Present:

Harry and Minerva returned from their short walk on Hogwarts' grounds. On their way back to Minerva's quarters they had stopped to get some pain relieving potion from Madame Pomfrey. As always, Minerva hated the fuss which was made about her health and Harry had to suppress the urge to grin.

Madame Pomfrey was a good old friend thought and was not to be intimidated easily. In the end, they had agreed that Minerva would rest in her quarters and Harry would make sure that she took all the necessary medication.

Back in her quarters, Minerva agreed to go to bed for a rest which showed Harry how exhausting this day had been for her so far. He gave her the potions and tugged her in – smiling at her willingness to be pampered by her godson.

'Sleep well. I will be around.' He gave her a shy kiss on the cheek and left the bedroom.

He watched the photos on the mantelpiece once more and then used the time to have a look at another memory in Minerva's office.

Memory XXI:

Harry saw himself with Ron and Hermione in the courtyard.

'Go ask her, Harry' Ron said to him and Hermione pushed him forward to Professor McGonagall.

'Sorry, Professor?'

'Yes, Mr Potter?'

'My uncle and aunt have forgotten to sign the paper. Maybe you can make an exception?'

'I am sorry, Mr Potter but the rules are very clear. You will not be allowed to Hogsmeade if your parents or guardians have not signed the paper.'

She looked at him almost pitiful.

'But they do not know anything about Hogsmeade or our rules so they have not signed it. Maybe you could do it?' Harry was asking her pleadingly now.

'I cannot do this, Mr Potter. And I am really sorry but this is my last word in this matter. I am sure Mr Weasley and Miss Granger will enlighten you with their stories later on.'

Her voice was wavering a bit and in his anger and frustration back then Harry had not realised that her eyes started glistening.

He saw himself nodding in defeat and turn around to leave his Head of House staring after him – a sad look on her face.

Minerva McGonagall headed to Professor Dumbledore's office with the whole package of signed papers in her hand. She was not paying attention to anyone on her way and immediately entered the headmaster's office.

Frustrated she threw the papers on his desk.

'Merlin, sometimes I hate my job, Albus!'

'What is it, Minerva?' he eyed her suspiciously.

'These awful muggles have not signed Harry's permission for Hogsmeade so I just had to tell him off. You should have seen the disappointment in his eyes. He was even asking me to sign his papers! And he could not even know I was exactly the right person who would be able to grant him this permission.'

A tear made it down her face now.

'I hate to deny him this pleasure. Everybody else will have a great day in Hogsmeade while Harry has to stay here. This is so unfair.'

Professor Dumbledore put an arm around her shoulder.

'I am sorry, Tabby. I have a suggestion though – why don't you check with Remus whether he could help Harry in the meantime and show him how to deal with the dementors? I have a feeling he will need help in this matter and it would be a good distraction.'

Minerva sniffed 'Yeah, sure. I will go and talk to Remus.' She was almost out of the door when Dumbledore addressed her softly.

'Minerva, don't forget he will be safe her – now that Sirius is out of Azkaban.'

She nodded and left.

Present:

Harry felt sorry for his godmother. Just out of despair he had asked her to sign the papers herself. He could not have known how sad this had made her since theoretically, she had been able to sign the paper as his godmother. Poor Minerva! Harry sighed and stared out of the window.

He got up and quickly checked on her. She was still sleeping so he silently went into her office again to pick a second memory.

Memory XXII:

A young Professor Dumbledore hesitantly entered a hospital room.

'Albus, come in!' both Minerva and David were welcoming him with a smile.

Minerva was in bed and looked completely exhausted but also tremendously happy. Her eyes were shining. She had a newborn baby in her arms and looked at it affectionately. Her husband tenderly stroked her damp hair out of her face and gave her a soft kiss.

Albus sat down carefully on the other side of the bed. He watched this little beautiful baby girl with amazement.

'Well done, Minerva.' He smiled at his friend. 'Congratulations to both of you!'

'Thank you' they said in unison. Both looked like the happiest persons in the universe.

Professor Dumbledore shyly stroked the baby's head. 'May you always be well protected, little angel. You have chosen great parents.'

Minerva started crying at that, her hormones having the better of her anyway.

'Well, uncle Albus, I am glad you could meet little Claire on the day she was born. Do you want to hold her?'

Dumbledore looked nervously at the baby. David was laughing.

'I know how you feel. I was scared to take her, too. She looks so tiny that you don't want to break her.'

Minerva was shaking her head. 'Ts. The great Albus Dumbledore is afraid to hold a baby? Are you kidding me?' she looked amused at her friends' hesitance.

'Well, if you are sure you trust me to take her…?'

Minerva just smiled and tenderly placed the little baby into his arms. He watched the little baby in awe and had tears of joy in his eyes when he returned little Claire to her mother.

'Thank you. She is as beautiful as her mother.' He grinned at Minerva's husband 'No offence, David!'

Then he got up reluctantly. 'Well, I leave you three alone again. I guess you are very sore and tired, Minerva. Relax and take good care of that little one!' He kissed Minerva's head as well as the baby's and patted David's shoulder before he left the happy family.

Present:

Harry had tears in his eyes. What a bittersweet memory. This must have been the happiest day in Minerva's life but then her happiness ended way too soon and in such a brutal way.

He brushed his tears away and went to the bedroom. Minerva was still asleep so he carefully lay down on the bed and cuddled up to her. He tenderly stroked her hair and pulled the blanket back up to keep her warm. Minerva let out a content sigh and slowly opened her eyes. She felt Harry's warm body behind her and smiled.

'I could get used to your care-taking, Harry. This is much better then waking up to a grumpy nurse at hospital.'

He had to giggle. 'I am sure you were the only grumpy person around there!'

She was slapping his hand. 'Hey!'

He got up – still laughing. 'Come on, you don't want to tell me that you were nice to these poor nurses once you were out of the woods? I don't buy that.'

Minerva gave him an offended expression and tried to get up as well. Harry immediately jumped in to help her.

'Shouldn't you take it easy?'

'Yes, and I will. But it is much nicer to sit on the sofa. Do you want to have a tea with me?'

'I would love to.'

Harry helped Minerva to get comfortable on the sofa and got them fresh tea and a few cookies. Then he sat next to her and snuggled into her body. She tenderly put an arm around him.

'I have seen your memory of the day Claire was born.' Harry told her quietly.

A sad shadow went over Minerva's face and she pulled him tighter.

'She was perfect and the most amazing gift. I wish she could have stayed with me for much longer. I still miss her every day!'

Harry had to swallow hard.

'I am so very sorry, Minerva.' His voice was quiet and tender. 'I also miss my parents every day although I have not really had the chance to get to know them.'

She kissed his head. 'Well, let's just be there for each other from now on. Maybe that helps us to cope with our losses' she whispered and stared into the fire.

'Sounds good to me' Harry mumbled into her shoulder.

They were silent for a while – each of them deeply in thought but also very content to just be with each other. The firewood was cracking soothingly and the flames threw changing images onto the wall while it was getting dark outside.

'Should we have dinner in the Great Hall or do you prefer to stay in your quarters' Harry interrupted their silence.

'Actually, I would prefer to stay here with you but I think I should at least make the effort and greet my colleagues. They have all been so sweet and sent me flowers, cards and get-well wishes constantly. So, it would be great if you come down with me and make sure I arrive there safely.' Minerva made a grimace and got up as gracefully as she could make it.

Harry gave her the cane and stayed close to her in case she needed any support.

In the Great Hall Minerva was greeted warmly by everyone – even Snape seemed to be relieved and glad to have her back. His godmother approached the staff table but grabbed him to come along with her as well.

Some of her colleagues were giving them questioning looks so she was quick to explain.

'Young Mr Potter here has been very supportive lately. I would love to have him by my side tonight if you don't mind. I owe him a thank you.'

With that she made him sit between her and Professor Dumbledore whose eyes were twinkling with amusement.

'Good evening, Mr Potter. Don't be shy on this table – help yourself!'

Harry nodded and concentrated on his plate while his teachers were having a light conversation. At one point, he could feel Minerva's hand patting his leg reassuringly. He would make it through this dinner for her – no matter how odd it felt.

Author's note:

Thanks for the very nice and inspiring reviews guys! I am still having fun with this story and I hope you enjoy it, too…