A/N: Updated as of April 2021. I hope you enjoy this version as much as the last!

For disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter One: September 1, 1937

"Hurry up, Minnie! We don't want to miss the train!" Minerva's older brother Callum pulled his sister through the barrier at King's Cross.

"Don't call me that, Callum!" Minerva slapped her brother's arm, but she ended up giving it a squeeze instead when her eyes caught a glimpse of the gleaming scarlet train.

Callum grinned cheekily at his sister's wonder. "That, my dear sister, is the Hogwarts Express. Ready to take us off to the wonderful world of unlimited magic and no parental supervision. Now, you have everything, yeah?" He saw his sister nod and continued, "Right, well, I have to join the rest of the Prefects to get the train ready. Otherwise, the newly crowned Head Girl will have my head."

"Diana is our sister, you goof. She'll have your head no matter what," Minerva laughed. "Go, it's okay. I see Rowena over there, anyway. See you on the train!"

She pranced away from her brother to find her friend. "Ro! We're going to Hogwarts!"

Rowena laughed. "I know! Finally. You ready?"

"Obviously." Minerva rolled her eyes. She took her friend's arm, and together they boarded the train. They found an empty compartment and sat down. Soon after the train started moving, her sister knocked on the door and let herself in.

"Hey, you two. How are you feeling, Min?" Diana smiled and sat down. "I brought you some Berties."

Minerva took the candy and ran her fingers over the box. "Fine, I think. I'm excited to get Sorted."

"Don't worry, Min. You'll be in Ravenclaw, just like Ma and me." Diana winked. "And I'm sure Rowena will join us there."

Rowena groaned. "I better be, otherwise I'm sure I'll be getting a Howler about being the first Ravenclaw descendant to not be in Ravenclaw. Ever."

Callum poked his head around the door, startling the three girls. "Oi, Head Girl! No one knows what they're doing, eh? You're supposed to start rounds, set a good example. I'm the wayward McGonagall, not you!"

Diana rolled her eyes and stood. "Why on earth Dumbledore chose you to be a Prefect, I have no idea. Probably something to do with that ridiculous Gryffindorian need to reward outrageous actions that toe the line between bravery and idiocy."

"Oh shut up, Di. Besides, when Minnie is in Gryffindor, it'll be two against one, and you'll be the odd one out." Callum winked at the two first years and pulled Diana out of the compartment behind him. "See you there, firsties!"

Rowena looked at Minerva and chuckled nervously. "All of a sudden, I feel doomed."

The two girls exited the train to the sound of a voice calling, "First years! First years, this way, please. Miss Abbott, you're not a first-year anymore. Please follow the rest of the school to the carriages. First years, to the dock!"

Rowena wrapped her arm around Minerva's. "It's cold, dark, and I don't want to lose you," she said in response to her friend's questioning gaze.

They followed the smaller group of students down to the docks. Minerva tried to get a glimpse of the castle, but there were too many students, and she wasn't known for being the tallest eleven-year-old in the world. She shook her head when she realized that someone was giving them instructions.

"Alright, first years, listen up! I am Professor Harrison, and I teach Arithmancy here at Hogwarts," a tall man announced, his voice echoing off the water. "This year, I was granted the pleasure of bringing you to Hogwarts. Please get into groups of four, and board a boat. Be careful, I don't need any of you in the water!"

Minerva and Rowena looked at each other, not knowing anyone else they could ask to join their boat. Shrugging, Minerva lead Rowena down to the boats, hoping to find a pair in the same situation.

"Hey!" The girls turned to see a lanky boy waving his arms in the air. "Wanna join our boat?"

The girls joined the boy and his companion, a round-faced girl who looked absolutely terrified to be there. Once they were seated, the boy introduced himself. "My name is Aidan. Aidan Scrimgeour. And this here is Augusta Bell," he said, gesturing to the girl. She raised her hand meekly in greeting.

"Hello. I'm Minerva McGonagall, and this is my friend Rowena Lovegood." Minerva rubbed her hands to keep warm. "Do either of you know anyone else starting this year?"

Aidan grimaced. "An old cousin of mine, Katrina Rowle. She's nasty. She said she would hex me if I was sorted anywhere other than Slytherin. I really, really hope I don't end up there. Mother and Augusta's mum are apparently old friends from their Hogwarts days. That's how I knew Augusta. Other than that, I don't know anyone."

"Ah, well," Minerva said, making a mental note to steer clear of this Katrina character. "What about you, Augusta?"

"I don't know anyone, either," Augusta answered quietly. "My parents tend to keep me sheltered. They hope I end up in Gryffindor, although personally, I think there's a fat chance of that, to be honest."

"I understand the pressure, Augusta," Rowena stated softly. "My entire family has been in Ravenclaw. We're direct descendants. I don't want to be the first in the Ravenclaw clan to go somewhere different. I'm named after the founder, for goodness sakes!" She continued, seeing Augusta smile. "No matter what, though, as long as we don't flunk out, I'm sure we'll be alright."

"You'll be lucky if people don't mistake you for the actual founder," Aidan said with a laugh.

"I know. I can hardly wait." Rowena sarcastically rolled her eyes. "I'll be sure to thank my parents for that when I win Minister for Magic."

They all laughed at that. Aidan turned to Minerva and said, "You're left. Augusta and Rowena would kill to be in Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, and I'll die if I'm in Slytherin. What about you?"

"My brother is in Gryffindor, and my sister is in Ravenclaw. My Ma was a Ravenclaw, too," Minerva shrugged. "I think I'll end up in either of those."

"I wish I had siblings," Aidan sighed. "Mother and father aren't around much, so really I have the elves for company. Blipsy is the best. Oh, look, we're nearly there!"

The group raised their heads in awe of the big castle. It looked so mystical with the many towers and windows. A few winding staircases and strolling ghosts were visible courtesy of a large window on one of the turrets. 'This,' Minerva thought, 'is what I've been waiting for.'

"Everyone, out of the boats!" Professor Harrison called out to the first years. "Follow me, if you please. And be careful, the rocks are slippery!"

Aidan hopped out of the boat first and held his hand out. With a little bow, he said, "Allow me to help, ladies."

Minerva quirked her eyebrow but allowed him to help her all the same. She waited for Augusta and Rowena, and then the four trekked up the staircase together. Soon enough, they were ushered into the castle and down a corridor by Professor Harrison. Minerva was alarmed to see that they had ended up at the front of the group.

"Professor Dumbledore will be here shortly to give you further instructions," Professor Harrison pronounced. "Behave yourselves in the interim."

"Well, if it isn't my cousin." Minerva heard someone sneer from behind her. She turned around and saw someone who could only be Katrina Rowle. Katrina had a pointed chin, brown eyes, and long blonde hair that seemed far too shiny for an eleven-year-old. "Remember, I promised your mother I'd hex you if I don't see you in the Slytherin common room tonight. We both know your mother would rather pretend you're a Squib than have you be a stupid Gryffindor."

"Oh, bugger off, Katrina," Aidan retorted. "You're being a stupid—"

"Ah-hem." Minerva looked up to see the acclaimed Albus Dumbledore. He was said to be one of the best Transfiguration masters of all time, and she knew from Callum that he was an outstanding Head of House. Aidan looked suitably chastened at the interruption, but Katrina just rolled her eyes.

"Welcome, everyone, to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Professor Dumbledore beamed at the children. "I hope you will all enjoy your time here, for Hogwarts is a place to learn and meet new people, discover yourself and overcome obstacles. Through these doors is the Great Hall. Once we are at the front, I'll call you up individually and place the Sorting Hat upon your head. The Hat will determine which House you will join: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw or Slytherin. Each is known for producing outstanding wizards."

"And witches," Minerva mumbled.

"And witches, quite right, Miss..." Professor Dumbledore peered down at Minerva.

"McGonagall, sir. Minerva McGonagall." Minerva blushed, embarrassed that he had heard her.

"Ah, Miss McGonagall. Your brother and sister have done quite well here, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, sir," Minerva said, her face an even deeper shade of crimson.

"If I recall correctly, they're both quite good on the quidditch pitch and in various subjects, but neither of your siblings likes my subject very much, unfortunately. Let's hope you have more of an aptitude for Transfiguration than they, shall we?" Professor Dumbledore teased. At Minerva's nod, he continued on. "Before I was corrected—which was necessary, thank you, Miss McGonagall—I was saying that each House will do you proud. While you're here at Hogwarts, your House will come to be your family. Follow me, and let the Sorting begin!"

The Great Hall doors opened, and Professor Dumbledore led them through the Great Hall. Rowena and Aidan laughed at Minerva's still reddened face, and Augusta squeezed her arm sympathetically. Minerva could hear Katrina laughing at her, but she soldiered on, quite ready to sit down and eat. When Professor Dumbledore reached the altar, he paused and turned once more to face the students. He conjured a large scroll and peered through his spectacles. "Now, remember: I'll call you up, and the Sorting Hat will do its job, leaving you to join your House's table for the feast. Let's begin! Avery, Alice, if you'd please come up and get us started."

Minerva watched in awe as one by one, the Sorting Hat declared Houses for students. Augusta was shaking as she went up, but she was quickly sorted into Gryffindor, and the relief on her face was evident. Then, she heard, "Lovegood, Rowena!"

"Good luck, Ro," Minerva muttered. Rowena gave her a frightened look before walking up the steps. The moment Professor Dumbledore placed the Hat on her head, a roaring "RAVENCLAW" could be heard throughout the Hall. Minerva grinned at Rowena as she ran to the Ravenclaw table.

"That'll be a load off her, eh?" Aidan whispered to Minerva, who nodded in kind. "Merlin, I hope it goes well for the two of us." The two stood stoically as the crowd thinned out beside them until, finally—

"McGonagall, Minerva!" Professor Dumbledore called. Minerva swallowed and walked up the stairs, tripping over the last one. Professor Dumbledore caught her arm, eyes twinkling. "Careful, Miss McGonagall."

Minerva nodded her thanks and sat down, closing her eyes as she felt the Sorting Hat on her head. She heard a disorienting voice cloak her ears.

"Well, well, well, let's look here. Another McGonagall, I see, which makes things very difficult. Your mother is a Ravenclaw, your sister too. You definitely have the smarts for Ravenclaw, there's no doubt about that. You'd do very well among the bookish, I'd imagine; in fact, you'd be a bright light in Ravenclaw tower. And yet...you share many a quality with your brother as well. Quite brave, you are, even if you don't have reason to believe me yet. You'll do great things with that bravery, I see. Such an intriguing case, Miss McGonagall. What a strange combination of your family's brains and courage. You're logical, but oh, so very stubborn. Your wonder for learning stems from a Gryffindor curiosity. You're a half-blood with very little patience, so I can easily eliminate Slytherin and Hufflepuff. But where to put you..."

Minerva shook her head slightly and listened to the Sorting Hat continue its battle. The voice was becoming annoying in her head. She looked out into the crowd, and she could tell that people were becoming rather bored with this. Rowena was seated with Diana, looking at her in wonder, and Callum looked like his eyes were going to bug out of his head. Minerva chanced a glance at Professor Dumbledore, only to see him look at her with amazement written on his face. She then looked at her watch and saw that it had been six minutes since she first sat down on the stool. Minerva was starting to get annoyed when suddenly a cry ran out into the silent Hall: "GRYFFINDOR!"

Minerva sighed with great relief, feeling much more herself when she felt Professor Dumbledore lift the Sorting Hat off her head. She looked up to see him beaming at her. Not knowing quite what to do about that, she ran off in the Gryffindor table's direction and sat down beside her brother.

"Well done, Minnie," Callum teased. "What in the bloody hell took the Hat so long? Ah, well, it got it right in the end. Di owes me a butterbeer! I knew you'd be in Gryffindor!"

Minerva could only smile, very relieved to have it all over with. She cringed when Katrina was smugly sorted in Slytherin, and grinned widely when Aidan bounded over to join her at the Gryffindor table. She was even more excited when her plate filled up with an assortment of food. They ate together, laughing, and Minerva couldn't help but comment on Aidan's excitement. "Aidan, you have to stop smiling. Your food is coming out of your mouth."

Aidan's smile was so broad it looked like his jaw would break. "Oh, who cares, really? I'm so happy, Minerva! I might get hexed for my troubles later." He looked pointedly across the food to where Katrina was glaring at him. "But I'm far from the reaches of the snake over here. Besides, I think we'll have a lot more fun. Our table seems to be a lot louder. The Slytherins look like a bunch of sorry snobs, don't they?"

"Don't worry about getting hexed, mate," Callum interjected, his mouth full of turkey. "If she tries anything, let me know. As Prefect, I have certain, well, privileges, shall we say. We'll make sure no harm comes to you. And if they try anything, they'll have to get past Minnie here, won't they?"

"Merlin, Callum, stop calling me that!" Minerva glared at her brother. "But yes, Aidan, you'll be safe here with us. I don't suffer fools gladly."

"My sis, eleven going on forty."

"Shut up, Call, and eat your Pumpkin Pasties." Minerva rolled her eyes. "I'll hex you if you don't stuff it."

"No time for the dessert, unfortunately." Diana's voice rang out over the table. "And Min, no hexing. Now, Callum, I understand you're a bit preoccupied here, but as Head Girl, I have to inform you that your partner, Lucy, is already leading her half of the table to your common room. Please do the same." Diana paused to wink at her sister. "Not where I would have wanted you, but I suppose you'll be fine here. Don't forget to write to Ma."

Callum looked bewilderedly between Diana's retreating figure and Lucy Peverell, who was clearly annoyed with him. "Right, up you get! Come on, Gryffindors! Up and at 'em, eh? We've got lessons in the morning, and I don't fancy having to find any of you lot lost in the corridors tonight. Follow me!"

Minerva and Aidan followed the herd of Gryffindors up so many staircases and around so many corners that she highly doubted she'd be able to find her way back to the Great Hall in the morning. They waited patiently while Callum explained the password—acta non verba—and then trucked through the Fat Lady's portrait until they ended up in the common room. Minerva thought it was even better than the Great Hall. Wrapped in shades of crimson with a fire burning, it felt like home.

"Ok, listen up. Boys' dormitories are up that staircase by the funny looking horse portrait there, and the girls' are up the staircase over by the fireplace," Lucy announced. "Girls can go up to the boys', but that luck doesn't go the other way, alright? You're rooming with others in your year, and your things will be on your bed. I know it's exciting to meet everyone and chat, but you all should get some sleep. Professor Dumbledore will be handing out your timetables bright and early tomorrow at breakfast, and trust me when I say you'll want to feel awake for your first class. If you need anything, Callum and I each will be in our years' rooms on our respective sides, got it?"

"Well, I guess I'll see you tomorrow, Minerva," Aidan said. "Hopefully, our first day isn't awful."

"I hope you're right, Aidan," Minerva agreed. "I'm sure we'll be fine. Have a good night." With that, she smiled and headed up the girls' staircase. The first door on the left had "First Years" engraved on it, so she opened it. Her four roommates were already there, giggling nervously.

"Hi! I'm Charlotte Creevey." A blonde girl smiled at her. "This is Harriet Urquhart to my left, and the girl with all the chocolate is Poppy Pomfrey." Charlotte lowered her voice. "Apparently, chocolate makes you feel better. According to her, anyway. I think she's a bit homesick, and probably a bit mad. This here is—"

"She knows me already!" Augusta smiled happily. "I'm glad we get to room together."

"Me too, Augusta," Minerva said. "I'm Minerva McGonagall. Happy to meet you all."

Poppy spoke up, "You, too! Hopefully, we all get along; we'll be stuck together for the next seven years. Want any chocolate, Minerva?"

Minerva hesitated. She really didn't care for sweets, and she'd already had those beans on the train, but she didn't want to go around alienating people, either. "Just a small bit, thank you."

Poppy smiled and handed Minerva a piece. "Your bed is over there, in the middle. The curtains seem to shut themselves; we think it's because the feast went so late, and we're already supposed to be in bed. We're having fun talking, though."

"Girls! Go to bed!" On cue, Lucy poked her head through the door. "I really don't fancy taking points away from my own house. Not on the first night, at any rate." She shut the door with effect, making it rattle slightly.

The girls laughed and got themselves ready for bed. When she laid down, Minerva found herself not quite prepared to fall asleep. She had no idea why the Sorting Hat had taken as long as it had, and she wasn't particularly looking forward to a lesson with the Slytherins either, in case Katrina was ready to hex her tomorrow. Rolling over, she shut her eyes and attempted to quiet her mind. Minerva liked learning, so she focused on that, knowing that her career at Hogwarts was just beginning.