Albus' Daughter Alice.

Elphinstone.

Small brown sandals hit the floor cautiously as silver hair hung loosely over the grey and white vertical stripes and down to the small bow on the back. In the small hands lay a large book that read 'Quidditch 101' Her walk from the library to an empty classroom was not quick enough but eventually she found what she needed on the third floor and began reading. It was a relatively large book so she was there for quite a while taking in all the information that she understood. It wasn't until the book was finished that she realised the day had passed and all three meals had gone without her noticing. Her small hands gripped onto the book as she began her journey to return the book back to the library. The steps seemed to get larger as her legs struggled with the required steps. However, she didn't complain even when she nearly fell down some of them. The walk was haphazard and dangerous but she wasn't bothered at all. The book had been read and placed on the desk for the librarian, wherever she was. Despite her initial concern of finding Filch this never happened but instead she stumbled upon Minerva and Albus who were in the classroom. Initially she was going to enter but saw that the conversation seemed private and so she walked on silently. The pair left the room however not long after her so she remained in the shadows. It was obvious that the transfiguration professor was holding back a wave of emotions as her eyes screamed help but she walked with an air of confidence. Alice felt her whole body itch to just hug her and nearly refrained from it until they had already passed. "Mamma." Never had she seen the woman turn as quickly as she had at that moment and all in response to that one word. "Ali." Arms wrapped around the top of the woman's legs and middle as her small height prevented her from reaching any higher.

"What is the meaning of this?" Her usual stern tone had disappeared and instead a down beat one had taken over. "You look sad. When I feel sad you give me hugs." The girl was lifted onto her hip and was carried with the two adults to their destination. "You used to be so chubby that I couldn't see your wrists. Now you are all bones." Alice cuddled in closer to the woman and kissed her cheek. "Big girl you have to promise me something." Alice just nodded on her shoulder. "Stop skipping meals." She nodded and replied shyly "I was reading all day." The older two laughed at the innocence of her actions as they reached the gates. A black cape like fabric that was placed on Minerva's shoulders had been wrapped around the girl to prevent her catching a chill. "Daddy." Her soft voice asked as they approached Hogsmeade. "Yes my dear." Alice seemed to think for a second before she spoke "where are we going? Also why?" His eyes didn't leave the path that laid ahead as he made a reply. "We are going to Mamma's house. She is moving into Hogwarts for good." At first Alice was obviously over joyed but it died down. "But you have Mr Stone man." Her sparkling blue eyes met the old woman's but a tear fell. "Sorry Mamma. I will stop." Thin lips made contact with Alice's head as she reassured her that it was fine. "Mr Elphinstone man got hurt big girl." The remainder of the journey was quiet until they had reached the small house located in Hogsmeade, despite being in a village it always looked so secluded. "I will only be a few seconds." Alice was placed in Albus' hands as they watched the shadow fade into the house and true to her word a few seconds later she left. "All done. Now, let us go and get you some food." Her usual tone was returning but still it wasn't right. "Minerva," Alice was cut short by the woman turning around and giving her a questioning look. "Since when was I Minerva to you?" It was a slight reprimand and Alice looked away nervously. "Sorry, I just figured that perhaps Daddy could get food with me. I thought that you would like to have time to think. Away from children like me." Minerva shook her head and they continued their walk. "I will never, ever, want to be away from you." Albus had begun to feel like a third wheel but eventually spoke as he held his daughter. "You normally visit me regularly and tell me how your day was. Why not tell me now?" Alice thought and just shrugged her shoulders. "I just read."

The kitchen was busy but it didn't matter as the three walked in. Alice had left the warm embrace of her father and shouted "Daisy." Soon a beautiful house elf stopped by them and bowed. "Daisy is at your service. Daisy would like to thank you for picking her." She was silenced by a large hug from the small girl. "Daisy I would like some chicken pie. Only a little and..." Her small frame lent in as she whispered into the ear of the elf. The tiny bare legs of the elf rushed off until the three were alone again. "A seat?" Alice asked cheekily and Albus placed the girl onto a stool while the other two sat either side of her. Tiny bodies ran around them as they worked tirelessly. Daisy returned with the pie and she began eating it quickly but Minerva and Albus were surprised when a plate full of different cookies landed in front of Minerva and a large plate of pancakes covered in lemon was placed in front of Albus. "I noticed that you two like them." The three all ate in silence until Alice stopped with the fork almost at her mouth. "I saw two girl students kissing. Is that normal?" Albus and Minerva looked at the girl with amused looks. "Yes, that is as normal as a boy and girl kissing." Alice looked at the two "it is normal for a boy to kiss a girl and a girl to kiss a boy?" She sounded disgusted with the idea of kissing. "Is that how a baby is made? People kiss? What if one of them has a baby? His Daddy wont be happy if they walk in on their son having a baby." Laughs erupted from the professors and Alice sat innocently watching it all. "No, that is not how a baby is made." Alice kept looking between the two until she gave up and asked "how are babies made? Daddy I was once your baby, how was I made?" He watched with a gleam in his eye "that is for another day. Besides you should be asking Poppy, she delivered you." Alice kept picturing baby her in a cardboard box and being posted. "Were there holes in the box that I was delivered in?" Albus just shook his head and they left the conversation there. When the food had been eaten by all three they walked to their rooms but Alice had headed in the wrong direction. "Alice big girl, it is bed time." Silver hair swung as she turned around to face them. "I was going to sleep somewhere else." The pair made a questioning look but knew that she had no reason to lie.

Poppy was shocked beyond belief when she saw a silver blob slowly stand in front of her desk. "Alice, it is bed time." The silver blob looked with a determined smile on her face. "But Maw, Daddy told me to ask you where babies come from." A snort came from one of the beds which led to a warning look coming across the healer's features. "Did he now?" Her nod was light and honest. "When a Mummy and a Daddy love each other very much they share a specially designed hug and she becomes pregnant. 40 weeks later that baby is given to the Mummy." Alice nodded but looked sceptical. "Was there a hole in the box that I was delivered in, so I could breath?" Another snort came from the bed but Poppy couldn't give him a look as she held back a smile herself. "Yes, the hole was a way to get you out though." Alice finally accepted this and thanked the healer. "Where are you sleeping tonight?" Alice thought for a second before shrugging her shoulders. "I have some pyjamas of yours in my office. Go climb into my bed." Alice climbed into the large double bed in her pyjamas and thanked the healer as she slowly slipped into a deep comfortable sleep.

The next morning Alice woke in the arms of the healer so she had to wiggle her way free from her. Small legs ran through the halls as her arms carried the clothes from the night before so steps became considerably more difficult but her determined nature made her sure to get to her father quickly. "Daddy." She seemed to sing as she entered the office to see Albus pacing his office. "Maw told me last night that people share a special hug but who is my Mummy?" Albus let a hint of sorrow reflect in his eyes but it was gone before it could be noticed. "Your Mummy got poorly when you were born. Her name was Alice Tiffany Jones. She never liked her middle name though." His mind was consumed with memories of the woman as her old body carried his baby. "Did... did I make her ill? Did... am I the reason that she isn't here anymore?" He nodded and took the girl into a warm hug that she welcomed very readily. "You look so much like your mother. She had hair, and nose just like yours. To be honest beside your eyes and long hair you look just like her. She preferred short hair but I like your hair long." The pair pulled away from each other and lips found her forehead. "Albus." Pomona stopped short when she saw the pair. "Please, continue." She did just that and placed the paper on the desk. "Pom-Pom, can I come with you today?" She smiled and let the girl walk with her. The black free flowing dress hung freely and the mustard yellow tights stood out from the black shoes and headband. Her pale complexion became a part of her image and she loved it.