Photos in the Attic

[tabbygirl]

Disclaimer: I do not own anything that has already been copyrighted.

A/N: This is my response to a challenge I took months ago. Enjoy.

Photos in the Attic

Chapter One

The Saturday morning drizzle in the Scottish Highlands was nothing new to Minerva and Albus Dumbledore. It seemed like every Saturday morning in the summer it rained in the morning hours. On those Saturday mornings, Minerva was the first to wake, and she would go outside onto the covered deck and watch the rain fall, making puddles in the green lawn.

This morning was different. It rained as usual, but instead of Minerva being lost in a dream, her mind was focused upon one thing. Her daughter.

It was that summer when everyone was panicking about Lord Voldemort’s return, and Minerva knew her daughter wouldn’t be safe with the Muggle family she has lived with for the past sixteen years. It was that tiny thought in the back of her head that made her worried; the thought of Voldemort finding out who her daughter was and killing the girl.

Minerva suddenly felt a hand on her shoulder and she jumped out of fright. She turned to see Albus looking down at her.

“Enjoying the rain?” He asked as the two of them took seats on the porch swing.

“Not as much as usual.” Minerva replied after a sigh.

“May I inquire as to what is making you Saturday morning routine less enjoyable?”

She rested her head against his shoulder and stared at her bare feet.

“I’ve been thinking about out daughter a lot lately,” she said.

“What about her?”

“I don’t think she is safe with her adoptive parents. You-Know-Who knows she is a close friend of Harry Potter. I’m just…worried.”

“I see your maternal instincts are still stronger.”

“Yes…why wouldn’t they be?”

“No reason.”

“So what are we going to do?”

“I have a thought.”

“Yes?”

“Well, she is coming of age, and she should know that she is adopted.”

Minerva stopped the swing.

“Are you saying bring her here?” She asked.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying.”

Minerva jumped up in excitement. She thought that she might explode form the joy that was swelling up inside of her.

“When can she be here?” Minerva asked.

“Just calm down, my dear. I know that you are excited, but we need to plan this out. We can’t just show up at her house and say ‘Hi, we are your real parents and now you have to come live with us.’”

“You’re right.”

“First of all, she can’t know we’re married, not yet at least. Second, she needs to have a chance to settle into life around here before we tell her anything. Third, we need to explain to her whey she is coming here, and we should probably tell her Muggle family the truth.”

“What if they don’t believe us?”

“I’m sure we can prove it to them.”

Minerva began remembering the day thy left their baby girl on the doorstep of one of the nicest Muggle couples they have seen. The girl was only two weeks old. She was wrapped in a warm tartan blanket, and pinned to the blanket was a piece of parchment stating her name and birthday.

Eleven years after that, she came to Hogwarts. It was the first time Albus and Minerva saw their child in eleven years. There had been several times when Minerva wanted to tell the girl everything. Albus told her not to because it wasn’t the right time.

Hopefully now was the right time…

[beMMADfabulous]

This is absolutely brilliant! Write again soon, please!

[tabbygirl]

Thanks. I wasn't sure how this would turn out, but I think this will be my best fic yet. I should be able to have chapter two up tomorrow.

[morethanacrush]

I'm extremely excited for more already!!
Keep going, pleease?
I think I know who the daughter is...
and it makes me ancitipate that new chapter even more darlin!
love
Cody*

[tabbygirl]

Chapter Two

A hand came out from under the blankets to turn off the beeping alarm clock. Slowly, the sleepy figure threw the blankets off of herself, and she pulled herself into a sitting position before yawning and stretching.

Hermione Granger didn't want to wake up this morning. Getting up would mean she would have to worry. Worry about Harry, worry about the fate of the wizarding world, that's all she did these days.

A large ginger colored cat jumped onto the bed next to her. He nudged his head against her arm begging for attention.

"Good morning, Crookshanks," Hermione said, petting his furry body.

The cat purred in response.

"I have a weird feeling about today. I think something is going to happen. What do you think?"

Crookshanks meowed.

"Yeah, I don't know either."

Hermione got a shower and got dressed before she went downstairs for breakfast.

"Hermione, this just came for you about twenty minutes ago," Amy Granger said, handing Hermione a parchment envelope.

Oh no! My O.W.L results, Hermione thought. She opened the letter and let out a sigh of relief. The letter had nothing to do with her O.W.L results.

Dear Miss Granger,
Due to You-Know-Who's return the Order believes
it fitting that you not stay with you family this
summer. If you and your parents agree, the Order has
asked me to have you at my estate for the summer
holiday. I will be stopping by this afternoon to find out
your answer. We can make further plans from there.
Yours sincerely,
Professor M. McGonagall

"What does it say?" Gregory Granger asked, taking a bite out of his toast.

"It's from Professor McGonagall. She wants me to stay with her this summer because of Voldemort," Hermione said, showing them the letter.

"Well, we don't want you to get hurt," her mother said.

"Would you like to spend the summer with your teacher?" Her father asked.

"I'm sure it would be nice, and I would probably learn a lot, but I don't want to leave you two here alone," Hermione said.

"Hermione, we don't want you to get hurt in anyway. Don't worry about us. If Professor McGonagall thinks it's best to go with her, then you'll go with her for the summer."

Hermione nodded. "Are you sure you'll be all right?"

"Yes,dear,we will be fine."

The morning hours past. Hermione was sitting in a comfortable position in her chair, reading a book, when a knock alerted her to the people outside her room.

"Come in," she said, closing the book.

The door swung open and her parents, followed by Professor McGonagall, walked into the bedroom. Hermione saw the look on her parents' faces, and she knew the teacher must have told them something very important and very secret.

"Is your stuff packed," Amy asked.

"Am I leaving now?" Hermione asked, sliding off of the chair, "so soon, I mean?"

"It is the safest time to leave," Minerva said.

"My school stuff is packed."

"You'll need your clothes for the summer and school."

"That's packed into my trunk as well."

"Well, are you ready to leave?"

"Yeah, I guess. Wait! I need to put Crookshanks in his cage."

Hermione gathered the ball of ginger in her arms and put it into its cage.

"I'll just send this off then," Minerva said.

She pulled out her wand and gave it a sharp flick. Crookshanks and the trunk disappeared.

Hermione turned to her parents and hugged them.

"Stay safe," she whispered.

"You too," her mother said.

"You know how to get a hold of us if you need anything," her father said.

Hermione turned to Minerva.

"Shall we depart?" Minerva asked.

Hermione nodded, having the strangest feeling this would be the last time she would see her parents ever again.

[beMMADfabulous]

No, no, you can't end it there and keep me waiting. lol I've been looking forward to this. ;D You're still doing a great job, and I can't wait to read more.

[tabbygirl]

Chapter Three

"Professor, how are we getting to your home," Hermione asked as the two walked down Willow Drive.

"We will be taking a Portkey, but we need to get out of sight from the Muggles," Minerva replied.

Hermione would have said it would have been better to use the Portkey in her house, but she knew better than to argue with Professor McGonagall.

They walked form Willow Drive to Pine View Road. On Pine View Road, they went down an alley between the post office and bakery. Minerva pulled out and old newspaper from the pocket of her robes.


"You know how these work I assume, Miss Granger?" Minerva asked.

Hermione nodded and placed only one finger of the newspaper.

"Right. Three-two-one!"

OOOOOOO

Albus walked to the other side of the large manor. He and Minerva thought it would be best for him to stay out of sight for the time being. Hermione wasn't to know that Minerva and Albus were married until she was comfortable with Minerva. The couple agreed that on every Sunday, they would eat dinner together. Hermione wouldn't think it was strange if two really good friends ate dinner together once a week.

As Albus settled down in a chair in the south wing sitting room, he prayed that this whole arrangement would work out as planned.

OOOOOOO

Minerva led Hermione to the door of the manor.

"This manor has been in my family for years," she said when she noticed Hermione observing her new surroundings.

Hermione thought the manor was more like a castle. The grounds seemed to stretch for miles. the manor was four stories tall, with the fifth floor as the attic. The manor was made out of red brick with four chimneys. The deck was made out of finished maple wood, and it wrapped around to the other side of the manor.

Inside was just as nice, if not better. The stairs were a shiny stone and the walls were different colors, depending on the room. The floors in the rooms were polished hard wood.

Minerva gave Hermione a quick tour of the manor before taking Hermione to her bedroom on the third floor. The bedroom had blue walls and light tan carpet. There was a full four-post bed, a five drawer chest, an oak wood wardrobe, a red armchair like the ones in the Gryffindor common room, and two large windows that over looked the back lawn. Hermione's trunk and her cat were sitting at the foot of the bed.

"You are free to explore the grounds," Minerva said as Hermione let Crookshanks out of his cage. "My room is on the second floor, the last door on the right."

Hermione nodded.

"The South Wing of the manor is off limits. It needs remodeled because that part of the building is rotting away."

"Yes, professor," Hermione said.

"I shall call you when dinner is ready."

As Minerva turned to leave the room, as spun around to face the girl again.

"I almost forgot, every Sunday Professor Dumbledore comes over for dinner. We like to get together and catch up on the times."

"I understand, professor."

Minerva left the room to allow Hermione to get settled.

Hermione sat down on the chair, resting her elbows on her knees and chin in her hands. She couldn't help but think there was another reason why she was staying with Professor McGonagall. It's almost like her teacher knew something.

She sighed. What did McGonagall know? Why was she there?

As the questions ran through Hermione's head, she drifted of into sleep, unaware of what would happen while she stayed with her professor.

Three floors down Minerva made two cups of tea. Plans of what she was going to do fogged her mind. She didn't know what was going to happen in the days to come.

In the South Wing, Albus was waiting for her so they could plan how they would deal with everything.

"I'm really sorry you have to stay in the South Wing," Minerva said once she got into Albus' chambers.

"I know, but we must wait until the time is right. By the way, how is she?" Albus asked.

"She seems a bit nervous," Minerva said, sitting down next to Albus on the couch.

"Well, that is understandable."

"I just wish I could do something to ease that nervousness."

He put his arm around her shoulders to draw her closer to him.

"Me too," he said.

"Well, I better go start dinner. Do you want me to bring you anything?"

"Just a plate of whatever wonderful delights you make."

He placed a passionate kiss on her lips, a kiss she responded with her own.

"I'll see what I can do," Minerva said, smiling when they broke.

She kissed him one more time before going back to the North Wing.

[beMMADfabulous]

Woohoo! ;D That was great, as I expected it would be. hehe It's sad that Albus has to stay in the South Wing. *pouts* I almost took a nap before checking the Internet, but I'm glad I decided to do the latter first. Now I can sleep even better. Update soon!

[tabbygirl]

I don't know how long it will take me to get the next chapter up. I should have it up later night, but I have to pack for my trip to camp tomorrow and babysit my sister so who knows when I will be able to update.

[beMMADfabulous]

Okay, I'll be waiting (not so) patiently. hehe

[kankulex]

ohoo.. I just discovered this story now and it really intrigues me... I hope Hermione won't react to badly to the news of her real parents. But whatever... Please update soon!

[tartanmin]

kankulex said:

ohoo.. I just discovered this story now and it really intrigues me... I hope Hermione won't react to badly to the news of her real parents. But whatever... Please update soon!

Hopefully she'll except it..
update soon...

[furandfeathers]

very good! please update soon!

[StormAngel]

oooo... Great!! Update soon will you? I love this.

[admm4ever]

OOOHHH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!

I just found this!!! It took me absolutely forever (my computer's being anal again).

This is better than I imagined, I simply cannot wait for more. (Jumping up and down like a school girl)

Bravo, wonderful job!! Keep up the good work!!

[tabbygirl]

A/N: Well everyone, here’s chapter four. Sorry it took me so long. I've been at camp since Sunday and I just got back yesterday.

Chapter Four

Hermione woke up in her chair to discover the sun was setting. The light that came through the window made the blue walls look like a pinkish color.

There was a knock on the door that made her sit up straight. “Come in,” she said sleepily.

The door opened and McGonagall came into the room.

“Dinner is ready. Do you want to get cleaned up first?” Minerva asked.

“Yes,” Hermione answered.

“The bathroom is across the hall. I’ll wait until you’re done before we eat.”

Hermione nodded and Minerva left the room. Once Hermione was finisher in the bathroom, she began to walk down to the dinning room. As she drew close to the stairs that led to the ground floor, she heard music coming from the South Wing.

“That’s strange,” Hermione said to herself, “McGonagall said the South Wing was rotting away, so why would there be music coming from it.”

She kept walking to the dinning room.

They ate in silence. Once dinner was over, they had dessert. Hermione began debating whether or not she should tell Minerva about the music. In the end, she decided not to.

“Everything was really good, professor,” Hermione said when she was finished.

“Thank you, Hermione. You may call me Minerva while you stay here.”

“Um-okay,” Hermione said awkwardly. She had never been on first name basis with a teacher.

“Well, you have the rest of the night to yourself. If you need me, I will either be in my study or in my room. I just want you in bed by midnight.”

“Yes, prof-I mean, Minerva,” Hermione said, getting up from her seat and pushing her chair into the table. “Thank you again for dinner.”

Hermione turned to go up to her room. When she passed the entrance to the South Wing, she stopped and listened. There was nothing coming from there this time. She had an eerie feeling someone else was in the house and Minerva knew about that someone.

After getting a shower, she went to her room, falling asleep a short time later.


OOOOOOO

Minerva put a plate of food together and made a mug of hot chocolate. She walked to Albus’ room in the South Wing to find him reading the Evening Prophet.

“I heard someone ordered a plate of what ever wonderful delights I made,” Minerva said, placing the plate on the table in front of him.

“I did,” Albus said, folding the newspaper and setting it aside. “That looks wonderful, Min.”

“Well, Hermione liked it.”

“At least we know she likes your cooking, but then again, your cooking could rival Molly’s.”

“Oh please. I’m not that good.”

“I think you are.”

“I’m your wife. You have to say that.”

He pulled Minerva onto his lap. She let out a small scream of surprise.

“I don’t have to say that. I just want to because I love you,” he said.

“I love you too, Albus.”

She kissed him passionately for a few moments.

“Will I be able to go to bed with you?” He asked when they broke.

“I don’t know. We really shouldn’t.”

“Min, she won’t see me. There’s a passage that connects our room with the South Wing.”

“I know, but it would be hard to explain if she finds out.”

“I can be gone by dawn.”

Minerva looked at him. How could she deny them anything?

“All right,” she said.

Hermione slept peacefully, but the dream she had was a little strange.

She was only a baby. She was wrapped in a tartan blanket and was being carried to the Granger’s doorstep. Hermione couldn’t see the face of the person that held her. She only knew that the person was a woman, possibably her real mother.

The woman sat her down on the doorstep.

“I’m so sorry, little one,” the woman said, “But one day, you will understand.”

The voice sounded so familiar. But whose was it? It was filled with love and affection. Hermione knew she heard the voice somewhere before.

OOOOOOO

Minerva woke up the next morning to find Albus had gone back to the South Wing.

She got out of bed and put on her tartan dressing gown over top of her green night gown. She went upstairs to the third floor and checked on Hermione, who was still sleeping. She watched the girl for a few moments before going to the kitchen to make breakfast.

Hermione heard the door creak shut and she woke from her slumber. The light came through the curtain, and it lightened the room so much that the light hurt her eyes. After lying in bed for a full ten minutes, she realized it was no use to fall back asleep.

She got up and got dressed, not knowing what would happen that day.

[admm4ever]

This is so good. You've got me hooked!!!

I love how you portray Albus and Minerva's relationship. You make it seem real, like they are just perfect for each other. I can wait until Hermione finds out!!

Les

[kissofdeath]

ooh. This is getting interesting. I gotta say, you're really good with your updating. On average it takes me a few months before I update my fics.

[tabbygirl]

A/N: Thanks for sticking with me. Keep reading pretty please

Chapter Five

Minerva was setting the table for breakfast when a soft tapping interrupted her. She turned to see a barn owl tapping on the window above the sink. She walked over to the window, opening it to let the owl inside the kitchen. She untied the letter it had on its leg and the owl flew out the open window, leaving her alone to read.

Minerva and Albus,
You need to get here ASAP. The Grangers have been attacked, and it doesn’t look pretty. They didn’t make it and we don’t know where Hermione is. We think the Death Eaters have her.
Best wishes,
Remus

“Oh, God!” Minerva whispered when she finished the letter. Hermione’s family was dead. Minerva ran to Albus’ room and showed him the letter. His reaction was the same as her’s.

“Can you go and explain while I explain all of this to Hermione,” Minerva asked.

“Of course, my dear,” Albus replied. He quickly got dressed and left the house.

Minerva arrived back in the kitchen to find Hermione pouring herself a glass of orange juice.

“Good morning, Hermione,” Minerva said, trying to hide her sadness and fear.

“Morning, Minerva,” Hermione responded cheerfully.

“I-I have some bad news,” Minerva began as she sat down across from the teenage girl.

“What kind of bad news?”

“Hermione…your parents are dead.”

“W-What?!”

“Your parents…they were attacked and they didn’t make it.”

“They were attacked? Why?”

“Probably because you and your parents were close to the Order and Harry Potter.”

“They can’t be dead!!” Hermione cried, tears flowing from her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, dear,” Minerva said, trying to comfort her.

Hermione got up and ran upstairs to her bedroom.

Minerva put her face in her hands. Nothing could help Hermione at this point. The girl needed time to grieve and there was nothing Minerva could do about that.

An hour’s time passed. During such time Minerva mad a strong cup of herbal tea. She walked up to the third floor and stopped in front of Hermione’s room. There was no sound coming from the room.

She opened the door and looked inside the room. Hermione was lying on her bed, staring out the window. She wasn’t crying, but her eyes were still red and blank.

“Hermione, so you want some tea?” Minerva asked, coming into the room and sitting down on the edge of the bed.

Hermione sat up and nodded as she took the cup from Minerva’s hands.

“How are you coping?” Minerva asked.

Hermione shrugged. “It’s hard to think that they won’t be there for me anymore,” she said. She sipped the tea. “But they say everything happens for a reason.”

Minerva nodded.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen now. I guess I’ll have to move on with my life. They wouldn’t have wanted me to be miserable, but where will I go next summer? I have no other relatives.”

“Hermione, if you want to, you can stay here until you finish school,” Minerva suggested.

“No, I possibably couldn’t.”

“Hermione, I insist. It’s absolutely no problem at all.”

“Thank you, professor. That means a lot.”

Hermione stared at her tea with sad, blank eyes. Minerva took the cup out of the girl’s hands and sat it down on the night stand. Then she wrapped her arms around Hermione in a hug.

“I know that your parents loved you very much, but they are in a better place now. They would be so happy to know you are safe,” Minerva said softly.

Hermione nodded and hugged her back. “Thank you, Minerva, for everything.”

[admm4ever]

OH MY GOSH!!! This is getting so good... you just had to stop right there Bravo!! Wonderful post!

[tabbygirl]

Thanks. I didn't know everyone would like this this much. I'll try and update ASAP.

[beMMADfabulous]

Ah, I'm thrilled that you're back and updating! ;D These two were great, and I can't wait to see where you go from here. You've definitely got me hooked on this story. PLEASE don't let anything bad happen to Minerva or Albus! *pouts*

[morethanacrush]

yay!!
I'm hooked as well.
Hurry up and up date.
Unless the update has something to do with someone getting hurt.
then I'll cry.
mwahs
love
Cody*

[kissofdeath]

ooh another update! you rock at updating your stories!

[furandfeathers]

YAY! An update!! this is sooo interesting. please update soon!

[kankulex]

Yes, I agree, UPDATE PLEASE! Very interesting story this far.. I'm looking forward to Hermiones reaction

[tartanmin]

kankulex said:

Yes, I agree, UPDATE PLEASE! Very interesting story this far.. I'm looking forward to Hermiones reaction

Me to.. and how are they going to explain to the order why Hermione are with minerva and albus..

Update as soon as possible..

[prodigyviolin101]

I am a newcomer to the story as well...it is simply amazing!!! Please update soon.

[StormAngel]

*squeal* This is so wonderful and sad!! Update soon please. I just love this.

[tabbygirl]

A/N: Hey, thanks again for all the reviews. I hope you'll stick with me.

Chapter Six

The Sunday moved on and Albus came home around five o’clock that afternoon. Minerva was making dinner when he came into the kitchen. Hermione was in the library on the fourth floor, working on some of her homework.

“It wasn’t a pretty site,” Albus said, sitting down at the table. “The Death Eaters definitely did this…how is she taking it?”

“She is doing a lot better, of course she is still upset about the whole ordeal,” Minerva said, folding the tartan tea towel and placing it on the counter next to the sink. She turned around to see his grim looking face.

“Where is she?”

“In the library. Why?”

“I want to talk to her.”

“Go ahead.”

Albus got up from his seat at the table and made his way to the fourth floor. He found Hermione in the library, musing over her potions essay.

“Good afternoon, Hermione,” he greeted, sitting down across the table from her.

She looked up from the parchment. “Hello, professor,” she said.

“How are you doing?”

“A little better since I got the news.” There was a prolonged silence between the two of them. Hermione closed her potions book and looked into her headmaster’s light blue eyes. “How did they die? Was it quick?”

“They were killed with the killing curse, so yes, it was quick.”

“Well…at least they didn’t suffer.”

“We brought all of your belongings here. They should be in your room.”

Hermione nodded.

“How do you like it here?”

“It’s really nice. Professor McGonagall has been so kind to me,” Hermione replied.

Once again, they fell silent. Then the door to the library opened, and Minerva came into the room.

“Dinner is ready,” she said.

OOOOOOO

Like the night before, dinner and dessert were silent. Hermione broke down in tears after Albus left for ‘home’. Minerva tried to calm her down some, but it was a lost cause. She let Hermione cry all of her tears and she hugged the girl the whole time, trying to soothe her sadness and pain.

“Now, I want you to take a nice, hot, relaxing bath and then you need to get a good night’s sleep,” Minerva told Hermione when her tears no longer fell.

Hermione nodded. “Good night, Minerva,” she said.

“Good night, Hermione.”

Minerva waited for the bathroom door to close before she headed over to see Albus.

“How is she?” Albus asked when his wife arrived. “I heard her crying.”

“I sent her to get a bath and then to bed,” Minerva said. “I wish I could take all of that pain she is feeling and throw it away.”

“Me too, Min, me too,” Albus said solemnly.

As they continued to talk, neither of them knew Hermione had gone outside into the backyard. She walked through the meadow of flowers with only the moonlight to see by. The stars shined bright as she roamed the grounds. She must have walked at least three miles around the grounds before she went back onto the porch.

She sat down on the swing. From where she sat, she could see the South Wing. There was a soft glow coming from on of the windows. She didn’t want to ponder about the idea of someone else living in that part of the mansion. She curled up on the swing and fell asleep.

OOOOOOO

The next morning, Minerva woke up in Albus’ arms. The curtains kept the room dark, and the birds could be heard chirping outside.

She pulled herself out of bed without waking her husband. She kissed his cheek and then went downstairs to the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

The house was silent. Crookshanks was sitting on the stairs as Minerva came down them.

“Now, why aren’t you in Hermione’s room?” Minerva asked, patting him on the head.

Crookshanks meowed in response and ran into the kitchen. It was as though he wanted her to follow him.

She followed the ginger colored cat into the kitchen to find him sitting by the door. The door was unlocked, not the way she left it the night before.

Minerva looked out the window to see Hermione fast asleep on the swing.

“What in the name of Merlin does she think she’s doing?” Minerva asked herself. She walked to the door and opened it. The cool air rudely greeted her warm face. She walked over to where Hermione was and shook her gently. “Hermione. Hermione, wake up!”

“Wha’ time is it?” Hermione asked, rubbing her eyes and sitting up on the swing.

“It’s morning. Did you sleep out here all night?” Minerva asked.

“I think so. I came out here and walked around last night to clear my mind. I guess I must have fallen asleep.”

“Well, let’s get you inside, you’re freezing.”

“Minerva, I don’t feel good.”

“You probably caught a cold. It does get chilly here at night.”

Once Hermione was back in her bed, Minerva continued to prepare breakfast.

Hermione spent her day in bed. She did catch a nasty cold. Minerva had her taking a couple potions every few hours, but she was able to write to Ron and Harry. Minerva even sent the letters out with her tawny owl, Artemis.

Albus was gone most of the time. He had business with the Ministry of Magic and the Order of the Phoenix. Minerva was too busy looking after Hermione to attend Order meetings. Albus said she didn’t have to come unless Voldemort attacked again.

As the days went by, Hermione began researching her parentage. So far, she found nothing. She had many theories, too many to keep track of. She had a feeling Minerva knew her past. McGonagall’s voice sounded very much like the voice of the woman in Hermione’s dream.

But was it possible?