Minerva was eating lunch in the Great Hall with all of the other volunteers when she spied Hermione and Neville enter with Teddy, Jamie and Jasmine safely in their arms. She raised an eyebrow but remained silent, curious if they would notice her. It took a moment or two but she heard giggling the moment they noticed her. "Looks like they noticed you," Hermione said with a laugh.

"Seems so," Minerva said as she picked up Jamie who was reaching for her. "Hello my wee one," she said as she kissed Jamie on the cheek. "Where's Andromeda?"

"She was summoned to Gringotts Bank," Hermione answered. "We saw her in London and volunteered to bring all three children to Hogwarts."

"I think she was grateful to not have to tote them around," Neville said with a smile. "Teddy was morphing into a replica of Jamie."

Minerva sighed at that. She gave Teddy a long look before requesting, "Will you be yourself for Aunt Min?" Teddy smiled at her and giggled. She hoped that meant he agreed to her request.

"We planned to take them to play by the lake," Hermione informed her. "We hope to see the squid."

"That sounds like a lovely way to enjoy the day," Minerva replied with a smile. The Headmistress would never question any decision Hermione made in regards to the twins. The young witch had saved them from a horrible death and reunited her with them. Hermione would always be trusted by Minerva. "Maybe you will see some merfolk as well," she commented. "I saw a couple earlier this morning."

"Let's hope they don't attempt to talk to us," Neville mumbled much to the table's amusement. Minerva handed Jamie back to Neville and watched the group head out.

"Mr. Longbottom has came into his own," Filius Flitwick commented. "I would say Miss Granger is responsible for it if I hadn't watched him this past year."

"He became the ultimate Gryffindor," Minerva whispered. "I wished his parents could have seen him."

"I'm just glad Augusta managed to," Pomona Sprout added. "That witch drove him batty with her strict nonsense."

Minerva nodded her head. "Augusta never managed to grieve for Frank and Alice," she whispered sadly. "I often wonder if she ever allowed Neville to be himself instead of a smaller version of Frank."

"She didn't until Hermione had a talk with her," Harry said from the doorway with his hands in his pockets. "Hermione set her straight and informed her that any children they had in the future would not be treated the same. Madam Longbottom was furious at first but then she thought on it. I think she watched how Neville is with Hermione and realized what she had really done. I reckon Neville and his Gran had an emotional discussion and apparently it has been good for them. Madam Longbottom now has weekly tea with Hermione and is working on wedding plans although I don't believe poor Neville has managed to ask Hermione to marry him yet."

"It's only a matter of time," Minerva said with a grin. "Care to help Rolonda with the pitch after lunch?" Harry grinned at that! He would always volunteer for a job that allowed him to fly!


"These brooms are horrible," Harry said with a frown. "They aren't safe for anyone to ride especially kids just learning."

"I know," Rolonda said sadly. "I fear there isn't enough in the budget to purchase any either. The repairs to the castle has taken most of it. We may have to cancel flying lessons this year."

Harry frowned deeper at that. He didn't like the thought of that. Flying lessons were one of the few things first years had to enjoy. "I'm sure Potter Manor has a few old brooms laying around," he replied. "Fancy a scavenger hunt? We can see what brooms we can find and I will gladly donate them to the school."

Rolonda looked at Harry in appreciation. He loved flying as much as she did. He understood it wasn't just the love Quidditch that she loved. She loved the peace flying offered, she loved the beauty she found from her perch in the sky, but more than that she loved the freedom. Harry understood that and wanted to ensure students had that outlet if they chose to. "Scavenger hunt it is," she replied with a grin. "Race you to the apparation point," she yelled as she took off towards the gates.

Harry chuckled at her excitement and followed behind her. He wouldn't allow her to win by too much. "You're on Hooch!" he screamed towards her happily.

A few hours later, Harry and Rolonda returned with 15 used but fairly decent brooms. Minerva watched with a raised eyebrow as they carried them towards the pitch. She walked their way and asked, "Where have you two been?"

"The brooms were horrible," Rolonda answered. "It looked like we were going to have to cancel flying lessons but your husband offered a scavenger hunt for brooms and then donated the ones we found."

Minerva smiled at Harry and then an idea struck her. "Do you think you could give an interview Rolanda? Explain about the brooms and how Harry donated his older ones to the school," She asked her friend. "Explain more is needed and there simply isn't enough funds in the budget to purchase the needed brooms."

"Others will undoubtedly volunteer older models as well," Rolonda caught on. Minerva simply nodded her head. "I think I will track down Luna Lovegood. See you later!"


Minerva sat at her desk and let out a sigh of relief. Finally, she had all teaching positions filled with acceptable witches and wizards. Granted, not all had their masters but she had implemented the apprentice program Harry had suggested. Filius had loved the idea of the program and had quickly created a list of potential candidates.

"What about equipment," Filius asked as he sat back in his chair in front her Minerva's desk. "We lack funding to purchase most of it. Food cost will take the remainder of our budget."

Minerva offered a reassuring smile before answering, "Rolanda's interview with Miss Lovegood exceeded my expectations. I have received Owls from a multitude of families and businesses offering donations from brooms to desks. Hermione has been spearheading that project for me. We have all we need plus a little extra for a rainy day."

"That's marvelous," the small teacher said excitedly.

Minerva nodded her head in agreement. "We are ready send out the letters to the students. We have managed to meet our deadline although we aren't giving much time for students to make their purchases."

"It shall be fine," he reassured his friend. "We are returning to normalcy so the families shall manage. Perhaps we can add that students can have up until the end of September to make all purchases with the exception of their wands."

"That's an excellent idea," she commented as she wrote down a note to remind her later.