Just to let everyone know, I did edit the chapter a little. It isn't much but I felt like I had to make some things more clear. And some people have been asking about the blood wards, but you will find out in later chapters or maybe in the sequel it depends. But you will find out.
Hey guys! So yeah, this is my first fanfic and I really hope you enjoy it! I absolutely love Harry Potter and had to try to write a fanfic, and I think its coming out great. But please review and give advice. Anything to help make my stories more interesting and better over all. But remember, I'm new at this so it may not be good at first but bare with me! Anyways...I should probs have the disclaimer now sooooo
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the HP characters. They all belong to the wonderful author who is none other than Jo Rowling.
McGonagall stands, staring at the Dursley's house, hidden in the darkness. A small baby nestles against her chest fast asleep. He looks so peaceful she can't help but smile. She laughs to herself at the irony of this situation. Only hours before, this same young boy was no doubt laughing and playing with his parents. Now his parents are dead. They are actually dead. No, not even dead. They were murdered. There will never be that same dynamic duo that once felt like they were on top of the world. No more Lily and James Potter.
Just thinking these thoughts pained her. After all, she has known both Lily and James since they were only eleven. They meant the world to her. McGonagall removed a loose strand of hair from the young boys face revealing the lightning shaped scar on his forehead. This young boy amazed her, which didn't happen very often. But she couldn't help but be awestruck. After all, he single handedly brought down Voldemort. She jumped when she felt a hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, Albus you startled me." McGonagall said barely over a whisper.
"Are you alright?" The headmaster asks her.
"I'm just fine. It's the boy I'm worried about. Losing his parents at such a young age is unimaginable."
"Harry will be fine Minerva. But the sooner we deliver him to the Dursleys the better." He goes to take Harry but McGonagall does not let him go.
"Albus, you can't seriously want him to go live with these muggles? Surely there has to be a better family out there for him?" Albus studies the professor before speaking.
"You know he has to be around blood relatives. We have already gone over this countless times."
"But they don't even know he exists." She looks up at Albus with such sorrow he can't bare the sight of her. "I love him Albus. I have known him for less than a year, and I love him."
"Min-" Albus starts but is cut off.
"Just hear me out! Please Albus!" McGonagall pleads just as young Harry begins to stir. Albus nods. She lowers her voice slightly. "When Lily attended Hogwarts, I grew attached to her. Don't ask me why, but I did. She was such a bright student and I felt protective over her. Once, I paid a visit to her house over summer break to answer a question she had on her transfiguration homework. I couldn't write a letter because it involved a long explanation." Minerva adds when Albus eyes her suspiciously.
"I understand. Continue."
"The second I stepped into the house, all I heard was yelling and fighting. It was awful. Her sister was arguing with her parents about something. It frightened me, to be honest. I was able to evade them completely by walking silently up the stairs in my animagus form to where I assumed was Lily's room. I pawed open the door to find a small girl curled up in the corner crying. Crying! I walked over to her but before I could transform back to myself, she picked me up and snuggled me. Lily cried into me for hours but I didn't mind what so ever. And she must have known it was be but that didn't stop her. I would have cried myself if I weren't a cat." McGonagall took a shaky breath before looking at Albus.
"I can understand why you don't want the same thing to happen to Harry, but-"
"It's not just that. You see, from that day forward I swore that I would do everything in my power to protect Lily. To give her the best life possible. And I feel that that also includes giving Lily's son, her flesh and blood, the same protection." Minerva and Albus stood in silence for a few minutes. Minerva smoothes Harry's hair, when he reaches up and wraps his small fragile fingers around hers.
"Hmm. So, it must have been very hard for you when she started going out with James?" Albus cracks a smile awaiting her response.
"Yes, it killed me! He was to troublesome for her." They both begin to laugh as Albus wraps one arm around Minerva. A tear slowly slides down her cheek.
"Please Albus. Just give me a chance to find him a better home. What about Sirius? Can't Harry live with him? He is his godfather after all."
"I am afraid that he has been locked up in Azkaban." McGonagall gasps and takes a step away from Albus.
"What?"
"Yes. It seems like he has been wrongfully accused of murder."
"But he is no murderer!"
"Yes I know. But I am afraid that not even I can change the Ministers mind." Albus sighs and refocuses back on the small house standing before them.
"So, if I were to agree with you, what will you do? Drop him off at the orphanage?"
"Heavens no! A Potter does not belong in an orphanage!"
"Then where will he go? You surely don't know of any family to care for Harry? And there are probably countless dark wizards after him at this very moment. After all, he is the boy that lived." McGonagall thinks for a moment and is hesitant to speak. She knows Albus will object the moment the words come out of her mouth. But she must at least try. Plus Albus is waiting, staring at her with those familiar blue eyes that seem to lift her spirits slightly.
"What if I were to raise Harry? It doesn't have to be permanent. Just until we find him a more suitable home" Albus tries to interject but she holds up a finger to quiet him. "I could raise him like a son. I am totally capable to do so. He needs me Albus. He's all alone in the world with no one. And like you said, there are dark wizards that want nothing more than his death, which is why I feel an even stronger need to protect him Albus. I respect you and your judgment, but you can't possibly change my mind. My mind is set." Tears are streaming down her face uncontrollably now.
Albus wraps his arms around Minerva. "You will make a wonderful guardian Minerva. A wonderful Mother." Is all he can manage to say.
"Oh, thank you Albus! You won't regret it." She rests her head on his shoulder and snuggles little Harry close to her chest. As if to protect him from the surrounding world. She can't help but feel relieved. Now she will be able to care for Harry and do what she couldn't do for Lily. Provide safety and happiness for her son, Harry.
"I love you Minerva McGonagall." Albus said under his breath. A love that is both true, and forbidden.
