James Potter stood once again in the Wizengamot chambers and looked around the room. "House Ravenclaw would like to thank the Houses that atoned for their actions against our Lady," he said politely. "However, Houses Avery, Nott, and McNair have not met our demands. It pains me to do so but House Ravenclaw must call forth a blood feud. You had thirty days to make amends and have not. The Lady of the House insists that I try once more for the children's sake. Once we leave the Ministry of Magic, I along with two others of my choice will challenge all three of you to honor duels. If you win, House Ravenclaw will withdraw its grievance against your House and won't issue a blood feud. If we win, you will forfeit your Lordship of your House to your heir. A Wizengamot member that hasn't grieved House Ravenclaw will guide your heir in successfully running the House until they are of age or ready to take full control."
"You cannot do that," Lord Nott said angrily. "You have no right to say anything about my House."
James Potter looked at the wizard hard before retorting, "And you had no right to capture any witch and torture her! House Ravenclaw has given you thirty days to give into our demands, you denied us. Our forgiving Lady offers a chance to save the children, your son, the same fate that awaits you and yet you are still making demands. If you are not willing to accept the honor duel than I will issue a blood feud!"
"I won't accept your deal," Nott said angrily.
"What of you two?" James asked Lord Avery and McNair.
"We stand with Nott," they said.
James Potter nodded grimly before straightening his shoulders and nodding in acceptance. "House Ravenclaw issues blood feuds on Houses Nott, Avery and McNair. The blood spilled shall not be towards the underage children and shall expire upon your deaths. So mote it be!"
Suprised showed on everyone's faces at the wording of the blood feud declaration. Normally it was the entire family wiped out. House Ravenclaw rose up in everyone's opinions as did James Potter.
The Daily Prophet had an entire special edition dedicated to the Wizengamot session and the forgiveness and protection House Ravenclaw offered towards children. It showed Magical Britain that House Ravenclaw wasn't to be trifled with but could rise above misfortune when needed. It sung Minerva's praises and portrayed her as a forgiving, poised Lady with a soft spot for children.
"I think Minerva has been promoted to the most influential witch in Magical Britain," Malcolm said as he laid the paper down.
"Witch or wizard," corrected Charles Potter. "The majority will follow Minerva over others including Albus Dumbledore. The statement Minerva gave to the paper aligned with more traditional standards than Albus' but the forgiveness showed towards the children and extended family showed she was open to nontraditional ways as well."
"Surely not," she asked mystified. More influential than Albus?
"Albus wants everyone to follow blindy," Severus said. "You led by example and by lending a helping hand."
"Most students think Dumbledore is out of touch while they look towards you before they react," Sirius added. "If you would had acted more rashly, the students would have acted out towards those Houses for you."
Minerva just stared at them dumbfounded. She would never see herself as they did.
Minerva sighed mentally but straightened her shoulders. She had taken a temporary medical leave from Hogwarts to heal from her injuries (physically and mentally). Today was her first day back and she was nervous about it. She hated everyone knew what had happened to her and how she had to play politics in order to punish those that harmed her and prevent them for partaking in their current war. "You can do this Minerva," she whispered as she pushed against the doors and strolled inside.
She walked into the Great Hall with her head held high and started towards her seat at the Head table. She was rather startled when Mary quickly approached her then hugged her tightly and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "It's not the same without you here," the teenager whispered.
Minerva smiled brightly at her young sister. It had been obvious the girl had been waiting for her to arrive. She knew she would be arriving this morning at breakfast. As she looked up the towards the Head table, she was suprised to see students lined the aisle between her location and all the way to the Head table. She suddenly realized they were all females students lining the aisle. She looked at her sister in silent question.
"Most witches in this school fear their fate given all of the laws on the books especially the ones from traditional pureblood ones," she whispered. "The way you have handle this ordeal has soothed them. Your strong will aided your survival in a situation most couldn't survive at all and the most amazing part you kept your unborn children protected with you magic instead of protecting yourself. You also didn't give the bastards any information. When they discovered the extent of your suffering after the Wizengamot session, every female student sat here in the Great Hall and wept for you."
"Really," Minerva asked curiously.
Mary smiled and nodded, "The Headmaster had to cancel classes that day. After the special edition of the Daily Prophet came and they learned of the politics and punishment your House issued, they grew hopeful about their own situations. You showed them all it is okay to be broken a bit and take a moment to put the pieces back together. You showed them it is alright to be angry and emotional while also forgiving and understanding. Because you only went after those that personal injured you or was involved but protected many children and witches of those families, they are hopeful they can weather their situations until a better solution is found for them. Many of them know they will not be treated kindly by their future husbands nor their families. You gave them hope for the future and so they honor you."
Minerva was beyond emotional by the gesture. She silently made a mental note to work on ways to help these girls if possible. "I want a list of every specific girl that feels in danger and the reasons why," she whispered to her sister. "Start with seventh years and work your way down. I will work on solutions for them."
"I will," her sister said, kissed her cheek and moved back into the line.
Minerva slowly walked down the line of young women with her head held high. If they saw her as a beacon of light, she would strive to be a lighthouse for them. She would also work on solutions to the girls' fears. She would put James, Remus, Sirius and Lily on it as soon as possible. Suddenly applause sounded and continued as she made it to her seat which Albus graciously held out for her.
"Thank you Albus," she whispered emotionally as she sat down and stared out at all of the students. "Thank you for the lovely return. I am honored by the respect shown to me. And as always, my office door shall remain open to any student that should need me."