Minerva laid on a small lounge couch in the room of requirement recovering from the ordeal of the sample that was taken from the baby. She was pale and had a layer of sweat covering her. Of course, it didn't go according to plan. Things never seem to, she thought miserably. Helen and Poppy had did their best but they had a very small target to work with.
Minerva felt severe pain in her belly and the almost violent cramping. Tears had streamed from her eyes as she saw the looks of pity from Helen and Poppy. She knew she was losing the baby. She had heard Harry's strangled sob as he realized it as well even if she hadn't been able to see him. He was stuck in the ritual circle and unable to be beside of her.
Minerva had been suprised by the appearance of a dozen Phoenix birds flashing into the room. They circled her body and the largest amongst them settled on her belly. "We are here to help your nestling," the scarlet and purple Phoenix reassured. "This will cause you incredible pain and I apologize for that."
"I can handle the pain," Minerva replied, hope rising in her chest.
The Phoenix circle trilled urgently as flames steadily surrounded Minerva. The scarlet and purple bird used her sharp talons to make a deep cut across Minerva's belly. Even though she tried to hold it in, Minerva screamed out at the unexpected pain. Tears from the Phoenix slipped inside the cut and immediately stopped the cramping Minerva had experienced.
The others in the room watched concerned as the fire surrounding Minerva slowly entered the cut. Minerva screamed herself hoarse as the flames entered the deep cut on her belly. As the last of the flames entered her, the large Phoenix wailed and her tears slid over the large cut. Minerva's skin slowly knit itself back together.
"It is finished and your nestling is fine," the Phoenix reassured Minerva. "We have strengthened your nestling with our flames after we healed her. The fire will cause no damage for you or her since you have the ability to bend fire to your will. Your nestling will continue to grow steadily and I daresay will be as strong as her mother."
"Thank you," Minerva panted brokenly. Tears of relief flowing from her eyes.
The Phoenix trilled happily and rubbed her head against Minerva's cheek affectionately. "Only a mother can withstand intense pain and then thank someone for saving their nestling," the Phoenix trilled. "You are going to be a great mother Minerva McGonagall!"
As soon as the words were said, the group of Phoenix birds flashed out of the room. The group in the room stared at Minerva in shock. "What the bloody hell did I just witness," Mad-Eye asked roughly.
"I have never heard of such," Harold said flabbergasted.
"Let's finish the ritual," Hermione said drawing them back to the task at hand.
Meanwhile, Helen and Poppy checked Minerva out. "The baby's vitals are strong and stable," Poppy said relieved. "Completely healed it seems."
"Look at Minerva's belly," Helen commented. "It's protruding somewhat."
"Do you reckon the flames caused it," Poppy asked puzzled by it all.
"Has to be," Helen responded, thinking like a Mediwitch. "I doubt it will settle either. Looks like maternity clothes sooner rather than later."
"I am fine with being as large as a hippogriff as long as the baby is fine," Minerva said hoarsely.
"The baby is fine," Helen breathed as she hugged her friend as they silently watched the ritual Harry was undergoing to remove the Horcux.
Minerva had settled into a nice relaxing bath and tried to push the memories of the day out of her mind. She had been devastated when she started to miscarry earlier. Tears streamed down her face at the mere thought of how close she had been to losing this blessing.
"Min," Harry said gently from the door. He looked rather haggard and exhausted. The ritual to remove the Horcux had been successful but had wrecked havoc on him mentally.
"Join me," she said softly as she held her hand out to him.
Harry nodded and dropped his clothes on the floor. He stepped in behind her and maneuvered a leg on either side of her. He pulled her back to his chest gently and wrapped his arms around her. "I thought we lost her today," Harry whispered as he settled his hand on her small protruding belly.
Minerva laid her hand on top of his and entwined their fingers. "We nearly did," she said pained by the mere thought. "I spoke with Amethyst about the incident. She wasn't aware it was going to occur. The scarlet and purple Phoenix is her mother."
"Really," Harry asked suprised. "How did they know we needed help?"
"Apparently it is common for a protector and the Phoenix birds to share feelings in a time of need," Minerva said. "Each Phoenix that arrived to help me today are all mothers. They felt my sorrow of losing the baby and wanted to help. They each sacrificed a burning day from their life to heal our baby. It's astounding they would willingly shorten their lifespan for our baby."
"For that I am eternally grateful to them," Harry said sincerely. "It was so horrible not being able to rush to you when you needed me. I couldn't move at all but your screams of pain. I don't want to hear that type of scream ever again."
With that said, Harry kissed her neck gently, lovingly. "I couldn't survive without you or our daughter. Now that I know the pure joy of having you as a part of me, I never wish to be alone. I want to love you always, worship you like you deserve."
Minerva turned slightly to stare at him in wonder. His love was clearly on display without touching their mating marks. "Oh Harry," she whispered emotionally and kissed him tenderly on the lips. "I need you too. More than that, I love you and want you always."
Harry grinned lopsided at her before grasping a washrag and asking, "Do you need help washing your back?"
Minerva laughed and smiled at him. "I guess being married to a younger wizard has its perks!" she teased laughingly. Harry smiled and drew her to him. She seriously doubted there would be much washing done.
