Prologue
Fourteen year old Minerva McGonagall giggled with delight on a grey Saturday morning in December. Overnight several feet of snow had fallen transforming Hogwarts. Snow was falling gently passed the windows of the castle. Minerva loved snow. The moment it had begun the night before she had started making plans.
Running down to the Great Hall carrying her warmest cloak, hat and gloves Minerva chatted excitedly to her class mates. Sitting down to breakfast Minerva chatted to her friends, students from different houses sitting on different tables as was custom on weekends. The mood was electric. Plots bubbled beneath the surface. There would be mischief managed today. Glancing up to the staff table Minerva saw Professor Dumbledore, his flame red hair clashing with the plum red robes he was wearing. Dumbledore was chatting merrily to the head of Ravenclaw House Professor Eleanor Warwick, the latter's sky blue hair a shocking contrast to the former's red robes.
A short time later Minerva, Poppy Pomfrey, Pomona Sprout and a host of other students were sledding down the hills of Hogwarts. Their laughter and screams of delight filled the air. This way and that sleds whizzed. Racing down the hill at breakneck page Minerva hit a sheet of ice sending her careering into the path of Poppy's sled. The pair hit each other with a mighty crashing sending both into a gigantic tree.
Blearily Minerva opened her eyes. She was laying on her side in the roots of the tree. Every part of her ached. There was an excruciating pain in her wand arm. Blood was running from a long gash on her head. Next to her Poppy was in a similar state, her left leg was bent at a funny angle, her robes were torn with blood running from several large cuts. Around them there was shouting from their fellow students. With the cold seeping into their clothing Minerva and Poppy slipped in and out consciousness.
The soft rustle and the feel of feathers against her skin caused Minerva to open her eyes. Stood next to her, his feathers blazing brightly against the snow was Fawkes. Seeing her open eyes Fawkes gave a high yet gentle cry. The phoenix gently rubbed his head against Minerva's face. His eyes were fixed on her, a look of concern on his handsome face. Gazing up at him a deep sense of safety raced through Minerva's blood.
The sound of shouting and boots broke the spell. Out of the snow Professors Dumbledore and Warwick appeared accompanied by a couple of Ravenclaw students. At once Professor Dumbledore knelt down next to Minerva.
"Now then Minerva tell me where it hurts," Professor Dumbledore said gently, drawing out his wand to examine her.
"Everywhere," Minerva whispered.
"You are badly injured. I need to take you to the Hospital immediately. Trust me Minerva," Professor Dumbledore said.
"I do Professor, what about Poppy?" Minerva croaked.
"She will be joining you in the Hospital Wing," Professor Warwick said from her place beside Poppy.
Waving their wands professors Dumbledore and Warwick summoned stretchers. Magically they placed both injured girls on them then covered them with thick blankets. With a soft rustle of his wings Fawkes perched on the edge of Minerva's stretcher. Holding their wands Albus Dumbledore and Eleanor Warwick walked through the grounds up the school with the girls in front of them.
Laying on the stretcher Minerva was barely aware of their journey through the school. The stretcher effortlessly sailed through the winding corridors, up the staircases and both professors guided them past all the trick steps and doors. Passing ghosts and portraits looked down at her with concern and offered their advice.
Arriving at the Hospital Wing Eleanor Warwick opened the door. Walking inside they were greeted by medi-witch Madam Jones. A look of deep concern appeared on her face as she took in the appearance of both students. With a swift wave of her wand she placed both girls on beds.
"What in Merlin's name happened?" Madam Jones asked as she examined the girls.
"They were sledding. It appears they hit black ice, hit each other and then hit a tree," Eleanor Warwick said, explaining what had happened.
"Well both girls have certainly injured themselves badly. They have three broken bones apiece, a nasty case of concussion, several nasty cuts and some lovely bruises. I will be able to treat them but I will need time," Madam Jones said finishing her assessment.
"Thank Merlin it was not more serious! We will leave them in your care. Any minor injuries we will deal with," Eleanor said in a matter of fact tone.
"Any trouble causers will be healed then dealt with in a fitting manner. We all know Minerva and Poppy are not the kind of students who causes trouble," Albus said calmly. "This appears a simple case of misadventure."
"I quite agree Albus. I was watching them from my broom for a while before they crashed," Eleanor said smiling slightly.
"I appreciate it Eleanor, Albus," Madam Jones said as she worked.
"We'll leave you in peace," Eleanor said smiling at the two girls.
"Madam Jones your servant," Albus said bowing as he left.
Looking down at Minerva, Madam Jones realized she had heard most of the conversation. Laying in the soft bed Minerva submitted to the attention of the medi-witch without a word of complained. After a while Madam Jones set down her wand. Both girls were bandaged up and had been given potions to help with the pain.
"I am very proud of you girls. You will both need to stay in for a few days to heal. There will not be any permeant damage," Madam Jones said kindly.
"Yes Madam Jones," Minerva said softly.
"You are the best medi-witch this school has had Madam Jones," Poppy croaked.
"Rest now girls. I have spelled the curtains so you will not hear the noise outside but so I will be able to hear you. Would you like me to leave the dividing curtain down so you can see one another?"
"I'd like that," Poppy said.
"That would be nice," Minerva said.
Smiling Madam Jones closed the curtains on the girls. Looking at each other Poppy and Minerva smiled. Slowly they fell into a deep sleep. In the grounds below the students played in the falling snow. In her dreams Minerva was racing through the snow covered grounds of Hogwarts on four perfect cat paws.
