Minerva awoke feeling exhausted and she hurt all over. She managed to crack her eyes open and look around. Potter Manor she recognized immediately. Her room more specifically. She was suprised to find Harry curled into her side and Lily asleep on the other side of the bed. She moved slightly so she could pull Harry closer to her.
"You're awake," Lily said sleepily as she woke up. "Thank goodness."
"What happened," she managed to get her. Why is my throat so sore?
"You were poisoned," her future mother-in-law answered. "Heather managed to get you to us in the nick of time. We managed to flush your system of the poison."
"That didn't happen last time," Minerva answered confused. "Who would do such a thing?"
"Healer Smith says it was a highly restricted poison and extremely difficult to brew," Lily offered. "Its also fast acting so there's no doubt you were poisoned at Hogwarts. Common consensus is Albus being responsible."
Tears sprang to her eyes at that. Albus Dumbledore had been her mentor and friend for decades. It hurt to think he would cause her harm. "I can't fathom why!"
Lily moved closer to the emotionally witch and pulled her into a comforting embrace. "Greed and jealousy," Lily said. "Plans have already been made to get Albus out of the castle so the DMLE can investigate. If there is evidence of his involvement, House Potter and Clan Ross will be demanding justice."
Minerva raised an eyebrow at that. "Albus controls everything."
"Fleamont and Donavon are working on that as we speak," Lily reassured her. "They are going to be attacking on both sides. Euphemia had a luncheon earlier today with several witches associated with the Board of Governors. We are hoping to push Albus out the door."
Minerva looked doubtful at her but then laughed as Harry blew a raspberry on her belly. "Harry," she laughed as she moved him up where she could see him. Harry grinned at her and clumsily kissed her lips.
Lily watched her son in amusement. Harry obviously loved Minerva very much. His eyes lit up when he saw the witch. "How did you and Harry come about?" she asked curiously. She had wondered about it from time to time but had never asked.
Minerva looked at Lily in shock at the question. None of the family had ever asked about her and Harry's involvement from the last lifetime and she had hoped they wouldn't have. She sighed before answering, "It was a very dark time. After the battle at Hogwarts, very few of us escaped. Harry, Neville, Hermione Granger, Luna Lovegood, Daphne Greengrass, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Filius Flitwick, Rolanda Hooch, Poppy Pomfrey and myself were it. We tried to form a resistance but we knew it would just be a matter of time before we were caught. Harry pursued me intensely for six months but I brushed him off. There was too many differences between us and I kept on reinforcing it but he rebuked that vehemently."
"Potter men don't give up," Lily snorted at the similarities between Harry and James.
Minerva snorted but continued her story. "It was a very long and gloomy week. It had stormed fiercely and we were unable to get outside of our safe house. I had secluded myself in my rooms and was going over strategic plans when Harry struck once again. Simply put, he caught me in a weak moment. After that, the soulbond flared to life and I couldn't push him away. Does it bother you, I am decades older than him."
Lily shook her head no. "It would if it was anyone else," Lily confessed. "I have known you since my eleventh birthday, I know how honorable and respectful you are. You are not taking advantage of Harry nor the situation."
"I would never," she whispered emotionally. "The handfasting was difficult for me simply given Harry's age. I am a teacher who strives for professionalism in all situations yet I am handfasted to a baby. It is difficult at times. I know Harry still has the mind of his 20 something self but I still see a child. I struggle with it."
"We expected you would," Lily replied delicately. "But it was necessary to make your bond unbreakable. I know I am going to die in less than a year, I refuse to allow Harry's happiness to be pushed aside for his destiny. Will you promise me something?" Minerva raised an eyebrow in question but remained silent. "Promise me you will marry him on his seventeenth birthday. Don't wait any longer. As hard as it is for you, I imagine it is harder for Harry. He has adult memories yet he is trapped in the body of a baby."
Minerva looked startled at that. "Oh goodness," she whispered. "I hadn't thought of that!" She looked at baby Harry and whispered, "Sorry love." She looked back at Lily and promised to marry Harry on his seventeenth birthday regardless of what was going on.
Minerva groaned as she finally managed to make it to the dining table. She still struggled with her energy level it seemed. Healer Smith reassured her that on Monday she would be in full health. "Hazel made a lovely hearty stew that will help you gain your strength," Euphemia offered her.
"Thank you," she replied as she sat down in her seat next to Harry.
"Min," Harry cried happily.
Everyone looked at him in surprise. "Of course his first bloody word would be Min," muttered James good-naturedly. "Dada and Mama would be asking too much of the little tike."
"I was hoping for Pad," Sirius added.
Minerva smirked at them before sharing a mischievous smile with Harry. "I shall work with Harry on learning Paddy next," promised Minerva with a grin.
"Paddy," snorted Lily in amusement. "I would much rather hear Harry say that than Mama or Dada!"
"Minerva," whined Sirius. "You can't do that!" She simply raised an eyebrow as if to say you doubt I would. "I mean please don't teach him that! I will buy you and Lily tickets to that ballet you have been talking about."
Minerva gave him a hard look before adding, "Dinner at that upscale French place down the street as well?"
"Deal," Sirius said relieved. "I will make all of the arrangements tomorrow."
"You realize Harry will likely remember this conversation anyways," Fleamont said with a massive grin directed at his son of heart.
Sirius looked at Minerva in shock. She was grinning smugly. "A deal is a deal Mr. Black," she stated in her best teacher voice.
"She played you Sirius," James said as he laughed uncontrollably. Minerva had endured herself to the Marauders in that moment regardless if she was aware of it or not! It wasn't easy pranking a Marauder!