Minerva had just finished fixing a simple brunch and setting it on the table when Dougal came in carrying Harry in his arms. Minerva smiled at him tenderly before grabbing her wand and transforming a chair into a highchair for him. She helped him settle into his seat and gave him his small plate of food she had previously made for him. Dougal helped her sit, gently scooting her chair in, and then sat on the other side of Harry. The family ate their brunch while chatting away.

A knocking at the window suprised Dougal but Minerva smiled reassuringly at him and stood to let the brown barn Owl in. The Owl hopped in to the table and held its leg out. "Good morning Diamond," she greeted the Owl as she untied the paper from its ankle. She offered the bird a piece of meat from her plate and smiled as the bird gobbled it up.

"That's what Lily meant when she said the post was different," Dougal said as he watched the Owl fly out of the open window.

Minerva smiled and nodded. "Owl post is very reliable and secure," she answered. "Owls are quite intelligent. We probably need to purchase one since I won't be living in the castle."

"Who's it from," Dougal asked curiously.

"Albus," Minerva said. "I have been placed on paid leave from Hogwarts until the new semester to help ease the adjustment for Harry. Our adoption papers have been filed and were rushed through by the Minister of Magic. And we are requested to attend Gringotts this evening to the reading of James and Lily's will."

Dougal sighed deeply at the thought. "I dread that reading," he confided to his wife. "I fully expect her to bust through the door and talk nonstop about whatever book she just finished."

"She spoke of her beloved Uncle a lot," Minerva whispered then raised an eyebrow. "A farmer turned author if I remember correctly."

Dougal chuckled at the silent question in her statement. "They are in my study," he answered. "Well I guess it's our study now. We will need to shift things around a bit to fit everything."

"I can magically enlarge any room we need," Minerva answered with a reassuring smile. "I look forward to reading them love."

Minerva sat with Harry in her lap and Dougal next to her in Gringotts Bank. She glanced around the room, suprised by the people listening to James and Lily's will. Harry had not spoken a word to anyone and clung to Minerva. She didn't say a word and pulled him against her protectively.

"James and Lily's request for guardianship of Harry has already been followed so we can skip ahead to other articles," the Potter manager said.

"What do you mean guardianship of Harry has been followed," Remus asked suprised. "Sirius and Alice are his godparents and both are unable to care for him."

"James and Lily requested Lily's Uncle take guardianship of Harry which he has," the Goblin explained and pointed to Dougal. "Also, James left a specific request regarding House Potter that has been met. James requested Minerva McGonagall take over House Potter if she married Dougal McGregor until Harry becomes of age and can manage it on his own."

"What," Minerva gasped out suprised. "Surely he left it to someone who could run it properly."

The Goblin smiled at her. "James was adamant about it. He ran onto a photograph of you and Mr. McGregor from your youth and went searching for answers. He realized you had a connection. He and Lily were quite sure you would care for Harry like your own and would ensure House Potter flouished."

Teary-eyed she looked at Dougal and smiled softly as he kissed her forehead in reassurance. The Goblin continued with the reading of James and Lily Potter's will while Minerva processed the fact that James and Lily knew she and Dougal were soulmates. Life was suprising at times and she found herself curious how everything would work out.

Remus sat down in the living room of the McGregors home and smiled as he saw Harry happily playing with muggle toy cars. "Harry seems to be doing okay," he said.

Minerva nodded her head. "He sobbed uncontrollably when he realized his parents weren't coming back," she offered sadly. "He seems content with Dougal and me."

"I'm glad," he said sincerely. "I honestly thought Sirius would have custody of him."

"I'm sure James had a reason for it," Minerva said softly. "Any news on when Sirius will be released from Azkaban?"

"Albus had to throw around his weight to get anyone to listen and threatened a front page Daily Prophet story proclaiming Peter was their secret keeper. Amelia Bones was going to get Sirius and then Albus plans on bringing him by to see Harry," Remus explained.

"I'm sure a visit will help them both," Minerva answered honestly. Sirius had allowed his anger get the best of him and went after Peter once he realized he betrayed James and Lily.

A knock interrupted her. Minerva went to the door and answered it immediately. She smiled sadly at Sirius before moving out of the way and beckoning him to enter. "Padfoot," Harry squealled in delight as he spotted the wizard. He stood and made his way to Sirius as fast as his legs would carry him.

"Hello Pup," he greeted and swung him up in a hug. "I have missed you."

Minerva smiled at the reunion of Godfather and godchild as she pulled Albus over to the couch. "Everything took care of?" she asked.

"Amelia demanded that Sirius get a front page apology from the Ministry of Magic and compensation for wrongful imprisonment," he explained. "Once the Ministry discovered Sirius was the new Lord Black they quickly agreed to it."

"I thought you were disowned?" Remus asked suprised.

"I thought so to but it turns out mother just burnt me from the family tapestry," Sirius said. "Father never removed me as his heir. He just moved Reggie up in succession before me. He didn't want the Black Lordship to fall to one of his siblings."

"Bet your mother is going insane," quipped Remus.

"She already was insane," Sirius said teasingly. "I established her an allowance. She is rather peeved at me. Anyways, how is Harry adjusting?"

"As well as he can be," Minerva answered. "He had a rough morning but seems content. It helps he had such a good relationship with Dougal and was familiar with the cottage."

"Lily did that on purpose," Sirius revealed. "She feared she and James wouldn't make it out. She knew I wouldn't abandoned the fight so that left her beloved Uncle Doug and his soulmate."

Minerva looked at Sirius in suprise. "How did you know?" she questioned.

"James told me when he changed his will," Sirius said. "I originally was listed first in the will but once James discovered the soulbond he was content with Doug having custody of Harry. James wanted Harry to grow up knowing both muggle and magical worlds and felt you were the missing piece. You would ensure Harry became a well-rounded person and would work to ensure he knew his place in wizarding society at the same time."

Minerva attempted to hold the tears back but was unable to. They welled in her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "I shall do my best not to let James and Lily down," she whispered emotionally as Dougal moved towards her and wrapped her up in his supporting embrace. "I fully expect your help in teaching Harry how to be the next Lord Potter."

Sirius chuckled at the stern look his former teacher was giving him. "I shall," he promised. "I also added Harry as heir to House Black."

Minerva eyed him for a moment. "That's sensible," she said then grinned at him. "It will most likely take you years to win Amelia's favor anyways."

Remus burst out laughing at the suprised look on Sirius' face. "She has your number Padfoot," he told his friend.

"She does," he said with a smile. "I guess we know why James insisted she take over House Potter. She's going to push me as well."

Minerva just smiled at him. It warmed her heart seeing the remaining Mauders smiling after the recent loss of James and Lily.