Chapter 1: Another Year Done
"Well that's that then" said Professor Minerva McGonagall turning to walk back to the castle after seeing the students off on the Hogwarts Express.
"And another year comes to a close. Don't get me wrong, I love teaching but students do tend to complicate things somewhat." replied Pomona Sprout. Minerva smiled at the statement chuckling at the ridiculousness of it. How true though. The two walked back in a comfortable silence, they had no need for mindless chatter they had known each other long enough to just be happy in each other's presence. They soon reached the doors of the great castle. Minerva stopped and looked up at the place she had called home for so long, a sad smile passing her lips.
"Min? You all right?"
"Pardon? Oh…umm yes sorry lost in my mind"
"Knut for your thoughts?"
"Hogwarts it's always been my home, but home should be where you family is right? I'm beginning to wonder if perhaps I should retire and reconnect with my brothers they are the only relatives I have left. I always wanted to be a mother but the war with Grindleward put a stopper on that dream…"
"Minerva, I'm so sorry. I didn't realise…"
" I guess that's why I became a teacher…oh well. You doing anything nice this summer Pom?"
"I'm going to stay with my sister and see my niece and nephew for a few weeks then Poppy and I are going on a medical conference in America to do with the healing powers of plants which I am looking forward too I must say, and yourself?"
"oh nothing much I shall be here for most of it, we have some wards to repair after the duelling incident earlier this term and then I shall be visiting a few new muggleborns to deliver their acceptance letters for next year."
"Min just don't work to hard please…and talk to Albus he'll understand."
The two friends hugged each other tightly before parting their separate ways. Minerva was glad for the few friends she had. She had always struggled opening up to people, still did. She knew her students respected for being firm and fair but she hoped her students realised how much she cared about them particularly her cubs. Pomona was right she should probably talk to Albus he always knew the right thing to say or do. The twinkle in his eye had a way of making everything seem fine. It was Albus who had seen how unhappy she was working in the ministry and had invited her to teach at Hogwarts. Minerva often wondered if they had been closer in age … well who knew. Lost in her thoughts she had reached her chambers.
"Good afternoon Lady McGonagall…..You look troubled my lady?"
"Good afternoon to you to Godric. I'm fine, truly, I guess I'm just a little tired seeing the children leave; some for the last time can be quite emotionally draining…. Hera…." McGonagall tiredly presented the password. Godric opened the portrait allowing her entry in to her rooms.
"Something is going on here and true to her Gryffindor spirit she is not going to ask for help… I shall inform Dumbledore presently." Godric muttered to himself before leaving his portrait only to appear moments later in the great wizards office
"Good day Godric to what do I owe this pleasure?"