Before she was Professor McGonagall, she was Minerva Macnair. After an arranged marriage forces her into an impossible situation, Minerva does what she must to survive. When she makes a new life for herself, her secrets follow and threaten everythin...
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"Sometimes, when people are very sad or frightened, they act angry."
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6 January 1956
Minerva was sitting at the small desk in the nursery, helping Malcolm with his Latin, when Elgar popped into the room.
"Elgar is sorry to interrupt the lesson, Mistress, but there is two gentlemens downstairs who wish to see you. They says it is urgent."
"Thank you, Elgar," Minerva said, closing her textbook. "Malcolm, why don't you give the Tacitus a try? Please work on translating Galba's speech in chapter fifteen until I return."
"Yes, Mum," the boy said with a barely audible sigh.
The two men waiting for her in the small parlour removed their caps as soon as Minerva walked into the room. When one of them produced a card designating them Maréchaussées Magiques—agents of French magical law enforcement—Minerva was alarmed. Her thoughts immediately turned to Gerald.
What has he done?
She projected an air of calm, however, as she asked, "Yes, what is your business here, Officer?" She addressed the younger of the two and spoke in English in hopes of wrong-footing the men. She didn't know what they were here about, but she fully intended to use every possible advantage until she found out.
"Forgive me, but you are Madame Macnair?" asked the older, bald one.
"I am."
"Your elf informs me that your 'usband is not 'ome, is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Then we will speak with you, madame."
Minerva nodded curtly.
"You may wish to 'ave a seat, madame. We 'ave some news to impart, and it may be a shock."
Minerva's first thought was that something had happened to her parents, and she felt herself begin to perspire as she sat on a wingbacked chair and gestured for the men to sit across from her.
The elder officer took a seat and gestured for his younger colleague to sit. "Your 'usband is Gerald Findlach Macnair, yes?" he asked.
