Minerva smiled as Harry looped his arm against hers and adjusted his speed to match hers. Today was September the first and the students would be returning this evening. She didn't know what to expect from the students. She was ready for the school year to return but at the same time she was nervous by the unknown. This would be her first Welcome Feast as Headmistress and she doubted she could live up to Albus' reputation.

"Stop worrying," Harry whispered soothingly. "You will be fine. Don't try to be Albus, just be Minerva and the students will welcome you with open arms."

Minerva relaxed and offered him a grin. Harry had the amazing ability to read her regardless if she confided in him or not. "Thank you Harry," she whispered back.

"No thanks needed," he said with his own grin. "It's my job to settle you. Let's go show the students what a badass their Headmistress really is."

Minerva snorted but smiled at Harry happily. She loved this man more than she ever thought was possible. At times, it felt like her heart would burst trying to contain it all. "I love you Harry Potter," she proclaimed without noticing the staff that was watching them intently.


Minerva stood at the podium confidently as she looked out at the sea of students. She saw the emotions flicker across their faces. Excitement, doubt, determination, uncertainty and, the most difficult to see, fear. She wouldn't allow herself to be closed off to the students anymore. They needed her to be approachable and she would be. She folded the parchment that she had written her welcome speech on and moved towards the students.

"I had a perfectly good speech written," she began in her no nonsense way. "I find it lacking now that I see all of your faces beaming at me. I am grateful to see so many familiar faces return after our horrid last year." She heard several students shudder and gasp at the unexpected comment but she forged on as she walked the aisles between the house tables. She made sure to walk next to all of them. She would be an approachable figure for all four houses.

"We have seen so many horrors, so much sadness, I questioned if many of you would return," she admitted with a sad smile. "We had war invade our safe haven and for that I am so deeply sorry. We teachers tried to provide protection as best as we could but we were limited in our ability."

She took a deep breath as she continued, "I worried we would not survive the depressing atmosphere or the reign of terror the Carrows brought about. While we teachers were tortured when we were discovered helping students, we feared for everyone's safety. To our great suprise, you banded together from all houses and took the torch we were unable to hold up. I was amazed to see a rebellion group form and fight back. To see you all gather together, figure out your strengths and flawlessly work as a team against the threat to our society regardless of personal history was amazing to witness. I have such hope for the future because of it."

Minerva Potter moved back to the staff table and looked back out the students. "Tomorrow we will not have typical classes. We shall gather here at breakfast. Each staff person shall have a game, hobby or some past time enjoyment with them and we invite you to join us. Tomorrow will be dedicated to getting to know the staff and your peers more in depth. I shall have a wizarding and muggle chessboard if anyone should like a challenging game. Bring your own games, instruments or what may inspire you. Tomorrow will be dedicated to making new and much happier memories and hopefully making a new friend or two."

Minerva waved her wand and the welcome feast appeared on the table. She didn't say another word as she sat down in her chair. Silence reign for a few long minutes before applause broke out. Startled she looked at the students. She hadn't anticipated this. She looked towards her left where Filius was and was suprised to see the staff applauding her as well. She ducked her head and smiled widely. Maybe she was a badass as Harry put it.


Minerva smiled as Harry wrapped her in his arms as soon as she exited the Floo. He pushed her gently onto the couch and quickly attached his lips to hers. She moaned against his lips and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Do you know how bloody amazing you are?" he asked as the kiss ended.

Minerva blushed deeply and hid her face from him. He chuckled at her reaction. "You have an amazing ability to read people and know what they need before they do," he whispered. "That is probably the best welcome speech I have ever heard. You showed them your heart and that is probably what they needed more than anything. You gave them the right to show their emotions and to be themselves. You are something special!"

Minerva smiled before retorting, "You're the special one. I believe the sun rises and shines brightly just for you."

Harry chuckled at his before kissing her lovingly. "Let's go get the babies feed," he whispered. "And then hopefully I can convince my lovely wife to join me in a relaxing bath."

Minerva moaned at the last part before quickly sliding out from under him. She was undoing the buttons on her top as she went. She tilted her head towards him before uttering, "You coming?"

"Not yet but I plan too," he quipped before swatting her backside gently and running up the steps. Minerva grinned widely before following her love.