...
"For the present is the point at which time touches eternity."
― C.S. Lewis
...
Observing the people around her, Arina ignored the steadily increasing pain in her head, smirked a little and she leaned closer against her mother, who in return tightened her arms securely around her daughter.
It was a strange feeling to be able to display their close relationship in public after so many years of staying in the shadows. Not that she had minded it back then of course; on the contrary. The occasional secret glances, touching of hands and the very special lovely smile the deputy Headmistress had only reserved for her was something Arina treasured a lot. If she was honest with herself, she couldn't imagine a better childhood. 'After all, not every little girl can say that she grew up in Hogwarts' Arina thought, smiling.
And despite the fact that the blue-eyed witch had not attended Ilvermorny, she knew – especially from Lily and Dan – that students at Hogwarts had always respected the Headmaster and Deputy; and sometimes they even managed to see a little behind the mask of the strict, sometimes icy and stoic transfiguration mistress. Whenever that happened, they saw glimpses of the loving and caring woman Arina – and consequently Lily and Dan – were able to experience all the time.
And apart from Lily – whom her mother basically invited to live with them after some disputes with her own family – and her husband, almost no one else really knew who lucky Arina was have the mother she has.
Arina smiled when she recalled some old, but very fond memories of the wonderful witch who was her mother.
A witch who changed her name, hair- and eye-colour in order not to be recognized while shopping in Diagon Alley with her daughter; a witch who surprised her students in dismissing the transfiguration class earlier than it was supposed to end so she could pick a little blue-eyed girl up from a muggle-kindergarten in time; a witch who sang little Arina a lullaby so she could fall asleep; a witch who was afraid beyond belief when her daughter's name was chosen by the goblet of fire; a witch who loved her husband in secret and calmed a shocked Professor Dumbledore down when he discovered that his little girl had a boyfriend. She was a witch who simply skipped a staff meeting, ministry appointment or other events she was needed at to sit down on a sofa to put her arms in a comforting gesture around her heart-broken girl; and she was a witch everyone thought to be lonely and heartless, who in reality was the most caring and loving person Arina had ever seen.
And even though it had not always been easy, Arina had understood from very early on in her childhood that her parents loved her more than anything; despite the fact that they could never show it openly. She was used to the secrecy – after all it was for her own protection. And being a mother herself now, she felt exactly the same. Arina would do anything to ensure Arielle's safety; or Harry and Hermione's for the matter.
It was the same with her parents' marriage. Yes, it probably wouldn't have been good for her mother's reputation had someone discovered that her employer was also her husband – even though she was one of the most skilled witches in the wizarding world and therefore deserved the job. No, the real reason for the secrecy was because her parents were afraid.
Yes, the considered to be most powerful witch and wizard of their times were afraid. Her father had always feared someone would threaten his wife or daughter to make him do things. And Arina was sure he would have given them anything to ensure his family's safety. Her mother on the other hand, who had not always been a Professor at Hogwarts, was afraid that someone would seek revenge for the things she had done in her years as an Auror. She has already lost a lot of people… and what sort of revenge is better than hurting the people you love? Arina thought, 'It was exactly as the bloody pink toad said…'
Only a few people had known about the two Professor's marriage (and ultimately their daughter) it in the first place. Amongst them were Xemerius and Poppy; both of them trustworthy enough to be named Arina's godparents.
Arina also knew that both Nicolas and Perenelle Flamel had known since they were her father's probably oldest friends. She also suspected that another one of her mother's friends – a young Squib the transfiguration mistress had met a long time ago but not seen again in ages - to know something, but the blue-eyed witch wasn't quite sure about it. Her mother had only mentioned her once or so, and Arina – who had never met the woman in person - couldn't even remember her name… was it Abigail… Emily… Vici… Lorelai… or Elizabeth…? Ah, well, it doesn't matter anyway.
Well, and naturally Aidan has been trusted with the secret once he and Arina started dating. The blue-eyed witch smiled upon remembering the stunned expression on her now husbands face when she had told him that he was involved with the Headmaster's and Deputy's daughter. Ultimately, Dan's father Max and his sister Jean were informed, too.
And of course, Lily knew, too. Arina had always wished for a sister and her wished came true when her mother delivered the red-head's Hogwarts letter.
The blue eyed witch still remembered it as if it was yesterday… Her father had to attend an important ministry meeting, so no one could watch her. Ultimately, the transfiguration mistress took eleven-year-old Arina along to the Evan's house; safely transfigured in a little kitten and securely placed in her favourite bag. Lily's parents hadn't really been fond of their daughter being a witch, so the young red-haired witch had to make a difficult choice: Stay at home or go Hogwarts and leave for good.
Of course, it was an unbearable question for an eleven-year-old, and to this day Arina couldn't believe that Lil's parents had really done this to her.
'No wonder Petunia is the way she is now…' the blue eyed witch thought bitterly.
Well, but despite the cruelty of the situation, it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. Arina smiled when she remembered her mother's out-of-the-blue words that day:
.
"Lily, dear, look at me, please," the transfiguration mistress had said softly and the tear-filled emerald eyes of the little red-haired witch looked at her. "You are not a freak. You are a wonderful little girl who will – with the right education – turn into an equally wonderful and skilled young witch. But you have to follow your heart and decide who you want to be and where you want to go."
Young, teary and frightened emerald eyes met slightly older, wiser, but lovingly looking emerald eyes. "I – I can't," Lily had said and tears were rolling down her cheeks. "I – I don't have a-anywhere to live if I l-leave my parents. And – and I d-don't want to be alone."
Arina's mother had bent down and taken Lily's little hand in hers, stroking it softly. "Lily, if you want to be part of our world, you are welcome to live with me," she had offered softly to everyone's surprise, but her emerald eyes shone with complete honesty and protection. "I promise, you will never be alone."
.
And that was the moment a life-long friendship had started.
Oh, Lily… Arina thought and her heart ached with pain upon remembering her best friend and almost-sister.
Shaking her head, and with it the thoughts about the past, she looked around again.
It was indeed a strange feeling to sit here in the middle of the hall, with her mother's arms tightly around her; but strange in a really good way.
Naturally, they were all staring at them. But the blue-eyed witch hadn't expected anything else upon the other's discovery that the various rumors about the former Headmaster of Hogwarts and his Deputy Headmistress were indeed true.
Amused, she watched her godfather, who was still laughing whole-heartedly and Madam Pompfrey, her very own godmother, looked at least a little surprised. Apparently the mediwitch hadn't expected that the emerald-eyed witch would allow Hermione to spill her well-guarded secret.
Molly Weasley on the other hand had her hands pressed over her mouth; probably trying to calm her excited self down.
Arthur Weasley had his arms around his wife and his mouth opened and closed like a little fish.
Arina's smirk increased when she saw that all his children – including young Ronald, Bill, George and Ginny – wore the very same expression as their father. Draco, Luna and Fleur's eyes had also widened.
Turning her head slightly, Aberforth came into sight. He was still sitting on the little chair; obviously shell-shocked about the recent family developments.
The younger ebony haired witch sighed quietly. She hadn't planned on being so harsh on her uncle, but his constant insults about her parents caused that her inherited Scottish Temper got the better of her. Deep down, she really wanted to get to know him. Only time will tell… she thought and decided to ponder about it sometime else.
Sighing, Arina moved her head once more and this time her eyes landed on her husband and Severus. Both of them had rather silly smiles on their faces.
She narrowed her blue eyes at them and chuckled. The two of them were clearly amused by the whole scene that was enfolding in front of them, but since they had known the secret for quite some time already, it was no wonder.
Glancing over to her beloved niece and godson, Arina's smiled widened. Hermione smiled proudly and she had every right to do so. After all she had figuring out the probably best kept secret in the whole wizarding world. Well, maybe not the whole wizarding world, she smirked.
Harry on the other hand first looked a little shocked as well, then his features softened and a sheepish grin spread across his face. Arina chuckled when she heard him mutter something along the lines, "Merlin, I should have known!"
Looking further around she spotted Moody, Rolanda Hooch and Augusta Longbottom; three of her mother's oldest friends. They stared at the emerald witch in shock; open mouthed and eyes big as plates. The flying instructor steadily opened and closed her mouth, but no words came out. By closer examination it looked a little like a fish out of water…
'Oh yes, this is going to be very interesting indeed…' Arina thought amusedly and curiously looked back and forth between her mother and her friends.
.
Hermione couldn't help it but smile brightly at the scene.
She had always suspected that the Headmaster and his Deputy were more than they led everyone to believe. But experiencing their memories, Professor McGonagall's reaction upon Professor Dumbledore's death and seeing the knife that was stuck in Arina's chest and the fact that she was able to wake the blue-eyed witch up made the young witch grasp the whole picture.
'They look so cute together,' the young witch thought when her eyes fell on Professor McGonagall, who had her arms wrapped around Arina in a lovely and protecting gesture.
Harry also grinned from ear to ear and Batty, who had been sitting on the bed as well, jumped on Arina's lap as good as the little animal could.
Another moment of silence passed before a rather unusually high-pitched and excited voice was heard.
.
"Wait, wait, wait! So you and Albus…?" Aberforth stuttered shocked and looked at Minerva with big pale-blue eyes.
Minerva just nodded. She wasn't really sure if she had her Scottish temper in control just yet and for Arina's sake she tried not to hex Albus' brother into next century.
A small smile appeared on her face when she felt her daughter's hand softly squeezing her own.
The transfiguration mistress noticed that Alastor was also staring at her and it almost looked like his magical eye was about to fall out. "So all these years… the two of you were… together?"
"Well, married, actually," she pointed out and the expressions that graced everyone's faces were priceless.
Then, Minerva heard a whole hearted and simultaneous laugh from Severus and her son-in-law.
"Honestly, Mad-Eye," the potions-master laughed, "Gr – Hermione – figured it out and she has neither a magical rotating eye, nor has she seen a completely nervous and unbearably edgy Albus whenever Minerva went on a mission for the order."
Alastor swallowed hard; clearly embarrassed that he hadn't noticed this obvious connection and his eye rotated like crazy.
When her eyes looked at the young brown-haired witch, Minerva smiled upon seeing her blush.
"Besides, apart from the fact that she is only slightly older," Dan tried his best to emphasize the word slightly, "Arina and Minerva look exactly the same.
"And it's actually pretty amazing that barely anyone made that quite obviously connection in the first place," Xemerius laughed and Minerva shrugged her shoulders.
"The mind sees what it wants to see…" Minerva and Arina mumbled at the same time.
"Now that was scary!" Ron laughed and his friends joined him.
Aberforth looked impressed. "It's true, she has Albus' eyes, but she does look like you… That's why you went to Ilvermorny instead of Hogwarts, didn't you?" He directed the question at Arina, who nodded.
"Well, though I kind of ruined that plan with the Tournament…"
Harry laughed out loud. "Yeah, these are pretty unpleasant in more than one sight…"
Minerva smiled when the young wizard seated himself a little closer to them; taking his godmother's other hand in his own.
"I really don't want to interrupt this lovely banter," Molly pointed out, smiling. "But I'm sure I'm not the only one who wonders about for how long you and Albus have been married."
Luna, Draco, Ron, Ginny, Neville, Harry and Hermione looked at her excitedly. Arthur, Alastor, Bill, Fleur and Augusta also seemed curious. Only Aidan, Severus, Xem and Poppy didn't, but that wasn't surprising since they already knew.
"Well…" Minerva began sadly and looked at the people at the 'Round Table', "what day do we have today?"
"May second, I think…" Hermione pointed out smiling and the others nodded in agreement, "I'm still having trouble with it considering all the nights we haven't slept and all…"
"Thank you, dear," the emerald eyed witch said and tried hard not to let the tears that had started to form in her eyes fall, "well, then it would have been 43 years in exactly three days time…"
.
A rather stunned silence followed. The younger students as well as most of the adults – excluding Severus, Aidan, Poppy, Xem and Arina – stared at her with wide eyes.
"Fourty-three years… that must have been in 1955 if I'm not mistaken…" Hermione – always the bright school-girl – had calculated and looked at Minerva and her aunt.
The emerald eyed witch nodded smiling.
"That's the same year my mother was born," Draco added smiling, "By the way… Do you think she might be allowed to stay with me at Hogwarts? I know we both did things we're not really proud of, but she left my father and – "
"Mr. Malfoy," Minerva started.
"Draco, please, Professor."
"Draco, like I told you already. Everyone deserves a second chance. And I have known her before she married your father… back then, she was a lovely little girl who wasn't able to harm a fly. Tell her to come, Hogwarts is - "
"Don't change the topic here, Min!" Augusta interrupted and Minerva cringed. She knew that she had to tell her friends some day, but at the same time she had always dreaded it.
"1955 you say? That was about a year after graduation." Alastor said in a rather monotone voice.
Minerva once again felt everyone's eyes on her and she took a deep breath; she knew what was about to come next.
Augusta excitedly pointed a finger at her. "So – So your companion to the graduation ball… the one you ended up snog- "
"Augusta," Minerva said in a warning tone, though she couldn't prevent the bright, crimson blush that flushed over her cheeks.
Neville's grandmother cleared her throat, trying to cover up her laugh. "Excuse me, I meant to say the one you ended up examining the Hogwarts Rose Garden very closely, was actually Albus?"
Minerva wanted to curse when she blushed even more.
"But he was blond with brown eyes," Alastor pointed out confused.
"Yes, but Albus doesn't have magic and therefore isn't able to change his appearance, right?" Xem asked, sarcasm was basically dripping from his mouth and everyone laughed again.
.
"So that's how you did it?" Molly asked astonished. "Whenever you were to be seen together in public, Albus changed his appearance?"
Minerva chuckled and nodded. "Well, most of the time it was me who changed clothes, hair and eye-colour, but yes, that's basically it."
Several 'ooohhh's and 'aahh's were heard from the people at the 'Round Table' but the one that caught Minerva's attention was Aberforth.
The wizard had been relatively quiet during the last minutes and only listened to the conversation. Now, however, he took in a sharp breath and looked at the emerald eyed witch; guilt clearly written in his eyes.
"That's why Albus was always seen with another woman whenever he had attended a public event," he muttered and guilty pale blue eyes met emerald green ones. "But in truth it was always you, just in disguise."
Minerva simply nodded.
The younger Dumbledore brother sighed, but his eyes never left hers. "I know I screwed up and I don't expect you to accept my apology, but I am sorry. I truly am."
Arina also looked from her uncle to her mother with big blue eyes; and so did Harry, Hermione, Dan, Severus and the rest of the 'Round Table'. Well, except Rolanda, but in the meantime she had at least managed to close her mouth…
"You are right, I will take a little more time… but I am relieved you understand it a little more now."
Abe nodded and now he even looked a little impressed. "You know… it's quite amazing that this was all it took to mislead people…"
"The mind sees what it wants to see, Abe," was all Minerva said, and she smirked a little when the wizard shook his head, chuckling.
Arina, who had apparently been holding her breath, sighed in relieve. She opened her mouth and was about to say something, but she was interrupted by Augusta.
.
"Aaahh! But why in Morgana's name didn't you tell us, Min?" Augusta squealed like an excited school-girl and almost jumped up from her seat at the 'Round Table'. "We – I mean, you and Albus and– "
"What did you say about forming a complete sentence, Gran?" Neville mocked sweetly at seeing his usually strict grandmother at a loss of words.
"Oh, you…" she replied and playfully nudged her grandson with the copy of the daily prophet that had been laying on the table, causing everyone else – including Minerva – to chuckle. Well, everyone except Rolanda, who still seemed to be in some kind of shock.
"No, but in all honesty now, Minerva," the witch with the weird hat continued and gestured towards to blue eyed witch, "Albus being you husband and employer surely wasn't the entire reason. Everyone who knows you also knows that you are the best in what you do. Why going through all the trouble and keeping your relationship, let alone marriage hidden from the rest of the world?"
Minerva sighed and swallowed. She knew that she had to be careful with what she said or tears would end up streaming down her cheeks. So she looked at her long-time friend with sad emerald eyes.
"Of course people would have talked – heavens they still do. But that was the smallest issue, actually," at the confused glances she continued, "Albus was first and foremost scared that someone would use me against – and ultimately Arina – against him."
"And he would have given everything to keep them save," the voice of her son-in-law added and Minerva smiled at the young surgeon.
"Well, I wouldn't say everything – " Arina was interrupted by Xemerius' and Poppy's simultaneous "Of course he would have!"
"I told him that I was able to very well take care of myself, but he insisted and in the end I agreed to keep our relationship as quiet as possible and professional to the outside," Minerva added.
There was another moment of silence.
"So that's why Professor Dumbledore wanted no-one to know about his – your daughter?" Young Draco Malfoy then broke the silence and not only Ron, Ginny, Neville, Luna, Harry and Hermione looked at the Slytherin surprised.
Minerva smiled at the young man. Your mother would be proud of you, my boy, she thought fondly.
"Partly. Though – "
"But why not just pretend that she's only yours? Leave Albus and your marriage completely out of the whole picture?" Augusta interrupted irritated. "Times change. It's not like when I got pregnant that a child out of wed-lock would cause a scandal! And you don't say a word now, Poppy!"
This said, not only Neville stared at his no-nonsense Grandmother. Poppy who was grinning from ear to ear surprisingly didn't say what Minerva knew was already on the tip of her tongue.
Minerva stared at her friend surprised. I never thought you'd bring this issue of yours ever up in public, Auggie…
Then she felt her daughter's chest move and she heard a quiet giggle.
Minerva rolled her eyes, but smiled.
'''Stop reading my thoughts, kitten,'''
Arina giggled even more. '''Sorry, I simply couldn't resist the temptation… though I haven't done it in quite a while actually,''' her daughter answered her back via leglimency.
'''Well, I suppose that has something to do with the fact that I haven't seen you for almost a year, love,''' Minerva answered back, '''But you only wait until Arielle picks up on this way of communication.'''
'''Oh, Ellie would never – '''
'''Are you sure? Don't forget that she's my granddaughter,''' Minerva asked and she was sure that her daughter felt that she was smiling a tiny, wicked smile. '''and you may I remind you that you did the same, kitten? Just wait until the day comes when the little girl pops into your head; completely unexpected and in the most inappropriate of times.'''
'''Lovely. I cannot wait for that to happen…"
'''Oh, you will be having so much fun. Believe me, there's no better occlumency training than this!''' Minerva laughed inside her head and so did her daughter.
'''You will be the first to know when she attempts to try it,''' Arina silently answered and Minerva felt that she was also laughing, but there was also a wave of a 'warm' feeling coming towards her. '''Though considering that they will be spending a lot more time with me and consequently you, Harry and Hermione will probably adapt to it first, won't they?'''
Minerva smirked. '''Well, once they got used to the idea of their aunt and godmother being strict old McGonagall's daughter…'''
'''Don't be ridiculous,''' Arina interrupted and the emerald eyed witch felt that she was shaking her head, '''You know that Hermione has always adored you and Harry does, too. And they haven't even seen the 'real' you; just the teacher persona…'''
'''I hope you are right, Kitten. You know they do mean a lot to me.'''
'''I know and soon they will, too,''' the younger ebony-haired witch replied and smiled, '''By the way, have I told you lately that I love you?'''
Minerva squeezed her hand softly, but answered her equally wordlessly. '''I love you, too, kitten. So very much.'''
Over the years of their relationship, Albus and Minerva had developed this rather unique way of communication and recognizing each other's emotions and feelings; and of course, within time Arina had learned and adopted how it worked. And even though Minerva was at first very surprised to have her daughter talking to her inside of her head, in the end it proved to be a rather useful advantage in the one or other situation…
And considering the very close connection the both witches shared due to the fact that they were both animagi, Minerva was glad that in this case she was able to prevent that all her feelings were sent to her daughter… Right now, she wasn't quite ready to talk about -
"Yes, that would have been a way, wouldn't it?" Aberforth asked confused, an eyebrow raised and ended the quiet conversation between mother and daughter.
.
Shaking her head, the emerald witch turned her attention back to the people around her, who were still hanging excitedly on every word she said.
Xemerius and Poppy rolled their eyes and Minerva sighed. "I could have."
"Well, then why didn't you?" Molly and Augusta asked at the same time. Alastor, Arthur, Bill, Fleur and the rest of the people – apart from Xem, Poppy, Severus and Aidan – looked equally confused.
"Because," Minerva started and looked at her long-time friend with now teary emerald eyes, "because you know very well that everyone I've ever loved is dead. My parents, Athena and Albus… the all died because of me. And I couldn't let the same thing happen to my daughter."
Here she was interrupted by Augusta's and Alastor's sharp intake of breath.
"Even if that meant keeping your godmother from you, Mr. Potter, " here her eyes moved to look at Harry apologetically, but her arms had tightened – if possible - even more around Arina. "And I dearly apologize for that."
To her surprise the black-haired young man just smiled kindly at her and reached out to touch her hand. "It's Harry, remember," he said smiling and despite her best efforts Minerva chuckled along with Arina. "You had your reasons, Professor. And I'm just glad I have her now."
Minerva sighed in relieve and blinked away the tear that she knew had formed in her eyes. "Thank you," she whispered.
All the adults who had known Minerva from their days at school were quiet now. Rolanda still hasn't moved a single muscle, but Augusta had tears welling up in her eyes. Alastor was also breathing hard. The younger one's – including Harry and Hermione - looked a little confused at the transfiguration mistress.
Of course… how are they supposed to know what happened…? Minerva thought bitterly.
'''You don't have to do this, Mum,''' Arina's voice once again sounded in her head.
'''I know. But – '''
Their wordless conversation was interrupted once more by the young Slytherin's voice.
"What happened to them?"
A short sob was now heard from Augusta and Poppy, who had been there on most of the dreadful days in her life.
Minerva saw that Xem handed her one of his handkerchiefs.
She took a deep breath but before she was able to answer the question, Xem spoke up.
"They got murdered by some of Grindelwald's followers and before you say anything, Min, this wasn't any of you fault." The silvery eyed wizard explained and eyed Minerva sharply, who had already opened her mouth to reply something differently. "They were both pure-bloods who fought for the resistance and the fact that Apollo had been Minister of Magic during these years only made him a bigger target. And Athena…"
"… also died sooner than she should have." Poppy finished upon seeing her best friends haunted expression.
"And Albus' hand was cursed; that's most certainly not your fault either," Aidan pointed out.
I wish it was that easy… Minerva thought sadly.
"Be that as it may," the emerald eyed witch then said rather quickly to avoid the topic, "The fact remains that I keep losing the people I love."
"Athena… Arina… Ariana…" Aberforth suddenly mumbled and then looked from Minerva to Arina and back to the emerald eyed witch; his eyes even glistening with tears.
"You named her after both of them, didn't you?"
Minerva smiled and squeezed her daughter's hand softly. "Yes. Two beloved sisters who died far too soon… And somehow we even managed to mix their letter's together to have a beautiful name."
"My, that's such a lovely idea!" Molly said, but she wasn't able to stop the tears from flowing. Ginny and Arthur both put an arm around the Weasley matriarch and Bill and Ron handed a tissue to Fleur, whose eyes looked also quite watery.
"Well, considering all the creativity," Arina added to lighten the mood, "Victoria as a second name seems pretty simple doesn't it?"
Everybody laughed again, and Aidan took a few steps forward and gave his wife a kiss on the lips. "Perhaps. But I still like it."
Minerva smiled. "So do I."
'And just because you don't know her kitten, doesn't mean your second name isn't dedicated to another very important person…'
This seemed to be the end of the conversation, and people started to talk with one-another again when suddenly another, rather loud, voice was heard.
.
"MINERVA ESMERALDA McGONAGALL," Rolanda Hooch suddenly shouted, wildly gesturing with hands and feet.
Minerva visibly cringed at the tone and – probably even more – at the use of her second name.
Instinctively, she tightened her arms around Arina and turned her head ever so slightly to look at her other yellow-eyed long-time-friend.
"You have been married to Albus – who by the way is also a good friend of mine – for almost 43 years and no one knew?!"
"Rolanda…"
"No, Auggie! Why telling Xem and Poppy and not us?"
Neville's grandmother now looked at the emerald eyed witch with one eyebrow raised. "She's got a point. After all I thought we were your friends, too…"
"Augusta – "
"From what I know," Arina interrupted her mother, "Mum and Dad made a sort of deal back then. They agreed on telling only two people each. Two and not more."
"And, I don't want to gloat here," Xemerius pointed out proudly, "But Min chose Poppy and me, whereas Albus told Nicholas and Perenelle, didn't he?"
Both Minerva and Arina nodded.
Augusta seemed a little sad, though convinced. Rolanda on the other hand, not.
"Well, the thing about hiding your marriage is one thing," she continued and got up from her chair to stand in between Harry and Hermione. "But you also have a by now already grown-up daughter together AND YOU DIDN'T BLOODY TELL ME ABOUT IT?!"
"Rolanda…"
"A daughter! I still cannot believe this... How in Merlin's name…?" This time the flying instructor didn't finish her sentence and sat down next to her old friend, Arina and Harry on the bed.
"Well…" Minerva grinned, "you have been married three times Rolanda… I was under the impression that you know very well how. Thoug if that's not the case, you and I should have a serious conversation..."
.
A roar of laughter errupted from the people around her and upon seeing some of their eyes staring at her in surprise, Minerva also blushed a deep crimson.
"You know, I don't sarcasm is the right way to go here..." Arina pointed out in between laughers.
Xemerius was almost rolling on the ground and even Poppy had laughing tears in her eyes.
"Brillint, Min, just brilliant," Xem shouted.
Minerva blushed even more when she realized that the young adults were all staring at her.
They probably hadn't expected me to ever say something like this...
Rolanda also stared at her in shock then started laughing like a maniac.
"Minnie, Minnie, you shady lady! I admit that was a good one! All these years you lead everyone to belive to be the lonley and life-less teacher... and in truth - "
"Rolanda - " Arina tried her best to spare her mother any more embaressing commentaries.
"Oh, don't you defend her dear," the flying instructor said, but smiled at the beautiful blue eyed witch. "She hasn't told me about your existence, she has to suffer a little bit now!"
"Would it help if I told you that you are listed in my paters as one of my emergency contacts?" Arina offered.
Rolanda's eyes widened. "Oh, am I? Now that's new... why didn't I know about that, Min? Oh right. I forgot. Because I didn't know you had a daughter in the first place!"
Minerva glanced at her daugher and rolled her eyes. "You are not helping, kitten," she whispered, but for some reason everyone had heard it and started laughing again.
"Oh, and don't you think for one second that I give up just now, Min. I won't let you get away without spilling some of those dirty little secrets of yours!" She said grinning and her yellow eyes sparkled mischievously.
Minerva groaned. She had no doubt about that.
"But that can wait until we have a little more privacy. For now, the least you can do," the flying instructor said with a faked hurt voice, "is show me that bloody wedding band of yours. I have never seen you wear it. Though I'm sure you have one!"
Agreeing voices joined her and Minerva sighed, but smiled. There was still the smallest of chances that Rolanda forgot to ask her about the private details...
"Fine," she said and looked at Aidan. "Would you mind…?"
"Not at all," the young surgeon said and came closer, "I'm glad you actually listen to me and don't use magic."
"Well, believe it or not, I am quite capable of listening."
She held up her hand for everyone to see and Adian waved his wand, and suddenly, two elegant golden bands appeared on the witch's ring-finger. The first one – probably the engagement ring - was slightly plainer than the other one; only a simple, but astonishing green emerald in the middle. The actual wedding band was also held in gold, but had five small, but sparkling diamonds in it.
All in all, the bands were nothing too extravagant. Delicate, elegant and beautiful; perfectly fitting for the emerald eyed transfiguration mistress.
Rolanda immediately grabbed the hand and pulled it closer to her; almost throwing Minerva and Arina from the bed.
Upon seeing the rings, her eyes went wide. "Holy Morgana! These are incredible!" The flying instructor exclaimed completely overwhelmed with the beauty of the rings. "I never thought Albus had such a good taste. Can you take it off, please?"
Minerva looked a little uncomfortable. "Actually, Ro… I've never taken it of since Albus…"
Rolanda stared at her friends and revelation slowly dawned in. "Oh Merlin, you're a widow!"
The emerald-eyed witch gave un uncharacteristically dry laugh. "You are a great observer, Ro. Though I would rather avoid that particular term if you don't mind…"
But never the less, she took the ring off and handed it carefully to her friend.
Rolanda looked at it and saw the small engraving on the inside; right behind the five diamonds.
"05.05.55 ... A five for eternity," the flying instructor read confused. "What's that?"
Minerva felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "It' our wedding date. May 5th , 1955."
And she remembered the day Albus gave her the ring as if it was yesterday…
"I love the date," her younger self had said with a bright smile when she leaned in to kiss her fiancé lovingly. "Is there a special reason you chose it apart from the fact that it is easy to remember?"
"Well," Albus had replied after the kiss, "Let's just say, that I'd like to think of it that way: each five is a promise. To love, cherish, trust and protect you from this day on to all eternity."
The young witch's eyes filled with tears. "A five for eternity."
Minerva's heart still warmed up and started beating faster every time she thought about that day.
But deep down, she also knew that it wasn't only the 5th of May 1955, but also January 5th of the same year that was very special for her… Just that was a day Albus had never known the importance of...
Severus also took a step forward to get a better look and upon seeing them, his eyes widened and he dropped his wand in shock.
Then he looked at Arina, Hermione and Harry. "You have to come me with me immediately."
"Severus? What is going – "
"Please trust me, Arina! It's important!" He urged and whispered the next sentence in her ear so only the blue-eyed witch could hear it. "It's about your father, A. Don't tell anyone just yet, but I think might still be alive!"
A.N. Hello everyone! Here's the next chapter! It hasn't got another memory in it, but I still hope you enjoy it!
Thanks so much again for all the fav/follows and reviews! You keep me going!
And I am so happy! I have reached 30 revies and 80 follows! Woohoo!
Special thanks to all the guests, Amiliana, Dragon Lord and TealBlueEyes for your reviews!
Blue: Yes, Abe has to suffer a little but that's what he gets for insulting our favourite deputy headmistress, right? :) And yes, Minerva is just awesome! I cannot repeat myself often enough, but she is and will always be my favourite character and Maggie Smith... well she will always be the goddess of actresses!
Oh, and this chappie might be a litte very fluffy... but apart from that I think and hope you will like it!
and I just went through some of my papers again, which I thought I lost but actually hadn't, and noticed that I got Arina's middle name as well as her daughter's name wrong *silly me*
It is actually Arina Victoria and her daughter's name is Arielle (or short Elle/Ellie)
By the way, I wrote this pretty late at night, and I don't want to keep you waiting, so please ignore any kind of SpaG you might notice :D
Enjoy reading everyone and all the best,
Lexi
