A/N: So here we go with chapter four. Hope you enjoy it. And don't forget to review. ;-)

Nearly two hours later Minerva lay happily in her husband's arms who kissed her gently on the bare shoulder. It amazed her how, even after so many years of marriage, they felt attracted to each other. And he never ceased to surprise her with his gentleness and care for her needs which came always first for him. She snuggled closer to him, tenderly caressing his naked chest. She was happy that he would still look at her with his blue eyes darkened with desire, even at her age. She wasn't that young anymore but Albus gave her always a feeling of being special and desirable.

Albus had watched her for a couple of minutes, admiring the dreamy look on her face. He knew it was because of him. Regretfully he took a look at his watch and noticed that it was about time to get down again. Harry would return from his stroll around the grounds soon, and he didn't want to shock the boy any further.

"My love, I'm afraid we'll have to stop here." He kissed her gently on the temple while caressing her stomach. She giggled a bit when he came across an especially sensitive spot.

"I know." She returned his caresses before scrambling up from bed. She dressed quickly while Albus enjoyed the view.

"Oh, honey, you should know by now how I look." She looked at him in mock annoyance, but still pleased with his attention.

"Indeed, my dear, I do. But nonetheless I shall never believe how I have been able to win such a beautiful woman for me." Albus crawled out of the bed and stepped in her embrace. She blushed a bit at his compliment. Of course Albus kept telling her that she was beautiful but she had never quite believed it.

When Albus had dressed they went downstairs, only to meet Harry in the entrance hall. He had a flushed face, and his hair was even more ruffled than usual. But he looked as if he had had a good time.

"Hungry, Harry?" Minerva smiled at him.

"Well… yes." He grinned. Since he had been quite nervous about today he hadn't had any breakfast at the Dursley's.

"Good. Then let's go to the dining room." Minerva put her arm around his shoulder and went ahead with him while Albus fell behind. He knew that Harry was still carefully treading around him, and he understood the boy quite well. The last school year hadn't gone well for both of them and their relationship but Albus hoped he would be able to mend things over the holidays. But for now he would let Minerva have her time.

The house elf had prepared some chicken breast with fresh vegetables for lunch. Minerva sat at the head of the table while Albus and Harry sat on either side of her. She looked at her two men.

"Well… Harry, what have you discovered on the grounds?" She asked while handing Albus a dish with potatoes.

"The grounds are vast. I don't think I have seen all of it yet. The forest is great. There grow even some of the herbs we've discussed in herbology." Harry was really hungry now, the smell of the food making his mouth water. But nonetheless he waited for Minerva to give him a sign that it was okay to start eating.

"Oh, Harry, I think Minerva hasn't told you yet that Miss Granger and Mr Weasley will arrive in 5 days. I'm afraid in the meantime you have to stay with us alone." Albus smiled. Harry stiffened a little when Albus addressed him but relaxed instantly when Minerva put her hand on his arm.

"What is it, Harry?" She sensed that he was slightly uncomfortable with Albus around, and that made her sad. But she felt it might be better when the two of them walked about it sooner rather then later.

"I'm sorry, Minerva. It's just… I can't forget at once what happened during the last school year. I felt so… lost." He looked at her apologetically.

"It's okay, Harry. I don't expect to be forgiven immediately. But please don't forget that I do care about you. I always have. I just didn't want to put you into more danger by staying so close to you. And I know that I've hurt you deeply." Albus didn't know what else to say.

Harry just nodded and turned slowly back to his food. He had already known that but still it felt good to hear it again. And he truly hoped that he would be able to regain is trust in Dumbledore completely.

"Thank you for inviting Hermione and Ron too. I know you wouldn't have to do this."

"Well, Harry, we didn't want you to have to spend the whole holidays just with us." Albus looked at him with his usual twinkle in the eyes. He knew the trio would bring life to the house, and it wouldn't be boring. Though Hermione was a most sensible girl, with the two boys she would just as energetic and exploring.

The rest of lunch passed in pleasurable talk, mostly over school stuff. Harry gave Albus and Minerva an update of the events of last year. Of course Minerva had already heard most of it but there were still some things even new to her. Albus had quite a lot of fun hearing about the pranks the Weasley twins had come up with to annoy Umbridge. Especially the fireworks seemed to amuse him.

"Really, Albus." Minerva scolded when Albus wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes. But he could tell she wasn't really angry with him, the mischief was dancing in her green eyes. In fact she had enjoyed that specifical prank herself quite a lot. The wheels had looked truly beautiful, and the effects of different counter spells had been quite good. In secret Minerva was really proud of the boys and regretted it that they wouldn't come back to finish they N.E.W.T.'s.

After lunch Harry and Minerva settled down in the garden, enjoying the sunshine while Albus had to catch up with some work. Minerva had changed into some light summer robes and let her hair down for a change. With her eyes closed she lay in a sun chair and just relaxed. After some minutes she felt Harry's gaze on her and opened her eyes to look at him.

"Anything interesting in sight?" she teased gently. Harry blushed furiously. He hadn't expected her to catch him looking at her so intently. But it had never occurred to him that she was quite pretty. Sure, she wasn't a young woman anymore but with her hair down her features seemed softer and younger.

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to stare at you." He blushed even further. "But you look so … different."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. Compliments from a student were something rather unusual, especially for her.

"Well, thank you… I think." She said with a grin.

"No, really. You look beautiful. You should were your hair down more often." Harry's face was bright red by now, and he didn't dare to look at Minerva. He didn't know what had gotten into him.

Now it was Minerva's turn to blush. She was touched that Harry would say such a thing.

"Thank you." She said softly, touching his arm lightly.

"But he's right, darling." Albus came from the house with a bright smile. Obviously he had overheard their conversation.

"And Harry, thank you for telling her. Perhaps she will believe you..." Albus chuckled when Minerva rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"Oh stop that, you two. Albus you know, that I'm not beautiful. Especially after…" she stopped but Albus knew what she meant. Ever since the attack a few weeks ago she felt even less attractive than before. It was true she had some rather nasty scars from the stunners but Albus didn't mind.

"After what?" Harry asked. He had the feeling he already knew. The robes she wore showed more cleavage than usual, and he had caught a glimpse of a scar right over her left breast.

"After the attack." Minerva whispered. The memories came flooding up again. Albus knew that she still had nightmares from time to time. He wanted to sit down next to her but Harry was faster.

"You shouldn't feel that way. I know how scars can change your life but I think you shouldn't be ashamed of those scars. You got them when you stood up for a friend. And friendship is one of the most important things in life. You were brave and noble when you stood up against those fools. So don't think less of you." Harry raised his hand gently to her cheek and stroked it hesitantly. When he saw that Minerva had tears in her eyes he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Albus felt tears trickle down his face. Rarely had he heard someone speak to Minerva so lovingly. And he loved Harry even more for that. He sat down in Minerva's other side and hugged them both.

They sat like that for a while before Minerva pulled from their arms.

"Thank you, Harry." She kissed him on the cheek before turning to Albus. She squeezed her husband's hand gently.

"And thank you, Albus."

"No, thank you Minerva. For being the person you are. You've taught me so much, and I'm glad you allowed me to get to know you better." Harry looked at her sincerely. He knew he was lucky that Minerva allowed him so close. And he was happy that she had told him about her feelings for him.

Before Minerva could start crying again Albus had pulled her up and into his embrace.

"What do you think about a little swim before dinner?" He looked at his wife and at Harry. The boy didn't seem yet comfortable with them showing their love for each other but he tried not to show it.

"That sounds good. What about you, Harry? Have you already found the lake?" Minerva pointed in the general direction of the forest where Harry had been earlier today. But he hadn't come across a lake.

Since the day was rather warm he decided it might be a good idea. So he nodded eagerly and followed Albus and Minerva inside to gather his swimming clothes.

To be continued…