AN: Hello everybody and welcome back to another chapter! I had particular fun writing this one, with the different characters and perspectives which I haven't explored much so far. I always go back and forth on how much of the world I want to flesh out but it's chapters like this one and that make me want to.
-MP-
Chapter Eleven: A Family Dinner
With all the daily visits to St Mungo's, the wizarding hospital and it's six floors had quickly become a second home to Harry and his family. The once winding and confusing corridors were as clear to them as the Marauders Map. Minerva had been moved to the Janus Thickey Ward, the place for long term patients and unfortunately a place which Harry was already familiar with.
As a teenager, Harry and his friends had gotten lost when trying to visit Arthur Weasley on Christmas Day 1995. Arthur was seriously injured and was staying on one of the fourth floor's general wards, but after several wrong turns the group had found themselves inside the Janus Thickey Ward.
A ward which deals with individuals whose brains have been permanently affected by magic. It's where Neville's parents and a much older looking Gilderoy Lockhart reside still, as none of them had recovered enough to leave.
Harry was well aware of what it meant when someone was transferred to this ward, and despite knowing it well, and what to expect when inside, on each visit he would find himself outside the white double doors. Staring up at the gold foiled sign of 'Janus Thickey' whilst rocking back and forth on his heels
Eventually, he would catch a Medi-Witch or Wizard leaving and would venture in with them by his side. He found the staff on the ward very different to Ms Jenkins on the despairing corridor, they were much more relaxed and focused on creating a home-like atmosphere and working therapeutically with their patients instead of dealing with a river of medical emergencies and frantically searching for a way to stem the flow. To keep their patients alive the best they could.
He followed one of the Medi-Witches inside and walked over to the right hand corner of the shared ward. Patients had curtains they could draw around themselves to give them some personal space as well as a shared area for activities. He knew he wouldn't find Minerva there, preferring to keep to herself which is about the only behaviour he could recognise instantly as McGonagall.
After the seizure Minerva had lost her memory, she didn't recognise Harry or anybody else and for the first few weeks she would stare in bewilderment at Harry during his visits. Almost as if she couldn't understand why he was there in the first place, today was no exception as Harry sat on the end of the bed and said her name to get her attention.
The once stern face had softened completely, her green eyes lacking their usual sparkle but what was most disconcerting, was the smile still lifting the corners of her mouth as she spoke about various events of the day.
"Well Gilderoy over there has been causing trouble all day. He kept trying to wander outside and give people his autograph!" Minerva exclaimed with excitement, gesturing her hands upward as Harry listened.
Harry chuckled, thinking back to his visit to Janus as a teenager. "Well some things never change, I guess."
Minerva frowned, seemingly confused. "Well yes, I suppose."
"How are you feeling today Minerva?" Harry asked, like he did everyday but he made sure to coat his words in as much enthusiasm as he could muster. Anything to help Minerva remember.
"Well you know, I did some reading, watched the staff chase around Gilderoy and then promptly ignored them when they tried to get me to colour in. They called it art therapy or something equally as daft."
Harry laughed again, more heartily this time whilst he patted Minerva's leg affectionately. "That's you Minerva. Always keeping the staff on their toes." He jested.
One of the Medi-Wizards responsible for Minerva's care approached Harry. The chief on her case was an experienced wizard by the name of Aedan Buttonwood. He was tall, with thick blonde hair that was short and styled tidily.
"May I have a quick word Mr Potter." Aedan whispered. Harry turned to Minerva and explained he was going with Healer Buttonwood for a moment and he that would be back soon. She nodded, picking up her book from the nightstand to read.
Mr Buttonwood looked to be scanning the documents in his hand as the pages turned themselves as he read. "Minerva has been on this ward for two months now and unfortunately we haven't seen much recovery in her long term memory."
"Okay." Replied Harry. "Are there any other updates with her condition?" Harry focused on the wizard, who walked over to Minerva's bed as he withdrew his wand to conduct his tests.
"Well, she hasn't had another seizure and it seems her dragon pox has begun to improve."
Harry's brow crinkled slightly, he was pleased to hear about Minerva's improving physical condition but he had other things on his mind. "Is there any good about her memory?" He added, his green eyes meeting the wizard's brown ones begging for something positive to happen for Minerva, even if was the slightest of improvements.
The wizard pursed his lips, tucking his wand back into his uniform and reading another page of Minerva's chart. "We have concluded that she is able to form new memories, she remembers the people she has met and can recall conversations from her day."
Harry refrained himself from smiling. Not wanting to jinx this news in any way.
"We are thinking of experimenting with a different potion regimen to see if we can prompt any of her long term memories."
"Will that hurt her?" Harry asked. "I don't want her to be put through any more pain."
The wizard closed the chart and focused his eyes on Harry. "No, the regimen I am proposing is a version of a sleeping draught whilst mind-healers work with her to draw some of her previous memories out. As I believe they are in there, as evidenced in her love for Transfiguration books in particular."
Harry paused thoughtfully for a moment, he rubbed his chin and looked back at Mr Buttonwood.
"At this point. I'll try anything. Where do I sign?"
The wizard nodded and took the paperwork out of the hefty chart in his hands, thrusting the document at Harry along with a quill for him to use. Harry snatched them immediately and scribbled his signature, bidding the wizard goodbye so he could return to Minerva's bedside.
-MP-
It was Sunday around a week later. Harry and Ginny had gone with the children to have Sunday dinner at The Weasley's, it was a particularly full house as Hermione had invited Luna and her family to join them too. It was the easter holidays so most of the Hogwarts students had returned home to spend time with their families.
The kitchen was warm and cosy, the whole table full with people passing around large dishes filled with food as the group chatted away. Both adults and children enjoying the long awaited get together and catch up that was desperately needed.
As dinner progressed the conversation turned to Minerva and her memory, Harry was becoming increasingly desperate to find a way to help her but just as lost on what to do. The incident with the memory cabinet happened a few weeks ago and he felt unsure on where to take matters next.
Harry was busy describing the situation to Luna, she listened as she twirled her fingers in the ends of her long blonde hair. Her twins sat either side of her in eager conversation with the other children. Harry thought Luna was brilliant in many ways, and she didn't disappoint tonight either when she suggested Minerva take a concoction of beetle wings and moon frog juice to heal her memory. Harry gave her warm, fond smile in return before moving the conversation on.
Hermione, in her typical fashion had become quiet at the table discussed Minerva's situation. When this caught Harry's attention he gave her a little nudge with his arm. "Is everything okay, Hermione?" He asked, pulling Hermione out of her current train of thought.
"Yes Harry, I'm fine. I was just thinking about Minerva." She placed her hands on the table, weaving her fingers together. "If only there was a way to jog her memory, you said she is reading Transfiguration books of her own accord?"
Harry nodded. "Yeah she is, it's why I believe she is still in there. She has to be." His head dropped slightly, and Ron gave him a firm pat on the back in support. "I'm sure she is too, mate." He supplied, shooting both him and his sister a sympathetic look.
Weeks had passed since Hermione agreed to take a look at Minerva, as Harry was adamant there was something other than illness that caused her to lose her memories. Unfortunately, he was no closer to getting Hermione physically in the room and carrying out the examination.
"Harry, I am going to do some research at the Ministry library. There has to be some way we can help her regain her memory." The room seemed to agree with her, and the group fell back into chatter about their lives, and general updates about what they had been up to. Harry glanced at his plate, and his friends but he couldn't the evening without prompting Hermione again.
"Have you thought any more about what we said?" He asked, as he watched Hermione's body language carefully. She looked at him plainly and initially silently, piquing the interest of several in the room including Luna.
"I remember what we discussed… what I agreed to. It's just.." She trailed off.
Harry fixed a confused look on his best friend, she didn't elaborate any further instead pushing her food idly around her plate with her fork.
Shortly after, Ron was preparing pudding to serve to all the guests, which obviously he hadn't made as he was a disaster in the kitchen but Hermione didn't mind sharing credit. Hermione was next to him in the kitchen, using her wand to float dishes over the table as a loud knock interrupted them from the door.
Ron, placed his utensils down and went to answer the door when Hermione waved him off and went to answer it herself. "Don't be silly Ron. Carry on serving and I will see who is at the door."
Fully expecting another family member to greet her, she answered the door with a beaming smile which quick fell when it wasn't someone she recognised. Instead, a short, stumpy looking wizard ogled at her from the doorway.
"Hello Mrs Granger. I am Mortimer Tadpole from the Ministry of Magic. Department of Wizarding Wills and Other Enforceable Documents. May I speak with Mr Harry Potter, please?"
Hermione surveyed the oddly dressed man, who chose to sport a purple suit with his Ministry badge taking pride of place on his front.
"I know who you are." She said coolly. "I will go and get Harry for you." She left the now nervous looking man in the doorway to sweat a little.
Soon after Harry appeared and Hermione went back to the other dinner guests. Harry however, didn't know this man or his department as he had little to do with Ministry affairs. Preferring to keep to himself in the Auror office.
"Hello, I'm Mr Potter. How can I help?" He spoke, flashing a quick courteous smile at the man.
"Hello Mr Potter. I am Mortimer Tadpole, and I am here to speak to you regarding the will of Ms Minerva McGonagall."
Without missing a beat Harry felt his anger rise up in him again. "Well she's not dead so you can shove off if you don't mind." Harry snapped, and went to slam the door until the man stuck his arm out to block him.
He knew then the dinner table had heard him shout as they fell suddenly silent in the background.
"I am well aware of that Mr Potter. There are other matters that need to be addressed however."
Harry sighed, and stepped back, conceding their little tussle and gestured for the wizard to follow him into the Weasley's living room.
They both sat on opposite sofas. Mortimer looked rather relaxed whereas Harry was tense and upright, the pair reflecting the polar opposite of each other.
Mortimer crossed his legs and took a large piece of parchment out from his jacket. Once he let it go, the parchment uncurled itself and hovered in front of them.
"So, Mr Potter. We have been informed by St Mungo's about Ms McGonagall's condition and therefore this enacts a section of Minerva's Last Will and Testament."
Harry somehow tensed up even further, he now sat like he was resting against a plank of hardwood as he furrowed his gaze in the other wizard's direction.
"No, no, no Mr Potter. You mistake me." The wizard stated as if reading Harry's mind.
"The section we are here to discuss today is the guidance Ms McGonagall has left in case of permanent incapacitation or serious illness."
Harry nodded urging Mr Tadpole to continue his explanation.
"Her will states that if there ever comes a time where she is permanently incapacitated then she wished for her estate, house and belongings. Both in her home and at Hogwarts is transferred to one Mr Harry James Potter."
Harry's eyes widened in shock. "What?" He breathed. "No, I don't need her things."
Mortimer's expression appeared to lighten, uncrossing his legs and resting his hands lazily on his lap.
"If I may, Mr Potter. This is not about taking her possessions. I think this is about having someone to take care of them until she is able to again."
He then withdrew a letter from his inside pocket and handed it to Harry. "This has detailed instructions regarding her house and belongings."
Mr Tadpole stood up and bid his goodbye to Harry before escorting himself out of the house. Harry remained on the sofa staring at the letter he had just received, recognising the emerald green lettering was like a punch to the stomach. He swallowed harshly, knowing he couldn't face opening it right now.
For now, he tucked it inside his robes and chose to head back to the dinner guests so they could finish their pudding together. When he stood up, his gaze met Hermione's who was standing in the doorway. She hovered there, her worried expression scanning over Harry.
"What did he want, Harry?" She asked. "I am not completely familiar with his department but I am sure I have run into him before so…"
Harry smiled lightly, Hermione even as an adult had a way of running away with an explanation when she spoke.
"It was regarding Minerva's will, she laid out instructions on what to do with her house and belongings if she was ever incapacitated or gravely ill. Mr Tadpole has just handed the documents to me as Minerva put me in charge of her estate until she's well again."
Hermione paused, her eyes darted to Harry's jacket pocket briefly before she looked up full of curiosity.
"What does it say Harry? Can we help you? Me and Ron that is." She asked eagerly.
Harry stepped through the doorway and past Hermione.
"I don't know. I haven't read it yet."
"Oh.." She breathed. "
"Harry?"
He froze, knowing Hermione stood behind him waiting for what she would say next. Not feeling the need to answer any questions yet having a thousand of his own bubbling inside him.
"Yes." He answered.
"I…I…" She stammered.
Harry turned around slowly pulled Hermione into a hug to reassure her, and spoke quietly into her ear. "This might sound ridiculous, but if I open it then I'm accepting the way Minerva is and I'm not ready to do that. I know you and Ron think I'm losing it or just being paranoid but I can't let go of the possibility that I'm right. But, when I do open it I promise you and Ron will be the first to know, okay?"
Hermione smiled and nodded, squeezing Harry tighter in the hug.
"I know you will, Harry. Just remember you aren't alone in this."
"Well it's only me who is searching to another explanation." Harry asserted. He felt Hermione tense up slightly against him, but she didn't respond.
Instead they both smiled unbeknownst to the other, as they released themselves from their embrace and returned to their noisy families back at the dinner table. Harry digging into his pudding greedily, as he tried to push his thoughts about Minerva's letter out of his mind for the evening.
He knew what his focus was going to be, even if he had to go to the end of the earth and back, he had one goal in mind. Minerva had to get her memory back, he had no idea how, or where to begin, but he did know what Minerva wasn't Minerva without her memories. He felt more determined that ever to understand the memory cabinet, the glowing phials and the memories they contained.
Likewise, Hermione felt a similar resolve and perhaps it was time she faced what she was avoiding. Books and research brought her comfort but sometimes, the answered you need can't be found there. It was in those times, which felt the most daunting but shouldn't mean you don't face them.
