Photos in the Attic

[beMMADfabulous]

Ooh, an update! You're so good to us about keeping updated. hehe ;D I like how Minerva is so comforting to Hermione. I was almost sure Hermione was about to find out about Albus and Minerva being together when she saw the South Wing from the swing, though. This fic is so interesting. I love it. Update soon!

[admm4ever]

Again, amazing... ooh I hope Hermione finds out in the next update!!!

Keep 'em comin' I love this story!! ;D

[tabbygirl]

A/N: Well, this chapter could be the moment everyone has been waiting for. I hope you like it.

Chapter Seven

Days went by like melting ice in hot weather. It was now nearing the end of July. Hermione narrowed her theories down greatly. She now believed Minerva was related to her some how, but she wasn’t sure.

Minerva had taken Hermione to Diagon Alley for school supplies for her sixth year. She was hoping she and Albus would be able to tell Hermione the truth soon. Harry and Ron were able to respond to Hermione’s letters. Both were stunned to hear she was staying with the sternest teacher of Hogwarts, but both were glad to know she was safe and sound.

Minerva, on the other hand, was worried. She was bracing herself for another attack from Voldemort. Albus had hinted there would be another one very soon. She was now keeping a very watchful eye on Hermione.

Hermione, of course, noticed this sudden change in her new caregiver. Hermione spent most of here days in the library, researching her family history, but as usual, she found nothing.

OOOOOOO

“Hermione? Hermione?!” Minerva called as she headed towards the library.

“Yes?” Hermione asked, closing her charms book as Minerva entered.

“I really hate to leave you here alone, but I have to go to an utmost important, member only, Order meeting,” Minerva began to explain. Voldemort had attacked yet again, and Albus had theories about Voldemort’s next target that needed to be explained to the Order. This meant Minerva had to be there to hear everything.

“I understand, Minerva,” Hermione said. She was actually glad Minerva was leaving because now it gave her time to explore and look for clues. “It’s no problem.”

“Oh. Okay, well, I shouldn’t be more than a couple hours. There is an emergency portkey under my bed if something should happen. That portkey will take you right to me.”

Hermione nodded.

“I will ask you not to leave the mansion. Don’t let anyone in and don’t invite anyone over.”

“I won’t.”
“I know, but I just want to be extra careful.”

Hermione nodded again.

“I’ll see you in a couple hours.”

“Bye, professor.”

Minerva left the room and a few minutes later, Hermione heard the sound of Disapparation.

“Maybe I should start in the attic,” Hermione said to herself.

The attic was very well kept. There were more books and shelves; the boxes were marked, sealed, and neatly stacked; the tables and chairs were polished and clean; the floor up here was polished hard wood and not a trace of dust was on it. In fact, the attic itself wasn’t even dusty.

Hermione looked at her boxes. Most of them were labeled robes, cloaks, or socks. Then she examined the books. They were out of date history, charms, potions, and transfiguration books.

She came across a peculiar book. It was a fairly large book. It was navy blue with gold words carved into the spine. The words appeared to be Gaelic. Hermione never would have guessed that book was the key to all her theories. Never would she have believed it either.

Curiosity was getting the better of her. She pulled the book from the shelf and sat down on the floor. The book was a photo album.

She began flipping through the pages of wizarding pictures. It looked as though Minerva’s parents started the book because it showed Minerva growing from a baby, to a young girl, to a teenager, and finally to a woman. Then Hermione cam across it, the picture that answered all her questions.

It was a picture of Minerva sitting on what looked like a park bench. She was holding a little baby in her arms while smiling and waving merrily at the camera. The baby had brown hair, brown eye and looked just like-

“Me,” Hermione whispered. “But that’s impossible.”

She continued to look. There were more pictures like that. This new feeling scared her. She had been living with her real mother and didn’t even know it. Why didn’t Minerva tell her? Why?

“But who is my father?”
There weren’t any pictures of her with her father. Hermione guessed her father was the one taking the photos.

She slammed the book shut and placed it back on the shelf. Then she ran to her room and cried herself to sleep.

OOOOOOO

The meeting took longer than Minerva expected. Voldemort had attacked eight cities that began with the letters H, O, G, W, A, R, T, and S. It was obvious Voldemort was going to attack Hogwarts.

Wonderful, Minerva thought, more to worry about.

Albus and the Order had left for the school to put protective spells around the castle and prepare it in case Voldemort did attack.

When Minerva got inside the manor, she found all the lights and fires were out, and she found Hermione asleep.

“She must be exhausted,” Minerva said to herself.

Having nothing better to do, she retired to her bedroom for the night.



A/N: Well, what do you guys think? Good? Bad?

[tabbygirl]

I don't know when my next update will be. You see, my grandparents are coming to stay at my place for a week and I only get to see them once or twice a year because they live in a different state. I'll try to update ASAP.

[beMMADfabulous]

Yay! Aw, too bad Hermione didn't find any pics of Minerva with Albus. It's interesting that Voldemort was attacking places that spelled out Hogwarts. Ooh..

I understand about you not being able to update. I'll be here waiting. ;D

[morethanacrush]

Me too!
Go, have fun with your grandparents.
We'll all be wating for your next update!

[admm4ever]

Same here... we eagerly await your return...

very good update by the way ;D

[StormAngel]

Omg. Fantastic update.

[tabbygirl]

A/N: I would like to thank everyone for the reviews, the good and the bad. It all helps me to become a better writer.

Chapter Eight

Hermione woke up in a foul mood. Minerva McGonagall was her mother, she had no idea who her father was, and she was hungry. Hermione hadn’t been this angry since Malfoy was making fun of Hagrid in their third year.

She lazily walked downstairs, trying to be passive and normal. Once she entered the kitchen and saw Minerva, her temper couldn’t be hidden.

“Good morning,” Minerva said cheerfully.

“Hmp,” Hermione angrily said.

Minerva knew at once something was troubling Hermione. But what? Was it possible that she knew the truth?

“What ever is the matter?”

“You know exactly what the matter is! I can’t believe you! You of all people…I trusted you, and you’ve been lying to me.”

“You know?” Minerva asked, fear in her voice for the first time.

“Yes, I know. I saw the pictures in the photo album last night. How could you? Why? Why didn’t you come for me? You knew where I was!”

“Hermione, I gave you up to protect you. After You-Know-Who fell, I didn’t think I had the right to come get you. You were happy with you family, and I knew you were safe.”

“You could have told me when I came to school.”

“I wanted to, I really did. It just wasn’t the right time.”

“Who’s my father?”

The question caught Minerva off guard. “I can’t tell you…not yet,” she said in a panic.

“Why?!”

“Because it’s to protect you.”

Hermione stormed out of the kitchen. Seconds later, a door could be heard slamming shut a few floors up.
Minerva sat down at the knife-scarred table and put her head in her arms. She didn’t cry. She was thinking how she would explain everything to Hermione. The girl, like Minerva had a sharp mind. She wouldn’t accept a short story for a suitable answer.

Minerva decided to go and talk to her husband. It would give time to allow Hermione to cool off, and Albus would know exactly what to do.

OOOOOOO

Hermione threw herself onto her bed and cried. How could Minerva do this to her? She was Hermione’s favorite teacher. Hermione looked up to her. Why did she do this?

She picked up Crookshanks and buried her face in his fur.

“It’s not fair,” she said. “My parents are dead, Minerva McGonagall is somehow my real mother, I have no idea who my real dad is, and there is no way Harry and Ron are going to believe me when I tell them this.”

OOOOOOO

“Albus, what do I do?” Minerva asked after she told everything to him.

“We can’t reveal our marriage yet,” he said calmly.

“What? Why?”

“Give it time, Min. She is going through a lot. Her mind is vulnerable to Voldemort and the Death Eaters. The less she know, the safer she’ll be.”

“Albus, so you have any idea of how long she will resent us?”

“Time will heal. Let some of this sink in first. Right now, she needs you. You are her mother and she needs you.”

“I know, but I really want to tell her.”

“I know you do, but just trust me.”

“I do.”

OOOOOOO

More than an hour had passed before Minerva went up to Hermione’s room. She didn’t know in what condition she would find the girl in, or how she was coping. She knew she had to explain everything the best she could and allow Hermione to ask questions. Questions she knew it would be difficult to answer in the right way, but she would answer them to the best of her ability. Albus was right, Hermione needed her right now. Though the resentment and anger masked that fact, it was true. How could Hermione forgive her? Minerva thought she deserved it.

Minerva knocked on Hermione’s door. No answer came forth. Again, she knocked and again, no answer. Fearing something was wrong with Hermione, she just went into the room.

Nothing was wrong with Hermione. She was just asleep. Minerva sat down on the edge of the bed and gently shook her awake.

“What?” Hermione asked. There was still anger in her voice.

“I need to talk to you,” Minerva began ever so calmly.

“About what? You told me everything already.”

“No, I didn’t. Just allow me to start form the very beginning.”

Hermione sat up and hugged her knees to her chest. She would listen to what Minerva had to say before voicing her own argument.

“I’m listening,” Hermione said, not as coldly as she was before.

Minerva inhaled deeply. “About sixteen years ago, I found out I was pregnant. It was during the first ruling of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and everyone was in danger. I knew if a kept you after you were born, you would be in grave danger. I wad very, very close to Professor Dumbledore. That made me a prime target, and if they found me, they would have found you and killed you. Your father and I began searching for a good home for you because we didn’t want you to go to an orphanage. Then we found the Grangers. I knew that might be the best place for you. The Grangers were loving and caring. They wanted a child, but due to Amy’s illness, they couldn’t have children. Two weeks after you were born, I left you on their doorstep with a note stating your name and date of birth. It was the hardest thing I have ever done. I didn’t want to give you up, but I desperately wanted to protect you.

“Years went by and we knew we wouldn’t be able to get you back. The Grangers were happy, as were you, and you were absolutely safe there. Then you came to Hogwarts. I was excited because I could finally see you and watch you grow into a marvelous young witch. I wanted to tell you everything. Your father said I mustn’t because it wasn’t the right time. I watched you over the years. When you struggled or when you were in danger, I wanted nothing more than to help you. Last month your father said it was time to bring you here. I was thrilled. Then your father said I couldn’t tell you anything. I told your Muggle family the truth. At first they didn’t believe me, but I showed them your birth certificate. I brought you back here and I tried to suppress all those motherly feelings that might show. Then your parents were killed and I knew how badly you were hurting because I was hurting too. They raised you and I owed them a lot.

“Only last night you discovered the truth. I’m a little upset because I wanted to tell you myself, and I guess I’m trying to…Hermione, I’m so sorry.”

Hermione could tell Minerva was sorry. It was written all over her face. Hermione suddenly found herself not filled with anger. She leaned over and hugged Minerva.

“I’m sorry too,” Hermione said.

“You have no reason to be sorry. The resentment and anger were understandable.”



A/N: Please tell me what you think. I actually have time to update. My grandparents have read this and they say it's really good and that I shouldn't keep you all waiting.

[pinacoladachick]

I absolutely love this story!!! It is one of the most original stories i have ever read!!! Please update ASAP! ;D

[morethanacrush]

Well you shouldn't be keeping us all on our toes waiting!!
This is brilliant, and I can't wait to see when she finally finds out that Albus is her father.

[admm4ever]

Bravo!!!!! I LOVE THIS!!! I hope she finds out about Albus soon...

Don't feel rushed to update... only if you have time.

[beMMADfabulous]

Eee, this is getting more exciting all the time! hehe. That's sweet that your grandparents read it and said you shouldn't keep us waiting. lol. Don't feel rushed, though. Like I think I've mentioned before, I can't wait until she finds out Albus is the father! It should be a "duh" moment for Hermione. ;D

[furandfeathers]

this is such a great story! I can't wait til she finds out the rest! And what's Voldemort up to? Pleeeeease update soon!

[StormAngel]

Omg. This is great. I can't wait!

[tabbygirl]

A/N: I would like to thank everyone for the reviews, the good and the bad. It all helps me to become a better writer. I was extremely unsure about the last couple of chapters, but you guys seemed to like them. As for the ever so popular question of when Hermione will find out about Albus, well, I’m sorry to say that’s not for another few chapters. Anyways, on with the show.

Chapter Nine

Minerva walked around her bedroom on the morning of September first. She was going through the checklist in her mind to make sure she had everything for the school year. Albus had left early that morning, and the Weasly have volunteered to take Hermione to the train station.

A knock sounded from the door. Minerva turned around to face it. “Come in,” she said, closing her trunk.

Hermione walked into the room and stood watching Minerva put her owl in its cage.

“Are you ready to leave soon?” Minerva asked, facing her daughter.

“Yes…mom,” Hermione said shyly.

Minerva froze. That was the first time Hermione had called her mom. “Hermione, you don’t have to call me that if you don’t want to. I know the death of you parents is still recent,” she said gently.

“I want to though. It just feels right. Please let me,” Hermione timidly said.

Minerva could feel the tears starting to build in her eyes. “Of course you can. I’d be honored.”

She pulled her daughter into a tight hug. Hermione hugged back, looking forward to this new life she would have with her real mother.

They stood like that for a while before they separated.

“I’m done packing,” Hermione said.

“Okay, we’ll get you to the Weasly’s soon. I just have to get my stuff together,” Minerva said, closing her wardrobe door.

Minutes later, the mother and daughter were standing in front of the fireplace in the living room.

“Before I go, can I ask you something?” Hermione asked.

“Of course,” Minerva replied.

“How many people know about all this…you being my mom I mean?”

“Well, the Order knows and the Hogwarts staff knows. Those are the only people who know, and Hermione, I will ask you not to tell your friends. I’m sure you can trust Mr. Weasly and Mr. Potter, but you can’t tell them…not yet.”

Hermione nodded and stepped into the green-flamed fireplace.

“I’ll see you in a few hours,” Minerva said.

“Yeah, see you later…The Burrow!”

The green flames engulfed her and she vanished, leaving Minerva free to leave for Hogwarts.

OOOOOOO

“Hello, Minerva,” Pomona Sprout greeted when Minerva arrived at the castle. The Herbology teacher caught up with the deputy as they were walking to their rooms.

“Hello, Pomona. How was your holiday?”

“Oh, same old, same old. My Lion Sunflowers are getting their teeth finally so they’ve been a handful all summer. I heard Hermione was with you this summer.”

“I take it Albus has told you?”

“Yes. How did it go?”

“We had our ups and downs. She accepted who she was, but she doesn’t know Albus is her father. He told me not to tell her yet.”

“I hope she doesn’t have to live too long without knowing.”

“Me too.”

OOOOOOO

“I can’t imagine spending the summer with McGonagall,” Ron said as he and Hermione were on Prefect duty.

“It wasn’t that bad. I thought it was rather enjoyable actually. Except when my parents…” Hermione trailed off.

Ron took her had and gave it a gentle squeeze. “I’m sorry, Hermione.”

“It wasn’t your fault. The Death Eaters did it.”

“So-uh-Where are you staying now?”

“With McGonagall. She’s allowing me to stay with her as long as I need to.”

“That’s nice of her.”

“Did you think she was a grumpy, child hating, old witch?” Hermione laughed.

“No, but she’s mean during class.”

“She may be, but she’s so nice and caring.”

They got into the last train car where Harry, Neville, Luna, and Ginny were waiting for them.

“I’ll take your word on it,” Ron said before they entered the compartment.

The train continued at a constant speed. As it moved closer to Hogsmeade Station, Hermione’s thoughts drifted to the word different. This school year would be different. There would be no more owls from her parents. She wouldn’t go home for Christmas and Easter holidays. Minerva would be keeping an extra close eye on her, and Voldemort was now a huge threat.

Yes, she thought, this year would be different.

“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts,” Albus greeted the student body when they arrived for the start-of-term banquet. The sorting ceremony was finished and everyone was waiting for dinner. “There is a time for speeches, and this is not it.”

He clapped his hands once and food appeared in the dishes in front of everyone. He sat down and everybody began to eat.

Minerva wasn’t eating. She played with the food one her plate while glancing at the students every few seconds. Albus quickly noticed her actions, and he gently laid his hand over hers.

“My dear, what is wrong?” He asked.

“Nothing,” she lied.

“Minerva.”

“Oh, all right. I can’t stop worrying. I’m worried about Hermione. She won’t have her parents to go to this year. She can’t even confide in her friends about me being her mother. She doesn’t know you’re her father. You-Know-Who is going to find a way to get here, and we’ll all be doomed.”

“Min, calm down. You’re over reacting. She will know when the time is right.”

“Albus, you’ve been saying that for the past sixteen years!”

“Trust me.”

“I do.”

A/N: I'm not feeling rushed to update. I have up to part of chapter 12 written down in my notebook. I go through notebooks like there was no tomorrow.XD

[admm4ever]

Yay!! We are finally at Hogwarts!! That has always been my favorite part. There's just something about that place...

The part when Hermione called Minerva "mom" was cute...

Keep updating... ;D

[beMMADfabulous]

Aw, I love to think of Albus and Mineva as parents here. ;D I love that every time Albus says trust me, Minerva always replies "I do." Ahh, such love, such loyalty! (<< I kept repeating that yesterday when I was rereading parts of my OotP book. haha) Update soon, my dear. Oh, and I forgot to tell you- your Minerva banner is beautiful!

[tabbygirl]

I found it on photobucket. thanks to everyone who has commented on my story. I have to start writing the rest of the story because like I said before, I'm working on the middle or chapter 12.

[morethanacrush]

I have to tell you that everytime I get near the end of your chapters, I scream out in frustration... cause there's no more to read!! lol. I can't wait for more.

[tartanmin]

I love this story..
loved when hermione called Min 'mum' and said she wanted to do that..
update ASAP

[tabbygirl]

A/N: Well, I hope you are enjoying this now. Thanks for all the reviews.

Chapter Ten

Hermione,
Please come to my office after class today. We need to talk about some things.
Love,
Mom

Hermione folded the note and placed it at the bottom of her bag. What did her mother need to talk about?

It was now early October. The Quidditch season had already started, which meant Hermione was often left alone because Harry and Ron had practice. Voldemort had already attacked several towns close to Hogwarts. Dumbledore cancelled all the trips to Hogsmeade and all the entrances to the school were guarded by highly skilled Aurors.

Several new classes had also started; dueling club, advanced defense against the dark arts, and other defense classes were only a few of them. It seemed Hogwarts was in more danger than anywhere else. Voldemort would keep trying to attack until somebody gave up. He didn’t seem afraid of Dumbledore as much as he was when he first ruled.

Hermione went to Minerva’s office on the third floor. Maybe Minerva was going to tell her daughter who her father is or was. She knocked on the door when she arrived.

“Come in,” she heard Minerva say.

Hermione opened the door and peeked inside. Minerva was sitting at the desk, looking preoccupied with some papers. Hermione slowly came into the room, shutting the door behind her. Minerva looked up and pushed the papers aside.

“Hello, dear, how are you?” Minerva asked, conjuring up a chair for her daughter.

“I’m fine,” Hermione replied.

“Do you know why I called you here?”

“No.”

“I believe it is time that you begin to learn some defensive training,” Minerva stated. “You will need to learn how to defend yourself if Voldemort attacks.”

“What kind of things will I be learning?”

“Oh, a little bit of this and a little bit of that, but mostly defensive spells. I was thinking we could start in a couple days.”

“Okay.”

“You may tell Ron and Harry about this, but nothing else.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“All right, you may go.”

Hermione got up to leave. She was almost to the door when she stopped, turned around, and walked back to Minerva.

“Mom?” She asked.

“Yes, dear?” Minerva replied, shuffling papers into a pile.

“When are you going to tell me who my dad is?”

Minerva looked up at her now seventeen year old daughter. There was pin in her eyes and it saddened Minerva so much.

“Soon Hermione. I promise.”

Hermione nodded and left Minerva’s office for her dormitory.

OOOOOOO

“Albus, you didn’t see the look on her face,” Minerva told her husband less than an hour later.

“Min, calm down,” Albus calmly said.

“Calm down? Calm down?! Albus, don’t you see how much we are hurting our daughter.”

“Minerva, I understand what we’re doing, but it’s for the best.”

“You’ve been saying that for how many years now? When? When are we going to tell her the truth?”

Albus could see how much she wanted to tell their daughter the truth. He wanted to tell Hermione the truth too. His wife was getting upset about waiting until the right time. If Hermione knew the truth now, they would all be in grave danger.

“Why are you so adamant about keeping the truth from her?” Minerva asked, anger filling her voice.
“Do you want to live?” Albus asked sternly. The tone of his voice scared her. What did her mean by his question?

“Albus, what are you talking about?”

“There are spies among us, Min. I don’t know who they are, but they are watching us and reporting back to Voldemort. They might already know Hermione is you daughter, but think of how much danger she will be in if she knew the whole truth. You’ll be in as much danger as well and I don’t want that to happen.”

The color drained from Minerva’s face.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“For what, my dear?”

“For pestering you about all of this.”

He pulled her into a tight embrace. “You didn’t know, Minerva. I promise we’ll tell her soon…together.”

She smiled and laid a gentle kiss on his lips, a kiss that he returned.

“I can’t wait then,” she said when they broke. “At least I’ll try and wait.”

A/N:I think this is coming along nicely, I still have to work on the future chapters though.

[admm4ever]

OOOh the Drama!!! I love the exchanges between Albus and Min...

Keep up the good work!!

[beMMADfabulous]

Ah, just like Albus to want to wait for the perfect time to tell her. Albus and Minerva are sooo sweet together here. ;D hehe

Great job!

[tartanmin]

a new chapter and a fantasitc one..
this story is just getting better and better..
update soon..

[tabbygirl]

Chapter Eleven

“Now, Hermione, today you will be learning a much more powerful lighting charm. The light that will be produced by the charm can penetrate the darkest of darkness, whether it is natural or magical,” Minerva explained at Hermione’s first lesson.

“So there is more than one lighting charm. I thought there was just Lumos,” Hermione said.

“Yes. There are two other ones. Fiat Lux, which is actually weaker than Lumos, and Lumini, the one you’re going to learn today.”

“Lumini. Got it.”

“Take out your wand. Okay, I’m going to conjure up magical darkness and you will have to break through it using Lumini.”

Hermione nodded and began bracing herself. Minerva waved her wand in a long, sweeping motion. A black cloud emerged from the tip of her wand and it began to fill the room, making it as dark as and unlit cave. Hermione couldn’t even see her own hand in front of her. She had no idea where her mother was either.

“Lumini!” Hermione commanded. Nothing happened.

“Focus, Hermione. Focus,” her mother said somewhere in the dark office.

She took a deep breath and tried to clear everything from her mind that didn’t involve lighting a room. I can do this, she thought.

“Lumini!” Hermione shouted.

A light slowly formed at the tip of her wand. It got brighter until it became so bright that she had to shield her eyes. The room was no longer pitch black. It was just as bright as it was before Minerva jinxed it.

“That was excellent, Hermione,” Minerva told her daughter.

“Thank you. It was a difficult charm though.”

“That it was. Now, that’s enough for one night. Practice Lumini and we’ll meet again the same time next week.”

“Okay. Good night.”

“Good night, dear.”
Once Hermione had left, Minerva went to her chambers she shared with Albus.

“Albus?” She called out when she arrived. “Albus, where are you?” She felt his arms snake around her waist, and she turned in his arms, placing her own around his neck.

“You called?” Albus said laying a tender kiss on her neck. He continued kissing her while backing her into the bedroom.

“Albus,” she breathed in only a whisper.

He kissed her passionately while taking her robes off. She returned his kiss and did the same to him. The physical need for each other was great and there was nothing stopping them.

OOOOOOO

Weeks went by since Hermione’s first lesson. Not only did she learn Lumini, she also learned Cela Viendra, a powerful summoning charm; Deceptio Visus, and optical illusion spell; Festina Lente, a slowing charm; and Alter Idem, a copying charm. It wasn’t until the seventh meeting did Hermione notice anything strange.

It was a Saturday meeting. Minerva was reviewing all the spells and charms she had taught Hermione when she threw up violently in the waste basket.

“Are you okay, mom,” Hermione asked, concerned.

“I’m fine, Hermione. I must have eaten something that didn’t agree with me.”

Hermione decided to keep a close eye on her mom. Not that she didn’t believe her mother; she just wanted to make sure her mother was all right.

“Over the next few mornings, Minerva got sick. She had a feeling about what was going on, but she needed to be sure so she went to Madam Pomfrey.

“Poppy?” Minerva asked when she got to the hospital wing.

“Minerva? What are you doing here?” Poppy asked, examining one of students she had as a patient.

“Can I talk to you about something?”

“Of course. Just go into my office. I’ll be there in a moment.”

Minerva made her way to her friend’s office. Once inside, she leaned against the desk, crossing her arms in thought. Poppy came into her office a couple minutes later. She gave Minerva a questioning look.

“What brings you here, Min?” She asked.

“I…I think I’m pregnant.” Minerva said nervously.

Poppy’s eyes widened in surprise. “Minerva, how? You know what, don’t tell me how.”

“I need a pregnancy test potion.”

“Well, let me see if I have any.”

Poppy rummaged through her potion cupboard and finally extracted a pale green potion from said cupboard. “You’re in luck,” she told Minerva. “This is the last one.” She pulled off the cork and poured it into a stone bowl that was sitting on her desk.

Minerva placed her hand in the pale green liquid. Instantly the potion turned a dark blue color. As she dried her hands, her eyes filled up with tears. She wasn’t sad, but she was afraid. Minerva was already in danger, being so close to Albus. She already had a grown daughter that she would have to explain all of this to, and a war wasn’t exactly the best time to be pregnant.

“Thanks, Poppy.” Minerva said.

“Anytime, Min. What are you going to do?”

“I-I don’t know.”

Minerva walked through the corridors, hiding her emotions. She was excited about the baby, but she was afraid. She couldn’t let the students see her in such a state. She reached Albus’ office and knocked on the door.

“Come in,” she heard Albus say.

Minerva opened the door and poked her head inside the room to make sure they were indeed alone. When this was confirmed, she went inside.

“Min, what brings you here?” Albus asked.

“Albus, I have something to tell you.”

She walked over behind his desk and sat down on his lap. She put her arms around his shoulders and rested her head against his.

“What is it, Min?” He immediately sensed something was wrong.

“Well…I’m not sure what you’re going to do when I tell you this.”

“Tell me what?”

Minerva got up and walked to the window. She watched the students outside in the snowy wonderland of early December. Albus followed her and pulled her into his arms.

“Is it Hermione?” He asked.

She shook her head against his chest. “No, it’s not Hermione. It’s someone else.”

“Is this about why you’re sick in the morning…Minerva, are you-“

“Pregnant?” She finished for him. “Yes, I am.”

A smile spread across his face and he kissed her passionately.

“Minerva, this is wonderful!” He said, lifting her off her feet and twirling her around.

“I know! But, Albus, what are we going to do about Hermione?”

“Well…we’re going to have to tell her the truth now, aren’t we?”


A/N: I’m sorry if some of you are grossed out by this chapter.

[twinkle]

I'm not grossed out at all!!!
Quite in the reverse: I'm eagerly waiting for more.

I'm glad Albus reacted the way he did and I'm curious how they're going to break the news to Hermione. I'm going to look for an update here as often as I can!

[morethanacrush]

Hey, I'm waiting for more too.
Brilliant hun, so awesome. lol
ttyl
love cody*

[admm4ever]

Not grossed out!!! Totally lovin' it!!

I can't wait to see how you go from here!!

Update!!Update!!Update!!

[tartanmin]

How are they going to tell Hermione..
poor Min morning sickness. bvadr..
Please update soon..