Sorry for the delay! I can't guarantee any updates but I will try to work on the story from time to time.
Chapter 5
Back at the castle, Poppy released the two after a quick check-up and they had dinner in their own quarters. Albus, as usual, dined at the Great Hall, and joined the two after his meal. He entered just as Minerva finished her talk with Harry regarding the day's events, and was putting him to bed early after a long day.
Despite the appearance that things had returned to normal, the Headmaster knew better. He hoped that Minerva knew she needn't hide her pains and distress from him, but he was also old and wise enough to understand that old habits die hard. The best thing he could offer her now is support and comfort when her emotions finally get the best of her.
Thus, the two fell into their usual routine of playing chess while sipping tea. Minerva, however, was distracted. An excellent strategist who could predict her opponent's moves before they thought of it themselves, Minerva was now quickly losing her pieces. After a mere thirty minutes, there was only one move Minerva could make and the end seemed inevitable. Never once during the entire game did Minerva's eyes leave the game board.
"How could I have let it happened? I should have been more careful. I should have known better."
Albus knew that Minerva was not talking about the chess game.
"He could have been hurt, Albus. I love him as if he was my own. And it was my fault! I thought I could protect him when I took him in. Maybe I was too naïve. How do you protect a child whose life was in danger before he could even walk?" Minerva cried out the last words in frustration.
And then she looked up and for the first time in many years, Minerva McGonagall's eyes shined with tears.
Instantly, Albus expanded the comfortable seat that Minerva had occupied so that it fit them both, and went to her side. He sat patiently, softly running his hands through her long ravenous locks. He murmured words of comfort as if pacifying a distraught young child as Minerva lost her composure and sobbed whole-heartedly into the headmaster's deep purple robes.
Half an hour later, the heart-wrenching sobs died down but the headmaster did not stop stroking his deputy's hair nor did he release her from his embrace.
"Better now?" the headmaster simple asked.
He felt Minerva's head nod slightly, and then loosened his hold on her as she made an effort to remove herself from him.
"I'm sorry that you had to witness that, Albus. Having Harry nearly taken away today brought back memories that I did not wish to relive again…memories of my own family being tortured and murdered…during the last war…"
Albus stopped Minerva before she went too far deep into the past. He knew the fact that the McGonagalls were known for their fierce resiliency against dark wizards, and Minerva's parents were tragically murdered during Minerva's last year at Hogwarts. The girl nearly stopped her education but with encouragement from himself and others, she managed not only to graduate Hogwarts but moved on to become one of the foremost Transfiguration experts in the world.
"There is no need for apology, my dear. To fear is only human and you should never be ashamed of your emotions. Harry's life was in danger from the moment he was born and we both knew that when he was brought to Hogwarts. You are as much to blame for this incident as I am for having an insatiable desire for socks."
The last comment brought a small but detectable smile to Minerva's lips.
"The only protection that Harry needs is love. Think of all the burdens he will have to face in the coming years. The best thing we can give him is the comfort and knowledge that there will always be someone there for him. No matter what he does, no matter what happens, he will always have us, if no one else."
"You know, you make me feel like a little girl when you're so wise."
With that, Albus knew that the insecurities that rarely surfaced, had once again vanished behind the stern deputy headmistress.
Just as Albus was about to take his leave, he heard a scream from the bedroom. Fearing the worse, both adults were in the room in matter of seconds, wands out and ready for war.
The only movements in the room was coming from Harry, thrashing his arms and legs around in his bed, fighting off invisible enemies and screaming for gammy.
Sensing that it was just nightmares, Minerva went to see to Harry while Albus continued to scan the room for unwanted intruders.
"Shhhhh…..hush Harry, wake up now. Everything is fine. You're safe…. I'm here…. calm down, dear…..it's alright," Minerva cooed while she gathered him in her arms.
Although he was convinced that the room was secure, Albus remained in the room as he watched the two.
As Minerva gently rocked the boy, his thrashing stopped and he slowly began to wake from him nightmare.
As the green eyes slowly opened, Harry groggily muttered "Gammy?"
Minerva never stopped her gentle rocking and petting. "Yes, I'm here Harry."
"Bad dweam, Gammy. Stay pwease?"
"Yes child, I will stay. I will not leave you...you are safe here." Although unspoken, the two professors knew that the nightmare was about the kidnapper.
Harry was scared, but he was also very tired. His gammy's voice and presence were all the reassurances he needed to close his eyes once more. Slowly, Minerva could feel Harry's body relax and his breathing slowing to even waves. A few more minutes of gentle soothing and rocking, and she was sure that the child was fast asleep. As she placed him back in his cot, she cast a soft light in the room, just in case she was needed again that night.
The two adults quietly left the room.
"My dear, if anything, what just happened should convince you that you are what the child needs. He trusts you and feels secure when he's with you. You are a powerful witch, Minerva. I have no doubt that you will do a fine job." As it was getting late, the Headmaster headed towards the door.
"Albus," Minerva called just as he reached for the doorknob. He stopped and turned around.
"Thank you…for staying behind…and for everything. Both Harry and I are both grateful for your presence, and I hope that you won't ever feel left out whenever you're here. You are his grandfather and he needs you as much as he needs me, if not more."
The Headmaster smiled kindly. "You're welcome, my dear. These visits are as enjoyable for me as it is for you and Harry." Then, with natural ease he gave Minerva a chaste kiss on the cheek before disappearing behind her door.
***
At precisely 6 o'clock the following morning, Minerva awoke from her slumber. She knew she would be unable to fall asleep again, so she checked on Harry and then went to her bathroom.
It has been the first shower in a long time that Minerva could relax and take as long as she wanted, since Harry was likely to sleep in this morning due to his nightmare the previous night.
Feeling refreshed and awake, Minerva decided to take advantage of the peace and quiet to catch up on her correspondence. She was just about a quarter-way through when she recognized Albus's firm but soft knocking at her door.
"Good morning, Albus. I must say I'm surprised to see you so early. Is something the matter?"
"Good morning, Minerva. I've been thinking last night regarding young Harry's safety and I believe something can be done to better protect him."
Minerva was surprised. After all, she believed that Hogwarts was the safest place in the world, and until now, she thought that Albus had thought so also.
"What do you mean, Albus? There's no one that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named fears more than you and we both know that Hogwart's wards are stronger than any other dwelling in our world. What else do you have in mind?"
Albus was hesitant to mention his plan. He knew that Minerva was not going to like it but he also knew that she was a reasonable and logical woman. He had to make her see the reasoning behind his logic.
"There is one more protection that Harry does not yet have. For that, he needs to go back to the Dursleys."
"Absolutely not! Albus Dumbledore, how dare you suggest that! You, of all people, know how they treated him! You claim you love him as a grandson and yet, you want to send the child back to those people?"
In her moment of anger, Minerva managed to awake the slumbering child in the next room. Both professors heard Harry fussing in the room, indicating that he was awake but cranky.
"Excuse me for a moment, Albus. I shall return shortly to finish this discussion."
Albus Dumbledore sighed. Convincing Minerva was not going to be easy and he does not blame her. It took a lot of willpower to convince himself to send the dear boy back to his relatives. However, when many look up to you to make the right decisions, very few decisions are easy to make.
A few minutes later, Minerva returned after convincing the child to sleep for a while longer.
"Minerva, it pains me just as much as it pains you to have to take Harry to that house. However, you must realize that blood protection is the only way to prevent Voldemort from physically harming Harry. Lily sacrificed her life for him, and her love continues to protect Harry to this day. If we send the child back to the Durleys, that protection will be strengthened to the point where Voldemort will not be able to touch Harry without hurting himself. Isn't this the protection that you want for Harry, Minerva?"
He can see Minerva struggle with the decision.
"Albus, even if we do allow Harry to go to them, they will not have him. You've seen what they've done with him the first time he visited. If Harry goes back there, how long do you think he will last? They hate him. They ignored him last time, Albus. What will they do this time?"
Albus hated to think about what was done to the boy earlier. He knew that he had no control over the actions of the Dursleys but this time, he was going to take measures to make sure that Harry remains safe during his stay.
"I dislike it as much as you do, Minerva, but it is the best protection for the child. We will take measures to protect Harry but our powers will be limited. It would not be wise to draw attention to magic where it should not be."
Minerva saw it in his eyes. The look of being forced to do something he wished he never had to do. The look of choosing what is right over what is easy. Here before her, was one of the greatest wizards of all time, looking older and more fragile than she can ever remember. Minerva understood now, how much Harry meant to Albus, and how much it pained him that he was unable to do anything else to better protect the child.
"How long?"
Albus looked up from surprise but quickly answered, "two weeks."
Minerva opened her mouth to say something, and then changed her mind.
"Two weeks, Albus. Not a minute longer."
Dumbledore looked at Minerva and gave a sad smile. "I understand your concerns, Minerva. Thank you."
"No, Albus. You do not need to thank me. I understand this must be hard for you also. I only wish Harry will be alright after the two weeks."
"As do I, my dear, as do I." As Dumbledore said those words, he reached for Minerva's hand, and gently patted them to reassure her that she was not going to go through this alone.
"And I insist that we postpone this arrangement until the child is ready. He's had enough to endure and needs time to recover."
"I completely agree Minerva." Now, I'm afraid that I am needed in the Great Hall."
"Of course, Headmaster. I won't take up any more of your time."
Albus noticed the stiffness in her voice. "Minerva, my door is always open for you. You know that."
"Yes, Albus. Thank you. It's just I didn't think Harry would ever need to return there. Now you must hurry before you're late."
"I shall call upon you later then." With that, he left.
A few weeks later, Minerva found herself explaining the situation to a very confused and frightened three-year-old. Harry bursted out in tears once he understood that neither his Gammy nor his grandpa will be staying at the Dursleys with him.
Gathering him in her arms, she gently wiped away his tears with her handkerchief and cradled him as she often did when he was still an infant.
"Come now, Harry. Cheer up. It will only be for two weeks and you will have another boy your own age to play with. You don't have that here at Hogwarts."
Harry sniffed. He looked straight into Minerva's eyes and asked in his innocent voice, "me go away 'cuz bad boy?"
The words took Minerva's breath away. The three year old had considered something that neither she nor Albus thought of while discussing the plans. Harry was a very bright child and the logic made perfect sense. The fact that Harry thought that way almost made her change her mind…almost.
Staring straight back into those bright green orbs, Minerva answered his question.
"Harry, I want you to listen to me very carefully. I will never, ever send you away as punishment. I may be angry or upset at times, but I will always love you. Always. Do you understand that?"
Harry nodded. He wrapped his arms around his Gammy's neck and whispered into her ears, "I luv you alwaz too Gammy."
The two lingered in the moment for a few seconds before Harry returned to his position on Minerva's lap. Even at three, he had questions to ask and Minerva patiently answered them all. She was very careful in her explanations to make sure that Harry understood he was not being punished, but that this was done to protect him from bad people.
Not having remembered anything from his previous stay, Harry was only reluctant to go to the Dursleys because he would be separated from his Gammy and Grandpa. However, his Gammy promised him that she will return for him after fourteen days and his Gammy never lies. Thus, Harry decided to be a big boy and agreed to the stay, much to Minerva's relief.
The next morning, Minerva arose early and packed a trunk for Harry, containing some of his favorite toys along with some clothing. Albus came by early in the morning and the three enjoyed breakfast together in Minerva's quarters.
Soon after, all three apparated to an ignored alley close to Privet Drive. Harry did not enjoy the experience and bursted out crying as soon as they landed. He refused to be put down and clutched tightly to his grammy's robes.
It took many soothing words and gentle pats on the back to calm the child down again. Minerva hoped that this would not be a prelude to the rest of Harry's time away from the castle. When the party continued on ten minutes later, Albus walked slightly ahead, while Minerva walked with the still sniffing Harry, holding his hand tightly. She reminded him that he should be a good boy and be on his best behavior. Just before they reached the door, Minerva brought out a brand new teddy bear and gave it to Harry.
"Whenever you miss us, Harry, I hope that this bear will provide some comfort."
What she didn't tell the child is that she and Albus had specially charmed the toy so that she will be able to tell if the child was in trouble. The Dursleys did not want to attract the neighbor's attention by having "unfit" people visiting their house so often, which meant that Harry was not allowed to have visitors. After what had happened the first time Harry had been left at the Dursleys, Minerva did not want to take any more chances with the boy's safety.
"Fank you, Gammy. Fank you Grandpa."
With his free arm, Harry hugged the bear close to him, already seeking comfort from the soft plushy toy.
The three guests were coldly greeted by a grumpy Vernon Dursley, who quickly rushed them inside in order to escape the neighbors' notice. Albus had communicated with the Dursleys previously to make all the necessary arrangements so they would not have to say much in front of Harry. After forced and short introductions were made, Minerva hugged and kissed Harry one last time, and Albus fondly ruffled his already messy hair. The adults then send the two boys to the den to play together.
Albus and Minerva thought it would be for the best if they may leave unnoticed by Harry. The Dursleys agreed to it, trying to avoid a possible tantrum from the child and drawing attention from the neighbor. They know from personal experience how much ruckus a boy can make from their own personal with their own son. Just as the two Professors reached the door, Harry and Dudley came out from the den.
"Gammy! No go! Stay. Pweease?!?!"
Albus tried to pull Minerva out the door before she could look back and change her mind, but it was too late. She saw Lily's eyes, tearful, silently pleading, even begging her to stay.
It was the hardest thing she had ever had to do in her life, but someway, somehow, she gathered all her Gryffindor courage and calmly walked back to Harry while holding back her tears. Minerva smiled kindly to the boy as she kneeled down to his level and wiped the child's tears off his face.
"Now, now Harry. You and I had this talk before. You're a good boy and I will be back here for you in just fourteen days. Alright?"
Seeing Minerva's calm façade convinced Harry that this may not be so horrible after all. Gammy didn't seem upset about leaving him there, so it must be alright. Bravely, the toddler nodded his head as he embraced his gammy one last time.
"Good boy. I am so proud of you, Harry. Remember, Albus and I will see you in two weeks." With a final kiss and smile, Minerva turned her back to her Harry and walked out the door with Albus.
The tears flooded down her eyes as soon as the front door closed behind her. The two gloomy Professors walked back to their apparation point in silence, interrupted only so often when Minerva was unable to suppress a sob.
Albus wrapped his arm around Minerva's shoulder for comfort, but for once in his life, he could not think of what to say to the professor.
Upon arrival at Hogwarts, each went their separate ways without the usual genial parting comments. The Headmaster, silent due to the guilt of his action and the resulting grief that he had caused the two; and Minerva, silent due to her own grief and therefore unable to alleviate the guilt that the Headmaster felt.
Albus knew better than to follow Minerva, and sighed as both the Dursleys and the staff at Hogwarts will have a very trying two weeks ahead.