I own nothing but Cytheria of course. Enjoy!
Elfin Mother
CHAPTER 1: Mother Returns
Minerva sat in her office staring at a wall absently. Umbridge, the ministry appointed professor, was tormenting the students and staff. There was little to be done. The frustration was really starting to get to the brave lioness, and to her snake of a younger brother.
"Minerva," a voice grabbed her attention from the office door.
The her badger younger sister stood their with a luminescent twinkle in her azure eyes. She seemed more alive and younger...it meant only one thing.
"She's returned!?" Minerva asked rising from her seat.
"Yes," Snape nodded poking his head in the door. He too seemed happier and younger, though he hid his delight better.
"She's waiting for you in Albus' office," the mediwitch grinned, "We're off to tell the little lion wolf."
Minerva nodded and left her office running as fast as she could, a look of pure delight on her face. The students that saw her thought she mad. The staff that saw her where ecstatic. A favorite staff member had returned in the best time.
Minerva arrived at the headmaster's office, but stopped just at the door when she heard arguing.
"You cannot expect all the teachers to change their schedules just to accommodate a teacher that has been absent for five years," Umbridge's voice stated.
"If you had read the professorial agreement when you arrived Delores, You would know that the Heads of House will create free periods for all years. These free periods can be given up willingly by the children if they wish to add a course. It has been set that way for many years." Albus said his voice growing a hint of anger.
"A ridiculous notion. I will be watching this Professor Harris very closely."
"As you wish Professor, but do her the courtesy of tonight's respite to rest for her lessons tomorrow," Albus commanded.
"I will be speaking to Cornelius about this!" she shrilled and left the office nearly running into Minerva.
"Professor McGonagall why were you snooping about?" Delores glared straightening her skirts.
"I was not snooping. I was just about to knock on the door when you ran into me. Dumbledore asked to see me," she glared.
Umbridge huffed and descended the stairs, while Minerva entered Albus' office.
Albus sat with his head in his hands rubbing his temples.
"A-Albus...I..."
The headmaster raised his head and smiled rising from his seat.
"I thought you'd be here soon. Please, she's eagerly waiting for you upstairs." he smiled cupping Minerva's face as she passed.
Minerva hurried upstairs and through a door way into the headmaster's private quarters. A woman was curled up in a shawl on the couch reading.
"Mama!" Minerva cried out already feeling the effects of being closer to her mother. Her weariness and soreness of age seemed to evaporate.
The woman turned her head from her book and smiled.
Minerva ran over falling to her knees by the woman and rested her head in the woman's lap.
Professor Harris chuckled and kissed her daughter's head as she removed the pins of the bun, and let the onyx curls fall to the floor.
Minerva immediately felt herself relax as her mother's nails wove into her scalp, scratching.
"I shall never get tired of seeing the wonderful effect you have on my favorite staff members, Professor Harris," Albus smiled entering his quarters.
The woman merely smiled up at him as Minerva continued to rest on her mother's lap.
"I shall excuse some of our professors from supper for a meeting regarding the new classes to begin on Tuesday," Albus smiled.
Minerva stood beaming as she pulled her mother off the couch, "Thank you Albus!"
Albus nodded watching the happy child and her mother leave to gather the rest of their family for a private supper in their mother's quarters.
Albus loved when Professor Harris would return to her home. Hogwarts always felt happier and younger. As did its inhabitants.