"What is taking so long!" Harry flopped down on the bed next to Ginny. They all felt bad for Harry, knowing how worried he was about the situation. Hermoine was sitting next to Ron on his bed. He had been there for her so many times and she gained strength from his care. Neville was just enjoying being with his friends during Christmas. It was true he missed his Grandmother and parents, but he was glad to be having a good Christmas day. All the teens were on pins and needles waiting to be called down to the meeting.

Down in the kitchen, jaws closed slowly after a few moments.

"Minerva? What would he want with her?" It was Alastor who asked the question, the first of the members to come out of the shocked daze.

"Minerva was kidnapped by Lucius Malfoy in order to get information about myself. Because she would not give up the information, he went on a rampage, killing many...including Lily and James Potter. That is where Harry comes in. Once Harry's abilities became known to Voldemort, he needed to regain his power. Ever since Harry has been at Hogwarts, Voldemort has tried in many ways to defeat him. Now that he has his followers back, he knows he needs to gain information about Harry and myself. That is why he had Lucius take Hermoine, to find out information about Harry." The members of the Order took in what Albus had just explained and then started with the questions.

"But, can you be sure that it is Minerva he really wants?" Molly questioned.

"Yes...I researched the time period. The date Minerva was kidnapped was two weeks before Lily and James were killed. As you know, Voldemort killed many before Lily and James."

"Albus, he cannot know of you and Minerva's relationship. We are the only ones who know and it is a fact that there is no leak here."

"I do know that. The reason he needs information on myself is because I am the only one he fears. He needs to know how to get past me, and what better way to do that than to get information out of the person with whom I work the most...my deputy...Minerva." They all agreed, knowing that Albus' assumptions were correct.

"Well, now the final questions...how are we going to stop him?" Remus was the one who asked the question everyone had in their minds.

"I do have a plan...but we need everyone's help...including the students." Molly straightened in her chair.

"Really, I don't think we should endanger them."

"Molly, I'm afraid if we do not let them help, they will endanger themselves while trying to help." They sat in silence for a few moments, no one looking at anyone else. Remus stood up slowly.

"I'll go tell them to come down. Be right back." He left the room. Molly and Arthur were talking quietly and Alastor went to pour himself another cup of tea. Minerva had not yet said a word. Albus was worried about her. He knew that this was a very difficult situation for her and now the children would know more about what had taken place eleven years ago. But, this needed to be taken care of in order to keep everyone safe. Albus knew this was for the best. The teens all ran in the room quickly. They were very anxious to hear what had been going on. Albus let go of Minerva's hand, to make sure the children didn't suspect their relationship.

"All of you sit down and we'll fill you in on what has been going on." The teens obeyed and sat down at the table. "I must tell you that this is a very serious situation, not to be discussed with anyone." Nodding heads were seen around the table. "Very well...we will start from the beginning." Albus explained the situation and what had been going on. It was the teens turn to question their Headmaster.

"So, you're saying that Voldemort wants Professor McGonagall but I'm in the way because I defeated him before and he does not know how to get past me?"

"Precisely." Harry leaned back in his chair. Ron whistled.

"Bloody..."

"Ronald!"

"Sorry Mum." Neville spoke up softly.

"Do you know how we can stop him, Professor Dumbledore?"

"Yes, I believe I do. But, we need all of your help. That is why you are down here. But, you must remember to speak of this to no one. That is the only way to keep everyone safe." The teens all agreed, even Fred and George who were always into playing tricks on people.

"Now, once we get back to Hogwarts, we will have to pay close attention to the pain in Harry's scar. That is going to tip us off as to when evil is in the castle. The members of the Order will be summoned to the castle once we know for sure that Lucius has returned. Neville, that will be your job. You will send a note with Fawkes here. All of you know what you will have to do once arriving at the castle?" The members of the Order nodded.

"Good. Now, Harry, Ron, you will be with me. I believe your Invisibility cloak will be of some use to us, Harry. We will follow Lucius after he goes into the dungeons."

"But, why will he go to the dungeons? What if he is just coming to visit Draco?" Harry asked.

"He will go into the dungeons because the two people he needs to get information out of will be there." He looked over at Minerva and Hermione, both who looked at him with fear in their eyes.

"Now, you two will go to the dungeons once we know Lucius is on castle grounds. Go to the room and wait. Once Lucius enters the dungeons, Harry, Ron, and I will follow him, invisible of course. We will be there as soon as he arrives in the room and will take care of him, alright?" The two women nodded, both still unsure that the plan would go so smoothly.

"Alright, everyone in agreement?" All spoke in agreement of the plan. "Good, I believe it is time for us to get back to Hogwarts." They all said goodbye to everyone and then the trio, Neville, Albus and Minerva, by way of the portkey, got back to Hogwarts. After making sure the children were in their beds, Albus took Minerva back to her chambers. She handed him a package out of her desk drawer.

"What is this?"

"Your Christmas present. You didn't think that I'd forget did you?" Albus smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"Of course not. You never do." He opened the box and pulled out a beautiful gold pocketwatch. There were no numbers on this clock, but stars, moons, and planets. On the outside, the engraving said...

To Albus, my love and my life

I love you always, Minerva

"Do you like it?" Instead of answering verbally, he pressed a kiss to her lips. She smiled as they broke. "I guess that is a yes."

"Yes, it is. Thank you, my dear. It is most beautiful. Now, for your present. I hope you like it. It took me awhile to find it. I had to go to a London muggle shop to get it." She was excited to see what it was, considering it was muggle of some sort. Though they were the weaker race in her mind, they did have some beautiful things. She carefully opened the lid of the velvet box and gasped, putting one hand over her open mouth.

"Albus...it's gorgeous!" She carefully pulled out the necklace, a mother cradling her child. Her eyes were filled with tears as Albus clasped it around her neck, placing a soft kiss on her cheek.

"I know that you will not be able to wear it around the school, but I thought you would like it." She leaned over and kissed him.

"I love it....and I love you, Albus. Thank you."

"You're very welcome, my dear. Now, I believe it is time we get you to bed." He helped her up and led her to the bedroom where she changed into a soft nightgown and climbed into bed. Seeing that he was not doing the same, she reached out a hand to him.

"Can't you stay, just tonight?"

"I am afraid that I have to patrol the dungeons tonight."

"But Albus..." He held up his hand to silence her.

"I do not like it anymore than you, Minerva. But, it needs to be done in order to keep everyone safe. Now, I expect you to get a sufficient amount of sleep tonight. You need it as does the baby." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.

"Goodnight Minerva."

"Goodnight Albus." He kissed her softly and walked to the door. Before he was able to leave, he heard her voice whisper softly...

"I love you." He turned back around and smiled.

"I love you too." He left the room, leaving Minerva to memories of the day. She touched the necklace that was around her neck and then moved her hand to the slight buldge of her abdomen.

"Merry Christmas, little one." And with that, she was asleep.