First Impressions

[beMMADfabulous]

ARMANDO! Darn you! lol

"The couple was instantaneously about six feet apart." haha I loved that.

[crystalpheonixeyes]

HaHaHaHaHa that was insane! I love it! Darn Armando for walking in!!!!

[Leaves of Green]

Can't wait to see what's next!

[blackmagic]

I have hit a bit of writer's block with this odd little ficlet. I am now pleading for feedback. Let's see if this fic can't be salvaged.

The tabby cat kept running. Down the stairs, out of the castle, over the grounds - just running. Minerva's mind was spinning and she wanted to get away above all else. Had she not become tangled in some vines by the herbology greenhouses, she may have run all the way to Hogsmead which was no great distance, but quite a trek for a small cat. Currently, she was trashing around and yowling, hopelessly entangled in a vine. 'What a fine mess I'm in,' Minerva thought bitterly as she tugged and pulled the stubborn vines. She had dismissed returning to her human form due to her current position and the fact that the grounds were crawling with students.

'What a lovely day. I've sat on a very sharp tack, discovered that my students hate me, have been found in a compromising position with my boss whom I do not like, and am mere moments away returning to my human form and being happened upon by some students while stuck in a vine with my skirt over my head. Delightful!' She was too preoccupied with her tirade which was as of that moment a series of hisses and other angry cat noises to notice that she was not alone.

"Are you hurt, Kitty?" a small voice asked. Minerva quieted as an equally small hand slowly inched in her direction.

"I'll help you if you promise not to scratch me. OK?" the small voice said as the hands reached slowly for the vines trapping Minerva's legs. They worked quickly and soon Minerva was free. "There you go. You're free, Kitty." the voice announced.

Minerva was finally able to look up and see her savior. She was shocked to see one of her own students standing before her. Lily Evans had been the only one who had not erupted into fits of riotous laughter when Minerva had had the misfortune to sit on the tack Lucius Malfoy had placed on her chair. Minerva felt she needed to show this girl some gratitude, so she did the only thing a happy cat can do - she rubbed against her legs and purred loudly. She was more than happy when Lily picked her up and carried her to a blanket where she had set up a small easel, a pad of thick paper, and some watercolors. Some of her classmates had gathered as well and they were all talking about their first classes.

"What do you think of Flitwick?" said thin boy with unruly brown hair asked. His name was James Potter as Minerva recalled.

"He's OK, I guess," a pale athletic boy with very dark features, aptly named Serius Black, replied "only I hope we use the book more. I mean our parents did have to buy the thing."

"I agree," the blond Remus Lupin answered. " It's crazy to buy it and then not use it. Speaking of crazy, what do you think of our Flying instructor? Who is she? Madame Hooch?"

As the student continued on, Minerva could not believe her luck. I was like having access to a treasure trove of what students want. Not to mention that hearing their comments on Rolanda had a certain element of validation to them. Then she heard her own name mentioned.

"What about Professor McGonagall? I felt bad for her," Lupin said. the two boys agreed in silence, but they seemed to be pressuring James about something. "Go on," Lupin said to James as he elbowed him in the ribs, "tell this cat what you told me at lunch. She looks interested."

Indeed the cat was very interested.

"I think she's pretty, OK!" blurted out a red faced James Potter. Minerva was stunned. It had never occurred to her that she may be seen by anyone as attractive, least of all her students. Yet there all of these boys stood agreeing with James.

"McGonagall's gorgeous!"

"I don't mind the work so much because I get to look at her for the whole class."

Lily had remained silent throughout this entire discussion, but she had now reached her limit. "Enough already! If you felt so strongly about it then why didn't you help her in class today. Why didn't you tell her about the tack? I tried, but she couldn't see me. If you like her so much then why did you laugh at her? I didn't. You allowed her to get hurt and embarrassed on her first day. In my eyes, you're just as guilty as Malfoy," she sneered and held the little tabby closer to her, receiving purrs and snuggles from it in return. Everything went silent and Lily returned to her painting of Hogwarts. Then someone else joined the group.

"That was quite a show of support for our new Transfiguration professor, Miss Evans," Armando said warmly. He and Albus were standing at the edge of the students' picnic blanket. "I hope you find a way of letting her know that you feel that way. I heard about what happened in class today and your assessment of her feelings may very well be accurate."

Albus was doing his best not to get involved in any conversations having to do with Minerva when he noticed the small tabby cat in Lily's arms. It looked all too familiar to both him and Armando. "Aren't you a beauty?" he said to the cat with a knowing grin. The cat immediately started to crouch further into Lily's arms and hiss at his outstretched hand.

"I'm sorry Professor, she wasn't like that before," Lily said apologetically, "Be nice to Professor Dumbledore. He's a very nice man who wants to be your friend. He's just telling you how pretty you are." The cat gave Albus a scowl. Awkwardness had reached new heights for one Minerva Mcgonagall - a student had just unknowingly approved of Albus' resent conduct.

"It isn't your fault Miss Evans, maybe I was too forward with her," Albus said looking straight at the cat. "Hopefully she'll allow me to be closer to her in the future. What's her name?"

Lily looked unsure. "She must have a name," Armando said "What shall we call her?"

The group tossed out several name ideas before Albus said "Minerva" almost to himself. The group fell silent. "Won't she be insulted if we name a cat after her?" Remus asked.

"We don't mean it in a bad way. The cat is pretty and so is she," Serius added.

"I agree, the professor is quite a beauty as well," Albus said, oblivious to the stares he was getting. The cat was too stunned to even hiss at him. Oh, if only cats could blush...

"And it looks like her in a sort of cat-like way." Lily said breaking the awkward pause and pointing to the cat's almost bewildered face. " Her eyes are green like Professor McGonagall's and look at the marking on her face. Don't they look like Professor McGonagall's glasses?" They all agreed and the cat was officially named Minerva.

Armando and Albus left the group to their picnic. Once they were out of range Armando said "So much for subtlety, Casanova. Beware of that cat's claws."

Albus fained innocence.

"We really must work on that foot-in-mouth disorder or she'll think you're 'crackers' forever." Armando muttered.

They both seemed to forget that cats, including the newly-christened "Minerva", have excellent hearing.

[osusprinks]

Oh great update! I'm glad you are getting over your block! I really liked that you used the students. Lily was great and I can now see James trying to make it up to Minerva for the tack thing. Thanks for sharing!

[Trulyamused]

Hmmm. Interesting situation. Poor Min.

Hope to read more soon.

Truly

[Jessabelle]

Haha! I love Aramando in this fic. Great update! I can't wait for more!
- Jess

[robyn]

Hey, this is such a wonderful fic, I enjoyed every part of it.
Now maybe the girls can help Armando with Albus' "communication problems", Hooch can surely give him some hints. Plus the girls are really cute to read about.

Anyways, you are doing a splendind job, go on!
Rob.

[crystalpheonixeyes]

That was wonderful! I like how Minerva reacted to Albus. Please update soon.

[zoeteproet]

Ahahaha, I loved this update, you always succeed in making my laugh with this fic.

[blackmagic]

It's short. I know. It's barely worth it, but it's all I have to give you right now. I simply can't get around this writer's block. Now back to Hogwarts with you!

The students had returned to their classes, leaving one small tabby to contemplate the events of her day. Minerva McGonagall was still reeling from her encounters with the Deputy Headmaster.At the risk of proving Rolanda Hooch correct, she was not exactly sure how she felt about him at this moment in time. She was mid-thought when she was snatched up by a pair of strong talons. She looked up, hissing and scratching like there was no tomorrow, and saw the golden belly and red wings and tail of a phoenix. Her throughly un-phased attacker soared through the air toward his master's private chambers.

"Figaro! Figaro, Figaro! FI-GA-RO!"

Mozart's aria rang through the rooms in fractured glory as sung by one Albus Dumbledore, who was presently enjoying a bath. He had a cerulean blue shower cap on his head which was charmed with bubbles on it that moved and popped. There was also a charmed rubber ducky swimming around and quacking also with Albus' interpretation of the Marriage of Figaro. Fawkes, Albus' deeply devoted phoenix, came floating in singing along as well. He floated over the tub and dropped his cargo into the water. An instant later, a very human Minerva popped up from the water, gasping for air.

"Oh Merlin! I'm so sorry!" she stammered.

She blushed fiercely and hopped out of the tub as Albus strategically arranged bubbles. She ran from the room without even casting a drying charm on herself. Albus hurriedly got out of the bath, wrapped himself in his crimson bathrobe, and went after her, following the stream of water left by her soaking wet robes. "Minerva! Minerva, wait!" he called after her.

Albus followed her out of his chambers, down one hall and then another, beyond the gargoyle, and up the stairs to Headmaster Dippit's office. He reached the doorway just in time to hear her say, "I'd like to submit my resignation."

[Trulyamused]

Worth it!!??

Absolutely.

This packed a punch. It's excellent.

I glad Albus had a big bath tub. Love the rubber duck.

I hope to read more very soon.

Truly

[osusprinks]

That was awesome! I love Fawkes. The bathtime description was great. I love the phrase "fractured glory" to describe Albus singing. Great job! Thanks for sharing!

~OSUSprinks

[blackmagic]

I'm back! Tell me honestly, did you miss me? Well, no matter. I return you now to Hogwarts.

Armando truly had no idea what to think as he took in the image before him - a soggy and flustered professor asking to leave his employ. "Why do you wish to leave Professor McGonagall?" Armando asked as he cautiously cast a drying charm on the shivering woman. Minerva lowered her head and stared at her feet, but before she could answer a loud sneeze and a squawking bird could be heard at the door. With a wave of Armando's wand, the door flew open and Albus, still wearing his shower cap, and Fawkes tumbled into the room. Armando noticed the blush in Minerva's cheeks and Albus' awkward expression. "What have you done to her, Albus?" Armando asked more than a little annoyed.

"It wasn't me! It was Fawkes!" Albus said not taking his pleading eyes off of Minerva. He felt so guilty for making her hurt so much.
Fawkes apparently did too because he flew to her side and sang her a lovely song.

"He didn't do anything. His phoenix found me in my animagus form and picked me up and flew about with me. He dropped me off in Alb... in Professor Dumbledore's bathtub. It was occupied at the time," Minerva said, finding her voice and the ability to make eye contact once again. "I don't believe I'm cut on for this position, or this line of work. Today proved that to me. That is the reason I am resigning."

Armando Dippit smiled at the scared, embarrassed young woman trying so desperately to be strong. He began to speak in the warm, calming matter Minerva remembered from her school days at Hogwarts. "You are forgetting one thing, Ms. McGonagall; I have to accept your resignation." Minerva's heart sank. How could he justify trapping her here. "I have never known you to give up so easily. I believe this is the stress of the day talking and not the strong, intelligent, and very adaptable young professor I hired. All of this is understandable. You do have quite a pair of shoes to fill," he said nodding to his dripping deputy still holding his rubber duck. "but I believe you are more than capable. Give it two weeks. If you still are not comfortable here, then you will be free to go. You have some supporters, Miss McGonagall, and not all of them stand in this room with you."

After a pause Minerva excused herself. Albus was about two do the same when his employer called him back. "Put some clothes on Mr. Bathing Beauty, we have a lot of work to do on you. I can't have you scaring away all of my new staff." Armando turned and, noticing the duck asked Albus what in the name of Merlin it was. Albus broken into a silly grin. " It's a charmed replica of a muggle bath toy. I just picked it up."

"What's its name?"

"Crackers."

[osusprinks]

Crackers? What a great name. I'm so glad he didn't accept her resignation. I hope she'll be more than comfortable in two weeks. Thanks for sharing!

And of course we missed you!

[blackmagic]

I'm still stuck with this fic. Any help, advice assistance, whatever is greatly appreciated. I'm not talking proof reading I'm talking plot line. Please come to my aid or this fic may not reach an end.

Anyway....

As Minerva walked slowly back to her chambers looking quite defeated, she heard soft crying and some arguing. She stayed out of sight and watched from the shadows as a small group of friends bickered. "Stop crying, Lily, it's just some dumb cat. It'll come back if it wants to," Remus snapped. Lily continued to cry.

"I miss my cat. I miss Minerva," Lily whimpered. In her hand was a small braided collar in shades of green. With a few more cold words, Remus, Serius, and James had left Lily alone to be miserable. She cried harder.

"Is there any way I may be of help to you, Ms. McGonagall?" Armando said, startling Minerva. He had always had a way of coming upon people silently. Fawkes was perched on his shoulder. "Albus will be back in my office momentarily. We have a very serious matter to attend to, but I did wish to check up on you," he said. Seeing Lily in her current state, he added, "You pupil may need the same touch of care and support."

"I wouldn't know where to begin, Headmaster," Minerva said "Where do you start?" she asked.

"Start at 'hello', Professor," he said with a smile.

Minerva straightened up and walked confidently into the courtyard. "Hello, Miss Evans." Minerva said cautiously. Lily looked panicked and, without a word, she ran off onto the grounds. "She needs someone, Headmaster," Minerva said, more that a little concerned. Armando silently motioned for her to follow the student, using Fawkes as a guide. Then he turned and proceeded back down the hall toward his office. He knew he would have a big problem on his hands when Albus arrived.

[furandfeathers]

Somehow, I missed the last three updates...they're WONDERFUL! "Crackers." That made me giggle and recieve strange looks from my mother. Great job, please update again soon!

[osusprinks]

I loved your update and your story! I don't know what I can do to help, but if there is anything, even if you just want to throw ideas and see what sticks, send me an email! Thanks for sharing.

~OSUSprinks

[kankulex]

Very nicely written! I love the updates!
I nearly laughed to death about the image of Albus sitting in a bathtub with a duck and singing Figaro! That's just PERFECT!

[crystalpheonixeyes]

AHhhhhhhhh HOw could you leave us like that??? Hopefully, if you love us all, You will update right now! <3

I was laughing so hard, that I tipped the computor chair backward, and then could not get up because my stomach hurt too much. Te whole Albus in the tub was sooo Funny. Keep writting, and update soon!

[blackmagic]

Armando settled back in his chair. He knew this conversation was not and easy one, but something had to be done before he lost a staff member either to a resignation or a hex. A knock brought his mind back to the task at hand. "Come in," he called as Albus entered.

"So you don't approve," Albus' tone was flat as he slumped into a nearby chair.

"It's not that I don't approve, it's just that..." Armando's search for words was halted as he noticed a suspicious looking group of boys huddled under a tree. "Let's go see what that's all about," he said. Albus followed in silence.

Minerva had finally found Lily Evans up a tree om the grounds near the transfiguration wing. Try as she might the girl would not come down and explain what was bothering her, so Minerva did the only thing left to do, in her opinion, and climbed up into the tree herself. She bent forward a bit to lean on another branch to get closer to Lily, who had now revealed she was in fact stuck up in the tree. She didn't pay much attention to the small group of student, all of whom were male, which had gathered below her or their true reason for being there. She was also unaware that the very edge of her skirt was caught on another branch, pulling it away from her body just slightly.

Albus approached the group quietly and was surprised to see Minerva in a tree in her human form. He was pleased as he listened to her trying to help a student in trouble. Just then He noticed exactly where the boys were and he had a feeling they weren't there because they found her kindness as appealing as he did. He casually moved just behind the clump of boys and it was as he had thought. From their current angle, the boys had a lovely view straight up the back of their unsuspecting professor's skirt.

[lemonygingersnaps]

Oh! Poor Minerva!!! Nice update. I am still enjoying this story! Good Job! Eagerly awaiting some romance!! :-)

[blackmagic]

Nothing has happened between them because I'm not 100% pleased with what I've done thus far. I'm trying to fix it.

[lemonygingersnaps]

I am sure you will make it work! :-)

[ιady ταвz]

oh yes!! this is beautiful so far...keep em comin

[blackmagic]

Now Albus was faced with a dilemma.

He could say nothing and walk away. After all, she did need to learn how to solve these problems on her own. If he did this, the boys were certain to continue staring. One more embarrassment could cost Hogwart's it's transfiguration professor and he did not want her resignation on his conscience.

He could scold the boys for looking up her skirt, something they were making no effort to hide.They more than deserved it. The downside here was that she may be more embarrassed by him being the one to point out that there was a clear line of sight up her skirt, particularly while he was standing in said line of sight. She may also think that he may have taken time to enjoy the view before alerting her. The consequences of an allegation such as that were far reaching and serious indeed.

Another part of him, one specific part it fact, was telling him to not say anything to anyone and take a peek himself. This option he quickly dismissed since it was very wrong on a good many levels. After one more quick glance, he approached one of the boys, a Hufflepuff, and whispered, "What are we staring at?"

"See for yourself," said the boy not recognizing Albus' voice nor wishing to pull his eyes from the sight before him. "Nice legs. Great arse, too," he said grinning.

"Is that so? I had no idea you gentlemen were such knowledgeable authorities on women's bottoms," Albus said in his best professor voice. The boys began babbling everything from apologies to pleas of innocence. "Your keen observational skills have earned the Hufflepuff house a 25 point deduction for each of you and the same is true for the noble house of Slytherin. Also, if any of you are caught engaging in this type of research again, you will receive a much more sever punishment, I assure you," Albus concluded. The boys dispersed quickly leaving Albus to stand alone at the base of the tree to hear how the lady herself reacted. He only hoped that he was not implicated in this somehow.

"Professor, Miss Evans is stuck up here. Is there a way for you to help us?" Minerva asked calmly, not want to look behind her to see if he was standing where she thought he was.

Without a word, he levitated Lily from the tree. After thanking Albus and apologizing quickly to Minerva, she was gone. "May I lend you a hand as well, Miss McGonagall?" he asked, extending his arms to her.

"I can handle this myself," she snarled realizing that he had been standing right where she had expected him, though she had hoped he wouldn't be there. No sooner had the words left her mouth than the branch suddenly gave way and she came crashing down in a heap. She yowled in pain.

Albus was at her side in a moment and, without stopping to ask for permission, scooped her into his arms and was carrying her to the hospital wing. He was too focused on her well being to notice her unusual lack of complaints as he carried her. True be told, she was too confused to say anything. Why was she feeling this way?

[osusprinks]

MORE MORE MORE!!!!

I can't believe he didn't move away so she wouldn't find him in the line of vision! Thanks for sharing. I can't wait to see what is next!

[ιady ταвz]

oh yea...more..

[Jessabelle]

Excellent updates! This just keeps getting better! I am looking forward to more!
- Jess

[lemonygingersnaps]

WOW!! I love this!