A/N: Thank you for all of your reviews and messages. One more chapter after this, plus the epilogue. For reference, the last chapter took place April 1967.

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Sixty-Nine: June 1967

At the beginning of May, when Athena had returned home from the Ministry with the signed contract confirming their eventual departure to another time, Dalton had not taken the news well.

Even after he had signed the damn thing—the circumstances around which were already a contentious point between himself and his wife—Dalton had thought that someone at the Ministry would see sense.

They were young, they were grieving, and this change would be permanent. He didn't think anyone would have actually agreed to let them go.

Dalton's discovery that it was his uncle who had had the final signature had made him laugh. He knew his mother would not be happy to discover that little bit of news.

In fact, both he and Athena were nervous to tell their parents that they were leaving at all. It had taken six weeks for Dalton and Athena to work up the courage to tell their parents that they had agreed to travel in time, leaving their lives behind them.

"I'm nervous," Athena confessed to her husband as they prepared to head to Hogwarts.

"As you should be," Dalton said, snorting. "We'll be lucky if they don't kidnap us and hide us somewhere in the castle."

"Was this a bad idea?" Athena asked timidly.

Dalton stopped putting the Ministry documents into his robes and looked incredulously at his wife. "You're asking me that now?"

"Dalton, I—"

"No, Athena!" Dalton shouted. He, like his mother, rarely raised his voice, but when he did, it was something to behold. "I didn't want to travel in time! I told you that straight from the get-go. I told you that I enjoyed my life, and that if you would commit to getting better, we could get to a happy place again.

"Instead, you hounded and coerced me into so many meetings with various Unspeakables that I didn't know which way was up. Now, we're about to lose our parents and our entire lives because you had to do everything so damn quickly!"

"Don't yell at me!" Athena cried. "Whatever I did, I did because I wanted our lives to be better! You heard what Poppy told me!"

For a moment, Dalton softened. "I know what she told you. I was there, and I held you through all of the tears that followed. We held each other through it all."

They looked at each other, both remembering the conversation they had had with Poppy back in April, shortly after they had first talked to their parents about time travel.

"I am so sorry to have to tell you this," Poppy had said gently, "but I can't reverse the damage that was done in October. I thought we had a chance, but if the specialist saw fit to send you back to me, then..."

Athena had looked blankly at Poppy. "The specialist sent us back to you so you could be the bearer of bad news?"

Poppy had hesitated. "I am afraid so, sweetheart."

"So your original conclusion was correct, Poppy?" Dalton had asked. His hand had interlocked tightly with Athena's. "She can't have any more children?"

"No, I'm afraid not." Poppy had bit her lip. "I'm so sorry, you two. Short of sending you both back in time, or de-aging you—or perhaps both—I can't rectify this. Obviously, I love you both too much to do either of those things." She snorted. "Not that I have the power to do the former, anyway."

Little did Poppy know that the Ministry could do the former, and Athena had no qualms about time travel.

"I know," Athena continued, quieter this time, "but the only way for us to have a fresh start was to leave. You eventually agreed."

"Athena, I signed the papers after a night filled with crying and drinking too much Firewhisky. I thought we were both drinking, not just me. I didn't realize that you had stayed sober for the sole purpose of running the signed contracts to the Ministry the next morning."

"I'm not proud of that," Athena said softly, "but you had finally agreed. I firmly believe this is the best decision for us, even if you can't see it now."

Sometimes, Athena's scheming reminded Dalton too much of Albus, and it made him uneasy—rightfully, he would argue.

"I only wish I had known that the Unspeakables don't consider drunkenness as a "lack of mental soundness,"" Dalton grumbled. "Who knew that they would drop their moral superiority complexes if they got their desired result?"

Athena ignored the question. "Do you really resent me for it?" She pulled at her braid. "I know this isn't what we planned."

Dalton scoffed. "That's putting it mildly, Athena." He wanted to yell again—it did make him feel a bit better—but looking at her, he knew that Athena wasn't the same woman he had married almost a year ago.

Instead, she was a shell, shrivelled by grief, and as much as he blamed her for their current predicament, he knew that it wasn't Athena that had made this decision, not really.

It was the illness that was running through her head, poisoning her thoughts and actions alike.

"Dalton?" Athena's quiet voice broke him from his reverie.

"I don't resent you for this. I don't appreciate how you got me drunk so I'd sign the bloody thing, but I don't resent you for feeling like you only had one option. I..." Dalton paused and ran a hand through his hair. "I resent that this is how life turned out. I resent that October happened, and that our lives have been irrevocably altered. I just wish...I wish there was another way for you to get better. Or for you to see that you could have been better here."

"I wish I could have been, Dalton," Athena whispered. "I love Dad and Min, and I love your family. But the thought that we'd never have a family of our own..."

Dalton wanted to tell her that they could have adopted a child, but he had already tried that argument to no avail. She felt robbed of an experience, and while he could hardly blame her, he wished with everything he had that he could have made her better.

"I know, Athena. And there's no use crying over spilt pumpkin juice," Dalton said, sighing. "We're stuck now, and I have to make the best of it."

"Will you tell Min and Dad?" Athena asked.

"About what? About the fact that I was drunk when I signed it?" Athena nodded, and Dalton replied, "No. I love you too much to sell you out to our parents. They know that this was originally your idea, but we will frame this as a joint agreement." He smiled wryly. "For better or worse, right?"

Athena kissed him. "Yes. And I love you, D. So, so much."

Dalton simply nodded. "Come on, let's go. They'll be expecting us."

Albus was pacing the length of Minerva's living room as they awaited the arrival of their children.

"Albus, please sit down," Minerva said, not looking up from the book she was reading. "You're going to wear my carpet out."

"Aren't you nervous they're going to get here and tell us that they're going somewhere in time?"

"Yes, but if that's what's about to happen, I hardly will want to spend what little free time I have searching for a replacement rug, will I?"

"You're being nonchalant about this," Albus answered, almost bitterly.

She sighed and closed her book, placing it on the end table. "Come here." Albus obeyed and sat beside her. Minerva nestled into his side and said, "I am nervous, Al. Of course, I'm nervous, but there's absolutely nothing I can do to change their minds. I am hoping for the best, but I am expecting the worst."

"I'd rather they were pregnant again," Albus murmured against her hair, causing Minerva to laugh.

"In this case, my love, I am very much in agreement with you." She turned and pecked his lips. "Do you know if they're taking the Portkey in, or are they walking up from the village?"

"They're walking. Hagrid said he'd escort them up from the gates." Albus groaned. "They normally have no qualms about interrupting us here. They must be walking to give them extra time to steel their nerves."

"Al, please." Minerva closed her eyes, and for the first time, Albus could feel her nerves roiling throughout their bond. "We have no choice but to handle whatever comes."

"You're right." Albus kissed her again, but more deeply. "I'm very glad to have you by my side, my dear. No matter what happens."

Minerva sniffled, trying and failing to stop herself from crying. "I love you, Mr. Dumbledore."

"I love you," Albus whispered. He wiped the tears from her cheeks. "Now, we'd best prepare ourselves. I believe I just felt them enter the wards."

They waited in silence, holding each other, until they heard the knock on Minerva's door.

Minerva stood, wiped her eyes again, and opened the door. "Hello, darlings."

"Hi, Ma," Dalton greeted her warmly. "How're things?"

"The same as they always are on a Hogsmeade weekend in May," Minerva said. She kissed Athena's cheek. "The first and second years are terrified for their exams, so they're studying quietly, and the rest are at Hogsmeade, enjoying their last weekend of freedom for a while."

"Sounds about right," Athena said softly.

Minerva sighed inwardly. Before October, Athena had been so full of life and humour; now, she was hard-pressed to laugh at anything, let alone sound sure of herself.

"Sit down on the couch," Minerva called as she shut the door. "If Albus doesn't move, make him."

"That's not very kind, my dear," Albus said as Minerva came back. He was smiling. "We could have sat together."

"And subject our children to the sight of us cuddling on a couch?" Minerva asked, raising an eyebrow. "No, I'd like to keep my dignity, thank you."

"Ma, we already know Albus lives here. I'm sure holding hands is the most kid-friendly activity that goes on here. Actually," Dalton said, his face blanching, "should I have cast a Scourgify on this couch before sitting down?"

Minerva hit her son with a tickling hex and let him suffer for a few moments before she ended the spell. "You're safe on the couch, Dalton."

"Not for lack of trying," Albus muttered, and Dalton fell apart, laughing.

Albus had to quickly cast a Protego to avoid the same fate as Dalton.

"Honestly, you two," Minerva snapped. She couldn't help the flush that settled in her cheeks. "You're like children."

"I am your child," Dalton said, grinning. "You raised me."

"I certainly didn't raise you to tease me about my sex life," Minerva replied.

"No, but you didn't have much of a sex life when I was younger, so I have to make up for lost time now, don't I?"

Minerva could feel her cheeks getting redder and redder. "No, you most certainly do not. Besides, just because you didn't know about my...dalliances when you were young, doesn't mean that they didn't happen."

"Ew, Ma," Dalton said, grimacing. "I just like teasing you about Albus; I don't actually want to hear about you having sex with other men. I doubt Albus does, either."

"Hear, hear, my boy," Albus muttered. When Minerva raised her eyebrows, he added, "I don't much enjoy hearing about the previous romantic exploits of the woman I love. Can you blame me?"

Minerva thought for a moment, and she supposed that if she had to listen to Albus talk about some of his happier relationships, it would be a thorn in her craw. "No, I suppose I can't."

Albus had to stop himself from grinning. "Well, there you have it."

"Anyway," Minerva said, somewhat desperate to return to the subject at hand, "why are you two here?"

Athena looked at Dalton and looped her fingers through hers. "We have some news."

Please be pregnant, please be pregnant, Albus thought. Just don't leave us.

"As you know, Athena and I had talked to the Unspeakables about their proposal to travel in time to contribute to their research," Dalton said, and suddenly, Minerva wished that she had kept the couch for Albus and herself so she could hold his hand.

"Are we to understand you've come to a decision?" Albus asked. He steepled his hands and leaned forward. "What's the verdict?"

As bravely as he could, Dalton answered, "We signed the contract about six weeks ago. We have until the end of August to get everything in order and submit to the Ministry—"

He was interrupted by Minerva, who wailed.

If Dalton didn't know any better, he'd say it was the sound of his mother's heart breaking.

"Ma?" Dalton asked, alarmed. He looked at Albus, whose gaze was focused intently on Minerva.

"Min?" Athena leaned over the arm of the couch and took hold of Minerva's hand. "Min, you're all right."

It was all noise to Minerva. She was finding it hard to breathe, and her chest suddenly felt inexplicably tight. In fact, it felt suspiciously like the time she had panicked after discovering that she could only bear Albus' children.

Albus, who could sense Minerva's panic through their bond, quickly stood. "Athena, let go of her hand, please."

Athena did her father's bidding and watched as Albus Summoned a glass of water and cupped Minerva's cheek.

"Minerva, my dear," Albus said as gently as he could. "You need to breathe."

"I realize that," she rasped. She looked around at everyone's concerned faces. "Al—"

"We'll go to the bathroom," Athena said quickly, understanding instantly. "Come on, Dalton."

"But Ma—" Dalton protested.

"I can handle this, Dalton," Albus said. "Go." He waited until the couple had closed the bathroom door behind them before moving his hand from Minerva's cheek and placing it on her chest. "Breathe in and out. Slowly. Make my hand rise and fall with your chest. In and out, nice and slow."

Minerva nodded and did her best to follow his cues. Slowly, she felt her breathing find its regular rhythm again. Tears stung her eyes as she said, "God, I haven't felt that sort of panic in a very, very long time."

"I believe that was a panic attack, my dear," Albus consoled her gently. "I'm not surprised to hear that this sensation is unusual for you. You rarely lose control of your emotions."

"Quite right," Minerva murmured. "I should have taken to pacing the floor, like you. Perhaps then the emotions wouldn't have bubbled over."

"It's nothing to be ashamed of," Albus reassured her. "It happens to the best of us."

"I'll take that water now, please." After she had drank the entire glass of water, Minerva said, "Let's get them back."

"Are you sure?" Albus asked. "I wouldn't blame you if you kicked them out. We can go over all of the details at a later date."

"I want to know as much as we can," Minerva said. "I don't want to spend the next few days or weeks worrying about it—and I wouldn't dare put you through that sort of torture."

"All right, if you're sure." Albus kissed the top of her head. Once he had brought Dalton and Athena back into the room, he sat in his usual chair. After a quick look at Minerva to ensure she was truly fine to proceed, Albus asked, "What details are you allowed to give us about your adventure?"

"We're not supposed to tell you anything," Dalton said. He looked warily at his mother. "But, because you two already knew that we were considering this—"

"—and because we love you both," Athena added.

"—we thought we could show you the contracts," Dalton finished. "The Unspeakables told us that we weren't to tell anyone in case someone tried to harm us in our new lives. But you obviously wouldn't harm us, and the Unspeakables didn't explicitly disallow it, so we have the contracts with us."

"May I see them?" Minerva inquired. She felt emotionally exhausted, but she needed to know precisely what her son had signed himself up for.

"Of course, Ma." Dalton rose and handed the signed paperwork to Minerva. "Just don't freak out when you see the signatures."

Minerva raised an eyebrow at him but scanned the documents, eyes narrowed, Albus following along over her shoulder.

When Minerva caught sight of her brother's signature at the bottom of the page, she felt her blood run cold.

"Callum agreed? He signed this? He's the one who approved this?" Minerva shrieked. "I am going to kill my brother!" She stood and Summoned her travelling cloak. "I cannot believe this! How dare he think that he—"

"Minerva." Albus' tone was firm—almost professorial—and not one she had heard directed at her in a very long time. "Do you honestly believe Callum would have agreed to send his own family somewhere in time? At the very least, he would have talked to Dalton and Athena—and if that didn't go well, probably to you."

Minerva stared at him, heartbroken. Albus could see that she was trembling, and he wanted nothing more than to wrap her in his arms, but he knew she wouldn't be comfortable with that sort of public, emotional display twice in the same day.

Finally, Minerva slowly sat back down and wrapped herself in her cloak. "Fine. If Albus' hunch is correct, my brother didn't know that you two were the ones affected by this. Are you two honestly telling us that the Unspeakables don't inform their department head of the identities of these would-be time travellers?"

Dalton nodded. "Correct. It's to better protect the timelines. The fewer people that know, the better."

"Just like you weren't supposed to tell us," Minerva said bitterly. "How convenient."

"Ma..." Dalton tried, but Minerva wouldn't hear of it.

"No, Dalton. This breaks my heart," Minerva whispered. "You're leaving me. Did you ever think about how this would hurt me?"

She hated herself for sounding so frail, but her son's choice had hit her like a Stunner to the heart.

Dalton swallowed. "Ma, Athena is sick. All of us here know that; there's no point denying it. Through our bond, her depression is affecting me, and it's becoming too much to bear."

"Is that true?" Athena asked, turning to face her husband. "Really?"

"Yes," Dalton admitted. "I've tried so hard to be, well, normal, but your pain hurts me on top of my own grief."

"Oh, D," Athena gasped. Tears prickled at her eyes as she grasped his hand. "I'm so, so sorry."

"We've tried so hard to help you, though," Albus said, interrupting the couple's moment. "I had hoped that the mind Healers were helping you."

"They were, Dad," Athena replied gently, "but then Poppy gave us some more bad news. She said that my body was irreparably harmed. I will forever be unable to have children. Her only remedies were time travel and de-aging."

"Oh, I am sorry to hear that, my angel," Albus said sadly. Both he and Minerva knew something about their bodies not doing their bidding when it came to childbearing. "That's too bad, isn't it, Min?"

Minerva's sharp mind had picked up on something else. "Of course, that's too bad. I am very sorry—for both of you. But I need to ask: what were Poppy's remedies? Time travel and de-aging? Or time travel or de-aging?"

Athena and Dalton looked at each other. Finally, Dalton said, "We figured that if we were in for a Knut, we might as well be in for a Galleon. We didn't want to risk Athena's body when we get to where ever we'll be going, so—"

"So you'll be de-aged, too!" Minerva cried. "Someone else is going to get to raise you? How will that work with your memories?" She looked between the children. "You both will lose all of your memories from your original lives, won't you?"

She was one of the wisest witches of her age, so Minerva already knew the answer, but she didn't want to believe it until she heard the truth come from her son.

"We won't be keeping our memories, Ma," Dalton confirmed. "I'm sorry."

"In essence, you're telling us that if we encounter you two in your new bodies and lives, even if we discern that you are you, you won't have any idea that we're your parents?"

"They already told us the answer to that question, my dear," Albus said softly. "Remember? At the Manor."

"I had hoped they would find a way around that," Minerva responded hotly. She looked back at her son. "I won't watch someone else raise you, Dalton Fionnlagh! I refuse!"

"We could be going back in time, Min," Athena offered. "You might not have to see us at all!"

"Do you think that's better?" Minerva cried. "Oh, Merlin." She put her head in her hands.

"When do you find out where, or rather, when, you'll be going?" Albus asked.

"We won't know that until the day we show up at the Ministry and hand ourselves over," Dalton answered. "That must remain a complete and utter mystery."

"Are you able to bring any personal effects?" Minerva looked up from her hands. "Anything from your old life?"

"A few things," Athena said gently. "Nondescript items that we are attached to, but that others wouldn't necessarily recognize."

"And you're both sure you want to go through with this?" Albus confirmed. "Minerva and I are very well-connected, and powerful. We could hide you away if you wish. We could be your Secret Keepers, even."

"Albus, wouldn't that mean we were still living a half-life? We wouldn't be able to be us if we had to hide away for the rest of our lives. It would be our lives, but it would be less of a life," Dalton remarked. "I appreciate the offer, but we can't accept that."

At that moment, Albus realized that he wouldn't be able to keep his daughter and son-in-law here with him, and he crumpled in his chair.

"Hush, Dad," Athena whispered. She stood and leaned over her father's chair, hugging him. "Dad, it's okay."

"How can you say that?" Albus asked. "Honestly, my angel, how?"

Athena tensed. "I'm hoping you recognize that I've been lost since October, and this is the only way I can be me again."

"That's not true," Minerva said firmly. "Athena, I empathize with what you're going through, but I am not going to sit here and pretend this was the only option you had."

"Min—"

"No, Athena. Sit back down." Minerva sighed. When Athena had sat beside Dalton again, Minerva spoke in a voice her students would recognize. "You two have done something irreversible. While you won't have to live with the repercussions, Albus and I will. Our entire family and your friends will have to cope with your loss. I'm presuming everyone else will be told you've died, or some other such nonsense, and we will all grieve for you.

"I'm not going to pretend to like this or approve of your decision. This was a terrible idea. If you're old enough to make this decision, you're old enough to handle my opinion," she added when Dalton opened his mouth to interject. "Unfortunately, I seem condemned to a life without my son, and if that's the sad Shakespearean twist to my tale, then so be it.

"If this is the route you've chosen, then I am determined to enjoy what's left of our lives together. You said that you have until the end of August, correct?"

"Yes," Dalton whispered.

"Then I want these next few months to be as normal as they can be," Minerva continued firmly. "I want to spend them together—like we did before October. I recognize you're ill, Athena, but I want to fill my mind with as many happy memories as I can. I may not have had any say in your decision, but I hope you give Albus and me the courtesy of one last summer with you." Minerva turned to Albus. "Do you have anything to add, Albus?"

He shook his head. "That was marvellously said, my dear."

"Do either of you have any opinions on the matter?" Minerva asked Dalton and Athena.

"It sounds more than fair, Min," Athena said, smiling.

"Good. We can suss out the details, then. What's more, I want to know more about your little adventure." Minerva's eyes narrowed. "I may not be able to stop it, but I want to know as much as possible."

"Before we get too deep in the weeds," Dalton interjected, "I have something to say."

"Yes, darling?"

"I actually have something to say to Albus." He turned to his father-in-law. "I have one request of you, Albus, even if it's an unfair thing to ask."

"What is it, Dalton?" Albus asked warily.

"Can you at least make an honest woman out of my mother before we go, Albus?" Dalton asked, a grin on his face. "Ma deserves to be happy, and I want to be here for the wedding. I'd hate to miss that."

"Dalton!" Minerva hissed. "You don't just ask people that!"

To Minerva's horror, Albus returned her son's grin. "I believe I can, Dalton."

"Albus..." Minerva warned. "What are you on about?"

Albus smiled at her as he opened his palm. A box flew out from Minerva's room and into his hand. "I've had this ring for a very long time."

Minerva felt her jaw drop. "Where the hell have you been keeping that?"

"Somewhere safe, my dear," Albus said cheerily.

Minerva quirked an eyebrow. She did her best to look calm, despite her hammering heart. "Apparently."

"We should leave you to it." Athena hopped up from her spot on the couch and dragged Dalton with her. "You two should be alone for this."

"We still have things to discuss, young lady," Minerva said, her eyes not leaving Albus'.

"We know!" Athena exclaimed. "We'll just go visit Poppy and Ro. Come and get us after..." she trailed off, giggling. "Well, after whatever is about to happen."

Athena and Dalton left, leaving Minerva and Albus, simply staring at each other.

"Min..." Albus began, but Minerva interrupted him.

"Albus, we haven't talked about...about that yet," Minerva said, jutting her chin in the direction of the apparent ring box. "Not in any meaningful way, at the very least. I don't want you to do anything simply because my son suggests it."

"Don't let the circumstances influence your answer, my dear," Albus responded softly. He left his chair, walked to Minerva, took her hand and led them to the couch. He sat and pulled her down beside him. "I've been ready to ask the question for twenty-one years."

"You can't be serious."

"Forgive me for not kneeling, but I am significantly older than I was when I had originally planned on doing this," Albus said, his eyes sparkling. "Although perhaps it's more romantic to do this sitting beside you, holding your hand."

"Albus bloody Dumbledore, I do not need to have another panic attack today, all right?"

"I would be doing a terrible job of this if I made you panic," Albus laughed. He pecked her lips to stop her from admonishing him any farther. "Let me talk, and if you want to scold me after, you can."

"Fine." Minerva rolled her eyes.

"Don't roll your eyes, either," Albus said quietly. "I have something I would like to say."

Minerva softened her gaze and squeezed his hand. "All right, then. I'm sorry. Please, go ahead."

"My dear, dear Minerva," Albus began, and Minerva was suddenly under the impression that he had rehearsed this speech for months, "I love you. As you know, I have loved you for far longer than has been appropriate. I have lost you twice because of my inability to give you space and my inability to make this a true partnership.

"I'd like to believe I've been a better partner this time around. My dear, that is all thanks to you. The only way I am a better man is when I have you by my side, encouraging me—demanding I be the man you deserve, even if that's not the way you would phrase it.

"I can't promise to be a perfect partner—we both know I'd fail at that goal almost immediately—but I can promise to keep trying. As we go through what is undoubtedly about to be a tumultuous time for us, there are certain things I know.

"I know I love you. I know I want to be by your side through all of the pain and sorrow that will come, and I know I want to be by your side for what I hope will be the joyful times to come. I know that nothing would make me happier than being your husband, and I know I want to marry you.

"The only unknown left is your answer. So," Albus said, slightly nervous now as he opened the ring box with his free hand, "will you say yes, my dear?"

She stared at him. Minerva knew she loved him, of course—she had loved him since she was seventeen, perhaps even before that.

But she also knew him, and she wanted to ensure he wasn't simply rising to her son's bait.

When Minerva finally spoke, she found that her throat felt rather constricted. "Are you sure, Albus?"

"Minerva, I'm far too old to have wasted my breath on that speech if I was unsure," Albus said, and suddenly, he felt Minerva's lips on his.

When she released him, he asked in a bemused, breathless sort of voice, "Is that a yes?"

"I wouldn't have kissed you if it was a no," Minerva whispered, chuckling.

"Not your usual direct answer, but if that's a yes—"

"Yes, Albus." Minerva couldn't stop herself from smiling. "Yes, I will marry you."

"Really?" Albus asked. After dreaming of this moment for two decades, a large part of him was shocked that she had said yes. He held up the ring box. "May I...?"

Minerva nodded, and she felt a thrill run through her as Albus gently slid the ring onto her finger.

"I can't believe you said yes," Albus breathed. He stroked her hand. "I can't believe it."

"Why did you ask if you didn't think I'd say yes?" Minerva teased, and before Albus could ruin the moment by making more of her question than she wished, she took his face in her hands and kissed him.

Albus moaned against her mouth as her hands found their way into his hair. He sought entrance into her mouth, and she granted it, humming happily as their tongues met.

"My dear, if we don't stop now, there will be a reason for your son to Scourgify this couch," Albus whispered breathlessly, pulling away.

"We can't have that," Minerva said, standing, and for a moment, Albus believed he was the most idiotic man on the planet.

"Min?" he asked. "I didn't mean—"

"Hush," she reprimanded gently. Her eyes sparkled. "I know."

To his happy surprise, Minerva slowly removed her robes, layer by layer, until she was wearing nothing but the ring he had just given her.

Albus simply gaped at her, so she asked, "Care to join me in our bed, fiancé?"

He followed her dumbly into her room—their room—and watched as she lay on top of the bedclothes.

Albus found himself unable to breathe. He had a fiancée, and she was the most marvellous person he had ever laid eyes on.

He was silent for a few moments, so Minerva asked anxiously, "Al? Was that all right, or..."

He responded by Banishing his clothes and laying on top of her.

"It was more than all right," Albus growled, and he took one of her breasts in his mouth.

After a few minutes of being loved under his mouth, Minerva pushed at his shoulders.

"Al, please." She tried reaching for his cock, but he grabbed her wrist and held it at her side.

Finally, he entered her, and she moaned.

To her chagrin, he stilled after pushing himself into her, and she whined her displeasure.

Minerva thrust her hips, annoyed at the lack of friction, but his weight kept her pinned to the bed. She huffed. "Really?"

He smiled and leaned over her so their noses were touching.

"I love you more than anything," Albus whispered against her mouth, and he knew she understood him. It wasn't a slight against Athena, but Minerva was the one person that kept him grounded, that didn't lose Albus amidst any of his many personas. He wasn't Dad, he wasn't Headmaster, he was just Albus. "You know that, don't you?"

"I know, Al," Minerva breathed. She lifted the hand he wasn't holding and cupped his cheek. "I know."

He kissed her then, and didn't hesitate to take her hard.

After, she lay in his arms, and enjoyed that he was close, and he was hers.

"Remind me to propose every day," Albus murmured in her ear. "That was something."

She tugged on his beard and then placed her hand gently on his chest.

"I have a question," Minerva said, "and I want the truth."

"Mhmm?"

"Have you truly had this ring for two decades?"

She felt his heart quicken under her hand, and then he said, "It's the ring I originally bought for you. When I had intended to propose after your convocation."

Minerva smiled into his shoulder. "That's rather sweet."

Albus didn't know if she was actually impressed by his sentimentality, so he said, "If it's not to your liking, I could update the ring—make it newer. I know flashier rings are more in style nowadays."

"Al," Minerva said, gently but firmly, "I don't care about jewels, carats, or anything else. You chose this, and you kept it for a very long time. That makes it the perfect ring for me."

"Do you mean that?"

She quirked an eyebrow. "Do I often say things I don't mean?"

"No." Albus kissed her quickly. "And that's only one of many reasons that I love you."

"Well, then, please forgive me for the subject change, and take what I'm about to say at face value. While there is some part of me that wishes that we had always been together, I wouldn't alter Dalton or Athena. Not even for a second, even knowing what we know now."

"I know, Tabby." They smiled at each other at the rarely used nickname. "I know."

"I'm going to miss them," Minerva said softly.

"I wonder if I should have worried more about Athena's mental health when she was younger." Albus sighed. "I can't help but worry that the sickness that plagued my sister is the same that now haunts Athena."

"My love, whatever happened to Ariana is not the same thing."

"How can you be so sure?" Albus tilted her chin so he could look into her eyes. "Ariana's magic went haywire after a traumatic event, just like Athena's."

"It isn't Athena's magic that is the problem," Minerva said. "It's grief, depression, nonacceptance—her mind is ill, Al. It's not her magic. This is not your fault. You couldn't have prevented it." She hesitated before asking, "Do you think there's a chance they'll remember us?"

"In the future? Or in the past?" Albus asked, and Minerva nodded. "I suppose there's always a chance. I don't know enough about time travel magic, in all truth. I believe it best if we exercise caution, though—I don't know what they'll remember."

"Exercise caution regarding what?" Minerva asked. She held up her left hand. "They already know about this."

"Yes, that's true," Albus chuckled. "What I meant is that we shouldn't tell them anything we discover about Tom Riddle and his friends. Just in case."

"Tell me you don't believe our children would join his cause," Minerva said, horrified.

"No, I don't believe that. Besides, Athena and Dalton could go back two hundred years." Albus shrugged sadly. "We have no way of knowing."

Minerva sighed. "Speaking of our children, let's go retrieve them from Ro and Poppy's. I wasn't lying earlier: I want to spend as much time with them as possible."

"I know." Albus kissed her head and rolled the two of them out of bed. "Let's go."

"Ro is going to tease the hell out of me when she finds out about us," Minerva grumbled, Summoning her clothes from the living room.

"Are we telling them?" Albus asked.

"I would like to, yes. We're both private people, and I certainly don't want an engagement announcement in the Daily Prophet, but I would like to tell the people that love us most."

"The usual suspects, then?" Albus chuckled. He frowned as Minerva finished buttoning her robes. "I much prefer it when you're not wearing anything, my dear."

"Yes, well, I doubt the rest of the school agrees with you." Minerva laughed at the sad look on his face. "Would you be offended if I disguise the ring while we walk through the castle? I hardly want any of the remaining students prying into my personal life."

"I would encourage it," Albus said. "I love you, but after Tom's actions last autumn, I would prefer that only a small number of people know about our impending nuptials."

Minerva had half a mind to argue that Riddle had attacked them because of who she was, not because he was Albus Dumbledore, but their day had been pleasant enough after a rocky start, and she didn't wish to ruin it.

Instead, she extended her hand. "Come. Let's go and tell the children."

"Are you including Ro and Poppy in that category?"

"Poppy? Perhaps not. But Ro is a child at heart."

They walked their way through the castle until they arrived at Ro and Poppy's quarters. Minerva knocked, and the portrait opened for them.

"You could have at least met us at the entrance," Minerva called as she and Albus sealed the portrait behind them. She frowned as she noticed the room was dark. "Hello?"

"SURPRISE!" Ro, Poppy, Athena, and Dalton yelled as they jumped out from behind the couches. The lights turned on, and Minerva could see a sign behind them that had Congratulations! written in Ro's handwriting.

"What on earth is all of this?" Albus asked, amused. "A surprise party for us?"

"Athena told us that Albus was about to propose," Ro replied. She looked between Minerva and Albus, who both looked embarrassed. "Oh, shit, did you not say yes, Min?"

Minerva looked at Albus before rolling her eyes and undoing the charm hiding her ring. She held her hand out. "I said yes."

"Yay!" Athena screamed. She practically threw herself at her parents. "I'm so happy for you."

"Let them breathe, Athena," Poppy instructed. "If Albus' last medical is anything to go by, his back needs a break."

"You've never told me that!" Minerva said, rounding on Albus. "What's wrong with your back?"

"Get ready to be nagged for the rest of your life, old man!" Ro called, earning herself a displeased look from Minerva.

Athena jumped off of them and asked, "Can't you ask Dad about his back later? Right now, we have cake and Ginger Newts and tea."

"Yeah, we've been waiting to celebrate this for eons," Ro interjected. "Let's have some fun, shall we?"

Over food, Ro eventually asked, "What are you thinking for a wedding date?"

"I haven't thought that far," Minerva said. "It's not like we're planning a royal wedding. It will be small and private."

"You must do it before the end of the summer holidays!" Athena said, gripping Albus' arm. "Before we—before all of the students return. It would give you plenty of time to have a nice holiday."

"What do you say, Minerva?" Albus' eyes gleamed. "Would you like to have a honeymoon?"

"I'd settle for a few uninterrupted days at either of our houses," Minerva responded truthfully. "Give me good wine, a few books, and your company, and that's as good a honeymoon as any."

Albus kissed her softly. "That can be arranged."

"Who will you ask to officiate?" Dalton asked. "Albus can hardly officiate his own wedding."

"Oh, I didn't think of that." Minerva thought for a moment. "Al, who can we ask?"

"Well, Filius is an option," Albus offered, "or your brother."

"Callum?" Minerva was surprised. "He can officiate?"

"Yup," Ro said, nodding. "I saw him for lunch a few weeks ago. He told me that the Ministry wanted their department heads to have the ability, in case there was ever a need for it. I'm sure the Ministry meant it for more nefarious needs, but there's no law prohibiting him from presiding over his sister's wedding."

"What do you say, my dear?" Albus grinned at Minerva. "Callum could marry us. That would be fun."

"I'm sure he'll throw a few choice words throughout the ceremony solely for the sake of pestering me, but I would love that. That way," Minerva continued, "the news is kept within the family. It would be wonderful."

"Just let us know if you want the rest of us to come," Ro said as she chewed a cookie. Everyone looked at her with surprised expressions, so she added, "Well, I'm sure Dalton and Athena will be invited. But you two are the most private people I know—I'm sure that those two witnesses, plus your brother, will be more than enough to embarrass you."

"Minerva had a small ceremony when she married Aidan," Poppy reminded her wife. "As did Athena and Dalton."

"I would really like it if it could just be the four of us. Plus Uncle Cal, obviously," Dalton said. "It would be a special family moment—especially if you got married in the Manor."

Minerva looked at her son and replied, "If it means that much to you, that's what we'll do, provided Albus doesn't object."

"No, of course not." Albus shook his head.

"And just like that, we're chopped liver, Pops," Ro joked. "Don't worry, Min. We can hold down the fort here while you're off on your romantic vacation filled with books, wine, and good company."

Minerva threw a scone at her friend.

It was a quarter to midnight by the time Minerva, Albus, Dalton and Athena left Poppy and Ro's quarters.

"You'll tell us when you get back to the Manor, won't you?" Minerva asked anxiously.

"Ma, we're taking the Portkey. Nothing will happen." Dalton laughed. "But yes, yes we will."

"Before we go, I had a thought I'd like to run by you," Athena said nervously. "I was wondering if you two would get married on our last day here. That way, you could start your new lives together, and we could leave with our last memories being of your happiness."

Minerva instantly shook her head. "No, no, definitely not. On your last day, I want it to be about the two of you. I want to tell stories, laugh, and go out for lunch..." she trailed off. "I want a family day."

"What's more of a family day than a wedding, Min?" Athena asked. "We could see you two get married, and then pop over to the Ministry."

"Albus, help me here," Minerva said.

"I actually like the idea, Minerva," Albus replied, shocking her. "I know we'll be upset right after they leave, but everyone will expect us to take a vacation, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if we were alone. It gives us the perfect excuse to sit and deal with our feelings."

"And what do you think about this?" Minerva demanded, rounding on her son.

Dalton held up his hands. "I agree with Albus. It makes sense."

"Since when do you take Albus' side over mine?"

"Since he became my father-in-law and discovered that I would be accompanying his daughter into a different time," Dalton answered, laughing.

Albus chuckled lowly, and Minerva shook her head at the pair of them, saying, "Dalton, you sound like your father."

"Which isn't a bad thing," Albus added, and she cringed at how she must have sounded.

"I only mean that he often made light of very serious situations," Minerva amended hurriedly. "Your father was a good man, and he would be very, very proud of you."

Dalton smiled. "Thank you for saying that, Ma."

"I'm not just saying that, Dalton. I mean that." Minerva sniffled. "I am proud of you."

Albus, taking note of Minerva's wavering ability to hold onto her emotions, gently took her hand. "Why don't you two head out now?" Albus suggested. "We can talk to you tomorrow, but I believe it best if I put Minerva to bed. She's had a long day. We all have."

"I'm right here, Al. There's no need to speak for me," Minerva grumbled, but her voice had no malice in it.

In fact, she didn't disagree. It had been a long day, and Minerva knew that while the coming months would feel long and emotionally challenging, she would give anything for them to never end.

Her emotions bubbled over after Athena and Dalton left. Albus carried Minerva to bed—despite her protests about the state of his back—and held her as she cried.

"Please don't think I'm sad about us—I am happy that you proposed, but watching the children leave..." Minerva sobbed into his chest.

"I know. It's been a roller coaster of a day," Albus murmured, and he held her a little more tightly.

The next morning, he helped her apply a Glamour to hide her reddened, puffy eyes. They headed to Callum and Lucy's to tell them of their engagement and their plans for a small ceremony. Lucy cried, waxing lyrical about how this had taken long enough, and Callum was honoured to officiate his little sister's wedding.

And so, it all seemed to fall into place.

Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore would be married in August, in the company of their children on their final day in this time.