The Tabby, the Phoenix and the kitten

chapter eight

The next few weeks had gone by much too slowly for Minerva, bedrest certainly did not suit her, she liked to go for walks, she liked to be kept a bit busy, not laying in bed day in and day out, with absolutely nothing to do. 

Albus had been gone for the past two weeks, Fillius kept her constantly updated on what he was doing with the castle, Poppy and Rolonda came by a few times, always complaining about Minerva's temperary replacement, which made her feel a tiny bit better. 

But now school was out for the summer holidays, and Albus had come back to take Minerva to their manor house in Scotland. Poppy had suggested that they travel like muggles would, as it would be less stress for the baby. Poppy had agreed to go and stay with Minerva and Albus over the summer to watch Minerva as it was getting closer to Minerva's due date.

So after everything they needed for the summer was packed up, they headed to the train station in Hogsmede. Minerva was in a wheel chair with Albus pushing it and Poppy walking beside her. They got to the train with little trouble, Poppy and Albus helped Minerva into the compartment, and settled into it themselves. 

They road the train to King's Cross station, where they transfered onto a train to Scotland. Once they arrived in Scotland, Albus rented a car, and drove them to their Manor house. 

"I'll be back in a few hours dear." Albus said to Minerva, once everything was inside as he left to take back the car.

Poppy helped Minerva into bed, and was about to go and get her, her potions when there was a tapping at the window, the two women looked over to see an owl sitting on the sill. Minerva gasped, knowing exactly whose owl that was. 

Poppy walked over to the window and let the owl in, she took the letter from the owl and walked over to MInerva.

"It's for you, do you have anything I can give the owl to eat?" Poppy asked handing the letter to Minerva.

"In the first drawer on the bedside table." she told Poppy and began to open the letter. Minerva grimaced. The letter was from her mother. Of course she loved her mother to pieces, but she and Minerva were complete opposites, and these two opposites didn't always attract. Minerva opened the letter and began to read. 

Dear Minerva,

Oh darling, how are you doing? Poppy and Albus owled me not too long ago, telling me what happened, I just hope that my only daughter is doing alright. I messaged your brothers as well, they're worried about you, but I told them, I did, I said, 'You boys know Minerva, that baby isn't going anywhere if she has anything to do with.'  

I also wanted to remind you that I am coming to stay next month, also your brothers will be popping in every once in awhile.

I cannot wait to see you! I miss you terribly, with you being at Hogwarts almost all the time, I rarely get to see you. Not that I'm not proud of you because I am, but I just wish that you got more time off.

Tell Albus and Poppy hello!

I love you!

-Mom

Minerva sighed as she put down the letter. Poppy came back into the room with Minerva's potions. Minerva hadn't even noticed that Poppy had left. 

"Who was the letter from?" Poppy asked as Minerva drank the first potion.

"My mother." She answered drinking the second.

"Oh? And what did Isobel have to say?" Poppy asked taking the empty viles from Minerva.

"Well, she asked how I was doing, and she told Robert and Malcome, and now they're coming to visit as well, not that I mind, they can help me handle mother." Minerva said pinching the bridge of her nose.

"Oh Minerva relax, she isn't that bad and you know it." Poppy said.

"Oh ho, not to you she isnt!" Minerva said back to her and Poppy laughed. The two women continued their conversation until Albus got back from returning the rental car. 

When he got in, he went upstairs to their bedroom where Minerva and Poppy were talking. He came into the room and kissed Minerva on the cheek.

"I take it Minerva isn't causing too much trouble then?" Albus joked and Minerva rolled her eyes.

"Albus, my mother owled, reminding us that she will be coming next month, oh and my brothers will be stopping by a few times as well, she tells me." Minerva said not responding to his earlier comment. 

"Ah, it should be nice to see all of them again." Albus said.

"See, even Albus doesn't think she is that bad Minerva!" Poppy said and Minerva rolled her eyes again.

"Well you two did not grow up with her!" Minerva protested but only got an eye roll and a head shake from Poppy and a smile from Albus. 

"Oh you wait, you are going to wish that she didn't stay for so long, I guarentee it!" Minerva said, knowing that there was going to be plenty of arguments, and with Minerva's oh so scottish temper, they should all be interesting...