A Mother's Heart

[Rikki]

Okay, so here it is. Have fun.

---

Harry, Ron and Hermione sat under a large tree by the shore of the hidden lake, hunched over a piece of parchment. At the moment they were pondering over the finer details of their plan for a romantic dinner for Albus and Minerva.

“So it seems the question is where to get all the stuff and, even more importantly, where to get the money for everything?” Ron looked expectantly at his two friends. Though he found the thought of Dumbledore and McGonagall being married and, subsequently, having a more intimate relationship a bit unsettling, he fully agreed with Harry and Hermione that they should do something for them.

Harry shrugged. He had already thought about the money problem.
“Well, we could either try to get some muggle money and do all the shopping here in the village or go to Diagon Alley and buy everything there.”

“I do have some muggle money left.” Hermione sat back and looked at the boys. “I just think it might look a bit suspicious when we ask to go to Diagon Alley even before we get our book lists. Anyway then Albus and Minerva would probably go with us, so we wouldn’t have a chance to get everything without them noticing something. So I asked Mum for some money.”

Harry grinned at her. Hermione was always reliable, and once again she had proven that she usually thought of everything.

“Okay, so we’ll give you our share in wizard money.” Harry looked relieved.

“Then let’s get back to the menu. According to Mum we’ll need quite some stuff for the salad and the soup. For the main course we’ll have to choose between fresh vegetables and this stuff in tin cans but I’d tend to the fresh ones. The only thing, Mum hasn’t thought about, is the dessert. Any suggestions?” Hermione looked from Harry to Ron who seemed puzzled. He’d never thought much about food; it was enough that it was there when he was hungry.

But then Ron seemed to remember something.
“I think Dumbledore was quite fond of Mum’s chocolate cake. I could ask her for the recipe.”

“Excellent idea,” Harry nodded.

So after checking a few more details the trio headed for the nearby village. Hermione had already had the money with her so they just had to worry about not being able to get everything they needed or being caught by Albus and Minerva when they got back to the house.

The village was easily found, and though the McGonagall manor was situated in a rather secluded spot, Minerva’s family had always had a good relationship with the Muggles living in the area.

Harry, Ron and Hermione strolled through the village which wasn’t as big as they had thought. But in the end they found a well-equipped supermarket where they bought everything they would need the other day. Hermione thought about buying some flowers for the table but Ron and Harry convinced her that a self collected bunch of flowers would suit their cause better.

[Rikki]

So they carried everything back to the McGonagall manor. While Harry checked out if the coast was clear Ron and Hermione hid with their purchase behind a large oak tree.

When they heard Harry whistle they hurried over to the door and rushed to the kitchen in order to store everything. Anyway they had to tell the house-elf about their plan for the other evening. The little guy wasn’t too pleased with his mistress’ guests working in his kitchen but he didn’t object.

It was about half past seven now, and Harry thought it couldn’t hurt to go looking for Albus and Minerva and let them know they were back.

“Hello? Albus? Minerva?” Harry shouted in the empty entrance hall. Then he heard giggles coming from upstairs, followed by Albus’ voice telling him they would be with them in a minute.

So Harry went back to the kitchen and sat down at the table, helping himself to a glass of pumpkin juice. Ron had just finished scribbling a note to his mother asking for the recipe for the chocolate cake and was off now in search of Hedwig.

“Hello there.” Smiling Minerva entered the kitchen, followed by Albus whose beard seemed a bit ruffled.

“I hope you’ve had a nice afternoon.” Albus had spotted the jug with the pumpkin juice and poured himself some.

“Yes, we did. It’s really beautiful here… Albus,” Hermione said.

“I’m glad you like it. Anyway, where is Ron?” Minerva asked. “Dinner is ready.”

“I’m right here, professor.” Ron burst through the door, panting lightly.

Minerva raised an eyebrow.

“Sorry… Minerva.” Ron blushed furiously. Though he actually liked both Dumbledore and McGonagall it seemed so strange to call them something other than professor.

Minerva smiled and put her arm around Ron’s shoulder which made him blush even more. Albus chuckled and linked his wife’s arm with his.

“My dear, I think you should give Ron more time with this.” Gently he led her over to the table, where the house-elf had already served the food, and pulled out her chair for her.

During dinner the three friends tried to find out about Albus and Minerva’s plans for the following day.

When Minerva talked about going to Diagon Alley in order to buy new dress robes the trio urged her to go and take Albus with her as much as possible without raising suspicions. That way they would have enough time to prepare everything for the evening; and though they would probably get some help from the house-elf, they wanted to do as much as possible on their own.

[Rikki]

“So you don’t want to come with us? Are you sure?” Albus looked at his students, astonished. Usually he would have guessed they would love a trip to Diagon Alley.

“No, you just go. You know you don’t have to keep an eye on us all the time.” Harry winked. “Besides, we would like to spend the day at the lake.” He assured him, keeping his fingers crossed under the table that this would work.

“Very well then.” Albus nodded.

The other day Albus and Minerva left for London, but not after promising the trio to be back at 8pm for dinner. Minerva shot Albus a quizzical look but he just raised his eyebrows and shrugged. Though he did seem to sense that the kids were up to something he didn’t know what it was. But he had enough trust in Harry and his friends to let them go on with it. Anyway, he had a suspicion that he and Minerva would find out in the evening when they returned from London.

“Then have a nice day.” Hermione waved at Minerva before she disapparated with a light plop, following Albus.

Harry led out his breath he had held unconsciously.
“Okay, so I guess we should get straight to work. I saw Hedwig return earlier this morning, so I guess she brought the recipe from your mum.” He looked at Ron who nodded.

“So you go and have a look at it. Check out if we need anything else which we’ll have to buy in the village. Harry, you’re with me.” Hermione took over. But since she was the only one who had the slightest idea what would have to be done in the kitchen the boys followed her lead willingly.

Ten minutes later, the three friends stood in the kitchen, each of them hunched over a recipe, trying to get everything right.

To be continued…

[KayleeTonksLupin]

aha, Rikki has earned chocolate cake Kaylee-wolf treats! Goood Rikki ;D I want to know how this all turns out! Good job!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[griseldalafey]

Aw... so cute. I like how Minerva is now mothering after Ron as well

[BlazeFourPaws]

I love this and needs some more. It's brilliant utterly brilliant and I absolutely love the ideal of the trio giving Minerva and Albus such a wonderful gift.

[DumbledoresKitten]

read this on ff.net
i love it. and can't wait for more
please!!

[Rikki]

So, here's the next chapter. I'm really sorry for the delay. There were just some personal problems keeping me from writing. But now everything's solved. So enjoy!

And as always, I don't own any of the characters, I just play with them.

---

“They are coming! “ Hermione had looked through the kitchen door and just spotted Albus and Minerva who returned from their day in London. They looked very happy, it seemed, for they were quite oblivious to their surroundings.

“Hurry up, you two. You still have to change.” Hermione rolled her eyes at the two boys who were just vanishing the remainders of their cooking. The food was all set and ready to be served.

While the boys had prepared the last things for dinner, Hermione had set the table in the living room. There were hundreds of small candles floating everywhere, rose petals on the white table cloth and soft music filled the air. Hermione had chosen the best china for this evening, along with Minerva’s silver cutlery. She took one last look around the room before exiting in search of Albus and Minerva.

“Hello Hermione,” Minerva smiled at her. It was obvious she had enjoyed herself today immensely. Raising an eyebrow she looked at her student curiously.
“What are you wearing, dear?” she asked.

Hermione smiled at her.
“Well, since you two have been so kind to take us all in, we wanted to thank you. That’s why we have prepared a very special dinner for you.” Hermione opened the door to the living room and motioned for the two professors to enter.

Albus led his wife over to the table and pulled back her chair for her.
“That’s really impressive,” he said while he walked over to his side of the table and sat down. “But you know that you don’t have to do this.” He looked at the girl for a moment that just nodded and then disappeared into the kitchen.

Minerva looked around in the room. It was all so beautiful. The trio had clearly worked the whole day to create this wonderful atmosphere for them.
“I’m curious what else they will have for us.” Minerva grinned at her husband.

“Well, as far as I can see they’ve cooked. My little friend there looks as if he would rather be somewhere else.” Albus chuckled. Indeed Wolky, the house elf, tried to offer his help to the trio but was reclined every time.

Seconds later, Ron and Harry emerged from the kitchen, each of them carrying a plate while Hermione brought a bottle of wine.

The food proved just delicious, and Albus and Minerva just enjoyed themselves. The candles and the soft music in the background created a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. The trio kept themselves in the kitchen.

When Albus and Minerva had finished their dinner – Albus had just loved the chocolate cake – Hermione removed the plates from the table while Harry chose another selection of music.

“Thank you. It’s been a wonderful evening.” Minerva smiled at them.

“And it’s not over yet.” Ron grinned at her. In fact the three of them had thought that the evening would end nicely with dancing. So they had searched for a collection of songs for slow dances.

[Rikki]

When the first soft music Albus raised his eyebrows questioningly but Harry just motioned him to dance with his wife. So the headmaster took Minerva’s hand and led her away from the table.

As Albus put his arms around her and pulled her closer, Minerva closed her eyes and inhaled deeply the scent of the man she had loved for so long. And she still loved him, loved him even more than at the day they had married. Their love had deepened steadily since then, and though there had been troubles along the road, that had only helped them and made their feelings for each other stronger.


You’re still the star I wish upon
I know you’ll always be
Because I see as time goes on
How you still shine for me.

And after all is said and done
It hasn’t been in vain
You’ve always been the only one
And this will never change.

Far beyond the dreams we dream
Promises we made
Acting out a million scenes
When love’s a double play.

You have my life charade with you
It’s here my heart remains
No other love could be so true
And this will never change.

And after all is said and done
It’s here my heart remains
You’ve always been the only one
And this will never change.


With her eyes still closed Minerva listened to the lyrics of the current song. Somehow they fitted her relationship with Albus perfectly. He was and would always be the most important person in her life.

Albus sighed, his hands drawing slow circles on Minerva’s back. Though they had been married for so long, he couldn’t imagine a life without her. She meant everything to him, and his feelings hadn’t changed a bit over the years.

Harry, Ron and Hermione peered through the kitchen door at the loving couple, grinning. Their plan had just worked beautifully, and the evening was a complete success.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Well, it wasn’t exactly knocking, it was banging. Someone seemed rather desperate to get in.

[Rikki]

Harry rushed to the door but Wolky was faster. The little house elf had already opened the door.

“Potter. What on earth are you doing here?” Severus Snape rushed past the house elf and looked at Harry.

“I’m staying here for the holidays. And what are you doing here?” Harry demanded to know. He didn’t want Albus and Minerva to be disturbed now but he knew he couldn’t keep Snape from entering the house.

“That, Potter, is none of your business. Now where’s the headmaster?” The professor turned towards the house elf who pointed in the direction of the living room. Snape just nodded curtly and left Harry standing in the hall.

Then Harry came to his senses and bolted after his professor, keen to know why he was here. Something had to have happened; otherwise the former Death Eater wouldn’t be here. Harry knew that he still worked for Voldemort, though as a spy for Dumbledore this time. But though Harry knew that Dumbledore trusted Snape completely, he couldn’t bring himself to overcome his feelings.

“Headmaster!” Severus had just entered the living room where Albus and Minerva jumped apart. As soon as Albus realized that it was his potions master he relaxed visibly.

“Hello, Severus.” Albus smiled at him and offered his hand to the younger man. Snape shook it before he turned to Minerva and kissed her lightly on the cheek.

Ron and Hermione, who had just returned from the kitchen, looked quite taken aback at the sight before them.

Minerva laughed.
“Well, just because of our bickering concerning the House Cup we don’t hate each other.” She grinned at the children and patted Snape’s arm.

Snape just rolled his eyes at seeing Harry’s two sidekicks.
“Are you punishing yourselves or why are they here?” he looked at Albus for an explanation.

“I didn’t want Harry to spend another summer with his relatives, so we offered him to stay with us. And since he shouldn’t be all alone just with two old people, we asked Ron and Hermione to come too.” Minerva explained. She couldn’t quite keep the grin off her face at the disgusted look on Snape’s face. To him, it must seem like pure torture to have Harry and his friends stay over summer.

“Well, you’re not old. But you’re definitely too kind.” He said, but he smiled. He had always known that Minerva had motherly feelings to those who were alone in this world. It had been quite the same with him, though he was in a different situation than Potter.

Minerva slapped his arm playfully before Albus draw her attention back to some more urgent matters.

“So, what brought you here, Severus?” he asked, offering Snape a seat.

“Voldemort.” The young man simply said.

---

The song is taken from the Maggie Smith movie "Lily in Love".

[JKMcGonagall]

One word...Voldemort...can certainly clear the room of any romantic feeling. Wonder what has happened. I really liked the trio's response to Minerva and Severus not hating each other. I could just see their faces, especially Ron's. New chapter soon, please!!!!

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww I love Lily in Love!

Great update and it was soooo lovely of the trio to cook for Albus and Minerva.

Well the mention of the Dark Lords name has certainly dampened the romantic mood.

Wonder what is going on?

Clayre xx

[Rikki]

I know it's taken me ages to update but here we go:

Chapter 9

Severus had just said one word, yet managed to make everyone in the room tense. The trio looked at each other and then to Albus and Minerva. All of a sudden, everything sprang into motion. Minerva tried to hurry Harry and his friends out of the room but Albus stopped her.

“No, let them stay. After all that happened last term, I think they should hear what Severus has to say. And they surely know what to expect when Voldemort is involved.” Albus sat down and so did the others. The table had been cleaned completely and the house-elf had brought some tea and coffee for the group.

“Now, Severus. What happened?” Albus looked at his potions master enquiringly.

“Voldemort started his visits again. There were two murders last night. And he summoned his death eaters to a meeting.” Snape took a cup of tea and drank quickly. Obviously he was more exhausted than he dared to admit.

“So, what did he want?” Minerva asked. She looked distinctly worried, and it was obvious to the kids that she cared for Snape deeply. Though they couldn’t quite get that. Ever since their first days in Hogwarts they had detested the potions master who was always either rude or even cruel towards every other house, except his Slytherins, of course, and especially to Harry.

“Basically, it was just a meeting to get our focus back on the main task. Which would be getting hold of Hogwarts and … getting you out of the way.” The last part was added quietly. Snape didn’t like to voice it.

“But it’s not new that Voldemort is after me.” Albus said with a chuckle. He sensed that Snape was very tense about this, as was Minerva.

“It’s not only you. It’s also Minerva.” Severus looked at them in turn. Minerva paled a little but regained her composure quickly. After all, it wasn’t that surprising. Though nobody knew of their marriage it was common knowledge that she was the closest person to Albus and the one who would follow his lead should he not be able to complete the mission of getting rid of Voldemort.

“What can we do about it?” Harry chimed it, eager to do something. In these last weeks he had learned to care for either Minerva and Albus, and after Albus had told him about the prophecy he knew that his fate was to face Voldemort in battle. And at the moment he felt, the sooner he got over with it, the better.

“You? You can’t do anything, Potter.” Snape sneered at him, annoyed that the kids were present.

“Severus, please. They just want to help.” Albus said. “But I have to agree, Harry. You aren’t trained enough yet to go into battle.”

Harry looked angry. When Minerva tried to take his hand to calm him he pulled away from her and rose from his chair quickly.
“So we’re back to that again, aren’t we? We’re just stupid kids, not good enough to do anything. But don’t forget that I’ve faced Voldemort. And I survived. Why don’t you just train me?” Furiously Harry stormed out of the room and left his friends quite taken aback. They had thought that, after these last weeks with Albus and Minerva, they had come to a better understanding for each others’ motives.

“Oh dear.” Minerva sighed.

“Well, what did you expect, Min?” Snape rolled his eyes. Though he really loved Minerva like a mother, he couldn’t quite get her attachment to the Potter boy. He was nothing more than a brat who had to get things his way.

“Perhaps you should go after him, darling.” Albus nodded towards the door. Minerva rose and left the room. She went upstairs and knocked softly on Harry’s door.

“What is it?” came the grumpy reply which made Minerva smile. She could practically sense Harry’s anger through the door but she could also feel that he was hurt.

Slowly, she opened the door and entered. Harry lay flat on his stomach on his bed.

“Harry? Could I talk to you for a minute?” Minerva took a chair and put it down next to Harry’s bed.

Harry didn’t answer but turned around to look at Minerva. She took that as a yes.

“Harry, honey. Albus doesn’t want to shut you out. But you have to admit that he does have a point. At the moment you don’t know enough to face Voldemort in battle. And if you’re honest, you’ll have to see that until now it was more luck than anything else that you escaped him. But of course we will train you.” Carefully she stroked Harry’s hair.
“We care about you, and we don’t want to see you hurt. That’s why Albus doesn’t want to put you in danger.”

“But when Voldemort is after you, I want to be able to do something. I’m sorry for my outburst, but you’re the closest thing to parents I’ve ever had. I mean, these past few weeks were probably the happiest in my life. And I don’t want to lose you too.” Harry’s voice was rich with emotion and his eyes shone with unshed tears.

Minerva closed her eyes, feeling tears well up. Quickly she pulled Harry in a tight embrace.
“You won’t, Harry.”


In the meantime Albus and Severus discussed the measures the Order would take to protect as many people as possible. Severus had been able to provide a list of people who were more in danger than others.

Hermione and Ron had listened silently to them, watching the potions master closely.

“Isn’t there really anything we can do, Albus?” Hermione asked. Severus regarded her with a raised eyebrow.

“No, not at the moment, Hermione. But we’ll let you know.” Albus smiled at the young girl. He knew that, sooner or later, their time would come, and then he wanted them to be as well prepared as possible.

Nodding, Hermione rose and left to find Harry. Ron followed her out of the room.

“So it’s Albus now, is it?” Severus asked. He still couldn’t believe that Albus and Minerva had invited the trio to stay.

“Well, it seemed only right. They are not as bad as you think. Give them a chance. And somehow, Harry reminds me of a certain young man who was just as keen to prove himself.” Albus chuckled softly. The young Severus had been just as Harry, eager to get out in the world and become a hero. But life had held something different for him.

“Oh please, you can’t compare him to me. We’re as different as could be.” Severus looked at Albus grumpily.

“Come, Severus, you must be hungry. The children have prepared a wonderful meal, and I think there should be some left-overs.” Albus rose and went into the kitchen. Severus sighed and followed the older man. His parents had died when he was still a student in Hogwarts, and ever since Albus and Minerva had practically taken him on as a surrogate son.

Albus prepared the food for Severus who sat at the kitchen table and told him about the potion he had been working on lately.

When Albus put the plate in front of him, Severus suddenly felt how hungry he was. So he dug in, grateful for Albus’ care once more.


Hermione and Ron had found Harry with Minerva, still talking. But he seemed calmer now, and obviously he had come to an agreement with Minerva. She would train them in the afternoons for battle. And Severus would teach them potions. This was part Harry didn’t like but Minerva had convinced him that a wide knowledge of potions was necessary.

“Oh dear…” Ron sighed.

[Nerweniel]

Aaaaw, Minerva is just *so* adorable with Harry. Great chapter, wanted to cuddle Snape at a certain moment ... oh and Snape is the surrogate son of Min and Albus... doesn't that make Rikki Rickman their surrogate daughter-in-law ? Sorry, couldn't help myself ;D.

Cuddle,

Lies

[Rikki]

Yes, it would. Any problems with that?

Hugs, Rikki R.

[Nerweniel]

Never, Mrs R. Was merely asking *halo on* ;D.

Cuddle,

Lies C.
and yes that stands for Connery !

[Rikki]

Why am I not surprised now? ;D

Hugs, Rikki

[ginger newts]

Uh oh, spending part of the summer with Snape? No one is going to be happy about that. I like how open Harry has become with Minerva, I hope he'll keep that up. Update soon.

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Eek! *punishes self severely* I HAVE NOT DROPPED OFF THE FACE OF THE EARTH...so I have no excuse whatsoever for not reviewing, except that for some reason I hadn't read the updates! I'm terrible...*headdesk* *headdesk* *headdesk* Before I give myself a concussion, here are about ten truckloads of Kaylee-wolf treats...*gives trucks full of Kaylee-wolf treats* and I'm EXTREMELY sorry for not reviewing lately!

Forgive me?

Hugs,

Kaylee, who prostrates herself in front of the almighty Rikki Rickman in hopes that she shall be forgiven...

[Krystal]

I am not a Snape lover in any sense of the word so I never enjoy reading about him although I understand the necessity of using him in the story. Surrogate son seemed a bit of a stretch but that's a bias no one can ever change in me.

I liked the interaction with Minerva and Harry. He is opening up much more and I liked that she was blunt and honest. He isn't trained nor is he ready although that's through little fault of his own. I can't wait until you update again.

Krys

[Rikki]

@kaylee: Don't worry, you're forgiven. ;D

@krys: Well, while reading the books I didn't like Snape either but ever since I've seen Alan Rickman as Snape I've developed quite a liking for him. So it's actually more Alan Rickman than Snape. Hope that makes it a bit better.

Thanks for reading and reviewing everyone.

Hugs, Rikki

[Karlynne]

I agree with your assessment of Alan Rickman so I won't comment on Snape. Thanks for the update and I can't wait to see how the students handle getting trained. Karlie

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww how sweet are the Minerva and Harry moments?

Great update Rikki

Thanks for sharing

Clayre xx

[nikkimouse]

Oh dear indeed. Harry certainly needs the Potion tuiton, but none of them will be particularly happy about it. Except maybe Albus, whose no doubt hoping they'll start to get along. Really sweet story though.

[Rikki]

Okay, here we go, chapter 10.

---

The other day the additional training for the trio began. In the morning Minerva and Albus would take changes to teach them different spells for duelling or practice advanced transfigurations with them. Then there would be a lunch break of two hours which was followed by another 4 hours of potions.

Just like the trio, Severus was less than pleased with the idea of seeing them each day of the summer holidays. But he also knew that it was necessary, and he had promised Albus to give Potter another chance and to try to get rid of that grudge against the boy just because he was his father’s son.

It had now been three days since the lessons started, and though Harry was quite restless during the lessons he paid close attention to what was said.

“No, Ron, that’s not quite right. You have to move your wand in a circle. Not just a line.” Minerva repressed the urge to roll her eyes. This was about the twentieth time she corrected Ron’s wand movement, and he still didn’t get it. Hermione, who was practicing with Harry, looked over to her and gave her a sympathetic grin.

Ron looked quite desperate by now but he tried again, and this time the movement was correct. He let out a sigh of relief.
“Boy, that’s definitely way more difficult than anything we’ve learnt at DADA so far.” He looked at Hermione and Harry and then to Minerva.

“Well, that may be because that’s way beyond N.E.W.T.’s level. Voldemort isn’t going to use easy spells on you, and you know that.” Minerva patted Ron’s shoulder and then motioned for the other to join them. They were in one of the spare bedrooms which had been redecorated to fit their needs.

“Now that you’ve mastered the movement, we’ll first practice the words and then everything together, okay?” Minerva told them. “So, the spell is patrocinor tecto.”

Obediently the three kids said the spell until Minerva was satisfied with their efforts. For their practice Hagrid had built some dummies to try the spells on. Most of the spells were too dangerous to be tested on living being. But this one was just for defence so they could actually duel each other a bit.

“Right, Hermione, you go with Ron for now. I’ll practice with Harry first.” Minerva got into position and raised her wand to throw a spell at Harry. It was just a binding spell which should bounce off the shield that the new spell would create around Harry.

“Incarcerus!” Minera cried, pointing her wand at Harry who had swished his just in time and yelled the spell that Minerva had just taught them. The ropes that had flown out of Minerva’s wand reached Harry and bound him but not as tight as they should have.

Minerva shook her head and vanished them.
“Not quite, Harry. You have to put the emphasis on the ro, okay?” Minerva got back into her position and motioned for Harry to do the same. She hadn’t expected him to succeed in the first try but he had to master the charm.

They tried again, and this time it actually worked. Harry looked rather proud. After another round Minerva practiced with Ron and then with Hermione who had the least problems with learning new spells and charms. And, as expected, she mastered that one in her first try too.

“Good. That went really well. I think now we can go and have our well-deserved lunch. If I’m not much mistaken Albus has had Wolky make pizza today,” Minerva said with a grin. She knew how much the kids liked pizza. Ron hadn’t known it before but Harry and Hermione loved it. And the smell was in the whole house right now.

Since the trio had already disappeared through the door and downstairs, Minerva put away some cushions they had used earlier in their lesson and then left the room. Severus would be here for lunch too, and she wanted a word with him before he stared his lessons for today.

When Minerva arrived in the kitchen, where they usually had lunch, she was greeted by the sight of Albus covered in flour and the largest pizza she had ever seen. Albus had used various topics so there was something for everyone.

“Merlin, Albus, how many people do you expect for lunch? The whole of Hogwarts?” she teased him gently.

Albus chuckled but pointed at the boys and at Severus who had just entered the kitchen.
“No, my dear, merely two growing boys plus our dear Severus.”

Ron’s jaw dropped nearly to the floor. He had always thought that Severus wasn’t too fond of muggles and their way of living but apparently he was mistaken in that one.

“Yes, Ron. While spending quite some time in Italy to recuperate after the war with Voldemort, Severus has developed quite a liking for pizza.” The grin on Albus’ face grew, when he noticed the frown on Severus’.

Soon everyone was gathered at the large table and tucking in. And if Harry wasn’t very much mistaken he even saw the potions master grin at one of the jokes Albus made during luch.

Not much later everyone was sated and a bit sleepy but for the kids the afternoon potions lesson was approaching. Minerva gave Severus a sign to follow her while the trio watched them curiously.

Minerva led Severus to her study which was right next to the master bedroom on the upper floor. She motioned for the young man to sit down while she closed the door.

“Severus, dear, how are you? We haven’t had a chance to talk properly for ages.” Minerva took a seat next to him on the cosy sofa and looked at him intently.

“Just fine, Minerva.” Severus tried to give her a reassuring smile which everyone else would have mistaken as a smirk but Minerva knew Severus well enough. Though she didn’t believe him for one second now.

“Severus Snape, you know me better than to lie to me.” She gave him a stern look which was usually reserved for misbehaving students. But suddenly Snape felt like one. He knew that look only too well. And he also knew that Minerva had always been able to tell when he was lying.
“It’s really nothing, Minerva. Just the stress. You know how it is. The order is rather busy, and then there’s Voldemort who wants to see us on a regular basis now.” Severus looked away from Minerva.

“And?” she asked gently. She sensed that there was something else.

“For Merlin’s sake, Minerva, do you have to be so inquisitive?” Severus jumped up from the sofa and started pacing the room.

“No, I don’t have to. But I care about you. And I know that there’s something bothering you.” Minerva got up and followed Severus who was now standing in front of the large window. He had turned his back to her. Gently, Minerva reached out to him and turned him to face her.

“Tell me what’s wrong, love.” She looked up and into his face. The boy Severus had certainly grown into a man, but he was still as stubborn as usual where his feelings were concerned. He didn’t want anyone to know too much about him… Minerva knew that it was partially fear of being rejected. When Severus’ parents had died there had been an aunt who could have taken the boy in but she had refused. The boy was deeply hurt and had created himself kind of a shell to protect himself. But with a lot of patience Minerva had managed to coax him out and get him talking to her.

Sighing, Severus gave in.
“It’s Potter,” he said simply. Of course he knew that Minerva knew about his dislike towards the boy, and that she didn’t really understand it.

“I thought as much. But don’t you think you could come to… well… understand each other? You don’t have to like him, of course, but I think you should give him a chance. And he should give you a chance. As far as I know you aren’t exactly his favourite teacher either But you can’t hold him responsible for everything his father did to you. I know James wasn’t a saint where you were concerned but that’s not Harry’s fault. He’s really not that bad,” Minerva smiled.

The potions master simply nodded. He didn’t like the prospect of having to teach the trio but he had given Albus his word, and he intended to keep it. Plus… Well, Minerva did have a point. In a way…

“Okay. You win,” Severus gave her a quick peck on the cheek and then left her study. The lesson was about to begin, and he wanted to get over with it. There was still a lot of work to do for the order.

[Nerweniel]

Oh great, I loved the Severus-Minerva interaction ... btw tell me when I can leave the huge puddle of guilty mud I am drowning in right now . Woe is mine ;D.

Anyways, cuddle, and I shall do my best to not somehow lose your head and confuse more people ,

Lies

[QuillofMinerva]

That was an interesting chapter and I enjoyed the Minerva and Severus interaction, they are always fun to read and write ;D

[Rikki]

Over the next few days, Severus really tried not to bully Harry and the others during the lessons. Minerva had talked to him once more, and he had to admit that she had a point. Harry couldn’t be held responsible for his father’s actions which had hurt the young Severus deeply.

Though Severus had always been known as someone who loved to bully others but deep down he had been a sensitive young man who had been hurt too much to trust anyone. Minerva had sensed that and tried to give him the love he deserved. But in front of the other students she couldn’t favour him or protect him too much. Otherwise they would have mocked and teased him even more.

One day during lunch, Severus suddenly clutched his left arm. Minerva smiled at him sadly, knowing fully well that Voldemort had again summoned his death eaters. That would mean that Severus would have to leave, to some mission probably where no one knew if he would come out alive and unharmed. And Albus would leave too; the order would take some actions this night.

Minerva sighed as both men stood and left the table. Albus kissed her lovingly on the lips while Severus gave her a peck on the cheek.

After they had left, Minerva looked at the trio. All of them looked rather uncomfortable, especially Harry. He had been quite restless ever since the training started, and every time Severus was summoned to another death eater meeting, the young man thought about the prophecy and his desire to fight Voldemort.

“Harry, be patient. Your time will come, sooner than you expect it to.” Minerva covered his hand with hers and squeezed it lightly.

“I know… it’s just… I don’t know. What you told me about Snape… Professor Snape. I thought about it. And I kind of know how he must have felt. That doesn’t make it any better that he has made my life miserable for the last 5 years but he shouldn’t have to do this. He shouldn’t have to go through tortures and such.” Harry said quietly.

Ron looked at his friend slightly puzzled. He had heard Snape’s story too, and he kind of felt sorry for him. But the larger part of him wished Snape far away, him and his potions. Ron had struggled through those potions lessons with Harry and Hermione, and though Harry did quite well without the pressure, Ron still couldn’t quite grasp it.

“I know, Harry. But I’m glad you’ve come to some kind of understanding for him.” Minerva smiled at the boy and then rose from her chair.

“So, since there won’t be any potions lessons this afternoon… what do you think about a swim in the lake?” She winked at the trio and then left the room. Only seconds later, Harry, Ron and Hermione ran past her, obviously quite happy about the unexpected free afternoon. Minerva thought she might enjoy a nice book Albus had gotten her from a muggle shop and spend the afternoon in the garden.

When she walked upstairs the kids had already changed and were on their way back down and outside. Hermione stopped next to her and put her hand on Minerva’s shoulder.
“Will you come to? Please,” the girl added with a soft smile. They had grown quite close over the last weeks. Minerva had always felt a connection with the clever girl, and Hermione admired Minerva for all she was and knew.
“Well…” Minerva wasn’t sure she should go with the kids. Severus might come back and need someone. Lately he had been hurt sometimes when he returned from a meeting.

“Oh please, come along. Just for a swim.” Harry grinned at her, remembering the little water fight they had had at their first afternoon they had spent at the lake.

Minerva chuckled. It had been quite a memorable afternoon that day.
“Oh, alright. But not for long. I want to be back before Severus.” Lightly she went upstairs to change into her swimsuit and get a towel.

Some minutes later they had arrived by the lake. The kids were already enjoying the warm water while Minerva stood by the shore and laughed about the stunts Harry and Ron tried. It was just too funny.

After some time Hermione started feeling uneasy. She had the definite feeling that they were being watched. But the lake was hidden, and nobody, except for those who lived in the McGonagall manor, knew how to get there.

“Minerva?” She thought it better to tell the older witch about it. After all, you never knew these times.

“Yes, dear. What is it?” Minerva swam over to her.

Suddenly, Hermione felt silly but she just had to tell Minerva.
“Well… I don’t know… It sounds stupid but I feel like someone’s watching us.” She shrugged apologetically.

“No, it’s not stupid. I felt that too. And I have a feeling that someone’s out there. I’ve been waiting for a good opportunity to get back to my towel and get my wand.” Minerva’s body had tensed. All her senses were alert now. Her hearing abilities were very good, and there was definitely someone out there. She wasn’t exactly scared but she thought they should be careful.

Carefully, she got back to the shore and casually went back to her towel where her wand lay hidden. She grabbed it when suddenly someone stepped out of the forest that surrounded the lake…

[Nerweniel]

Oh god and you end this here ;D? Woman, exactly how evil are you ... Countess Rikki Almighty Rickman, you'd better use that almighty power or something and continue this fic soon . Psht ;D.

Cuddle,

Lies

[Tabby Bee]

*dies* Right there! RIGHT THERE YOU STOP!

You, ma'am, are ebil!

~Diana