2

"I see you hit it off with my granny", said Minerva smiling.

The smile altered her face for the better. It took at least ten years off her and Harry got the distinct feeling that Minerva McGonagall was a very beautiful woman. 'No wonder Dumbledore fell for her', thought Harry wryly while simultaneously reprimanding himself for finding his teacher and Head of House attractive.

"Yeah, she's a nice woman", said Harry, eyes glued to the floor and trying to play over his embarrassment.

Minerva exchanged a worried look with her husband. She couldn't really figure out why Harry would be so uncomfortable around them. Albus shrugged his shoulders to indicate that he didn't have a clue either. Then Minerva decided to take a step forward and act like a real godmother for the first time in years. She approached him slowly and reached her hand out to touch his face. Softly she enclosed his chin with gentle fingers and lifted his face so that he was looking into her emerald green eyes.

Harry saw deep emotions swimming in those expressive eyes. At first he didn't recognize what he saw. Neither his aunt nor his uncle had ever looked at him like that. Worry and love shone in the green depth. Without thinking Harry closed the distance between himself and Minerva, wrapping his arms around her waist and pressing his face into her shoulder.

Minerva was overwhelmed by happiness. Harry stood in her arms and hugged her tightly to him. Tears bricked at the corners of her eyes and fell down on the raven head on her shoulder. She hugged him tighter to her bosom and one of her hands went up to gently stroke his hair. Her head bent to the side until her cheek rested against his forehead.

"Shhh, darling, you're loved. Albus and I, we love you very much. Of course we want to take you in", she whispered into his ear, caressing his hair. "Albus already arrange a meeting with the Minister to talk for your ..." Suddenly she paused. Carefully she searched for words. Slowly she continued: "Adoption. But only if you want to. You don't ... you don't have to accept ... I mean, we understand completely if you prefer to stay with the Dursleys or if we are moving too fast after we hadn't been in your life for 13 years ..."

Harry shut her up by jerking his head up and grinning broadly at her. It was the same grin Lily had always flashed when she had been exceedingly happy. Minerva heart did an awkward somersaulting motion. Joy let her heart beat faster while, at the same time, grief made it sink to the pit of her stomach.

"Of course I want to live with you, Pro ... Minerva! I would love to have a real family", exclaimed Harry happily.

His voice had sounded strangled even to his own ears and the tears were very near the surface. Again he flashed his Professor the radiant smile of his mother, making her heart lurch up again.

Albus stood a little apart from Harry and Minerva, watching the heartfelt scene unfold. His own heart had stopped beating for a moment when Harry had hugged Minerva, obviously forgiving her. But then again she had always wanted to raise him as her own and had fought to keep him. He on the other side had abandoned the boy and guilt racked havoc on his soul. He wasn't sure if he could forgive himself even if Harry could.

But suddenly his thoughts were cut off, when Harry turned around and looked up at him shyly. The boy wanted to ask something and Albus did his best to look invitingly and trustworthy.

"Do you want to keep me too, Professor Dumbledore?" asked Harry, gathering all his courage but unable to look up in case Albus refused.

Albus had the feeling of being hit over the head with a mallet. Harry really wanted to stay with them and be part of their family. Did that mean he had forgiven him too? He caught Minerva's eyes and the pleading expression in them. Then he closed his eyes. That was a decision he should make only because he wanted to please his wife. After all they would have to live together for the rest of his life or until Harry moved out, which ever happened first.

He called forth his feelings for the black-haired boy. The realization hit him and hit him hard. He had always loved the boy more than any other child in Hogwarts. His protection, his well-being, his happiness had been his priority ever since he had come through the doors of the Great Hall on his first day in Hogwarts.

"Harry, I would be honoured to call you my son", said Albus gravely. "But please call me Albus. It feels extremely awkward when we're to be a family."

He smiled at Harry and Harry answered him with an equally radiant smile. Shyly he approached his Headmaster and soon-to-be-father. Albus was just as shy and hesitant but opened his arms slightly. That was enough for Harry and he stepped into the circle. Both Albus and Harry hugged.

Minerva saw the scene unfold and let her tears fall. She was overwhelmed by the prospect of being a mother at her age. Silently she prayed.

"Lily, please let me be a good mother to your son."

A./N.: Now I will try to stay as much in canon with the book as possible with this plot. Any ideas are welcome and greatly appreciated. Please review and tell me your honest opinion.

Yours Ilane