2 September 1946
"I'd hurry up if I were you. Curfew is in 10 minutes."
Minerva's head sprang up from the books it had been resting on causing them to almost topple off the library table.
"Sorry?" she asked, confused.
The person who had spoken came closer and Minerva caught a glimpse of the yellow prefect badge pinned to their chest. "I said curfew is in ten minutes. Do you want any help tidying away your books?"
Embarrassed Minerva shook her and mumbled a quick thank you anyway. However, as she started to pile the books in a neater stack, she noticed the Prefect come and help her put the books back on their shelves.
"The librarian gets in a bit of a huff if you don't leave the library at least five minutes before curfew," explained the Hufflepuff. "Although hardly anybody stays until that late. Especially first years."
Minerva blushed. "I was preparing for my first Transfiguration lesson. I've heard it's tough so I thought I would practice the spells a bit first. I'll try not to make a habit of it, though."
The other girl chuckled. "None of the teachers expect you to know much when you first arrive. And Dumbledore, the Transfiguration Professor, makes sure everyone feels comfortable. You have nothing to worry about."
Minerva smiled and noticed some of her nervousness ease slightly. Since she had started at Hogwarts, she had constantly been worrying about whether the fact she had grown up in an environment with no magic; her mother had locked away her wand since she got married, would matter or not. Apparently not.
The other girl laughed when she noticed Minerva's expression. "You seem relieved," she said. "I promise you there are probably more people in your year who come from muggle families than wizarding ones. Most first-years who do come from wizarding families don't know much anyway. Everybody starts on more or less the same level," she added. "I'm Pomona Sprout by the way."
The Hufflepuff stuck out her hand and Minerva shook it.
"Minerva McGonagall," said Minerva.
"Nice to meet you," said Pomona, checking her watch. "All done with 2 minutes to spare," she said. "I suggest you start making your way back to your common room. I would rather not have to deal with Filch this evening."
Minerva nodded. "Thank you for helping me."
"Don't mention it," said the Prefect. "I hope everything goes well for you tomorrow. And if you ever need directions or any advice later on, then don't be afraid to ask." She smiled. "I'll see you around, Minerva!"
Minerva waved goodbye before scooping up her bag and hurrying out of the library to her Common Room in the Gryffindor Tower.