The Parent Trap Continued

[fatedromance]

charms professor=evil

thats black haired blue eyed girl better be evie!

still loving the story and can't wait for an update.

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Sixteen: The Truth Revealed: By Ang.

Silence filled the room as three pairs of eyes stared at the new addition to the room. Albus looked from the tiny girl framed in the doorway back to the mirror image of that same girl standing right beside him. His mouth opened and closed like a goldfish, apparently searching for his voice but not finding it immediately.

Evie walked into the room tentatively, locking eyes with her sister and giving her a questioning glance about the other woman staring at her. In an instant, she realized they had arrived just in time to spare Albus the attempt of seduction by this woman and yet the one who still owned his heart and would be the most capable of winning his love stood just outside the door waiting impatiently. Minerva had felt it best to ease Albus into the situation rather than just barge in on him and catch him completely by surprise.

“Evie?” Albus asked looking down at the young lass by his side.

“No, Papa. I’m Abigail. That’s Evie over there,” she answered quietly but with an apologetic smile on her face. She wasn’t sure what emotions were flashing in his usually clear blue eyes. She had learned quickly that one could tell what Albus was feeling just by the color and expressions radiating from his stare. Yet, this was one time that those emotions and thoughts were hidden.

Albus turned his head and locked stares with Evie, still standing nervously close to the slightly opened door. She knew her mother was just outside and listening intently to everything that was said. “How…when…” he managed to stutter before dropping to his knees and hugging Abigail tightly, as if seeing her for the first time in his life. She eagerly returned his embrace and for the first time felt that he really and truly loved her for he knew it was Abigail he was holding and not Evie.

“Well, isn’t this a cozy little scene,” snapped Nicholette. “It would seem that their mother is playing a few tricks of her own now.” Nicholette looked from one girl to the other before scanning Albus’ face for any type of response. When she got none, she decided to press her luck. “Maybe she’s realized her grand mistake and now that they’re supposed to start school, she wants back into the Dumbledore bed!”

Both girls started towards her, as if they were ready to tear her limb from limb but Albus’ strong arms around Abigail and his halting glare at Evie stopped them both in their tracks. “You have no right whatsoever to speak ill of my wife and their mother, especially in front of my children. And no matter what the reasons, they are of no concern of yours. This is a family matter and one in which you have no right to intrude! I think it’s past the time of your departure, Professor.” Albus fixed cold eyes on the woman who was still shooting daggers at his children. “NOW!” he added as the seconds flew by.

Before Nicholette took her leave she looked at each of the girls with anger etched across her features. “You’re both horrid little girls! If I’d had my way, you’d both be shipped off to your mother where the three of you could live miserably without the man you don’t even deserve!” She turned on her heels and gasped as she stood nearly toe to toe with Minerva McGonagall, rage blazing in her emerald green eyes.

“Fortunately for all of us, you won’t get your way or even a say in the matter of what happens to me and my children. Now I do believe that Albus asked you politely to leave. If I ask you, I can assure you it won’t be nearly as nice as the way you spoke to my daughters!” Minerva’s fury was not one to be teased or tampered with and Nicholette realized she was not a woman to be tested, at least not now. Brushing past Minerva, she huffed and turned to face Albus one last time.

“We could have had something amazing but obviously you’re not as smart as everyone thinks you are. You’re giving up a chance for happiness with me so that you can devote your entire life to a woman who left you and two girls who only want to manipulate you. You deserve each other,” she spat as she slammed the door behind her.

Once again there was silence, the deafening kind that allows one to hear a pin drop on the carpeted floor. It was Abigail who made the first move and in a flash she was in her mother’s arms as Evie made her way into Albus’ embrace. Tears and kisses fell freely upon each girl and several moments passed before the girls pulled back and stood side by side, watching and waiting for their parents to finally speak to one another.

“Hello Albus,” Minerva began softly, a hint of her Scottish accent seeping through her voice. Albus has always loved it when she lost her focus and slipped into the slight lilt he had grown to love. He remembered waking her each morning with kisses, on the mornings when he was actually home, and hearing her husky voice murmur a ‘good morning’ using that very same tone and to hear it once more sent a warm feeling through him.

“Minerva, you look beautiful,” he answered in all sincerity. He watched as she dropped her eyes to the floor and he hoped he hadn’t overstepped his boundaries but it was the only thing he could think to say. For years he’d dreamed of this moment and the things he’d like to say to her but suddenly they were all so unimportant, except for the feelings and emotions that came straight from the depths of his heart and soul. He had never stopped loving her and wondering where it had all gone wrong but years ago he finally came to the conclusion that it was mostly his fault but by then it was too late to go after her.

Abigail and Evie nudged each other and tried hard not to giggle at their parents’ reactions to seeing each other again. They could tell that things were somewhat stilted between them but it was probably due to the long absence from each other. Neither Albus nor Minerva could think of anything in particular to say so it was left up to the girls.

“We hope you’re not angry with us for switching places on you. We met in Madame Malkin’s when we went to get our school supplies,” Abigail started.

“Yes, and she was kind enough to help us pull off the little trade. She was just as shocked as we were to learn about the other. Seems we weren’t the only ones kept in the dark for years,” Evie added. “We didn’t mean to make you mad, but we each wanted to spend some time alone with the other parent and I for one am not sorry in the least.”

Minerva smiled at Evie, who she realized was speaking directly to her. “And I only wish I had realized it was you instead of Abigail sooner. It must have been hard pretending to be each other while wanting so desperately to be with us,” Minerva said as a tear began to fall from down her cheek.

“Oh Mum, don’t cry! We’re both together and as long as you and Papa aren’t angry at us, it will all be okay,” Abigail said rushing to her mother’s side, followed quickly by Evie. The two girls wrapped their arms around Minerva and planted kisses to her cheeks. Drawing her children tightly into her arms, Minerva kissed them each on the forehead and rocked them slightly back and forth, watching Albus to see what his reaction would be towards their children.

“Don’t I get a hug like that too,” he asked quietly but with a smile. He had knelt down and was holding out his hands to the girls’, hoping they’d grant him the same kind of reception. He was not disappointed when they looked back at their mum, as if searching for permission, only to be pushed from her arms towards him.

A long forgotten happiness filled Minerva’s heart as seeing both of her beautiful daughters being held protectively in Albus’ arms. For a moment, she longed to be there herself, to feel his warmth wrapped around her and feeling the overwhelming love between them. But she dared not dream of such a scene for it would only open old wounds and taint the present with their past.

After everyone had finally overcome the initial shock and had grown somewhat comfortable in the sitting room, Evie tried to broach the subject of Nicholette with her father.

“Papa, what was that horrible woman taking about when she said that you two could have had something amazing? You’ve never mentioned her before but she seemed almost like you had broken a date with her. I don’t understand why she blames us for what happened between the two of you,” she tried to answer innocently. Her motive was simple. She wanted to hear the story for her mum’s benefit, to prove to her that their father had not dated since her departure.

“To be truthful, I have only suspicions about that, sweetpea. It is Evie, right? Honestly, I never realized just how much you two look alike until seeing you sitting side by side.”

“I can answer that Papa,” Abigail offered, quickly picking up in her sister’s reasoning. “I overheard Nicholette Cline and another professor talking about how you hadn’t dated since mum and I left and she told the other professor about her master plan. She invited you to a staff dinner but really it was just supposed to be the two of you at a romantic table for two. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want to seem like a snoop,” she said before thinking. Quickly she looked over at her mum, who was smiling, almost near a slight giggle of her own.

“So there never was a staff dinner? Is that why you suddenly developed a stomach ache, little one?” he asked peering at her with piercing eyes, filled with a hint of mirth.

“Yes that and well I knew mum and Evie were coming here today to see us and…”

“Wait! Am I the only one who didn’t know about this switch? Minerva, when did you find out,” he asked.

“I only found out about it last night when Evie confessed to me and since I knew it would be something we needed to discuss, I decided to bring her here myself. I hope that was alright with you. I don’t mean to intrude in any way so I’ll go into Hogsmeade for the night and…”

“You’ll do no such a thing. I just got my entire family back under one roof and I’m not ready to watch anyone walk out that door. Please, stay. I am sure we can make adequate sleeping arrangements for everyone, even if I have to give you my bed and sleep on the sofa. I can enlarge the Evie’s bed and they can share at least for a few nights.” Albus’ pleading eyes had always been able to crack Minerva’s strong resolve on any matter and he proved once more that he still had that power over her.

“Alright then, if you’re sure it’s not an inconvenience. I’d like the chance to spend more time with both of my girls.”

“Good, then it’s settled. I’ll go and make the necessary adjustments to the beds and get my things from our bedroom. And I know two young ladies that need to take a bath before bed. Your mother and I will be in to tuck you in later.” The three women in the room were too busy sharing looks of amusement and mischief as Albus spoke. Minerva had quickly picked up on the fact that he still referred to the room where he slept as ‘ours’ and the girls had seized upon that one word too.

“Are any of you listening to me?” he asked with a chuckle. “Now, I expect to see two clean faces and bodies in pajamas when we come into that room in half an hour,” he teased before shooing the girls off in the direction of the bathroom and bedroom.

Albus turned to Minerva, watching her stare after her girls as they disappeared through the doorway. “It’s really wonderful to see them together, isn’t it?” he asked softly. “I’ve thought about this day ever since you left and now it all seems like a dream.” He had not taken his eyes off Minerva since the young ladies had left the room. Old feelings were crashing to the surface but in his heart he knew that if there was even a chance at winning her back, there were lots of wounds he needed to heal first.

“I will admit I was worried about sending Abigail here this year. I’ve dreaded telling her everything and have been putting it off until closer to the start of the school term. I guess I just waited too long,” Minerva remarked. “But seeing her with you and knowing that I had been granted the chance to spend some time with Evie gives me a feeling of hope. I don’t want them separated again, Albus. They will need each other at school and I will work with you in any way I can to keep them from experiencing the pains of separation that we went through.” She smiled weakly up at him and patted his hand. “Now, I think I’ll go and take a bath of my own so that once we tuck the girls in for the night, I can get to bed early. I have a feeling that tomorrow will be filled with questions and we’ll need all the strength we can get.”

To Be Continued…

[Herzele]

Wonderful update !!
I love the way Minerva handled that other woman ... ;D

[bee.]

i squealed only about every other paragraph.

Both girls started towards her, as if they were ready to tear her limb from limb

i would have loved to see that! but I think Minerva did a pretty good job. can't wait for more... i'll probably end up checking this thread every four minutes.
hoorah, post soon!
ecks oh ecks oh,
bee

[ginger newts]

Oh, yay, they're finallyall back together! (Sheesh, I missed another update though, bad reader.) I too loved the way Minerva spoke to Nicholette, and I hope one of the three of them gets a chance to tear into her later. Can't wait to see what's in store next for the little family.

[Lady Lavendar]

Yeah!!! That was a great update!! I love that there back together now. Also I'm glad that the stupid Professor is out of the way (or is that only for now?). Well I hope to see another great update soon!

LL

[LadyJolly]

YES!!!! they're together forever ok maybe but hopefully but then end they will be which is a big possiblity that they will Love this chapter and the whole confrontation of Nicholette. Like to see how the family continues to be a family so please do update soon

Lady Jolly

[Stoneygem]

YAY, they are completely out in the open and it is still "our bedroom".....wheeeeeeeee. And we got rid of that horrid woman....

Now....what awkwardness will ensure through the shared quarters?

Can't wait to find out. Wonderful...lovely chapter, lovely story...please continue, girls... ;D

[Jaya]

I've really enjoyed the last few updates even though I haven't given feedback (sorry... tay is down visiting and we've been just skimming things when we get a break from movie watching and hurricane preparations...)

Can't wait to read more!

Jaya ;D

[tayryn]

this was a great update!

lord willing, there will be more soon, and hopefully, this hurricaine that i'm being blamed for around here will simply peter out, and we'll just get a nice boomer, and there will be more to read while it's pouring!

i loved the shy interplay between Albus and Minerva... the way she slipped into the Scottish lilt! that was very sweet!!

[Jessabelle]

good post .. once again i cant wait for more

[fatedromance]

yay for minerva! I am excited about the next chapter.

[tanja]

there came the lions out of them, when it´s something against their kids. Great chapter, lovely written.Update soon

[Alesia]

Whooo hoo great update. I loved that Evie and Abigail wanted to handled the Charms professor. It is going to tough for them to get decent grades in Charms this term I would bet.

The conversation between Albus and Minerva after the girls go to bed is going to be very interesting and I,for one, am hoping Albus doesn't end up on the couch!

[JKMcGonagall]

I love Evie and Abby. They have a lot of their mum in them. Go girls, get her, I say.

I absolutely fell apart laughing when Nicholette (horrible person) finished her tirade at the girls and spun around and found herself toe to toe (and probably nose to nose, although I really see Min as taller than her) with an angry Minerva (mama cat). You could just see the claws showing.

The meeting between Albus and Minerva was sweet. It is still 'our' bedroom. Think he will really end up on the couch. Nah.

Great story. I look forward to more updates soon.

Kay

[QuillofMinerva]

The Parent Trap

A/n: Sorry about the short length of this chapter, my muse well and truly deserted me as I was trying to write this so it was hard work. I hope you all enjoy it though.

Chapter 17: Family Talk. By Clayre

Abigail and Evie peered around the door that led into the living room and saw their mother and father sitting on comfortable looking chairs. They were sitting in silence and Abigail noticed that her mother was staring into the empty fireplace. She looked across at her father and saw that he was watching his estranged wife intently. The silence in the room didn’t fill the girls with delight and they became worried that things weren’t going as they had planned. But then it was bound to be hard at first.

Evie pushed the door open and walked in, taking her sisters’ hand as she did so. Both Albus and Minerva turned around at the sound of the door closing and smiled at their daughters.

“Nice of you both to join us!” said Albus, with a twinkle in his eye.

The girls had been longer than half an hour but that had been because they had been discussing their parents and being horrible about Nicholette. Evie hadn’t had any reason to dislike the Professor until she had tried to worm herself into their family. She had never assumed that anyone would have a crush on her Papa because he was her Papa and she wanted her Mother back. The girls had laughed themselves silly as they remembered their father’s slip of the tongue when he had referred to his bedroom as their mothers’ as well. They also noted that their mother didn’t correct him when he had said it and that was bound to have been a good sign.

“We got carried away,” Evie answered as she walked towards him and hopped on to his lap

“Lots to catch up on!” added Abigail as she sat on the arm of her mother’s chair.

Minerva placed her hand over her daughter’s hand and squeezed it tenderly and then toyed with a piece of hair that had come loose from Abigail’s ponytail.

“So what did you chat about?” she inquired.

“Just this and that,” answered Abigail as she looked over at Evie. “What have you two been talking about?”

“This and that!” answered Albus with a chuckle.

He watched with amusement as both his daughters rolled their eyes in the fashion that their mother would do when he gave her those sorts of answers ten or more years ago. In truth, he and Minerva hadn’t really spoken to one another while they waited for their daughters to reappear. They had asked each other how the other was and made small talk before slipping into a comfortable silence, which surprised both of them. Albus had tried to think of something to say but alas, his courage and brain failed him once again as they had done all those years ago.

“Are you angry with us?” questioned Evie as she looked at her father and then at her mother.

“No not at all,” answered Minerva with a small smile. “We are just sorry that you had to resort to this to get to know us. If anyone is to be angry then it should be you two.”

Albus nodded. He completely agreed with what she had said. He had been surprised that the girls had taken the news as well as they had. He had expected screaming matches and doors being slammed one after the other. He had expected Evie to be angry with him for keeping her twin sister a secret and he expected Abigail to angry with him for not being in her life. Looking at the two girls before him, he saw no anger but instead love and hope twinkling in their blue eyes.

“In a strange way,” began Abigail “it seems like a big adventure and that’s exciting. There is no time to feel anger or regret because we have found each other now.”

Abigail still surprised Minerva with her wisdom at such a young age and this was one of those times when Minerva would stare at her daughter with awe.

“I swear I just heard your mother talking then,” teased Albus, as he looked across at Minerva. “You have done a wonderful job bringing up our daughter.”

Abigail looked at her mother and grinned. She had often been told that she sounded just like her mother and she had always been proud of that fact. She had always known that it had been hard for her mother bringing her up by herself. They had lived comfortably and Abigail had never gone without and she had been the apple of her mother’s eye.

“As you have done with bringing up Evie,” said Minerva with a smile. “She has grown into an exceptional young lady and reminds me so much of you. When I think back to the days that I thought she was Abigail, it is obvious that she couldn’t have been her sister. But then I didn’t expect such a situation.”

Albus winked at Evie and then at Abigail. He completely agreed with Minerva. He had not expected the swap and even though Evie seemed out of character, he had put it down to her growing up and acting like a young lady.

Albus would freely admit to anyone that asked that he had found it extremely hard to juggle personal life with his professional life. He had tried hard to make Minerva and his daughters his number one responsibility but someone else always wanted him and he would come to their aid.

He understood why Minerva had left him ten years ago. She had had enough of always coming last to Hogwarts, Grindelwald, the Ministry of Magic and Armando Dippet. He had known that if his wife walked out on him, he should go after her but male pride and cowardness prevented him from going after her. Also, he had been called away to deal with something else that the ministry couldn’t handle.

Bringing up Evie alone hadn’t been easy. He felt guilt deep within him because he hadn’t always been present when she needed him most. It ate him up inside that he hadn’t been able to go to Diagon Alley with her to get her Hogwarts supplies and when he had missed her first ever lesson on a broomstick. He knew that Evie loved and adored him and he also knew that she understood that if she were ever in any trouble then he would drop everything.

“Were we alike when we were babies before we were separated?” asked Evie with interest.

“From the moment you were both born,” began Minerva “your father and I knew that you were different from one another!”

“Abigail was born first and didn’t even cry when she came into the world,” continued Albus “while you my girl, came into the world screaming as though a herd of wild hippogriffs was after you!”

Minerva smiled at the memory and closed her eyes. She could remember it as if it were yesterday. Albus had only just made it back in time from France to see Abigail coming into the world. He had been gathering information underground for his own underground group, the Order of the Phoenix, when Minerva had gone into labour. She had frantically scribbled down a note and sent it on its’ way. Twenty hours later she was beginning to panic when he hadn’t arrived and on top of being in labour, Minerva was rather tearful and stressed.

Abigail had been crowning when suddenly Albus appeared by his wife’s side and gripped her hand while mumbling apologies to her. His apologies had fallen on deaf ears as Minerva had been preparing herself to push. Ten minutes later, Abigail Celeste Dumbledore had been born and was looking around the room with interest. Twenty minutes later, Evelyn Athena Dumbledore was born and she let the whole school know of her arrival and what a powerful set of lungs she had.

“You both had a little bit of dark hair but your eyes were bright blue,” said Minerva with a tear in her eye. “Abigail weighed a little more that you Evie but you soon caught up. You had an appetite just like your father at such a young age while Abigail was a fussy eater when we put you on to solids!”

“Evie would eat anything you gave her,” added Albus with a chuckle.“Still does as a matter of fact!”

“Papa!” exclaimed Evie before batting him playfully on the arm.

The evening progressed with Albus and Minerva giving their daughters an insight to their first year on life. The girls found out that they had both crawled within days of each other but Evie had taken her first steps long before Abigail had. Evie had been nearly one but Abigail had been fifteen months before she did that and Minerva had put it down to her been poorly at that stage. Albus had expressed regret that he hadn’t been there when Abigail had taken her first steps and Minerva had fallen quiet. An uneasy silence had fallen on the room until Evie had asked some other questions and the room filled with chatter and laughter again.

The large grandfather clock struck midnight and Albus looked across at Minerva who had moved across to the couch earlier that evening and he saw that both the girls were fast asleep with their heads resting on her lap.

“Perhaps we should get them to bed!” he whispered.

“I think that would be wise,” she answered. “My legs are getting numb.”

With a gentle flick of his wrists, both the girls were levitated in the air and moved towards their bedroom. Minerva rose to her feet and stretched, the feeling of blood rushing to her legs made her dizzy for a bit before following Albus and the sleeping girls into their bedroom.

Minerva walked ahead and turned down the covers of the bed while Albus carefully lowered them down between the sheets. He took a step back as Minerva proceeded to tuck the girls into bed. He watched with an amazing amount of love as she kissed the girls on their forehead. She lingered over Evie before placing her hand on Evie’s face and whispered ‘I missed you my Evie’.

Minerva moved away from her daughters and watched as Albus kissed them both on the cheek. It felt like they had been putting the girls to bed together for eleven years and that made Minerva feel strange. She couldn’t quite place her feelings just yet. Albus walked over to her and smiled softly in the dimly lit room before opening the door.

“After you my dear!”

To be continued.

[Herzele]

That was a wonderful sweet chapter !!
And now I'm excited to see if Albus has to sleep on the sofa ... Update soon !! ;D

[Alesia]

Ahhh, much family sweetness, and thank you for the quick update. Now on to the makeup part, I want kissage!!! ;D please

[Adrasteia]

Bad muse, but it still is a very good en sweet update.
Now I'm only hoping that Albus doesn't have to sleep on the sofa. Or maybe.... that might be a reason for Minerva to give him a massage... ;D

[Lady Lavendar]

That was a great update!! I loved it!! Now it's time to see them kiss and makeup!

LL

[ginger newts]

That was a sweet chapter. I liked hearing about the girls as babies and seeing a cute little family moment. Hope your muse comes back from holiday soon so we can find out the rest.

[TheEmeraldRose]

My computer's finally allowing me to sign on and comment on someone's story again! ;D

Let me just say I'm LOVING this story! The movie was good, but incorporating it into HP was a really good idea. The girls crack me up, and I really hope AD/MM can get back together.

[bee.]

Oh, i absolutley love this story. not to mention that chapter rocked... hoorah for happy family moments! now... about the sleeping arangements. mwahaha ;D
ecks oh ecks oh,
bee

[Jessabelle]

ohhhhhhhhhh this is good .. this is very very good .. i cannot wait for more ..

[QuillofMinerva]

The Parent Trap

Chapter Eighteen:A Path To Forgiveness by Ang

“I can’t believe they’re back together, Albus. They act as if they’ve known each other all their lives and yet I know it is because of me that they’ve lost all those years,” Minerva finally said as they closed the door and returned to the sofa. “All that wasted time and it’s all my fault.”

“Minerva, you know that’s not true. Neither of them blames you for what happened between us. I feel like you do though. If I had not been so foolish or set in my ways, I would have realized what was happening between us and gone after you both. Instead, I chose to believe you would come back and when you did not, I made myself believe it was too late.”

Minerva stared into his face, his eyes no longer twinkling but filling with unshed tears. “If you had come to me a year after we left and offered a sincere apology, it would not have been too late, Albus. I loved you and leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done. But what’s worse is I left my child behind. Talk about the worst of mothers…”

“How were you to know that you were leaving her behind? I am positive had you actually thought I would not follow, you would have packed up both our bundles of joy and taken them with you.” He reached over and took her hand in his. “You are a wonderful mother. Just look at the amazing job you’ve done with Abigail. She’s just like you in so many ways and for that I am most grateful.”

Minerva gave a weak smile in response to his praise. “And I meant what I said about Evie. She’s a true delight and I can see your influence in her life.” She paused to look into the dying embers of the fire. “Now it seems we have a slight dilemma on our hands.”

“And what would that be, my dear?” Albus had always used that phrase as a term of endearment for Minerva. It had started long before they were actually lovers or married, back to the days when she was his student. And even to this day, whenever she heard it, her heart gave a slight quiver for it evoked so many emotions and memories.

“What do to with the girls between now and when they start school? I don’t think it’s fair to deny them this time to get to know each other. We’ve already seen to it that they’ve lost eleven years. I know I will not allow them to lose another month or even another week on my behalf.”

“Why can’t you and Abigail stay here…with me and Evie? There’s plenty of room. The staff at Hogwarts will certainly understand once things have been explained.” He looked deep into her emerald eyes. “And it will give us a chance to spend time with both of our girls at once.”

“I don’t know Albus. While that sounds like a logical and workable plan, there are so many things to consider. First and foremost, you still have duties to attend to and I will not go back to the way things were when I left. I cannot live here and take care of our daughters while you fight evil wizards, attend meetings, and basically visit us whenever we can fit into your schedule.” Minerva felt her temper beginning to rise as well as her voice and she quickly worked to subdue both. “I think I’ve had a long day and I need to get some sleep. We can discuss this later, but for now I think it’s best if we just take each day as it comes.”

Albus watched as Minerva gracefully rose and crossed the room towards the bedroom door. “Thank you for the use of the bedroom, Albus. I’ll send some blankets and a pillow out to you in a few minutes.” She turned to walk inside the bedroom but turned and glanced back at the man still sitting on the sofa, seeing his head buried in his hands. “Albus, it took both of us to destroy what we had and it is going to take both of us to make a suitable life for each of our daughters. But it will take time.” She paused as he looked up at her and gave a faint smile. “Good night and sleep well.” With that, she closed the door leaving him all alone with his thoughts.

And those thoughts plagued him all through the night. He wasn’t sure what time it was when he finally drifted to sleep but even then his memories would not leave him alone. He recalled scenes from the happier days with Minerva. Their wedding and honeymoon, the day they learned they were having twins, their first birthdays, and all the nights he held Minerva in his arms all ran though his weary mind. And then, just as quickly as those memories had appeared, they were gone and replaced with the dark days.

Those were the ones that haunted his dreams, even before Minerva was around to remind him of what he had lost. He could still hear Evie calling for her mommy after a nightmare. He heard her asking why her mum wasn’t there for her birthdays. Even the times when she hadn’t thought he could hear, she had cried for the woman she was too young to remember. Waking in a cold sweat, he rose and walked to the bedroom door of his sleeping children. As he eased the door open and peered inside, he felt a hand on his back.

“I couldn’t sleep either. I had to check to make sure I wasn’t dreaming,” Minerva whispered.

“I’m sorry Minerva…for everything,” he quietly said in reply.

“Now is not the time, Albus. Give us time to heal and perhaps one day things will be different.” Minerva walked over and drew the blankets up around each of her daughters, kissing them each once more before returning to bed, leaving Albus to follow in her path.

“Did you hear that Evie?” Abigail asked excited. “Mum thinks that there’s a chance for change.”

“And Papa actually said he was sorry,” Evie whispered back to her sister. “I think there’s hope yet, sis, and all we have to do is help them along just a bit.”

“How do you suggest we go about that? We’re not even sure how long Mum will stay here and what will happen to us if she decides to leave. I’m sure they’ll each want us for a little bit of what’s left of our summer.” Abigail had always been the logical thinker between the two and it was evidenced by her questioning of her sister. Evie, on the other hand, liked to dream up ideas only to have her father or Uncle Aberforth show her the flaws.

“I’m not sure but we’ve got to think of something. Maybe if we leave them alone tomorrow they’ll actually feel free to talk and that’s always good. I just know that if they sat down and really talked about what happened all those years ago, they’d both see how wrong they each were for splitting up like they did.”

“Well, I can tell you for a fact that it is going to take a lot more for Mum to forgive him than just that simple apology. I’ve lived with her long enough to know that when she puts her mind to something, it’s very hard to change it.”

“Ah but my dear sister, that was before Papa and I were back in her life. She might be able to deny one of us, but never both of us. If we can just get Papa to see that he might have a chance at winning her back, then she’ll have three of us to contend with and as you’ve already seen, Papa can be a very persuasive man.” It was another hour before the two scheming witches finally stopped talking long enough to drift back to sleep.

Albus was the first to wake the following morning and despite his rough night, he was a happy man. It had been ages since his entire family had been under one roof and even though things were far from settled, he felt optimistic. Taking matters into his own hands, he hastily wrote Armando an owl telling him of the recent events and begging for a little time to get his family business taken care of satisfactorily. When he received a prompt reply stating that his request had been granted, he felt like a new man…a man who had a wife and a family.

Minerva rolled over in bed and snuggled deep into the bedding. It smelled of lemon drops and Albus’ cologne. A broad smile broke across her face as she drifted between the deep sleep and the hazy awake period which often came with morning. For a brief period, she was transported to a time when she would reach across the bed, hoping to snuggle with Albus before the morning started. When she fully woke, she chastised herself for becoming so sentimental and for even entertaining the notion of him lying beside her. Drawing his dressing gown around her slender frame, she walked into the sitting room to greet the day.

“It’s about time you got us, Minerva. I thought you’d be up with the sunshine this morning,” Albus said handing her a cup of freshly brewed tea. When she looked around, she was shocked. He had moved the furniture and instead of a sofa and end tables, there was a grand table set for four.

“I thought it might be nice for the girls if we all sat down to breakfast together, just like a normal family. I took the liberty of having the house elves prepare a feast with lots of choices. I wasn’t sure what you liked to eat for breakfast but I did remember what you used to eat all those years ago.”

“That’s very kind of you, Albus, and it looks delicious. I admit that when I woke up this morning, my stomach was growling. Shall I go wake the girls?”

“Perfect and I’ll pour their juice,” he answered. Before she had taken the first step towards their door, Albus was already pulling out their chairs and making sure everything was in order.

“Albus, come quickly!” Minerva yelled from their bedroom.

Dropping the pitcher of juice on the floor, he dashed to her side and looked into the room in confusion. His little angels, his darling girls were gone. Rushing to their beds he pulled back the sheets, hoping to find them hiding beneath. Instead all he found was a note pinned to Abigail’s unicorn.

Dear Mum and Papa,

We thought we’d like to explore the castle together this morning and maybe some of the grounds too. Evie promised to show me around and help me become familiar with the school since I’ll be starting here soon enough. Since we’re not sure where our adventures will lead us, there’s no use looking for us. Besides, you know we won’t be easily found and you can take this quiet time to talk about our futures, hopefully as a family.

If you feel up to it and would like to spend some time with us as a family, we’ll be at the east side of the lake around lunch. Evie talked to the house elves early this morning and they’re going to bring a picnic basket for us.

Enjoy your morning together!

Love,

Abigail and Evie

Minerva sank onto the bed and tried to catch her breath. She had been scared that their children had grown angry with them and run away. Instead, they were just being mischievous children, rising early to seek an adventure together. A giggle escaped her lips and Albus looked at her in confusion.

“Can you imagine what it would have been like if they’d actually grown up together? I dare say we would have had our hands full in keeping up with those two lassies!” Albus shared in her humor and before long, they were both overcome with a wave of relief, knowing that their girls were safe and most likely having the time of their lives…together.

“Come on my dear, let’s not waste this glorious breakfast. The least you can do is help me eat it since your daughters have deserted me.”

“My daughters? You’re the one who always sought the thrill of the unknown,” she teased taking his offered hand. “Besides, I seem to remember a story about yourself and Abeforth pulling a similar trick to your mother and father once so they have to get it from your side of the family.”

“Perhaps they do but I know one thing for certain.” Minerva raised her eyebrows in silent question. “They get their looks from your side of the family and I couldn’t be more pleased.” Holding out her chair, he waited for her to be seated before taking his place across the table and beginning to enjoy their first full day together again.

TBC…

[Kacie]

Oh man Albus and Minerva are going to do everything slowly and carefully I bet. He needs to just snog her senseless and deal with the rest later. Kacie

[Herzele]

Great chapter !!! I really love this story !!
Now let's just hope this morning alone helps them on the way to really become a family once more ...

[Alesia]

I have to agree with Kacie - they both just need to snog each other and deal with the rest later. ;D But Min is nothing but a slow mover. The sutle flirting is really too much (and well written btw).

[tayryn]

that was cute!!

now... bring on the KISSAGE!!

truly, this was a wonderful update! for a story i wasn't sure about when i read the first chapter... i truly do love this story, and i am very much looking forward to the next update!!

great job, ladies!

[TartanPhoenix]

Albus!! Just push her up against a door and get it over with!! This slow pace is going to kill me (no matter how well it's written Update soon.