Minerva hid her face in her hands.

"Yes, Noctua… Oh, Albus, the child will be so lonely, there in Scotland… My god… Albus, we…"

"Will of course take care of her." continued Albus dryly. "Will make sure she's never lonely again."

Minerva stared at him with surprise.

"Will we, Albus?" She smiled through her tears.

"Oh, yes, we will, of course we will. We're the only… the only family she has left now… Poor- poor child…"

She sobbed softly, and Albus softly rubbed her back.

"But, Albus, will she… she'll have to leave Scotland, of course. I mean- we… I cannot return to Scotland…"

Dumbledore slowly shook his head.

"No, Minerva, you certainly can't. Everybody- and I- needs you. But Noctua isn't a real child anymore, dear, she is sixteen and she is very mature. You remember her last time we visited her? A real little grown-up- not to mention the way she resembles you… It will be wonderful to have her here, Minerva."

Minerva nodded vehemently.

"Oh yes, I know. But to ask the child to leave her home country- her school and friends and all."

"Minerva, she isn't a baby anymore…"

Minerva nodded again.

"Yes. But to me, she'll always remain that little, cute baby. Guess that are my maternal instincts… But Albus, you are right, I will be wonderful to have her around- but also so difficult. Noctua- here… And will we…"

But Dumbledore interrupted her with a kiss.

"We'll see, my wife, we'll see. Just send her a letter, Minerva, send her a letter and ask her..."

"Okay."