Minerva sat in the Great Hall and stared at the Daily Prophet in suprise. Today was the first day of classes and she had expected the day to be a relaxing one. However that didn't seem to be the case. The front page story had caused her chest to hitch painfully as she stared at photographs. It showed a picture of Hermione receiving her Order of Merlin for her role in the defeat of Voldemort. The next was a picture of herself with Elphinstone Urquart at some Ministry function. The last one was a picture of the day Hermione was born. Minerva was asleep in her exhaustion while Elphinstone held a wide eyed Hermione close to his chest. It was the only picture of them in existence and Minerva had been grateful for it when she found it. The headline screamed attention From Muggleborn to Heir of House Urquart! The story was written by Hermione herself she realized quickly. It was a lovely article that spun their story in such a way no one would think ill of them. Hermione had wrote of Elphinstone's worry and grief from her own capture during the first war with Voldemort and how he had done everything in his power to prevent Hermione from harm just because of her parentage. It told of Minerva's painstaking task of hiding her pregnancy and the agony of allowing another to raise her beloved child.
It seemed Hermione was ready to let the world know who she was. Minerva couldn't fault her for it but wished she had advanced knowledge of it just the same. She sought out Hermione's face and smiled at the grin she saw there. She frowned when she notice Hermione wink in her direction. MInerva could spot a prank a mile away!
As the minutes ticked by, the noise level increased. The students and teachers alike chatted to each other regarding the story as many stared openly at either Hermione or Minerva herself. Before Minerva could a say a word to those near her spot at the head table, her attention was drawn to the Gryffindor table.
Neville Longbottom had walked to Hermione and offered her a smile. "So what name are you going to go by now Hermione?"
Hermione smiled widely and looked up at Minerva for a moment. "By the name my Papa named me of course," she replied and stuck her hand out to Neville. "Hermione Isobel Urquart."
"The pleasure is mine Heir Urquart," Neville said as he kissed Hermione's hand as he manners demanded of him. Hermione laughed at her friend.
"Ugg Neville," Harry complained jokingly to his friend. "Go find your own witch to charm. Hermione is mine!"
Minerva felt herself grin as a mischievous thought filter throughout her mind. Minerva stood up and walked gracefully towards her daughter. "You shall find she was my witch first Mr. Potter," she stated matter-of-factly. "Now off to class with you lot." Minerva dropped a kiss to Hermione's forehead and then winked at her before walking out of the Great Hall. Her daughter's laughter followed her.
7 years laterMinistry of Magic
Minerva McGonagall smiled as she sat beside of her dearest friend Agatha Wallace. Both were dressed in their finest robes as they watched Hermione on stage. She was being recognized as the youngest Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement in the history of the department.
"Who would of thought Hermione would end up here," Agatha whispered to her friend. "I wished her Mum and Dad could see her achievements but I think she did the right thing by not restoring their memories. Wendell and Monica Wilkins are much happier and carefree then the couple I remember beforehand."
"I am suprised she left the memory charm on them after the war. She spoke about her Mum's fear 9d the wizarding world, its no wonder after what she went though. I honestly thought Hermione would go into a reseaching field," Minerva answered back. "I am overjoyed by her choice though. I loved the department during my brief time in it."
"I forgot you worked in that department before teaching," Agatha muttered pushing thoughts of her adopted daughter and son-in-law from her mind.
"Elphinstone would be thrilled that she followed his path," Minerva said with a smile on her lips. "I daresay she won't stay there forever though. I still expect her to go into politics and change a lot of those bigoted laws."
"Harry has changed quite a few of them, hasn't he?"
Minerva nodded her head. "He has but Harry has his eye set on something else I suspect."
"And what would that be," Agatha asked curiously.
"Charity work," Minerva said. "Watch him with the orphans. I daresay he will be teaching sooner than I expected or begging Hermione to start a family as well."
Agatha smiled as she watched Harry pick up a 7 year old Teddy Lupin and move onto the stage. Hermione graced them with a brilliant smile as the ceremony ended. She dropped a kiss to Teddy's forehead and watched as the metamorphmagus changed his features to match hers. Harry smiled as he kissed his wife lovingly. "Teddy's involvement in their lives probably fills some of the void," Agatha whispered.
"Most likely," Minerva agreed. "Let's go congratulate Hermione."
Minerva hugged her daughter tightly as she got near her. "Congratulations my love," Minerva said, pride evident in her tone.
"Thanks Mama," Hermione said. "Do you think it's too early to duck out of here?"
"Afraid so," Agatha answered. "I'm sure there's a few that waiting to suck up to the new boss."
"Funny Nan," Hermione retorted with a sigh.
"She's already had a few," offered Harry with a grin.
Minerva handed a small box to Hermione with a smile. The witch of the hour opened the box and gasped in suprise. A solid golden antique pocketwatch was nestled inside. The Urquart House crest and motto was etched onto the front. Hermione gently lifted it and noticed a chain had been added so she could wear it around her neck and tucked into her robes if needed. She opened it up and immediately teared up. A photograph of Elphinstone reading to her as a toddler had been added to it. "Oh Mama," she gasped. "It's gorgeous."
"Elphinstone packed that pocketwatch every day he worked," Minerva volunteered. "It was his 17th birthday gift from his parents. It belongs with you."
A teary eyed Hermione launched herself into Minerva's arms. "Thank you Mama! I will cherish it always!"
"I know love," Minerva said with a grateful heart. She had experienced so much heartache in her life but this moment had made it all worth it! She had an amazing daughter, a son-in-law who adored her daughter and the career she always wanted. Of course she missed Elphinstone fiercely but she would enjoy the gift her mother's scheming had provided her with! "Your Papa would be so proud of you Hermione Isobel Urquart!"