Author's note: Thank you for all the reviews! I am trying to change the story more away from the books a bit, so if you have any advice about how the story should go, please let me know! Now, to the chapter!

Chapter 37: Feline vs. Insect

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were in the common room discussing Harry's interrupted interview with Rita Skeeter.

"I think Professor McGonagall hates Rita Skeeter," Harry said. "When she came in, she seemed cold and was very abrupt."

"She didn't even ask what you talked about with her? Hate could definitely be a distraction," said Ron. "She just told her that she was going to report her unless she removed herself from Hogwarts?"

"Yeah," said Harry. "You should have seen her. Usually she's stern, but I've never seen her behave like that with an adult."

"Go ask her, I'm sure she'll explain," said Ron.

"No," said Harry firmly. "She doesn't like revealing personal information, and whatever this is, I'm sure it is personal. Maybe I'll go talk to Albus, I bet he knows."

"I really think…." Hermione started, but Harry was already out of the portrait hole, on his way to the Headmaster's office.

"What can I do for you today, Harry?" Albus asked, sitting calmly behind his desk.

"Did Professor McGonagall tell you about my interview with Rita Skeeter?" Harry asked.

"Yes, she did, and I saw the paper this morning. I'm sorry I was unable to keep her away from you. What is troubling you?"

"Well," said Harry slowly. "I'm confused over Professor McGonagall's reaction to seeing Skeeter. She seems to really hate her, to the point where it distracted her from the entire situation. What did Rita Skeeter do?"

Albus sighed deeply and then said, "Harry, there's a reason and I will tell you but you are not allowed to tell anyone else, not even Ron and Hermione. In the future, please go to the actual person who you want to know about. Professor McGonagall is a very private person but, in this instance, will not object to me sharing this story with you."

"I promise not to share this information," Harry said honestly.

"Well Harry, back when you were a toddler, Professor McGonagall helped me care for you by teaching me how to properly feed you, change nappies, and eventually potty train."

Harry made a face but did not interrupt.

"Rita Skeeter saw that situation, and as is her way, wrote an article for the Daily Prophet about how Professor McGonagall and I were obviously married and raising you together as our adopted son. Professor McGonagall and I are dear friends, nothing more, nothing less. Professor McGonagall reacted rather badly to the news article and the large amount of public letters, both good and bad, it generated. She sent a Howler, yelling at Skeeter for publishing false information. Rita Skeeter never apologized but never wrote an article similar to that again. Seeing Rita Skeeter causes Professor McGonagall to remember all the mean things said to her by students and the general public after that article."

"Wow," Harry whispered. "I don't remember her helping you, though I do remember her being around lots."

"You were just a toddler," he said. "You used to call her Minna, which seemed to impress her, but she quickly taught you how to say her proper name. It was quite bizarre to hear a three-year-old perfectly pronounce 'Minerva'. But back to the subject at hand, after that, she made sure to only help behind closed doors, she was the mother figure that you so desperately needed, much better with discipline than I. I wish that she would just put the situation in the past." He sighed and stood up. "It's getting quite late. You should be getting back to Gryffindor tower and finish the homework I know you have not done."

Harry offered a sheepish smile before ducking out the door, noting he'd somehow spent longer than he'd intended with Albus.

"You can come out now, Minerva," stated Albus.

Professor McGonagall appeared through the door leading to Albus' private sitting room.

"When did you come in?"

"I was just about to enter your office when I realized you were talking to someone other than Fawkes, right as you mentioned that foul reporter's name. And no, I cannot just leave the incident in the past."

Albus interlaced his fingers under his chin, looking thoughtful, "I banned her from entering the school and all associated grounds. I also contacted the Daily Prophet to remind them that contacting minors without parental consent is in bad taste and further harassment of my students would force me to contact Magical Law Enforcement. The editor promised to print an official apology and rescind the story."

Professor McGonagall relaxed, gazing into the fire for a moment, "And you trust him not to share this information?

Looking up from his hands to meet her gaze, Albus said, "I trust Harry."

In Gryffindor tower, Hermione and Ron were trying to weasel the information out of Harry but he stayed stubbornly silent. When he returned and found them waiting all he explained was Professor McGonagall definitely had a good reason but it was really none of their business. Since then he had ignored their continued prodding.

Dropping the subject, Hermione asked, "Are you ready for the First Task? Its in two weeks."

Harry gasped in horror as he shook his head.

"Come on you two, we are going to the library."

"But Hermione, its after curfew!"

Hermione glanced at the clock, shocked by the time.

"Tomorrow then, no complaints. Good night you two."

Alone in the common room, Harry and Ron looked at each other and shrugged.

As he readied himself for bed, Harry considered Albus' mentions of him as a toddler. He formulated a plan to request to view memories in the pensieve of some of his antics. He fell asleep grinning.

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