A/N: Here we are again! More and more Age. Hopefully I can get a new chapter of Secrets up for you as soon as possible. Hope you all like it!
Thanks be for Spin I say...what would I do without her I don't know!
-0-
The week after Álainn's latest potion-taking had been hellish to say the least. While Álainn was enjoying taking her extra lessons, the potion had taken a lot out of her and she spent most of her days giving Minerva a hard time.
"No Mama, I won't!"
"Álainn, come and sit at the table please. Now!" Minerva said for the fifth time. The annoyance in her voice only served to make Álainn more cross as she stomped her feet and went back to her chair.
"You said I could read."
"And you can," Minerva clarified. "But not until we've had some dinner."
"What about the Great Hall?"
"We're not going there tonight, we're going to eat here."
"I don't want to."
"Young lady, you get your bottom on that chair right now or we're going to have very serious problems."
"No," Álainn whispered, suddenly looking very afraid when Minerva walked calmly over to her, picked her up and carried her to her room.
"Fine," Minerva said as she placed her down on her bed. "You may stay in your room and have a think about your behaviour."
She hated punishing the girl, but the mischievous little smile Álainn had on her face made her go the extra mile.
"I wouldn't smile if I were you. You're staying in here, but you will not be reading or working or anything of the sort until I get a sincere and genuine apology for your behaviour."
Minerva closed the door behind her, muttering a few charms and listening to the cry of frustration that went up inside. Shaking her head, Minerva went back into the living room and looked despondently at the set table.
"Winky?"
"Mistress be's calling me?"
"Would you mind discreetly keeping an eye on Álainn for me. She is being punished for her behaviour this evening but when she is sufficiently contrite she may apologise and we'll have dinner then."
"Yes Mistress Minerva," Winky nodded, turning to leave.
"Thank you Winky," Minerva called. "And you really must learn to call me Minerva."
"It wouldn't be proper Mistress," Winky tugged on her ears. "Winky might be free, but she be's a respectable elf. Winky has taken you as mistress, though it is improper that you has her. Winky will serve until Winky be's dead."
"Would it truly make you feel better if you had a master, Winky?" Minerva asked, pondering the never-ending ethical dilemma the Wizarding World had in terms of House Elf servitude.
"It be's only proper," Winky shrugged. "House Elfs not be proper house elfs without masters."
Minerva hummed and Winky disappeared. The dilemma was one that Hermione had always held close to her heart. As an old woman who had lived in the Wizarding World since her first day of school, Minerva had only ever held a passing interest in it. Winky's words, however, gave her pause for thought.
"What troubles you dearest?"
"Nothing Albus," Minerva called, turning and smiling at his portrait. "Merely exhaustion and frustration. Álainn is exhausted and therefore has decided to push every boundary I have set this week and I cannae keep arguing with her."
"Stubborn girl," Severus muttered darkly.
Albus smiled and it made Minerva sad, rather than happy. She missed their quiet conversations and their afternoon tea. Even though he was a scant few feet away, he seemed even more distant today.
"She will right herself again," Albus said. "Continue doing as you are doing. She is an intelligent girl and I don't doubt that she will learn soon enough."
"What if I have changed her, irrevocably?"
"Then you have," Albus said. "It is better that she would be changed by you, than some other less reputable person. Be steady Minerva and she will follow."
She took a deep breath, breathing in deeply for a while, going back to the meditations that she had to perform when training to be an Animagus. Albus and she had sat for hours just breathing, and though Albus was a skilled Transfiguration professor, he could never get the hang of meditating, and therefore Animagus transformation. It was the only area of their mutual subject that Minerva had surpassed him in.
"I suppose that it is inevitable for her to push," Minerva muttered, remembering her own childhood vaguely. "I just wish she was as reasonable now as she was - will be - later."
"It will work out Minerva, you'll see."
"Mama?"
She spun around, finding Álainn standing on the edge of the rug. She looked so small and tiny that Minerva desperately wanted to go to her, scoop her up and kiss her until she felt better, but she resisted by gripping the sides of her robes until Álainn spoke again.
"Sorry Mama," she snuffled.
"Do you understand why you have been punished?" Minerva asked, coming to stand in front of her, cupping her chin so she could lift those eyes to her own.
"I was rude."
"You were, but you were also not listening to me. I will always let you read Álainn, you should know that by now, but sometimes we must do more important things first, like eating dinner together. Tonight was going to be a special night where just the two of us would eat together, but instead I had to send you to your room without.
"I'm so sorry Mama!" Álainn wailed forlornly, falling into Minerva's body and crying into her stomach.
Minerva let her cry for a moment before kneeling in front of the child with a groan.
"Listen to me, my love," she said, wiping away the tears. "You and I are very alike and I remember my mother being cross with me for wanting to read more than I wanted to eat. But do you know what?" Álainn shook her head. "I do not love you any less than before even though I shouted and sent you to your room. Do you understand? I love you anyway."
"Love you too Mama," Álainn whispered, hugging her tightly.
"Alright. Let's have some dinner and then I think we should do something completely different tonight. Something fun."
"Reading?" Álainn asked, hope shining from her eyes.
"Well, I will read to you at bedtime, but I was thinking that perhaps you would like to go to the Astronomy tower tonight and have a late night hot chocolate under the stars?"
"Yes! Oh yes, yes, yes Mama, please Mama!" Álainn cried, dancing around with a smile on her face.
Minerva smiled and walked her little treasure to the table where they feasted on all of the food she had put under stasis earlier.
-0-
"Whoa!" Álainn cried from her place by Minerva's shoulder.
They were laying on a blanket under an invisible dome on top of the tallest tower at Hogwarts. Minerva knew Hermione had been doing Astronomy this year, having checked with Aurora. The Astronomy professor had said, like all of Hermione's professors did, that she was her star pupil and often spent longer looking through the telescope than the older students did.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Minerva asked, reaching up and brushing a lock of hair from Álainn's face.
"Lots'a fun Mama," Álainn smiled. "I like the stars."
"You do?" Minerva enquired, not having really spoken about it with the girl before.
"Uhuh," she said. "They're a long, long, long way away, did you know?"
"I did," Minerva sighed. "Some are so far away that they have already stopped shining but the light just didn't get here until now."
"That's sad," Álainn said quietly, snuggling into Minerva's neck. "Can we have hot chocolate now?"
"Yes," Minerva smiled. "Winky?"
Instead of the the little house elf a silver tray of crockery appeared along with a flask of steaming hot chocolate.
"Mmm," Álainn sighed, sitting up cross-legged in front of Minerva and practically vibrating with excitement.
Minerva handed out the mug, making sure Álainn knew to blew on it before taking a sip. They sat quietly for a minute before Minerva decided that now would be a good time to bring up visiting Hermione's parents.
"Darling, I'd like to talk to you about something," Minerva started.
"You're sending me away because I'm bad?"
"No, no leannan [sweetheart], I'm not sending you away. Whatever made you think that?" Minerva asked in disbelief.
"'Cos you're not my Mummy. And I was bad today," she said sadly.
"No, no Álainn. That's not right. I may not be your Mummy, but I am your Mama, and I would never send you away."
"H'ione sent her Mummy and Daddy away," she whispered with a frown. "They not going to come back."
"They are not well my darling, that is what I want to talk to you about," Minerva said, pulling the girl onto her lap. "A while ago, when that horrible woman was trying to take you away from me, I had to go and see your Mummy and Daddy and ask them to help me make sure you wouldn't be taken away again. The doctor that is looking after them is Aunty Poppy's husband, William -"
"Uncle William?" she asked, tilting her head like a bird.
"Yes leannan [sweetheart], Uncle William. He suggested we should go and see your Mummy and Daddy together. It might help them to remember, would you like that?"
"They not blame H'ione?" she pondered in a small voice.
"I don't think so," Minerva said, kissing her hair. "I know for a fact that your Mummy remembers a little bit about you, but when I was there, your Daddy didn't. And I know that this week they've been a bit more poorly than usual. But as soon as Uncle William says so, we can go and visit them."
"I want to," Álainn said hesitantly. "As long as you won't leave me there. I don't want to leave you."
"I told you baby," Minerva whispered, pulling her close. "I'm never leaving you."
-0-
After their quiet discussion atop the Astronomy tower, Álainn settled down. Although she knew graduation was fast approaching, Minerva contented herself by enjoying her time with Álainn as much as she could.
"Álainn? We need to go now, it's time to go to Aunty Pomona's."
"Mama, I can't find my gloves," she whined, coming into the living room with a pout.
"Well?" Minerva said expectantly. "What do you say?"
"Please can you Accio my gloves Mama?" Álainn smiled beautifully.
"Of course I can, let's go."
Having cast the spell, retrieved Álainn's change of clothes and repacked the bag she was carrying they were ready to go.
"Minerva?"
They turned to find Filius hurrying to catch up with them and Álainn beamed as the small man stopped before them.
"Uncle Filius!"
She raced forward and hugged him tightly.
"Hello young Álainn," he smiled, ruffling her hair. "Minerva, I'm sorry. Pomona has been taken to the hospital wing. She had a fall this morning, silly woman refuses to use stabilizing spells on her ladder. Something about interfering with the plants. It wasn't serious fortunately, but she's got some deep bruising and is rather stiff."
"Bother," Minerva sighed. "Pomona was the only one who could look after Álainn today. Poppy is at St Mungo's for the morning."
"Good morning Headmistress."
Minerva looked up, spying Madam Roberts walking past the end of the hall but she only half-smiled back, already preoccupied with what on earth she was going to do with Álainn for at least the morning. The afternoon would be easier, but her morning was full with meetings at the Ministry. She scanned through the timetables in her pocket, happening upon a surprise opening for someone she hadn't thought of before.
"Madam Roberts!"
Minerva took Álainn's hand, bidding goodbye to Filius and chasing after the Potions mistress as quickly as possible.
"Madam Roberts, Maria!"
The woman turned, frowning as Minerva rushed up to her, with Álainn in tow.
"Good morning Headmistress, may I help you?"
"Yes, I have a request of you. It's rather an usual one, but I promise it will be a one off. You see I had arranged for Pomona Sprout to look after Álainn this morning, however she has taken a tumble and will not be able to look after her. Everyone else is teaching -"
"Except me," Madam Roberts said carefully.
"Except you," Minerva agreed. "I assure you it will only be for the morning. I have meetings at the Ministry, but I will be back just before lunchtime, even if the meeting runs long."
Minerva watched as the woman contemplated the idea, looking down at Álainn before meeting her eye again.
"Alright," Madam Roberts shrugged. "I was just about to go on a walk, there were some ingredients I needed for my potions. They are not dangerous plants, but I'm afraid this was going to be the only time I could do so."
"If you're sure they're not dangerous."
"Truly," Madam Roberts reassured her. "Dandelion roots, boom berries and daisies."
"Well, okay then. These are her things. If you need anything at all, please don't hesitate to call for Winky. She will provide you with whatever you need."
"Alright," Madam Roberts said, taking the bag. "Please don't worry about us. We'll be fine, won't we Álainn?"
"Uhuh," Álainn said happily.
Brushing aside a tendril of worry, Minerva crouched down to look at Álainn properly.
"Be good for Madam Roberts, please?"
"Yes Mama," Álainn smiled. "You be back for lunch?"
"Yes darling, I will come and find you when I am back. But you have fun and mind what Miss Roberts says. You're going to be collecting potions ingredients and that requires you to listen."
"I know Mama," Álainn groaned. "I'll be a good girl."
"I know you will," Minerva said, bringing her into her arms and hugging her close. "I love you leannan [sweetheart]."
"Love you too," Álainn said happily, sliding on her backpack and turning to face Miss Roberts. Minerva grinned at the moment of hesitation before Álainn slipped her hand into that of the Potion mistress and turned to wave goodbye. "Bye Mama."
Minerva stood watching as Madam Roberts and her little girl walked down the corridor to the outside world. For a split second she wanted to call them back, tell them that she'd decided not to go to the meeting, but Kingsley had wanted to meet with her for some time after the last fiasco that was so loosely labelled a meeting. She hadn't forgiven him for being a part of that ridiculous conspiracy to take Álainn from her, but there was only so much avoidance one could do as Headmistress of Hogwarts, no matter how autonomous the school was.
Taking one last look towards the disappearing duo, Minerva turned, trusting Madam Roberts not to fail her.
-0-
Marching through the halls of Hogwarts, Minerva was lost in her thoughts. Kingsley had asked her outright whose child it was, and Minerva had avoided the question for as long as possible before admitting that it was Hermione's younger sister. A late arrival in the Granger family, one that Minerva had known about for a while.
She thought he had bought it, but she couldn't really be sure. The prospect of the awful Annabelle Williams returning to their lives was something she didn't want to contemplate, and she clutched at her stomach as she felt the pain of losing Álainn deep in her gut. She never wanted to experience that feeling again and she swore she would never allow it to happen again either.
Rounding the corner of the Potions classroom, Minerva was welcomed with the most beautiful noise she'd heard all day. Álainn's laughter was echoing loud and clear, making her stop and lean against the wall. Peering through the door, Minerva watched, completely charmed by the vista before her. Madam Roberts was teaching Álainn some sort of silly song and charming a few different things to act as props. Álainn was clearly loving the display and Minerva was astonished at the usually hesitant woman being so open and engaging. A thought she had recently been pondering came to the front of her mind and she nodded, making her decision. Madam Roberts looked up in surprise as Minerva clapped genuinely.
"Oh, Headmistress. Is it time already?"
"It is, I take it you had a good morning?" Minerva asked, catching Álainn as she ran up and into her arms.
"We sung and danced and collected lots'a potions ingred'nts."
"That sounds like an excellent morning," Minerva chuckled, groaning as she lifted Álainn onto her hip, even with a featherweight charm.
"She's an angel," Madam Roberts said with a barely there smile. "I had a really enjoyable time. It was quite eye opening. She is an incredibly intelligent little girl."
"Aye," Minerva grinned, nuzzling Álainn's cheek. "She is that."
"She's grown remarkably well too," Madam Roberts said with a little frown. "I am not sure I could have brewed the same potion with such excellent results. Draco is very good at brewing it seems."
"He is indeed, he shows great promise." There was a pause in their conversation as Álainn wrapped her arms around Minerva's neck and snuggled up closer. "From what little I saw, you are very good with her."
"Oh, I've always loved small children," Madam Roberts said happily. "They're so honest and you always know what they're thinking. Teenagers are a little more secretive."
"Indeed they are," Minerva agreed, rubbing Álainn's back. "I, I wonder if you would consider something for me?"
"Of course Headmistress, whatever you need," the woman said, looking concerned.
"By your own admission, you don't like teaching Potions. Therefore I have an idea I hope you will prefer. I have in mind a small, Hogwarts-run primary school if you will, for magical families mostly, or muggle families whose children show signs of magic early. Primarily, I would suggest teaching reading, writing et cetera, to reduce the amount of hours we must spend on it when they arrive here. Previously, this has been done by parents, but if their parents are somewhat lacking in the necessary skills, then so will the students be."
"I have noticed that with a few first years," Madam Roberts said absently.
"I'd like you to consider running it. Or at least being the primary teacher if you don't fancy the administration side."
"Me?"
"Yes Maria, you. From what I have just witnessed, and knowing that you are fundamentally good at teaching, I think this role would be a much better fit for you."
"Well, I - Really?"
"Yes dear," Minerva chuckled. "Think it over. The idea is just in its embryonic stages at the moment and I don't have a replacement Potions professor in mind. I don't really want to look for another one until the end of term, and I'd like for you to continue for now as you're most of the way through the syllabus. Perhaps if you are agreeable, we could meet a few times before then so we can discuss what you think you will need. Hogwarts or I will provide you with funds to get any qualifications you may need before embarking on this venture."
"I don't know what to say," Madam Roberts began. "Thank you so much for the offer, I promise you I will consider this properly." She chuckled morosely. "Unlike the last post you offered me."
"As long as you do," Minerva said, adjusting Álainn more comfortably on her hip as she squeezed her neck gently, indicating that she'd had enough. "Thank you very much for this morning. I am indebted to you."
"Please don't," Madam Roberts said, waving her hands. "It truly was a pleasure."
Minerva nodded her goodbyes and left with Álainn and her things in hand. Álainn was quiet as they walked, clearly exhausted by her big morning.
"Don't go to sleep sweetheart. Let's eat lunch first, then we can take our afternoon nap."
"Yes Mama," she sighed around a yawn.
Minerva chuckled, but tried to add a bit more bounce in her walk to keep her awake until they finally reached her living room. She placed Álainn straight at the table where Winky, bless the little elf, had already laid out a simple but delicious looking spread.
"Yummy!" Álainn said, digging in immediately. Minerva didn't argue with her, knowing that the sooner she ate, the sooner she would sleep, which would help her get her paperwork done with no interruptions. She bit into a sandwich, groaning as she tasted her favourite sardine paste filling. Winky really was a brilliant elf.
-0-
She was elbow deep in the latest report when the Floo activated. She expected it to be Poppy and was genuinely surprised when Harry stepped through looking grim.
"What has happened?" she asked, getting up in a hurry.
Hermione was still sleeping in her room with the door ajar, but she couldn't think about that as another person followed Harry through the Floo. It was a Weasley, unmistakably, and as he slowly stood up, Minerva gasped and immediately pulled George into her arms. He was sobbing into her shoulder and Minerva held him tightly, one hand pressed firmly against the back of his head and her other rubbing his back soothingly.
"I was in the middle of my shift, I can't stay," Harry said sadly, looking apologetic.
"It's alright," she said, extending her arm and taking his hand. "We'll be fine."
"See you later," he said awkwardly, patting George on the back and kissing Minerva's cheek.
"Come and sit down George," Minerva whispered, guiding him towards the sofa where she joined him, still holding him closely. "Breathe love, just breathe."
She knew the empty platitudes that people offered when they were comforting someone whose entire world had been taken away by evil. She'd had enough of them offered to her over her life, and she refused to do that to anyone. She sat quietly, her arms strong around him, and she felt him struggling to control his breathing. She began rocking him, kissing his hair and wondering at herself for being so open to doing so. Álainn - Hermione - had changed her so much and she wasn't upset by it. In fact she was honoured to be there for anyone who needed her.
"I miss him," he hiccupped. "I miss him so damn much."
"I know sweetheart," Minerva said quietly, still rocking. "I won't lie to you George, it will hurt for a long, long time, but it's okay to cry about it until it doesn't hurt quite so much."
They sat for a while until Minerva was sure that he'd drifted off, when she sent a Patronus to inform Filius that she was unavailable. He replied back with a quiet word of assent and a promise to leave the evening report on her desk in the morning.
It wasn't long before George's slumber was wracked with what she knew would be incredibly distressing visions, so she woke him carefully, trying to head the nightmares off.
"Mama?"
Minerva was once again rocking George as he sobbed into her shoulder. She looked up to find Álainn sucking on her thumb, something she hadn't seen since she had been administered the last potion. Carefully changing her arms around, she opened her embrace to her baby, who shuffled into her, resting her head on Minerva's shoulder and watching George cry.
"He sad?" Álainn asked in the slightly immature way she still used when she was tired.
"Very sad my darling," Minerva soothed. "George is very sad."
"Sorry McG," George sniffed. "I can't seem to stop."
"'s ok Georgey," Álainn said quietly, sliding off Minerva's lap and climbing into his. "Don't cry," she whispered. "Fred wouldn't want you to be sad. Mama look after you now."
She wrapped her arms around George's chest and leant her head against his heart. Minerva couldn't stop a tear from escaping as she wrapped her arms around both, pulling George back to rest against her so that Álainn wouldn't slip off his knee inadvertently. They all sat quietly, until George started yawning once more and Minerva wondered how many times he'd woken up at all hours of the night, feeling as lost as she had during the aftermath of the last three wars she had fought in. She kissed his hair and rubbed Álainn's back, whispering into his ear as he yawned again.
"Sleep, mo chridhe [my heart]. Sleep."