The Parent Trap Continued

[LadyJolly]

Great update hope to read more. I'd like to see some more of the letters that Albus wrote to Minerva. Does Minerva have any letters that she wrote but never send it to Albus???

Lady Jolly

[Alesia]

I think Minerva is going to find she did as much harm to him in the last ten years as he did to her before she left him. What wonder chapter!

[JKMcGonagall]

Well, at least they are talking at last.

Yay for Fawkes, he forgave her and is friends again.

I hope the letters help her to realize that he loved and missed her. It really was both of their faults for being too proud to admit they were wrong, but I feel it is easier for Albus to forgive and forget than Min.

Update soon. Love this story.

Kay

[bee.]

i loved that chapter! especially because of fawkes. The ending was wonderful though, and i really hope we get to see some more letters. keep it up,
ecks oh ecks oh,
bee

[Krystal]

I am so sorry. I have fallen behind but I'm back now. I'm glad Minerva wanted to read alone. Did she write letters to Albus also or was it just him?

[Sola]

Wonderfull! I'm anxiouse to see how the letters will go on

[steffi0210]

Fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!

I desperately want to know how this will go on and I hope you will update this soon.

[Kimberly]

Boy Albus's first letter made him seem clueless! Typical male anyway, I hope to hear more of the letters. Kim

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 22: Hide and Seek by Ang.

Abigail and Evie walked away from their parents, saddened and broken hearted. Their questions had been answered as honestly and as completely as possible for the time being but that did not make the situation any easier for the girls. All they knew was that each of them had lost their temper and both parents had willingly accepted their anger.

“I don’t really feel much like eating anymore. Do you?” Abigail asked Evie quietly, breaking into her sisters’ thoughts.

“Nope! I want to run away from Mum and Papa. I want to show them what it feels like to be abandoned. I want to make them see just how much one person can affect the lives of so many others!” she announced bitterly.

“You know we can’t do that. Papa would have every witch and wizard in the country looking for us. We wouldn’t stand a chance of hiding.” Abigail had stopped and turned to look her sister in the face. “Besides, what purpose would it serve? We’d only be in trouble when they found us.”

“Maybe so but I just can’t stand to watch them dance around each other any longer. We all know they’re still in love but what good is it going to do if they don’t act on it? I’ll tell you what good…none! All our hard work of getting them together has been for nothing but heartache and trouble. We couldn’t even have a family picnic this afternoon because of the cloud that’s hanging over all of us!”

“Evelyn Dumbledore, how dare you say such a thing? If we hadn’t met in Diagon Alley, just look at all the time we would have missed, with each other and with our parents. They love us and it can’t be easy for them either. Imagine having the love of your life walk back into your home after years of being apart. Did you honestly expect them to just fall back in love in a day?”

Evelyn looked hard at her sister and without another word, she bolted towards the castle, dropping the blanket as she went. Abigail was frightened. She had never seen her sibling so upset and she did the only thing she could think to do. She abandoned the picnic basket and chased after her.

Tears flooded Evelyn’s eyes as she darted up the steps in the main entranceway. She had heard Abigail calling after her but she didn’t care. All she wanted to do was run as far away from everyone and everything as possible. As the tears clouded her eyes, she never saw Professor Nicholette Cline descending the stairs until she had smashed straight into the angry looking woman.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re going you little brat?” Nicholette gripped Evelyn firmly by the upper arms so hard she was positive there would be a bruise in the morning. “You and that stupid sister of yours have done more than enough damage around this castle, not to mention bringing that traitorous woman back into your father’s life!”

“What happens in the Dumbledore family is absolutely no concern of yours, Professor,” she spat vehemently. “Besides, what makes you any better than my mother? You were going to lie to Papa just to get a date with him! How do you think he’d take it when he learned the truth? You know how he is about trust and honesty.”

“You’d be wise to mind your tongue and not tell your father things of which you know nothing about young lady! My relationship with your father is something between the two of us and…”

“Ah, but Professor, you don’t stand a chance with our father,” Abigail yelled from the foot of the stairs. Evelyn breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing her sister. Now, whatever happened it would be two against one and sometimes that could make all the difference.

“Well, well, well! It would seem that where I find one brat, another one appears suddenly.” Abigail walked to the landing to stand firmly beside her sister. “As I was telling your sister, it would be in the best interest of both of you to mind your manners and attitudes around me. One wrong move from either of you and I can make your time here incredibly miserable.”

“We’re not afraid of you, Professor Cline! Our father is Albus Dumbledore and our mother is Minerva McGonagall. Do you honestly think that either of them would allow a single hair on our heads to be harmed by the likes of a scheming witch like you?” Abigail squared her shoulders and held her head high as she snapped fiercely at the woman. Little did she know at that moment just how much she resembled her mother.

“Yes, your mother was so loving towards Evelyn that she left her here for all those years. And Albus loved you, Abigail, so much that he never bothered to go looking for you or your mother. Sounds like a really happy home life you had before the walls started to crumble. Your wretch of a mother does not deserve your father and I’m going to see to it that she doesn’t sink her claws into him again.” Nicholette grinned wickedly at each to the girls in turn. “Then, I’ll be back to take care of you two so that I can have your father all to myself.”

“Try it and you’ll regret the day you ever heard the names McGonagall and Dumbledore,” Evelyn yelled.

At that moment, Nicholette Cline snapped. She had listened to their foolishness long enough and it was time to make them see just how powerful she really was. She whipped out her wand and pointed it at Evelyn’s throat, staring coldly into her eyes in the hopes of inflicting fear.

“Let her go,” Abigail yelled, hoping to draw attention from anyone else in the castle to the situation.

“Shut up! You’re going to watch what happens to your sister and then we’ll see just how cooperative you two can be when it comes to helping me win your father’s heart.” Nicholette raised her wand and her mouth opened to cast some dark spell or incantation towards Evelyn.

Abigail couldn’t explain it but suddenly she could feel all of her sister’s fear and rage. She could feel her heart beating rapidly in her throat and in her mind she could see the images of her father and mother radiating power towards her in her mind. Without the aid of a wand or even muttering the first word, Abigail directed all of her energy towards the angry woman and watched as she crumpled in pain. Nicholette lost her footing and the girls watched as she tumbled down the staircase and landed at a heap at the bottom.

Evelyn slumped to her knees as a wave of nausea swept through her body, her breaths ragged and fast. “I…you…oh Abigail…what have we done? We’ll be in so much trouble when they find out it was us who did that to her,” Evelyn panicked.

Abigail was dumbfounded and confused. She had no idea how she had managed to cause the woman to fall down the stairs or how she had been able to draw upon her parents for strength when she felt her sister’s horrific fear. But her senses came back quickly and she began thinking logically again.

“You’re going to run to the infirmary and tell the medi-witch that there’s been an accident and where to find Professor Cline. Then, meet me outside near the greenhouses. I’ll go and get our blanket and basket. Looks like we’re going to have to hide until we can figure out what to do!” Evelyn hugged her sister tightly and promised to meet her as quickly as possible.

Making her way across the front lawn, Abigail was never more thankful not to run into anyone as she retraced her steps and easily retrieved the necessary items and raced to the greenhouses. She had only been there long enough to catch her breath when Evelyn came dashing around the corner.

“Did you get her help?” Abigail asked full of concern and worry.

“Yes, but she was already awake somewhat when they found her. It won’t be long before they come looking for us.” Evie noticed the look of fear for the first time in her sister’s face. “Come on. I know a little place to hide. It’s in the Forbidden Forest and nobody knows about it but me. They’ll never think to look for us in there.”

“But we’re not supposed to go into the forest. It’s strictly forbidden for a reason, Evie. Couldn’t we hide near the lake or maybe somewhere near Hogsmeade?”

“That’s the first place they’ll look for us,” she said tugging on Abigail’s arm. “Come on…trust me. I know these grounds better than you so you’re going to have to believe me when I say this is the only place they won’t look. Papa will have the castle swept once he finds we’re missing and by then we’ll be safe and well hidden.”

Deciding that they needed all the time they could get before they were found, Abigail agreed and was being tugged in the direction of the forest before she even had a chance to look back at the castle.

Evelyn and Abigail didn’t stop running until they had reached the small clearing in the forest. There was a small lake with crystal clear water and the surrounding area had lush green grass, soft enough to make a bed. A small clump of trees with low hanging branches served as a shade in the hot days of summer but would also shelter them from the night as darkness began to fall upon Hogwarts. With their basket of food and one blanket between them, they huddled together and tried to decide what they should do next.

Minerva had spent the remainder of the afternoon locked up in the bedroom, lost in the mountain of letters from Albus written years and years ago. He had kept them organized in order of their dates and with each one, Minerva could sense a growing sorrow in his written words to her. Occasionally she would find a letter filled with hurt and anger directed at her for leaving him and taking one of their children. But for the most part, he directed his words towards her and wondering why she had left without so much as a goodbye. It was only when her stomach began to growl fiercely that she placed the unread letters into a small drawer in the nightstand and unlocked the door leading into the sitting room.

Albus has given Minerva the space and time she needed to read through years of his thoughts. He had tried to work on some papers but nothing could hold his attention. Aberforth had even flooed to see how they were doing and was surprised to learn of everything that had happened. He offered to come by and take care of the girls in order to give them some time together, but his offer was refused. Albus felt they needed to work through the situation as a complete family and to spend as much time together as possible, for the girls’ sake.

“Where are the girls, Albus? It’s time for dinner and they need to get washed up soon.” Minerva walked to the center of the room and dared to lock eyes with Albus. She could see that he, too, had been crying this afternoon, no doubt from the tumultuous afternoon picnic.

“I haven’t seen them since this afternoon, when they both stormed off together. I assumed they were in their room but I haven’t checked,” he said quietly. “I was trying to stay out of everybody’s way this afternoon and give each of you some time to yourselves. I’ve been sitting here for most of the time.”

Minerva walked briskly to the doorway leading to the girls’ room. Upon opening the door and finding it empty, she turned to Albus. “They’re not there, Albus! It looks just like it did this morning when I went to make sure they had made their beds.” Minerva felt an uneasy wave pass through her body. She had felt it earlier in the day but had brushed it off as a silly notion. “Albus, something’s wrong. The girls aren’t here. Neither of us has seen them all afternoon and it’s nearly dinnertime. They know they’re expected at dinner no matter what they’re feeling.”

“Try to stay calm, Minerva. I’m sure they’re somewhere in the castle. After all, there are hundreds of corridors and hallways to explore. Most likely they’ve wandered off and have lost track of time. It’s not hard to do for two inquisitive young ladies.” He walked over and gripped Minerva tenderly on her upper arms. “I’ll contact the house elves and have them search the castle. They’ll be able to locate them within a few minutes and we’ll have worried for nothing.” He gave her arms a gentle squeeze and walked to the fireplace, contacting the house elves and every inhabitant in the castle.

Albus spent several moments speaking with several of those still staying at the castle. It wasn’t until he contacted the medi-witch and heard the story of Evelyn’s frantic visit to the infirmary that he began to sense something was wrong. Nicholette had been injured in her fall but refused to give any details of the cause, no doubt fearing what the girls had told their parents already.

“Professor Cline? Albus, isn’t she the woman who yelled at my daughters when we first arrived?” Minerva’s voice raised in nervous energy. “She vowed to get even with the girls and with me for coming back here and ruining her plans to get into your bed. Albus, she’s done something to our daughters!”

“Minerva, calm down. We don’t know that she had anything to do with them. It could all be a simple coincidence and…”

“Albus, I feel it in my heart and my body. My children are in trouble and it’s serious. I’m scared, Albus. It’s getting dark and they’re frightened. As much as they try to act grown up, they’re just little girls and something has happened.”

Albus pulled Minerva into his arms and rubbed her back soothingly as her tremors passed from her body to his. “Ssssh, Min, it’s going to be alright. We’ll wait until the house elves get back to us and then we’ll go from there. We’ll find them and I have no doubts that they’ll be just fine.”

The fire roared to life in the sitting room and both Albus and Minerva’s heads shot towards the green blaze. “Sir, we have looked everywhere. No Miss Evelyn or Miss Abigail were found in the castle, sir. We even searched the dungeons just to make sure.” The nervous house elf waited to see if there were more instructions before going back to his duties.

“Minerva, contact Abigail’s friends and anyone she might turn to if she were upset. I’ll get word to Aberforth and alert the staff that we need to begin a massive search of the grounds and surrounding areas.” Minerva nodded her head and was about to go into the bedroom to use the fireplace there but was stopped by Albus drawing her back to him. “Don’t worry, Min. I lost Abigail once and I don’t plan on losing any of my girls a second time, including you. I won’t let you down this time. I swear it.” He placed a daring kiss to her forehead and hugged her before letting her go. The last thing Minerva heard as she left the room was a frantic and uncharacteristically shaken Albus yelling for his brother in the fireplace. That was the moment she realized he was just as scared as she.

TBC…

[ginger newts]

Wow, I hate that Professor Cline! I hope Albus and Minerva find the girls soon and everyone's fears are relieved.

[Alesia]

Oh, Ang what a great chapter! I really like the confrontation with Cline. I hadn't ever considered the magical power of a twin when the other is in danger but it makes sense. Min's growing sense of panic followed by Albus's well masked but equally foreboding fear. Excellent.

[TartanPhoenix]

I would hate to be Nicholette when Albus and Minerva get their hands on her. Not that she doesn't REALLY deserve everything, but it's not going to be pretty. Hopefully the girls come out of hiding before Albus and Min have heart attacks. Update soon.

[Krystal]

I hope Minerva gives Professor Cline what for and I hope she gets it good! I might have to pm a cat fight to you just to get it out of my system! :-) I loved this update!

[bee.]

that was a wonderful update! i really hope they find the girls quickly. and i also hope professor cline is so severley injured she'll be shipped of to st. mungos and ends up becoming bed mates with lockheart. haha, post soon! i can't wait to see what happens next.
ecks oh ecks oh,
bee

[Christy]

whew, I'm glad Abigail was able to harness those powers. Poor Albus and Minerva, but it might bring them together a little bit sooner.

Christy

[LadyJolly]

I really hope Albus and Minerva find them. You never know what could happen in the Forbidden forest. Great chapter!! post more soon

Lady Jolly

[Jessabelle]

wow really good! .. I can't wait for more .. kepp up the good work!

[Kandice]

I really enjoyed this chapter except for the crying parts. I'm trying to stay upbeat because I know good things are up ahead and I don't want any lingering depressing thoughts ruining it for me.

[Kegan]

I think I'm caught up now. I am almost caught up in this section. I loved the action in this chapter.

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 23: A special place: Past and Present. By Clayre

Albus and Minerva were frantic with worry, the school had been searched from top to bottom and the girls had not been found. Minerva had contacted Abigail’s friends who had not seen her since a few weeks before and Albus had contacted Aberforth who had flooed straight over to help.

Minerva was pacing up and down the living room, turning sharply when she reached the end of the giant rug. The girls had been missing for five hours now and it was dark, Albus knew that Evie knew her way around the school and grounds but what if something had happened to one of them. He was trying to think where they might run too but nothing was coming to mind that hadn’t already been checked. It was possible that walls of Hogwarts were protecting them and had created a room for them to stay till they wanted to be found. Both he and Minerva had experienced the thoughtfulness of the school in the later stages of their courtship and early days of their marriage, they had been grateful to escape from the busy school and find a quiet room that no one else would be aware of.

“I need to speak with that woman!” hissed Minerva, she was distraught and her eyes glowed with annoyance and anger.

“She is refusing to see us Minerva.” Albus answered with a frustrated sigh.

“Which obviously means that she has done something to them,” snapped Minerva “I want my daughters Albus.”

“As do I.,” he replied

“Then why aren’t you doing ANYTHING!” she yelled, her temper getting the better of her.

Albus looked at her with surprise, in all the years he had known her, he had never heard her yell before. They had had arguments in the past but she had always kept a level head and remained cool and collective. He supposed that it was due to the fact their daughters were missing that she wasn’t able to keep a rein on her emotions. He was struggling to control his own emotions as well, he wanted to storm up to the infirmary and shake Nicholette Cline till she told him what she had done with their daughters. He had already tried to get past the medi witch but had been told that Nicholette needed to rest and that she was exhausted. Albus couldn’t have cared less about Nicholette and her exhaustion, he wanted answers.

He rose from his chair silently and made his way towards Minerva, he carefully reached out and placed his hands on her hips. When she didn’t resist him, he made the bold move of pulling her towards him and then wrapping his arms around her. She was stiff in his arms at first but after a few moments, he felt her body relax and then felt her own arms wrap around him. She rested her head on his shoulder and sniffed.

“I am sorry for yelling at you,” she whispered “I just don’t know what to do.”

“Lets go and see if Nicholette is able to answer our questions now.” He suggested, he dearly hoped that she would tell them what had happened so they could find their daughters and be reunited as a family again.

Silently they broke apart and walked hand in hand towards the infirmary, they walked purposely and their steps matched one another. Albus pushed opened the double doors that led to the clean hospital wing and his eyes fell upon the Charms professor who seemed to be recovering extremely well. She seemed to be smiling to herself but that soon changed as she noticed that she had visitors.

“Professor Cline,” started Albus, he sounded professional and curt “regardless to the situation that preceded your visit to the infirmary, I would like to know what has happened to my daughters.”

Nicholette Cline looked from Albus to Minerva and then back at Albus before speaking, she was trying to formulate a plan to get her out of the sticky situation that she presently found herself in.

“You haven’t seen them?” she asked shakily

“No,” answered Minerva sternly “we haven’t seen them since they left the picnic. Obviously they bumped into you and you did something to them so I suggest you tell us what you have done or Merlin help you when I get my hands on you!”

Nicholette flinched at the harsh tone that the black haired witch before her had used while talking to her; she looked at Albus and spoke to him rather than to the both of them.

“I have done nothing to the girls,” she answered “they did something to me which I think is obvious since I am here in bed after being found at the bottom of the stairs.”

Albus felt Minerva grip hold of his hand; he could tell that she was angry that the woman was blaming two eleven-year-old girls. Albus squeezed her hand and glanced at her, he caught her eye and saw the determination in them.

“I find it hard to believe that my…our girls would knowingly harm a fellow witch,” began Minerva “what have you done with them?”

“I hate to tell you this Ms Dumbledore or what ever you call yourself,” replied Nicholette “but your girls aren’t as perfect as you seem to think. They are spoilt brats who deserve a few harsh lessons in life.”

“HOW DARE YOU!” yelled Minerva as she leapt forward, Albus only just managed to wrap his arms around her waist and prevent her from striking Nicholette.

“Professor Cline,” said Albus sternly as he struggled to keep a hold of Minerva “you have no right to pass judgement on two girls who you know nothing about. I suggest you tell us what happened.”

“All I will tell you is that I have done nothing to those brats,” she spat back “but I might have done if I had been given a chance.”

Albus increased his hold on Minerva as the words fell from Nicholette’s mouth; she smiled at the smugly and then turned her back to them.

“If you have touched even one hair on their heads,” he warned “you will be finding yourself on your way to the ministry faster than you can say charms.”

Nicholette remained silent and closed her eyes, she had to admit that she had enjoyed getting under Minerva’s skin and getting the reaction she did, had been the icing on the cake. If only Albus hadn’t been quick enough to restrain his estranged wife, Nicholette should have taken her to the ministry for assault.

Albus managed to get Minerva out of the infirmary without her going for Nicholette and she glared at him when he finally let her go. She stood before him, her hands resting on her hips and her emerald green eyes boring into him.

“How could you have someone like that, working with children,” she hissed “did you and Armando not vet each candidate properly? If she has hurt them, I lay all the blame at your feet Albus Dumbledore.”

Albus chose to ignore her biting words, he knew that they were probably said because emotions were high and they seemed to be getting nowhere. Albus wracked his brain, if the twins weren’t in the castle or in the grounds; there was only one other place that they might go. Evie knew that Forbidden Forest was out of bounds but then if she thought she was in trouble that would be the last place that they would look for her.

“They might have gone into the forest!” he said softly, he didn’t want to raise alarm but he knew that the mere mention of the forest would cause alarm to Minerva.

“Oh Merlin,” she gasped, her hand going over her mouth as she tried to keep herself together “it’s dark Albus. What if something happens to them? We must find them Albus.”

“They would look for shelter I am sure,” he said calmly as he tried to think of the obvious places to shelter in the forest “come on lets get down there and look.”

They hurried down towards the forest, holding hands without even realising it. They were gaining strength from one another and instead of panicking, they were now on a mission and their blood was pumping fast through their bodies. They reached the edge of the forest and called out their daughter’s names, their voices seemed to echo in the darkness and they received no answer back.

“What about the unicorn clearing!” suggested Minerva softly?

“That offers a wonderful place to hide and not be found,” answered Albus, who tried to push memories of their visits to that clearing out of his mind because they were searching for their daughters.

Albus believed that the girls had been conceived the night, he had taken Minerva to see the unicorns. They had sat for hours in the shelter, waiting for the unicorns to appear and they watched in silence as the unicorns appeared with their young to drink from the brook that ran through the clearing. It had been so romantic that night and as it wore on, they had made love under the stars and shortly after that night, Minerva had announced that she was pregnant and Albus had matched the number of weeks she was with their trip to the clearing. The place had always had a special place in his hearts as had unicorns, that was partly the reason why he had brought them unicorns as babies. The meaning of the unicorns held a special meaning for husband and wife.

“Let’s get there quickly then Albus!” said Minerva as she broke into his thoughts.

TO BE CONTINUED

[TartanPhoenix]

Cline had really better get stomped on, and the girls had better be alright. You've just made my morning today. Updates all over the place; it's great.

[Alesia]

Ahhh, Albus is such a sentimental softy to know where his children were concieved!

Cline is in serious trouble when someone checks her memory in the pensieve but then of course what better way for Minerva to have to stay at Hogwarts but to be the Charms professor. ;D

[Karmin]

I think Minerva should have hexed her anyway but then what's a trip to the ministry on assault charges?!? :-)

[bee.]

minerva attacking professor cline would have been priceless. reckless perhaps, but definetly priceless. i love how this story is coming along... especially the history behind the unicorn clearing. post soon,
ecks oh ecks oh,
bee

[Jessabelle]

Another excellent post .. I cannot believe that Cline woman. Please post again soon!

[ginger newts]

That was certainly a tense chapter. I wish Minerva could get her hands on Nicholette, but then I don't want her to get arrested either. I love the backstory about the unicorn clearing and the explanation for the stuffed toys. Can't wait for the rest.

[tayryn]

these last two chapters have been fantastic! even knowing the girls went into the forest... i'm sitting on the edge of my seat!

i love that they're holding hands... and not even realizing it!

looking forward to more.

[Jaya]

so when do we get to see the lizard on the canteen?

oops... sorry... I just love that scene....

Albus and Minerva are working together... there is touchage... WOOHOO!!!!

Please update soon!

Jaya ;D

[JKMcGonagall]

I loved the explanation of the toy unicorns. Sure is sweet that he knows where his children were concieved. I hope that Minerva can get her hands on Niccolette sometime soon (without being arrested, of course). I can't believe that an adult would take out their frustrations on a couple of eleven year olds. Well, yes I can, but it is something that shouldn't happen. I sincerely hope she is kicked out of Hogwarts before she becomes their teacher. She would make Charms hell for the twins, however, I have a feeling that they would make it hell for her, and there are two of them. Heh Heh.

Update soon, please. I will be waiting.

Kay

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 24: Found Among The Clearing: by Ang.

Darkness had descended upon the girls as they sat in the clearing. The stars above twinkled down at them, reminding them both of their father’s eyes when he was happiest and a look they were not likely to see when they were found. The warm summer nights has started to give way to the approaching fall as the air grew chillier and the girls huddled together for a bit of warmth.

“How long do you think we’ll have to stay here, Abigail?” Evie asked as she struggled to keep her teeth from chattering, not sure if it was from cold or nerves.

“I don’t really know. I’m sure they’ve figured out that we’re not in the castle anymore and knowing Mum, she’s contacted every single person I’ve ever known.”

“And that means that Papa has called in Uncle Aberforth too. Oh, we’re going to be in so much trouble with everyone. But surely they’ll see that it wasn’t entirely our fault,” she said absently.

“That all depends on what Professor Cline tells them and whether or not they’re willing to believe two eleven year old sisters over one somewhat respected Professor at Hogwarts.” Abigail grew silent once more as she replayed the series of events in her mind. She had been incredibly puzzled as to how on earth she had managed to project so much power without even the aid of a wand. She remembered reading once in a book that some powerful witches and wizards were capable of using wandless magic but that ability was rare indeed. She knew her mother had that ability and most assuredly her father too but she had no idea if that was something that could be inherited.

“I bet you that old cow tries to blame us for what happened. She’ll make us out to be the villains in all of this and then where will we be?” Evie turned to look at her sister for a long moment. “You know, I never said thank you for standing up for me. She had me gripped so tightly that I couldn’t move and I was actually really afraid of what she might do to me. I’m really glad you were there when I needed you.”

“That’s what sisters are for, right? You’d have done the same thing for me and it’s strange but I could feel your fears. I could tell she was hurting you and my arms even hurt in the same spot where she was holding you.”

Abigail touched the spot on her arms and remembered vividly the multitude of feelings that raced through her mind in those few seconds of indecision. She could actually feel everything that her sister was experiencing at the hands of Nicholette Cline and she could also feel the woman’s rage as it bubbled just below the surface and that scared Abigail. Then, just as quickly as those feelings were processed, Abigail felt her own arms begin to hurt and with that came the strong desire to fight back, to make the woman pay for hurting her sister and herself. It was then that the image of her mother appeared in her mind.

The image had been one of a strong Minerva McGonagall, standing tall and proud in the center of a field of thistles. Her long hair was blowing in the gentle breeze and her emerald green eyes were set as hard as stone upon some fixed point beyond Abigail’s line of vision. Her mother’s jaw had been hardened and the determined look upon her features had practically radiated power and protection. It was at that moment that she felt the surge of power race through her body and the image of her mother was replaced with one of her father, also standing tall and strong. A second wave of energy hit the young girl and seconds later Professor Cline was crumpled on the floor, screaming in pain as she tumbled down the long staircase.

“Hey, are you alright?” Evelyn asked full of concern. Her sister had been shaking and it had nothing to do with the cool air. “You seem to have gone into some kind of trance or something there for a minute.”

“Evie, when we were on the stairs, did you sense anything different about yourself or me when she attacked you? I mean, did you think of anything in particular aside from trying to get away from her?”

“Well, I guess so. I wanted you to help me in some way, to make her let go of me. I wanted Mum and Papa to come and find her hurting me so that she’d stop. And a bit of me wanted to hex her into the next of never for daring to talk about our parents like they were horrible people. Is that what you mean?”

“That’s something like what I was thinking of but not entirely.” Abigail sighed and looked out to the small lake in front of them. “I could feel what you were feeling and I think somehow I was able to draw some power from both Mum and Papa in order to force her to release you. I’ve never been able to do wandless magic before so why would it suddenly appear now unless there was some sort of connection between the four of us?”

“No idea but that’s a good theory. You should ask Papa about that when we see him.” The girls slipped into silence as they sat huddled close together in the clearing. Somewhere in the distance a twig snapped and each girl drew in a quick breath in anticipation. Just then, a timid mother unicorn poked her head out of a small thicket of trees, no doubt making sure there was no danger lurking in the clearing. Seeing none, she walked majestically towards the crystal waters and was followed by two smaller unicorns, no doubt her offspring. On the opposite side of the lake another unicorn appeared, this one much larger than the first and certainly stronger. The girls each surmised that this must have been the mate to the girl unicorn and the father of the smaller ones. A wry smiled played upon Abigail’s lips as she drew similarities between the unicorn family and her own.

Off in the distance a familiar voice rang through the trees, calling for one girl and then the other in the hopes that an answer would be returned. “They’ve figured out where we are, Abigail. What are we going to do?” The male unicorn must have recognized the voice of Albus Dumbledore for instead of running away and seeking safety, he neighed and soon he was joined by his mate and their children on the far side of the water.

“There’s nothing we can do except sit still and wait for them to get here. If we try to run, we’d probably get lost since it’s already dark. And we can’t run from them forever. Might as well go back and take our punishment before we make it any worse for ourselves.” Evie nodded her head and resided herself to the fact that they were about to get the worse punishment of their lives. “One more thing though before they get here.” Evie raised an eyebrow at her sister, much like their mother would have done in questioning. “This was all my fault. I made Professor Cline fall and I should receive the punishment for that. You had nothing to do with it and I won’t have you getting in trouble because I couldn’t control my magic.”

“But if I hadn’t provoked her, then none of this would have happened.”

“She had no right to hurt you, even if you did provoke her. She was supposed to be the adult in that situation and instead she turned out to be a bigger child than either of us. Now, I’m going to tell them exactly what happened and at least try to make them understand that I was only trying to protect you from her.”

“Abigail…Evie? Answer me!” A frantic feminine voice joined Albus’ and both girls cringed inwardly. Minerva was with Albus and no doubt she would be furious with them for so many reasons. They had ruined the picnic. They had each scolded their parents for different reasons and then without so much as an “I’m sorry” they had walked away only to find more trouble waiting for them inside the castle. Their father would no doubt be as lenient as possible but Minerva on the other hand would demand answers and justice, no matter the reasoning behind the motivation.

“We’d better answer her. She sounds really upset,” Abigail announced more as a thought out loud than an actual statement to her sister. “Mum…Papa…we’re here,” she called out. The girls could hear the quickening of the footsteps of their parents as leaves and sticks crunched beneath their feet.

When Minerva saw her girls sitting on the blanket and huddled together, she wasted no time in racing to their sides, pulling them into a massive, bone crushing hug as tears spilled from her eyes. Then, pulling back she carefully inspected each one for any signs of injuries. Abigail looked a picture of health and so did Evelyn but when she touched their upper arms, Minerva noticed how they each winced. But before she could ask any questions, Albus had dropped to his knees and was kissing each girl and telling them how worried they had been.

Hugs and kisses were exchanged as tears flowed freely from blue and green eyes, no doubt tears of relief at having found their most precious jewels safe and together. The first thing the girls said was how sorry they were for worrying their parents but they were met with understanding eyes instead of harsh ones. That was something they had not expected at all.

“Come on. Let’s get you back to the castle and warmed. It’s getting chilly out here and you’ll catch a cold,” Minerva announced. She was about to stand when Albus placed his hand on her arm, keeping her in her place on the blanket. He nodded to the far side of the lake where the small family of unicorns has risen. The male unicorn locked eyes with Albus and bowed his head lowly, as a sign of respect, as the female of the beast licked each of her young ones once on the top of the head and then looked in Minerva’s direction. Minerva wrapped her arms around each of her daughters’ and then kissed the tops of their heads too.

The unicorn family soon turned and walked away leaving the Dumbledores in the clearing. “I…I can’t believe they’re still here,” Minerva managed to say. “I never thought I’d see them again after that night.”

“What night, Mum? Is there something special about the unicorns that we don’t know?”

“Yes, but that’s a story for another time my lasses. Maybe one day your father and I will share that tale with you but not tonight. We have other matters to discuss and I want to get you back to the school and out of the forest.”

Both girls hung their heads in shame. “We’re sorry,” Evie mumbled “but it wasn’t our fault. We…”

Albus held up his hand to silence his daughter. “No one is blaming you…either of you…for what happened. Your mother and I are just happy to have found you safe and unharmed. While we’re not happy that you ran away, we can try to understand your reasoning but you’ll have to tell us the entire story first.” Minerva nodded her head in agreement and then clasped her hands with one from each of her children as they silently followed Albus out of the forest.

Once back inside, the girls were given a proper dinner instead of the snacks they had been munching on from the basket. As soon as their plates were cleared, Minerva suggested they take warm baths and get into clean pajamas before sharing their version of events with their eager parents. Albus went to gather their nightwear while Minerva disappeared into the bathroom to run their water.

“Is it just me or is something different between them,” Evie asked.

“I thought it was just me being wishful,” Abigail admitted. “Maybe something has changed but we’ll just have to wait and see.” She was about to continue but Minerva appeared in the doorway, beckoning them both into the steam filled bathroom.

Sitting on the side of the tub as her daughters bathed, Minerva let her shoulders slump in relaxation for the first time since the picnic. She had gone through so many emotions and it had completely exhausted her to no end. She thought back to the memories drudged up at the clearing and as she looked into the eyes of each of her children, she remembered so many of the good days between herself and Albus. It was as if those years of separation had never existed. But then suddenly something caught her eyes and she gasped.

“Evelyn, how did you get these bruises on your arms?” she asked with a voice filled with concern. Minerva ran her finger lightly across the offended area and searched the young girl’s face for an answer.

“Abigail has them too, Mum. It was Professor Cline.” Immediately Minerva moved to the opposite end of the bathtub and inspected Abigail’s arms as well, noting the same imprint on her arms as well. There were definite handprints, no doubt where someone had forcefully and angrily held them between their grasp.

“Albus…come here. I need you,” Minerva shouted loud enough to startle the girls and several of the portraits in the sitting room.

Seconds later the door burst open and a frantic Albus appeared, shaken and unnerved. “What’s wrong? What it is Minerva?”

“Look! Just look what that…WOMAN did to our children! She’s left her mark on them…physically! She actually bruised our babies,” Minerva said as she dissolved in a flood of guilt and angry tears.

“Is that right, girls? Did Professor Cline do this to you?” Both girls nodded and suddenly felt a cold wave pass through the room as Albus inspected each of the four bruises. “Minerva, you will see that our daughters are bathed and put into bed. I am going to get some answers from Cline and then we can decide on whether or not to press charges for her behavior. I will return as quickly as possible and then I want to hear your sides of the story.” Before he left, Albus kissed each girl on the cheek and then turned to Minerva. Without a moment’s hesitation, he lowered his head to hers and kissed her quickly on the lips before disappearing from their rooms in a flurry of billowing robes, leaving three Dumbledore women behind nearly speechless.

An hour later, Minerva reclined in the middle of Albus’ large bed with a girl on either side of her. Her protective arms were wrapped gently but securely around the waist of each girl and her chest served as their pillows as she hummed soft tunes to lull them to sleep and to calm her own nerves. Albus had been gone much longer than she had expected and that could not mean good things. But for now, her main concern was her family and that family most assuredly included one Albus Dumbledore. Thinking back to the night the girls were conceived and then the quick peck on the lips he had planted on her lips only a short while ago, Minerva knew that the walls around her heart had started to crack. All Albus needed to do now was prove to her that things could be different and then perhaps they might have a future together…if in fact he still wanted one with her.

Minerva had drifted off to sleep and did not hear the soft clicking of the door as it opened. As quietly as possible, Albus entered the bedroom and stared upon the sight he thought he would never see. His beautiful wife and his lovely daughters all curled up in his massive bed, sleeping peacefully and waiting for his return. His large purple dressing down was spread out across the three of them, barely covering them but symbolically protecting them in his absence. It was a mental image he hoped he would never forget and one that he so desperately wished to see more than just this once. It was the image of his family, together at last. His family at home, safe and protected, love and adored, happy and satisfied to be in his presence. In that one moment, as he stared at the sleeping beauty he called his wife, he realized just how much of a fool he had been for taking her for granted. He didn’t know how but somehow he would make her see just how much he was sorry. If need be, he would drop to his knees and beg for a second chance, for their daughters’ sakes but most importantly for his and Minerva’s. But first, he had to resolve the issue with his children and the woman who had left visible evidence of her hate upon their creamy skin. And it would take all of his strength to keep Minerva from returning the favor of bodily harm to that woman, especially if his girls told a story anything like what he had just gathered from Professor Cline after a secretly administered dose of veritaserum.

TBC