AN: Welcome everybody for what turned out to be a very long chapter, but I kept it at the length it is because I enjoyed what it explores. So, I hope that you do too. Please feel free to favourite, follow or leave a review.

-MP-

Chapter Twelve: Bed and Beddgelert

It was early January, and the children had all gone back to school to begin the spring term and Harry back to work at the Auror office. He was still on the werewolf case, and his boss Amelia Packlington, a tall, brown haired, fierce looking woman with sizeable burns on each hand had sent him back to Wales. With his typical team to gather more intel on the trouble causing pack.

They were staying in a small village named Beddgelert, situated near Snowdonia with a sizable forest in walking range. Meaning, the past week had the Auror squad tracking and trudging through it as they got closer to where the pack was hidden.

Harry felt uncomfortable with the subject of werewolves, as he had personal experience with a werewolf who was neither savage nor dangerous. Yet, due to the nature of the few, prejudice still runs rife within both wizarding and muggle communities. Knowing this, he couldn't refuse to take the case, and only agreed to look into it in order to prevent the Werewolf Capture Unit sticking their noses in.

The particular group they were tracking was causing trouble with the local muggles, as once a month their life stock seemed to go missing or turn up in a different location completely mutilated. Harry was drawn to the case because there had been no recorded attacks on humans, muggle or otherwise. So he hoped he could do some good, and resolve the situation in an unbiased manner.

However, it was dawn and the group had apparated back to their B&B in Beddgelert. A quaint remodel of a traditional pub named 'The Snow and Dragon'. Harry bid goodbye to his group and went straight to his room, leaving the others to head to the bar.

Once he opened his room door and locked it behind him, the first thing he wanted to do was to jump in the shower. As tracking through the forest is both dirty and sweaty work, so he headed to the bathroom and peeled his clothes off ready to climb in.

Since receiving the letter from the Ministry regarding Minerva's will, he had been finding ways to put it off. Leaving it tucked into his robes tightly against his chest as he told himself he would have time later. Yet, later never seemed to come.

He pushed his clothes away with his foot and climbed into the shower, turning the nozzle so hot water would coat him, rinsing the dirt from his skin and scalp, as he tried to push any thoughts about Minerva out of his mind.

Shortly after he got back out and dressed into clean clothes, he plopped himself down onto the bed. Taking the letter in hand and holding it with both hands, staring at it owlishly as he considered what to do. Surely it wasn't feasible to put this off forever?

Some silly part of him believed that opening the letter would resign Minerva to death, which he knew was ridiculous, as she was safely in St Mungo's being wildly irritated by Gilderoy Lockhart's daily shenanigans. He squeezed the letter tighter, he knew he was going to have to open it eventually and doing so alone felt like the best option.

So he turned it over and peeled back the purple wax ministry seal and took out the several pages of letters inside.

Dear Mr Harry James Potter

Please find enclosed the last will and testament of Ms Minerva McGonagall. I have enclosed the second page to you, pertinent to Minerva's wishes if she was ever incapacitated or not of sound mind.

Herpious Bandersnatch

(Solicitor of Estates- Department of Wizarding Wills and other Enforceable Documents)

Harry put the introductory note to the side of him and took out the main portion of the envelope's contents. Revealing the distinctive handwriting he remembered from his Hogwarts days and as always, bright emerald ink.

He looked at it for a minute feeling helpless. Seeing her writing felt like a punch to the stomach, in his moment of hesitancy the document sprang to life. It was a recording of sorts of Minerva, in an office he didn't recognise. Her appearance was misty like a memory but seeing those green eyes full of life as they were supposed to be, brought with it a sense of joy and sadness rolled into one.

Minerva was sat with her arms resting on the table, her fingers steepled thoughtfully as her gaze was laser focused on the recording device in front of her. Harry heard a voice in the background, and with that she began to speak.

She took a slow inhale of breath to steady herself, her lips parted and the warm Scottish brogue spilled from her mouth.

"If you are listening to this, then there has come a point in which I am no longer of sound mind and for that, I am very, very sorry. I speak first to Harry, the one who spurred me on to create a will in the first place. As I have no natural born children of my own, I thought of the one person I trust more than anybody and that would be you."

"To my brother Mr Malcolm McGonagall, we drifted apart many moons ago and I do wish that circumstances were different. You are my eldest brother, my childhood companion and man that was always around when our Father couldn't be. Thank you for being my friend through all of those years. Moreover, for bringing my first Nephew into my life. A gift worth the world a hundred times over."

"Next I speak to Mr Alistair McGonagall, my first Nephew, I remember fondly the day you were born but I also witnessed your heartbreak when you couldn't join me here at Hogwarts. I want you to know that I never thought any differently of you. You have grown to become a wonderful man and I am sure to be a wonderful father one day too."

"To Mr Robert McGonagall, my second brother, always the wild one with the crazy ideas and tons of ambition. Unfortunately, we never grew close even though I hoped we one day would. You helped to bring two wonderful children into this world, and they tell me of the adventures they have been on and the safety of returning to you when they need it. I hope you find that quality again, and hold onto it, I know it's still in there somewhere."

Harry watched silently, he could tell that Minerva's eyes had welled up with tears but she was fighting against them with stern expression, and with a slight tremble of her lips she continued.

"To my Niece and Nephew, Miss Elspeth McGonagall and Mr Toren McGonagall. I am truly sorry I have not been around as much as I should have been, the story behind that is long but that is not what matters to you. I know you are both grown now. I cannot wait until I meet you again, I just hope it is a warm embrace and not under any other circumstances."

Minerva's voice faltered, so she paused and looked solemnly towards the magical recording device. She inhaled slowly and deeply, and dropped her eyes down to her still steepled fingers then back at the camera once more.

Harry watched helplessly, he wanted nothing more than to reach in and touch her, to hung her and ease her pain in some way. He knew some things about her childhood and the difficulties she had faced, but perhaps he hadn't considered the weight of those decisions that she carried every day.

"Now, I am going to speak to three very loved and beautiful children in my life. None of which are no longer children but instead three brilliant and bright teenagers. I am sure all of three will lead long and fulfilling lives."

"Firstly to Mr James Sirius Potter, I remember dearly the day I found that your mother was carrying you. Your father came to me full of joy and excitement at the prospect of welcoming his first child. As I predicted, he is a great father and you likewise a brilliant son. I've taught many, many students over the years. You are named after two of them in fact, but your love of Transfiguration and inquisitive nature brought me back to my own time as a student at Hogwarts. I urge you to never lose that part of your nature, use it wisely and show the world how good you are instead of hiding yourself away."

"Secondly, my attention turns to you… always my little Slytherin."

Hearing that sentence was the straw that broke the camel's back, Harry looked away from the image of Minerva in front of him, a lump forming in his throat followed by the first tears to streak down his face. He loved his children more than life itself, and it was both heart warning and completely devastating to learn that Minerva felt the same way.

"Mr Albus Severus Potter, as a young boy you were full of zest, rambunctiousness and energy. We shared a love for Quidditch and I daresay you are a fair flyer yourself, and like yourself I have a lifelong hope that the Monrose Magpies will one day take the cup. When you first came to Hogwarts you were full of life, eager to learn as much as possible but when the sorting hat placed you in Slytherin I watched as that all fell away. My favourite conversation with you was when I found you on the stairs that headed down to the dungeons. Now, I know your father is listening to this and he should know I never told him of this day either.

I found you there with your knees curled to your chest, tears streaming down your face as you turned to hide them away from me. I sat next to you and you looked at me with such sadness. You told me… Aunty Minerva, I don't want to be in Slytherin… I don't want to turn out like the bad people that hurt Dad. I hear how he talks about them, but I don't want to grow up and hurt people too.

Harry stared in shock as he continued to listen to Minerva's story, he knew that Albus struggled initially with his placement, and knowing he was a heavy contributor to that hurt him. He was going to rectify that he thought to himself, as soon as he could.

"I said to you, Albus, Slytherin does not turn people bad, being sorted into Slytherin does not make you a death eater. Voldemort chose people from that house because it was his own, it was easier to find close-minded individuals who would throw their lives down the drain for the sake of blood purity. However none of that would have ever been your fate. You are a much loved boy with a heart of gold, with masses of ambition and pride. Be proud that you are in Slytherin, my love, not ashamed."

"I urge you now, more than ever, to remember that Albus."

"Next, I speak to the only girl in the Potter clan, Miss Lily Luna Potter. You remind me of your namesake more than I can convey in words. Particularly your love and aptitude for potions, which allows your creativity to shine through in spades. What I love about you is the same thing I love about your mother, your energy, your confidence and most of all the roaring firecracker which is every bit of your being. You may be the youngest, but you're the one that helps your brothers the most and they need you now more than ever. Treasure them for me, please."

Minerva sniffled, she delved her hand into her pocket and withdrew a handkerchief to dab her eyes delicately before returning it and weaving her fingers together again. Harry put the projection down so it paused, his chest was rising up and down so fast it was uncomfortable and he struggled to catch his breath. He waved his wand to cast a patronus, asking it to find Ginny quickly and to bring her to him.

It took ten minutes before a soft knock sounded at the door, he opened it revealing his teary face to Ginny who scooped him into a hug immediately. "I'm listening to Minerva's message…" he said heavily. Holding her tighter than he realised. "I need you." He murmured as he breathed into her ear.

Ginny understood, and the pair moved back to the bed so Harry would hand her the recording device. He walked away to wash his face and give Ginny some time alone to catch up with the recording so far. But soon enough just as he experienced, tears ran free down her face too. She called for him to join her, she snuggled into him, squeezing his hand forcefully as they steadied each other to listen to the rest of Minerva's recording.

"Goodness!" Harry heard Minerva say next, appreciating the lighter tone in her voice even if it was only temporary. "I don't think I've talked this much in my whole life!"

Both Harry and Ginny chuckled lightly to themselves, giving them enough reprieve to dry their faces as they listened.

"Mrs Ginevra Molly Potter, I couldn't complete this without a message to you. I think fondly of when you were in school, you would take no nonsense from anybody and I truly admired that. Fiercely loyal to your family and friends, a trait that has never abated even to this day. I saw you and Harry in school and even then I knew that you were meant to be, and I am very glad to be right. Firstly, I want to thank you for bringing me three amazing, and for all intents and purposes, grandchildren into the world. Being a part of your family has been the ultimate privilege and one I will never forget.

Secondly, I know it has been hard for you with what Harry has gone through these many years. I cannot imagine the struggle of raising three children whilst your Husband was lost in his own mind, or a pub, in the later years. You demonstrated a strength I don't know I could have shown myself, an unwavering loyalty and he is beyond lucky to have you in his life. Thank you for standing by him, for waiting and I hope I did my job well enough to bring him back to you."

Ginny let out an audible sob, a sound which Harry had very rarely heard which made the hairs on the back of his neck stand on edge. He tugged her closer if that was even possible, pressing her against him protectively. She turned her head into his arm, her tears quickly dampening his shirt.

"Shhh Ginny…" Harry whispered, his voice thick with guilt. "I'm not going to be that person again Gin. I promise. I won't leave you or the children, I never should have in the first place but I can guarantee I will not miss another minute again."

She nodded weakly against him, before she sat up and wiped away her tears whilst regaining her composure. "Harry I don't want to make you feel guilty, it's just, when you were missing you really worried me… you worried us all."

"I am so sorry baby." He cupped her face in her hand. "I shouldn't have ran, but you can bet my life I will never do it again. I'm just incredibly lucky that Minerva came to find me and set me straight."

Ginny agreed, before encouraging Harry to pick the letter back up again. "I think it's time for her message to you." She whispered soothingly. Which Harry, somewhat sadly agreed.

"My last message is to the boy I left on the doorstep of the Dursley's over 30 years ago. To Mr Harry James Potter, and my God, what an impact you have had on my life since then."

"I knew your mother well, not just because she was a fantastic student but because of her caring and welcoming personality. When I heard your Mother and Father had joined the order, I wasn't shocked but I was saddened. I tried to persuade them otherwise but much like yourself Harry, they knew there was greater need than their own. The day I found out they were murdered, I wept in my office until Dumbledore came to find me and said it was time to take you somewhere safe."

"Unfortunately, I quickly realised when you came to me at age 11 that you were not safe, not loved or treasured as you should have been. I am sorry that I didn't do more to help you. I should have. Now, years after all of those horrible events came to pass and instead of standing by you and supporting you when you were struggling. I threw myself into work, distractions, because the thought of you out there hurting was too much to think about."

Harry's breath hitched as Minerva spoke, another tidal wave of guilt washing over him but like always, Ginny was right next to him giving him a reassuring look. It's okay, her eyes pleaded but the same message was not illuminated in his own.

"Ginny, Molly, Hermione and Ron had all written to me. I promised them all to help you but that wasn't the truth, I was avoiding it. I was busy summoning enough courage in myself to find you, but I did, because I knew I had to get you. Ginny told me how you had started to rely on alcohol, she told me that as soon as the children were away at school you would disappear for days, weeks at a time. Drinking yourself into a stupor. So I set about to track you down, I asked around all the pubs I knew you frequented until a barmaid told me about The Screaming Mandrake, the ex-death eater establishment that hadn't even crossed my mind."

"That is where I would find you, in the corner, staring into your drink letting the world happen around you. When I finally approached you and your eyes met mine…"

Minerva's voice cracked again, she paused and yet another tear betrayed the boundaries and slid down her cheek. This time she paid it no mind, Harry could almost feel the penetrating stare of those green eyes on his, almost as if she was really looking at him on the bed- staring back at her.

"I saw a broken man, whose eyes were empty and despairing. I just wanted to hold you and make it go away, but I knew I had to tread carefully and I am just so, so glad that you agreed to come home with me. I have told you this story a hundred times Harry, you carried too much, too young, and as an adult in your life I should have done more about it. I sought to bring you home because I cannot alter or fix the past, but I can help you see it more clearly. I think we achieved that…. Did we not?" Her voice asked almost hopefully.

Harry simply let the tears continue to fall. He couldn't bring himself to answer honestly.

"These past few years as a part of your family have been the most wonderful, Harry…"

"You are my family, you, Ginny and the children are the light in my life. Blood does not matter to me because I know what makes a family, and I know what I feel. Please, if you take away nothing else from this Harry, just remember that I love you. Whatever has happened, I would have never let it happen willingly because I wouldn't have left you if I could help it. So, I have only one thing to ask of you now, and that is to take care of my estate. I entrust it all to you, my home Griffin's Autumn, my vault, assets and my office contents at Hogwarts. There is no one I would trust more than you to do this."

He looked at Ginny in bewilderment, unsure why Minerva would trust him with everything she owned. Why did she pick him of all people? He couldn't help but wonder, the feeling painting another layer on the many building in his mind.

"One more thing… my boy." Minerva's voice spoke again, drawing Harry's attention back to the projection.

"I leave you with this."

"I heard someone once say that memories were the windows of the mind, but perhaps, it's how we see through the storm inflicted upon us that illuminates the way."

The projection fell away, leaving Ginny and Harry alone on the bed. Not a dry eye between them. He wiped the tears away roughly, blinking to clear his vision and look at the beautiful red head in front of him. A smile graced his lips, it was both sad and joyous to hear Minerva speak to him. The Minerva he recognised and not the shell residing in St Mungo's.

"Thank you for coming, Ginny. I really appreciate it." He smiled wider, silently encouraging Ginny to do the same.

She did and dried her own face. "I'm glad I got to share it with you." She said, standing up to begin gathering her things to leave. Ginny knew he had to stay and complete his mission with the werewolves, but she didn't want to leave him alone, not really. "I wish you would come home with me."

"Me too." Harry answered, he stood up and enveloped her in a kiss, she deepened it and they both relished each other, warming each other with pleasure until Ginny sighed heavily against him. She broke them apart and said her goodbyes, leaving him in his room to contemplate his thoughts.

"Me too." Harry answered, he stood up and enveloped her in a kiss, she deepened it and they both relished each other, warming each other with pleasure until Ginny sighed heavily against him. She broke them apart and said her goodbyes, leaving him in his room to contemplate his thoughts.

He climbed into bed wanting to put this difficult day behind him and steel himself for another inevitably long day tracking the werewolves, knowing that when he was home he would uphold his promise to Hermione and tell her what Minerva's letter was about and then his next job was to put her things in order, to keep them safe, because deep down he hoped desperately that Minerva would be back for them one day. Sleep wouldn't come easy however, as Minerva's last sentence twisted around in his mind, he thought it was particularly interesting that her choice of words included memories.

-MP-

AN: If you made it to the end I just wanted to say a massive thank you for sticking it out. I hope you enjoyed, and please let me know what you thought. I had a brilliant time exploring the relationship between Minerva and her loved ones and it has shaped where I want to take the story next.

Just for future reference, Minerva in this story has two brothers which are the same as in canon. I have given her three neices/nephews which are all spoke about this. If you want a clearer family tree then let me know and I will share that in the next chapter.