Lily Marlene

[phantomgirl]

i really liked this update.
Min and Albus are happy and they will be together again....yay!

[mercifulheavens]

Poor Albert... now that terrible woman will be able to raise Albus' son! I do hope that Albus will be able to get custody of him. Then Marlene could have a brother and he would be raised in a loving home.

Then again, anything you come up with is fine, dear. I adore this story and look forward to the next update!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Eleven: June 1954

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It had been seven months since Colleen had left Albus, seven months since Minerva and Marlene had moved to Hogwarts, seven months since Albus had seen his son. His divorce from Colleen had finally gone through, and he was going to marry Minerva on the fourteenth of June. Today, though, he would finally be seeing his son for the first time in seven months. Albus’s ex-wife would be bringing Albert to the castle so that he could spend the summer with his father.

Albus was so excited to see his son again, and when his wife appeared at the gates with their son in her arms, he rushed to them.

“Hello, Colleen,” Albus said coldly.

“Hello, Albus,” she replied, equally as cool.

“Daddy!” Albert cried, stretching his arms out to his father. Albus took his son from his ex-wife’s arms and gave him a kiss on the top of his head.

“Hello, Albert,” Albus said, hugging his son close. He looked over his son’s head to catch his wife’s eye.

“I’ll see you in three months, Colleen,” he said.

“All right,” she replied, kissing their son on his forehead. “I love you, Albert,” she whispered, tears in her eyes, before turning and Apparating away.

Albus and his son walked hand-in-hand up to the castle to their chambers, where Minerva and Marlene were waiting for them. When they entered their chambers, Albus and Albert were greeted with a cheerful lunch set up in the parlour.

Minerva stood as Albert and Albus entered the room. “Hello, Albert,” Minerva said sweetly, extending her hand. “I’m Minerva.”

Albert took her hand gravely. “Hello, Minerva,” he said, quite seriously for an eight-year-old.

Marlene stood up behind her mother and mimicked her, extending her hand. “And I’m Marlene, your sister,” she said shyly.

“Hello Marlene, I’m Albert,” he said, shaking her hand.

Albus and Minerva watched their children as they stood with their arms wrapped around each other.

Marlene and Albert sat down at the table, and Albus and Minerva joined them. The house-elves brought in their lunch, and Minerva and Marlene got to know Albert better. After lunch, Albert and Marlene went out to the Quidditch pitch to fly, while Minerva and Albus went to bed.

Several hours later, Marlene and Albert returned from flying, and found Albus and Minerva sitting in the parlour, reading.

“Hello Mummy, Daddy,” Marlene said.

“Hello, darlings,” Minerva said. “Did you have a nice time?”

“Yes, we did,” Albert replied.

“Albert’s quite good at flying!” Marlene told her mother excitedly. “He can do all kinds of tricks on his broom.”

“Well, I hope that you are being careful, Albert,” Minerva said.

“Don’t be so stuffy, Mummy,” her daughter said. Minerva raised her eyebrows as her daughter giggled.

“Albert,” Albus said, his tone serious. “Please do be careful,” he told his son, who nodded.

“All right, then!” Minerva exclaimed. “Would you two like some lemonade?”

“Yes, please!” they exclaimed, and Minerva called for a house-elf, who brought them a pitcher of lemonade and four glasses. Minerva poured out the drink and passed them each a glass.

As they sit in their parlour sipping their lemonade, Albus grew serious.

“Albert, I want you to know that I am going to marry Minerva in two week’s time,” he told his son.

“I know,” his son replied calmly. “Marlene told me.”

“This means that your mother and I will never be married again,” Albus told him gently.

“Oh, I know that,” Albert said. “Mummy told me that when she married Evan.”

Albus spat his mouthful of lemonade across the room. “What?!” he sputtered. “Your mother remarried? When?”

“At Christmas,” Albert replied.

“Who did she marry?” Albus asked him.

“Evan Travers,” his son said.

“Oh,” was all that Albus could say.

“Why don’t we go down to the village?” Minerva suggested to the two children, who nodded. She ushered them out of the door. “I’ll be there in a moment,” she called after them, and joined Albus on the sofa.

“I’m sorry, darling,” she whispered, giving him a kiss on his lips.

He held her to him almost desperately. “Was she seeing him when we were married?” he asked her.

“Does it matter?” she asked him. “She’s out of our lives now.”

“But is that why she wanted the divorce? So she could marry someone else?” he asked her.

“It doesn’t matter, darling,” she soothed him, stroking his hair. “Just try to calm down – we’ll be back for dinner, all right?” He nodded. “All right – I love you, Albus – please don’t ever forget that.”

“I won’t,” he promised her. “Have a good time,” he said. “I love you.”

“And I love you,” she said, giving him a kiss before walking towards the door. She blew him a kiss and left, headed to Hogsmeade with her daughter and soon-to-be-stepson.

Colleen was so pleased that everything had worked out for the best – she was rid of Albus and married to the man that she had loved for years. It could not have worked out better if she had planned it. She sighed happily. Everything was right with the world.

Albus could not believe that his ex-wife had remarried so soon after their divorce. He suspected that she had used his moment of infidelity as an excuse to get him to agree to give her custody of Albert, as well as alimony. But what could he do? He could confront her, but his mother would take her side, and he would not risk losing the little amount of time that he had with his son. When Minerva returned, he would discuss it with her. He could only hope that it would work out for the best.

[mercifulheavens]

Yeah! I loved this chapter!

I loved the idea that They are a happy family of four. At least for now...

[phantomgirl]

Loved it! They are happy again.
I can't wait to find out what happens next.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Twelve: June 1954

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Minerva, Marlene, and Albert returned from Hogsmeade much later that evening, after having supper at the Three Broomsticks. When they returned, Marlene and Albert were bundled off to get ready for bed. Albus was still sitting in the parlour where they had left him. Minerva joined him.

“You’ve got to confront Colleen, Albus,” Minerva said, joining him on the sofa.

“I know,” Albus said, his head buried in his hands.

“Go tonight, after we tuck the children in,” Minerva urged him.

“All right,” Albus agreed reluctantly, just as Marlene and Albert filed in, neatly attired in dressing gowns.

“Good night Mummy, good night Daddy,” Marlene said, walking over and pecking her mother and father on the cheek.

“Good night Minerva, good night Daddy,” Albert added, kissing them each on the cheek as well.

“I’ll tuck you in,” Minerva said, standing up from the sofa and extending her hands to the two children. She led them to their bedrooms and said good night, before rejoining Albus.

“I’ll go now,” Albus said, standing up and kissing Minerva.

“Good luck, Albus,” she said. “I love you.”

“And I love you, Minerva,” he said, before walking to the fireplace. He threw a handful of Floo powder into the fireplace and stepped into the emerald green flames.

A few seconds later, he stepped into his ex-wife’s home. She was sitting on the sofa, reading, and looked up in shock when Albus stepped out of the Floo.

“Albus! What are you doing here?” she asked, utterly shocked.

“I know that you got married, Colleen,” he said.

“Well, you had to find out sooner or later,” she replied calmly, setting her book aside.

“I’m no longer going to pay alimony, Colleen,” he declared.

She smiled smugly. “You will continue to pay alimony if you want custody of my son,” she said.

“Wait – your son?” he asked. “Not our son?”

Colleen looked down nervously, avoiding his gaze.

“Albert is not my son?” he asked her, utterly furious.

Colleen closed her eyes, hiding her face in her hands.

Albus towered over her, fury radiating from every pore of his body.

“No, he’s not your son!” Colleen exclaimed, utterly terrified, cowering in the corner of the sofa. “He’s not,” she repeated. “He’s not.”

“I cannot believe you!” Albus yelled. “You – you lying... ugh!”

“Please, Albus, don’t hurt me,” she whimpered, curling up into a ball.

“I won’t hurt you, Colleen – you’re not worth my energy,” he spat, turning on his heel, walking to the fireplace. He paused before he threw in the handful of Floo powder. “I’ll be back tomorrow,” he said, before stepping into the emerald flames.

Minerva was waiting for him on the sofa.

“Albert’s not my son,” Albus said.

Minerva’s eyes widened; her hand flew to her breast in shock. “What on earth do you mean?” she asked him.

“He’s not my son. Colleen cheated on me – Albert is not my son,” Albus said, collapsing on the sofa. His magic literally crackled with anger and sadness, and Minerva was afraid to touch him in comfort.

“You’re not my daddy?” Albert said, stepping out of the doorway. Both Albus and Minerva looked up at him.

“No, I’m not,” Albus replied heavily. Albert’s lower lip trembled, and tears began to fall down his face. Minerva rushed to his side, embracing the sobbing boy. She looked over his head to Albus, who was still on the couch, his head in his hand.

“Let’s go to bed now,” Minerva said, leading Albert down the hallway to his room. She tucked him in once more.

“Minerva, does Daddy still love me?” he asked her between his tears.

“Of course he does,” Minerva soothed him.

Albert hiccupped as his sobs slowed. “Who is my father, then?” he asked.

“I don’t know,” Minerva admitted. “Now, get some rest. We have a difficult day ahead of us.”

He nodded and closed his eyes obediently, and Minerva left the room to rejoin Albus.

“What can I do, Minerva?” he asked her as she stroked his hair gently.

“Do you still love him?” she asked.

“Of course! I thought that he was my son for years; I can’t change that in a night,” Albus replied.

“Then continue to treat him as a son, and everything will be fine,” Minerva said.

“I won’t be able to have custody of him, though,” he said.

“We’ll see,” Minerva replied, standing up from the couch. “Let’s go to bed – we’ll have a long day in store for us tomorrow.” He allowed her to lead him to their bedroom, but could not fall asleep.

The next morning, Albus Flooed to Colleen’s house once again. She was prepared for him this time.

“Good morning, Colleen,” he said coldly.

“Good morning, Albus,” she replied timidly.

“I still want custody of Albert,” Albus said.

“No,” she said firmly. “He’s not your son, and you have no legal right to custody of him.”

“Then I’ll see you in court,” Albus said.

“Fine,” she spat. Albus stood up and walked over to the fireplace, throwing a pinch of Floo powder into the fireplace. “Hogwarts,” he said, and stepped into the flames.

[Junora]

OMG so wonderful and sad poor Albus and poor Albert.
I hope everything is going to be ok.

Hugs Lottie

[phantomgirl]

Loved the update! Poor Albert and Albus.
I can't wait to find out what happens next, I hope Albus gets custody of Albert.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Thirteen: June 1955


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A year later, the custody case was finally coming to an end, as the Minister of Magic, Kermit Gamp, banged down the gavel.

“Custody of the child is granted to Colleen Longbottom Travers,” he declared.

Albus glared at Colleen, who stood with Albert, her arm possessively draped around her son’s shoulders. He walked over to Albert, and, bending down, extended his arms. Albert stepped into them, crying.

“Goodbye, Albert,” Albus said, wiping away a few stray tears.

“Goodbye, Daddy,” Albert said, sobbing.

Colleen pulled her son out of Albus’s embrace.

“Goodbye, Albus,” Colleen said, a gloating smile on her face.

“Goodbye, Colleen; goodbye, Albert,” Albus said. “I love you, Albert.”

“I love you, Daddy,” Albert replied as his mother pulled him away from the man he had thought was his father.

Albus stood there and watched as his son and his ex-wife Disapparated. After they had gone, Albus Flooed back to their living room at Hogwarts, where his wife and daughter were waiting for him.

“I lost the case,” Albus said sadly, tears still slipping down his face. He joined Minerva on the couch, and rested his head against her shoulder.

“Oh, Albus,” Minerva sighed, stroking his hair lightly. She could feel his body shaking with sobs. Marlene looked at her parents before standing up and exiting the room quietly. Marlene went to her room and flopped down on the bed, crying.

She missed Albert – he had been her best friend. And now she would never see him again; well, until they started at Hogwarts. But that was a year away from now! Marlene had never been good at making friends, but she and Albert had been close from the moment they had met. Why did Colleen have to win the custody case? It was not fair – to Albert, to her, or to her father.

“Oh, Albus,” Minerva said, stroking his hair. “I’m so sorry.”

“I can’t believe I lost...” he said between tears.

“I know, darling,” she soothed him. “I am sorry.”

“Minerva, promise that you and Marlene will never leave me,” he begged her.

“I promise, Albus,” she said. “We’ll never leave you.”

“Thank you,” Albus said, his tears slowing a bit.

“Let’s go to bed, hmm?” she asked, and he raised his head, tears streaking his cheeks. He nodded, and she stood, extending her hand to help him up. He held her hand to her cheek for a moment, closing his eyes.

“I love you, Minerva,” he said.

“I love you, Albus,” she replied.

She led him into the bedroom, and he kicked off his shoes while she turned down the covers. Crawling between the sheets, he looked up at her.

“Go to sleep, Albus,” she said. “I’m just going to talk to Marlene; I’ll be back shortly.”

“All right, Min,” he said. He closed his eyes, and she kissed his forehead lightly, before exiting the room.

She knocked lightly on Marlene’s door.

“Go away,” her daughter said.

“Marlene, I need to talk to you,” Minerva said.

“Fine,” Marlene replied.

Minerva opened the door and saw her daughter stretched out on her bed, tears in her eyes. Minerva sat down next to her and began to stroke her daughter’s hair.

“I’m so sorry, Marlene,” Minerva whispered, and Marlene began to sob in earnest, flinging herself into her mother’s arms. “Shh, darling, it’ll be all right,” she soothed her child, rubbing her back. They stayed there for quite a long time, until Marlene finally fell asleep. Minerva tucked her daughter in and, kissing her lightly on the forehead, went back to her bedroom, to check that her husband was still sleeping. He was, and she went to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.

Sitting down at the table, she sipped her tea, trying not to think about losing Albert. Colleen didn’t deserve such a wonderful son. Colleen was a horrible woman, and, though Minerva tried not to hate anyone, she made an exception for Colleen. She was a class-A bitch, and she had done her best to ruin their lives – and she had been quite successful in her attempts, too. But Minerva vowed, then and there, that she would do everything in her power to make sure that Colleen would never hurt them again.

[phantomgirl]

Nice update!
Sad that Albus didn't get custody of Albert though.
It good that Min and Marlene are there for him

[gryffindorprincess]

I love this story I couldn't quit reading it please update soon.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Fourteen: June 1956


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Marlene received her Hogwarts letter in June, and straight away Minerva and Albus took their daughter to Diagon Alley to get her school supplies. As Minerva and Albus lived at Hogwarts, Marlene decided not to get an owl as her pet, but a cat – a ginger tabby that she named Dinah, after Alice’s cat in “Alice in Wonderland”.

One of their last stops was at Ollivander’s Wand Shoppe. Ollivander had always disturbed Minerva – he seemed to know so much more than he let on.

“Ah, Lily McGonagall,” he said to Marlene. “I expect great things from you. I remember when your mother came in here, so many years ago,” he nodded to Minerva, “Mahogany, twelve inches, with a core of a unicorn hair. Good for Transfiguration, obviously,” he said, his shiny silver eyes regarding Minerva. He turned his attention back to Marlene.

“Try this one. Willow, with a unicorn hair core.” She picked it up, and he snatched it out of her hand immediately. “Rosewood with phoenix feather,” he said, placing it in her hand. Again, he snatched it out of her hand. “Mahogany with a phoenix feather,” he said. Once more, the wand was taken out of her hand. “Elder wood with a unicorn tail hair,” he said, and sparks shot out the end of her wand, a warm feeling spreading throughout her body. “That’s the one,” he said.

Minerva beamed proudly at her daughter. They paid for the wand and left the shop. Albus was waiting for them holding their purchases at Florean Fortescue’s Ice Cream Parlour.

“I got my wand, Daddy,” Marlene said proudly, taking it out for him to see. “Ten and a half inches, elder wood, with a unicorn tail hair,” she said.

He examined it. “Congratulations, my dear,” he said, giving her a kiss on her forehead. “Now, what type of ice cream would you like?” he asked her.

“Ooh, chocolate!” she exclaimed. Albus smiled at her. “All right. And Minerva?” he asked, smiling at his wife.

“Vanilla, please, Albus,” she said. He stood up.

“I’ll get the ice cream,” he said, and went inside. A few minutes later, he emerged, three bowls of ice cream floating in front of him. He set them down on the table, and the Dumbledores enjoyed their ice cream.

In the past year, Minerva had researched ancient protection spells that would keep her daughter safe from the wrath of Colleen. She finally found a series of spells and, with both Marlene’s and Albus’s consent, she performed them. These spells would protect Marlene from anything that Colleen would attempt to do to her. So at least her daughter was safe.

In August, the school was notified that Albert would not be attending Hogwarts that year; rather, he would be attending Durmstrang. Colleen and her new husband, Evan Travers, had relocated to Bulgaria, where Durmstrang was located. Marlene was devastated – she missed Albert, missed the brother that she had had for such a short period of time.

Marlene tried to write to him, but the letter was brought back by the owl she had sent the letter with. Albus suggested that she use Fawkes, but Fawkes was unable to deliver the letter too. She was utterly crushed. Minerva and Albus tried to comfort her, but it was to no avail – she refused to talk about it.

September came all too soon, and Marlene began school. Minerva attended the Sorting Feast, and was so proud when her daughter was sorted into Gryffindor. Marlene was an excellent student, particularly excelling at Transfiguration. She was her parents’ daughter, after all.

In December, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, Armando Dippet, died as the result of pneumonia. Albus, as the Deputy Headmaster, became the new Headmaster, and Minerva applied for the positions of Deputy Headmistress, Head of Gryffindor House, and Professor of Transfiguration. As Albus had a conflict of interest in her hiring, Minerva had to be approved by the Board of Governors, which she was. Minerva began in the second week of December. It was difficult at first for Marlene to adjust to calling her mother “Professor McGonagall”, but she managed. She loved having her mother as a professor, as she was a good and fair teacher.

Minerva settled into life as a member of the Hogwarts staff quite nicely. Some of her old school friends – Pomona Sprout and Rolanda Hooch – had also begun teaching at Hogwarts. And, of course, she worked very closely with her husband, which was wonderful.

While she and Albus did not always agree, and had quite a few arguments, they loved and respected each other, so they worked well together. It was wonderful, and all of them were happy. The world was at peace, and so were they – at least for now.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter 15: June 1963 – June 1966


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The seven years of Marlene’s schooling passed very quickly. Marlene was one of their brightest students, and she topped her class. She was made Head Girl (though both Minerva and Albus had a conflict of interest, obviously, the other Heads of Houses had agreed with their decision to make Marlene the Head Girl). The Head Boy was Robert McKinnon, a Ravenclaw. During Marlene’s final year of Hogwarts, she and Robert began seeing each other. They were perfectly suited to each other – both were clever, kind, and intellectual. After their graduation, Robert and Marlene got engaged. They were both on their way to becoming Aurors. They had three years of training to undertake, after which, they decided they would marry.

Minerva and Albus were very happy with their daughter’s choice of a husband – Robert was a lovely boy, and they both liked him very much. They were also pleased with Marlene’s choice to become an Auror – a career which they felt suited her perfectly. Even as a girl, she wanted to protect people.

Privately, all was not well with Albus. He was growing suspicious of Tom Riddle’s activities. He had been working at Borgin & Burkes, but several years ago he had disappeared. He had heard rumours of his presence in Albania, studying the Dark Arts. Albus was worried that Tom would become the next Grindelwald. He was also worried that he would target Minerva and Marlene by virtue of their association with him.

Albus had also been keeping tabs on the boy who he had once thought was his son. Albert’s last name had been changed to Travers. Albert, unfortunately, had not done as well in school as Marlene had – he had barely graduated Durmstrang, though according to his sources, he was quite proficient in the Dark Arts. After his graduation, he had left for the Continent, headed towards Albania.

He was worried that Albert would foster an association with Tom Riddle – after all, his son’s biological father had been a supporter of Grindelwald. Albus strongly suspected that Albus resented him for leaving him, though it had not been his choice. And Albus suspected that Colleen had filled Albert’s head with lies about him, Minerva, and Marlene.

Albus knew this peace could not last, knew that this idyllic time would some come to an end. He was worried about Minerva and Marlene. Albus didn’t know what to do – he wanted to protect his family, and the only way he could do that would be to sever all ties with them. But he loved them so much... He decided to wait and see what would happen with Tom Riddle. Perhaps he would never return to Britain. (Albus knew that this was most likely untrue, but he could hope.)

Minerva was worried about her husband. He had been incredibly preoccupied lately, which was worrisome. She tried to get him to talk about it, but he refused. She was desperate – he was becoming increasingly withdrawn, refusing to talk to her about his problems.

She tried to get Nicholas Flamel to Albus, but Albus refused to confide in him. Aberforth even made the effort to talk to his brother (they had fallen out after Ariana’s death), but while Albus appreciated his brother’s effort, he refused to talk to him as well.

Minerva was desperate – the distance between them was growing all the wider. And by the time their daughter finished her Auror training, the chasm was almost unable to be breached.

Three months after their graduation, Marlene and Robert were married in a small, private ceremony at Hogwarts, Albus presiding over the ceremony. Marlene looked absolutely radiant – she wore a beautiful set of white silk robes and carried a bouquet of white roses. Robert also looked very handsome and very happy to be marrying Marlene.

After their wedding, Marlene and Robert went on honeymoon to France. They had two weeks’ leave, so they would be staying in France for a week and a half before returning to their new home. Minerva and Albus had purchased a comfortable home in the Wizarding neighbourhood of Cramond, right outside of Edinburgh. It was a comfortable home, set a bit apart from the others, and Minerva and Albus had made it as safe as they could, setting up dozens of wards.

After they had finished setting up their daughter and son-in-law’s new home, they returned to Hogwarts. Albus immediately went to his office to do work. Minerva went to their rooms. It had been such a depressing week – her daughter was married, had her own home, and her husband was barely speaking to her. She didn’t know what to do – she had tried everything.

Albus was sitting in his office, head in his hands. It couldn’t go on like this any longer – he couldn’t bear to watch Minerva suffer. He had heard of Tom Riddle’s increased activities in Albania – he was now calling himself Lord Voldemort. And he had heard that Albert had become one of his biggest supporters.

He would have to force Minerva to leave him. He wanted her to be safe. Marlene was as safe as she could be – she was an Auror, as was her husband, and Albus felt confident that she would be all right. But though Minerva too had been an Auror, she was his wife, and he knew that Tom would go after her first – especially as Tom had had a crush on her when they were in school together. He would have to get her to leave him or would have to leave her. Albus didn’t want to hurt her... but he had to hurt her to protect her.

[phantomgirl]

That was awesome but poor them, Albus and Min.

[goldencat]

No, he can't do that. He cannot break her heart. Impossible.
It's so sad. Hope he changes his mind.
Great work.
Waiting for more.

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter 16: June 1972 – 12 December 1975

***

A/N: The last chapter. Thank you SO MUCH to all my readers/reviewers - I appreciate it more than you possibly know. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

***

He had done it. It had taken over five years, but he had finally, finally pushed her away. She would be safe now, he believed, safe from Tom Riddle (who was now calling himself Lord Voldemort), safe from his enemies.

She had clung to him in desperation, trying to keep him with her, and it had broken his heart to pull away from her. But pull away he did.

They still worked together; Minerva was still his Deputy, Head of Gryffindor House, and Professor of Transfiguration, but no longer his wife.

He missed her, oh! how he missed her, but he knew it was for the best. No one would bother to hurt her if they didn’t believe that he loved her anymore. He had publicised their divorce, going so far as to grant interviews to reporters in the Daily Prophet. It pained him that he had to hurt her so badly and so publically, but it was necessary.

Minerva withdrew into herself, becoming stern, unemotional, aloof – and if his heart had not been broken yet, it would have been, seeing her now. Yet she never allowed her feelings to get in the way of her work – neither her work at Hogwarts nor her work with the Order of the Phoenix.

Yes, he had revived the Order – it was absolutely necessary in these increasingly dark times. And Minerva, of course, had insisted on joining – as had their daughter and her husband. Albus didn’t want Marlene to join, wanted to keep her out of the war, but he knew that they needed all the help that they could get – even the help of a pregnant Auror.

Yes, Marlene was pregnant with their grandchild. Both Albus and Minerva were ecstatic, though both Marlene and Minerva were barely speaking to Albus. Nonetheless, he was thrilled, and vowed to do everything he could to make sure their grandchild was safe.

The months passed, and Marlene gave birth to a beautiful baby boy in February. They named their child Frederick Kieran McKinnon. Marlene only let her father see his grandson at Order meetings, punishing him for leaving her mother. She was angry with him – he had left Minerva once before, and now once again. Her mother deserved better, Marlene told Albus, she didn’t deserve to be treated like chattel. He couldn’t explain to Marlene or to Minerva why he had left her, and so their anger continued.

And then, December 12th, 1975, the worst possible news came.

“Minerva!” he yelled, bursting into her private chambers. She was getting ready for bed – her hair was down, and she had only a thin dressing gown wrapped around her slender frame.

“Albus! What on earth are you doing here?” she asked him, pulling her dressing gown tighter.

“Minerva – the Dark Mark,” he gasped, out-of-breath from running to her chambers. Her hands dropped from where they had been clutching her dressing gown.

“Where?” she asked, though she knew where. Albus would never have burst into her chambers if it had been anywhere else. “Oh, God, please not...”

“At Cramond,” he said, and she let out a wail of anguish. A few moments later she recovered, picking up her wand and running out of the castle, Albus in close pursuit.

As soon as they reached the gates, they Apparated to Cramond. She immediately transformed into her Animagus form, running as fast as she could to the house. He found her cradling the dead body of their daughter.

“She’s dead, she’s dead, my baby, my only child, she’s dead,” Minerva moaned in grief, rocking the body gently in her arms. Albus knelt down beside her, wrapping his arms around her as his tears joined hers. She turned a teary, broken-hearted gaze on him.

“How could they do this to her, Albus? How?” Albus shook his head, wiping away the few tears that escaped. He stood and made his way upstairs.

As he expected, he saw the body of a man lying stretched out on the landing, obviously caught while rushing downstairs to see what had happened. He continued his way upstairs, pausing before entering the room whose door was ajar.

It was his grandchild’s room, decorated in blues and yellows. Numerous toys littered the ground, and books were overflowing from the too-full bookcase. Lying in the small bed was their grandson, Frederick. He was not even three years odl. Albus walked up to him and took the boy’s wrist between his long fingers, checking for a pulse. Nothing. He made his way downstairs again.

Minerva was still sobbing over their daughter’s body, and it took Albus quite some time to get her attention.

“Robert and Frederick are dead, as well,” he told her sombrely. As much as he wanted to spare her the pain, he knew that he could not, but that did not stop his heart from aching as the woman let out another grieving wail.

“They cannot all be dead, Albus,” she said. “They cannot all be dead. It is not fair!”

He picked her up from her spot on the floor, ignoring her protests and attempts to get out of his arms.

“You need to rest, Minerva,” he told her. “You need to rest so you can be strong enough to handle the pain.”

She burrowed her head into his chest, as though she tried to escape his words. He walked silently to the edge of the property, still holding her in his arms, and Apparated away.



She was never the same again, never.



They found out, a year later, that the Death Eater who killed him was Albert Travers, the boy that Albus had believed was his son for so many years.

“I did it because I hated her,” Albert spat when Albus went to visit him in Azkaban.

“You two were so close as children,” Albus said.

“Yes, until that bitch took my place – she took my only chance at a happy family!” he yelled.

“Albert, she never took your place,” Albus said.

“Don’t lie to me – I know she did. I was there.”

Albus closed his eyes in an attempt to block the pain – it didn’t work.

“I’ve always considered you to be my son,” Albus said softly.

“Yeah, right. You never even wrote to me after Mum took me away with her.”

“Don’t you think I tried? Not even Fawkes could find you.”

Albert laughed, and laughed, and laughed. Albus stood up and left the prison, the laughter of the boy who had once been his son echoing in his ears for all eternity.

END.

[Silver Tabby Kitten]

Dearie, it was very good, but quite depressing. Job well done though.

~STK
Minerva

[phantomgirl]

Very Well Written!
I read the ending on Fanfiction.net . Loved it! Very sad though

[goldencat]

Albert of all people!
I feel so sorry for them. At first 'loosing' each other and then their child and also their grandchildren. So nearly everything. So sad!
Nevertheless, I have to join the others:
Very well done!

[~ Rosaliee ~]

It's Sad that Albert kill them.. Of all the people..
Love the story!! Great twist...
Evil Kendra!
But very well writing!!!