Minerva McGonagall

24 2 1

by harmione286

by harmione286

Minerva McGonagall was feeling anxious. Albus had just left Privet Drive with Hagrid. She looked back at house number four. There was Harry Potter, quietly sleeping in his basket, wrapped only in a blanket. Minerva quickly walked over and put a warming charm over the poor boy. She was mad at Albus, how could he throw her warning aside like this? She had observed the Dursley all day.

First there was Vernon Dursley. He was a very much obese, mid-aged man with almost no neck. The first thing he did in the morning was spoiling and pampering his son. When he left for work, he and his wife Petunia wished each other a "perfectly normal day". Petunia Dursley was very much like him in behaviour although very much his opposite in appearance. Mrs Dursley was a thin woman with a long neck and a face that was often compared to that of a horse. She like to make use of that neck by prying into her neighbours' gardens. The Dursleys had a son too. His name was Dudley and he was a very feisty one-year-old. The whole day was spent with Dudley throwing a tantrum and his mother giving him everything he wanted. Minerva couldn't fathom why anyone would ever want to spoil their child that much.

In the evening Mr and Mrs Dursley sat down, watching the news and complaining about all the abnormal things they had seen that day, wondering if it was the "freaks'" doing. Of course Minerva understood whom they meant by that. She had tried to warn Albus, but the old wizard had refused to listen, instead rambling on about his blood wards. She sighted as she looked at the little boy once more. Minerva was surprised to see that the boy was awake but hadn't made a sound. He only looked at her with those striking green eyes of his. And as she glance into his eyes, she was suddenly reminded of his parents, two of her favourite students.

Flashback

Wednesday, 1st of September 1971, Entrance Hall, Hogwarts

Minerva was a bit nervous to meet the new first-years. It was always the moment that decided, whether the next years would be hell, or the quietest in her carrier. As she waited in the Entrance Hall, Minerva heard the heavy footsteps of Hagrid and the students' chattering slowly approaching. The students' shadow got closer until they finally reached her. The first thing she realised, was that the students were walking in little groups. They all were looking at a black-haired boy and a red-haired girl in the front though. The boy seemed to be trying to flirt with the girl, but she vehemently refused to give in. Minerva internally shook her head. Oh, she remembered how her Dougal used to flirt with her when they were young...

The black-haired boy was backed up by three other boys, a tall black-haired one, a tall-brown haired boy with scars, and a boy with rat-like features. Next to the girl was a boy with black hair that looked like it had never seen a shower or shampoo. He was currently busy scowling at the four boys. Minerva smiled at the scene and then introduced herself. After she explained the sorting she led the first years into the Great Hall. As they were walking, Minerva heard a fight break out between the shower-boy and the Casanova. It appeared to be about the red-haired girl. Minerva sighed. She already dreaded the years to come.

She led the students Ito the Great Hall. As always, many curious eyes were looking in their direction. After the students sat down, Dumbledore got up and said a few words. Then the Sorting Hat's song started. The new first years looked in wonder at the sight of a singing hat. When the song finished everyone was done clapping, Minerva started reading out the names.

Friday, 30th June 1978, Great Hall, Hogwarts

Minerva looked at Lily and James, as they stood there so confidently, giving their speech in front of all the NEWT students. Whenever they looked at each other, their eyes were filled with love. Minerva had been responsible of the graduation ceremony today. She had seen James' sadness at the prospect of leaving Hogwarts, and Lily's excitement at the future that now seemed so near. Now they were here, the most prominent couple of Hogwarts, talking about the last seven years they and their classmates spent at this school. A very strong contrast to the first time Minerva had seen the two.

The three other Marauder were there of course, making funny comment, and cheering the loudest. But Lily had found some friend too, and finally left that grease ball. He was sulking alone in a corner. Minerva felt like a proud mother, looking at her two now former students. James' and Lily's speech made her think of the last years. These two students had brought her as much joy as headaches – and that was saying a lot. As Lily finished her last sentence and kissed James right in front of all of the attendants, Minerva was once again reminded of her Douglas, and all the affection he showed her during their time together.

After many tears were shed, the James and Lily finally left for the Hogwarts Express. Minerva looked after them as they walked away from the castle hand-in-hand, wish them a bright future and long, fulfilling lives.

Flashback end

Minerva sighed as a tear ran down her cheek. How could two so wonderful people meet such a horrible fate? She looked once again at the child in front of her. She swore to herself, that should she see any sign that Harry is unwell, no matter what Albus said, she would immediately come and pick him up. She owed that much to the students who had become her family.

-•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•—•-

Maggie Smith left the world today. Let this stand as a reminder that she might not be with us anymore, but through Minerva McGonagall she will always live on in our memory. Let us all raise our wand for our Minerva McGonagall.

May she move on to the next great Adventure.