The Adventures of Glasses and Grim
Chapter 3
Kicked Out, Chased, and Lost
She awoke much earlier than she wanted to for a day off, and even for a school day. Minerva McGonagall! Get your tail out of bed and get out here!
McGonagall poked her nose out through the kitty door, and was greeted with the unfriendly sight of Sirius Black. What do you want? What time is it?
It's about five in the morning, but Snape thinks he's almost finished. Come on! He dashed off, and she followed as quickly as she could for a drowsy kitty who can't figure out which paw to put in front of the other at this hour. Okay, Kitty. Get on, he said, slowing down and crouching down on the ground.
Minerva leapt on top of his back and they continued, unfortunately running directly into Mrs. Norris. Hey, Love Kitten! You reconsider my offer yet?
Ugh! You horrible animal! Leave me alone! she hissed.
Mrs. Norris seemed truly offended by McGonagall's rude response, and quickly sounded his yowling alarm to get Filch's attention.
Black and McGonagall rushed off, but Filch stepped out right in front of their path. Though Sirius tried to turn down another corridor, Filch dived at him and shot him with a needle, then pulled another one on McGonagall. That'll teach you to bother my dear sweet Mrs. Norris! he cackled as both animals soon drifted into a deep sleep.
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The ground was grassy and moist, and a burning sun shot down at them through the leaves of the Forbidden Forest. McGonagall didn't remember how she got there, most likely Filch's doing. She gently nosed the still-dozing Sirius, but he only twitched a little. Stupid dog! Get up! To this he responded by thwacking her with his large paw and sending her soaring into a tree.
He opened one eye, noticed the rather injured cat, and hurried over to her. I'm sorry, Minerva! I... I didn't know!
It's okay, she squeaked.
He walked over to her and let her onto his back. I'll carry you around for a while to make up for it. Do you have any idea how to get out of here?
I never come out here, so no. Maybe someone here will know.
Or if all else fails, if we walk in a straight line, we'll eventually hit the edge and then we walk around until we find it.
Yes, but the real key to all of this is surviving and not getting eaten in the process.
Oh, Professor! You're so paranoid!
Just at that moment, a hiss came through the trees, and the fur on their necks stood up. Am I really, Mr. Black? she challenged as two huge hairy rat-like things came into view. Um... I think you ought to start running! McGonagall mewed, terrified.
Sirius was quick to obey, a little too quick for that matter. She lost her balance and toppled off of his back, not quite having the good fortune of experienced cats to land on her feet.
The two rat creatures crawled up to her. What shall we do with it, Comrade? Skin it, eat it raw, and pick our teeth with its bones? one of them hissed.
Minerva gulped.
I think we should bake it in a quiche! the other suggested delightedly.
A quiche?! What are you, crazy?
What's wrong with quiche, Comrade? You always get your way! I want something with a nice fluffy crust this time.
McGonagall used their created diversion to her advantage, and bolted down the most overgrown path. It was easy enough for her to get through, but those huge rat creatures would have a bit more difficulty.
Or so she thought.
The chase broke out into a clearing, rolled down hills and cliffs, climbed up mountains, and entangled itself in vines and branches.
Soon the rat creatures were close upon her, and she was quite ready to sit down and give up, when something else shot up from the ground behind her and hissed ferociously at the rat creatures. Whether from shock or genuine fear, they turned around and scampered away.
Minerva finally mustered the courage to face the one which had saved her life: a snake.
The snake slithered around her, flicking her tongue. Who are you, you poor little dear? she asked sweetly.
Minerva didn't know snakes were usually so polite and gentle. I am Minerva McGonagall, a professor at...
The snake nodded. Ah, I know who you are. But don't worry, I won't tell him. I haven't told him half the things I know. Besides, he won't even let me eat that stupid bumbling idiot of a rat... Anyhow, my name is Nagini.
Um, very good to meet you. And... and thank you for saving me.
Oh, don't mention anything of it, Nagini said modestly. I am always eager to vex those horridly stupid rat creatures.
Yes, they are rather stupid.
Are you lost? Looking for someone?
Yes, both really. I need to find a dog that I came in with, but I really need to get out of this forest!
I know a few ways. I've got plenty of big tunnels we can go through that are much safer.
Tunnels? All underground? Long enough to go through the whole forest?
Yes, well, I had some help. Magical help, to be honest. But come on. I'll get you to the nearest city.
Minerva followed Nagini to a tunnel and crept down it, surprised at how open it really felt. But by the end of about two hours, she had to admit she was feeling a bit claustrophobic.
Finally they emerged in the sunlight, and Minerva was surprised (but delighted) to see that they were on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Thank you for your help! she said to Nagini.
Not a problem, poor dear. I hope you find your friend in one piece and are able to get home. You never know when they'll need you back at the castle...
What do you mean by that? Minerva asked suspiciously.
But Nagini was quick to disappear into the tunnel again.