3. Tabby Talks
A/N: Lots of talking in this chapter. And lots of exposition, too. Meh.
"Well, Mr. Potter, it appears you've discovered our little secret," Albus commented calmly.
Harry could only gape at them as Hedwig landed on his shoulder. "You two-- together?" Both of them nodded. "For how long?"
They looked at each other. "It'll be fifty-one years in, what, two weeks?"
"Yes, Albus, two weeks."
"Wow." Harry ran a hand through his hair, making it even messier than normal. "How--"
"Harry, I'd love to stay and chat," Albus interrupted, "but I really must be leaving now. Minerva can answer any questions you might have."
Harry nodded reluctantly. "Alright."
Albus turned to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead before whispering, "Tell him the truth, Minerva."
She nodded. "I will, Albus; I promise."
He smiled and turned to Harry. "Trust her, Harry."
The boy nodded as Albus squeezed his shoulder comfortingly, and then left. Neither of them moved until the front door had shut behind the Headmaster.
She sighed and pointed her wand at the table. A plate of sandwiches, a jug of iced pumpkin juice, and two goblets appeared on the table without so much as a pop. "We might as well eat while we're at it." She put her wand back in her pocket and sat down. "Have a seat, Harry."
He sat, moving Hedwig from his shoulder to the back of an unoccupied chair. He watched as she poured pumpkin juice into their goblets and began to eat. Finally, he asked. "How did you two--y'know?"
Minerva sighed. She didn't like reliving her past, but Harry deserved an honest answer. "I attended Hogwarts myself about sixty years ago, Harry. I see myself in Hermione Granger in many ways: prefect and Head Girl, top marks, always studying. The Head Boy, Samuel Potter--" Harry nearly choked on the bite of sandwich he'd taken and Minerva waited until he'd recovered before continuing, "--was very handsome and very nice. We dated for three years and married not long after we finished at Hogwarts."
"But, what about--" Harry started, but Minerva cut him off.
"I'm getting to that, Harry." He nodded and waited for her to continue. "Albus and my father, Patrick McGonagall, had met during their own schooldays and became friends. They were such good friends, in fact, that Albus agreed to be godfather to my brothers, sisters, and I. I grew up calling him uncle." She paused and took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "He was always there for the seven of us when we were at school, even Bella. He was so proud when I married Sam." Her smile was bittersweet. "The next two years were paradise. Sam and I were young and in love. I gave birth to twins, Daniel and Erica, less than a year after we were married." Harry stared at her, stunned. "Nothing could come between us, or so it seemed." She sighed and shook her head. "We were wrong. Sam's parents had both been Aurors and they were among the early victims of Grindelwald." She shuddered slightly. "Few of my generation are willing to say his name, even now. The deaths of his parents sent Sam into a deep depression. He was never really happy again. Sam began drinking heavily, costing him his job at the Ministry. I struggled to help make ends meet, but I was young and inexperienced with two young children to look after."
She buried her face in her hands, struggling to compose herself before she continued. Harry didn't push or prod; he waited patiently until she was ready to go on. After several moments, Minerva sat up. "Before long, Sam began beating me on a regular basis." Harry's green eyes widened at this revelation. "I stayed with him, though. My only thought was for my children. We had to stay together for them, if not for us." Her hands clenched into fists. "One rainy night, when Daniel and Erica were a little over four years old, Sam came home drunk and found fault with me over one thing or another. Then he started hitting me." Her eyes were haunted as she stared blindly at the table, lost in memories. "When he hit Daniel for trying to protect me, I snapped. I Stunned Sam, grabbed the twins, and headed to Hogwarts, where Albus was still teaching." Tears were streaming down her cheeks now, but she made no move to wipe them away. "I refused to tell him anything until the twins had been put to bed. Then, the whole story poured out. I confessed everything to Albus and he held me as I cried. Sam and I were divorced not long afterwards. Thanks to Albus' influence, the proceedings didn't take long, but my sense of self-worth had been beat to a pulp. I left the twins with Arabella and her husband, Kevin, and traveled to the continent to help in the fight against Grindelwald."
Harry interrupted the silence. "If you were married to Samuel Potter, why is your last name McGonagall?"
"I changed my name back to McGonagall after the divorce was finalized," she explained. "Daniel and Erica chose to remain Potters, however."
"How long were you and Samuel married, anyway?" Harry asked.
"Five years." She sighed. "Five years that started out in heaven and ended in hell." She sighed again. "I was there when Albus defeated Grindelwald. If I hadn't been there, Albus would be dead." Tears were trickling down her cheeks again. "I'd had a crush on Albus for years, but ignored it. He was my godfather, after all. Watching him fall, though, made me realize just how much he meant to me. I managed to keep him from dying, but it was a long time before he could even be moved. During those long weeks alone, we did a lot of talking, especially once he started mending." She pulled out her handkerchief and blew her nose. "I confessed to my feelings and he admitted attending my wedding had been one of the hardest things he'd ever done because he'd wished he had been standing in Sam's place." She sighed again. "We were married not long after we returned to England and Albus gladly adopted Daniel and Erica."
"But your last name is still McGonagall," Harry pointed out. "Why?"
"We decided not to change my name because Albus had made far too many enemies to risk anyone learning of our marriage," she told him, "and I have made my share of enemies since."
Harry nodded, and blurted out his out next question, "Are we related?"
She smiled. "Yes, Harry. Albus and I have two children of our own: Anna and Tiberius Potter. However, _Daniel_ is your grandfather."
He sat for a moment, absorbing that information. "Then why didn't I see you in the Mirror of Erised?"
"Albus and I have considered that," she admitted. "The only reason we could come up with is that I _am_ alive and the Mirror only showed those of your family who were not."
Harry nodded. When his eyes met hers once more, though, she was surprised to see anger in them. "Why did I have to live with the Durselys, then? Why couldn't I have lived with you and Professor Dumbledore?"
She should have known he would ask. "Because it was your _mother's_ blood that would protect you, Harry. I am related through your _father's_ blood and Albus isn't related to you except through his marriage to me."
He still glared at her. "You couldn't have told me that you were related to me? I've known you five years and you haven't said anything before now."
"Harry, that's enough." Minerva hated to be stern with him, but she didn't have much of a choice. "I suggest you go to bed and get some sleep. We'll talk again in the morning." He glared at her, but she merely raised an eyebrow. Sighing, he stood and stalked out of the room.
Minerva waved her wand and the platter, jug, and goblets all disappeared. She sighed and buried her face in her hands. _Albus, hurry home._
* * *
Albus slipped into bed with her early in the morning, exhausted. She turned in her sleep and snuggled close to him, pillowing her head on his beard. He gladly wrapped his arms around her and let sleep claim him. The doorbell ringing woke him up several hours later. Beside him, Minerva stirred and slowly woke up. She frowned slightly, and then opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw who was in bed with her. "Good morning, Albus."
"Good morning, my dear," he replied, kissing her. After several delicious moments, he reluctantly pulled away. "You'd better go answer the door."
She sighed and nodded. She reluctantly got up and pulled her tartan dressing gown on, tying the sash around her waist tightly. She paused at the door. "Don't lay around too long. Harry still has questions."
He nodded and watched her leave. He waited until he heard the front door open and close before getting up and changing into a set of lightweight robes. He emerged from the bedroom just as Harry emerged from his. The boy glared at him for a moment before stalking down the hall to the living room. Albus followed him with a slight frown. Something Minerva had told Harry last night had made him angry. When he reached the living room, he discovered several cats roaming around the room and Arabella sitting on the couch with Minerva. The two were talking in low voices and looked up when Harry and Albus entered. "Hello, Bella."
"Hello, Albus." Arabella smiled up at him, and then moved her gaze to Harry. Her eyes narrowed slightly and Albus assumed the boy's anger was still evident. "Hello, Harry."
"Hello, Mrs. Figg," Harry replied, sounding sullen.
Minerva frowned as he flopped into a chair nearby. "Harry, I explained why you had to go to the Dursleys, now stop sulking."
He glared at Minerva, but she didn't back down, looking at him over the tops of her glasses. Arabella looked from one to the other, confused. "Min, how much have you told him?"
Minerva sighed and turned to her sister. "Everything."
Arabella's eyes widened. "So, he knows about you and Albus?"
"And how she's related to me," Harry volunteered as Albus crossed to the couch and sat down beside Minerva.
Minerva sighed. "Harry, we would have taken you in if we could have. Neither of us wanted to see you left with the Dursleys." Harry softened slightly, though he was still angry. Minerva looked up at Albus, and then back at Harry. "What I forgot to mention last night is that few people are even aware that Albus and I are married. To have us take you in would have been suspicious." She got up and crouched in front of Harry's chair. "We love you, Harry, and no one regrets more than Albus and I that you've had to live with those Dursleys all these years. That's why Bella agreed to live nearby: to help keep an eye on you."
Harry stared down at her, the anger slowly draining from his face. Hesitantly, he slid from the chair and hugged her, burying his face in the shoulder of her tartan bathrobe. Albus stood and knelt beside them. When the boy's arm stole around him, tears of relief sprang to his eyes. When they pulled apart, every single one of them had wet eyes. "We still need to determine who your guardian will be, Harry."
The boy looked up at them, his emerald eyes unreadable. "Do I really need a guardian, Professor? I'm almost 16, after all."
Albus shook his head, squeezing the boy's shoulder. "You need a guardian until you turn 17, Harry. And you may call me Uncle Albus if you like."
Harry nodded and pulled away from them, pacing towards the fireplace. "Don't even think about running off, Harry."
The other three spun to face Arabella. Albus and Minerva were shocked by the suggestion, but Harry appeared to be startled. "What do you mean, Bella?"
She advanced on the boy. "I haven't watched him for fifteen years for nothing, Min. I'm willing to bet Harry has been making plans to run off and hide somewhere by himself ever since you first mentioned appointing a new guardian."
Albus and Minerva looked at Harry. He returned their gaze for a few seconds, and then dropped his eyes to the carpet. "Is she right, Harry?" Slowly, reluctantly, he nodded. "Why?"
"Because it seems like everyone who's been appointed as my guardian has died," he whispered, his eyes on the toes of his trainers. "I don't want anyone else to die."
Minerva reached him first, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Harry, look at me." She waited until his eyes met hers. "You can't push us away, Harry. We won't let you. And I doubt Ron and Hermione would let you push them away, either. Never underestimate the power of friendship, Harry."
"Or love," Albus inserted, standing at Minerva's shoulder. "You know what it did for you at the Department of Mysteries, Harry."
He sighed and nodded. "Yes, Uncle Albus."
"So, would you like some time to decide who you would like to care for you?" Minerva asked briskly, dropping her hands from Harry's shoulders.
He smiled slightly. "You two."
Minerva smiled in response. "Well, I would be your sole guardian, but Albus will be your unofficial guardian as well. How does that sound?"
He grinned. "That sounds perfect."
* * *
"Albus, hello," Molly Weasley greeted the Headmaster warmly, if a bit stiffly.
"Good morning, Molly," Albus replied, dusting soot from his robes. "Is Arthur here?"
She nodded, even as she offered him a seat. "Would you like me to go get him?"
"Yes, please." Albus nodded.
Molly stood at the bottom of the staircase and called up them, "Arthur! I need to speak with you!" There was an inaudible reply and Molly returned. "He'll right down."
"Thank you, Molly," Albus told her sincerely.
"Would you like some tea?" she offered solicitously.
"Yes, thank you." Albus watched as she bustled around the kitchen.
By the time he had his tea, Arthur had arrived. "Yes, Molly? Oh, hello, Albus."
"Good morning, Arthur," Albus greeted the tall, thin wizard. "I need to speak with both of you."
Arthur and Molly exchanged a look and sat down at the table. "Is this about Harry?"
Albus nodded, sipping at the tea. "Yes, it is, as a matter of fact."
"When will he be coming to stay at the Burrow?" Molly asked anxiously.
Arthur placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Molly."
Albus sighed. "Harry won't be coming to the Burrow."
"What?!" Molly started swelling up angrily. "You're going to leave him with those Muggles all summer?"
Albus held up a hand to interrupt her. "I didn't say that, either, Molly."
"Oh." She deflated a little, looking sheepish. "Sorry."
"Quite alright, Molly," Albus assured her, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. "As I said, Harry will not be staying here or the Dursleys this summer.
The two redheads looked confused. "Then where, Albus?"
"With Minerva," he told them simply and sipped his tea.
They exchanged confused looks. "Why with Minerva, Albus?"
He sighed and set his cup down on the table. "The Dursleys overstepped their bounds and Minerva intervened before it could get worse. Yesterday afternoon, Voldemort killed the Dursleys."
"So the poor boy has no family left?" Molly asked compassionately.
Albus shook his head, which could have meant he was confirming Molly's assessment or denying it. However, he didn't give them a chance to think about it. "Poppy has already stated that Harry needs peace and quiet for now, so Minerva volunteered to look after him."
"Who will be his new Guardian?" Arthur asked.
Albus sighed. This was not going to please them. "Harry has requested that Minerva be appointed as his new Guardian."
Molly and Arthur stared at him. "I don't mean to be insulting, but why?"
Albus folded his hands together on the table, choosing his words carefully. He was treading on very thin ice. "Harry has his reasons, I'm sure. However, Minerva has told me that Ron and Hermione will be welcome to visit with Harry, should they so desire."
"What about his other friends?" Molly asked, her hand tightly entwined with Arthur's.
Albus nodded. "I'm sure they will be welcome as well."
"Albus, when you say the Dursleys overstepped their bounds," Arthur's voice was quiet. "What exactly did you mean by it?"
Albus took a deep breath. "They abused Harry. Physically and mentally."
Arthur swallowed hard. "Not sexually, I hope."
Albus shook his head. "Harry has not indicated that and Minerva saw no signs of it herself."
Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for telling us, Albus."
Albus nodded. "You're welcome, Arthur." He stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I must be going."
Arthur and Molly stood and shook the Headmaster's hand. With a cry of "Leómann Cottage!" and a roar of green flames, he was gone.
A/N: Lots of talking in this chapter. And lots of exposition, too. Meh.
"Well, Mr. Potter, it appears you've discovered our little secret," Albus commented calmly.
Harry could only gape at them as Hedwig landed on his shoulder. "You two-- together?" Both of them nodded. "For how long?"
They looked at each other. "It'll be fifty-one years in, what, two weeks?"
"Yes, Albus, two weeks."
"Wow." Harry ran a hand through his hair, making it even messier than normal. "How--"
"Harry, I'd love to stay and chat," Albus interrupted, "but I really must be leaving now. Minerva can answer any questions you might have."
Harry nodded reluctantly. "Alright."
Albus turned to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead before whispering, "Tell him the truth, Minerva."
She nodded. "I will, Albus; I promise."
He smiled and turned to Harry. "Trust her, Harry."
The boy nodded as Albus squeezed his shoulder comfortingly, and then left. Neither of them moved until the front door had shut behind the Headmaster.
She sighed and pointed her wand at the table. A plate of sandwiches, a jug of iced pumpkin juice, and two goblets appeared on the table without so much as a pop. "We might as well eat while we're at it." She put her wand back in her pocket and sat down. "Have a seat, Harry."
He sat, moving Hedwig from his shoulder to the back of an unoccupied chair. He watched as she poured pumpkin juice into their goblets and began to eat. Finally, he asked. "How did you two--y'know?"
Minerva sighed. She didn't like reliving her past, but Harry deserved an honest answer. "I attended Hogwarts myself about sixty years ago, Harry. I see myself in Hermione Granger in many ways: prefect and Head Girl, top marks, always studying. The Head Boy, Samuel Potter--" Harry nearly choked on the bite of sandwich he'd taken and Minerva waited until he'd recovered before continuing, "--was very handsome and very nice. We dated for three years and married not long after we finished at Hogwarts."
"But, what about--" Harry started, but Minerva cut him off.
"I'm getting to that, Harry." He nodded and waited for her to continue. "Albus and my father, Patrick McGonagall, had met during their own schooldays and became friends. They were such good friends, in fact, that Albus agreed to be godfather to my brothers, sisters, and I. I grew up calling him uncle." She paused and took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "He was always there for the seven of us when we were at school, even Bella. He was so proud when I married Sam." Her smile was bittersweet. "The next two years were paradise. Sam and I were young and in love. I gave birth to twins, Daniel and Erica, less than a year after we were married." Harry stared at her, stunned. "Nothing could come between us, or so it seemed." She sighed and shook her head. "We were wrong. Sam's parents had both been Aurors and they were among the early victims of Grindelwald." She shuddered slightly. "Few of my generation are willing to say his name, even now. The deaths of his parents sent Sam into a deep depression. He was never really happy again. Sam began drinking heavily, costing him his job at the Ministry. I struggled to help make ends meet, but I was young and inexperienced with two young children to look after."
She buried her face in her hands, struggling to compose herself before she continued. Harry didn't push or prod; he waited patiently until she was ready to go on. After several moments, Minerva sat up. "Before long, Sam began beating me on a regular basis." Harry's green eyes widened at this revelation. "I stayed with him, though. My only thought was for my children. We had to stay together for them, if not for us." Her hands clenched into fists. "One rainy night, when Daniel and Erica were a little over four years old, Sam came home drunk and found fault with me over one thing or another. Then he started hitting me." Her eyes were haunted as she stared blindly at the table, lost in memories. "When he hit Daniel for trying to protect me, I snapped. I Stunned Sam, grabbed the twins, and headed to Hogwarts, where Albus was still teaching." Tears were streaming down her cheeks now, but she made no move to wipe them away. "I refused to tell him anything until the twins had been put to bed. Then, the whole story poured out. I confessed everything to Albus and he held me as I cried. Sam and I were divorced not long afterwards. Thanks to Albus' influence, the proceedings didn't take long, but my sense of self-worth had been beat to a pulp. I left the twins with Arabella and her husband, Kevin, and traveled to the continent to help in the fight against Grindelwald."
Harry interrupted the silence. "If you were married to Samuel Potter, why is your last name McGonagall?"
"I changed my name back to McGonagall after the divorce was finalized," she explained. "Daniel and Erica chose to remain Potters, however."
"How long were you and Samuel married, anyway?" Harry asked.
"Five years." She sighed. "Five years that started out in heaven and ended in hell." She sighed again. "I was there when Albus defeated Grindelwald. If I hadn't been there, Albus would be dead." Tears were trickling down her cheeks again. "I'd had a crush on Albus for years, but ignored it. He was my godfather, after all. Watching him fall, though, made me realize just how much he meant to me. I managed to keep him from dying, but it was a long time before he could even be moved. During those long weeks alone, we did a lot of talking, especially once he started mending." She pulled out her handkerchief and blew her nose. "I confessed to my feelings and he admitted attending my wedding had been one of the hardest things he'd ever done because he'd wished he had been standing in Sam's place." She sighed again. "We were married not long after we returned to England and Albus gladly adopted Daniel and Erica."
"But your last name is still McGonagall," Harry pointed out. "Why?"
"We decided not to change my name because Albus had made far too many enemies to risk anyone learning of our marriage," she told him, "and I have made my share of enemies since."
Harry nodded, and blurted out his out next question, "Are we related?"
She smiled. "Yes, Harry. Albus and I have two children of our own: Anna and Tiberius Potter. However, _Daniel_ is your grandfather."
He sat for a moment, absorbing that information. "Then why didn't I see you in the Mirror of Erised?"
"Albus and I have considered that," she admitted. "The only reason we could come up with is that I _am_ alive and the Mirror only showed those of your family who were not."
Harry nodded. When his eyes met hers once more, though, she was surprised to see anger in them. "Why did I have to live with the Durselys, then? Why couldn't I have lived with you and Professor Dumbledore?"
She should have known he would ask. "Because it was your _mother's_ blood that would protect you, Harry. I am related through your _father's_ blood and Albus isn't related to you except through his marriage to me."
He still glared at her. "You couldn't have told me that you were related to me? I've known you five years and you haven't said anything before now."
"Harry, that's enough." Minerva hated to be stern with him, but she didn't have much of a choice. "I suggest you go to bed and get some sleep. We'll talk again in the morning." He glared at her, but she merely raised an eyebrow. Sighing, he stood and stalked out of the room.
Minerva waved her wand and the platter, jug, and goblets all disappeared. She sighed and buried her face in her hands. _Albus, hurry home._
* * *
Albus slipped into bed with her early in the morning, exhausted. She turned in her sleep and snuggled close to him, pillowing her head on his beard. He gladly wrapped his arms around her and let sleep claim him. The doorbell ringing woke him up several hours later. Beside him, Minerva stirred and slowly woke up. She frowned slightly, and then opened her eyes. She smiled when she saw who was in bed with her. "Good morning, Albus."
"Good morning, my dear," he replied, kissing her. After several delicious moments, he reluctantly pulled away. "You'd better go answer the door."
She sighed and nodded. She reluctantly got up and pulled her tartan dressing gown on, tying the sash around her waist tightly. She paused at the door. "Don't lay around too long. Harry still has questions."
He nodded and watched her leave. He waited until he heard the front door open and close before getting up and changing into a set of lightweight robes. He emerged from the bedroom just as Harry emerged from his. The boy glared at him for a moment before stalking down the hall to the living room. Albus followed him with a slight frown. Something Minerva had told Harry last night had made him angry. When he reached the living room, he discovered several cats roaming around the room and Arabella sitting on the couch with Minerva. The two were talking in low voices and looked up when Harry and Albus entered. "Hello, Bella."
"Hello, Albus." Arabella smiled up at him, and then moved her gaze to Harry. Her eyes narrowed slightly and Albus assumed the boy's anger was still evident. "Hello, Harry."
"Hello, Mrs. Figg," Harry replied, sounding sullen.
Minerva frowned as he flopped into a chair nearby. "Harry, I explained why you had to go to the Dursleys, now stop sulking."
He glared at Minerva, but she didn't back down, looking at him over the tops of her glasses. Arabella looked from one to the other, confused. "Min, how much have you told him?"
Minerva sighed and turned to her sister. "Everything."
Arabella's eyes widened. "So, he knows about you and Albus?"
"And how she's related to me," Harry volunteered as Albus crossed to the couch and sat down beside Minerva.
Minerva sighed. "Harry, we would have taken you in if we could have. Neither of us wanted to see you left with the Dursleys." Harry softened slightly, though he was still angry. Minerva looked up at Albus, and then back at Harry. "What I forgot to mention last night is that few people are even aware that Albus and I are married. To have us take you in would have been suspicious." She got up and crouched in front of Harry's chair. "We love you, Harry, and no one regrets more than Albus and I that you've had to live with those Dursleys all these years. That's why Bella agreed to live nearby: to help keep an eye on you."
Harry stared down at her, the anger slowly draining from his face. Hesitantly, he slid from the chair and hugged her, burying his face in the shoulder of her tartan bathrobe. Albus stood and knelt beside them. When the boy's arm stole around him, tears of relief sprang to his eyes. When they pulled apart, every single one of them had wet eyes. "We still need to determine who your guardian will be, Harry."
The boy looked up at them, his emerald eyes unreadable. "Do I really need a guardian, Professor? I'm almost 16, after all."
Albus shook his head, squeezing the boy's shoulder. "You need a guardian until you turn 17, Harry. And you may call me Uncle Albus if you like."
Harry nodded and pulled away from them, pacing towards the fireplace. "Don't even think about running off, Harry."
The other three spun to face Arabella. Albus and Minerva were shocked by the suggestion, but Harry appeared to be startled. "What do you mean, Bella?"
She advanced on the boy. "I haven't watched him for fifteen years for nothing, Min. I'm willing to bet Harry has been making plans to run off and hide somewhere by himself ever since you first mentioned appointing a new guardian."
Albus and Minerva looked at Harry. He returned their gaze for a few seconds, and then dropped his eyes to the carpet. "Is she right, Harry?" Slowly, reluctantly, he nodded. "Why?"
"Because it seems like everyone who's been appointed as my guardian has died," he whispered, his eyes on the toes of his trainers. "I don't want anyone else to die."
Minerva reached him first, placing her hands on his shoulders. "Harry, look at me." She waited until his eyes met hers. "You can't push us away, Harry. We won't let you. And I doubt Ron and Hermione would let you push them away, either. Never underestimate the power of friendship, Harry."
"Or love," Albus inserted, standing at Minerva's shoulder. "You know what it did for you at the Department of Mysteries, Harry."
He sighed and nodded. "Yes, Uncle Albus."
"So, would you like some time to decide who you would like to care for you?" Minerva asked briskly, dropping her hands from Harry's shoulders.
He smiled slightly. "You two."
Minerva smiled in response. "Well, I would be your sole guardian, but Albus will be your unofficial guardian as well. How does that sound?"
He grinned. "That sounds perfect."
* * *
"Albus, hello," Molly Weasley greeted the Headmaster warmly, if a bit stiffly.
"Good morning, Molly," Albus replied, dusting soot from his robes. "Is Arthur here?"
She nodded, even as she offered him a seat. "Would you like me to go get him?"
"Yes, please." Albus nodded.
Molly stood at the bottom of the staircase and called up them, "Arthur! I need to speak with you!" There was an inaudible reply and Molly returned. "He'll right down."
"Thank you, Molly," Albus told her sincerely.
"Would you like some tea?" she offered solicitously.
"Yes, thank you." Albus watched as she bustled around the kitchen.
By the time he had his tea, Arthur had arrived. "Yes, Molly? Oh, hello, Albus."
"Good morning, Arthur," Albus greeted the tall, thin wizard. "I need to speak with both of you."
Arthur and Molly exchanged a look and sat down at the table. "Is this about Harry?"
Albus nodded, sipping at the tea. "Yes, it is, as a matter of fact."
"When will he be coming to stay at the Burrow?" Molly asked anxiously.
Arthur placed a restraining hand on her arm. "Molly."
Albus sighed. "Harry won't be coming to the Burrow."
"What?!" Molly started swelling up angrily. "You're going to leave him with those Muggles all summer?"
Albus held up a hand to interrupt her. "I didn't say that, either, Molly."
"Oh." She deflated a little, looking sheepish. "Sorry."
"Quite alright, Molly," Albus assured her, a smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. "As I said, Harry will not be staying here or the Dursleys this summer.
The two redheads looked confused. "Then where, Albus?"
"With Minerva," he told them simply and sipped his tea.
They exchanged confused looks. "Why with Minerva, Albus?"
He sighed and set his cup down on the table. "The Dursleys overstepped their bounds and Minerva intervened before it could get worse. Yesterday afternoon, Voldemort killed the Dursleys."
"So the poor boy has no family left?" Molly asked compassionately.
Albus shook his head, which could have meant he was confirming Molly's assessment or denying it. However, he didn't give them a chance to think about it. "Poppy has already stated that Harry needs peace and quiet for now, so Minerva volunteered to look after him."
"Who will be his new Guardian?" Arthur asked.
Albus sighed. This was not going to please them. "Harry has requested that Minerva be appointed as his new Guardian."
Molly and Arthur stared at him. "I don't mean to be insulting, but why?"
Albus folded his hands together on the table, choosing his words carefully. He was treading on very thin ice. "Harry has his reasons, I'm sure. However, Minerva has told me that Ron and Hermione will be welcome to visit with Harry, should they so desire."
"What about his other friends?" Molly asked, her hand tightly entwined with Arthur's.
Albus nodded. "I'm sure they will be welcome as well."
"Albus, when you say the Dursleys overstepped their bounds," Arthur's voice was quiet. "What exactly did you mean by it?"
Albus took a deep breath. "They abused Harry. Physically and mentally."
Arthur swallowed hard. "Not sexually, I hope."
Albus shook his head. "Harry has not indicated that and Minerva saw no signs of it herself."
Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you for telling us, Albus."
Albus nodded. "You're welcome, Arthur." He stood up. "If you'll excuse me, I must be going."
Arthur and Molly stood and shook the Headmaster's hand. With a cry of "Leómann Cottage!" and a roar of green flames, he was gone.