Minerva and Harry walked into the doors of the Great Hall with Athena held securely in her mother's arms. Minerva grinned at the attention from the staff there. It had been quite a while since a staff member had a bairn. "May we introduce Athena Jean Potter," she said eloquently.
Harry watched in amusement as Hermione rushed towards them and plucked Athena out of her mother's arms before any of the others could. Minerva laughed merrily at the younger witch. "It's my prerogative as her aunt," Hermione responded with a grin.
"Aye," Minerva agreed as she walked on towards the table to eat breakfast. Before she sat down, she turned towards the staff present and said, "Athena has already bonded with a Phoenix so you shall see Primrose regularly. Please make sure to inform Harry or me immediately if you see only Primrose and Athena."
Gasps of suprise filled the hall as the teachers chatted merrily. There was a lightness present that was indescribable. The defeat of Voldemort had brought a peace to those in the castle. Goodness knows Hogwarts professors and students alike had seen rough, horrific times due to that monster and Minerva was excited by the prospect of having a school year without having to participate in war.
"Merlin knows the trouble Athena will get in with a Phoenix familiar at this age," Harry muttered. He had agreed with Amethyst's earlier thoughts on the situation.
"Probably as much as her father," Hermione quipped with a grin. She was delighted in the giggling that errupted from Athena. "You are going to be just as mischievous as your dad, aren't you Poppet," she cooed to the baby.
More giggling errupted and then Athena seemingly disappeared from her arms. "Where did she go," she panicked searching the hall for Athena. Minerva jumped up from her seat and frantically thought of places she should look for Athena first.
A brilliant flash above and Amethyst soared towards Minerva. She carried a basket with its handle in her strong talons. She trilled soothingly before let the basket down on the table in front of Minerva. Athena giggled madly from within. Minerva sighed in relief and gently picked her baby up. "What am I going to do with you," she muttered at her daughter. "Thank you for your assistance Amethyst. I fear we are going to have our hands full with this one." Amethyst must of agreed because she covered her face with her wing and groaned much to the amusement of those present.
Primrose chose that moment to soar into the Great Hall and land next to the baby. She trilled angrily at the baby being held in its mothers arms. Athena then pouted and reach from the Phoenix. Primrose trilled soothingly and rubbed her head against the baby's cheek lovingly. Apparently the Phoenix was no longer upset with Athena.
"What did Primrose say," Poppy asked curiously from her seat.
Harry's eyes sparkled before he answered. "She was angry Athena went on an adventure without her. Primrose scolded Athena for leaving the safety of Hogwarts without having a protector with her."
"What's so amusing about that," asked Hermione confused. "It seems sensible advice."
"That it does," Harry agreed. "However Athena answered she didn't need a protector but would make sure to include Primrose next time."
The Great Hall occupants broke out in laughter at the looks Minerva and Amethyst were giving Athena. "It's going to be a very long 17 years girl," Minerva muttered to her familiar. The agreeing trilling was both reassuring and loving.
Minerva was seated at her desk when Lady Hogwarts appeared before her. "Lady Hogwarts," she greeted in respect.
"My dearest Minerva," she returned motherly as she moved to the small cradle near the desk. She peered in and saw Athena sleeping peacefully, her thumb sucked on in her sleep. "Such an angel," she whispered as she pushed a black curl off the baby's forehead. "Do you know Prudence Slythrein foretold her birth?"
Suprise filtered across Minerva's face as she met Lady Hogwarts gaze. "I did not," she answered.
"Her visions are mostly about you; however, your children are in them from time to time. This one is your fire child and I daresay your most independent," Hogwarts answered.
"Children," Minerva looked up hopeful.
Hogwarts smiled sweetly before answering, "You will birth a houseful for your husband. Harry is a special soul, a weary soul that matches yours rather well. The children will be a balm to both of your souls. That husband of yours will never ask anything from you other than your love and loyalty. He will not ask you for more children even though he desperately wants them. He will spend his life just trying to make you happy. regardless of his wants."
Speechless, Minerva just stared at Hogwarts. The red head manifestation of the castle merely laughed. "Harry Potter is quite the catch if I must say so. A man, wizard or muggle, so dedicated to another is a rare find. You have such an amazing adventure waiting for you. As you start that adventure, I want you to do me a favor," Lady Hogwarts said.
"What would that be," Minerva asked as she found her voice.
"Lay aside Professor McGonagall and just be Minerva," the castle responded. "We both know that is an act you created to protect yourself from others. Harry doesn't hide anything from you and doesn't say a word about you hiding your true self. Allow the world to see Minerva as a whole, not the bits and pieces you chose to. Allow the world to see you as the woman Harry has fallen in love with. I daresay it would mean so very much to him."
"I will consider it," Minerva answered as she thought about the request. Tears gathered in her eyes as realized just how much she kept from others.
