Minerva sat enjoying the scrumptious breakfast the house elves had prepared. She noted her favorites were there. She imagined it was their gift to her for her birthday. They had always provided her favorites on her birthday since she became a staff member. It was rather lovely in her opinion!
"Expecting company?" Pomona Sprout inquired while looking at the doors.
Minerva frowned at the question but looked towards the doors and smiled brightly. Lily Potter and Harry were standing by the door with huge grins on their faces. They were both dressed muggle. Before Minerva could question their appearance, Harry walked confidently towards her with Lily following slowly behind him.
Minerva stood and moved in the center of the aisle in front of the head table but she didn't walk towards Harry. She was curious about his intentions. He slowed as he neared her and pulled out a tiny wrapped package from his pocket and held it out for her. "Happy birthday Min," he managed to say proudly.
Minerva grinned before squatting down in front of him and gracefully accepting the tiny gift. Harry turned and glared at his mother. Lily laughed musically before she enlarged the gift to its correct size. "Harry insisted we deliver our favorite witch's birthday present in person," Lily explained.
"Open it," Harry said impatiently.
Minerva grinned at him before doing just that. She gasped at the first edition William Shakespeare book nestled inside. She lifted it up and opened it gently. She looked up questioning when she saw the name wrote on the inside cover. Robert McGonagall was written boldly in magnificent blue shade. Her father's beloved book that she remembered vividly he had to sell to feed his family.
"We found it in muggle London," Lily offered. "Harry sensed you, your magic, on it and insisted we buy it for you. There's something else in the box."
Minerva looked back into the box and smiled when she saw a black jewelry box. She grabbed it and gently opened it. A blood red brooch that matched her comb was there. She immediately put it on her shirt. "It's beautiful," she said. "Thank you for my gifts Harry."
Harry grinned before moving closer to her and pressing a kiss to her lips. She didn't have the heart to scold him for showing affection while in her workplace. She noticed the golden hue that materialized from the kiss and looked at Lily in silent question. "That's new," Lily answered simply with a shrug of her shoulders.
Minerva rolled her eyes at her future mother-in-law and gently stood up. Harry held her hand tightly and tugged her towards the doors. She laughed happily and allowed him to lead her to wherever he took a notion to go. She ignored the whispers and mutterings of the students.
"Lily," Euphemia sighed as her daughter in law dragged her into the women's parlor where Minerva was waiting patiently. "What has gotten into you?"
"Desperation," the young redhead admitted. "Tomorrow is Halloween. I am running out of time."
Euphemia had no reply to that. She, herself, had struggled with the knowledge that her son and daughter in law wouldn't survive past Halloween. She couldn't fathom how they felt. She sat as indicated and gave her full attention to the witches before her. "What would you do for your grandson?" Minerva questioned her.
"Anything," came the automatic reply.
Minerva smiled at her. "I told Lily that would be your answer. Next question, what would you do for your second grandson?"
Euphemia looked at Lily in shock. "You're pregnant?"
Lily nodded her head sadly. "I am eleven weeks along," she admitted emotionally. "I came across an old spell that would allow a surrogate womb to carry the child to full term."
"Surely Minerva would be the better option," Euphemia stammered as she realized why she was present.
"She would be," Lily agreed sadly. "However, Minerva's body was bruised severely with the last time she had to tap into Harry's magic. I expect Halloween to be another such occasion for her. I need to ensure this child is just as safe."
Euphemia couldn't fault her logic. "I had such difficulties with James," she admitted. "What if I can't keep him safe? What if I don't survive to help raise the boys?"
"You shall," a male voice reassured. Death appeared in the corner. "This child will be of Lily's blood and shall offer extra protection to Harry."
"Blood wards?" Minerva inquired as she remembered last timeline.
Death smiled at her. "The Elder Wand had cast those particular protections before and you shall be able to cast them again with it."
"Very well," Minerva said. She would do whatever to help protect her family.
"Euphemia," Lily pleaded teary-eyed.
"Very well," the older witch sighed. "I shall protect my grandsons any way possible."
Lily sobbed in relief and clung to her mother-in-law tightly. "Thank you," she cried over and over again.
Euphemia Potter was gently tucked into her bed by Minerva and Lily as Fleamont, James and Sirius looked on in concern. "What happened to Euphemia?" Fleamont asked, his worry evident in his tone.
Lily ran a palm over her face before revealing the truth. "With Euphemia's permission, I cast an old spell on her."
"What was the purpose of the spell?" James asked curiously.
Lily closed her eyes as she tried to prevent her tears from falling. Minerva grapsed her hand in solidarity before answering for Lily. "Lily has used a forgotten surrogate spell. Euphemia's body is adjusting to pregnancy as her body accepts the eleven week old fetus."
"What," James whispered as he looked at his wife questioningly.
Lily moved towards James and grasped his hand tightly. "I had to protect him," she sobbed brokenly. "We know time is running out for us. Euphemia is the only acceptable surrogate and the baby will provide extra protection for Harry once Minerva casts blood wards around the Manor."
James nodded his understanding and wrapped his arms around Lily. "You made the only decision you could," he whispered, unshed tears rapidly fillimg his eyes. "Will it be safe for Mother?"
"Death promised Euphemia and the child would survive," Minerva reassured him. It must have been rather a shock for all of the wizards!