The Parent Trap

[MiniPrincess]

Just a quick note to say I'm loving this story, its wonderful, I'm guessing you are deviating a little from the initial telling, where the father has a new "friend", not that I mind, because I am serious ADMM and anyone else doesn't sit near as well. Anyway, to re-cap... loving it!

[QuillofMinerva]

The Parent Trap

A/n: Many thanks to all of you that have taken the time to read and review this chapter. We are both over the moon that you are enjoying the story. On with the story.

Chapter Six: Answers, Plans, and A New Identity-by Ang.

Abigail found it incredibly hard to move her feet towards the young reflection that was her twin sister. But, with a slight nudge from Madame Malkin, she began walking towards the girl with awe and wonder. The closer she walked to the girl in the Hogwarts uniform, the more nervous and excited she became.

“Umm, hello. My name is Abigail McGonagall,” she said softly yet with a critical eye and a determined tone that was almost identical to her mother’s tone of voice.

“I…I’m Evelyn Dumbledore but my Dad calls me Evie,” was the other girl’s reply.

Madame Malkin wasn’t exactly sure what she should do. She watched the two young women begin a conversation and suddenly she was torn between helping them learn who they really were and owling Minerva McGonagall and Albus Dumbledore. Deciding that it would only cause a scene to own the most powerful witch and wizard with this kind of news, she walked to the back of the shop towards the confused girls.

“It seems that you two have met formally and I’m sure that you have a lot of questions for each other. Why don’t you come into my private office upstairs and you can get to know each other? If anyone comes looking for you, I’ll send them up straightaway.” Madame Malkin smiled sweetly at the girls and patted them each on the back as she watched their matching blue eyes cloud over with curiosity.

“Do you know anything about this?” Evie asked the woman bluntly, mirroring Minerva’s ability to get straight to the point.

“In all honesty, I can say no. I had no idea there were two of you until a few moments ago. But it wasn’t my place to say anything to either of you.”

Both Abigail and Evie eyed the woman curiously and deciding that there was no harm in taking her up on her offer, they followed the woman upstairs as thousands of questions formed in their minds.

“I’ll be downstairs if you should need me, ladies,” the older woman said as she gently closed the door behind her. She listened outside the door for a few moments, making sure that they were at least speaking to one another before quietly descending the stairs to her shop. She couldn’t help but wonder what on earth would happen if Minerva or Albus appeared and she had to explain the situation to either or both of them. Nervously, she watched the door for any sign of the guardians for those two lovely young girls upstairs.

Evie was the more outspoken one at first and not long after the girls were left alone, she began to fire question after question at the girl who looked identical to her. She wanted to know so many things and her only problem was where to start in finding her answers. Up until a few moments ago, Evie had always assumed, like Abigail, that she was an only child.

“What’s your name again and who is your mother?”

“My name is Abigail McGonagall and I live with my mother, Minerva, in the Highlands of Scotland on a rather large bit of property. What did you say your name is?”

“I’m Evelyn Dumbledore and my Father is Albus Dumbledore. Perhaps you’ve head of him?” she said with a hint of superiority. She was accustomed to people fawning all over her once they learned the identity of her father and it was not something she liked very much. She had learned at a tender age that most people only wanted to meet her so they could get closer to her father, something she did not like at all, especially if it took his time away from her.

“Yes, I have and he’s remarkable. I just bought a book about him in Flourish and Blotts that I’ve been dying to read. Mother never would let me buy it but I managed to sneak it in among my schoolbooks and she doesn’t know.” Abigail offered a smile that matched her mothers and for the first time Evie realized she had seen that smile before. She didn’t get a chance to ask her question because Abigail spoke first. “Is he really as powerful and kind hearted as he appears? I bet he’s a wonderful father with lots of stories and interesting thoughts of magical things.”

“Oh yes, he’s wonderful…when he’s around,” Evie finished softly. “But what about your father? You didn’t mention him at all but you have to have one.”

“I’ve never met my father but I know he was in Gryffindor and he was older than my mother. She doesn’t talk about him much and I don’t ask questions because it upsets her terribly. I’m sure he was a fascinating man and I think some of my habits remind her a little of him because of the way she acts.”

“That’s odd because my Father is the same way. Every time I mention my mother, he gets the same way. I’ve tried to ask him about her but he will only tell me that she was beautiful and that he loved her very much. I’ve never met her but I do have a picture of her. My Uncle Aberforth gave me a locket to wear around my neck that has her picture inside. It’s our little secret because I think it would upset Papa if he knew. Would you like to see her picture? She’s the most attractive woman I’ve ever seen!”

Abigail nodded her head as she tried to pull all the pieces together. So much of Evie’s story matched her own, only with different parents and that caused her analytical mind to race wildly with all sorts of scenarios. As Evie took the locket from around her neck and handed it to her, Abigail took a deep breath and felt goosebumps rising on her arms. Taking the silver piece of jewelry in her hands she shivered and looked down at the all too familiar face smiling back at her.

“This…this can’t be! How did you get this picture? What kind of trick are you pulling on me?” Abigail practically yelled at a bewildered Evie as she backed away from the other girl.

“I’m not pulling any tricks. What’s your problem? This is my mother. I don’t know her name but I do know that she is a powerful witch and she left me when I was just one year old.”

“But…Evelyn…this is my mother. Her name is Minerva and I live with her. My parents separated when I was just one year old and mother refuses to speak of father. Quick, what’s your birthday?”

“June 25, 1945” they said in unison and then fell utterly silent for several minutes, each too shocked to form a coherent thought.

Abigail was the first to regain her composure as she removed the book of Albus Dumbledore from her pocket and made it the correct size again. She flipped through the pages of the book and marveled at the handsome man that seemed to be smiling at her from each of the pages. “This is so unbelievable. The man I’ve always admired and dreamed of meeting for years is actually my father. He’s the one person I’ve always found mesmerizing, aside from mother of course, and look, I think we even have the same eyes,” she said pointing to a particularly close up photo of Albus. Then, looking at Evie, she realized that her sister also had the same stunning blue eyes she had seen looking back at her from the mirror for the last eleven years.

“And you’ve been living with our mother, the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I’ve always wanted to know so many things about her. What does she smell like? Is her hair as soft as it looks in this picture? How does her laugh sound? You’ve had her all this time and I’d kill for the chance to spend some time with her. Just to have her hug me once would be the best feeling in the world.”

[QuillofMinerva]

That was how the simple plan was formed. Abigail had always wanted to spend time with the great Albus Dumbledore and now that she knew he was her father, the intrigue, mystery and desire to meet him was undeniable. And Evie had dreams of meeting her mother and learning all small details that perhaps Abigail took for granted.

It wasn’t long before both pairs of crystal blue eyes began to sparkle and twinkle madly as an idea was formed separately and yet together inside their minds. And it didn’t take long to realize that they were each thinking the same thing.

“If we switch today, that’ll give us several weeks before we have to start Hogwarts. Then, we can go back to being ourselves and they’ll be none the wiser,” Abigail suggested. “That will give us the chance to spend time with our other parent and…”

“And we can try to sneak around and find out why they each took one of us in the first place. I’d like to know how they chose which one got us and why they aren’t together anymore.”

After discussing at length the layout of their living arrangements and some of the more important details that could prove to be the downfall of their master plan, the girls promised to owl each other with any information they obtained and to stay in touch throughout the remainder of the summer. They switched clothes and made their way back downstairs, catching the attention of Madame Malkin and calling her back to one of the dressing rooms and having her put a silencing charm on the small changing room.

“Okay, you know our secret but we are begging you not to tell anyone that we’ve met today. We’d like to switch places at least until it is time to go to Hogwarts so please don’t mention to Uncle Albus or Minerva McGonagall what’s happened today.”

“And don’t you dare tell Albus Dumbledore either,” Abigail chimed in rather forcefully. “We promise to switch back once we’re at Hogwarts and our parents won’t be any the wiser about our little deception. After all, they had to know that we’d figure things out as soon as we spied each other in the Great Hall.”

Several more moments of listening to the girls’ well thought out yet hurried plans had the wise old woman convinced that they were going to proceed with their plans with or without her help. And she’d rather they had someone to confide in and trust if things got shaky so she willingly agreed to keep their secret but only if they kept her updated on any developments.

“Deal,” they both said simultaneously.

“Evelyn Dumbledore, your Uncle is here waiting for you,” a young woman called towards the back of the shop. With a swish of her wand, Madame Malkin switched their clothing and wished them luck before sending Abigail out to meet her Uncle Aberforth and to begin the adventure of meeting her already beloved father for the first time as Evie waited impatiently for her mother to arrive.

To Be Continued…

[Karlynne]

This is wonderful. I can't wait until the girls get to meet the parent each doesn't remember yet. I am loving this story. Karlie

[Sola]

YA...wonderful!
They finaly met!...I'm sooo anxiouse to read how they'll react to their parents!

Anyway....update...soon...

Sola

[tayryn]

the switch! wheee!!

things are about to get even more interesting!! can't wait!!

and... you're making me want to pop in the movie and watch it! lol! *g*

[ginger newts]

Oooh, the big switch! Can't wait to see what happens next, update this wonderful tale soon please.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Oh I'm really liking this. I can't wait to see how things go once they've switched!

Christy

[KayleeTonksLupin]

A-ha, here we go...and several Kaylee-wolf treats of course...shall we say about three or four truckloads? *wink* Now, what shall happen next? *grin*

Hugs,

Kaylee

[DumbledoresKitten]

yeah! an update.

excellent explanation of the switch. can't wait to see the chaos that ensues.

cat

[Stoneygem]

Good, good...they met, they recognised and they planned...wheee...

btw, that picture showing of Mum is my favourite scene in the old movie...dunno why, but it is so.

Anyways, wonderful chapter...can't wait for "Meet the parents..."

[Jaya]

Is it my imagination or did they switch clothes twice? Themselves and then by Madame Malkin? Or is this another plot twist??

Loved this chapter, especially the locket. Can't wait for more. Hope Albus makes some time to spend with Abigail.

Jaya

[griseldalafey]

Aw... I feel a little sorry for the girls. I hope (and trust you) that their plan will work.

*squeee* I can't wait to see what happens next.

[TartanPhoenix]

I just realized that I haen't reviewed this story *skitters behind a rock* I love it!!! I always liked the movies, and your take on the story is perfect. I wonder how long it's going to take the others to realize they've switched. Don't keep me in suspense to much longer; I'm craving a review.

[QuillofMinerva]

A/n: Many thanks to those of you who took the time to review the last chapter, we greatly appreciate it.

Chapter Seven: Formerly known as Abigail but now goes by the name of Evie.

By Clayre

Aberforth Dumbledore stood in the front of Madam Malkin’s waiting for Evie to appear. She was taking her time and he couldn’t help but notice just how much she like her mother she appeared. It often amazed him that Evie was so like the mother she hadn’t seen for ten years.

“Uncle Abe!” announced the girl he thought to be Evie as she walked towards him smiling.

“Hello sweet pea,” he answered with a grin to match hers. “All done?”

“Yes,” she answered.

Abigail looked at the man that stood in front of her and saw the similarities between him and her father. She was amazed to finally meet her uncle but saddened that she had keep who she was from him. She watched intently as he opened the door for her and smiled. She wondered if her father smiled like his brother. She noted that he had friendly and warm looking eyes. They were like her eyes though they didn’t quite sparkle like hers.

“I have a treat for you,” announced Aberforth looking rather proud of himself, “and your father will have to accept it because it’s a gift.”

Abigail looked at her uncle and waited for her surprise. She watched as her uncle rooted around in the inside of his robes and pulled out a small ginger and white kitten. Abigail wasn’t sure why her father would object to having a cat. After all her mother was able to turn into a cat. Abigail and her mother actually had a couple of cats of their own called Cheshire and Mitzy. Aberforth had expected another reaction to the kitten than the one he was getting, Evie had been after a cat for years and he had thought she would be jumping around Diagon Alley with excitement.

“Evie?” he asked “don’t you like him?”

“Oh yes,” answered Abigail as she tried to get into Evie mode. “He is beautiful! Thank you so much Uncle Abe.”

“Are you going to name him?” he asked

“Rameses!” answered Abigail as she reached out and scratched the kitten behind its’ ear.

Aberforth nodded and looked at his niece. There was something different about her but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He decided to put it down to her age and that now she was growing up into a fine young lady. He steered her in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron. He thought it was time that they ate something. Aberforth led her towards a tiny, grubby looking pub. It was dark and shabby inside and Abigail stayed close to Aberforth. She had an uneasy feeling about this place.

She had never been in the Leaky Cauldron but she had heard about it from her mother. It had been not what she had expected. There were only four people in the pub, two sat in a darkened corner and their faces unrecognizable because of the darkness that surrounded them. The other two were sitting by the bar talking and playing cards. There was a low buzz of hushed chatter as Abigail followed her uncle towards the bar where a balding barman was cleaning glasses.

“Abe Dumbledore,” greeted the barman with a wide grin. “Long time since we had the pleasure of your company and money at this fine establishment.”

“Hello Tom,” answered Aberforth. “I’m not over this way much anymore. The goats keep me busy.”

“The usual then?” questioned Tom before his eyes flew upon the girl standing beside Aberforth. “Miss Dumbledore, it’s been a while as well.”

Abigail smiled softly and nodded. She didn’t know what to say. She had never been in the pub before and she didn’t want to blow her cover already so she remained silent. She looked around the shabby pub and heard her tummy begin to grumble. She was hungry and looked at Aberforth, who seemed to understand her and ordered something to eat for both of them. Aberforth pointed over to a table and Abigail made her way to sit down leaving him alone with Tom, the barman.

“Miss Dumbledore, seems awfully quiet!” said Tom as he poured Aberforth a firewhiskey and butter beer.

“It’s an important day,” explained Aberforth who was also wondering why she hadn’t spoken a word since entering the pub. “She is buying all her Hogwarts things and it’s rather overwhelming”

“Aye, I guess it would be,” Tom replied as he handed over the glasses to Aberforth. “I’ll bring your soup and bread over in a minute.”

Aberforth walked over to the table where Abigail was sitting, looking through her collection of Hogwarts things. She seemed more reserved and quiet than usual and it began to worry him. He wondered if she hadn’t had a very good time in Madam Malkin’s. Maybe someone had said something to upset her. He would have to investigate. Her mother had been mentioned a few times that day so maybe she was thinking about her.

“Evie,” he asked as he sat down “what’s up pumpkin?”

“Nothing,” she assured him. “Well I want to know about my mother.”

Even though Aberforth had been expecting her to mention something like this, her bluntness had shocked him and he was struggling to find the words. He knew that her father should be having this conversation with his daughter. It was not the job of an uncle to tell his niece what happened. Aberforth wasn’t actually sure himself what went on but he would tell Evie what he knew and then tell her to ask her father for the rest.

“Mother,” she stumbled over her words “I mean Father doesn’t like to talk about her. I ask him and he closes up. I need to know Uncle Abe. Today, they kept mentioning her and I want to know what happened. Where she went! Why she left!”

“Evie,” answered Aberforth “I can’t give you all the details because I am not sure of them myself.”

“Tell me what you know!” she urged him.

Aberforth sat back against the backrest of the chair he was sitting in. He wasn’t really sure where to begin and he had to be careful what he said about her sister, Abigail. It was hard trying to find the words. He didn’t want to paint his brother out to the bad guy but it would seem that way.

“I believe they had an argument,” he explained. “Your father had to go away to Germany for a few months and your mother did not want him to because you were only a few months old. And she rarely got to see him anyways because of his line of work.”

Abigail wrinkled up her nose in concentration as she listened to her uncle. She tried to picture the scene in her mind as his words floated into her head. She noted that he hadn’t mentioned anything about the twin sister and that hurt her slightly. It was like she didn’t exist.

“Your mother gave him a choice and he chose to follow his head and not his heart,” explained Aberforth. “When he returned from Germany your mother was gone and I was looking after you.”

“Why did she leave me behind?” asked Abigail. It was hard trying to ask questions from Evie’s perspective.

“I think you better ask your father Evie,” replied Aberforth who was feeling rather uncomfortable with the new line of questioning. It wasn’t really his place to be telling her this. “I have already told you more than I should have.”

“So it’s all my father’s fault!” she said with a glint of defiance in her blue eyes.

“Well no,” answered Aberforth “and since when have you started calling him father?”

“You’re trying to change the subject,” she accused her uncle. “It was his fault! He didn’t love her enough.”

“Your father adored your mother Evie! She was his everything and he was trying to make the world a safer place for her and you.”

Abigail sighed. She wished she hadn’t asked about it now because everything seemed so confusing and she had so many questions. She knew the answers lay with her father and her mother. She hoped that Evie would have better luck finding out what they needed to know from their mother.

Abigail had to admit that she was missing her mother already and wondered what Evie was doing now. She sat quietly as she slipped at her soup, avoiding all eye contact with her uncle who she knew was watching her intently. She was finding it hard to leave her usual Abigail self behind and be like Evie. They hadn’t had long enough to get to know one another and if she wasn’t careful she would give the whole game away. Abigail closed her eyes and thought back to the picture in the book of her father. She couldn’t wait to see him and wrap her arms around him.

To be continued.

[Karlynne]

Oh, I was wondering what the problem between Minerva and Albus was and how the split came about. So sad to read about. I can't wait to see how the other twin is dealing. Karlie

[DumbledoresKitten]

Oh that's so sad about Min and Albus! But it takes two to tango, so I can't entirely blame Albus, but didn't he try to go after her or something!! (Abe was right though, followed his head instead of his heart silly man. lol)
can wait to see how Evie is doing meeting her mother.
love - adore- want more!!!
cat

[Jaya]

Just this morning tay was wishing for an update to this story and now she got her wish!

I love this chapter! Thanks for not ignoring that the girls didn't have nearly enough time to learn even what Sharon and Susan did in the original version. It's going to be interesting watchign them try to keep from blowing their covers.

I must also admit that I am wondering why Minerva didn't take both girls.

More soon, please!

Jaya

[tayryn]

wheeee!!

Jaya was right... i was just wishing for an update this morning, and i got one!! yay!!

wonderful chapter!!

i like that the girls did not get more time to sort things out... it will be interesting to see how well they cope with the changes.

and like Jaya... i am curious as to why Minerva wouldn't have taken both girls.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Good chaper, and I'm glad I found out what went wrong. I can't wait to see Evie with Minerva!

Christy

[ginger newts]

Hmm, finally some insight into what went wrong...can't wait to hear more. Aberforth is so going to figure them out. Great update, I can't wait to see how Evie's meeting with Minerva goes.

[Stoneygem]

Jaya said:

Thanks for not ignoring that the girls didn't have nearly enough time to learn even what Sharon and Susan did in the original version.

I must also admit that I am wondering why Minerva didn't take both girls.

I'm right there with you. Sharon & Susan had at least 4 weeks or so, right? And now those girls only a few minutes. This going to be hard on them.
And I don't understand, why Minerva didn't take both girls...if she left him like that...but I guess, all will be explained in good time. And then, Abe couldn't exactly tell the girl that her parents decided to keep one child each without telling Abigail or better Evie that she has a twin, right?

Anyways, I've been waiting for thsi chapter such a long time and am glad that it is finally here...Also, i find it funny that Abigail is already so much like Mummy - reserved, calm and so on...Leads me to believe that Evie will suddenly be a handful for her mother...
Can't wait to read that.

[Kimberly]

Oh this is really starting to get good. I can't wait to find out how the girls bring them together and if there's a fiance stashed away. Kim

[Lady Lavendar]

Duh duh duh!! This just keeps getting better and better! Hope to see another update soon!

LL ;D

[griseldalafey]

Lovely update. I feel sorry for Abigail. It must be very difficult for her.

There's just one thing I'm wondering about. I hear some people mention 'Sharon and Susan' and I remember a movie I saw years and years ago that I believe was a sequel to Parents Trap. Sharon and Susan were already adults and I believe Susan's daughter set her up with her friends father.

But I've also seen a version of 'Parents Trap' in which the twins were named Annie and Hallie. How many 'Parents Trap' movies are there?

*just wondering*

[QuillofMinerva]

Mum’s Hugs and Kisses: By Ang.

Evelyn Dumbledore sat on a wooden stool behind Madame Malkin’s counter and waited rather impatiently for her mother to arrive. She knew she would recognize the strangely familiar witch just from her photo alone and yet she worried that she would not be able to subdue her personality enough to pass as Abigail. Her twin sister seemed to be much quieter and more bookish than Evie had ever desired to be so her work was cut out for her. Absentmindedly, she toyed with the silver locket around her neck and nervously watched the door.

She was just about to give up hope of ever seeing her mother when a stunning witch walked through the door and smiled radiantly in her direction. Evie’s mouth fell open as she stared at Minerva, framed in the doorway and looking even more welcoming than she could have ever imagined. With a tiny nudge from Madame Malkin, Evie jumped from the stool and ran across the room, flinging herself into her mother’s arms and hugging her tightly.

“Well, my gracious Abigail! That is certainly some welcome, my petal.” Minerva returned the hug and looked curiously at the shop owner, as if asking for some explanation to her daughter’s behavior. When she received none, Minerva bent down and kissed Evie on the top of the head and lifted her chin. “Abigail, love, why are you crying? Did something happen?”

Immediately Evie sensed her mother’s change of attitude from one of love and compassion to one of being fiercely protective. She snuggled into her mother’s arms and assured her that things were quite the contrary. Inhaling the wonderful scent of lavender and honeysuckle, Evie closed her eyes and for the first time in her life truly enjoyed the feel of her mothers’ arms around her.

“No, mother. I just missed you; that’s all. It seems like you’ve been away forever and I wanted you to know how much I love you and missed you.” Evelyn tried to correct her earlier mistake of being so eager to see her mother. Surely Abigail would have walked over to their mother and perhaps hugged her but nothing like the one Evie had given her. She silently hoped that Abigail was having an easier time of things with Aberforth and their father.

“Well, if you’re sure that everything is alright here, I will just have to take your word for it then my dear,” Minerva said smiling down at her. “Madame Malkin, thank you for all of your help in fitting Abigail for her robes. I hope she wasn’t any trouble at all.”

“Oh no, they were angels,” the older woman added without thinking. She caught the panicked look in Evie’s eyes. The young girl’s heart dropped to the floor, thinking that the plan with her twin was already over but the helpful robesmaker recovered nicely. She quickly added that there were so many children in and out of the shop and all of them had just been little dears, giving her very little trouble at all.

Minerva raised her eyebrows in a questioning gaze that unsettled many of the women behind the counter and Evie couldn’t help but think back to all the times she had tried that look with her father. He had told her once that even her facial expressions resembled those of her mother and now she understood what he meant. She had inherited her mother’s ability to unnerve people with a mere look in their direction and yet there was rarely any harm in their stares. Evie often used those glares to bully her father into telling her more than he had originally planned. And they worked with most topics, except the one she wanted most and that was stories about her mother.

After a few more tense moments, Minerva took Evie’s hand and led her back into the increasingly crowded street. “So my Petal, have you decided what you’d like to do this afternoon?” Minerva asked her daughter. “I’m anxious to know what you’ve decided,” she added with a warm smile.

Fear gripped Evie’s heart. Abigail had not mentioned anything about making a decision and now she had no idea how to answer their mother. “Umm, well, I really want you to decide what we do,” she answered quickly. “You’ve spent all day doing what I wanted to do so let’s focus on you, Mum.”

Minerva stopped walking immediately and looked searchingly into her daughter’s bright blue eyes that seemed to twinkle just a little bit brighter than they had earlier in the day. “I’m not sure what I ever did to deserve such a beautiful daughter, my dear but I am thankful for you. You’ve made me so proud today and I think you deserve a celebration in honor of your Hogwarts letter. So, let’s go somewhere nice for dinner and then we can make our way home.”

“That sounds wonderful and believe me when I tell you that I am the lucky one today. I can’t even begin to tell you how happy I am to have you for my mum and I’m sure my Papa wishes he was still around you too.” The two walked some distance in an uncomfortable silence, each thinking of the same man who held the key to their happiness in his very capable hands.

Later, Evie entered the McGonagall manor and tried not to look so shocked at the unfamiliar surroundings. Abigail had given her a rudimentary idea of the layout of the house but she had mentioned nothing about the quaint surroundings and the feeling of warmth and love that seemed to radiate from the very walls. There were photos of Abigail scattered throughout the house and Evie felt a slight pain in her heart. Where were the pictures of her? Did her mother have a secret photo album hidden away that housed the beloved photographs of her and her father?

“Mum, can you help me carry these things up to my room,” Evie asked with an ulterior motive. She didn’t want to make the fatal mistake of choosing the wrong room or causing any suspicion. She had just found her mother and there were so many wonderful things to learn about her. Now was not the time for silly mistakes.

Evie sat on her bed and watched as Minerva restored the items to their original sizes and placed them in their proper places around the room. Every graceful movement, each softly spoken word, all the tender touches and enveloping hugs offered so freely by Minerva only endeared the woman to her daughter and even though she had quite a few unanswered questions, many of them painful, all she could focus on was the overwhelming feelings of love.

“I know I’m a big girl now, especially with the arrival of my Hogwarts letter, but do you think I could sleep in your room tonight?” Evie asked hesitatingly. She had no idea whether or not Abigail would ever ask their mother for such a favor but at the moment she didn’t care. She just couldn’t stand the thought of being separated from this fascinating woman again, even if it was only for the night.

Minerva was a bit surprised at the request but her mind raced back to a time when her daughter had spent every night safely snuggled in her arms. “Of course you can, my dear. Get into your pajamas and I’ll go downstairs and fix you a cup of cocoa. Then we can climb into bed and read a book together, just like we used to do when you were little.”

“I love you mummy,” Evie said as tears streaked her pink cheeks for the second time that day.

“And I love you too my darling. Now get into your nightclothes and we’ll snuggle in for the night. It’s been a long day and I’m sure you’re as exhausted as I am. A good night’s sleep will do us both good.”

Evelyn did as her mother instructed and she looked around the large room with awe and wonder at all the items on her mothers’ dressing table. She picked up the silver brush and ran it gently through her own long hair and then sprayed the perfume into the air and inhaled deeply. Hearing her mother’s footsteps coming up the stairs, she jumped quickly into bed and tried to act as if she had been in this room countless times.

[QuillofMinerva]

“Here you are, my dear. One mug of steaming hot chocolate just for you and one cup of tea for me,” Minerva said handing her the mug of soothing chocolate. Evie thought of her father and how they had often had some of their most serious talks or chess games over hot chocolate at night. Taking one sip of the delicious drink, her eyes widened and a grin appeared on her face.

“What’s so funny, Abigail?”

“Mum, where did you ever learn to make hot chocolate like this? It’s so yummy and it reminds me of something cozy and filled with love,” Evie hinted. In secret, though, she couldn’t help but notice how the hot chocolate tasted exactly like that her father made on a daily basis.

“Well, I learned how to make this special blend from someone I loved very much. He taught me the secret and perhaps one day I’ll pass it along to you.” Minerva’s emerald green eyes took on a far away look as she remembered the evening Albus insisted on teaching her the proper way to prepare the drink. “Hmm, he used to drink it all the time and I suppose he still does,” she added wistfully.

“He does!” she exclaimed. “I mean I’m sure he does. Who could ever give up something so delicious?” she recovered taking a long sip of her drink and peering over the top of her mug with bright blue eyes. Minerva allowed herself to be sucked into the calming depths of those blue eyes that were oh so familiar and yet so new at the same time. Her thoughts had been torn all day between Abigail and Evelyn but she assumed that was just because she knew her other daughter would be experiencing the same things as Abigail and she longed to be there with her as well.

Evie watched her mother closely and wondered what she was thinking. Thousands of questions were running through her own mind but she wasn’t ready to start asking questions just yet. She was too caught up in spending time with the woman she had longed to meet ever since she was old enough to remember.

Minerva seemed to sense a change in her daughter’s behavior and she completely caught Evie off guard with her question. “Young lady, what have you done with my daughter?” she asked without a hint of teasing or laughter in her voice.

At first, Evie was sure that the game was over and somehow she has ruined things on the first night. Then she saw the corners of Minerva’s mouth begin to twitch into a smile.

“I have no idea what you mean, mother. I’m the same little girl who went into Diagon Alley to get her school things this morning.”

“No, you’re not. You’re growing up on me too fast and I won’t permit it! Where is Hope?”

“Who?” she asked utterly confused.

“Abigail McGonagall, you can’t tell me that you expect me to believe you don’t know who Hope is! You’ve slept with that stuffed unicorn every night since you were one year old,” she said cupping her daughter’s face in her hands and smiling. “Are you giving that up today because of your letter,” Minerva asked with concern heavy in her voice.

“No. I just got so excited that I forgot to grab her. Can you summon her for me, please?” Minerva did as her daughter requested and was puzzled as Evie’s expression changed into one of shock.

Evie hadn’t expected to see the exact same unicorn she slept with every night come floating effortlessly through the doorway and into her arms. She studied the golden heart that hung from a maroon band around the unicorn’s neck and noticed that it was identical to hers, well mostly identical. Instead of reading To Evelyn, With All Our Love Mum and Papa, this one had Abigail’s name on it and she had always called her unicorn, Faith. She hugged it to her and then kissed her mother on the cheek before snuggling into her arms.

Minerva returned the gesture and kissed the top of Evie’s head. Something had changed in her daughter while they were at Diagon Alley but she couldn’t quite place her finger on what it was. Hugging her daughter to her tightly she started to hum a soft tune as Evie toyed with the ends of her mother’s hair.

“Tell me about the day I got Fai..uhhh…Hope. I want to hear how she came to be mine,” she said softly.

Taking a deep breath and swallowing hard, Minerva’s mind raced with images from that glorious day in Hogsmeade when they had taken their little girls into the village. Albus had insisted on going into the toy shop with his girls. He had talked all week long about buying them something special when they went into town and while Minerva was thinking in terms of practicality, Albus was thinking in terms of fun. She smiled as she remembered the way his eyes sparkled when he first saw the pair of unicorns sitting on the shelf, which mirrored the girls’ eyes when he took them down and gave one to each of his daughters.

“Mum?” Evie asked as her mother stopped humming and had a far away look in her eyes.

“Sorry, my love. I was lost in a memory,” she answered with a weak smile but an obvious pain in her eyes.

Evie hugged her mother tightly. “It’s okay. I sometimes think about him too,” she replied softly.

“What did you say?”

“Just that I wonder about Papa and how he’s doing, especially today,” she said innocently before closing her eyes and pretending to be sleepy.

“He’d be very proud of you my darling. I know it and perhaps some day you’ll have a chance to meet him. In fact, I can promise you that sometime soon, you’ll get the chance to learn everything about him,” she whispered with a sense of resolve and fear. What if her daughters learned the truth and then hated her for splitting them apart? What if they both chose to live with Albus at Hogwarts for the entire year, leaving her all alone in the manor? Or worse! What if the girls hated them both for what they had done so many years ago? With a troubled mind and an aching heart, Minerva drifted off to sleep holding the daughter she had longed to every day for ten years.

To Be Continued…

[griseldalafey]

You know, I have tears in my eyes.

Albus and Minerva better make up and make it all right. I'm loving this story and I can't wait until the next part.

[Stoneygem]

oooh...that was lovely...I liked that. What a sweet Mother-Daughter-chapter...too sweet...and already hinting at the things to come...it is now only a matter of time untill...right?

[Karlynne]

I can't help crying over the poor motherless child. I know how hard it must be to want a mother to hold you and kiss you. Fathers are wonderful too but a mother is something special. I hope they get back together quickly and I still want to know why she felt separating the girls was the answer. Karlie