Minerva woke up promptly at 6 am. September 2nd, her final first day of classes. Minerva had a full day ahead of her - from morning classes, to Quidditch practice, to Head Girl rounds, and she needed to stick to her regimented schedule. Of the most importance, however, was introducing herself to the new professor. Minerva figured she would rush up to the Transfigurations room after breakfast but before classes started so that she could figure out her schedule for the upcoming semester. Minerva assumed she would be most needed in corralling the first year Transfigurations course but the fifth years would also need assistance with their OWLS.
Minerva always woke up early to go for a run around the lake before breakfast and this quick jaunt in the cool morning air woke her up. She rushed to the Prefects Bathroom to bathe before clases and took a moment to study herself in the mirror. Minerva went to pull her hair back in its trademark tight, severe bun but paused. For some strange reason she wanted to impress the new professor. She obviously didn't have a schoolgirl crush or anything but simply felt it best to look presentable, she tried to convince herself. Minerva charmed her hair into loose curls and pulled back a few tendrils into her mother's pearl clip. She wore a sensible jumper and tartan skirt underneath her prefect robes, grabbed her wand and satchel, and rushed down the staircase to grab a slice of toast.
Minerva hurried into the Great Hall and quickly slid into her seat by Pomona and Rolanda. Rolanda exclaimed, "Bloody Hell, Minerva! Why are you in such a rush?"
"Sorry ladies, can't talk, I have to catch the Transfigurations Professor before his first class!" Minerva replied while shoving the bread and jam down her throat. Looking up to the High Table, the man with the fiery hair and twinkling eyes was nowhere to be seen. Shite, Minerva thought, he must be preparing for classes already. Not even bothering to say her goodbyes, Minerva sprinted towards the Transfigurations classroom as her friends sat gaping at the flustered witch.
Minerva stood hesitantly outside the door, wondering if she should knock, when suddenly felt the presence of a large man behind her, as his arm reached around her waist to open the classroom door.
"Hello there, can I help you?" he kindly asked, "I don't believe we've met. My name is Albus Dumbledore and I'm your new Transfigurations professor." Minerva, blushing from their close contact, entered the door that he held open and perched on the first desk.
"Hello, Professor. It is so nice to finally meet you. My name is Minerva McGonagall and Headmaster Dippet asked me to be your teacher's assistant this summer. He felt that an adept transfigurations student like myself would prove useful as you acclimate yourself to the school." Minerva explained politely, albeit nervously.
Dumbledore's eyes transitioned from kind twinkling to a rare glimpse of anger as he asked, "Why in heavens would Armando think that I, the most capable wizard of a generation and a recent graduate of this institution myself, need HELP? I am more than able to handle teaching transfigurations myself thank you very much," he muttered. Minerva looked absolutely humiliated and crestfallen - Albus quickly realized that he'd unintentionally hurt her feelings as he looked down at her crumpled face. "Oh, dear. Minerva - is it? I fear I've made a fool of myself. I have no doubts that you are a brilliant witch. I let my pride get the best of me, but if you are willing to be my assistant, I am sure I could use your intellect and advice in teaching the young students. After all, it's been nearly a decade since I last stepped foot in these halls."
Minerva grinned. As offended as she originally was, she was relieved to find out he cared. "Of course Professor. I'm honored to work with you and to learn so much from a real leader in the Transfigurations world."
"Perfect. Well, I'll let you have this morning off as we haven't prepared much for classes so far, but perhaps you could stay after your seventh year class tomorrow and we can discuss lesson plans?"
"I would love that, Professor!," Minerva exclaimed with genuine excitement. "I'll see you tomorrow!"
"Oh, and Minerva? You can call me Albus."
Later in the afternoon, Minerva was in the middle of an intense Quidditch Practice, repeating hundreds and hundreds of speed drills on her broomstick at the pitch. Every single practice was agony since Rolanda was named Captain of Gryffindor, but Minerva knew it would all be worth it when they took home the cup. Soaring through a series of hoops and obstacles, Minerva spotted a shock of auburn hair sitting in the stands. Professor Dumbledore sat alone, eating a bag of gumdrops and intently watching the practice. He was the new Head of House after all, and needed to provide support to his team in any way necessary. Dumbledore spotted Minerva soaring high above the rest of the team and waved. She was the only student he'd really bonded with in his first day as professor and her curiosity and skill in all walks of life reminded him of his own time at Hogwarts. Albus had also been a key asset to Gryffindor's team, although he was a Keeper. Now content just watching, he marveled at her coordination in maneuvering through the drills. That Minerva was something else, he thought, and he made his way back across the castle grounds, unaware that Minerva was sad to see him go.
After practice came dinner time and Minerva felt famished. Loading her plate with meat pies and mashed potatoes, Minerva was finally able to give Pomona and Rolanda the attention they deserved. Pomona eventually queried about how her meeting with Dumbledore went. Minerva told her friends about the bumpy start but emphasized that Dumbledore was clearly a kind and caring man. "He has such a twinkle in his eye, i really don't know how to explain it you but I know he holds a good soul."
Rolanda teased, "Ohhh Minny's got a crush!"
"No!" Minerva exclaimed, "It is NOT like that. He's simply an intellectual equal, if not more advanced than me at the art of Transfigurations. I need to figure out how I can convince him to train me as an animagus."
Pomona noted, "Well he has an absolute sweet tooth, look at the man now!" Albus was sitting at the high table and enjoying his third serving of bread pudding. The girls giggled and Albus turned his attention toward them with a bemused expression.
Minerva blushed. "Shite! Now he knows I'm thinking about him! Let's go back to the common room - I have SO much homework already."
Pomona and Rolanda followed grumbling, "Well maybe if you wouldn't take on so many independent courses and responsibilities in your final year! We should be passing around a bottle of Firewhisky tonight!"
Late in the evening, Minerva and Tom went on their first set of rounds, perusing the castle from top to bottom. Other than admonishing a few Hufflepuff third years for playing hide and seek in the corridor near the library, it was a quiet evening. They were in the hallway nearest the Transfigurations classroom when Minerva noticed a new door. "Head of Gryffindor House."
"Ahhh, that must be old Dumbledore's office." Tom posited.
"What do you think about him so far?" asked Minerva.
"Well, he's a bit idealistic if you ask me. And he doesn't like me already. Dumbly saw me using my Head Boy powers to get some Slytherin first years to watch over my Potions assignment brewing for a couple hours while I played chess with some friends. He called me out for it, the bastard."
Minerva felt an odd sense of protection on the kind man's behalf, "Well, you were in the wrong! Alb- I mean Dumbledore- was Head Boy a decade ago. He clearly knows what he is talking about. And I think it is refreshing to have someone in his position with principles and morals. Lord knows we need it during the War." The two didn't speak for the rest of their rounds, Minerva slipping away once they reached Gryffindor's common room. She had a busy night ahead as she sent away for an assortment of candies from Honeydukes, plotting how she would convince her Transfigurations professor to spend even more time with her than the two classes.