Minerva walked into the Great Hall for breakfast on the first day of term. Her normal teaching robes slightly altered to not be so bulky and her severe bun was relaxed at the nape of her neck. She was greeted by several students which made her smile. She had missed teaching although she had adored the time she spent with her husband and children.
"Professor McGonagall," a feminine voice called out.
Minerva turned towards the voice to see Helena Ravenclaw floating towards her. Minerva waited until the Ravenclaw ghost made it to her before speaking. "Good morning Lady Helena."
The ghost smiled at the teacher. "I have heard what you have done for Ravenclaw House and our heirs," the ghost said. "House Ravenclaw owes you our gratitude. I sincerely thank you for protecting our heir."
Minerva offered the ghost a smile. "I merely did what I felt was necessary to protect the House's future," she replied. "I planned on seeking you out today. Hermione needs knowledge of Ravenclaw House and the vaults held no written book with the information. Where can I find it to help teach Hermione what she needs to know?"
Helena offered a grin to Minerva. "Bring Hermione here to Hogwarts," the ghost said. "Our family book is on the grounds but must be retrieved by our heir. I shall help her access it and will help answer any questions you have."
Minerva nodded her head. "I shall speak with her parents and arrange a visit," she promised. "I will let you know the details as soon as it's arranged."
"Thank you Professor McGonagall," Helena Ravenclaw said. "You are a good and morally strong witch. I am grateful you are our heirs magical guardian."
"Did you realize the heirs have a spot on the Board of Governors?" Albus asked with a twinkle in his eyes. "In this case, their magical guardian does."
"I have a vote on the Board of Governors now?" she asked suprised as she looked at Albus.
"You have four votes," he clarified with a grin. "I have read through the charter and reread it. If we can get three other votes, we will be able to push through those changes we have discussed for years!"
Minerva leaned back in her seat suprised. "I had no idea," she whispered. "I guess we need to decide on a plan for the next Board of Governors meeting. I plan to ask for a living teacher for History of Magic immediately so you should compile a list of candidates."
Albus chuckled at the excitement on her face. These votes would allow them to sidestep the pureblood traditionalists on the Board. They had many plans to make and needed to figure out the importance of each. They couldn't enact all of them immediately but possibly a few in the next year.
"I shall work on it," he answered. "A competent Muggle Studies teacher? Possibly muggle raised being a requirement?"
"Yes," she agreed. "We need a Wizarding Customs class too."
"I like the way you think Minerva," he teased his friend as they continued to make plans.
Minerva sat back in the chair in her private chambers at Hogwarts and sighed tiredly. This morning had been exhausting but productive. She had brought her three children along with Hermione to see the castle. She had introduced the children to the staff, showed them common areas and then showed each child to their Houses' common room (with the help of some senior staff members).
Minerva had stayed with Hermione and met with Helena Ravenclaw. The girl had quickly become accustomed to the ghost and followed instructions perfectly to gain access to her family book. Minerva had been suprised by the blood wards but accepted the importance of them to the older families and made a mental note to encourage her children's use of them. Helena had spoken to Hermione kindly and encouraged her intelligence. "If you or Hermione have any questions Professor I shall answer them the best I can," the ghost had said as she floated away.
Minerva summoned her year 5 essays and began working her way through them. All four children were exhausted and were currently taking a nap in her bed. She hoped to be finished with her essays by the time they woke up and they could head home for dinner.
Minerva arrived at Remus' home later than she wanted but at least she had made it for dinner. Pushing her tiredness from teaching today away, she entered the dining room to see her family just starting dinner. "Momma," shouted the excited voices of her children as they rushed to hug her.
She sighed happily as she hugged them and pressed kisses to their foreheads. "I have missed you all terribly," she offered as she helped settle the children into their chairs. She pecked Dougal on the lips as she sat next to him.
"Hogwarts still running without you present around the clock?" Sirius asked cheekily.
Minerva rolled her eyes at him before nodding her head yes. "It's been an adjustment," she answered. "However things run more smoothly now that I no longer am Gryffindor Head of House. The other three houses come seek my help more frequently now. I hadn't realized how much being Gryffindor Head interferred with others seeking my help or advice."
"You should try to have the Board of Governors to pass a rule that keeps future Heads and Deputies from holding a Head of House position at the same time," Remus offered as he thought about it. "We always wondered how you managed to hold all three positions."
"I had no time to myself," Minerva answered honestly. "I was so miserable by the separation from Dougal that I worked myself into exhaustion in hopes of falling into a dreamless sleep."
"Love," Dougal whispered emotionally as he met her gaze. Minerva smiled sadly at him before shrugging her shoulders. "Those days are long gone," he offered as he tenderly tucked an errant curl behind her ear.
"Enough of this sad stuff," Sirius said as he started dishing out food for the children. "I went by the cottage today and thr renovations are going well. The expansion to the kitchen and living room has been completed ahead of schedule."
Minerva smiled at Sirius and his flawless change of topics. "No issues yet?" she asked curiously.
"Nothing of importance," he reassured. "They should be completed by the end of the month."
"That's amazing," Dougal said in awe. "They are tripling the size of the cottage and upgrading the wards. Magic is wonderous."
Minerva smiled at her husband and his amazement of magic.