Chapter 1

September 14, 1936

A little girl with bright red hair ran around in a yard. This little girl was 10 years old and happened to be Minerva McGonagall. She was a Muggle or so people thought. She could make things happen though, at her command or not. This made her, according to the wizarding world, a Muggle-Born. She didn't know this yet, but she knew she was special.

Minerva never told her family about the things that she could do. She knew it was against their religion. Her family was Jewish, but she hardly paid any attention to it. She tried but she found it so boring. She liked her special magic. She liked making things happen.

Minerva flopped down on the grass and concentrated on a small beetle. It floated into the air, and then turned into a flower. Minerva caught it in her hand and giggled. She took the flower and put it in her pocket.

"Minerva! Come in side, it's time for dinner."

Minerva stood up and ran into the house. She loved dinner; in fact she loved to eat. She wasn't chubby by any means, she actually very slim. She just loved food. The only thing she hated was the fact that she couldn't have pork. Jews don't eat pork. She loved the smell of it, wishing she could taste it. She never told this to anyone, for fear of being scolded. She washed her hands and then sat down at the table. Her family said a prayer and she recited it in a monotone voice. She picked at the food laid out before her. It was just vegetables tonight, no meat, or fish. When she was done she put her plate away and walked to her room. She was tired after the day's events, and just wanted to sleep. Her parents came to tuck her in and then she was fast asleep.

August 29, 1937

She reread the letter several times. She was so excited. She knew she was special and now she could prove it. She had showed her parents her 'gifts' and they seemed a little leery at first. They warmed up to it though and soon thought it was really great. When she got her letter they were proud.

The letter had said a teacher would arrive later that day. Minerva sat and stared out her window, waiting. She saw someone walk up her drive and she ran to the door. She opened it as soon as the first knock was made.

"Hello, I'm Professor Dumbledore, you must be Minerva."

"Yes, I am. Come in."

She stood back and let him in. He smiled his thanks.

"Tell me; are your parents' home?"

"Yes. I'll get them."

Minerva left the room and went to get her parents. They came out with her and then went into the kitchen to talk. Minerva lingered at the door, trying to hear what was being said. When the three adults came out she looked at them expectantly.

"Minerva, you will come with me, we will be purchasing your things and then we will be going to the school."

Minerva got her things and then gave her parents each a hug. She left with Dumbledore, asking him all sorts of questions. He answered each and every one. When they reached Diagon Alley, Minerva was shocked. She quickly recovered, and was running around everywhere. She got her wand, all of her books, and robes, and many other things. When they went in to the Leakey Cauldron, Minerva sat at a table with Dumbledore. They had dinner, Minerva wanting so badly to order pork, but not doing it. She stuck to fish, and some potatoes. She propped a book against the pitcher of water and started to read. The book in particular, was a Transfiguration book. She was absolutely fascinated by it. Dumbledore studied her expressions as she read. He could tell she was smart. When she was done eating she pushed her food away and buried her nose in the book. After a while, she put the book down on the table and rested her head on her hand as she read. She slowly moved her face closer to the book and then closed her eyes. She fell asleep, using the book as a pillow.

Dumbledore smiled at the small girl. He carefully took the book out from under her head and closed it. He placed it with the rest of her things and then proceeded to pick her up and carry her upstairs. He put a key in the first door to the right and gently pushed it open. There were two beds in the room, a small wardrobe, and a desk. Albus carefully placed Minerva in the small bed in the corner. He took of her shoes and then covered her up. He then walked over to the desk and set out to write a letter.

Headmaster Dippet,

I have succeeded in getting Miss McGonagall. She is under my watchful eye. She seems to be warming up to this quite well. I will inform you of more things later.

Albus

He summoned an owl and then attached the parchment to its leg. It flew off into the night. Albus stood up and walked over to the other bed. He sat down on it, and then took off his shoes. He lay down and stared at the ceiling. There was something about this girl. He closed his eyes and then dozed off.

In the Muggle World (Very Brief)

Adolf Hitler is the newly elected leader of Germany. He is ordering plots against the Jews. As you know, the McGonagall's are Jewish. They live in Berlin and are currently trying to abide by the new rules set out for them. They aren't worried about Minerva, knowing she is safe in England somewhere.

December 3, 1938

Minerva had settled well in her new home last year. She was very smart when she went to all of her classes, seeing as she read all of her books before hand. She was now well settled in her second year. She had briefly visited her family during the summer, but wanting to return to school so badly had convinced them to let her go back with Dumbledore. It was now close to Christmas, Hanukkah for her. She wrote her parents regularly, telling them what was going on. They were starting to send her Hanukkah gifts. She hated this though, because she seemed to be the only Jewish person in the entire school.

Minerva was sitting curled up in her bed, reading, yet another book. She stifled a yawn and then turned the page. There was a knock at the door and then it creaked open. She looked up from her book and smiled. It was her favorite teacher, Professor Dumbledore.

"Hello Minerva, how are you tonight?"

"Fine, thank you. How about yourself?"

"Wonderful. I was just coming to see if you were planning on going home for the holidays."

"Well, seeing as I didn't go home last year, I probably won't this year. I know I should, but it's just, well. . ."

She trailed off and looked into her lap. She was afraid, she was afraid, that if she went home, she would never come back. Things were getting worse with the whole Jewish thing. Nothing has happened yet, but Minerva was deathly afraid something would. She was afraid for her family and for herself. She was afraid that if she went home, some German Gestapo would take her away. Dumbledore saw the fear in her eyes and moved to sit on the bed next to her. He politely took her hand and then turned her face to his.

"Minerva, everything will be alright. Your family will be alright, and so will you. If you want to go and see them, I will go with you. If you don't, that will be fine too."

Silent tears rolled down her cheeks as she looked into her 'guardian's' eyes. She so badly wanted to see her family. She missed them a lot this year. She looked at the hand that still held hers' and then without really thinking, she practically leapt into Albus' arms. He seemed surprised by this but them held the crying girl.

"I want to see them, I really do. B-but I'm so afraid."

"Hush Minerva."

He held her closer and gently stroked her hair. She had grown on him. He loved her like a daughter. When she was done crying, she still clung to him. He seemed like the only solid thing that she had at the moment.

"Professor, do you really mean what you said? About coming with me, when I go to visit my family."

"Yes, Minerva, I meant it. When the holidays begin, we can go and visit them."

"Thank you, Professor."

She finally let him go and gave him a small smile. She sat back and then put her book on the table. She undid her braids and then put the ribbons on the table too.

"Well, Minerva, goodnight. Sleep well."

"Goodnight sir, thank you."

She lay back on her pillows. Dumbledore started to walk away and then turned back to her. She had more tears running down her face. He walked to her and then covered her up. He kissed her cheek and then smiled. She smiled back at him and then closed her eyes. He brushed away some stray tears and then left the room. Minerva turned on her side and smiled before falling asleep.