16th July 1946

Minerva accepted the yellow envelope her mother was offering her.

Miss M. McGonagall

McGonagall Manse

Caithness

Scotland

The writing was in clear blue ink which sparkled and glittered like gems. Passing a finger across her name, Minerva felt her heart rate increase by what felt like a hundred as she realised the meaning of the situation. Isobel had told of Hogwarts of course but it had all seemed like a fantasy then. The prospect of going to magical school was terrifying yet Minerva yearned to finally be in an environment where she could be herself and not live in fear of being seen or caught doing magic.

"Let's not wait for the grass to grow," said Isobel, with a smile. "Go on, take a peak."

Minerva felt her fingers tingle with anticipation. Biting her lip with excitement and worry, she finally flipped over the envelope and opened it.

August 31st 1946

"I'm sorry I won't be there to see you off, lass," said Robert. He ruffled his daughter's hair as she sat on the sofa beside him. "I'm not sure if they would let me on the platform anyway."

Minerva folded her legs to her chest and rest her head on her knees. "We could smuggle you through the gate," she said. "Nobody would have to know."

Robert chuckled and Minerva smiled, though sadly. She knew this was hard for her father; the difficulty he had accepting that his daughter and two sons would soon be sent away to learn about magic in the wizarding world. Even Minerva found this hard. Although she was eager to learn everything she could about magic, she also felt that this could create some distance between herself and her father. They had always been close, but perhaps being in a different part of Scotland for the best part of the year would change things. Particularly since she would not be able to talk much about what she was learning with her father.

Robert sighed and removed his glasses. "The house won't feel the same without you," he said.

"It's only until Christmas," she said, feeling a little upset. "Mum said we're allowed to spend the holidays at home."

"Of course, lass," Robert said, smiling again when he realised his word has upset her.

"I will miss you though," she added.

"I would be insulted if you didn't," Robert teased. "You will write to your old Dad won't you?"

Minerva nodded. "Every day if I can!"

"Good. You mustn't go forgetting about us, eh?"

She smiled when he did. "I would never," she promised.