Chapter 3 - Dinner
Minerva had left her sweet girl in the capable hands of Albus Dumbledore while she taught her classes. Her wee one was still sleeping peacefully when she had left so she bent down and placed a soft kiss to her cheek before rushing out. She wasn't concerned about allowing Michaela to spend time with Albus, she needed to develop social skills and Albus was the most trustworthy person she had ever met. She knew all would be fine.
Her classes had gone smoothly and she had made an appearance at dinner in the Great Hall then headed to her rooms. Albus and she had previously decided to meet in her rooms at dinnertime so Michaela could settle into her afternoon routine. She glided in her rooms and smiled. Michaela and Albus were setting the table for dinner and chatting away. Minerva cleared her throat and almost fell back when Michaela dashed into her arms. "I miss you mum," she said loudly.
"I've missed you too my wee one," soothed Minerva as she squeezed her daughter in a tight embrace. "The table is beautiful did you set it for me?"
The little girl nodded yes and as a result her curls bounced about. "Mr. Albus help some," she admitted.
"That was very nice of him," Minerva said. "Do you think we should sit down and eat the lovely meal you two have prepared?"
Michaela nodded ecstatically and led her mum to the table. Minerva greeted Albus and thanked him for watching her babe. They chatted about random subjects as they ate and then moved to the parlor. Minerva and Albus sat themselves on the couch and watched Michaela play on the floor. "Michaela what did you and Mr. Albus do today?"
The little girl smiled and dashed over to her mum. She settled on her lap and then started to tell about her day. "We play dolls, I draw clothes and Mr. Albus put them on my dolls with his wand. I play with Fawkes til I got tired and sleeped. When I waked up Mr. Albus and me had a tea party."
"A tea party? What did you two have at your tea party?" asked a curious Minerva, amusement evident in her green eyes.
"We ate tomato soup and cheese sandwiches. After I ate all of my soup Mr. Albus let me eat hot chocolate, cookies and lemon drops."
"He did, did he?" asked an amused Minerva.
"Then he learn me to play chess," volunteered a talkative Michaela.
"Well that was nice of Mr. Albus. I hope you remembered to thank him for teaching you a new game."
The little girl nodded her head vigorously and then said, "He goin learn me some muggle games."
Minerva focused her attention on Albus Dumbledore who sat next to her. His eyes filled with an innocence that told her he had been duped into teaching these games by her three-year old. She gave him a reassuring smile and then said, "Wee one, did you happen to swindle Mr. Albus into teaching you new games?" She waited until the little girl frowned and nodded. "You do not need me to tell you how wrong you were but I understand your curiosity. No more tricking, just ask, understand?"
"Yes mum," the little girl said sorrowfully. "Can I play in my room now?"
Minerva planted a kiss to her babes forehead and set her down. "Yes but say goodbye to Mr. Albus first."
Michaela turned to Albus and said, "Night Mr. Albus. I sorry and you don't have to play with me no more if you don't want to."
Albus grinned and then replied, "Goodnight Kitten. I would love to play with you anytime you want as long as your mum says its okay."
He winked at her which prompted a giggle and hug from the little girl. "You silly Mr. Albus," she laughed and skipped out of the room.
"That's one amazing little girl you have Minerva," Albus commented.
"I think she's amazing too and a bit of a handful too," Minerva answered honestly and then hesitantly asked, "Albus why do you call Michaela Kitten?"
Albus eyes twinkled as he thought of a way to answer. He didn't want to tell the truth but he also didnt want to lie. He decided on the partial truth. "She reminds me of you and your animus form. She has so many catlike qualities, she reminds me of a kitten, a really cute kitten."
Minerva gazed into his twinkling blue eyes searching for something that she was sure he hid. She knew he held something back but wasnt sure what. She shook her head hoping to rid herself of these doubts and then said playfully, "I do believe she has you wrapped around her little finger."
"I do believe youre right," he replied honestly and softly added, "Just like her mum does." With that said he slowly leaned over and placed a gentle kiss upon her lips. He stood and walked out the door leaving a very confused Minerva behind.
She brought her hand up to touch her lips. Albus Dumbledore had just kissed her and then left. What was he playing at? She didn't understand his actions and it bothered her. Nothing she could do about it now so she went to have a little talk with Michaela.