A Mother's Heart

[eleonore]

I love this stuff!!! Gimme more!!!

eleonore

[Rikki]

Okay, okay... ;D Here's chapter 3. Thanks for the nice reviews everyone.

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Harry stood in the doorway, blushing furiously. He wanted to leave the kitchen as quickly and quietly as possible but hadn’t counted on Minerva’s excellent ears. She heard him move and broke the kiss with Albus, looking at Harry. She was clearly as embarrassed as he was and tried to jump off Albus lap but he held her tightly in place.

“Harry, come in.” Albus said in a calm voice. Now was as good as any time for them to explain their relationship to Harry, though Albus had preferred to wait a little and give the boy time to settle down a bit.

Obediently Harry walked in and stood in front of the kitchen table. Minerva was still struggling to get to her feet but she couldn’t free herself from Albus’ grip.

“Dear, it’s okay…”Albus told her and loosened his hold on her. “And Harry, have a seat. I guess there’s something we need to explain.”

Harry did as he was told and looked at Albus and Minerva curiously. Now he understood what was so different about their relationship now. At school they always made sure to act just as friends around each other. But here… even when they had come to pick him up he had sensed that they seemed to be more… intimate with each other than usual.

Minerva had calmed down a bit and looked at her husband. She had known that Harry would figure out sooner or later that they were more than just friends but though she loved Harry she would have preferred if it had bee later.

“Harry, dear… I’m sorry you had to see this.” Minerva said. She looked at Harry, searching for signs of understanding and found it in his eyes.

“No, don’t be. I should have knocked first.” Harry blushed again a little, thinking back at the scene in front of him when he had entered the kitchen.

“Don’t be silly. We should have been more careful. But I think there’s something you need to know.” Albus looked at Minerva lovingly and patted the small of her back.

“Albus and I have been married for 46 years now.” Minerva stated.

Harry swallowed.
“I had no idea…” he managed to say. It was unbelievable that no one had ever found out about them.

[Rikki]

Minerva smiled.
“Well, actually we’ve married secretly and kept it a secret. The Hogwarts staff knows and some close friends but no one else. And now you do…” Her voice trailed off while she thought about it. She was sure they could trust Harry.

“I won’t tell anyone. Though I have to admit that Hermione suspects that there’s more between the two of you than just friendship.” He grinned at the thought of what Hermione would say when she found out. And she was bound to find out once she had arrived here. She was way too clever to be fooled for long.

Minerva seemed to have similar thoughts because she looked at Albus a bit uncomfortably. She hadn’t thought about that before but if Miss Granger already suspected something than she would find out about their little secret.

“I see.” Albus gently eased Minerva off his lap and went over to the stove to pour himself some more cocoa.

“What is it, dear?” Minerva asked, seeing that her husband was thinking about something.

“Well, I just thought that we should tell Miss Granger and Mr Weasley. That will spare Harry the problem of having to keep something from them… and they won’t start speculating.” He went back to the table and kissed his wife gently on the forehead before sitting down again.

Minerva blushed slightly but Harry smiled at her reassuringly. He was happy for them; they were really made for each other. When he said so both Albus and Minerva looked a bit embarrassed but happy that he felt that way.

“So… I think you said something about a tour through the house?” Harry asked Minerva. She nodded and rose from her chair.

“Yes, dear.” She put her arm around his shoulder and led him through the large house. It hadn’t changed much in the last years. She was rarely here, mostly during the holidays or whenever she needed some time to think. But usually Albus would prefer his summer home near the coast so they spent most of their time there.

[Rikki]

Minerva showed Harry her old room. He saw immediately that it must have been hers, her style clearly noticeable in the room. Then there was the master bedroom as well as two smaller bedrooms and two bathrooms on the upper floor.

On the ground floor were a large dining room with a beautiful wooden table for about 12 people, then the living room, the kitchen, another bathroom and some storage rooms.

“It’s a beautiful house,” Harry said when they reached the kitchen again. Albus was still sitting there, reading a book and enjoying what looked like his third cup of cocoa.

“Yes, it is. I was very happy here when I was a child. And I hope you’ll be happy here too.” She said with a sincere smile on her face. She knew it wouldn’t be easy for Harry to be in the constant company of his professors but she felt that he had already begun to relax. Miss Granger and Mr Weasley wouldn’t arrive for another couple of days so he would have to content himself with Albus and Minerva in the meantime.

“Thank you,” he murmured, not knowing what to say. Minerva behaved so differently towards him than at school. At school he was just one among the students, and usually she was … well, not cold but distant.

She hugged him and kissed him lightly on the temple. She knew he had never been hugged or kissed as a child and she would love to try to make it up to him if he let her.

Harry enjoyed the feeling of being hugged. But still… He just had to know why she had decided to tell him now how she felt about him.

“Minerva?” He pulled from her embrace and looked at her.

She raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, dear.”

“May I ask you something?” Suddenly he felt shy. What if it was all just a mistake? What if she felt just guilty for making him stay with the Dursleys for so long?

“Of course, Harry. Anything.” Together they sat down on a bench that stood in front of the window of the hallway.

Harry swallowed hard, gathering his courage. He just had to know.
“Why have you told me that you love me? And why are you so… distant at school? You never seemed to care about me.” He didn’t dare to look at her, afraid of her reaction.

[Rikki]

But instead of a reprimand he felt her arm coming around his shoulder and pulling him closer. She sighed.
“Well, Harry… I told you because it’s true. Your parents were very close to me, and we stayed in touch after they had left school. When you were born they were so happy. So proud. And you were such a beautiful baby. I fell in love with you instantly. You know, Albus and I couldn’t have any children; I’ve prayed for a child but the answer was no. So when you were born I was happy to take care of you whenever your parents needed a babysitter.” Minerva shifted a little and then continued.

“That night when Voldemort killed your parents… Albus nearly broke my heart by leaving you with your relatives. But he told me about the magic that would keep you safe. So I agreed. But I assure you, it wasn’t easy. And when you came to Hogwarts… I felt the old feelings coming back. But I couldn’t show you, I just couldn’t. I know you have already had a hard time with some of your school mates because they thought you were some kind of celebrity and enjoying that status. So I didn’t want to give them another reason to bother you. That’s why I’ve always kept a proper distance and pretended not to care.” Minerva felt tears dwell up in her eyes when she finished her story.

Harry, who had looked at his hands the whole time, raised his head to meet Minerva’s gaze. When he saw the tears in her eyes he pulled her in a comforting embrace. He had always guessed that there must be a softer side to her but it was a bit scaring to actually see it now. But he wanted her to know that it was okay now. He had just wanted to understand why she had behaved that way.

Minerva returned his embrace, happy that he didn’t reject her now. It had been unbelievably hard for her not to be able to comfort Harry when he was sad or show him just how much she cared.

“Thank you for telling me.” Harry said before kissing her gently on her cheek. It still felt strange to be so close to somebody. But he guessed he would get used to it.

Minerva wiped her cheeks and smiled at Harry.
“Well, I’m glad you know now. So… Would you like to explore the grounds before lunch?” She winked at him before getting up. Albus would be wondering what had happened to them, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting. Anyway she could see how eager Harry was now to get outside.
“Of course.” Harry grinned. “Anything I just observe?” He thought it better to ask. Even though he doubted there might be anything dangerous around here, he wanted to be on the safe side for once.

“Okay, then have fun. Lunch will be in two hours.” Minerva patted his arm before entering the kitchen.

“What happened?” Albus asked, seeing the tear-stained face of his wife. He got up and pulled her into his arms.

“Harry and I had a little talk. He asked why I told him after so long how I really feel about him.” Minerva hid her face in Albus’ beard and inhaled deeply. The familiar scent of chocolate and lemon had always had a soothing effect on her. Just as it was now.

“Did you tell him?” Albus caressed her back lovingly, tracing patterns. He felt her nod against his chest and smiled, satisfied. He had known that this kind of talk had to come up some time, and he was glad Minerva and Harry seemed to have solved everything.

“When will he be back?” Albus asked, mischief glinting in his eyes, before he kissed Minerva’s neck. She shivered at his touch and moaned lightly.

“In about two hours. Why?” Minerva pulled from his arms and looked at him innocently.

“Well, I thought we could continue what Harry interrupted earlier.” With a swift movement he swept her up in his arms and carried her upstairs. Minerva’s happy giggles were the last sounds to be heard for a while in the large house.

To be continued…

[Kandice]

I guess they should take advantage of the two hours. I doubt they will have much time to be alone after awhile.

[Karlynne]

Well the softer side of Minerva is really nice to read about. I hope you continue.

[Rikki]

Well, taking advantage is certainly something they'll do.

Hugs, Rikki

P.S. Yes, the story will be continued, don't worry. ;D

[KayleeTonksLupin]

aha, very good, Rikki. Good girl, does the nice Rikki want a treat? Hehe, sorry, I'm being randomly weird. But there's this convo I had with Dewey once...I think it was, anyway...

Kaylee-wolf: *rolls on her back, growling playfully*
Dewey: Ooo! Nice puppy! Does the nice puppy want a treat?

hehe, couldn't resist, even though that's the sort of thing certain members of the board (one of them, anyway), reprimanded me for, calling it immature. Oh well.

GREAT STORY! KEEP GOING!

-Kaylee

[Rikki]

Hey Kaylee,

hehe, if you have a treat: Sure, I want one. ;D (even if this certain someone might call me immature too now )

Sorry, my aim behaves really strange today...

Hugs, Rikki

[KayleeTonksLupin]

*tosses treat to Rikki* Goooood Rikki, sorry all I have are chocolate-covered Kaylee-wolf treats (ginger newts with sherbet lemon eyes, dipped in chocolate) *giggles*
Sooooooooo, tell your AIM to behave or IT WON'T GET A TREAT! Hehe. *looking for AIM treats so she can hide the box* Oh, and can we have more pretty story? Hmm? Please?

-Hugs, Kaylee

"Gray fur spread rapidly over her as her brown eyes narrowed, becoming amber. Her face changed, elongating into a canine snout, and a tail sprouted. She sank down on all fours, threw back her head, and howled. Tonks turned to Remus, who looked much the same. "She takes after you, all right," Tonks muttered to her husband, scratching between two pairs of canine ears and staring at the empty cup which had held the Wolfsbane Potion." --Kaylee and Remus, part 1

[Rikki]

Thanks for the treat. ;D Okay, I hope I can figure out what's wrong with aim. Talk to you later.

Hugs, Rikki

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Yeah! Later, Rikki. Here, have another treat. *holds out treat*

-Kaylee

[Nerweniel]

...ahem, sure, people, alllll have a treat, yes yes ... great chapter, btw, I loved the Minerva-Harry interaction, very realistic. Once more I shall demand more soon ;D.

Love,

Lies

[Ginger Newts]

Aw, I liked that chapter a lot. It's so nice to see Harry and Minerva getting closer and I hope he'll grow close to Albus again as well.

I'm also glad to see them taking advantage of the time Harry's outside. Great chapter, keep them coming!

[Rikki]

Sorry, ginger_newts but your last sentence made me laugh. Quite a double meaning here. ... Sorry, just a random thought.

Hugs, Rikki

[QuillofMinerva]

I really enjoyed this chapter, I had always suspected that Minerva had a very soft side and I loved the Harry and Minerva interaction.

Let them take advantage of those precious two hours as a house full of 3 teenages will be hard work!

Look forward to reading the next chapter

Clayre

[Rikki]

So here we go again, chapter four. Enjoy! ;D

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Nearly two hours later Minerva lay happily in her husband’s arms who kissed her gently on the bare shoulder. It amazed her how, even after so many years of marriage, they felt attracted to each other. And he never ceased to surprise her with his gentleness and care for her needs which came always first for him. She snuggled closer to him, tenderly caressing his naked chest. She was happy that he would still look at her with his blue eyes darkened with desire, even at her age. She wasn’t that young anymore but Albus gave her always a feeling of being special and desirable.

Albus had watched her for a couple of minutes, admiring the dreamy look on her face. He knew it was because of him. Regretfully he took a look at his watch and noticed that it was about time to get down again. Harry would return from his stroll around the grounds soon, and he didn’t want to shock the boy any further.

“My love, I’m afraid we’ll have to stop here.” He kissed her gently on the temple while caressing her stomach. She giggled a bit when he came across an especially sensitive spot.

“I know.” She returned his caresses before scrambling up from bed. She dressed quickly while Albus enjoyed the view.

“Oh, honey, you should know by now how I look.” She looked at him in mock annoyance, but still pleased with his attention.

“Indeed, my dear, I do. But nonetheless I shall never believe how I have been able to win such a beautiful woman for me.” Albus crawled out of the bed and stepped in her embrace. She blushed a bit at his compliment. Of course Albus kept telling her that she was beautiful but she had never quite believed it.

When Albus had dressed they went downstairs, only to meet Harry in the entrance hall. He had a flushed face, and his hair was even more ruffled than usual. But he looked as if he had had a good time.

“Hungry, Harry?” Minerva smiled at him.

“Well… yes.” He grinned. Since he had been quite nervous about today he hadn’t had any breakfast at the Dursley’s.

“Good. Then let’s go to the dining room.” Minerva put her arm around his shoulder and went ahead with him while Albus fell behind. He knew that Harry was still carefully treading around him, and he understood the boy quite well. The last school year hadn’t gone well for both of them and their relationship but Albus hoped he would be able to mend things over the holidays. But for now he would let Minerva have her time.

The house elf had prepared some chicken breast with fresh vegetables for lunch. Minerva sat at the head of the table while Albus and Harry sat on either side of her. She looked at her two men.

[Rikki]

“Well… Harry, what have you discovered on the grounds?” She asked while handing Albus a dish with potatoes.

“The grounds are vast. I don’t think I have seen all of it yet. The forest is great. There grow even some of the herbs we’ve discussed in herbology.” Harry was really hungry now, the smell of the food making his mouth water. But nonetheless he waited for Minerva to give him a sign that it was okay to start eating.

“Oh, Harry, I think Minerva hasn’t told you yet that Miss Granger and Mr Weasley will arrive in 5 days. I’m afraid in the meantime you have to stay with us alone.” Albus smiled. Harry stiffened a little when Albus addressed him but relaxed instantly when Minerva put her hand on his arm.

“What is it, Harry?” She sensed that he was slightly uncomfortable with Albus around, and that made her sad. But she felt it might be better when the two of them walked about it sooner rather then later.

“I’m sorry, Minerva. It’s just… I can’t forget at once what happened during the last school year. I felt so… lost.” He looked at her apologetically.

“It’s okay, Harry. I don’t expect to be forgiven immediately. But please don’t forget that I do care about you. I always have. I just didn’t want to put you into more danger by staying so close to you. And I know that I’ve hurt you deeply.” Albus didn’t know what else to say.

Harry just nodded and turned slowly back to his food. He had already known that but still it felt good to hear it again. And he truly hoped that he would be able to regain is trust in Dumbledore completely.

“Thank you for inviting Hermione and Ron too. I know you wouldn’t have to do this.”

“Well, Harry, we didn’t want you to have to spend the whole holidays just with us.” Albus looked at him with his usual twinkle in the eyes. He knew the trio would bring life to the house, and it wouldn’t be boring. Though Hermione was a most sensible girl, with the two boys she would just as energetic and exploring.

[Rikki]

The rest of lunch passed in pleasurable talk, mostly over school stuff. Harry gave Albus and Minerva an update of the events of last year. Of course Minerva had already heard most of it but there were still some things even new to her. Albus had quite a lot of fun hearing about the pranks the Weasley twins had come up with to annoy Umbridge. Especially the fireworks seemed to amuse him.

“Really, Albus.” Minerva scolded when Albus wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes. But he could tell she wasn’t really angry with him, the mischief was dancing in her green eyes. In fact she had enjoyed that specifical prank herself quite a lot. The wheels had looked truly beautiful, and the effects of different counter spells had been quite good. In secret Minerva was really proud of the boys and regretted it that they wouldn’t come back to finish they N.E.W.T.’s.

After lunch Harry and Minerva settled down in the garden, enjoying the sunshine while Albus had to catch up with some work. Minerva had changed into some light summer robes and let her hair down for a change. With her eyes closed she lay in a sun chair and just relaxed. After some minutes she felt Harry’s gaze on her and opened her eyes to look at him.

“Anything interesting in sight?” she teased gently. Harry blushed furiously. He hadn’t expected her to catch him looking at her so intently. But it had never occurred to him that she was quite pretty. Sure, she wasn’t a young woman anymore but with her hair down her features seemed softer and younger.

“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to stare at you.” He blushed even further. “But you look so … different.”

Minerva raised an eyebrow. Compliments from a student were something rather unusual, especially for her.

“Well, thank you… I think.” She said with a grin.

“No, really. You look beautiful. You should were your hair down more often.” Harry’s face was bright red by now, and he didn’t dare to look at Minerva. He didn’t know what had gotten into him.

Now it was Minerva’s turn to blush. She was touched that Harry would say such a thing.
“Thank you.” She said softly, touching his arm lightly.

“But he’s right, darling.” Albus came from the house with a bright smile. Obviously he had overheard their conversation.
“And Harry, thank you for telling her. Perhaps she will believe you...” Albus chuckled when Minerva rolled her eyes in annoyance.

[Rikki]

“Oh stop that, you two. Albus you know, that I’m not beautiful. Especially after…” she stopped but Albus knew what she meant. Ever since the attack a few weeks ago she felt even less attractive than before. It was true she had some rather nasty scars from the stunners but Albus didn’t mind.

“After what?” Harry asked. He had the feeling he already knew. The robes she wore showed more cleavage than usual, and he had caught a glimpse of a scar right over her left breast.

“After the attack.” Minerva whispered. The memories came flooding up again. Albus knew that she still had nightmares from time to time. He wanted to sit down next to her but Harry was faster.

“You shouldn’t feel that way. I know how scars can change your life but I think you shouldn’t be ashamed of those scars. You got them when you stood up for a friend. And friendship is one of the most important things in life. You were brave and noble when you stood up against those fools. So don’t think less of you.” Harry raised his hand gently to her cheek and stroked it hesitantly. When he saw that Minerva had tears in her eyes he pulled her into a tight embrace.

Albus felt tears trickle down his face. Rarely had he heard someone speak to Minerva so lovingly. And he loved Harry even more for that. He sat down in Minerva’s other side and hugged them both.

They sat like that for a while before Minerva pulled from their arms.
“Thank you, Harry.” She kissed him on the cheek before turning to Albus. She squeezed her husband’s hand gently.
“And thank you, Albus.”

“No, thank you Minerva. For being the person you are. You’ve taught me so much, and I’m glad you allowed me to get to know you better.” Harry looked at her sincerely. He knew he was lucky that Minerva allowed him so close. And he was happy that she had told him about her feelings for him.

Before Minerva could start crying again Albus had pulled her up and into his embrace.
“What do you think about a little swim before dinner?” He looked at his wife and at Harry. The boy didn’t seem yet comfortable with them showing their love for each other but he tried not to show it.

“That sounds good. What about you, Harry? Have you already found the lake?” Minerva pointed in the general direction of the forest where Harry had been earlier today. But he hadn’t come across a lake.

Since the day was rather warm he decided it might be a good idea. So he nodded eagerly and followed Albus and Minerva inside to gather his swimming clothes.

To be continued…

[KayleeTonksLupin]

YAY! *hands Rikki lots of Kaylee-wolf treats* Gooooooooood Rikki

-Kaylee-

[Rikki]

Thanks for the treats - though I fear my teeth might already get rotten from the story. ;D

Hugs, Rikki

[Tabby Bee]

NONONONONO!

EBIL CLIFFIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, Alright, I'll calm down. ;D

Anyways, Awesome story! This one keeps me hanging!

Keep up the great work!



~Di

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww that was just a great update.

I loved the line where Albus said "We dont want to shock Harry further" well something like that.

I also thought it was really lovely how Harry reassured Minerva about her scars, I like seeing Harry portrayed like this because his actual character annoys the hell out of me in the official books

Keep up the great work

Clayre xx

[Sensiblyquirky]

Nice to see a softer side to Minerva, and I'm glad they got a few hours to themselves. ;D

Christy

[Karlynne]

I am enjoying hearing actually words from Harry. I'm so used to hearing thoughts but little spoken so this is refreshing.

[Rikki]

Yeah, well, I really think Harry should voice his troubles more... That's something that annoys me a bit in the books but alas! What can we do?

Hugs, Rikki

[Nerweniel]

Aaaaaaaaaw... well because my vocabulary is still bad, I'm going to say "wonderful!"... the AD/MM interaction quite gets my teeth rotten, and I like this side of Harry- he's less brattish than I thought ;D. Go you!

Love,

Lies

[Kandice]

I am really enjoying this story. I'm not really into alot of crying and such but you've made it believeable.