A/N: This is super ridiculously late, and I feel so horrible. I've had a bad case of writer's block, and the different climate in my new city has made me feel ill the past couple weeks. I'm going to stop making excuses, though- I hope you like this update!
Disclaimer: All belongs to Jo.
Chapter Nine: Tabby
*October 7th, 1951*
"Thank you for meeting with me, Professor," Minerva sat down in the chair across from Albus. "I have a proposition for you."
"Firstly, of course. You know my door's open anytime. Now, what do you mean a proposition?" Albus leaned back and pressed his fingers together. "You've piqued my interest, my dear."
"How busy are you this semester?" Minerva asked.
"Not busier than last, why?" Albus furrowed his brow. "Just come out with it Minerva, I'm not getting any younger."
"I was wondering if you could mentor me," Minerva mumbled. Upon seeing his perplexed expression, she elaborated. "I didn't know if you were willing to help me become an animagus."
"I would love to!" Albus jumped out of his chair. "Up you get, my dear, we'll start now!"
"Now? Albus, I'm not nearly prepared! I was planning on studying, on seeing what exactly is involved in the process," Minerva crossed her arms. "No, Albus. I refuse."
"Well, if you refuse, I'll just have to refuse your proposition," Albus said, sitting back down.
"Albus, that seems a bit ridiculous, doesn't it?" Minerva glanced up at him warily. "All I want is to learn more secrets about the art of transfiguration. If I want to one day earn a mastery in the subject, then I feel that becoming an animagus is an expectation."
"Expectation?" Albus asked incredulously. "Expectation? No, my dear, becoming an animagus is not an expectation! There are only four living registered animagi- one of them being myself! Many more wizards and witches have a transfiguration mastery. Now, being a hatstall, your success wouldn't be as surprising as your possible failure, but it would never be expected. Learning how to transfigure your body at will does not come without a great deal of time, effort and setbacks. If you cannot decipher the difference between an expectation and an impressive credential, then you most certainly cannot become an animagus."
Minerva glared at her professor, beams seemingly shooting their way out of her gleaming green eyes. "Never, ever, tell me I can't do something. Now, how do we start?"
Albus beamed. "Stand up, my dear. I don't want you to get your hopes up, because you most certainly will not be transforming today. It merely is to get your mind open to the idea of changing your body shape. Now, why are are you standing?"
"Albus, you told me to stand." Minerva stated confusedly.
"Oh, yes, but then you are to lie on the ground. Did I not mention that?" At her head shake, Albus waved his hand. "Well, please do not hesitate to do so now. Get comfortable and close your eyes. That's it. Now, I want you to clear your mind. Simply think of nothing."
"That's impossible, how can anyone think of nothing?" Minerva snorted. "It is proven that-"
"I don't care if it's proven or not, just clear your mind!" At her silence, Albus took a deep breath. "Thank you. Are you thinking of anything?"
"I suppose not." Minerva hissed at him.
"Good. Now for our first exercise. I am going to say a subject word. I want you to tell me the first word you think of when you hear it, alright?" He looked to see her give him a thumbs up. "First word: food."
"Fish and chips." Minerva answered back.
"Those are dreadfully too unsweetened for my taste, but to each her own, I suppose," Albus shuddered. "Now, second word: colour."
"Green," Minerva smiled slightly. "That's the colour of my family tartan."
"No details unless you can't help yourself, my dear," Albus winked at his student. "Villain."
"Self-righteous war leaders," Minerva growled inwardly at the thought. "I hate it when they think they are so superior to everyone else and that their causes should reign supreme."
"Diplomatically put, Minerva," Albus nodded his approval and ignoring her elaboration. "Fourth word: calm."
"Slight breeze," Minerva answered. "Next?"
"Home." Albus replied quietly.
"Here." Minerva slowly looked up at him. "Right here is where I belong. My house is beautiful, and I love my family, but here I have a purpose. Here I help others, I have a role, responsibilities I enjoy, and you."
"Never one to beat around the bush, are you Min?" Albus teased softly, leaning in to give her a hug and a peck on the cheek. "I hope you know you make Hogwarts home for me as well."
"I'm ever so glad, Albus," Minerva smiled into his chest, her stomach tingling at his words. "I'm ever so glad."
*Seven Months Later*
"Minerva, you can do this!" Albus urged her on. "Just focus!"
Minerva was laying on the floor, but with some alterations to her physique. She was about half her normal size, and she had a tail and ears. Her voice came out as a squeak when she spoke. "Albus, help me!"
"My dear, you must do this all on your own," Her mentor said patiently. "Calm down, clear your mind, and focus. Remember the exercise we did last week: you are. Now, what are you?"
"Freaking sick of this," Minerva mumbled. Seeing his glare she quickly corrected herself. "I am the cat, I am not a half-morph thing."
"Not word for word, but yes, I do believe that was the point," Albus said smoothly. "Look at me, Minerva. Think of the cat you want to be. Think of the cat you could be. Trust me, this will hurt more the longer you are in this...half-state."
With a noise that sounded like a hiss, Minerva closed her eyes. She pictured a gray cat, one with individual markings. Sighing, Minerva counted to five and thought to herself, 'you can do this'.
What Albus saw next amazed his eyes. Minerva started to shrink and kept on reducing until she was the size of a small tabby cat. Her hands and feet transformed into little paws, and whiskers sprouted from the area where her nose should have been.
"I'll have to start calling you tabby, my dear," Albus beamed. "You did it! I knew you could do it! I'm so happy! Look at yourself. He conjured a mirror and placed it in front of Minerva. "You look adorable."
Minerva walked around as a cat, getting a feel for it. Her senses were heightened, and her vision different, but she did like the strange sensations. In fact, they felt a part of her already. She tried to voice her happiness, but only the sound of a meow could he heard. Minerva meowed excitedly, jumping up and down repeatedly.
"Yes, you did do it," Albus laughed. "I don't want you to overexert yourself, though. Would you please change back?"
Minerva focused and transfigured herself back. When she tried to stand, she fell right back down. "Albus, I'm dizzy."
"I should expect so, my dear. You just did your first full transformation into an animal. Within seven months, no less. Take it easy. Here, eat some chocolate." Albus thrust his hands into his robes and pulled out a chocolate from Honeydukes.
"Albus, you know I don't like-" Her voice was cut off by the stuffing of chocolate into her mouth. She sighed contentedly.
"I am well aware of your odd dislike for sugar, but this will give you energy again," Albus informed her. He gently pushed her hair away from her face. "I am so proud of you, my dear. So incredibly proud."
"Albus?" Minerva looked up wearily. "I like the sound of tabby. It sounds like a fitting nickname."
"Then tabby it is, my dear," Albus smiled at her, love shining through his eyes. "Tabby it is."
A/N: So once again, so sorry this is late! I would love it if you could find the time to read and review. This is short and somewhat of a filler, I'm aware, but it's an update, and a progression in their story, one that advances their relationship. And I thought it was kind of cute ;) . I hope you all have a splendid weekend- until next time, Laura.