Reality intrudes

Albus woke up to Fawkes chirping and Minerva throwing up in the bathroom.

"Thanks for waking me Fawkes. Mina?"

The witch didn't answer, just lean against the wall.

"I guess this is the start of morning sickness. Doesn't usually started earlier?"

"Theoriski said depends on the pregnancy. With the first one it lasts about three months and actually I believe it started before I was even pregnant. Aurora and Apollo were always impatient. With the second one it last only eight weeks and then I had the miscarriage. So no one knows. "Minerva gagged again and turned to the toilet.

Albus pulled her against his chest and she leaned her head on the toilet. Reaching over and flushing the toilet, Albus continued to hold Minerva. She spit into the bowl.

"Want to go back to bed for a while? You know, Theoriski said you need to rest. We could play chess in bed or just relax. Maybe have some pineapple juice, hmm? "Albus kissed Minerva's head.

"Sounds excellent. I'm still exhausted. It has been crazy these past weeks. Maybe Theoriski was right to order six weeks bed rest."

Albus glared at Minerva.

"When did he order the bed rest? Why is this the first time I'm hearing about?"

"I haven't a chance to mention it to you and I thought it was overkill. I'm not an invalid. "

"You should've mentioned it last night before we made love. Bed rest usually means limitation on physical activity."

"Albus, I'm pregnant. Do you know how many hormones going through my body? I haven't seen you for weeks. If we hadn't had sex, I would've jump Filius. "

"But you seemed to hesitant."

"I was for the first two minutes. I thought we would run out of time. We had twenty-seven minutes. But after that I was ready to go. Why did you think I told you to shut up?"

"Oh."

Minerva rolled her eyes.

"The other twenty-five minutes we were good. Albus, I won't work for the Order this summer. I will stay in bed to give the kittens the best beginning possible. But you are welcome to join me any time. "

"I just don't want to hurt you or the kittens. I just want everything to be all right."

"It will be."

Minerva became aware of the statement's irony after Albus returned. After those words were said, a bloody owl came though the window.

Albus looked at the owl. Physically the bird seemed fine. There was no cuts or wounds. He couldn't find a source of the blood. He passed the bird to Minerva, whose eyes widen.

"Albus, this is Harry Potter's owl. I know because it was injured this year. If this isn't Hedwig's blood, Harry's in trouble."

"I'll connect the Order. "

Minerva lend back on her pillow, rubbing her stomach.

"Well, kittens, this is Mama and Papa's life. It's a little crazy but you should fit right in."

"No one has seen Harry since he got home. We set up a system to have Harry check in every day. It has been almost a week. "

"Have he written to Hermoine or Ron?" Albus asked Hedwig, who shook her head and took off.

"I think someone need to get him. I know about the blood magic but if he's bleeds there for long, the magic won't work." With this statement Minerva begin to get out of bed.

"Minerva Aurora Charlotte McGonagall-Dumbledore, what are you doing? The healer said bed rest six weeks."

"I need to get him. He's my cub. Besides if he's not talking to the Order they can't help him, he probably hates you now and he needs to get out of there before Voldemort realizes that the protection is gone. Albus please!"

Albus ran his hand through his hair.

"We need someone in the Order but that Harry doesn't know is an Order member. Harry would need no suspicions of the person. What about Xiomara? "

"That would work."

Albus crossed over to the fire, and called for Salazaar's station. Severus appeared in the fire.

"Albus? What's going on? We were just leaving for Xio's conference."

"You will have to postpone that, I'm afraid. I need Xiomara to do Order work immediately. Harry Potter is in danger; Minerva thinks he tried to hurt himself. She wants him here. But she's on bed rest, Harry isn't talking to any Order members, and Voldemort could attack. Could Xiomara fetch Harry and bring him here?"

"Yes. Just a sec. Xio! It's the Order. You need to work."

Xiomara rushed down and Albus quickly explained the situation. Changing into her hawk, she grabbed the portkey and speed to Privet Drive.

When Xiomara landed on Harry's window, she knocked to get Hedwig's attention. Hedwig hooted a series of high and low sounds and the window open.

"You put a sound combination lock on the window?" Xiomara asked, impressed.

Hedwig hooted once.

"You are some owl. Now I'm going to transformed and wake Harry. If I let you out, can you gather things?"

Hedwig hooted once again.

Xiomara transformed into her human state. She let Hedwig out, checked Harry and gathered him into her arms. Harry stirred,

"I didn't want to die..."

Xiomara's heart broke. She bandaged his wounds, transformed Harry into a mouse and placed in her flight bag. She collected all his things needed, turned them into rocks and pack those in a different compartment.

As she put on her flight bag she turned to Hedwig,

"Hedwig, we are to be going to Griffin's gate. Just follow me closely, okay?"

Hedwig hooted once more and the birds flew out into the seemingly calm sky.

When Harry woke up, the first thing he noticed he was in a big bed. Second thing was someone was holding him and someone else was speaking softly. Suddenly his head hit the bed, heard footsteps running and new sounds were becoming clear.

It almost sounds like someone is sick.

He cautiously left the bed and walked towards the noise.

"Albus, I'll kill you. God, oh God. "

Harry paused outside the door. It kind of sounded like Professor McGonagall. But why would she be here? Where was he anyway?

"Shh. it's okay. Just a couple more weeks and you should be done with morning sickness. Theoriski said about six weeks is the norm. I'll get you something for your stomach."

A moan was the only response. Harry paused by the door and almost got knocked over by Professor Dumbledore.

"Good morning, Harry. If you excuse me, Minerva needs something from the kitchen. Once I get her settle, we can talk."

Harry just nodded and watched Albus hurried downstairs.

"Okay, here's some ginger tea and some crackers. I'm going to lift you up now, okay?"

Minerva nodded and buried her head against her husband's robes.

"Okay, here we go. Just a couple more steps."

Albus gently placed his wife on the bed.

"Are you going to try to go back to asleep?"

Minerva nodded sleepily.

"Good. I'll check on you in a little bit."

Albus kissed her head and ran his hand over her stomach. He walked towards the kitchen, where Harry waited.

"Well, Harry, I'm sure you have questions. But let me attempt to answer some of them first. You are at Griffin's gate, home to the McGonagall-Dumbledores, also known as the McDores. Professor McGonagall and I have been married for forty-nine years and have two children and two more on the way. Hedwig flew over here because you hurt yourself. "

"I just remember wanting to let go of the pain...."

"Well, cutting yourself wasn't the best option son. You could've talk to a Order member first."

Harry nodded miserably.

"The blood protection is gone. I'll have to talk to Minerva about this, but I think the best thing to do is to have someone adopt you. Since your godfather is dead, your godmother is the best option."

Harry looked at Albus.

"I never heard of a godmother. Who is she? Do I know her?"

A voice was here from above.

"Albus Percival Wulfric Brian McGongall-Dumbledore!"

"And there's her dulcet voice now. Coming, my dear."

Albus motioned Harry to follow him. When they got to the room, Minerva looked miserable.

"I can't reach my book. And my chest hurts again. Could you rub some cream on it?"

Albus moved to the bed and rummaged around the nightstand. Pausing he said,

"Harry, please step out for a second. I don't think it's appropriate for you to see the Deputy Headmistress' chest, do you?"

Harry shook his head horrific at the thought and left.

"Although it is a very nice chest. I particularly enjoy this spot," Albus lend over and kissed it, "but really, the whole thing is an absolute marvel." He finished up rubbing the cream in and button Minerva's nightgown up.

Minerva merely rolled her eyes.

"Harry, you can back now. Albus is done playing."

A slight groan was heard from Harry. He cautiously walked towards the bedroom, not wanting to see anything he shouldn't.

"Harry James Potter, meet your godmother, Minerva Aurora Charlotte McGonagall-Dumbledore."

Harry looked shock. Professor McGonagall was his godmother.

"Why didn't anyone tell me? I could've lived with you instead of the Durselys."

"No, Harry, you couldn't because of the blood protection. But now that is gone and as your godmother, Minerva has a right to have custody and as her husband I can adopt you if you wish, but you are almost of age so the choice is yours."

"So, I never have to go back to the Durselys again?"

"Never. If you agree, I'll have Aurora start on the paperwork today. This would make it official in both the wizard and muggle world."

"Professor McGonagall—"

"Call me Minerva."

"Ok... could I think about it? It has been a long day and night and then to wake up here...with all the information you have given me I'm on overload." Harry felt his head would explode with any more information.

"Of course. You are welcome to wander the ground. I trust you won't try to hurt yourself again?"
"No, sir."

"Good. Sirius wouldn't want that." Albus paused for a second. "We all haven't an good night sleep so let's take it easy for today."

"Ok."

"Minerva will be in bed for the next four weeks because of a healer's order."

"Stupid bloody healer," Minerva muttered.

"Under the risk of miscarrying the twins." Albus countered.

Minerva glowered at Albus,

"I suppose that's going to be your answer to everything."

"Until you are out of the woods, yes it will become the standard answer."

Minerva actually growled at Albus.

Well that explains the tabby cat form and lion mascot. She growls. Harry thought.

"I suppose the staff party in four weeks is out of the question then, Dear?"

"I'll have it move here and ask Apollo to come."

"Wait a sec. Miscarrying? Isn't that where
a woman lose a baby? But you aren't pregnant are you professor?" Harry asked.

"I'm ten weeks along. I'm supposed be on bed rest for the first two months, according to my healer. But according to my husband, the first trimester would be better. Although he knows I wouldn't do anything on purpose to risk the twins."

"Wow! I didn't realized that someone your age could still...I mean it's amazing. I thought that after a certain age, you couldn't." Harry stammered.

Albus started laughing and the other people in the room stared at him.

"Harry, you do realize there's no good way to finish that sentence, right?"

Minerva suddenly grasped what Harry was talking about. She blushed and said,

"Well, this question will be ask a number of times and I suppose I'll need to answered it. Harry, old people have sex. I know that isn't a pleasant thought to you but it's true. In fact, the professors at school have a fair amount of it during the school year, probably more than the students. We are better at being discreet, although there are close calls. "

Albus' eyes twinkled at this. Many times during the school year, in his office or their quarters, they would be working on each other and a knock came. Minerva would have to stop and put her hair back up, shifting into Professor mode. He would merely get dressed. And her students wondered why she's always so crabby.

"So there are other professors that are married? I never noticed. "Harry mused.

"Yes. Most of them choose not to acknowledge their relationships to the students because of the chance of being pitted against each other." Albus explained.

"How so?"

"For instance, would it be fair for the Head of Gryffindor to win the House cup just because her husband is the Headmaster?" Albus smiled adoringly at Minerva.

"Or for Slytherin to get the best times on the Quiddtich pitch because the flying instructor and Quiddtich referee is married to Professor Snape?"

"And I can't imagined what the Hufflepuffs would think if they knew Professor Spout shared her quarters with the school nurse."

"Didn't Filius had a thing with Umbridge?"

"Albus, that only lasted a week. We discussed this. Filius turned out to have worms that week."

"Ahh, yes. Now I remember."

Harry suddenly realized the information that they were telling him. His professors had relationships with each other. They live together at school and the students have no idea.

"How do the students not notice?" he muses.

The professors laughed once again.

"Harry, I hope you don't take great offense but students are pretty egocentric. If you noticed the head table, Minerva always sits to the right of me. Xiomara and Severus sit together as Poppy and Pomona. The order never changes"

"Wait! Madame Hooch's first name is Xiomara?"

Minerva laughed, "Yes, Xiomara Helena Viviane Hooch-Snape. She hates it.
"

"Not to mention that our quarters are together. You never notice that the Gryffindors dorm and Head office is suspiciously close to the Headmaster's office?" Albus continued.

"Never thought about it. I just assumed because of the building was build that way."

"The building shifts to fulfilled needs. For instance if for some reason Severus and Minerva were together (Harry shuddered), those rooms would be together. For what other reason would the practice fields and potion dungeons be together? Or the hospital wing and the greenhouse?" asked Albus.

"Albus, I need to get up to use the bathroom. Could you help me? "Minerva requested.

Albus carefully lifted Minerva up and carry her to the bathroom. A toilet flushed and they returned. Suddenly Minerva looked tired, something Albus noticed immediately.

"Mina, do you need a nap? You seemed tired. Harry and I could go out back and hit some quarrels around. "

"Maybe just a cat nap." Minerva smiled, at the pun," Before you go, could you bring the some paper and a quill?"

"Do you need to start the article for Transgufing Today?"

"Yes but right now I just to need to write confirmation letters about the barbecue."

Harry perked up when hearing the word. Albus observed this and asked,

"Harry, have you ever been to a wizard barbecue? It's similar to a muggle one but with some twists."

"No, sir. "

"It's mainly just for professors but I think we can make an exception for you. " Severus would be please.

Minerva yawned loudly. I guess the letters will have to wait. She curled up and fell asleep.

Albus pulled out two Firebolts and led Harry down a worn path.

"Minerva insisted we put this in once we moved here. She and Xiomara were on Gryffindor and Slytherin teams. She said that once we had children they would use it, but I suspect she had alternative motives." Harry's mouth dropped. The path ended at an opening and became a full size Quiddtich field.

"This is amazing, sir. How is possible? Wouldn't the muggles notice? "

"We had Filius charmed it to death. It just looks like an open field with no trespassing signs. Of course a requirement is to have the latest brooms. But she does allow me a potion lab, so who I'm to deny a field? "

Harry mounted the new broom and immediately liked the quick response the handle gave.

Albus rummaged around the shed and pulled out a box of spare quaffles.

Harry begun to hit the quaffles towards the hoops. Albus flew up and defended the hoops.

They played until lunchtime when Albus seemed to hear Minerva calling. They didn't notice another wizard apparated into the yard.

The wizard had long auburn hair and emerald eyes. He seemed to radiate power and a certain peace settled upon him. His robes had a patch with a wand and bone crossed. In his hand, lay a bag with the words St. Mungo's stamp on it. He seemed perfectly at home at Griffin's Gate, due to the fact it was home.

He walked into the house and called out,

"Healer from St. Mungo's."

Harry appeared startle to hear an unfamiliar voice.

Albus and Minerva smiled at the voice and Albus called back,

"In our bedroom, Apo. Come on up."

A few minutes later, the wizard walked into the room. He paused and knocked on the open door.

"Minerva McGonagall? I'm Apollo McDore and Healer Theoriski sent me to check on you."

"Ah, Healer McDore. Could you tell my husband I could possibly get out of bed with risking the twins?"

"I could say that, Mom, but I would be lying and my parents taught me not to lie."

Minerva laughed at the statement.

"You aren't going the professional route? You know, Ms. McGonagall and all that?"

"Nah. Let me check your vitals and then do a physical exam. Has Rory been bugging you about names?"

"About two or three owls a day. The latest is Aella and Amon. But of course we don't know if they are boys or girls or one of each. This doesn't stop Aurora from owling. Do you think the court ever works?
"

"I'm sure the court does but Rory is another story. Vitals are fine. Blood pressure is a little high. Been under any stress lately?" Apollo moved to check Minerva's uterus.

"Not at all." Minerva deadpanned.

"I see you have a new young man to wait on you. Are you going to introduce me? Considering he could be my new brother. Could you sit up more?"

Minerva shift awkwardly and groaned.

"Apollo McDore, meet Harry Potter. Harry, meet Apollo, my firstborn."

"And her favorite. We get owls about you and who else...Ron and Hermoine, I believe? Mom swears she finds white hairs daily from you. Ah, the wall still feels thin and I know Theoriski was concerned about that. Have you been resting and avoiding sex? Because any pressure in that area could harm the babies?"

Apollo looked at Albus when he asked that. Albus merely pointed at Minerva.

"She forgot to mention the bed rest. She practically rips my clothes off and attacks me. I was the victim."

Apollo chuckled. "I'm sure you protested most vigorously, Papa."

"We've been good since getting home." Minerva answered, "I haven't gotten out bed except to use the bathroom. But I hope to get out of bed."

"Mmmm. The walls still need to develop more. But the fetuses feel right on schedule for ten weeks , perhaps small. That's normal for twins. I know Theoriski thinks around January 27th. But twins can come early. " Apollo moved to check Minerva's chest.

"Mina, do you want Harry to step out?"

"Now you ask. The pelvic wasn't awkward enough? I don't care. It's not exactly it's a secret and I'm sure Harry has seen breasts before."

"Has the scarring hurt in anyway?"

Minerva stared at Apollo.

"There was a class on asking stupid pointless questions in Healer's training right? I hate to think our money has been wasted. I got hit with stunners of course the scarring hurts. But the cream has help."

Apollo chuckled again

"I made high marks in that class. Uncle Abe would be proud. Phoenix's tears would help but not during the pregnancy. What are you having for the barbecue?"

"Ribs, chicken and steak."

"How about for your vegetarian son?"

"Grass."

"Wrong answer. Make your fruit salad and I'll let you go."

"Are you coming? Cause I don't seem to recall inviting you."

"The only way you are going is if a St. Mungo's healer is on hand."

"And you will just happen to volunteer for that?"

"Hey, we all need to make sacrifices in the long run."

Minerva rolled her eyes.

"Fine. "

"You can have your barbecue. Everything's fine with the kittens. Looking good for ten weeks. The walls are a little thinner than normal so take it easy. Your chest will heal in the first or second trimester at the latest."

Minerva was relieved. He said the magic words.

"She will make it to second trimester? I know Healer Theoriski was concerned about a miscarriage."

"I don't think so. As long as she takes it easy, the twins should be carry to about full term. But I mean easy. You are aware there's no transforming into your tabby?"

"Yes of course. I won't go into my summer or fall heat, will I ?"

"No, your body doesn't need to since you're already pregnant."

Albus looked disappointed at the news. He enjoyed the week of mating constantly until the heat passed.

"Great. That's always uncomfortable."

"So good news all around. Would you like to know the sex of the twins?"

Minerva and Albus had discussed this option. Considering this should be the last pregnancy they go through, they wanted to be surprise.

"No. Hopefully this is the last time and we want to be surprise. Beside Aurora would go insane with names if we knew."

"Com'n you could do this a couple more times. No? Well, there are birth control options to consider after the pregnancy. But not right now. Hey, is Aunt Mara o.k.? She came into Theoriski this week."

Minerva appeared surprise.

"As far as I know. I thought she and Severus were going late to the conference. But I haven't heard from her in awhile which is weird for Mara."

"I didn't treat her so I don't know. Do you think she might be sick?"

"I don't know. I wonder if she and Severus would...no it's too much pressure."

"Well, tell her I was sorry to miss seeing her. I should invite them over sometime. I assumed she will continue to be the Godmother to the McDores."

"Of course, along will Poppy and Pomona. We are considering asking Severus too."

"That would be interesting. The assumption is the twins will be Gryffindors, right?"

"Of course, despite Severus' best efforts. "

"I can just imagine what he's planning."

"I have nightmares."

Apollo finished making notes.

"I'll see you at the barbecue then. Theoriski should be coming to the next appointment. I'm thinking only one more week of bed rest."

"Your father will be disappointed. I believe he likes to have me at his disposal."

Apollo laughed. He kissed his mother and father and waved to Harry. Minerva sighed, relieved that the twins were in no danger.

Albus slide in next to Minerva, and kissed her lightly,

"One more week bedrest. Not bad, Mina."

"I can't wait. I thought he would say at least two weeks."

"Well, you are, what, ten weeks? That's almost three months and we're almost into the second trimester. "

Harry spoke up,

"Why do people wait until the second trimester? I thought you would want people to know."

Albus answered,

"Most miscarriages are in the first couple months. Minerva's was in the second month. But the second month is over and the kittens are hanging in there. Just like their mom. "

"I'm just so relieved. The twins will be ok. My god, we need names, at least four. "A" names. "

"I think Aurora got us cover. I will focus on the Scottish names."

Minerva looked serious suddenly.

"Albus?"

"Yes?"

"Xiomara and Sirius."

"Xiomara and Sirius? What about tradition?"

"Third names then. Apollo's Abeforth. Aurora's Morgana. Give me Xiomara and Sirius."

"Xiomara?"

"No one will use it. She has been my best friend for sixty-odd years. Let's honor her. Besides I let my son be named Abeforth. "

"O.k. Xiomara. Sirius. I get to pick the first names. We have to pick friends with better names."

Harry smiled at the mention of another Sirius.

"Professor, you know the Sirius will have to live up to his name. He's going to be a prankster. Are you sure you want to deal with another Sirius?"

"And Xiomara isn't going to be any better? Harry, my boy, Mina, or the indomitable Professor McGonagall, was a hellcat in school, with Xiomara, Poppy Pompefy and Pommie Spout. The marauders looked amateurish compare to the Hogwarts Sisters. Why once, they actually kill-"

Minerva interrupted"Albus, not that story. "

"But it's my favorite. I love my wife the murderess."

Harry's expression seemed skeptical. His professors could have never had kill something, certainly not Professor Spout. Minerva did have a bit of a temper and Xiomara did lived with Snape and Poppy knew which drugs wouldn't leave a trace but Professor Spout?

"You see Harry doesn't even believe me. But it's true."

Minerva sighed and quickly said,

"We gave Professor Binns a heart attack. "

"What?!"

"It was all Xiomara's fault. If we knew he had a bad heart, we would have never drop the chandelier behind him And we were going after the transfiguring professor."
"Wait a minute. I was the transfiguring professor. Minerva ?!" Albus asked

Ignoring this, Minerva continued,

" But they switch places and who knew he had a weak heart?"

"He was 209 year-old. That didnb't give you a hint?"

"He still is bitter about that. So, let that be a lesson to you. Never doubt your professors. For they once were students."

Harry solemnly nodded.

"Wait! You were trying to kill me?"

"No, of course not. I had a huge crush on you. Besides it was all Xiomara's idea. "Minerva shifted the blame to her friend easily. After all, she had years of practice.

Still looking suspicious, Albus moved on, "So, one more week. I'll plan the barbecue and you can start the Hogwarts letters."
Minerva lend over and kissed her husband.

"I really wasn't trying to kill you. Thank you for dealing with everything. I couldn't deal with the food and everything."

"No problem. Can you manage the letters? "

"I think I can still raised an self-inking quill. Could you hand me the book?"

Harry looked surprised at the thin book which held all the first years names.

"Minerva, shouldn't that be thicker? All the first years?"

"and transferred students. No, Harry, this only gives me a letter of the alphabet. Once I'm done, the book starts again with the next letter. For instance, M. Malfoy, Lucia. Ah, Draco's little sister. But actually you shouldn't be here. Go and help Albus plan the barbecue."