Minerva donned her traveling cloak the next morning she needed to see Alan in person. But when she stepped into the auror headquarters inside the ministry of Magic, it was to be greeted by Percy Weasley.
"Hello Minerva." he greeted her his little weasel smile spreading across his feathers. He was the only Weasley she could say actually suited the name.
"I believe that is still Headmistress McGonagall to you Mr. Weasley, unless of course you believe you have done something to earn the use of my first name?" this had him taking a step back and fury crossed his face. If there was anything that Percy hated it was being reminded that he was not someones equal.
"I am no longer your student." he hissed in a rush of anger.
"No, " she answered "A pity, I would give you detention for your lack of respect to a Lady." again she watched as his cheeks turned an even deeper unbecoming shade of red before he snapped.
"What can I do for you, Headmistress McGonagall ?" there was just enough emphasis on the last words to make it clear there was no respect behind them, but Minerva ignored it instead answering.
"I'm here to see Alan Murphy, is he in today?" she offered her voice neutral.
"What could you possibly want with our head of internal affairs?" came the half shocked answer. "You can't just come in here and demand to see him, he is a busy man."
"Perhaps, Mr. Weasley you should let him decide for himself exactly how busy he is. Go pass my message along. I will wait." She had known that treating him as an errand boy would only serve to anger him more but she did sort of realish the purple look his face turned at her suggestion.
"He is not in today." Percy practically seethed. "He is attending an event. A very upscale one, if you must know, at the Chambers residence." he watched with pleasure as Minerva arched an eyebrow.
"Of forgive me." Percy mocked "Were you not invited ?" he sneered "I would have thought for sure that a Lady such as yourself would have been." Whatever he was attempting however just made Minerva smirk and answer mildly.
"Oh I am sure I am invited." she chuckled "I was more wondering what you were still doing here." she tilted her head "Since it's such an important event." She hadn't known until that moment that people could turn that colour of purple.
"I well.." he stammered trying to puff himself up in his self importance, "I WAS, I am, it's just I see, SOMEONE has to work!" he exclaimed.
"That is true, and I am sure you are doing your very best to protect all citizens of the public," she answered her voice mild. "Do have a good day Percy." and she turned on her heal to leave. Very aware that if a look could curse you she would be a dead woman.
Minerva hurried back home and dressed for a formal event. She prayed she was in the right outfit but she was sure that the suit jacket, tie and dress pants she put on would carry her through whatever event it was that was happening. It was just formal enough to be formal and with a few minor adjustments she could make it feel much more relaxed. Reaching up she let her hair down around her shoulders letting the dark locks fall to soft waves. The final touch before she slipped through the floo calling out the Chambers residence.
She was surprised when she appeared in the massive ballroom, the Chambers House was larger than Malfoy Manor by far, and it could easily sustain the number of guests in attendance which seemed to be all of the wealthy wizarding society plus those like Percy who were social climbers. Minerva usually avoided events like this, simply because she fit into neither of those categories. That said, there was the rare time when she was forced to attend one for the sake of fundraising for Hogwarts, or other personal matters, like this one. Almost immediately a young house elf popped in dressed in a purple gown that came down to her knee.
"Welcome to Chambers House, you is Headmistress McGonagall, you is?" the little elf questioned and when Minerva nodded the little elf brightened.
"Oh Minny is pleased to meet you Miss she is! Minny heard when Miss took over Hogwarts." she squeeked. "Does Mistress wish to be introduced to Master and Mistress Chambers?" Minny inquired but MInerva shook her head.
"No Minny there is no need to trouble them. I will not be here long." She watched the elf pout at that." Did you happen to see Alan Murphy come in?" at that the elf giggled before answering.
"Mr. Murphy with Mistress and Master he is, he is! Come, Minny do her duty and present you to Master and Mistress and maybe Headmistress stay and enjoy party. Mistress spent the last two days planning with Minny, she did, she did! Minny bring you a drink!" somehow Minerva got the sense that saying no to the little happy bobbing ears wasn't going to happen so she laughed.
"Alright Minny." she allowed her hand to be taken and dragged across the ballroom floor into one of the many side rooms that attached to it. The space had been designed for 18th century England and had room after room that came off the main dancing space to facilitate things like card games for the gentlemen and sitting rooms for the ladies. Now it was not quite so separate but the spaces functioned as overflow rooms for those wishing to get away from the crowd and it was here that Minny dragged Minerva.
"Come come Mistress and Master this way." but Minerva had already spotted them. No one could mistake Lady Chambers. She was beautiful and well known for that beauty. Her long red hair was down in a wave that pulled to curls at the bottom, falling like a curtain to the lower part of her back nearly reaching her waistline. The dark green dress she was wearing made the colour of her hair stand out even more, in contrast to the pale flawlessness of her skin. The Dress trailed to the floor, well tailored and obviously expensive in a way that suited her perfectly. She was laughing as she spoke with someone, her small movements indicating her interest in the conversation but she was facing away from them towards the fireplace. Minarva didn't have to see her face to know what expression it held. A radiant smile that made each person near her feel as if they were the center of the universe.
Minny tugged Minerva's hand again and she was aware that she had paused but she followed easily along after Minny.
"The Ministry could really use some tidying up I would say." Minerva walked in on the conversation already happening. The speaker was the man with a smile and an arm wrapped around the waist of Lady Chambers. "Elizabeth actually had some good ideas on the subject, didn't you darling." he turned speaking to the woman. Minerva knew who he was too, Lord Chambers was a notable figure at all charitable events. He had money and spent it generously. Hogwarts received a more than sizable donation from him each year since he graduated. Despite his wealth he worked as an Auror alongside Percy Weasley which only seemed to add a roguish charm to his already refined demenier and dark haired handsome good looks. Before he had married Elizabeth he had been perhaps the most sought after bachelor in wizarding society. Even now there were ladies present who couldn't help but hang on his every word.
If Elizabeth noticed she didn't seem to mind because her attention had turned to focus solely on the woman walking toward the group. The suit she wore was tailored perfectly hugging her subtle curves while outlining the elegant line of her body and she moved with an easy confidence that seemed almost accidental. "Minerva?" she managed in surprise her name tinged with her very proper Queen's English accent. Her husband interrupted her with a grin.
"Oh, Minerva!" he echoed brightly, "I didn't know you could make it today. We are so excited you are here!" There was a warmth to his tone that others responded to easily and his eyes danced with amusement "I thought you would be containing our newest batch of young minds." he chuckled "But I have to say I'm glad you are here. It's been a while since we have seen you."
"It's good to see you too Malcolm." Minerva turned and smiled to his wife "And you Elizabeth. I know it's been a while since I have attended one of your parties." in fact, she could think of exactly the last one she had attended. "Sadly, I can't stay long, not today." she smiled and sipped the glass of champagne that had somehow appeared in her hand curtsey of Minny. "I noticed you have a new house elf though, Minny."
"Yes, we do." Malcolm nodded "She is one of Elizabeth's foundlings. Poor thing was thrown out of her last home with nowhere to go. Elizabeth treated her injuries and we took her in."
"Speaking of treating wounds are you still working at Saint Mungo's Elizabeth?" Alan asked conversationally his own arm wrapping easily around his wife when she came back to join them from somewhere else in the room. Elizabeth nodded her head to that.
"Yes, but only part time now." she offered a smile one long fingered hand on her champagne glass. "There is so much to oversee with the hall and.." Malcolm interrupted her.
"And we are trying to have a baby." He grinned to the crowd squeezing Elizabeth's side tighter to him, she gave a tight lipped smile in return and looked at the floor, which made Alan laugh.
"You old dog.." he reached out slapping Malcolm's shoulder good naturedly "Look you went and embarrassed your lovely wife.." he grinned and turned down to his own bride who he still thought could rival even Elizabeth's beauty "What do you think shall we have another now that Rebecca is out of the house most of the year?" his eyes danced with amusement even as he dodged the playful slap from Catherine.
"No, thank you we just got our freedom back." she laughed but turned to Elizabeth "But congratulations to you both, I'm so excited for you. I hope it happens soon. Children are really the most wonderful thing, especially when they are Minerva's challenge for 10 months of the year."
Minerva offered a smile in return one that didn't touch her eyes "Oh, they are not such a bother as you all make them out to be." She chuckled "Babies I am sure really are the most wonderful thing." she relaxed her hand on the wine glass and then turned to Alan. "Alan could I have a word with you in private please?" she turned back to Catherine, "Assuming Catherine says it's alright. I wouldn't want to get you slapped again." that made Catherine laugh and nod her head as she untangled herself from her husband's arm.
"Go ahead." she laughed and smiled to MInerva "But you will come for dinner soon won't you Minerva? It's been a while since I have seen you." this had Minerva nodding her head and leaning over to give Catherine a friendly peck on the cheek
"Of course, I would like nothing more. Send me an owl with the time and date and I will make sure I am free." Catherine nodded in return and allowed MInerva to slip away from the crowd to a quiet place after giving Elizabeth and Malcolm a nod.
"What's up?" Alan asked when they were parted from the crowd looking MInerva over head to toe in concern. "If you grip that glass any tighter you are going to ruin your nice suit." He sipped from his own glass of champagne as he made his point.
Minerva made an effort to rela her fingers again, he was right she was going to break the glass soon. So she sighed. "This came for Hermione yesterday. I tried to drop it off at your office but your personal watchdog Percy Weasley told me you were here." she handed him the letter and waited while he scanned the contents tossing back the rest of her Champagne in the silence.
"Shit.." he managed and folded the letter carefully putting it in his coat. "Minerva, look i'm sorry I'm working as fast as I can to get her someone." he let the sentence trail off "This is the only one?"
"That and the howler yes." she answered and Alan sighed scraping a hand through his short hair.
"I'll get on it ok, see if we can at least trace this one." Minerva nodded her head.
"I know you are working on it. I know you are trying your best. I am just worried." the woman answered with a sigh and another look towards Catherine and the people she was still talking too, Elizabeth and Malcolm still seemed lost in the conversation offering good natured smiles to Catherine as she spoke. Alan nodded his head to her and then reached out to hug her.
"You are a good woman Minerva Mcgonagall. I hope you know that." he spoke.
"I'm not a particularly good person Alan." she turned back to look at her friend. "Just one who wants to protect someone." she set the empty wine glass down, "Besides, you are the one doing all the work." she chuckled. "I have to head back to the school though." which made Alan nod.
"Of course, take care and tell Rebecca her Mum and Dad say hi." that made Minerva smile.
"I will." she promised before heading back to the floo and heading back to Hogwarts.
Alan joined the group again just as Malcolm was slipping away from his wife to use the restroom. Slipping his arm back around Catherine he smiled to Elizabeth as she gave him a quizzical expression and asked "Where did Minerva head off to?" Alan answered with a shrug.
"Back to Hogwarts, she said she couldn't stay long, school business I assume." he answered before turning to Catherine again "I made her promise she would say hi to Becca for us." earning him a smile from his wife. Elizabeth nodded her head seeming to accept that and they continued chatting for another few minutes before suddenly she put a hand to her head.
"Forgive me." she managed softly "I am suddenly feeling very lightheaded. I think I need out of this room for a moment. Would you tell Malcolm when he returns that I slipped off for a moment?" She asked him. Alan and Catherine both frowned and nodded looking worried.
"Can we get you something?" Catherine asked "Water perhaps?"
"No no, " Elizabeth answered "It's just the party." she smiled brightly again. "I will be more than fine." which earned a concerned nod from both.
"Well alright." Alan answered "Feel better." She nodded her head and slipped away, the flash of green silk Disappearing in the crowd. A few minutes later Malcolm returned and looked around for his wife.
"Where did Elizabeth head off too?" he asked Alan when he couldn't find her in the immediate crowd.
"She wasn't feeling well" Catherine said softly "Said she was going to lie down." this made Malcolm frown.
"Not feeling well?" he stated and turned looking behind him "Ah, that hospital gives her the worst germs. This is why I want her to quit before we have a baby. I will go and check on her soon." he raised his glass to his lips again. "Thanks for looking after her." he turned back to the two again smiling an easy smile.
"Our pleasure." Alan nodded before he chuckled to Catherine. "You know Catherine I seem to remember you feeling a little light headed with our first.." he trailed off suggestingly budging his wife's side.
"Oh stop!" his wife answered but both of them grinned in unison of the possibility to Malcolm.
Before he could get too swept away with his wife Alan seemed to remember the contents of his pocket. "Tell me Malcolm, do you know if Mr. Potter has arrived yet?