Post by StormAngel on Dec 4, 2006 0:37:50 GMT -5
... I posted this up on ff.net but just wanna post it up here too...
Thanks to my beta who helped me read through the story...
A/N: Slightly AU... Let's suppose Harry is their son...
A short fic. set at the end of HBP. What if things had been different between the head and his deputy?
I totally miss you, the way your eyes twinkles at me when I wake up in the morning. The smile on your face as you catch me silently leaning over harry, our adopted son. Harry misses you too, Albus. I seen him sometimes when he thought that no one is looking. But I know it all, too clearly in fact. We raised him from young, ever since James and Lilly died. And now you. I miss you so much, Albus. The student are very worried now. Even my lions. They are so worried. Worried that the day would come when Voldemort would storm into this very sanctury. We need you, Albus. There are so many things I wanted to say to you before you left. I am so sorry for yelling at you. So sorry. But it's too late now, too late now.
Minerva McGonagall silently put down her quill as she finishes the last flourish. She's sick of keeping it all inside. She's the headmistress after all. The 'ice queen' some call her. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of Albus again. Albus. The man she had secretly loved for over half a century, before even noticing that he loved her back. They got married when they adopted Harry, for the sake of keeping up appearances, they hid their marriage form every one else.
Minerva sighed again and got into bed, tears silently working their way down her cheeks.
Not so far away, in fact, just outside Minerva's window, a white snowy owl, accompanied by a fiery red phoenix, wept. For his wife, the person who should know that his alive. On silent wings, the owl flew away, with the phoenix, silently wondering if he should reveal his secret to his precious Tabby.
The next day dawned, with Minerva sleeping soundly, marks of tears on her cheeks. She suddenly jerked awake, due to Harry Potter knocking insistently on the door. Minerva sighed irratly as she put on a bathrobe over a revealing nightgown Albus got for her on their 5th anniversary.
~outside the door~
“ I tell you, it’s not a good idea to come so early!” Hermione Granger was whispering furiously to Ron. Harry Potter was furiously knocking on his mom’s door, hoping that his mom is awake. He wondered if he should tell his friends about his mother, but decided against it. It would be too dangerous.
Minerva opened the door, only to find her son, Harry, standing outside her door, with Ron and Hermione arguing in the background.
“What do you three want?” She asked sternly.
Ron and Hermione started blushing furiously and left, leaving Harry with Professor McGonagall.
“Well?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
“May I come in?” Harry asked his mum.
Minerva raised another eyebrow. Peering around the corridor, she checked that there’s no one there before pulling him into the office.
Slamming the office door behind her, Minerva embraced Harry, tears slowly running down her cheeks again. Harry awkwardly patted her on the back as she sobbed.
“It will be okay mom. Trust me.” Harry tried to console his adoptive mother as he tried to control his tears.
Minerva smiled through her tears.
“Do you remember when you came back to our summer home with us when you were a child after your parents died?” she asked.
“No. Care to show me?” Harry asked indifferently, trying not to appear too excited.
“Ok. Here we go”. Minerva told Harry as both of them jumped into the pensive.
// A memory //
A small tabby cat was sitting stiffly in front of number 8, privet drive.
When Vernon Dursley came back and tried attacking her, she did not even flinch. Everyone who looked at her thought that she was a statue. Nightfall came fast, and soon it was 12 pm. A tall man with silver hair came into view. The tabby cat watched in fascination as the man put out all the lights. He turned to face the tabby cat, who by now is getting a stiff back.
“Hello, Minerva” He said.
The cat hurriedly changed into a tall dark haired woman.
“How did you know that it’s me?”
“My dear, I’ve never seen a cat seated so stiffly.”
Minerva smiled slightly.
“When will he arrive?” She asked Dumbledore.
“Hagrid is bringing him here.”
“Are you sure Hagrid can be trusted with something so important?” She asked Dumbledore again.
He just nodded the affirmative.
A loud roaring sound soon filled the night sky.
Minerva jumped in shock. Above the horizon, a giat sized motorbike was flying down. On it was a large man, Hagrid, carrying a small bundle.
“Is that him?” Minerva asked slowly.
“yes…” Albus replied.
“Are you leaving him here?” She asked again, once Hagrid left.
Albus sighed.
“Yes.”
“But Albus! You can’t leave him there! I’ve seen their son, kicking his mother up the street, screaming for sweets.”
“What do you suggest then?” He asked.
“I’ll bring him back with me. To Hogwarts” She replied, not looking at him.
Albus sighed. “Well, its okay with me.”
Minerva smiled.
“Really? Oh Albus! I love you!” She exclaimed.
“Really?” Albus teased.
“Really. I loved you since you started teaching me transfiguration.” Minerva replied seriously.
“And I too.” Albus replied softly, drawing both of them in a kiss as they apparated back to Hogwarts.
5 weeks later, they got married, in an elaborate ceremony which involves a binding spell which binds both of them and Harry to each other forever.
// end of memory//
They both emerged from the pensive, gasping slightly. Harry tried to wriggle out of his mom’s vice like grip but found that he could not. Glancing at her face, he realized that she was crying silently.
“Mom?” he asked tentatively.
“What?... Oh!” Minerva replied as she glanced up at the clock.
“Sorry, Harry, but you have to go now. Its 1 hour past curfew. I would have to escort you back.” Minerva said, wiping the tears slowly from her face.
“Are you all right mom?” he asked again.
“I would be.” She replied quietly as they stopped outside the Gryffindor common room.
Harry hugged her one last time before entering the common room.
“Goodnight, Harry.” Minerva said in a whisper as she turned around sharply and strode back to her rooms, tears falling freely again.
Back in her rooms, Minerva collapsed in a chair and slowly took off her robes. She stood in front of her mirror and traced the scars the stunners left. Damn them all. The ministry, everyone. She started crying again as she thought of all the things Albus would have said whenever he saw her scars.
// flashback //
We can’t continue this, Albus”
“Why, Minerva?” His voice slightly pained.
“Because…” Minerva trailed off.
“The scars?” He asked.
Minerva nodded.
“Why?” He asked, more forcefully this time.
“It’s ugly, Albus. They are ugly”
Albus traced the scars with his bare hands.
“You will never be ugly to me, my dear wife.”
// end flashback //
Minerva lied down on the bed and settled into an uneventful sleep, harboring the feeling of being watched.
Outside her bedroom window, the phoenix peered in, suddenly bursting into flames and disappearing.
Harry Potter tossed and turned in his bed long after his mother left him. A snowy white owl perched outside his window, tears rolling down its cheeks as he looked at the boy he came to love as a son.
Harry Potter kept having the feeling that he was being watched. He laid back on the pillows and thought about his parents. They had always been the loving pair. Only in public, they were more serious and strict, in his mom’s case.
// Flashback //
“Harry Potter!” His mother’s voice ran out from amongst the people who had crowded around him. He winced at the voice, knowing what is to come next.
“Follow me, Mr. Potter. And no arguments.” She yelled, looking at the half furious faces.
Everyone quieted down instantly and the crowd parted to let Minerva and Harry pass through.
Harry nervously glanced up at his mother, whose lips are pressed thinly. Suddenly, they stopped outside a classroom, where he heard Professor Flitwick teaching. She motioned for him to stay outside, while she went in and asked for Wood.
Harry’s mind was in a panic now. Is wood a cane she’s going to use on him?
Moments later, to Harry’s relief, a tall boy came out of the classroom, puzzled. Silently, both of them followed her till they reached an empty classroom.
“Wood, meet Harry, Harry, this is Wood, captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team. Wood, I’ve found you a seeker.”
Saying that Wood’s face lit up was an understatement.
After Oliver (that’s his name) left, Minerva turned towards Harry, letting her strict façade drop for a moment.
She reached over and hugged him, so tightly that he thought he would never breathe.
“Mom! Let go!” he exclaimed.
Minerva loosened her hold and knelt down to his level.
“Promise me that you will be safe Harry.” She said worriedly.
“Yes, mom.” he replied, hugging her.
She gave him a kiss on the forehead, before sweeping out of the classroom.
The next morning, he got a new Nimbus 2000.
// end flashback //
Minerva awoke to Harry Potter banging on her door AGAIN. She sighed as she dressed and opened the door. Harry was standing outside the door, tears in his eyes. Without warning, He fell into her arms, sobbing heavily.
Minerva gently closed the door and brought him to hers and Albus’s rooms.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and rocked him slightly, just as she used to do when he was a child.
After 5 minutes, Harry spoke.
“I saw him… Dad,” He clarified when he saw Minerva’s puzzled look.
Her eyes blurred again at the mention of his name.
“Mom?” Harry asked.
“Continue.” She replied, wiping the tears away.
“Well, I saw him dying again, Mom! It is so painful. I was there at that time, unable to do anything. Anything to save him at all. He petrified me, Mom. Why?” He cried out and gripped Minerva even tighter. Minerva held him close and whispered words of comfort to him as she silently pondered the possibility of him faking his death. It was very slim, she knew. Yet there is no chance of it now. He is dead, his body entombed in that dreaded cold white tomb. And nothing is going to change that.
After awhile, she pulled herself together as she glanced at the clock. It was 5 minutes to breakfast at the great hall. She slowly pulled Harry away from her and pointed at the clock.
“It’s time to go, Harry.” She whispered softly.
Harry reluctantly detached himself from his mom, which his face clear of any tear tracks. When he is done, he slowly got out of the room, not wanting to go.
“Go, Potter.” Switching back to teacher mode. “I’ll be right behind you.” She whispered.
Harry left the room and when into the great hall, where Professor McGonagall was already seated.
“How did she move so fast?” He wondered.
He sat at the Gryffindor house table, not eating at all, as he looked at Professor McGonagall, who was now worriedly staring at him. He looked down breaking eye contact, and started eating. He glanced up to find his mom with a much happier expression, chatting to Madam Hooch.
After finishing her breakfast, Minerva left the table, to prepare for her next lesson. No announcements were made as the student population stared after her. The staff, knowing her current mood, wisely kept their mouths shut.
Harry looked up from his plate to see that Professor McGonagall has left the table. Wondering where she is, he scanned the Great hall.
“Harry? Harry!” Hermione called again.
“What?” He replied irritably.
“We’ve been calling you for 5 minutes, mate.” Ron replied. “Where did you go last night?” Ron asked curiously.
“Nowhere.” Was Harry’s short answer.
“ Ron said that you weren’t in your bed in the morning.” Hermione whispered.
“Hey. Where did McGonagall go?” Ron questioned Harry and Hermione.
“No idea.” Hermione replied.
“Time to go people!” Harry shouted as he rushed through the doors to their Transfiguration lesson, for which he is already 5 minutes late.
Hermione glanced at her watch and gasped.
“We are already 5 minutes late! Hurry up Ron!” She shouted, as she dashed past stunned students.
Harry, Ron and Hermione reached the Transfiguration classroom, gasping for breath.
They rushed to their seats, where the Professor is talking about how to transfigure animals into larger objects.
“10 points each from Gryffindor for your tardiness.” She said as she turned to face them.
After the lesson, Professor McGonagall asked Harry to stay back. Ron and Hermione glanced curiously at the both of them before silently exiting the room.
As soon as no one was in the room, Minerva strode over and locked the room. Harry watched her curiously, as she took out the pensive.
“Are we going to watch a memory again mom?”
Minerva just nodded. Both of them jumped into the pensive.
// Memory //
It was Harry’s fifth birthday. Harry was still sleeping, while Minerva and Albus were dancing slowly in the living room. He was known to all as Hendry McGonagall, a young nephew of hers.
“What are you getting for Harry this year?” Minerva asked Albus.
“It’s a surprise, my love. What are you getting him?”
“A wizard chess set.”
“Are you sure, Minerva?”
“Yes.” She replied irritably.
Harry woke up at about 8.30 am, to Fawkes trilling above him. Ever since the Professors’ adopted him, the phoenix took on an obsessive need to protect him. He slowly got out of bed and to the living room, where he knew his parents would already be.
Harry knocked on the door. Pushing it open, he entered the room, to be greeted with many large boxes piling on the floor.
“Good morning Harry. I see that you are already anticipating your presents” Dumbledore smiled merrily.
“Come over here Harry.” Minerva said from a corner, patting the space beside her.
They had a wonderful time that they, opening presents many sent them.
By the end of the day, Harry received many presents, including a new chess set Minerva gave him, a new watch similar to that of Albus’s from him, and a new toy broomstick the Weasleys’ gave them.
Harry was very happy, to say the least. They rounded off the celebrations for Harry with a trip down to the Quidditch pitch for him to try out his new broom.
// End of Memory //
“Is there any more, mum?” He asked Minerva once they got out of the pensive.
“Yes. But those are for tonight.” She replied.
“Mum?” he asked again, watching her collapse in a chair.
“I am going to be fine, Harry. It’s just that watching those memories took a lot out of me.” She replied.
“Well, I’ll leave you here, are you really fine mum?” He asked again.
“Yes Harry. Now, don’t you have lunch coming in 5 minutes?” She asked.
“Yes. And I am so looking forward to it,” he replied sarcastically.
“Will you be down for lunch mum?” He asked again.
Minerva sighed. “No, Harry. I have a lot of things to do.”
Harry frowned. Minerva have not been down for lunch the past dew days, and he was getting worried.
“You will be coming down for lunch today, Mum, whether you like it or not.” He said firmly.
Minerva protested weakly as Harry pushed her to the door.
“No more protests. You will be going down for lunch. I love you mum.” He replied as he dragged her down the stairs. It was fortunate for both of them as everyone was already in the Great Hall.
They both stopped outside the Great hall, where Harry entered first, as not to arouse any suspicions. A few minutes later, Minerva entered the Great Hall, causing many heads to turn in her direction. She gave them her best glare as she strode to the staff table. Rolanda Hooch raised an eyebrow when she came to sit beside her.
“later.” Was her short reply.
Rolanda nodded understandingly and resumed eating. She was one of the trusted few who Minerva told that Harry Potter was her adopted son. The other few who knew that Harry was her son were Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey and surprisingly, Severus Snape.
Harry looked up at the staff table as he watched his mum eat, ignoring both Ron and Hermione.
“Harry?” Hermione whispered.
“Where were you just now, mate?” Ron asked.
Harry snapped out of his reverie and turned to look at Ron.
“I was with Professor McGonagall just now, remember? She held me back” Harry snapped.
“Okay… Well, you don’t have to shout.” Ron replied.
“Sorry. Its just that I am under a lot of stress now… Well you get it.”
Ron patted Harry’s back sympathetically, while Hermione looked at McGonagall, with a calculating expression on her face.
“Hermione?” Harry asked.
“What? Oh!” Hermione shouted as the ice cream melted and trickled on her skirt.
All three of them stood up.
“Let’s go back to the common room. I had enough food.” Ron said.
All three of them started leaving the Great Hall, pausing only once to let Ron tie his shoelaces.
The trio were chatting happily when suddenly, Harry tripped over the foot of one of the armors and tumbled down the stairs, landing with a nasty crunch.
Ron started to panic.
“Get McGonagall now. Ron!!” Hermione yelled.
“What? Oh ya.” Was his reply as he rushed to find the Professor, hoping that she was still in the Great Hall.
Minerva looked up from her food as Ron rushed in, and ran up to the Staff table.
“What is it, Mr. Weasley?” She asked, noting his messy appearance.
“Harry, he fell down the stairs, I think he broke something, I am not sure…” Ron said between deep breaths.
“What?” Minerva half yelled.
She dashed out of the Great Hall, Madam Pomfrey not far behind.
“Where is he, Ron?” She half-yelled.
Ron pointed to the left.
Minerva immediately dashed in that direction, Poppy Pomfrey not far behind.
She almost tripped over Hermione in her hurry. She stopped for a while and looked at what she almost tripped over. It was Hermione, which was lying on the floor with Harry, trying to wake him up. Minerva felt tears spring to her eyes as she knelt down to look at Harry. About 5 minutes later, Madam Pomfrey came rushing in, with a red-faced Ron panting heavily. She took on look at Harry and went “We have to get him to St. Mungo’s”
She asked Professor McGonagall to summon a stretcher as she proceed to levitate Harry onto it.
“Are you two going to come with us or what?” Madam Pomfrey asked Ron and Hermione.
“Of course, he is our friend after all.” Hermione replied, as Ron nodded his head.
Within seconds, all five people apparated to St. Mungo’s emergency ward.
The welcome witch took one look at them and drawled “Injuries, 2nd floor.”
Minerva snorted in disgust.
“Couldn’t they be any more welcoming?”
“Relax Min.” Poppy Pomfrey soothed her as they made their way through the halls.
“How could I relax? My son is unconscious and Albus is dead.” Minerva furiously whispered to Poppy.
At that point, Poppy lost her cool with Minerva and started arguing in soft hushed whispers while moving Harry along the corridor.
Ron and Hermione glanced curiously at the arguing pair.
“Can you hear them, Ron?” Hermione asked.
“No…” Was Ron’s only reply as he studied the portraits lining the walls.
Very soon, they reached the room, where Madam Pomfrey immediately levitated Harry off the stretcher and onto the bed. Ron and Hermione immediately went over to Harry’s side while Minerva just hung back and watched. A healer came hurrying out of the office asking what is wrong with him
Hermione immediately began explaining everything as well as she could. The healer’s face became grave as she heard what happened.
“I would need to do a check on him,” She told McGonagall.
Minerva nodded her head.
“Of course, Healer Travis.”
Healer Travis performed the check quickly. When she is done, her face was grim.
“Harry has 4 broken ribs and a broken collar bone. His lungs have also been punctured where on of the ribs cut in. It is lucky that he was knocked unconscious by the impact. I will be leaving him here tonight to let him heal. He would be here for about 4 weeks. He should not be moving around much during the first week.” Healer Travis said.
Ron and Hermione hovered anxiously as the healer mended his broken bones.
“Will he be alright?” They asked.
The healer sighed.
“He would be awake in 5 hours at least.”
Minerva let out a sigh of relief.
Ron glanced at her curiously, while Poppy glared at her. Minerva sighed again.
“Well, I think we should all go back to Hogwarts and leave Harry here.” Madam Pomfrey finally said, breaking the silence.
“You and Professor McGonagall should go first. Ron and I would want to spend the night with Harry.” Hermione replied.
“Well, then, I’ll take my leave. Minerva, if you need anything, you know where to call.” With that, Poppy Pomfrey apparated back to Hogwarts, where Alastor Moody was waiting for her in her chambers.
Ron glanced at Minerva, who dragged a chair over to where Harry slept. Hermione and Ron followed the suite.
After about 4 hours, Ron and Hermione fell asleep, not before telling their head of house to sleep too. After checking that they are asleep, Minerva took her son’s hand and comforted herself with the knowledge that he was still alive and fell asleep.
~Next morning~
Hermione awoke to find a small tabby cat curled up beside Harry. Deciding not to disturb it, she slowly shook Ron awake.
“Ron!” She hissed.
Ron awakens slowly.
“What?”
“Look at that cat!” She whispered.
She did not know that the cat was actually Professor McGonagall in her animagus form.
Harry slowly opened his eyes, not noticing that he was in St. Mungo’s.
“Where am I?” he asked groggily.
“Harry! You are awake.” Ron yelled, waking the cat.
Minerva glanced up to she Harry sitting up. Harry turned, only to notice the tabby cat curled up next to him. He smiled slightly.
“Professor?” He asked, stroking the cat’s fur.
The cat immediately turned back into a human.
“Harry? You are awake!”
Harry smiled slowly.
“Yes”
“Harry!”
Minerva hugged Harry tightly. Ron shot incredulous looks at Hermione, who was just as shocked.
“Mum? Are you all right?” Harry asked, ignoring Ron and Hermione.
“I would be soon. What are you two staring at?” She addressed Ron and Hermione, who are staring at them in ill-disguised shock.
“Well?” Minerva arched an eyebrow at them.
“You are Harry’s mother?” Ron asked.
“Yes. Well, Lily Evans was his real mum, but after… you get what I mean, I adopted him.” Minerva replied, clutching Harry closer to her.
“Are you married, Professor?” Hermione asked.
Minerva did not reply, but simply looked away.
“She was married.” Harry answered shortly. He could tell that his friends questions were getting on his mum’s nerves.
“To whom?” Ron asked.
“I rather not say,” Harry replied, as he saw tears welling up in Minerva’s eyes.
Minerva drew herself together.
“Do you two have classes today?” She asked Ron and Hermione. Both of them nodded mutely.
“Well, go for your lessons. You can come back to visit Harry once you are finished with them.”
“What about your Transfiguration lessons, Professor?” Hermione asked Professor McGonagall.
“Another teacher would be covering for me.” Was her short reply.
Both Ron and Hermione shrugged and decided to apparate back to Hogwarts. When they were gone, Minerva pulled Harry even closer to her.
“How did you fall, Harry?” She asked
“I tripped over the foot of the armor.” He replied, grinning sheepishly.
“Sleep now, Harry, you need the break. I’ll go back to the school and get the homework for you.” Minerva kissed Harry on the forehead and left.
Harry fell into a deep sleep, not troubled by dreams of Voldemort. He was so tired that he did not notice the white owl appearing beside him and using its wing, touched his cheek briefly, before disappearing.
When Minerva apparated just outside the gates of Hogwarts, she suddenly noticed a large red phoenix flying behind her. When she turned back, it was gone. Sighing at its resemblance to Fawkes, who left when Albus died, she turned and entered the gates of Hogwarts, missing the white owl that had flown to seat beside the phoenix.
“She’s really sad isn’t she?” the owl sighed mentally to the phoenix.
Fawkes let out a shrill note.
“I guess so”
Minerva entered Hogwarts, and immediately went to her chambers and collapsed. How could Harry have fallen down two flights of stairs and did not die was a miracle. Minerva lay down on the bed, suddenly feeling very tired.
Thanks to my beta who helped me read through the story...
A/N: Slightly AU... Let's suppose Harry is their son...
A short fic. set at the end of HBP. What if things had been different between the head and his deputy?
I totally miss you, the way your eyes twinkles at me when I wake up in the morning. The smile on your face as you catch me silently leaning over harry, our adopted son. Harry misses you too, Albus. I seen him sometimes when he thought that no one is looking. But I know it all, too clearly in fact. We raised him from young, ever since James and Lilly died. And now you. I miss you so much, Albus. The student are very worried now. Even my lions. They are so worried. Worried that the day would come when Voldemort would storm into this very sanctury. We need you, Albus. There are so many things I wanted to say to you before you left. I am so sorry for yelling at you. So sorry. But it's too late now, too late now.
Minerva McGonagall silently put down her quill as she finishes the last flourish. She's sick of keeping it all inside. She's the headmistress after all. The 'ice queen' some call her. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought of Albus again. Albus. The man she had secretly loved for over half a century, before even noticing that he loved her back. They got married when they adopted Harry, for the sake of keeping up appearances, they hid their marriage form every one else.
Minerva sighed again and got into bed, tears silently working their way down her cheeks.
Not so far away, in fact, just outside Minerva's window, a white snowy owl, accompanied by a fiery red phoenix, wept. For his wife, the person who should know that his alive. On silent wings, the owl flew away, with the phoenix, silently wondering if he should reveal his secret to his precious Tabby.
The next day dawned, with Minerva sleeping soundly, marks of tears on her cheeks. She suddenly jerked awake, due to Harry Potter knocking insistently on the door. Minerva sighed irratly as she put on a bathrobe over a revealing nightgown Albus got for her on their 5th anniversary.
~outside the door~
“ I tell you, it’s not a good idea to come so early!” Hermione Granger was whispering furiously to Ron. Harry Potter was furiously knocking on his mom’s door, hoping that his mom is awake. He wondered if he should tell his friends about his mother, but decided against it. It would be too dangerous.
Minerva opened the door, only to find her son, Harry, standing outside her door, with Ron and Hermione arguing in the background.
“What do you three want?” She asked sternly.
Ron and Hermione started blushing furiously and left, leaving Harry with Professor McGonagall.
“Well?” She asked, raising an eyebrow.
“May I come in?” Harry asked his mum.
Minerva raised another eyebrow. Peering around the corridor, she checked that there’s no one there before pulling him into the office.
Slamming the office door behind her, Minerva embraced Harry, tears slowly running down her cheeks again. Harry awkwardly patted her on the back as she sobbed.
“It will be okay mom. Trust me.” Harry tried to console his adoptive mother as he tried to control his tears.
Minerva smiled through her tears.
“Do you remember when you came back to our summer home with us when you were a child after your parents died?” she asked.
“No. Care to show me?” Harry asked indifferently, trying not to appear too excited.
“Ok. Here we go”. Minerva told Harry as both of them jumped into the pensive.
// A memory //
A small tabby cat was sitting stiffly in front of number 8, privet drive.
When Vernon Dursley came back and tried attacking her, she did not even flinch. Everyone who looked at her thought that she was a statue. Nightfall came fast, and soon it was 12 pm. A tall man with silver hair came into view. The tabby cat watched in fascination as the man put out all the lights. He turned to face the tabby cat, who by now is getting a stiff back.
“Hello, Minerva” He said.
The cat hurriedly changed into a tall dark haired woman.
“How did you know that it’s me?”
“My dear, I’ve never seen a cat seated so stiffly.”
Minerva smiled slightly.
“When will he arrive?” She asked Dumbledore.
“Hagrid is bringing him here.”
“Are you sure Hagrid can be trusted with something so important?” She asked Dumbledore again.
He just nodded the affirmative.
A loud roaring sound soon filled the night sky.
Minerva jumped in shock. Above the horizon, a giat sized motorbike was flying down. On it was a large man, Hagrid, carrying a small bundle.
“Is that him?” Minerva asked slowly.
“yes…” Albus replied.
“Are you leaving him here?” She asked again, once Hagrid left.
Albus sighed.
“Yes.”
“But Albus! You can’t leave him there! I’ve seen their son, kicking his mother up the street, screaming for sweets.”
“What do you suggest then?” He asked.
“I’ll bring him back with me. To Hogwarts” She replied, not looking at him.
Albus sighed. “Well, its okay with me.”
Minerva smiled.
“Really? Oh Albus! I love you!” She exclaimed.
“Really?” Albus teased.
“Really. I loved you since you started teaching me transfiguration.” Minerva replied seriously.
“And I too.” Albus replied softly, drawing both of them in a kiss as they apparated back to Hogwarts.
5 weeks later, they got married, in an elaborate ceremony which involves a binding spell which binds both of them and Harry to each other forever.
// end of memory//
They both emerged from the pensive, gasping slightly. Harry tried to wriggle out of his mom’s vice like grip but found that he could not. Glancing at her face, he realized that she was crying silently.
“Mom?” he asked tentatively.
“What?... Oh!” Minerva replied as she glanced up at the clock.
“Sorry, Harry, but you have to go now. Its 1 hour past curfew. I would have to escort you back.” Minerva said, wiping the tears slowly from her face.
“Are you all right mom?” he asked again.
“I would be.” She replied quietly as they stopped outside the Gryffindor common room.
Harry hugged her one last time before entering the common room.
“Goodnight, Harry.” Minerva said in a whisper as she turned around sharply and strode back to her rooms, tears falling freely again.
Back in her rooms, Minerva collapsed in a chair and slowly took off her robes. She stood in front of her mirror and traced the scars the stunners left. Damn them all. The ministry, everyone. She started crying again as she thought of all the things Albus would have said whenever he saw her scars.
// flashback //
We can’t continue this, Albus”
“Why, Minerva?” His voice slightly pained.
“Because…” Minerva trailed off.
“The scars?” He asked.
Minerva nodded.
“Why?” He asked, more forcefully this time.
“It’s ugly, Albus. They are ugly”
Albus traced the scars with his bare hands.
“You will never be ugly to me, my dear wife.”
// end flashback //
Minerva lied down on the bed and settled into an uneventful sleep, harboring the feeling of being watched.
Outside her bedroom window, the phoenix peered in, suddenly bursting into flames and disappearing.
Harry Potter tossed and turned in his bed long after his mother left him. A snowy white owl perched outside his window, tears rolling down its cheeks as he looked at the boy he came to love as a son.
Harry Potter kept having the feeling that he was being watched. He laid back on the pillows and thought about his parents. They had always been the loving pair. Only in public, they were more serious and strict, in his mom’s case.
// Flashback //
“Harry Potter!” His mother’s voice ran out from amongst the people who had crowded around him. He winced at the voice, knowing what is to come next.
“Follow me, Mr. Potter. And no arguments.” She yelled, looking at the half furious faces.
Everyone quieted down instantly and the crowd parted to let Minerva and Harry pass through.
Harry nervously glanced up at his mother, whose lips are pressed thinly. Suddenly, they stopped outside a classroom, where he heard Professor Flitwick teaching. She motioned for him to stay outside, while she went in and asked for Wood.
Harry’s mind was in a panic now. Is wood a cane she’s going to use on him?
Moments later, to Harry’s relief, a tall boy came out of the classroom, puzzled. Silently, both of them followed her till they reached an empty classroom.
“Wood, meet Harry, Harry, this is Wood, captain of the Gryffindor quidditch team. Wood, I’ve found you a seeker.”
Saying that Wood’s face lit up was an understatement.
After Oliver (that’s his name) left, Minerva turned towards Harry, letting her strict façade drop for a moment.
She reached over and hugged him, so tightly that he thought he would never breathe.
“Mom! Let go!” he exclaimed.
Minerva loosened her hold and knelt down to his level.
“Promise me that you will be safe Harry.” She said worriedly.
“Yes, mom.” he replied, hugging her.
She gave him a kiss on the forehead, before sweeping out of the classroom.
The next morning, he got a new Nimbus 2000.
// end flashback //
Minerva awoke to Harry Potter banging on her door AGAIN. She sighed as she dressed and opened the door. Harry was standing outside the door, tears in his eyes. Without warning, He fell into her arms, sobbing heavily.
Minerva gently closed the door and brought him to hers and Albus’s rooms.
She sat down on the edge of the bed and rocked him slightly, just as she used to do when he was a child.
After 5 minutes, Harry spoke.
“I saw him… Dad,” He clarified when he saw Minerva’s puzzled look.
Her eyes blurred again at the mention of his name.
“Mom?” Harry asked.
“Continue.” She replied, wiping the tears away.
“Well, I saw him dying again, Mom! It is so painful. I was there at that time, unable to do anything. Anything to save him at all. He petrified me, Mom. Why?” He cried out and gripped Minerva even tighter. Minerva held him close and whispered words of comfort to him as she silently pondered the possibility of him faking his death. It was very slim, she knew. Yet there is no chance of it now. He is dead, his body entombed in that dreaded cold white tomb. And nothing is going to change that.
After awhile, she pulled herself together as she glanced at the clock. It was 5 minutes to breakfast at the great hall. She slowly pulled Harry away from her and pointed at the clock.
“It’s time to go, Harry.” She whispered softly.
Harry reluctantly detached himself from his mom, which his face clear of any tear tracks. When he is done, he slowly got out of the room, not wanting to go.
“Go, Potter.” Switching back to teacher mode. “I’ll be right behind you.” She whispered.
Harry left the room and when into the great hall, where Professor McGonagall was already seated.
“How did she move so fast?” He wondered.
He sat at the Gryffindor house table, not eating at all, as he looked at Professor McGonagall, who was now worriedly staring at him. He looked down breaking eye contact, and started eating. He glanced up to find his mom with a much happier expression, chatting to Madam Hooch.
After finishing her breakfast, Minerva left the table, to prepare for her next lesson. No announcements were made as the student population stared after her. The staff, knowing her current mood, wisely kept their mouths shut.
Harry looked up from his plate to see that Professor McGonagall has left the table. Wondering where she is, he scanned the Great hall.
“Harry? Harry!” Hermione called again.
“What?” He replied irritably.
“We’ve been calling you for 5 minutes, mate.” Ron replied. “Where did you go last night?” Ron asked curiously.
“Nowhere.” Was Harry’s short answer.
“ Ron said that you weren’t in your bed in the morning.” Hermione whispered.
“Hey. Where did McGonagall go?” Ron questioned Harry and Hermione.
“No idea.” Hermione replied.
“Time to go people!” Harry shouted as he rushed through the doors to their Transfiguration lesson, for which he is already 5 minutes late.
Hermione glanced at her watch and gasped.
“We are already 5 minutes late! Hurry up Ron!” She shouted, as she dashed past stunned students.
Harry, Ron and Hermione reached the Transfiguration classroom, gasping for breath.
They rushed to their seats, where the Professor is talking about how to transfigure animals into larger objects.
“10 points each from Gryffindor for your tardiness.” She said as she turned to face them.
After the lesson, Professor McGonagall asked Harry to stay back. Ron and Hermione glanced curiously at the both of them before silently exiting the room.
As soon as no one was in the room, Minerva strode over and locked the room. Harry watched her curiously, as she took out the pensive.
“Are we going to watch a memory again mom?”
Minerva just nodded. Both of them jumped into the pensive.
// Memory //
It was Harry’s fifth birthday. Harry was still sleeping, while Minerva and Albus were dancing slowly in the living room. He was known to all as Hendry McGonagall, a young nephew of hers.
“What are you getting for Harry this year?” Minerva asked Albus.
“It’s a surprise, my love. What are you getting him?”
“A wizard chess set.”
“Are you sure, Minerva?”
“Yes.” She replied irritably.
Harry woke up at about 8.30 am, to Fawkes trilling above him. Ever since the Professors’ adopted him, the phoenix took on an obsessive need to protect him. He slowly got out of bed and to the living room, where he knew his parents would already be.
Harry knocked on the door. Pushing it open, he entered the room, to be greeted with many large boxes piling on the floor.
“Good morning Harry. I see that you are already anticipating your presents” Dumbledore smiled merrily.
“Come over here Harry.” Minerva said from a corner, patting the space beside her.
They had a wonderful time that they, opening presents many sent them.
By the end of the day, Harry received many presents, including a new chess set Minerva gave him, a new watch similar to that of Albus’s from him, and a new toy broomstick the Weasleys’ gave them.
Harry was very happy, to say the least. They rounded off the celebrations for Harry with a trip down to the Quidditch pitch for him to try out his new broom.
// End of Memory //
“Is there any more, mum?” He asked Minerva once they got out of the pensive.
“Yes. But those are for tonight.” She replied.
“Mum?” he asked again, watching her collapse in a chair.
“I am going to be fine, Harry. It’s just that watching those memories took a lot out of me.” She replied.
“Well, I’ll leave you here, are you really fine mum?” He asked again.
“Yes Harry. Now, don’t you have lunch coming in 5 minutes?” She asked.
“Yes. And I am so looking forward to it,” he replied sarcastically.
“Will you be down for lunch mum?” He asked again.
Minerva sighed. “No, Harry. I have a lot of things to do.”
Harry frowned. Minerva have not been down for lunch the past dew days, and he was getting worried.
“You will be coming down for lunch today, Mum, whether you like it or not.” He said firmly.
Minerva protested weakly as Harry pushed her to the door.
“No more protests. You will be going down for lunch. I love you mum.” He replied as he dragged her down the stairs. It was fortunate for both of them as everyone was already in the Great Hall.
They both stopped outside the Great hall, where Harry entered first, as not to arouse any suspicions. A few minutes later, Minerva entered the Great Hall, causing many heads to turn in her direction. She gave them her best glare as she strode to the staff table. Rolanda Hooch raised an eyebrow when she came to sit beside her.
“later.” Was her short reply.
Rolanda nodded understandingly and resumed eating. She was one of the trusted few who Minerva told that Harry Potter was her adopted son. The other few who knew that Harry was her son were Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey and surprisingly, Severus Snape.
Harry looked up at the staff table as he watched his mum eat, ignoring both Ron and Hermione.
“Harry?” Hermione whispered.
“Where were you just now, mate?” Ron asked.
Harry snapped out of his reverie and turned to look at Ron.
“I was with Professor McGonagall just now, remember? She held me back” Harry snapped.
“Okay… Well, you don’t have to shout.” Ron replied.
“Sorry. Its just that I am under a lot of stress now… Well you get it.”
Ron patted Harry’s back sympathetically, while Hermione looked at McGonagall, with a calculating expression on her face.
“Hermione?” Harry asked.
“What? Oh!” Hermione shouted as the ice cream melted and trickled on her skirt.
All three of them stood up.
“Let’s go back to the common room. I had enough food.” Ron said.
All three of them started leaving the Great Hall, pausing only once to let Ron tie his shoelaces.
The trio were chatting happily when suddenly, Harry tripped over the foot of one of the armors and tumbled down the stairs, landing with a nasty crunch.
Ron started to panic.
“Get McGonagall now. Ron!!” Hermione yelled.
“What? Oh ya.” Was his reply as he rushed to find the Professor, hoping that she was still in the Great Hall.
Minerva looked up from her food as Ron rushed in, and ran up to the Staff table.
“What is it, Mr. Weasley?” She asked, noting his messy appearance.
“Harry, he fell down the stairs, I think he broke something, I am not sure…” Ron said between deep breaths.
“What?” Minerva half yelled.
She dashed out of the Great Hall, Madam Pomfrey not far behind.
“Where is he, Ron?” She half-yelled.
Ron pointed to the left.
Minerva immediately dashed in that direction, Poppy Pomfrey not far behind.
She almost tripped over Hermione in her hurry. She stopped for a while and looked at what she almost tripped over. It was Hermione, which was lying on the floor with Harry, trying to wake him up. Minerva felt tears spring to her eyes as she knelt down to look at Harry. About 5 minutes later, Madam Pomfrey came rushing in, with a red-faced Ron panting heavily. She took on look at Harry and went “We have to get him to St. Mungo’s”
She asked Professor McGonagall to summon a stretcher as she proceed to levitate Harry onto it.
“Are you two going to come with us or what?” Madam Pomfrey asked Ron and Hermione.
“Of course, he is our friend after all.” Hermione replied, as Ron nodded his head.
Within seconds, all five people apparated to St. Mungo’s emergency ward.
The welcome witch took one look at them and drawled “Injuries, 2nd floor.”
Minerva snorted in disgust.
“Couldn’t they be any more welcoming?”
“Relax Min.” Poppy Pomfrey soothed her as they made their way through the halls.
“How could I relax? My son is unconscious and Albus is dead.” Minerva furiously whispered to Poppy.
At that point, Poppy lost her cool with Minerva and started arguing in soft hushed whispers while moving Harry along the corridor.
Ron and Hermione glanced curiously at the arguing pair.
“Can you hear them, Ron?” Hermione asked.
“No…” Was Ron’s only reply as he studied the portraits lining the walls.
Very soon, they reached the room, where Madam Pomfrey immediately levitated Harry off the stretcher and onto the bed. Ron and Hermione immediately went over to Harry’s side while Minerva just hung back and watched. A healer came hurrying out of the office asking what is wrong with him
Hermione immediately began explaining everything as well as she could. The healer’s face became grave as she heard what happened.
“I would need to do a check on him,” She told McGonagall.
Minerva nodded her head.
“Of course, Healer Travis.”
Healer Travis performed the check quickly. When she is done, her face was grim.
“Harry has 4 broken ribs and a broken collar bone. His lungs have also been punctured where on of the ribs cut in. It is lucky that he was knocked unconscious by the impact. I will be leaving him here tonight to let him heal. He would be here for about 4 weeks. He should not be moving around much during the first week.” Healer Travis said.
Ron and Hermione hovered anxiously as the healer mended his broken bones.
“Will he be alright?” They asked.
The healer sighed.
“He would be awake in 5 hours at least.”
Minerva let out a sigh of relief.
Ron glanced at her curiously, while Poppy glared at her. Minerva sighed again.
“Well, I think we should all go back to Hogwarts and leave Harry here.” Madam Pomfrey finally said, breaking the silence.
“You and Professor McGonagall should go first. Ron and I would want to spend the night with Harry.” Hermione replied.
“Well, then, I’ll take my leave. Minerva, if you need anything, you know where to call.” With that, Poppy Pomfrey apparated back to Hogwarts, where Alastor Moody was waiting for her in her chambers.
Ron glanced at Minerva, who dragged a chair over to where Harry slept. Hermione and Ron followed the suite.
After about 4 hours, Ron and Hermione fell asleep, not before telling their head of house to sleep too. After checking that they are asleep, Minerva took her son’s hand and comforted herself with the knowledge that he was still alive and fell asleep.
~Next morning~
Hermione awoke to find a small tabby cat curled up beside Harry. Deciding not to disturb it, she slowly shook Ron awake.
“Ron!” She hissed.
Ron awakens slowly.
“What?”
“Look at that cat!” She whispered.
She did not know that the cat was actually Professor McGonagall in her animagus form.
Harry slowly opened his eyes, not noticing that he was in St. Mungo’s.
“Where am I?” he asked groggily.
“Harry! You are awake.” Ron yelled, waking the cat.
Minerva glanced up to she Harry sitting up. Harry turned, only to notice the tabby cat curled up next to him. He smiled slightly.
“Professor?” He asked, stroking the cat’s fur.
The cat immediately turned back into a human.
“Harry? You are awake!”
Harry smiled slowly.
“Yes”
“Harry!”
Minerva hugged Harry tightly. Ron shot incredulous looks at Hermione, who was just as shocked.
“Mum? Are you all right?” Harry asked, ignoring Ron and Hermione.
“I would be soon. What are you two staring at?” She addressed Ron and Hermione, who are staring at them in ill-disguised shock.
“Well?” Minerva arched an eyebrow at them.
“You are Harry’s mother?” Ron asked.
“Yes. Well, Lily Evans was his real mum, but after… you get what I mean, I adopted him.” Minerva replied, clutching Harry closer to her.
“Are you married, Professor?” Hermione asked.
Minerva did not reply, but simply looked away.
“She was married.” Harry answered shortly. He could tell that his friends questions were getting on his mum’s nerves.
“To whom?” Ron asked.
“I rather not say,” Harry replied, as he saw tears welling up in Minerva’s eyes.
Minerva drew herself together.
“Do you two have classes today?” She asked Ron and Hermione. Both of them nodded mutely.
“Well, go for your lessons. You can come back to visit Harry once you are finished with them.”
“What about your Transfiguration lessons, Professor?” Hermione asked Professor McGonagall.
“Another teacher would be covering for me.” Was her short reply.
Both Ron and Hermione shrugged and decided to apparate back to Hogwarts. When they were gone, Minerva pulled Harry even closer to her.
“How did you fall, Harry?” She asked
“I tripped over the foot of the armor.” He replied, grinning sheepishly.
“Sleep now, Harry, you need the break. I’ll go back to the school and get the homework for you.” Minerva kissed Harry on the forehead and left.
Harry fell into a deep sleep, not troubled by dreams of Voldemort. He was so tired that he did not notice the white owl appearing beside him and using its wing, touched his cheek briefly, before disappearing.
When Minerva apparated just outside the gates of Hogwarts, she suddenly noticed a large red phoenix flying behind her. When she turned back, it was gone. Sighing at its resemblance to Fawkes, who left when Albus died, she turned and entered the gates of Hogwarts, missing the white owl that had flown to seat beside the phoenix.
“She’s really sad isn’t she?” the owl sighed mentally to the phoenix.
Fawkes let out a shrill note.
“I guess so”
Minerva entered Hogwarts, and immediately went to her chambers and collapsed. How could Harry have fallen down two flights of stairs and did not die was a miracle. Minerva lay down on the bed, suddenly feeling very tired.
