A/N: Thank you for all of your views, reviews, and messages! This installment picks up right after the last chapter.

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Sixty-Two: July 1966, Pt. II

When Minerva awoke the following morning, she found herself wrapped in Albus' arms. Her head was on his chest and bent at a very uncomfortable angle.

"Oh, ow," Minerva muttered. She reached up to rub at her neck, waking Albus in the process. "I'm sorry, my love."

"I haven't heard you call me that in a very long time." Albus kissed the top of her head. "No need to apologize. Are you all right?"

"I have a kink in my neck," Minerva said, wincing. "It's been a long time since I've fallen asleep on someone's chest, rather than a pillow."

"I must admit I'm glad to hear that." He grinned and waved his hands in the air. "Here, let me help."

"I'm not going to say no to a massage," Minerva laughed. "Go ahead."

Albus gently removed her hand from her neck and replaced it with his own. He applied pressure to her sub-occipital muscles, causing her to groan. "Is that where it hurts?"

"Mhhhmm," Minerva murmured appreciatively. They sat in silence for a few minutes as Minerva felt the knot begin to loosen. "Be careful, Albus, or else you'll be stuck waking me up with a massage every morning."

"There are worse things," Albus said, chuckling. "Waking up next to you is worth giving you a massage."

"I'm glad you think so," Minerva said, her eyes closed. "I've aged almost a decade since you'd last seen me naked."

"You've become even more beautiful in your old age," Albus said. "Besides, didn't you just tell me that all of the young men at this school think you're the most attractive professor here? And that's without seeing you in the nude."

"Don't tell me you're jealous." Minerva extracted his hand from her neck and kissed it. "Thank you, my love."

"Jealous? Hardly." Albus looked at her with an impish grin on his face. "I know you prefer older lovers, not younger."

"Flattering ourselves, are we?" Minerva laughed.

"Do you disagree?"

"I prefer you, Albus. Does that settle the matter?"

"Quite definitively, my dear Deputy." He kissed her soundly. "I must admit that, when I first met you, I had never imagined this."

"That we'd end up in bed together after our children's wedding?" Minerva snorted. "I can't say I had imagined it, either."

"That just makes it all the sweeter."

She cringed. "How horrible are we that we got together at our children's wedding?" Minerva wondered aloud. She locked eyes with Albus, and they both burst into laughter. "Honestly, Albus. It's like one of those Muggle movies."

"It is very cliché, I'll give you that." Albus smiled and tenderly brushed a lock of hair from her face. "Oh, Tabby."

"Speaking of that nickname," Minerva said, propping herself up on her elbow, "did you preordain all of this yesterday?"

"By calling you Tabby in the hallway?" Albus frowned.

"Mhmm," Minerva smirked. "Was it your plan to end up in my bed the entire time?" She looked at him affectionately. "You don't have to take the question that seriously, dearest. I was half-joking."

"I want to know the answer for myself," Albus replied, still pondering. "I was feeling quite nostalgic yesterday—thinking about what the two of us could have had. And then, when I caught you from falling, I suppose it all came back. But I did not plan on ending up here. Ro is the one who convinced me to be brave."

"While I still want to kill her for intervening, I'm not angry," Minerva said, chuckling. "You were right last night, you know."

"Was I? About what?"

"We're finally in the same place." She smiled softly. "There's nothing in our way this time. We'll have to stay hidden, obviously, but there is nothing improper about our situation that would prevent our relationship."

"With one small caveat: our children may kill us once they find out."

"Oh, right," Minerva groaned, throwing her head against her pillow. "Merlin, I don't want them to hate us."

"I don't think they'll hate us, my dear. They might just be...angry." Albus paused. "I would hope they would come around to like the idea eventually."

"I think Athena would," Minerva replied. She removed the pillow so she could look at him. "She has essentially as said as much to me, over the years."

"Really?" Albus found that he was very, very curious. "What on earth did she say?"

"When she was younger, and after Violet left, she wanted a mother." Minerva smiled sympathetically, knowing Albus wouldn't take that news particularly well. "And, well, Athena and I have always had a special bond. It's normal for children to want a close adult figure to be their parent when their own parental relationships are fraught. Hell, I've had some students say as much to me."

"Still," Albus sighed, raking a hand through his beard, "I will never forgive myself for robbing Athena of Violet's love—and Violet of the chance to know Athena."

Minerva intertwined her hands with his. "I know that no matter what I say, you will never absolve yourself of that guilt you like to carry around with you, but I need you to listen when I tell you that the situation wasn't entirely your fault."

"Entirely?"

"Oh, I'll certainly concede it was a shit idea," Minerva said bluntly, making Albus laugh. "Giving a Muggle woman a potion—especially one that Nicolas helped with—was a bad plan, my love." She softened her tone. "Having said that, you didn't tip the potion down her throat. You had a bad idea with good intentions. We've all done worse things, haven't we?"

Albus surprised her by rolling over her and capturing her lips in a passionate kiss.

"What was that for?" Minerva asked breathlessly once Albus had finally broken away.

"I have wanted to do that after every one of your pep talks since we ended," Albus whispered. "Think of it as my way of saying thank you."

"I can think of a few other ways," Minerva said slyly, wrapping her arms around his neck. "We have a lot of time to make up for, wouldn't you agree?"

"Of course," Albus murmured. "Decades, even."

Just as he pressed his lips to hers, they were interrupted by a voice frantically calling out from her sitting room. "Ma?"

Albus jumped off Minerva like he had been burned. "Oh, no."

"That's all you have to say?" Minerva snapped quietly. "Get up, let's go!"

"Ma?" Dalton called again.

"One second, darling!" Minerva yelled. Quietly, she said, "Albus, where in God's name did you put my robe?"

"I don't know. I was a little preoccupied last night." Albus grinned despite the situation. "I can't find my pants, either."

"For the love of Merlin, Transfigure something for us! We'll be lucky if we don't scar them for life!" Minerva hissed.

With a slight pop, she found herself wearing silk robes.

"Oh, well done, my love." Minerva spared a moment to spin around. "How do I look?"

Albus ran his hand over her hair, and she felt it smooth itself. "Perfect."

"I'd settle for not guilty," Minerva muttered. Inhaling, she opened her bedroom door and rushed into the hall.

Dalton turned when he heard her footsteps. "Oh, there you are."

"Athena?" Minerva asked as she accepted a kiss from Dalton. "Is everything all right? Why are you both here? And so early?"

"We wanted to check on you," Dalton said. To Minerva's surprise, he looked truly nervous. "I didn't like the way you looked yesterday. You seemed...off all day."

"I wasn't off," Minerva protested.

"Oh, hi, Dad," Athena interjected. She narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I came here to check on Minerva, as well. She did seem a little out of sorts when I came to see her last night, so I thought it best to pay her another visit."

"I asked you to tell me if she needed anything!" Dalton cried, rounding on Albus. "Why didn't you send an owl?"

"I told you that I would get you if it was serious," Albus corrected. "I didn't think it was. She only needed a moment." His eyes met Minerva's, and she smiled slightly.

"But you came back this morning!" Dalton protested. "Ma, I'm worried. You fell over in the hall, and then you looked like you were going to faint, and then you ran off from our wedding!"

"When on earth did I look like I would faint?" Minerva asked wondrously.

"When you were dancing with Albus," Dalton said. "Right, Athena?"

"I wouldn't say she looked like she was going to faint, but you seemed to be a rather odd mix of pale and flushed at the same time, Min," Athena responded. "Having said that, you look perfectly fine now."

"Exactly. I appreciate the concern—truly, I do—but you didn't need to wake up early to come and see me. Especially if Albus had promised to keep you apprised."

"Speaking of which, why are you two here so early?" Albus asked. "I would have expected you to have a leisurely morning after your wedding night."

Minerva looked at him, amused. "Do you know what you just insinuated to our children?"

Albus blanched. "Oh, er—that's not exactly what I meant."

"Don't worry, Dad. I am already pregnant, after all," Athena said cheekily, grinning.

Albus groaned. "This is not a conversation I should be having with my daughter." He threw his hands up and went to look out the window. "Dalton, my boy, what do you make of the weather?"

Minerva chuckled. "Go, Dalton. Rescue him." She watched as Dalton walked to join Albus. "So, Athena," she said, rounding back on her daughter-in-law, "why are you here this early?"

"We couldn't sleep. I couldn't get comfortable," Athena admitted. "I know I'll be a lot bigger by the time nine months rolls around, but even this belly is a nuisance. And," she lowered her voice, "Dalton really was worried about you."

"I wish he wouldn't worry," Minerva replied, sighing. "I'm perfectly fine, as you said. I tripped over my own two feet yesterday, and now he thinks I'm as fragile as a flower."

"If it's any consolation, I agree that he's being quite overprotective."

Minerva let out a sigh of relief and turned her neck to look at Dalton. "Thank you."

"He really should leave that to Dad," Athena mused. She glanced at Minerva out of the corner of her eye. "Wouldn't you say?"

"I don't know what you're on about, Athena."

"Min." Athena's voice was almost pitying. "After living most of my life with Dad, I know what it looks like when he Transfigures clothing." She looked pointedly at Minerva's clothing, which, upon second glance, did have a suspicious amount of stars on them.

"Oh, damn," Minerva whispered wearily. She rubbed at her temples. "Would you believe me if I said I spilled something on my robes, and your father was kind enough to Transfigure me some new ones?"

Athena snorted. "You both came from your bedroom so, no, but good try." Her eyes danced. "Dad spent the night, hmmmm?"

"Athena, I really don't think this is an appropriate conversation to have with you," Minerva lectured firmly. "I don't think Albus would approve, and whatever exists of my love life is none of your business."

"So he did then," Athena surmised, laughing. "Good. It took the two of you long enough to figure it out."

"If we had figured it out any earlier, there's a good chance you and Dalton wouldn't be together now," Minerva said, raising an eyebrow. "Instead, you could have been raised as siblings."

"Ew." Athena rolled her eyes. "I get it, Min. I just mean that I am very, very happy for you. You deserve to be happy."

"You're truly getting all of this from the pattern on my robes?" Minerva asked.

"I know my Dad," Athena said, smiling softly. "Don't worry, though: I won't tell Dad I know. I'll let him tell me in his own time. I've surprised him enough over the past few months."

"And Dalton?" Minerva bit her lip. "Do we tell him?"

"No, we do not," Athena responded firmly. "He'll lose his mind. He's stressed enough as it is, what with the move, our new jobs, and the baby. D can't handle any more upheaval right now."

"Great. Now I'm worried about him." Minerva looked at Athena. "Is he all right?"

"He's fine," Athena said truthfully. "It's a normal amount of stress for someone going through as much as we are. I asked Poppy."

"You checked with Poppy?" Minerva's heart warmed. "Merlin, I love you. Thank you for taking care of him."

"I love him, so it's not a chore," Athena said simply. "He copes well, most of the time. Sometimes he just needs a little extra space."

Minerva smiled, and then asked, "Would Dalton be angry? About Albus and me?"

"No, I don't think so." Athena thought for a moment. "He'll be happy for you, but I think he's still slightly angry with Dad. It might just make him more protective of you in the short-term, which I gather is not something you want."

"Nor you, I should think," Minerva said pointedly. "You're the one here at half-past ten the morning after your wedding."

"I could have lounged in bed," Athena confessed. "I'm just so tired, all the time. And obviously I love you, but you clearly weren't in any danger last night."

It was Minerva's turn to snort. "No, no danger."

"Can I ask you a question?" Athena's voice was meek. "It may sound stupid, but I have to know."

"I doubt it's stupid, darling. What is it?"

"Is Dad the one you're soul-bonded with?" Athena looked at Minerva almost hopefully.

Minerva felt her throat constrict. She and Albus had decided they wouldn't tell their children, but she didn't want to blatantly lie to one of them, either. Buying time, she asked, "What makes you think that?"

"The fact that you two are so perfect for each other, that's all." Athena smiled. "And, after speaking with Dalton, I honestly don't know who else it would be."

"Athena, I haven't exactly divulged all of my romantic exploits to my son." Minerva rolled her eyes. "He doesn't know everyone I've been with—and before you get cheeky with me, the number is not that high."

"Is that a no, then? About you and Dad?"

Minerva sighed. "Athena, I'm very uncomfortable talking about this. It brings up a lot of bad memories."

That much was true. Minerva didn't like thinking about the ramifications her bond with Albus had had on her relationship with Aidan, nor did she want to remember how it had influenced her life.

"All you need to know," Minerva continued, pushing the memories away, "is that your Dad knows who it is, and we've learned to move forward."

"I'll accept that for now," Athena responded. "Will you ever tell me?"

"If the world is ever safe enough to do so, and the person agrees, then yes, darling." Minerva patted Athena's shoulder. "It's a weight to carry, and I don't like keeping secrets from you."

"Thank you. I'll drop it," Athena promised. She sighed, looking over at Dalton and Albus. "I am worried about him."

"Who? My son or your father?"

"Well, both," Athena admitted, and they shared a laugh. "I was talking about Dalton, but really, it's both."

"I want you to tell me, but we should really get you off your feet. I'm sorry; I don't know why that didn't occur to me before," Minerva apologized. They settled on the couch. "It's been a while since I've been pregnant, but I remember my feet aching for days."

"I don't think I'm quite at that stage yet, but that's good to know," Athena said, laughing.

"So." Minerva clasped her hands together and looked at her daughter-in-law. "Hit me."

"Dalton is paranoid," Athena whispered, glancing over to make he was still conversing with Albus. "As I said, he's already stressed, but sometimes, he talks in his sleep."

"What does he say?" Minerva had a feeling that she didn't want to know.

"He mutters about his father," Athena said sadly. "It usually devolves into protecting me and the baby, but it always starts with some remark about protecting us from the people that hurt Aidan."

"Oh, dear. I've perhaps been too neglectful," Minerva muttered. "I should have made him go and see a mind Healer."

"For what?" Athena asked, alarmed.

"I really shouldn't tell you without asking your father...but hell, you're old enough now." Minerva paused. "No, that would be wrong. Get Dalton to tell you about how Aidan died. I know you know he was murdered, but I also know you don't know the entire story. Tell him he has my blessing to tell you."

"Do I want to know what happened?"

"Probably not, but it will help you understand Dalton a little better. And, perhaps, in turn, you can help him heal." Minerva smiled sadly. "Now, what about your father?"

"Oh, nothing nearly as worrisome there." Athena shrugged. "I had been worried about moving to London—I didn't want to leave him alone up here. I know how he can get lonely, and even if he isn't good at showing his feelings, I know he prefers it when I'm close by."

"A fault of all parents, I shouldn't wonder," Minerva responded, laughing. "It's sweet that you were worried about him."

"Well, it's even sweeter now that I don't have to worry about him." Athena grinned cheekily. "He has you to keep him from getting lonely."

"I'll never live this down, will I?" Minerva groaned.

"Live what down?" Dalton asked as he plopped himself down on Athena's other side.

"Nothing you need to know," Athena said, kissing him on the cheek. She winked at Minerva. "Just girl stuff, that's all."

"Then I don't want to know," Dalton replied, making a face.

"Hear, hear!" Albus echoed, causing both Minerva and Athena to glare at him. "What?"

"On that note, we should go." Athena looked at Dalton. "The baby is hungry, which means I am hungry, and—"

"—and if there's one thing this pregnancy has taught us, it's that we eat when we're hungry. I know." Dalton stood and helped Athena up. "We should get you both fed."

"You could stay for brunch," Albus chimed in hopefully.

Minerva and Athena exchanged knowing looks.

"Actually, Al," Minerva said gently, "what if we have a quiet brunch here together? There's hardly anyone on the grounds, and it's not like Ro and Poppy will miss us."

He beamed at her. "That sounds much better than eating alone in my office while attempting to get work done."

"Then it's settled," Athena declared. "Bye, you two!"

The newlyweds closed the door behind them, leaving Minerva and Albus alone.

"It was nice to see them," Albus said, somewhat sadly.

"Yes, it was. Although we did see them yesterday, my love."

"True, true." Albus thought for a moment. "Min..."

"Yes?" Her tone was playful, like she knew what was coming.

"Are we officially together now?" He looked at her meaningfully. "I'd like to figure that out before we do anything else."

"I'm not about to call you my boyfriend, Albus," Minerva said. A smile spread across her lips. "That feels too juvenile a term. But you are my partner, and I'm not about to jump into bed with anyone else for as long as you'll have me. I'm not one for labels, but if you wish, yes, we can be official."

"Brilliant! I know we still have to hide our relationship publicly, but the thought of being able to tell our friends—

"—eventually—"

"—is a very nice feeling," Albus finished. "And now, there's no need to worry about expulsion or termination!"

"And thank Merlin for that," Minerva muttered. Her eyes widened. "Do we need to tell the Board?"

"The Board of Governors? No, I don't think so. In fact, I refuse to bow down to them!" Albus said grandly.

Minerva did nothing but arch an eyebrow.

"Oh, er—if things are going well enough that we eventually want to make things...legal, then we can take it to the Board."

"Albus, you've mentioned marriage two days in a row. Keep that up, and I really will faint," Minerva warned.

"No, no, none of that." Albus took her hands in his. "I simply mean that if we're planning on going to the Board, it should be after more than a day."

"Good point." Minerva sighed. "What would you like to do today?"

"Well, it seems we have absolutely nothing to do today. My schedule is clear." Albus looked at her. "Why, did you have something in mind?"

"We could," Minerva said, her eyes sparkling, "play chess."

"Ah. You wish to test my theory to see if winning is an aphrodisiac?"

"Oh, I know winning is. My research question is as follows: does Albus Dumbledore still find losing to be an aphrodisiac?"

"You think you can beat me? And you're willing to pay the cost?" Albus laughed.

"Well, we were interrupted this morning." Minerva smirked. "And I'm sure that, throughout the course of the day, we'll each find our names on both sides of the ledger."

"Merlin, I love you," Albus breathed. "Shall I get the chessboard?"

Minerva nodded. "Please do. I'll just send a note to Ro—I don't want them to expect us in the Hall if we're not planning on eating down there."

He kissed her nose. "Sounds perfect."

She watched him leave and smiled. Withdrawing a quill and parchment, Minerva quickly wrote a note to Ro, explaining that she and Albus would be spending the day in her quarters.

Within moments, her trusty owl Felina returned with Ro's reply. Opening it, Minerva read Ro's cramped handwriting:

Old man still good in the sack, I reckon?

Minerva rolled her eyes but muttered to herself, "Yes. Yes, he is."

Leaving the note, she turned, and went to play chess with her beloved.