Begin Flashback
As Minerva McGonagall walked into the school for the very first time, she was absolutely terrified. On the train, she had made friends with a Rolanda Hooch and Poppy Pomfrey. They has talked about their lives previous to Hogwarts, and the funny things they had done with their magic to date. Both Minerva and Rolanda had grown up in the magical world, however, Poppy was Muggle-born. She had explained that the first time she had ever done anything was when, her older sister, who was a Muggle, has teased her about her hair, she had turned her sister's hair bright blue.
About three-quarters of the way through the journey, when the sky outside began to darken, the three girls changed into their robes. When they had first seen the ugly, old man that was to escort them, they had though him immensely odd. After all, who had a name such as Ogg? This strange man was soon forgotten as they saw the castle for the first time, and where taken away by its beauty.
As they entered the enormous castle for the first time, they were greeted by a very ugly man, with an enormous wart on his nose. He wore green robes, with a serpent embedded upon the lapel, and it was clear to Minerva that a) he was not somebody to cross, but b) he was most likely head of Slytherin House.
"Welcome to Hogwarts. I hope that your journey has been pleasant," though from the tone of his voice, it was obvious he didn't care, "In a few moments, you will walk into the Great Hall, and you will be sorted into your houses. There are four. Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff and Gryffindor," he spat the last house, as if it was a curse, "At the conclusion of each year, the House Cup is awarded to the house with the most points. You receive points for correct answers in class and good behaviour. You lose points for bad behaviour."
There was a loud knocking noise, and the teacher turned to the doors and spoke, "Follow me." As each child formed two lines, a number of insults and 'Good Lucks' were thrown around. However, Minerva ignored these. She knew that it had nothing to do with Luck or talent. Merely to do with what the Sorting Hat saw inside each person. Secretly, she hoped she would be in Gryffindor.
When they reached the fore-front of the Great Hall, they paused, as the Professor took out a list and began to read names. They watched anxiously as each student sat upon the stool and waited for the outcome. Minerva applauded loudly when Rolanda was placed in Gryffindor. However, before she could reflect upon the decision her name was called.
"Ahh, I see brains and talent. And a cunning mind, you are loyal to the point of extreme but your bravery outweighs any talent. So where? I think maybe Ravenclaw or Gryffindor."
"Please Gryffindor, please!" Minerva begged silently.
"Well, then, GRYFFINDOR!" the hat shouted, and Minerva walked quickly to the table and sat next to Rolanda waiting anxiously for Poppy. As it happened, Poppy was also placed in Gryffindor, and the trio began to look around at everyone, taking in the sights they had been too nervous to see before.
"Good Evening, students and staff," the Headmaster, Armado Dippet, spoke, "It is a great honor to welcome you to Hogwarts. This year we have a few changes in staff. Professor Wingle has retired and I am delighted to inform you that replacing him will be Professor Lamour. Also, this year we are charmed to announce that our old Grounds Keeper has been promoted to teach Muggle Studies. In place of Professor Ruder, our new Grounds Keeper, Ogg. Please, enjoy the feast."
With those parting words, magnificent mountains of food appeared on the table and plates in front of them, and they all began to eat.
"I don't like that man," Rolanda stated, as she mashed her peas and potato together, "He doesn't seem very nice."
"Who?" Poppy enquired.
"Professor Nott," Minerva replied.
"Who is he?" Poppy asked, as she took a bite of her pie.
"The ugly man who showed us in," Rolanda stated.
"Well," Minerva started, "You can't expect him to be nice to us, now that we are in Gryffindor."
"Why not?"
"Didn't you hear the way he spat 'Gryffindor' when he was telling us about the houses? I'll bet anything he hates anyone associated with it," she paused thoughtfully, "I wonder why he's deputy."
"What?" Poppy asked, "Why would you think he's deputy?"
"Oh, sorry, I forgot you wouldn't know. The Professor who leads the sorting is Deputy Head."
The three remained silent for a time before seemingly forgetting the subject and talking about more light hearted issues. Later that evening, they went to bed, their stomach's full and their head's buzzing.
The following week, they learned who to avoid and who to embrace. Minerva, who had always found Transfiguration very interesting and exciting now hated the subject as it was taught by Professor Nott. Although she managed to get O's on every test and essay, she didn't like the subject unless she was teaching it to herself. Poppy, on the other hand enjoyed Potions the most, and Rolanda didn't really like any classes other than Flying lessons, which would finish at the end of the year.
End Flashback