Alright, so maybe I didn't exactly tell the truth last chapter. I thought I'd be more available for posting, but I wasn't. I could give you a list of excuses, but the truth is I just haven't been writing much the past couple months partially due to responsibilities/health issues, but also partially just due to simply not wanting to write. However, I'm back. I won't promise super frequent updating, but I do hope to update more frequently especially with summer quickly on its way. Again, I am sorry for now updating until now.

Thanks go out to Sammy Ocean (x2), Juliefan1, leafstone, Rosa Clearwater, Zander, & ruth hammond (x3!) for all of your outstanding reviews. I appreciate them as always. Also, thank you PiER, lv4soccer, Goddess McG, mickeyjuly, Giraffes. 1, Rosa Clearwater, redwolfeye, leafstone, & Sammy Ocean for either adding this story to their favorites of subscriptions.

Disclaimer: I'm not J.K. Rowling even if I do make you guys wait as long as it takes her to write a book.

After about an hour of prodding, Isobel finally convinced both witches to eat a healthy breakfast. She was certainly pleased to see that her granddaughter didn't look nearly as pale as she had earlier. Minerva still looked as if a muggle vehicle had run her over and left her for dead. The bags under her eyes were absolutely dreadful and Isobel had to fight the urge to send her back to bed.

Albus had joined the trio as Annabelle finished choking down her food. He seemed unaffected by the tension in the atmosphere and went about his merry way, eating breakfast beside his wife. Belle loved seeing them side by side, just like at Hogwarts, but this only reminded her of her fears. What if she never saw them even sit together after today? She might never see them again! Sighing, she reached for her glass of water and took a sip before running her finger around the rim, somehow distracted by the sensations of it all.

Minerva was growing tenser by the second and even the air was affected by this. The curtains were waving, as if the window was open and the wind was rustling them. Her wand was actually rolling back and forth on the table, mere inches away from her fingers, which tightly held onto the hilt of her fork. Albus' hand on her forearm was doing nothing to calm her in the slightest. In fact, it only appeared to aggravate her more as the air crackled with magic swirling around them.

Minerva wasn't absolutely sure that it was simply her own magic reacting this way. Albus was the only one who appeared calm and the water in Annabelle's glass was swirling like a tidal pool. Minerva knew that wasn't her. Annabelle was going to be a very strong witch at this rate. If Minerva's knowledge of her own magic was correct, it was definitely interacting with another witch or wizard's magic in the room and she was almost sure that particular person was sitting directly in front of her.

Minerva didn't notice the room's other inhabitants watching them curiously. Isobel stood back, leaning against the counter in front of the window. She could see everything in the room, except for her daughter's face since even Albus was giving her the occasional glance. He didn't seem fazed by what was going on. In fact, the elderly wizard seemed to be enjoying the magical display!

Annabelle's water had captivated her eyes. She loved how the liquid rose and fell in a beautiful display of her powers. She hadn't even meant to make the water move at first. It just happened, so she decided to consciously continue the water's ministrations as her finger circled the rim of the glass. Feeling eyes on her, she glanced up and was met with Minerva's striking green orbs. Her composure faltered and she stilled her hand, murmuring, "Did I do something wrong, Professor?"

Minerva ceased her own movements, eyebrows knitting together at the word, professor. "Of course not. I was merely watching you perform magic without your wand. I was very impressed with your skill." Her Scottish lilt became more pronounced as the minutes wore on. She blamed it on the nerves. "Though, I think it's about time we finished getting ready. Shall I let your hair down from that bun?"

Annabelle raised a hand to touch the mound of hair atop her head. She had managed to completely forget that Minerva had tied it up that morning already. Belle wasn't sure how to undo it herself, so she nodded her consent, smiling as the elder witch got up from her seat and moved behind her.

Minerva could have simply untied the bun with a wave of her wand, but this didn't occur to her as she began to carefully undo it, being cautious to make sure she didn't tug on her daughter's hair. She'd yet to figure out whether the child was tender headed or not. The child's hair fell to just below her shoulder blades now. It had grown about six inches since Minerva had met her. "How about you head upstairs and get ready? Do remember to dress nicely. It's expected that we all look our best today." Minerva gently squeezed her daughter's shoulder and watched as she slowly got up from her seat and made her way up the stairs.

Annabelle looked through her closet, but couldn't find anything that peaked her interest. Everything looked either too hot or not nice enough. Not knowing what else she could do, she crossed her arms and called for Lindy.

The petite house elf apparated into the room, ears still twitching from being called. She rose up onto her toes for a moment before settling back on her heels. She did this twice as she spoke, obviously nervous. "Good morning, Little Miss. How may Lindy help you?"

Belle shrugged, looking at her closet in frustration. "I don't know what to wear, Lindy. Minerva said she wants me to dress nicely, but it's too hot for any of my robes. What do I do Lindy?"

Lindy's ears perked up and she wrung her hands together in anticipation. "May Lindy make Little Miss an outfit for court?"

Annabelle couldn't have been any more surprised at that moment. "You want to make me an outfit?"

Lindy nodded her head, growing more excited by the moment. "May I, Miss?"

The blonde witch shrugged, not knowing what else to do or say. "Sure, Lindy. That's fine."

Lindy snapped her fingers and disappeared, leaving Belle to her own thoughts.

Annabelle figured she may as well fix her hair while Lindy made her outfit. She thought about simply leaving it down, or may pulling it into a high ponytail, but quickly decided she needed something more complicated to occupy her mind. She decided to slowly French braid her hair, carefully pulling each section over one another as she gathered more and more hair into her hands. She was nearly finished when Lindy re-apparated into the room carrying two wrapped parcels.

Lindy handed both packages to Annabelle. "Lindy wanted Little Miss to pick which outfit she wanted to wear. Lindy made both."

Annabelle sat down on the bed and quickly unwrapped the first outfit. The parcel revealed a yellow knee-length sundress with red and pink silhouetted roses adorning it. The second parcel contained a simple checkered knee-length red dress. Annabelle thought that both dresses were quite beautiful and she couldn't wrap her mind around the fact that Lindy just made them. Sure, magic was quick, but this was crazy! Walking over to the mirror, Belle held each dress up to her body, pulling on the skirts a little to make them flare out. She turned back to the anxious house elf and held the yellow dress back up to her torso. "Do you think Minerva will like this one, Lindy? Do you think it will look good on me?"

Lindy bobbed her head up and down. "Oh, yes, Miss. Mistress will love the dress. Dress will look beautiful on you."

Annabelle grinned and moved to shut her bedroom door. She quickly shed her clothes and replaced the pajamas with her new yellow dress. Spinning in front of the mirror, she noticed a pair of red flats sitting beside her bed which were certainly not there before. Upon closer inspection, she noted pale pink, sparkly roses all over the sides and top of the flats. She slipped them onto her feet and grinned at how they simply fit perfectly – just like the dress.

After admiring her outfit for a moment, she turned to thank Lindy, but found that she had disappeared already. Not wanting to disrupt her anymore, she decided she'd have to thank her later. However, this served as a sobering reminder of what the day held. She may never be able to come back and thank Lindy again. This might be her last chance. Gathering her Gryffindor courage, she called for Lindy again.

Again, the house elf quickly apparated into the room, not wanting to make the Little Miss wait. "Oh, Little Miss does look lovely."

Belle blushed and wrung her hands together. "Uh, thanks, Lindy. I was just calling you to thank you for the dress and, really, for everything. You've helped me a lot while I've been here, and I just wanted to say thank you in case…" She trailed off, not really wanting to verbalize that fear.

Lindy rushed over to Annabelle and wrapped her in a hug. "You're oh so welcome, Miss. Lindy loves Little Miss so much." Stepping back, Lindy straightened out the Little Miss' dress. "Lindy hears Madames Poppy and Rolanda. Is Little Miss ready to see them?"

Annabelle glanced at the mirror before returning her gaze to the house elf. "I guess I'm ready."

Lindy's face split into a grin as she reached for Annabelle's cloak. "Don't forget this, Little Miss. You need to stay warm enough. Miss Weasley will be unhappy if you become ill before going to her house. Mistress will never let you leave if you become ill."

There were tentative plans for the following night. If the court case worked out alright, Annabelle was to spend tonight at McGonagall manor and the following night at the Weasley's. Lindy was correct though. Minerva would certainly keep Annabelle home if she got sick between now and then.

Annabelle accepted the cloak and trudged down the stairs. She had this sickening feeling that this would be the last time she ever descended these stairs. She really didn't want it to be the last time though. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she found Poppy, Rolanda, and her mother all sitting together on the couch. Isobel and Albus sat across from them in separate chairs.

The moment Poppy saw her, she jumped from her seat and came running. "Belle, you look beautiful. Is that new? Are you ready for today? Are you nervous? Did you eat enough?" The questions simply kept coming and coming.

Finally, Annabelle put her hands up to ward off her aunt. "Aunt Poppy, I'm fine. I'm – "

"Really, Poppy, leave the kid alone. She doesn't need interrogated before we even get to the Ministry." Even Rolanda's laughter was laced with anxiety. No one could escape the trial tensions today.

Poppy visibly retracted from her niece. "I'm sorry, dear. I didn't think. You really do look lovely, though." The medi-witch turned back to Minerva. "Did you get this for her, Minnie?"

Minerva strolled towards the pair, closely followed by Rolanda and Isobel. She pondered the question for a minute, staring intently at the dress. "I don't think I did. I don't recognize the dress. Annabelle, where did you get it?"

The blonde witch shrugged and looked over her shoulder, half expecting the house elf in question to be standing there. "Lindy made it for me when I went upstairs. I didn't know what to wear, so I asked her for help. Is that okay?"

Minerva wanted to be surprised, but that was so like Lindy. "Of course that's okay. I'm glad Lindy found something suitable for going to the Wizengamot."

The room fell into silence for a moment before erupting in noise. The fireplace sparked to life, bringing with it a brilliant green light. At the same moment, a small barn owl scratched the window, holding two envelopes in its beak. The Ministry seal was visible from across the room.

Albus sat in the arm chair closest to the window, so he stood up to retrieve the letters. One was addressed to himself, but the other was addressed to his wife. He sent the latter flying in her direction as she opened hers.

She no more than got the envelope open than two red-heads walked through the green flames. Ginerva immediately ran over to embrace her friend while Molly moved to talk with Rolanda and Poppy. Minerva unfolded her letter and began to read.

Mrs. Minerva Marie Dumbledore McGonagall:

This letter is simply to remind you that you and Miss Annabelle Rosalie Wyte are due to arrive at the Ministry of Magic by 10:30am to prepare for your 11am hearing. Please have any family or friends there before 11am.

Yours sincerely,

Amanda Lux

Magical Child Services

Ministry of Magic

Minerva couldn't help but roll her eyes. Surely they knew she wouldn't simply forget about the court hearing. Their little family had been anxiously awaiting it since she received the previous letter. After finishing the letter, she turned back to the crowd of people inhabiting her den. "Albus, what did your letter say?" At first she was simply curious, but seeing his troubled face, she knew. Striding toward him, she ended her comment with pursed lips as she pointed her finger at him. "Albus, don't even say it. You are not leaving us today."

"Minerva, you know I don't have a choice. With the recent events, I can't blame Cornelius for wanting more of my help and cooperation."

Annabelle stayed hip to hip with Ginny, wondering what in the world was going on between the two professors. Minerva stood in front of Albus, looking rigid with her nostrils flared. The two were whispering and Minerva only seemed to grow more upset by the moment.

After a few minutes of watching the pair bicker, Rolanda had enough. She sauntered over to them, placed her hands on her hips, and scolded the pair. "Do you two really think it's alright to be bickering like this in front of your eleven-year-old daughter on a day like today? Do either of you have any sense at all? Save it until after the court hearing if you have to gripe, but if you're not careful, I'll be trying for custody of Belle, so both of you grow up before I make you." With this, the flying instructor stalked away from them to rejoin the group of women standing near the fireplace.

Minerva took half a step back and sighed, crossing her arms. "Fine. Go help Cornelius, but we are talking about this later. He knows how important today is."

Albus took a step forward and grabbed Minerva shoulders. "We will talk about this. I'll also talk to Cornelius. Perhaps it was a simple mistake, Tabby. For now, just go win our case." With this, he lifted her chin and kissed her. "You know how to reach me if you need me. I'll come if something happens. I promise." With that, the elderly wizard turned on his heel and disappeared with a soft 'pop.'

Minerva turned to the rest of the room and forced a grin to dance across her features. "Albus won't be accompanying us to the hearing. He's been called away on business. He'll catch up with us later." Realizing that she'd yet to even acknowledge either Weasley's presence, she looked towards Annabelle and Ginny. "It's nice to see you, Ginerva. I hope your summer is going quite well." The professor then crossed the room to join her peers. "It's good to see you as well, Molly. Thank you so much for letting Ginny join us. I also appreciate your coming." Every wand on their side was a wand Minerva was thankful for. "Now, I don't see any reason to delay this day any further. Why don't we head that direction now?" With a nodded consensus from the rest of the room, Minerva turned toward the floo and sauntered that way.

Molly guided the girls toward the floo and gently took a handful of floo powder. "How about I go to the other side, and I'll be there to meet the girls. Then, you can make sure they get through safely, but they won't be lost one they get there. You can also make sure your wards are set once everyone is out. I don't want you to have to leave before you're ready. I'll make sure the girls are okay once they get there."

Minerva pursed her lips for a moment before nodding. It sounded like a good plan since she really wasn't comfortable leaving people in her home even for a few moments. "I'll wait until Rolanda and Poppy go through, too. Just take care of my…the girls."

Nodding, Molly spared Minerva the embarrassment of pointing out her slip up. "Of course I'll take care of the girls. Just send them behind me." Letting some powder sprinkle into the bottom of the floo, green sparks jumped to life. She turned back again. "It might be best to send them together." At Minerva's agreement, she looked back to the floo and walked in, dropping the powder and speaking, "Ministry of Magic."

Nearly as soon as Molly was gone, Annabelle and Ginny stepped forward, ready to join her on the other side. Before they could step into the floo, however, Minerva stepped forward and wrapped her soon-to-be daughter in a bone-crushing hug. "I'll see you in just a few minutes, kitten."

Belle buried her head in Minerva's robes and attempted to banish the tears from her eyes again. Mumbling, she spoke, "See you on the other side…" The blonde then stepped back and looked at Ginny, "You ready?"

The red head nodded and took Annabelle's hand. "I'm ready if you are." She didn't give the blonde any time to object as she took a handful of floo powder and stepped into the floo. Annabelle quickly joined her and then she tossed the powder down, mimicking her mother's voice as she spoke their destination.

In a rush of brilliant green flames, the Annabelle and Ginny arrived at the Ministry of Magic.