Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters and we all know the drill.

Minerva wandered aimlessly over the hard stone floors of the Hogwarts castle, thinking. And not thinking about anything in particular, but of the thousands of wispy thoughts or memories that flitted across her brain, as if they were daring her to try and catch them. It was a normal day on the weekend, her, stuck inside, while all the other students were out in the village of Hogsmeade laughing and purchasing whatever their hearts desired. However Minerva was not allowed.

In her third year, when the Hogsmeade forms had been sent home, Minerva had quietly and politely asked her mother to sign the form. Just to put it politely, Minerva had been blow away. Her mother didn't want her going anywhere except the school and that was that. So she'd never signed the form.

Minerva reached the Transfiguration hallway. Suddenly she got an idea. her professor in Transfiguration, Professor Dumbledore, always enjoyed having her there. A game of chess! She thought eagerly. Minerva rapped on the door twice.

A tall young man opened the door. He had a long auburn beard and his hair was the same color. His eyes were a blue color and always twinkled like sapphires. This was the Transfiguration professor of whom Minerva was very fond. He was the best teacher in the school by far as he had been the best student of his time, which wasn't as long ago as many people think.

" Minerva. What a pleasent surprise to see you at my door." Since she was on very friendly terms with him, she rolled her eyes. " Please Professor, you know it's not a surprise, so please spare me the act." He stepped aside and let her into the Transfiguration classroom. Dumbledore laughed.

"Nothing slips you does it Minerva McGonagall?" She batted her eyelashes and sat down in one of the squashy armchairs. " So Professor, feel up to a game of chess?" she smirked.

Dumbledore rasied his eyebrows. " Someone's getting a bit cocky Miss McGonagall. I do believe I need to put a stop to that. First I'd like to see how your Animugus practice is going. That, I hope, will give you something to be cocky about?" The last part wasn't a statement, but a question. She grinned. " That I have Professor. I'll show you."

Minerva stood up and thought hard about her animal form. It was coming easier and easier to transform, but it still took time and patience. This time it was fairly quick. Soon she was sitting daintily on the stone floor washing a paw. Stopping, she did a cat smile up at him. He laughed and squated down beside her.

" Very good Minerva. Very good indeed. You truly are gifted with Transfiguration. Not many people have the knowledge or skill to become Animigi. In fact, I don't really know, well one other than you that can become Animigi. And thats saying something because I know alot of people."

Minerva turned quickly back into her self. It was easier to turn back than to take shape. Her eyes were worried. " But Professor, I'm not registured. Can't we both get into big trouble for doing something like this?" Dumbledore laughed, eyes sparkling. " My dear girl, if no one knows, then how will we get into trouble for it. AND if we do then I will take full blame for it. It would never do to have you locked up in Azkaban now would it?"

Minerva shook her head at this. " But Professor, better me than you. You are the most powerful wizard of this time. It is most definate that YOU should not be put into Azkaban. Even though they don't know it, the wizarding world needs you. "

This time, Dumbledores eyes danced but he remained serious. " Minerva. I am NOT the most powerful wizard of this time. Also, the wizarding world has no idea who I am. Oh some might know of me from being a Professor, but they' ve no knowledge as to my abilites. Anyway, it would be better for me to go to Azkaban because I could break out. It would be only to easy. You on the other hand... anyway, you get my point."

Dumbledore pulled Minerva up and smiled, serious demenor gone. " How about that game of chess eh? Maybe I'll win this time. I've still got a few tricks up my sleeve." He winked at her as they sat down at the chess table. Dumbledore conjoured a sqaushy armchair up for her to sit in and she sat. She smiled evily at him. " So. Black or white Professor? " And they began their game.

Minerva leaned back in her armchair. " Well Professor, I do believe I've won. Again." She watched Dumbledore scowl at the chess board. "How on earth do you do it Minerva? I didn't even notice that you could move there, or win that way." He looked up suspiciously at her. " Are you cheating? I thought I made this board cheat proof, but now I'm not so sure." Minerva laughed. "I assure you Professor, I'm not cheating. I don't know the meaning of the word. I'm just good at chess. After all, I did learn from the best." she batted her eyelashes. Dumbledore frowned, then sighed. " Well so it has come that the pupil surpasses the teacher I'm afraid. In any case, well played Minerva. You are a most worthy opponet." He got up and bowed. Minerva giggled which was a most out of character thing for her to do. Dumbledore noticed and raised an eyebrow.

"Giggles Miss McGonagall? You never giggle." Minerva stopped abruptly, then shrugged as if it had never happened. " So what now? The kids won't come back for at least another hour or two." A gleam came to Dumbledore's eye. " WELLLLLL.... we could start practicing for the finals. No better time to start than now. If you like, I could teach you some of the more advanced magics in Transfiguration, ones that you don't need to know but will much increase your knowledge greatly. Also I can teach you what we're going to learn for the rest of the year. That is.... if you want to...." he grinned at her slyly. Minerva's heart leapt. Learn more Transfiguration?! OF COURSE! She could never pass upan offer so great, nor WOULD she ever pass up an oppertunity to spend more time with Dumbledore.

" Of course! I'll never be able to thank you enough!" Minerva paused. " Do you think you could help me practice other things, such as my Charms or whatever I need help with? I know your not the professor for everything but you seem to know ALOT about every other subject."

Dumbledore grinned at this. " I would do anything to help you succeed my dear. Is there anything inparticular you'd like to start with?" Minerva shrugged. " Not really. Transfiguration first! "Dumbledore gave her a heart warming smile and she blushed. She didn't know why but she did. And so began the lessons with Professor Dumbledore.

Please review and tell me what you think. - Alatariel