The Parent Trap

A/n: The last few chapters of this story are written together by Ang and myself so we both hope you enjoy. Thanks for sticking with this story and we are so happy that so many of you are enjoying it.

Chapter 26: Some Explaining To Do.

Albus could sense that the girls were making Minerva uneasy so in an effort to help, he nodded his head and stared at each girl for a long moment before speaking. "I spoke with Professor Cline last night and was told an unbelievable tale involving both of you. I would appreciate it if you would both explain for your mother and I exactly what happened last night from the time you reached the castle until the time you fled."

Abigail and Evie shared uneasy looks at the moment of truth pressed upon them. Evie told her side of the story about how she had snapped at Abigail and stormed off into the castle, only to bump into the Charms Professor on the landing of the staircase. It was difficult to share with her parents the horrid things the teacher had said but she knew better than to leave out a single detail, for it might mean the difference between getting a light or harsh punishment.

Abigail sat by and listened to her sister retell her section of the story and then Evie looked in her direction. Taking her cue, Abigail then began to share her version of the events as they appeared to her. She told the fantastic tale of feeling her sister's pain, proven now by the distinct bruising on each of the girls' arms. She told of feeling a surge of power and energy when thinking of her mother and then her father. "And then the next thing I knew, Professor Cline was crumpling over in pain and she fell down the stairs, Papa." Abigail was now in tears, not from remorse at what had happened but from having to relive the scary events. "I didn't mean to hurt her, Mum…honest I didn't."

Minerva looked at Albus, with tears in her own eyes, and then gripped her daughter securely in her arms. "Shhh, my love. We believe you when you say it was an accident. We're not blaming you…either of you my dears."

Evie stood uneasily at the foot of bed and watched as her mother comforted Abigail. She was beginning to feel a little left out which was silly because she wasn't the one in tears and the one who was scared about her own powers. Abigail clung to her mother and sobbed into her shoulder. Minerva held her tightly and whispered comforting words into her ear as she rocked her from side to side.

Albus moved closer to Minerva and Abigail. He placed an arm around Minerva and then motioned for Evie to join them on the bed. Once his family was together on the bed, Albus pulled them all to him and held them tightly.

"Evie my darling girl," said Minerva softly "you must have been so scared when that woman had hold of you. I should have been there to prevent that. I am so sorry!"

"I didn't know what she was going to do Mum," said Evie with a sniff. "I thought she was going to push me down the steps!"

Minerva reached out and held her other daughter's hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. She leaned forward and kissed each daughter on their forehead before looking at Albus.

"What happens now?" she asked. "What happens to that woman?"

"She has been advised to pack her belongings as soon as she is released from the infirmary this morning. I will not allow her anywhere near my family again. I have been far too careless about the safety of each of you and I sincerely apologize for that," Albus said softly, taking time to make eye contact with each girl and Minerva. "Armando has given me his full support in this and has instructed me to find a replacement for the vacancy she will leave."

"Albus, none of this was your fault. That woman should have known better than to attack a child, much less one of ours," Minerva answered protectively. "None of us could have foreseen the chain of events that led us here but we can take steps to see that it does not happen again."

"Mum, Papa, I don't want her to get in any more trouble. I want her to leave and never come back." Minerva started to protest but Abigail shot her a look that stopped her before the first syllable fell from her lips. "I say that more for my safety and for that of Evie rather than out of concern for her. I don't want to have to explain everything to the Ministry. Please, don't make me."

Albus searched Abigail's eyes and saw the overwhelming amount of concern and perhaps even a hint of fear in her eyes. Reaching out, he gently stroked her face and then tapped the end of her nose. "Very well then." He turned to Evie and did the same thing to her. "Evelyn, would you like to take her to the Ministry on charges since she physically harmed you?"

She thought for a long moment and dared a glance at her sister and mother. "No, Papa. Like Abbie said…we'd have to explain everything and I think she's learned her lesson about messing with a Dumbledore," she smiled.

"There is one thing though," said Abigail. "How did I manage to make her tumble without touching her? I felt so powerful!"

Albus looked at his daughters and sighed deeply. He wasn't sure where to begin and he thought it wise to possibly talk to Minerva about it alone before letting their daughters know. They were still only eleven and it did concern him that Abigail had that much power in her already. He would have to help her control her powers. Otherwise there would be mayhem. Evie, as yet, hadn't shown the strength of her powers but he would have to keep an eye on her. He might have to teach them together, privately.

"Girls," he said warmly "I would like to speak to your mother alone for a few moments. Why don't you go and have your breakfast in your room!"

"But Papa," moaned the girls in unison "it involves us!"

He knew they were right but he thought it important to speak with Minerva first. They had both been aware that something like this may happen when they had their children, especially twins.

"Please girls, do as your father says," encouraged Minerva. "We promise to tell you the whole story once we have talked."

The girls still didn't look too happy about being talked about when they weren't in the room but by the looks on their parents faces, they knew not to argue anymore. The girls retreated into their bedroom but made no attempt to eat their breakfast. Instead they pressed their ears up against the thick wooden door in the hope of hearing something.

"Albus, what is going on?" asked Minerva

To be continued.