Disclaimer: I do not own anything, nor do I expect to any time soon. I wish I could say that I did own anything and everything dealing with Harry Potter, but I don't! Le Sigh!
A/N: I so wish that I could legally say that I own everything. Cries. Oh well, I suppose not all of us can be geniuses like the wonderful J.K. Rowling. But it would be so cool if I woke up one day and discovered I was a genius. LOL! XD! Oh well, I suppose plenty of you wish you could say the same thing. Thank you all for your wonderful reviews, and I hope that you all continue to enjoy my story.
Chapter Fourteen: Caring for Lenora…
Minerva woke bright and early the next morning. It was nearing seven o' clock, and something was noticeably different. She smiled warmly when she remembered the events of the night before. She had helped Albus bring Lenora to his bed after she had fallen asleep. Then, they had ranted and raved and then… Her nose… She had bumped it against his chest. Not even five minutes later, they were kissing, having confessed their love for each other. And then…
Minerva sat up quickly, opening her eyes for the first time. They were lying in his bed, Minerva in the middle, Albus on one side and Lenora on the other, sleeping like the little angel she was. Minerva breathed heavily. That memory, that nightmare, still lingered in her mind, as fresh as if she had just relived it. She was startled once again when she felt warm arms wrap around her lovingly.
"Minerva? What is it, what's wrong?" he asked. She leaned against him for comfort. She was shivering as fresh tears began to prick the back of her eyes. "Ssshh, do not fret, Minerva. It was just an unfortunate memory. Do not worry. I am here now, to protect you. I won't let anything happen to you." Minerva clung to him as though he were a lifeline. There was a rustling behind them and the bed shifted slightly.
"Professor McGonagall? Uncle Albus?" They turned and looked at the small child. She was rubbing the sleep from her eyes. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, Lenora," whispered Albus. "Minerva just had a bad dream." Albus hated lying to Lenora, but this was better than scaring the poor thing even more than she was. The small girl simply nodded and climbed onto Minerva's lap.
"It's okay, Professor," she said, hugging her. "It was only a bad dream. You want me to ask the Dream Fairy to come and take it away for you?" Minerva looked at the small girl and smiled slightly.
"The Dream Fairy?" she asked. "Who's the Dream Fairy?" Lenora's eyes widened.
"You've never heard of the Dream Fairy?" she asked. Albus cleared his throat.
"Lenora, remember what I told you? Only a select few know about the Dream Fairy." Lenora frowned.
"Oh, yeah," she said. She looked around, and then looked back at Albus. "I don't think she would be mad if we told Professor McGonagall. Do you?" Minerva bit back a laugh as Albus pretended to think about the question. He smiled.
"No, I don't suppose she will," he replied. "Go on ahead and tell her." Lenora smiled.
"Well, you see, Professor," she began.
"Go ahead and call me Minerva, if you like," Minerva said.
"Oh yeah, I forgot, sorry," Lenora said. "Well, Minerva, the Dream Fairy is a fairy that comes and takes away all your bad dreams. She lets you keep all your good ones, but if you ask her, then she'll take all your bad ones, place them in a little black bag, and throws away the bag, either in the river or into the food of a dragon."
"A dragon?" laughed Minerva. "Why would she ever feed the bad dreams to a dragon?"
"Dragons love to eat bad dreams," Lenora responded. She had that spark in her voice which told Minerva that she should have known that. "That's where they get their fire power from. The dragons eat the bad dreams and then breathe them out again." Minerva's eyes widened as she listened to the child.
"Is that so?" she asked. Lenora nodded.
"Of course it is," she replied. "Uncle Albus told me so." Minerva looked over at Albus. That man never ceased to amaze her.
"Well, I suppose if Albus tells you it's true, then it must be," she said, not taking her eyes off of him. Lenora looked from one to the other. There was something different about the two, she noticed, but she did not know exactly what it was. She shrugged.
"Can I use your bathroom, Uncle Albus?" she asked.
"Of course you may, Lenora," he responded. He watched as she slid off of the bed and made her way into his bathroom. Once the door was closed, Albus looked at Minerva and smiled.
"How are you this morning, my dear?" he asked as he cupped her cheek.
"Better, I suppose," she said. "I suppose it would be too much for me to hope that you have nothing to do today?" Albus shrugged.
"I don't know," he said. "I could push aside today. I don't have to go to the meetings today. They're not that important. Any information I need can be sent to me."
"But what if something really important should come up?" asked Minerva.
"If it would make you feel better, I could always send Severus in my place. He's a very trustworthy friend."
"So I've heard," chuckled Minerva. Albus laughed slightly as he leaned over and kissed her lightly upon the lips. She sighed happily as he pulled back.
"I don't suppose I will ever be tired of your kisses," she smiled.
"And I won't ever tire of giving you kisses," he replied. He pulled her in closely and kissed her again, but this time more passionately. Minerva wrapped her arms around his neck while his right arm encircled her waist. It was extremely hard for either one of them to pull apart.
"I could get used to waking up every morning like this," he smiled. She laughed and swatted him playfully.
"Well, if I am to take Lenora shopping today, then I suppose it would be wise of me to go and get ready. I can't go in yesterday's robes and my hair all mussed."
"Though, I must say it is a nice look on you," smiled Albus.
"You shameless flatterer," joked Minerva as she swung her legs over the side of the bed and headed for the door. "Let Lenora know I'll be back to pick you two up in one hour."
"We'll be waiting," smiled Albus. Once she was gone, Albus headed to his trusty bird, Fawkes, and tied a note to his leg. It was a note for Severus, asking him to go to his meetings for him. In the note, he promised Severus a considerable bonus for his troubles, and extra supplies for his potions. He knew Severus could not refuse. He never could deny the chance to get new materials for his potions.
Ooooooooooo
Severus had, indeed, received the message, explaining the situation. Well, perhaps not ALL the details, but Albus had given him enough details to let him know what had happened. He did not remember the night, for he was much younger than Minerva, but he had heard about it. But he was happy, no matter what he might admit later, that he was glad they finally got together. True, he did not like the idea of being stuck in meetings all day. But then, he also decided that it was well worth the rewards… For all concerned.
However, he could not stop the feeling of dread which had come over him. He could not place his finger on it, but there was something in his gut which told him that something horrible was going to happen. What it was, he did not know. If he were anyone else, then he would have dismissed the thought of something bad happening. Yet, it was a fact that his hunches were almost always proved to be well founded. Even if he didn't have an exact reasoning to what he felt, he learned he could almost always trust his instincts. He just hoped that this gut feeling could be an exception. After all, he had just learned that Albus and Minerva had finally admitted their love for each other. He would hate to have to report anything negative to one or even both of them.
Ooooooooooo
Minerva, Albus, and Lenora had spent all morning in various shops, taking Lenora around and buying her things. Lenora was having the time of her life, and it thrilled both Albus and Minerva to watch her. It worried and scared them both as they thought of how mistreated, abused, and neglected she was with Roberta. They would share glances whenever Lenora wasn't looking. It tore at their hearts whenever the neglect she was used to showed through her speech or actions. Lenora was so sweet and kind and didn't deserve to be treated the way she was.
They were now eating at Datillo's, a fine Italian restaurant with an outside patio. There, they ordered lunch and talked.
"So, Lenora, what do you want to do for lunch?" asked Minerva. Lenora thought for a moment before a sad expression crossed her face. She looked down at her hands.
"I suppose I really should find out where my mom is," she said. Her voice was small and covered with fear. "After all, she might be looking for me, and the longer it takes her to find me, the worse trouble I'll be in." Minerva looked sorrowfully over at Albus, who looked at Lenora.
"Is that what you want, Lenora? To go back to your mother?" Albus knew the answer, but could not help his breath from being caught in his throat. Slowly, Lenora shook her head, never once lifting her eyes from her hands folded in her lap.
"No, I do not want to see my mama again," she whispered. "Is that wicked of me?" It was clear in her voice that she was crying.
"No, Lenora, it isn't," whispered Albus. Minerva went on a mother's instinct and went to Lenora's side, picking her up, sitting down, and placing the girl on her lap.
"You know, Lenora, there are times when good people, like yourself, who get stuck with horrible people, such as your mother. I know you think it's your fault for what she does, but it isn't. Now, if you really do not want to go back to your mother, I promise you with every fiber of my being that I shall do whatever is in my power to take you away from her. I will try my very hardest to make sure you never have to go back to her unless you chose to."
"And I'll help too," said Albus. "I will do everything I can." Lenora smiled meekly.
"But then, if I don't have to go back to my mum, where will I go? I don't know my papa, and I've never met any of my other family. Where am I to go?" Albus looked at Minerva, and as if sensing her question, he nodded.
"Lenora, if we are able to take you away, though I am not sure how easy it's going to be to get legal guardianship over you, would you like to stay with us?" Lenora's eyes turned into little round saucers when she heard him ask his question and Minerva smiled broadly.
"You mean forever?" she asked. Albus chuckled.
"Yes, if that is your wish," he said. Lenora looked up at Minerva.
"And you too?" she asked. Minerva smiled through her tears and nodded.
"Of course, if you want me to be there," she responded. Barely had she finished her sentence than Lenora hugged her with all her might. Minerva hugged back and kissed the girl on top of her head. Then, Lenora jumped off her lap and hugged Albus.
"I've always wanted a father," she whispered in his ear before kissing him on his cheek. She ran back to Minerva's side. "And I get a new mum! It feels just like Christmas." Albus felt his heart soar and Minerva couldn't help the rush of happy tears flow from her eyes as she held Lenora tight.
"Don't cry, Minerva," she said. "It's alright now. I'm with you." Minerva couldn't help but chuckle as she pulled back.
"Yes, you are, and I am truly thankful for that fact," she said. "I never had any children, and I was starting to feel lonely." Lenora stood tall and proud.
"Well, if you ever feel lonely again, I'm here now!" she exclaimed happily as she pointed to herself with her thumb. "And the Dream Fairy, of course."
"Of course," smiled Minerva.
"Well, how about dessert?" asked Albus as Minerva reclaimed her original seat and Lenora sat in her seat once again.
"Can I have two?" asked Lenora, wide-eyed once again. Albus and Minerva laughed.
"Sure thing," smiled Albus. "You can even have three or four, if you like." Minerva glared at him.
"Two, yes, but three or four? Are you trying to give Lenora a stomach ache? She'll be up all night, and then what?"
"We'll just have to look after her, won't we?" smiled Albus. A passing couple smiled warmly as they heard the little snippet of conversation. What a lovely couple, one commented to the other. The latter nodded as they continued their casual walk.
Ooooooooooo
Severus stood as the last of the meetings was completed. He shuffled some papers and turned to leave. Just as his hand reached the handle of the door, he felt a hand on his shoulder. This startled him, since he thought he had been the last one to leave. He turned around and felt his bones chill as he was faced with Roberta Kingston.
"Hello, Severus," she said in that sickening sweet voice.
"Roberta," he said with a curt nod. He turned to leave when she stood in front of him.
"What's the hurry? Do you have somewhere you need to be right now?" She leaned in the doorframe in a 'come hither' manner. Severus sighed and folded his arms across his chest.
"As a matter of fact, I do have somewhere to be," he said. "I am going back to the castle, give my congratulations to the Headmaster and his deputy, because in case you haven't heard, they are now dating, and then accompany them to the hospital wing so that they can discuss with Poppy what is to be done with those bruises. You know, the ones you so horribly inflicted upon your daughter. Then again, I doubt you even remember her name, let alone the fact that she is alive and is of your own flesh and blood." He moved to the right to exit, but she wouldn't let him. It was clear that anger was flashing in her eyes, but she never raised her voice.
"If they are so worried about her health, then why was it not taken care of sooner?" she inquired. She thought it a question that needed to be answered, but not because she actually cared. She asked it to catch Severus in a tight spot. But Severus never swayed. He just looked straight at her and never blinked.
"Because if you'll remember, today is the day Poppy was supposed to attend a conference for medi-witches and wizards. She'll be back within the hour, as should Albus, Minerva, and Lenora. Not that you care." Roberta slapped him straight across the face.
"How dare you imply that I am a bad mother," she hissed. Severus looked at her. Anyone else would have backed off when he gave them the look he was giving her now, but no one said that Roberta was smart.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to imply anything. I meant to say it flat out!" Just then, Severus was hit from behind. It felt as if his head was about to shatter into a million pieces. He hadn't heard what spell had hit him, but he knew that it hurt like hell. He fell to his knees and was suddenly aware with how fast everything was spinning. Then, everything went blank. Roberta smiled as she looked up at her accomplice.
"Well done, dear," she said as the man walked up and kicked Severus in the stomach. He wrapped his arms around Roberta. "Very well done, indeed." She kissed him. "Now, get the Polyjuice Potion."
A/N2: Le Gasp! What shall happen? DUN DUN DUN! OH NO! OMJWTCBBQ SEVERUS! (Falls to the ground and yells up to the sky!) POR QUE, ROBERTA? POR QUE TU COMPRASTE LIMON! LOL! Well, thanks for reading. I'll give you flan if you review. Or a cupcake. Or cookies. . Always Hopeful