Disclaimer: I own nothing, It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.
Rescued
Chapter 11
Knock Knock
Minerva stood up to answer the door.
"Albus!" Minerva was pleasantly surprised.
"I'm here to escort you to dinner my dear." Albus said offering his arm.
A smile graced Minerva's lips.
"Let me just say goodbye to Harry, he's having dinner with Laleh."
She hurried across the room and round the corner out of sight.
"Harry dear, I'm going down to the Great Hall for dinner. You will be alright with Laleh won't you?"
Harry tried to answer but his mouth was full of mash potato so Laleh answered instead.
"Laleh make sure Mister Harry Potter be eating lots Missus Professor."
"Thank you Laleh and remember any problems come and get me straight away."
"Yes Missus Professor." Laleh bowed.
"Harry, if you are not too tired, I'll come and get you after dinner and we can introduce you to the rest of the Hogwarts staff."
"Wi Agri be dere?" Harry asked spluttering carrots across the table.
"Harry, what have we said about speaking with your mouth full?" Minerva frowned.
Harry swallowed his food, fighting a blush. Minerva ruffled his hair and continued,
"No I don't think so. Hagrid doesn't usually attend staff meetings but we can stop by his hut tomorrow if you like?"
"Can we?" Harry immediately perked up.
"Yes of course. I know I promised to give you a tour of Hogwarts today but there just wasn't any time. Tomorrow I have no lessons after lunch so we have all afternoon to wander about."
"Can Uncle Albus come too?"
"He's a busy man Harry but I'm sure he would like to come. Why don't you ask him this evening?"
"Alright." Harry nodded.
"Good, so I'll be back to pick you up after dinner."
Minerva kissed Harry's forehead and whispered,
"See you soon. Be good."
Then she headed back to the door where Albus was waiting. She took his arm and they made their way down to the Great Hall.
"Judging by the grin gracing your lovely face I would have to conclude that everything went well at the Ministry."
If possible Minerva smiled even wider and Albus noticed she blushed faintly at his compliment.
"He's mine Albus! He's mine!"
Minerva done a very un-Minerva-like thing and skipped down the stairs.
"Everything is signed, stamped and sealed. No-one can take him away now, not ever!"
Albus chuckled at her enthusiasm.
"That's wonderful news my dear." He answered patting her hand resting on his arm. "I believe this is cause for a celebration."
"A celebration? Don't be so daft Albus. There is no need for that."
"Ah but there is my dear, it's not everyday one becomes legal guardian of Harry Potter."
"True, however, nobody knows that I am but I was hoping to talk to you about that."
"Yes?" Albus turned to face her.
"I thought I might introduce Harry at the staff meeting tonight." Minerva looked up at him to regard his expression.
Albus face broke into a smile. He patted her hand to reassure her.
"Minerva that's a brilliant idea."
"It is, isn't it?" Minerva teased.
She tried her very best to stifle a giggle whilst making her way past the Ravenclaw table to her seat at the Head Table. The students eyed her curiously, word of the young boy had gotten out. Even the staff was intrigued by the rumours. The tapestries, portraits and ghosts were all gossiping about them. The few that had managed to catch a glimpse of Harry had spread word that it was her long lost son. In some cases that story had evolved to long lost husband.
"They have the same black hair and he wears glasses and has his mothers green eyes!"
Esmeralda's proclamation that his name was Harry had spread like wildfire.
"Henry."
"Herbie."
"Harold."
"Barry."
But Minerva had been cooped up in her rooms all afternoon with little Harry so she had heard none of the chitchat. Her grip on Albus arm tightened and her smile became somewhat forced.
"Albus, why are they all staring?" she asked out the side of her mouth, nodding good evening to the students.
"They are mesmerized by your stunning beauty my dear." Albus answered, greeting the students as they walked passed.
"Albus!" Minerva frowned.
"I believe I mentioned yesterday that word has got out, so naturally the whole of Hogwarts knows."
Minerva gasped and sat down in her seat.
"How could they all know? Of course they may speculate but they can't all have facts."
"You are right of course my dear. I think you have managed to keep them all in the dark. No-one actually knows who your mystery man is."
Filius Flitwick overheard the last of Albus' sentence.
"So it's true? You do have a mystery man. Oh Minerva, who would have thought it?" the little man squeaked excitedly.
All conversation at the Head Table ceased as the staff turned to Minerva.
"I do not wish to be the subject of idle gossip. I'm surprised at you Filius! Why, if we all listened to the tales of Hogwarts you would be a simple shepherd from France, shrunken from a curse gone awry, given exceptional talents in charms with links to subversive goblin groups. Severus would really be a vampire in a wig, though that is debatable, and - "
The newly appointed Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Maja Lynley, decided to butt in,
" - and you and the Headmaster would be secretly married thus being able to prove Professor Marchbanks right."
Minerva was mortified. She wasn't sure what the best course of action was.
Deny, deny, DENY! Or laugh? Or cry? Run out of here and never turn back? Or hex that good for nothing, squeamishly young, potion sniffing, flobberworm related busybody, into the beginning of next year!
But of course Rolanda just couldn't resist rubbing it in even further. Suppressing her laughter she asked in a sweet and innocent voice,
"Proving Professor Marchbanks right, Maja?"
"'Did things with a wand I'd never seen before.'" The young and unconventional DADA professor answered in a high-pitched voice resembling Marchbanks.
Laughter erupted from the Head Table. All the students turned to see their Headmaster flushing a bright red fuchsia. Their Transfiguration Professor looking like she had swallowed a lemon. Their Flying Instructor rolling on the floor laughing her bum off. Their medi-witch with one arm clutching her side and the other wiping tears from her eyes. Their Charms Professor momentarily perplexed then toppling off his chair to join Hooch. Their Potions Professor, if possible, turning a whiter shade of pale. Their Herbology Professor thumping the table and clutching her throat, turning a strange shade of blue. The rest of the staff in different states of shock, some blinking, some sitting stock-still, others gulping for air and a few jaws dropped here and there. The only one who didn't seemed fazed by the whole ordeal was a certain Professor Lynley.
"Headmaster, could you pass the butter please?"
Albus blinked several times then quickly stammered,
"Wh-wha- the-the butter? Certainly Maja…um…here you go."
Maja reached over and took the butter thanking Albus. She continued as if nothing had happened.
"So there is no mystery man then?"
Poppy interrupted.
"Only one ma - " she never completed her sentence out loud, Minerva shot Poppy a death glare. - n in Minerva's life and he is no mystery
"Did old…googly eyed…Griselda really…say that Maja?" Rolanda choked between laughs.
"What I'd like to know is how on Earth Griselda would know anything about your wand, eh Albus." Professor Edgar Kettleburn said winking at Albus and nudging Professor Victoria Vector in the ribs.
Albus silently cursed the outspoken DADA professor who had gotten him into this terribly awkward and embarrassing situation.
Thank Merlin the job is cursed so at least she'll be gone by next year. Fudge covered flobberworms! What am I thinking? Miss Lynley is a magnificent DADA teacher and I wish her all the best of luck. Anyhow if I have managed to put up with Rolanda Hooch for all these years…
Minerva cleared her throat loudly, signalling to everyone at in the Great Hall that the conversation was over. Shooting one last glare for good measure she turned to Albus and asked,
"So Albus, how was your day teaching?"
Rolanda, who had finally sat back down, teased,
"Why yes Headmaster, were you able to handle the delightful terrors we so sweetly call our pupils?"
"Terrors? They are complete dunderheads!" Severus muttered.
"Severus!" Minerva chastised. "You would do well to remember that you were once in their position, not so long ago!"
"Yes Minerva and it has been a great many years since you were!" He retorted.
"Severus! I went to school with Minerva, surely you are not implying that I'm old?!" Edgar Kettleburn rebuked crossing his arms, daring him to say otherwise.
"Why Edgar I assure you, I'm not implying anything." Severus smirked.
"Severus! That's enough!" Albus scolded then trying to lighten the mood added, "If Edgar is old, I dread to think what I am!"
Poppy was highly frustrated at this point, she was one month older than Minerva and by no means was she going to let that greasy haired snuffle head get away with his comments.
"Old? OLD? I'll have you know we are not even classed as middle-aged witches and wizards yet! So Severus unless you want to wake up and find your hair has been washed and your nostrils superglued to your buttocks I would suggest you keep your mundane remarks to yourself!"
Severus' eyes narrowed and his jaw clenched.
"Is that a threat Madam Pomfrey?"
"Why Severus I assure you that is no threat it is a fact!" Poppy answered coolly.
"Enough!" Albus said once again but this time leaving no room for arguments.
The hall went quiet and everybody returned to his or her meal. When finished Albus rose and offered his arm to Minerva, which she gratefully took. At a reasonable distance the rest of the teachers rose and headed for the staff room. Minerva bid goodbye to Albus at the marble staircase and they each went off in different directions.
"Long John Silver."
Esmeralda swung open and Minerva was momentarily blinded by had tuft of jet-black hair.
"It's good to see you too Harry." She said returning the hug. "I take it your not too tired to meet everyone."
Laleh came bustling round the corner and bowed to Minerva.
"How was my favourite boy Laleh? Good I hope."
"Oh yes Missus Professor. Mister Harry Potter be eating all his dinner. Laleh be giving Mister Harry Potter his potion like Missus Medi-witch be saying. We be only just finishing Missus Professor."
"Good, thank you Laleh."
Minerva looked down at Harry, who hung comfortably on her hip,
"Would you like to meet the other professors Harry?"
She peered at him over her glasses and could see the enthusiasm in his green eyes but she also detected caution and maybe even worry.
"We don't have to if you don't want to Harry. You know I would never make you do something you didn't want to."
"Laleh made me eat my peas when I didn't want to!"
Minerva chuckled and realized she hadn't quite phrased herself correctly.
"I would never make you do something you didn't want to but if I felt it was in your best interests I would certainly hope you listened to me."
Minerva tapped his nose waiting patiently for an answer.
"Are they nice? Will they like me? Because I am a good boy, aren't I?"
"Oh Harry! What's gotten into you? Of course they'll like you, how could they not? You are the most handsome, well-behaved, polite and intelligent boy I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. I love you Harry and if anyone says otherwise you come and tell me!"
She hugged him tighter and together they made their way to the staff meeting. The halls of Hogwarts were empty, all the pupils safely tucked in their dorms. The only other movement were the portraits whispering and following the two occupants through the corridors. Harry stared back, managing a wave and a smile for a few of them but for the most part he snuggled close to his Aunt Min as she carried him.
"Albus, just yesterday morning I was viciously attacked by a gang of giant bubble burping toads! Granted the bubble-burping charm was expertly executed and the transfiguration would have made Minerva proud, however, we still must find the culprit!"
Albus squirmed nervously in his seat.
"I heard Filch groaning about ruthless waterbomb attacks. Though if it were up to me I would give the offender a pat on the back!" Victoria Vector chimed in followed by cheers.
He then sat a little straighter.
"And why in the world are all the suits of armour, located on the second floor, muttering sayings such as 'Ahoy, me hearty!' and 'Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum!'? One even suggested as I walked passed that I should 'Shiver his timbers!'"
"Oh Pompom! What a hoot! What did you do?" Rolanda asked laughing and slapping an unhappy Severus on the leg.
"Well I told him that under no uncertain terms would that ever happen!" a rumpled Pomona Sprout answered causing all the females in the room to burst into a fit of giggles.
"Oh you naughty Veela you!" Rolanda howled with laughter causing Severus to change places, not wanting to sit next to the deranged flying instructor.
"Ladies please." Albus asked trying to restore order to the meeting. "If we could all just calm ourselves long enough to get on with today's items of business."
"Shouldn't we wait for Minerva?" Filius asked.
"Or does she have some unfinished business with the…Ministry to attend?" Severus smirked.
"Severus Snape that is enough! Kindly get your mind out of Knockturn Alley and into this staff room you greasy dingbat!" Rolanda raged.
Albus intervened once again, before another fight could brake out.
"Severus," he said sternly, "Minerva should be along shortly. I was hoping to get business out of the way before she arrives."
A knock at the door silenced them all.
"Ah, I see I have no such luck." In a louder voice Albus called out. "Come in Minerva!"
The door creaked open and a grinning Transfiguration Professor stepped in with her hands behind her back. She looked around the long paneled staff room, taking in each face sitting in the mismatched, dark wooden chairs. She made eye contact with Albus and for the longest of moments not a word was spoken. Only Albus, Poppy and Rolanda knew what was going on and they were not about to spoil the moment.
Harry was hiding behind his Aunt Min, clinging tightly to her emerald green robes. Not much could be seen from his angle. He spotted a large wardrobe to his right. Upon further inspection he noticed that it was rattling. Panicking he dived even deeper into Minerva's robes.
The others noticed the strange shuffling noise coming from behind Minerva and they all shifted to get a better look.
"Harry dear, why don't you come out and say hello?" Minerva spoke softly.
Reluctantly Harry peeped out from behind his Aunt Min and the others managed to catch a quick glimpse of a head of dark hair with glasses before he disappeared.
"Sweet pansies Min! You never told me you had a son!" Pomona gasped.
Filius toppled off of the small pile of cushions he was sitting upon. Albus quickly bent down and helped him up. He then walked over to Minerva and bent down behind her. Several whispers were heard and muffled protests only to end with Albus retaking his seat with a small bundle in his arms. Eyes blinked at Albus then at Minerva, back and forth, this went on for quite a few moments. Severus was remarkably quiet.
"I think you better explain Minerva before people start to suffer from neck spasms."
Hearing Aunt Poppy's voice Harry looked up from his hiding place in Uncle Albus' beard and grinned.
"Aunt Pops!"
All eyes turned back to Albus, or rather the bundle that now reared its face. Poppy held out her arms and Harry scurried over to her. Poppy planted a big kiss on his forehead before Rolanda started to protest.
"And what about me - your favourite Aunt and the coolest witch in the world!?"
Harry twisted in Poppy's grasp trying to find his Aunt Ro. Ignoring the shocked expressions and looks of utter surprise he found his aunt and flung himself in her arms. Rolanda immediately began kissing and cuddling her nephew. When he wriggled to get away she tickled him making him giggle and squeal for mercy.
"Who's your favourite aunt, Harry?"
"Aunt Min!"
She continued to tickle him.
"Who's your favourite aunt, Harry?"
Between fits of laughter he answered mischievously,
"Aunt Poppy! Aunt Poppy is my favourite aunt!"
He begged for mercy as she found a particularly ticklish spot behind his knee.
"You are! You are!"
"What did you say Harry?"
"You're my favourite aunt, Aunt Rolo!" he giggled.
She relented with the tickles and kissed his forehead.
"And you're my favourite little boy Harry."
Harry quickly hopped out of her arms and into the security of Albus' lap. Turning to face his Aunt Rolo he cheekily said,
"Only joking. Aunt Min's my favourite!"
Minerva still stood in the spot by the door beaming with pride. Albus looked over to her, raised an eyebrow and grinned. He then leant down and whispered in Harry's ear theatrically,
"She's my favourite too."
The rest of the staff members sat there stunned. All jaws (including Severus') were dropped to the floor and eyes bulged out if their heads.
An amusing sight if ever I saw one Albus thought.
"Rennervate!" Rolanda joked.
Still no reaction. So Minerva cleared her throat and took her usual seat to the right of Albus.
"I see I have some explaining to do."
"You can say that again!" Maja managed to find her voice and air her opinion. "If the rumours were true about this little one then…"
She looked between Minerva and Albus, her unspoken question hung in the air. Everyone followed her gaze and Poppy and Rolanda took great joy in watching the two fidget and fight their blush.
"But Min…who…who's the father?" Pomona asked Minerva the question but she directed it to Albus.
"James Potter."
"WHAT!!!" all members of staff shouted, Poppy, Rolanda and Albus excluded.
"B-b-but Lily…how…Minerva!" Filius stuttered, he had always had a soft spot for Lily Potter.
"Lily Potter is Harry's mother." Minerva stated appalled that her colleagues could think her capable of dating a former student, let alone a much younger, happily married wizard of a dear friend.
"B-b-but that…that…that would mean…" Maja stammered.
All eyes turned to Harry once more, trying to catch a glimpse of his famous scar, evidence, proof. Severus' eyes darkened and he took on a look of total disgust.
Harry felt ever so uncomfortable with everyone gawking at him. He shifted uneasy so Albus instinctively tightened his hold on him. Minerva edged forward, coming closer to Harry. She rubbed his back reassuringly.
"Alright you lot! Stop staring! He's not a muggle artefact to be gaped at in one of those museum building thingies! Rolanda screeched, her voice ringing round the silent room.
Minerva smiled appreciatively and Rolanda nodded in return.
"But Minerva…why? I mean…um…what's he doing here?" Maja asked.
"Harry is going to be staying with me from now on."
"Minerva is Harry Potter's legal guardian." Albus explained, squeezing Minerva's hand encouragingly.
Rolanda and Poppy exchanged looks but nobody else seemed to notice, they were too busy trying to process the astonishing turn of events.
"May we ask why?" Pomona carefully asked.
Albus felt Harry tense and glanced at Minerva.
"Because I love him more than anything in the world." Minerva answered in such a tone the others realized now was not the time to ask.
It surprised them to hear Minerva talk of love and judging by her facial expression Harry meant an awful lot to her.
"Well let me be the first to congratulate you Minerva!" Edgar said and the others followed suit.
Severus made a quick getaway and Minerva couldn't help but feel relieved.
"Well go on then! Aren't you going to introduce yourselves?" Rolanda pestered.
"Of course, of course. Where are our manners?" Filius smiled at Harry and held out his hand. Harry shook it and Filius introduced himself. "Filius Flitwick. I teach charms here at Hogwarts. I expect good things from you Harry, your mother was exceptional."
Harry smiled shyly at the tiny professor. He liked him, he seemed nice and he knew his mother. That has to be a good thing, right?
Next to Filius sat Rolanda and beside her was an empty chair. Edgar was next up. He looked rough and tough and slightly intimidated Harry. When he held out his hand Harry couldn't help but notice he was missing a finger.
"Edgar Kettleburn."
"N-nice to meet you sir."
"Sir? Don't be daft Harry. Call him Eddie, I do!"
Edgar arched an eyebrow and turned to regard Rolanda.
"Oh Ed! Eddie, Edd, Ed. Leave the brow-raising-stares to Aunt Merv. She does them so much better than you."
"Aunt Merv?" Pomona chortled.
Minerva narrowed her eyes and retorded.
"I'm sure he needs an Aunt Pompom or would you rather Bobblehead?"
"Now, now, Minerva. There is no need for name calling." Albus chuckled.
"Bobblehead. I like it Min, well done!"
Everyone rolled their eyes at Rolanda's antics.
"My name is Pomona Sprout. It's a pleasure to meet you Harry."
Harry nodded, smiled, blushed and wriggled closer to his Uncle Albus.
"I spend most of my time in the greenhouses tending to my plants. You're very welcome to come and visit me whenever you want. I can always do with an extra pair of hands."
"That's very kind of you Pomona, we'll be sure to stop by tomorrow on our tour of the grounds."
"I look forward to it Minerva."
"I'm Maja, Maja Lynley. Ruddy great to meetcha Harry Potter! I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts but you most certainly won't have any trouble there!"
Harry had decided quite early on that he wasn't too keen on the young professor. She was far too outspoken for anyone's liking.
"Well then, looks like I'm the only one left." Victoria said.
Harry looked up to see a blond-haired, blue-eyed, very pretty witch.
"I'm Victoria Vector."
"Vicky the Viking!" Rolanda added.
"You're a Viking?" Harry asked astounded.
The adults chuckled at his curiosity and fascination.
"Not really."
"Of course you are Vics!"
"My father is Swedish so my ancestors were Vikings."
"There you go! That makes you a Viking in my book!" Rolanda exclaimed giving Harry a wink.
Before long Harry felt quite comfortable around the new adults. After a short while they all began to chat amongst themselves. Harry was still somewhat frightened of Edgar but with a little help from his Aunt Ro, he gathered up the courage to ask him how he lost his finger. It was a fascinating tale involving an erumpent and a shielding charm malfunctioning. By the end of the evening Harry was sitting on his Uncle Eddie's knee completely absorbed in all his thrilling adventures. Just as Uncle Eddie was about to tell about the time he encountered a kelpie Aunt Min caught Harry yawning and decided it was time to go.
"But I'm not…" Harry covered his mouth to hide a yawn. "…tired."
The adults stopped what they were doing to watch the scene unfold. It was such a different Minerva to the one they were used to seeing. Of course Poppy and Edgar recognized their Min from their days at Hogwarts. Filius, and Albus for that matter, identified their old student, the funny, light-hearted Minerva. Pomona and Rolanda being good friends with Minerva had been privileged to catch a rare glimpse of her every now and again. Albus was over the moon to have his Minerva back, the one he knew and loved. The others were left to draw their own conclusions. Speechless as to this new development they decided to just sit back and observe.
"Well you may not be but I know I am!"
Harry blinked sleepily.
"Why don't we head back to our rooms? You and Edgar can finish your story another time."
"Tomorrow?"
"Perhaps Harry."
They both said their goodnights (lots of hugs and kisses from Aunties Pops, Rolo and even a couple from Pompom.) and Albus offered to escort them back but Minerva told him it wasn't necessary. Picking Harry up she rounded the corner and was about to climb the marble staircase when Harry realized he hadn't asked Uncle Albus to come on the tour of Hogwarts with them. Minerva set him down and he raced back around the corner promising to be back in a second.
Where does he get his energy? Just a minute ago he was falling asleep in Edgar's arms. Albus better not have given him any more lemon drops!
"Uncle Albus! Uncle Albus!"
Harry was standing outside the staff room banging on the door; it was too heavy for him to open. He found the gargoyles unnerving but luckily before he had time to speculate the door burst open and a very worried Albus knelt down in front of him.
"What is it Harry? Is it Minerva? What happened? Where is she? Are you alright?"
"Minerva?" Harry scrunched his face up confused. "Aunt Min and me are fine."
"Then why are you shouting? Has something happened?"
"No, I just couldn't get the door open."
Albus laughed merrily and his eyes began to twinkle once again. He pulled Harry into a hug and heaved a big sigh of relief.
"Uncle Albus I just came back because Aunt Min is going to show me around the castle tomorrow and I'd like you to come."
How will I ever be able to deny you anything?
"Only if you can. You know, not too busy. I can always help you eat your sherbet lemons."
"No Harry, I'm not too busy. I'd love to join you and your Aunt Min. Thank you for asking."
Harry smiled, pleased that his Uncle would accompany them.
"Well I have to get back, Aunt Min told me to hurry. She's waiting for me at the stairs."
He hugged his Uncle Albus goodnight.
"Thanks Uncle Albus! See you tomorrow!"
Off he trotted to find his Aunt Min.
Climbing into bed wearing his red lion pyjamas (oddly enough he couldn't find his green snake ones) Minerva kissed him goodnight. His last thoughts before falling asleep were
She loves me! Aunt Min really loves me! She must do because she told EVERYONE! And Aunt Min would never lie…not to everyone! She loves me!
Mumma Min…
Min-Cat…