Chapter 11

Minerva pushed open the double doors to the Great Hall and made her way to the Head table, to her seat at the middle of the table. The Hall was empty at the moment; however, the teachers and students alike would be arriving shortly. Minerva had decided to make her return to Hogwarts at the start of the week at breakfast so she could surprise all of the other staff. She sat down in her customary seat, the ridiculous golden chair Albus had gotten during the first year of his Headship. She had left it in his honor and hoped the Headmaster or Headmistresses after her would do so as well.

She decided she would no longer wear the bulky teaching robes but instead more formfitting ones. She had a lovely navy set of robes on with shooting stars bursting across them. She had immediately thought of Albus when she first saw them and bought them without question. They hugged her curves somewhat but were still comfortable enough for her to work in. Her hair was pinned loosely at the nape of her neck. With the age gap between her and Harry, she decided on a softer and more approachable look. Her rings were proudly showcased on her left hand as well.

Minerva sat for a few minutes before Filius and Hermione strolled into the Great Hall. Surprise clearly displaced on their faces. "Why didn't you tell me you would be coming today," Hermione asked excitedly.

Minerva just grinned and said, "I wanted to surprise everyone."

"You certainly did," Filius responded. "Is this just a day visit or for the rest of the term?"

"I plan to remain for the remainder of the year," Minerva answered. "It's not fair to throw my workload on top of the already heavy load you have to bear."

"Oh thank goodness," the Deputy Head squeaked before hugging his longtime friend.

"Will Harry be staying at Potter Estate," Hermione inquired.

Minerva just grinned before shaking her head no. "He plans to stay at Hogwarts with me. He will portkey to the Ministry on days he has to be there," she answered, delighted she would see her husband daily.

"That's wonderful," Hermione said excitedly. "I will look forward to seeing him at dinner then." Minerva simply nodded her head in acknowledgement.

Minerva greeted each staff member that arrived for breakfast briefly. Everyone seemed so happy for her and it soothed her heart. She silently watched as the students filtered in the Great Hall to eat. She silently laughed at their expressions when they noticed her. "I am afraid I must take my leave," Minerva said as she stood up from the table. "That end of the year paperwork will not complete itself." With that said, Minerva walked towards the door.

"It's good to have you back Professor McGonagall," a student called after her.

Minerva turned around as she reached the large oak doors and smiled. "I appreciate it," she said loud enough for the entire room to hear her. "I have missed Hogwarts. Just a reminder though," she said as she grinned and finished, "It's Professor Potter now." She winked at the student who had spoken and then turned and left the Great Hall. She could hear the laughs coming from the Head table as she walked down the hallway towards her office.

Poppy Pomfrey, Matron of Hogwarts, sat in her quaint little office working on her monthly reports. A soft knock on her door caused her attention to focus on her visitor. She was thoroughly surprised to see the Headmistress and her lifelong friend standing there with a smile plastered on her face. "Minerva," she said excitedly and rushed to hug her. "What are you doing here? I didn't expect you back at Hogwarts for the remainder of the school year."

Minerva smiled at her friend before jumping in head first. "You know I cannot stay away from work that long. I need you to run a diagnostic spell on me," she said honestly. "I am relatively sure I am pregnant."

Poppy's eyes widened in surprise before an excited smile graced her lips. "Of course," she said shakily and she led her friend into a private room. Minerva followed her dear friend and removed her clothing down to her underclothes as requested. She settled back on the examination table and watched as Poppy moved her wand intricately. "Hold as still as possible," Poppy directed.

Minerva waited patiently for the diagnostic spell to finish, its soft white light moved slowly over her body. She knew what it would show. The potions injected into her guaranteed the result but there was something said for having absolute proof. Minerva wanted to know without a doubt and then be able to share the news with Harry. She wanted to see the emotions displayed on his face as she did. Minerva was shaken from her thoughts as the slow white light flashed brightly before fizzing out.

Poppy studied the parchment where the results were recorded from the diagnostic spell. A smile grace Poppy's lips before she uttered, "Congratulations Minerva! Looks like you will be getting a pink bundle of joy for Christmas."

Tears of joy ran down Minerva's face as her hands automatically moved to her still flat stomach. "Sometimes dreams still come true," Minerva said softly as she gained control of her emotions. Poppy merely nodded her head and pulled her friend in a bone crushing hug.

Minerva rushed towards the main gates as soon as she felt Harry's magical signature against the wards. Harry barely had time to brace himself for impact as his wife collided into him and kissed him passionately regardless of their very public setting. Harry broke the kiss when breathing became difficult and rested his forehead against his wife's. "Well hello to you too," he grinned playfully at his wife. "What did I do to deserve a greeting like that? I will have to try it more often."

"I have missed you so," Minerva stated honestly. "I asked Poppy to run a diagnostic spell on me today. Our daughter will arrive around Christmas."

Harry felt his chest swell with love. He reached out his hand and gently laid it on her flat stomach and looked into her emerald eyes. Love and adoration was proudly displayed as his own emerald eyes glazed over with unshed tears. "A daughter," he whispered, his voice broken by his emotions. "She will be so loved."

Minerva simply nodded. "I would have been fine with either; however, I will admit to being excited to see you interact with our daughter," Minerva said with a smile. Harry gave her a huge grin in return. "Can we keep our child a secret for now? Well, besides a few exceptions."

"I am perfectly fine with that," Harry answered as he interlocked his fingers with hers. He started to walk slowly down the path towards the castle. "I would like to keep her semiprivate until you start to show. However, I suggest we tell Hermione tonight or she will be likely to hex us both," he finished with a chuckle.

Minerva laughed before uttering, "Agreed. Now let's go to dinner in the Great Hall. It should be interesting with the current Savior of the Wizarding World making an appearance."

"You're incorrigible," he replied before following his wife into the Great Hall.