Chapter 2 - Babysitting

The next day Minerva found herself trudging up the steps to her rooms. She had just left the Great Hall after making her lunchtime appearance and was on her way to luncheon with her daughter. To her dismay her rooms where empty, only a note posted on Michaelas door. She read it and rushed off in the direction of Gryffindor Tower.

She stood in front of a large door and knocked quickly. The door slowly opened on its own, she peeked in cautiously and smiled at the sight that greeted her. Michaela lay sleeping on a blanket in front of the fire using Albus phoenix, Fawkes, as a pillow. She had her stuffed lion clutched to her chest and her thumb in her mouth.

Minerva turned her head in time to catch Albus watching her. She blushed at his intense gaze and returned her gaze to her sleeping daughter. "How long have they been like that?" she asked amused.

Albus smiled at the sleeping pair and answered, "Quite a while actually. I believe they played so much they tuckered each other out."

"It would appear so," she laughed.

"I suppose you're wondering why Daisy left Michaela here?" he asked and she nodded. "She had to run on an errand for the headmaster and there was no other house elf available to watch her. She knew you had classes and didn't want to interrupt them. Apparently Michaela talked of my visit last night and Daisy assumed it would be alright if she stayed with me. I hope you don't mind my babysitting."

She glanced at her daughter then Albus and smiled. "No I don't mind in the least. I just hope she was well-behaved."

"She's great Minerva." He studied her for a while before asking, "Did you know she has quite a few questions for you?" Minerva snapped her head up to his and waited for him to elaborate. "She wants to know about her father?"

"What did she do?"

"She saw a picture of my parents and me on my desk. She asked a lot of questions about my parents especially about my father. She wants to know where her father is and why he isn't with you and her. I managed to change the subject but I believe she will ask you as soon as she remembers."

Minerva looked grief-stricken as she fell back into an armchair. She couldn't believe this was happening. She had wanted to protect Michaela from the horrible truth but didn't see a way around it now. "What will I tell her Albus? I can't very well tell her the truth," she pleaded.

"Maybe not the entire truth but slivers of it," he answered.

"Like what?" she asked frantic.

"Maybe you could mention you were not married her father and he was never involved in her life."

"What if she asks why?"

Albus shrugged his shoulders and frowned. "I'm sure you will find something to say Minerva."

She smiled at his attempt to make her feel better then asked, "What are your plans for the remainder of the day?"