Apologies! Apologies for the delay! Here is the next chapter for you lovely readers!
2nd May 1998
Malcolm had arrived at Hogwarts barely five minutes after Pomona had left — Minerva suspected that there was some sort of a correlation between those two facts.
However, despite her intention to speak with Malcolm only once she had cleaned herself up and attended to the most pressing of matters—namely injured students and staff—Minerva could not have been happier when Malcolm had burst into the remains of the Entrance Hall and scooped her up in the tightest of hugs.
He had dropped her almost instantly when she had winced but, after assessing and asking her many questions about her wellbeing, he had relaxed and hugged her once more. He had missed her, he had said. She could never know how much. Helen and the children and grandchildren had too. Terribly so, he had added.
Now, not long after his arrival at Hogwarts, Malcolm and Minerva were walking up a dirt path to a small cottage hidden away in the Scottish moors. Minerva had cleaned herself up and had also attended to the most pressing of matters—namely injured students and staff.
The castle repairs, or the plans for castle repairs, were also going forward, with Minerva and Filius presiding over the constructions. Though feeling guilty for leaving Hogwarts considering all that had happened, Kinglsey and Filius had assured Minerva that all was in hand and she could go home that evening to see her family.
Minerva had organised sleeping arrangements for those who could not return home. She had also promised that she would return later that evening. She needed time to acknowledge and come to terms with everything that had transpired not only in the last few hours but the last year as well.
Malcolm wrapped an arm around Minerva's shoulders and kissed her on the cheek. "You don't half look exhausted."
"I do believe I have a valid excuse, Malcolm McGonagall."
He smiled and pulled Minerva closer in. She allowed herself to rest her head against his shoulder as they walked up the dirt path towards a small cottage.
"Ach, you do," he said. He kissed her on the cheek. "So you do, lassie."
They reached a small gate leading to a grey-stoned path towards a cottage up a hill. Malcolm went to unhook the latch, though he did not take his supportive hands from Minerva's shoulders. Minerva was grateful as she was feeling increasingly tired now that the shock and adrenaline were wearing off.
"Home sweet home, big sister." He gestured for Minerva to go through the gates first, which she did. "Seems someone's eager to see you."
He nodded to the small cottage at the top of the lane and Minerva smiled slightly as she squinted at it. Meg and Rosie, taller than when Minerva had last seen them, were standing on their tiptoes in the doorway.
"Who's that with you Uncle Malcolm?"
Malcolm stepped aside so that Minerva was in better view. She waved and instantly the girls shrieked with delight.
"It's Auntie Minerva!" Meg squealed. "Aunt Helen, it's Minerva!"
"Aunt Minerva!" shouted Rosie.
Meg jumped up and down and waved both hands enthusiastically. "Hello! Hello, Aunt Minerva!" she called down the hill.
Barely a second later, Helen appeared behind the girls. Instantly she clapped her hands to her mouth.
Minerva waved again, and this time, instead of just shouting, Meg began running down the hill. She was closely followed by Rosie who, still young, seemed excited by all of the commotion. Helen was also hot at their heels.
"Minerva!" shouted Meg happily, as she threw herself into Minerva's arms. Rosie then attached herself to Minerva's legs.
"We haven't seen you in ages," Rosie said. "We missed you."
Minerva laughed as the two girls squeezed her tightly. "I missed you too," she said. She gave Meg a kiss and ruffled Rosie's hair, making the girls giggle. Then, she looked up to see her sister-in-law approaching.
"Malcolm promised he would return as soon as he found you," Helen said, looking accusingly at her husband who had not managed to drag Minerva away from the castle for almost an hour. "He said he would only be a minute—Oh, Minerva, we have been so worried."
And just like that Helen burst into tears.
Minerva smiled and motioned for Helen to come closer. With Rosie and Meg still holding Minerva tightly, Helen still managed to squeeze herself between the girls so that she too, could hug Minerva.
"I am right as rain, dear," Minerva whispered into Helen's ear. "I thought I ought to come and tell you that myself."
"Too right," Helen replied hoarsely. She brushed away her tears and laughed. "Oh, Lord have we missed you, Minerva McGonagall. I have a bed made up for you already in the attic, but we can move you downstairs if that's easiest—in case you're hurt" she added quickly, stepping back and giving Minerva the once over. "Are you hurt?"
Minerva shook her head reassuringly. "Not at all."
"Well, then. I have some tea brewing in the pot. And the hot water has been fixed so that if you need a bath..."
Minerva smiled as Helen continued to talk animatedly.
"But I'm going on and you're probably tired and hungry and—" Helen stopped for breath and Minerva decided that it was her moment to cut in.
"Helen," she said, reaching out to hold Helen's elbow, "that all sounds wonderful."
Helen beamed and took a moment to fully take in Minerva's appearance. "Then let's go inside," she said. "Come on poppet," she added, looping her arms around Meg and prying her gently off from Minerva; something for which Minerva was grateful, as she was beginning to feel exceedingly tired and sore. "Run to the house and fetch those shortbreads we made. Rosie, off you go too, petal."
The girls obediently nodded and ran up the hill again. Helen took the opportunity to loop arms with Minerva. "They asked about you every day," she said. "Are you really all right?"
Minerva nodded. "No lasting damage done," she said. "But I could do with some tea."
"Then tea it is," Helen replied. She rest her head on Minerva's shoulder and squeezed her arm. "I have some pepper-up in the bathroom and some cream for those burns you have, as well." She sighed happily and squeezed Minerva's arm affectionately. "Malcolm can get the others. Yes, dear?"
"Already going," Malcolm said. He smiled, kissed Minerva on the cheek, then disapparated with a pop.
"They all went to the village to get their hands on some newspapers. They'll all be thrilled to see you, dear," Helen said. She hugged Minerva even more tightly. "From now on you are never leaving our sight."
Minerva smiled.
