Since regaining her post at Hogwarts, Minerva had found it exceptionally hard to get away. There was so very much to do, and quite frankly, she was loathe to leave, finding comfort and solace in the only place she’d called home for decades. It was a very chilly December day, though Minerva didn’t see the need for a cumbersome cloak. She’d be travelling by floo, after all, and wouldn’t be in the winter weather. She had informed Professor Ignan Storm of her departure, but kept the information completely oblivious from the other professors, especially those from the visiting schools. She needed to get a handle on all things Tetra-Wizard, and she couldn’t do so with four additional voices interrupting and throwing their input where it wasn’t warranted.

She stepped swiftly to the roaring fire grate, and took an ample pinch of the green powder. After stepping into the swift flames, feeling the tickle of warmth curl around her legs, she called out her destination and closed her eyes tightly. Travelling by floo, though a necessity, had never been a fun experience for the witch. It always left her feeling a bit nauseous, though with the balance of a cat, Minerva stepped from the flames into the atrium of the Ministry of Magic with all the poise a seventy-five year old woman could muster.

By about the tenth handshake, Minerva was thoroughly irritated and quite ready to be inside the confines of Madame Harker’s office. The lift ride was, thankfully, uneventful and though the ‘congratulations’ and ‘how do you do’s’ had set her behind, she still managed to arrive to Gabrielle’s office a full five minutes before they’d decided to meet. A sharp rap on the door followed, and Minerva waited patiently for the Head for the Department of International Magical Cooperation to permit her entry.

Dressed in colors that seemed Durmstrang-like were actually more vibrant hues of her family's tartan threads. She had as of late filled in the various branches of her own tree, proud of the heritages that came with it. Gabrielle was currently marking off the checklist inside her mind: Tea set done proper? Check. Paperwork neatly put aside? Double check. Music playing faintly and photos free of dust? Oh yes. Minerva Professor McGonagall?

Her head shot to the door then to the clock when the sharp rapping came at the door. She was here! Calm down, you'll be fine, Gabrielle reassured her mind as fingers wrapped around the door handle and twisted it open. Features upon her brow lit up into an inviting smile (even as she noted Minerva was in tartan; Gabrielle's mind reprimanded that the tartan skirt should have been chosen after all) to her former professor.

"Ma'am, it's wonderful to see you. Please come in; I can only imagine how many people have stopped you thus far in the Ministry. Rest assured, my employees, for the majority, are currently busy working on the Tournament or longing for the holidays if they've got family to look forward to." Gabrielle's smile remained as she entered the office, checking everything once more.

No, it didn't need to be perfect, but unlike having former classmates for bosses, Minerva McGonagall was a former professor and now colleague on the Wizengamot. An entirely different deck of card. Oh, Merlin, here came the butterflies again. Ugh.

The elderly Headmistress gave her old pupil a small smile as she was greeted at the door. She nodded her head slightly as she entered the office, in greeting to her friend and colleague. “Well, Madam Murray, I daresay it’s nice to know at least someone is busy with the Tournament. I sent word to the Head for the Department of Magical Games and Sports, just to see if he’d like to join us today and he’s otherwise engaged,” Sarcasm dripped from the tail end of Minerva’s sentence. She was an avid Quidditch supporter (Montrose Magpies, to be exact), but felt that there was much too much emphasis put on the wizarding sport.

She took a seat in front of the witch’s desk and folded her hands in her lap. “How have you been?” She asked the Ministry Head. The two had had a long history together, Minerva going as far as to assisting Gabrielle in learning the complex art of animagus magic. “I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to get away before now. I daresay they’ll be asking for my resignation from the Wizengamot shortly.” She said with a wry smile. It was true, she hadn’t been around lately, she hadn’t had the time.

Upon stepping into the role of Headmistress she had to fill two different staff positions and tried to organize and oversee the goings on of Hogwarts, she was truly exhausted.

Gabrielle listened closely to Minerva, observant as much as she had been when they had done those Animagi lessons many years ago. After all, listening to one's elders most certainly would keep you alive, would it not? She grinned in thinking such thoughts when settling in her own seat, soon pouring Minerva the first cup of tea (Lady Earl, to be precise), followed by her own. Gabrielle smiled warmly, taking a small drink before pulling all her collective thoughts together.

Her eyes glanced over to the pictures: four young adults were waving to the two witches. A mastering lord of time in the making, an older brother to a baby sister, a young inventor, and a young heiress that now sat as a Department Head. The smile delved into a grin as Gabrielle eyed Minerva warmly.

"Their loss entirely; we'll keep all the tea and ginger biscuits to ourselves, Ma'am." Gabrielle chuckled at the mere thought of it. "I wouldn't worry about the Wizengamot - I'll make sure your name is upheld to high standard and won't let them trample you. After all, how could I to someone who's a role model just as much as Hildegard Austerlitz and Carmina as well as Crina Dragulia?" Gabrielle took another drink as she pondered on the second question for a few moments.

"....I'm doing very well, as to answer that inquiry. The sabbatical did a good helping of refinding myself, of who I am and what I am to those around me. I.... took the liberties of dropping my stepfather's name, of which I don't understand why I kept it for so long. I was born a Murray, not a Harker. My brother is happy about it and so, I am too. As for everything else, the Murray and Dragulia family trees are updated to the modern day. Grandfather Alan would be so proud as would Great-Grandfather Bogdan...." Her eyes looked again to the photos. Francis was grinning as was Mina and Vlad in one of the few photos of her parents and herself. Mm, memories.

Minerva smiled at the younger witch and accepted the cup of tea. Gabie was a fine witch, one that knew the importance of tea and all the mandates of politeness. She was truly glad that the Department Head still held her in high enough esteem to speak candidly and personally to her, unlike the stiff small talk that abounded the ministry personnel. She had taught hundreds of thousands of students throughout her tenure at Hogwarts, but very few of those relationships blossomed into anything more than teacher and pupil. She was simply thankful that Gabrielle and she had moved past that stage.

“I’m truly glad you’ve enjoyed your time away,” Minerva said, eyes twinkling. “But I’d be lying if I didn’t let you know that I’m also glad you’re back. I can’t imagine I’d like having this meeting with anyone but you,” Not only was Gabrielle a friend, she was also an extremely competent witch and a superb leader. “For what it’s worth, I think that Murray suits you better anyway.” The headmistress said, hoping that the witch opposite wouldn’t find her too forward.   

Minerva took a sip of her tea, warm and sweetened to perfection. She sat back comfortably in her chair, allowing Gabrielle to take charge of the meeting. This was her office, after all.