...
"For darkness restores what light cannot repair."
Joseph Brodsky
...


"Mum, where the hell are you?"

Petunia's heat jumped into her throat. She hadn't expected anyone to follow her; especially not to this house. But apparently she had underestimated her son.

Reluctantly she turned her head a little. "Attic," she shouted down the stairs and the sound of footsteps she heard indicated that Dudley made his way over to her location.

Soon, the door opened and she looked into the pale blue eyes of her son. She was still a little amazed by the way her boy had changed over the last couple of month. He had lost a lot of weight and with his dark blond hair and pale blue eyes he now resembled his mother a lot more than his father.

"I've been looking everywhere for you!" Dudley sighed as he closed the door behind him and looked at his mother, who was still kneeling on the dusty attic floor.

Petunia just sighed and started to rummage through one of the many boxes around her. "I wanted to be alone for a bit."

The young man took a couple of steps forward. "You and dad had another fight?"

The look on the blonde's face was enough of an answer. "If it helps, I'm on your side, mother."

She smiled a sad smile. "I'm glad you came, Dudders."

"Well, what are you doing here anyway?" Dudley asked as he sat down on the ground next to his mother.

Petunia gestured towards all the big boxes filled with stuff. "I was trying to clear my head..."

"By looking through old stuff in an old house?"

A soft chuckle escaped her. 'How was he supposed to know what this house meant to her?'

"This… this was my parents' house. I only came back a couple of times since I married your father… and I don't know… after Da' finally joined mother… I never really got around to sort all those things out," she explained and held up a small puppet. "I didn't even know they kept all of our childhood things."

Naturally, Dudley had picked up on her choice of words. "Our?"

Another sigh escaped her. "Mine and Lily's."

The blue eyed young man nodded slowly. "Did you really hate her?"

Petunia avoided looking at him. "I regret it, but there was I time when I did. I – I just loved her so much, and then she left me… found new friends… a new family… I never was a part of all that."

A moment of silence passed where neither of the two spoke a word.

"The last thing I said to her before she – before she died was that I never wanted to see her again," Petunia whispered in a thick voice. "Then the house exploded… magic was the reason she went to that school and magic was what's got her killed in the end."

Dudley nodded. "You knew that Harry would have inherited that magic, didn't you? You were afraid that magic would take him from you the same way it had taken your sister… that's why you never wanted him to go to Hogwarts."

Petunia felt the tears welling up in her eyes. "He was all I had left of her. But Vernon never understood… he thought I hated Lily and Harry, whereas I was only scared that their magic would take them away from me."

"Do you know where he is now? Harry, I mean?"

The elderly woman shook her head. "I have no idea. I just hope the boy is save."

Dudley nodded and made his way over to another one of the boxes. His eyes focused on a little black velvet box. "What is that?"

"What is what? I haven't even started to look through all of them, Duddy. Let me see."

He handed her the little box, which she opened carefully.

Upon seeing what was lying in there, her eyes widened. "I haven't seen that in years…," she mumbled, ignored the little piece of paper that was also lying in there for the moment and traced the elegant little golden necklace with her slim fingers.

Dudley looked utterly confused.

"I need to contact Harry," Petunia finally said, and Dudley stared at his mother as if she had completely lost it. "This belonged to Lily. It's only right that he should have it."

"How are you going to reach him, mother? You got an owl nobody knows about?" Dudley joked.

Petunia smiled. "Do you really think your father would allow an owl in the house?" she joked back. "But I know someone who should have one…"


Minerva slowly and carefully closed the door of the Great Hall behind her. With the little candle in her hand, she quietly made her way through the by now completely in darkness covered Hall. With every single step, she felt more and more tired. But at least, Aidan didn't really object to her plans of taking one last stroll around the castle. Ever since Dolores had made her appearance, Minerva had this weird feeling inside of her, that this was only just the beginning.

She therefore had spoken with the remaining people of the 'Round Table', telling them to set everything up for the night. Apparently, they were as exhausted as the other people who were already in the land of dreams. Taking the last couple of steps, the ebony haired witch could already see the sleeping forms of her friends.

The had used the last remaining free spots in the Hall to set up their cots for the night. However, Minerva could hardly think of a time when the Great Hall had ever been packed with so many people as now. She saw that most of the couples already shared the small bed, lying pressed closely together in order to safe some space. Molly and Arthur, Fleur and Bill, were all cuddled together.

With a sigh, Minerva waved her wand and a couple of blankets instantly appeared. Ignoring the pain that the 'mors ad crutiam' caused her once again at the use of her magic, she carefully put them over the sleeping children. Well, young adults, she corrected herself. They have been through so much already that they were forced to grow up much faster than they should have.

A small smile crept upon her face when her eyes fell on Ginny and Ronald; the sight of the two siblings sharing the cot warmed her heart. But it was cold, and especially the girls shivered slightly in their sleep. Tucking the extra blanket carefully around the two Weasley siblings, she repeated the same action as she passed Draco and Narcissa, who had her arms safely wrapped around her son.

The witch's heart skipped a beat as she continued to watch them. Minerva could see on Narcissa's face that something was still troubling the younger witch, though she couldn't tell what it was, at least not yet. She had a slight feeling that it might had to do something with her sister Andromeda, and little Teddy, who were – unknown to Narcissa – sleeping in the very same room, at the end of the Hall.

Minerva knew about their rocky past, but she really needed the two sisters to get back in touch again. They probably didn't know it yet, but they needed each other. Yes, Minerva would have to think of a plan to get them to talk to each other…

Glancing in the other direction, her eyes wandered over the sleeping forms of Aberforth, Alastor, Severus, George, Xemerius and Albus. Naturally, neither of them shared their cot with anyone and Minerva couldn't blame them. Even a small chuckle escaped her at the thought seeing the men sleeping on these tiny little things. The cots were small as it was already, and all the men were quite tall after all.

Well, Augusta was also not the skinniest witch, but Neville was slim, so they didn't have any problems with their newest sleeping arrangements. And apparently, neither did Poppy, who shared with Rolanda and little Miss Lovegood.

'Well done, Poppy,' Minerva thought as she also put a blanket around her old friends and the blonde girl. 'Until we find Xenophilius, we need to take care of Luna.'

With one last sigh, Minerva turned around again. Her daughter was safely wrapped in Aidan's arms and they even had enough space on their bed and Minerva smiled. Before she had left the Hall for her round, Arina told her she'd stay awake until Harry and Hermione would return from the Mablomi. But apparently, she hadn't quite managed to keep her blue eyes open.

Despite the lack of space, there would still be a place for one last bed that Harry and Hermione could use for themselves. That left only one problem. Minerva didn't really know where she should sleep. Looking up at the ceiling, the emerald eyed witch wasn't sure whether or not she really wanted to sleep in the Hall at all.

The fundament looked as destroyed as the rest of the castle. It was only a matter of time until the spells Xemerius had set up would cease to function…. The people needed to be moved to a less dangerous place soon. Perhaps the could set up some tents on the grounds… on her previous round she had already mentioned it to Hagrid, who in return had promised her to look for the best possible place.

And well, McGonagall Manor was still an option, too. Not for everyone of course, but the manor had a lot of spare bedrooms. She would also have a talk with Molly tomorrow. The Burrow was still destroyed, and having the Weasley's in her home wouldn't be a lot of trouble…

"You should get some sleep, Tabby."

Minerva jerked around to stare into her husband's sleepy blue eyes.

"Merlin, Albus," she whispered, her hand still over her heart, "you scared me."

"I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention."

Minerva sighed. "There's not enough space for another bed," then she glanced at her watch, "the first one's will get up in a couple of hours anyway, I'll just wait for that, I suppose."

Albus shook his hand. "Nonsense. Come here," he said, removed a part of his cover and patted the empty space next to him.

The emerald eyed witch raised an eyebrow, but sat down on the edge next to him nonetheless.

"Are you sure?"

"Tabby, there's enough room for both of us."

She hesitated for a moment, but another wave of exhaustion hit her. Then she nodded, slowly moved her feet up and laid down next to her husband; enjoying the warmth that came from him.

Albus immediately put the cover over her and placed his strong arms around her.

"You do realize that we'll make it on the front page of the Daily Prophet if people see us like this in the morning, do you?" she mumbled, already half asleep.

The blue eyed wizard chuckled and tightened his arms around his wife, kissing her hair. "Who cares? Let them talk if they want to. They will find out about us sooner or later."

"I guess," Minerva mumbled and pressed her body closer against Albus'. "Just, just hold me, will you?"

"Always, Tabby."


Harry also yawned as he turned to Hermione, who was still getting back on her feet. "Merlin, I'm tired. Do you think this thing has a sort of 'stand-by' mode? I'd really like to catch some sleep. It's already way past midnight…"

The bushy haired witch shrugged. "I have no idea, Harry. Though I suppose that the Mablomi will show us enough memories now that we can sleep peacefully afterwards."

Suppressing the urge to yawn again, the young wizard just nodded and watched who the red liquid around them put the scene together. "I hope you're right… Now, where are we?"

December 1st, 1956 || Strip club, London || 05:57 am

They were obviously in a night club; people were singing and dancing happily, some of them were sipping their drinks at the bar, others sat on the couch… talking, boasting, kissing, making out... A band was playing music in the background.

According to what the guest wore, it was an occasion for rather fancy looking people.

Soon, their attention was drawn upon a young woman with curly bonde hair that cascaded down her shoulders. Her face was covered with make-up and she wore a dark, red lipstick. She also wore a very low cut and sleeveless dress; it was formfitting and stressed all the right curves of her body. With her little purse clutched under her arm, she immediately and elegantly walked across the dance-floor and sat down on a high chair next to the bar.

Harry noticed that all the male eyes in the room were staring at her; admittedly this young and blonde version of Professor McGonagall was indeed a sight to remember. Though Harry had never imagined her to be the type of person who'd willingly go in this kind of club…

"Can I get you something, beautiful?"

A slightly older man had approached the emerald eyed woman and grinned at her smugly.

Young Minerva raised an eyebrow. "I'm waiting for someone," she replied shortly and winked at the bar-tender.

The man shrugged. "His fault if he doesn't show up on time, don't you think?"

The emerald eyed witch smiled wickedly. "Who says I'm waiting for a man?"

His eyes sparkled. "Sassy. I like that. Still, one drink?"

Harry could see that she was only playing with him. "You're quite persistent, aren't you? Very well, Gin-Tonic then."

The man's grin got even wider, but he ordered nonetheless. "Gin-Tonic, hmm?" he asked as he turned back to her. "Not many women drink something like that."

Young Minerva flashed him secretive and seductive smile. "Well, I'm not any other woman."

"I can see that."

Harry didn't like that man at all. And considering the date, this must have taken place one year after the emerald eyed witch got married to Professor Dumbledore. Why was she flirting with such an idiot?

Then, the elderly man grabbed their drinks from the bar. However, Harry and Hermione both noticed horrified how he poured a couple of white drops into young Minerva's drink. Both of screamed at the top of their lungs to warn the young woman, but of course, she didn't hear it.

She just smiled a little at him, before she took a sip. The man's smile widened with each passing minute.

Soon, young Minerva put her purse down next to her drink; her hand shanking. "I'm not feeling too well… If you excuse me for a moment…"

She got up, but so did the brown haired man, who put his sweaty hand on her arm. "Let me help you, beautiful."

This said, he put an arm around her waist, and half-walked, half-carried the by now completely exhausted woman through the doors of the club.

However, he didn't lead her back out on the street, but rather into a little and dark room.

"What – what… this isn't the exit…" Minerva mumbled, and her eyes opened and closed repeatedly.

The man laughed. "Sorry to disappoint you, beautiful," he cackled and pushed her down on the couch, ready to get rid of her red dress.

Young Minerva closed her eyes. "I'd say I'm sorry, too… but believe me, I'm not," she whispered, then moved faster than Harry thought. Wide awake and as if the drug had lost its power, she sat up straight, then she used her elbow and punched him in the face, followed by a strong and probably very painful kick from her leg into his stomach.

The man immediately fell from the couch and groaned. "What the hell…? "

"Department for Magical Law enforcement: Auror office. You're under arrest, you little bastard," Minerva answered quickly, got up and pointed her wand at him – though Harry couldn't even think of a place where she could have kept it during this whole time…

The man groaned. "I should have known…" he mumbled, then waved his hand and sent her flying backwards, but the witch whispered a couple of words in mid-air, and landed perfectly on her feet. Then she wordlessly cast a spell that caused ropes of fire to tie around the man.

"Game over, Mr. Hamilton," Minerva hissed into his ear. "And believe me, I will be sitting in every single one of your court-sessions to make sure every one of the young women you killed will get justice!"

Before the man could reply, the door burst open again. "Auror department! Mr. Hamilton, you're under arrest for torture, rape and murder of seventeen – "

"You two could have hurried up a little, Monty," Minerva interrupted and turned to face the man who had played the bar-tender earlier and Xem, who held her red purse in his hands.

Monty Potter just rolled his eyes and chuckled. "Sorry 'bout that… I suppose we got a little distracted by your outfit, Kitty. But I did manage to put the drug-antidote in your drink, so you should thank instead of lecture me."

Minerva rolled her eyes and glared at both men, then changed with a wave of her hand her very low-cut dress into a pair of blue jeans and a fitting green blouse. "I swear, if you ever again make me wear something as terrible as that, I will personally end our friendship!"

Xem, dressed as a guitar playing rock star with long brown dreadlocks, only laughed. "But Min, that's the best part about these undercover missions!"

Monty nodded. "And I love to see it when you complain about your costumes. Besides, this time, Xem chose the dress, not me."

The young emerald eyed witch rolled her eyes at her two friends. Then she waved her hand once again and the criminal man fell unconscious. "I don't know why I agreed to help you out again. I quit a couple of month ago, remember?"

Harry's grandfather laughed even more. "Well, you shouldn't have left me like this. I tried to find a suitable substitute for you, but all the newbies in the Ministry are nothing but a bunch of blithering idiots. Even with all the training in the world, they'd never become part of the 'Ghost'-Team. Besides, helping me out once or twice will bring a little more action into your upcoming teaching career, Kitty."

This statement seemed to trigger something in the young witch. She waved her hand, and instantly the time appeared in glowing letters.

"Oh bloody hell," she cursed and turned towards Monty and young Xem. "It's already past six! This is my first day of teaching and because of you two, I'll probably going to be late!"

Monty laughed whole-heartedly and clapped her on the shoulder on their way out of the dark club; their prisoner floating unconsciously behind them. "Ah, you're welcome, Kitty!"

Harry laughed. "Honestly, I really wish I could have met Monty Potter. No wonder my dad was such a prankster."

Hermione smiled. "It's a wonder she didn't hex him."

"True. She could have hurt him, taking in consideration her magical skills. Not to forget to mention her acting talent."

"Well, she's been trained by your grandfather to take on the ghost-undercover missions. You heard him, you have to be good for a job like this."

July, 22nd 1971 || Streets of Diagon Alley

"Oh, thank you so much, Aunt Min, she's beautiful!"

Eleven year old Lily Evans beamed at the Transfiguration Mistress. In her hands she held a large cage with a tiny, brown owl in it. Both little Lily and little Arina stared at the animal in awe.

"You're welcome, Squirrel," Minerva said and smiled at both girls.

To both Harry and Hermione's surprise, she hadn't changed her appearance to the by now familiar looking persona of the blonde Esmeralda Pendragon. However, she wore not her usual green teaching robes, but formfitting dark crimson ones and her hair was in a less strict messy bun. If one didn't know it was the Professor, the people passing them probably hadn't even noticed her.

"Have you decided how to call her yet, Lils?" Arina asked excitedly as the three made their way through the rather crowded streets.

The little red-haired witch shook her head. "No… though I thought it has to be something special. Something mystical perhaps?"

Arina nodded smiling. "Yes, what about some sort of ancient goddess?"

Minerva chuckled. "I don't recommend anything roman or greek… Everyone knows those legends, and people keep asking you about it…"

Both girls started giggling. "Remember that one man asking if you were related to one of the gods?"

The elder emerald eyed witch groaned, but smiled. "Don't remind me, kitten."

"Well, I doubt anyone asks an owl how she got her name, Aunt Min," Lily laughed, held on to her cage with one hand and took the ebony haired witch's hand with the other.

Minerva, holding both girls' hands now, lead them into the next shop. "Lucky little owl, then. Still, what about something form the ancient Egypt? That's a very magical and mystical area, as well."

Before either of the girls could reply, Mr. Olivander appeared in front of them.

"Ah, Minerva, lovely to see you here!" he greeted her, and shook her hand. "Nine and a half inches, fir, dragon heart string if my memory serves me correctly?"

The transfiguration Mistress nodded, then glanced at the two girls, telling Lily to set down the cage and the rest of their shopping bags. "Quite right, Garrick. I am impressed by the amount of wands you are able to remember."

The wand-maker looked at her proudly. "A very good opportunity to train my memory, Minerva. Besides, wands as – well, ancient – as yours are hard to forget."

Minerva chuckled. "Lady Morgana would be happy to hear that, I'm sure."

Olivander chuckled. "True indeed. Now, what do I owe this lovely visit of yours?"

The emerald eyed witch smiled and carefully pushed both girls, who had shyly hidden behind her, into the front. "These two young ladies will be starting school this year, Garrick."

"Ah, they turn eleven so fast, don't they?" the wand maker mused and eyed both Lily and Arina with new found interest. "Now, where shall we start?"

Lily and Arina exchanged a nervous look. Then, curiosity apparently got the better of her, and Lily stepped forward. "I'd like to start, please, Mr…?"

"Olivander, dear, now let me see… hmm… yes… let's try this one…"

Harry laughed out loud when he watched the young version of his mother struggle with the wand. Similar to himself, she shattered a vase; the next wand caused all the windows to explode and so on.

One could see that the little red-haired girl got more and more frustrated with each wand she got.

"Don't worry, Lily," Minerva said and encouragingly put a hand on her young charge's shoulder. "Back when I got my wand, I think I must have tried a dozen wands until I found the right one."

"And you destroyed half of my shop in doing so…" Olivander added sheepishly from the back of his store.

When he returned, he carried a very old looking box, with lions engraved into it. "Now, I'm curious. This wand is very special, and equally picky. It had been made centuries ago and so far it had rejected every witch or wizard who tried it…. But," he added upon seeing Lily's by now teary eyes, "that doesn't mean anything. Now go ahead and give it a flick."

Carefully, the young witch picked up the wand and immediately, a soft breeze of air blew through her hair.

"That's it, right?" Arina asked excitedly and both the wandmaker and the emerald eyed witch nodded smiling.

Relieved, Lily put the wand back into the box.

"Interesting, very interesting…" he mumbled, then let his eyes wander from Lily over Minerva to Arina and back to the red-haired girl. "I wonder… Are you two girls related?"

As answers, he got a simultaneous, "I wish," from Lily and Arina.

Minerva chuckled sadly, "No, but they're… close. Why do you ask, Garrick?"

The old man waved his own wand and a similar looking box flew through the room into his hands. He offered it to little Arina, who, after making sure her mother agreed, carefully picked up the wand and flicked it.

To probably everyone's surprise, it caused the very same reaction. Arina's ebony hair also danced in the soft air and she glowed in a light red.

"That was quick," Minerva said in amazement.

"Interesting, very interesting indeed…"

"Care to enlighten us, Garrick?"

The wandmaker looked up and nodded quickly, then he showed them the boxes with the two wands.

"The first wand: Willow, ten and one quarter long, swishy. The second one: fir, also ten and one quarter long, swishy."

Lily, Arina and Minerva looked equally stunned.

"The only difference between the two wands is the wood. They even share the same core, made from the same griffin-heart-string," Olivander explained excitedly. "They are sister wands. Made by none other than Godric Gryffindor himself. They were meant for two girls with a very strong connection."

Arina and Lily both smiled at each other and linked their arms.

"Your friendship must be very strong, my dears. I have offered these wands to a lot of people in the past, none of them had as strong a connection as you did. I wish you both the very best of luck with these wands."

Minerva was still staring at both girls with surprise, but soon shook her head to get rid of whatever she was thinking and handed Olivander the money. He whispered incomprehensible into her ear, which caused her eyes to widen.

Then, she turned towards the girls, and together they left the shop; both girls holding on to their now wands.

"You know, I think I have a name for my owl," Lily mused as they continued walking through the streets of Diagon Alley.

"So, what is it?" Arina asked excitedly.

"I think, I'm gonna call her Amaunet. The Egyptian goddess of Air and hidden forces."

Minerva laughed, and put her arms around each girl. "Hidden forces, indeed. I have no doubt about that after what happened with your wands today."

While the blood-red waves of the mablomi once again changed the scene, Harry petted Batty on the head and Hermione smiled at the memory.

"Well that was interesting. Seems like they were meant to be together from the start."

Hermione nodded. "Indeed. And this once again proves that family is more than just people sharing the same blood."

Harry laughed and put an arm around his best friend. "I could say the same thing. You're my family, too."

….

January 1st , 1979 || Potter House, Godric's Hollow || late at night

Arina, Lily, Aidan and James were all seated around the little kitchen table in their new house, watching Hermione's mother Jean pacing nervously in front of them.

"Sis, why don't you calm down for a moment, hmm? You're driving us all crazy," Aidan laughed as he took another sip of his drink.

The bushy haired woman ignored her little brother and continued.

"Liam's birthday is on the 5th, and I still don't have a present for him!" she complained.

Arina chuckled, and re-filled Jean's wine-glass.

"We don't have anything either, Jean," Lily added, "hence the meeting tonight."

"Besides, he's a dentist… worst case scenario: we give him a package full of tooth-paste! I'm sure he'll like that."

Simultaneously, both Lily and Arina elbowed James for his comment. "Hey, at least I'm making suggestions here!"

"Well, what does he like apart from that?" Aidan asked his sister.

Jean sighed, but finally stopped pacing around and tasted the wine. "Books. But he already got a whole lot of them."

Arina laughed. "Ah, like my mother. I doubt there's a book she hasn't read yet…"

"I agree," Lily nodded, "books are out of the question. Anything else?"

"What about a nice dinner in his favourite restaurant?"

Lily rolled her eyes at her soon-to-be-husband. "Oh James, and what about us? We agreed to get him something 'big' together, remember?"

"Oh… well…"

"Besides, he prefers cooking himself…"

"I could draw him a painting of Jean's – "

"JAMES."

"Alright, alright."

Arina took another sip of her wine. "He likes sports, doesn't he?"

Jean nodded. "Yes, though it's not the right season for any football for tennis games…"

The witch's blue eyes started to sparkle. "Perhaps, but they do play Quidditch all the time."

All eyes were staring at her now.

"You want to get him a ticket for a Quidditch game?" Lily asked, ignoring James's "Wicked!"

Jean looked at Arina with new found interest. "You think that's possible?"

"What, getting two muggles into a stadium?" Aidan asked, laughing. "Shouldn't be a problem with the right connections…"

Arina smiled. "I can pull a few strings, and we could go and watch one of the world-cup pre-matches."

"Brillian idea, A! I'm sure Liam would be thrilled!" Lily added excitedly.

They all turned their eyes on Jean, to see her reaction. "Well, it would most certainly be something special! Let's do it."

Harry stared at Hermione with wide eyes. "They really went to see a Quidditch match?"

"Yes, they did. Though they only told me about it when they learned that I – like uncle Dan – had magic, too. Before that, Dad always talked about one of the 'best tennis-matches' he had ever seen."

The boy-who-lived laughed. "Tennis in January, huh?"

The bushy haired witch giggled. "Yeah, he wasn't really thinking that one through properly…"

August, 31st 1947 || McGonagall Manor, Minerva's Bedroom || 21:00 pm

The sight that greeted them was truly adorable. Little eleven-year-old Minerva, with her hair braided in to tails, sat on her four-poster bed in a nicely decorated room. A candle on her nightstand was enlightening the room, so the little girl was able to read the book in her hands. The room was neat and tidy, a large bookshelf decorated one wall and a big trunk was standing in one of the corners.

Then, a soft knock on the door was to be heard.

"Come in," the young emerald eyed girl called and the door slowly opened.

An even smaller little girl about five with bright, amber-coloured eyes and small freckles entered shyly. Her hair colour was a fascinating mix between ebony and red, and it looked different whenever the light changed. Around her neck she wore a small, delicate golden necklace with a sparkling ruby-red coloured heart-shaped stone hanging on it. The bright purple nightgown swished softly on the white marble floor, and she held a stuffed squirrel clutched in her tiny little hands.

With her small legs she walked towards the bed and climbed into it as good as possible. Little Minerva put her book aside and helped her in.

"Athena, what are you doing here? You should be in bed by now," the emerald eyed girl giggled softly and tickled her little sister.

The smaller girl laughed and laughed until Minerva released her.

"I don't want you to go, Min. Please don't leave me," the little girl finally said, and her amber eyes filled with tears as she positioned herself next to the elder McGonagall girl.

Minerva sighed in realization. She opened her arms and hugged her little sister tightly. "I will never leave you, Thena."

The little girl wasn't able to hold back her tears anymore and she started to cry. "But – But Mummy said you'll go to Hogwarts tomorrow! And I'll never see you again!"

"Oh, Athena! I will be back here again sooner than you think! I will be returning for all the holidays, don't you worry."

Tear filled amber eyes met emerald green ones. "Promise?"

Little Minerva held her hand over her heart. "I promise."

Seeing that her little sister was still holding on to her stuffed and fluffy squirrel, she leaned towards her and whispered into her ear, "Do you want to sleep in my room tonight?"

Athena's amber eyes immediately started to sparkle. "Can I really? Oh yes, please!"

The ebony haired girl moved the cover and the smaller girl crawled underneath it, snuggling closely to her sister, holding her squirrel with one and playing with the heart-shaped necklace with her other hand. "I love you, Minnie."

Minerva smiled and stroked her hair. "I love you, too, Athena."

Hermione felt the tears running down her cheeks, and glancing at Harry, the young witch saw that he was fighting the tears in his eyes as well. It was so incredibly lovely and tragic at the same time, seeing the two sisters so happy together. It was the first memory of little Athena, though it was enough for Hermione's heart to break. Especially knowing the fate of the reddish-brown haired young girl. First she lost her parents, and then her little sister… the bushy haired witch was able to understand her favourite Professor better and better with each passing memory.

Knowing how close the sisters really were, it was no wonder that Augusta was so surprised that the emerald eyed witch passed her sister's ruby-heart necklace on to her daughter Aurora. After all, it was probably the last remaining piece she had left from her little sister…

And just the thought that this pink toad Umbridge had something to do with Athena's death made her bristle with anger. If Hermione was in her Professor's place, she probably would not have been able to control herself when facing Umbridge…

Hermione just hoped that Moody would stick to his promise and take the pink toad to Azkaban tomorrow.

August, 4th 1973 || Rose Gardens near McGonagall Manor || 10:00 am

"Alright, did you both read the chapter's about the spiritual transformation?"

38-year-old Minerva was standing in a short green skirt and white T-shirt in front of the thirteen-year-old girls. The sun was already shining up in the light blue skies, and the landscape surrounding McGonagall Manor was just magnificent.

"In order to successfully complete the animagus transformation, one has to be mentally prepared for what is going to happen," Arina quoted proudly.

"There is no way of knowing your animal form, therefore one has to be open for every possible outcome," Lily finished excitedly.

Minerva nodded slowly. "And you are both aware of the fact that should someone ever find out about this, we're all in very big trouble, okay?"

"Got it," both girls replied smiling.

The emerald eyed witch shook her head at the girls' eagerness, but couldn't help but smile proudly. "Very well, then, let's do one at a time. Kitten, you go first."

Arina stepped forward, the wand ready in her hand. Then she closed her eyes and used her wand to draw three circles over her head. Soon, she started to glow in a silvery-light and her body changed.

Both Minerva and Lily watched the transformation fascinated and a couple of seconds later, the place Arina had been standing earlier was now occupied by a tiny little kitten with fluffy black fur and sparkling bright blue eyes.

"Aww, a kitten, we should have known she'd turn into that, Aunt Min," Lily exclaimed and grinned at her 'Aunt', who just smiled brightly at her daughter.

Kitten-Arina tried to walk, though it looked like having four legs instead of two caused a little complication, because after just a couple of steps, the little black kitten was rolling on the green grass. Both Minerva and the red-haired girl laughed whole heartedly.

"Not as easy as it always looks, hmm?" Minerva asked the kitten, who just gave a cute 'mieow' in return. Lily on the other hand reached out and softly petted her best friend, who – to everyone's amusement – started to purr loudly.

"Ah, like mother like daughter, hmm?"

Everyone turned around to see Albus and Xemerius walking towards them. The latter grinning from ear to ear. "You do realize that what you're doing is highly illegal?"

Minerva blushed sheepishly. "The wards around the manor are so thick, they can perform as much magic here without anyone noticing."

Albus approached the three, gave Lily a thigh hug, then kissed his wife. "I think Xemerius was talking about the unregistrated animagus thing, my dear."

The silvery-eyed wizard just laughed. "Ah, I was just joking. Hey there kiddo, come here to Uncle Xem."

Kitten-Arina tried as best as she could, and after some time, she really managed to climb on his bended knee. "Well done, kiddo," Xem said and petted his god-daughter.

Albus, whose arm was still resting around his wife, shook his head in amusement. "Wonderful, now I can watch both of you chasing after mice."

Minerva nudged him softly. "Oh come on, I haven't played with a mouse in ages!"

The auburn haired man just nodded and turned to the red-haired witch. "Your turn, Lily."

Smiling brightly, Lily repeated Arina's actions until she too was glowing in the silvery light.

"10 Galleons she'll also be a cat," Xemerius shouted over to Minerva, while he was still playing with kitten-Arina.

"10 against it, Xem," Minerva answered grinning.

With anticipation, the adults and kitten-Arina watched Lily's transformation. Soon, it was complete and Minerva's smile widened when she saw the little red squirrel on the green grass.

"Well done, my loves," the young transfiguration Mistress said proudly and watched amusedly as the kitten and the little squirrel started to play on the ground.

Xem on the other hand, handed Minerva her well earned money. "Bloody hell, and I was so sure!"

Laughing, the emerald eyed witch accepted the money, then turned back to her daughter and charge. "Now, how about you try to change back, hmm? Just remember, concentrate on changing every single part of your animal body into your human form again. One, two, three."

Lily was the first to change back. She almost managed it perfectly, only the bushy red squirrel tail was still visible. "Oh no! I still have a tail!" she said, blushing a bright crimson.

Minerva laughed. "Don't worry, my little Squirrel," she answered and with a flick of her wand, Lily was as good as new.

"Thanks, Aunt Min," Lily replied happily at being her whole self again and at the new nickname.

Arina, like Lily, was close to a perfect transformation. The only difference was that the blue-eyed girl still had whiskers in her face. But a flick of Albus' wand later, and that problem was solved as well.

After that, both girls hugged each other, started giggling happily and ran back towards the Manor.

Albus tightened his arms around his wife as they slowly followed the girls and whispered in her ear. "She reminds me of Athena."

Minerva nodded, a somewhat sad and at the same time happy smile on her face. "I know, me too. Squirrels have always been her favourite animals."

Harry smiled from ear to ear. "They were animagi! Arina and my mother, both of them!"

Hermione nodded. "Your mother was a damn cute squirrel. At least now we know why Professor McGonagall always called her 'Squirrel.'"

"I could have sworn my mother would change into a doe, though. I mean, judging by her patronus…"

The bushy haired witch nodded in agreement. "Yes, that could have been very likely as well. But think about it, your mother did kind of resemble little Athena, don't you think?"

The boy who lived nodded. "Yes, point taken. Still it's so amazing that she taught the girls!"

"Yes, right? I wonder if she'd consider teaching us, too…"

"Us?"

"Come on Harry, have you never thought about it?"

Harry blushed. He had indeed, a lot more than he probably should. But after all, Sirius and his dad had also been able to change into an animal, and knowing that both his mother and godmother had managed to become Animagi, Harry naturally wanted to follow their example.

November 2nd, 1976 || Hogwarts grounds || 23:27 pm at night

It was a starry night, with no clouds at all covering the skies. The full-moon was shining high, enlightening together with the faint candle light that was coming from the Castle the wide grounds of Hogwarts.

After some time, 19-year-old Aidan Gold quietly made his way over the grounds, until he reached the shore of the Black Lake.

Keeping a little distance, he watched the clearly female figure that was lying a couple of meters in front of him. She was resting on her back, her head resting on her arms, and she was staring up at the stars.

Taking a deep breath, he approached the girl and carefully positioned himself next to her.

"You shouldn't be out here on your own, Princess" he whispered to the ebony haired witch, who apparently just noticed him. "It's dangerous to be out at this late an hour. Especially for a champion."

16-year-old Arina almost jumped at hearing the unexpected voice, but calmed down when her blue eyes spotted the Hogwarts Headboy next to her.

"Holy Morgana, you gave me a fright!"

Aidan chuckled. "I apologise, this wasn't my intention. Do you mind?" he asked and gestured with his hands.

"No, not at all," Arina answered and Aidan mirrored her position on the ground.

For a minute, both of them just watched the stars; neither of them saying a word.

"I never wanted this. To become the Ilvermorny Champion," the ebony witch finally whispered.

"I think a lot of your classmates envy you for this," the 7th year said thoughtfully.

Arina sighed. "Believe me, I would change with them in a heartbeat. If only to spare my mother nightmares about me getting killed."

"I have no doubt about that."

"You don't?"

"No. In the short time I've known you, I can tell that you're not the kind of girl that likes everyone's attention being fixed on her," Aidan chuckled and Arina joined him. "Besides, I kind of investigated in the Ilvermorny School history…"

The blue-eyed witch laughed. "You did?"

"It was for a history of magic project a couple of years ago… I still think it is a very unfair way that the Headmaster forces his best students to throw their names into the goblet."

"Yeah… it really is. But there was no way around it. Deputy Professor Brooks tried to reason with the Headmaster, but he was very determined that Ilvermorny wins this year's tournament…"

Aidan nodded. "Well, from what I've heard he has a very good chance to hold the trophy in his hands then."

Despite the darkness around them, one could clearly see the crimson blush that was colouring Arina's cheeks.

Another moment of silence passed, before Dan spoke once again.

"So, I take it you already heard the announcement about the Yule-Ball?"

The girl chuckled, but kept looking at the stars above them. "Well, I'd say it was hard to ignore it."

"A lot of people already asked you, hmm?"

The blue eyed witch sighed. "You could say that. Though they just ask me because I'm a bloody Champion, not because they really want to know me. I'm not sure if I really want to go anymore."

"Understandable."

Arina raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Really?" she chuckled, "you're the first to say that. Everyone else just keeps telling me not to be so picky."

The 19-year-old also chuckled. "Well, I have a similar problem."

"Ah, you mean all the girls that are chasing after you?"

"Yes, and I'm running out of hiding spots. They keep following me everywhere."

"One of the downsides of being Headboy, I assume?"

Dan sighed. "I guess."

"Well, at least you don't have to worry about showing up alone. You have plenty of girls to choose from."

The 7th year turned his head slightly to look at the ebony-haired beauty. "There's only one girl I want to accompany me to the ball, but so far I wasn't able to work up the courage to ask her."

Arina nodded, a little lost in her own thoughts. "You should ask her."

"I don't want her to say no. She's very important to me."

Finally, Arina also turned her head and for a moment, they just stared into each other's eyes – chocolate brown meeting ocean blue ones.

"If you don't ask you'll never know. Besides, I doubt any girl would decline you."

Aidan chuckled. "I wouldn't be so sure, she's already turned down quite a lot of guys."

The blue eyed witch smiled at him kindly. "Well, what's the saying? Do the brave thing and bravery will follow."

They laughed together, then the young man looked at her with hopeful chocolate brown eyes. "Well, then, would you do me the honor to accompany me to the ball, Princess?"

Arina's blue eyes widened and she sat up straight on the grass, looking down at Aidan. "You want to go to the ball with me?" she repeated, not quite believing her ears to have heard right.

"Yes, only with you," he whispered as he sat up as well. "Like I said, you're very important to me."

Arina's stunned expression turned into a smile, her cheeks a rosy colour. "I'd love to go to the ball with you, Dan," she whispered in return and their eyes met once again.

Aidan sighed in relief, which caused the young girl to chuckle.

"You really thought I'd say no?"

He looked at her sheepishly. "I didn't want to get my hopes up to high, Princess."

At the use of that particular term, the ebony haired witch blushed a bright crimson. "Dan, I'm not a Princess."

Carefully, the young man took her small hand into his own, and stared at her with loving brown eyes. "You are to me."

Hermione squealed happily. "Aww, that was so romantic."

And even Harry, who usually wasn't the right guy for something like this, had to admit that the scene was indeed one of his favourites so far. Aidan and Arina fitted each other perfectly and he could understand both of them, after all, he knew what it was like to be a bloody champion in that tournament. He remembered how all the men were following Fleur, Victor and Cedric… And like Arina had said, most of them were indeed very perceptible; they only wanted to be friends to get attention.

"He still calls her Princess," Hermione added, still smiling brightly.

Harry nodded. "Some things apparently never change."

August 1st, 1997 || Hogwarts, Staff room || 19:47 pm

The room was almost empty, only a couple of people were sitting around a table. Professor McGonagall was seated at the one end, opposite to the slightly bigger chair that once belonged to Professor Dumbledore. Aidan was seated next to her, his eyes also red from crying, with little Arielle sleeping in a cot behind them. Xemerius was sitting on the emerald eyed witch's other side, brushing her fingers with his own every now and then in an attempt to offer the grieving witch comfort. The next people on the table were Madam Pompfrey, Professors Sprout, Flitwick, Hooch and Slughorn. As well as Perenelle and Nicholas Flamel. They all watched the entrance door, and visibly tensed as Minister Scrimgeour and other Ministry Officials entered the room.

Naturally, the Minister sat down on the late Headmaster's chair. Minerva's eyes darkened and she balled her hands into fists, but before she could open her mouth, Xemerius hissed, "That was Albus' seat. Get yourself another one, Minister."

One could see that Scrimgeour wasn't happy with that, but seeing that every single person – minor his own workers – glared at him, he reluctantly vacated the seat and chose another one.

"Good evening, everyone," he started his speech. "Now, I would have preferred to do this at the ministry, but – "

"I do apologize for the inconvenience, Minister," Minerva snapped and sarcasm was dripping from every word.

"But I am flexible," he continued, completely oblivious to the Scottish witch's dangerous sparkling eyes.

"Can we get this over with as quickly as possible?" Xem was clearly impatient.

Scrimgeour nodded a little irritated. "Erm, yes, of course," he mumbled and retrieved a small scroll of parchment form his bag. He cleared his throat.

"'The Last Will and Testament of Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. To my oldest friends, Nick and Penny, I leave the working-diary you forced me to write when I became your apprentice in the hope that you find my irritated thoughts as amusing as I did when I re-read it a couple of years ago."

Despite himself, Nicholas started laughing and at the Minister's weird glance, he just shrugged and said. "We had a lot of fun back in the days, Minister."

He didn't seem to understand, and simply handed him the desired object.

"'To Rolanda Evelyn Hooch – "

"He really had to include my hated second name?"

"To Rolanda Evelyn Hooch, I leave the copies of her very own detention protocols, in the hope that she will continue being the person she is now."

The usually so funny witch, had trouble fighting the tears, and so did Professors Sprout and Flitwick and Madam Pompfrey upon being handed their inheritance.

"To Aidan and Arina Gold, two of the most important people I have had the pleasure of having in my life, I leave my entire library as well as my old family Cottage, in the hope that there's enough room for you to think about giving little Arielle the sibling you always wanted."

Dan swallowed hard, and accepted the keys with a short nod and an almost undetectable smile towards Minerva, who, despite all her grieve, managed to return it.

"Then Dumbledore leaves his Deluminator to one Ronald Bilius Weasley, his copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard to Miss Hermione Jean Granger and Harry James Potter got the Snitch he caught in his first Quidditch match. Dumbledore also left a second bequest to Mr. Potter, but that was well..."

"Might I ask what that was?" Xemerius asked innocently.

"The sword of Godric Gryffindor," Scrimgeour answered somewhat stiffly and everyone in the room stared at him

"I take it you have handed the sword to Mr. Potten then?" Minerva finally asked suspiciously.

"Unfortunately," said Scrimgeour, "that sword was not Dumbledore's to giveaway. The sword of Godric Gryffindor is an important historical artifact, and as such,belongs-"

"It belongs to Harry!" Minerva snapped the exact same words Hermione had used with the Minister "Not only that it chose him, he was the one who found it, it came to him out of the Sorting Hat-"

"Don't get me started on that, Minerva, I already got that lecture from Miss Granger. But I will tell you the same thing I told her:
According to reliable historical sources, the sword may present itself to any worthy Gryffindor," said Scrimgeour. "That does not make it the exclusive property of Mr. Potter, whatever Dumbledore may have decided."

To everyone's surprise, the transfiguration Mistress got up from her seat and glared down at the Minister. "If you had not interrupted me earlier, Minister, you could have spared yourself that speech. Albus was one of my closest and most trusted friends, and I am sure he had his reasons for leaving the sword to young Harry."

"That's beside the point, Minerva, your support doesn't give him the right to – "

Minerva laughed dryly. "On the contrary, Minister. You are right, the sword appears to every Gryffindor who's worthy of it. But it was and will always be property of the Gryffindor family."

"What does this have to – "

The witch completely ignored him. "And as a direct descendant from Godric Gryffindor, I am very well capable of giving the sword to anyone I want."

That left the Minister speechless and he stared at the emerald eyed witch with his mouth hanging open. "You are…?"

"Yes. Now that we've established this, I demand of you to hand the sword over to Mister Potter as soon as possible. Over thirty days have already passed since Albus' will was released and if the Ministry hasn't found any hidden codes or messages in this time, I doubt you ever will."

"How do you – "

This time, Aidan spoke. "Minister, do you really think we – as close friends of the deceased – don't find it suspicious when it takes a good month until a dead man's last requests are fulfilled? Besides, as much as I know, it is against the law to hold back – "

Scrimgeour held up his hand. "It was a matter of national security."

Xemerius laughed. "National security, whom are you trying to fool?"

The Minister fidgeted nervous with his bag.

"Was this all, Minister?" Professor Sprout asked, and looked concerned at Minerva.

"Not quite. Admittedly, we had our fair share of guesses, but now one could make something of it."

"Care to share, Minister?" Xemerius got more and more impatient with each passing minute.

"Yes, one moment, ah, yes, here it is: 'Last but not least. To my kind friend, trusted adviser, and keeper of my heart, Minerva Esmeralda McGonagall, I leave my pensive, in the hope that she will remember the moments in the life we spent together, side by side. Apart from that – and here we didn't know what to make of it – I leave her nothing but my all."

Minerva couldn't speak and she was fighting the teas that were threatening to fall from her emerald eyes. So instead, Xemerius enlightened the Minister.

"What's there not to understand? She was his best friend. 'Nothing but my all' means she inherits every single one of his possessions."

Then the silvery eyed wizard turned away from the stunned Minister and put an arm around his best friend, who in return put her head in on his shoulder.

Even though Harry knew by now that Professor Dumbledore was very much alive again, he couldn't help but wipe away the tears that had fallen from his eyes during that memory. He didn't dare to imagine in how much pain the transfiguration mistress had been back then, and having such an idiot like Scrimgeour messing around with her husband's last will only made the situation worse.

Feeling the similar tug in his stomach, the black haired boy already saw the red waves and prepared himself to be thrown out of the Mablomit again. The last thing on his mind before he hit the ground back in the Great Hall was how thankful he was that the emerald eyed witch had always fought for him; even if he didn't know it. The way she spoke with the Minister and how she wanted to make sure that he really got Gryffindor's sword filled his heart with warmth.

Holding out his hand to Hermione, he pulled her up and wiped away her tears as well. Then he whispered a quick 'lumos' in order to find a place to rest.

The Hall was completely crowded, and there was no possible place to set up a single cot.

Then something moved behind him.

"Damn you, Horace…." It was clearly the transfiguration Mistress' cursing voice and Harry almost laughed.

He turned around and saw that she was rolling her green eyes at Professor Slughorn, who was sprawled over one of the cots nearby.

"We originally planned his place for the both of you to sleep," the ebony haired witch mumbled in a tired voice, and Harry just now noticed that she was trying to remove her husband's arm that was holding her waist. How adorable.

"It's alright, we'll find another place to sleep…" Hermione whispered, not wanting to cause any trouble.

"Nonsense," the witch responded disapprovingly. "Why don't you lay down next to Arina, Hermione?"

A pair of hazel eyes sparkled again. "You think she wouldn't mind?"

The transfiguration mistress smiled kindly. "Of course not. I'm sure she'd be happy to have you close."

Hermione nodded thankfully and hugged Harry. "Night Harry, sleep tight."

"You, too, Hermione."

A tired smile on his face, he watched his best friend snuggle under the covers against his godmother.

Sighing, he waved his wand, conjured a pillow and got down in order to sleep on the floor. However, the emerald eyed witch spoke up unexpectedly again.

"Harry, do you really think I will let you sleep on this cold floor?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I don't want to cause trouble, really, I don't mind – "

"Why don't you come here to me, hmm?" emerald eyes looked at him kindly and she patted the empty space next to her.

Harry's eyes widened in surprise and hope.

"Is it really…?"

The elderly witch chuckled slightly. "Come here, Harry. You need your sleep as much as anyone else."

Flashing her a thankful smile, he carefully climbed onto the cot and laid down next to her. He felt her pull the cover over him, as well as an arm that she laid around him; holding him close. In this very moment, Harry realized that just because he had never really seen it, didn't mean that he didn't have a family. Hermione, Ron, Ginny… they had always been there the whole time.

And now that he had Arina, he noticed that the emerald eyed witch had looked out for him and his mother this whole time. It was true, family was so much more than shared bloodlines. And finally Harry realized that he had been protected by a sight unseen for all those years, even though he hasn't been completely aware of it. And it felt good to finally know how much people really cared about him. It was like a little flicker of light in the shadows, bringing new hope for a better life.

"You're not alone, Harry," the woman he had always considered as a grandmother whispered into his ear, and they were the last words Harry hear before he finally drifted off to sleep; feeling safer than he had ever felt before. "I have some trouble letting people close to my heart, but you should know that I love you as much as I loved you mother. Whatever you need, I'll always be here for you."


[The marked sentences are taken from the books! JKR wrote them, I just borrowed them to get things as right as possible.]

I hope you liked it!

Hello my lovely readers!

I know, it took longe than expected, but here's the new chapter!

- Paige: Thank you so much for your continued support! Especially for telling me to go ahead with my crazy ideas! *hugs* Here's a new chappie with A LOT of memories!
- Katiarange: Yeah, I think Lucius deserved that fate, too, lol. Glad you like it so far!
- Panther73110: Goodness, you are very good at reading between the lines! Very observant of you to pick up the details about hair, eye-colour and the ashes! *hands out cookies* I hope you will still continue reading :)
- Loles: So happy to hear you liked it so far!
- TealBlueEyes: Yayy! Happy to see you think like I do about how Minerva would react :)
- Guest: You are right about Aurora *smiles*
- Guest2: Yes, Poppy is protecting somebody, you'll find out who that is soon *at least I hope so*
- Ramona: Thank you so much, this makes me incredibly happy!
- 168alu: Thank you, I'm relieved you like it!
- SchaMG: Sorry again that it took so long... and thanks also for the review you left on my other story!
- Moonlightfall: Ach, keine Sorge, mein Englisch ist auch nicht perfekt :) Ganz im Gegenteil, ich mach selbst noch recht viele fehler XD Ich danke dir sehr für dein Review! *knuddel*
(translation: Don't worry about it, my English isn't perfect either :) On the contrary, I still make a lot of mistakes XD But thank you so much for your review!)
- Pottergirl86: Quoting: 'one of the best fics I've ever read'... Oh goodness, I don't know where to start! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR SAYING that! *blushes* I'm feeling incredibly honored! I hope you'll like the next chapter! *hugs*

So, I hope I answered all your lovely reviews! Again, thank you all so much! Your continued support is really important for me! Also, thank you to all of you who favourited/followed the story! *hands out cookies*

Now, enough of my talking, here's the next chappie, I hope you enjoy it, tell me what you think!

Words: 9,686TBC...