Hey everyone, me again! So sorry for the long wait; real life again! Don't you hate it when it gets in the way like that? :P Before we begin, I have a few little things to say...

Thanks SO much to everyone for all the wonderful reviews, it's all of you that keep this story going. They all mean a lot to me, and I wish I could reply to them all, but I'm a little pressed for time so I just can't.

HOWEVER, thanks in particular to the long review of Joanna: your review was a writer's dream. I'm glad that you enjoy the pace of the story, because I was (and am) a bit worried that I'm going too slow for all the MMAD fans reading this. I'm glad you like Trudy, and as for Connor, I'm afraid that it's just one of those weird coincidences in life (and fanfics) that he happens to be both Trudy's cousin and Minerva's ex. However, he does have a bit of a drama role to play, and I think you'll be liking him a bit less in future. Oops. Lastly, I shall tell you that it is mostly the romance that's the plot, but we do have a few little sub-plots happening - hopefully one will be explained and then continued in this chapter and others. Oh, I will try your suggestion of waiting until I have a few chapters, but honestly, I'm utterly bogged down as it it. :P Anyways, thanks a heap!

And now, onwards!

Family Ties and Other Drama

Minerva, eating next to Albus, could not quite believe her day. As she pushed tonight's dinner (a steaming cottage pie) around her plate, she considered the chances of Albus hiring the man from one of the most serious relationships of her past.

Because they really had been serious, and they'd been together for almost three years. Minerva didn't believe in true love or any of that nonsense, but Connor had been a friend of her brother's friend, and they'd met when she was twenty-seven. He'd been twenty-nine at the time, but that was alright because Minerva preferred older men anyway. She was attracted to maturity, and older men seemed to fit the bill, so to speak.

What had broken them up had been Minerva's independence. Connor had wanted to have children; a family; a stable job. Minerva was fine with the idea of having children, but she wanted her own career as well. She'd been elbow-deep in her Transfiguration research at the time, and Connor had as good as suggested that she give it up, stay home and look after their future children – after, of course, they got married. Minerva had insisted that she wanted to be able to support herself, which had led to Connor inferring that she thought he was going to leave her. He accused Minerva of not trusting him, and they'd had one of the biggest fights of their relationship.

It was a few days before they were both calm enough to see each other again. Connor had wanted to give it another try, but Minerva had gently let him down and returned to her work. They saw each other in passing a few times over the next couple of decades, but today had been the first time Minerva had seen Connor face-to-face for over two years. Now they would be working together.

All of this piled on top of what had happened this morning – Minerva still hadn't forgotten what Poppy and Pomona had said – and the result was a witch who wasn't particularly hungry. Minerva excused herself from the table and walked slowly toward her rooms.

'Minerva?' She turned around, irritated, ready to tell the person that she wanted to be alone. Then she caught sight of Albus, and her annoyance evaporated.

'Albus,' she said, profoundly relieved. She automatically felt better when he smiled at her, forgetting her exhaustion and irritation and feeling only happiness.

Dumbledore seemed to notice her relief, and appeared cheered by it. 'I was going to offer you a cup of tea, Minerva, but if you're tired…' Dumbledore offered. 'You have had an exciting day.'

Minerva refrained from rolling her eyes as he fell in step next to her. ''Exciting' is not exactly how I'd put it,' she smiled. 'But if the offer's still open, I should love a cup of tea,' she said. Dumbledore looked genuinely happy.

'Of course it is, Minerva! Come along, I have some lovely chamomile tea I think you'll like,' he said. Minerva followed him to his rooms.

After handing her a cup of tea, Dumbledore sat down next to her. He turned to look at her. 'Is there something you'd like to talk about, my dear?' he asked. The concern in his eyes made Minerva feel annoyingly sentimental.

She sighed. 'I ought to have explained to you this afternoon, Albus, about this morning. I just didn't particularly feel like seeing Pomona or Poppy after, well, this morning, and –.'

Dumbledore held up his hands to stop her. 'Minerva, please. You have nothing to answer for. I can assure you I completely understand how you must have felt this morning, and may I say I feel you were justified in your response. You are under no obligation whatsoever to explain how you felt – unless, of course, you wish to share that with me, in which case I shall listen gladly. But please, Minerva, you mustn't feel as though you acted wrongly.' Dumbledore sighed. 'I fear I must apologize to you, my dear. I had no idea the man I was hiring had any sort of connection to. I suppose I ought to have asked you first. It was simply that I wished to undertake that task alone, reluctant as I was to add to your work pile. And once I realized what sort of a, well, history you two have, it was too late to do anything. You may of course be pleased he has come to work here,' Albus continued, rather disliking the words coming out of his mouth, 'but in any case, I do apologize.'

Minerva was shaking her head by the time Albus finished speaking. 'Don't be ridiculous, Albus. I do thank you for your understanding of this morning's fiasco, but as to Connor's hiring, well, really, how could you have known? And I certainly wouldn't have expected you to turn him away simply because I happened to have, um, paid court with him a while ago. From an objective point of view, he is certainly an excellent candidate.'

It was at this moment that an odd thing happened to Minerva. While she usually found it easy to talk to Albus about anything, she suddenly found that Connor McKinley was not a subject she much wanted to discuss with him. She barely heard his thanks and assurance that he wouldn't have entertained a notion of dismissing Connor simply because of her past with him. With a fervour that surprised her, Minerva suddenly wished that Albus wanted to remove Connor, and that he would tell her so. She did not actually want Albus to send Connor away, because she expected more of him, but she suddenly rather wanted Albus to say that he wanted Connor gone. It was such an absurd, unfamiliar thought that she didn't hear Albus until he touched her shoulder gently.

'Minerva? Are you alright?' Albus was holding her arm and looking concerned.

'What?' Minerva said, jerking out of her reverie. Usually the impassive, outwardly cool one, it came as surprise to Albus to see Minerva colour slightly and avoid his gaze. She shifted uncomfortably, and noticed Albus suddenly appear self-conscious of his hand on her arm. Was that what was making her uncomfortable? It never had before.

Minerva was so startled when Albus brought her attention back to the present that she blushed, almost afraid that he could hear what she was thinking. 'I…I'm sorry, I just…I wasn't paying attention, my thoughts just wandered for a moment, I…what were – what were you saying?' Minerva couldn't believe her own ears. Was this rubbish really coming out of her mouth? What on earth was wrong with her? She jumped to her feet, not at all with her usual grace.

'I'm sorry, I'm just – just tired. I should go, thank you for the tea, Albus. I, um, I shall you tomorrow.' Without waiting for an answer, Minerva hurried from the room. She rushed down the spiral staircase and through the corridors, finally reaching her own chambers, where she collapsed on her bed. She thumped her head into her pillow, rather wishing she do the same to a brick wall. Was she going insane?

Albus doubted he had ever been this confused in all of his life. One moment, he had been having a lovely conversation with Minerva, telling her what he'd been trying to all day, and the next, she was blushing and stuttering and had fled his rooms after a very hasty good-bye.

Perhaps he had made her uncomfortable with all of his talk about Connor. He supposed Minerva would be feeling awkward with the whole situation. He didn't know any details of their relationship, and judging from this last encounter, he wasn't going to get any more information.

He still could not fathom why she had blushed as she did. Minerva was rarely impressed by any sort of pathetic romantic advances, rarely flattered by empty compliments. She had had enough of them during her youth, being the tall, elegant witch that she was. So why would she have coloured for no apparent reason? Albus mentally went through the whole scene again, but still could find no reason for it. Possibly she was thinking about Connor and jumped when Albus had brought her back to the present, embarrassed for thinking such thoughts? But no, that couldn't be right. Minerva had been utterly shocked at Connor's appearance, and then seemingly reluctant to tell the staff of the history between them.

But then, Minerva hadn't refuted Albus' statement when he had suggested that she may be pleased McKinley had come to work here. She had said that he was – how had she put it? 'From an objective point of view, he is certainly an excellent candidate.' But was it objective? Certainly, McKinley was very skilled at dealing with magical creatures and various defensive spells, but was he really an 'excellent' teacher, as Minerva had put it? Perhaps she was inclined to think so because Connor had been her lover at one time. Was it possible that she was still attracted to him?

Well, Albus was happy for Minerva in any case. If she was having another chance at love, then he was happy for her. She certainly deserved it, this most precious of gifts. Love truly was the greatest gift of all, as he himself had told Harry just a few months ago. And Minerva, well, she was someone with a great capacity to love, and he was just grateful for her friendship.

To Dumbledore's surprise, there was a knock at the door. He stood and waved his wand, opening it. There in the doorway stood a man Albus recognized immediately, even though they'd never officially met. A smile broke out across his face as he welcomed the man inside with warm handshake. Given this unexpected but wonderful turn of events, Albus stayed up that night much later than usual, thankful for the chance to bring happiness to his friend.

'Are you working this morning?' Poppy asked Minerva as they ate breakfast in the staffroom. Though she felt bad for Minerva for having to deal with this situation with Connor, she was glad in a way because Minerva seemed to have momentarily forgotten her anger at Pomona and Poppy from the previous morning. That wasn't to say that they weren't intending to apologize… just not right now.

'I thought so,' Minerva replied. 'Most likely just for the morning.' She blew lightly on a spoonful of porridge before swallowing it down. She'd been later to breakfast than usual, slightly wary of seeing Albus after her behaviour of last night, but when she'd arrived he hadn't even been present.

'I see,' Poppy replied, adding milk to her tea. 'How are the repairs coming along?'

'Slowly,' Minerva answered. 'The workers are doing their best, but it's hard, I suppose, to prepare for rebuilding a thousand-year-old castle. It's not something you can practice.'

'I understand,' Pomona put in, leaning slightly across the table. 'I know that it's difficult, as it's their first time and all, but still, it isn't as though the principles have changed.'

Minerva nodded her agreement. 'That's what I told Mr Smye the other day. They seem irritated with how picky I'm being.'

'That's really not fair,' Poppy replied. 'It's Hogwarts, they can't expect you to accept mistakes.'

'That's what I said,' Minerva replied, smiling slightly. They may have their ups and downs, but there was a reason they'd been friends all these years.

Spontaneously, Pomona reached across the table and grasped Minerva's hand. 'Minerva, I am so sorry about what I said yesterday. It was very much out of line, and inappropriate of me, and I really shouldn't have said anything. I just worry about you, however much I know that I needn't. I've always just believed that friends take care of each other, and I try to abide by that. I know now that what I said was past taking care of you and was actually insulting and interfering. Can you forgive me and my foolishness?' Pomona asked earnestly.

Poppy swallowed and spoke before Minerva could answer. 'I feel terrible, Minerva. I shouldn't have sided against you. I just care about you and want you to enjoy your life and feel good while you do it. I didn't intend to insult you, I swear. Minerva, I really am sorry. Forgive me?'

Minerva felt tears brimming in her eyes at their wonderful apologies. This was so much better than anything she could have envisioned. 'Of course, Pomona, Poppy. I forgive you both for what you said and how you said it. Beyond that, there is nothing else to pardon.' Minerva smiled, and the three witches blew their noses thickly.

This done, Pomona leaned forwards excitedly. 'We have so much to discuss, Minerva. I still cannot believe what happened yesterday. Why don't we have dinner tonight?' Poppy nodded enthusiastically. Minerva felt some measure of excitement. For some reason, she didn't mind talking about Connor with Poppy and Pomona the way she had with Albus.

It was nearing the end of breakfast when the door opened. Everyone looked up at Dumbledore, who stood in the doorway with a mischievous grin on his face, his eyes sparkling. He looked at Minerva, who felt her spirits lift even more as she returned the smile. It was good to see him looking so happy. She'd missed that.

'Good-morning, everyone,' Dumbledore said cheerfully. 'I am very sorry for my tardiness. I do, however, have an announcement.' He grinned, if possible, even more widely. 'We have a guest.' He stepped aside and revealed a man with a scar on his forehead standing behind him. There was a moment of silence, then;

'Bran!' Minerva shrieked. She flew across the room and landed in the man's arms, her own around his neck, who hugged so tightly she was lifted momentarily off her feet. It was her brother.

'Minerva,' the black-haired wizard breathed, rocking his sister slightly. She buried her face in his chest in a most un-Minerva-like manner. 'Minerva.'

Minerva, whose arms were wrapped around the tall wizard tightly, looked up into her brother's sharp eyes, identical to her own. They'd always looked very similar, despite the fact that he was seven years her senior. The last time Minerva had seen him, he'd been leaving on a mandatory trip to Switzerland for his work restoring ancient magical architecture. He'd wanted her to go with him, worried about her safety as a Hogwarts teacher who'd been so close to, as he'd put it, 'what Death Eaters called 'that muggle-loving fool, Albus Dumbledore', Minerva' (during his supposed death). She'd refused, and he'd been worried, but had expected nothing less of her. Now he was here.

Minerva's gaze switched from Bran's face to Albus'. 'Albus, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. It means a lot to me,' she told him. He smiled.

'Don't mention it, Minerva,' Dumbledore replied. 'Actually, it was rather a surprise to me too,' he chuckled. He glanced between the two of them. 'Take the day off, Minerva,' he said, eyes twinkling. 'That's an order.' Minerva actually laughed.

'Thank you, Albus,' she told him. Before she left with Bran, she turned around and called back to Poppy and Pomona. 'Dinner, right?' she called, with a raised eyebrow. They both nodded and waved her away. Minerva and Bran quickly left the room.

Bran glanced at his sister. 'Fancy a walk?' he asked, nodding his head to the nearest window, where sunlight streamed in onto the floor. Minerva nodded.

They strode lazily outside, reaching the lake and turning to walk along the edge. 'Minerva, how are you, really?' Bran asked, gently touching his sister's arm. 'Alive, obviously. That's all I'm grateful for.'

'I'm perfectly fine, Bran,' Minerva said, adjusting her ponytail. 'I'm alive, yes, and healthy. But really, I want to hear about you. What have you been doing? You weren't in Switzerland for the past three years, were you?' she asked.

'No,' Bran replied. 'But you knew that. I did my best to fight in the war, Minerva, but the ministry didn't have much use for an old wizard with a talent for restoring ancient rocks.' Minerva elbowed him.

'Don't make me laugh. 'Ancient rocks', indeed. I happen to know that you helped a muggle-born woman and her family, what was it? – the Cattermoles, escape abroad last year. I take it that's why you didn't send me an owl?'

Bran shook his head in amusement. 'How in Merlin's name did you find that out?' he asked. 'Yes, sending an owl would have given away our position. I look after them for a few weeks until they were well hidden and settled, and then I moved on to another family. 'Bout six in all, I think.'

Minerva nodded. 'Well, I think that's wonderful, Bran. You were careful, though, right?'

Bran laughed. 'I was abroad, while you were here, stuck inside a castle controlled by You-Know-Who, with three Death Eaters for teachers, held the final siege here, and you were worried about me?' he asked. Minerva rolled eyes. 'But yes, Min, I was careful.'

'Good,' she said. Bran pushed her playfully on her arm and she stumbled, swatting his arm.

'Enough about me, then. What about you? Tell me something new, Minerva. I don't want to talk about last year,' Bran told her.

'Well,' Minerva hedged, 'Albus hired two new teachers. Trudy Crawford, for Muggle Studies, and Connor McKinley, her cousin, for Defence.' She said the last bit quickly, as if hoping he wouldn't hear it. No such luck.

'Connor McKinley?' Bran repeated, a slight frown creasing his brow. 'I know that name. Hang on – isn't he the bloke you dated for three years, like, ages ago? The one with his own business?' He studied his sister's face carefully, watched as she scowled.

'Yes,' she muttered unwillingly. 'Only candidate, and probably a good one.' Bran was silent for a moment, then he burst out laughing.

'Well, you certainly have your work cut out for you, little Min.' Minerva elbowed him; she hated when he called her that. 'Your old lover for a teacher, and Dumbledore hiring him, no less. And did you say he was Crawford's cousin?'

'What's that supposed to mean?' Minerva said sharply. 'Yes, Albus hired him. What does that have to do with anything?' Bran raised his eyebrows.

'Nothing, Minerva. I just thought that Dumbledore probably doesn't like the situation much.' Minerva frowned.

'Why wouldn't he? I agree it's awkward, but not unmanageable,' she argued.

'Well, Min, don't get upset or anything, but I just sort of figured that the fact that the man he hired was the man who courted you wouldn't be…preferable for him. He probably feels…disgruntled.' Minerva opened her mouth, but he cut her off. This was usually a touchy subject. 'I'm not implying anything, little sister. Just saying that Dumbledore may not want to have to…split the time he has with you, if he thinks you may be interested in this McKinley character.'

Minerva was silent for a moment before she spoke. 'I don't see why it should matter,' she finally said. 'Not to Albus, anyway.' She hesitated, then shook her head. 'It doesn't matter either way. So tell me, what did you do in Switzerland?' Bran sighed inwardly. Dear Minerva had a bad time of it. He said nothing for a moment.

'I already told you, Min, I don't want to talk about myself,' he replied with a smile. 'Tell me something about you. I feel as though I haven't talked to you in ages.'

'Well,' Minerva replied, 'let me see…' She trailed off. 'Alright then: Trudy Crawford's first night here, staying in Charity's old rooms.' Bran raised an eyebrow that, if Dumbledore had been present, he would have called 'the McGonagall brow'. Minerva had the exact same expression.

'It was late, almost early, I suppose, and there was this scream from outside my door. Albus was there when I got to the corridor, and then Pomona and Filius. We were about to split up and search the castle when there was another scream, the same woman. I started running in that direction,' Minerva continued, 'and ended up in our new teacher's room.'

'Oh?' said Bran. He sensed an undertone of seriousness in Minerva's light manner.

'Yes,' she replied. 'We arrived in time to see her face off with a massive snake ten feet high.' She paused, but didn't allow enough time for Bran to speak. 'It was, of course, a Boggart. The only way to have gotten rid of it was to take it on myself.'

Now he understood. Years ago, in the sixties, Bran and Minerva had been staying together in the summer for a couple of weeks, in Rome where Bran was working. Minerva had gone outside for a walk while he made lunch. When he'd come outside to get her, he'd found her just in time to see her about to be mauled by a giant dog the size of a Hippogriff (or at least, that's what he remembered). The thing had taken a hold of Minerva's arm, but that was as far as it got before Bran aimed a Stunning spell at it. Apparently, it was going to take more than that, because it turned on Bran and attacked him instead. Bran could still feel hot bleed seeping down from his forehead from where the dog's teeth had raked his scalp, streaming over his eyes and blinding him.

Minerva never told him how she had gotten rid of it; he had collapsed unconscious before the attack was over and had woken up in some foreign magical hospital a few hours later. He'd spent six days bed-ridden, then fourteen more with a cane and a limp before he could get around properly. Minerva had had a splint on her arm and shoulder for two weeks. It had been a terrible experience, and he had always suspected that it had affected Minerva as deeply as it had affected him; here was proof that it had.

Bran said nothing, but put his arms around her. Minerva gently touched the scar on her brother's forehead, and wondered if he knew that the reason that she was so terrified of the dog was because it had hurt him.

TBC

A/N: There's chapter five for you! Now, I checked the stats, and the number of reviews is waaaay below the number of people who have read this fic. I don't want to be pushy, but a simple 'great' or 'it sucked, loser' IS technically a review, and it takes five seconds. Chapter six is coming up, but PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE review! Thanks, hope you enjoyed!