about all sorts of things."

"I saw a little bit through our bond," Minerva whispered. "I knew he was captured, and I heard him say your name. Then I blacked out."

"To be fair, you were giving birth at the time," Ro pointed out.

Callum's eyes widened. "Merlin, Minnie, was that safe?"

"Definitely not. Poppy can give you the details later," Minerva responded firmly. "What did Albus say?"

"He mumbled something about how he needed to apologize to you," Callum said. "Obviously, I wanted to know why. That's when Albus mentioned that he had a baby on the way and that his fiancée wouldn't understand where he had gone."

"We should have had Violet come here!" Minerva snapped. "Why didn't Albus think of that?"

"Because he hadn't planned on being accosted, Min," Ro laughed. At Minerva's glare, she quieted. "You're right; he should have made a safety plan for her, especially since she is pregnant."

"I wish you hadn't kicked Aidan out," Minerva said miserably. "Now he's going to think I still have feelings for Albus or some such nonsense."

"Go and talk to him, then," Callum urged. "I think the baby is due any day now, so you can pass that news along, as well. Actually, if you're feeling anxious, that may be why. Albus was in a right state when I left him."

Minerva frowned. "I have been feeling anxious, but I haven't been able to feel our bond since I gave birth."

"Minnie, Albus was half-dead until the Ministry healers fixed him up today. I don't know how your bond works, but seeing as his mind and body were broken, I'm not shocked you couldn't feel him."

"And so it's coming back now that he's healed," Minerva murmured. "Interesting. All right, well, thank you for telling me. I'm going to speak to my husband now." She turned on her heel and walked towards the kitchen. Aidan caught her eye in the doorway and nodded in her direction. He handed Lucy the knife he'd been using and walked to Minerva, following her into their bedroom.

"What did they have to tell you?" Aidan asked expectantly, sitting on the bed. "Do I want to know?"

"I don't see the harm in you knowing," Minerva answered truthfully. "I honestly don't know why they couldn't tell you and Lucy as well. It appears that Albus and Violet are engaged, and they have a baby on the way. Violet is due imminently, if Callum is to be believed."

Aidan gawked at her. "That's unexpected. I didn't think Albus would marry her." Minerva raised an eyebrow, and he continued, "Well, she's a Muggle. I thought she was just someone that he cared for. I didn't think he would actually plan a future with her."

"While that sounds like Pureblood elitism, I must admit that I agree," Minerva sighed. She sat in Aidan's lap and looped her arms around his neck. "Albus will need to hide a lot of his life from Violet."

"Not the best basis for a marriage," Aidan muttered. "Ah, well. We should send them our congratulations. Perhaps a gift for their baby."

"I thought you didn't like Albus."

"It's complicated, Min," Aidan explained, and she laughed. "I thought he was a really good friend—a role model. Then, well, I obviously punched him for some of his questionable actions, and I'm still mad at him for how he treated you."

"It's not your place to be angry for me, dear," Minerva said softly.

"I'm your husband; of course it's my right." Aidan smiled at her before turning serious again. "And while all that has happened, Albus still offered us this place to live. He very likely saved our lives, and I'm very grateful. I think he's a righteous, know-it-all prick a lot of the time, but I am grateful."

"I am too," Minerva murmured, dropping her head on Aidan's. "I am too."

---

Two weeks later, the group was slowly finding their way back to their normal lives. After Callum and Albus had testified, the Ministry had deemed it safe for their group to disperse. Ro and Poppy, knowing they were in the least danger, headed back to their home in Wales. The two other couples had decided to wait a while, both wanting to find safe, new homes for their families before leaving the cottage. Minerva hadn't ventured outside of the property's boundaries; it still felt unsafe, and she didn't want to leave Dalton.

This all changed when Callum gave her a reason to leave.

"Minnie," he said, pulling away from her packing, "Violet delivered the baby earlier this morning. It's a girl, and they're both safe. Here, Albus sent a picture."

"Oh, that's good news! She's beautiful." Minerva smiled. "Did Albus send you an owl? If so, I'll write a congratulatory note and send it along with yours."

"He did, but it came from Hogwarts."

"Why in Merlin's name is he at Hogwarts? He should be with Violet!" Minerva frowned.

"I agree," Callum said quietly. "I am worried he hasn't fully healed after our ordeal. Mentally, that is. I hate to ask you, but could you try to feel him through your bond?"

Minerva looked at him blankly. "You're kidding."

"Minnie...something's off. Please, just check."

"Fine." She closed her eyes and inhaled slowly. She was met with a feeling of desolation that threatened to drown her. "Oh, dear."

"It is bad, then?"

"It's not good. Good heavens," Minerva sighed. "What do we do?"

"I hate to say it, but you're the only one who has a chance of getting him out of this funk," Callum responded. "What would you say to delivering my response in person?"

"You certainly have a funny sense of humour. Do you think Aidan will agree to that?"

"Since when do you require your husband's permission to do anything?" Callum challenged.

"What do you need my permission for?" Aidan poked his head into the room. "Sorry, I wasn't eavesdropping. I heard my name and thought I'd join the party."

"Albus is in a bad way after the birth of his child, and Callum seems to think I'm the only one who can make him see reason." Minerva glared at her brother. "I expressed that I didn't think you'd agree, given your history."

"Min, I know I have qualms about his feelings for you, but he just went through hell. Besides, he's engaged now. He's not going to try anything. Albus isn't that stupid. You should get out of the house." Aidan smiled at her encouragingly. "I know you're tired of being cooped up. Don't worry about Dalton. I'm very capable."

And so, an hour later, Minerva found herself walking up the familiar stairs to Albus' office. Trying not to remember the last time she had been there, she knocked on the door.

"It's open," Albus' hoarse voice called.

"I heard congratulations are in order." Minerva leaned against the door to Albus' office. "A baby and a fiancée. That's quite the last few months."

Albus stared at her. He was shocked to see her in his office, and even more surprised to learn she knew his secret. "Did Ro tell you?"

Minerva entered the room and shut the door behind her. "Ro and Callum, yes. I don't know if you remember, but you divulged quite a bit of information when you were first captured."

"Ah, well. I suppose if you've heard it from two sources, I can't exactly deny it."

"You're many things, but not a liar." Minerva flashed a brief smile. "Now, why aren't you with Violet? And your new daughter...?"

"Athena."

"That's a beautiful name, Albus." Minerva smiled gently. "Sticking with the A names, I see."

"It felt like the proper thing to do. My parents may not be alive to see this moment, but I felt the need to obey their wishes nonetheless."

"It's a beautiful way to honour their memory," Minerva agreed. "So, why did I find you here at Hogwarts, and not at home with your newborn?"

"Because I don't want to be there," Albus said stiffly. "I would prefer to be alone at the moment."

"I can assure you that Violet most likely wishes you were there," Minerva commented idly, crossing the room to sit across from him at his desk. "Giving birth is tiresome business, you know."

"I was there. I saw that the child was born and that both she and Violet were safe," Albus responded. "I saw her through the worst of it, and once my job there was done, I thought it best to return to work."

"Albus. Your real job—the only one that will ever truly matter—just began."

"I need to work, Minerva. I have a family to support now."

She rolled her eyes. "Oh, honestly, Albus. Spare me the sob story. I'm sure Armando would have no qualms about giving you a day or two off given the circumstances."

"I'm sure he wouldn't," Albus said, swirling the dregs of his whisky, "if he knew the circumstances."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Surely if there's anyone that can keep a secret within the castle walls, it would be Armando and Lavinia."

It was his turn to stare at her. "Minerva, you can't think that I would recommend that your baby be kept secret and then not take the same precautions for my own child. I suppose I owe you congratulations, as well. Dalton is a nice name."

"Is that why you wanted Aidan and I to keep Dalton a secret?" Minerva asked. She felt disappointed for some reason, knowing that he had protected her child out of selfish motives. "You couldn't have a child out in the open, so no one could?"

"I stand by what I said in the cottage, Minerva. It is far safer for you and your husband if Dalton's parents remain unknown to the general public, not to mention Dalton himself. However, I will admit that the idea only came to me because of my own personal circumstances."

"Hmmmph," Minerva snorted. "Well, isn't that dandy."

"I feel like I've let you down," Albus whispered, suddenly changing the subject and scaring Minerva with his tone. "I've replicated your family dynamic, and I hope you'll forgive me for that."

"I beg your pardon?"

"My child will be forced to live a lie, like you and your siblings were," Albus sighed. "She will grow up without the knowledge of magic; at least, not until her accidental magic begins to make itself known. Athena's life will be a charade, and I'll never be around, not with my Head duties here."

"I'll ask you not to refer to my childhood as a charade, thank you," Minerva said coldly. "As for being present in your daughter's life, I'm sure you can work something out. You also could tell Violet, you know. She seems like an accepting person."

"Accepting? Yes. But our world," Albus waved his hands, "is a lot to handle."

"Then why marry her, Albus? I understand how a pregnancy could be unplanned," Minerva said, blushing despite her best efforts, "but you don't have to marry Violet."

"I didn't say I'd marry her."

At that moment, Minerva realized how truly calculating Albus could be. "You won't marry her because you don't love her. Not enough to bind yourself to her legally, at any rate. Yet you still proposed—and I presume it was so that it would look more proper for her sake?"

"Why are you here, Minerva? To ask about things that are none of your concern?" Albus sighed tiredly.

"I'm here because I have the misfortune of caring about you, Albus!" Minerva shouted, causing him to look at her. "I know you, and I know you want to be there for your daughter. I don't know what's going on between you and Violet—and you're right, it's none of my business—but I do know that Athena deserves to have her father!

"Albus, I'm going to chalk this...breakdown up to the fact that you were recently in captivity. You need to get a grip." Minerva paused for a moment, wondering how much she should intervene. "Albus, she's your child—"

"She's not the child I wanted!" Albus roared, his voice breaking as he finally snapped. "Is that what you wanted to hear?"

"That's a horrible thing to say, Albus. I almost lost mine, you know—because of what you went through. Any child is a blessing."

"Yes, I know that! But I keep thinking of the way things might have been had..."

Oh, please, don't say it, Albus, Minerva prayed silently.

"Had I not mucked everything up! We're bonded for a reason, Minerva! My baby should be half yours and half mine! If I must be condemned to raise a child, I only want yours. Yours and mine, with an intelligent brain and a kind heart. My daughter should have your green eyes and your raven hair—hell, even your Scottish brogue!"

"She'll be raised here in Scotland, so I wouldn't worry too much about that last point," Minerva commented drily, raising an eyebrow. Her heart was hammering at his revelation. She honestly hadn't thought Aidan was right in saying that Albus still had feelings for her. Minerva's voice turned cold as she said, "Albus, she is your child. She has your eyes and your hair and, thankfully, her mother's nose. Even if,"—here she hesitated briefly—"you're not truly in love with Violet, your daughter deserves your love. All of it. And if there's one thing I know about you, Albus Dumbledore, it's that you have a lot of love to give."

He stared at her for a few moments, unblinking. To her shock, Albus began to weep. "I'm sorry, Minerva. I'm sorry for everything."

"There's nothing for which you need to apologize," she responded, as gently as she could. "We may be bonded, but we were terrible together. Very incompatible."

His wild eyes met hers. "Surely you don't think our entire relationship was terrible."

"No," Minerva answered quietly, "no, the entire relationship wasn't terrible. But we lived in a fool's world, Albus. We were a relationship borne of secrets and the excitement that they brought. We were a mere fantasy, ill-suited for the real world.

"I cherish the memories, Albus. You taught me a lot about myself and how I need and deserve to be loved. I don't regret it." Minerva reached her arm across the desk and laid her hand on his forearm. "Let regrets live in the past, and let yourself live now. You have a wonderful future to live for, and today of all days, you should be celebrating. Athena deserves her father, whole. We may not be together anymore, Albus, but I know you well enough to know that you want to be a good father."

"I don't know how to be," he admitted helplessly.

Minerva let out a bark of laughter. "Do you think I know how to be a good mother? None of us knows what the hell we're doing, Albus! They require the bare minimum from us at this stage: we just need to keep them alive, and do so with love. We have time to figure out the rest."

"Thank you, Minerva." Albus smiled tightly. He had no desire to fall further apart in front of her. "I trust that what I said will be kept in confidence."

"Of course," Minerva replied quickly. She didn't have any desire to tell Aidan what had occurred, lest Athena lose her father the day she was born.

"I appreciate you coming all the way here. If you don't mind leaving, I should head home."

"Of course. I would do it for any of my friends, Albus. I rather enjoy telling my friends to get their heads out of their arses," Minerva chuckled. "I should get back to my baby, too. He'll need to be fed soon."

As Minerva walked towards the door, Albus felt he had to do something to keep her in his life; otherwise, this conversation felt too final. "Do you think Dalton and Athena might play together? Perhaps Violet and I could host you at our house in town."

Minerva smiled. "I'd like that, Albus. I'd like that very much."