She was more demanding than all the other professors combined. Of course, that wasn't counting Professor Snape, who was unfairly stringent of anyone who was not a member of Slytherin House.
When she critiqued my assignments, she was much harsher on me than the others in my year. I knew it was because she expected more of me. I took it as a challenge, and I rose to it. My other schoolmates seemed terrified of her: Minerva McGonagall, Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, Head of Gryffindor House, and Transfiguration professor. I don't think anyone else realized that although she was strict, she certainly was not heartless. While at school, I poured out my heart to her. I love Harry and Ron, but sometimes, I just needed a female to talk to – someone who could give me advice. She was genuinely the best listener I knew, and at that point in my life, I needed that. She was the only woman with whom I was close.
Especially after the war, I needed help. I felt smothered and trapped, and I sunk into the pit of depression. It was terrifying, because I didn't know what was wrong – I just thought that life was meant to be horrible. After all, we all saw and endured so much during the war – it would make sense that we were traumatized from our experiences. She was the only person to recognize that something was truly wrong with me. I can't even count the nights I spent, curled up on her chaise, telling her about my thoughts, my dreams, and my fears.
After my time at Hogwarts and the war, we became friends. Eventually that relationship turned into a maternal/filial one. When I had my babies, they ended up calling her Nana Min. She loved it – she never had children of her own, but not for lack of want. Spoiling mine brought some joy into her life.
There's so much more to even think about – so many facets of this fiery and yet nurturing woman. But I can't bring myself to think of it – tears have been pouring down my face for quite some time now. I still can't believe that she's gone. I knew that eventually this day would come, but I never wanted it to. I don't know what I'm going to do without her.
Ron wraps his arms around me as I watch the casket lowered into the dirt.
"Goodbye Minerva," I whisper, "I miss you." Before my throat closes from my tears, I manage to tell her one last time, " I love you."