Matter of Relativity

Chapter 3

"Come, old friend, have another pint!" Harold Potter motioned to the empty glasses on the scarred top of the bar table. He met his friend Alexander Devon's eyes curiously. "Alex, won't you have another with Wills and I?"

Alexander shook his head, dark blond hair tumbling over his forehead. His dark blue eyes softened as he looked at his rather inebriated friend, but he remained resolute. "Harry, we could receive news about our child at any time. I owe it to myself and professor Dumbledore to be in a fit state to accept a child."

Harold looked at the third man at their table, pleading for some assistance with his big gray eyes.

"Sorry, old friend," the third man finally spoke. "But Alex is right. We should not be too incapacitated, in case the baby should arrive soon."

"Not that that is likely," Alexander put in dryly. He and his former Gryffindor housemates had been vacationing in Hogsmeade for nearly a week now. They had combined the celebration of their impending new arrival with a vacation.

Alexander and his wife Clarissa had been trying to have children naturally for many years now. The best Mediwizards money could buy had examined Clarissa extensively, and no explanation could be found. Alexander had heartbrokenly put the word about that he and Clarissa might be interested in adopting, after five years of marriage had resulted in an empty home and broken dreams. After so many years of trying, they had been blessed with a pregnancy some six months before, but Clarissa had been very ill at the outset and had tragically miscarried two months into her pregnancy. She was still not fully recovered, and Alex was glad that she was spending time with his friends' wives in their rooms in the adjoining Inn-The Crossed Wands.

He glanced over at the black head of Harold Potter and the lighter brown of Wills Evans and had to smile. He had missed his friends so much! They had been inseparable at Hogwarts, but as life and careers beckoned, they had only kept in touch by the occasional owl. Now, Harold and his wife Elizabeth had a newborn son, James, and Wills and Victoria had a daughter, Petunia. He would be the last to bring a new generation of wizards to their old group.

Alex sighed, and walked to the door that separated the small private room from the main part of the pub. After waving down Madame Rosmerta, he ordered an ale for Harold and butterbeers for himself and William.

"Is anything the matter, Alex?" Wills was always perceptive. Even though he had drifted away from his friends after marrying his Muggle wife and being away for so long, it was remarkable that Wills was still able to tap into Alex's private thoughts as if their minds were magically linked.

"It is Clarissa, Wills." He leaned in even closer, so that Harold would not overhear his words. "She is still so distraught from our previous loss. I wonder sometimes if it was prudent to accept Dumbledore's offer of a child. It came at a time when we both needed so much hope."

Wills bit his lip, remembering the dark days after Petunia's birth and the extensive abdominal surgery that had rendered his own wife unable to birth more children. "The hardest part of marriage, old friend, is being there when your wife needs your emotional support. You have told me many a time that Clarissa was slowly withering away as her dreams of children died. You must do this now, and help her to recover her worth."

"And how does Victoria manage? Is she able to accept being a mother of one? I know that you both desired a large family."

William studied the table for quite some time before he spoke again. "She has not ventured to suggest adoption. We have so many stresses between our two worlds that no good could come of it."

"Perhaps in the future, old boy?" Neither Wills nor Alex had been aware that Harold, now sober and sympathetic had been listening to every word of their conversation. He rested hands gently on his best friends' shoulders and squeezed very gently. "I wish that I could shoulder your pain sometimes, boys. I know that Elizabeth and I are so lucky to have had James without any troubles."

Harold turned his attention to Wills first. "There is always hope, Wills. Perhaps when Petunia is a bit older, you can consider adopting like Alex and Clarissa did, or you might even investigate adopting from a Muggle agency, if you feel confident that the child will adjust to being a Squib."

He turned to look at Alex. "I know that Clarissa's condition is most delicate now, but you will see something miraculous. When Clarissa has a baby to care for, she will blossom and flower like the most beautiful lily coming to bloom in the spring."

"And boys," Harold continued, "This is a happy occasion. We are reunited after far too much time apart. Alex is about to be the best bloody father I know. I have a son. Little James and Will's Petunia are playing now. Who knows, old friend, perhaps we have a love match brewing! Let's drink and celebrate Alex and Clarissa's miracle."

Wills and Alex shared a look borne of their shared heartache, but drank deeply of their butterbeer, the companionable silence of old friendship wrapping around them like a comforting blanket.

~*~

"Petunia Evans, you stop that right now!" Victoria Evans reached for her three-year-old and held her firmly. Turning her gaze, she focused on the red-faced toddler holding his nose. "Is he badly hurt?" Her voice was thin with nervousness, both from her surroundings and her daughter's antics.

"I think James is fine." A curly haired woman smiled kindly at Victoria. "She just grazed him. No harm done, right sweeting?" The five-month-old struggled to a crawling position before his arms tired and he collapsed back to the pillow-covered floor. "He does himself worse injuries every day, Victoria. Don't spare it another thought."

Victoria's smile was strained, but she nodded gratefully. Her attention turned to the beautiful blond that sat in a rocking chair. Her eyes focused on the thick afghan that she had wrapped around herself, and the tiny tremors that wracked the woman's slight frame. "Clarissa, can we get you anything? Would you like to nap for awhile?" She placed Petunia into a playpen before turning her attention back to the woman.

Clarissa turned to look at the women. "No, thank you, Victoria, but perhaps Elizabeth could bring James to me, and make me some tea?"

Victoria's eyes flashed. "Surely, I am capable of making tea."

"Not this kind of tea," Elizabeth replied quickly. "It is a charmed tea that helps to warm from within." She hesitated before speaking again. "Would you like to watch? Sometimes as is the case with nonmagicals, the act of absorbing magic from those around gives the nonmagical the smallest measure of powers."

Victoria shook her head vigorously. She knew that she was being childish about the whole thing, but magic sometimes frightened her. She had accepted her husband's magical abilities and knew that there was a chance that Petunia would grow up to be magical, but she had so much anger toward the ability as well. Where had magic been as she birthed Petunia? Where had magic been as she nearly died after Petunia's birth? Why hadn't anyone charmed some tea and healed her?

Elizabeth gave Victoria a searching look. "Have we upset you, dear? I know that we haven't the friendship with you yet that Clarissa and I have, but I know that we would both like to get to know you better. Wills is a wonderful man, and we know that he would only marry someone as special as he."

Victoria wrapped her arms around herself and shook her head. "No, really," she managed with a small smile. "I just am not comfortable yet around magic." It wouldn't do to mention the utter hatred of it she sometimes felt. "I would very much like to become friends, though." Wills has often spoken of both your husbands. They went to school together nearby, right?"

Clarissa nodded, sipping the tea that Elizabeth had prepared. James had settled onto her lap and was busily sucking his thumb. "We all attended Hogwarts, but were in different houses. Has Wills told you much about Hogwarts?"

"Nothing at all." Victoria flushed. "He doesn't speak much about his magical life." She flushed, knowing that the reason her husband usually kept his activities and history from her was because she often reacted negatively to them.

Elizabeth settled on the pillow-covered floor, and motioned Victoria to do the same. "Well, Hogwarts is a boarding school. Students begin their training there at age eleven." She glanced over at Petunia. "Most of the students there have two magical parents, but there are plenty with only one magical parent, and the occasional student who is the only one of magic in their family."

Clarissa continued, her voice strengthening with every word. "Students are divided into four houses. These are support groups and dormitories all in one. Slytherin is the house for the more opportunistic and driven people. It is a rather rough place. None of us were placed there." She gave a delicate shudder.

"I was a member of the Ravenclaw house." Elizabeth put in quickly. "Ravenclaws are noted for their intelligence or academic aptitude. Clarissa was a member of the Hufflepuffs. They are known for being wonderful people, hard working and very loyal."

"All of our husbands were members of the Gryffindor house. Gryffindors take bravery and sense of duty to heart more than any other house. It also explains their very close friendship. When three little boys were sent off to wizarding school at the tender age of eleven, who else could they share their hopes and dreams, nightmares, illnesses and fears with but the other children in their house," Clarissa finished.

The influx of information was a lot for Victoria to absorb, so she just mutely nodded as information came to her, but after a few moments of blissful silence, things began to become clear for her. "I think that I understand. Will Petunia be left out in any way because of my lack of magical ability?"

Elizabeth and Clarissa shared a long look that made the silence even more dramatic. Finally, Elizabeth broke it. "She should not be held back at all, Victoria. Some of the Slytherins may look down upon her because of her bloodlines but that is the way of the world. In Muggle schools she might be looked down upon for the automobile that you and Wills drive, or the look of your house. This world can be a very cruel place."

Victoria watched Clarissa and James for some time. The three women had fallen silent. James was sleepily working on his thumb, while Petunia talked to a stuffed animal in her playpen. The atmosphere was companionable, and the ice in Victoria began to thaw slowly. She watched the tender way Clarissa stroked James' hair, and felt a rush of emotion for both Clarissa and Alex. They would make fabulous parents to the child.

"Are you nervous or excited about the new baby?" She was surprised by the words as she spoke them.

So was Clarissa. The other woman's eyes widened, then became misty as she gave the question all of her attention. "I am frightened, Victoria. I hope that I can be a good mother, but the prospect of actually having a child to care for every day is very daunting." Her eyes caught the blond wood cradle situated so close to her bed, and a tender smile gave her a vibrant and healthy glow. "But I would not have it any other way. I cannot wait to become a mother."

"Have you and Alex settled upon any names yet?" Elizabeth leaned in close.

"Not yet. We want to name the child when we see it for the first time. That way, the name is truly a part of the child." She gave the other two women a small smile. "I think that she has already been born. My heart feels a little life calling to me."

"Then it should not be long at all," Elizabeth put in, reaching for Clarissa's hands. She extended a hand to Victoria after a moment's thought, and soon the three women were sitting in a loose circle, sharing the love that they felt for their families.

~*~

"Two babies. Two lives," Poppy Pomfrey said in awe, as she quickly bathed and swaddled the other child. The heat and hours of concentration had tendrils of her dark hair clinging to her cheeks, and she knew exhaustion lay deep in her eyes.

After the second child was placed in a rocking cradle identical to the first, Poppy went to Minerva. The long hours of strain and heartbreak were visible in her eyes. "Would you like a sleeping draught, love?"

Minerva nodded. "Please." Her voice was no more than a cracked whisper.

"Would you like to see the babies first?" Poppy asked, as she reached for a flask.

Minerva's expression crumbled, and silent tears poured down her face. "I cannot, Poppy. Please do not force this. I saw the one child, and that broke my heart. My strength is gone and my heart aches, Poppy. Please, let me rest."

Poppy closed her eyes and nodded. "I pray that you do not regret this, dear friend." She poured the sleeping potion into Minerva's accepting mouth, and watched sadly as her friend drifted off to sleep. "I hope that you will not regret this, dear heart, because it cannot be undone."

Once Minerva was asleep, Poppy checked on the children, then strode to the door. "Albus, I have news."

Albus watched Poppy's expression carefully. As he realized that there was no tragedy in her eyes and that everything appeared to have gone well, the tension in his body left him. "Is Minerva well?" he asked, as his self assured stride found him to her bedside in seconds.

"Yes, she has been given a sleeping draft. She requested one, Albus. Childbirth took a great deal out of her. However, something unexpected happened"

"Unexpected?" Albus half pivoted, and stared in shock at the two identical cradles. Soft mewing sounds could be heard coming from within, and he moved forward on shaky legs.

"Twins," Poppy replied. "She birthed twins, Albus. Two young and healthy daughters."

When he turned to look at Poppy, Albus appeared every one of his significant years. "May I have a few moments alone with them?" His broad hand gesture took in Minerva as well.

"Of course," Poppy nodded. "I will get you some milk for the children and wait just outside and, Albus, remember that she may be able to hear and comprehend what you say, so please choose your words carefully."

Albus shook his head, and embraced the nurse gently. "Thank you for all you have done, Poppy. I could not say anything hurtful to the woman I love, now could I? I will summon you when I am through."

Albus watched the two children for a few moments, as questions and uncertainty swirled through him. Would Alex and Clarissa take on another child? Was her sometimes delicate health up to caring for twins? If not, who could he get to take on the second child? How would Minerva react if the only place for the child was at Hogwarts?

Albus looked first at the blue eyed blond. "Hello, sweeting. You are a beauty, just like your mother." He picked her up, and cuddled her close as silent tears coursed down his face. "I wish that I could care for you, but alas, I am unable to watch over you, so I must leave you with this." He did a protection charm over the newborn, and held her close as long as he dared. When her mewing sounds became squalls, he fed the child his thumb. "It is not food, but it will have to do until Poppy returns."

Every moment that he held the child, the compulsion to keep the children grew in him until finally, he set the blond back into her cradle. "I must see to your sister, darling," he assured as she cried softly.

The other child looked similar in bone structure, but had vibrant red curls and brilliant green eyes. "I hope that your coloring stays thus," Albus began as he cradled her. "I hope that you take this part of your mother and I, and keep it close every day of your life. I wish that I could watch over you, my darling, but you will never be alone, for you take my protection along your life path." He did an identical charm over the redhead, placed her back in her cradle, and then stood back, watching them for a few moments.

"Minerva, they are beautiful little girls. My hope is that you will be able to look at them the way I do, and see the beauty that our love created." He walked over to her and brushed a tender kiss over her unresponsive lips. "I will do your bidding now, Minerva. I will find homes for both of our daughters."

He walked to the door, admitting Poppy. "Please feed them and make them ready for travel. I have to alert the family. I will be back within the quarter hour to bring them to their parents."

Poppy watched the heartbroken man leave, and clucked her tongue reproachfully. "Minerva, how I wish that you had overcome whatever demons will keep your family separated. As she settled down to feed them with a child in each arm, she knew that Minerva and Albus had lost something precious in their lives.

Albus hurried to his office. "Fawkes, I need you to deliver a parchment to the Three Broomsticks for me. It is urgent. I will be going there myself, but this parchment needs to get there first. I need you to find Alexander Devon. This parchment must go to no other." He scribbled out a short note that explained that a baby girl had been born. After some hesitation and internal debate, Albus decided to leave his news at that. He would explain about the two babies when he got to Hogsmeade.

Fawkes took off in a blur of red and gold as Albus hurried back to Minerva and the children. He found Poppy rocking the sleeping twins.

"Have they eaten?" Albus asked, looking at the partially full bottles.

"They have." Poppy assured. "Newborns do not usually finish full bottles. While you were here earlier, I prepared some travel bottles for them. I have nappies, potions, and ointments in a picnic basket for you as well.

Albus nodded, and hefted the basket in one hand. He waved his wand to create a shrinking charm, and slipped both cradles into the basket.

"How will you travel with the babies?" Poppy worried.

A few more waves and Albus had created a pouch over his chest, lined with lambswool. "Put them inside, Poppy, then fasten the edges. They will be safe, warm and comforted" Poppy did as instructed and stood back, nodding in satisfaction. "An ingenious idea, Albus. Good luck to you." She brushed a kiss over his still damp cheek.

"Thank you, Poppy, for your many kindness to us. I will see that they do not go unrewarded. Please stay with Minerva? I will come to you when it is done."

As he walked out of the castle, Albus felt as if he had left his heart behind.

~*~

More time had passed; more butterbeers had been downed. Now, even Harold was drinking the mild brew. Alexander was more and more on edge as time passed, and he seemed ready to spend some time alone with his wife, when a brightly colored bird flew into the window.

"Fawkes?" The phoenix had to be bringing news. Alex hurriedly pulled the parchment from the phoenix's leg, while Wills offered the bird a small cupful of butterbeer. He downed it before the parchment had even opened, and set off for Hogwarts at a fast pace.

"What does it say?" Harold leaned close.

"Alexander. Your child has been entrusted into my care. I will be traveling from Hogwarts and should arrive at the Three Broomsticks presently. Please ensure that you procure a private room. Signed Albus." He took a deep breath, and gave his friends a brilliant smile. "My child will be here soon!"

Wills and Harold piled in for a round of jovial hugs. "Should I get the ladies?" Wills wondered out loud.

"No," Harold responded quickly. "This place is not fit for children. As soon as Professor Dumbledore arrives with the baby, we should adjourn to the Inn." He turned to gave Alex a smile of his own. "Congratulations. I am so happy that we are able to be here for this blessed event."

"M, too," Alex said in an emotion filled voice. "Thanks for being here, lads."

~*~

Albus was nearly halfway to Hogsmeade when he heard a familiar voice that made him stop still and his blood run cold.

"Professor, is that ye? Are ye on the way to Hogsmeade, then? May I join yer?" Hagrid ambled up so swiftly, long legs tearing the distance between them, that Albus didn't have any time to formulate a plan.

"Hello, Hagrid." Albus' voice shook with the effort of staying calm. I have business in town, so it would not be prudent for you to accompany me."

"Hogwarts business? Art ye certain that I couldn't help ye?" he asked solicitously.

Albus shook his head firmly. "It is personal business, Hagrid, and I must not tarry." He regretted his sharp tone at once when one of the babies began whimpering. Hagrid's eyes widened as he realized at once that Albus was transporting a live child.

"Awww." Hagrid's voice was soft. "You have a wee bairn. Can I see 'im?"

"Terribly sorry, Hagrid, but I am in a hurry." Albus felt horrible about treating Hagrid thusly, but he really was in a hurry and could not be seen by any more than were absolutely necessary. "Please do not say anything of this."

Hagrid started to reply, stung by Dumbledore's dismissal, but when he saw the grave expression in his respected mentor's eyes, he nodded quickly. "O'course, sir."

~*~

The rest of Albus' short journey went quickly and uneventfully. Soon, he was tapping lightly upon the back door of the pub.

Alexander raced to the door and opened it quickly. "Hello, sir," he said, looking in confusion at the sling Albus had fashioned. "The baby?"

"She is here, Alexander," Albus assured. "Hello, Harold, Hello, William."

"Sir," the two men echoed. Wills stepped up to take the picnic basket, and stood awkwardly shuffling alongside Harold. There was obviously something that Dumbledore wasn't telling them. It was obvious in his movements, and the haunted look in his eyes.

"Can I see the baby, sir?" Alex asked abruptly. He flushed, realizing that he was being terribly rude. "That is...may I..." He trailed off.

Albus squared his shoulders, aware that the men had picked up on his emotional state. "Alexander, we have a complication." He deliberately kept his voice evenly pitched, but the effort was draining.

"What sort of complication?" Alex asked slowly. "You owled, phoenixed, whatever, that the baby had been born. Is it in ill health?"

The older man shook his head. "Nothing like that. It is just...' He waved his wand and both cradles arranged themselves to their full size. In the stunned silence of the room, Albus removed both children from their former position against his heart. "There were twins born. The mother is unable to care for either child. Is there any way that you might be able to persuade Clarissa to take on another babe?"

Alex frowned and closed his eyes. "I am not sure that she is physically able," he said after some long moments. "We will have to ask her."

Wills brushed a gentle hand over the crown of russet curls, then over the blond ringlets. "What will happen if Clarissa and Alex are unable to care for both children."

Their beloved Transfiguration teacher raised his shoulders in a world-weary shrug. "I will have to find any suitable home, even if it is far from ideal."

Wills gave the children another long look, and set his jaw. "Alex and Clarissa need to speak, and this smoky place is no place for newborns. Shall I carry one of the cradles, then?"

Albus nodded, and followed the men through a corridor and up some stairs. He remembered Clarissa Devon and Elizabeth Potter from their time at Hogwarts, but he had wanted to meet Victoria Evans since he had been owled a wedding invitation. He had been unable to attend the Muggle service, and had heard a great many conflicting stories from his contacts at the Ministry of Magic where Harold was employed. Some said that the young man's wife was a magic hater, while others said she was a polite woman, overwhelmed by their ways.

Alexander gently pushed open the door of their room. "Clarissa?" he called softly.

"Alex, have you any news?" Her voice sounded much stronger to his ears, eliciting a sigh of pure relief. He gently led the cradle in first, and was followed by Wills with the second, Harold with the basket and their old Transfiguration teacher brought up the rear.

"Professor Dumbledore." Clarissa stood slowly and moved to her husband. "Is this..." Her old professor was forgotten as she looked into the sleeping face of the blond child. "She is beautiful." She fought to hold back her tears but failed as the emotion of the moment washed over her.

"Clarissa?" Alex cleared his throat awkwardly. "There is something else. The mother had twins, so Professor Dumbledore is in a quandary. He wanted to know if we felt capable to take on this baby's twin as well."

Clarissa gave her husband a wide-eyed, almost panicked look. "I don't know...it is so overwhelming." She paled and wobbled on her feet a little bit.

"Come, darling, sit down. Gather your strength, and soon you can hold our child." Alex settled his wife in before turning back to Dumbledore.

"She has not yet regained her strength. Two children may be an undue stress on her." Alex stared at the ground. It seemed so ungrateful to have been blessed in such a way and to turn down an extra blessing.

Albus nodded sadly. He had expected this, and though it hurt, he understood their reasons. "Of course, Alex. Please do not regret what cannot be done right now." He moved to Clarissa. "My dear, thank you for taking this precious gift. I will always be in your debt."

"Thank you for thinking of us." Clarissa's voice trembled with emotion and effort. "Thank you for making our heartbreak become our miracle. We will always cherish her. Please tell the family that she will always be loved."

"I shall," Albus whispered. "Have you thought of a name for her?"

Clarissa looked to Alex. "If you will give us a moment, we may have a name to share with you."

Albus nodded, and stepped back a few paces to where Harold and Elizabeth waited and William and his wife seemed deep in conversation. "Harold and Elizabeth, it is wonderful to see you both. Is the dark haired child in the playpen your James?"

Harold nodded proudly. "Yes, sir, it is. He is five months old now."

Albus nodded, with a wistful smile upon his face. "How wonderful. He will be a great wizard indeed."

"I surely hope so," Harold added proudly, before turning his attention to William and Victoria. "Wills, Professor Dumbledore has not even met your beautiful wife yet. Don't be so bloody rude."

"In a moment, Harry," Wills responded distractedly. Elizabeth, Harold, and Albus shared a look, but said nothing.

"Sir?" Wills approached. "I would like you to meet my wife, Victoria. Love, this is Professor Albus Dumbledore, one of our mentors at Hogwarts."

Victoria extended a hand nervously, and giggled as the older man brushed his lips over her knuckles in a courtly manner.

"And that little button in the playpen with James Potter is our daughter, Petunia."

Albus studied the other child carefully before nodding. "Petunias are lovely flowers. I am certain that your daughter is as beautiful as her namesake. I do hope that we will be seeing Petunia at Hogwarts some day."

Wills nodded, and let out a huge breath. "Sir, this is a very difficult thing to ask, but have you truly no home for this other child?"

Albus nodded, hope blossoming in his eyes. "My only hope was Clarissa and Alexander. Do you know of anyone seeking a child who could promise discretion and a good home? This child is most special."

Wills and his wife shared another long look before she spoke. "My husband and I are unable to have more children, and we have both been longing for another. Would there be any way we could take this precious lily into our hearts?"

The hint of a smile touched Albus' lips as he reached forward to clasp Victoria's hands. "I would be most honored if you and your husband would adopt this child, Victoria. This precious lily, as you put it, has already found her way into your hearts. I can see that in your eyes, dear lady." His chin trembled mightily, and his eyes glistened with tears, but he held her gaze.

"Is it too premature to ask if you have a name for the child in mind?"

"Lily," Wills said without hesitation. My friends said something earlier that makes this the only choice for a name.

"You have wonderful friends, William Evans."

"That I do, sir. Her name will be Lily Anne Evans."

Dumbledore moved his wand slowly in the air, presenting the room with beautiful pink and blue bubbles that hovered around the baby. "You will be called Lily Anne Evans, daughter of William and Victoria Evans. May you go with light, dear child." He handed the redhead to her parents, and kissed her forehead tenderly.

Albus turned his attention to Clarissa and Alex, who were watching silently, tears of joy running down their faces. "Have you chosen a name for your baby Clarissa? Alexander?"

Alex nodded. "She will be called Narcissa Jane Devon."