Bloody but Unbowed

Chapter 4: Birthday gift

A tall and slim figure appeared on the other side of the lake with a loud crack. The four of them immediately took out their wands. But the figure did not seem to have noticed them, actually, it appeared like it was throwing pebbles in the water, just like Hagrid used to do. But that was no Hagrid for sure.

They decided to stand up and keep walking, until they reached that quiet figure. The more they got closer the more details could be added: the figure was definitely a she, she was wearing a pointy hat and she was wearing a long cloak.

"Professor McGonagall!" cried Harry at last, a big smile on his lips.

"Oh my dear Harry!" exclaimed her, caught by surprise. "I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming, I was with the fairies... Hello Ron, hello Hermione, hello Ginny." added.

"Professor, what are you doing? Aren't you supposed to be on vacation? Is Hogwarts completely repaired at last?"

"My dear, Hogwarts is finally ready to host students... And it appears that I will be the new headmistress...."

"WHAT?" shouted all four. "Congratulations professor! The first female headmistress in the whole history of Hogwarts!" said Hermione.

"You're right Miss Granger... and yet I don't know if the job fits me... you know... I really love teaching..."

"But professor, you are perfect for the job: you will be the right successor of Dumbledor." replied Harry.

"You see Harry, with great power comes great responsibilities... you should be the first to know that. But it's not like I have a choice... I will be appointed headmistress by Kinsley in two days from now. I hope I will be as wise as Dumbledore."

"You will be, because you are, professor." stated Hermione and the others agreed.

"Harry, may I have a word with you?" asked professor McGonagall.

"Sure." They started walking away from the others in silence. After a while professor McGonagall started: "How are you feeling, Harry?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I was wondering... I haven't heard from you in a while... and I was wondering if you were experiencing some backfiring..."

"Has Ginny talked to you?"
"No, she hasn't, why?"

"Oh, no... nothing.... Well, professor, I must admit that I had and I still have, yes."

"Are you living alone in Grimmauld place now, am I right?"
"Yes. But I often go to the Burrow to see everybody... especially Ted."

"And what are your plans for the future?"

"Oh... well... I don't know...I never thought I could have a future" Harry looked down, embarrassed.

"Well, then I will propose to you this: what do you think about becoming my personal assistant?" Harry was startled.

"You mean... as in teaching?"
"Yes and no. You could become a teacher if you want. You are definitely good at teaching Defense Against Dark Magic... but what I thought was more of a low-key job, like counseling."

"Like helping you in handling the whole school?"

"Exactly. So that I could keep teaching without worrying."
"It would be an honor, professor" He gazed at her: she was smiling.

"That's settled then, I'll see you in three days from now, here, at the castle."
Silence fell between them, they were both looking at a Thestral who was drinking water from the lake. Most of the people Harry knew could see Thestral now...

"I also wanted to tell you this, Harry. You can answer me the truth, without worrying, I will understand, I promise." She paused, as if to find the right words. "I was wondering if you would like for me to look after you... I perfectly know that you have no one left, I know that you wanted to rebuild a family with Sirius, I know you thought of Dumbledor more as a father rather than a headmaster... So I supposed that you shouldn't be alone, especially after all that happened." She had tears in her eyes.

Harry had listened to all of this keeping his eyes on the Thestral, and the more he listened the more a burning sensation spreaded on his chest. He stayed quiet for a while after she finished. Then he turned his head over her, he looked into her watery eyes and whispered "A family is what I always wanted." Finally he hugged her tight, tears coming down from both of their eyes. "Thank you." whispered professor McGonagall back, while stroking Harry's hair.

When they came back to the others it was already lunch time.

"Would you like to join us for lunch, professor? There will be everybody." asked Harry.

"You're right, I'm sorry Harry, I forgot it was your birthday, I don't even have a gift..."

"You gave me the best gift anyone could give." She blushed, looking down.

All together they materialized back to Grimmauld Place. The guests were already there waiting for them while nibbling some of the delicious things Kreacher had placed over the table.

Despite all the empty chairs, all the missing and loving gazes, Harry felt happy, he felt whole.