Minerva dragged into her office and smiled in relief to see Filius, Helen and Poppy waiting. "Is the others back yet?" she asked tiredly.
"No," Helen answered. "Why did you separate from the rest of them?"
"I needed to get the injured nestlings to Hagrid immediately," Minerva replied wearily. "The others stayed to help the injured Phoenix birds and dispose of the intruders."
"Sorry we're late," Harold said as he led the haggard group in. "Disposing of the Death Eater bastards took longer than I expected. On a positive note, the Unspeakable Department was excited to get their hands on corpses with the Dark Mark. I imagine they should be able to figure out how it works better."
"Hopefully they will," Filius said enthusiastically.
"Physicals for everyone," Poppy shouted as she noticed tears and bloodied spots in their clothing. "Which one of you will be going first?"
Harry, Hermione, Luna, Remus and Harold all pointed at Minerva. A growl escaped said witch as she noticed their actions. "Please Min," Harry pleaded with a look of worry. "You took spell fire and should be checked out to make sure the baby is fine."
Minerva growled loudly and stomped up the steps to her bedroom without a word to anyone. "I need you with me," she projected to Harry as she laid her hand over her mating mark. "I am exhausted and will rest better with you with me."
Startled she could project thoughts now, he looked at Harold. "She just projected her thoughts to me by touching her mating mark," he informed wide-eyed.
"Really," Harold asked amazed by the development. "That's going to be useful in battle. I need access to more information. Surely this type of thing has happened with other couples before."
"You work on that," Harry said as he followed his wife up the steps. She had requested his presence and nothing would prevent him from joining her. "I have a wife to support right now."
Poppy smiled at his words. "You coming for the examination," she asked Helen.
"Yes please," Helen said as she dropped a kiss to Hermione's forehead and Harold's lip.
Minerva sighed contently as she slid under the sheets and cuddled against Harry. He wrapped his arm around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "It has been a very long day," she complained.
Harry chuckled but agreed. "It has been an adventure. Does Hagrid expect the nestlings to make it?"
"Hagrid is hopeful," Minerva replied. "One of the nestlings he doubts will survive but he will try his damnest to help it survive. You know how Hagrid is with creatures."
Harry snorted in laughter as he thought about Fluffy, Nobert and Aragog. "Hagrid hasn't met a creature he doesn't like. I suspect if Nagini wasn't a Horcrux he would try to reform her."
Minerva chuckled, amused at her husband. She could see Hagrid trying it! "Hagrid has a love for magical creatures that probably rivals that of Newt Scamander," she added. "Newt just has more common sense." Harry laughed and pulled her closer to him.
He kissed her gently before adding, "Rest my love. You have had a very tiring day and you both need your rest."
The portrait of Prudence Slythrein smiled broadly when she saw Minerva and Hermione approach her. "Hello Grandmother," Hermione greeted cheerfully.
"Granddaughter," Prudence said with a smile. She turned to Minerva and grinned. "How is the current Phoenix protector fairing?"
Minerva met the portrait with a curious expression before answering, "I am well. Why do I get the impression you already know that?"
Prudence smirked at her. "I have foreseen your life," she answered honestly. "You are the one meant to change the wizarding world for the better! The one to unite the wizarding world and stamp out the injustices that centuries worth of laws pureblooded bigots have created."
"What," Minerva asked suprised as she looked at Hermione. The young witch seemed just as suprised as she was.
"I have dreamed of you many nights Minerva McGonagall," Prudence Slythrein said with a smile. "You are the Scottish warrior that changed the magical world before getting your Phoenix protector mark I have seen in my visions. You are the one that will help forge the way and create a better Wizarding World."
"How," Minerva asked curiously.
"By teaching your students to be independent and self-sufficient," Hermione answered. "You are the one professor my generation will fight for without hesitation."
Prudence smiled at her granddaughter. "Hermione is correct," she agreed. "You have molded the future for generations without realizing it. You have changed the political ideas of many of the younger generations. You have became the example of so many. You, my Scottish warrior, will not back down from injustice and you unwittingly passed that along to your students."
"Truly," Minerva asked suprised by it.
Prudence grinned at the Scottish witch in front of her. "I told my visions to the other three Founders after my husband left the school. They worked for years on creating spells, charms and runes that would protect you. They gave Lady Hogwarts a life-force so she could protect you when needed."
"I am not worth such effort," Minerva uttered in disbelief.
Prudence Slythrein smiled largely. "My dear you are much more than worthy. You are not just a descendant of Merlin's, you are his magical heir. No other of his line have had the sheer power and ability you have. You are just now tapping into the power you are capable of."
"Magical heir," Minerva repeated in shock. "Surely not?"
"You are indeed. Albus Dumbledore was told of your destiny when you came back to teach and he constantly pushed you. He knew what awaited you and hoped to prepare you for the future."
"Harry?" she asked.
"That little tidbit I kept to myself," she reassured her. "I couldn't risk you finding out and working to stop the bond. That marriage settled your weary soul. Harry has seen enough heartache and pain in his young life to actively work to soothe your battered soul. You have yet to see how amazing of a husband you truly have."
"Indeed," Minerva replied with a raised eyebrow. "I shall have to wait and see then."
Prudence Slythrein smiled broadly at the current Headmistress. "I have seen your life Minerva McGonagall and what an amazing adventure you still have."
