Disclaimer: I own none of the main characters.
Claimer: I do own most of this idea, and the new characters.
F.Y.I. I'm thinking of bringing Umbridge back. What do you think? This memory takes place around 1942 during the first Chamber opening. Also the ages of Minerva and her siblings for this first memory is as follows: Micayla- 23, Minerva- 21, and Marcus- 18. In later memories the Dumbledore clan is, depending on the year, if Albus is 101 then Aberforth is 98 and Areil is 94. These are the ages I have calculated. If they are wrong, well this is my story so deal with it!
Reviews are welcome! Now on with the show!
Chapter 9: A Mother's Memories
The group of seven fell through swirling lights and blurs before landing in a huge garden. "Where are we?" Ron asked looking at his surroundings. "It's obvious Ron. We went through the pensive and are now in Professor McGonagall's memories," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "I know that," Ron shot back, " I just want to know what we're looking at." "This was McGonagall manor," the transfiguration's teacher said as she kept looking around, "It looks like its summer." "Is everyone in the house?" Neville asked also looking around. "No, on a day like this everyone was usually outside. Come on, will go to the backyard," the professor said as she proceeded to leave the garden.
D. Shani and the students followed McGonagall down a paved pathway to the spacious backyard. They continued to weave their way through many flowerbeds before they stopped just short of the house. "Wow this place is huge!" Ron exclaimed looking at the four-story mansion. "Yeah, but where are the people we're actually supposed to be watching," Ginny asked? "Over there," McGonagall said gesturing over to a blanket shaded under a tree, "I believe it is my family having a picnic."
The group edged closer to the scene so they could here and see more clearly. "I believe the two older ones are my parents," the professor said looking at the man and woman sitting closest to the tree," and the younger ones are my older sister and younger brother." Edging closer they began to hear a conversation-taking place.
"So children," came the man's voice, "where is are dear Minnie?" I haven't seen her since she came home from her training at the school." " She's in her room father," the girl replied, "ever since that child was killed three months ago that's all she does. She just stays up there and studies." "That's not all she does," said the young man, "She owl's the transfiguration professor every few days too! I think she fancies him!" The younger adults went into fits of laughter before their parents stopped them. "Now, now children. You must not tease your sister," said the older woman, "It is perfectly normal to grow an attachment to a mentor you spend a lot of time with. I'm sure this little crush will soon pass. Now go and fetch her so we may all eat our lunch." "Yes mother," the siblings said heading toward the house.
"Come on, I want to see what your doing in the house," D. Shani said to McGonagall as they ran into the house. The professors and children followed the younger McGonagalls up a flight of stairs, down a long hallway, and finally stopping and knocking on a big mahogany door. "Minnie! Mother and father want you outside for lunch!" exclaimed the young bot. "I'll be down in a minute," came the voice of the person in the room. "Now come on Minerva! We're supposed to bring you down with us. Now let us in!" the girl said before opening the door and walking in. "What are you doing in here anyway?" asked the boy looking around. "I'm packing Marcus because I'm leaving tomorrow," said the young Minerva. "What do you mean leaving Min?" asked the older witch. "Because Micayla I am going to teach at Hogwarts. I'm going to be the new transfiguration professor!" "You're not going to go straight into marriage? You want to work? Have you lost you mind! Do father and mother know about this," asked Micayla?
"Yes they do. I told them about it this summer. They were thrilled that I finished my animagus training and that I got a job at the school because they know I'm not like you. I don't want to rush into married life. Maybe later but not right now," said Minerva as she closed one of her trunks, " Mother and father were a little scared about me returning after what happened to the girl, though, but I assured them that the new headmaster would protect the school exceptionally well. So let's go eat! I'm famished!" The McGonagall children headed out of the room and proceeded back out of the house when Marcus asked, "Did Dippet retire after that thing with the girl?" "Yes," Minerva said as she walked out side. "Who is the new headmaster?" "Albus Dumbledore of course," Minerva said with admiration. The other two shared a knowing glance before hurrying to catch up with their sister.
The scene dissolved and reappeared in a sitting room with two people seating in front of a fire playing chess. "My dear, I believe you have met your match," came the voice of Dumbledore. "You only think so headmaster, but I think you will be surprised! Queen to b12!" exclaimed the young professor as her queen demolished the headmaster's king, "Checkmate!"
Albus looked astonished as he witnessed his chess piece mercilessly destroyed. He quickly recovered from this ordeal, though, and looked up at his opponent with twinkling eyes. "You have indeed proven me wrong Minerva. I have once again been defeated by your cunning mind." "Why thank you Albus! It's always nice to defeat someone as glorious as the great Albus Dumbledore," said the professor. "You flatter me my dear for I do not think my accomplishments are that grand," said the headmaster. "Oh but they are. You have no idea what joy you cause others," Minerva said lovingly grasping his hand before quickly letting it go. At this there was an odd silence and then the clock chimed midnight. "Oh my, is it really that late? I should really get back to my quarters Headmaster," exclaimed McGonagall as she headed toward the door. "Allow me to escort you back Minerva," said Albus as he held open the door for her. The two professors left as their onlookers continued to stare.
"We need to follow them," Harry stated as he left the room. The group followed the younger professors till they stopped just outside of a lion portrait. "Good night Headmaster and thank you for the entertaining game," McGonagall said as she petted the lion's head and the portrait swung open. "It was a pleasure. I have never enjoyed loosing so much. You are a truly special lady." The two stared at each other for a few seconds before something happened none of the younger bystanders would have expected.
McGonagall leaned toward Dumbledore and kissed him. Dumbledore seemed to have lost all thought at the shock of what was going on before he reacted. He recovered and kissed Minerva back with great force and passion. She started raking her long slender fingers through his silver streaked auburn hair, while he pulled her closer and rested a hand on her back and on her neck. They only broke a part for a lack of oxygen. Minerva and Albus looked up at each other with surprise. Blue eyes met green and she said, "I-I I'm so s-sorry. I don't know what came over me." A look of pure horror and embarrassment was written on her face as she ran through the portrait hole. The headmaster looked on in utter disbelief as the portrait swung back into place. "That was really interesting," the lion commented staring back at the professor, "wouldn't you agree?" "I-I don't really know. She is amazing though." "Yes she is. So here is the ultimate question for you Headmaster," the lion said. "What do you mean? What's the question lion," he asked very confused? "The question my dear headmaster is…What will you do?" "What does that mean?" "That you have to figure out on your own. Good night Headmaster," the lion said as the Headmaster walked back to his rooms.
The scene dissolved again and reappeared on the bridge outside of the castle. The group could see the same two professors staring out at the water. "Albus, I just wanted to say I'm sorry about last night. I shouldn't have done that, and I really don't know what came over me. It was highly unprofessional, childish, uncalled for…" Dumbledore silenced her rambling by connecting their lips in a sweet and passionate kiss.
The kiss started to deepen and become more intense with Albus lightly moving his hands over her back and through her loose, waist link, raven hair. She let a small moan escape her mouth and hurriedly pulled away with a look of horror on her face again. "W-What are y-you doing?" "I'm not really sure Minerva. All I know is that I have feelings for you. I just never realized it till you kissed me last night. I was hoping you felt the same," Dumbledore calmly explained with a very worried look on his face. "I-I, You really care for me? Are you lying? Is this some kind of joke? I-I'm so confused," McGonagall exclaimed exasperatedly. She slumped down to the ground with her head in her hands.
Should I not have done it? He thought to himself. Does she not have the same feelings for me? She must or she would have never done what she did last night. He kneeled down to her and made her look him in the eye. "Tell me my dear, are my feelings for you the same ones you have for me?" He stared in her gorgeous green eyes for what seemed an eternity before she finally spoke. "I-I do have and have had deep feelings for you. You are the only person I can truly be myself around, but I don't think the public will approve of us being a couple. I mean you are eighty years older than me," Minerva pointed out with tears in her eyes. "What society may think of us does not matter to me," he said while they got back to their feet, "What matters to me is if you would do me the honor of going out to dinner with me tonight." She looked back into Albus's blue yes and answered with, "I will indeed do you the honor." "Dou you mean it," Dumbledore asked scarcely believing his ears? "Yes I do. If you do not care what others think, then I do not either," she said caressing his cheek. "This is most excellent. I feel sixty again," he exclaimed as he skipped back to the castle. Minerva followed behind silently laughing to herself.
"You know, the only thing weird about that scene was father skipping," D. Shani said as the group watched the two professors enter the castle. "Actually you have a point there," Harry said unexpectedly. "That was the only weird thing," Ron exclaimed as the scene changed again.
They now saw themselves in the Hogwarts staff room. The younger Headmaster and his Deputy were sitting in front of a fire talking in low whispers. The two seemed to be in a deep conversation. "What memory is this mother," D. Shani asked walking over to stand behind the headmaster. "This was before your fath- I-I mean Dumbledore went to fight Grindelwald," McGonagall said staring at the five children next to her.
"I don't see why I can't go and fight with you," screamed the memory Minerva as she jumped out of her chair and stormed to one of the windows, "I'm just as skilled and capable as Alastor and Aberforth. I'm probably a better dueler than half of the aurors!" "I am fully aware of all your accomplishments and capabilities. Your spying alone has made great strides in our finding Grindelwald in the first place." "Then why won't you let me go with you? It's simple," she said with tears streaming down her hot face. "No it is not that simple my dear tabby," he said standing up, "The school needs you here." "No they need the headmaster and your going off to do Merlin knows what! The school needs you! I need you," she said her voice slightly breaking, "I-I don't want to loose you. What if you don't come back? I just love you so much, Albus. I refuse to sit idly by like some muggle woman and wait for second-hand news that my love is dead. I won't do it!" "Please Minerva," he said standing next to her, " try to understand that I love you too. I love you with all of my heart, and that is why I don't want you to come with me. I couldn't bear the thought of loosing you either. Plus I can't help but feel this is about more than just wanting to fight by my side." "I don't know what you're talking about," she said wiping the tears from her eyes. "I think you do love. I believe you are fighting mostly because you want to take down the ones that killed your family and burned down your home," he said moving closer to her.
She looked him straight in the eye and then burst into tears. He held her for what seemed like forever gently rubbing her back and letting her crying into his beard soaking his robes. She finally looked back into his blue eyes and said, "It just pains me so much Albus. I lost mother, father, Marcus, Micayla, their families, and my home. I don't want to loose you to the monsters too. I don't think I could take that. You're now the only family I have!" "I understand Min, but you are not alone. You have Ariel, Aberforth, and me. I promise to you that I will come back, you will not loose me. I will return and you shall be the first to see me when I do." "Really?" "Yes my love. I will even make an unbreakable vow with you right now that I will return to you first." "Are you sure you want to do that Albus?" "I am sure. I will make the vow right now, if you make one to me." "What do you mean?" " I want you to make a vow that you will wait for me to return to you, and that you will run the school in my absence. These students are like our children and they need their mother. You are a cat with the heart of a lioness and the cubs need you." "She gave a soft laugh and small smile at his compliment, and kissed him on the mouth. "All right Albus. I will make the vow to you and watch over the cubs." "And I shall make mine to you and return as soon as I can." They kissed one more time. As they said the incantations golden ropes shot from their wands and forever bounded them and their magic together.
The students and their professor then found themselves in McGonagall's private chambers. Seemingly sometime after Albus had defeat the dark wizard. They moved closer to the memory McGonagall, who was seating at her desk with her head in her hands. "Four days! Four whole days since the end of the war and no one knows where he is," she sobbed to herself," How is it possible for a man to defeat a horrible wizard and no one know where he went?" She wiped her tears away and took a giant vine covered candle from a drawer in her desk. She then lit it and put it in the window of her rooms. Staring out at the grounds she said to herself, "Please come back to me Albus. I need your strong arms to hold me." A mild autumn wind blew in the window and chilled the teacher, but the candle did not go out.
"Did you light a Come Home to Me candle mother," D. Shani asked watching the burning candle? "I indeed did. I wanted so much for him to return to me. He had disappeared shortly after he defeated Grindelwald and no one knew what happened to him." "Forgive me professors, but what is a Come Home to Me candle," Harry asked watching the now stronger wind trying to blow out the candle to no avail? "It's a candle you light for someone who has been gone from the ones they love. It sends out a special aroma that only the one the candle is lit for can smell. The smell is supposed to entice the wanderer to come back to who he or she left. Plus, it won't extinguish until that person has come home and blown it out themselves," Hermione explained. "That's correct Hermione. Five points to Gryffindor," McGonagall said.
The room blurred and spun around clearing up in the same room. "What was the point of that," Ron asked bewildered? "It's the same room but five days have passed," McGonagall said staring at her younger self, "Now hush and wait."
The wind was again blowing through the window around the witch. Her raven locks flew around her face. Minerva closed her red, crying eyes and let the wind envelop her and her sorrow. As the wind grew in intensity and strength in the room, the witch was lifted into the air. She floated toward the ceiling slightly spinning around as a figure in a music box. Her face lightened as she spun, and she was laughing by the time she stopped. The witch floated slowly back down but stopped just short of the floor in a position that gave the impression someone was holding her.
"Am I going to magically levitate here all day or do you plan on taking the charms off," she asked staring at no one? "Do you not enjoy the mystery of floating in thin air, my love," asked a playful familiar voice? "I do love a good mystery, but I do not enjoy kissing a ghost. If you want me to welcome you properly then you should reveal yourself," she said coyly. "Will you please close your eyes and humor an old man," asked the voice? "Certainly professor," she said closing her eyes. She was greeted with a gentle, passionate kiss. She was greeted with her true love when she opened her eyes. They continued to caress and kiss each other for many minutes both exploring the person they had missed, yearned, and craved for months now.
They finally broke a part for a lack of oxygen and looked deep into each other's eyes. "I have missed you so much Tabby," Albus said holding her. "And I have missed you Phoenix," Minerva said tears welling up in her eyes again. "What is wrong my dear?" "Nine days Albus! Nine days and no one knew what happened to you! Nine days and no word from you either! I was so worried," she yelled tears now streaming down her already tear-stained face. He walked over and embraced her, letting her cry in his chest for many minutes before he explained himself.
"My darling," he started lifting her face to look him in the eye, "I never intended to cause you so much pain. I was only keeping my vow to you. I truly wanted you to be the first to celebrate with me." She gave him a small smile and kissed him lightly on the lips. "I'm so happy your back. I've done my best to keep the school running as you would have run it," she said still in his arms. "You have indeed kept your vow to me and I could not be happier." "Albus?" "Yes my darling Tabby?" "What exactly happened to your nose," she asked staring for the first time at his facial features, "Why is it crooked?" "Ah, unfortunately my dear Grindelwald shot a stunner at me hitting my nose. I was able to fix it, but I am not a medi-witch so it is not a perfect job. Though I'm sure I could get Poppy to fix the bone alignment for me." "Actually Albus, I think it makes you more approachable and fun." "What do you mean Minerva?" "I mean Albus, that you now, to everyone lese, are flawed just as we all are so we know that you are just like us." "Really?" "Yes, but you are not that to me." "I am not?" " No you are now and will always be perfect to me." "As you are most beautiful and perfect woman I have ever seen," he said again kissing her on the lips, " Which is why I have a question for you." "What is it Albus?" "Minerva, you know I love you with all my heart." "Yes, of course I do, and I love you with all my being." "The my question Minerva," Albus said as he got down on one knee, "Minerva Isabelle McGonagall will you marry me?" Minerva's eyes swelled with tears again as Albus brought from his inner robes a little black box. He opened it to reveal an exquisite diamond engagement ring encrusted with sapphires. "Yes! Yes, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore I will marry you." "Fantastic," Albus exclaimed as he slipped the ring on her slender finger.
"That was so sweet," Hermione stated slightly misty eyed. "Yes, father was always very theatrical." "Annabelle," scolded McGonagall, "that was entirely rude. You should not talk about your father like that!" "Not really mother," D. Shani said nonchalantly, "I was merely stating the obvious. Everyone knows he is." The scene dissolved and reconstituted itself in the middle of a small chapel.
The students and teachers slowly made their way down the aisle and sat down in one of the pews to watch the wedding that was taking place. "Do you Jonathan Brian Smith take Amelia Isabelle Quinn to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer from this day forward as long as you both shall live," asked the minister? "Yes I do, with all of my heart," Albus said staring into emerald green eyes. "And do you Amelia Isabelle Quinn take Jonathan Brain Smith to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer from this day forward as long as you both shall live?" "I certainly do," Minerva answered confidently. "The symbol of your rings is a never ending circle, as we hope your love will always be." The professors placed the golden bands on each other's fingers and awaited to here those precious words. " By the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may kiss the bride." Albus and Minerva looked deep into each other's eyes and shared a gentle kiss. "May I now present Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Brian Smith." The small group of witnesses congratulated the couple as the other Gryffindors were swept into another memory.
"Why didn't the two of you use your real names," Hermione asked as they landed in another house? "For safety reasons. Father and mother both have always had many enemies. It was just better this way," D. Shani answered, "Now this is about eight years after the wedding."
The group watched as they saw the couple walk into the sitting room and sit in one of the giant chairs. Albus had Minerva in his lap. "How did he react when you told him to leave," Minerva asked laying her head in the crook of his neck? "He was most displeased. Though I'm sure there was a very different reason for Tom wanting to be the Defense teacher," Albus said gently stroking her raven hair. "You think he maybe behind the rumors of a new Dark Lord?" "Unfortunately I do, but that is something I think we should wait for another day to discuss," he said with a twinkle in his eyes, "How are you feeling?" "I feel a lot better now that I can stand the smell of food again. Two months of having a very acute smell and retching every time I smelled something is not what I expected," she said laying a hand on her stomach, "but I will gladly live with the problems of pregnancy to welcome our child into the world." "I'm very glad to see you excited about having a child with me," he said kissing her on the head. "Why wouldn't I be? This baby will be the smartest we've ever seen with the two of us as parents," she said excitedly. " You sound a little conceited my dear." "Not conceited my darling, just hopeful is all. I am the same as any mother. So what should we name the child Albus," she asked trying to change the subject? "I really do not have any ideas for names," he said placing sweet kisses all over her neck, "I only hope we do not go overboard with the names and give the poor child as many as I have. It truly is a burden." She gave him a small smile and laughed at him worrying over something like that. "Oh Albus your hopeless," she giggled kissing him lightly on the lips, "but I do love you so." " And I love you Min," he said returning the kiss.
The couple talked for a few more minutes going over different names, when they were interrupted by two figures appearing in the open doorway. "To what do we owe the pleasure dear brother and sister," Dumbledore asked as he and Minerva stood up to greet the visitors. "There is no time for pleasantries Albus," Aberforth said gravely, "We have news that families have been killed. There was a mark over the houses. It seems that there is indeed a new Dark Lord rising." "I feared as much," Albus said with a knowing look at his brother, "Any idea as to who is behind the attacks?" "It was as you predicted. It is indeed Tom," answered Aberforth. "Oh Albus," Minerva said the fear apparent in her voice. "T-there is something else brother," Ariel said timidly, "I was visiting an old friend during one of the attacks and she made a prophecy about your child. I think you two should come with us and hear it." The couple agreed and followed the other Dumbledores out of the room.
Harry started to follow them out of the door, but was stopped short when the scene started to blur and spin around coming out in another part of the same house. "What happened? I wanted to here the prophecy about you," Harry said with frustration. "Later," D. Shani said, "we need to find them first. When are we mother?" "About seven or eight months after the prophecy was made. We were all up stairs in Albus's room and mine. You can not here because there are silencing charms over the room, but you are being born," she answered heading to another room upstairs.
They were met with a horrible, agonizing scream when they opened the aforementioned door. "Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore! I will hex you into next Tuesday if you every touch me again," screamed a very pregnant Minerva McGonagall. "Yes dear," Albus said cringing as another contraction ripped through her body and she crushed his hand. "Bloody hell this hurts!" "Will you just shut up and push," said a very agitated Poppy Pompfry. "I got an idea Poppy. Why don't you come and deliver the baby and I'll let you yell at me." "No need to get snippy Minerva. We're just trying to help you," said Ariel walking over to Poppy. "I know and I'm sorry it's just it hurts so much! I rather be under the Crucio right now than this!" "Yeah, well the reward after surviving this will be a million times better. Now push," Ariel said taking Poppy's position at the foot of the bed.
Minerva screamed and pushed for another half an hour and was then rewarded with the cry of her first child. "Oh Albus," she said lying back on the bed. "I'm so proud of you Tabby. You did a great job," he said kissing her forehead. "I want to see her," Minerva said pushing herself into a sitting position. "Of course Min, I'll just clean her up will quick," Ariel said as she and Poppy left the room with the baby. Ariel returned a few minutes later with a bundle of blankets in her arms and gently handed the bundle to Minerva. "I'll give you three a few minutes of privacy," she as she left again.
Minerva unfolded some of the blankets and looked down at the cooing child she held. She's beautiful Albus. Just perfect," Minerva exclaimed with fresh tears in her eyes. "I could not agree more," Albus said staring at his daughter, " She has been blessed with your hair and eyes." " You are mistaken Albus. True her hair is black, but it also has hints of your auburn in it. Her eyes are also not green but blue," she said looking up at him. "I must disagree with you on the eyes Min. They are as green as emeralds." "No Albus they're blues as sapphires." Albus meant to correct her again but was instead drawn by the cooing of his child. The baby looked him directly in the eye as if trying to say she knew exactly what they were talking about, and as he watched her eyes they indeed changed from dark green to blue to red and back to blue. "It seems my dear," he said taking the baby from its mother, "that our daughter has Candidus Eyes." "What are you talking about Albus?" "A very rare condition. You see," he said holding the child for Minerva to look her in the eye, "as her emotions change so does the color of her eyes." "She is a truly special child," Aberforth said walking in the room with the two medi-witches. "Yes she is, but Albus do we really have to give her up for adoption?" "I'm afraid it's the only way to keep her safe Minerva," Albus sadly replied. "If you say it is then I believe you, but I'm going to miss her so much," Minerva said taking the child back from him. "As am I my love. As am I."
"You're at least going to name her before you do that aren't you," Ariel asked? "Of course. I completely forgot. What name do you like Albus," Minerva asked looking up at him. "I believe Esmeralda Isabelle would be perfect for her," he said while gently stroke the child's head. "I don't know," she said biting her lip, "I think I like Lacora more than Esmeralda, and why do you want to give her my middle name?" "Because I love you," he said kissing her forehead. "Why not name her Lacora Esmerlada Isabelle Dumbledore," Aberforth suggested. "You know it does have a nice ring to it," Ariel said. "I like it," Poppy popped in. "It seems we have been outnumbered my dear," Albus said laughing. "It does seem so," Minerva said also laughing. "That settles it then! Welcome to the family Lacora Esmeralda Isabelle Dumbledore," Ariel exclaimed excitedly! "It seems I was unable to protect you from the signature long Dumbledore name little one," Albus said as the baby and everyone else laughed.
The scene dissolved and reconstituted itself outside a very gloomy old building. The children and their professors watched as a couple placed a note and a baby on the doorstep of the orphanage. The older man held his wife as they both left the child silently crying at their loss. "And they just left you their," Hermione asked angrily as they all stepped back into the headmaster's office? "How could you do that," Ginny also asked? "We had to," Minerva said staring at her lions, "It was the only way to in sure no one used her as a way to get to Albus. It was for her protection." "They really had no choice," D. Shani said sitting back behind the desk, "It was really the sanest thing to do, though I would have preferred a different orphanage. That one was truly horrible, but alas that is for another night. For now you should all go back to bed. We can discuss more of this tomorrow. Let's say you five come back around 10 o'clock tomorrow morning?" The children agreed and headed out the door to their common room.