November 1982

"Min? Are you alright?" Elphinstone looked at his new wife with concern. She hadn't eaten much of her breakfast and she had been sleeping more than usual.

"Yes, just a bit tired that's all. And I haven't had much of an appetite lately."

"Let's get you up to see Poppy today. Just to be safe," he smiled.

They walked arm in arm up to the castle. Minerva thought he was making too much of a fuss, but she allowed him to escort her nevertheless.

They reached the hospital wing and Poppy swiftly performed a few simple test spells. They were in a private room away from the students of course. Minerva would never want anyone to see her being examined for illness.

Suddenly she saw the matron smile broadly.

"Why are you smiling," Minerva asked.

"Minerva, it seems you are with child, my dear."

"I beg your pardon? That's not possible! I- I'm too old!"

"Well, it is rare, but there are women who have children in their late forties."

"Bu- but?"

"Lay back, Minerva and lift your robes up."

Poppy examined her which was most uncomfortable and awkward for Minerva. Her mind was racing with thoughts and emotions. Then, the nurse examined her belly. "Ah see, there is a bit of roundness. I would say you are about two months along."

Minerva didn't say anything. She was still in shock and disbelief. Poppy let Elphinstone into the room and told him the news. He walked over to his wife and hugged her and kissed her cheek.

"Oh, what splendid news! My darling this is just wonderful!"

"Is it?" She began to tear up.

"How could it not be? We are going to have a baby!"

Poppy left the exam room to give them a moment alone.

"Elphie, I don't think I can be a mother. I'm not cut out for it."

"What on earth do you mean?! You have spent your whole life around children."

"As a teacher, yes, but not as a mother, not with babies or very young children."

"You are wonderful with your nieces and nephews."

Minerva sighed.

"Let's get you home, darling. You need rest and time to to let this news sink in. Soon you will be overjoyed, I promise."

Minerva awoke early the next morning after a long sleep. It was Monday and she had to get up to the castle for her lessons. Elphinstone was already out of bed probably cooking breakfast, she thought. She got up and began to get dressed. Once she took her nightgown off, she studied her stomach in the mirror before her. There was a slight swell. How could she not have noticed before? She dressed warmly and then went into the kitchen.

"Good morning," she said.

"Morning, dear." He smiled at her and sat her down at the table, putting a plate of toast before her. "I didn't cook eggs because I have heard that they can make pregnant women feel nauseous."

"Hmm," she replied. She still was not used to being referred to as pregnant. She took a few bites of her toast, but she wasn't very hungry. "I should go. I'm running a bit late." She stood up and began to gather her things for the day.

"Shall I walk to the castle with you?"

"No, no, Elphie. I am perfectly capable of going alone." She smiled at him and kissed him goodbye. He placed his hands on her cheeks.

"You're glowing."