Hermione stood there, perplexed and slightly afraid. Who was this mysterious woman, adorning a pointed hat and bitter expression? Was there cause to be afraid? Hermione shrugged off her uncertainty and decided to greet the stranger with false confidence, although it came off snooty to her classmates, perhaps this time she would be understood.
"It's a pleasure to meet you." She extended her small hand to the strict looking woman.
"Well, it's quite nice to meet you, Ms. Granger. You may address me as Professor McGonagall." She kept her voice composed and cool, but Hermione thought she saw a smile twitch in the corner of her mouth.
"I'll be upfront with you, Ms. Granger. I know about your abilities. I happen to share them in a very similar way."
"I'm not sure what you mean… Professor." This time Professor McGonagall's smile was much more obvious.
"You needn't pretend you don't know what I'm talking about. Just last week you mastered the Caxambu Style Borborygmus Potion. Quite impressive. However, I cannot condone the use of stomach growling potions on your classmates, no matter how cruel they are." Hermione felt her jaw drop.
"Pardon my candor, but Jim Blanchard was terribly rude. And the teacher just let him…" Professor McGonagall raised her hand and Hermione trailed off and lowered her head.
"Ms. Granger I think I know a place where your gifts might be better appreciated. I'd like to begin your tutelage. As I presume you already know, you are a witch." Hermione grinned. It was rare that dreams turned into reality. And this was such an unfathomable reality.
"That sounds wonderful." The two proceeded to enter Hermione's fort where Professor McGonagall began teaching her how to use her magic. The lessons happened five times a week. By the fifth week, Hermione had mastered the basic skills and was already floating feathers by herself.
Professor McGonagall showed up to their Thursday lesson during the sixth week, acting rather strange. Her hair was disheveled and her clothes were in disarray.
"Professor? Is everything alright?"
"Ms. Granger. I apologize for my tardiness." It was only five minutes after their scheduled time.
"No worries, Professor." Suddenly McGonagall's skin flickered. As if she were in an old film, grainy and a little blurry.
"Ms. Granger, I need you to follow my instructions closely. Take this." She handed over two letters, along with a strange golden necklace.
"What's wrong, Professor?" But just as quickly as she had arrived, Professor McGonagall vanished.
