Disclaimers: See chapter 1.
~x~
Kingsley fire-called shortly after they'd returned to the Manse to announce that Ron had been apprehended by the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol. He'd put up such a fight, hexing multiple squad members, that he'd been put into a full-body bind before being dragged off to Azkaban to await trial.
Upon hearing the news, George, Angelina and their children left for their home in Hogsmeade, but not before promising they would be in touch to organise dinner soon.
The rest of the early morning passed quietly with Harry remaining behind at the Manse, eating breakfast with them and then spending time with Isobel, discussing Quidditch and giving her a flying lesson before returning to Godrics Hollow just before lunch. During this time, Minerva and Hermione walked around the perimeter of the estate, strengthening the wards and talking quietly about Transfiguration.
With Harry leaving and lunch eaten, Minerva decided to take it upon herself to show Isobel some basic spells. Although Isobel had expressed amazement over some of the magic she'd seen so far, she hoped it would take some of her fear of it away after her accidental bouts.
"How about you start with the wand lighting charm?" Hermione queried. "I found it rather handy while at Hogwarts."
With lips pursed, Minerva considered the statement and eventually smiled. "No doubt while traversing the halls after curfew." She stated before gripping her wand. "I suppose it's as good a place as any to start." She glanced at their daughter and her smile widened. "Alright, to illuminate the tip of your wand, you must call out the incantation Lumos," Minerva told Isobel lightly. "If it's cast correctly, the end of your wand should light up." She advised. "Like this." She moved her wand in a loop. "Lumos." The tip of her wand glowed brightly like a torch. Hermione sat down and smiled at the pair of witches. "Why don't you try now, mo nighean," Minerva said.
Looking nervous and biting her lip, Isobel waved her wand in a loop and muttered a low "Lumos". The wand was dropped to the floor when, surprising her, it lit up at the tip.
Minerva chuckled, picking up the wand and handing it back to her. "Here's your glow stick."
Isobel giggled and glanced up at her. "That is not a glow stick, Headmistress." Minerva laughed. "It's my wand. It's 9 1/4 inches of beech, with a dragon heartstring core." She teased. "How do I put it out?"
"With the Wand Extinguishing Charm," Minerva told her. "Nox." She showed her the wand movement and watched as Isobel repeated it. The light at the end of Isobel's wand went out immediately and she beamed in pride. "Well done, mo nighean." Minerva was thrilled the wand hadn't been dropped again. "Now why don't you try again."
Isobel practised casting both charms until she was comfortable with them but eventually looked towards where they sat on the sofa together. "What now, màthair?"
Minerva didn't want to push Isobel too far ahead of her peers and was uncertain. "I don't know." She gazed at her daughter over her square wire-rimmed glasses.
"I do." Hermione jumped up and leaning close snatched the glasses from her face. Before Minerva could even blink, she'd snapped them in two at the bridge of the nose. "I want you to see if you can fix your màthair's glasses, Izzy. You just need to tap the glasses and cast the charm." She said happily. "The spell is Reparo."
"Reparo." Isobel jabbed at one of the lenses, rather than tapping it and the tip of her wand burst to life with sparks, shattering the glass.
Minerva groaned. "I hope you realise I only have one pair." She stated ruefully.
Hermione sniggered. "I said to tap them, Izzy, not jab. Try again."
Closing her eyes, Isobel sighed in disappointment at her perceived failure.
"Try again," Minerva urged gently. "You learn by doing and anything you do can be fixed by me or your mum."
When her eyes opened, Isobel tapped the glasses and offered up the charm again. "Reparo." The glasses magically repaired themselves while she looked down at them in awe, first the lens, followed by the bridge where they had been snapped. Picking up the glasses carefully, she held them up to the light and squinted up into them before handing them back. "Here you go. They look as good as new." She glanced down at her t-shirt and tore the arm before tapping it and casting the charm, once more delighted when it magically repaired itself. "Magic's so cool." She enthused.
Minerva nodded her agreement. "Aye, it can be." Twirling her wand, she grinned. "Now then, how about I teach you the dancing feet charm?"
Isobel giggled as Minerva spoke clearly, casting the spell. "Tarantallegra." A spark of red soared from her wand tip, hitting Isobel and her legs started to spasm causing her to let out loud peals of laughter. "Oh, I certainly wouldn't call that dancing." She grinned. "How about the Tickling Charm instead?"
"No, please màthair, anything but ticking." Isobel continued to chuckle at the movement of her feet.
"Rictusempra." A silver wisp burst from her wand and Isobel started laughing harder, clutching her stomach. Even though she could barely move from laughing since her legs continued to dance.
"I think that's enough, for now, " Hermione stated, chuckling at their daughter's behaviour when she landed on her bum, her legs still twitching. Pulling her new wand free, she spoke. "Finite Incantatem."
Before Minerva knew what was happening, Isobel jumped to her feet and waved her wand, shouting "Rictusempra" loudly. A massive stream of silver hit her and the strength of the spell was surprising. She doubled over as the sensation of a hundred hands tickling her moved over her ribs and stomach. Unable to stop it, she burst into a fit of unbridled laughter.
Glancing at Hermione, Minerva saw her standing next to Isobel, her arm thrown casually across her shoulders, laughing freely and she would swear she had never seen anything as beautiful as her mate and child at that moment, with their heads thrown back and arms wrapped around each other while they both laughed in delight.
Thirty seconds or so passed as she continued to laugh. "I think your màthair has had enough. Why don't you try to stop the spell." Hermione suggested, still giggling. "Preferably before she pees herself."
"Finite Incantartem," Isobel spoke the charm lightly.
Minerva's raucous laughter died slowly and she tried to get her breathing back under control. Looking around the room, she saw Effie standing watching them from the doorway, brought from her quarters by the sound of everyone's laughter, her eyes were wide and her ears wiggling.
Her màthair was smiling down at them from her portrait, clearly amused by the hi-jinx. "I've not heard you laugh like that in such a long time, nighean. It does my heart good to see you like this." The portrait stated.
"I don't know what you mean, màthair." Minerva found herself responding coolly.
"I'm telling you now, you weren't always so serious, nor were you as standoffish." Isobel McGonagall stated. She glanced at Hermione and then at Isobel and Hermione. "Minerva was always a little shy, but she was popular, especially after joining the Quidditch team. And I'm certain she could have given those Weasley twins a run for their galleon with the pranks she used to play on us all."
Closing her eyes, Minerva felt a twinge of sadness. After so many losses and so much grief, she'd let herself forget the young woman she was. She'd become stern and serious, something that was useful in her professional life, but it had also carried over into her personal life. Opening her eyes, she nodded at her màthair. "You are right, as always." She smiled sadly. "Do you remember when I turned Rabbie's pet rabbit into a Shetland Pony?"
"He adored you for that." The portrait told her lightly. "He was so excited and spent hours riding it along the banks of the loch."
"Màthair, will I have another brother or sister one day?" Isobel asked suddenly.
Shocked by the question, Minerva glanced at her and then towards Hermione, who was blushing furiously and looking anywhere but at her. "I don't know, mo nighean. It's not something your mum and I have discussed."
"If you did, would you want me any less?" Isobel frowned, her chin wobbling slightly.
"No, I'm certain that no one or nothing could ever make me want you less," Minerva stated. "Now, I know all this is new and scary, and maybe things seem uncertain, but you are my child, and I am so very happy to have you and your mum here." She stepped closer and held her arms out, her heart soaring when they both rushed into them.
~x~
Minerva sat back in surprise when the Floo activated and Harry stepped out of it. Hermione had just taken Isobel out for a walk, hoping they could have a little talk and clear up any further issues before they arose. Before she could say a word, Harry grinned at her and the Floo activated again. A tall, sturdily built man tumbled out onto her rug, coughing and spluttering, clearly having inhaled some Floo Powder.
Harry took a small flat box from his pocket and lay it on the floor. Silently casting an Engorgement charm, the box grew in size and she registered that it had the word Samsung all over the front. Staring at it, she realised he'd brought a large-screen television. "Harry, I know I've said you're welcome here anytime, but what's this?" She gestured to the box.
Harry's smile grew. "It's a television, Professor. Dudley reckons it's of the best the Muggles currently have to offer."
"It is, I promise." The man stated. "I've sold four of them this week." He wiped his hand on his shirt, to remove the soot, before sticking it out towards her.
Minerva gazed at the stranger and realised she was looking at Harry's cousin, Dudley Dursley. She took his hand and shook it. "I'm pleased to meet you, Dudley."
"And you, Headmistress," Dudley replied. "Harry speaks very highly of you."
She looked back at Harry, catching his eyes. "Does he?" She grinned at the suddenly bright red young man. "Harry, I am fully aware this is a television. But why have you brought it here?" She asked curiously.
"For Izzy." Harry's tone said it all. It was obvious really. "She told me she and Hermione sit and watch Coronation Street religiously, and since I've missed so many birthdays, I thought, why not spoil my new niece." He shrugged, blushing slightly. "It's not like I can't afford it and I doubt Hermione would be overly thrilled if I got her the latest Firebolt."
"That is a fair point, although it's an excessive gift all the same." Minerva gazed at the young man. "It's doubtful that there'll be sufficient radio waves or whatever it needs. It's not like I live in an overly populated area." Minerva frowned. The Manse was about five miles from the nearest village, although there were small hamlets dotted about nearby, and although it had electricity and running water, it often lost power during the winter months and she had to rely on a backup generator.
"I've thought of that. The signal in this area is what they call digital, so I just need to install an aerial and it should hopefully pick it up." He glanced at her. "We've already done this at the house in Godric's Hollow. Despite the row it caused, I didn't want the kids to miss out on some of the things Muggles enjoy."
Minerva offered up a smile and suddenly realised she was doing that more often. Smiling at Hogwarts was a rarity for her. "Well then, I thank you both. I'm certain Isobel will be ecstatic."
"We'll get on with it then, Professor." Harry turned to Dudley. "Come on, Dudley, let's get this done and we'll head off for a pint at the Leaky Cauldron. I can't believe you think you'll finish a pint of Gamp's Old Gregarious."
"Yeah, yeah. Just wait and see. The one hundred Galleon prize money is mine. Now, are you sure you've got everything? You'd forget your head if it wasn't screwed on." Dudley teased.
"Yup." Harry patted his pockets and smiled. "Aerial kit's right here."
Minerva sat down and watched the two young men intently as Harry pulled another small box and a Muggle mobile phone out of the pockets of his jeans and set them down. He enlarged the small box and opened it quickly, pulling out a black and silver device. "What's that?" Minerva queried.
"It's an amplified indoor antenna. I'm hopeful this will work, rather than having to climb up on the roof." Harry explained, plugging the power cord into the wall socket, and then into the box.
Minerva turned to Dudley, who was assembling the television. "Well, it's certainly big enough."
"55 inches, LED and only 9.7mm thick." Dudley sounded enthusiastic. "With the Series 9, you can watch TV on the remote control too, which is a novelty and the chrome bezel makes it look classy." Dudley glanced up at her. "Do you have a cabinet or something this can sit on?"
"Aye, there's a chiffonier in the loft that could be used, or there's a large coffer," Minerva told them. "I'll have Effie organise it." Turning away, she stepped from the room.
"What the hell is a coffer?" Dudley asked. "And who's Effie?"
Harry laughed. "A coffer is a chest or strongbox, usually used to hold valuables and Effie is the house-elf who takes care of things for the family."
"Like Kreacher?" Dudley queried.
"Yeah, but not half as miserable" Harry laughed.
Before she could even call for the elf, Effie appeared in front of her and nodded her head. "I've put the coffer from your old room in the corner, Mistress."
With a sigh, Minerva wagged a finger at the small house-elf. "How many times must I tell you to use my given name?"
"Aye, but you have guests, an' it ain't proper." Effie squeaked. "Will the young misses be back soon?"
"I hope so, Effie. The Manse is far too quiet without them." Minerva responded dryly. Looking down at the elf, she asked the question that had been running through her mind constantly. "What am I doin' bringing them here?"
"You're following your heart and keepin' your family safe." The elf explained patiently "No harm will come to either of them here, Minerva. Trust old Effie."
"I do, more than anything," Minerva stated.
"Shall I bring you all some tea?" The elf asked.
"No, thank you, but perhaps you could organise some butterbeer and pumpkin juice when Hermione and Isobel return," Minerva responded.
"Aye, alright." Effie vanished with a loud pop leaving Minerva to return to the sitting room where the sound of static filled the room. Wincing, she entered the room and saw the large snowy screen emitting the noise. Harry was fiddling with the antenna, extending the cable and moving it towards the window.
"Try to tune it now, Duds," Harry yelled over the noise.
With a few clicks of the remote, the screen turned black and writing appeared on the large screen, advising that channels had been found. "I think we're on to a winner." Dudley crowed. "I told you the window would be the best spot, we have more channels than I thought." He sounded surprised. "Forty-five. Damn, I think I should move to Scotland." He chuckled. "I reckon the kids would love it up here."
Harry smirked. "Well, Daisy will be able to tell you soon enough." He glanced at Minerva. "Dudley's eldest is starting Hogwarts with Izzy on September 1st."
"Which Professor was assigned to advise you, Dudley?" Minerva was curious.
"An old broad with grey spiky hair and yellowish eyes. I think she called herself Madam Hunch." Dudley explained. "Rockin' bod for her age." He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.
Minerva couldn't stop the light chuckle that arose from the words. "It's Hooch and I may have to tell her that."
"Tell who what? Hi Harry." Hermione's voice came from behind her, making her jump slightly. "Oh, hello Dudley."
She turned to the doorway and smiled to see her love. "Hello, lass." She focused her gaze on Hermione, silently asking if everything was okay and was offered a small nod. "According to young Mr Dursley here, Rolanda has a 'rockin' bod'." Minerva's lips twitched when Dudley turned bright pink. "For her age." She added.
Hermione giggled. "I don't think you should mention it to her. I don't think her ego needs the added boost." She said, still laughing a little. "I think most of the boys and half the girls at school thought the same."
"Did you?" Minerva teased.
"Me?" Hermione asked. Shaking her head, she smiled up at her cheekily. "No, I only had eyes for one witch." She added, nodding at her. "Who also has a rocking body for her age."
"Oh, you're a cheeky lass." Minerva chuckled, blushing slightly at the compliment.
"Oh behave. You love it, Professor." Harry stated.
Isobel stepped into the room and gasped in surprise at the sight of the large television. Running towards Harry, the little girl flung her arms around his waist. "Thanks, uncle Harry." Her whisper was heartfelt and she buried her face into his stomach.
Harry smiled happily and patted Isobel on the back. "You're welcome, Izzy."
Minerva gazed at the pair, marvelling at the easy relationship that had already formed between them in such a short space of time.
"Harry James Potter." Hermione sighed. "What on Earth were you thinking?"
Harry pushed Isobel away easily and winked down at her. "I was thinking my big sister and niece could honour their tradition of watching telly together before bed and maybe include your other love in your ritual viewing." He glanced at Hermione and his grin spread. "I wouldn't have thought you'd be one for watching Corrie. I half expected to hear you still spent your evenings with your nose stuck in a book like the old days." He sniggered.
"She does that after I've gone to bed." Isobel piped up.
Minerva chuckled along with Harry. Some things never changed.
Hermione closed her eyes and sighed. Shaking her head, her eyes blazed open and she looked at Minerva helplessly. "What am I going to do with you lot?" She glanced at her old friend and returned his smile. "I appreciate the gesture. Thanks, Harry."
~x~
Minerva settled into the corner of the wide sofa, that she'd angled towards the television at Isobel's insistence. The whole room had changed to suit the muggle contraption, except for her màthair's portrait, which still sat above the large, open fireplace in her peripheral vision rather than facing her. Pulling a tartan throw from the back of the sofa, she shook it out and placed it over her knees, only for Hermione to lift it, and slip under it with her, snuggling close.
Isobel was sat sideways in what was her favourite armchair, her legs thrown casually over the arm, her small foot kicking out at the air as she focussed on the remote.
With a few clicks, the plaintive notes of a brass band melody started to play over unfocused images of Manchester and Coronation Street itself, before fading quickly to a brief image of a walled backyard, reminiscent of the one she'd been sat in, in her Animagus form, a few days before. A large ginger cat stepped across the wall and she grinned a little.
Relaxing into the back of the sofa, she was content to close her eyes and listen, not paying attention to the prattling of some woman, bemoaning the fact her friends were talking about her, and telling her male friend she wanted to sell up, move to Greece and open a bed and breakfast.
"What's an Escort?" Minerva asked, having heard the word and not quite understanding the context. It had her curious.
"It's someone you pay to escort you places." Hermione offered up with a small giggle. "They may also provide other intimate services."
"So it's a prostitute?" Minerva's eyes blazed open. "That man is a gigolo?"
"Ssh!" Isobel hushed, glaring at her with her finger to her lips.
Minerva looked at the brunette and saw her biting her lip, although she wasn't certain if it was to stop herself from laughing or from nerves. "Are you certain this is age-appropriate viewing for Isobel?" She whispered.
Isobel's head turned in their direction again and she glared at them again. "Ssh!"
Hermione giggled and Minerva crossed her arms, glaring at the screen, her lips pursed slightly. "It's a recent thing and it's only Corrie," Hermione told her lightly. "I used to watch it with my mum, mainly because it was on in the background. I missed it when I came to Hogwarts."
Realising the tradition went further back than she had thought, Minerva decided she would not question it any further. With a small sigh, she unfolded her arms and settled back. She would simply sit with her family, and enjoy their uninterrupted time together.
~x~
Coronation Street was almost over when Minerva sensed the wards reacting to an unknown presence. Freeing herself from Hermione, she rose from her position, stepped to the window and peered out into the darkness. She was unable to make anything out until a wand tip lit up and she saw a familiar streak of red hair. Although she recognised the colouring, she had no idea which Weasley was attempting to gain entry.
"Effie," Minerva called out softly. "Who's out there?"
"It's the heir apparent to House Weasley and his wife," Effie advised, popping into the room. "He seems distressed, but she's calm."
"Show them into the dining room and then come back here to stay with Isobel," Minerva told the small elf before looking at Isobel. "Mo nighean, you will stay here and I will be locking the door. Effie will be back shortly." She turned to Hermione and saw her discomfort. "Will you stay with Isobel?"
Shaking her head quickly, Hermione rose, her wand in hand. "I'm coming with you. If there's going to be trouble—" She led the way out of the room and turned her head towards her.
Minerva smiled sadly at her. "I'm sure there won't be any trouble, however, I'm certain their unexpected arrival has something to do with the events this morning."
Entering the room, Minerva was surprised when the blonde quarter-Veela rushed forward, pulling Hermione into her arms while crooning into her ear. She was hugging her so tightly that her wand arm was pushed into her thigh. She watched the two young women before huffing. Telling herself she wasn't jealous was all well and good, but she was. Tampering her possessiveness, she gazed at the man opposite her and arched an eyebrow, waiting for him to speak.
Bill smiled softly at his gentle yet excitable wife, before turning serious. "My father has sent me, as the eldest son, to offer our reassurances that no ill-will is felt towards you or your mate, and to offer up our apologies for the harm done to your family," Bill's tone was oddly formal. "Our relationship with House Ross and House Urquart is important to us, and we hope that the youngest son's behaviour has not invariably damaged it. My father has asked me to tell you that as a family we support your decision taken to make Ronald pay for his actions." He explained softly. "However, my mother demanded I give you this." He held a red envelope out to her.
Minerva frowned at the envelope, knowing ignoring it would just make things ten times worse, although she wasn't prepared to open it immediately. Taking the envelope from Bill, she tossed it down onto the dining room table. "Thank you, William." She gestured to the table. "Shall we sit?"
Bill nodded and pulled two chairs out, waiting until Fleur pulled away from Hermione and tugged her towards the chairs without letting go of her hand. He sat next to Minerva, opposite Hermione and his wife, who was snuggled in close to the brunette but gazing at her.
"Where is your little one?" Fleur asked
"She's in the sitting room. I wasn't sure what to expect, so I asked her to remain there." Minerva stated. The envelope on the table started flipping back to front and her lips twitched. It wouldn't take long for the howler to explode and spew whatever vitriol it contained.
"Aren't you going to get that, love?" Hermione asked.
"No, lass," Minerva smirked. "Knowing Molly, it'll do its thing soon enough."
Bill sniggered. "I ignored one once and it ended up far worse."
"How did you find my home?" Minerva asked conversationally as smoke poured off the howler.
"George." Bill looked down. "When we didn't find you at Hogwarts, we went into Hogsmeade. We are sorry to have bothered you."
They all turned to watch the Howler. Hermione put her hand out hesitantly and hissed. "Merlin, it's hot." The letter exploded at her touch and she snatched her hand away and stuffed her fingers in her ears as Molly Weasley's shrill voice echoed around the room.
MINERVA MCGONAGALL,
HOW DARE YOU!
OUR YOUNGEST SON WAS ARRESTED, AND HIS WIFE-TO-BE LEFT HIM.
THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT.
IF IT WASN'T FOR YOU AND YOUR PERVERSION, NONE OF THIS WOULD HAVE HAPPENED. I AM UNABLE TO FATHOM WHAT YOU WERE THINKING, GOING AFTER SOMEONE YOUNG ENOUGH TO BE YOUR DAUGHTER, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU KNEW SHE BELONGED WITH SOMEONE ELSE.
IT'S NOT AT ALL SURPRISING THAT HERMIONE RAN AWAY FROM YOU AND THE SEXUALLY DEVIANT LIFESTYLE YOU WISHED TO DRAG HER INTO, AND I DO NOT KNOW HOW YOU FINALLY FOUND HER OR WHAT YOU SAID OR DID TO MAKE HER RETURN WITH YOU AND THEN GO AGAINST RONALD IN SUCH A WAY AFTER EVERYTHING THEY SHARED.
YOU ARE AN ABSOLUTE DISGRACE TO THE WIZARDING WORLD THAT HAS ALWAYS HELD YOU IN SUCH HIGH ESTEEM, AND YOUR BEHAVIOUR IS CONTEMPTIBLE.
I WILL BE BRINGING THIS TO THE ATTENTION OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS SINCE HERMIONE WAS OF SCHOOL-AGE WHEN YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE AND CLAIMED HER, AND I SINCERELY HOPE YOU LOSE YOUR PLACE AS THE HEAD OF HOGWARTS.
I SHALL ALSO BE RAISING THIS WITH THE COUNCIL OF MAGICAL LAW AND REQUESTING THAT THEY STRIP YOU OF YOUR LAND AND TITLE'S.
NOBLE AND ANCIENT HOUSE, MY ARSE!
The letter suddenly stopped shrieking and shredded itself and Bill sighed. "That's where we interrupted her tirade. She was muttering other things as she crafted the letter." He sighed. "It was always obvious Hermione and Ron would only ever be friends and there were times he pushed that to its limits."
"What does it matter who 'ermione loves? It's her life and after everything, we should support and respect her for living it." Fleur muttered. "There is nothing shameful, disgusting, deviant or perverted about it," Fleur explained, letting them all know what Molly had been saying. She winked at Minerva. "If I 'adn't met Bill, I would have snapped her up in a heartbeat. You're a lucky woman, Professor."
Minerva smiled when Hermione stood, pulling herself from Fleur's embrace and stepping around the table, placing one hand on her shoulder and squeezing it lightly, she spoke softly. "I believe I am the lucky one, Fleur."
Minerva took Hermione's hand and pulled her down onto her knee, and wrapped her arms around her waist, her chin resting on her shoulder while Bill stood up to sit beside his wife and held her hand.
"Shall we tell them what we think about Harry?" Hermione asked.
"Aye, maybe they can help," Minerva muttered, flicking her wand before leaning forward and placing it on the table when a pot of tea appeared in front of them, along with a decanter of Firewhiskey and three glasses and a pain potion
"Why are there only three glasses?" Fleur asked as Bill poured three small glasses of Firewhiskey.
Hermione picked up the vial holding the pain potion and held it up. "I doubt this would mix well with alcohol." She pulled the stopper out and lifted it to her lips, swallowing it down with a grimace.
"Are you hurt, Hermione?" Bill asked.
"Oh, I'm okay now. It's a funny story though. Minerva was attempting a hug and roll but she rolled me right off the bed and onto the floor and I dislocated my shoulder." Hermione laughed.
"Like in Friends?" Fleur chuckled pouring her a cup of tea and adding sugar and milk. "I have watched it on the telebox at 'arry's." She smirked. "Arresto Momentum should 'ave worked."
"It happened so quickly I didn't think." Minerva blushed when Hermione and Fleur laughed harder.
"So what's this about Harry?" Bill asked, cutting through the merriment caused by Minerva's embarrassment.
"What do you know about Entrancing Enchantments?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, merde!" Fleur exclaimed closing her eyes and rubbing the bridge of her nose. Picking up her drink, she threw it back easily. "It's a spell that entrances the mind to make the caster seem more alluring and charismatic. If 'arry is under this spell, he will need plenty of time to get over the effects."
"What effects?" Bill was confused.
"He won't remember the period between the enchantment being cast, and the moment it's removed," Minerva stated sadly.
"Merlin's beard!" Bill breathed. "Surely, if it's true, there's got to be a way around that."
"I've been thinking about it and believe there might be," Hermione stated. "But I doubt it's going to be easy and he's going to need all our support."
"We'll do whatever we can for 'arry." Fleur declared. "He is family."
~x~