Disclaimer: I do not own anything dealing with Harry Potter. Surely Professor Dumbledore must've told you that!
Readers: (mumbles) He might've mentioned it. (Makes faces behind Always Hopeful's back as she turns and continues to write stories)
A/N: Tohohohohoho! Sorry, I just had to put that in the disclaimer. You know how it is? You get in the zone and you just can't help but use a quote or two. Well, let's get on with the story, shall we? Oh, I made a few corrections to the first chapter. Nothing big, just a few things I hadn't noticed I'd done. If you didn't notice anything, then don't worry.
Chapter Two: The Family…
That was the last time that weekend that Albus would feel comfortable around her family again. From the moment they entered the giant house, Albus felt out of place. He looked at the giant ceiling, which was beautifully painted of flying cherub angels and gods and goddesses lying about upon fluffy white and pink clouds. The images were just breath-taking. The entryway they were in was beautiful. The floors, walls, and desks were marble while there was a glass cabinet with several little bits and bobbles in it. It was beautiful, and it was only the entryway. His thoughts were interrupted when T'ari spoke again.
"Everyone's been wondering what was taking you so long, Aunt Miner-buh," she said, still pulling her by the hand. "They have been waiting for Professor Dumbidore, too. They are super anxious to him." Albus smiled. He really did not have the heart to tell her that she was saying his name wrong. He thought it was the cutest thing he'd ever heard.
"Well, we are so sorry for keeping you waiting," smiled Minerva as T'ari continued to pull them forward.
"It's okay, Aunt Minnie." Albus raised a brow at her while Minerva cast a warning glance at him. She never allowed anyone to call her Minnie. She never even allowed her best friends to call her that. And yet, here she was, allowing her six year old niece to use the term of endearment which she dreaded. It was then that he began to suspect just how close they really were. So, he said nothing as he allowed the small girl to continue to drag him into what appeared to be a sitting room of sorts.
The sitting room was medium sized with a cozy feel to it. There were hard wood floors and a large Persian rug. The furniture was cherry wood, which included the fireplace. There was a warm fire going, causing the room to feel warm and inviting. There were shelves full of books along the walls with a window separating two of the shelves. There was a small couch, which sat two, in the center of the room. Next to it was a small, circular table with a bouquet of flowers. In front of the couch sat a slightly larger table, and across from the couch were two chairs, facing the table and couch. All the furniture was cherry wood, as well, and the fabric was an odd floral pattern. They looked rather uncomfortable to sit in. Albus had always been partial to overstuffed, cushy chairs, himself. But he didn't say anything, because he was here for Minerva, not himself.
"Well, where is everyone?" asked Minerva.
"They are all getting ready, Auntie," said T'ari. "They said they would be down in just a few minutes." Minerva nodded as she sat down on the extremely uncomfortable looking couch. Albus made to sit next to her, but T'ari beat him to it. She climbed onto the couch and set her hand upon her aunts. "I am so glad you came for a visit, Auntie. I missed you so much." Minerva smiled as she kissed the top of T'ari's head.
"I missed you too, Ri-Ri," she said, calling T'ari by her nickname. She brushed back a few strands of the child's hair and then looked up at Albus, a smile upon her face. She pulled the young girl upon her lap and patted the seat next to her. "Care to join us, Albus?"
"Of course," he said. He sat next to her and was about to wrap his arm around her waist when the door flew open and a woman, also with raven black hair and emerald green eyes, stood there, a smile upon her face.
"Minerva, darling," she said in a melodramatic voice. She smiled broadly as she walked over to Minerva, who, in turn, stood up, set T'ari down, and met her mother halfway.
"Mother," she breathed, hugging the woman tightly. "How are you?"
"Oh just fabulous, Tabby dear, simply fabulous!" The older woman pulled back and smiled at her youngest child. "I tell you, dear, I see more of myself in you each and every day. Well, every day that I see you, that is." She smiled as she looked at Albus. "Minerva, dear, are you going to introduce me to your young friend." Her movements were melodramatic. Every hand movement was flourished and every stance was a pose. She looked to be in her mid seventies.
"I am hardly young, Mrs. McGonagall," chuckled Albus as he stood up and reached out his hand. "It is certainly nice to meet you, ma'am."
"Charmed, I'm sure," she said as she allowed Albus to kiss her hand.
"Mum, this is my dear friend and boss, Albus Dumbledore," said Minerva. "Albus, this is my mum, Hera McGonagall." Albus quirked a brow, then smiled.
"Ah, I thought you looked familiar," he said.
"Of course I do, Professor Dumbledore," she said with an air worthy of a Malfoy. "Everyone recognizes me. I've toured the world, and performed in all of the finest theaters the world has every known." It made sense. After all, a lifetime of the theater was bound to make its appearance. Minerva lowered her gaze and smiled, a rosy color gracing her cheeks. Albus found this very endearing, but did not say anything.
"Yes, my mother is one of the finest Desdemona's the world of Shakespeare has seen." It appeared to Albus that Minerva was used to her mother's odd behavior, but was not yet able to show Albus her true nature. Albus understood perfectly. Parents could often times come across a bit strong; especially when the child wanted his/her parents to appear "normal", whatever that may be. Hera looked lovingly at her daughter.
"My daughter flatters me," she said. It was only then that Albus noticed that Hera was speaking in an English accent.
"I see, or rather, I hear that you are very good with accents," he said. Hera brightened immediately when he noticed. It was then that she switched back to her native accent.
"Aye, sir. I am, and I thank you kindly for noticing." Minerva could feel her heart lifting immensely. Her mother liked him. This was a good sign… a very good sign, indeed. Then, Hera went back to her English accent. "But, if you don't mind, kind sir, I much prefer the English accent. Don't get me wrong," slipping back into her accent now, "I take kindly to me own language. However," switching back to the English accent, "I find that I can do so much more with one that is not my own. After all, all my best roles were done in an accent. Whether it be the call of the Irish…" Irish accent, "…Top o' the mornin' to ya'." T'ari laughed from behind them, and Hera walked over to her, circling her granddaughter. "Or, perhaps the American, Southern belle?" She straightened up and pretended to fan herself with her hand. "Why, I do declare, Mr. Beauregard!" T'ari covered her mouth as she giggled again. "Or even the seductive tones of the Spanish language!" She then fell onto the couch and placed her hand upon her forehead. "Lo siento, mi amor, pero no te amo. Mi amor nuevo están…Ricardo!" T'ari could not contain herself anymore. She fell onto the couch with her grandmother and laughed. Albus chuckled as well and looked at Minerva.
"Minerva, would you care to translate for me?" he asked.
"Oh, sorry," she said, also a smile upon her lips. "She said, 'I'm sorry, my love, but I don't love you. My new love is Ricardo'. My mum spent time traveling to Spain, Mexico, and other Latin America." Albus nodded.
"Oh, I tell you," smiled Hera as she emerged from her tickle/giggle fest with T'ari. "I sure wish you would reconsider an acting career, Min. It can be so fun. I know a director. He's a personal friend of mine. I could call him for you." Minerva merely continued to smile and blush.
"No thank you, Mum," she said. "You know how much I enjoy my job. I have a great one, with wonderful friends. I love all the aspects of my job." Albus did not miss the hidden meaning in what she said as she looked at him. She looked back at her mother. "Besides, you know I get horrible stage fright."
"Ah, well, I guess I cannot force you," Hera said. "But remember what I said. My offer still stands." Minerva smiled and nodded.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind." Just then, they heard the door open.
"Hello? Oy, is anyone here?" It was a male's voice.
"Grand-da is here!" squealed T'ari. She jumped off the couch and headed toward the door. They heard the door close and a man laugh.
"Ah, there is my first love," the man laughed. "But don't tell your grandma. She'll grow jealous."
"Too late, Aires," Hera called. "You're voice travels." They heard the sound of the small girl and the large man laughing. Hera looked back at Albus. "He never could keep his voice down." Albus laughed. Two seconds later, the door opened and a tall man walked in with T'ari in his hands. He was a tall man with broad shoulders, a tanned face, auburn hair and brown eyes. He looked to be in his mid ninties.
"Minerva, my darling Tabby cat," he said as he set T'ari down and reached out his arms to her. Minerva walked into his arms. "There's Daddy's little girl." His eyes sparkled. Minerva pulled back and looked at Albus.
"Da, this is Albus Dumbledore, my boss," she said. "Albus, this is my father, Aires McGonagall." Albus reached out his hand and shook the man's hand. There was something in Aires' eyes that made Albus feel like an errant child with his hand caught in the cookie jar. Albus cleared his throat.
"Good evening, Mr. McGonagall," he said in as calm a voice as he could muster. Aires smiled and Albus wasn't quite sure if he still felt out of place or if Aires actually liked him. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you. Minerva has nothing but good things to say about you, and the rest of the family."
"It's a pleasure to meet you too," said Aires. He pulled back his hand and clasped both hands behind his back as he looked Albus up and down. "I've read a few of your books on Transfiguration, and I must say I'm quite impressed." Albus smiled as beads of sweat began to formulate on his brow.
"Thank you, sir," he said.
"However, I do not know if I fully agree with a few of your theories," he said. Minerva looked pleadingly at her mother, who took the hint.
"Why don't we allow Albus and Minerva to go up to their rooms?" she asked. "I'm sure they are anxious to get some rest before dinner starts." Minerva silently thanked her mother as she took Albus by the hand and led him to the stairs.
"Very well," said Aires. "But you be sure to be down by six. That's when drinks are."
"Aright, Da," Minerva called over her shoulder. Minerva felt Albus squeeze her hand. As they reached the top of the stairs, she slid her arm around his waist and looked into his eyes.
"You're welcome," she said. He didn't have to say anything. She knew.
A/N2: Okay, there is the second chapter. Sorry it took so long. I hope you liked it. Read long and prosper. Always Hopeful