Post by Sensiblyquirky on Nov 23, 2005 16:14:15 GMT -5
Title: When The Leaves Change
Summary: In the fall of 1956 Minerva McGonagall finds herself a visitor at Hogwarts Castle to see to her ailing father. What at first was thought to be a short trip turns into so much more.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Rating: 13+
A/N: I have been working on this story for awhile now, and finally gave into temptation to post the first chapter. The story will be long, and I promise to try my best on the updates. The first person narrative is in fashion after Charlotte Bronte, however I will fail in comparison to her. Thank you to Lies for all her help!
I can still remember the way my hands flew over the keys: bending and striking in seamless motions. Upon mastering a song my eyes would close in an effort to block the outside world so that the notes could wrap around me as the melody carried me through time and space. The movements of my aging hands are not as smooth as they once were, leaving me less and less with the ability to make the sounds I love; but the years have not taken my memories.
I played the piano not merely for the sound it produced or the love for music, but rather as a means of escape. Concentrating on my music allowed me to forget, if briefly, the home I lived in and the reality I faced. I still quiver in the anticipation of being suspended through time. I used to live for those moments.
My familial home was an old estate outlined by ivy winding up its walls, surrounded by acres of land I loved to wander as a child. The inside of the house was austere and often cold due to the expanse of the edifice, except for the formal receiving hall. By the time I was born the room was no longer used for its original purpose; many old wizarding families had lost the prominence of old and their constant advice was rarely sought, and my family was no exception. Large windows line the vertical walls of the room allowing sunbeams to stream into the space almost from the moment the sun rises till it sets. Above and beyond the warmth what drew me to the room was the solitude I could find when I escaped to its walls. It was this room I deemed my music room.
By far the largest piece in the scarcely furnished room my piano was beautiful in its simple grandeur: the stained wood was similar to the cherrywood floors on which it stood, but the wood had been inlaid to create diagonal lines occasionally coming together as diamonds. My mother chose the piano for our home the year after my birth, because it resembled an antique harpsichord she had admired as a child. I consider it the greatest decision my mother ever made, for it became my most beloved object.
My father disapproved of the number of hours I would spend in front of my piano, and I’m convinced only my excellent grades in school and my mother’s early death kept him from banning the activity all together. Since school was not particularly difficult and I enjoyed it far better than my elder brother, Adonis, or any of my peers, my father could not blame failing grades on my music. Upon my mother’s death my father accepted a job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Ancient Runes Professor, which limited the amount of time he spent around me. So throughout my childhood my piano was my greatest friend; our ability to survive separating situations I found to be quite heroic at the time.
A bright head-strong girl I immediately entered into the war effort after leaving Hogwarts, and was stationed on the continent. For the most part my work centered in France, and then in the year nineteen hundred forty-five I was relocated to Germany. I will not spend much time on the war years here, but I will say this: I thought I would never work with a finer group of individuals again. It was not until I returned home and to my piano, after nearly three years without the time to play, did I weep for what I had seen.
In an attempt to return to some normalcy I immersed myself in the world of Academia for the following ten years, first in the capacity of student for an advanced transfiguration degree and then as an assistant on a research project centered around Animagi. With the completion of our research I returned home in the spring of fifty-six to rest, and decide on my next course of action. My intention had been to spend much of, if not the entire, year in relative solitude with only the house-elves, my piano, and a few well placed visitors as my companions. I almost made it, but in the third week of October everything changed.
Quite happily engrossed in Schubert’s Impromptu in A-flat minor, Op. 90, No. 4 I tried to ignore the vague disturbance that was echoing down the hall. No one was expected that morning, nor that afternoon, so I allowed the wings of optimism to carry me away. Abruptly optimism disposed of me and flew off to another in the sound of my brother’s voice.
“Minerva? I did not realize you still played, but if I could have your attention there is a matter of the utmost importance we need to discuss.” Impeccably dressed in robes of the darkest blue with his hair tied back with a ribbon Adonis’ frame loomed before me. Without looking I knew that my brother’s grey eyes had narrowed when I continued to play heedless of his request.
“I am a busy man, Minerva, do not waste my time.”
“Adonis, it would behoove you not to add to the multitude of reasons I have for wishing to continue.” For another minute I forced him to wait before removing my hands from the keys, and redirecting my gaze.
“I had hoped your manners would have improved in the last ten years, but I see I was mistaken-“
“It would not be the first time,”
“If you would let me continue I could be gone from here much quicker, something we would both enjoy.” Seeing I had nothing further to say he smirked in his fashion, and carried on.
“I received startling news from Hogwarts this morning. It seems father has taken ill, and is in no condition to be moved. As such Headmaster Dippet has requested that a member of the family travel to Hogwarts immediately on the pretence that father may not pull through the next week. Since I have my affairs and Alyssa to worry about, and you are currently unemployed you should go.”
“For how long,” I asked.
“Depends on how long the old man hangs on, days or weeks. Don’t worry about the will. I placed a call to the necessary people this morning, and plans are being made.”
Shocked I could only stare at my brother; we had always been vastly different but he held a particular gleam in his eye that would suggest he hoped I was only at Hogwarts for a few days.
“Don’t seem so shocked sister dear. This estate is worth a fortune, as is father’s vault and you are entitled to half.”
“You make me sick. Exactly how long have you been hoping for father to die, or should I request an investigation into his illness. Perhaps you slipped something into his wine during your weekly suppers, my brother the potions genius.”
“Now you are being utterly ridiculous. I am not that stupid, and I happen to be sitting on a nice bit of money myself. I think it best you leave this evening. Dippet has requested you apparate into the Three Broomsticks, and a carriage will take you from there to the castle. Before you ask I have no idea why he did not suggest you floo into his office.” Adonis pulled on the left sleeve of his robe, an action of anxiety he started to employ when he was a child, and then reached for his pocket watch awaiting any further questions.
Rising from my stool I moved to the window closest to me, and leaned against its frame looking out on the grounds. “Inform the Headmaster that I will arrive at the Three Broomsticks at exactly eight o’clock, and to have a carriage awaiting me. Also, if asleep I will not see father tonight but await the morning. Do you wish to be kept informed?”
“An owl every few days if you are there for an indefinite period of time will suffice.”
“Let me see you out.” Silently Adonis and I moved down the corridor toward the living room fireplace. Once before it we shook hands briefly, “Give my best to Alyssa.”
“Okay, I’ll inform the Headmaster immediately. I expect an owl by Saturday at the latest,” and with that he disappeared in the green flames. In turn I immediately called my house elf, “Minky!”
Adorned in a green pillow case edged with lace a motherly elf immediately appeared with a soft pop. Large Blue eyes widened in excitement at the prospect of aiding her mistress. “How may Minky serve her mistress?”
“Kindly prepare a picnic basket for lunch, and then I’m afraid we will need to make arrangements for traveling. I’m sorry to do this to you once again.”
“Minky is most happy to go where her mistress does. Minky could not possibly stay behind.” Smiling I patted my elf on her small shoulder: she was always so eager. “You are invaluable to me Minky.”
The rest of the day passed too quickly for my taste since I was busy preparing for my leave. As the last of my luggage was shrunk and carefully placed in my pocket a deafening clap of thunder rang through the air, and the first heavy raindrop fell to the ground. I had hoped I would be afforded clear skies for my carriage ride to the castle, but my wish had not been granted. Looking around one last time I took a deep breath to inhale the unique scent of my sitting room. Minky’s grunts of frustration, the flowers she pinned to her pillow case refused to stay straight, the sound of the clock ticking away the seconds and minutes of the fading day, and the raging storm outside invaded my thoughts. I needed to move, waiting in the pub would be better than waiting at home I reasoned.
“Minky go ahead to the Three Broomsticks, I’m right behind you.” Lifting the hood of my cloak up to cover my head I made for the fireplace.
The pub was already crowded and smoky by the time I arrived, and I had a time wading through the mass to get to the door. Headmaster Dippet could not have made a more favorable impression when the carriage was outside the pub fifteen minutes early.
“Are ye Ms. McGonagall? I’m Argus Filch the school caretaker, and Headmaster Dippet has sent me to take you to the castle.”
“I am she, and thank you Mr. Filch.”
Entering the carriage I heard my driver mumble I was the right kind of woman, because I packed lightly. Luckily for Mr. Filch prudence intervened and I did not enlarge my bags in response; I wanted to get settled in the castle at a reasonable hour and perhaps see father.
The strength of the winds rocked the carriage as the rains beat against it in my ascent to the school. The road was anything but smooth, and I was pitched more than once to the opposite side of the coach. It had been over ten years since I had last seen the castle, and my first glimpse that night was the product of a flash of lighting. Every light appeared to be on, but that could not diminish the eerie feeling I felt looking out my window. The thrashing of the trees and the howling of the wind seemed ominous in my mind; I knew then that my world was closing in on me in the shape of Hogwarts’ massive doors, and that my stay would not be short.
Summary: In the fall of 1956 Minerva McGonagall finds herself a visitor at Hogwarts Castle to see to her ailing father. What at first was thought to be a short trip turns into so much more.
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Rating: 13+
A/N: I have been working on this story for awhile now, and finally gave into temptation to post the first chapter. The story will be long, and I promise to try my best on the updates. The first person narrative is in fashion after Charlotte Bronte, however I will fail in comparison to her. Thank you to Lies for all her help!
I can still remember the way my hands flew over the keys: bending and striking in seamless motions. Upon mastering a song my eyes would close in an effort to block the outside world so that the notes could wrap around me as the melody carried me through time and space. The movements of my aging hands are not as smooth as they once were, leaving me less and less with the ability to make the sounds I love; but the years have not taken my memories.
I played the piano not merely for the sound it produced or the love for music, but rather as a means of escape. Concentrating on my music allowed me to forget, if briefly, the home I lived in and the reality I faced. I still quiver in the anticipation of being suspended through time. I used to live for those moments.
My familial home was an old estate outlined by ivy winding up its walls, surrounded by acres of land I loved to wander as a child. The inside of the house was austere and often cold due to the expanse of the edifice, except for the formal receiving hall. By the time I was born the room was no longer used for its original purpose; many old wizarding families had lost the prominence of old and their constant advice was rarely sought, and my family was no exception. Large windows line the vertical walls of the room allowing sunbeams to stream into the space almost from the moment the sun rises till it sets. Above and beyond the warmth what drew me to the room was the solitude I could find when I escaped to its walls. It was this room I deemed my music room.
By far the largest piece in the scarcely furnished room my piano was beautiful in its simple grandeur: the stained wood was similar to the cherrywood floors on which it stood, but the wood had been inlaid to create diagonal lines occasionally coming together as diamonds. My mother chose the piano for our home the year after my birth, because it resembled an antique harpsichord she had admired as a child. I consider it the greatest decision my mother ever made, for it became my most beloved object.
My father disapproved of the number of hours I would spend in front of my piano, and I’m convinced only my excellent grades in school and my mother’s early death kept him from banning the activity all together. Since school was not particularly difficult and I enjoyed it far better than my elder brother, Adonis, or any of my peers, my father could not blame failing grades on my music. Upon my mother’s death my father accepted a job at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as the Ancient Runes Professor, which limited the amount of time he spent around me. So throughout my childhood my piano was my greatest friend; our ability to survive separating situations I found to be quite heroic at the time.
A bright head-strong girl I immediately entered into the war effort after leaving Hogwarts, and was stationed on the continent. For the most part my work centered in France, and then in the year nineteen hundred forty-five I was relocated to Germany. I will not spend much time on the war years here, but I will say this: I thought I would never work with a finer group of individuals again. It was not until I returned home and to my piano, after nearly three years without the time to play, did I weep for what I had seen.
In an attempt to return to some normalcy I immersed myself in the world of Academia for the following ten years, first in the capacity of student for an advanced transfiguration degree and then as an assistant on a research project centered around Animagi. With the completion of our research I returned home in the spring of fifty-six to rest, and decide on my next course of action. My intention had been to spend much of, if not the entire, year in relative solitude with only the house-elves, my piano, and a few well placed visitors as my companions. I almost made it, but in the third week of October everything changed.
Quite happily engrossed in Schubert’s Impromptu in A-flat minor, Op. 90, No. 4 I tried to ignore the vague disturbance that was echoing down the hall. No one was expected that morning, nor that afternoon, so I allowed the wings of optimism to carry me away. Abruptly optimism disposed of me and flew off to another in the sound of my brother’s voice.
“Minerva? I did not realize you still played, but if I could have your attention there is a matter of the utmost importance we need to discuss.” Impeccably dressed in robes of the darkest blue with his hair tied back with a ribbon Adonis’ frame loomed before me. Without looking I knew that my brother’s grey eyes had narrowed when I continued to play heedless of his request.
“I am a busy man, Minerva, do not waste my time.”
“Adonis, it would behoove you not to add to the multitude of reasons I have for wishing to continue.” For another minute I forced him to wait before removing my hands from the keys, and redirecting my gaze.
“I had hoped your manners would have improved in the last ten years, but I see I was mistaken-“
“It would not be the first time,”
“If you would let me continue I could be gone from here much quicker, something we would both enjoy.” Seeing I had nothing further to say he smirked in his fashion, and carried on.
“I received startling news from Hogwarts this morning. It seems father has taken ill, and is in no condition to be moved. As such Headmaster Dippet has requested that a member of the family travel to Hogwarts immediately on the pretence that father may not pull through the next week. Since I have my affairs and Alyssa to worry about, and you are currently unemployed you should go.”
“For how long,” I asked.
“Depends on how long the old man hangs on, days or weeks. Don’t worry about the will. I placed a call to the necessary people this morning, and plans are being made.”
Shocked I could only stare at my brother; we had always been vastly different but he held a particular gleam in his eye that would suggest he hoped I was only at Hogwarts for a few days.
“Don’t seem so shocked sister dear. This estate is worth a fortune, as is father’s vault and you are entitled to half.”
“You make me sick. Exactly how long have you been hoping for father to die, or should I request an investigation into his illness. Perhaps you slipped something into his wine during your weekly suppers, my brother the potions genius.”
“Now you are being utterly ridiculous. I am not that stupid, and I happen to be sitting on a nice bit of money myself. I think it best you leave this evening. Dippet has requested you apparate into the Three Broomsticks, and a carriage will take you from there to the castle. Before you ask I have no idea why he did not suggest you floo into his office.” Adonis pulled on the left sleeve of his robe, an action of anxiety he started to employ when he was a child, and then reached for his pocket watch awaiting any further questions.
Rising from my stool I moved to the window closest to me, and leaned against its frame looking out on the grounds. “Inform the Headmaster that I will arrive at the Three Broomsticks at exactly eight o’clock, and to have a carriage awaiting me. Also, if asleep I will not see father tonight but await the morning. Do you wish to be kept informed?”
“An owl every few days if you are there for an indefinite period of time will suffice.”
“Let me see you out.” Silently Adonis and I moved down the corridor toward the living room fireplace. Once before it we shook hands briefly, “Give my best to Alyssa.”
“Okay, I’ll inform the Headmaster immediately. I expect an owl by Saturday at the latest,” and with that he disappeared in the green flames. In turn I immediately called my house elf, “Minky!”
Adorned in a green pillow case edged with lace a motherly elf immediately appeared with a soft pop. Large Blue eyes widened in excitement at the prospect of aiding her mistress. “How may Minky serve her mistress?”
“Kindly prepare a picnic basket for lunch, and then I’m afraid we will need to make arrangements for traveling. I’m sorry to do this to you once again.”
“Minky is most happy to go where her mistress does. Minky could not possibly stay behind.” Smiling I patted my elf on her small shoulder: she was always so eager. “You are invaluable to me Minky.”
The rest of the day passed too quickly for my taste since I was busy preparing for my leave. As the last of my luggage was shrunk and carefully placed in my pocket a deafening clap of thunder rang through the air, and the first heavy raindrop fell to the ground. I had hoped I would be afforded clear skies for my carriage ride to the castle, but my wish had not been granted. Looking around one last time I took a deep breath to inhale the unique scent of my sitting room. Minky’s grunts of frustration, the flowers she pinned to her pillow case refused to stay straight, the sound of the clock ticking away the seconds and minutes of the fading day, and the raging storm outside invaded my thoughts. I needed to move, waiting in the pub would be better than waiting at home I reasoned.
“Minky go ahead to the Three Broomsticks, I’m right behind you.” Lifting the hood of my cloak up to cover my head I made for the fireplace.
The pub was already crowded and smoky by the time I arrived, and I had a time wading through the mass to get to the door. Headmaster Dippet could not have made a more favorable impression when the carriage was outside the pub fifteen minutes early.
“Are ye Ms. McGonagall? I’m Argus Filch the school caretaker, and Headmaster Dippet has sent me to take you to the castle.”
“I am she, and thank you Mr. Filch.”
Entering the carriage I heard my driver mumble I was the right kind of woman, because I packed lightly. Luckily for Mr. Filch prudence intervened and I did not enlarge my bags in response; I wanted to get settled in the castle at a reasonable hour and perhaps see father.
The strength of the winds rocked the carriage as the rains beat against it in my ascent to the school. The road was anything but smooth, and I was pitched more than once to the opposite side of the coach. It had been over ten years since I had last seen the castle, and my first glimpse that night was the product of a flash of lighting. Every light appeared to be on, but that could not diminish the eerie feeling I felt looking out my window. The thrashing of the trees and the howling of the wind seemed ominous in my mind; I knew then that my world was closing in on me in the shape of Hogwarts’ massive doors, and that my stay would not be short.
I like the style; it's different and...yeah. Refreshing, I guess. (Haven't read Charlotte Bronte.) Very much looking forward to the next chapter. I especially liked your detailed background of Minerva and her piano playing (her brother's a little scary). When does Albus appear on the scene? 
)... Have told you this before, but I'll say it again; I think this is an enourmously well-written and fascinating fic and I hope on a new update soon ;D!
