The Way It Was After

by margaretrevie

Book two of "The Ways of Minerva" series. After their children decided to change their identities, lose their memories, and travel in time, Minerva & Albus have found the new iterations of their children. Albus and Minerva do their best to deal with the cards life dealt them whilst keeping their true identities a secret and fighting in the brewing war with Tom Riddle.

1. Chapter 1

A/N: I hadn't planned on being gone this long, but alas. I hope you enjoy this sequel to "The Way it Should Have Been". If you haven't read that one, this might be slightly confusing, but you should be able to follow it. I'll be updating this one weekly like I did last time. It's all pre-written! Also, just a quick note: I do not support JKR nor her views, and this story is safe for all readers of all identities.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of its recognizable characters, settings, spells, etc. Anything recognizable, HP-related or not, is the property of its respective owners. No copyright infringement is intended. I am not associated with anyone who is in charge of copyrighted material and make no profit from it. Original characters and plot lines are the property of the authour of this story.

Chapter One: August 1971

Minerva McGonagall walked toward her personal quarters at Hogwarts, her heels clipping on the stone floor. She was thankful that it was early August: other than Pomona Sprout and Rubeus Hagrid, who were both roaming the grounds, the school was free of all but one of her colleagues.

This suited Minerva just fine.

While she enjoyed the company of many of her colleagues, if the students had gone home for the summer, Minerva preferred the castle to be nearly empty. Or, as close to empty as it could be, given the various ghosts and portraits.

And, of course, she liked when her husband was around to keep her company.

Arriving at the portrait that led into her personal quarters, Minerva revealed the entryway with a murmured, "Mo mhac."

Upon walking into her quarters, she smiled. Seated in her living room were the most important people in her life: her brother, Callum, and his wife, Lucy; her lifelong friends and longtime couple, Ro Hooch and Poppy Pomfrey; and her husband, Albus Dumbledore.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Minerva apologized, accepting a hug from Callum before sitting beside Albus. "Hagrid was in a spot of trouble with some creatures from the Forest. I thought it best to intervene."

"Quite right, my dear," Albus agreed. He kissed her cheek. "Is the problem resolved?"

"I believe so," Minerva said. "Hagrid had taken some plants from the Forest, and apparently, the Centaurs were quite fond of them. No lasting harm done."

"Ah, poor Hagrid." Albus shook his head and handed Minerva a cup of ginger tea. "He means well, but he finds himself in so much trouble."

"I'm aware," Poppy said drily. As Matron of the Hospital Wing, she had treated a number of Hagrid's injuries over the years. "I've had to develop a special charm to treat his teeth—he eats far too many of those rock cakes."

"They don't even taste good," Ro murmured. She looked between Albus and Minerva. "But I highly doubt you two invited us to your quarters simply to talk about Hagrid and his befuddling habits."

"No, we did not," Albus responded quietly. He looped his hand through Minerva's. "We have some news."

When neither Albus nor Minerva elaborated, Lucy nervously asked, "Are you...expecting?"

The question altered the mood in the room, so much so that Minerva realized they all thought she was pregnant.

Minerva could feel Albus squeezing her hand in an attempt to keep her grounded. She didn't begrudge her sister-in-law for asking the question. Minerva was still young enough that it was a possibility; in fact, she thought she had been pregnant earlier in the year.

The anxious faces surrounding her weren't the typical expressions of those that may be awaiting news of a pregnancy. However, Minerva's case was unique, and she couldn't blame her family and friends for not knowing how to react.

Four years ago, in 1967, Minerva's son, Dalton, and his wife, Athena, had made the painful decision to travel in time in order to be de-aged and begin life anew. The couple had made the decision after losing their child due to an attack led by Tom Riddle.

Minerva squeezed Albus' hand in return. This was equally as difficult for him as it was for herself. After all, Athena was Albus' daughter, and Minerva and Albus had their children's wedding to thank for bringing them back together.

"No," Minerva finally answered, "I am not pregnant."

"This does concern our children, though," Albus said softly. "We have discovered where Athena is."

His remark was met with various cries of surprise from their friends. No one—not even Minerva and Albus—had been privy to the information of when Dalton and Athena had been sent to live their new lives.

"How did you do that?" Callum asked, disbelieving. "If the Unspeakables make it that easy to find someone who has travelled in time, I may need to have a word with one of my inferiors."

Callum was the head of the Unspeakables department. Due to a need for complete secrecy, he was never told who would be travelling in time; instead, he simply approved the applications. He had discovered the truth about his nephew and niece's whereabouts after believing them to be dead.

Callum had never forgiven himself for not recognizing Athena and Dalton's application to time travel, and he had been extra-protective of Minerva ever since.

"It wasn't intentional," Minerva replied. "I discovered Athena whilst I was conducting Hogwarts business, actually. It appears that Athena will be joining us next month as a Muggle-born student."

"But she's not Muggle-born," Ro said, frowning. "Obviously."

"While that may be obvious to us, her new parents are Muggles. The only life she remembers now is a life without magic," Albus responded. He wore a pained expression on his face.

"Do you know her parents?" Lucy asked quietly. "Do we at least know that she's well-taken care of?"

Minerva squeezed Albus' hand again.

"I know her mother. We all do, in fact." Albus inhaled deeply. "It is quite fortunate that Athena ended up with her birth mother."

"She's with Violet?" Callum asked. He wore a startled expression. "What ended up happening to her?"

Violet Evans, Athena's birth mother and Albus' former lover, had taken an incorrectly-brewed Forgetfulness potion when Athena was younger. Consequently, she had forgotten everything about Albus, the magical world, and, most tragically, her daughter. Albus had tried to find Violet after the fact but to no avail.

"We don't know much," Minerva said. "I know the usual amount of information that we're given about our students' parents, but the information isn't very revealing. Violet is married to Gabriel Evans, lives in the Midlands, and has two daughters. The eldest is a Muggle like her parents, and the second is Athena."

"Did Violet recognize you?" Poppy asked. She bit her lip. "Did Athena recognize you?"

"Violet thought I looked familiar, but she couldn't place me, no," Minerva said, shaking her head. "Athena didn't recognize me at all." She looked at her brother. "Clearly, your department's memory-wiping methods are in good working order."

Callum blanched. "I suppose that's good to know, all things considered."

"Her new name," Minerva continued, "is Lily. Lily Evans."

"That's a nice name," Lucy commented softly. She smiled gently at her brother-in-law. "I know this must have been a shock, Albus, but I'm happy to hear she's with Violet."

"That is a small mercy," Albus agreed. "At first, I didn't know what to make of it, but now, I am comforted by the knowledge. Violet and I were not a good romantic fit, but she was always a good mother."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and Ro took the opportunity to ask a question of her own. "I'm presuming you found out about this when you delivered her Hogwarts letter, correct? When was her birthday? Why are we just finding out about this now?" Ro looked intently at Minerva. "Min, I know you've spent oodles of time with Poppy this year due to your earlier illness. Why didn't you at least tell her?"

Albus bristled beside her, but Minerva knew Ro was asking on Poppy's behalf—Poppy would never be so bold as to ask the question in front of Lucy and Callum, or even Albus.

"Her birthday was in January. I wanted to tell Poppy," Minerva admitted. "I knew it was pertinent to my mental health, and I knew Poppy would be able to help. I simply didn't want to have to field questions about Dalton's whereabouts. We still didn't know where he was, and I thought it would be easier if we could tell you all about both of them at the same time."

"But you haven't told us anything about Dalton," Callum said, frowning.

"No," Albus said, exhaling. "No, we haven't. After we found Athena, we decided we wouldn't go looking for Dalton until the new school year started. After all, it's entirely possible that Dalton will appear as a first-year with Athena. As Athena is with Violet, and therefore with someone we know, we thought we'd see if Dalton made himself known to us, so to speak. Unfortunately, it's nearly September now, and since we haven't found him yet, we knew we had to tell you about Athena sooner rather than later."

"Oh, Min. I'm so sorry." Lucy looked sadly at her sister-in-law. "It must be so difficult for you to know where Athena is, and not have any idea about Dalton."

Minerva swallowed roughly. "It is, which is why I wanted to ask all of you if you knew of an eleven-year-old boy who would be coming to Hogwarts for his first year. Someone in any of your families, perhaps?"

"I don't talk to my family for obvious reasons," Ro said, and Minerva nodded her understanding.

"I don't think there's anyone in our family, Min; anyone I could think of you would already have considered." Callum frowned. "I can't think of anyone that Aoife might be related to, either—you know, through Alice."

Aoife was Callum and Lucy's youngest daughter, and Alice was her wife.

"No, but Charlus has a much older cousin with a child around this age, doesn't he?" Lucy exclaimed. "I remember Iolanthe saying that they'd been trying for a baby for some time and ended up older parents. Would that count, Min? I know it's not as close as a parental relation, but could Dalton be with his cousin's husband's extended family?"

"Anything's possible," Albus considered slowly. He looked at Minerva, whose eyes had lit up. "The boy is starting Hogwarts next month?"

Lucy nodded. "I think so. I can check with Iolanthe, if you wish."

"What is his name?" Minerva asked quietly. "In case it is him, I want to prepare myself. I don't want to read his name out for the Sorting and collapse in shock when I see him."

"I think his name is James, isn't it?" Lucy looked to Callum for confirmation, who nodded.

"James Potter," Minerva whispered, testing the name in her mouth. "Thank you for telling us."

"Of course," Lucy said gently.

"How did you know it was Athena?" Callum asked, changing the subject.

"I observed her magical signature, and it's a match. Perhaps more obviously, she looks exactly the same," Minerva answered. "Except now, she has my eyes."

Callum raised his eyebrows. "Did Athena—or sorry, Lily—notice the similarity?"

"Yes." Minerva sighed sadly. "Yes, she mentioned that no one else in her family has green eyes, so she thought she was adopted."

"Bloody hell," Ro murmured.

"So are we to assume Dalton has Athena's blue eyes?" Lucy asked. "Poppy, would you know? And why were their eyes changed at all? Obviously, I would understand if their entire appearances had been altered, but if it's only their eyes…."

"I have no idea," Poppy said, shaking her head. "In fact, your husband is probably better positioned to answer those questions."

Callum rubbed at his beard wearily. "I would wager that Dalton has Athena's old eyes, yes. I can't imagine what else they would change. Albus and Minnie might be able to explain the exchange a bit better than I can, but that's because it relates to the science of soul bonds. In essence, soul-bonded people can exchange body parts."

"I bet that can get fun," Ro said, smirking.

"Not the time, Ro," Poppy hissed. She swatted her wife on the shoulder. "All right, even if we understand the reason why a body part had to be exchanged, I don't understand why they resemble their past selves at all. Shouldn't they look completely different?"

"They should," Callum admitted. "Something must have gone wrong with the process when they time-travelled. They shouldn't be even remotely recognizable."

Minerva felt a knot form in her stomach. "Fantastic."

"Well, clearly, the error didn't harm them," Callum added hastily. "It made it easier for you to find them."

"To find Athena," Minerva corrected. "We're hoping it's just as easy to find Dalton." She sighed. "I might need a Calming Draught just to get through the Sorting Ceremony."

"I'll have one on hand," Poppy promised, and Minerva smiled at her friend.

"How do you think you'll be able to explain away Lily's appearance?" Ro asked. "If she looks almost exactly the same, surely the staff will notice."

"For starters, no one will think to ask us directly. Filius might, but only because he knows that I am Athena's father," Albus said. "To every other member of the staff, Athena Williams is a student who, along with her husband, passed away a year after graduating. There is no reason to think that Minerva or I would have any extra information on her family."

"Besides, Lily Evans is listed as a Muggle-born in the school records," Minerva added. "And before you ask, Ro, if anyone asks about Dalton and his family history, we'll handle it as it comes."

Ro took the chastisement for what it was and knew not to push her friend any further. "I suppose it's a good thing that Iolanthe's children will be attending Beauxbatons. Obviously, they didn't know Dalton and Athena, but this way, Esmé and Eléa won't befriend them and take them home to Iolanthe and Charlus, who would recognize them."

"One reason to be glad that my grandchildren will be raised in France," Callum grumbled. He was happy that Iolanthe and Charlus had jobs they both enjoyed, but he often wished that he could spend more time with his granddaughters.

"Aoife's children will be raised here," Minerva remarked, laughing. "I am so pleased Aoife and Alice decided to adopt."

"They'll be wonderful parents," Albus added. "I hope the Ministry matches them with a child soon."

"Me, too," Lucy said softly. She smiled. "Those two will be great parents."

There was a moment of silence before Ro interjected once more.

"I have another question," Ro said. "I hate to ask, but have you informed the Board of Governors of your marriage? I know it's been a few years since you were married, but I've never asked."

"Why ask now?" Poppy frowned.

"Because if Athena and Dalton pop up looking like young adults that supposedly died, the Ministry might start asking questions. They might ask even more questions if they know about your marriage, especially since you were Dalton's second emergency contact with the Ministry, Minerva."

Minerva looked at Albus. "We had originally planned on it, but after Dalton and Athena died, so to speak, it felt best to wait."

"And a good time never revealed itself, especially with the brewing war," Albus added, trailing off.

Everyone knew what he meant. The new dark lord had grown, and there were talks that he had infiltrated the Ministry. Everyone in the room knew of Riddle's hatred for Albus and his obsession with Minerva. In the current political climate, no one could blame the couple for keeping their marriage a secret from the Board of Governors—and, therefore, the Ministry.

Ro snorted. "I don't blame you, especially since we know half the board fraternized with Riddle."

"Speaking of the board, I hope Lucius doesn't go the same way as his father," Poppy said, sighing. "He's a fair Prefect, and a nice enough young man when he's away from his Slytherin friends."

"Poppy!" Minerva admonished. She rolled her eyes as Ro laughed.

"I don't mean that all Slytherins are bad, of course," Poppy added hastily. "I just mean that the subset with whom Lucius spends his time seems to be particularly hellbent on landing others in the Hospital Wing without remorse."

"Speaking of students," Albus said mildly, but in a way that ended the current line of conversation, "I'm afraid I need to speak with Minerva and Poppy about a specific student joining us in the autumn." He looked pointedly at Ro. "Ro, would you be able to entertain Lucy and Callum in your quarters until we've finished here?"

"Using me as a distraction, are you, Albus?" Ro sighed dramatically. "Fine. Lucy, Cal, follow me. We can have a glass of wine or three before we all meet for dinner."

"Thank you, Ro," Minerva said appreciatively. After the three of them had left the room, Minerva turned to her husband. "What is going on?"

"You don't already know?" Poppy inquired, raising her eyebrows.

"No, she doesn't," Albus said. "We have a particular student joining us in the fall as part of the first-year class. Normally, this student wouldn't be allowed to study here, but I have promised his parents we would make accommodations for him. As Deputy, Minerva, I believe it necessary for you to know. As for your presence, Poppy, this boy will require significant medical care."

Minerva exchanged glances with Poppy. "Well, by all means, Albus, don't keep us in suspense."

"A young boy named Remus Lupin will be starting as a first-year next month. He is magical, clearly, and comes from a hard-working family. A few years ago, Mr. Lupin had an unfortunate run-in with Fenrir Greyback. He has since been afflicted with Lycanthropy."

Poppy felt her jaw fall towards the floor. "Albus, I wouldn't even know where to begin to care for a student who transforms into a werewolf at every full moon."

"Is this safe for the other students?" Minerva asked.

"I wouldn't do something that would compromise the safety of our other students, Minerva," Albus said testily.

"I wouldn't think you would, Albus, but how on earth do you expect us to keep them safe from a werewolf? And I can only imagine the boy doesn't want others to know about his condition. He'd be ostracized." Minerva looked fiercely at her husband. "What are your plans for when he transforms?"

"I have had a shack constructed at the edge of the village for Mr. Lupin's use," Albus explained. "He can go there to transform, and once he has returned to his human self, we can bring him back to the castle. There is a tunnel that leads to the building, and I have put the entrance to that tunnel underneath a new tree planted on the grounds."

"The new Whomping Willow Pomona has been raving about?" Poppy asked incredulously. "You planted a Whomping Willow here so that a student could use it as a passageway to transform into a werewolf?"

"It was the only way to ensure that Mr. Lupin could transform safely without hurting anyone else in the castle or on the grounds. Poppy, I had hoped that you would be able to escort him safely there each full moon. Then, when he is back to his normal self, you can bring him back to the castle."

Albus turned to Minerva. "Minerva, I would ask you to coordinate some things with Jilly; for instance, ensuring that the shack has various foods and accoutrements the lad might need while in wolf form."

"Jilly is a trusted house-elf, but this…this is rather a lot to ask of her, Albus," Minerva said gently.

"She has been my trusted companion since before either of you were students here," Albus replied firmly. "In fact, she was quite helpful when I had the shack constructed this summer.

"Again, Poppy, I am telling you because he will need to be treated every full moon. Please consider what extra supplies may be required to treat him, and send the budgetary information to Minerva.

"Minerva, as Deputy, clearly you need to know in the event that I am not here and something happens. However, I hope, for the boy's sake, that he is sorted into Gryffindor so fewer people need to be informed about his affliction," Albus continued, looking at Minerva. "And if he is sorted elsewhere, I pray it's not Slytherin. Horace would be a horrible Head for him."

"Horace wouldn't be able to keep it a secret," Minerva said disdainfully. "I agree with you. I'd rather we be the only ones to know about the boy's condition."

"How did you learn about the boy, Albus?" Poppy asked carefully.

"His parents wrote to me. They said they knew Mr. Lupin would be on the list for students coming in the fall, but wanted me to know they thought it would be best if he didn't attend." Albus sighed. "They offered no reason why, so I paid them a visit. When they told me about the situation, I knew I had to help. There's no reason this boy should be robbed of an education because of something over which he has no control."

Minerva felt for the boy—and agreed with her husband's good heart—but she knew that it would be her life that would become infinitely more stressful should something happen.

"Well, there's nothing to be done other than hope for the best," Minerva said briskly. "Poppy and I will work out the budgetary increases for the Hospital Wing. And, Albus, if you would show us this…establishment you have devised for Mr. Lupin's use, I would feel much better."

"Of course, Minerva." Albus nodded. "Thank you both for your understanding."

"I understand your willingness to help, Albus, but I hope this won't be in vain," Poppy warned. "If word of this escapes our little trio, there will be calls for your resignation."

"I will accept what may come," Albus said, tilting his head. "Now, Poppy, would you be able to join Ro, Callum, and Lucy? I need to speak with Minerva alone."

Poppy nodded. "For your sake, Min, I hope this conversation isn't as shocking as a student afflicted with Lycanthropy. I'll see you both in a bit."

Minerva looked expectantly at Albus after Poppy had left their quarters. "What is it, Albus?"

Albus bit his lip—a sure sign that Minerva wouldn't like what was coming next. "I need to speak to you as my wife and my Deputy."

Suddenly, Minerva felt a swirl of anxiety roiling through the bond they shared. "What happened?"

"Nothing, yet. However, you know as well as I do that Tom is growing in power, my dear." Albus looked at her earnestly. "I would like to start an underground resistance. I believe Tom has already infiltrated the Ministry, and I do not trust that the Ministry will oppose him with much fervour."

"What do you mean, you would like to?" Minerva raised an eyebrow. "You've never needed my permission to do anything."

Albus exhaled. "I know I haven't, but this particular endeavour would require a significant amount of my time. Both personal and professional."

Ah, she understood now.

If Albus wanted to initiate a secret army to handle Riddle, he would feel the need to lead it. Of course, he would; Minerva knew her husband, and he wouldn't be able to initiate this…order and then let it rest in others' capable hands. No, he would want to manage the damn thing. In exchange, Minerva would have to pick up the slack as his Deputy, and she would have to suffer as his wife.

"Albus, I despise Tom as much as you do, and I would love to see him stopped before another war begins, but why on earth does this duty fall to you?" Minerva asked quietly.

"No one knows him as I do," Albus responded lowly. "No one understands him like I do."

"I'd wager I know him just as well," Minerva said drily. She sighed. "Albus, I don't want you in that kind of danger. Athena—and perhaps Dalton—are coming back to school, and I can't be worrying about you duelling Riddle to the death. If you're insistent on starting a resistance, I want to be there with you. By your side."

"And this is why I must ask too much of you, Tabby." Albus grasped her hands tightly. "I need to know that you'll manage things here at Hogwarts. Pick up the slack if I must fly away into the night here and there."

"Albus, I am less concerned about my ability to manage Hogwarts than I am about our relationship," Minerva said. "I know I am capable of acting as Headmistress in your stead. But I am not a woman prone to waiting around for her husband. I simply don't feel right allowing you to go off and fight these battles—especially since some of those battles are mine."

Albus smiled softly. He knew that putting a stop to Riddle's terror before it could truly begin meant more to Minerva than it ever could to him. And that was why, Albus knew, he couldn't let her get directly involved.

"I don't want us both involved," Albus responded, sighing. "Truthfully, I am worried about us and our bond. If both of us are fighting, then that increases the risk that we'll both be hurt. What if I'm fighting Tom, and he injures me, thereby injuring you whilst you're fighting someone else? No, Minerva, I can't take that risk. I can't hurt you."

Minerva swallowed. "I understand that you have a need to keep the ones you love safe, especially after Ariana—"

"Minerva," Albus interrupted lowly. "What are you insinuating?"

"Hush, my love," Minerva reprimanded gently. "I'm saying that I understand your desire to keep me safe, and I can respect that. In exchange, however, I need to know that you'll respect my wish to know what you're doing and when.

"What if I came to the meetings? Took notes and the like? I am well-versed in handling your administrative affairs, after all," Minerva said, smiling wryly. "That way, I would have an idea of what's going on—heck, I could even make suggestions—but I wouldn't be involved in the fighting."

Minerva looked Albus over as he considered her proposal. She knew that attending the meetings wouldn't suddenly convince Albus to reveal all of his secrets to her, but she wanted to help in whatever way she could.

"I believe that would be a fair compromise, my dear," Albus agreed finally. "Now, I just have one more thing to ask of you."

"What else could you possibly want?" Minerva asked incredulously. "Honestly, Albus, I'm not sure what more I can take this year."

"With your permission, I'd like to use Scrimgeour Manor for the meetings for my little group," Albus said quietly. "It's well-protected, and no one would ever suspect that we would meet there. It would be quite the impenetrable fortress."

"Are you sure you haven't simply chosen Scrimgeour Manor because I haven't been there since Aidan died, and you knew that the location would dissuade me from attending meetings?" Minerva asked bitterly. She arched an eyebrow. "You aren't usually so transparent."

"While that thought did cross my mind, it truly is the only safe place I can think of," Albus admitted. "My home that you stayed at is far too small for such a gathering, and I wouldn't dream of endangering McGonagall Manor."

"I should hope not, since it is my family home."

Albus ignored her remark. "Would you be comfortable holding the meetings at Scrimgeour Manor? Dalton wanted you to ensure his father's house was never used for Tom's benefit. This would be acting in accordance with his wishes."

Minerva closed her eyes. "Merlin, Albus. You don't need to use my son's words against me."

"Min, I didn't mean…." Albus trailed off as she raised her hand to stop him.

"I know you didn't. Well, I believe you knew what you were doing, but you didn't do it out of malice. You are correct, as usual." Minerva looked fiercely at her husband. "Scrimgeour Manor is the best place for these meetings, and I'll go. It would be a good way to honour Aidan and Dalton. And, it will finally give me a reason to set foot in that bloody place."

"If you're sure," Albus said, and when Minerva nodded, he kissed her. "Now, that's all the unpleasantness for today."

"Are you sure?" Minerva scoffed. She smiled and stood. "Now, shall we go and rejoin our family for one of our last dinners before the castle is fully occupied once more?"

"That sounds perfect." Albus rose and allowed Minerva to lead him from her quarters. "Min, my dear, don't you think anyone will ask what your password is?" Albus asked gently. "It's not every day that one hears Gaelic."

Minerva looked her husband squarely in the eyes. "Albus, our colleagues and the students always go to my office, not my personal quarters. And if anyone asks, I can always lie. No one here knows enough Gaelic to know that mo mhac means my son."

Albus simply stared at her until she relented. "I'll change it before the start of the term."

"I just don't want you being asked a question you can't answer," Albus responded gently. "That's all, my dear."

"You're right." Minerva sighed and led them toward Ro and Poppy's quarters. "I don't want any more headaches during what's shaping up to be a tumultuous year."

"With any luck, we'll have both of our children back under this enormous roof soon enough," Albus whispered. "We can handle the rest."

Minerva simply patted her husband's arm, hoping that he was right and that this school year would bring less harm than she was anticipating.