Trouble 18
Harry couldn't remember a time he had been more nervous ... not even when he had been up against Lord Voldemort. Standing next to his mother, he felt his heart sink into his shoes. They were to apparate to their holiday home. His father stood by the iron gates of Hogwarts, instructing them to be extra vigilant during his absence and strengthening the protective spells around the school.
When Albus finally turned around to his little family, Minerva quickly diverted her eyes, focussing her attention seemingly on the trail to Hogsmeade. Albus noticed Harry sneaking a hand into Minerva's and squeezing it gently, silently but effectively supporting his mother. Hadn't Harry deserved better? Finally he had a real family and now the family seemed to fall apart before his eyes. Albus sighed quietly: He would win her back and have a happy family again.
Minerva observed Albus out of the corner of her eye. She had always hated weakness, especially in herself, and yet here was this crazy, old fool who could make her weak in the knees with just one look out of those puppy dog eyes. He had given her every reason to be angry and she was, make no mistake, but she missed him. Staying angry was hard when one was angry with one's soul-mate. But Minerva McGonagall was a very stubborn woman. She jerked her head around and stared out over the forest.
With an inward sigh, Albus waved his wand in an intricate pattern and created a golden mist which rose, spread and finally descended over the school.
"All set. We are ready to go ... You think that your friends keep the school standing, Harry?" asked Albus with a wicked twinkle in his eyes.
'Oh, those eyes and this mischievious glint in them,' sighed Minerva. 'This boyish charm that reels you in and lets you discover the child that sleeps deep down in you as well.' Minerva couldn't remember all the times Albus had managed to get her tangled in foolish behaviour.
Harry's hand in hers gently squeezed. Both reassuringly of his support and encouragingly for her to get a move on and meet her husband half way. Closing her eyes, she thanked God for sending her such a wonderful son. Hesitantly she moved, imperceptically but effectively. Now she stood with her side to Albus. All she had to do was lift her head. How could it be so hard to face the man she loved, who set her heart racing with a whispered word or a smouldering look?
Over Harry's head their eyes met and locked. Time stood still. Harry was forgotten. For Minerva it was like she saw Albus for the first time again. He was still dashing, handsome, and brimming with power. Most importantly he was still the man she loved. Albus saw the same Minerva he had seen on their wedding day. She was still beautiful, elegant, and the most loving woman he had ever met. Most importantly she was still the woman he loved.
Harry felt the very air around his parents crackle with electricity ... and suddenly felt as if he was intruding. Slowly a grin spread over his face. It certainly would be an interesting weekend in the Scottish Highlands ... far away from prying eyes. He would love to play Cupid.