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Post by gem on Jul 30, 2010 11:25:31 GMT -5
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Characters, except, Anne-Marie Dumbledore belong to J.K. Rowling. No Copyright infringement intended.
A/N: This is one of the first HP fics I wrote several years ago. I never finished. It is important to note that this is an answer to the lost and found challenge posted on the Albus and Minerva group. I have decided to rework it as it has been several years and I have grown as a writer. This time it will be completed.
Title: Pulling at the Heartstrings
Author: GEM
Date: 7-29-10
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: T
Chapter 1 Prologue: In the Beginning
Minerva McGonagall looked over at her husband. The volume in the current meeting that they were attending had grown progressively louder. There was some argument over the best way to proceed with the next years’ curriculum. “Albus.”
Albus Dumbledore looked over at the Auburn haired woman seated next to him he could see the fear… was it fear? No, pain written across her face He put a calming hand on her arm. “Minerva are you all right?" Albus didn't get a response but watched as the look on his wife's face continued to worsen. "Tabby."
Minerva let out a breath. "I think it's time, Albus..."
A look of pure panic came across the great Albus Dumbledore's face. He could fight, Gellert Grindelwald, argue in front to the, Wizengamot but he still didn't feel prepared for this. "Now but...it's early...too early
"Don't start with me know, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!" Minerva looked into his crystal blue eyes."Yes, now!”
The room suddenly fell silent. "Albus what can we do.
" Nothing Horace thank you, ladies and gentlemen It would seem we do not have time for this and right now if you will excuse us.” Albus help his extremely pregnant wife out of the teacher’s room and down to the hospital wing.
-----
The night was long and hard. Albus couldn't stand to see Minerva in so much pain.
By the next morning Minerva was sleeping soundly and Albus was seated in a chair next to her holding their newborn baby daughter, Anne Marie Dumbledore in his arms. Minerva was right the pain was worth it. They had created something lovely together. His life was truly complete. He had a lovely wife and beautiful baby daughter and he loved them both very much. Little did the great and wise Albus Dumbledore know that this bundle of joy would turn his life inside out and upside down.
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Post by gem on Jul 30, 2010 11:32:05 GMT -5
Chapter 2 The Argument over a Future
17 Years Later
The day was a blur to Ann Marie Dumbledore. Her seven years at Hogwarts as a student had come to a close. She hadn’t seen her parents since graduation that morning. Her father had been called away to a meeting at the Ministry of Magic. She had a feeling that it might make what she had to discuss with her parents that afternoon much more difficult. She did have one thing on her side though; she had grown into a beautiful young woman with long Auburn hair and Crystal blue eyes. She was, in her mind, capable of making her own decision and if it turned into a screaming match she did have her mother’s temper along with charm. Her father could not resist that. She took one more look around the Seventh year, Gryffindor dormitory to make sure she had everything packed.
“Ready, Anne?” someone asked from behind her.
“For what… leaving or getting my butt kicked into next week?”
“I was talking about leaving. Are you ready?" Zoë Hooch asked.
“Yeah, everything is packed. Ann Marie replied as the girls made there way out of the dormitories, down the spiral staircase into the common room.
Zoë and Anne Marie stopped and took one last look around. “There are a lot of memories in this room.” Zoë commented
“Yeah, that’s for sure. I can't believe it's over." The two of them stood in the center of the room, silent for a moment looking around. Anne Marie was the first to move toward the porthole, "Come on Zo, you have to meet your mother. The girls walked through the Gryffindor porthole one last time and headed toward the entrance hall on the way to the quidditch pitch and locker rooms.
“So, how exactly are you planning on telling them?” Zoë asked as they stopped outside entrance to the locker rooms and Zoë 's her mother’s office door.
“Very gently” Ann Marie replied. "I really hope I get a chance to explain it before they find out from someone else."
“You think your dad is going to find out before you get the chance?" Zoë asked as Madeline Hooch open her office door.
"He was called to the Ministry this afternoon for a private meeting. He was talking to the Minister after Graduation." The dread was clearly written on Anne Marie's face.
“ Annie don't worry about it you are a fighter and they both love you. It will be fine. I'm not saying it will be easy but it will be fine in the end." Mandy said when she finished on the field and met up with her daughter a pseudo niece. "Zoë are you ready?”
“Yes, Mum.” Zoë replied giving Anne Marie a hug.
“Zoë, you’ll see each other soon. Annie your parents are no doubt looking for you.”
Anne Marie broke the hug and thanked Madame Hooch “Make sure you owl me.”
“I will.” Zoë replied “Good luck.”
“Thanks, I’m going to need it.”
After saying good-bye to Zoë, Anne Marie made her way to her father’s office. She mentally prepared herself for the fight that was sure to ensue. She stopped in front of the tall gargoyle guarding the headmaster’s office and took a deep breathe before saying the password. “Pixie stix” she said calmly. The gargoyle slid open obediently hearing the latest muggle candy password. She climbed the spiral stairs slowly. When she reached the top she could already hear her father talking loudly to her mother inside the office. She stood frozen with fear. Her father very seldom lost his temper with Minerva and Anne Marie suddenly had no desire to proceed at that moment. She stood quietly and listened.
-----
“Minerva, I will not allow it!” Albus was pacing behind his desk.
“ Albus, you are being unreasonable!” Minerva shot back with her trademark Scottish temper.
“Am I now. She is my daughter. I can protect her here. I cannot protect her out there.”
Minerva McGonagall’s temper was on its last thread. “She is our daughter, Albus! We understood the risks when we decided to build a future together. She is a very talented witch. If this is what she wants then who are we to stand in her way. She's seventeen Albus, an adult in our world. If this is what she wants we should accept it. We need to support her.
Albus sat down in the tall chair behind his desk. He removed his hat and threw in heap on his desk. He rubbed his hand over his face and look up at his wife. Once again Minerva became the voice of reason is the relationship. She was always very good at that especially when it came to their daughter. "She not my little girl anymore Mina.
Minerva came up behind him and knelt down next to him. "She will always be your little girl, Love...always our little girl. Minerva caresses his face and kissed him softly on the lips.
“I would have preferred to hear it from her, is all, Mina." Minerva stood up and leaned against the desk. "Instead I heard it from the Deputy Minister of Magical Law enforcement.”
“I know, Albus.” Minerva was interrupted by a tap on the outside of the office door. The door opened and they saw Anne Marie cautiously enter the office and approach her parents. “You would have heard it from me if I got the courage to talk to you sooner.”
Minerva turned to face her daughter who took the seat on the other side of her father's desk.. “How much of that did you hear?” Albus asked standing up and helping Minerva over to the sitting area in the office
“Almost all of it.” Anne Marie admitted following them to the sitting area.
“Anne Marie” Albus began in a soft gentle tone, unlike the one she head moments before. “You have to understand that given your status, being an Auror may not be a safe pursuit for you.
Minerva looked at her husband and then continued where he left off. “That said, little one, we will support your decision. We love you, never forget that.
“Thank you. I understand the risk, for normal witches and wizards and for me with my status as you put it Dad. That said I believe that I can make a difference. I appreciate your concerns and wouldn’t expect anything less from you ,but my decision is made.
Albus listened intently to his daughter speak. She had grown up to be and extremely beautiful, smart and charming young woman. She looked just like her mother aside from her crystal blue eyes. She most definitely had inherited her mother’s stubborn streak and zeal.
Before Minerva could say anything Albus spoke up. “Thank you, Sweetheart. We love you and will respect your decision.” Albus smiled at his daughter.
What was it about his eyes and smile that made people melt Anne Marie thought.
“When do you leave?” Minerva asked.
“Tonight, I start training tomorrow morning.”
Well then. Albus said getting up and taking Minerva’s hand. He extended other to his daughter shall we go to the Three Broomsticks to celebrate.”
The two most important women in Albus Dumbledore’s life nodded in agreement and the family headed down the spiral staircase and to the front entrance hall for their trek to Hogsmeade.
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Post by gem on Jul 30, 2010 11:45:03 GMT -5
Chapter 3 Our Worst Fears Become Reality
Anne Marie McGonagall couldn't believe what she was reading. "Sean look at this?"
A Sandy haired wizard came up to her desk and looked over her shoulder as she read the latest memo from their boss. "That's the three attack in a week. This is getting bad Annie."
"Yeah,"
"McGonagall!"
Anne Marie jumped up and quickly put the memo down. "Yes, Sir."
I need to see you and McAllister, wood, Clearwater, Bell, Larson and Bones in my office now!"
Yes, Sir." Anne Marie Turned to Sean McAllister "Get them together and meet me in Brown's Office.
"Will do." Sean said as he hurried away.
Anne- Marie picked up the memo and finished reading as she did certain words jumped out on the page. Minister Fudge....Task Force....Death Eaters.
When the group met together in Lieutenant Brown's office it quickly became clear that Annie was part of the group that the interdepartmental memo spoke about.
"You have all been handpicked by the Minister and myself for one simple reason you are the best!" Brown sat down with them and quickly laid out a long and detailed plan as to how they were going to operate.
----
Minerva McGonagall was sitting in her office sealing the first years’ school letters when she heard a familiar knock on the door. “Come in.”
Albus Dumbledore walked through the office door and sat in one of the chairs opposite his wife “Hello, Mrs. Dumbledore.”
Minerva looked up at him over her glasses “Albus.” She warned.
“Relax, my darling. I put a silencing charm around the office. No one will hear a word.”
“Still you should…”
Albus cut her off “Min, I didn’t come here to start an argument," Albus stood up and went around the desk and leaned against it in front of his wife. He leaned down and gave her a loving kiss. When they broke the kiss he continued. "I only to tell you that I have an urgent meeting at the Ministry of Magic.
Minerva took office her square spectacles, concern written on her face. “I see.”
Albus and Minerva always had a sort of connection and talent for reading each other’s minds. “Don’t worry, Tabby, I will be back tonight.”
Minerva gave him a warm smile You better be it's our last night.."
"Now who is being careless about our surrounding?" Albus said as he rose and eyebrow a familiar twinkle could be seen in his eye."
Oh you are incurable!" Minerva swatted at him playfully and kissed him once again I’m going to finish the first years’ letters and send them out. I’ll see you tonight.”
Albus made his way toward the door. “Let me know if we hear from Mr. Potter.”
“I certainly will.”
I love you Mina. I’ll see you later.” Albus smiled back at her as he walked through the door.
----
“Cornelius” Albus entered the office of the Minister of Magic.
“Ah, Albus, so sorry to send for you on such short notice. Please sit down.”
Albus sat in the chair opposite the Minister. “Not a problem at all.”
Fudge stood up and made his way across the room to a tray.“I wish to discuss a matter of school security." He picked up a cup and teapot and poured himself a cup. He turned to Albus and offered the teapot. " Tea.”
Albus kindly accepted. “Thank You.”
Fudge walked over and sat down at his desk with teacup in hand. “I will get right to the point. It has come to my attention that Harry Potter will be attending the school this coming term.”
“That is correct, the letters went out today.” Albus replied with a mark of concern.
“My best aurors believe this is the reason for the recent rise in death eater activity. I wanted to inform you as a friend and colleague that I have formed a task force to track down and capture any person involved in such activities.”
“Thank you, Minister. We will take the proper precautions to protect the students.”
Fudge summoned the teapot from the side table and refilled his cup. “I also wanted to let you and Minerva know that Anne Marie is leading the task force. I attempted to dissuade her but she wouldn’t hear of it.”
“That does sound like my daughter. I know that side of her very well.” Albus said with a slight smile. Although he had serious doubts to Fudge's attempts to dissuade her from being part of it.
“I bet you do.” Fudge replied knowing full well that Anne Marie had inherited that from her mother. “I have no doubt in her ability she is one of the best. I thought that you should be aware of the situation.”
“Thank you, Minister.” Albus replied getting up from the chair across from the Minister. “I’ll see again soon. Good day” Albus went over to the fire, lit it, stepped in and threw the floo powder stating his destination “Hogwarts”
----
Albus returned from his meeting as the term had not yet begun he and Minerva were still sharing a bedroom. He entered quietly so as to not wake her up. In true Minerva McGonagall fashion, however, she was curled up in the chair next to the fireplace and reading a book. Albus approached her and gave her a kiss. She put the book down and took off her spectacles as he stepped away. “How was your meeting?”
“Very informative." He replied sitting in the chair next to her. “What are you still doing up?”
Minerva could sense that something was bothering him. It was a usual occurrence when he was called to the Ministry. She moved from the chair to the sofa and sat next to him. “I changed textbooks for the seventh years I was just reviewing it again.”
Albus reached over an brushed the a loose strand of hair out of her face.“Always the teacher." He knew she knew something was going on, he really didn't want to do this now. She needed her sleep. "Don’t you think we should get so sleep my dear Tabby?”
Minerva noticed the attempt to change the subject.“ I’m fine. " Minerva took his hand and looked up into his crystal blue eyes. You're not. Is there anything I should be aware of, my love?”
And there it is, the stubborn streak that Anne Marie inherited. Now Albus Dumbledore how to handle the subject and your wife. He stood up and offered her a hand. He would have to tread lightly. “I’ll fill you in if you promise to get some sleep.”
As they walked toward their bedroom, Albus had filled her in on the Minister wishes, "It seems there has been some increased activity of a dark nature. The Minster is of the opinion as are member of the law enforcement division that the death eaters are gather more strength."
Minerva stopped before they reached the doorway. Because of Harry?" Albus kissed her hand "You have always been very intuitive my Tabby. Yes, they believe the recent activity has to do with his coming to school next tern. They are worried about Voldemort's followers." Minerva winced and held her hand tightly Albus smiled and squeezed back, “It’s only a name Minerva."
"What is Fudge doing about it?"
The law enforcement division has set up a task force at the Cornelius' request". Albus finished.
“Still” she replied as she let go of his hand and went to change. She returned moments later and climbed into the bed. “Aren’t you going to sleep. It is our last night together until the holiday.”
Albus sat down on the bed next to her, and hesitated for a moment. he had not yet mentioned Anne Marie. “In a moment, dear. I have something else I have to tell you.”
He hesitated...he never...Minerva felt her stomach twist into a knot and that look in his eyes... I know that look. That was the look he had in his eyes eleven years earlier when he returned from Godric Hollow and told her about Lilly, James and Harry.
Albus knew he was caught. He took a breath and took her hand. “Fudge has created a task force to track down the rouge followers.”
“A very good idea.”
“Yes, indeed, especially when you select the best Aurors for the job.” Dumbledore offered carefully.
It took Minerva a moment to let his statement sink in. She felt sick for a moment when she found her voice again it was very faint. “Best aurors.”
“Yes, dear.” Albus took her hand in his. She quickly pulled away. She got out of bed and went to the window.
“When did she leave?”
Albus got up and took Minerva in his arms. “This afternoon, Fudge only just told me about the entire plan. He tried to stop her but…”
"I'm sure he did." The sarcasm was thick in her voice.
Minerva turned around in his arms. “It was only a matter of time Albus, She is very good at her job and happy with it as well. I can't help but think that Cornelius did little to dissuade her though. "
"I must admit that I had the same thought."
"Come to bed, Albus."
“Tabby?”
Minerva cut him off, “Come to bed. I’m fine. This was going to happen someday it was just a matter of when. She’ll be fine. Now please come to bed.” Minerva moved away from the window and once again, climbed between the sheets. Albus went into the washroom and came back moments later. “I promise you, Tabby, nothing will happen to our girl.”
"Don't...don't make a promise you can't keep." They laid next to one another for a moment staring at the ceiling in the darkness of the room. Minerva cuddled next to Albus, "But...I hope you’re right."
Minerva found she was enjoying this year of teaching it reminded her of old times. Harry had arrived and quickly made friend with Ronald Weasley and Herminone Granger. It was clear that this trio would quickly become what James Potter and his crew once were.
The days that began to get longer for Minerva. She and Albus had heard little from Anne Marie and what little they did hear didn't give them much information. Albus had moved the Scorer's Stone to the school and the staff had created a plan to help protect it but nothing was protecting Anne Marie from He Who Must Not Be Named's followers. Every day Minerva held her breath as she read the Daily Prophet, hoping she wouldn't see her Daughter's name in the headlines. It was almost winter holiday and Professor McGonagall was in the middle of the practical part of her lesson for the day.
“Mr. Weasley, your turn please demonstrate for me the correct way in which to turn a button into a sniff box.”
“Ron cleared his throat and picked up his wand as he was about to utter the spell there was a soft knock on the classroom door. Saved by the bell he thought.
Minerva looked up and saw Mandy Hooch and Albus at the doorway. “Excuse the interruption Professor, could I please have a word with you. It is a matter of urgency. Madam Hooch will look after your class.
Minerva always did find his professionalism attractive. “Of course Professor.” After giving her class some quick instructions she hurried out to speak to Albus. She could have sworn she saw tears in Mandy’s eyes as she left the room. “Albus, What’s happened?”
He took her hand and led her down the hall. When they were far enough from the classroom he began to speak again “Minister Fudge has just informed me that there was an attack on the task force."
Minerva felt her knees go weak she could see Albus speaking from then on but could hear the words that were coming from his mouth as the blood rushed to her ears. . “Annie, what happened to my little Annie.
Albus steadied her she that she wouldn’t fall “She is not dead Mina, but she is missing along with two others He couldn’t support her anymore. Her emotions overcame her and his strong willed, independent Deputy Headmistress was reduced to sobs and screams of mass proportion and all Albus Dumbledore, strong and wise wizard could do was watch, hope and help his wife to cope with their loss. Inside he was just as she was on the outside. Crying and screaming for their Anne Marie.
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Post by gem on Jul 30, 2010 11:47:33 GMT -5
Chapter 4 Dangerous SecretsThe Weeks before the
Christmas Holiday passed slowly for Harry, Hermione and Ron. Professor McGonagall had not returned since the day that Dumbledore arrived. Transfigurations was being taught by which ever teacher had a free period at the time. None of the Gryffindor students had seen their head of house in any capacity during the last weeks and a selected number were getting concerned. The only thing they knew for sure was that she was ill and would return after the Christmas holiday.
“Bit odd isn’t it?” Ron asked as he walked with Harry and Hermione to the entrance Hall. Ron and Harry were remaining at Hogwarts over the Holiday but they were helping Hermione carry her luggage to the entrance.
“What?” Harry asked
“McGonagall, she just disappeared after Dumbledore came to get out of class that day.”
“She’s sick.” Harry said.
“She didn’t look sick to me.” Ron replied.
“What do you care? You didn’t have to do your midterm thanks to Dumbledore. I’m sure that she is sick. She didn’t look well to me that day.” Hermione offered.
“ No Worse, I had to do the midterm in front of Dumbledore!”
"We all Did Ronald!"
“At least it wasn’t Snape. " Harry said as they walked out the door to the waiting Carriages. “There you are Hermione. Can you manage from here?”
“Yes, Thank you. Happy Christmas.”
“Happy Christmas.” Harry and Ron answered.
~~~
Albus Dumbledore spent the last two weeks trying to keep calm and let the ministry do their work. He had given Minerva time to grieve, if it could be called that. He taught her classes when time allowed. Now he needn’t worry; the students had returned home for the holidays and things calmed down. Selected members of the faculty were told about Anne Marie’s disappearance. Poppy had been looking after Minerva. She had suggested that Albus take Minerva away over the holiday. Albus took her advice They returned to their summer home the same day the students left. An excuse was made for the remaining students and the teachers remaining for the holiday would look after them.
Minerva mostly slept her days away. She wouldn’t talk to anyone, not even Albus. The days she spent at the house weren’t much different. Christmas morning Albus woke up and made breakfast when he returned to the bedroom to check on Minerva she was still asleep. He approached the bed and sat beside her. “Minerva.”
“Go away, Albus.” She said abruptly
“Mina, Annie wouldn’t want you to be like this.”
She rolled over to face him. “Leave me alone! Let me deal with it on my own.”
“And what about me Minerva! I’ve left you alone for three weeks. I want to help you. I want to deal with this she’s my daughter too!” Albus was gentle but firm, as Poppy had instructed.
“You can help by leaving me alone.”
“Minerva.”
Honestly, Albus, I think I’ve been through enough with your help. I’ve lost two children, and I have a grandson, I can’t even talk to as a grandson. I don’t need your help! Minerva was reduced to tears and sobs.
Albus gathered her into his arms. "Do you forget I've lost them too. They are as much yours as Mine Mina." Albus held her tight and they both cried together for the first time since Anne Marie went missing.
After a few minutes she began to relax in his embrace. “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t make a very good Gryffindor.”
Sssh, Tabby, you make an excellent Gryffindor. This is just a difficult time. You need time to grieve. We need time.”
“I don’t want to grieve! She’s not dead Albus!”
“I know she’s not and I know that you know that I know. I didn’t mean grieve in that way.”
She hugged him. “I'm sorry Albus I seem to forgotten that I am not the only one. You are going through this as well and I haven't been a very good wife to you.
Albus looked in to her eyes. "Don't worry about that, Mina." He kissed her lightly on the lips. "Just make me a promise.
Minerva looked up at him. "What might that be?"
"Don't shut me out love."
"I will try not to, I promise." Minerva cupped his cheek lovingly and kissed him. It’s Christmas. but I don’t feel like celebrating much.”
"I confess neither do I." Albus stood up still holding on to his wife's hand. "How about some breakfast?”
"I think that sounds wonderful. " Albus helped her up and she guided her from the bedroom into the kitchen.
“Alright, Albus, I want to go back to Hogwarts Tomorrow.”
“Are you sure you are ready?”
“I’m ready.”
“Then we will return tomorrow.”
~~~~
The following day they returned to Hogwarts. It felt good to be back and at work if you could call looking at three students, in your house, work. Harry and Ron had remained over the holiday along with a handful of others. It was this time of year that the Professors and students shared tables during mealtimes. Professor Dumbledore explained that it was a custom and a way of being less formal and more like a family. Harry enjoyed it as he didn’t have any family and had never really sat down to a holiday meal with family before. Minerva enjoyed the time too. It gave her a chance to concentrate on the students and talk to them. She only wished she could talk to Harry the way she wanted to. The students were happy to see her back. They still hadn’t been told the real reason for her absence but she had a feeling that her Gryffindors could tell that something was wrong.
~~~~
Later that evening Minerva was sitting in front of the fireplace looking at a photo Album. She stopped at a picture of Lilly, Anne Marie, Albus and herself, taking at the end of Lilly’s second year. She brushed her hand over the moving picture. oh how she missed both of her girls. She was overcome by her emotions again. She wiped fresh tears away
" Tabby?”
Minerva jumped at the sound of the voice. “Oh, Merlin, why do you have to sneak up on me like that.”
“Sorry, Tabby. I didn’t mean to frighten you.” Albus sat down on the couch and put his arm around her. “You've been crying again."
“I was looking at pictures and thinking about the girls. I’m lost I don’t know what to do. I know she’d want me to go on and I have to do that for me and for her.”
“You are right as always, my dear." Albus pulled her close and kissed her on the forehead. "I just got an owl from Fudge."
Minerva looked up from the album. “Anything yet.”
“Nothing, except they have officially changed her status to missing. Fudge assures me that they will not give up until they find the two that are missing.” Albus' voice began to falter
It was Minerva’s turn to be the strength as she kissed him and held him tight She looked straight into his crystal blue eyes.. “We can only hope, Albus. If the fates allow she will return safely to us.”
Before Albus could say anything there was a knock on the door. “Come in.”
Severus Snape swooped in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, Headmaster. I have been summoned.”
“I understand Severus please use caution.”
“I will endeavor to do so. Goodnight Headmaster, Professor.” Snape acknowledged them both before blowing out as he had blown in.
Minerva turned her attention back to her husband. “Albus, do you think he…”
“One can only hope, Mina. One can only hope. I am confident that there is a connection.” He turned to her and kissed her lovingly “You should get some sleep.”
"So should you." Minerva stated .
Albus could tell there was still something on her mind. "Mina, is there something else you wanted to talk about?"
“I want to talk to you about Harry, Albus.”
“Minerva…” Albus' voice was warning. We talked about this you can't... "
“Albus, please don’t treat me like a child. I want to tell him.” She said in that stubborn way he had come to know and love.
“We agreed that it is too dangerous. We have to watch and guide from afar for his safety and ours, especially now. I know it sounds cold to worry about our safety but think, if people knew we were married what would happen... Think about Harry's safety."
“ I know Albus. I know you keep on telling me but think about it will you please. We’ve already lost two children to war. Mark my words Albus I will not loose Harry and I don’t think you want loose him either.”
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