The days before Christmas were filled with the usual hustle and bustle that you experience before the holidays. The students left the castle on Wednesday except for a few who, for various reasons, couldn't travel home that year. Christmas was on a Sunday that year, so there was still enough time for Minerva to wind down, get some things done she had neglected and most importantly wind down a little. She really needed to get more rest. Sometimes she felt the baby, not like actual kicks or anything, it was much too early for that. It rather felt like there were butterflies in her stomach, not the proverbial ones, but the actual ones. Sometimes there was this fluttering, tickling sensation that almost made her heart burst with joy. This was her baby, showing her that it was alive and growing big and strong, getting ready to finally meet her. She couldn't wait. Neither could Albus by the way, he was now very involved and prepared religiously to become a doting dad for their baby. They still weren't living together but Minerva wanted to change that during the winter break so they would both have time to adjust. It seemed like a good and solid plan and there were few things she appreciated more than a good and solid plan. So she invited Albus over for the holidays and when he came to the cottage on Christmas Eve, she asked him to move in. Her sudden urge to move him in took Albus by surprise, but it was a rather pleasant one and so he agreed.
"It's not Christmas yet and still you've given me a wonderful gift, dearest." Mina just shook her head and smiled.
"It's about time and the house is so empty without you. And there's still so much to do, we need to paint the nursery and build the furniture and..." Albus laughed and kissed her to shut her up. She worried too much. He would take care of everything and provide. He had brought a bag as he'd expected to stay over night anyway, so they decided to just enjoy their first evening of actually living together. It felt right and that was all that mattered, wasn't it?
On Christmas morning, Minerva woke up early. She looked around, expecting to see something unusual that would explain waking up at this ungodly hour. Albus was still sleeping soundly next to her, his hand on her pillow, snoring lightly but she was used to that. Tap tap. A tapping noise that came from the window. Yes, there was something jumping up and down, so she put on her glasses to get a better view. Outside the window was little owl she recognised as Cecily's, desperately trying to get her attention. She jumped up as fast as she could, which made her feel a little dizzy, and opened the window to let the bird in. It was cold and windy outside and the little owl snuggled up to her immediately.
"What news have you got for me?" The owl gave her a letter. It looked like a normal Christmas card with a snowy scene and stars. Mina opened it and was surprised that it didn't have much text and even more surprised that the one line Cecily had written was riddled with spelling mistakes. That didn't seem like her at all.
DeaHr Professor McGonagall, Merry ChristmEs and thank you for Looking aPhter me. Love, Cecily".
But something felt wrong. Very wrong. First of all, Cecily had started calling her Minerva a while ago when they were alone, something she definitely encouraged. And secondly, those errors just didn't make any sense. She read the text over and over again until she realised that they were deliberately placed and spelled out a word. She read, shook her head as she couldn't believe her eyes and read again. But there it was, clear as day. "H-E-L-P". Mina was right and had been all along, something was wrong. But she needed more, more information, so she started a series of enchantments to wake the paper's memory and see what it had seen. Soon, Minerva had conjured up a bunch of images that were as mysterious as they were scary and Minerva had to sit down on the chair next to her dressing table. She saw Cecily and tall man, more like an eerie shadow than a person. She saw words that formed in the air and seemed to have a green glow. "Wicked", "evil child", "monster" and many more. In the end she saw how the shadowman repeatedly hit Cecily and took her to a different room. With that, the sequence ended. Mina was sick to her stomach from what she had seen and then felt a pang of guilt. How had she missed this? So much of Cecily's behaviour made sense now but she hadn't connected the dots, she too had failed to protect her.
She obsessively watched the pictures, over and over again, to find a hint of who the man could be or where Cecily was, but nothing. When she felt a hand on her shoulder, she bolted. It was Albus, of course.
"What are you watching, kitten?" he asked gently. He had watched her for a while and worried that she was getting too worked up.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" She tried to smile but just couldn't He shook his head and gestured to the paper in her hand.
"What's that, dearest?" He sounded worried and Mina knew she could trust him. Maybe he could help.
"It's Cecily's Christmas card. Something was off, there were some things, it spells "help", so I did some further digging and I found this. These are the things the paper has seen. I...Albus, terrible things are happening to her. You need to get Cecily, please." She had expected him to laugh or at least challenge her, it was Christmas morning after all and he was a stickler for professional distance. But Albus just nodded. While he hadn't found out anything about Cecily Sunderland at the ministry, the urgency in her voice told him that this was more than serious. He trusted her judgement on this.
"May I see what I'll be getting into?" Was all he asked, so Mina showed him. His jaw clenched while watching and he was obviously uncomfortable. The images were shocking after all.
"I'll get her." He said, Mina had rarely seen him look so determined. "I don't know how much I can do in terms of involving law enforcement because they are muggles, but I'll get her here, don't worry. She will be safe with us." Mina just nodded and gave him a kiss on the cheek. She couldn't tell him how grateful she was, for everything he did. He was stepping up, not just for his own child but also for someone he didn't really have a connection with. This was the man she'd fallen in love with, it felt like all their problems had just been a bad dream.
"You know, I think I...like her, very much. Almost, maybe... love her in a way" she said quietly. It wasn't easy admitting it, because she knew that this wasn't how things were supposed to be, but sometimes life happened. "I don't want her to spend Christmas there." Albus didn't lecture her, he understood.
"I know, my sweet. She's a lovely girl and deserves better. So much better than that. I wouldn't mind her staying with us long term if necessary." She looked at him, perplexed. When had he changed his mind on this?
"You mean it?" she asked carefully.
"Oh I knew that sooner or later she would stay with us for a while." He smiled warmly while packing some supplies he might need, just in case. "See, we're both making sure it's not impacting our work and I feel like she could be wonderful with the baby when it's here." Mina smiled a little. The fact that he considered these little things made her so happy. She'd known he'd come around and like Cecily.
"Please just go and get her out of there. I'd go myself but..." She gestured to her bump which prompted Albus to give her another kiss.
"I understand. We'll make it a nice Christmas for her." He kissed her forehead and then disapparated.
Minerva took a deep breath. Not a very Merry start to Christmas. She felt bad about making Albus sacrifice his Christmas morning, there hadn't even been time to unwrap the gifts she'd gotten for him. But there was no time to ponder about this, Mina had to get the guest room ready for Cecily. And probably long term, the whole affair seemed dreadfully serious. She couldn't help but feel a little guilty because the thought that Cecily could maybe maybe stay for longer excited her. No, no. Minerva wouldn't want Cecily to lose her family unless it was really the only way to protect her. So she got to work, making the bed, laying out some towels and generally making sure the room would feel homely and welcoming. It didn't take long and soon was done and there was nothing left for her to do but wait, which nearly drove her mad.
The hours ticked by and nothing happened. She was nervous. Not even a message. What was going on? The room was ready to welcome Cecily and some presents had appeared under the tree, just for her. Minerva stared at the clock, willing the hands to move and time to go faster. It was still cold outside, windy and thick snowflakes swirled past the windows of the cottage. Normally, Mina would find it very cozy but today she just couldn't enjoy the scenery. What if something had happened? What if Albus got hurt and that's why there was no message from him? What if Cecily was hurt? Or worse. She was quite literally sick with worry. And the time just wouldn't pass. Lunch time came and went and still nothing. Mina made herself some lunch but she didn't feel like eating, so she just kept it warm in case Albus and hopefully Cecily arrived and were hungry.
Suddenly, a sound. Definitely apparation. Minerva jumped up and rushed to the door. She opened it and there was Albus with a bundle in his arms. The little bundle turned out to be Cecily and she looked miserable. Her usually beautiful auburn hair was matted, it hadn't seen a brush for days. She wore dirty, stained clothes that were a little smelly, it was heartbreaking. Cecily had buried her face in Albus' shoulder and was shaking, whether from the cold or from fear, Mina couldn't tell.
What on earth...?" Albus shook his head.
"Later, dearest." He whispered. He couldn't explain now, he still had to come to terms with what he had seen before explaining it. And he didn't want to frighten Mina even more. She understood and carefully touched Cecily's shoulder.
"Hello my Darling." she said softly. This is how she usually spoke to the girl after one of her episodes and Mina felt like this was the right way forward. And really, Cecily looked up, her eyes were red from tears and her face was bruised but she smiled weakly when she recognised her favourite teacher.
You sent him to get me", she whispered. "You noticed the thing. I hoped you would." Cecily was still processing it all, but the miracle she had always hoped for had finally happened. How she loved them, both Minerva and Professor Dumbledore, for getting her away from the place that had never truly been a home to her. How softly they both looked at her and how gentle they were, Cecily was almost convinced she was dreaming and if she was, she never wanted to wake up.
"Of course I noticed. You're safe with us and we're so happy to have you. Are you hungry?" Mina was shocked to see Cecily's condition, it had only been four days and yet she barely recognised her. There were dark shadows under her eyes, bruises on her face and neck, some scratches and the state of her hair... This would take a lot of work.
"Hmm, maybe a little." The girl said shyly. She wasn't really hungry but she wanted to be polite and not seem ungrateful. In addition to that, she enjoyed Mina's food and hadn't eaten in a while. Albus carefully put her down on the floor and Mina knelt down so they could see eye to eye.
"Would you like a hug?" She asked and Cecily rushed into her arms and started crying again. Mina held her tight and rocked her gently, while looking up to Albus. He definitely showed signs of a physical fight, bruises and just generally a little rough. Of course, no magic fighting with muggles. How brave he had been, for Cecily's sake. It made her happy. He smiled at her as if he could read her thoughts, knowing him, he probably could. Cecily slowly calmed down but Mina didn't let go until Cecily gave her a sign that it was okay.
"Come on, dear, we'll get you something to eat and drink. And I think Father Christmas has been and left some gifts for you under our tree." Minerva tried to create at least some Christmas magic for her charge. Cecily smiled weakly and followed her into the living room. She would definitely need a bath later, Mina made a mental note of that. She hadn't brought any luggage but they would manage. Cecily ate a little, insisting that the food was delicious but she didn't seem to enjoy it. Then she unwrapped the gifts under the tree. A new quill, some sweets, a warm sweater and seeker goggles. She knew Cecily was intrigued by Quidditch and when the shops opened again after the holidays, she would take her to get a broomstick. Every young witch needed one after all. Cecily smiled and thanked her, but there was no joy in her eyes, she was just going through the motions, mostly for Mina's sake. It was true, Cecily felt no joy, she felt mostly numb. Sometimes however, she felt a terrible fear and right now she felt it creeping up on her. Instead of eating sweets or trying her quill, she walked over to the window.
"What are you doing?" Mina asked curiously, she didn't understand what was happening.
"Just seeing if the window is locked." Cecily replied as if it was the most normal thing i. the world. Mina decided that just going along with whatever she was doing was the best policy for now.
It's not, but I can look it if you like." Cecily nodded and Minerva turned the little key and put it into her pocket. "Sweetheart, how about I run you a bath?" she asked. Cecily shrugged but realised it would probably be a good idea.
"I guess that would be alright." So the two of them went upstairs and Mina started filling the bathtub with water and bubble bath. When she turned around she got a view of Cecily's back. It was red and bruised, in some places it was raw and bleeding. Another shock but she had to stay strong for Cecily's sake.
"Cecily, dear, can you try and tell me what happened?" She asked gently.
"Not now, I'm sorry." Cecily had shut down more or less. She didn't want to think about what happened, for now she just wanted to be. She yearned for the tub to be full already, she longed to float in the warm water and was off all the dirt and bad feelings until her skin burned and the water turned cold. Just float, forget and be in the moment, at a house where she didn't have to worry with people who for some absurd reason seemed to like her.
"That's okay, love. But how about I fix up your back just a little?" Cecily said nothing but came closer. She trusted Mina, she wouldn't hurt her. Minerva carefully cleaned the wounds and put ointment on them. She needed to get some potions and creams from Poppy. Cecily twitched from time to time but said nothing. Then Mina left Cecily alone so she could get into the bath before rushing downstairs to hug Albus. This one hug said more than anything she'd thought of, words weren't sufficient to express her feelings.
"I think you saved her life." She finally whispered.
"We did." He corrected her. "But yes. It was pretty close. She has seen and experienced unspeakable things and her parents made things very difficult for me. That's what took so long. I had to call on the aurors to help me and reported them to Muggle social services as well. It was..." He shook his head. "The poor child. She reminds me of my sister, I can't deny it anymore. Let's make sure she doesn't end like her." Mina just hugged him tighter.
They tried to spend the day like any normal Christmas Day, playing some games and eating snacks, but the usual joy just wouldn't come, of course not. Cecily went to bed early that night and Mina tucked her in, trying to make her feel safe and establish some sort of routine.
"May I have a good night kiss?" Cecily asked shyly. This wasn't what she usually did, but she wanted to try and test how serious it all was. Mina smiled and happily obliged, it meant the world to her and she couldn't even say why.
"The windows are locked and I promise nobody will get to you, Albus and I are looking after you." Cecily nodded but didn't seem convinced. Mina closed the curtains and went downstairs, where Albus awaited her, smiling.
"Merry Christmas, kitten." He got up and revealed a little box with a red ribbon. He'd waited all day for this, the day hadn't gone to plan but that couldn't stop him.
"Oh you shouldn't have..." Mina blushed, she didn't want him to spend a lot of money on her.
"Yes I should, dear. Open it" Mina smiled and did as he told her. It was a beautiful necklace with a pendant on it, old but newly polished, just the way she loved her jewellery.
"It's beautiful. Thank you." She said and hugged him. "I have something for you too, but it's upstairs"
"I'm not finished yet." Albus smiled, he felt another tiny box in his pocket. In fact, it felt like this tiny little box was burning with the energy of a thousand suns.
"Another one?" Mina had no idea what awaited her and was genuinely curious what else he could have gotten her, he had made her more than happy that day.
"It's overdue" he suddenly seemed very serious, as well as a little insecure. "Mina... Minerva. You know I love you very much. That I would do anything to make you happy, right?" She nodded. "See, I messed up badly with you over the last year. I didn't even know why back then but I know now. I was scared and well, we know that it was silly and it's all water under the bridge, right." He looked at her, waiting for a sign from her.
"Albus, make your point, love" Mina said gently, even though she started feeling giddy and impatient.
"Yes. Yes my point. I'm sorry. I'm so nervous." He gave her a crooked grin which made her heart skip a beat. "Anyway. We have a baby on the way which is an incredible blessing already and then there's Cecily, that seems like a long-term commitment too and... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to be there for you and them always. That I don't just love you but also our baby and I think that I can learn to love Cecily just like you do. That I love what you love and no matter what happens..." There he was, rambling again. So much for being Albus Dumbledore, eloquent master of words. She had reduced him to a stumbling, stuttering mess but he wasn't even mad at her.
"Albus, are you trying to propose to me or are you breaking up with me" Mina couldn't help but tease him a little, he was incredibly sweet and she appreciated his effort.
"The former, Mina. Please marry me. Be my wife. Let's do this together" He got down on one knee, looking up to her and waiting for an answer.
"Oh Albus, of course I'll marry you" Mina usually wasn't one for cheesy, big gestures but this was perfect. Albus finally pulled out the other box which contained a beautiful ring.
"Let's make it official then" He smiled and got up, before putting the ring on her finger.
"Official as in...?" The ring was golden, adorned with three little rubies which sparkled in the soft light of the living room.
"Yes. Just like that. I'm done hiding what makes me happy. Who makes me happy." Minerva got a little misty eyed. Albus was really pulling all the stops and it was so, so right. She had never felt so sure about a decision in her life.
"I love you." She whispered. A simple, but rather powerful statement.
"And I love you, my dearest kitten." He pulled her closer and kissed her, she wrapped her arms around him. This was exactly how things were meant to be, she knew it. Not that everything was perfect but this was what she had secretly wanted for a while now. Her baby seemed to feel her joy and started to move and flutter. They just stood there for what seemed like an eternity, holding each other and kissing, until an ear-splitting scream cut through the silence.
"No! No! You'll hurt her! Go away!" Minerva felt someone tugging at her dress, pulling her away. "Don't touch her! You can't hurt her!" Cecily was completely distraught, crying and screaming and hyperventilating while also displaying an incredible amount of strength. This went beyond anything Mina had witnessed before and she froze but Albus bent down on Cecily's level, so he wouldn't look as threatening.
"Cecily, hey there, Cecily. Shhh." He pulled her into his arms and held her in a safe position, making sure she couldn't hurt herself or anyone else. "It's okay. I know, I know, they did terrible things and that you were hurt by those close to you but I promise that this is very different. I promise I'm not hurting your Mina." He kept talking to her, soothing her and holding her until her panic attack was over and she went limp in his arms, visibly exhausted from her ordeal. Cecily felt nothing, she was just so, so tired, but at least her head was empty for a little while. It felt like an explosion had happened and after all the noise had subsided, there was a perfect silence.
"Should we get you back upstairs to your bed?" Albus broke the silence. Cecily shook her head.
"He's in the closet. I'm scared" she said with a small voice. "May I sleep in the living room?" She meant it, she didn't feel safe upstairs. The shadows were still there, haunting her.
"The living room?" Albus asked, slightly bemused. Why would she choose the couch over a comfy bed?
"So I can hide in the tree if someone comes." Cecily explained very seriously. It made sense to her, so Albus went with it.
"Of course, I didn't consider that, silly old me." He winked and she threw him a weak smile. Mina watched how Albus confidently handled the situation. How was this so easy for him? She was completely out of her depth while everything he did seemed so effortless. Albus tucked Cecily in on the couch, gently stroked her forehead and talked to her until she closed her eyes and finally fell back asleep. Then he looked at Mina, his eyes were suddenly very sad.
"Mina, there are so many parallels to my sister, we must stop history from repeating itself."
Mina took his hands, making sure the ring he had just given her was visible. "And we will. Together. Just... maybe explain to me what you think is going on?" Albus smiled a little.
"Yes, dearest. I'll explain upstairs..."