A/N: A fairly light-hearted update this time. I had promised a bit more fluff than this, but I ended up pushing that back a chapter. I got some MEGA inspiration yesterday and wrote this up. I hope you enjoy it!
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Minerva leaned hard against the wall of the train station, staring at the Scarlet Train as her former students rushed to load their baggage. She was waiting until the last moment to get on the train, hoping to go as unnoticed as possible.
It was a strange thing, to be standing in front of the train again. She hadn't really noticed on the ride out, being so distracted by Hermione's distant behavior and the upcoming visit to the Weasely's. Now that she had begun to ponder it, she was distinctly uncomfortable. She had ridden this train for the last time so many years ago. And she had always been so busy during the term that she had never greeted it at the station or waived it off. More than the dormitory, the Gryffindor table, or the classrooms—she didn't feel she belonged here. This was a place for the students. This was a place free from rules, houses, and homework, it was a place to be yourself.
She shouldn't be breaking into that world.
It's your world now too, she shouted in the back of her mind.
So involved in her own thoughts, she hadn't heard the identical menaces until they were right in front of her.
"M&M!" They chorused as George ruffled her hair, despite an angry scowl in his direction.
Fred winked at her, grinning, "We were worried we wouldn't be able to find you in time."
Minerva smiled nervously, "I'm avoiding the torture just a couple of moments longer," she admitted.
"Nah!" George laughed, "You're the great Minerva McG! Bugger anyone who thinks otherwise. You have always walked around that school like it was named for you, you should treat the rest of the world the same way."
"Yea, it doesn't matter that you're practically jailbate," Fred smirked.
She rolled her eyes, "So what do you two want?"
Both twins slumped slightly, glancing between each other. Finally, George spoke up, "Look, M. We couldn't say much around the house, because Mom is worried and wanted to keep the talk about you to a minimum,"
"But we were thinking and we wanted to give you these," Fred smiled, handing her a pile of magazines.
Minerva frowned looking over the pieces of paper distastefully. The Daily Prophet, Witch Weekly, Spella Weekly, and Transfiguration Today. "Why are you giving me these," she growled, "If this is another prank, it's in pretty sour taste boys."
"No!" the chorused.
"Look, we aren't making fun M, but we think you should read them," Fred explained.
"People are going to be talking about you and these articles; you might as well know what they say!" George continued. "That way you have the power."
"If people are quoting this drivel, and you haven't read it yourself, you'll constantly be surprised—taken off guard."
Minerva sighed, the boys were right. In fact, she had been thinking the same thing earlier that day, but had been too cowardly to actually buy them. She had read the Daily Prophet article, and it had been fair. But she had also given her a full interview; she hadn't had the luxury with the other publications. "You're right," she admitted after a moment.
Both grinned broadly, "Naturally!"
"We were so worried," Fred laughed.
"We thought you were going to hex us," George finished.
"But we really thought you should have them,"
"And you wouldn't want to buy them yourself!"
"I wouldn't have," Minerva agreed, "Thank you."
"Not a problem," George said, smiling sincerely. "There's just one more thing, then we'll leave you be."
Minerva looked at them questioningly, "We're still trying to find a solution," Fred confided.
"Snape and Dumbledore both think it's hopeless, but we're still trying," George promised.
"We're not going to give up that easy."
"Boys, I appreciate that, but you should stop worrying. I've come to terms with staying this way, it's alright," Minerva argued. As much as she missed her old life, she didn't want them to spend the rest of their lives searching for an impossible cure.
"We're not worrying, but we are trying," Fred explained. "We can't make any promises though."
"We just think that you should have that choice," George said with a small frown, "If you want to stay eighteen or want to go back to being sixty-five, that should be up to you."
As the final warning whistle sounded from the train, Minerva surprised the pair by unceremoniously pulling them into her arms. "Thank you both, so much."
Matching scarlet faces greeted her when she pulled away, making her laugh loudly. "Old Hag McG, able to make the Weasely twins blush. Oh how the mighty have fallen," she winked, "See you in a few months!"
Jumping on the train, she moved quickly through. Hermione had told her what compartment they would be in so she didn't have to worry about searching each one. Despite the Twin's advice, she couldn't quite find the courage to whole world like she had Hogwarts for all those years. Hogwarts was her home—this, this was something else entirely. So she kept her head down, and did her best to ignore the awkward silences as she passed.
Slipping into the cramped compartment she heaved a sigh of relief as she slouched next to Hermione, "I made it."
Hermione grinned, pulling the shade on the door, so passing students couldn't gape at her, "Of course you did! You're going to be fine, Min. Stop worrying, it'll all pass soon enough."
Minerva finally looked up, and couldn't stop a smile from blooming at Hermione's excited expression. Despite the insanity of the coming months, Minerva couldn't help but catch Hermione's contagious excitement for a new semester. "I'm sure you're right," she grinned, folding her fingers through Hermione's.
Harry coughed violently at that, and Minerva jerked her hand away, dark red splotches appearing on her cheeks. "Sorry," she whispered to Hermione, "I forgot."
Hermione just shrugged, a light pink tinging her own complexion, but still smiling just as widely.
Minerva glanced around the compartment, suddenly realizing just how cramped it was. Ron was sitting in the opposite corner, eyes firmly fixed out the window. And Harry sat next to him. Beside Harry sat Neville, with Ginny happily perched on his lap. Minerva couldn't help but smile at that, she hadn't realized the two were a pair, but they seemed oddly fitting. Finally, on their side of the compartment sat Luna, who seemed engulfed in a piece of fiction, and Hermione.
Minerva wasn't sure how Neville or Luna would react to her identity; they were the only friends she had left who hadn't heard from her directly. But neither seemed to be reacting oddly to her sudden appearance.
"What's with the magazines, Minerva?" Harry asked suddenly, noticing the pile in her lap.
She cringed, "The twins brought them for me—thought I should probably see the damage for myself, before anyone decides to surprise me by quoting it."
Neville frowned from in front of her, "I don't know, it seems like it'll just make you more unhappy."
Hermione nodded, "Other than the prophet article, it's all just insulting. You should just ignore them."
Ginny surprised Minerva by shaking her head firmly, "No, it's better to know for yourself, be prepared."
"Knowledge is always better than being oblivious," Luna said softly from the corner, and Hermione had to stifle a snort. Minerva smiled slightly, Hermione was very fond of the younger girl, but she knew better than most just how oblivious she was.
"I agree with them," Minerva said finally, "I would rather know then suddenly hear a ghastly rumor and be surprised."
She flicked through the pile, "I'm already being unpleasantly surprised, I can't believe that even Transfiguration Today has been turned against me. I've been a subscriber since I was twelve; they've named me witch of the year six times since then." She shook her head, she would need to get used to losing her accolades.
Hermione tapped her foot lightly with her own, a sign of support which was graciously accepted.
She slowly opened to the prescribed page; a large picture began the article. Minerva recognized herself from four or five years ago, accepting her most recent award from them. It was a good picture, she had to admit. In a smaller photo she could be seen in her current state, flying across the quidditch pitch with a quaffle in her arm and dodging two bludgers at once. 'Well,' she thought to herself, 'They're using flattering photos, that's a good sign, isn't it?'
Minerva McGonagall—Professor, War Heroine, and Hormone Addled Eighteen Year Old?
By: Benedict Prucetti
Over the past twenty years you have heard about Minerva McGonagall almost ceaselessly from this publication. Considered one of the top witches of Transfiguration, she had made endless contributions to the art throughout her half-century in the field.
When, at the end of September, Hogwarts Headmaster Albus Dumbledore reported that she had apparently disappeared into anonymity due to an emergency of some sort, we wept for the loss. Now, four months later, we have discovered the cause of her departure thanks to the reporting of the Daily Prophet's Lisa Lindinbush.
On January 1st, Ms. Lindinbush published her story, including interviews with Minerva McGonagall herself. In Minerva's ever-succinct words, "At the beginning of September I was involved in an accident. A younger student attempted a cruel prank on one of his classmates, but I stepped in front of it. Several days later I woke up to find that I was eighteen years old again. Since that time, for my own safety, I have been attending Hogwarts as a seventh year student under the Pseudonym Mary McSweeney."
Apparently Deputy Headmistress McGonagall was wrapped back in her eighteen year old body, something which many of us could easily envy. But the transformation didn't just end there; she is also feeling all of the same emotions and imbalances of your average eighteen year old. Lindinbush said, "Even just interviewing Minerva it is obvious that her usual stoic mask of ferocity is hard to maintain. She seems to bounce around from an untamable temper, to bubbling giggles, and finally just barely hidden tears. One thing is obvious; she certainly isn't enjoying her current situation."
We received a rare quote from Hogwarts Head Girl and War Heroine Hermione Granger, who apparently shares a room with McGonagall, she said, "Minerva is doing the best she can with an unimaginable situation. Of course she is upset; you would have to be entirely witless to think otherwise. Her life has been taken from her, and she has suddenly been thrust into adolescence, a time of life which very few intelligent people would voluntarily return to. Yet instead of having a tantrum, or refusing to cooperate, she has tried her best to acclimate to living with her students and going to classes. She does all of her homework, and helps other students with theirs. She chose not to live with the majority of the students because she didn't want to breach that privacy. She hasn't reported any of their rule-breaking, nor the professors'. Really, people should be rather impressed with how Minerva has handled herself; I can't say I would have done as well."
According to recent reports, Minerva has been spending some of her time outside of class enjoying the rare privileges of being young again. She has joined the Gryfindor Quidditch team. According to our records, Minerva was a quidditch player all throughout her time at Hogwarts, but due to an injury she was forced to retire before ever joining the professional leagues. Apparently this injury was reversed along with her age, and she has been taking the team straight to the Quidditch Cup. Savior and Quidditch Captain Harry Potter says, "She is an invaluable member of our team, and I don't care how old she is. If she wants to keep playing as a 65 year old, I welcome it! She would probably still be better than half of the school!"
When asked if she thought she would be able to return to her old life eventually, Minerva frowned and told Ms. Lindinbush, "It looks doubtful at this point, very doubtful. I will very likely live the rest of my life in this new aging process, and that is something I will need to cope with at some point. At the moment I'm just taking things day by day."
We at Transfiguration Today are sorry to hear that a cure is not imminent, but glad to hear that Minerva is in such good health and wish her a speedy and painless recovery. We can only hope that her current research will allow her to bring us even more magical solutions to our transfigurative problems.
"Well that wasn't so bad," Minerva said, her eyes surprised. Hermione chuckled slightly next to her, and Minerva shoved her lightly. "You could have told me that they had interviewed you—both of you," she said, glancing towards Harry as well.
"Are you complaining?" Harry laughed, "We didn't think you would mind."
"No," Minerva sighed, "I just know how much you both hate talking to the press, and using your fame."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Min, we hate the press in regards to us, but we might as well use it to help you."
Shaking her head, Minerva smiled, "Well thank you both, I appreciate it. I know my quotes in the Daily Prophet didn't come out great. I was stiff and awkward; I just didn't know what to say."
Hermione tapped her foot again, "You were, but I think Lisa covered most of that up, and with the added quotes from us, you ended up sounding pretty good."
"I am pleasantly surprised," Minerva admitted, "I thought it was going to be terrible. I suppose I should have had a bit more faith."
Neville coughed awkwardly, looking towards Harry and then back and her. "Well," He said, slightly nervous, "They aren't all so good. The prophet was fair, and Transfiguration Today has always liked you, but the other couple—they're pretty harsh."
Minerva frowned, "I kind of guessed. I had just hoped I could skip it for a while." Hermione patted her shoulder gently, and Minerva picked up the copy of Spella Weekly. They would undoubtedly be the worst, they were purely a gossip magazine. She couldn't say she was at all surprised when she saw the title of their article. Ginny giggled, Ron glared, and Hermione swore loudly.
Minerva McGonagall: From Respectable Teacher to Tricksy Trollip
By: Eliza Lustro, Investigative Reporter
On New Year's Day we were all shocked to learn about the supposed accident of the famous Professor McGonagall, who has been unceremoniously transformed from a stern 65 year old to a leggy, quidditch playing, eighteen year old.
While the Daily Prophet's article, written by former McGonagall favorite, Lisa Lindinbush, certainly gave us the facts, it was very obviously biased is the professor's favor. Unlike Ms. Lindinbush, this reporter is no longer looking to score house points, and is more than willing to find out the truth behind the transformation of Professor McGonagall.
We interviewed several of her students, including Gryffindor eighth year Lavender Brown. We asked if she had suspected that her newest housemate was in fact her Professor in disguise. "Definitely not!" Brown responded, "McG, bless her heart, was a vulture of a woman. All stern glances, and brittle bones. Quite the eyesore to look at. When little Mary McSweeney walked in, half the men in Gryffindor started panting for her. Long legs, magically shortened skirt, free flowing long dark hair. And with the way she flirted with the boys? There was no way we were guessing that she was secretly an elderly professor."
According to Brown, McGonagall quickly befriended three of the Wizarding World's most delectable teenage bachelors. Neville Longbottom, Ron Weasely, and the Savior himself, Harry Potter. She even managed to score herself a fairly private room, by sharing with Head Girl Hermione Granger.
As you may recall from years past, Hermione has been in relationships with all three of these boys, as well as Bulgarian heartthrob Victor Krum. Several students have suggested that she may be helping the ex-professor to win over her boys.
We asked Romilda Vane, Gryfindor sixth year, how she felt to be living with a professor. She told us, "I'm disgusted! I thought I had a home here, privacy. Now I find out that every small rule I break is being reported to the Headmaster? That I've been sharing the shower with a professor? Not only that, but she took my spot on the Gryffindor Quidditch Team. I was a shoe in, but when she tried out Harry felt pressure to let her join. He's apparently known all year. I mean, she's a great player and all, but she's past her time. It's supposed to be our turn now."
But it's not just boys and Quidditch positions which Minerva is snagging up, but even entire futures. According to Eighth year Gryffindor, Pavarti Patil, "My sister is extremely worried. She's a Ravenclaw and has always been second in her class, just after Hermione Granger. She doesn't have a war-hero status to fall back on, she was counting on that placing, but now her professor has edged her out. McGonagall doesn't need top marks to find a job, she's already got one!"
It's clear from the distress of these poor students that they have been far from pleased with this new discovery. Further evidence suggests that this transformation was not the accident which has been publicized, but instead the desperate actions of a lonely witch. Here at Spella Weekly we will certainly be keeping an eye on Miss McSweeney and continuing to seek the truth.
Just as Minerva finished reading the article the entirely magazine burst into a brilliant show of flames, extinguishing itself on the floor of the car.
"Wasn't that a bit of an overreaction?" Harry laughed, opening a window to allow the smoke out.
"No." Minerva snapped causing Ginny to laugh.
"Harry hasn't read that article yet. I don't blame you for blowing it up."
"What did it say that was so terrible?" Hermione asked.
"You're not going to like it."
"Try me."
Minerva sighed, "Apparently I have purposefully reverted to an eighteen year old, am in the process of seducing every male in this compartment, and you are teaching me your whorish methods," Minerva said with a sarcastic grin.
"Oh, well if that's all," Hermione smiled, causing Minerva to glare at her again, "Sounds like they wrote the complete truth then."
Minerva attempted to swat at her playfully, but Hermione's reflexes were faster this time. She grabbed Minerva's wrists tightly. "Insolent witch, let me go!"
Hermione just giggled, "Nope, I like you better this way."
"Wow, Mione, didn't know you were into that," Ginny quipped, causing Hermione's face to glow ruby red.
She babbled incoherently for a moment, as her friends laughed. Finally Minerva pulled her hands away, winking cheekily at Hermione. "It's alright, dear. I know I'm quite hard to resist."
At that point the entire room was bursting with laughter, while Hermione glared at Minerva. "You should probably read your last magazine," Hermione grumbled.
Minerva smiled widely as she turned to the most recent issue of Witch Weekly, but that smile quickly turned into a grimace and a fierce curse.
Hermione stopped glaring immediately, glancing over Minerva's shoulder, "Oh, that isn't a very forgiving picture is it?"
"I should think not. Someone took that damnable picture at the funeral of my younger brother Robert. I was more than a little upset." Minerva snapped, throwing the issue across the floor.
Harry frowned deeply, "That's just low, even for them."
Surprisingly enough, Luna was the one to pick up the magazine, holding daintily in her hands. "Minerva McGonagall," she read, "Her heartbreaking search for love in an unforgiving world."
"What!?" Minerva cried, but Hermione gently silenced her, urging Luna to continue.
"Hm," she said, reading through the first couple of paragraphs, "They seem to be taking the opinion that you were in love with Professor Dumbledore, and heartbroken after he rebuked you, so you de-aged yourself in hopes of capturing the attention of Harry and having a second chance at love."
"Albus is gay. Everyone knows that," Minerva groaned, but looking at the shocked expressions around the cabin, "Or maybe not."
"They have a lovely quote from Lavender," Luna sighed, a small frown marring her usually cheerful face.
"Her again?" Minerva said, eyes closed in preparation.
"She says that you have your heart set on Harry Potter, because he is considered the greatest wizard of all time, possibly more so than Dumbledore."
"How is that lovely," Minerva bit out, causing Luna to look up with a slightly confused expression.
"Well she worded it quite prettily. Ugly lies, but lovely words."
Minerva rolled her eyes, "I think I've heard enough. I get the idea."
Hermione took the magazine from Luna, glancing over it, "They seem to be taking a very sympathetic view, they're not vilifying you at least."
"Great, they're just painting me as the helpless pedophiliac hag."
"It could be worse," Hermione tried.
"I don't see how."
"They could be saying that you're in love with a first year?"
Minerva laughed, despite her best efforts, "Well thank goodness for that then."
Hermione smiled, "Always happy to help."
It was another three hours before they arrived at the castle, but the time wasn't disappointing at all. Minerva had been pleasantly surprised by her friends' ready acceptance of her into their circle, despite the reality of her identity.
Even Neville, the boy who had been horribly intimidated by her for seven years, had been joking with her. She didn't think anything could shock her at this point.
Stepping off the train, she took a deep breath of cold air, enjoying the feel of the January wind. Opening her eyes she stepped towards the carriages. She stumbled slightly when the broad wings of Albus' patronus suddenly spiraled around her, but smiled at the site of the beautiful bird. It quietly informed her that Albus would like to meet with her immediately following the feast.
She sighed lightly, back to business, she supposed.
"Miss. McSweeney," Albus greeted cheerfully, causing the younger witch to glare.
"You are far to amused by this entire situation," she scolded, "It's completely unseemly."
Albus laughed, "Don't worry, Minerva. I am taking the situation incredibly seriously, hence calling you here so quickly. But that doesn't mean there isn't time for a bit of fun. I find that people so rarely find time for fun once they are 'grown up', you should try and do something about that."
Minerva rolled her eyes, "Naturally, that's my responsibility."
"Well, you seem in the best position to enact such a change," he joked, "Are you having fun, Minerva?"
"Well it's all just been such a laugh," Minerva responded dryly.
"I'm serious," he said with a sigh, "As ludicrously out of control as this entire situation is, my primary concern is still your happiness."
Minerva sighed, thinking for a moment, "I am certainly feeling my fair share of sadness, and anger, and discontentment—but I'm also happy a lot of the time." Albus smiled widely, his eyes twinkling, "I've made friends. It's an odd experience, making new friends with students I've known for so many years, but it's happening nonetheless.
"I sat in a compartment today with Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron and Ginny Weasely, Neville Longbottom, and Luna Lovegood. None of them seemed uncomfortable—save Ronald, but that I expected. They went so far as to comfort me in my worry over these articles and the rumors. They joked with me, and I admit—I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard." She stared across the room, mildly shocked as she spoke the words and realized their truth. Perhaps she was starting to fit more than she had expected.
Albus smiled softly at his oldest friend, beyond pleased that she was finding some happiness in this dark situation. "And you decided to fly after all," he added causing a mischievous grin to spread across her face.
"Yes I did," she laughed, "That is going to piss quite a few people off, I can see that already. But I love it."
"And Miss. Granger?" he asked quietly, causing her to blush.
"She's a brilliant friend," Minerva answered, dodging the implied question.
His eyes twinkled over the rims of his glasses again, and she laughed. "In all honestly, I really did want to ask about that, Minerva—I need to know what I could be getting into in regards to the press, the gossip, and the ministry," he explained. "So far, nothing has surprised me. I know the truth, I understand that everything else is lies, but I need to know if there is anything which could come out unintentionally."
Minerva frowned, "Albus, don't worry. I have everything well in hand."
"Minerva, you're making me be quite forward with my questions."
Minerva raised an eyebrow, "Well if I have to find the courage to answer the questions, you can surely find the courage to ask them."
Albus sighed deeply, "Minerva, are you and Hermione Granger involved romantically?"
Minerva looked directly into his eyes, knowing that it wouldn't be right to lie to him about this, "Yes," she whispered, her voice shaking slightly.
He paused for a moment, before a small smile greeted her, "Good."
She laughed loudly, "That's all you have to say?"
He smirked, an expression which looked out of place on his face, "Well she is a tad bit older than you, but I suppose I will let that slide," he winked, causing her to roll her eyes. "Minerva, I told you months ago, I don't want you to be alone, and she will be good for you. You are both uniquely cut, and would therefore have trouble finding people who fit at your side. I am exceptionally glad that you have chosen each other."
Minerva blushed deeply, "Thank you, Albus."
"That being said, you must do everything in your control to keep this a secret, Minerva. The press will not handle this well, not for either of you, and I don't know that I could protect you."
Minerva nodded, "I know, Albus. We're being discreet."
"Good. On to other things then," he said clapping his hands, "I am going to suspect that you will not necessarily be keen on continuing as a student much longer."
Minerva thought for a moment, "Though I'm enjoying certain aspects, if these articles affect my life the way I suspect, I doubt I will be enjoying the school much longer. And as I've already achieved a record number of NEWTS…"
Dumbledore's cringe was evident as she took a breath, and it caused her pause, "I received a letter from the Board of Governors today. They told me, in no uncertain terms, that as an eighteen year old witch you would be required to sit for your NEWT examinations again in the Spring; otherwise I am not permitted to offer you your position back."
Minerva gaped at her old friend, "But—that's ridiculous, Albus! I've been teaching here since most of them were students, how can that all suddenly not count because I'm younger?"
"I know, Minerva, I tried to argue with them. I even went down to the Ministry and tried to talk to Kingsley. Unfortunately, his hands are tied when it comes to the Governors, and mine are as well. This is a unique situation, so there is no precedent to follow. Minerva, if you want to gain employment again, you must graduate."
"Fine," she spit, standing quickly and beginning to pace the room. Her hands gesticulated wildly as she simpered, "I'll graduate, and I'll get top marks again, and it will all be lovely. Then I'll take their damn jobs."
Dumbledore closed his eyes, "I'm sorry I can't do more, Minerva."
She forced herself into a calm again, sitting carefully back in her seat, "It's—It's alright Albus, I know you're doing all you can do."
"There is more we need to discuss," He said hesitantly, and Minerva nodded for him to continue, "The Ministry hasn't contacted me directly yet, but Kingsley is confident they will soon. They are going to want to question you."
Minerva shut her eyes tightly, "I can handle that," she said firmly, looking back into Albus' eyes. "They can't find out about Fred and George, I won't allow it."
Albus nodded, "I am going to insist that they question you here, so that everything can be in our control. But you need to be prepared, Minerva. They won't be pleased that we kept something of this nature from them."
"I know," she agreed, "But we haven't done anything illegal, so they have no cause to take me into custody."
He removed his glasses, rubbing his eyes tiredly, "I'm very sorry that all of this is happening, Minerva. You should be receiving an award for the way you protected that student. Instead, you're going to be harassed and ridiculed, it isn't right. I had thought we had earned a break from all the excitement."
Minerva smiled sadly at him, "Albus, what on earth would we do with ourselves if we didn't have anything tremendously horrid happening? Read a novel? Collect muggle stamps?" He laughed lightly, "Now what else do I need to be worrying about at the moment?"
"Only one last decision to make, Minerva. We've found out who leaked your story," he sighed.
"Let me guess," she interrupted, "Her name rhymes with Bavender Down?"
He looked surprised for a moment, "How did you know?"
"She's been besotted with Ronald Weasely for several years, and is the schools biggest gossip. She would want to punish me for his attentions, and would want to try and gain notoriety for herself. Besides, she and her friends are quoted in several of the less admirable articles."
"Yes well, she apparently overheard The Fat Lady and her friend Violet discussing the matter, unbeknownst to them of course, and felt the need to share. The question is what sort of punishment you would suggest? Technically speaking, she hasn't broken any rules—and she knows that, as she has been a source on numerous occasions for the Prophet and Witch Weekly."
Minerva groaned, "Can't we give her to Filch? Argus would just love to dangle a student by their ankles."
Albus smiled briefly at the comment, "Unfortunately, that wouldn't be deemed acceptable by the Governors."
"Ah, wouldn't want to upset them, now would we?" she chuckled tiredly, "Leave her be, Albus. I'll take care of it without breaking any rules, and she'll keep her mouth shut."
"Is that a good idea?"
Minerva grinned viciously, "Don't worry. I helped rewrite large portions of our handbook; I won't break a single rule."
Albus raised his hands in defeat, "We never had this conversation."
"What, the conversation about my dating my former student?" She asked innocently, "Or the one about actively withholding information from the Ministry? Or perhaps you mean the one about my plans to emotionally torment another former student?"
Albus shook his head as she laughed, completely ignoring her comments, "It is long past when an old man like me should be in bed. I assume you can find your way back to Gryffindor Common Room unseen?"
She just nodded, as he disappeared behind his own portrait. She quickly left the room behind her, and quietly made her way back to Gryffindor.
There you are! This chapter was shameless pandering to all of my reviewers. More Fred/George (I've already planned out a couple more scenes with them), a bit more student interaction and fun banter, Some Albus/Minerva time, the various articles, and the answer to who had leaked the story to begin with!
See? Revewing helps! Your reviews inspired me to go backwards in the story and write an extra 5200 words!