Post by romangoddess on Feb 2, 2009 0:16:54 GMT -5
Minerva Fair
Preface
A/N: This story was inspired by the movie ‘Sabrina’. The characters that you recognize are Rowling’s. The ones you don’t recognize are mine. This story is set around 1946. 9 years before Minerva takes over as the Transfiguration professor as per OOTP. In this story, Minerva graduated from Hogwarts in 1938, and Albus and the other ‘current’ professors were also her professors. If you are not familiar with the original ‘Sabrina’ with Audrey Hepburn, you will be able to read this story, but you should see it...it’s brilliant
Once upon a time, on the outskirts of Scotland, there was a prestigious wizarding school, called Hogwarts.
Hogwarts was the home away from home of hundreds of young wizards and witches, aged 11 years to 17 years.
It was also the home of several professors, teachers whose job it was to educate the young. There were 15 professors on retainer at the school at any given time. Principle among them were the headmaster, Armando Dippet, deputy-headmaster, transfiguration professor and hero of the wizarding world, Albus Dumbledore, potions master, Horace Slughorn, Arithmancer, Demitri Djkovich, and herbologist Agatha Wells.
There was also a groundskeeper who took care of the grounds. The forbidden forest and the lake. A specialist who tended to the gardens and the greenhouses. A caretaker who took care of the dungeons and the astronomy tower. A librarian to tend to the books in the library. A mediwitch to look after the children’s health. A hoard of thestrals to pull the carriages. And a person of no particular title who took care of a pond in the courtyard for a goldfish named George.
Waiting to join the ranks of these illustrious professionals, longing for a job as a professor, was a young woman, a graduate of the school, god-daughter of the headmaster. Her name was Minerva.
Minerva Fair
Chapter 1
It was a glorious morning. The birds were chirping in the trees. The forest was buzzing with life. The lake shone brightly in the early morning sun. Buds were springing to life in the gardens, and hungry butterflies were floating merrily from flower to flower. The bright blue sky of the great hall shone down on Armando Dippet as he happily tucked into his hearty breakfast.
Armando was just about to pop a sausage into his mouth, when he spied his dour deputy Albus Dumbledore approaching him. Armando smiled broadly and gestured to the seat on his right-hand. “Good morning, my dear boy Isn’t it a glorious day?” Armando said with a grin.
Albus smiled slightly, walking around the table slowly, and making his way to his seat. “It is indeed a lovely morning.” Albus said with a small, tight smile.
Armando grinned. “No students...nothing to do...half the staff here for the summer. It promises to be an amazing day ”
Albus grimaced, putting french toast on his plate. “Yeah, speaking of which, you haven’t seen Aggie or Demitri yet this morning have you?”
Armando popped another sausage into his mouth and smiled conspiratorially at Albus. “The lovebirds...I don’t expect to see them until at least noon. I’m sure you remember what it’s like to be young and in love, Albus? The last thing they’re likely to want to do is get out of bed early...” Amando quirked another grin at Albus, as he spooned more sausage onto his plate.
“Armando, pardon me for saying so, but do you really think that you should condone this? You’ve know Demitri as long as I have...he’s not exactly the stable sort. Do you remember his three previous wives? The actress who moved her entire family over from Russia. The swimming champion who bedded his brother, and that opera star who it turns out was really just a pop tart who moonlighted doing deodorant jingles. Now he’s taken up with another professor at the school. This spells disaster. It’s also highly unsuitable for him to be dating someone he works with. There’s a professional code of ethics. A front seat and a back seat and a window in between if you will.” Albus said, as he poured himself a hearty cup of hot cocoa.
“You know, Albus?” Armando said with a smile. “I’d never realized what a snob you are ” He popped another sausage into his mouth. “I see nothing wrong with them being together. It’s hardly unethical. Professors in this school have been dating each other for ages...it just isn’t printed in Hogwart’s a History. Besides, it’s not like Aggie’s some secret stripper or something. We know her...she’s a good woman. It’s a nice change for Demitri, I’m sure.”
Albus inclined his head slightly, as a sign of conformation, as he mopped up the cocoa that he had somewhat inelegantly snarfled when Armando had uttered the word stripper. He really was a surprising old man. A bit of an eccentric.
“Besides, I take it Aggie and Demitri aren’t the only ones who slept in this morning. You obviously haven’t seen the morning papers.” Armando said with an annoyingly omniscient grin.
Albus shook his head. “I woke up at 5. I was working on my lesson plans for next year...I wanted
to get a bit of a head start.”
“Merlin Albus, it’s June You’re supposed to be relaxing Not waking up at ungodly hours and working one year ahead You really need to learn to enjoy your life...take a vacation ”
Albus grimaced...they had engaged in this conversation too often of late...much to his chagrin. “The paper...”Albus prompted.
“Ah, yes...” Armando said, slipping away from his rant, and pulling out the Daily Prophet. “It seems congratulations are in order. Our little lovebirds are engaged ” Armando said, grinning from ear to ear and pointing at the picture in the paper. I was thinking of throwing them a small engagement party this evening in the garden... I take it you’ll be in attendance.” Armando raised his eyebrow in such a way that Albus knew it wasn’t a question.
Albus forced a smile onto his features “Yes, Armando, that sounds lovely. I’m very happy for them.” Albus removed his napkin from his lap, and dabbed at the corner of his mouth. “I had wanted to talk to you, Armando. I’ve been looking over the applications for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position...”
“Ah, yes, thank you, my dear boy ” Armando cut in, “What would I do without you? Just what I’d been meaning to talk to you about. I’ve hired someone.”
Albus fork dropped from his hand and clattered loudly onto his plate, “You what?” Albus asked, shock plainly written across his features.
“I’ve hired someone.” Armando responded popping another sausage into his mouth.
“Who?” Albus asked incredulous.
“Her name’s Minerva McGonagall.” Armando responded quickly. Spearing another sausage with his fork.
Albus quickly went through the applications in his mind. He didn’t remember seeing a Minerva McGonagall within the stacks of applications...surely he’d remember seeing her name.
Seeing the look on Albus’s face, Armando smiled, “Don’t worry, Albus, you didn’t miss her application. She didn’t apply for the job.”
Albus dropped his napkin, and turned to Armando as it fluttered to the ground, “What do you mean she didn’t apply for the job.”
“You seem a little slow on the uptake today, Albus, perhaps you should try to get more sleep,” Albus ground his teeth loudly in response, “Minerva didn’t apply for the job, but I’ve hired her.”
“Based on what grounds?” Albus asked slowly.
Armando smiled, “She was a student here. Surely you must remember Minerva?” Armando asked increduously.
Albus removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on, “She was a student here...so you just hired her...without an interview or an application...or talking to me first. I don’t mean to sound disapproving, but this is completely unprecedented.”
“Albus, my boy, you’re overworked as it is, and, although I know that this is not usually how the hiring process goes, I am the headmaster, and Minerva was the best candidate for the job, so, despite the fact that she didn’t apply for the position, I offered it to her, and she accepted.”
Seeing the incredulous expression on Albus’s face, Armando pressed on, “I can’t believe you don’t remember Minerva...she graduated not so very long ago, and, if I’m not mistaken she was the only student to have higher marks on her NEWTS and OWLS than you.”
Albus seemed to shake himself out of his trance, as he jumped back into the conversation with gusto “I do remember her. A scrawny little thing, mousy, brilliant, bookish. She used to skirt around corners, rush through the corridors and she barely ever spoke...and her NEWT and OWL scores were not higher than mine. Her transfiguration, arithmancy and runes scores were slightly higher, charms and defense against the dark arts were the same and my potions, herbology, astronomy and divination scores were higher, so overall our scores were about the same.” Albus finished slightly petulantly.
Armando smiled, he knew that would offend Albus’s sizable ego, “My mistake...”
“What has she done since her graduation...I mean I know she’s constantly writing books and articles, and not that long ago she obviously had enough time on her hands to review my article on particle transfiguration...a very unflattering review if I might add,” Armando smiled, yes, Minerva had definitely gotten to Albus already...this would prove to be interesting, “but what has she really done since she graduated?”
“Well..” Armando began slowly, “She spent three years training to become a Auror, then she enrolled in the prestegious Academie de la Metamorphosis in Paris. After obtaining her mastery in Transfiguration, she moved to Germany as a transfiguration professor at the Institute of Transfiguration in Berlin. While she was in that post, she spent time working undercover for the ministry doing reconnaissance work during the war. She’s also managed to become a registered animagus...youngest on the books, and, as you’ve mentioned, she’s published countless books and articles on various topics in the field of transfiguration.” Armando smirked, knowing that he had Albus now.
“So, Albus, with credentials like that, she was the obvious choice for the transfiguration professor, but, since that position is currently occupied,” Armando said with a pointed look over his glasses at Albus, “and, since she is more than qualified to be the defense against the dark arts professor, I extended the offer to her, and she accepted.”
Albus shook his head slowly, letting this sink in, and trying to control his annoyance, “Why would she even want this job? It isn’t in her field.”
Armando smiled enigmatically, “Let’s just say she owes me...” He looked down at his plate, an expression that Albus couldn’t quite catch slid across his features, “Besides, she has her own reasons for wanting to return...I’m sure.”
Albus forced a tight grin onto his face, “When is the wonder woman arriving? August?” Albus asked.
“Oh, goodness, I almost forgot....how silly She’s arriving this afternoon ”
“This afternoon?”
“Yes, this afternoon, and, sadly, as I fear I must go to pick up a few supplies this afternoon, I won’t be able to meet her at the gates. Would you be willing to meet her for me?”
Albus gritted his teeth, again trying to reign in his annoyance, “Yes, headmaster.”
“Excellent,” Armando said, removing his napkin from the front of his robes and folding it next to his plate, “Well, I must be off. Minerva should be arriving around one. Meet her at the gates.” Armando stood to leave, and walked toward the doors, as he rounded the table, he stopped and turned toward Albus, “Oh, and Albus?”
Albus looked up from his plate.
“Try not to be late ”
Minerva Fair
Chapter 2
Albus sat at his desk, the brilliant summer sun shining into the window, pouring over his paperwork. He could not believe Armando He had gone too far this time First, he was encouraging this would-be disastrous relationship between Demitri and Agatha, then he hired someone who hadn’t even applied for the position. The man got gradually more daft with each passing year
Albus had worked at the school for years...devoting his life for his work. Working tirelessly. He never minded. The work was reward enough, and he loved being deputy, but Armando was the headmaster, and sometimes, when disaster was blatantly handing overhead, sometimes he missed the signs and then Albus had to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess.
Aggie and Demitri’s relationship had disaster written all over it. The whole thing had the potential to go up in smoke. This thing with that Minerva girl was even worse. It could be potentially disastrous. Even the headmaster couldn’t just hire whoever he wanted to. What would the governors say? She hadn’t even applied It was unprecedented.
Albus removed his glasses, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He tried to clear his head, in vain. He had to try to make the girl feel welcome. Surely it couldn’t be that bad? Putting his glasses back onto his nose, he glanced at the clock.... “Merlin’s Beard ” He shouted. It was 1:05 Leaping up from his desk, he rushed out the door, as the papers from his desk scattered across the floor.
Minerva sighed and glanced at her pocket watch, her small green tartan carpet bag sitting next to her, her sensible black heels pristine despite the dust from the dirt road, her black suit fitting tightly to her form as she stood awaiting her darling god-father, Armando Dippet, her last remaining family member. She shook her head. It wasn’t at all like him to be late...
Demitri whistled as he bounced along the path through the gardens. He’d left Aggie in bed after yet another night of unbridled passion... and he’d headed out to gather her a bouquet of some of the beautiful flowers from her garden. He smiled....Merlin He loved that woman...she was so sexy, and earthy and just....suddenly, as he walked toward the gate, he was dragged from his reverie by the sight of a beautiful pair of calves.
Demitri re-routed his path and headed toward that luscious pair of legs.
A huge smile spread across Minerva’s face as she saw her old professor.
“Hello, how are you?” She asked beaming.
“I’m fine. How are you? Do I know you? Should I know you?” Demitri asked with a boyish grin.
“No,” She smiled “Come to think of it...no you shouldn’t.” She said, shaking her head.
Demitri smiled, “Would you like me to open the gate?”
She grinned, “Shouldn’t you ask who I am, before you let a total stranger into the school?”
He grinned, “No beautiful woman could be that dangerous ”
Minerva laughed “Ever heard of Helen of Troy?”
Demitri laughed, “Okay, you’ve got me, I feel a bit silly. I feel as if I should know you. I could have sworn I knew all the pretty girls in Scotland.”
Minerva grinned, “I could have sworn you took in more territory than that.”
“That’s it, I do know you, I must know you...” Demitri said with a cheeky grin.
“How about you open the gate, and we can get reacquainted?” Minerva said with a beaming smile.
“Okay,” Demitri, opened the gate, and let Minerva inside the gates, taking her bag for her as she passed through the gate.
They walked toward the school. Demitri casting surreptitious glances at Minerva as they walked.
“I feel as if I’ve seen you before...here.”
“You have,” Minerva said with a grin.
“Are you here visiting your father?” Demitri asked.
Minerva laughed... “I suppose you could say so...”
He grinned, “Are you Slughorn’s daughter?”
Minerva brought a hand to her chest, and threw her head back laughing, “Certainly not...”
Demitri shook his head in frustration, Minerva smiled as they came to a stop in front of the steps of Hogwart’s, “It’s nice to see you again, Professor Djkovich.” Minerva said, taking her carpet bag back from Demitri.
He grinned, “A student.”
She smiled. “Aye, Professor. I’ve just been hired as the new Defense professor.”
“Congratulations Miss...” Demitri said gesturing for her to fill in her name.
“McGonagall,” Minerva supplied with a wicked grin. “Minerva McGonagall.”
Demitri stood, staring at her wordlessly, and he mopped his brow slightly. “Minerva McGonagall” He said incredulously. “Why I never ”
Minerva grinned... “It’s good to see you too, Professor. Give yourself a moment to recover, I’m sure you’ll be fine in a minute.” She playfully shoved him, as she pushed past him, walking up the steps.
“Minerva,” He called out, she turned back toward him, “Don’t forget your flowers.” He said with a grin. Proffering the flowers to her.
Minerva grinned, accepting them, and took a deep breath holding the roses up to her nose. As she turned to leave again, Demitri shouted “Oh, and Minerva ”
Minerva, stopped, smiled and turned, “Yes...”
“Congratulations ”
She smiled, and turned slowly.
“Meet me tonight ” He shouted.
Minerva turned back, cocking her head slightly to the side.
“Tonight...a congratulatory dinner...here. 8 PM.” He grinned.
Minerva smiled, inclined her head toward Demitri, and turned back to go inside.
As Minerva entered the school, she ran smack into a large solid object. Minerva toppled backwards due to the force, and was caught by a strong pair of hands. Minerva looked upwards into the flushed face of Albus Dumbledore.
“I’m sorry ” Albus said, a blush creeping up past his beard.
Minerva smiled slyly, her breath hitching in her throat, as she tried to tear her eyes away from Dumbledore’s. “It’s fine, Professor.”
Albus slowly loosened his grip on Minerva’s arms. Looking down, blushing, as he did so. “Minerva McGonagall, I presume?”
Minerva grinned, “Indeed.”
“I’m so sorry, I’m late.” Albus said. “I was supposed to meet you at the gate. I lost track of time.” Albus finished in a rush.
Minerva smiled, “The headmaster’s run out of candy.” It wasn’t a question.
Albus furrowed his brow. How did she know Armando’s habits so well? Albus smiled noncommittaly. “He had to go run a few errands...”
Minerva smiled, “Right...”
Albus smiled, “Nice flowers.”
Minerva smiled, “Yes, well, Professor Djkovich met me at the gate. He had a little trouble recognizing me,” she said, grinning back in Demitri’s direction.
Albus’s face turned grey...this could be bad.
“Minerva,” Albus said, “Why don’t you go take your bag up to the Defense classroom, you remember where it is? And I’ll meet you up there in just a moment...” Albus tried to smile reassuringly.
Minerva smiled, “I’ll see you in just a minute then, shall I, Professor?” Minerva, asked, taking her leave of Albus and heading up the stairs.
Albus squared his shoulders and walked out the front doors of Hogwart’s, toward Demitri.
Albus stopped, turning to stand next to Demitri, who was still staring at Minerva, who was progressing up the staircase.
“So, Demitri,” Albus said, “I see you’ve met Minerva.”
Demitri nodded. “Minerva McGonagall. Boy, if you’d bet me $100 galleons, I never would have believed that she would have wound up like that.”
Albus nodded.
“Do you remember what a scrawny thing she was? Did you see that figure?”
Again Albus nodded.
“And those legs When she was a student, they were always scabbed and scarred. Look at those legs now They’re really something ”
Albus nodded. “If I remember correctly, the last pair of legs that was really something, ended in a bitter divorce.”
Demitri smiled... “Minerva’s not like that.”
Albus shook his head. “So, how’s your fiancé?”
Demitri grinned, “How did you know about that?”
Albus grinned, “I thought it was common knowledge about you and Agatha?”
Albus headed up the steps...this was going to be a mess. Minerva was beautiful. He had to hand it to her. The woman was gorgeous. Minerva had grown from a gawky awkward child to a beautiful, confident woman. She was almost irresistible...exactly the sort of woman that could make the situation between Agatha and Demitri blow up in smithereens. Did Armando see this coming? What was he playing at?
Albus took a deep breath, stealing his nerves, and opened the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. The sight that met his eye took his breath away. The room had already been re-arranged. The books had been alphabetized. Minerva’s carpet bag sat on the teacher’s desk, and her jacket was slung over it. Minerva, herself, stood looking out the window, she really was gorgeous. Her long, glorious black hair pulled up into a french-twist, her tight black skirt pulling across her hips, a white tank top exposing her beautiful back and her long, strong arms and shoulders. What was he going to do about her? There was no way a lech like Demitri would be able to resist someone so beautiful.
As Minerva turned, it was the look on her face that really stopped Albus’s heart. She had such a peaceful, hopeful, sad expression on her face that Albus instantly felt that he knew her.
Minerva turned fully toward him and smiled, “Hello, Professor.”
“Please call me Albus.” Albus asked quietly.
“Alright, Albus,” Minerva said with a smile. His name rolling along smoothly across her soft brogue. A tingle went up Albus’s spine as she said his name. He hadn’t noticed her brogue before now. It was nearly melodious.
Albus grinned, trying to remember why he was dubious about her appointment, and why her being on the staff was dangerous. “Would you like me to show you to your rooms?”
She smiled, “I’d love that.”
Albus picked up her carpet bag and, placing his hand on her back, led her to her rooms.
Minerva smiled as she entered her rooms, taking in the spacious living room, and the large fireplace, and massive windows.
“Professor...Albus, weren’t these your rooms?” She asked with a grin.
“They were my rooms before I became deputy head. I guess Armando thought that you’d be more comfortable here than in the usual Defense Against the Darks Arts Teacher’s rooms. I’m not really sure why.” Albus grinned.
Minerva smiled. “I’m sure I’ll be quite comfortable here.”
Albus smiled. “Well, I guess, I’ll leave you to get settled. I think that Armando’s planning to have an engagement party for Aggie and Demitri...Professors Wells and Djkovich....tonight around 8 PM, I’m sure he’d want you to come.”
Minerva swallowed the lump in her throat, breathing deeply, “I’ll be there. Thank you, Albus. I’ll see you tonight.”
Preface
A/N: This story was inspired by the movie ‘Sabrina’. The characters that you recognize are Rowling’s. The ones you don’t recognize are mine. This story is set around 1946. 9 years before Minerva takes over as the Transfiguration professor as per OOTP. In this story, Minerva graduated from Hogwarts in 1938, and Albus and the other ‘current’ professors were also her professors. If you are not familiar with the original ‘Sabrina’ with Audrey Hepburn, you will be able to read this story, but you should see it...it’s brilliant
Once upon a time, on the outskirts of Scotland, there was a prestigious wizarding school, called Hogwarts.
Hogwarts was the home away from home of hundreds of young wizards and witches, aged 11 years to 17 years.
It was also the home of several professors, teachers whose job it was to educate the young. There were 15 professors on retainer at the school at any given time. Principle among them were the headmaster, Armando Dippet, deputy-headmaster, transfiguration professor and hero of the wizarding world, Albus Dumbledore, potions master, Horace Slughorn, Arithmancer, Demitri Djkovich, and herbologist Agatha Wells.
There was also a groundskeeper who took care of the grounds. The forbidden forest and the lake. A specialist who tended to the gardens and the greenhouses. A caretaker who took care of the dungeons and the astronomy tower. A librarian to tend to the books in the library. A mediwitch to look after the children’s health. A hoard of thestrals to pull the carriages. And a person of no particular title who took care of a pond in the courtyard for a goldfish named George.
Waiting to join the ranks of these illustrious professionals, longing for a job as a professor, was a young woman, a graduate of the school, god-daughter of the headmaster. Her name was Minerva.
Minerva Fair
Chapter 1
It was a glorious morning. The birds were chirping in the trees. The forest was buzzing with life. The lake shone brightly in the early morning sun. Buds were springing to life in the gardens, and hungry butterflies were floating merrily from flower to flower. The bright blue sky of the great hall shone down on Armando Dippet as he happily tucked into his hearty breakfast.
Armando was just about to pop a sausage into his mouth, when he spied his dour deputy Albus Dumbledore approaching him. Armando smiled broadly and gestured to the seat on his right-hand. “Good morning, my dear boy Isn’t it a glorious day?” Armando said with a grin.
Albus smiled slightly, walking around the table slowly, and making his way to his seat. “It is indeed a lovely morning.” Albus said with a small, tight smile.
Armando grinned. “No students...nothing to do...half the staff here for the summer. It promises to be an amazing day ”
Albus grimaced, putting french toast on his plate. “Yeah, speaking of which, you haven’t seen Aggie or Demitri yet this morning have you?”
Armando popped another sausage into his mouth and smiled conspiratorially at Albus. “The lovebirds...I don’t expect to see them until at least noon. I’m sure you remember what it’s like to be young and in love, Albus? The last thing they’re likely to want to do is get out of bed early...” Amando quirked another grin at Albus, as he spooned more sausage onto his plate.
“Armando, pardon me for saying so, but do you really think that you should condone this? You’ve know Demitri as long as I have...he’s not exactly the stable sort. Do you remember his three previous wives? The actress who moved her entire family over from Russia. The swimming champion who bedded his brother, and that opera star who it turns out was really just a pop tart who moonlighted doing deodorant jingles. Now he’s taken up with another professor at the school. This spells disaster. It’s also highly unsuitable for him to be dating someone he works with. There’s a professional code of ethics. A front seat and a back seat and a window in between if you will.” Albus said, as he poured himself a hearty cup of hot cocoa.
“You know, Albus?” Armando said with a smile. “I’d never realized what a snob you are ” He popped another sausage into his mouth. “I see nothing wrong with them being together. It’s hardly unethical. Professors in this school have been dating each other for ages...it just isn’t printed in Hogwart’s a History. Besides, it’s not like Aggie’s some secret stripper or something. We know her...she’s a good woman. It’s a nice change for Demitri, I’m sure.”
Albus inclined his head slightly, as a sign of conformation, as he mopped up the cocoa that he had somewhat inelegantly snarfled when Armando had uttered the word stripper. He really was a surprising old man. A bit of an eccentric.
“Besides, I take it Aggie and Demitri aren’t the only ones who slept in this morning. You obviously haven’t seen the morning papers.” Armando said with an annoyingly omniscient grin.
Albus shook his head. “I woke up at 5. I was working on my lesson plans for next year...I wanted
to get a bit of a head start.”
“Merlin Albus, it’s June You’re supposed to be relaxing Not waking up at ungodly hours and working one year ahead You really need to learn to enjoy your life...take a vacation ”
Albus grimaced...they had engaged in this conversation too often of late...much to his chagrin. “The paper...”Albus prompted.
“Ah, yes...” Armando said, slipping away from his rant, and pulling out the Daily Prophet. “It seems congratulations are in order. Our little lovebirds are engaged ” Armando said, grinning from ear to ear and pointing at the picture in the paper. I was thinking of throwing them a small engagement party this evening in the garden... I take it you’ll be in attendance.” Armando raised his eyebrow in such a way that Albus knew it wasn’t a question.
Albus forced a smile onto his features “Yes, Armando, that sounds lovely. I’m very happy for them.” Albus removed his napkin from his lap, and dabbed at the corner of his mouth. “I had wanted to talk to you, Armando. I’ve been looking over the applications for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position...”
“Ah, yes, thank you, my dear boy ” Armando cut in, “What would I do without you? Just what I’d been meaning to talk to you about. I’ve hired someone.”
Albus fork dropped from his hand and clattered loudly onto his plate, “You what?” Albus asked, shock plainly written across his features.
“I’ve hired someone.” Armando responded popping another sausage into his mouth.
“Who?” Albus asked incredulous.
“Her name’s Minerva McGonagall.” Armando responded quickly. Spearing another sausage with his fork.
Albus quickly went through the applications in his mind. He didn’t remember seeing a Minerva McGonagall within the stacks of applications...surely he’d remember seeing her name.
Seeing the look on Albus’s face, Armando smiled, “Don’t worry, Albus, you didn’t miss her application. She didn’t apply for the job.”
Albus dropped his napkin, and turned to Armando as it fluttered to the ground, “What do you mean she didn’t apply for the job.”
“You seem a little slow on the uptake today, Albus, perhaps you should try to get more sleep,” Albus ground his teeth loudly in response, “Minerva didn’t apply for the job, but I’ve hired her.”
“Based on what grounds?” Albus asked slowly.
Armando smiled, “She was a student here. Surely you must remember Minerva?” Armando asked increduously.
Albus removed his glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on, “She was a student here...so you just hired her...without an interview or an application...or talking to me first. I don’t mean to sound disapproving, but this is completely unprecedented.”
“Albus, my boy, you’re overworked as it is, and, although I know that this is not usually how the hiring process goes, I am the headmaster, and Minerva was the best candidate for the job, so, despite the fact that she didn’t apply for the position, I offered it to her, and she accepted.”
Seeing the incredulous expression on Albus’s face, Armando pressed on, “I can’t believe you don’t remember Minerva...she graduated not so very long ago, and, if I’m not mistaken she was the only student to have higher marks on her NEWTS and OWLS than you.”
Albus seemed to shake himself out of his trance, as he jumped back into the conversation with gusto “I do remember her. A scrawny little thing, mousy, brilliant, bookish. She used to skirt around corners, rush through the corridors and she barely ever spoke...and her NEWT and OWL scores were not higher than mine. Her transfiguration, arithmancy and runes scores were slightly higher, charms and defense against the dark arts were the same and my potions, herbology, astronomy and divination scores were higher, so overall our scores were about the same.” Albus finished slightly petulantly.
Armando smiled, he knew that would offend Albus’s sizable ego, “My mistake...”
“What has she done since her graduation...I mean I know she’s constantly writing books and articles, and not that long ago she obviously had enough time on her hands to review my article on particle transfiguration...a very unflattering review if I might add,” Armando smiled, yes, Minerva had definitely gotten to Albus already...this would prove to be interesting, “but what has she really done since she graduated?”
“Well..” Armando began slowly, “She spent three years training to become a Auror, then she enrolled in the prestegious Academie de la Metamorphosis in Paris. After obtaining her mastery in Transfiguration, she moved to Germany as a transfiguration professor at the Institute of Transfiguration in Berlin. While she was in that post, she spent time working undercover for the ministry doing reconnaissance work during the war. She’s also managed to become a registered animagus...youngest on the books, and, as you’ve mentioned, she’s published countless books and articles on various topics in the field of transfiguration.” Armando smirked, knowing that he had Albus now.
“So, Albus, with credentials like that, she was the obvious choice for the transfiguration professor, but, since that position is currently occupied,” Armando said with a pointed look over his glasses at Albus, “and, since she is more than qualified to be the defense against the dark arts professor, I extended the offer to her, and she accepted.”
Albus shook his head slowly, letting this sink in, and trying to control his annoyance, “Why would she even want this job? It isn’t in her field.”
Armando smiled enigmatically, “Let’s just say she owes me...” He looked down at his plate, an expression that Albus couldn’t quite catch slid across his features, “Besides, she has her own reasons for wanting to return...I’m sure.”
Albus forced a tight grin onto his face, “When is the wonder woman arriving? August?” Albus asked.
“Oh, goodness, I almost forgot....how silly She’s arriving this afternoon ”
“This afternoon?”
“Yes, this afternoon, and, sadly, as I fear I must go to pick up a few supplies this afternoon, I won’t be able to meet her at the gates. Would you be willing to meet her for me?”
Albus gritted his teeth, again trying to reign in his annoyance, “Yes, headmaster.”
“Excellent,” Armando said, removing his napkin from the front of his robes and folding it next to his plate, “Well, I must be off. Minerva should be arriving around one. Meet her at the gates.” Armando stood to leave, and walked toward the doors, as he rounded the table, he stopped and turned toward Albus, “Oh, and Albus?”
Albus looked up from his plate.
“Try not to be late ”
Minerva Fair
Chapter 2
Albus sat at his desk, the brilliant summer sun shining into the window, pouring over his paperwork. He could not believe Armando He had gone too far this time First, he was encouraging this would-be disastrous relationship between Demitri and Agatha, then he hired someone who hadn’t even applied for the position. The man got gradually more daft with each passing year
Albus had worked at the school for years...devoting his life for his work. Working tirelessly. He never minded. The work was reward enough, and he loved being deputy, but Armando was the headmaster, and sometimes, when disaster was blatantly handing overhead, sometimes he missed the signs and then Albus had to pick up the pieces and clean up the mess.
Aggie and Demitri’s relationship had disaster written all over it. The whole thing had the potential to go up in smoke. This thing with that Minerva girl was even worse. It could be potentially disastrous. Even the headmaster couldn’t just hire whoever he wanted to. What would the governors say? She hadn’t even applied It was unprecedented.
Albus removed his glasses, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He tried to clear his head, in vain. He had to try to make the girl feel welcome. Surely it couldn’t be that bad? Putting his glasses back onto his nose, he glanced at the clock.... “Merlin’s Beard ” He shouted. It was 1:05 Leaping up from his desk, he rushed out the door, as the papers from his desk scattered across the floor.
Minerva sighed and glanced at her pocket watch, her small green tartan carpet bag sitting next to her, her sensible black heels pristine despite the dust from the dirt road, her black suit fitting tightly to her form as she stood awaiting her darling god-father, Armando Dippet, her last remaining family member. She shook her head. It wasn’t at all like him to be late...
Demitri whistled as he bounced along the path through the gardens. He’d left Aggie in bed after yet another night of unbridled passion... and he’d headed out to gather her a bouquet of some of the beautiful flowers from her garden. He smiled....Merlin He loved that woman...she was so sexy, and earthy and just....suddenly, as he walked toward the gate, he was dragged from his reverie by the sight of a beautiful pair of calves.
Demitri re-routed his path and headed toward that luscious pair of legs.
A huge smile spread across Minerva’s face as she saw her old professor.
“Hello, how are you?” She asked beaming.
“I’m fine. How are you? Do I know you? Should I know you?” Demitri asked with a boyish grin.
“No,” She smiled “Come to think of it...no you shouldn’t.” She said, shaking her head.
Demitri smiled, “Would you like me to open the gate?”
She grinned, “Shouldn’t you ask who I am, before you let a total stranger into the school?”
He grinned, “No beautiful woman could be that dangerous ”
Minerva laughed “Ever heard of Helen of Troy?”
Demitri laughed, “Okay, you’ve got me, I feel a bit silly. I feel as if I should know you. I could have sworn I knew all the pretty girls in Scotland.”
Minerva grinned, “I could have sworn you took in more territory than that.”
“That’s it, I do know you, I must know you...” Demitri said with a cheeky grin.
“How about you open the gate, and we can get reacquainted?” Minerva said with a beaming smile.
“Okay,” Demitri, opened the gate, and let Minerva inside the gates, taking her bag for her as she passed through the gate.
They walked toward the school. Demitri casting surreptitious glances at Minerva as they walked.
“I feel as if I’ve seen you before...here.”
“You have,” Minerva said with a grin.
“Are you here visiting your father?” Demitri asked.
Minerva laughed... “I suppose you could say so...”
He grinned, “Are you Slughorn’s daughter?”
Minerva brought a hand to her chest, and threw her head back laughing, “Certainly not...”
Demitri shook his head in frustration, Minerva smiled as they came to a stop in front of the steps of Hogwart’s, “It’s nice to see you again, Professor Djkovich.” Minerva said, taking her carpet bag back from Demitri.
He grinned, “A student.”
She smiled. “Aye, Professor. I’ve just been hired as the new Defense professor.”
“Congratulations Miss...” Demitri said gesturing for her to fill in her name.
“McGonagall,” Minerva supplied with a wicked grin. “Minerva McGonagall.”
Demitri stood, staring at her wordlessly, and he mopped his brow slightly. “Minerva McGonagall” He said incredulously. “Why I never ”
Minerva grinned... “It’s good to see you too, Professor. Give yourself a moment to recover, I’m sure you’ll be fine in a minute.” She playfully shoved him, as she pushed past him, walking up the steps.
“Minerva,” He called out, she turned back toward him, “Don’t forget your flowers.” He said with a grin. Proffering the flowers to her.
Minerva grinned, accepting them, and took a deep breath holding the roses up to her nose. As she turned to leave again, Demitri shouted “Oh, and Minerva ”
Minerva, stopped, smiled and turned, “Yes...”
“Congratulations ”
She smiled, and turned slowly.
“Meet me tonight ” He shouted.
Minerva turned back, cocking her head slightly to the side.
“Tonight...a congratulatory dinner...here. 8 PM.” He grinned.
Minerva smiled, inclined her head toward Demitri, and turned back to go inside.
As Minerva entered the school, she ran smack into a large solid object. Minerva toppled backwards due to the force, and was caught by a strong pair of hands. Minerva looked upwards into the flushed face of Albus Dumbledore.
“I’m sorry ” Albus said, a blush creeping up past his beard.
Minerva smiled slyly, her breath hitching in her throat, as she tried to tear her eyes away from Dumbledore’s. “It’s fine, Professor.”
Albus slowly loosened his grip on Minerva’s arms. Looking down, blushing, as he did so. “Minerva McGonagall, I presume?”
Minerva grinned, “Indeed.”
“I’m so sorry, I’m late.” Albus said. “I was supposed to meet you at the gate. I lost track of time.” Albus finished in a rush.
Minerva smiled, “The headmaster’s run out of candy.” It wasn’t a question.
Albus furrowed his brow. How did she know Armando’s habits so well? Albus smiled noncommittaly. “He had to go run a few errands...”
Minerva smiled, “Right...”
Albus smiled, “Nice flowers.”
Minerva smiled, “Yes, well, Professor Djkovich met me at the gate. He had a little trouble recognizing me,” she said, grinning back in Demitri’s direction.
Albus’s face turned grey...this could be bad.
“Minerva,” Albus said, “Why don’t you go take your bag up to the Defense classroom, you remember where it is? And I’ll meet you up there in just a moment...” Albus tried to smile reassuringly.
Minerva smiled, “I’ll see you in just a minute then, shall I, Professor?” Minerva, asked, taking her leave of Albus and heading up the stairs.
Albus squared his shoulders and walked out the front doors of Hogwart’s, toward Demitri.
Albus stopped, turning to stand next to Demitri, who was still staring at Minerva, who was progressing up the staircase.
“So, Demitri,” Albus said, “I see you’ve met Minerva.”
Demitri nodded. “Minerva McGonagall. Boy, if you’d bet me $100 galleons, I never would have believed that she would have wound up like that.”
Albus nodded.
“Do you remember what a scrawny thing she was? Did you see that figure?”
Again Albus nodded.
“And those legs When she was a student, they were always scabbed and scarred. Look at those legs now They’re really something ”
Albus nodded. “If I remember correctly, the last pair of legs that was really something, ended in a bitter divorce.”
Demitri smiled... “Minerva’s not like that.”
Albus shook his head. “So, how’s your fiancé?”
Demitri grinned, “How did you know about that?”
Albus grinned, “I thought it was common knowledge about you and Agatha?”
Albus headed up the steps...this was going to be a mess. Minerva was beautiful. He had to hand it to her. The woman was gorgeous. Minerva had grown from a gawky awkward child to a beautiful, confident woman. She was almost irresistible...exactly the sort of woman that could make the situation between Agatha and Demitri blow up in smithereens. Did Armando see this coming? What was he playing at?
Albus took a deep breath, stealing his nerves, and opened the door to the Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom. The sight that met his eye took his breath away. The room had already been re-arranged. The books had been alphabetized. Minerva’s carpet bag sat on the teacher’s desk, and her jacket was slung over it. Minerva, herself, stood looking out the window, she really was gorgeous. Her long, glorious black hair pulled up into a french-twist, her tight black skirt pulling across her hips, a white tank top exposing her beautiful back and her long, strong arms and shoulders. What was he going to do about her? There was no way a lech like Demitri would be able to resist someone so beautiful.
As Minerva turned, it was the look on her face that really stopped Albus’s heart. She had such a peaceful, hopeful, sad expression on her face that Albus instantly felt that he knew her.
Minerva turned fully toward him and smiled, “Hello, Professor.”
“Please call me Albus.” Albus asked quietly.
“Alright, Albus,” Minerva said with a smile. His name rolling along smoothly across her soft brogue. A tingle went up Albus’s spine as she said his name. He hadn’t noticed her brogue before now. It was nearly melodious.
Albus grinned, trying to remember why he was dubious about her appointment, and why her being on the staff was dangerous. “Would you like me to show you to your rooms?”
She smiled, “I’d love that.”
Albus picked up her carpet bag and, placing his hand on her back, led her to her rooms.
Minerva smiled as she entered her rooms, taking in the spacious living room, and the large fireplace, and massive windows.
“Professor...Albus, weren’t these your rooms?” She asked with a grin.
“They were my rooms before I became deputy head. I guess Armando thought that you’d be more comfortable here than in the usual Defense Against the Darks Arts Teacher’s rooms. I’m not really sure why.” Albus grinned.
Minerva smiled. “I’m sure I’ll be quite comfortable here.”
Albus smiled. “Well, I guess, I’ll leave you to get settled. I think that Armando’s planning to have an engagement party for Aggie and Demitri...Professors Wells and Djkovich....tonight around 8 PM, I’m sure he’d want you to come.”
Minerva swallowed the lump in her throat, breathing deeply, “I’ll be there. Thank you, Albus. I’ll see you tonight.”
I'll be waiting for more. 
