Chapter 12 - Preparing for Christmas
The months had passed quickly and Christmas break approached none too soon. Michaela had been counting down the days until it was time to go to the Dumbledore estate and asking her parents to take her shopping for gifts. Finally the day had arrived! Albus, Minerva, and Michaela went to Diagon Alley to shop for Christmas presents. It took nearly half the day to complete their shopping but they managed to find something for everyone.
When they arrived at the family estate, they ate dinner with Albus parents and then settled in the parlor for tea. Albus and Minerva settled into the love seat while Arnold and Gwendolyn sat in the big couch across from them. Michaela sat in the floor playing with her wooden phoenix, her favorite toy. They chatted for a couple of hours then Michaela yawned. "Michaela it's time for bed so give everyone a goodnight hug," Minerva said.
The little girl did as she was told then giggled when she was slung across her dad's shoulder. "Mum, are you goin tuck me in?" Michaela asked.
"I guess so," she responded, bid everyone a goodnight then followed Albus and Michaela upstairs.
After they tucked in their daughter, Albus and Minerva went to their own room. They changed into nightclothes and snuggled together in the bed. "Minerva there's something I need to tell you," he whispered nervously.
Catching the tone of his voice she immediately gave him her full attention. "What is it Albus," she asked concerned.
"Do you remember the last Saturday you asked where I went but I didn't answer?" She nodded then he continued, "I have been searching for the man that hurt you."
"You what," she asked in disbelief.
"I have been searching for the man that hurt you and I found him."
Her eyes widened in shock then she tried to get out of bed but Albus pulled her to him. "Listen to me Minerva, he will never touch you or Kitten again, I promise you."
She relaxed against him and then asked, "How can you possibly promise something like that Albus?"
He looked her in the eye then whispered, "I can because I killed him in a duel."
"What," she asked alarmed.
"It was a fair fight Minerva. I found out his identity, confronted him and he made the challenge. I had to stop him Minerva or he would have continued to harm others."
"Who was it Albus," she asked sadly, unsure if she wanted to know or not.
"Timothy Taylor," he answered just as sadly.
She looked as if she had just been slapped across the face. "Former professor of Defense against the Dark Arts Timothy Taylor?" she asked in disbelief.
"That would be the one," he answered solemnly.
"Oh Albus, how could a teacher do such a thing," she asked as she hid her face in his robes.
"Some people are just evil my dear," he answered honestly.
"I suppose you did what you thought was right," she said then asked, "Will you hold me tonight?"
"I will hold you forever Minerva," he answered then spooned up against her back when she turned over and draped an arm around her waist.