"A September to Remember (part 1)"
Minerva tapped her fingers against the railing. For the first time in decades she was nervous about leading a sorting. She knew that the pregnancy would be visible, making her a target for vengeful students. Ron Weasley already was acting weird around her. The sixth years were definitely going to be fun this year. Stupid Slytherins. She thought cursing the fact for the first time Hufflepuffs were adequate at potions.
Thoughts were running rapid through her minds. She and Albus agreed to tell the Gryffindors first, after the feast, and then see who brings the topic up first.
Hearing Hagrid's knock, Minerva answered the door and sternly looked over the first years.
Another Creevy. That girl must be a Bones.She walked the first years to the stage and waited for the Sorting Hat's song to finish. The Hat finished with a burp. Minerva rolled her eyes that was the last time she lets Albus give the Hat butterbeer.
"Albright, Abigail."
"Ravenclaw"
Minerva automatically read the names, carefully schooling her face not to cheer when she received new Gryffindors.
"Malfoy, Lucia."
The small girl nervously approached the stood.
"Gryffindor!"
For once no one cheered. Minerva smiled and pointed to the Gryffindor table. Lucia took the seat next to Dennis Creevey and the sorting continue.
She ended with a set of twins, Molly and Huck Ziegler ("Ravenclaw") and sat down. Albus smiled and whispered to her,
"You did that exceptionally well. With Miss Malfoy I doubt anyone noticed the kittens."
Minerva shifted closer to her husband. Once the students settled down , Albus stood up and began the welcoming speech.
"Welcome to another year at Hogwarts. Within these walls, you'll find knowledge, power, friendship and yourself. You may be sorted in houses but a house cannot stand alone. In these dark days, the houses need to combine to survive. We shall attempt new points systems, where points may go for homework, Quiddich or the House Cup. Mr. Filch has mention that all objects from Weasley Wizarding Wheezes are banned from the school. For the first time, I am pleased to announce a new Defense Against the Dark Arts curriculum which includes all staff. Hopefully, you will keep them in the same shape. But I welcomed two new staff members, William Weasley and Arabella Figgs.
"There will be more announcements but now, tuck in."
Albus sat down and his hand joined Minerva's under the table. Dinner was over soon and Prefects led the first years to the dorms.
The staff retired to the lounge and began to discuss the sorting. Minerva and the rest of Heads went to address the students. Bill Weasley joined her and grinned.
"So how are we going explain this? One morning you will not come to class and I'll be there?"
"You think anyone will notice?" Minerva grinned at one of her all-time favorite students.
Glancing at Minerva's stomach, Bill just laughed.
"Devil's Snare." Minerva appreciated Hermione's thoughtfulness to chose plants so Neville could remember. The Fat Lady revealed the common room. Already the room was a chaotic scene. Minerva waited until Lavender noticed her standing in the room.
"Professor McGonagall! You're not using the cane." The older students rushed over to hugged the professor, most of which didn't seen her when she came home from St. Mungo's.
Minerva passed around a piece of paper which students started to signed. When Hermione looked at the paper, she seemed to be trying to figure out something. Minerva sent a wink to her"This is a roll call. If for some reason we need to locate you we'll use this. This year's prefects are Hermione Granger, Ronald Weasley, Colin Creevey and Ginny Weasley. Ginny was promoted to sixth year, after sitting for her O.W.L.s. Any questions so far?"
. As soon as everybody signed, Minerva stood up continued with the meeting paying no attention to the gasps that her stomach had gathered.Dean asked the question that was on everyone's mind.
"Professor McGonagall, what's the deal with you? Are you pregnant? Is that even possible at your age?"
Minerva didn't know whether to laugh or feel insult. Bill held back a laugh.
"Mr. Thomas, how old do you think I am?" An eyebrow rose, daring Dean to answer.
"Ummm, thirty-six?"
"There's the famous Gryffindor courage. I'm about middle age for a witch. It's an unusual thing but it happens. I'll be taking leave next term and Professor Weasley will be taking over my duties. Any other questions? No? Good. Moving on. You have heard Professor Dumbledore say products from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes are banned from the school. However I believe in supporting your fellow Gryffindors. If I don't see them, I don't have to confiscate them." Minerva tried to look stern.
" I know you are all exciting to start a new term. But please consider getting some sleep. Class schedules will be hand out tomorrow morning. I'll be having house hours on Monday 2-3 p.m. and class hours Thursday 11-12 a.m. Professor Weasley will be around also. If there is any problems please come in before they are crises. I'll see you at breakfast. Good night. Mr. Potter, I need to see you for a moment please."
Harry followed Minerva out into the hall where she stopped by a bust of Godric Gryffindor.
"You will stay with your fellow sixth years. But on occasion there will be McDore evenings which you are more than welcome to join. This is Professor Dumbledore and mine's suite. Into the lions' den." As soon as she spoke, Gryffindor appeared to wink and revealed a door which Minerva open.
"This is the sitting room. To the left is the bedroom, which we'll be expanding soon and our baths. Our personal studies are to each side. Hmmm, what else?" Minerva looked around the rooms which have been her second home for forty years.
Harry noticed there was no place for Fawkes. It seemed weird that Albus would left out his pet. He asked.
"Fawkes refused to share quarters with a cat and at times two toddlers. Albus agreed to let him sleep in the office with the former Heads. Besides it's easier this way with his burning day. " Minerva cracked a smiled and glanced at the clock. "Merlin! Look at the time. Off to bed with you!" Harry gave his mom a hug and went back to the Gryffindor dorm .
Minerva went into the staff room. Filius was demonstrating the protection charms. The fire whiskery was making the rounds. Surprisingly Hagrid and Severus were singing the school's anthem, while Xiomara and Evelyn encouraged them.
"…until our brains all rot!" They finished with hand motions.
Minerva sighed. She seriously was tempted to take points from Ravenclaw and Slytherin but since it was Hagrid was singing too, Gryffindor would lose too. A pair of arms wrapped around her former waist and lips kissed her neck. Smiling, Minerva quickly pecked her husband's lips.
"We should give Severus and Hagrid some quick sobering capsules and start the meeting."
Motioning to Poppy, who accioed the capsules, Albus sat down in the center and pulled out what seemed to be a thin black notebook with the Hogwarts seal on it. The schedule revised to include the new D.A.D.A. program. Lesson plans rarely changed but to make sure the staff went through the general outline at the beginning of the year. Albus finished up quickly, simply because the staff was the best and there were better things to do. Severus was elated to finally teach the class.
As soon as they gotten into their chamber, Albus began to nibble on Minerva's neck. Laughing she pushed Albus away.
"Do you want something, Headmaster?"
"Just my favorite sweet. Do I get my present now?" Albus roamed his eyes over Minerva's body.
"Forty-nine years, numerous pregnancies later, and you still want me? You animal!" Minerva cackled.
"Mmmm, I definitely still want you. Why don't you get ready for the bed and I'll get the bed ready for you." Albus leered at her playfully.
"As you wish." Minerva disappeared into the closet and Albus waved his hands, lighting candles.
Albus just finished changing in his favorite boxers (the ones with the dancing lemon drops and phoenixes on purple) when Minerva appeared in a full length gown.
"Hello, my goddess. " Albus fingered the blue silk before gently kissing her.
"Hello, Warrior." Minerva smiled nervously and then giggled.
"What? It's not my boxers again?"
"No, no it's just, oh Merlin, Albus, I didn't think this situation would happen again."
Alarmed Albus asked, "You didn't think we ever make love again? Mina, I know it has been a couple weeks but no more sex ever? I couldn't conceive of any thought like that. I think I would rather surrender the castle to Death Eaters. I—"
Minerva laughed harder. "Oh! To think you are the esteem of the Order of the Phoenix. What you tell them, I'm sorry I sacrificed the Wizarding world but I needed to get laid?" When she peeked up at him, Albus was nodding earnestly. "Albus I meant I never thought I would be pregnant at the beginning of the term. Wait! Would you really sell the whole Wizarding world out for sex? That might be a problem." She looked seriously at him.
"What can I say? I love, no, worship, your body."
"I do love you. But let's not tell anyone about that, especially Alastor."
"Mmmm, I agreed." Albus didn't want to remember the topic of conversation as his lips met the smooth skin of Minerva's neck. He gently placed her on the bed and then joined her. Suddenly Minerva bolted upright.
Startled by his wife's reaction, Albus fell off the bed.
"Oh, honey are you ok?" Minerva looked over at Albus, who at this point was very confused.
"The floor is very comfy actually. But why don't I join you on the bed?"
"Yes, please." Minerva shifted into what she thought would be a more relaxing position.
"O.k. You are comfortable?" Minerva nodded and smiled. "Take two then."
Minerva reached up and tangled her fingers in the river of sliver that was Albus' hair. His hands drifted lower across Minerva's body until he reached the belly protecting the kittens. A sharp intake of breath alerted him that something was happening. The skin under his fingers became tight.
"Mina, what's wrong?"
Minerva rubbed her stomach. "Either indigestion or labor pains. Perhaps you should get Poppy."
Albus stared at Minerva, who was focusing on breathing.
"But it's not time yet. You're only twenty-four weeks. "
"I bloody well know it's not time yet! It's false labor. Now get off your arse and call Poppy!" Minerva panicked.
Worthless husband.
"Right." Albus threw floo powder in fireplace. "Poppy Pomfrey."
Poppy's alert face greeted them. "It's the first night. No student is stupid enough to do something yet since the Marauders or the Weasley twins left. It was supposed to be an easy night. What's wrong?"
"I think I might be having contractions. " Minerva grounded out.
"Oh, good grief." Poppy turned to Albus. "What did you do?"
"Nothing!"
"Umm, woman in pain here!" Minerva yelled.
"O.k. Min, when did it start?" Poppy asked soothing.
"I had some indigestion before after dinner. But usually it only last for a half hour. "
"O.k. Are you having one now?"
Minerva said "Yes, they were coming every twenty-six minutes."
Poppy sighed. "In your case, with your history, I'm not comfortable treating you. Pack and I'll call Theoriski." Seeing Minerva's level of panic rise, she added, "Minerva, it has been years since I finished my rotation in this area. If this had been a reaction to a Wheeze, or a third year trying to transfigure a bottle of water into fire whisky, I wouldn't be sending you to St. Mungo's. But since you're having a high-risk pregnancy, it's better safe than sorry. I want to meet my niece and nephew, or nieces or nephews. But in a couple months, not now."
Both Minerva and Albus were quiet.
"What do you think Theoriski will do?" Albus finally asked.
"I suspect he will give something to stop contractions and prescribe bed rest for a couple weeks. Worse case scenario Min delivers tonight and the babies will be observe at St. Mungo's. But honestly I don't think that is what going to happen. Albus go and pack a bag and I'll call Theoriski o.k. Minerva do you want to change? "
Minerva glanced down at the nightgown that she bought especially for tonight.
"Yeah." She whispered, her eyes tearing up.
"Min, it's going to be ok. Twenty-four weeks is early but babies survive. You are not miscarrying. "
Minerva nodded.
"Should I get Harry and call Apollo and Aurora?" asked Poppy.
"Not yet. Let's see what going on first. " Minerva answered. The
last thing she needed was to deal with more people even through they
were her children. Poppy nodded and threw floo power to contract Theoriski.
"o.k. Theoriski said to just floo there. Let's get you ready." Poppy ran a hand down Minerva's back trying to comfort her in some small way as she slipped into comfortable tartan pajamas.
"The bag is pack. " Albus's hands shook.
"O.k. now Albus just hold Minerva. One, two, three." Poppy sent them off with prayers running rapidly through her head.
"Incoming! Seventy-eight woman, twenty-four weeks, multiple fetuses, preterm labor."
"Oh, Merlin, is that what I am now?" Minerva wondered.
"Shhh. It's going to be ok, Mina" Albus whispered.
"Hey there Minerva, you couldn't wait until next Tuesday to see me? I know I'm lovable…but still." Dominick Theoriski could see Minerva's panic rising and knew before anything else he needed to get her relax.
"This wasn't the plan for tonight." Minerva said between contractions.
"I know, night before classes start, you don't want to be at St. Mungo's. But we've talked about this. Bed rest is always a possibility during a high risk pregnancy." Dominick didn't want to talk about a loss of the pregnancy until he had more information.
"You think it's just a case of Minerva's needing to take it easy." Albus asked hopefully. He immediately vowed Minerva wouldn't have to move a muscle for the rest of the pregnancy.
"I think that's part of it. Part of it is Minerva's body is having hard time with the pregnancy. Look at this way, your body didn't expect to have to carry twins now. While it's doing the job, it's taking more out of you and your body itself. There's a reason why most women stop having kids before your age. " Dominick noticed Minerva's stricken face. "Minerva, you didn't plan this! You are great health for not only for your age but any age. You eat right, much better than your husband, exercise and frankly are probably healthier that most of the staff here, including your son. The number of times I've caught him eating sherbet lemons…"
Minerva managed to chuckle.
"Speaking of which, I noticed the lack of your entourage. Did you tell the kids?"
At this question, Minerva and Albus exchanged uneasy glances. Finally Minerva answered,
"I didn't want to tell them in case I lost them."
"O.k. Apollo is working but I will try having him avoid you." Dominick jotted notes in a chart which then sealed itself against unauthorized individuals. " I suggest you two rest. We'll monitor you during the night."
Minerva nodded. Suddenly the weight of the world lay not on her shoulders but about foot lower. The weight was very tiresome.