Smitten Kitten

[QuillofMinerva]

Summary: Minerva McGonagall finally transforms into a cat but doesn’t want one person to find out....her professor.

Rating: For everyone

Smitten Kitten

Chapter One

A seventh year Minerva McGonagall rushed along to the transfiguration classroom, she was already late for her weekly private lesson with Albus Dumbledore. She mentally cursed her best friend Poppy Pomfrey who had dragged her along to watch the Gryffindor boys practice their dueling. Poppy only wanted to go so she could watch her boyfriend Alastor Moody defend his unbeaten title of three years.

Minerva arrived outside the transfiguration classroom and stopped to gain her breath back before knocking. She heard a voice from within, telling her to enter. She opened the door to see Albus seated behind his desk, obviously waiting for her arrival.

"I'm sorry I'm late Professor," began Minerva quickly "I....."

Albus Dumbledore raised his hand to stop her talking. He stood up and walked around to the front of his desk. He stood there with his arms crossed across his chest. Minerva took her usual seat in front of him and waited for him to speak.

"I don't need to know why you are late Minerva," he said softly "you're here now and we can make a start."

She looked up at him and saw his bright blue eyes shining behind his half moon spectacles. She could lose herself in his eyes, they were always full of emotion. She mentally shook herself and returned to listening to what he was saying.

"Minerva you need to clear your head of everything so you can transform," he told her "I do think that is the problem."

"But I do clear my head." replied Minerva, defending herself.

"Clearly you don't my dear." he answered with a smile.
"I do Professor," she replied "maybe I'm not made out for this."

"Nonsense Minerva," Albus told her "you are perfectly capable, you just don't clear your head. Come on, lets see what we can accomplish today."

Minerva stood up and walked into the centre of the classroom and closed her eyes. She could feel his eyes on her, and that was putting her off. How could she tell him, that he was the problem that was preventing her from transforming? She ran the conversation through her mind and laughed to herself, no she couldn't possibly tell him. She opened her eyes and stared
at her professor.

"It's just no use." she said with a sigh.

"You didn't clear your head," replied Albus "I could see you thinking about something."

"I was concentrating." she snapped.

"I don't think we will get anywhere this evening" said Albus "maybe we should rearrange for tomorrow evening instead."

"Yes, Professor." replied Minerva, as she grabbed her book bag and headed towards the door.

Minerva had intended to return to the Gryffindor Common room but changed her mind and headed out into the grounds of Hogwarts. She walked in moonlight till she reached the lake, she threw her book bag down on the slightly wet grass. She looked out across the lake into the dark hills, she closed her eyes and felt herself emptying her head. She whispered the oh too familiar words over and over again to herself.

Feeling frustrated with herself, she snapped her eyes open to find that everything around her was ten times bigger than herself. Her book bag was the same size as her, she walked over to the edge of the lake and carefully peered into the water. She saw a silver and black tabby cat staring back at her, confused she peered behind herself to look for that cat but only saw the shadows of Hogwarts. Then it clicked, the tabby cat peering back at her was Minerva herself.

She glanced back at the reflection and twitched her nose. She stared at herself for a few moments and then dashed off round the large chestnut tree that resided next to the lake, she was enjoying her new found freedom. She stayed as a cat for half an hour or so and then transformed back into her human form. She was over the moon that she had finally accomplished what she had been trying to do for the previous five months. Her first thought was to rush off and show Professor Dumbledore but then it hit her like a brick, if she showed him that would mean the end of her private lessons with him. She decided there and then, she wouldn't tell him just yet and besides her transformation tonight might have been a once off.

TO BE CONTINUED

[Miss Q]

I liked the start of this story!!! I do hope that you'll update soon!!!

M

[TartanLioness]

*growl* of course, you post the beginning of the story I've been wanting to read for ages and you stop!!!! Grr... lol

Great beginning, Clayre!!! I just can't wait for the next part!!!

Love,
Cammie xx

[snowcat]

Yay Clayre! I see my beta is doing well!
And that was a bad thing of you to stop there. I forgive you don't worry.
lol! Oh great I'm hooked, with is a good thing.
Love, Elísabet

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

Love this, cant wait for the update Great Fic

[ginger newts]

I'm so glad you got this one back! Update it soon I can't wait to see how it turns out.

[TartanPhoenix]

Glad to see you found another one!! I love this story, but its been so long I can't remember everything. You must update soon! ;D

[bee.]

how neat-o was that? i loved it! im so happy it was recovered... otherwise i'd totally have been missing out... post the rest of the story soon-and crumbling foundations!!!
ecks oh ecks oh,
[glow=yellow,2,300]bee[/glow]

[tayryn]

yeah... i'd keep it a secret too! lol especially if it meant spending more time with Albus! yum!

this was a very nice start... and i am very much looking forward to reading more!!

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 2

The next morning an owl fluttered towards Minerva and dropped a letter into her lap. The owl flew away before Minerva had chance to offer it a reward. The letter was from Albus Dumbledore telling her, that he was unable to make their arranged lesson for that evening. Part of her was sad that she wouldn't be able to see him tonight but the other part was excited, she would be able to explore the school in her cat form.

The day couldn't go quick enough for Minerva. Her best friend Poppy tried to get to the bottom of her friend’s excitement but got nowhere. When eight o' clock came, Minerva excused herself from her friends and rushed out of the Gryffindor Common Room.

Minerva rushed along the corridor quickly and raced out into the grounds of the school. She made her way over to the lake and looked around her to make sure, she was alone.

She closed her eyes and emptied her head of all thoughts, she transformed quicker than she had done the previous night. She watched over to the lake's water edge and looked at her reflection, happy with what it showed her she went dashing towards the school.

As she padded throughout the school, she was amazed at how different it looked from normal. She came across some cats who belonged to fellow students, they stared at her strangely.

"You're new aren't you?" asked a ginger cat.

"What's your name?" asked another one.

"I'm Minerva McGonagall!" she answered truthfully.

The two cats she had encountered looked at her blankly then turned their backs to her and stalked away. Minerva shook her head with confusion and then darted along the corridor, she wanted to explore as much of the school as she could that night. After an hour of exploring, Minerva thought it wise to turn back and head back to the common room before she was missed.

She darted back out towards the lake so she could transform without the danger of anyone seeing her and reporting her. In her haste to return to the lake, she failed to notice the uprooted root that lay ahead of her. Her back paw got tangled up in the root and sent her stumbling forward, twisting her paw in the process. She tried to get back up on all fours but found that she couldn't move because of the pain, she must have broken it.

She scanned her surroundings hoping to find someone who could help her but all she saw, was the stars, the moon and several large trees. To add to her distress, she found that she couldn't transform back into her human self. Placing her head between her front paws, she let out a series of short long meows to let people know she was out there.

Someone did hear her as they walked past the large oak entrance hall doors. They came running down the steps and over to her. She felt a gentle hand stroke her fur and then she felt two hands picking her up carefully and cradling her in their arms. The gentle person carried her back towards the school.

TO BE CONTINUED

[Krystal]

I can't seem to catch up with my reading but I had to review before you posted again. I think I read this before but I'm not certain so I'm glad you were able to post it again. Krys

[TartanLioness]

*growl* Clayre you evil cliffhanger person!! grrr!!

Great chappie, I loved it!! Poor Min is stuck! *grin* wonder who saved her... lol

Love,
Cammie xx

[snowcat]

Clayre that is a evil cliffhanger.
Wonderful chappie.
love,
Elísabet xx

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

love it! I remember reading this before ... won't say anymore to spoil it *padlocks mouth shut* lol Great fic keep it coming

[Alesia]

Let's just hope its not Riddle! How frustrating is that going to be stuck as a cat? Ieeck.

Nice update. Thanks

[JKMcGonagall]

You are the evil queen of the cliffhangers. However, I think I have read this before on another site. I think it is Albus who picked her up, at least I hope it is. Surely, it is not Tom Riddle. Can't imagine him being gentle. Poor Min. As always, update sooooooon.

Kay

[bee.]

wonderful update! i hope it's albus that picks her up... oh i dont know... for some reason... something just tells me it might be him... just maybe... it has nothing to do with this being a mmad fleet site or anything... ;D
wow, betcha im wrong too... ;D nothing neewwww...
ecks oh ecks oh,
[glow=yellow,2,300]bee[/glow]

[Jaya]

Is it??

Could it be?

Fingers crossed!!!

Jaya ;D

[tayryn]

ouch! poor, Tabby!!

i certainly hope it was Albus who has picked her up, and soothes her hurts! *G*

[ginger newts]

Dun dun dun, who could the mystery person be? Update soon!

[griseldalafey]

YIPHEEEEE!!!!

*calms down*

You got Smitten Kitten back!!! Yay Yay Yay! Well, you know much I loved this one

And the best thing is, I forgot a bit how it ended... so I'm once again eagerly awaiting your updates!

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Three

The scent of the person carrying her was familiar, very familiar. They smelt of lemon and chocolate and she recognized the deep purple robes but it was only when he spoke, she knew for sure that she was being carried by Albus Dumbledore.

He swept along the corridors and turned sharply, he took her along a corridor which she had never come across in the whole time at Hogwarts. He came to a stop in front of a stone statue of a unicorn, her acute hearing picked up on him whispering the password. "Love Unspoken."

The statue of the unicorn jumped aside, revealing a elaborately carved door which swung open allowing them entrance. Albus swept into his private rooms and took her into his bedroom, where he gently placed her down on the bed.

"You're a pretty little thing." he told her as he gently stroked her coat. "Don't be afraid, I'm going to sort out this little paw of yours."

She looked at him and meowed in reply, she knew that he wouldn't be able to understand her. She was surprised that she was able to understand him in her cat form but then she remembered what she had learnt in her lessons with Albus; now that she had chosen a form she would be able to understand both humans and cats. Albus pulled out his wand and whispered a few choice words, he flicked his wand a couple of times over her back paw.

"All better now sweetheart." he told her softly.

Her back leg did feel a lot better and she was able to stand on all fours. He sat down beside her on his bed and ran his long fingers through her fur. He tickled her behind the ear and she knocked her head against his other hand.

"Aren't you an affectionate one." he said with a smile. "It's nice to have some company in the evening. It can be rather lonely especially when old Fawkes is going through his rebirth."

Minerva gingerly placed a paw on his lap and once she knew that he didn't mind, she climbed on and curled up on his lap. Albus sat back against the headboard of his bed and began to stroke her softly. Minerva found herself purring at his gentle touch. She was enjoying this time with him, part of her felt dishonest as he thought she was a cat and not Minerva McGonagall, his student. She looked up at him and couldn't help but notice how sad he seemed. His usually sparkling blue eyes seemed to be filled with sadness and loneliness. He seemed totally different from what she saw in lessons. She looked up at him again and found that he had nodded off to sleep. She forcefully knocked her head against one of his hands and he slowly opened his eyes. She jumped off his lap and made her way to the door.

"Leaving already?" he asked.

Minerva pawed at the door and Albus got off his bed and joined her at the door, he opened it and waited for her to leave. She looked up at him and meowed with thanks, he chuckled and bent down to stroke her goodbye.

"Will I see you again Tabby?" he asked.

She looked at him and liked the name he had chosen to call her. Minerva wanted to tell him that she would indeed see him again, that she would always be there, that she loved him but instead she gave him a simple meow and darted out of his rooms and headed towards Gryffindor tower.

To be continued

[TartanLioness]

oooh! what a lovely update, Clayre! One we've been waiting for for *ages* it seem! And it was so worth the wait! How cute that Minerva is in Albus' lap, getting petted... I'll wait patiently for the next bit!

Love,
Cammie xx

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

awww! lol can't wait for more lol Lovin it!

[ginger newts]

Aw, Albus fixed her yay. How sad that he looked so lonely, I do hope the little kitty will go visit him again. Can't wait to see what happened, and still so glad that you found this one again.

[Alesia]

LOVED IT! LOVED IT!! LOVED IT!! Too cute!

It is going to be interesting to see Albus's reaction once he finds out who she is.

[LadyJolly]

Awww so cute I hope Albus won't get too mad if he ever finds out. Loved it of course so darn cute. And I have a major soft spot for cats and KITTIES!!! I can imagine Minerva is cute and cuddle well anyways eheheh great job post more soon please.

Lady Jolly

[JKMcGonagall]

This is such a sweet story. I can picture Min curled up on Albus' lap, purring. I am so glad you found this story. I have read it before, but do not remember the ending. Update soon, please. Ppppuuuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrr!!!!

Kay

[Miss Q]

Ooohh... soooo sweet ! Can't help but love this story!!! Thanks for sharing it with us!

M

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 4

Minerva woke the next morning with a smile upon her face, she was looking forward to making another trip to see him, that coming night. On her way back to her common room last night, Minerva had decided that she was going to be there for him every possible way she could be. Deep down she knew that he would never love her as she loved him, but she was happy to be his friend.

She climbed out of bed and walked towards the head girl’s bathroom which she shared with her best friend Poppy.

"Minerva," said Poppy, coming up behind her friend "why are you limping?"

"I'm not limping." replied Minerva quickly as she looked around to face her friend.

"You are," said Poppy, placing her hands on her hips "Alastor will kill you, if you can't play quidditch tomorrow. What did you do?"

"I shouldn't really be playing quidditch anyway as I have to study." Minerva told Poppy.

"Don't let Alastor hear you say that Min." Poppy replied "You going to tell me what you did. Did the Slytherin boys do something so you couldn't play and then they could win. Wait till I tell Alastor."

"Poppy,, slow down!" scolded Minerva "I must have got out of bed funny, I will be fine."

Poppy eyes her suspiciously but then accepted Minerva's answer and dragged her into the bathroom. The two friends walked into the great hall for breakfast when Minerva caught sight of Albus sat up at the head table, he was smiling and she could just make out a twinkle in his eyes when he caught her eye. Minerva wondered why he was so different this morning to what he was like last night, perhaps she would find out when she transformed into the silver and black tabby cat.

"What have you done McGonagall?" questioned Alastor as she sat down.

"Nothing Alastor," she replied with a sigh "I will be fine to play tomorrow."

"Just as long as you are," he answered "we need to wipe those smug smiles off those dirty Slytherins."

Poppy noticed that her friend was unusually preoccupied throughout the day and when she quizzed her about, Poppy only received a mumbled reply.

The evening came and once again Minerva excused herself from her friends and went to transform. Minerva padded along the corridor, unsure of how she would find the professor. She knew where his rooms where and she even knew his password but how would she explain herself getting in there in either form. She didn't have to wonder for long because as she rounded the corner, she saw him. He must have been on his nightly rounds and heading back to his own rooms.

"Hello Tabby," he greeted her "I did wonder if I would see you again."

Minerva meowed and rubbed her head against his leg and then sat down between them. He chuckled softly and bent down to pick her up. As he carried her along the corridor, she played with his beard and got her claws caught up in the knots she had made.

"Now look what you've done." he said with a chuckle "that's going to take a while to get out."

They reached his warm, inviting room and sat down on the couch opposite the roaring fire. Minerva watched the flames dance while Albus sorted out the knots in his beard.

"All done." he told her, a little while later.

Albus pulled out his wand again and with a flick of his wand and a few choice words, a mug of streaming hot chocolate appeared as did a bowl of cream.

"I took the liberty of getting you something too Tabby." he told her, as he put the bowl beside her.

Minerva lapped up the cream while Albus sipped his hot chocolate slowly and stared into the flames while stroking Minerva's coat gently.

"Oh Tabby," he said, tickling her behind the ear and making her purr.

Minerva stepped on to his lap and curled into a ball and looked up at his blue eyes, they were sad again and she wanted to know why.

"I'm going to tell you a secret," he said softly "I think I need to say it out loud before I find myself going mad."

to be continued