Author's Note:

This series means the world to me. I found my voice as a writer for the first time in my first fanfiction that was a biography of Minerva McGonagall. The only thing I go right was that she was half-blood, close to her father, and her marriage was tragically short.

Please forgive any continuity changes. I wrote about this character nearly ten years ago when I didn't know that my grammar wasn't so hot. This is my way of honoring her. Please review if you like it!

A New Family for Minerva McGonagall

Nine years was all she had. Not even ten. Nine years because five stun spells to the chest made it impossible to pass her annual physical. The healer administering the test was only five years out of school.

"You had a great career professor," he said too cheerfully. "I think you should enjoy a long retirement if you stay out of stressful situations."

"I'll keep than in mind," she said fighting every urge not to sound irritated.

…

She was given a grand retirement party at a mansion the Weasleys had acquired that was just outside of Hogsmeade. The children of her nephews were there along with many school friends. The only students at the party were the hosts and a few she had personally invited. It was decorated with pictures from her years when she was a teacher along with a few detention slip copies for particularly humorous reasons (it was dominated by the Weasley twins). Many lovely toasts were given and she gave a touching one herself. She tried to put on a cheerful face but it was difficult.

McGonagall retreated to the cooler air outside on the balcony.

It seemed too large. Fifty people seemed like fifty too many when all she wanted was to be alone. She was being forced to retire for defending a dear friend all those years ago. This was a curse, not a gift. What was she going to do now?

"Professor?"

She turned around to see a very pregnant Hermione Granger in the doorway.

"What are you doing out here?"

"Just getting some air," she said trying sound cheerful.

"Do you mind if I join you?"

"Of course not," she said even though she minded terribly.

They stood in silence for a minute or two.

"How far along are you?" McGonagall said to make light conversation.

"Seven months," she said rubbing her side. "It already feels like nine."

"I see."

"I'm scared professor," she said suddenly turning to her. "I have read every book under I can find and I still don't feel like I'm ready to raise a child."

"I can't give you any advice on that subject," McGonagall said gently.

"I know," she said quickly and then looked slightly embarrassed.

"It is okay Mrs. Granger," she said calmly. "I expect nothing less of my brightest student to not have researched my life and career."

"Please call me Hermione… professor," she said awkwardly.

"Only if you continue to call me professor."

"It's a deal." She said nervously.

McGonagall had had many conversations before with Mrs. Granger and none of them had this sense of unease. Something was bothering this woman.

"Is something on your mind Mrs—Hermione?"

"It is kind of difficult to say because—"

"You haven't asked her yet?" Ron Weasley said framing the doorway.

"I was just getting to it Ron," she said irritably.

Ron nearly laughed. "Hermione you have faced down monsters of every form and you are afraid to ask a single question?"

"It is a life-long obligation Ron!"

"I know that but I would think it would easy for you two—"

"Hermione hasn't asked yet has she?" Harry said as he walked on the balcony. "I told you Ron she would have hard time asking—"

"You two don't seem to appreciate the gravity of the question!" she said hotly.

McGonagall had lost all of her patience.

"If one of you doesn't tell me what is going right now I am going to have Filius Flitwick deduct three points from Griffindor when the next terms starts in your honor."

The three of them snickered. Hermione took a step closer.

"Professor McGonagall will you be the godmother of my child?"