Complete Again

Minerva woke the next morning feeling complete. She felt safe and secure, it was the first time since Albus' death. She raised her arms to stretch and noticed that there was an arm wrapped around her bulging belly. Her eyes widened but she didn't dare turn her head to see who was lying beside her. She took a few deep breaths trying to gather her courage to peek. When she finally turned her head to see who held her she nearly fainted.

There lying next to her was none other than Albus Dumbledore. He was spooned behind her with one arm resting on her swollen belly and the other propping his head up. His twinkling blue eyes were watching every move she made. She closed her eyes, counted to ten, then reopened them and he was still there. She lifted a shaky hand to his cheek and encountered heated flesh. He was really there with her. She closed her eyes trying to hold back the tears stinging the back of her eyes but she failed miserably. In a strangled sob she cried, "Albus."

He leaned his head down and kissed each eyelid, traced the path of her tears to finally get to her lips where he kissed her red lips gently. "I'm here Tabby and I'm not leaving you again."

He encouraged Minerva to lie on her back. He reached for the hem of her gown and slowly lifted it up to reveal her swollen belly. His hands traced the shape of the bulging area and he placed a kiss where his baby lay. Minerva, truly touched by his gesture, shed a few more tears before whispering, "Was the kiss intended for your son or daughter?"

Albus' head snapped up to look at her. "Minerva?"

She replied with one word, "Twins."

He smiled, planted another kiss on her belly and whispered, "Sleep well my loves."

He readjusted her gown then crawled up the bed to her. Minerva whimpered at feeling his lips against her lips. "I've missed you Albus," she choked out between whimpers.

"I've missed you too love," he said simply.

She gave him a quick kiss on the mouth and then asked playfully, "When did you sneak into my bed?"

"It was late last night. You were sleeping so peacefully I just didn't have the heart to wake you. Do you know when I laid my hand on your belly, they actually kicked?"

"Did they?" she asked amused.

"Yes," he answered and then grinned, "And I loved every moment of it."

"So you're happy about the babies?"

"Yes my love. You have made me the happiest wizard in the magical community." He leaned over and gave her a series of breathy kisses. "How safe is it for you?"

She frowned and scrunched her nose up. "I will not lie to you Albus. It's dangerous for a witch my age to have children but everything seems fine. There have been a few restrictions placed on me but only as a precaution to carrying twins. Poppy comes to see me monthly and she owls me daily. Plus, Dobby has scheduled all my activities, meals and rest periods which by the way, was approved by Poppy. He insists I follow it to the line. The only thing he allows me any leeway with is my cravings."

"Do you have many cravings?"

"Only two," she laughed then added, "Hot chocolate and lemon drops."

He had to laugh at that. Minerva McGonagall never did have a sweet tooth and the closest she came to it was chamomile tea and ginger newts. "Well it appears our little ones have my sweet tooth." She smiled then agreed.

She scooted as close to him as her midsection allowed and sought comfort in his embrace. She lay there for a long time before she asked the question her mind demanded an answer to. "Why Albus?" she inquired.

He tightened his embrace on her and kissed her forehead. He knew what she was referring to but didn't know how exactly to answer. After a few moments collecting his thoughts he started, "The prophecy had to be fulfilled. It would never have been fulfilled if I continued protecting Harry. He must do it himself." He took a deep breath then finished, "I realized my error in trusting Severus Snape and I needed a way for him to show his true colors. Once I learned of his and Malfoy's deal, I knew what I had to do."

"I thought you were really gone," Minerva confessed sadly.

"I'm sorry Minerva I didn't want to cause you any pain but I couldn't figure out another way than to fake my death with ancient magic. My original plan was to stay away until the final battle but with your condition I couldn't stay away."

"Albus I know you would spare my feelings if possible. Can I ask you a question?" She waited until he nodded. "How did you know I was pregnant? Only Poppy and Hagrid knew and I swore them to secrecy."

He smiled before he stated, "I happen to know a very concerned House Elf."

"Dobby!"

He nodded and she smiled. He slowly moved his face closer to hers then whispered, "I don't want to talk anymore."

"What did you have in mind," she asked mischievously.

"This," he said as he leaned fully into her. His lips locked with hers in a passionate kiss. "I want to make love to the mother of my children."

"What's stopping you?" she replied huskily. He thought for a moment before deciding nothing was and proceeded to love her.