2nd June 1952
The train whistled loudly and Minerva gently pushed some first years onto the train before entering it as well, along with her friend Augusta.
"I can't believe we're never going back to Hogwarts!" Augusta exclaimed suddenly, scaring the first years walking in front of them.
"I know," answered Minerva, more to herself than anyone else.
"Come on let's find a compartment," said Augusta, grabbing Minerva's hand and dragging her along the train.
As the two girls settled down in a compartment with Albert and Bertie, Minerva watched the castle slowly diminish into the distance and sighed softly, her face resting on the palm of her hand.
It was only when the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross did Minerva truly feel the sudden realisation that she was never going back to Hogwarts.
"We will keep in touch won't we?" said Bertie, his eyebrows furrowed and expression sad.
Augusta pursed her lip. "Of course we will."
Having finally found Malcolm and Robert, Minerva walked at a brisk pace towards the barrier. With a glance at her watch, she gave an impatient sound and tightened her grip on her luggage.
"It's fine Minerva. Mum and Dad won't mind if we are a little late," sighed Robert who was now in his fourth year at Hogwarts.
Minerva just gave him a sharp look as they were pushed through the barrier by a wizard who had just checked to see if any muggles were walking past. "Hurry now, Malcolm," said Minerva as her youngest brother trailed behind his other two siblings.
"Can we take the Knight Bus?" was the younger boy's response as he hurried to catch up.
"Hush now, people are watching," she reprimanded him quietly, however, she gave a slight nod of the head and Malcolm beamed.
As the three McGonagall's trooped with the rest of the crowd, Minerva took hold of Malcolm's trunk to prevent him from disturbing any other commuters by rolling on top of their toes with it. Slowly they detached themselves from the crowd and followed a few other Hogwarts students down an alleyway where the Knight Bus was already waiting.
"Quickly now," repeated Minerva and Malcolm scrambled onto the bus while she and Robert pulled the trunks aboard. "And could you go and tell the conductor where we want to go please," she said as she managed to heave the last of the trunks on the triple-decker bus. Malcolm nodded and scurried away.
"When do we need to be back by?" asked Robert, giving Minerva his hand to help her on the bus.
"In less than an hour," she answered. "I hope we'll make it on time," she added worriedly.
"We should do," reassured Robert.
"I hope so," answered Minerva as they tried to find Malcolm amongst the crowd, "Dad has invited some of the other reverends for lunch and he told them we would be there…" Minerva looked left and right trying to find Malcolm, "Ah there he is. Robert could you go and get Malcolm please. I'll find us some seats upstairs."
Robert nodded and Minerva watched him weave his way through the many witches and wizards before turning around and making her own way through the crowd.