AN: I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far. Sorry if I've confused everyone, but the bonding will be explained by the end of the story.

Severus hurried through the heavy dungeon door as he felt the wards surrounding it fall away. Albus was leaning heavily against the wooden workstation, preparation causing his face to shimmer in the torchlight, but he looked positively gleeful. "Headmaster, did it work? Was the potion successful?"

The smile blanketing Albus' face grew almost impossibly larger as he faced Severus. "I could feel her Severus. The bonding is complete; the connection is secure." His eyes became wistful. "You were right, we did need her to complete the last stage."

He held up her hairbrush, a few loose strands sticking out from the edges. Severus' eyes grew big, his lank hair swaying as he shook his head violently, comprehension falling over him like a ton of bricks. "You cannot be serious! Do you know what could have happened? This isn't a bloody Polyjuice Potion Albus! You could have killed her, or worse, blown up my lab! What if the connection hadn't been enough? What if the hairs hadn't given you a strong enough base? There's a reason bondings occur with both people present. The potion was meant to bond you to her. It's too unpredictable otherwise!"

Albus was too excited to truly hear what Severus was saying. He could still feel her within him, surrounding him. It was a warm, contented feeling he could never remember experiencing, and he never wanted it to end. Despite their separation, he could feel almost an echo of her, like the faintest of whispers dancing along his consciousness. They were bonded, in every sense of the word. He could feel her worry, her confusion, but he could also feel the overwhelming love she held for him. He wondered if she was having the same experiences.

Albus was brought out of reverie by a steady, but insistent, tapping sound. He looked over to see Severus standing, his arms crossed firmly over his chest, his foot tapping away. Albus simply raised a silver eyebrow in his direction. "Now that I have your attention," Severus said snappishly, "what's the next step? Assuming the connection is strong enough, how do you plan on retrieving her?"

"Magic Severus," Albus said softly, running a finger across the wooden handle of the brush, "magic."


He was hovering over her, his warm breath dancing across her half closed lids. They moved together, hot, slick, and utterly irresistible. She could feel his heartbeat thud against his chest, pumping in time with her own. She clawed at his broad shoulders, trying to bring him closer, make herself a part of him as the coil within herself tightened.

Understanding, his lips crashed into hers, taking what little breath she possessed away in a soul touching kiss. His swollen lips left hers and came to rest beside her ear, whispering, leading. Tender words of love, devotion, reassurance flooded her senses as she fell over the edge, gripping him tightly, calling out his name into the darkness.

She could feel her self falling away, being pulled from his arms, and she did all she could to fight, but it was of no use. He looked back at her, his eyes filled with determination and devotion. "I'm coming Tabby," he whispered, but she heard, felt.

Minerva's eyes fluttered open, despite her best efforts to remain in the dream. It had to have been a dream, she reasoned, but everything had seemed so real. Pulling herself out of bed, she padded softly across the cold stone floor and into the bathroom. She felt different. The worry and confusion from the past few days was still present, but there was now an undercurrent of reassurance and calm the flowed through her. Turning on the taps, steam began to fill the large room as she turned toward the mirror and let out a gasp.

Her hand flew to the side of her neck. There, sitting at the base of her slim neck, was a deep red mark. Her fingers traced it gently, unable to understand just what she was seeing. She flushed as she remembered the dream. He had left his mark upon her, claiming her as his own, and she had loved it. The feel of his lips, his hands, stroking her, bringing her farther away from herself. But, it had only been a dream, hadn't it? There should be no way for this to be happening.

She slipped out of her nightgown and stepped under the hot spray. As she washed, she noticed other marks. A small scrape here, a new bruise there, all where he paid special attention. It was odd, even a little disturbing, but perhaps the saying was right. It could be simply a case of mind over matter. The reasoning seemed weak, even to her bewildered mind, but what other explanation could there be?

She shook her head, trying to dislodge the feeling of something just out of reach. She had more important matters to attend to, and they would need her full and complete attention. She had two days, two days to turn her very own Fudge back into the purring lion she remembered. "Damn stubborn man," she mumbled to herself, patting her hair dry as she walked back into her bedroom.

The possibilities turned over in her mind, each as unlikely as the next. She could tell him of the plot, but that would only put Harry and other's in danger. It would also confirm his fears, and they would never convince him otherwise. She could attempt a coup of her own, knocking him out and dragging him away. 'Fire bad, tree pretty,' suddenly popped into her mind before she pushed it aside. Violence rarely solved anything, even if it was a little satisfying. No, there was only one decent choice, and even that was difficult. She would have to find a way to remind him of himself. It was time to draw Albus out of his cave. She just needed something to start the fire under his omnipotent behind.

Dressed and ready to face the day, Minerva returned to her bedside table to gather her glasses and stopped. Not believing her eyes, she tentatively reached out and almost wept with relief as her fingers curled around it. The familiar warmth spread up her arm, almost competing with the sensations she had yet to shake from the night. Her wand looked no worse for wear, perhaps even a little better. The wood was solid, polished from years of use. It fit perfectly between her slim fingers, an extension of her arm, her very soul.

The magical community was so in use with carrying their wands, she had never realized what it would be like to live without it. Almost reverently, she tucked the wand into her robes, fighting with herself to keep from stroking it as she walked down the halls. She didn't see a reason to advertise this latest development, but it did give her a piece of mind. She nodded her greetings to the various portraits as she walked, not truly paying attention.

It wasn't until she turned the corner and walked straight into something warm and solid that her attention returned to the present. Two arms held her gently, steadying her, and a now familiar smell flooded her senses. She struggled to reign in the sudden flood of heat that enveloped her. Her mind and heart understood the difference, but her body still remembered the feel of those hands and craved more. "Good morning Minerva," he said softly when she was finally able to look up at him.

"Good morning Albus," she replied, pulling away slowly. "I'm sorry; I wasn't watching my step. That seems to be happening more often lately."

He smiled appreciatively at her attempt to lighten the mood. "I was actually on my way to see you," he began, "I was wondering I you would do me the honor of joining me for breakfast this morning?"

He extended his arm and waited on baited breath for her response. For a moment, just a moment, Minerva allowed herself to be reeled in by the normalcy of it, the natural way her arm fit in his. And, as soon as it appeared, the moment passed. "That would be lovely Albus. I was just heading toward the kitchens myself." She allowed herself to be steered through the buildings and out into the street.

They moved in silence, one unsure of what to say, and the other too afraid to disrupt the luck that seemed to be favoring him. It was still early, the sun was barely making an appearance above the rolling hills far in the distance, but signs of life were already beginning to make themselves known. Small sidewalk cafe's were opening, the smell of strong coffee and sweet rolls filled the air. Birds dove between the buildings, filling the air with their song. They stopped beside a small café.

Minerva would have missed it if Albus hadn't pointed it out, and she wondered if that wasn't the intention. "I discovered this spot about two years ago," he whispered, afraid to dispel the calm that surrounded them. "I just couldn't take sitting in my office for another day, so I went for a walk one morning. They make the best scones I've ever had. It's almost as if they melt in your mouth."

His hand was warm on the small of her back, and he made to lead them forward, but she hesitated. He looked at her questioningly, and she gave him a crooked smile in response. "Albus," she paused, not exactly sure of what she wanted, no needed to say. So, she simply said, "thank you," placing her hand against the outside of her robes, just above her wand.

His eyes flickered with recognition and acceptance, the hand on her back curling affectionately. "I trusted you once, I was a fool not to now. Forgive me?"

She understood the double meaning behind his question. "Always," she said reassuringly. "Now," she added quickly, trying to dispel the tension that was beginning to build between them again. "I'm famished and I insist on trying these scones. With a sweet tooth like yours, I'll probably lapse into a coma."

Albus laughed outright, a rich full sound he hadn't heard in some time, but it brought an answering grin to Minerva's face. They were about to enter with a shift and a crash came from the alleyway, startling them both. In the blink of an eye, both had their wands drawn and were moving toward the source of the sound.

Stopping to allow their eyes to adjust to the dark, neither were surprised to see an overturned trash can rolling haphazardly along the ground. IT was what sat behind it that caused the breath to catch in Minerva's throat.

A small girl sat huddled against the wall, rocking back and forth slightly. She was filthy, covered in clothes not fit to be called rags, and painfully thin. Minerva was the first to lower her wand and step forward. She moved slowly, trying not to frighten the child, but the little girl still attempted to push herself through the wall behind her, her eyes wide and fearful. "Shh," Minerva crooned. "No one is going to hurt you little one. Everything is alright."

She reached out her hand, and was relieved when the girl stopped trying to move away. "My name is Minerva; what's yours?" The little girl looked at her, her eyes occasionally darting behind Minerva to stare at Albus.

"Argante," the little girl said softly.

"That's a lovely name. This is Albus," Minerva said, turning to face Albus. He had lowered his wand and was simply staring at the two. When he heard his name, however, he stepped forward and knelt beside Minerva.

"Hello there." The little girl curled herself into a tighter ball, and turned her attention back to Minerva.

"Argante, where are your parents?" Minerva watched as a single tear slipped down the girl's cheek, leaving a trail of clean skin in a sea of filth.

Argante shook her head. "I don't know where Papa is. He left for work one morning and never came home. I was five."

"How old are you now?" Albus didn't like the hallow acceptance he saw in her eyes. She was far too young to know that sort of pain.

"I'll be eight in two months."

"And where is you mother?" Minerva asked as she took off her cloak and wrapped it around her shivering frame. Argante grasped the edges of the warm cloak, pulling it tightly around her, relishing in the soft texture and instant comfort it brought.

"She died last week. There was an accident at her job, and she got stuck under a beam." Minerva's heart broke for the little girl and carefully wiped the girl's tears from her cheeks.

"Don't you have any other family? Where have you stayed?"

Argante shook her head again, burrowing further into the cloak as a gust of wind swirled around them, kicking up a clump of loose leaves. "I've been here. There is nobody else."

Through it all, Albus hadn't said a word. He simply stared at the little girl, his clear blue eyes compassionate and thoughtful. "Argante," he paused, trying to choose his words carefully. "Where did you live with your mother before? Where did you come from?"

Minerva shot him a look; she knew exactly what he was asking. But, he ignored her. Instead, he watched Argante suddenly begin to squirm, looking everywhere but at them.

"My mother said I'm never supposed to say," she finally answered.

"It's alright little one," he said, leaning forward slightly. "You lived in the green sector, didn't you?" Argante nodded sadly, ashamed for something she couldn't truly understand. Albus leaned back on his heels and stared at the girl. He could literally feel the waves of contempt emanating from the woman beside him.

He turned and caught her attention, desperate to convey his thoughts, but he couldn't understand them himself. Reaching out, palms up, Albus scooted toward Argante. "There's no reason to worry little one. I won't let you go back there. Come with me; I want to take you someplace safe and warm. There are plenty of warm clothes and lots of children to play with."

Minerva's head shot back around to face him, shock written plainly on her face. Silently, he mouthed, 'later' and turned back to the small girl in front of them. She was trembling, whether from cold or trepidation, he couldn't decide. "It's going to be alright Argante. It will all be okay," he said soothingly.

Without another word, she launched herself into his arms, grasping the front of his robes as she sobbed into his chest. He rubbed gentle circles into her back, rocking gently, whispering nonsense words that Minerva couldn't understand.

He lifted her into his arms and walked back into the street. He whispered Hogwarts to Minerva before disappearing with a faint pop. A split second later Minerva joined him, and the two made their way up the slopes toward the castle.

Twenty minutes later found Argante firmly ensconced in a bathtub, Poppy doing her best to clean the filth away. Albus' grip was firm but pleading on her arm as he led her into the small office she had visited just the day before. She half expected to see Harry dive behind the desk as they entered.

The door shut behind them and Minerva spun to face him. "What are you going to do with her now Albus? You can't return her back..there! She would be alone."

Minerva's hands were balled at her hips, and very stance demanded satisfaction. Albus raised his hands, and to both their horror, she flinched.

Albus quickly lowered his hands again as well as his eyes. "No, I won't send her back Minerva. I'm hoping she will be staying here."

Minerva was confused and grasped his arm to draw his attention and comfort him. "But who will take care of her? She needs a family Albus, not a fleet of house elves."

"Severus." Albus said, his eyes glittering. "He and Hermione have been unable to have one of their own. A curse she was hit with during the final battle has had..unexpected and irreversible consequences. I can image no two better people to look after her. I just have to convince them."

Minerva stared in disbelief as true emotion played out behind his eyes, drawing her in. Letting her hand travel up along his arm, she stood on her tip toes and placed a chaste kiss on his cheek. "Thank you Albus," she whispered before turning and walking back into the ward. She left a confused but pleased man in her wake.

It was an hour before Argante was cleaned up and Severus and Hermione were able to meet them. For Hermione, it was love at first sight. Cleaned up, Argante was adorable. She had soft chocolate brown hair and blue eyes to rival Albus'. But, there was also a sadness there that crushed the heart's of everyone there. "What's to become of her Minister?" Hermione asked, never taking her eyes off the girl who was busy staring out in wonder over the school grounds.

"I was hoping I could persuade you and Severus to watch over the girl. She has no other family, no future without our help."

Slowly, almost painfully, Hermione turned to face them, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Us," she whispered, turning to face Severus. Her voice was hopeful, disbelieving.

He was staring at Albus, his face unreadable, but there was a flicker that crossed his eyes, invisible to everyone but those who knew what to look for. He turned to face his wife, a hand coming up to catch a falling tear. He let a smile saved for only her cross his face as he nodded. "Us," he confirmed before he found himself with an armful of witch.

Hermione leapt from his arms and into Minerva's. Minerva pulled the other woman against her tightly and looked at Severus over her shoulder. He had an eyebrow raised questioningly, his eyes flickering toward the Minister. Almost imperceptibly, she shook her head and was rewarded with a curt nod. "Go to her," Minerva whispered, and soon she and Albus were again alone.

They stood in a companionable silence before he again put his hand along her back. "I believe I owe you breakfast," he said calmly.

"I believe you do," she replied, and they left, no one else in the room noticing.

AN2: Please, if you've gotten this far, take a few extra minutes and let me know what you think.