(A/N: This is dedicated to all mothers, both biological and foster. This is also for all those who have life taken from them too soon. Those who you watch out for love you. Teachers, counselors, mothers, aunts, grandmothers. You are more valuable to them than you can ever imagine. Happy Mother's Day.)
Minerva walked tentatively into her second period class. She had seen many of her 5th year cubs whispering among themselves, and many along with the Golden Trio had been shooting furtive looks up at her, and then smiling. It had been slightly creepy just how much they had smiled at her.
Minerva strode up to the front of the class, and hid her apprehension as she said,
"Now, today we will be focusing on Transfiguring one inanimate object into another. Yes, Miss Granger?" Hermione had raised her hand and said,
"Professor, what is it we are meant to be Transfiguring things into?" Minerva said,
"Whatever you want." There were a few murmurings among the students, and Minerva was once again reminded of her unease with the class's strange behavior. Minerva waved her had and said; "Now off you go." She went to her desk and began correcting essays from her 7th year classes.
Class was almost half way over when a single daisy flower floated onto her desk. Minerva looked up, and found that the entire class was standing at her desk, smiling. Hermione Granger, who was directly in front of her desk, said with a smile,
"Happy Mother's Day Professor McGonagall." Minerva smiled, and felt a few strange pricks in the back of her eyes. As the students filed past her desk, they all presented her with some small gift. Some gave her flowers, some beautiful cards. Ron walked past and blushed as he dropped a great big package of catnip on her desk. When they had all finished, Minerva got up saw with a start that the entire classroom was starting to look very blurry. She quickly wiped at her eyes as she said,
"Thank you, my Gryffindors. This—"Minerva cleared her throat, as found it suddenly very hard to talk. It felt like she had a chicken egg caught in her throat. She wiped at her eyes again, and continued speaking, "Thank you very much. This means very much to me. There will be no homework tonight. Class is dismissed." Everyone except for Hermione left. Hermione walked up to her favorite teacher, and gave her a strong hug. Minerva was momentarily stunned; but gave Hermione a light hug in return. Both had tears in their eyes, although Minerva's face was already a little wet. Hermione asked concernedly,
"Professor? Are you okay?" Minerva sniffed, and said,
"My daughter died a few years back." Hermione put a hand to her mouth and whispered,
"I'm sorry Professor." Minerva just nodded, and another shimmering tear fell from her eyes. Hermione gave her another hug, and quietly gathered her things and left. Minerva sat down in her desk, and waved her wand, causing the door to close and lock. She pulled her knees up to her chest in her chair, and laid her head on her knees. She cried for a while, and was barely aware that the bell had wrung dismissing class. Thankfully, the next period was her open class. Slowly, her tears and wracking sobs subsided into her staring with empty eyes at her wooden desk. A knock at her door brought her back. She quickly performed a Drying Spell on her robes and eyes as she opened the door. No matter how well she hid it, Albus still knew that something was wrong. He walked in, and immediately gathered Minerva in his arms. He whispered into her hair,
"Minnie? What happened?" Minerva said in a quiet voice,
"My students… they were so kind." Albus saw the pile of gifts on her desk, and immediately surmised that Mother's Day had brought back painful memories. He himself started crying silently as he remembered their daughter. He sat down, and pulled Minerva onto his lap. She cried into his shoulder, and he silently let his own tears fall onto her head. He whispered in a hoarse voice,
"Minnie, it's okay. Amelia had a good life. She loved both of us very much. Sh… it's okay." Minerva kept her head on his shoulder even after she had stopped crying. He held her, and silently prayed to whatever god there was that this was another step toward healing on both their parts.
