Dumbledore's Daughter: Islay.

Baby!

"How did it go?" Poppy was curious as the elderly man sat silently watching the hall filled completely with students who were all chatting about the holiday and the risk of Voldemort. "The baby is fine. A little girl but Erin is still tired and so they just sleep, the pair. I am going to see them tonight." More food was prodded and tried as the hour ticked on until students were all back to their common rooms. "Filius, I ask that the meeting tonight be pushed back..." Dumbledore walked past fellow staff on his journey to the gate. When the boundary had been passed Albus found a companion shortly behind. "I want to see the child." Agreeing the two apparated together and landing with two thuds onto the soil just outside a busy road. The man in grey walked ahead and the witch was quick to keep up. The cars drove past and saw two dressed in the oddest of clothes. Occasional glances met the pair but a small path took them out of the view of all the local people. Green fabric was lifted from the ground as the dirty floor was hoped to be avoided. Black shoes kept making contact with the floor as the house was approached.

When the well lit are came to view Minerva saw the odd flicker of lights as candles lit the living space. "Albus was it a good idea to have her in such a secluded place?" A silver eyebrow was clearly lifted as he faced the questioner. "It is unexpected and also she is able to apparate if really needed." Agreeing and feeling slightly out of breath McGonagall followed as her eyes quickly glanced between the path just ahead of her and the desired location that she hoped to reach quickly. "Muggles cannot find this particular house. It is completely hidden from their prying eyes." Understanding crept through the witch as her large steps were taken in order to keep up with the old wizard. "Does she know of what is to come of the baby when she dies?" This time the man did not turn as hurried steps took him to the building. Instead his long silver hair shook from side to side as if telling her that he was ashamed of the answer he had given.

The large door was slowly opened and a light snore was heard from the living room. The creak in the floor boards caused the sound to stop though and silence ensued. "It is just me and Minnie." A clearly held in breath was released from the room and footsteps were heard as her figure approached the doorframe. "I was scared for a second." Pale and sunken features contrasted deeply with the black rings that took to the eyes of the woman. A small bundle was held in her arms and was gently rocked. "How is the girl?" Albus was quick to ask as he saw the woman who was no longer the woman he grew up with but instead a shell and the shell was clearly broken.

The four all stayed in the room as the paled features and hairless child were viewed. There was clearly pride in the features of Albus as well as Erin. "She was quite the easy birth." The reassurance did little to sooth anyone but a cry erupted and the child was handed from father to mother to be fed. The long shirt protecting her as well as a blanket. "Albus we need a name." His blue eyes met hers and he saw all her deepest thoughts. "Well, why not Erin?" The woman shook her head no and felt her cheeks dampen. "Oh, I am never going to really be her mother. Why should I name her?" Taken back by the sudden outburst Minerva headed to leave but stopped when Erin insisted she stay. "Even if you were to only be her professor, which I assume you shall not, you will be more of a mother than I will ever have the chance to." Adoring pale blue eyes that matched almost perfectly with the white outer of her eyes met the child with the purest of love. "Islay. Spelt I-S-L-A-Y." It was agreed upon and so it was set. The pale girl who blended into the whitest of blobs would be called Islay. "I was selfish to agree to this." All of Erin's regrets seemed to consume her as the small bundle lay in her arms. "How is the Potter boy?" The question caused a desired change of topic. "He is still alive and so are his parents."

Albus sat silently in his office whilst writing when the door flung open. There was a little surprise and utter wonder etched into the headmaster's features. There Albus found a sick feeling travelling up into his mouth. An attack had been made on the Potter's house. Harry lived but Severus balled his eyes out as the images of Lily laying in his arms kept replaying over and over. "He promised." Was muttered angrily over and over but the tears had taken control of his face and voice. "Is the boy still there?" Snape nodded and so the older man paced shortly before leaving the room. Comfort had already been given and so staying would yield no fruit.

"Hagrid, I require you to collect the boy. Harry from the location I mentioned before. Take him and care for him until tomorrow night. I hope for you to meet me at 4 Privet Drive." The half giant left without another word and Albus also left back to the castle. Wizards had been wreckless in drinking and partying at the demise of the dark wizard. Albus knew there was more to it though. "Is it true? Are they really dead?" Mourning slightly Albus nodded and headed to his office. The ministry had been visiting earlier and so no fear of having to face them was felt. The desire to see his own daughter became vital at that point and so his legs carried him from the grounds.

A loud pop came from within an alley not far from the location. His legs took him to the house and he gulped at the idea of having to tell her. Dumbledore hadn't seen her for nearly two days and so he knew she would have too many questions for him to handle at once. Prepared to get it all over and done with his hand opened the door before him. Screams from a child filled his ears making him walk to the living room. There on the sofa was a small child held in the tight and loving clutches of her mother. There was one difficulty though. Her mother was dead. A tear still remained on the woman's face as well as a small trail of tears. She had seen it coming. The baby was taken and a medical personelle was called. As Albus watched the healer enter he left with an innocent child silently sleeping in his arms.

The street was only lit by streetlamps as the night ticked on and the sun hid. "Hello Minerva." The cat morphed and there a fully grown woman stood. "I have been watching this house all day and... why do you have a child?" Blue eyes met hers but they were distracted by a bright light from the sky. "Hagrid." Minerva couldn't believe her ears. "Do you think it wise to trust him with such a task?" Her question was spoken rapidly. "I would trust him with my life." Dumbledore spoke as the man climbed from the bike. Hands were protectively held out as a child was noticed in a sling. "Slept the whole way." Minerva was handed the baby girl as the pale eyes kept closed in hopes of more sleep. The boy was also wrapped up and a dominant lighting scar took the forehead of the boy. A note was clutched and a teary eye met him. The doorstep was just below him and as Dumbledore placed the boy down there was no twinkle or stoney expression. Just blank and sorrowful stares.

As Hagrid was seen flying off Albus turned to his daughter. "Now for another baby." Minerva disappeared first from the street that the lamps no longer lit. His figure followed with a loud pop and he watched her with eyes wide open. "I have seen this enough for a life time. I suppose for her it is only a year though." Albus took the girl and placed her down with a note. One small light was flickering and Molly could be heard discussing something with Arthur. His hands grasped hers as a loud set of knocks filled the house and busy steps were sounded. The baby stirred and began crying but with lifeless eyes the man apparated with Minerva. "She will be fine." The pair made their way all the way up to the castle. Both hoping him to be right about the whole situation. There would be hell to pay if he were to actually be wrong.