Harry and Minerva arrived at the Great Hall with Jamie and Jasmine in tow much to everyone's delight. Daphne and Ginny Greengrass quickly relieved them of their tiny burdens. "We need all the practice we can get," Ginny announced loudly.

"March will arrive sooner than we expect," Daphne said happily as she nearly bounced in her excitement.

Minerva smiled at the young couple and hugged them both tightly much to the room's surprise. "Congratulations," Harry offered then teased. "Am I getting a godson or goddaughter?"

Gasps and chatter filled the room at the question. There was no doubt that the young couple were expecting a baby now. Daphne and Ginny shared a look. "One of each!" Ginny offered. "I expect you both there with the rest of the family."

Minerva laughed as Ginny gave Harry the same glare she gave her brothers. Harry nodded his head and wrapped her up in a hug. "We shall be there," he promised.


Minerva settled at one of the smaller tables in the room with her chess boards set up. She had several set up and had just finished up a muggle game with a sixth year Ravenclaw. It had been a challenging game but she had won. It was refreshing to have such contact with the students.

She looked around the Hall and smiled broadly. Dancing, music, card games, gobstones were being played throughout the room. Areas with lounge chairs and cushions were placed throughout the area as well. Laughter and chatter were delightful to hear after the past year. She spied the twins surrounded by giggling girls and snorted in amusement when she noticed Peeves was there making faces at them.

She looked around for her husband and finally noticed him in the corner with an easel set up and a variety of paints next to him on a small table. He was surrounded by students but he was oblivious to it. She was concentrating on whatever he was painting at the moment. She hadn't been aware he painted at all.

Minerva slowly walked towards him and noted the students smiled happily. She didn't understand why they would but she continued moving towards him. He finally noticed her and held his hand up to stop her. "Just one moment," he said. "It's almost finished."

She stopped but raised her eyebrow in suprise but used the time to admire the way he lost himself in the process. Minutes ticked by slowly but then he sat back somewhat and looked up at her. "Finished," she inquired.

Harry nodded and beckoned her to him. She eyed the painting in obvious suprise. He had painted a portrait of her playing chess. It showed her face titled sideways with her concentrating on the next move. It was a brilliant painting and it portrayed her well. "Not quite as lovely as the original," he admitted. "Nothing could top that."

She heard the surrounding girls swoon at the emotion in his voice as he said that. "What am I ever going to do with you Harry Potter?" she asked with a smile and slight blush on her cheeks.

"Love me forever," he quipped with mirth in his startling green eyes. He kissed her palm before sending her back towards her chess boards.

Minerva laughed merrily before answering over her shoulder, "That seems to be my lot in life. I guess I will manage somehow."

Harry chuckled at that.


Minerva frowned when she walked in her cottage and saw Andromeda Tonks in tears. Harry was doing his best to comfort her but appeared helpless. He looked at her pleadingly to help. She walked to Andromeda and merely wrapped her up in her arms. "What happened?" she questioned gently.

"Dora had setup an escape plan," she answered with a sob. "Gringotts revealed it to me last week but I didn't look at it closely until today. The escape plan was only for Teddy and me. She knew she wouldn't make it."

"That's not it," Minerva said gently. "Dora knew she would rather die than give up. She also knew you would protect Teddy over all else. It's perfectly logical to me. Dora was a fighter and she knew she couldn't walk away from the fight."

"You knew," Andromeda accused her teary-eyed.

"I did," she confirmed. "Dora also had an additional plan. If Harry fell in battle, Hermione would portkey Teddy and you to Black Island. She guilted Hermione into protecting Teddy. Dora knew Harry loved Teddy and she realized Hermione would step up if Harry couldn't."

"Really," Harry said suprised. "Mione said nothing about it to me."

Minerva smiled at him. "You already had too much on your shoulders. I think Dora had the right idea and I believe you know that as well Andromeda."

Andromeda nodded her head. "Dora loved Teddy more than anything. Of course, she would find a way to save him even after her own death."


"How's things at the Ministry," Minerva asked Hermione. The younger witch had came for lunch on a Sunday.

"Tiresome," she admitted.

"Bet you have at least three lists made," quipped Harry with a mischievous grin.

Hermione rolled her eyes at her bestfriend before admitting to having four separate lists. "Kingsley is trying to undo all of the damage done last year alone. It's a real mess and no one really knows the correct procedure to follow."

"Make a new one," Harry offered with a shrug of his shoulders.

"A post war policy," Minerva said intrigued. "Need help crafting some policies?"

"Yes please," Hermione said excitedly.

"Eat lunch first," demanded Harry. "Min is just as bad as you when in research mode."

Minerva and Hermione shared a look before busting out laughing at Harry. "Alright love," Minerva answered with a grin.


Poppy smiled when she saw Minerva waltzed in the Hospital Wing. She was here for her yearly staff physical. The healer was so happy for her longtime friend. Minerva had gained back some of youthfulness and mannerisms since she and Harry had reunited. Poppy witnessed Minerva blend the two versions of herself into the witch standing before her. This Minerva had all of the strong traits of stern Minerva McGonagall; however, this version was happy and approachable. Minerva Potter seemed a much more happier witch and Poppy couldn't wait to see how much this version of Minerva would change things.
"Good morning Poppy," Minerva greeted with a broad smile.
"I'm sorry I missed how unhappy you were before," Poppy said emotionally. "You just radiate happiness now and it is so amazing to watch."
Minerva frowned at her longtime friend before shaking her head and pulling her into a hug. "I didn't realize how broken I was myself," Minerva admitted. She wiped Poppy's tears away with her hands and smiled at her friend reassuringly. "You already had so much on your shoulders. You lost your son in the war, it's astounding you did what you managed."
"My grand babies needed me," Poppy said gently.
"They did," Minerva agreed gently. "I hid the brokenness to cope just like you. We managed to push on and move forward. Don't look back on what we missed, it will drive you insane."
Poppy nodded her head and gathered her wits. "Shall we complete that physical?"