14 November 1948

Minerva joined the small group of 3rd year students by the fire. Squeezing past, she settled into her favourite armchair in the Gryffindor Common room and watched as Albert Longbottom scanned through his notes before looking back up at Augusta and Bertie Bott who were waiting expectantly.

"Okay, last one for Defence Against the Dark Arts," said Albert. "Ready?" Augusta and Bertie nodded. "All right. Dog-like spirit with a forked tail?"

Augusta screwed up her eyes. "I know this one," she said, drumming her fingers on the edge of her seat.

"I'm sure it starts with a G," muttered Bertie, peering over at Albert's notes in hope of finding the answer.

Albert waited a few moments before looking at Minerva. "Minerva, save them from their misery. Dog-like spirit with a forked tail," he repeated, "What is it?"

"Erm, Gytrash I think," she said, bending over and pulling out her Charms essay.

Bertie looked pleased with himself. "I knew it started with a G."

Augusta glared at him. "Don't look so proud," she snapped. "You still didn't get the answer."

Bertie shrugged. "I was close."

"Children, children, please," joked Albert, interrupting Augusta before she had time to retort. "Moving on to round two." He pulled out a second file and placed it on the table. "Minerva, do you want to join?"

Minerva looked up from her essay. She could finish it another day, she thought to herself. "Why not?" she said finally, putting the book away.

"Okay you'll need to sit over there with the others," he said bossily, gesturing at the other two to make some more room.

Minerva sat down on the edge of the sofa next to Augusta who grumbled something about it being ridiculous that Dumbledore and Merrythought thought it appropriate to make students sit an exam right before the Christmas break.

Albert cleared his throat. "Everybody ready? What is the incantation for the untransfiguration spell?"

"Reparifarge," said Minerva, instantly.

"Correct," said Albert, giving her the thumbs up. The other two leaned forward in their seats. "What does spongify do?"

"Turns things into sponges!" said Bertie so confidently that Minerva and Augusta laughed.

"It's used to soften objects," corrected Augusta, shaking her head at Bertie who blushed.

Albert snorted. "We learned that on Monday, Bertie," he said. "Anyway, last one before we stop. Vera Verto what does it do?"

"It transforms animals into water goblets!" shouted Bertie, throwing himself back onto the sofa. "Finally."

"Well done, Bertie," Albert said with a smirk. "What animals does it work on, Minerva?"

"Aves, rodents, and felines."

Albert nodded. "And Augusta how do you perform the spell?"

Augusta picked up her wand. "One, two, three Vera Verto," she said, mimicking the wand gesture.

"Okay, now I'm done," said Albert, pushing the revision notes away from him. "Exploding Snap anyone?"

Augusta shook her head and stood up. "I'm going to bed," she said. "After all this work, I'm tired. Minerva?"

Minerva stood up too but shook her head. "I need to speak to Professor Dumbledore," she said.

Augusta shrugged. "Well, goodnight then," she said. She bent down to pick up her bag however stopped quite abruptly. "You haven't put anything in there again have you, Longbottom?"

Albert smiled innocently. "No. I'm afraid you won't be battling a fanged gerbil this evening."

Augusta looked at him suspiciously before tentatively picking up her bag and leaving the room. Taking this as her cue to leave too, Minerva put the letter in her pocket and stepped out of the portrait hole.

It didn't take her long to reach the Transfiguration corridor. However, the closer she got to Dumbledore's office, the more she started to question her decision. After all, she was only a third year and what she was attempting to do exceeded the magical skills of most Third Years. Not only that, but it was also a very dangerous endeavour. Minerva slowed down as she reached the door to Dumbledore's office. Just as she had convinced herself that maybe this wasn't a good decision, and was already preparing to go back the way she had come, Dumbledore emerged from his office.

"Good evening, McGonagall," he said, cheerfully.

"Evening, Professor," said Minerva, a little nervously.

He raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you with anything?"

"Erm—well," Minerva stammered, causing Professor Dumbledore to look at her curiously. She took a deep breath. "Actually, yes, Professor," she said, a little more confidently. "I was wondering if you know anything about animagi?"

"I am the Transfiguration professor, Miss McGonagall," Dumbledore said, clearly amused. He took out the keys to his office and locked the door. "What is it that you would like to know?"

"I, that is—" she stopped and thought again. "I was hoping to find out how difficult it is to become one, Sir."

"Is that so?" Dumbledore replied. He dropped his keys into his cloak pocket and took a moment to think. "Well, I cannot tell you exactly," he began, "seeing as I am not an animagus myself," he added. "However, I have been told that it is a difficult journey. An undertaking that one should not take lightly," he said. "Is there a particular reason as to why you are interested in animagi?"

Minerva caught his eye and he smiled understandingly.

"Ah," he said.

"I was hoping you could teach me to become one," Minerva explained. "I know what supplies I will need. Most of the herbs necessary aren't too difficult to acquire—"

"I see you have done your research, Miss McGonagall," he cut in gently.

"Just a bit," Minerva conceded. "But I would rather not try it on my own."

"A very wise decision," Dumbledore agreed. He sighed. "I will need to consult the Headmaster," he said finally. "Only if he agrees will I be able to help you."

Minerva could not stop the smile from creeping up on her lips. "Really?" she said.

"I cannot promise anything," Dumbledore warned her.

"Of course, Sir," Minerva said.

"But I will try my best," he finished.

Minerva smiled. "Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

Dumbledore smiled too and he shook his head as though amused. "I will see you in class tomorrow, Miss McGonagall," he said. "I trust you have prepared well for your exam?"

Minerva nodded. "I hope so," she said.

"Then I believe a good night of rest is the next best step."

Minerva nodded again. "Goodnight, Professor Dumbledore," she said. "And thank you," she added.

He smiled and Minerva returned it briefly before turning back around and walking back to her dormitory.