10th February 1973

Minerva walked up to the door of the McGonagall manse. She was cold and tired; however, glad to finally be on holiday. What with the Order, school and the Ministry, Minerva had hardly had the time to visit her parents or her brothers and their family. However, now that it was half-term she was determined to spend a good couple of days with her family.

Nearing the front door, Minerva knocked three times and waited. After only a few minutes the door of the McGonagall manse swung open. A young man stood in the doorframe a large smile on his face despite the tired appearance, 'Hullo stranger! Long time no see.'

'Hello to you too, Malcolm,' smiled Minerva, squeezing past her brother and into the house, 'Did I wake you?'

'No, no, not at all.' Malcolm checked his watch as Minerva removed her shoes and coat, 'We didn't expect you back so late.'

Minerva grimaced, 'I know, I'm sorry. I was going to leave school straight after dinner but a gryffindor forgot the password to the Common Room and Peeves was causing a right old fuss… I thought I'd be here by seven at the latest but I guess not.' She shrugged tiredly. 'Anyway, how are you? How is Helen? I know all the kids are at school so they are all fine…'

'We're ok. Florence has the flu so she's in bed and Robert and Florence are away in France as you know.'

Minerva nodded, 'And Mum and Dad?'

Malcolm smiled, 'Ask them yourself.'

Minerva widened her eyes. 'They haven't been waiting for me have they? Oh Malcolm you shouldn't have let them, especially Dad since he has only just recovered!'

'They insisted,' said Malcolm, putting his hands up in defence, 'You know what they're like. They wouldn't have gone to bed before seeing you even if I had pushed them.'

Minerva sighed and rubbed her eyes, 'All right then. I'll be down in a moment.'

Malcolm nodded and started to make his way back to the kitchen as Minerva made hers up the staircase. She walked slowly and quietly just in case Isobel and Robert had really gone to bed. However, as she neared the landing she could see a faint glow seeping from the gap between the door and the floor of her Dad's office.

'Knock, knock,' said Minerva pushing the door open.

As she entered the study she saw that there was only one chair occupied; that of her father's. His head was resting on his shoulder and he was snoring softly, his reading glasses teetering on the brink of his nose. Minerva removed the glasses gently and placed them on his desk. He looked uncomfortable and Minerva was sure his position was doing no wonders for his back.

'Dad,' she said 'Dad, wake up.'

Robert's eyes opened slowly and it seemed to take him a while to recognise her.

'Ah, Minerva,' he said, a smile spreading over his lips, 'I was wondering when you would turn up.'

Minerva sat down on the empty chair next to him. 'It's late, you shouldn't have waited for me.'

Dad yawned. 'What time is it?'

'Just a little past eleven,' answered Minerva, 'I thought the doctor wanted you to rest,' she added, worried.

He waved his hand, 'Nevermind the doctor. Anyway, how are you? How have you been?'

Minerva straightened her skirt over her knees. 'I'm all right; although I think the question should be how you are. Are you feeling better?'

Dad shrugged and smiled weakly. 'There is only so well a man can feel at my age.'

Minerva felt her heart clench. 'Don't say that.'

Robert took her hands into his. 'We can talk about me later. But-' he added, before Minerva had the chance to speak, 'I didn't stay up all evening to hear you worry. I think I deserve to hear a little more about how my only daughter is doing, eh? So tell me, how is that friend of yours who came up here to see you a few years ago.'

Minerva chuckled, 'You mean Elphinstone? He has a lot on his plate at the moment but he's well.'

Dad reached over for his glasses. 'I hear it's getting very busy for you down in London?'

Minerva's smile faltered, 'Y-yes it is. School is busy as usual, especially with three McGonagall's running about.'

'Right old troublemakers I suspect?' he joked.

Minerva raised an eyebrow. 'You'd be surprised.'

'Well, I suppose that's what nieces and nephews are for,' smirked Dad.

'Yes, I suppose so… Where is Mum by the way?' Minerva frowned and looked behind her as though expecting Isobel to be standing there.

Robert also looked over to the doorway of the study, his face a little sadder than usual. 'She went to bed maybe an hour before you came. I think she may have caught Helen's flu, she seemed a little under the weather this morning.'

Minerva looked down. 'Oh. Well, I'm sure we can sort something out tomorrow.'

Dad patted Minerva's hand. 'She'll be as right as rain lass, we both will.' He yawned suddenly and it looked as though it was getting difficult for him to keep his eyes open.

'All right, time for bed, I think,' said Minerva, getting up and offering him her arm.

Robert chuckled. 'I thought I was meant to be the parent,' he said, accepting her arm and getting up stiffly.

They walked towards the second flight of stairs, Minerva slowing her pace down for Robert. He had left his walking stick in the study and therefore relied heavily on Minerva as they walked to his bedroom. She noticed that he seemed out of breath and again Minerva's heart twinged sadly. As they neared his bedroom he let go of her hand.

'All right there, lass?' he said, gently.

'Fine,' answered Minerva, 'I love you, Dad.'

He leaned forwards and kissed her on the forehead, 'I love you too, Minerva.'

Minerva opened the door to his bedroom and watched him shuffled in before closing it. Rubbing her eyes, she waited until she heard him get safely into bed before slowly walking back down the stairs to meet Malcolm.