For the Sake of Old Times

Wednesday, 30 December 1942

The Evening Prophet on Christmas day had brought with it news of magical deaths, and some of it had been shocking. Two Hogwarts students had died in the attack, along with one Auror and five adult wizards and witches. The arrival of the newspaper had dulled their Christmas spirit, and they had traipsed to bed in a somber mood that night.

In the days following Christmas, McGonagall Manor grew much quieter. The Borzellieris returned to their safe house in Cornwall, and the Chases to their home in Aberdeenshire. Mitchell and Isabella stayed, as well as the Robinsons and Sylvia. Minerva and Rolanda were happy to spend more time with each other, even though they saw each other every day back at school. It was simply nice to have the other to talk to when their families became too much, which, due to the subtle competition between their parents over Chris, was often.

The past five days, though, they both had the opportunity to spend a lot of time with their families. Minerva went horseback riding with her parents, brothers, and sister, and she was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with just the core of her family like she once did in her childhood, before life grew complicated. She, Miranda, and Michael helped Gliona in the greenhouse, but Gliona grew tired quickly, and mostly observed from a bench. She'd consented to spending the day after Christmas in bed, but the next day she insisted on moving around again. She still walked with a cane and couldn't exert herself too much, but she was mobile, which was what she wanted. The three of them, plus Mason, also helped her brew common Potions for their personal storage. Minerva, Michael, and Mason were surprised to see Miranda brewing as though she'd done it before, and Gliona confessed to have been giving Miranda basic Potions lessons since September. Minerva and Mitchell spent time sitting with their father in the Library of Family Records, listening to stories about their ancestors, both ones they'd heard before that he loved to tell, and new ones that he'd only recently rediscovered. Sometimes Minerva was amazed that there were more stories for William to discover, but whenever she entered the more protected segment of the family library and saw the volume of books and scrolls covering floor-to-ceiling bookshelves on every wall, she understood. He was the one in charge of updating the master copy of the family book so that all of the McGonagalls' copies told these stories in a succinct way. Beyond just family stories, the three of them delved deep into discussions about the theory and usage of magic, with a great deal of time focused on Transfiguration. Talking to her father and brother reminded Minerva of just how much she loved to spend time engaging in such conversations with them, and how much she missed it.

Now, on a Wednesday afternoon just before dinner, Minerva sat in the drawing room playing chess with River. Rolanda lounged on a couch adjacent to their table, watching. As River announced a move, Rolanda asked, "What are you even still doing here, River? I thought you'd be going back to the chateau to live near Flamel."

River flicked his eyes in her direction expressionlessly, before glancing back over towards Minerva and then down to the board. He shrugged, "It's still the holiday season. Flamel doesn't mind where I sleep as long as I'm on time for our lessons." He shot his eyes in her direction again, raising his eyebrows, "Are you tired of me already?"

Rolanda merely harrumphed in response, crossing her arms over her chest and turning to lay on her back rather than her side. Minerva laughed softly and directed a bishop.

River grinned at Minerva and asked, "Do you treat Mitchell this way? Do you long for him to return to the Auror Academy?"

Minerva glanced at Rolanda, trying and failing to suppress an amused grin, "Ah, no, I do not."

River turned on Rolanda and pointed an accusing finger at her, "See? That's a good sister."

Rolanda rolled her eyes. "Maybe I'm just tired of listening to my brother and best friend talk about genetics."

"We haven't been talking about it that much!" Minerva said defensively.

Rolanda sighed dramatically and replied, "Well it's happened enough!"

The trio fell into silence as Minerva and River redirected their attention to the board, having nothing to say to that. After making his move, River looked up at Minerva mischievously and said, "We should talk about genetics just to annoy her."

Rolanda threw her hands up, sitting up on the couch now, "I'm right here!"

Minerva raised her eyebrows at him and glanced over at her best friend. She gave River a polite smile and said, "Well, Rolanda's my best friend, so if she's tired of hearing about it I'm not going to talk about something that excludes her just to rile her."

River held up his hands up in understanding surrender. "Fair enough." Rolanda laid back down on the couch, satisfied.

A slightly awkward silence fell between the three of them, which Minerva broke after taking her turn, "So River, are you as Quidditch-mad as Rolanda?"

River grinned over at his sister and said, "Oh, no. I don't think that's possible."

"It's not," Rolanda supplied in a sing-song voice.

Minerva laughed, "Well, do you like Quidditch?"

River bobbed his head from side to side consideringly, scanning the board, "I like it well enough to watch a game, but I don't follow it. I certainly never played." He punctuated this statement by declaring his move.

"So, you don't have a favorite team?" Minerva asked.

River smiled again and said, "I will once my sister is playing for one."

Rolanda beamed, and Minerva's heart warmed at that show of support.

"What about you, then? I suppose this line of questioning means you're a big Quidditch fan?" River asked conversationally.

"I am," Minerva replied. "I play Seeker for Gryffindor, and my favorite team are the Montrose Magpies."

River nodded, not saying anything for a few moments. Minerva watched him with a raised eyebrow, amusement growing by the second as she waited for him to admit he knew nothing about professional Quidditch. She grinned as he did not disappoint, "That doesn't really mean anything to me, to be honest."

Rolanda snorted, and started to go into detail about the Magpies playing history. Even Minerva had to tune her out as she went into the technical details over far too long a time period. She exchanged a private grin with River as they refocused on the chessboard, while Rolanda lectured to the ceiling. She didn't stop until River proudly announced, "Checkmate!" at which point she glanced over, only now realizing that they might not have been listening to her. Minerva was scowling at him, disappointed in herself, but she admitted internally that she had lost to a worthy player.

"Now that that's over," Rolanda said, swinging her legs over the side of the couch, "River, can I talk to you, sister-to-brother?"

Both River and Minerva raised their eyebrows. Rolanda did not look over at Minerva, instead opting to stare down River. Hesitantly, River replied, "Certainly…"

"Should I leave?" Minerva asked, collecting her chess pieces.

Rolanda waved her down, "No, no, that's alright. We'll just step out into the hallway."

Minerva blinked after them as River followed Rolanda out of the drawing room. She stopped putting her pieces into their box, hoping that through the silence she could hear their conversation, but to no avail. Either they were using magic to conceal their conversation, or they had stepped too far away for their voices to travel through the drawing room door. Pursing her lips in annoyance that her attempt to eavesdrop failed, she resumed repacking her chess pieces.

Not too long later, Rolanda and River re-entered the drawing room. Rolanda had a smug smile on her face, and River was looking at his hands, his ears slightly pink. Rolanda looked at Minerva and said brightly, "Come on, Minerva! Let's go flying again."

Feeling extremely curious and a little wary, Minerva stood and followed her friend out of the drawing room door. As soon as the door shut behind them, she gave Rolanda a significant look that the Slytherin pretended not to notice. They walked together outside, and once their feet touched the crunchy, icy grass, Minerva gave in and asked bluntly, "What was that about?"

Rolanda raised her eyebrows nonchalantly, "What do you think it was about?"

Minerva scowled at her, "I haven't a clue, please, enlighten me."

Rolanda stopped walking and looked at Minerva incredulously, "Do you really not know?"

"No!"

Rolanda sighed, "Oh sweet Minerva. I had to tell River to leave my best friend alone because she's in a happy, committed relationship, and in fact, she's in love!"

Minerva's faced flushed, "What?"

Rolanda rolled her eyes, "Minerva, please, don't be so naïve. River fancies you. That's why he's still hanging around. He told me originally that he'd be returning to Flamel after Christmas, and yet…he's still here. Because he wants to spend time with you."

Minerva's mouth hung open in a small 'O' of surprise. She was speechless. She felt as though she'd been oblivious, and now, a little cruel. River probably felt as though she'd led him on, but she had honestly no idea that he'd had anything beyond platonic feelings for her. "Rolanda, I promise, I had no idea."

Rolanda crossed her arms and sighed sympathetically, "I believe you." She resumed walking again, expecting Minerva to follow. "I imagine you'll be seeing less of him now. He's a little embarrassed."

Minerva put her face in her hands as she walked again beside Rolanda, "What have I done?"

Rolanda patted her on the back, "It's alright, Minerva. No harm done. Now, are you ready for more aiming practice?"

Later that night, Minerva sat in her window seat looking up at the stars, reflecting on her day. Flying with Rolanda had helped her get her mind off of River, but when they'd returned to the house for dinner, he'd been gone. His absence made her feel doubly guilty, and she thought back on their conversations, wondering if she'd been flirtatious in any way. She hadn't intentionally flirted, and she couldn't think of a time when she had. She simply remembered talking about their research interests, and asking about each other's broader interests. This, though, was how Minerva talked to any new friend. She hadn't thought anything of River being a wizard, and how those questions may have been interpreted.

Knocking on Minerva's door drew her from her thoughts, and she slipped off the bench to open her door. She was surprised to find Sylvia on the other side. "Aunt Sylvia?"

Sylvia gave her a small smile and asked, "May I come in?"

Minerva stepped aside to let her in, curious. Sylvia walked over to the window seat Minerva had just vacated and sat. Minerva joined her, giving her a questioning look.

"I'll just get right to it, then," Sylvia said. "You seemed subdued at dinner, and I wanted to make sure you were alright."

Minerva blinked in surprise, but looked away, feeling that guilt creeping back up into her heart.

Sylvia sighed and gave Minerva a wry smile, "You don't need to tell me the details if you don't want to. You can just tell me how you're feeling, if that helps."

Minerva twisted at her dressing gown, opening and closing her mouth uncertainly.

"May I take a guess?" Sylvia asked.

Minerva nodded.

"Does it have anything to do with the fact that after several engaging conversations over the last couple of dinners, River suddenly disappeared before dinner tonight?"

Minerva's face colored and she opened her mouth again to reply. Then, she sighed, and nodded, not looking at her aunt.

Sylvia reached over and took Minerva's hand gently, comfortingly, but she said nothing.

Minerva sighed again and said, "I feel guilty."

"About what?" Sylvia asked softly.

"About…," Minerva ran her hand through her hair, "well, about the fact that he fancies me and I had no idea, and now I feel terrible for potentially leading him on."

"You don't fancy him?" Sylvia asked.

"What? No! I told you, I love Oliver," Minerva replied.

Sylvia raised her hands defensively, "I'm sorry. I've been there before. I know it's confusing."

"I wasn't thinking about him that way at all," Minerva insisted.

"I believe you. You were engaging in conversation in a similar way with Dumbledore when he was here," Sylvia assured her.

"You think I was flirting with –" Minerva began to ask, her face reddening and a feeling of horror growing within her.

"No!" Sylvia interjected quickly. "I'm saying the opposite. That because we all know you weren't flirting with Dumbledore, your conversations with River were similarly not flirtatious."

Minerva groaned, putting her face in her hands.

Sylvia patted her on the back and murmured, "Things like this happen. Sometimes only one person develops feelings in a pair, and the one who does simply has to move on."

They sat in silence for a few minutes while Sylvia rubbed Minerva's back soothingly and looked around the room while Minerva took deep breaths with her head in her hands. Sylvia's presence and repetitive circles did help to make her feel a little better. So in tune was she with the rhythm of Sylvia's circles, that when Sylvia suddenly stopped, Minerva's heart clenched again and she looked up at her aunt. Sylvia was looking at something on the table directly in front of them with her eyebrows raised. Minerva quickly followed her gaze, and her face reddened again as she realized that it was A Witch's Guide to Pleasure that had caught Sylvia's attention.

"It's not what you think," Minerva said quickly.

Sylvia's lips quirked and she looked back at her niece, "It's alright if it is, you know."

Minerva blushed deeper, speechless.

Sylvia smiled more fully and wrapped her arm around Minerva's shoulders, "I am well aware of the fact that we live in a world where most families are telling their children to wait until marriage. I face the judgement of those parents, and I meet those children when they come visit me at WADA's infirmary. So many post-Hogwarts wizards and witches come to me, uncertain about their own bodies and ways to protect themselves. I often recommend that very book to witches, because it has a great deal of helpful information in it about not just Contraceptive Charms, but also witches' bodies and pleasure. I'm glad that you have it."

"Rolanda gave it to me," she whispered, still feeling uncomfortable.

Sylvia hummed, but said nothing. They sat together in silence again. Sylvia loosened her side-embrace to give Minerva some space, as the young witch was still clearly uncomfortable. After eyeing her for a solid minute, Sylvia finally said, "I'd like to say one last thing on the matter."

Minerva sighed and looked hesitantly at Sylvia.

"You don't have to have sex with him just because you love him," she said. "I'm by no means trying to convince you to have sex. But, I do want you to know that it's okay if you want to."

Minerva cleared her throat uncomfortably and nodded, looking away again.

Sylvia patted her back one last time before standing, "Well, I think I've embarrassed you enough for one evening. Goodnight, Minerva."

"Goodnight, Aunt Sylvia," Minerva murmured.

Thursday, 31 December 1942

The next morning, as Minerva got ready for the day, she came upon a little metal caddy of potions vials with a note. She picked up the note curiously, and read:

Minerva –

It's none of my business if you use these, but I want to be comforted in the fact that you have them just in case. They're Contraceptive Potions. In order for them to be effective, you need to take the first at least twenty-eight days before having sex. Once you take the second dose, the potion will be fully active in your system. You must take each dose every twenty-eight days. This is enough to get you through the rest of the school year. Just in case.

Much love,

Aunt Sylvia.

Minerva blushed again reading the note, but felt comforted at having the vials. It meant that if she did decide to take that step with Oliver, she did not need to go seeking Madam Jenison for these potions. She sighed and decided to put the caddy in her trunk where no one else would see it, and carry on with her day.

She'd slept in that morning because she knew she'd be up late that night celebrating the New Year. The Borzellieris would be returning for dinner and staying the night, but the Chases had their own plans with their neighbors for the night. Minerva was planning on having a mellow day, not doing anything that made her too tired, until dinner. She decided to stay in her room for a few more hours, just enjoying being alone. After calling Rosie for breakfast, she picked up the novel she'd been reading off-and-on since term started and her favorite woolen tartan blanket, and made her way over to the window seat. She managed to read a few pages before her mind started to wander. Her eyes kept flickering to the book on the table. She couldn't deny that she was curious about A Witch's Guide to Pleasure, considering how positively both Rolanda and Sylvia spoke of it.

After reading the same page three times, she snapped her book shut and reached for the book on the table in one swift movement, before she could change her mind. She took a deep, nervous breath, and then opened it, scanning the table of contents for an idea of what sorts of things were in the book. That first exploration led to her flipping through the pages, and then Minerva began to read the book with interest.

Minerva finally came downstairs in time for lunch. She found Rolanda carrying Chris while walking with Mitchell and Isabella into the dining room. Rolanda smiled at Minerva and greeted, "It's nice to finally see your lovely face, Minerva."

"And yours, Rolanda," Minerva grinned. Rolanda set Chris down, allowing him to walk on his own, and Minerva laced her arm through Rolanda's. She leaned closer and murmured, "I started reading the book you got me."

Rolanda raised her eyebrows, a smile quirking at her lips, "Oh? How is it?"

Minerva gave her a significant look and replied, "Very good."

Rolanda threw her head back and laughed. Minerva pressed her lips together to conceal her grin.

Gliona, Halina, Evelien, and Isabella had spent a lot of time together over the last few days arranging a New Year's Eve celebration that would meld their cultures and traditions together the way they had at Christmas. Rolanda explained to Minerva that until two years ago, the Robinsons had always gone to France to celebrate the New Year with the Veela community that Evelien came from, where they enjoyed a ball. After France fell to Germany in 1940, though, the Veelas went into hiding, cutting themselves off from the outside world. Evelien had not spoken to her family in France since then. For the past two New Year's Eve celebrations, Norman had persuaded his parents and his sister's family to take up the tradition of a New Year's "soirée dansante," and they'd greatly enjoyed it. Since the Robinsons had decided to celebrate with the McGonagalls this year, they would be putting on a small, private ball, just for their families.

The afternoon passed casually as the occupants of McGonagall Manor sat together, played games, and chatted. About two hours before dinner, though, people started drifting upstairs to get ready for the soirée. Minerva showered and styled her hair for the small party. She decided to wear a heavier, velvet set of emerald green dress robes that usually hung neglected in the back of her wardrobe, since she usually attended formal events in the summer. She was pleased with the way they looked on her, pinching her at her waist and widening into a fuller skirt. She tied a sash of the MacVanish tartan around her waist to complete the look.

As Minerva admired herself in the mirror and made final adjustments to her hair and makeup, a knock on her door drew her attention. Rubbing her lips together, subconsciously trying to spread her lipstick, Minerva walked over and opened her door. She smiled at the sight of her father standing outside her door in a black jacket and kilt. He wore a bowtie, and a gold brooch that pinned a fly plaid to his chest that draped over his back like a cape. Halina stood slightly behind him in elegant navy-blue dress robes and thistles in her hair.

"You look lovely, my dear," William said, smiling.

Minerva curtsied at him, smirking, "Thank you, Father."

He chuckled and offered her his arm, which she took. Halina grasped his other arm, and they walked together down the stairs towards the manor's ballroom.

Mitchell, Miranda, Michael, Sylvia, Isabella, Chris, Vincenzo, and Bianca were already in the ballroom. A dining table had been added to the room for the occasion, so everyone could move between eating and dancing as they pleased. Miranda was clinging to Mitchell's arm while he talked to Isabella and her family. It was disorienting to watch Mitchell say one thing in English, and have the Borzellieris reply in Italian. Mitchell seemed to be concentrating very hard, and Minerva thought that the Borzellieris were talking a lot slower than she'd heard them talk to each other.

Mitchell turned to his family as they walked in, looking a little relieved. Halina eyed her son up and down, and felt the fabric of his standard black dress robes. "I don't recognize these, are they new?" she asked.

"Ah, yes," he glanced over at the Borzellieris, "Isabella's parents gave them to me."

Halina's eyebrows shot up and she looked over at the Borzellieris, commenting, "Well, that was very generous of you. They look nice."

They smiled and gave Mitchell a significant look, gesturing in a way that, to Minerva, seemed to convey "continue." Isabella said one word in Italian, and Mitchell nodded. He turned back to his mother and said, "It's a tradition for them to wear new clothes to start the New Year. They brought clothes for Isabella and Chris too. It's supposed to bring good luck."

Minerva decided that it was wiser not to mention how long the robes she was wearing had been in the back of her wardrobe.

The rest of the people in McGonagall Manor slowly joined them in the ballroom, all wearing their dress robes. Charles and Jon, like William, wore kilts, while Gliona wore black, form-fitting, high-necked robes with a tartan sash across her body. The Robinsons arrived last, wearing lighter colors than the McGonagalls and the Borzellieris. Evelien was stunning, as usual, in pink dress robes that shimmered silver, almost giving the appearance of opal. Norman wore grey robes that complimented Evelien's pink. Rolanda wore slim mint green robes with no shape to the skirt at all, making her look taller, thinner, and her features sharper than usual. Minerva felt color rise to her cheeks when she saw River enter behind his family, wearing blue robes.

With everyone present, Charles called for everyone's attention. "Thank you all for joining us for this special New Year's Eve celebration. A gathering like this is new to us McGonagalls – at least, for this time of year and for one this intimate – but we are looking forward to experiencing the traditions of our friends tonight." He inclined his head towards the Robinsons, who smiled. "I would like to thank, in particular, my wife Gliona, my daughter-in-law Halina, along with Evelien and Isabella, for working together to plan this evening's festivities. Rosie and Tartan have prepared a wonderful feast for us tonight from the menu set by these remarkable women. We'll be serving it buffet-style, so grab a plate and help yourself!"

With that, food appeared on the long table along the back wall near the dining table. The assembled guests formed a line and helped themselves to pickled herring, black-eyed peas, cabbage salad, sausages, beef short ribs, foie gras, and steak pie. As they chose their seats, Rosie and Tartan came around and poured a glass of champagne for all of the of-age guests, plus Rolanda, and a glass of sparkling water for each of the other minors. Minerva and Rolanda ended up sitting far from each other as Minerva endeavored to sit as far from River as she could in her embarrassment. Her feelings of awkwardness aside, Minerva enjoyed dinner. It was a lively affair, with people talking and laughing loudly as they reminisced on the year behind them and looked forward to the year ahead. Chris got to eat with them at the beginning of the meal, but after he ate, Mitchell and Isabella brought him upstairs for bed.

Dessert consisted of crepes, pig-shaped cookies, and cake with sickles baked into it. Everyone grabbed a slice of cake and picked it apart, eating carefully to avoid swallowing a sickle. Miranda was more excited than anyone to find a sickle in her cake.

After dessert, William called for some whiskey and offered it to everyone of-age. He presented the label and said, "For those of you who don't know, Millbuie Scotch is made by my mother's family, the MacVanishes. It's a rich single-malt, and I would love for you all to try a dram." Everyone who was offered the whiskey took William up on his offer. Minerva drank it, and as the flavors filled and warmed her mouth, she smiled. Her parents had let her start trying the family whiskey when she was fifteen, so to Minerva, it reminded her of time spent with family. She looked down the table at Rolanda to watch her reaction to the whiskey, and snorted when she saw Rolanda cough a little. It was certainly not champagne.

Charles and Gliona started off the dancing for the evening by slow dancing alone. Minerva couldn't help but notice her grandmother wasn't moving as gracefully as she usually did. She hoped Gliona would be able to fully heal from her injury. Charles and Gliona were soon joined by William and Halina, then Norman and Evelien, and then Jon and Diana. Minerva glanced around the table hopefully towards her older brother, but Mitchell was whispering in Isabella's ear. The pair soon stood, followed by Vincenzo and Bianca. A twinge of disappointment and jealousy flared up in her heart, but she sighed in resignation and glanced over at Michael. She smiled slightly to at least see her younger brother gallantly offering to dance with their sister. That's how it once was for Minerva and Mitchell, but Minerva supposed it was only fair for Mitchell to prefer to dance with Isabella, now. Rolanda and River made their way to the dance floor together, leaving Minerva, Mason, and Sylvia behind at the dining table.

Minerva turned a questioning smile on her fourteen-year-old cousin, who, granted, was just as tall as she was, and asked, "I don't suppose you'd care to dance?"

"Am I your last choice?" he countered, smirking.

Minerva's eyebrows shot up in surprise at this comeback, "If you must know, of all the men here, River Robinson would perhaps be my last choice at the moment." Sylvia snorted into her champagne glass at that.

"Then I suppose I'll indulge you, Gryffindor though you are," he replied with mock-formality, standing and grinning at her.

Minerva grinned right back, standing too, and retorted, "Are you sure? I wouldn't want your scales to burn from touching me."

"I don't find you nearly that threatening, dear cousin," Mason returned, meeting her around the table.

She took his proffered hand and walked with him to the dancefloor. As they got into position, she remarked, "Well, I'm threatening enough for you to write home asking someone to make me stop trying to help you."

Mason blinked at her, momentarily speechless. They made it through several steps before Mason finally replied, "If you were a Slytherin I would accuse you of intentionally trapping me into this conversation."

"But you would never give me so much credit," Minerva laughed. "I must have only thought of it just now."

He eyed her warily, unsure.

"I won't ask you about it," Minerva assured him, smiling. "There's nothing really to talk about, anyway. The facts are: I tried intervening in your disagreements, you didn't like it, you asked the family to ask me to stop, and I stopped. Truthfully, though, you haven't given me the opportunity to intervene."

"Arguments between members of Slytherin house typically stay within the common room," Mason explained expressionlessly.

Minerva hummed in response to that, sounding intrigued. "Could I ask you a question about that?"

Mason raised his eyebrows at her, "I get the impression that asking permission is more of a courtesy on your part."

Minerva smiled, "Perhaps, but can I?"

Mason sighed, "Go on."

"Well, of course I could ask Rolanda, and I have, but I was wondering if you have noticed anything that she may not have going on in the common room regarding all this Heir of Slytherin nonsense," Minerva said, eyeing him seriously.

Mason didn't speak immediately. He looked thoughtful. "Of course, I've been looking for signs that it's true. The traditionalists certainly think it is. I'm sure Rolanda has told you as much." Minerva nodded. Mason sighed, "It's hard to say. Abraxas Malfoy is soaking it all in like it's the most wonderful thing that's ever happened to Hogwarts, but I'll eat my wand if he's the Heir of Slytherin." Minerva laughed.

"He doesn't give you that impression?" Minerva asked, laughing still.

Mason shook his head decisively. The song came to an end, and they parted, looking around the room at everyone else. Charles and Gliona left the dancefloor to sit down, while everyone else continued for the next song. Minerva and Mason followed their lead. For the following song, though, Mitchell asked to cut in. Minerva looked around and noticed Isabella dancing with her father. Minerva smiled at her brother as he took the lead. Mason left to sit with Charles and Gliona.

"You know," Minerva began as she and Mitchell started dancing, "I've been giving some thought to what you said the other day."

"About?" Mitchell prompted.

"About me being an Auror," Minerva replied.

Mitchell's eyebrows shot up, and he smiled, "Oh really? Why the change of heart?"

Minerva pursed her lips, averting her gaze for a moment. When she finally met Mitchell's eyes again, she said, "Well, to be honest, it's because I've been thinking that I need proper training to help with the war."

Mitchell gave her a small, sympathetic smile, "Many people are in the Academy for that reason."

"So you don't think it's a foolish reason?"

"Not at all," he replied. "We're all feeling the pressure of the war. The Academy is a great place to learn how to handle the fighting. And, like I said, I think you'd be stellar in training."

Minerva smiled humbly at the compliment. A mix of nervousness and excitement tickled her stomach. The exercises she'd been doing with Rolanda were nice, but she hardly felt like they were good enough to help her actually fight in a battle. She needed more skill in real dueling, and knew of no better place to go to learn than the Auror Academy.

"Don't tell Mum and Dad," Minerva said, meeting her brother's eyes with a serious gaze.

"Why not?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.

"I just…I don't know. I feel like they wouldn't approve. They're still trying to protect me from it all."

He gave her a considering look as they danced. He twirled her as he thought. Once she was settled back into his arms, he said, "I think they would accept it. I think they almost expect it. If you're not certain, though, and you're not ready for their opinion, then I understand wanting to wait to tell them." Minerva smiled gratefully at him. He smiled back, and said, "In any case, that is your business to share. I now simply know that you have no intention of telling them, and so until further notice, I will not mention it as if it should be common knowledge."

"Thank you, Mitchell," Minerva said. Mitchell inclined his head with a kind smile.

The rest of the evening, Minerva passed between both her brothers, her cousin, her father, her uncle, and her grandfather. She shared a few dances with each of them, and threw back several drinks between dances. The party grew livelier as the night rolled on, as the adults grew looser and louder with every drink.

Between dances, Minerva found herself leaning against the dining table cradling a whiskey glass. Her heart jumped nervously as she noticed River making his way towards her, slightly unsteadily. She stood stiffer as he stopped beside her and said, "Min-Minerva."

"Hello, River," Minerva replied warily.

He cleared his throat and blinked at her a few times, as if to clear his vision, "I jus-I jus wa-ned tuh say…," he swayed a little, but caught himself on a chair, "tha I'm shorry –" he burped "– sorry tha I dinnet undastan you jus wa-ned tuh be frienss. Sho sorry. Nevuh wa-ned you tuh be uncomf-uncomftabowl." He offered her his hand, "Friens?"

Minerva couldn't fight back the smile that twisted at her lips. She shook his hand and replied, "Friends."

He grinned sloppily, "Good." Sighing heavily, he then said, "Wheresh your aun, I needtuh ashk her forruh poshion, I am waaaaay too drunkah!"

Minerva pointed him in the direction of Sylvia, and he teetered off in her direction. As he walked away, Minerva released a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding and laughed a little nervously to herself.

River wasn't the only one in need of a Sober-Up Potion, so Sylvia left out a rack of them. This only encouraged people to loosen their inhibitions even more, though. It didn't take long for Michael, Miranda, and Mason to separate themselves from the adults. Minerva felt sorry for them, imagining that if she was in their position, she wouldn't be having much fun at all.

As midnight approached, William brought out his bagpipes again. He didn't bother sobering up as everyone counted down to midnight, red-faced and grinning. Everyone stood around in a circle as they counted the last ten seconds of 1942 in unison. As they reached "one" and shouted, "Happy New Year!" William put his lips to the bagpipes and began playing Auld Lange Syne. The McGonagalls led the song,

"Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you'll buy your pint cup!
and surely I'll buy mine!
And we'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we've wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

And there's a hand my trusty friend!
And give us a hand o' thine!
And well take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
well take a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely yell be your pint-stowp!
and surely I'll be mine!
And well tak a cup o' kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pud the gowans fine;
But we've wandered mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidld i' the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roard
sin auld lang syne."

At the end of that verse, William abandoned his bagpipes and threw his hands into the air, his face red and his smile broad. The McGonagalls led everyone in putting their arms around each other for the final verse:

"And there's a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie's a hand o thine!
And well tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne."

Friday, 1 January 1943

All the McGonagalls rushed to the middle of the circle, and the Robinsons and Borzellieris followed suit. Couples kissed, and then parents placed big kisses on their children's heads. In the cacophony, someone called for Tartan, who whisked Mitchell away. Bianca and Vincenzo looked puzzled by this, but Isabella was smiling knowingly. The group quickly parted as Mitchell vanished, and the McGonagalls led the way towards the Entrance Hall. Not too long later, there was a knock on the door, and, laughing, several McGonagalls nearly tripped over each other trying to answer it. Jon reached the door first, and opened it to reveal Mitchell standing there with his hands on his hips and a grin on his face. Everyone stepped aside and waved him in, chattering and laughing. Minerva giggled as her dark-haired brother made a show of stepping through the front door. Ever since the war started back when they lived at their childhood home, first-footing had not been practiced as it traditionally should be, by admitting a dark-haired stranger. As a substitute, they volunteered the youngest dark-haired man in the family, which was Mitchell, until the day Mason would come of age.

With that final tradition done, people started bidding each other goodnight and going up to bed. Minerva thought she might turn in as well, although it would probably take her some time to wind down from the excitement of the evening. As she started to climb the stairs, she was startled by Rolanda running up beside her and grasping her arm. Minerva raised her eyebrows at her friend, "You alright there, Ro?"

Rolanda looked around at the people still surrounding them in the hall and on the stairs. She leaned close to Minerva and whispered, "There's a party at Richard's house."

Minerva eyed her, "Do you mean –?"

"His parents are out of town at a party with his dad's work friends. He wrote me about it. Everyone should be there. Including," she wiggled her eyebrows suggestively, "a certain red-haired Gryffindor you love."

Minerva flushed, but excitement filled her heart. She hadn't seen Oliver in over a week, and although they'd exchanged a few letters, that just wasn't the same. She couldn't deny that she missed him with her whole body. A slow grin formed on her face, and Rolanda giggled happily, knowing Minerva was up for the adventure.

"I'll meet you down here in thirty minutes, okay?" Rolanda whispered.

Minerva nodded.

After changing and freshening up, Minerva made her way downstairs with a Disillusionment Charm cast over her body as well as a Silencing Charm for good measure. Thankfully, everyone had made their way to their rooms by then, so Minerva found Rolanda standing by the fireplace looking slightly nervous, all by herself. Once Minerva was certain Rolanda was alone, she removed her Disillusionment Charm. Rolanda jumped a little at her sudden appearance, but soon breathed a sigh of relief, her hand over her chest.

"Sweet Merlin, Minerva," Rolanda hissed. "Warn a witch, will you?"

Minerva grinned at Rolanda's reaction and removed her Silencing Charm as well. She replied sweetly, "But then I wouldn't have gotten such a delightful reaction out of you, would I?"

Rolanda scowled at her. She turned her back on Minerva and walked towards one of the fireplaces, reaching for the jar of Floo Powder. A pinch in hand, she turned back to Minerva and said, "The Floo address is 24 Hooper Street. Are you ready?"

"24 Hooper Street, yes, got it," Minerva replied, her heart pounding with adrenaline.

Rolanda went first, disappearing in a flash of green flames, and Minerva quickly followed. The world was a whirr of spinning brick and living rooms tinged with the distinctive green of Floo travel for a few seconds before she stumbled out at her destination. As she straightened and dusted off her robes, she first saw Rolanda and Richard passionately embracing. Turning, her eyes then landed on Oliver, looking red in the face and wearing a Gryffindor scarf tied around his head. She giggled and grinned when she laid eyes on him, and they moved quickly towards each other to embrace. Oliver swept her up in his arms and kissed her hard; Minerva threw her arms around his neck and kissed him back happily.

A whistle from somewhere else in the room drew her attention. She regretfully parted from Oliver to throw a piercing, intimidating look in the direction the whistle came from. She found Donnie Longbottom grinning at her with his arm around Augusta. She glowered at him, but he simply waved with a pleasant smile. Seeing that Donnie refused to be perturbed, Minerva snorted and shook her head. She took Oliver's hand and led him over to his best friend. Donnie reached out to hug her as she drew nearer. Minerva accepted the hug, and also hugged Augusta.

"Having a good holiday, Minerva?" Donnie asked.

"Ah, yes, I think so. It's nice to spend so much time with my family. We've been very busy, though. The house is full. Rolanda's family is also staying with us," Minerva responded.

Augusta raised her eyebrows, "Really? I hope McGonagall Manor is as big as you say!"

Minerva smiled, "We've managed."

"Oh!" Augusta interjected, turning her head. "Donnie, I love this song! Dance with me." With that, she pulled him unceremoniously towards a space that seemed to have been cleared to make a dancefloor.

Minerva turned on her boyfriend, gave him a sweet look, and asked, "Would you dance with me, too?"

Oliver sighed and rolled his eyes, but he was smiling, "I suppose, for you." Minerva grinned and dragged him after Donnie and Augusta. Minerva beamed with joy as they twirled and twisted to the swing music, despite Oliver's somewhat awkward steps. His sub-par skills did not bother her; she was happy that he was at least willing to embarrass himself for her sake.

As always, though, he did not consent to embarrass himself for long, and after two songs, he pulled her away, saying, "You should try Firewhiskey!" When Minerva raised her eyebrows at him, he asked, "Have you tried it before?"

"No, I haven't!"

Oliver grinned and poured her a glass. He definitely poured her more than a dram, but he probably didn't even know what a dram was. She took a big gulp, and nearly choked with surprise at how much it burned. It was certainly not like any of the – admittedly, limited – whiskies she'd ever had. Once the initial shock wore off, Minerva started to recognize a lot of the familiar, characteristic flavors of whiskey. She took a smaller sip, careful and curious. Oliver smiled at her, "You like it?" Minerva nodded, and he threw an arm around her. "I thought my little Scot would!"

She raised her eyebrows and smiled up at him, "Your little Scot?"

"Yes. You're mine, you're smaller than me, and you're a Scot: my little Scot."

Minerva giggled and downed the rest of her Firewhiskey. She took the opportunity to look around the room to see who else was there. She saw Prewett, Lucretia, and Nicholas Pomfrey together in one corner. Minerva was surprised to see Christine Geris leaning against Nicholas; the last time she checked, Christine was dating Minerva's ex Peter Green, and the last girl she'd seen Nicholas with was yet another Ravenclaw, Charity Goode. Both Christine and Pomfrey had reputations for their sexual habits, and so Minerva imagined they were probably well suited at this time in their lives. Less people would probably get hurt with them together. She couldn't help but wonder how Charity was doing; the girl had thought she might be able to be 'the one' for Nicholas. Minerva spotted the rest of the Gryffindor sixth- and seventh-years either around the room or through the door to the kitchen, as well as a few fifth-years, Minerva's Chasers Amelia and Hank included. She raised her eyebrows to see them standing so close together. There was very little representation from other houses, and Minerva did not see Pomona or Poppy anywhere.

As Minerva poured herself more Firewhiskey, Oliver grinned and said, "That's my girl." He offered his glass to her and she poured more in his as well. They chatted with a few people around the room, but all the while, they were constantly touching. As time went by, they touched more and more, until Minerva was leaning completely against his body with his arms wrapped around her from behind. She was not listening to the conversation happening around her, as she was so caught up in the way it felt to be wrapped up in his arms again. She didn't even notice when the couple they'd been talking to left them alone. Oliver started nipping at her neck, and Minerva moaned softly. Oliver whispered in her ear, "Let's go upstairs."

Minerva nodded, and he took her hand and led her up the stairs. Giddiness filled Minerva's heart as she allowed him to drag her behind him. He seemed to know precisely where he wanted to go; Minerva imagined he'd visited Richard's house often enough to know the layout. He opened the door to an unoccupied room with a large bed. Minerva's heart raced at the sight of it. They'd never snogged in such a large bed. Her mind began to whirr with the possibilities, but she was quickly distracted by Oliver pressing her against the door and kissing her fervently. She brought her hands to his face and kissed him back with just as much passion. Her body had a strong reaction to his kisses, immediately yearning for more touching, kissing, and skin-to-skin contact.

Gasping, Minerva pushed him away and flipped him around, pushing him against the wall next to the door she'd been pressed against. His eyes widened, but he looked excited. She kissed him deeply, and he responded in kind, his tongue meeting hers eagerly. As they kissed, Minerva pushed Oliver's outer robe off his shoulders. She was pleased that he'd worn pants and a button down under his outer robe. Her fingers slid down the row of buttons on his shirt, and they popped open with the encouragement of her magic. Once all the buttons were undone, Minerva pulled away to take a look at him standing there with his shirt open. Both of their chests were heaving; he stared at hers as she stared at his. She ran her hands over his chest, admiring the muscles showing through his skin that he honed for Beating. Her fingers slid through the curls on his chest and danced over his nipples. He watched her with awe as she explored his bare chest, and gasped when she put her mouth on it, kissing and licking and biting. He groaned as she got tantalizingly near the line of his pants, but did not venture lower. Grinning at him, she pushed his shirt completely off his shoulders and kissed him on the mouth again, open mouthed with hot breath and wrestling tongues.

As she did so, he started walking her backwards towards the bed. Minerva stopped once she felt the edge of the bed against her legs, and pulled away from him again. She crawled up onto the bed and turned, awaiting him eagerly. She felt a throbbing heat between her legs as she watched him crawl towards her, bare-chested. Her mouth went dry at the sight of him. She met his lips eagerly as he lowered himself over her. She moaned as he started venturing away from her lips with his mouth, and captured her earlobe between his teeth. He was rewarded with little gasps as he licked and nipped his way down her neck and along her collarbone. His mouth soon reached the cleavage of her robes. Minerva found herself pulling back the fabric of her own robes to give him better access. She moaned again with pleasure as he cupped one breast in his hand.

Making a decision, she pushed him away suddenly. He pulled away, wide-eyed and disoriented. His mouth opened in surprise as he watched Minerva pull her arms out of her under robe, pushing it down around her waist, and just as quickly, toss her bra onto the floor. He stared unabashedly at her breasts. Minerva smiled at him and took one of his hands, guiding it back to the same position it had been in before over her clothes. He moaned as soon as he touched her skin. With her other hand, she pulled his head down to kiss her deeply. Minerva enjoyed the new sensation of his bare chest against hers. Oliver quickly decided to venture back down and boldly take one of her nipples into his mouth. Minerva gasped at this new feeling. He rubbed his thumb over the other nipple while he sucked on the one he'd captured in his mouth. Minerva's hand came up and urged him to squeeze her breast, wanting to know what that would feel like. She groaned and arched her back. She wanted more from him.

Impulsively, Minerva pushed him onto his back and straddled him. His eyes went wide again, but he was grinning up at her, his eyes flickering between her face and her breasts. She leaned down and kissed him again, and as she did so, she instinctively started rubbing herself against the distinct bulge in his pants, desperate for some relief. He groaned at the new pressure. Minerva decided she liked the way rubbing against him felt, and continued doing it, even after she stopped kissing him. This action made her dress curl up into a loop around her waist, exposing her knickers, but she didn't care.

"Minerva," Oliver moaned.

"Oliver…"

"Minerva, please."

Minerva stopped, and his hands came to his belt. He unclasped it and started sliding out of his pants. Minerva examined him in wonderment, laying beneath her in just his underwear. She kissed him passionately again, their tongues twirling sloppily outside their mouths, and she resumed her attempt to gain friction where she needed it with a thinner barrier guarding his member.

Eventually, she grew tired, though still unsatisfied, and she slid off him to cuddle up next to him. He turned to face her, looking at her in awe, "Minerva…" His eyes trailed downward, taking in her body again. Minerva followed his gaze, and finally noticed the way her robes were bunched up at her waist. She sighed in amusement and slipped out of the ring of wadded clothes, discarding her robes on the floor. They now laid next to each other, truly only in their knickers. Oliver ran a hand over the line of her body, from her hips to her breasts, gaining a fuller appreciation for it.

"You're magnificent," he murmured.

Minerva smiled at him and kissed him tenderly. When they pulled apart, their eyes met. She sensed a significance in his eyes, a question, and she correctly guessed it. "Not yet," she whispered.

He raised his eyebrows at her, "Yet?"

A playful smile curled at her lips and she simply hummed in response. He laughed and ran his fingers through her long black hair tenderly. She couldn't break this powerful eye contact with him, and she felt the words that she'd almost said the last time she saw him well up in her again. She took a small, shuddering breath and murmured, "I love you."

His hand in her hair paused, and a slow smile grew on his face, "I love you, too."

Minerva beamed, happy and relieved. Oliver chuckled and kissed her nose. Minerva asked playfully, "What?"

He sighed, grinning, and replied, "I had this whole plan of telling you on the Quidditch pitch under the stars. It was very romantic. But I suppose nearly naked after I got to see your breasts for the first time is alright too." He grinned mischievously and added, "In Richard's parents' bedroom, no less."

Minerva's eyes widened and she gasped, "Oliver!" Oliver just grinned at her. Minerva rolled onto her back and put her hands over her face. She started laughing, though, at the complete audacity of the decision.

"No one was in here," he replied nonchalantly, his face the picture of innocence.

Minerva slid her hands down her face, sighing and laughing all at once, "Well, at least we didn't have sex in here."

Oliver propped himself up on one arm and replied dramatically, "What a pity."

Minerva shot him a mock-glare, but then snorted with laughter again. "I suppose it is a shame that I can't hold that over Rolanda and Richard."

"I mean…you still have the chance…" Oliver said leadingly, grinning at her.

"In your dreams, sir," Minerva replied. Oliver pouted.

They cuddled for a little bit before Oliver awkwardly excused himself to the toilet. Minerva grinned at him knowingly as he took one last longing look at her body before leaving for the bathroom. Not feeling entirely comfortable with getting under Richard's parents' bedsheets, Minerva conjured a blanket large enough for her and Oliver, and she snuggled up into it while she waited for him to return. She didn't realize how tired she was until now, and wondered what time it was. A vague thought occurred to her that she should probably go home, but then Oliver rejoined her, and the warmth of his body was so pleasant that she dozed right off in his arms.

Minerva awoke early the next morning to a sensation of uncomfortable heat against her chest. She groaned and rubbed her chest, half-asleep. She was jolted awake when her hand brushed against hot metal. Minerva blinked rapidly, disoriented because of the unfamiliar surroundings, and grasped the hot pendant around her neck. Panic and understanding shot through her all at once, and she flipped the pendant over to read the words on the smooth gold back.

Her heart pounded as she read her name, in all capital letters, for all the family to see.

She fumbled for her wand and tapped it to the surface as quickly as she could manage, writing, "I'm safe. -Mi2."

Her words were shortly replaced with, "Is Rolanda with you? -H."

"Yes."

"Home. Now."

With that, Minerva released the opal pendant hanging from the chain around her neck, her stomach twisting with a mixture of adrenaline and guilt. She shook Oliver awake. He started with alarm, and looked up at her with wide, uncomprehending eyes. They'd probably only gotten a few hours of sleep. She felt sorry for him, but she didn't want to abandon him, "Wha—?"

"Get up," Minerva said quickly. "We fell asleep. My parents are – well, I'll find out. Yours are probably wondering where you are." Oliver bolted up. They both started quickly putting their clothes back on. They rushed for the door, but paused, looking over at each other longingly. They exchanged a quick kiss, exchanged whispered declarations of love, and pushed through the door. "Which one of these is Richard's room?"

Oliver showed her, and then she sent him downstairs to Floo home. Minerva knocked urgently, and heard a groan from within. Deciding that her friend's decency was less important than her mother's wrath at the moment, Minerva entered. Sure enough, Rolanda was in Richard's bed, sprawled out, leaving the poor man with hardly any room. Minerva came around the bed and shook Rolanda awake. She looked away quickly when Rolanda shot up in bed, revealing that she was not clothed.

Realizing who had awoken her, Rolanda pulled the blanket up over her chest and hissed, "Bloody hell, Minerva, what's your problem?"

Minerva gave her a disbelieving look and gestured to the current situation. As Rolanda took in the fact that sun was peeking through the curtains, and she was in Richard's bed in his home, her eyes widened and she discarded the blanket, dressing quickly. She shook Richard to half-wakefulness, gave him a quick kiss and said goodbye, leaving him smiling in his sleep. The girls ran down the stairs and Flooed back to McGonagall Manor as quickly as they could.

When they arrived, they found Charles and Gliona seated on the steps of the grand staircase, with Halina pacing directly in front of the fireplace. William stood off to one side, while Norman and Evelien stood off to another. Minerva experienced a small twinge of relief when she noticed Sylvia sitting further up the grand staircase, away from the scene but present. Halina and Evelien descended upon the witches as soon as they stepped through the fireplace. Both were surprised to be wrapped in tight hugs, and they exchanged alarmed looks over their mothers' shoulders.

Just as soon as the hug started, they were both pushed away as their mothers laid into them. Evelien chose her native tongue of French in her anger, while Halina, of course, started yelling in English, "Minerva, how could you be so stupid?"

Minerva blinked in shock, taken aback, "What –"

"You ask to be treated like an adult, you say that you're constantly thinking about the war, but clearly, that is not the case, because if that were true, you would not have disappeared in the middle of the night without a word like you just did. Of all the foolish, reckless, selfish, childish things to do, you go and do perhaps the worst of them. You should never go anywhere without someone knowing where you are. Your peers are dying out there because of this war, Minerva McGonagall, and I won't have you joining them! Did you even think about what happened in Yorkshire on Christmas Day when you decided to sneak out?"

Minerva's hands were balled into fists. She was biting her tongue against the righteous anger that wanted to burst out of her. How dare her mother say such things to her. Minerva worried for the safety of her family and friends every day.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Halina asked, breathing heavily.

Minerva's lips formed a thin line as all of the things she wanted to say flew through her mind. She clenched her jaw. She almost said no. Almost. But she couldn't help herself. She spoke quietly and said, "I just want to say that I do worry about the war. This doesn't change that."

Halina pursed her lips at her daughter. She straightened her shoulders and took a step closer to Minerva. She spoke just as quietly when she replied, but with a more menacing edge, "Perhaps you do. But you clearly do not understand what it feels like to be kept up at night, sick with worry about whether the real world or Hogwarts is safer for your child, and then having to decide that the looming stress of the unknown and the potential to be cursed for months is better than your child potentially dying by being near her own parents, just because you've chosen to openly fight a monster." Her voice rose as she continued, "If you even had an inkling of what that felt like, you would not have left this house in the middle of the night without even a word to a house-elf!"

Minerva stared at her mother, angry, ashamed, and speechless. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, starting to speak but thinking better of it. She knew what she should say, but she was still too proud and angry to get the words out.

Halina rubbed her face with her hands tiredly, unwinding just a little now that Minerva wasn't fighting back. She sighed, "Oh, Minerva…" Somehow, this new tone only made Minerva feel worse. "Where did you even go? Where were you?"

For the first time since her mother had started laying into her, Minerva glanced over at how Rolanda was faring. Norman had walked away and was leaning against the banister of the grand staircase, his face in his hands. Rolanda looked positively mutinous, and was shouting back in French just as good as she was getting. Minerva caught one word, an English name said in a French way, that made her feel safe confessing the truth to her mother without hurting Rolanda. "We went to Richard's house."

Halina scowled, glancing over where Minerva had been looking, "Richard…?"

"Rolanda's boyfriend. He was having a party."

"And where were his parents?" Halina demanded, her body rigid again.

"They had a work party. They weren't home."

Halina frowned and watched Evelien and Rolanda fight. Minerva's heart pounded as she glanced between Halina and the Robinson women. She suddenly realized that Halina might have picked up some French working with the Resistance, in France. She tried to listen for words that sounded like English words, but they were speaking too fast for Minerva to even make out where one word started and another ended. As she watched, though, her heart started pounding for a different reason, as she realized that Evelien was hovering between forms: every syllable she spoke seemed punctuated by some sort of shift in her appearance. One second she looked normal, and the next, she would have feathers or claws or yellow eyes. For one second, she even held a ball of flame in her hands. Rolanda did not seem fazed by this, but as Minerva watched her friend, for a fraction of a second, something similar seemed to happen to her.

Evelien must have caught it too, because she stopped talking suddenly and stared at her daughter. Rolanda did not notice – perhaps she thought something she said finally rendered her mother speechless – and continued shouting. They stared as it happened again, but for longer. Her face turned redder as she started shouting louder in French. The louder she shouted, the longer the bits of the harpy held in her appearance, until finally her shouting turned into screeching, and the transformation completed. Minerva could not help but take a step back, her eyes wide, as a harpy stood where her best friend had just been standing. She screeched for a few seconds before shutting her mouth, seeming to realize that the sound was coming from her.

Rolanda looked down at her hands, which were now claws, and screeched again, but this time it sounded like fear. Flames flared up at the tips of her claws briefly. Rolanda looked back up at her mother with a panicked expression. Evelien quickly put the argument aside and raised her hands comfortingly towards her daughter, stepping forward slowly to touch her. Rolanda backed away instinctively, squawking frightfully. Evelien paused, and started speaking comfortingly in French, now. Norman was now at his wife's side again, and he murmured soothingly, "Rolanda, it's okay, your mother can help you."

Rolanda permitted Evelien to grasp her forearms. She spoke quietly, looking Rolanda directly in the eyes. She stroked Rolanda's face, smoothing feathers into place affectionately. Slowly, she drew Rolanda into a hug. Minerva stared at Rolanda's shaking limbs, absolutely stunned. Rolanda had told her she hadn't yet discovered which singular part of Veela magic she had inherited from her mother. It looked like this was it.

Evelien and Rolanda stood there hugging for a good few minutes before Rolanda stopped shaking, and a minute more until her body began morphing back into its normal, half-human half-Veela state. Evelien didn't let go until Rolanda did, and they both sighed with relief. Evelien pulled away to smile at her daughter, but Minerva saw her smile falter as she looked at Rolanda's face.

"What? What is it?" Rolanda asked in English. Minerva's heart pounded, and she moved to see Rolanda's face.

Minerva's eyes widened when she realized what Evelien had seen. Rolanda's eyes, which had always been a beautiful, Veela-like shade of blue, were now piercing yellow. Evelien murmured something breathlessly in French, and Rolanda's hands flew up to cover her eyes. Minerva conjured a mirror and offered it to her friend, who took it roughly. She stared, open-mouthed at her appearance, and looked sharply back up at her mother, "We have to fix this."

"You have to remain calm, Rolanda. Let go of your anger. Relax," Evelien encouraged her. Rolanda closed her eyes and started breathing evenly. She grasped her mother's hands again, trying to calm down. She seemed quite calm to Minerva, but when she opened her eyes again, they were still yellow. Evelien frowned and rose her wand to perform a Diagnostic Charm on her daughter.

Evelien turned to Norman and said, "I think we need to take her to the chateau. I need to try to get in touch with my family. I know of no one else who can help her."

Norman nodded and turned to the McGonagalls in the room, who were all staring. Charles and Gliona were standing at the foot of the stairs, now. Norman primarily addressed them as he spoke, "Thank you, all of you, for your hospitality. We have felt so welcomed, and so much a part of this family this holiday. Thank you for embracing our traditions along with us."

"And we're sorry for the influence our daughter has had over Minerva," Evelien added, throwing Rolanda a piercing look. Rolanda opened her mouth in offense.

Minerva, taken aback, interjected, "I could've made a different choice."

"Perhaps, but Rolanda provided the opportunity and encouragement," Evelien retorted. She grasped Rolanda's hand and made for the fireplace.

Looking slightly uncomfortable, Norman repeated, "Thank you, again, for your kindness. We'll see you again soon."

With that, the three Robinsons vanished through the fireplace.

A pregnant pause followed as everyone looked around at each other uncomfortably. Eventually, Halina put her hands on her hips and turned back to Minerva, asking, "Was Oliver there?"

"What?"

"At the party. Was Oliver there?"

"Mum, are you really –?"

"Rolanda is fine. Answer the question: was Oliver there?"

Minerva's nostrils flared, but she replied, "Yes."

Halina pressed her lips into a thin line. When she finally spoke, she spoke quietly and firmly. "Minerva." She licked her lips and repeated, "Minerva. I would like to speak with you in the drawing room, please."

Out of the corner of her eye, Minerva saw William turn and start walking towards the stairs. William, who always seemed so proud of her all her life, who hadn't said a word, and who Minerva felt far guiltier for disappointing than her mother. At the top of the stairs, Sylvia stood, seeming to teeter on the decision of whether to come down and help her niece. Minerva crossed her arms and replied loudly, "I have nothing to hide."

"Minerva," Halina insisted.

"I have nothing to hide," Minerva repeated firmly.

"If you insist on making a spectacle of yourself –"

"– the answer to your question is no!" Minerva shouted.

Halina stared at her. She took a deep breath, and then asked quietly, "Are you and Oliver having sex?"

"No!" Minerva insisted.

Halina crossed her arms and closed her eyes. Her shoulders relaxed again. When she opened her eyes, she nodded, and simply said, "Okay."

Minerva felt uneasy with that neutral response. She almost would have preferred it if Halina had started a lecture about the dangers of pre-marital sex.

"Minerva…," Halina sighed again. She shook her head and stepped aside, "Just go upstairs."

Minerva pursed her lips and looked around the room. Her grandparents and her father weren't looking at her. Only Sylvia met her eyes, but Minerva did not find the support she'd hoped for there. Minerva pushed past her mother and ran up the stairs. She paused as she passed Sylvia, looking for anything remotely comforting there, but Sylvia's expression was impassive. Feeling hurt, Minerva ran the rest of the way up the stairs and to her room.