A Mother's Heart

[Rikki]

A/N: Hey, folks. I've already posted this one on ff.net but since they seem to have slight problems with email alerts at the moment here it is again. Hope you like it.


A Mother's Heart

Minerva sat in her chambers, trying to read a book. The summer holidays had just started, and her husband of more than 40 years, Albus Dumbledore, had finally been able to return from his exile. But even though the rumble from their leaving students had died down hours ago, Minerva just wasn’t able to concentrate on her book. It was actually one of her favourites but still…

Her thoughts kept wandering back to Harry who had seemed so downright unhappy when he had left. And it was more than understandable. He had just lost the last connection to his parents. Though he hadn’t known Sirius for long he had been very close to him. And Sirius had cared very much for the boy. And now? Did Harry have an adult he could turn to when he was in need of help? Minerva didn’t know. The Dursleys were out of the question, of course, but there wasn’t really anyone else. Before the recent events Harry would have probably turned to Albus but after what had happened during the last school year he didn’t seem to trust him that much anymore.

Minerva sighed. She desperately wanted the boy to be happy. He had already gone through so much.

“What’s wrong, darling?” Albus had heard her sigh and looked up from his papers he was working on. “It’s certainly not the book, is it?” he observed.

His wife shook her head.
“No, I was just thinking.” She smiled at him weakly and tried to return to her book. Albus frowned a bit. He had known her for far too long to let her get away with that. So he rose from his chair and went over to her, kneeling in front of her and putting his hands on her knees.

“My dear, what is it? Surely you can tell me?” He smiled at her encouragingly.

Minerva sighed again and laid the book on the coffee table. It wouldn’t do to try and keep Albus in the dark. He always knew if something was bothering her so she could as well tell him.

“I was thinking about Harry, love. He looked so lonely and desperate when he left the castle.” She covered his hand with hers and squeezed it lightly. Albus nodded. He had noticed that the boy hadn’t looked too well but it was only understandable after what he had gone through.

“But you can’t help him at the moment. It will be best for him to stay with his family. And I’m sure Molly and Arthur will make him stay for some time too.” Albus tried to get up but hadn’t counted on the resistance his wife held.

“Albus, after all what happened last year you can’t just leave him with that horrible family. You know they make him suffer. You have known all along. I should never have let you go through with your plan of leaving him there. We could have taken him in instead.” Minerva stood and began pacing the room.

[Rikki]

“Minerva, please. We’ve already discussed this several times. And at that time we agreed that it was best for him to stay with Lilly’s sister.” Albus tried to remain calm and in control of the situation, knowing the temper of his wife.

“But why now? They won’t help him cope with his grief over Sirius. They won’t understand. They will just make him more miserable.” She turned to face him, and he could see tears in her beautiful green eyes.

Quickly Albus went to her and took her in his arms, holding her close and whispering comforting words. He thought about the situation. Sure it wouldn’t hurt to let Minerva check on Harry. Her fears would be calmed and Harry would know that they cared. And he did care for the boy. In fact Harry meant more to him than anybody, except perhaps Minerva, realized.

Albus led her to the sofa and helped her sit down. He still held her close, wanting her to take comfort from his presence.
“Minerva, love, why don’t you just go and see Harry tomorrow? Let him know we’re there for him whenever he needs somebody to talk to.” Lovingly he wiped away Minerva’s tears and kissed her lightly. She nodded slowly.

“Yes, that would be nice…” she smiled. “But couldn’t we just…” her voice trailed of as if she was afraid to ask. And indeed she wasn’t sure how Albus would react to her request. She wasn’t even sure if Harry would like the idea but she had to ask Albus first.

“What, love?” Albus searched her eyes for a hint.

Minerva took a deep breath. She had thought about that quite a lot and had come to the conclusion that it might be the best solution.
“Couldn’t we jut let Harry stay with us over summer? I mean not at Grimmauld place even though I know it would be the safest place for him with all the wards and so on… But perhaps my family home. Or your summer house. I think Harry has already enough on his plate to deal with – without his aunt and uncle treating him badly.” She looked at him so pleadingly he had to smile. He knew that she had already made up her mind but that his opinion was important to her.

[Rikki]

Albus looked at his fingers. Of course he knew that Harry was hardly treated like human being by his relatives but he wasn’t sure the boy would want to be with his teachers all summer. But it might be worth a try. Merlin knew that he wanted to help Harry cope with everything.
“Darling, it’s up to Harry. You should ask him, and whatever you decide is fine by me.” He kissed her gently to assure her, and when he pulled back he saw one of those radiant smiles he loved so much in his wife.

“Thank you, love.” Minerva threw her arms around his neck, happy that he had agreed. But she also knew that it was partly because he still felt guilty for not being able to be there for her after she had been hit by the stunners.

Albus took out his watch and noticed that it was already past midnight. He yawned involuntarily.

“I think we should go to bed. Tomorrow will be a long day.” He held out his hand for her and together they went to the bedroom. Cuddling up against each other they both fell asleep immediately.


Harry had just come back with his uncle. It was very unusual for Vernon Dursley to take his nephew with him for a shopping trip but his son Dudley hadn’t felt up to it, and he had needed someone to help him carry the heavy boxes. So Harry had been taken to the store instead. When Vernon drove up the drive way of number 4 Privet Drive he saw a cat sitting on the stone pillar. Harry saw the cat and thought that it looked oddly familiar but he wasn’t quite sure about that.

Vernon stopped the car, got out and opened the trunk of the car in order to unload all the boxes containing the computer stuff he had bought for Dudley. When he glanced at the pillar the cat was still there, looking at him intently.
“Shoo!” Vernon stomped his foot in order to make it go away but the cat didn’t move. In fact it didn’t even flinch, just gave him a very annoyed look. Suddenly Harry realized who that was. He smiled at the cat.

[Rikki]

“Hello, professor,” he said, smiling for the first time in days.

Vernon looked at him in utter bewilderment.
“What do you mean by that, boy? I’m sure even at your school you’re not taught by animals.”

“Well…” Harry didn’t have to reply because in that moment Petunia had opened the front door, the cat jumped off the pillar and ran inside. Petunia gave a little scream and looked after the cat. Harry just grinned and followed the cat while Vernon heaved the box out of the trunk and brought it inside. When he entered his living room he saw Harry being hugged tightly by a strange woman in wizard’s robes while the cat was nowhere to be seen.

“Who are you? And what are you doing in my house?” Vernon demanded to know.

Harry untangled himself from Minerva’s arms and turned to his uncle.
“Uncle Vernon, I’d like you to meet Professor McGonagall, the deputy headmistress of Hogwarts, head of Gryffindor house and my transfiguration teacher.” Harry grinned because his uncle was obviously really uncomfortable under Minerva’s stern look.

“Good day, Mr Dursley.” Minerva offered him her hand but didn’t expect him to shake it. And he didn’t.

“That didn’t answer my question of what you are doing in my house.” Vernon said icily. He didn’t want one of THEM in his house.

Minerva cleared her throat. She hadn’t expected a warm welcome but surely she hadn’t thought of something that… cold. And it wasn’t only towards her; she could sense that Harry encountered the same resentment in his relatives.

“I wanted to make sure Harry is alright,” she answered, holding Vernon’s gaze.

“Well, are you convinced now?” he barked at her, before leaving the room. Even though he wouldn’t admit it he was a bit afraid of the witch. After all SHE was allowed to use magic, and he was sure she would.

[Rikki]

Harry motioned for Minerva to follow him to his room where they would be undisturbed by the Dursleys. Not that they would dare to come near Minerva but he wanted to make sure they wouldn’t throw funny looks at her.

Minerva took a look around before she sat down on his bed. She smiled at him.
“So, how are you, Harry?” she asked.

Harry looked at her, then went to the window and looked out. He sighed.
“I’m fine, thanks.” He turned around but didn’t look at her. She stood and walked over to him, putting her arm around his shoulder.

“Harry, you don’t have to be brave all the time. I know that you miss Sirius terribly,” she said softly. When she felt Harry tense at her words she pulled him into another embrace which made him tense even further at first but then he relaxed in her arms and started to sob. He had never been embraced like that in his life, and it felt good. So Minerva just held him while he cried out his grief over his godfather.

When his sobs finally died down he pulled away from Minerva, slightly embarrassed by his display of emotions.
“I’m sorry, professor,” he said.

“No need to be sorry, dear. Everyone needs to cry once in a while.” She pulled out a handkerchief and handed it over to Harry.

“So… have you heard anything of Mr Weasley and Miss Granger?” Minerva asked casually, sitting down again. She didn’t want to interfere with any plans Harry might have with his fellow Gryffindors so she thought it best to ask first.

“No, nothing.” Harry looked crestfallen. Of course he hadn’t expected them to write immediately but they hadn’t answered any of his owls yet.

“Would you…” Minerva started but didn’t know how to continue.

[Rikki]

Harry looked at her expectantly. It wasn’t like professor McGonagall to be at a loss of words like now so it had to be something.

“Harry, would you like to spend the holidays with Professor Dumbledore and me?” she asked. “Not at Grimmauld Place, of course, but in my family home.”

Harry couldn’t believe what he had just heard. Professor McGonagall invited him to her home. That was indeed something. Now it was Harry’s turn to be left speechless.

“Well…” he started but Minerva interrupted him.
“You don’t have to if you don’t want to. We just thought you might like to get away from your… relatives,” she said with a sideward glance towards the door.

Harry shook his head.
“I would love to leave this place but I don’t need your pity. I can cope alone,” Harry said proudly. He didn’t want to be pitied. He had had that all his life. And he was sick of it.

“Harry, we don’t pity you. We care for you.” Minerva simply said. She didn’t know whether she could do anything to convince Harry. It was so difficult for him to trust adults, and his relationship with Albus was slightly damaged after the last school year. But Minerva hoped that he would trust her enough to open up a bit. And to believe her.

“But…” Again Harry was speechless. He had never seen stern professor McGonagall so open about her feelings. Sure he had known she liked him but he had never thought…

“It’s true, Harry. I love you.” She stood and walked over to him.

[Rikki]

There she stood in front of him. She had laid her emotions open to him. Now it was up to him what to do. Harry felt kind of helpless but immensely moved by her revelation. So perhaps he wasn’t alone after all. He felt tears dwell up in his eyes again but this time he wasn’t ashamed. He had wanted to hear those words from someone so badly for so long… And now, finally…

Harry stepped closer to Minerva and hugged her tentatively. She smiled and pulled him closer, closing her eyes as she did so. So the boy hadn’t lost his trust in her after all. Everything would be alright now. She would make sure of that.

“Thanks, professor.” Harry whispered against her hair. He knew that it couldn’t have been easy for her to convince Dumbledore to let her come, and he appreciated it. And perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to spend the summer holidays with his two professors.

“Nothing to thank for, Harry,” she smiled. “Oh, and of course Mr Weasley and Miss Granger can come too if they want.” She felt him tighten his grip on her in reward.

When Harry finally released her from that bear hug he had a huge smile on his face.

“I would love to come, Professor.”

“I think you should call me Minerva if we are to spend our holidays together. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at 10 o’clock.” She opened his bedroom door only to find Dudley in front of it. He gave a squeal when he saw her and ran in his room, shutting the door tight.

Harry snorted. Minerva just gave him a stern look but couldn’t help but smile herself.

“See you tomorrow then, pro… Minerva.” He wasn’t sure what to do but leaned forward slightly and kissed her on the cheek.

“See you tomorrow, Harry.” She gave his arm a light squeeze and turned into her animagus form to reach the apparation point.

Later that evening Minerva and Albus lay in bed, snuggled up against each other while Minerva told him about her day. She told him about her brief encounter with Mr Dursley and the talk with Harry.

Albus seemed pleased that the boy had agreed to stay with them for the summer holidays. He kissed his wife lightly on the temple and pulled her closer.
“You really love him, do you?” he asked.

She nodded.

[Rikki]

“Just as you do.” She raised her head to look at him with a wicked grin on her face. Though Albus had never said anything like it she knew he felt that way for the boy. It had always been that way, ever since James and Lilly had been killed. But he had never dared to show it, perhaps because he feared for Harry’s safety, perhaps because he didn’t want to be blamed to favour him.

Albus smiled at his wife. She was too clever to be outsmarted, he should have known it.
“Yes, I admit it.” Brushing his lips over hers he settled more comfortably into the pillows.

“Oh, and I’ve already sent out owls to Miss Granger’s parents and to Molly and Arthur. I told Harry that his friends could come too. I guessed it would be way too boring for him with us alone,” she chuckled.

Albus groaned. He knew the kids were good at heart but they would turn everything upside down, just like they did here at school. But then again he always liked to have young people around, and it wouldn’t be boring for him and Minerva either after all.

[Kassandra]

I didn't read this on ffnet which is fine since I never review there. I liked seeing a nurturing Minerva. I always felt she was squishy soft on the inside.

[Rikki]

Thanks, I totally agree there. So since most guys on ff.net wanted me to go on, I think there'll be more chapters coming up.

Hugs, Rikki

[Isabelle]

I love to see the mother in Minerva come out once in a while. Great job! I look forward to the rest!

Liz

[Orion's Guard]

This is very sweet. I'd like to see everyone at Minerva's home

[Karlynne]

I think you should go on. I would like to see where you take it. Karlie

[Nerweniel]

I shall threaten you until that next chapter is posted ;D, I shall take that private helicopter which I bought at H&M, and- *out of imagination world* ... ahem, great story, I love the softy!Minerva side, please write more soon!

Love,

Lies

[griseldalafey]

“What do you mean by that, boy? I’m sure even at your school you’re not taught by animals.”

Wonderful line, very Dursley. I loved this story a lot and I hope you'll continue it

[Rikki]

Hey folks, so here is part II. Enjoy. ;D

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The next morning Minerva woke up very early. It wasn’t unusual for her but today she was even up before sunrise. When she left the bed Albus turned in his sleep, looking at her groggily.
“Min, come back to bed. We have another 5 hours before you have to go and pick up Harry.” He extended his hand to her but she just tucked him in again, kissed him on the forehead and went to the bathroom.

She was way too excited. Truth be told she didn’t really know why that was but she guessed because she had always dreamt of that day. Today she would pick up Harry from the Dursleys and he would spend the rest of the holidays with her and Albus.

Smiling happily she brushed her hair till it shone and decided to leave it down for once. At the moment she wasn’t Harry’s teacher after all. And she wanted him to feel welcome and loved. Minerva thought back of the day when Hagrid had brought the tiny baby Harry from the ruins of his parents’ house and Albus had placed the infant in the care of his relatives. It was so long ago, and yet Minerva felt the agony of leaving the child with the Muggles as if it had been yesterday. She closed her eyes quickly, trying to fight back the tears. If she had only fought more for Harry, to keep him with her. But no, she had trusted Albus as usual. Certainly, the boy had been safe with the Dursleys but he had led a miserable life. His relatives despised him. Nobody deserved that, especially not a child.

Since Minerva hadn’t been able to have children she had always considered the students as her children. But with Harry it had been different. She didn’t exactly know why but in a way Minerva had always been afraid he would reject her if he knew about her true feelings for him. And of course she didn’t want to favour him over his fellow students. It had been hard for her, especially when she had to punish him but she had always suffered with him.

So she had never let her feelings for Harry show. Of course Albus had always suspected that there was something but she had never talked about it. But after seeing him so miserable at the end of the last term she couldn’t help but finally let him know.

[Rikki]

And she was glad he hadn’t rejected her or her feelings but turned to her. She had always known that the boy craved for love but … her own fears had kept her from letting him know that there was someone who cared for him very deeply.

Snapping back into reality Minerva quickly dressed herself and went to the kitchens to fetch some breakfast. It was only 6 in the morning but she needed a cup of tea now.

When she came back Albus was up too.

“Why didn’t you go back to sleep, darling?” she asked after kissing him good morning. He pulled her closer, kissing her again.

“Because the bed seemed cold and empty without you, my dear,” he told her, patting the small of her back before going to the bathroom to get dressed. She smiled after him… Even though they had been married for so long now they were so much in love, just like at the beginning of their relationship.

Two hours later Minerva was going over her belongings again. She didn’t want to leave anything here she would need over the holidays, and even though she always had the possibility of getting it she wanted to spend as much time as possible with Harry. Of course Miss Granger and Mr Weasley would be there as well but Minerva hoped that she would get the opportunity to get to know Harry better. She wanted to know what he was thinking about, his feelings, his dreams, and his fears. The talk yesterday had been a good start; he hadn’t pushed her away so perhaps there was a chance for them. Minerva dearly hoped that Harry would let her that close to him.

Albus sat in his favourite chair and watched her, slightly amused. It was very unusual for his wife to be that nervous about something but he understood. It was extremely important to her that Harry would feel comfortable around them… Plus she still had some of her work for school to do.

“Darling, why don’t you just sit down and try to relax? I’ll get you a nice cup of your favourite herbal tea.” Albus took her hand and led her over to the sofa, pushing her down gently. She smiled at him gratefully. She knew it was silly to be that nervous but she just couldn’t help it.

[Rikki]

“Thank you, Albus.” She took the cup from his hands carefully.

“I know you want everything to be perfect. But I’m sure Harry won’t expect you to be perfect. I think he just wants you to be human…” Albus looked at her from his twinkling blue eyes. The boy didn’t need perfection right now; he needed comfort and understanding, someone who cared for him.

Minerva nodded.
“Right.”

A couple of minutes later Albus pulled out his watch and checked it.
“Well, I think we can leave now and pick him up. I don’t want you to leave traces in our carpet,” he said chuckling. Minerva had finished her tea and begun pacing again. She looked at him guiltily but not for long.

Harry had packed all of his belongings in his trunk. He wasn’t sure how he was supposed to go to Minerva’s home but in the owl she had sent him earlier this morning she had stated that they would pick him up. ‘They’ probably meant that Dumbledore would be with her. Harry wasn’t sure how he felt about the headmaster at the moment. He had always admired the old wizard for his wisdom and kindness but the last school year had shown him another picture of the man. Of course he understood his reasons but nonetheless he couldn’t quite forget the feeling of loneliness he had always had during the last year.

“So how are you leaving? On your broomstick?” Vernon smirked when he took a look at Harry’s large trunk. Harry just rolled his eyes. He didn’t want to admit that he had no idea but luckily he was spared to come up with something. The doorbell rang.

Petunia opened the door and hopped backwards when she saw Albus and Minerva standing in front of her.
“Good morning. I hope we’re not too early.” Albus said merrily before stepping into the house. They wore both muggle clothes, not wanting to attract any attention.

“He’s upstairs.” Petunia retreated back further into her house, just pointing to the staircase. Albus took in her demeanour slightly amused.

[Rikki]

“Thank you.” Minerva nodded and together they ascended upstairs. It took them only seconds to locate Harry’s bedroom. Vernon looked at them with a nasty smile on his face.

“Have a nice holiday with the boy. You can have him…” he said before going downstairs, without a word of goodbye to Harry.

Harry looked at Albus and Minerva with mixed feelings. Though he was glad he would leave Privet Drive in a couple of minutes he wasn’t sure what to expect.

“Hello, Harry.” Minerva said, taking him into her arms. He hesitated a moment before returning the embrace.

“Hello, professor.” He smiled at her.

“Harry, what did I tell you yesterday?”

“Sorry… Minerva. I think it might take some time to get used to that.” He stepped back from her and took Dumbledore’s hand.

“Hello Harry. I’m glad you accepted our invitation.” Albus held Harry’s hand between both of his.

“Thank you, professor. It’s very kind of you to take me in for the holidays,” Harry said politely. Albus flinched a bit by his formal tone but he thought they might have to talk about the events of last year.

“Well, you can call me Albus whenever we’re in private.”

Harry gaped at him. That was certainly a new quality in his headmaster. All the time he had known Albus Dumbledore the old man had shown a certain care for him but kept him at arms length.

In the meantime Minerva had taken care of Harry’s luggage. It had been shrunk and placed in the pockets of her jacket. She gave Albus a nod and he took out a phoenix feather whispered some well-chosen words, changing it into a port key.

“Do you want to say good bye to your aunt and uncle?” Albus asked. Harry shook his head. They would know that he was gone, and they would be happy about it.

“No… Albus.” Harry gave him a small grin and looked around for his trunk.

“All taken care of, dear,” said Minerva who had followed his gaze.

“Well, then I think it’s time to leave. Touch the feather, please.” Albus whispered the incantation that would activate the port key, and in an instant Harry felt the familiar tug behind the navel. Everything around him disappeared in a blur.

When the world came into focus again they were standing in front of a beautiful manor surrounded by vast grounds. In the distant Harry could see a forest.

[Rikki]

“Wow. It’s beautiful here.” Harry looked at Minerva. She smiled at him and put an arm around his shoulder.

“I’m glad you like it. This is where I grew up. My family has lived here for over 200 years.” She looked around the grounds proudly.

“Shall we go in then? I guess Harry would like to unpack and go off to explore the grounds before lunch.” Albus chuckled, knowing the curiosity of his student. Harry grinned at him. The upcoming holidays didn’t look so unhappy anymore, and with Ron and Hermione he would have fun here.

“Right.” Minerva led the way up the front stairs and opened the door. The entrance hall was dominated by the family crest which was displayed on the wall opposite the door. To the left of the crest was a huge staircase leading to the upper floors.

Minerva let Harry have a look around the hall before ascending the stairs, showing him to his room.
“So this is your bedroom. It used to belong to my little brother.” Minerva smiled fondly at the memory of her brother. Ulysses had died during the war with Grindelwald. He had fought bravely at her side but that one day… She hadn’t been able to save him from a fatal curse.

“Thanks… Minerva,” Harry said, hesitating a little. It was strange to call his professor by her first name… The usual so stern professor McGonagall. Some of the Slytherins called her ‘ice queen’ but Harry had always sensed that there was more to her; more than she showed to the outside.

Minerva smiled and kissed him on the cheek.
“When you have unpacked I’ll give you a tour through the house. Just come downstairs and turn left. The kitchen is at the end of the hallway...” She sniffed lightly. “Or just follow the scent of cocoa… I see that Albus was in need of something sweet.” She grinned and went to the door, taking another look at the boy inside the room before she left.

Harry couldn’t help but smile at the behaviour of his two professors. It seemed they were determined to give him the best holidays ever. But that wasn’t all. He couldn’t quite put his finger on what it was but there seemed to be something different in their behaviour towards each other.

[Rikki]

While he unpacked he pondered about this new development. The thought that Minerva McGonagall actually cared for him that deeply had scared him a bit at first but now that he was slowly getting used to the idea it seemed … well, great. He couldn’t find another word for it. That was what he had always dreamt of. But still… There was some kind of … feminine side to her now that he didn’t know. And the interactions with Dumbledore… Perhaps Hermione would be able to figure it out. She was usually very good at stuff like that. Well, she was actually good at everything but anyway…

It didn’t take Harry long to unpack his trunk. When he was done he went downstairs looking for the kitchen. He grinned. Minerva had been right; there was a distinct smell of cocoa in the air. So he just followed the scent.

The kitchen door was slightly ajar. Harry could hear that both Albus and Minerva were inside though they were not talking. He pushed the door open and… stopped dead in his track, his jar dropping. Minerva McGonagall sat on Dumbledore’s lap and they were … kissing.

[Kassandra]

Just what every teen boy wants to walk in on. I would pay money to have seen the look on his face.

[Nerweniel]

Ah well, nothing is worse than walking in on your teachers kissing (remember Mary McGregor ;D). Great chapter, I *demand* more soon :-p.

Love,

Lies

[Rikki]

You *demand*? That's interesting, young lady. But I'll try to update soon.

Love, Rikki

[KayleeTonksLupin]

yes, well, I too *demand* more soon. *Or else*. LOL. Lovely story!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[QuillofMinerva]

Well....that is certainly a cliff hanger, you must have been taking lessons from me and Lies!

I am so glad you have decided to continue this story

[Kamdra]

This is great. I like how Harry was beginning to think there was something different about those two.

[Inappropriate Goat]

I feel bad for poor harry... Minerva must be very embarrassed.

MM

[Nerweniel]

Rikki said:

You *demand*? That's interesting, young lady. But I'll try to update soon.

Love, Rikki

Of course I demand ... honestly do I look like someone who asks ... but do update soon *grin*.

Love,

Lies

[Karlynne]

I'd be hard put to say who will have the redder face. Thanks for updating.