A/N: Thank you for your kind messages after last week. They mean the world to me. For reference, the last chapter took place June 1964.

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Fifty-Eight: December 1965

Minerva walked along a northeastern corridor of the castle, pleased at the silence. She would never admit it to Albus, but she enjoyed a number of perks that came along with being Deputy.

Top on her list? Having the first choice of patrol times.

Most of her colleagues preferred the earlier times; that way, they could still be in bed at a reasonable hour. Minerva, however, found that she liked the peace that came along with the last patrol of the day. It usually meant that fewer students were wandering about, and contrary to her reputation, she didn't particularly enjoy taking House points away from students.

"What on earth?" Minerva murmured, rounding a corner. A turquoise light that looked somewhat familiar was emanating below a closed classroom door.

She shuffled closer to the door and groaned internally when she heard the sounds of sex. Minerva hated catching students in the middle of their romantic pursuits. Not only was it horribly awkward when she had to interrupt them mid-whatever they were doing, but the unpleasantness that followed in class for weeks was something she preferred to avoid.

Bracing herself and half-closing her eyes, Minerva opened the door. "All right, what is going on in here?" she demanded.

Her jaw dropped when she saw Dalton over top of Athena—thankfully covered by a blanket—surrounded by the turquoise light.

Two things struck Minerva at once.

One, her son was having sex in a public place, after curfew, and she would kill him for that.

Two, the turquoise light was something she remembered from her bonding to Albus, and if that was any indication, then it appeared that Dalton was now bonded to Athena.

"Ma?" Dalton asked awkwardly. "Oh, fucking hell."

Athena turned her head, eyes going wide as she caught sight of Minerva. "Shit."

"Indeed," Minerva replied crisply. "Kindly clothe yourselves and meet me outside. Now."

Minerva spun on her heel and shut the door behind her, her heart racing. Her mind was searching for answers. Why would her son bond to Albus' daughter? What cruel trick of fate was this? She knew that her own bonding had brought unnecessary pain and conflict—even when she and Albus were a couple—and she didn't want that for Dalton and Athena.

When the door opened again, Minerva sighed upon seeing the embarrassed looks on Dalton and Athena's faces.

"I know this is awkward," Athena began, "but do you happen to know what that light was? We didn't mean to do that."

Minerva rubbed at her temples. "I have a suspicion that I will discuss with you after we speak with the Headmaster. You both have just broken more than your fair share of school rules, do you understand that?"

"Yes, Professor," Dalton said slowly. Looking around quickly, he continued, "But Ma, it's not like anyone's around this time of night!"

"That would be because it's after curfew!" Minerva hissed. "We're heading to the Headmaster's office."

"We're going to see him now?" Athena gulped. "Can't this wait until morning?"

"No." Minerva sighed again. "I would rather ruin his night than his morning."

"Why is that?" Dalton asked.

"It's more socially acceptable to drink at night than in the morning," Minerva snapped. "Now, follow me. I'm not going to ask again."

The three of them walked in silence to Albus' office. Minerva led them, trying to work out a way to tell Albus what had happened without him either attempting to murder Dalton or lock Athena away for the rest of her life.

Before knocking on Albus' door, Minerva stared forcefully at their children—I suppose I can't really call them children anymore after that, she mused. "I will tell Albus about this. You two will keep your mouths shut, and accept whatever punishment we deem suitable."

"Oh, come on," Dalton murmured.

Minerva knocked on the door and opened it. "Albus?"

Albus was at his desk and grinned upon seeing Minerva. "What a nice surprise, my dear! I'm just working on your new timetabling schedule—this is a brilliant change. Not that I expected anything less from you, of course. Would you like to play some chess?"

"I'm afraid this isn't a social call, Albus." Minerva opened the door further and gently pushed Dalton and Athena forward. "We have a bit of a disciplinary problem."

"What?" Albus looked between his daughter and her partner. The dishevelled hair, mismatched buttons, and sheepish looks on their faces made his chest feel tight. "Minerva, tell me this isn't what this looks like."

"If you're thinking that I caught our children having sex in an abandoned classroom after curfew, then I am sorry to tell you that this is very much what it looks like."

Albus simply stared at Minerva, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. Minerva winced, knowing that he was on the verge of losing it. "Albus, why don't we all just have a seat and talk this through?"

"Talk this through?" Albus exploded. "What's there to talk about? Our children not only broke the rules, but you caught them...you had to see—"

"I know what I saw, Albus," Minerva interrupted, gently but firmly. "Athena, Dalton, sit. Separately in those chairs, please," she added. "Albus, join me on the couch."

Albus looked at her bewilderedly. "Minerva, I'm way out of my depth."

"I know." Minerva flashed him a brief smile before leading him to the couch by the hand. She whispered, "We'll get through this. Just calm down."

Albus nodded and sat beside her, still gripping her hand. "I suppose the appropriate thing to do would be to ask you to explain yourselves."

"I don't quite know what we have to explain, Dad," Athena said, shrugging. "I mean, the situation speaks for itself. I'm not going to embarrass myself by trying to explain it."

Albus blanched. "You can explain why you were doing that."

Athena rolled her eyes. "Because that's what people do when they're in love, Dad."

Minerva felt Albus' grip tighten uncomfortably around her fingers. "Athena, I think your father wants to know why you were...doing that, to use his words, in a public place."

"Our dorms have no privacy," Dalton said, looking nervously at his mother. "And given that we live here, classrooms are our only option. Where else are we supposed to have sex? The Forest?"

Minerva made a strangled sound and buried her head in her free hand.

"I'd prefer you didn't have it at all, not while you're here at school," Albus said dangerously. "I recommend you watch your tone. Your mother and I are not in the wrong here. You both are in big trouble."

"Would we be in as much trouble if we weren't also your children?" Athena challenged. She crossed her arms. "Yeah, we broke some school rules. Fine. I want to make sure that we're not getting in more trouble than we would if we were just average students. I don't think any other student would be hauled before the Headmaster."

"No, but they would be hauled before their Head of House. Lucky for me, I caught enough of your little show," Minerva interjected.

"Minerva is right. Besides, you know full well that in situations like these, we contact students' parents, and those parents can discipline their children any way they see fit." Albus glared at his daughter. "I raised you better than this."

"You didn't even raise me! Min did!" Athena screamed.

Minerva looked up. "That is unfair, Athena Marigold."

"Well, then, Minerva raised you better than this," Albus responded coldly, not missing a beat. "You know better than to break school rules and act so irresponsibly in public."

"I didn't think we'd get in this much trouble for having sex," Dalton murmured to Athena.

"It's not only that you were having sex!" Minerva yelled, losing her temper. "It's that you were having sex here, in a classroom, where anyone could have walked in!"

"Min," Albus warned, clutching her hand. "Breathe." He turned to their progeny. "I honestly don't have any idea as to how to deal with this. Minerva and I will need to talk about what to do going forward."

"Going forward? What does that mean?" Athena cried.

Albus ignored her. "You both will head back to Gryffindor Tower—into your separate beds. In the morning, Minerva and I will send for you, and we will discuss your punishments then. As our students and as our children."

Minerva pointed her wand between the teenagers, blasting them apart.

"What was that for?" Dalton winced, rubbing his arm.

"Insurance. That repulsion spell I just cast will ensure you two stay apart until we bring you here tomorrow morning." Minerva nodded at the door. "You should leave now, but please keep in mind you'll have to go one at a time."

Athena huffed. "Isn't this just bloody fantastic?" She stalked out the door, and once she had gone, Dalton glared at his mother before departing, too.

"Whisky, Albus," Minerva said wearily, releasing his hand. "Make it strong."

"As you wish, my dear." He stood, poured her a glass, then poured one for himself, too. "This is a mess."

"Is it?" Minerva asked. She smiled gratefully as he handed her the drink. "Did we just make a big deal out of nothing?"

"You know we didn't." Albus raised an eyebrow as he sank onto the couch beside her again. "You know very well that they just broke about ten school rules."

"Yes, but I still feel terrible. Why is that?"

"Because being a parent is never fun when it requires getting angry."

"Touché." Minerva downed the rest of her glass. "There's more, I'm afraid."

"More?" Albus groaned. "What else is there?"

"I think they're soul-bonded, Albus," Minerva said grimly.

Albus spat out his drink, coughing. "What?"

"I only found them in the first place because there was a turquoise light that was coming from behind the door—"

"No, no, nooooo." Albus raked a hand through his beard. "Tell me you're joking."

"I wish I were." Minerva gave him a look and laughed. "This is much, much more amusing now that we're in this together."

"I don't want our children to be soul-bonded," Albus complained. "It's a nuisance and we don't even like it, and we've had years to come to terms with it. How do we tell them that they're soul-bonded? That's not a conversation I should be having with my daughter."

"I was hoping your brilliant mind would have an idea." Minerva leaned in. "Albus, do you know of any other soul-bonded people whose children are also soul-bonded?"

"The only other soul bonded people I know are the Flamels," Albus pointed out, "and even so, I would believe most soul-bonded couples would choose to marry each other, so they wouldn't ever have to go through this."

She had to admit he made sense.

"Well, isn't that just...fantastic!" Minerva snarled, throwing her hands into the air.

"Minerva, my dear, you need to calm down."

"And you need to anger up!" Minerva looked at him, flushing. "Sorry. What do we do?"

"I could always ask Nicolas if he has any ideas or theories," Albus offered, "but I know how you feel about him."

"It's nothing against Nicolas the man," Minerva said, sighing. "It's about Nicolas the researcher. His endeavours haven't ended particularly well for me. Nor for you, I'll remind you."

"Some of mine have ended considerably better than yours."

"Oh, right, excuse me for forgetting the whole dragon's blood discovery."

"My dear, not to toot my own horn, but that was a groundbreaking moment for medicine and potion-making alike." Albus held up his own empty glass. "More?"

"Please," Minerva sighed. She rubbed her head as something nagged at her. "Wait. Dalton has a birthmark."

"I don't think that's terribly uncommon. Why is it of note?" Albus asked as he retrieved more alcohol.

"It's a birthmark on his right arm. I'm sure you've seen it over the years. Poppy thought it looked like a magical birthmark. It's very similar to the cut I had on my arm when you were injured."

"Right before I was captured, you mean?" Albus settled back onto the couch, bringing the bottle with him. He rubbed his arm. "That bloody hurt."

"Yes, exactly. You had that injury, which meant I had that injury, and we believe that it then imprinted itself onto Dalton somehow when I was in labour."

Albus winced. "I'm sorry, Minerva. If I had known..."

"It's fine, Al. It's not like you could control it. Besides, we had Poppy investigate it. She couldn't find anything that would cause Dalton harm, so Aidan and I left it at that and never thought of it again."

"Perhaps that's why they're bonded." Albus looked at Minerva with a twinkle in his eye that usually indicated he had an idea. "What if the pre-disposition for soul-bonding is actually genetic, and because our bond was overactive when Dalton was born, he is more likely to bond with someone?"

"It's possible." Minerva shrugged, and then sighed upon seeing the disappointed look on Albus' face. "Al, it's far too late, and I'm more inebriated than I would like to be able to have that conversation, but it's possible. It's a good theory."

"Can we get Nicolas involved?"

"I don't trust that he would be able to handle this without revealing to Athena and Dalton that you and I are soul-bonded, too. I didn't know if I ever wanted to reveal our relationship to them before; now, I think it would just upset them."

Albus deflated. "You have a good point."

Minerva patted his hand. "I'm glad you think so."

"I suppose this will just be our secret forever." Albus went to stand and found himself promptly sitting back down. "I believe I've had too much to drink on an empty stomach, my dear. I hadn't planned on drinking tonight."

"Nor had I, but I also hadn't planned on catching our children mid-intercourse today."

Albus laughed. "While this whole situation makes me rather uncomfortable, I must admit I'm glad that you were the one to catch them. I wouldn't have known what to do."

"I can't say that I knew what to do, either," Minerva confessed. "It's bad enough when I catch our students. But to see my own son? That's less than ideal." She grinned. "We could pay a visit to your Pensieve, though. So you can join me in my misery."

He blanched. "No, I'll do just fine without that image, thank you. My mind has already conjured enough images that I had never needed to see."

"Although I suppose it's better than the alternative," Minerva said, chuckling. "At least they didn't walk in on us. I think I'd have a harder time living that down."

"Yes, well, that would be because they're currently in the wrong, and we very much are on moral high ground here."

"Granted, it's not like Dalton would have had many opportunities to walk in on me," Minerva sighed. She thought briefly that she shouldn't be saying this, but the drinks had gone to her head. "Single parenthood doesn't quite lend itself to that, now does it?"

"We're lucky they didn't walk in on us after Violet left," Albus said, smiling. "That night could have been a lot more traumatic for them than it already was."

"That was an odd night," Minerva sighed.

"You know, I think our children take after their parents," Albus mused, changing the subject. "After all, we've both been caught in precarious situations in public while here at school."

"I know that you caught me with Michael, but what on earth did you do?" Minerva grinned. She kicked off her shoes and curled up on the couch. "This sounds like an excellent story."

"I wouldn't go that far," Albus chuckled. "I believe I mentioned it briefly after I found you in that closet."

"You mentioned it, but you haven't told me the full story. Spill, Albus." Minerva batted her eyelashes. "Please?"

"There's no need for that." Albus tapped her nose affectionately. "I was Head Boy, and I thought that I was above the rules for all sorts of reasons. My paramour at the time and I had been waiting for a moment to sneak away, and finally, we snuck into the Potions store cupboard. Well, our Potions professor found us, half-undressed, and when she discovered that we had broken the jars of some valuable potions ingredients, we were given a proper dressing down."

"Oh?" Minerva asked eagerly.

"I seem to remember Professor Eaglesworth yelling at us about having more respect for a cauldron's intended purpose." Albus bit his lip while Minerva laughed. "I was glad that she had retired by the time I joined the staff. Otherwise, that would have been horribly awkward for me."

"And the rest of the school year wasn't?"

"That was also awkward, admittedly. Fortunately, I was gifted enough at Potions that I could get by without needing to pay much attention to Eaglesworth. We both preferred it that way, I shouldn't wonder."

"Were you in a more embarrassing position than I was at the Yule Ball?" Minerva asked.

Albus looked at her carefully. "Why are you asking me this?"

"So I could tease you for a change."

"My partner and I were significantly more undressed than you and Michael. Is that what you wanted to hear?"

Minerva grinned. "Yes. Now everyone in my family has officially been caught in a more embarrassing position than I have." Her smile quickly turned into a frown. "Except for Cal and Lucy, I suppose, but I don't particularly want that to witness that."

"Thank you for thinking of me as family," Albus uttered softly.

She looked at him. "What else would you be, Albus?"

When Albus leaned in and kissed her, it took Minerva by surprise. A pleasant surprise, but a surprise nonetheless. After a few minutes, Minerva gently pushed back on his chest.

Albus pressed his forehead to hers. "Did I overstep?"

"No, Albus. It was lovely. But," Minerva sighed, leaning back, "we can't do this again. We can't come together on an emotional night and pretend like nothing exists but us."

He sighed. "I take it you won't be staying here, then?"

Minerva swatted his shoulder. "I should be shocked you have the bravery to ask me that." She smiled indulgently. "I'll stay on the couch. We have to deal with our children in the morning, and I'm afraid I've drunk a wee too much."

"What are we going to do about that?" Albus groaned. "Do we just ground them until they leave Hogwarts?"

"I'm not sure that's the best approach, Al," Minerva said, laughing. "I think we tell them that we expect them to comport themselves like the mature adults they are and that if they're going to have sex, it shouldn't be on castle grounds."

"You're just inviting them to have sex at one of our houses, then," Albus grumbled. "But I see your point. Punishment?"

"Two weeks' worth of detention should suffice, no? That's what I normally do in situations like these."

"How many situations like this are there, anyway?"

"More than you'd care to know about, Albus."

The next morning, when they were both decidedly hungover, Minerva and Albus summoned their children to the Headmaster's office. They decided that Minerva would handle the punishment—she had been the one to catch them, after all—and Albus would do his best to lead on the soul-bond discussion.

Minerva knew she'd have to fill in the gaps, but it was always that way with Albus when he got uncomfortable.

"Listen, you two," Minerva said firmly once everyone had sat down. "You need to understand that this cannot happen again. You both are considered role models for the younger students, and this unsavoury behaviour cannot continue. Understood?"

"Yes, Professor," Athena and Dalton murmured.

"The Headmaster and I have decided that two weeks of detention shall be your punishment—and before you ask, yes, that is the normal punishment that we dole out to students in this predicament. The punishment won't be with Hagrid, though; I'll put you with Professor Slughorn or someone that I know you two aren't fond of." Minerva stared at them sternly over her spectacles before sighing. "Now, as your parents, we are extremely disappointed in you. We appreciate that being in this castle with us all the time can be difficult, but you still have to comport yourselves in a dignified manner."

"We are sorry, honestly," Athena said. "But, Min, it is hard living here for ten months and never having any privacy."

"I understand," Minerva said, smiling slightly, "but unfortunately, that's life until the end of the year. At that point, you'll both have your NEWTs and can venture into the world. Speaking of which, neither of you has told us what your intended career is."

"I'm sure as hell not telling you now," Dalton grumbled.

"Which means it is something of which I will disapprove," Minerva replied. "Fantastic. Now, Albus needs to speak to you about something else."

"Dad?" Athena frowned and turned to Albus. "What's going on?"

"Minerva informs me that when she—er, caught you, there was a turquoise light. Is that right?"

"Do you actually know what that is?" Dalton leaned in. "What happened?"

Albus looked briefly at Minerva and then said, "It typically only occurs when two people soul-bond."

"I'm sorry?" Athena looked wildly at her father. "Dalton and I are soul-bonded? What the hell does that even mean?"

"That you two are connected now, for better or worse. There hasn't been much research done on the connection, but you can expect to feel what each other is feeling." Albus looked at Minerva, begging for help with his eyes.

Minerva sighed. "For example, Dalton, if you're feeling angry, then Athena might begin to feel that way, as well. If Athena is hungry, Dalton, you might have a hankering to visit the kitchens."

"Cool!" Dalton exclaimed.

Athena glared at him. "You do realize this is going to be a new level of hell, right? I don't want to feel everything you feel."

"But now we're connected! Forever!" Dalton looked happy. "This is so cool."

"We would recommend not telling anyone," Albus said quickly. "I know it seems cool and special—and it is—but it's imperative that you keep this quiet. I know the world seems safe now, but you could have enemies down the line. You don't want anyone to be able to use this against you."

"Please—for your own safety, if nothing else," Minerva added.

"Okay, that we can do. But, um…what happens if we split up?" Athena asked quietly.

"Athena!" Dalton yelled, looking horrified. "Why would you say that?

"Because we're seventeen and it's a possibility!" Athena remarked. "Neither of our parents are still with their Hogwarts sweethearts." She winced. "Sorry, Min. I didn't mean—"

"No harm done." Minerva waved her hand. "Besides, you're right. Aidan wasn't my partner while here at Hogwarts."

"Then who the hell was?" Dalton demanded. "You've never told me this before!"

"Surely I've told you how your father and I met."

"Yeah, how you met when you were eleven, but I just assumed you started dating while here!"

Minerva stared at her son. "Oh, well, now you know. We can talk about that later, darling."

"I don't believe this," Dalton muttered.

"In the event that you do split up," Minerva said kindly, "you'll have to learn how to manage it. In fact, I recommend you do that to start; I don't want you two distracted by each other during your final year."

"Is there anyone you know that was soul-bonded?" Dalton asked. "Is there anyone we could turn to for advice?"

Minerva and Albus looked at each other, but before Albus could speak, Minerva made her decision. "I was soul-bonded to a boyfriend I had before your Dad and I were married," she said quietly. "You can talk to me—either of you—whenever you need."

"Go, Minerva!" Athena yelled, laughing at Dalton's horrified expression. "That's hilarious. Dalton, your mum is awesome."

"If you two are comfortable, we can perhaps have a conversation with Poppy," Minerva offered. "She may know something from a medical perspective of which we just aren't aware. I have spoken to her in the past about my case, but she may be able to do more with more examples. I don't mean that she'll run tests on you, but even talking to her about your experiences may be helpful."

"Ma, how come you never told me you were soul-bonded to someone other than Dad?" Dalton spoke finally, looking angrily at his mother.

"Dad, let's go to your quarters," Athena said quickly. "Let them have the room."

"Good call," Albus murmured, following her.

Minerva turned to her son. "Dalton, what good would it have been to tell you? Your father is the one I chose to spend the rest of my life with. I didn't let this bond dictate my life, and I hope that you and Athena will do the same."

"But does it still, I don't know, hurt you?" Dalton frowned. "Can you still feel everything this guy feels?"

Minerva stifled a laugh, trying not to think about how that very guy had just left the room. "Yes, but I've worked very, very hard over the years to manage it. I'm not perfect, but I am perfectly fine nine days out of ten, darling."

"I need you to tell me these things, Ma," Dalton said seriously. "I need to know about any threats that are in your life."

"Threats?"

"Yes! I've already lost one parent, and now you're telling me that some guy out there is linked to you!"

Minerva felt her heart burst. "Dalton, listen to me. You are my son. I protect you—not the other way around. I appreciate that you want to take care of me, but trust me when I say that this former partner of mine would never, ever do anything to hurt me."

"Do you promise?"

"Yes." Minerva walked over to Dalton and pulled him into her arms. "I promise."

"Is he still around? Could I meet him one day?" He looked up at her. "You know, just to assess the situation for myself."

Minerva grinned. "Maybe one day. He has a family of his own to protect, too, you know. But it would be funny to see the look on your face."

"Wait, does that mean I know him?"

Minerva released him and headed in the direction of Albus' quarters. "Come along, darling. Your girlfriend is waiting, and this will be your last free afternoon for two weeks."