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The hustle and bustle of the Ministry and likewise Hogwarts seemed to be non-existent within the confines of the estate. The warm, crackling fireplace provided contentment for the pair currently chuckling at the scrapbook from the past. “Mercy, Minerva, hard to believe this was what, almost twenty-five years ago?” Gabrielle remarked, wiping a few tears away, chuckling still in amusement as she pointed out a few photographs from 1986. Gabrielle was full of spots within the Ministry of both Britannia and Brasov still even though Hogwarts had been over a few years before that.

Gabrielle was likewise laughing in the picture as she and a few other classmates were repeatedly making faces in it. Supper time was inching near and Gabrielle was glad to have Minerva in her midst for it. After all, enjoying company with someone that taught you magical abilities in addition was a fairly decent maternal figure was worth having over.

"Those were the days, weren't they? No wars, no discord nor chaos. . . there was certain danger as usual, but the peace of having no Voldemort was truly a blessing in disguise," Gabrielle reminisced as she looked to Minerva with a warm, fond smile. "And nowadays seem a little like those at times. However, this time, I have motherhood and a marriage to look forward to. Speaking of which. . . didn't you say you brought something over for Mia?"

Gabrielle placed the photo album nearby. "My brain's being firing on all cylinders for the past few weeks: ensuring the department[1] will have a solid replacement until I return, making sure Francis and the boys[2] are going to be all right in this move, making sure Mia's going to be all right also. It's a whole lot different than having to ensure foreign dignitaries are ushered into Hogwarts for a tournament, wouldn't you agree? Still. I'm ready for this new chapter and I'm grateful you're here, Camilla and Maiko too."

A hand extended, squeezing one of Minerva's.

"Thank you."

1.	Facing The World Optimistically
2.	Without A Care In The World

It was quite nice, seated by the cackling fireplace, lips uncharacteristically full of uncontrollable mirth. Minerva McGonagall - to most: Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and war hero to boot! Today, however, Minerva was all of those things and yet none of them at the same time. It wasn't often that the elderly witch was able to take a moment away from the presses of her duty - and that made Minerva very glad to be spending such a pleasant evening with such an amazing witch.

Gabrielle had been one of Minerva's dearest friends for quite some time, and her colleague was never one to disappoint. One thin hand rose from her graceful lap to cover the laughter pouring from Minerva's lips. Her beady eyes were filled with unshed tears of joy, making her eyes sparkle through the lenses of her spectacles. Spring holiday made it a perfect time for Minerva to leave the castle for a bit - time for Minerva to recharge her batteries, if only for a single evening.

The album Gabrielle was clutching certainly was from another time, and when the new mother spoke, Minerva's laughter quickly died away. Those were the days of easement, days where there was truly no need to worry - Albus Dumbledore had seen to that. These days, as Gabie said, felt almost like those days - yet now there was no great wizard to ensure everyone's safety. Now it was up to the individuals, and that made Minerva a tad bit worried at times. Regardless of her dark thoughts, a nod followed Gabrielle's comment, warm smile returned as Minerva leaned over and reached into the tartan carpetbag she'd brought along with her.

Three items were brought from the bag, two in small boxes, and one unwrapped. The unwrapped present was an intricately designed quilt, full of colorful images - all Hogwarts houses were represented, in cute animated designs. The badger, lion, serpent,  and eagle moved freely across the surface when the quilt was unfolded. An old, frayed, and patched wizard's hat slept peacefully in the center. "I realized," Began the elder witch, handing the quilt over first, "That I had nothing adequate for a tiny human. I normally get the children at age eleven, after they've learned how to walk and talk and have personalities. My house-elf informed me that I couldn't very well go to the home of a baby without something she could enjoy now, and handed me this quilt,"

Though embarrassed that she hadn't had the idea herself, Minerva was eternally grateful for young Tipper for having stepped up to the plate so efficiently lately. Having a free elf as her assistant had saved the witch quite a bit of headache. Even then, as Minerva was enjoying her evening, the poor elf was tucked away in her office, penning correspondence Minerva hadn't yet had a chance to reply to. "It's also been enchanted, by me. The sorting hat in the center will sing lullabies to her, and if any try to harm her while this quilt is touching her body, the creatures will make warning sounds - alerting you to the danger,"

Minerva then handed Gabrielle the two small boxes, "I know that young Mia can't use this yet, but I hope one day she'll make good use of it. Those are Everbrite Pendants[1], one for you and one for Mia when she's old enough," Everbrite pendants were expensive, and the upkeep almost even more so, as the enchantment had to be renewed annually - so the gift was truly an expensive and thoughtful one already. "They're hanging from goblin-wrought titanium necklaces, so it's very unlikely that they will ever break. I've also enchanted yours to grow warm if Mia is ever in any danger - as long as she's wearing the necklace, you'll know if she's okay,"

It was true, Minerva had spent a small fortune on the gifts she'd given - especially as she'd purchased a lifetime re-enchantment fee for the necklaces as well, but that didn't matter to the elder witch. She had never had much need for spending her own money, life at Hogwarts had seen to that, and as she was now receiving a stipend from the Ministry as well, using the money for someone important to Minerva was well justified. "Motherhood suits you," she continued - bringing the conversation back to Gabrielle's last statement.

"You will acclimate yourself to fit the needs of your family - this is the easy part. These people will care for you even when you make mistakes. It's much easier than proving yourself to an entire population, but you've already done that. Head of a Department is nothing to scoff at, and you've proven yourself competent time and again. Everyone needs time to adjust and time to change and accept the change happening around them, but if anyone is up for the job, it's you," The headmistress said, offering another loving smile.

1.	Everbrite Pendant

Gabrielle listened intently to her former mentor, nodding in non-verbal agreement, courteous to the end. It was the gifts that soon had Gabrielle Murray gasping in humility and surprise. "Minerva.....I....." She was utterly speechless, devoid of the ability to properly thank McGonagall for such treasures. Taking the quilt into her possession, Gabrielle traced her fingers over each animal, smiling wistfully, wondering if this sort of thing would have occurred if Mina had lived...Crina even. Hm. Resting her hand away from a soon playfully swatting lion, Gabrielle's eyes returned to Minerva as the witch spoke anew, handing over the Everbrite Pendants.

"Oh, Minerva...this...." Her lips pressed together as to wield shut the end of that statement. It was a bit much, but Gabrielle could not find herself telling the gracefully aged witch such words. Especially when one considered how well Minerva had taught her not only as a student, but as a pupil for Animagi ability. "This is truly thoughtful of you. I'm absolutely floored by your elf's handiwork, your consideration and furthermore, your kindness through all of this. I. . .I'm beyond touched."

"Motherhood suits you..."

Gabrielle chuckled, a faint blush rising to her cheeks, listening to the sage wisdom that escaped from Minerva's lips, soon nodding. "I should truly hope so, Minerva. After all, I've the support of Francis and the boys -- the boys, I believe, have roughly come about it in their own ways. My stepbrother, Quincey, he's pleased as punch as are his children. Uncle Thackery is teasing as ever, finding it amusing to jab that he survived all of his siblings to see first hand the great-grandchild, great great niece in his case. I have support from family and likewise yourself. I. . . .find myself stunned at such wonders, but I also am humbled. Humbled to take note that Amelia will have so many looking to guide, teach, comfort, laugh with, and love her."

As if agreeing to the words of her own mother, a kick came about, causing Gabrielle to laugh. "Yes, little one. I mean you."