A/N: Thank you for reading. We had a family tragedy this week, and it makes me appreciate the small things all the more. So, thank you—it really means the world to me.

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Fifty-Seven: June 1964

"Will you stop that!" Athena asked angrily, attempting to pull her frog away from Dalton. "We're in class. Stop annoying me!"

"I'm just having fun," Dalton complained, shrugging. Nevertheless, he handed her the frog back. "This is a boring lesson. Who wants to spend their time Transfiguring frogs into books?"

"Professor McGonagall," Athena hissed. She nodded subtly at Minerva, who was watching the two of them with narrowed eyes from behind her desk. "Stop acting like such an imbecile."

"I'm just trying to get your attention!" Dalton snapped. "You haven't talked to me since—"

Athena covered his mouth with her free hand. "Shut up! Not here in class!"

He ripped her hand away. "There's no need to be so physical, Athena."

"Oh, why not?" Emma Finnegan snorted. "We've all already seen what happens when you two are alone in the common room."

That remark incited laughter from the rest of the class. Athena blushed furiously enough to match her red hair. Glaring at Dalton, she said, "See? Look what you've done."

"Woah, this isn't only my fault! It took two of us!" Dalton yelled. "Don't put this all on me, or I'll...I'll—"

"You'll what?" Athena taunted.

"I'll drop this frog down your shirt." Dalton grinned triumphantly.

Her eyes narrowed. "You wouldn't dare."

"Wanna bet?" Dalton took hold of his own frog and reached for Athena's robes with his other hand.

"Stop it, you idiot!" Athena shrieked, jumping back. She fell into Emma, who was in the middle of casting her spell. Emma's spell misfired and sailed right into the chandelier, which consequently turned into a moving frog.

"Enough!" Minerva yelled, standing. "Honestly, what is going on here? I thought I'd let you all try to work this out amongst yourselves as you have your OWLs in no less than three weeks, but seeing as you all seem to be incapable..." She sighed irritably and turned the frog back into a chandelier. "There is only a quarter of an hour remaining in class, and I see that only three of you have managed to perform this spell correctly."

"Sorry, Professor, but we were all a bit distracted." Lydia Jones shrugged in the direction of Athena and Dalton.

"I can see that," Minerva responded furiously. "Miss Finnegan, are you all right?"

"Yes, Professor." Emma nodded, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. "No harm done."

"Good. Class dismissed, then—except for you two, Miss Williams and Mr. Scrimgeour."

The rest of the class oohed and ahhed on their way out, giggling about the fate of their poor classmates. Once they left, Minerva wasted no time locking and warding the door. "Sit yeh down, right here." She gestured to the chairs directly in front of her desk. "Now."

"Oh, great, her bloody accent's out," Dalton murmured. "We're in for it now."

"Well, it's your bloody fault!" Athena snapped as they sat down.

"The responsibility lies with both of you," Minerva said firmly. "Now, could one of you please tell me what in Merlin's name is going on? Preferably, one at a time. Athena, why don't you start?"

"There was a...a misunderstanding between the two of us a few days ago," Athena said, "and we haven't talked since. This demonstration in class today was your son's attempt at getting my attention."

Minerva barely refrained from rolling her eyes. "All right, then. Dalton?"

"She basically said it all," Dalton replied, shrugging. "That's all there is to it."

"Would either of you care to tell me what this misunderstanding was about?" Minerva asked, somewhat exasperated. "I can glean a fair bit from Miss Finnegan's remark, but I'd rather hear it from you."

Both teenagers blushed furiously and looked away.

"Oh, good God," Minerva muttered. "Someone tell me what is going on."

"You're not going to like it, Ma," Dalton warned.

"Yes, well, I've learned that parenthood involves learning about a lot of things I don't particularly like, but such is life," Minerva snapped. "Which one of you will tell me what it is I would like to know?"

"Oh, God, I'll do it," Athena groaned. "Lord knows how he'll tell it."

"Dalton, don't!" Minerva scolded, seeing Dalton was ready to interject. "Go ahead, please, Athena."

"Um, weeeeeeeelll," Athena started, looking nervously at Dalton, "it happened after the Quidditch match last weekend."

"Okay, that's a good start," Minerva encouraged.

"All of Gryffindor was really excited after winning the Quidditch Cup, and, well, you know how the after-parties can be."

"I do. I distinctly remember coming in at half-past one to put a stop to this particular party," Minerva said drily.

"Oh, right." Athena sighed. "Dalton had played really well that day, and I was looking to have a night off because I've been so busy studying, and well, um, we started talking and..." Athena trailed off. "I thought this would be easier."

"What would be easier?" Minerva frowned. "What on earth could you have done?"

"We kissed!" Dalton exploded. "Jesus, this is bloody painful."

"You kissed?" Minerva didn't know whether to laugh or bury her head in her arms. "You stopped talking because you kissed? I can appreciate how that would be awkward, but I don't see why it has caused this much consternation between the two of you."

"It was more than just a kiss," Athena mumbled, blushing again. "We kissed a lot. Enough that everyone in the common room noticed we had disappeared to a corner for a while."

"Oh, Merlin," Minerva muttered, rubbing her temples.

"You asked, Ma!" Dalton rolled his eyes before rounding on Athena. "And now you won't talk to me! I can't tell if you're angry, or if you want to do it again, or what your issue is!"

"Okay, that's enough." Minerva held up her hand. "Detention, both of you. You know you can't interrupt a class the way you did—especially during a practical lesson. You're lucky Miss Finnegan's spell hit the chandelier, and not another one of your classmates." Minerva paused for a moment. "I think you two could benefit from a night of writing lines and feeding the frogs."

Athena hung her head. "Yes, Professor."

"And," Minerva added, "you two will be in the same room together. Perhaps it will get you two to talk in a civilized manner."

"Woah, what's that?" Dalton interrupted. A puff of smoke had appeared beside Minerva.

"It's just Fawkes." Athena rolled her eyes. "You've seen him before. Is everything all right with Dad?"

Minerva took the note from Fawkes and scanned the note quickly. "I believe so, but I am required in his office." She sighed. "Now."

"We're free," Dalton murmured.

"Hardly," Minerva said sternly. "Like I said, you'll be serving detention this evening. I expect you both to conduct yourself with behaviour becoming of your age, do you understand me? And, Dalton, you and I will be having a discussion about this later. Athena, I'm sure your father will do the same. Now, here," Minerva scribbled on a piece of paper, "is a note excusing your tardiness for your Potions class. You two had better behave yourselves."

"Yes, Professor," they both muttered, dashing out of the room like it was on fire.

"Merlin." Minerva took a moment to collect herself before heading up to Albus' office. Once there, she knocked quickly and let herself in.

"You wanted to see me?" Minerva asked, shutting his door behind her. "It's been a bit of a trying day. Our children almost murdered each other in my class today."

Albus raised his eyebrows. "Figuratively or literally?"

"Figuratively, but had I not intervened, I feel there may have been a literal attempt."

"Are they both all right?"

"They have detention and aren't talking to each other, but other than that, they'll be fine. I hope," she added. "Merlin, what a day."

"Do I want to know why they were fighting?"

"Oh, I'll save that for after your news." She looked at him expectantly. "Well?"

"I apologize, but I'm about to add to your stress."

Minerva groaned. "What happened now?"

"Filius is having a child," Albus said, "and will therefore be stepping down as my Deputy."

"A child?" Minerva asked. "I didn't even know he was seeing someone."

"He keeps his private life even more private than we do ours," Albus chuckled. "I only had permission to tell you now because Filius knows about Dalton, and he felt it was only quid pro quo."

"Oh, my," Minerva uttered. "Well, I will be sure to offer him my congratulations the next time I see him. That's wonderful news."

"Yes," Albus said patiently, "but it does leave me in a bit of a pickle."

Her eyes widened. "Tell me you're not asking me to step in."

"Regrettably, if I were to tell you that, then I would be a liar." Albus smiled apologetically and slid over a stack of papers. "I already had the contract drawn up."

"Well, that was a bit presumptuous of you, Albus!" Minerva snapped. "Honestly."

"Who else would you suggest I ask, Minerva? You're perfectly qualified."

"I know that I can do it, but my desire to do the job isn't...entirely there."

"Entirely?" Albus leaned back in his chair, amused. "So you do have some interest."

"A smidgeon, yes." Minerva looked at him. "I think I would enjoy the work, but that's a lot of extra responsibility. I rarely have time to visit Callum and Lucy as it stands, but if I were to take this..."

"You'd get extra vacation time."

She narrowed her eyes. "Let me see this contract of yours."

Albus smiled gently as he placed the contract in her hands. "Do you remember we had a conversation about this in my office a long time ago? I believe you told me that if you were considered for the role of Deputy while I was Headmaster, you would give it—"

"—due consideration, yes, I do remember that," Minerva interrupted, somewhat bitterly. "I'm rather surprised that you remember."

"Of course I do. I remember everything we've ever talked about."

She chose to ignore that remark, instead opting to scan the contents of the contract. "Albus, I have concerns."

"What about?"

"You know the type of rumours that would run rampant through this school if you, an eligible, handsome bachelor, appointed me, a spinster, as your deputy."

"You're far from a spinster. And the rumours already exist, my dear. At least, that's what Athena tells me." Albus smirked. "Although I'm pleased to hear you still think I'm handsome."

Minerva blushed. "You know what I mean. Besides, I'm less concerned about the students than I am about the Board."

"I can handle the Board," Albus said firmly. "I will go to war for you if it comes to that."

"I highly doubt it will come to that," Minerva said, sighing. "Merlin, Filius, why couldn't you just keep the damn job?"

Albus knew her question was rhetorical, but he felt the need to explain on his friend's behalf. "For all the reasons you didn't want this position when Dalton was young, Filius feels the same way now. He wants to spend his spare time at home with his growing family, not with me."

"And you think I want to spend my free time with you?"

"I daresay I think you might."

Minerva smirked. "Spending time with you is not as arduous a task as it once was, I'll admit."

"And I'll admit I'm very glad to hear that," Albus chuckled. "So you'll accept?"

"You won't even give me the day?"

"I would, but I have faith that you want the job."

"Fine." Minerva threw the contract back on his desk. "I'll be your damn deputy. But don't expect me to clear this mess off your desk."

"I wouldn't dream of it, my dear!" Albus beamed. "I very much look forward to working with you."

"We'll see about that. I'm not nearly as much of a pushover as Filius is," Minerva warned, but her tone lacked severity. "Now, can I rain on your parade?"

Albus winced. "Is this about our children?"

"Yes, it is. Brace yourself."

"It can't be that bad, can it?"

"They were fighting because they haven't spoken since last weekend. Apparently, they had a...a romantic interaction with each other after the Quidditch final, and now Athena won't speak to Dalton."

"What kind of romantic interaction?" Albus' eyes narrowed.

"I didn't get all of the salacious details, but in your dear daughter's words, they 'kissed a lot,'" Minerva said. She had to stop herself from laughing upon seeing the look on Albus' face. "I know it's odd to think about our children having love lives, but they are sixteen now. It was bound to happen at some point."

"Personally, I was hoping for at least a few more years," Albus grumbled. "What do we do now?"

"We hope they resolve this spat like the adults they're growing into," Minerva said. "I don't particularly want to make a habit of meddling in my son's love life."

"But Minerva, what if they're...?" Albus trailed off, his voice a whisper.

"What if they're what, Albus? Having sex?" Minerva couldn't help but laugh now. "This is why I had Poppy give them a very in-depth conversation about the birds and the bees last year. If I recall correctly, you just wanted to strike the fear of God into them."

"I still maintain that my plan was solid."

"And if we had done it your way, they'd probably still be having sex without taking any precautionary measures." Minerva patted his hand. "If it's any consolation, Al, I don't think they're at that point yet. It sounds like this was a one-off—for lack of a better term—kissing session, and now they don't know how to act around each other."

"That's hardly consolation, my dear! We kissed for the first time one day and then had sex the next!"

Minerva winced. "Well, choose not to think about that."

"How do I even talk to her about this?" Albus moaned. "How do I tell her she shouldn't go around kissing people?"

"I have no idea. I told Dalton I'd talk to him about it, and I suggested that you would perhaps talk to Athena about it. If it makes you feel any better, I have no idea what to say to Dalton. They are teenagers, so this sort of thing is bound to happen." Minerva rolled her eyes. "I just wish it wasn't under my nose."

"I bet they wish the same thing."

"Albus." Minerva glared at him. "I'm going to give the conversation some thought. I'm not planning on talking to him until the weekend—I can only hope their detention will set them straight."

"Are you the one monitoring their detention?"

"Heavens, no," Minerva laughed. "Oh, no. I'll have Hagrid supervise. I don't have any desire to subject myself to that awkwardness again."

"I hope they sort it before Sunday," Albus said, "or our usual gathering is about to be horribly awkward."

Two days later, Minerva was sitting in her office, mindlessly grading papers. Hagrid had assured her that there were no problems during Athena and Dalton's detention, so she had hope that they had moved forward.

A knock on her door pulled her attention away from a particularly horrible second-year essay.

"Come in," Minerva called. She quirked an eyebrow when she saw Athena come through the door and close it behind her. "What can I help you with, Miss Williams?"

"Um, Professor?" Athena looked uncharacteristically nervous. "I know I'm fighting with Dalton, but can I still talk to you? I need motherly advice, Min."

"Of course. I'm not one to take sides." Minerva smiled. "Here, let's go through to my rooms, and we can have a cup of tea."

"Okay." Athena blew some hair off her face and followed Minerva through the hidden door into her personal quarters.

Once she had poured the tea, Minerva studied Athena. "Darling, you look nervous."

"I feel nervous. This whole situation is awkward," Athena said, sighing. "This is weird for me to say, and it's even more awkward because he's yours, but I need to talk to you."

"I take it this is about Dalton?"

"Yes." Athena hesitated and then continued, "We kissed."

"I remember that part," Minerva said gently. "What about it?"

"Do you promise that whatever I say stays between us? Girl code and everything?"

"A girl code?" Minerva laughed. "I don't know about that, but yes, whatever you say will stay between us."

"Okay, thanks." Athena smiled gratefully. "So, um, we kissed, and I think I liked it. I think I really liked it."

Minerva smiled. "Athena—"

"And I thought he liked it, too," Athena interrupted, rushing now to get her story out. "It seemed like he did. I mean, he was acting like he did, and his hands kept moving from my hair to my—"

"Athena, I really don't need that level of detail," Minerva jumped in quickly. She wanted to save her son some embarrassment, and truthfully, she needed to be able to look her son in the eye after this conversation.

"Right, sorry." Athena blushed. "Anyways, things were going well until his friends found us and started teasing us. When I tried to defend us, Dalton just sided with his friends and joked about it, saying it was a great way to celebrate after the match." She looked at Minerva, teary-eyed. "Now I don't know if he actually wanted to kiss me, or if it was just because of the Quidditch win. And I don't want to talk to him about it, because I did like it, but if he didn't, then that's going to change our whole friendship. I don't want that, either. He's my best friend."

"Oh, come here." Minerva opened her arms and allowed Athena to fall into them. "If you need to cry, cry. I know how hard it can be to find any privacy in those dorms."

"It's horrible," Athena sniffed. "Emma and Savannah told me I was interrupting their sleep."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Well, if they were better with their wands, they would just cast some silencing spells around their beds."

Athena giggled. "I should tell them that."

"Feel free, but don't tell them it came from me." Minerva stroked Athena's hair. "I need to maintain appearances as an unbiased professor, after all."

Athena stilled in her arms. "Is that what Dalton was doing? Keeping up appearances?"

"Honey, I don't know why my son did what he did," Minerva said apologetically. "I can offer some thoughts, but I don't know for sure."

"Give me something, Minerva. I'm dying here."

"Well, I will say that no matter how Dalton felt about kissing you, he shouldn't have said what he said to his friends, nor should he have bothered you during classes. He should have respected your space, and I'll talk to him about that.

"As for why he reacted how he did, well, that could be any number of things. Dalton may have been embarrassed to be caught in such a vulnerable position by his friends. He may have also liked the kiss, like yourself, and was trying to convince himself he didn't."

"But why would he do that?" Athena asked softly.

"Perhaps for the same reason you're scared to talk to him now," Minerva responded gently, pulling softly on a lock of Athena's hair. "Maybe he doesn't want your friendship to change, either. Maybe he's afraid you don't feel the same way."

"I don't know how he couldn't figure it out," Athena snorted. "I feel like we've been leading up to this since Christmas."

Minerva had absolutely zero desire to learn about what happened at Christmas, so she said simply, "I love my son, but he can be oblivious."

"Yeah." Athena sighed and settled against Minerva's shoulder. "Yeah, he can be. So what do I do?"

"You're going to hate me for saying it, but you need to talk to him. Find a place where you can talk to him and be honest about your feelings. If you leave it too long, it will fester. Besides, your OWLs are coming up, and I need both of you to be at your best. I have it on good authority that you've both underperformed this past week."

To her credit, Athena didn't deny it. "Yeah, my magic feels off."

"Probably because you're emotionally stressed, hmm? Our magic is wonderful, but it can be a fickle thing."

"So you're saying I need to talk to him before the OWLs, or I'll be doomed academically, not just emotionally?"

"Darling, I doubt you're doomed either way," Minerva replied, chuckling. "You're brilliant. You do have your father's brain, after all."

"Speaking of Dad, what did he want?" Athena asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Oh, yes, everything's fine. Nothing for you to worry about—and before you ask for more details, you'll find out in due time."

"That makes it sound like you're dating Dad and he just proposed or something." Athena laughed, then quickly frowned. "I don't much mind the idea of that, except now that I kind of want to date Dalton, I don't want to be his step-brother."

Minerva winced. "Trust me, the relationship between your father and me is completely platonic."

"Not completely," Athena sang. She pushed herself up so she could look at Minerva and grinned. "Everyone can see the way you two look at each other. All of our friends think you're secretly married."

"Ah, so those pesky rumours are out there," Minerva grumbled. "Fantastic."

"Do you mean to tell me you've never even thought about it?" Athena's voice was hopeful. "I mean, you're practically my mum already."

"I thought we were talking about your love life, not mine," Minerva said, but she was stalling. She and Albus had never discussed if or when to tell their children about their romantic history, and she wasn't about to tell Athena without talking to Albus first. "For the record, your father and I are very close. We may be just friends, but we do care about each other."

Athena narrowed her eyes. "That sounds like a crock of—"

"Athena!" Minerva warned. "Let's talk about you again. How are you feeling?"

"Like you helped." Athena smiled gratefully. "I don't want to talk to Dalton, but you're right: I won't feel better about the situation until I do. And I'll do it sooner rather than later so that I'll be my best self for the exams." She wrinkled her nose. "And before Dad catches wind of this. I wouldn't want to have this conversation with him."

Minerva chuckled. "Oh, darling, he knows. I had to calm him down after telling him because his mind immediately went to sex. Speaking of which"—Minerva arched a brow and put a touch of steel in her voice—"do we need to have a conversation about that?"

"Oh, Merlin, nooooo!" Athena groaned, collapsing back onto Minerva. "We kissed once, and that's where your mind goes?"

"Hey, you said you kissed a lot." Minerva laughed as Athena hid her head under her emerald robes.

On the other side of the castle, Albus was walking back to his office after a trip to the kitchens. He had wanted one of the elves' steaming cups of cocoa, and he found he enjoyed the peace of mind that came with strolling the castle corridors mug in hand.

Until he encountered Dalton, who was sitting in a nook, apparently studying.

Albus didn't know what came over him, but he strolled over to the boy. "Hello, Mr. Scrimgeour."

Dalton looked up. "Oh, hi, Headmaster. What do you have there?"

"Some hot chocolate, one of Hogwarts' best-kept secrets." Albus' eyes twinkled, knowing full well that Dalton had drunk many hot chocolates with him over the years. "Do you have time to come up to my office for a chat?"

Dalton paled, but to his credit, he stood up. "Sure."

"How is studying going?" Albus asked sympathetically. "I know it's a stressful time."

"I just can't wait until these are over," Dalton admitted. "Exam season is horrible, but this year has so much added stress."

"Ah, yes. The pressure of knowing you need certain classes to achieve your desired career is a lot for anyone to handle." Albus led Dalton up the staircase to his office. "What is your desired career? I don't believe you ever told me. In fact, I don't think Athena told me, either."

"We decided we wouldn't tell anyone what we wanted to do," Dalton said, shrugging.

"Surely your mother knows. She would have done your career advice meeting!" Albus gestured to his desk. "Sit, please."

"Don't you remember that Professor Flitwick did our career meetings? You and Ma thought it would be too much of a conflict of interest if Ma was telling us what she thought of our future careers."

"Oh, quite right. I had forgotten about that." Albus frowned. "I suppose I can't bully it out of your mother, then."

"Do you think you'd be successful even if she did know?" Dalton laughed. "I've never been able to bully anything out of her."

"That's true, but I'll admit I might have more success than you." Albus looked at the boy—no, young man—in front of him. "Perhaps you may know why I asked you up here—"

"It's about Athena, isn't it?" Dalton interrupted. "Did Ma ask you to talk to me?"

"Er, no," Albus admitted. "No, but when I saw you sitting there all alone, I thought it might be a good idea to have a chat with you."

"So you know?"

"I know that you and Athena are...well, consorting in a romantic fashion."

Dalton looked at him bewilderedly. "Albus, you can just say you know we kissed."

"Ah, right." Albus flushed and it occurred to him that he perhaps should have left this conversation to Minerva.

"Listen, Albus," Dalton began, "I have to talk to Athena first, but I think I like her like her. I hope she feels the same way, but if she doesn't, well..." Dalton shrugged. "She's still my best friend. Besides, I'd hope you know me well enough by now to know I'd never do anything to hurt her."

"Your character is not in question, my boy," Albus said, sighing. "It's just that she's my daughter."

"So then you should trust me when I say I would never make her do anything she wouldn't want to do," Dalton said firmly. "Honestly."

The look of disappointment on Dalton's face reminded him of Minerva. Albus shook his head to clear the image. "Quite right."

"Besides, Ma would have my head on a spike," Dalton added.

"She and me both," Albus said, trying to regain his sense of composure. "I know your mother sent you both to Poppy last year, but—"

"Oh, Merlin, don't tell me we're going to have that talk again," Dalton groaned. "That conversation with Aunt Poppy was awkward enough."

"I was merely going to offer you a private conversation if you ever want to speak to a male adult about these sorts of things." Albus bit his lip. "I don't know how much of my life you know about, but I know life can be difficult without your father, especially at your age."

"Did your dad die too?" Dalton was interested, but his voice held an undercurrent of hope, like he was looking for some solidarity.

"No, but he left my family when I was young. I never saw him again," Albus said, sighing.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

Albus waved his hand. "I appreciate it, but I didn't tell you for your sympathy, my boy. I told you so you would know that I have some understanding of your situation—and I'm here if you need."

"Thanks, Albus." Dalton smiled. "That means a lot."

"You're welcome, Dalton. You're more than welcome."

A knock on the door paused their conversation. "Come in!" Albus called.

Minerva appeared from behind the door. "Hi, Albus." She frowned as her son turned around to face her. "And Dalton? What on earth are you doing here? Is everything all right?"

"Yes, yes, everything's fine. We were just having a catch-up, that's all." Albus smiled. "What can I do for you, my dear?"

"I just came to tell you that I had a very interesting conversation with Athena." Minerva tried not to smile as Dalton noticeably perked up. "Dalton, Athena will be looking for you. Why don't you go and find her? She left my rooms not twenty minutes ago."

"She's looking for me?" Dalton whispered.

Minerva chuckled. "Yes."

"Awesome!" Dalton stood up quickly. "Thanks, Albus. For the chat."

"You're welcome. Now, go." Albus nodded toward the door. "My daughter is waiting, and if I know anything, it's that she can be quite impatient."

"Right." Dalton gave Minerva a loose hug on his way out. "Bye!"

Minerva sat in the chair her son had just vacated. "Do I want to know your reason for dragging my son in here? I'm sorry to tell you this, but if you wanted to strike the fear of God into him, I don't think you succeeded."

"I did want to talk to him about Athena, yes, but...I hope I didn't overstep, Minerva." Albus paused briefly. "I just wanted him to know that he could come and talk to me about...things, if he needed. I told him about my father."

"You told him he was in Azkaban?" Minerva asked softly.

"No, I didn't go into that much detail. I simply said that I know what it's like to be a young man growing up without a father."

Minerva smiled gratefully. "Thank you. I don't view it as overstepping at all. As I'm sure you can appreciate, sometimes, as a single parent, we need all the help we can get."

"Very true. I don't know where I'd be without you helping me with Athena. Speaking of which, is everything all right with her?"

"Yes, yes. She just needed to talk to someone, that's all. If I were a betting woman, I'd say our children are making up right about now."

"As long as they're making up and not—what is it the kids call it? Making out?" Albus frowned at her as she laughed. "What?"

"They're probably doing a little bit of both," Minerva replied, laughing even harder as Albus groaned.

One month later, Minerva and Dalton were hosting Albus and Athena at the Manor. Dalton had informed his mother in no uncertain terms that she needed to stop preparing for the upcoming school year and enjoy some of her summer vacation. Minerva had begrudgingly agreed, even though she saw right through Dalton's idea: he wanted to see Athena again now that they were officially a couple.

"Ma, hurry up! They'll be here any minute!"

"Dalton, stop running. It's just Albus and Athena. They've been here a hundred times." Minerva placed her hand on his shoulder. "You may not want to look out the window. You look a bit eager."

"Stop it, Ma!" Dalton wriggled his way out from underneath her hand. "You're embarrassing me."

"First you wanted me here, and now you want me gone." Minerva held up her hands. "Fine, I'll go. But..." She peered out the window. "I think they're here."

Dalton ran to the door and held it open. "Hi. Come on in."

Albus entered first. He kissed Minerva's cheek and looked at her, amused. "Was Dalton nervous, too? Athena changed her shirt four times."

Minerva laughed quietly as she watched Athena and Dalton hug. "I think so, yes. He was on edge."

"For the record, I hope she never dates again," Albus whispered. "This is hard enough with Dalton, and I've known him his entire life. Merlin help me if she were to eventually date someone else."

Minerva swatted his arm. "Don't put expectations on them. They're sixteen and—woah, woah, woah, where do you think you're going?" She looked expectantly at Athena and Dalton, who seemed to be sneaking off.

"To his room," Athena answered, looking at the set of parents. "Why?"

"You're not setting foot up there, Athena Marigold," Albus warned.

"Why not?" Dalton asked. "Athena is always allowed in my room!"

"Not now she's not," Albus and Minerva chorused together.

Sharing a smile with Albus, Minerva said, "You can go into the library."

"This is ridiculous," Athena murmured, pulling Dalton away by the hand.

"We could follow you!" Albus called.

"Expect us to regularly drop-in unannounced!" Minerva joined in.

"You know, that's not a bad idea," Albus murmured, making Minerva laugh. "If the children are in the library, where should we go? That's our normal spot."

"Come on, this house has plenty of rooms. We can go to the drawing room." Minerva led him into one of the grandest rooms in the house. "Sit."

"Minerva, I will never not be amazed by the grandeur of this house," Albus said, sitting down.

She rolled her eyes. "Albus, it's not like I paid for this house. The estate has been in the family for centuries."

"Spoken exactly like a Pureblood," Albus teased.

"I'm a half-blood, dear. Would you like anything to drink?" Minerva asked.

"Yes, please. Anything to take my mind off the fact that my daughter is alone with her boyfriend a few rooms over."

Minerva Summoned two glasses of water and handed one over to him. "Don't worry about the kids. I may have asked Pokey to pop in on them if things get too out of hand."

"Sending your house-elf in to spy on them? I approve." Albus clinked his glass against hers. "Cheers to that, my dear."

"Cheers." Minerva took a sip and sighed. "It is nice that they're happy, though, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is. Perhaps this is why we didn't work out in the end," Albus mused. He eyed her carefully over the top of his glass. "So our children could be together."

Minerva laughed. "Yes, I suppose that's as good a reason as any. One of many sacrifices we've made for our children."

"I'm happy to hear you think it was a sacrifice."

She didn't quite know how to respond to that; after all, they broke long before their kids were even thought of. But, the thought made her smile, so she merely tilted her head in acknowledgement and hoped her bond wouldn't betray just how quickly her heart was beating.