The Adventures of Glasses and Grim
Chapter 2
Long Night
They passed Mrs. Norris on the way back up, but he didn't seem quite as eager to annoy McGonagall wit Sirius Black towering over her. Bad company, Kitten. Watch out, he growled, obviously jealous.
Not one word, McGonagall hissed to Sirius as they got out of Norris' earshot.
They finally reached the office door, where they stood in front of the gargoyle. There was just one problem: they couldn't speak to say the password.
The problem was quickly solved when the gargoyle hopped out of the way and the door opened, Dumbledore standing in the entryway blinking down at the animals. Oh, so there is someone here! Fawkes always gets nervous acting when felines are about. Come on in, Padfoot and dearest Minerva! He stood aside and motioned them through.
Dumbledore sat down in his seat. So what are you two out and about so late for? They started meowing and barking, and Dumbledore put his hands up to stop them. I think one of you needs to be human and explain things. Both animals sat there and blinked. What, are you stuck? They nodded. Bad potion, huh? Probably that balding prevention.... it has some odd side affects... not that I'd know or anything. And let me guess, Sirius. You think Severus left it out just so you could get into it, right? Sirius growled.
He stood up and walked to the door. Come on, then. We ought to go talk to him now. You need to be able to help us if it is necessary. They followed him out and finally got to Snape's room, where Dumbledore tapped lightly on the door.
The door creaked open, and Snape peered out. Then he opened it up and looked down at the animals. Yes, Professor? Is there some sort of problem?
Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Sirius walked in. You recognize these two, yes? Dumbledore asked.
Of course. The cat is Professor McGonagall, and the dog is Sirius Black. Why?
Apparently they were down in your dungeon, and some potion or another caused them to get stuck in their animal forms.
Snape's eyes narrowed as he glared at Sirius. Was it in my office? On a table?
Sirius nodded.
Snape paled and stared at Dumbledore. It wasn't meant to hurt them! I didn't know it could do that! Of course some potions when they are not complete do things like this, but I've never known this one to... Not that I've tried it. I mean, it's not even finished yet.
Severus, it's alright. It doesn't matter, I trust you. You know that. Just try to figure out an antidote, and soon, alright?
Y-yes, sir. I'll get right to it.
As Snape hurried to his office, Dumbledore knelt down next to the animals. He smiled mischievously and scooped McGonagall into his arms. She yowled and squirmed, but only succeeded in tangling herself into his long beard. Sirius nearly died laughing as Dumbledore helped to free her. She hissed bitterly at both of them. Sorry about that, Minerva, but you're so cute when you're a kitty. Sirius, you can stay in my office if you'd like, I'll let you in. Minerva, you still have that kitty door, right? Good. Good night then!
McGonagall pushed into her room through the kitty door. She had a cat bed in the corner where she slept when she felt like it. But tonight she really just wanted some conversation beyond that of Sirius Black. So she nosed another door ajar and crawled into the room where she kept the Sorting Hat all year. It sat on a table, not having been touched for almost nine months, as the students would be leaving for summer break in two days.
She jumped onto the table next to it and batted at the top of it with her paw until it fell on its side. Hey! What are you doing?!
She crawled into the opening and curled up in the dark warmth. Hello, Sorting Hat!
Professor McGonagall? You don't look so well... kind of hairy.
That's because I'm a cat, you senile old git!
Oh, right. How considerate of you to visit with me!
How goes the poem?
What poem?
Um... the sorting ceremony... that poem...
Oh! Right! You think I've been working on it? I'm as much of a procrastinator as anyone, but it'll get done. I promise.
Of course it will.
You're not sick or anything, are you? I don't want any hairballs on the material.
Actually, I will be taking off of work for a few days. I'm stuck this way until Snape comes up with an antidote... Stop laughing.
But it's funny!
I'll show you
No! Sheath those claws! I'm tattered enough as it is! Hey! Stop! That tickles!
When McGonagall finally got comfortable inside the hat an hour later, she fell asleep. You'd better not shed on me. I'm allergic to cats, the Sorting Hat mumbled, ending with a yawn.