The Next Generation of Wizards

Chapter 9- McGonagall's Memories

Professor McGonagall:

As I look out the window, I can't help but smile. A new year has started at Hogwarts. A group of young wizards  are running around the whomping willow, jumping up and down, trying to hold on to the branches. I should be furious, but instead I smile. Sooner or later the willow will swing at them, protecting the secret entrance. 

My vision blurs as I remember the reason it was brought here in the first place. Young Remus Lupin, scared of being a wereworlf, hid himself, isolated himself until he was sure he wouldn't hurt anyone, specially his friends. Smiling, I remember the day I first saw James, Sirius and Peter turn into animals. I remember how gratified Lupin looked, for he was no longer an outcast. His friends had joined him, treated him as an equal, made him feel like he belonged. They didn't care if they broke the rules, got themselves expelled, all they cared about was their friend. I also remember the day Severus tried to follow them, how James saved his life, how Severus hated him even more. I don't think I've ever seen two people hate each other as much as they did.

But deep down, they both fell for the same girl, and in the very end, she managed to fix their differences. That terrible night at Godric's Hollow, Snape was going to visit the Potter's, check on young Harry, make sure Liliy was coping well with her pregnancy. I still can't believe Snape was going to be Harry's brother's godfather! 

All of that doesn't matter anymore. That small group of brave teenagers are only a memory now, 'cause they're all gone, and there's no way they're coming back. Tears start rolling down my cheeks. Lily, Remus, Sirus, Peter, James, Severus... all gone.

"Now now minerva, don't cry over them"- a familiar voice says behind me

I turn to find Professor Dumbledore's portrait taliking to me. He's gone too...

"Minerva, you must remember not to pity the dead, pity those who live without love. We may have left the mortal world, but we were all loved, and there's nothing more powerful than that"

"I know, Albus, I really do. But its so hard being here without them, without you. I miss them so much..."

I can't help it anymore. I start sobbing uncontrollably. I miss them so much... Their cheeky attitudes, their laughs, their cries, their bravery...

"Wow, Professor, I never knew you cared for me! Always so fixed on Potter, never would've thought you would miss me!" says another voice

"Severus, you meant a lot to me. I know I never showed it, but I did" I manage to say through my loud sobbing

"Then prove it. Take care of their grandchildren, make sure we did not die in vain" says Albus

"Yeah, and look after that Snape guy. He shares my last name, but I don't think I have ever met him" answers Snape

"I will, I promise"- I say

"Then prove it. Learn from the past and move on"- they both say.

Sighting, I whipe my tears and look out of the window once again. I can see a group of First Years joking around. Among them stand a Malfoy, a Weasley and a Potter sitting together, laughing at some stupid joke. Nearby, Carmen Longbottom is peacefully layng on the grass, laughing as Veronica, Dilan and Bernie chase each other. Keeping an eye on his brother, James Potter Jr is playing around with his wand. Professor Lupin smiles at him, trying to stop him from hurting anyone. All of them seem happy.

Suddenly, I realize they're not entirely lost. Sure, I'll never see them again, but I'll make sure their grandchildren learn to be like them.

I remember what Sirius once told Harry, that the ones that truly love us never actually leave us. I smile. That cheeky boy knew a whole lot more than what he showed.

Keeping this in mind, I decide to start over...