Authors note: Ok – it was not the end then! I try to go on with the story. Let's see where it leads… Maybe straight through to the very end just with private glimpses at the side – as I tried in this chapter… Let me know whether you like it. Part II

Harry was very happy to finally see his best friends again – although he had really enjoyed the holidays with his godmother.

He was so keen on telling his friends why he had cancelled their final holiday week at the Weasleys' but somehow there were always other students around and Harry had promised Minerva to only tell Ron and Hermione.

The trio enjoyed the sorting of the new students and the following welcoming feast. Once in a while Harry shot a glance at the teacher's table. Minerva sent him a small smile but turned away immediately to speak to Professor Dumbledore who was sitting next to her.

'Harry, why on earth couldn't you come to us last week? Did the Dursleys keep you busy with all kinds of nasty tasks? We missed you! And Mom did a huge fuss after what happened at the ministry. She would always follow us or send Fred and George to check on us to avoid we do anything stupid. She was a pest!' Ron told his friend while he grabbed as much food as he could get. Harry had to smile at that and could imagine Mrs Weasley being almost hysterical in her shock about her son going out to fight some death eaters together with his friends.

'That's a long story, Ron! I will tell you once we are alone.'

'Oh come on, Harry! Don't make us wait!', Hermione complained.

'No. Not a chance, Hermione', Harry grinned back at his friend. He was definitely enjoying their attention.

The banter went on for a while. Luna told some weird stories which amused them all. Also Neville for the first time seemed to have enjoyed his holidays without being pushed by his grandmother constantly. After his brave battle at the ministry Augusta was very proud of her grandson finally. Harry was happy for him.

Their chatting went on until late in the Gryffindor common room and Harry did not find a time to sneak out to say good-night to his godmother. He was sad about it since he had loved these almost family-like rituals – but he so enjoyed being with his friends again that he did not want to miss their stories and their laughter. He just hoped, Minerva would not be cross with him.


They had their first class of the new term with Professor Trelawney and could not care less for what she was saying. Instead they continued telling stories and giggling at the prospect of yet finding about 50 new ways on how they would die during this term. Ron and Harry constantly tried to beat each other with the weirdest kinds of death – even Hermione joined in at some point. This was the only class she did not really take that serious – and that would tell something about the class.

Their second class of the day was Transfiguration and Harry felt a bit odd about facing Minerva as a teacher again.

They were greeted by their strict Head of House as usual and were immediately facing a hard lesson and lots of homework. She did not show any kind of private moment towards Harry or any favour. He almost felt as if these last weeks had been a nice dream only. Harry thought about staying in the room a bit longer to be able to speak to her for a minute but Ron already pulled him out eager to find out the schedule for their first Quidditch training.

The day went on and in the afternoon Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville and Luna were sitting over their homework. There was so much to do on the first day that they did not even bother to react to Malfoy's evil remarks first. However, Harry could never blend out Malfoy's malicious comments completely and was listening with one ear from time to time.

As usual Malfoy made fun of Trelawney but soon went on to the other teachers.

'A shame that the stunners did not finish off McGonagall, that old bitch', he said to Crabbe and Goyle. 'The school would be in so much better shape without her and Dumbledore around. All that softness about mood bloods is so disgusting!'

'Don't you dare speaking like that of Professor McGonagall!', Harry was up in a second slamming his fist in Malfoy's face and sending a curse right after. While Malfoy was squirming in pain on the floor all others looked at him in shock. After a moment the Gryffindors were cheering.

'Potter! In my office' came a voice too well known from the door. Harry winced when he saw Professor Snape staring at him with an evil grin on his face.

'Mr Malfoy you report to Madame Pomfrey!'

Harry followed his teacher through the corridors and feared the worst. How did he manage to be in trouble again already the first day? Then again, he could never bear Malfoy talking like that about his godmother and knew he would always do the same again even if it meant a year of detention.

'Professor Snape! May I ask where you are heading with Mr Potter?' Harry heard his godmother in her usual strict school tone.

'I am taking Mr Potter to my office in order to explain him once more the school rules which he seems to have trouble to remember once more after a long holiday. Furthermore, I would like to clarify the details of his detention if you don't mind, Professor McGonagall', Snape replied in his best silky tone.

'Actually, I do mind, Professor Snape since Mr Potter belongs to my house. Therefore, it is up to me to determine any kind of punishment. If you excuse us – Mr Potter, my office!!' she barked and Harry almost ducked away. Professor McGonagall's fury was evident, her mouth only a thin line showing that she was indeed very angry at him.

She stormed ahead to her office in silence and closed the door firmly behind them.

'Harry, how do you think I am able to protect you if you always manage to get into trouble with Professor Snape around. You do have to keep your temper in control! It is only the first night back at school and already we have to speak about detention. Care to explain what happened?' Minerva inquired angrily.

'It was Malfoy again. He insulted you and I could not stand it so I hit him and cast a spell at him.' Harry tried to justify his actions. 'He deserved it!'

'You did what?' Minerva asked incredulously.

'Well it is very noble of you to try to protect me but that really isn't necessary. I can look after myself and I don't care what that idiot of a Slytherin calls me!'

'Thank you though' she added a bit softer and pulled Harry into a hug. 'And how was your first day anyway? Did you tell Ron and Hermione already?'

Harry was leaning into her embrace and shook his head. 'No, I didn't have an opportunity yet. Too many people around all the time' he smirked. 'I almost thought my holidays were a distant dream after your class this morning' he shyly looked up to her.

Minerva sighed and pulled him down onto the sofa with her. 'Harry, I told you that once school starts we have to go back to normal. Which means officially I am only your teacher and Head of House. I am sorry – it was difficult for me, too and I missed you all day.'

'That's the only good thing about your temper I guess – you will have to spend 5 Saturdays of detention with me' she smiled at him. 'If there are Quidditch games we will move them to another day. I could get used to the cup in my office.'

Harry grinned back at her and they spent another hour together in which Harry told her the latest gossip. Once more he loved his godmother for her wicked sense of humour. If only Fred and George had known… She enjoyed their pranks over and over.

At some point Harry got up reluctantly to go back to his dormitory. Minerva gave him a tight hug and kissed him on the head. 'Night, Harry!' she sent him off.


Hermione and Ron sent him nervous glances when Harry got back to the Gryffindor common room. Seamus, Dean, Luna, Neville and Ginny were also still around and eagerly waiting to hear everything.

'How did it go with Snape? How bad is it?' Ron asked.

'I was saved by Professor McGonagall in the corridors and will have to spend 5 Saturdays detention with her instead of Snape', Harry replied and collapsed onto the sofa next to Ron and Hermione.

'What's up here? Is Malfoy still whimpering in the hospital wing?' he grinned.

'Harry! That's not funny. Why on earth did you have to send a curse at him – you could have been banned from school.' Hermione tried to be reasonable for him.

'I will not let Malfoy insult Professor McGonagall or anybody else from Gryffindor that is. He got what he deserved.'

'That was pretty cool, Harry. We have to try that spell, too. Malfoy had some interesting bumps on his back and his bum when we last saw him. He could not sit down while Madame Pomfrey tried to help him.' Fred and George joined the others in the common room and had a huge grin in their face. 'Shame you got that much detention when you should have received a special price for it. We heard Professor McGonagall tell Madame Pomfrey about 5 Saturdays?! You might even miss the first weekend in Hogsmeade then. That's too bad!'

Harry made a grimace at that. He had completely forgotten about Hogsmeade and was sure Minerva would not make an exception here. Well, Ron and Hermione would still tell him everything.

A short while later everybody seemed to be too tired to keep on chatting. Harry realized that he was actually exhausted when his head hit the pillow. And Ron did not seem to be in a better state – his snoring started after 5 minutes and Harry fell asleep with a content grin on his face.


The rest of the week passed very quickly since they had to do lots of homework, then there were the play-offs for the Quidditch team and Harry had to attend the Slug Club. He could not believe that there had not been a chance yet to tell Ron and Hermione about Minerva.

All too soon it was Saturday and Harry left to spend the first calm day with his godmother again. Well, at least he hoped it would be a quiet and relaxing day. But then again, Minerva was a strict teacher and she might even have detention in mind after all. Harry was not so sure about that.

He knocked at her offices' door and entered upon hearing a soft 'come in'. Minerva was sitting at her desk correcting homework from the first year's students. She looked up at Harry with a smile.

'Have a seat, Harry. I will be finished in a few minutes.'

Harry patiently waited and enjoyed being able to just watch her at work. He was surprised at how at ease they were in each others company. This situation would have been unthinkable a year ago.

After a while Minerva put away the last of the papers and got up.

'Let's go to my quarters and have some tea. Or would you rather stay here and work on some spells? Is there anything you need to improve or anything I can explain once more?'

'Ähm, I'm sure there still is a lot I would like to learn from you but today I would rather just have some private quality time with you. If that's okay, I mean…?!'

'Fine, let's go then.' With that she opened the door to her private living room and called a house elf to get them some tea and sweets.

The stretched out on the sofa and Harry told about his week. Minerva pulled a face at the mentioning of the famous Slug Club. 'Oh dear, he is still collecting students as a trophy!' she sighed. 'I hope you all have a bit of fun in his VIP club anyway… What a strange idea…'

'I know. And Ron is not invited which really bothers him although he should not care about it. I might just cancel the next invitation and spend the time with Ron instead. At least, my grades in Potions might improve under Professor Slughorn and I might be allowed to the Auror's programme after all!'

'Harry, I told you last year that I will do everything to make sure you succeed and reach that goal. I wasn't saying this to annoy Umbridge… well, yes, of course, I did' she grinned, 'But I mainly said it because I meant it! I want you to reach the necessary grades and will mentor you all the way there if you will need the extra help.'

'I know – thank you.' Harry leant into her embrace.

They kept on talking until it was getting dark and it was time for Harry to leave. He tried to put on a serious face when he met the others. After all, he was supposed to have had a hard time with Professor McGonagall…


On Sunday morning they got a note from Hagrid asking whether they would like to visit him in the afternoon. The sent their reply and tried to finish their homework before the visit.

As soon as possible they ran outside and reached Hagrid's hut shortly after. Fang was already barking inside to greet them happily. Hagrid opened the door and smiled at them widely.

'Ah – come in! Fang and I were already missing you. I made some cookies and tea. Have a seat. I want to know everything about your holidays and the first week at school.'

The trio sat down and Ron cautiously turned the so-called cookies from one side to the other and tried to decide whether he should really eat one or whether he might end up in hospital. Harry in the meantime just grabbed one and took a big bite.

'Ron, don't be so shy. Boys in your age are always hungry', Hagrid encouraged him. 'Besides, Harry survived these cookies for quite a while already. And I think even Minerva was brave enough to try one!' Harry had to grin at that and they both chuckled at the thought of her face.

'Minerva??' Hermione shot them both a curious glance. 'When did you have time to eat theses cookies, Harry, and why is it Minerva all of a sudden?'

Hagrid muffled something in his beard and turned busily to Fang while Harry chewed down his last bite.

'That's what I wanted to tell you all the time but couldn't because we never had some time alone in the castle so far. And you probably won't believe it anyway…'

'Harry, just tell it!' Hermione pressed on.

'Well, it actually started right after Sirius' death shortly before our holidays. Professor Dumbledore called me to his office to speak about what happened in the ministry. And I think he somehow felt guilty and finally told me that I still have a godmother. And this godmother happens to be Professor McGonagall!'

'What?' Ron was completely bewildered while Hermione choked on her tea. 'Blimey, mate. That's freaky!'

'What happened then, Harry?' Hermione was eager to hear the rest and ignored Ron's outburst.

'Well, first I was really cross at them both for not telling me all these years. Back at the Dursleys I had more then enough time to think about all their reasons though and decided to pay Professor McGonagall a visit at St. Mungos'. It was kind of weird to talk to her first but she took it great actually. And she got Dumbledore's permission to take me back to Hogwarts with her for the rest of the holidays.'

'Wow!' was all Ron could get out while he stared at Harry with an open mouth.

'Oh Harry, how wonderful!' Hermione grinned at him. 'So you do have kind of a family except the Dursleys. I am really happy for both of you. It must be great for Professor McGonagall, too. She must have had a real hard time all these years – not being allowed to tell you but to see you in school every day.'

'But Harry, she is so strict. Where is the fun in having her as a godmother?' Ron asked incredulously.

'Come on, Ron, don't be so stupid' Hermione interfered. 'Can't you for once have enough fantasy to imagine a teacher as a private person, too?'

'She is really great, Ron.' Harry shot his friend an amused look. 'Actually, we do have a lot of fun together and talked a lot about my parents. She can be very soft and funny. You would not recognize her.'

'That does not sound like our Head of House… Did you get a poisoned potion from Snape – or did Professor McGonagall get one??'

'You will see!' Harry laughed at his friend. 'I may bring you to her house in the next holidays!'

'Wow…' Ron still tried to grasp the idea and looked rather sceptic about spending a day or even more at a teacher's house during his holidays.

Hermione seemed full of pleasant anticipation though.

'Minerva is a fine woman, Ron and the greatest witch I know', Hagrid threw in handing them more cookies.

Ron was still not convinced but since he saw that his friend was truly happy he tried to push his doubts about his teacher aside and by the end of the afternoon he could see the good sides of it, too.

After a few hours with gossip and banter it was time for them to leave Hagrid again and they promised to be back as soon as possible.

Ron once more could not help it but muse about the facts he was told this afternoon.

'Harry, you have to tell Fred and George – I so want to see their faces!' He seemed over the moon with the idea. 'Or even better – you invite them to for a day of our holidays and we do not tell them before. Ah – can you imagine their faces when they get out of the fire place and step right into McGonagall's living room…!' His face had a dreamily expression. Hermione slapped him on his arm and just rolled her eyes. Harry had to laugh all the way back to the castle though. He, too, would love to see their faces…

They arrived just in time for dinner and immediately went to the Great Hall. Harry saw his godmother come in as well and gave her a small thumps up sign while he grinned at her. She smiled and had a twinkle in her eyes while she turned to the teacher's table.

Unfortunately, there was not time to tell her that night since they had spent more time at Hagrid then they had planned. And Hermione had made them promise to study after dinner. Harry sighed and got out his books once they reached the library. It would be a long and boring evening but at least he got to spend it with his friends.


End of Chapter 2