Minerva tapped her foot impatiently one of these years the new students might actually make it across the lake on time. Ha she could dream. Finally her cat like hearing picked up the sound of distant chatter as the first years made their way up the grand staircase.

"Quickly please or it will be yule time before you're sorted" she quipped glancing round at the new brood. They were all doing very good impressions of puppies just been caught doing something they shouldn't. None would meet her eye until she looked down and at her feet stood a small red headed girl shaking whether from fear or cold she could not tell. Minerva gave the girl a slight nod and smiled for which she received a grateful smile which radiated across her emerald green eyes. This student had power Minerva's senses were picking up a strong aura.

"Focus Minerva" she muttered to herself "You can find out more about the girl later"

"Welcome to Hogwarts, the start of term banquet will begin shortly, but before you take your seats in the Great Hall, you will be sorted into your houses. The Sorting is a very important ceremony because; while you are here your house will be something like your family within Hogwarts. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory and spend free time in your house common room."

Minerva's mind wondered how many times had she given this speech, too many she chuckled inwardly. It always amazed her how the hat knew so much about the students at this age. It was a magic that not even she could comprehend. Although Dumbledore probably knew, that man knew far too much for his own good.

"I hope each of you will be a credit to whichever house becomes yours. Now follow me please."

She quickly turned on her heel and strode into the Great Hall followed by the new first years.

As she read out the names on the scroll she didn't really pay much attention unless of course they were placed in her house, well then she payed full attention.

"Lilly Evans"

The small girl skipped up to the stool as McGonagall placed the tattered hat on her head. Minerva doubted anyone else could hear the small child's muttering but her cat-like senses picked it up loud and clear

"Professor McGonagall said my house would be like family, I don't mind but which ever will keep me safe. I need a family here as since finding out I'm a witch mine haven't been too friendly….. Is that McGonagall's House? I liked her she has a nice aura about her sort of like a cat."

Minerva quietly chuckled at the conversation Lilly was having with the hat, it seemed that both Lilly and Minerva were happy with the outcome as the child made her way towards the Gryffindor table.

Eventually the sorting was done and Dumbledore had made his announcements, so finally everyone staff and students alike were able to tuck into the fabulous feast.

"Pass the fish, Albus would you?"

"Of course my dear" He replied chuckling away

"Alright old man, what's tickled you"

"Absolutely nothing..."

Minerva glared over the top of her glasses at him

"Alright, alright… It's you my dear! You look like a cat who's got the crème that is all and I can't decide if that is because A) you have got the girl who is the first student I have ever seen get a smile out of you…"

"I never… "

"Ahhh it may have been small but it was there, or B) because there is fish at the feast"

"Albus you daft old man when will the world see the crazy fool that I see"

"Me? Crazy… why my lady if you tried convincing anyone of that, they would say you were the crazy one!"