Secret Lives

A Magical Discovery part 1

"How are you?" Minerva asked at last.

"Tired, Ive been looking for you for years. Like you've vanished." Robert shook his head.

"My life took a very different route than you and Mum's is all." Minerva smiled.

"What are you doing here?"

"Im heading home. I had to speak with some officals about something." Minerva replied.

"Nothing serious, I hope." The reverand raised a heavy eyebrow.

"Not at all. I had to pull a student of mine out of her home." Minerva replied.

"Student? Your a teacher?" Robert asked.

"Yes, at a boarding school. But I have to get back. Im sorry Dad. Why dont you come stay with me a week this summer? Its only a month away." Minerva offered.

"I wont be a bother, will I?" Robert asked.

"No, besides I have something important to tell you. We will save that for later, I really must go." Minerva hugged her father one last time before turning away.

"Minerva! How will I contact you?" Robert called.

"Where are you staying now?"

"The local pub here." Robert answered.

"I will come and fetch you when its time." Minerva shot him a smile and walked off. As soon as she rounded a corner, she disappereated to Hogsmead.

"Ah Minerva." Albus smiled.

"Why did you do that? Why did you persuade me to invite my dad here?" She glared at the older man.

"You were granted something I will never have again. A chance to speak with your father. Use this wisely Minerva, or you will regret it." Albus stated

"You never mention your family." Minerva stated.

"Neither did you. Daughter of the renowned Transfiguration mistress huh? Taking after your mother, I see." Albus chuckled.

Minerva shot Albus a hard expression. "My mother never told me about her life before my father and me."

"I would suggest perusing the family archieves in the library. Irma would help you, you have always been her favorite person." Albus smiled.

"Thank you. Im off to my rooms." Minerva smiled before walking up to the castle.

*

Minerva sighed and set aside the old newspapeer clipping titled Isobel McGonagall Passes Transfiguration Mastery at 16!

"Whoa! Mum. A mastery takes 4 years after primary education at Hogwarts." Minerva mumbled to herself. She stood up and walked to the entrance of the castle.

"Professor?"

Minerva turned to find one of her students looking at her. "Can I help you Mr. Smith?"

The boy shook his head quickly.

Minerva left the castle and apperated to the inn where her father stayed. "Dad?"

The man opened the door and smiled. "Hello Minerva. Im ready."

"Ok but how about a drink first huh?" Minerva brought out a glass of wine.

"Sure why not." The reverand replied allowing his daughter in. The two conversed and Minerva stealthily slipped something into her fathers drink.

When Robert took a sip, his eyes began to close. When he fell unconcious, Minerva took his trunk and shrunk it. Gripping his arm, Minerva disapperated to Hogsmead. She stopped by the Hogs Head to grab a carpet from Aberforth.

Minerva walked up to Hogwarts and settled her father in her bed. She opened a book and began to read, Robert should be waking up in 5 minutes. The sleeping darught Minerva gave him, was very weak, knocking the victim out for half an hour at the most.

Robert groaned caising Minerva to look up from her book in alarm. "Hi Dad."

"Ah lass, where are we?" He asked his eyes snapping to attention.

"At my home, the boarding school I work at." Minerva replied.

"Its weird, I dont remember falling asleep." Robert mumbled.

Minerva smiled, "theres something very important I nedd to tell you, Dad."

The old reverand sat up at attention. Minerva opened her mouth when a knock sounded. "One second, please."

She turned her back and went to answer. Meanwhile, Robert observed his daughters room. Very simple, yet elegant, like his girl.

Minerva appeared carrying a trey of food. "Sorry Dad. Anyway, I wanted to show you this." She pulled out her wand noticing his confused expression.

"What is that?" Robert asked.

"My wand, Dad, Im a witch and so was Mum." Minerva let out.

Robert laughed, "No, its not possible!"

Minerva frowned at her father and flicked her wand. A book from the top shelf came flying down. "You were saying?"

Robert gasped, "is this school..."

Minerva nodded, "is to teach young witches and wizards how to use their magic wisely."

"Thats why Isobel kept you isolated growing up." Robert breathed.

"Yes, our Ministry wouldnt allow Muggles, non magical people know. Even if they were part of our immediate family." Minerva grimaced.

"No wonder after 7 Isobel rarely wanted you alome with me." Robert slumped.

"Dad, I invited you here so you could see where I grew up. And learn more about me. I know I should have told you after Mum died but..." Minerva trailed off.

"But what?!" Robert snapped.

Her fathers sudden change in attitude caused her face to turn hard. She glared at him slightly as if he was a student who mouthed off in her class. "You were so deep in your faith and the church. I didnt want you to feel torn. But now that your retired. Its time you knew."

"What do you teach here?" Robert asked.

"I teach a subject called Transfiguration. Its transforming an object into another." Minerva smiled slightly.

Robert released a small gasp. "Magic and witchcraft I learned is the work of the devil."

"I am far from that, all that matters is the person who weilds what is given. It is dinnertime. You are more than welcome to join me and meet my coworkers. Or call out for Trudy. She will get you something." Minerva sighed.

"Fine, Ill come meet everyone." Robert sighed, obviously annoyed with his limited options.

"Can you manage the stairs?" Minerva fretted over him.

"I can manage."

"The staircases tend to change at times. I hope so, follow me." Minerva lead her father down a staircase that began to move.

Sighing, Minerva flicked her wand to freeze the stairs. She then conjured a long wooden platform to reach the ground floor. "Step on, Dad. Its safe."

That evening, dinner was stiff. Robert refused to chat with any of her coworkers. Minerva saw her father shooting her friends dirty looks every time her coworkers cast a simple spell. It made the young women regret extending him the invitation.

"Why so down?" Slughorn asked

"Him over there, Horace." Minerva replied nodding at her father across the table.

"Ah your father, I see." The man replied.

"Wish I didnt invite him." Minerva huffed.