AN: I know it's been a while but I managed to get out three chapters this time. As always, I hope you enjoy and thank you for continuing to read my story. Stay safe.
Also, this first one is a bit of a filler chapter, but I wanted to show most of everyone's reactions to Harry and Minerva's relationship.
Harry's Minerva
Chapter 19
After breakfast, Harry and Minerva were surprised by a visit from Poppy.
"You two can't even go on a short trip without running into trouble, can you?" the healer said as she ushered them to the infirmary room. It had been Winky's idea as she thought they needed a designated room to keep healing supplies and for Molly to teach Susan in.
Harry laughed at her words. "Well you know me Poppy. I have to keep you on your toes and all that."
Minerva shook her head at him fondly. "Please ignore him. We honestly didn't try to, but this one here always has to play the hero."
"Who me?" Harry said in mock-surprise. "It's not my fault our conversation was interrupted by a notorious group of creature torturers and their experimental captives. Besides, you were right there beside me in the fight. I didn't play the hero by myself."
"Really? I distinctly recall you inventing a way to destroy lethifold on the spot."
"Yeah well they hurt someone very important to me, so they deserved it," Harry muttered.
Minerva couldn't help but send him a tender smile at that and Poppy picked up on it. "Wait a minute, there's something different about you two." Her eyes lit up a second later. "You finally talked to each other, haven't you?"
"Yes, we talked and we're together," Minerva confirmed.
"Yep, I managed to convince her that I'm awesome," Harry joked, slinging his arm around her shoulders.
Minerva shook her head at him but left his arm where he put it. "That's not the way I remember it."
Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "Eh, details aren't important. The point is that I eventually convinced you to give us a chance."
"Only after you almost died," she countered.
"I'm pretty sure you would have given in earlier if we weren't interrupted," he challenged.
Minerva pretended to think about it for a moment. Then she wrapped her arm around his waist and pulled him closer. "Yes, I would have. You had very successfully shot down all of my excuses. Not that I was trying too hard by that point."
"Just being stubborn," Harry muttered, getting swatted on his chest by Minerva who heard his comment.
Poppy, who had been watching the entire exchange smiled at them. "However, it happened, I'm glad it did. Even after only a few days of admitting your feelings and being together, I can tell that you're much happier."
"We are," they replied simultaneously.
"Well, let me quickly check you over so I can get out of your hair." Once she was done, she declared them fine, just asking Harry to take it easy for the rest of the day. Then she gave both of them a hug, congratulating them again, and left.
- H.M. –
After he and Minerva talked to Dobby, Winky, and Kreacher, assuring them that they were just fine after his Greek adventure, Harry decided to go talk to Ron, Neville, and the twins. He wanted to get their honest opinion about his new relationship as well as spend some guy time together. They went into his study, spreading out in the seating area by the fire. Aurelia went to lay down in front of the fireplace, wanting to feel the warmth as she took a nap. Kreacher popped in and brought them some drinks and snacks.
"So, you and Professor McGonagall. How did that even happen?" Ron asked after he ate some the crisps provided.
"Honestly, it just happened. I mean I had a bit of a crush on her in third year, but it's not like I thought anything would come from it," Harry admitted.
"What changed?" Neville asked.
"The tournament." Harry ran a hand through his hair. "With most of the school against me, I spent a lot of time avoiding everyone. Since Minerva was training me, that meant I spent most of my time with her. I guess… I got to see her in a way I hadn't before. After that, it got harder and harder to ignore it. Everything she did for me during the summer and fifth year made me realize I wouldn't be able to ignore it at all. Eventually, and after a lot of encouragement, I finally decided to tell her, hoping for the best. For once, things worked out in my favor."
"Okay, I can see how you fell for her. But, and don't take offense to this mate, how did you get her to fall for you?" Ron asked.
Fred cut in before Harry could answer. "Don't you know he's the master at doing the impossible."
"Yeah, racing dragons, slaying evil werewolves, destroying lethifold, and getting amazing older women to fall in love with him is all in a day's work for our great leader," George exclaimed.
Harry shook his head at their antics. "I don't know about all that. Truth be told, I'm not really sure what she sees in me. I'm just glad she sees it and decided to give us a chance."
"Well, regardless of how it happened, it's good that you found someone who makes you happy," Neville said supportively. "Even though it's not a conventional relationship, it makes sense. You and Professor McGonagall are pretty unique in your own rights."
"I know we joke a lot, but we're also happy for you too," George said.
"Yeah. We knew it would take a strong woman to stand beside you with everything you deal with on a regular basis. I doubt you can find someone better than her to do that," Fred added.
"Thanks guys. It's good to know I can count on you." Then Harry turned to Ron. "What about you? Are you going to be okay with this?"
Ron nodded firmly. "It'll take me some time to get used to it, but yeah. As long as your happy, then I'm good." He smirked as he jokingly said, "Just don't tell me what you two do in private. She may be your girlfriend, but she's still Professor McGonagall to me."
Harry chuckled. "You don't have to worry about that mate. Minerva would kill me if I even though about it." Glad that everyone was supportive of his relationship, he changed the subject to something less serious. As they talked, Harry sat back and relaxed, realizing that despite everything he'd been through and everything he would face in the future, life was pretty good right now.
- H.M. –
Minerva meanwhile was chatting in the bottom floor sitting room with Molly and Andromeda over tea.
"Go ahead and ask your questions Andy," Minerva said after the room had been silent for long enough.
"You seem happier and more relaxed now," Andromeda noted.
"Harry does as well," Molly added.
"We are. It is easier now that we aren't hiding our feelings from each other," Minerva admitted.
"Who brought up the conversation?" Molly asked.
Andromeda looked at Minerva, realizing the answer immediately from the look on her face. "Harry did, didn't he?" When Minerva nodded, she let out a short laugh. "I guess my talk with him helped then."
"What talk?" Minerva asked.
"He came to talk to me the day before you three left, all stressed out and confused about how he was feeling and how the side effects from his encounter with Greyback were making him feel. I just gave him a few words of encouragement and advice on how to handle everything, basically telling him to just tell you how he feels."
Minerva nodded in understanding. "Then I think that, the advice we got from woman in the airport, and his good mood at getting Aurelia to come to us gave him the courage to talk to me."
"What woman at the airport?" Molly asked in confusion.
Minerva quickly went over their encounter in the airport shop, including the talk about the hoodie and how the woman gave them advice, thinking they were already a couple.
"Very wise words to live by," Andromeda acknowledged.
"Indeed, and hopefully something both of you will remember when it does eventually come out," Molly added.
"But don't worry, you'll both have the full backing of the Hoods to set the record straight when the time comes." Andromeda smirked at her next words. "After all, we have to support our Alpha and his mighty Lioness."
"Tell me, how long have you waited to say that one?" Minerva asked sarcastically.
Andromeda smiled unrepentantly. "Since we decided on the code names."
"And you wonder where Dora gets it from."
"No, I don't, but I can't let her know that." Andromeda and Minerva looked at each other for a few seconds before laughing.
Molly smiled at the two friends. "I can understand that. If the twins knew where they really get their mischievousness, they would never let me live it down."
"Yes, those two definitely need no extra encouragement," Minerva agreed as all three of them laughed at the thought.
"Well jokes aside, I am glad that you and Harry found each other. You both deserve to have someone who brings you such joy." Molly noted.
"Indeed. I haven't seen you so carefree… well ever really. Harry either," Andromeda observed.
"Thank you both for your support. I can speak for Harry when I say we truly appreciate it," Minerva replied humbly. It felt good to have friends that had their backs and accepted them for who they were.
- H.M. –
Harry was cornered by Hermione, Susan, Ginny, and Tonks after lunch. Luna had gone home for the day to spend time with her father. Without asking him, the witches dragged him to the library so they could ask (interrogate) him about how he and Minerva finally became a couple. Aurelia, who had been with him, followed along.
"Well, tell us the whole story and spare no details," Tonks urged as they sat down. She was practically bouncing in her seat.
"Give him a moment, Tonks," Hermione admonished, though she too was eager to hear the story.
Tonks ignored her. "I've been waiting a long time to hear this story."
"Alright, alright," Harry laughed as he stroked Aurelia's coat. "The conversation started right before the attack," he began, launching into a description of their conversation. "Then, before she could answer me, Jace and company arrived."
"That explains why you were angry enough to invent a Patronus strong enough to destroy lethifolds," Susan observed.
Harry let out short, dark laugh. "That's an understatement. First, they interrupted a very important conversation, then one of them tried to kill her. The wolf in me wanted to tear every single one of the lethifolds and their handlers apart."
He shook himself for a moment to clear his dark thoughts before continuing. "As I was falling down the waterfall and I got separated from Aurelia, I worried that I would never get to hear her answer. I mean, by that point I knew it, but I wanted to hear her say the words, you know." A small contented smile formed on his face. "But then, Aurelia found me, and I knew everything would be okay." He scratched his familiar behind her ears in thanks.
"So, when did she finally tell you?" Ginny prompted.
"After we got back to the tent. I was trying, and failing, to take my boots off while she went to run me a bath." Seeing the suggestive face Tonks made, he threw a balled-up piece of parchment he had in his hand at her before continuing. "When she came back in the room and saw me struggling, she did it for me and sat down beside me. Then she told me she loved me and wanted to be with me."
"What else happened?" Tonks asked when Harry had been silent for far too long in her opinion.
"What do you mean?" Harry asked innocently.
"Don't give me that. Did you kiss? Or more?"
"Tonks! That's none of your business!" Hermione exclaimed.
"Come on, you got to give me something. I've been trying to get you two together for forever," Tonks pleaded.
Harry rolled his eyes at her. "Yes, we kissed. But anything else is none of your business. Minerva would kill both of us if I said any more than that and you know it."
"Fine, fine. Don't tell me," Tonks mock-pouted. "But seriously, I'm so glad you're finally together."
"I am too," Hermione spoke up after sending Tonks a stern look. "I already told you earlier that I thought the two of you could be good for each other and watching your interactions has only confirmed that opinion. Plus, it's really nice to see you so happy for once."
"You've been through far too much, so I'm glad you finally get some long-overdue happiness," Susan remarked.
"I agree," Ginny added. When she saw the concerned look Harry gave her, she elaborated. "I know I used to have a crush on you, but after last year I came to a realization."
"What was it?" Harry asked.
"Don't take this the wrong way, but you're too old for me. At least mentally speaking. I knew that I couldn't be the kind of person you need by your side so I decided to be as good of a friend to you as I can instead. So yes, I'm really happy you have someone now."
"Thank you, all of you. I'll need likely your help when I mess up and need advice to fix it," Harry said sincerely.
"Don't worry Harry, you can always talk to me," Hermione assured him.
"Me too. Just because your together now doesn't mean you can't still come to me for advice," Tonks added.
Ginny and Susan also voiced their support too before Harry decided to ask them a question. "So, now that my love life is settled for now, what about you girls. Anyone you got your eye on?" He waggled his eyebrows dramatically.
Tonks blushed slightly, giving herself away. "Aha, so the looks I've been seeing you give a certain someone were not part of my imagination then."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Tonks denied.
"Really, but the two of you have been spending a lot of time together recently," Harry countered.
"We were best friends at school. It's been a while since we've seen each other regularly so we are just catching up," Tonks deflected.
Ginny's eyes sparked with understanding. "You're talking about Charlie, aren't you? I know for a fact that you two dated while you were in school."
"Which is why it won't work now," Tonks pointed out, not even asking how she figured it out. She was well aware of how observant Ginny could be. "We're better off as friends."
Harry's tone was kind, not wanting to pressure her. "Maybe that was true then, but now both of you are older and more mature. You've grown up and aren't the same people you were in school. You never know what might happen if you tried now."
Tonks knew he was right, but she was still hesitant. "You get yourself a girlfriend and now you're a relationship guru." Her tone was light to show she wasn't upset.
Harry shrugged. "I'm in the honeymoon phase where I want everyone around me to experience the joy that I am." He laughed with her before continuing. "Anyway, I'm just saying you should think about it."
Tonks nodded. "I will."
Harry clapped his hands before addressing the other three witches. "Anyone else want to share their feelings." At the deadpan looks he got, his expression morphed into a mock-pout. "Aw c'mon. I talked about mine, so it's only fair."
"Sorry Harry, but you'll have to figure it out yourself just like we did," Susan said.
"Please?"
"No Harry."
"So that means you do have your eyes on someone then."
"Get out."
- H.M. –
After Harry was kicked out of the room by the girls, he headed downstairs to the living room, Aurelia at his heels. Minerva was sitting down on the sofa when he got there, and she beckoned him over when she noticed him. He plopped down beside her and put his arm around her shoulder. Aurelia laid down in front of his feet, nuzzling her nose against Minerva's leg in greeting.
"How are you feeling?" she asked in concern, noticing that he was moving a bit stiffly.
"I'm alright, just a little tired," Harry assured her. "I probably just need to make sure I take a long hot shower tonight to loosen up my muscles."
"How did your friends take the news?" Minerva asked once she was sure he was alright. She absentmindedly reached down to stroke Aurelia's head, having grown almost as fond of her as Harry had. Especially since the little one had saved Harry's life.
"The girls already knew and were actively encouraging it, so they were happy for us. Ginny apparently got over her crush on me as she said she realized that I'm too old for her." Minerva laughed at him. "Yeah I guess I'm supposed to take that as a complement. As for the guys, they were shocked, but they support us too. According to Neville we are both unique people so it makes sense that we would be together. The twins see it as another example of me doing the impossible. And Ron, he's more confused about how I managed to convince you to fall for me. He's okay with us though, he's just going to need some time to get used to it."
"Well at least they support us. I thought they would since no one said anything at breakfast, but it's nice to get confirmation," Minerva noted. "Andromeda and Molly are happy for us as well, but they already knew about our feelings."
"I am as well, in case you wanted to know," Matthew interjected as he walked out of the kitchen. "A little surprised, but pleasantly so. Mind if I join you for a moment?"
"Go ahead," Minerva replied, gesturing for him to sit.
"Sometimes, I thought I'd never see you try another relationship Minerva. What changed?" Matthew asked curiously.
"This one right here did," Minerva said, putting her hand on Harry's thigh. "I thought I was done with that area of life, but he made me see differently."
"Well, I knew it would take an amazing wizard to earn your affections Minerva. And an amazing witch to earn yours Ace. Now I've been proven right on both counts," Matthew observed.
"Did you know before we told everyone?" Harry asked.
"I knew the two of you had a strong friendship, but I didn't realize it was that deep. Now that I look back though, I can see the signs," Matthew said. "You two look good together and seem to be very compatible. I wish you a long and fulfilling relationship."
"Thank you, Matthew," Minerva replied.
Matthew stood up, intending to give the couple some time alone. He said one more thing before he left. "Oh, and Ace, if you ever need any advice, you can talk to me. I know a little bit about relationships."
"Thanks, old man. I'll likely have to take you up on that," Harry replied.
When Matthew was gone, Harry stretched his arms tiredly and yawned. "You sound like you need a nap."
"I think I do. Everything's starting to catch up to me," he admitted.
"Lay down. You can take one right here. I'll just ask Winky to bring me a book to read while you get some rest."
He nodded and moved around until he was laying with his head in her lap. Minerva called for Winky once he was situated.
"How can I help you Mistress?" Winky asked when she popped in.
"Could you please bring me one of my books on my nightstand? It doesn't matter which one," Minerva answered, not even bothering to correct the elf as she knew it was her way of showing respect. Winky came back with the book and a blanket for Harry. Minerva thanked her and covered Harry up with it before settling back in the sofa with her book
"Mistress huh? I think I like the sound of that," Harry muttered sleepily.
Minerva rolled her eyes at him playfully. "Of course, you would." She ran the hand not holding her book through his hair. "Go to sleep. I'll be right here when you wake." Harry patted her thigh in response, drifting off a few minutes later.
- H.M. –
When the others got back from work, they made sure to properly congratulate the new couple. Hestia, Fleur, and Amelia had already suspected that it was going to happen, so they simply gave their support. Luna congratulated them too, mentioning that she knew it was a possibility due to her gift. Arthur and Charlie were a bit surprised with the son more shocked than the father. Both also expressed their support though, and Arthur offered his advice as a married man to Harry whenever he needed it. Andromeda and Molly also made sure to congratulate Harry personally before the group ate dinner.
When the meal was over, Harry and Minerva excused themselves early as both were ready for bed. Harry slowed down as they got closer to his room, trying to decide what to say. Noticing his hesitation, Minerva shook her head at him. "This is no different than when we were in the tent."
"This feels a bit more permanent though. We just got together two days ago," Harry pointed out. "I mean, should I ask you if you want to move your stuff in or is it too early for that. Or maybe you'd prefer if we moved into your room. Or maybe you want to keep your stuff in your room until we're more established in our relationship or…"
Minerva cut off his babbling by placing a finger on his lip. "Harry calm down. You're thinking too hard about all of this. For tonight, let's just sleep in your room and we'll worry about the specifics tomorrow."
Harry sighed in relief. "I can do that."
"Good, now I'll go take a shower in my room and come join you when I'm done. You need to do the same," Minerva said before walking away.
Shaking his head at himself, Harry went inside his room to do as she suggested. He noticed Aurelia laying down in her bed by the window as he made his way to the bathroom. He sighed once he was in the shower and the hot water poured down on his aching muscles. He stood under it for a few minutes, letting the heat relax his body before he started washing himself. Thanks to the potions Samena and Poppy had given him and Minerva's ministrations, he was feeling much better. Still, he went slower than normal as some of the stiffness and soreness still remained.
A pair of shorts were on the bathroom counter when he got out and he quickly threw them on and went out into the room. Minerva was waiting for him on the bed. When he saw the appreciative look that she was giving his naked chest, he smiled mischievously. "Is there something wrong?"
Minerva shook her head. "Nope, just admiring my boyfriend," she remarked, echoing his words from yesterday."
Harry laughed and headed for the closet to find a sleeveless shirt. His smile changed into a look of confusion when he saw the obviously feminine clothes lining the left wall.
"Umm Mina. I think our elves made the decision that we were just discussing for us," he called out.
"What do you mean?" Minerva asked as she got up and joined him. When she saw her clothes hung up neatly across from his, she understood. "Oh. Honestly, I really should have suspected that after Dobby told me the room I was staying in, is for the Mistress. Seems even your elves were trying to put us together."
"I can ask him to move them back if you want," he offered tentatively. He decided not to focus on the fact that his elves were apparently matchmakers too.
Minerva looked at him for a moment as she thought before shaking her head. "No, as long as you're fine with it, it's okay. It was bound to happen soon anyway. And there's no point in me having to keep going to the other room to get clothes if I'm sleeping in here."
Harry nodded in agreement before realizing something. "Wait, why didn't you just tell me that a few minutes ago?"
"Because you were having a moment and needed to calm down, so I figured telling you later was better. But since my clothes are already in here, there's no point in having them moved back."
Harry smiled sheepishly. "I was freaking out, wasn't I?"
"Just a little bit, but it's okay," Minerva said gently as she pulled him to sit down on the bed with her. "This is your first real relationship and it's far from a conventional one, so it's okay to be nervous or unsure about some things."
"I know, I just… I feel very unprepared compared to you," Harry remarked as he ran a hand through his hair.
Minerva pulled his hand into her lap, interlacing their fingers. "If it makes you feel any better, it's been so long since I've been in a relationship that I feel unprepared as well."
"Well I guess that makes me feel a little better. Still, I'm gonna have to work on my confidence."
"That will come in time, trust me." Minerva assured him, putting her other hand over his heart. "Besides, I fell in love with you because of your heart, not your ability to be all macho."
"Great, you're making me sound like a sap. Now I'll have to go flex my muscles and whatnot to regain my manliness," Harry remarked in amusement, flexing his other arm for show.
Minerva rolled her eyes at him. "Trust me, I will never mistake you as anything less than a man. A very good one at that. You make it impossible for me to think otherwise."
"It's the muscles, isn't it? I knew you liked them," Harry laughed.
Instead of a verbal reply, she pushed against his chest until he got the message to lay down. "I think it's time you got some rest. You're still recovering, and it seems you're a bit delusional from exhaustion."
Harry laughed again as they moved up to the head of the bed. Minerva snuggled up into his side, her arm wrapped around his waist. He wrapped his arm around her back, his hand on her hip.
"So, are you going to admit that my muscles attract you or not?" Harry asked after they were both comfortable.
Minerva slowly and deliberately ran her hand up from his wrist, to his shoulder, and down his chest, stopping at his fully formed six-pack. "I guess they are a bit of alright."
"A bit of alright. I'll have you know I worked hard to get them," Harry cried in mock outrage.
She laughed and kissed his cheek. "Fine, fine. Yes, your muscles are lovely. Now will you please go to sleep. You need your rest."
"Yes Mina."
- H.M. –
While Harry and Minerva were drifting off to sleep, Voldemort was wide awake meeting with a new ally. After suffering several losses over the last couple of months, he realized he needed to rebolster his forces before he made any more moves. The fact that the Potter brat had somehow managed to claim the Black lordship and have Amelia Bones elected as the Minister of Magic threw wrenches into his plans that he hadn't accounted for. He was also concerned about how the Hooded Stranger and then the auror department were able to foil his raids. To counter this, he decided he would only tell select people about certain plans at the very last minute. He'd strengthened his mental shields in case anyone had been subtly reading his mind without him knowing. He also performed a small ritual to give him some protection from seers. It wouldn't fully block their ability, but it would obscure what they saw. This way, either his enemies wouldn't learn about his plans or he would find out who was spying on him and could dispose of the traitor.
However, he couldn't let his enemies think he was beaten. That's why he was devising an attack that would hit multiple places at once, spreading out their forces and making them unable to stop him from causing mass destruction. While he kept the details to himself, he had put Bellatrix in charge of training the new recruits a few weeks ago. Meanwhile, he was traveling around the world looking for likeminded people who would follow him. Even with the latest blows to his power, he had still managed to convince several witches and wizards of low moral standards to take his mark. His forces now numbered in the hundreds as he had recruited dementors, giants, trolls, vampires, and werewolves as well created many dead bodies that he could turn into inferi when necessary.
At the moment though, he was meeting with a witch who could help him gain valuable inside information from the Ministry. When he reached the chosen location, a small alley in muggle London, ten blocks from the Ministry, she was already there waiting for him, a large, black bag on the ground beside her.
"My Lord," the witch said quietly as she got down on one knew and bowed her head.
"Are you ready to fully join me?" Voldemort asked coldly.
"Yes, my Lord. I have brought my tribute and am ready to prove my worthiness," the witch replied reverently.
"Show me."
The stood back up and opened the bag, revealing the muggle woman she had taken captive and tied up. She levitated the woman out and dropped her onto the ground. Then without warning, she whispered the Cruciatus curse. She used it on the woman repeatedly, holding it for several seconds at a time as she enjoyed the screams of pure agony falling from the woman's lips.
"Good. Now finish it."
"Avada Kedavra." The sickly green light crashed into the woman who knew no more. The witch fell down to her knee once she was done.
"Very good. You will be an excellent addition to my army. I will not be able to mark you right now, but once your mission is complete you will receive it. For now, continue to do what I asked of you. We will meet again on the last day of the month."
"I look forward to it my Lord."