Chapter 6
When Harry left for a mandatory meeting at the Ministry, Minerva found a note Hermione had left the previous night. The young witch had thoughtfully sent over some of Minerva's clothing from Hogwarts and had promised to join Minerva and Harry for dinner tonight. Minerva had wandered Potter Estate and became familiar with its layout. Deciding to find a book to read, she headed for the library Harry had mentioned the night before. When Minerva finally found it and stepped inside, she was utterly amazed. Floor to ceiling bookshelves lined the walls of the two story room. A spiral stairwell granted access to the upper level of the library where a study area of sorts was located. Large windows allowed natural light to filter through making a lovely atmosphere. Minerva thought this library was the most impressive privately owned library she had ever seen. "I may never leave," she whispered to herself as she started reading titles of the books on the shelf closest to her.
"I felt much the same when I first saw this room," a cheery voice said behind her. Minerva froze at the voice she heard, a voice she recognized as Lily Potter. Turning slowly, Minerva saw a painting of Lily Potter hanging over the mantle. Lily was smiling friendly, "Hello Minerva."
"Lily," Minerva breathed out slowly. Minerva walked to the painting and smiled sadly as the tears gathered in her eyes. "I did not realize you had commission a magical painting but I am ever so glad you did."
Lily smiled at her former professor before answering, "I insisted on it before we went into hiding. I refused to leave Harry without a way to learn about his parents. I knew James and I weren't going to make it throughout the year. I actually saw it in a dream and decided to do as much for him as I could without drawing too much attention. I also hid a letter I want you to read. It's tucked inside of the Charles Dickens book directly across from me."
Minerva glanced at the spot where Lily was pointing and walked across the room to grab said book. She flipped through the pages until she found an envelope addressed to Lily. Minerva read the letter, her eyes widened as she read before she looked up at Lily. Minerva then reread it to make sure she understood it correctly. "A soul bond," Minerva questioned in disbelief, shock evident on her face. "Harry and I are soul bound. Isn't that a twist of fate?"
Lily nodded before explaining, "When I was pregnant with Harry I noticed a flutter of excitement each time you touched me. A simple touch on the hand or a brief hug from you caused Harry to move about so much. I also noticed a golden thread from my stomach to you, to your heart more specifically. I always noticed smidges of color around magical people and Albus once explained I was seeing people's magic. I was the only one that noticed the golden thread so I researched until I found the answer I sought. I had to inquiry about it from a trusted friend in the Records Department to be sure though. I thought about telling you after Harry was born but I refrained at the last moment. You didn't seem to respond to Harry the same way he did you so I thought it best to let everything happen naturally so I kept the information to myself. I also wanted to leave the letter so you would have the answers you needed. I suspect you are struggling with the age difference and hoped the letter would help you."
"I am and would say most of Britain will struggle with it once the news breaks," Minerva said frantically. "I am old enough to be his grandmother," Minerva said brokenly. Minerva momentarily closed her eyes to gather her thoughts regarding the soul bond to Harry. "Does Harry know about the soul bond," Minerva asked while dreading the answer. Minerva didn't like the idea of Harry agreeing to everything just because he thought he was destined for it. She wanted Harry to agree to everything of his own free will.
Lily gave Minerva a reassuring smile before shaking her head no. "Harry is completely in the dark. I have only told one other person."
"James," Minerva guessed but was surprised when Lily shook her head no rather quickly.
"James wouldn't have been able to keep it a secret," Lily said honestly. "James would have been shouting it on the rooftop that his little boy was soul bound to the elusive Professor McGonagall," Lily snorted in amusement then continued. "A couple of years ago I discussed it with my almost daughter."
"Hermione," Minerva realized with a smile and then frowned. "That's why she practically pushed me in Harry's arms last night. She was ensuring the soul bond was completed." Minerva thought for a moment before asking, "Is that why she came to Hogwarts to be my apprentice?"
"Hermione is only happy when she is studying so it's not really a surprise to me she chose to continue her studies. I would say the news of the soul bond probably pushed Transfiguration over Charms or Potions though." Lily grinned at Minerva before saying, "Don't be too hard on her. I asked her for help in giving Harry a push in the right direction. After a few days of watching them interact with each other, I realized she has his best interests at heart. She sees him as her brother and I am glad he chose to magically make her his sister."
"That she does," Minerva agreed wholeheartedly. "Harry also depends on her. His conscious probably sounds like Hermione." Lily snorted at that before nodding her agreement. "Did Hermione come by and explain everything that happened last night?"
"She did," Lily answered solemnly. "I was surprised by the attack and I'm sorry that happened to you. At the same time, I am glad circumstances pushed you to Harry and the soul bond was completed. Neither of you would have ever been completely settled if it hadn't of been. I was amazed when I saw him grasp the Gryffindor engagement ring and James was over the moon his son was the one that finally got it. And if I am being completely honest I am thrilled at the promise of a grandchild."
Minerva gave Lily a tight smile. "I expect the attack to catch up to me sometime soon but I am rather shocked and surprised by how things turned out. I would have most likely not given in regardless of what I felt if circumstances would have been different," Minerva confessed then forged on. "I never saw Harry any differently than any other student until he came of age. It must be a part of the soul bond so unimaginable instances do not happen when huge age gaps are involved. I dare say a lot of unsavory behavior would have happened throughout history between soul bound couples with significant age differences," Minerva said thoughtful then added, "Let's hope the next generation doesn't carry out the marauder ways." Lily snorted once again before nodding her head in agreement. "So where's James' portrait?" Minerva asked curiously looking about the room.
"Our main portrait is in the study but I might have commission a second frame and paid extra for runes banning anyone that isn't studious so I could escape to some quiet in the library," Lily said with a grin. Minerva full bellied laughed at that one.