Chapter Eleven: Summer 1976

Lavinia Prewett was many things, but she was not a fool. She knew that no matter what she did, she would eventually be captured by the thugs of the malicious man who had often taken refuge in her Hospital Wing when he was a boy.

She was good at magic, but her talents lay in healing, not defence or charms. Minerva and Albus had offered to place protective enchantments around Lavinia's home, but Lavinia had waved them off.

After hiding the identity of her husband and her children for her entire life, Lavinia was tired of living in the shadows.

Even if it meant it brought about her death more quickly than she would have liked.

As she had told Minerva and Albus in 1972, she knew that Riddle would eventually come for her. Ignoring the fact that Lavinia knew about the couple's affair, practically Lavinia's entire family was either associated with the McGonagalls or had joined the Order and was in opposition to Riddle.

Her great-niece, Alice, was now a McGonagall by marriage, and three of her grandchildren were regulars at Order meetings.

Fabian and Gideon Prewett, and Molly Weasley.

Lavinia knew that no one knew her children were hers—and by extension, her grandchildren—but she suspected that Minerva had discerned that Molly was her granddaughter.

In fact, Lavinia would bet that was why Minerva had taken such good care of the girl.

And she would also bet that, somehow, someway, Tom Riddle had discovered that fact.

So, when a horde of Death Eaters abducted her from her home on a Tuesday night in mid-July, Lavinia was almost flattered.

"I'm an old woman," she had said, amused. "Did you really think it necessary to send four of you?"

The only response Lavinia had been given was a blindfold over her eyes and her wand ripped from the inside of her robes.

A week later, Lavinia found herself in a damp and dirty room. She had been given some crackers and cheese to eat, but that was all. Thanks to the Unbreakable Vow she had forced Albus to enact with her, her Death Eater torturers were unsuccessful at getting any information out of her.

Yet, she was still surprised when the so-called Dark Lord appeared before her.

"Hello," Lavinia said pleasantly as if they were back at Hogwarts, and she were treating him for some mild ailment. "How are you today?"

"Annoyed, Madam Prewett. Very annoyed." He removed his hood, and Lavinia had to hold in a gasp as she took in his new appearance.

This was definitely not the troubled-but-handsome teenager she had known.

"I'm sorry if I have offended you during my time here. Surely you know I didn't come here of my own free will."

"No, but I will thank you for coming without violence." Riddle tipped his head in respect. "My followers suffer enough injuries out in the field. I appreciate that if you didn't come willingly, you at least came quietly."

"I'm not a fan of force," Lavinia answered shortly. "I wouldn't have thought a retired woman like me would be worthy enough to be graced with your presence."

"You are not. Your knowledge, on the other hand, makes you very worthy indeed."

"What knowledge would that be?"

"You must have some idea of why you're here," Riddle said, his voice slow and controlled. "You're not witless."

"No, I'm not," Lavinia agreed, "which is why I will not offer you any information without an explanation first. I may have an idea, but I will not give up anything inadvertently."

Nor can I, you bigheaded maggot.

"Very well." A sinister smile spread across his face. "What can you tell me of Minerva McGonagall and her relationship with Albus Dumbledore?"

"Nothing," Lavinia replied. She felt the familiar tug of the Vow on her tongue. She could recognize it after so much time spent under the care of Riddle's henchmen. Even if she were willing to betray her friends, she wouldn't be able to.

Death would come for her first.

Riddle cocked his head. "You have nothing to tell me? You know nothing whatsoever?"

"All I know is that they were professor and student, and later, colleagues." Lavinia felt her throat close slightly. The Vow she had made with Albus was clear: she couldn't speak of their relationship at all.

She would give Riddle enough information—hopefully, enough that it wouldn't look like she was hiding anything.

Then, she hoped that would be the end of it all.

"You see, Prewett, I don't believe you." She could feel Riddle's breath in her ear as he leaned closer to her. "I believe you have information no one else in the world is privy to."

Lavinia laughed. "You truly believe that Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore would trust me with information about their personal lives?"

"I do." Riddle nodded. "I've done some research. Your great-niece is married to Aoife McGonagall, is she not?"

Despite herself, Lavinia paled. "What does my great-niece have to do with anything?"

"Perhaps nothing." Riddle shrugged. "Perhaps everything. If you are family, I could see you assuming a maternal role for Minerva."

"Daughters don't often tell their mothers their secrets, Riddle."

"Do not call me that!" Suddenly, Riddle's wand was pointed at Lavinia's chest. "You will treat me with respect, or you will not live to regret your actions."

"Apologies, Lord Voldemort," Lavinia said bitterly. "I would hate to offend you."

"I see the time for niceties is over." Riddle pushed his wand deeper into her chest. "Tell me what you know of Minerva's illicit, irresponsible, dishonest affair with Dumbledore!"

"Are you sure you're a neutral party?" Lavinia asked drily. "You sound rather accusatory when I haven't told you anything at all."

"I simply think that parents have the right to know if their dear Headmaster enjoys spending time in his students' dormitories."

"He most certainly does not!" Lavinia snapped angrily. "I have known Albus Dumbledore for most of my life. He would never, ever force himself on a student."

"Ah, you see, Prewett, that's where I think the issue is." Riddle smiled. "I don't think he forced Minerva. I would wager Minerva wanted it just as much as the old fool."

"I can't say anything about their relationship," Lavinia whispered.

"Yes, you can!" Riddle snarled. He spat at her feet and yelled, "Crucio!"

Lavinia just had time to roll her eyes before the curse hit her, and she subsequently hit the floor. Not for the first time, she was thankful she had the idea to form the Vow with Albus.

Despite her love for her friends, she doubted she would be able to withstand the onslaught of pain Riddle inflicted upon her.

"You want to know?" Lavinia choked out.

Riddle immediately ceased his curse. He knelt beside her and stroked her cheek with one of his long, skeletal fingers. "Yes," he hissed.

"Albus and Minerva were..." Her voice trailed off as the Unbreakable Vow did its job.

She started convulsing and shook so violently that Riddle jumped back.

"Don't tell me you were foolish enough to enact the Unbreakable Vow?" Riddle screamed. He kicked her chair. "What about your memories? Do you still have your memories?"

Lavinia smiled grimly through the pain. "No."

As Riddle screamed, Lavinia closed her eyes and waited for the magic running through her to run its course.

She was simply happy that Tom bloody Riddle was not the end of her.

Lavinia's causes of death were very simple: love and loyalty.

Albus and Minerva were relaxing at the Manor shortly during their summer holidays when he suddenly jumped.

"Albus?" Minerva closed her book and looked at him closely. "Are you all right?"

"I...I don't know. I feel like someone is siphoning my magic." Albus rubbed his hands up and down his arms. "I'm cold." He hesitated. "Do you not feel it?"

"No," Minerva said worriedly. "I'm calling Poppy."

"My dear, I'm sure I'll be fine."

"You may be sure, but I'm not." Minerva stood, her hands on her hips. "Is it getting any better?"

Albus paused for a moment. "No."

"Then I'm calling Poppy."

Albus could see his wife was not going to back down. "As you wish."

"Poppy!" Minerva shouted into the fireplace. "Poppy, it's an emergency!"

"I wouldn't say that, Tabby."

"Shut it, Al!"

"Minerva?" Poppy's face appeared into view. "What's the matter?"

"It's Albus," Minerva said anxiously. "He feels like someone is siphoning off his magic."

"And you don't feel it too?"

"No." Minerva shook her head. "No, this isn't bond related."

Even through the fire, Minerva could see Poppy's eyes widen.

"All right, Min, I'm coming through."

"Thank you," Minerva whispered, stepping back to allow Poppy some room.

Poppy marched in, her potions kit in hand. "Where is he?"

"There." Minerva pointed to the chair, where Albus was still sitting with his arms crossed. "He complained that he feels cold."

"I'll take it from here, Min," Poppy said briskly but gently. "No, Albus, don't get up."

Minerva watched nervously as Poppy performed various diagnostic spells on her husband.

"Albus, did you cast any spell that could be pulling on your magic?" Poppy asked.

"No, I don't...I don't believe so." Albus looked at Poppy with a slightly anxious demeanour. "We've stayed inside all day."

"No vows, no charms, no hexes, nothing that could still be using your magic? Not even a simple stirring charm to keep soup cooking?"

"No, Poppy, not at all."

"Oh, my—Lavinia!" Minerva breathed.

"What do you mean, Lavinia?" Poppy demanded.

"Lavinia and Albus performed the Unbreakable Vow about—oh, I don't know, four years ago?" Minerva guessed. "Could that be pulling on his magic?"

"It very well could," Poppy said decidedly. "Thank you for telling me that; I wouldn't have checked for that. It's not part of a normal diagnosis routine."

"I doubt you come across many people who have made the Vow," Albus murmured. "What happens now?"

"I'm going to check if it is the Unbreakable Vow."

"Does this mean that Lavinia is in danger?" Minerva asked nervously. "Do we need to get her help?"

"My dear, let Poppy work," Albus soothed. "If this is caused by the Vow, I doubt I'm in any real danger."

"Perhaps not, but now I'm concerned for Lavinia's welfare!"

"Min," Albus warned, "let Poppy do her job."

Minerva pressed her lips together so hard they turned white.

"Well," Poppy announced three nerve-wracking minutes later, "it's definitely the Vow."

Despite her worries about Lavinia, Minerva breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank goodness."

Albus kissed Poppy's hand. "Thank you, Poppy, for coming on such short notice."

"Of course. If you had died, Minerva would never have forgiven me."

Minerva swatted Poppy's shoulder before kissing her husband. "Now, what do we do about Lavinia?"

"I have no idea where she could be," Albus admitted. "We could try her house in Manchester, but if she's in danger, that could be...well, dangerous, and ill-advised."

"To hell with the danger! I'm going," Minerva said. She Summoned her travelling cloak.

"No, you're not," Albus replied, raising his voice ever so slightly. "You're not going to fight."

"Albus, Lavinia took that Vow to protect us. To protect you. You're not about to keep me from her in her hour of need!"

"What the hell was this Vow about, anyway?" Poppy wondered.

"That is not important," Albus said firmly. He shot a look at Minerva that she understood to mean no one else was to ever find out about their one night together before she had graduated. "We will Apparate to her house together, and see if she's there."

"Fine," Minerva agreed. "Poppy, do you mind staying here? I don't know what state she'll be in if we find her."

"Of course. But do you mind if I invite Ro over? I told her I was coming here to save Albus, and she might start to worry if she doesn't hear anything."

Minerva chuckled. "Yes, of course. Send my apologies for ruining your evening."

"Minerva, if we are going, we had best go now," Albus said gently. "Here." He helped her with her cloak. "Let's see if she's in Manchester."

They arrived in Manchester, and to their disappointment but not their surprise, Lavinia's house was empty.

"Damn," Minerva muttered. "Could we try and find her?"

"We could try, but I have no idea where she could be. We would need backup from the Order."

"Albus, while I know you only allowed me to come just now because you knew she wouldn't be here, I think you and I are more than capable of defeating a Death Eater or five."

"Minerva, I'm not bringing you into a battle."

"Why not?" Minerva groaned. "I can handle it, you know."

"I love you too much to lose you to Riddle," Albus growled. Something flashed in his eyes as he gripped Minerva's arms tightly. "That's what this is about, do you understand? Our bond may worry me, but I have lost a grandchild and two children, thanks to Riddle. I will not let him take you from me, too."

"Your reticence is borne out of fear?" Minerva asked gently. "Why didn't you just say that?"

"Because you are the better Gryffindor of the two of us," Albus murmured. "Please stop asking me to let you fight. I know I have no right to ask it of you—Tom has taken just as much from you, if not more—but please. Do me this favour."

"All right," Minerva whispered. "I will stop putting up a fuss." She kissed him softly. "Shall we head back home? That way, you and Ro can gather some Order members together, and you can find Lavinia. Hopefully, it won't be too late."

He clutched her to him as he prepared to Apparate.

"Minerva?"

"Yes, my love?"

"You knew I was scared, didn't you?"

"Of course, but I was waiting for you to admit it."

Four hours later, Ro, Albus, and Alastor Moody had returned to McGonagall Manor, unsuccessful at locating Lavinia.

"This is a nice place ye got here, McGonagall," Alastor said, looking around. "It's nice of ye to let us debrief here."

"It's the least I can do, seeing as I discovered Lavinia was missing," Minerva said, reciting the lie she, Albus, Ro, and Poppy had agreed upon. "If only I had paid her a visit half an hour earlier."

"The world doesn't work in ifs and wishes, McGonagall," Alastor told her sternly. "I'm impressed by the level of enchantments on this place. I don't think I could have done better meself."

"Glad to have your approval, Alastor," Minerva replied drily.

"Can we focus instead on the fact that Lavinia is missing?" Poppy exclaimed.

Minerva watched sadly as Ro enveloped her wife in a hug. As Lavinia's successor as Matron of the Hospital Wing, Poppy had spent a good amount of time with her before taking the role herself, in addition to the amount of time Poppy had spent shadowing Lavinia whilst still a student.

"We'll figure out what happened to her," Ro soothed. "With Albus and Min on the case, the answer is sure to come to us."

"Never mind the trained Auror," Alastor grumbled.

"There are two trained Aurors in the room, Alastor," Minerva reminded him. "Don't get too ahead of yourself."

Before Alastor could reply, Ro was proved right by a Floo call emanating from the fireplace.

"Professor?" Arthur Weasley's worried voice rang out. "Professor McGonagall?"

Minerva jumped and ran to see Arthur's stressed visage poking out of her fireplace. "Arthur, what's wrong?"

"I know you said this fireplace was only for emergencies, but I really need you!"

"What's wrong, Arthur?" Minerva repeated.

"It's Molly—she got some bad news. Her grandmother died, and now I think she's gone into labour. The shock must have done it, Professor! And now she's crying and in pain, and she asked for you—"

"I'll step through, Arthur," Minerva said. "Would you mind if Madam Pomfrey comes through? It would do Molly a great deal of good to have a qualified Healer."

"Oh, please, thank you," Arthur replied gratefully. "I'll step back."

"Poppy, are you ready?" Minerva turned to see the rest of them looking at her nervously. "What?"

"Min, Molly's grandmother is dead," Poppy whispered. "Isn't Molly a Prewett?"

"Oh, God no." Minerva closed her eyes. "Oh, Lavinia."

Ro intervened and pushed Poppy gently towards Minerva. "I know this is extremely difficult, but you two should go. Help Lavinia's granddaughter as she gives birth. Lavinia wouldn't thank you for sitting here in shock."

"Right," Poppy said shakily. She nodded at Minerva. "After you."

Minerva stepped through to a disaster zone at the Burrow. Bill and Charlie were jumping on and off a couch, hitting each other with pillows, whilst Molly was screaming on another sofa, clutching at her stomach.

Poor Arthur was doing his best to calm his wife and entertain his children.

"We're here!" Minerva announced. She strode to Molly. "Hello, dear."

"Minerva!" Molly gasped. Her cheeks were red and tear-stained. "Granny—you knew Lavinia—"

"I know," Minerva said softly. She gripped Molly's hand. "I know. We can talk about that after—right now, we need to focus on getting that baby out of you, all right?"

"We?" Molly asked weakly.

"I brought Madam Pomfrey with me. She's going to help you deliver the baby."

"That—that's good. I don't think we can make it to St. Mungo's." Molly groaned. "Granny was supposed to be here to watch the kids...oh, God!"

Minerva felt her hand squeeze as Molly had another contraction. "Breathe, dear. You can do it. In and out, just like that."

"Hi, Molly," Poppy said, approaching the couch. "Would you like to remain here, or do you want us to bring you upstairs to your bed?"

"I don't think I can move," Molly admitted. "Can I stay here?"

"Of course." Poppy waved her wand, and the couch was extended so that it resembled a hospital bed. "Now we have more room."

"I love magic." Molly smiled gratefully. "Thank you."

"Do you want me to go and get Arthur?" Minerva asked. "I can watch the boys; that's no trouble at all."

"No," Molly whispered. "No, can you stay with me?"

"Molly, Arthur should be the one beside you."

"Minerva, please," Molly begged. "I want you to stay with me. Arthur can stay with Bill and Charlie."

"I'll go and tell Arthur," Poppy said, and Minerva flashed a grateful smile at her friend.

"This is too early," Molly told Minerva. "About a month."

"That's not that early," Minerva soothed. "Trust me, Poppy will have you and the baby as healthy as can be."

"Is she qualified to deliver babies?" Molly whispered. "This is different than healing injured students."

Minerva laughed gently. "Well, she helped to deliver my niece and then delivered my own baby, so yes, I'd say she's qualified."

Molly gasped. "You have a child?"

"I do." Minerva swallowed. "We can talk about my son after. All you need to know is that Poppy delivered him safely—in a house, no less. So she's familiar with the situation you're in." Molly was looking at her rather quizzically, so Minerva said, "What is it, Molly?"

"I had a feeling you were someone's mum. I just could never figure out whose," Molly admitted. "Oh, ouch!"

"Just hold my hand, and breathe. The baby will be out soon."

Five hours later, Percy Ignatius Weasley was born. Bill and Charlie were happy with their younger brother, and Arthur was practically floating.

"I thought it would be a girl this time," Molly whispered, her watchful gaze following Arthur around the room as he held the baby.

"Maybe the next one will be," Poppy offered.

"Do you really think I'll have another one after this?" Molly gasped. "My stomach hurts just thinking about a fourth child."

Poppy chuckled. "Don't write anything off yet. I'm going to take some final measurements and give Arthur instructions for the potions I'm leaving, and then I'll be off if you're feeling well enough."

"Yes, thank you." Molly smiled. "I don't know what we would have done without you."

"Oh, I'm sure Minerva could have delivered Percy for you," Poppy said, winking.

"We both know very well that I couldn't have," Minerva replied sternly. She shook her head as Poppy sauntered off to visit Arthur and the baby. "Now, Molly dear, how are you feeling?"

"I wish that Granny could have been here to see this," Molly whispered to Minerva. "She saw Bill and Charlie. I wish she could see Percy."

Minerva stroked Molly's hair. "I know, dear. I know."

"And Mum isn't here, either," Molly sobbed. "Now, I'm without Granny."

"Your grandmother was a very kind woman. I was very close to her. She was like a second mother to me," Minerva said. She realized as she said it aloud how absolutely true that was. "Lavinia was a wonderful person. She'd be so proud of you and Percy."

"At least she's with Grandad," Molly murmured. "And Mum, even if they didn't agree all the time."

"That is a nice thought," Minerva agreed.

"Can I ask you something, Minerva?"

"Yes, dear."

"Can I ask who your son is?" Molly's voice was uncharacteristically small. "I just...I've always wondered who your kid could be, and I have no idea."

Minerva sighed. "You knew him at Hogwarts, I believe. He was two years ahead of you."

"What?" Molly exclaimed. "I would have remembered someone with your last name!"

"He didn't have my last name," Minerva said kindly. "He had his father's."

"Is your son part of the Order?"

"No." Minerva took a deep breath. "Unfortunately, he passed away a year after he graduated."

Molly gasped. "Oh, Minerva, I'm so sorry."

"Thank you," Minerva murmured gratefully. So very few people knew she was her son's mother that it felt wonderful to speak his existence into the universe.

"Can I ask about his father?"

"He also passed away." Minerva flashed a watery smile at Molly, who looked horrified. "Don't worry, dear. It's a natural question."

"But Minerva, how horrible! You don't deserve that."

"I daresay nobody does. I hate to do this, Molly, but I must impress upon you the importance of keeping this quiet. Very few people know that I have a son."

"I won't tell anyone," Molly promised. "Your secret is safe with me."

"I know," Minerva said sincerely. "I trust you far more than any professor has the right to ask of her students."

"Minerva, I'd like to think that after you just held my legs open, we're a little more than student and professor."

Minerva laughed heartily. "I suppose you're right, dear."

"And as your friend," Molly continued, somewhat nervously, "I hope you know that you can talk to me about anything. Granny, your son, whatever. No one will know anything, not even Arthur."

"Thank you," Minerva whispered. She felt herself tearing up. "That means the world to me."

"I think I owe you the world," Molly said. She shook her head. "Merlin, what an odd day."

"I can only imagine," Minerva replied sympathetically. "I should be off. If you need anything, you know where to reach me."

"Thanks, Minerva. I'm so grateful."

Minerva smiled and kissed the young girl on the cheek. "Do you need anything before I go?"

"No. I might sleep, to be honest. I'll let Arthur wrangle the kids into bed." Molly grinned. "I've done enough work for one day, wouldn't you say?"

"I'd say you need a great deal of rest," Minerva laughed. "Take care, dear."

When she arrived home at the Manor, she found Albus sitting on the couch, looking tired.

"Hello, my love," Minerva said softly. "The others went home?"

"Alastor left shortly after you did. He said he was no longer needed, which is probably true." Albus sighed wearily. "Ro waited with me until Poppy came back. Poppy told us the good news. I'm pleased for Molly and Arthur."

"As am I." Minerva moved to sit beside him.

"Poppy went into a bit of shock after returning," Albus continued. "Ro thought it would be best to take her home. Poppy was quite close with Lavinia, and I believe the suddenness of it all started to sink in."

"You were also close with Lavinia." Minerva searched her husband's face. "I can only imagine that this took you for a shock."

"It did, Minerva," Albus admitted, and then he began to weep.

"Oh, my love," Minerva murmured. She pulled him into her arms and held him tightly. "She was a wonderful friend to you."

"She's one of the last people left who have known me since I was a boy." Albus' voice was muffled as he spoke into her shoulder. "One of the last people to have lived my life with me, as it were."

"Lavinia was in your life for a long time. You worked closely together for many years—and beyond that, you were friends. Good friends." Minerva kissed the top of his head. "One of the few people who you let in. Who saw you for Albus, not as Albus Dumbledore."

"There aren't many people like that in the world," Albus whispered. "You know what my life was like."

"Mhhhm."

"You'll lecture me for feeling this way, but I can't help feeling like she died because of us. Her Vow was clearly activated."

"I won't lecture you for feeling guilty. Not this time." Minerva sighed. "I feel the same."

"You do?"

"Yes, because you are correct. She died for us," Minerva whispered. "Lavinia willingly protected us, and because of that, she died." She made a face. "Well, I'm sure Riddle would have hurt her even if she had told him what he wanted to hear."

"She gave her life for us," Albus said softly. "And I hope to God she's the last one to make that sacrifice."

"She will be." Minerva's voice was full of determination. "There will be other casualties over the course of this war, unfortunately. But Lavinia will be the last one to die protecting us."

They sat in silence for a while until Minerva said, "Al?"

"Yes?"

"We really are Riddle's targets, aren't we?"

Albus turned to face her. "I'm afraid any doubts I had are gone now that he proved Lavinia correct. Clearly, Tom has a vendetta against anyone who is not a Pureblood, but I believe he would revel greatly in our deaths."

"What a cheerful thought."

"You'll make it through, Minerva. You always do."

"I'd enjoy life a lot more if Tom Riddle stopped attempting to murder me and the ones I love." She paused. "I don't want to just get through, Al. I want to live."

"You do live, my dear. Living in the presence of a constant threat demonstrates more than just hope. It shows how courageous you are."

"Well, I wouldn't be nearly as courageous without you by my side."

"Tabby, you were courageous before I came into your life, and you will be long after I leave you."

"Al, I can't take that conversation. Not tonight."

"And that's all right. We can have it when you're ready." Albus knew Minerva didn't like talking about the war, or the thought that she would be left without Albus if Tom somehow succeeded and killed him.

But he also knew that avoiding a fear didn't make it less probable, and he wanted his wife to understand just how strong she was, even on her own.

"I'll never be ready," Minerva murmured. She untucked Albus from under her chin and maneuvered them so she was now snuggled in his arms.

Perhaps, Albus thought as he held on to his wife, if this was ignorance, then ignorance was bliss, after all.