Minerva McGonagall

Lily might not mind being a little cheeky, but she’d never dream of actually talking back to Professor McGonagall. Anyone who would would have faced the censure of all of Gryffindor house. She mimed a face of innocence, shaking her head, “Only in my capacity as Head Girl. Although you must admit, it’d be a shame if any Gryffindor didn’t have a little bit of an adventurous spirit.” Her gaze travelled out the window, the familiar grounds of Hogwarts at once warming her and hitting her with a wave of nostalgia. The passing of time indeed. “I’m sorry, at times, to think I’ll never come back. I’m not sure I’ll ever be capable enough, as you say, but I suppose it’d be nice to send a child of my own here. One day.” If this war ever ends - that was the unspoken meaning behind it.  

She felt a flicker of disappointment to not share this commonality with her favourite professor, but listening to Minerva further, Lily recognised a different one - perhaps a deeper one than something as superficial as blood. “I understand. I don’t know what I would have done if James was a Muggle but …” She understood in a different way, one that was no less painful, at least in Lily’s mind. “My sister, you know. I think she’d have forgiven me if I gave all this up. I never could, though.” Magic was too much a part of her to return to the Muggle world. “That’s alright, Professor. I’ll feel the same way myself, all these years I’ve been cursing the very name Potter,” she exaggerated, grinning. 

“Lion cubs are particularly inclined to mischief.” she admitted with a small nod, “And, though you would never dare hear me utter these words around a student, it is often easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” In smaller instances of course. There were some situations where students could put themselves or others in danger and that was one thing she would never stand for as an educator. “That is the trick of time, Ms. Evans. A person never misses something while they have it. It isn’t until it’s gone beyond our capacity to have it back that we truly appreciate how much we cared.” Such feelings had hit her when she’d given up her muggle love... If Albus hadn’t come across her crying that evening Minerva doubted she’d have recovered as well as she had.

“No parent ever thinks themselves capable enough, though most usually are.” She’d had several ‘concerned’ parents fretting for their children when they were thriving under Hogwarts; children were infinitely tougher than most seemed to think. “I think, if he had truly loved you, and not simply the idea of you, then you would have needed to give up nothing.” Though not aimed at herself those words gave away a great deal of what Minerva thought about her parents. “Magic is a part of who we are, Ms. Evans. We own no one apologies for being born as we are.” she said sternly. “Hmmmm,“ the older witch smiled softly, “Or course you were.” She’d watched those two for years, from her perspective it had been an easy end to see coming.

Every negative thought and feeling Remus had about attending Hogwarts had completely disappeared. Professor McGonagall had answered every question he had, comforting him in a way he didn’t realize he needed. He was thankful of everything she had said to him and he was excited to learn alongside other witches and wizards his age. The one thing he was uncertain of, though, was his placement and why exactly the Sorting Hat placed him in Gryffindor. Remus wasn’t upset by it, but he was positive he would end up in Ravenclaw, even his father believed that. 

After taking a moment to let their conversation sink in, Remus stood from his chair and smiled at Professor McGonagall. “Thank you, Professor. I didn’t realize I needed to have this chat until it happened. I appreciate everything, and I definitely won’t let you down. Since we didn’t think I would be allowed to attend Hogwarts, my father began to home school me a little bit last year, I’ve learned quite a few spells that I hope will impress you.” He was proud to be a little more advanced than his classmates, and hoped it would help him out in the long run, he knew he would be missing classes and he hoped he was far enough ahead to not get too far behind. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll be on my way…” He started, looking away for a moment, then looking back up to her with wide eyes, “I know this might be a little strange… But can I give you a hug?”

Minerva didn’t go out of her way to necessarily comfort her students. She preferred to give them what they needed and sometimes that was tough love or a stern dressing down. In this case though what young Mr. Lupin wanted and what he needed lined up to Minerva needing to assure him of his place within these walls. Hogwarts was always open to those who needed it and for this young man it was no different.

Remus couldn’t help the ever growing smile spreading across his lips as he sunk back in the large chair he was sitting in. Everything he was worried about seemed to vanish, Professor McGonagall had a calming presence about her that lifted a huge weight from his shoulders. His father, although likely meaning well, had drilled so many false ideas in his head that before boarding the Hogwarts Express he wasn’t even sure he wanted to attend the school. He was glad to know he would be in normal classes, with other children and would only have to deal with being absent for a few days each month. Hogwarts was a really wonderful place, even though it took him so long to realize it, and he was happy to be attending.

“I just don’t think he really understands, Professor. I don’t think my father believes Werewolves can be trusted, even though he spent the last six years raising one. He’s told me a lot of witches and wizards felt that way, so I just assumed that the professors here would feel the same.” It was difficult to hear his father say so many negative things about his condition, that he didn’t trust his own son because of somebody else. “I appreciate everybody here at Hogwarts, Professor. For giving me a chance and for trusting me. Adults never look at me like other kids, even if they don’t know. They see the way I look and assume there’s something wrong with me. I promise I won’t let Professor Dumbledore regret having me here.”

Nodding along with her words, Remus had never tried a potion before and was curious about what it would be like to take one. Would he feel differently? What would it taste like? He was sure he wouldn’t need them often, he was used to not sleeping, perhaps only taking a potion before a test or a big event. “I understand.” Remus said with a nod. It was nice to know that they had some extra time to worry about someone finding out, perhaps by third year people will just be so used to Remus’ absences they won’t even put the puzzle together. He was still nervous, especially of the boys in the dorm finding out, but he was sure things would work out in the end, Professor McGonagall seemed to be adamant on that. “I have one more question, Professor… How did the Sorting Hat know I was a Werewolf? He whispered in my ear that I was the first Werewolf he’s ever sorted, can he read minds?”

She raised a brow, again schooling some more harsh words before speaking them aloud. It wasn’t her place to tell the boy his father seemed a bigot. It was, however, her place to send a letter home to him encouraging a change of mind with several useful texts. Students should always be protected by their teachers, during school time and outside of it.

“Your father likely has his reasons and evidence for thinking the way he does, Mr. Lupin. However, you father is also not a member of Hogwarts staff nor on the school board. Therefore he cannot speak for, nor influence the way Professor Dumbledore and the faculty here do things.” she told him, keeping her expression stern despite the grin that seemed to have formed on the boy’s face. “This is no something we need make a fuss of, as I’ve already said, no extra treatment will be provided for you outside that which I have just outlined. This means that not only will you be trusted with classes and assignments like all other pupils here but you shall be expected to complete and excel in them under out tutelage.”

For all Minerva’s sniffing, Lily (and the rest of Gryffindor house) had long ago worked out her fondness for troublemakers. “Ah, but perhaps you’ll be rewarded with another wonderfully intelligent girl like myself,” Lily shrugged modestly, though her eyes sparkled and she imagined Minerva was not unaware that Lily herself had not folllowed all the rules - particularly once she had got on rather better terms with the chief troublemaker in question. “I have indeed heard the Weasley household is rather chaotic these days. And there’s five of them! Doesn’t sound like much respite for you, I’m afraid. It must be nice, though - teaching the children of people you’ve taught before, right?” The sentimental side of her liked the idea, and though she certainly wasn’t thinking of children for herself - that was quite impossible for years yet, if ever - Lily would like to share all the things she’d loved best with a child one day. Hogwarts among them. 

“I didn’t, actually,” Lily said, only just concealing a wide-eyed expression of both surprise and interest. “So you were Muggle-born, Professor?”  For all her admiration of a professor, Lily had barely learnt anything personal about her. She wondered if now she was no longer a student, that might change. As difficult as it was to imagine Minerva being a friend, it was just possible there might come a day Lily could think of her as one. How strange and wonderful that would be. She watched Minerva’s toast, bursting into a smile at the thought, “Yes, so you’ll have to call me Potter, too, from now on.” 

Simply because some students may have inferred she had a slight affection more for a handful of her pupils than others didn’t mean the stern woman was about to admit it. After all, she never let personal feelings get in the way of a student’s education and (almost as importantly) no student had even possessed the guts to try and call her out on it. “Well, we can only pray.” she said with a small smirk on her lips, “Though don’t think I’m not aware of your many little excursions Ms Evans.” For she was still Evans in this moment, “As much as you tamed Mr. Potter, he had a somewhat more chaotic influence upon you.” But that was how love worked, people changed for each other... Though she’d been unable to change for her love. She sighed and took a sip of her tea, “A mixed feeling, I suppose. While it’s encouraging to see proof those I taught became capable enough to raise little ones of their own it does somewhat prove the passing of time.” She was hardly a young woman anymore...

Everything was incredibly overwhelming. First, he was welcomed in to the school by none other than Albus Dumbledore himself. Second, he made his very first friend on the train ride. Third, he was sorted in to Gryffindor, a house he wasn’t entirely sure he belonged in but was ready and willing to prove he was. And now, an adult was telling him he was normal, that he wasn’t going to be given special treatment. Remus almost felt as though he was going to cry, but didn’t want to leave Professor McGonagall’s office with red and puffy eyes, that would just be one more thing for other kids to make fun of him for.   

“I’m really having a hard time wrapping my brain around everything, Professor.” Remus finally spoke after a moment. He was in shock, none of this is what he expected. “My father told me you would need to keep me away from the other children for their safety. I really wasn’t expecting anybody to be so kind to me.” He looked up to Professor McGonagall with wide eyes, a smile slowly growing across his lips. “I’m very thankful, Professor. It truly means a lot to me that you’re willing to treat me as though I’m no different. No one in my life has ever done that before.” All his life he was trapped away and kept as a secret from everyone. But Hogwarts was so different, full of so many opportunities, as long as no one else found out, he was safe and would be accepted by his peers.

Sleeping in the dorms was still a concern, but Professor McGonagall was adamant on the fact he would sleep with the others. Remus nodded, “Perhaps a potion would be helpful. My nightmares aren’t like normal nightmares, they’re really terrible. I… I was attacked in my sleep… It’s hard to get that out of my head.” That night replayed in his dreams almost every night, Remus chose not to sleep most nights so he wouldn’t have to think about it, but since he would be around other children and didn’t want to draw any extra attention to himself, he would need to pretend there was nothing wrong at all. “Can I ask you a question, Professor? What happens if another student finds out about me? Surely there’s some education on werewolves at some point, right? What if someone figures it out?”

Minerva couldn’t imagine what the young boy before her was feeling, she’d never been where he was. Though she could somewhat understand the overwhelming nature of the magical world; it had been a difficult experience for her on some levels. Though, the more she heard, the more Minerva thought she might ask Albus if she could have a word with Mr and Mrs Lupin. They appeared to have drilled a most unhelpful attitude into their son’s head. It was one thing to be cautious of a monthly transformation but another to think yourself unsafe to even be around people.

“Then take some time.” she said after a short pause, “Your father-” Minerva thought a moment before continuing, knowing it wasn’t a teachers place to verbally bash a student’s parent before them... With other members of staff things may be very different, “Has made some incorrect assumptions in regards to Professor Dumbledore and this school. The Headmaster would have not have invited you to attend unless the experience could be as natural for you as it would be any other pupil.” Honestly she wouldn’t even call this a ‘kindness’ so much as taking some necessary extra steps. The Professor took a small breath and offered Remus a surprisingly gentle smile, “Well, you’ll be getting used to it I hope. My attitude shall be echoed by every other member of staff within these castles walls.”

Lily chuckled at her professor’s response, secretly pleased to have such a reputation. It might not be the warmest of praise, but any Gryffindor knew that the dryest compliment from Minerva McGonagall was worth more than the most flowery effusions of anyone else - including Slughorn, who Lily knew was worth visiting for a boost to her ego, if nothing else. So Lily also knew that whatever the Professor said now, a lot of who both James and Lily were now was thanks to what she’d done for them. “What about your students now? Any troublemakers to rival the Marauders? I’m sure there must be some trying to step into their shoes.” 

Tradition or not, Lily knew who she wanted there. She wasn’t much for tradition anyway, saying lightly, “Don’t forget, Professor, I don’t know much about wizarding tradition.” And even if she did, most of them probably didn’t include Muggle-borns. It didn’t matter. They’d make their own traditions. “James and I know what we want. We’re both pretty determined people. So we’d be grateful if you made it easy on us and accepted the invitation,” Lily finished with a grin. “One piece, is that right? Well, we’re doing alright so far. I just hope our luck holds out.” Her voice trailed into uncertainty, not because she doubted James or her own love for him. These were simply difficult times. Who knew what would come their way? 

She made a less than impressed noise and Lily’s question and took a sip of her tea, “I think a quad or troublemakers such as those is a once in a career occurrence. As of yet, none have made a dent in their reputations. Though I hear Ms. Prewett, or Mrs. Weasley rather, has some boys in her household now. If they’re anything like their Uncles some more mischief makers may be on the horizon.” Not that it was anything she couldn’t handle, Minerva (on a level she’d never admit) rather enjoyed the challenge of such spirited students; they were often some of the most academically gifted as well. “Though, that’s some years off as of yet.”

Minerva chuckled quietly before disclosing a rare insight into her own past, “They’re much the same. You may be unaware of this Ms Evans, but I was raised in a muggle household as well.” she told Lily, “The first time I was made aware of my wizarding roots was when an owl came pecking at my family’s kitchen window with a letter attached to its foot.” And it had been an enlightening day; what her mother said had changed Minerva forever, in more ways than one. After taking another sip of her tea and smiled, “I would be most pleased and most honoured to attend your wedding.” With her cup still in hand she toasted the air gently, “MR and Mrs Potter.” She wouldn’t allow either to arrive to their wedding as anything less than whole; this war would not take such happiness from the world.  

His quill still doodling listlessly against his parchment, James stares heavily at the remarkably short list of things he had accomplished. He knew that their wedding was to be small, that was how they both wanted it, but he still had no blasted clue where they were to host such a thing. James knew that he needed to wait until Lily returned, that this was, in fact, something they would work out together, but that didn’t change the fact he felt utterly useless by just sitting at home. 

Unable to stop himself from smirking at just how easily Professor McGonagall had inserted herself into their flat, James begins to stack his rolls of parchment on top of the few scattered Muggle wedding magazines Lily had purchased. In the kitchen, the kettle whistles as it boils, and James ignores at least one of the older woman’s instructions as he pads his way into the kitchen, reaching for the tin of biscuits from inside the pantry. Placing them on the coffee table, he curls himself back into Lily’s lumpy sofa, lifting a brow at the sudden onslaught of questions. “Ate breakfast with Evans this morning. Slept last night. Showered after she left for work,” he answers promptly, although two of his answers were only half-truths. For one, his former professor did not need to know that showering had happened before Lily had left that morning and that it hadn’t exactly been a single person endeavour, nor did she need to know about the nightmares that still plagued his sleep. “I am looking after myself. Or at least Evans is looking after me.”

There was something to be said for working through difficult times, Minerva had done that on several occasions when she’d encountered... difficulties. Most of which had involved her and one muggle farm-boy. But, James Potter didn’t strike her as the type to engage in that method of coping; that he was could be a red flag all its own. All the better she’d stopped by when she had. Teachers didn’t have favourites but this was no longer a student-teacher relationship; James was a young friend and he required her help.

Lily pressed the back of her fingers to her lips to stop a wide smile. The undeniable feeling of being lectured by Minerva McGonagall was one she knew well - if not quite as well as the boys. “You are quite right, of course, Professor. I do have my ways. That said, James is doing very well for himself these days.” Lily let a little bit of hopeless infatuation leak into her voice. It was earnt, when one got engaged, surely. “But I don’t think I need to tell you that. You always knew he’d turn out alright, didn’t you?” Lily had too, really - she’d thought him a bully at times, but for the most part a good sort - she just hadn’t expected her future would lie with his. Now it was near impossible to see it any other way. 

“I’m glad! I don’t think we’d feel properly married if you weren’t there,” Lily said lightly, only half-joking. “Well, I don’t want to stop her from inviting anyone she wants. It might be nice to have more people there. I don’t exactly have an overflowing guest list on my side,” Lily said, face falling into a sorrowful line. She didn’t even know if Petunia would come. There were her friends, the ones she managed to cling onto. Marlene, Mary, Dorcas … Severus was out of the question, even if they were friends again like they had not been in years. The boys would be there. And James. That was all she really needed, but underneath that, she did worry her sister would outright refuse to attend. 

Minerva’s brow rose a little at Lily’s attempt to hide her smile. She was hardly mad, far from it, but old habits died very hard. There were students who’s long since graduated that she still ended up giving instructions to from time to time. And the thing was, the students, past or current always responded just as they would’ve had they still been within their school years. “I suspect you do, several of them depending on the occasion.” she said wryly, shrugging slightly and taking a sip of her tea, “I had an incline that Potter had potential and I wasn’t about to let him waste it on nothing but foolhardy shenanigans while under my tutelage.” Oh there’d been several of those of course (she was likely aware of more than those four boys expected her to be) but her instincts had been right and it seemed all four of them would go on to make something of themselves.

“Come now, it is not a tradition for the head of a former house to attend a wedding,” she said lightly, “Though a family friend who just so happened to be head of the bride and grooms house could have an impact.” It was flattering to be asked, and heartening to know that she’d made an impact on the two of them, such brave kids. “Lily, a wedding is a celebration of a union between two people at its core. You could have half of London there or just a minister and that would not change. Do not value the event by who attends, what matters if you and Potter make it there in one piece.”  

Bending over the parchment spread out across the coffee table, James chews listlessly on his bottom lip, worrying the skin between his teeth. His quill scratches a few notes here and there, but he cannot pretend that his heart was completely in it. While he and Lily were delighted with the thought of their wedding happening sooner, rather than later, there was still the small issue of needing to actually plan the event, particularly on such a tight time scale. Normally James would rely on the planning expertise of his mother; Euphemia was nothing if not a whiz at such things, but his parents still remained in St. Mungo’s, and would do for at least another week.

It wasn’t to say that his parents were in bad shape; Fleamont was still recovering from Dragon Pox and Euphemia had a nasty cough, but James still felt the guilt and stress deep into his bones. And with LIly at work for the day, he had very little to distract him, other than working out exactly where he was supposed to host this wedding. His head perking at the sound at the door and a familiar voice, her accent lilting slightly, James shoots his favourite professor a small smile, quirking his brow at the tin in front of him. “Shouldn’t I be the one offering you a biscuit, professor?” he asks, a tease in his voice, “You are the guest, after all.” 

Well, she recognised that position, she’d seen it on James’ face before (often while attempting to complete a history of magic essay moments before the deadline) but there was no place for sharp rebuttals at this moment. Weddings were not subject to assessment, not on paper at least, and more importantly she suspected that James’ valiant attempts to put forward some work on his impending nuptials were being dogged by the trauma of the loss of his home and hospitalisation of his parents. She’d seen Euphemia not two days ago and while knew the pair would recover that probably did little to keep the boy in front of her from worrying himself grey.  

“Potter, the day I accept a biscuit you made could well be the day I drop dead from shock.” she deadpanned at the other before withdrawing and waving her wand, well acquainted with the place’s layout at this point she magicked a kettle to fill itself with water and sit on the stove to heat while mugs and tea bags flew from the cupboards and arranged themselves. “Besides, I am quite capable of procuring tea while you tidy up your hard work so we might have a talk.” her tone far from abrupt but leaving no space for argument. Sitting in a chair opposite him Minerva crossed her legs, sharp eyes looking James over, “When did you last eat, sleep and bathe in that order?” she asked him.  

Lily laughed in return, knowing she’d spent her own fair amount of time cursing James’ stubborn hardheadedness. (Pot, meet kettle, of course, but she didn’t have to admit to that). Despite that, it had always been quite clear that James was a favourite of their Head of House. That had annoyed Lily once, at least until she’d started relating quite personally to being fond of James Potter. “He still listened to you more than anyone else, Professor,” Lily assured Minerva with a grin of her own. “I might need to call on you for help sometimes.” 

She watched Minerva pour the tea with some nervous anticipation, until Minerva gave one of her rarest smiles, the ones lacking any dry quality. It was exactly what Lily needed to add to the near overflowing emotion that had been welling up for days. “Thank you, Professr. That means a lot coming from you. We do hope you’ll be there, of course.” Since she hadn’t been able to talk to her own parents about her engagement yet, not wanting to ruffle Petunia’s feathers, having it received so well by her Professor was the next best thing. “I’m not sure it’s possible to prepare for that,” Lily admitted ruefully, “But I know how much Euphemia loves James, and how much this will mean to her. So I think I’ll be glad of anything she does. Though perhaps you could gently nudge her towards some of the smaller scale options?” Her voice uplifted hopefully, as Lily patted Minerva’s hand on her shoulder. 

There were very different kinds of stubborn, Minerva had learnt this to some degree both as a Prefect and Headgirl before learning it much more clearly when she began teaching. Both Lily and James were very stubborn in different ways and truthfully she suspected that balanced them out. Balance, that built a strong relationship. “Come now, I didn’t spent seven years educating you only for you to need me to have your own husband step into line. Remember, behind every strong man there is always a powerful woman, and she must always be ready to step in front.”

The world still favoured men, a foolish circumstance but sadly true, still it hadn’t stopped Minerva pursuing a life for herself (though it had cost her much heartache... some still ongoing) and she wasn’t about to allow Lily to do anything less. “My dear I wouldn’t miss it,” she said lightly, “We both know Eumphemia would drag me there by my hat if I dared try and refuse the invitation.” The woman, like her son, was a force to be reckoned with. Minerva took a sip of her tea, already thinking on what sort of gift she could provide the pair with to celebrate the engagement, “There is always a way to prepare Lily. Weddings are no different from other social events, save the fact that this one is planned by yourselves first and your family second. It must be a day as you desire it.” Euphemia would understand, Minerva knew she only wanted to see her son (and now his fiancé happy). “So, in short, if wish Euphemia to be nudged, prepare the charge yourself.” This statement was spoken as if she were assigning homework and accompanied with a wry smile.  

Remus shook his head quickly, “No, I was in my dorm all night, I swear! I wanted to get a head start, I was reading Hogwarts: A History.” Although he wasn’t lying, he hoped Professor McGonagall believed him, he desperately wanted to learn and didn’t want any trouble on his first day. He was glad to hear that he wasn’t in trouble, but that didn’t make him any less nervous. If he wasn’t in trouble, then what did the head of Gryffindor herself want from him?

As she spoke, it began to make sense. “Oh…” He said softly as McGonagall admitted she knew of his condition. He avoided eye contact, unsure of what would come next. But it was quite a surprise when she promised she would keep it a secret. His eyes grew wide as he finally glanced up at her, almost sure the shock he was feeling was plastered all over his face. Never in his life did anybody treat him as though he was a normal child, not even his own parents, and now here he was, surrounded by adults that knew he was different but had no plans on treating him as such. They all just wanted him to learn, they wanted him to have a normal childhood, nobody had wanted that for him before in his entire life. “You’re not scared of me?” He asked softly, “You don’t think I need to be locked away in a classroom on my own?” His father told him he would likely be isolated while he was at Hogwarts, and Remus wouldn’t have minded that as long as he was able to learn. That’s all he really wanted, an education, and he was willing to do whatever he needed to get that. But having Professor McGonagall treat him like she would any other child was overwhelming. “I’m not sure about sleeping in the dormitories, though… I have night terrors… Horrible nightmares, I wouldn’t want to keep other children awake.” Remus fidgeted with his fingers and looked away again, “Thank you, Professor.” His voice was soft once again, “I really didn’t expect everybody to be so nice to me.”

“Then you have nothing to be concerned with.” she told him simply. “Hogwarts is a fair school, Mr. Lupin. We encourage equal opportunities for all within and as such there is no reason for you to assume yourself guilty when you know perfectly well you’ve committed no wrong.” Minerva suspected Remus would likely always assume himself guilty due to his condition; she hoped with words like this and an encouraging example he may be able to break himself of that habit.

The Transfiguration Professor watched him carefully as she spoke, even more so after she’d finished. This was all incredibly new to him, truth be told it was just as new to her as well and likely all other members of staff within the school. However, Minerva had learned that in the space of something new one could either reject it entirely or accommodate it. She choose to follow Albus’ example and make Mr. Lupin feel as at home within their walls as any other student; he deserved no less and no more. “Of course not. Surely you know more than anyone that your condition only affects you for the duration of a full moon and roughly three days following. For the rest of the time you’re not different than any of my other students. And like other students you will eat, learn and sleep in the same space, forging friendships that will last a lifetime.”  

Dear Mr. Lupin,

If you could please join me in my office after breakfast, I would like to have a chat with you.

Professor McGonagall

Remus stared down at the parchment, he was sure he was as pale as a ghost and his eyes were bugged out of his head. He nudged Peter, who was sitting directly beside him at the Gryffindor table, and shoved the letter in his hands. It came to no surprise that Peter didn’t have anything to say, but his eyes reflected a million questions. “D'you think I’m in trouble?” Remus asked quietly, trying not to stir up much attention. Peter shrugged in response, but looked just as terrified as Remus did.

“Trouble? Who’s in trouble?” One of the other first year Gryffindor student asked. Remus recognized him as Sirius Black, one of the more rowdy boys. Sirius stood from the table and snatched the letter from him and Peter, “Lupin, you? You’re already in trouble? What did you do?”

Remus simply shrugged, “I don’t know. I suppose I’ll let you know once I find out.” An answer that didn’t seem to satisfy Sirius, as he let out a little huff while sitting back down in his seat. The rest of breakfast seemed to go by much quicker than he would have liked, and before he knew it, Remus was standing outside of Professor McGonagall’s office. He raised a trembling fist to the door and knocked three times, then let himself in at her voice. He glanced around at all of the bits and bobs in her office, trying not to stare at anything too long as it might come across as rude, and sat himself down in the chair in front of her desk. He tried his best to make himself comfortable, but he was so on edge it seemed impossible. Nodding at her words, he attempted a smile, “Yes ma'am. Professor. Er - Am I in trouble?” He figured it would be best to just ask outright instead of beating around the bush.

Minerva took little time to think how her letter might affect the boy around the breakfast table, keeping written correspondence secret was a lesson all children should learn. She beckoned the young man inside and the smile seemed to be more of a grimace if anything; suffice to say, he was nervous. But, Minerva couldn’t help but say, “Professor will do. And do you feel you’ve done anything that is worth being in trouble for, Mr. Lupin?” She let the question sit for a moment, “I should hope that you aren’t engaging in any such activities on your first day?”

Being on the Hogwarts grounds again was always a cause of joy, but Lily’s smile was wider than ever as she made her way to Professor McGonagall’s office. Knocking on her door near transported Lily back to being a student here - but for that shine of a ring on her finger, so clearly visible when she raised her hand. It had only been days since James had proposed, and the sensation of looking at it was still newly thrilling. 

Inside, Lily took a seat, hearing the affection in Minerva’s dry voice with fondness.  “It’s good to see you again, Professor. Training is going well - though you know James only listens to you. I’ve had no end of trouble from him.” She was smiling brightly, Lily knew, overcome with excitement and the desire to share it. “We wanted you to be one of the first to know, actually. James and I - we’re getting married.” From Minerva’s perspective, they might seem too young, but Lily was only barely conscious of that, a slight twinge of anxiety underneath her enthusiasm, considering how much she’d always looked up to her professor. Sure, she was fond of old Sluggy, too, and certainly admired him as a potioneer, but she couldn’t quite respect him as a person that way she had Professor McGonagall, from her very first year Lily’s model of a witch. 

“Potter has that most magical of abilities to completely render himself deaf during several times when I speak.” she said, a wry grin pulling at her lips. Truthfully she’d always been fond of the boy, even before his attendance to Hogwarts, such spirit, though his head had been in dire need of some deflating. Luckily it seemed his rag-tag group of friends and Lily herself had been instrumental in ensuring that happened.

Minerva turned to pour both of them a cut of the now boiled tea, having just finished filling Lily’s cup she paused and looked at the other, eyes going wide at hearing her news, they were both so young. “That it-” she paused a moment, placed the pot down and offered the young girl a small, but sincere smile, “That is wonderful news my girl, I’m so very happy for both of you.” The other’s news hit harder than it should’ve, if only because Minerva had turned down yet another proposal offer from Elphinstone not two days ago; here she was holding off her affections while two children were ready to grip one another tight and take the plunge. She walked over and put a hand on the other’s shoulder, “Truly, I am. Though I must ask, are you quite prepared for the no doubt mammoth celebration Euphemia shall be throwing?”

observation: mcgonagall is far too sensible and rational to let herself be seen doing something human while in cat form, especially if she’s spying on people