A/N: Thank you to my reviewers! You don't know much the reviews mean to me! So, we're getting into Hogwarts life. The romance won't happen all of a sudden, it'll be gradual, like all lasting ones are, but bear with me. They will eventually hook up.

And again thanks very much to the lovely Cait for Betaing this. Look, we're making progress people!

Chapter 5: Welcome to Hogwarts

"Welcome to Hogwarts, Professor" said Dumbledore to Minerva.

Minerva looked around, it hadn't really changed since she had last been there as a student, but she would have to explore the castle more fully at a later time.

Julius was standing in the front entrance beaming, positively insane with happiness as he shook her hand rather enthusiastically. "Professor McGonagall! Welcome! I am absolutely delighted that you accepted the position!" he said

Minerva smiled a warm smile, "Well, after that last attack, it was the best option. This body can only take so many beatings before I had to listen to it. They tell me it was near fatal, the last one was very nearly an Avada Kedavra according to my colleagues."

Julius looked sympathetic and then proceeded to show her around the castle, happily chattering about the students and her new position.

Minerva stayed quiet, listening but also taking in her surroundings. Gryffindor Tower was exactly how she remembered it, a smile played on her lips as memories of her and her friends came back to her, carefully finishing assignments, laughing and studying.

Julius showed her the classroom, her office and her private chambers. Rich reds and mahogany furniture lazily invited her into the spacious bedroom, sitting room and bathroom.

He left after a while to let her unpack and she promised him she would be down in time for dinner, but perhaps not lunch.

She quickly and quietly unpacked her things by hand, laying them carefully in the rooms. When she was done it was dusk and she stopped to admire her handiwork. Yes, this looked and felt like home now.

After making herself seem presentable, she went to the Great Hall for dinner. The House Tables were pushed away, to the sides of the rooms and only a small circular table greeted her.

She sat down next to Albus, who smiled at her whilst Julius introduced her to the rest of the staff. Dinner was a quiet affair as the staff politely asked her about her previous post.

"So, what made you want to become an Auror?" asked the new Charms teacher, Fidelius Flitwick. His voice squeaked as he spoke, his young face handsome as it gazed at her admiringly.

"My own nature I guess. I've always hated the Dark Arts, and having excelled in DADA, I considered it as a career option. It was hard, as no woman has ever become an Auror and I've had to battle many prejudices, both professional and personal, but I don't regret it. I loved my job, but after getting hit by two Crucios and one near Avada Kedavra, it was time to listen to my body and leave" she said, biting into her chicken.

The conversation subsided into more general topics after that about the school, the students and the great Scottish weather.

After finishing dinner, Minerva bid them all good night and went back to her rooms. But, something made her turn back and head to the Astronomy Tower. She loved seeing the stars and it used to be her secret place. The one place she could get away from it all.

Slipping in quietly, she gazed out at the dark expanse of sky and then the grounds of Hogwarts.

This was what she had missed, home.

"I didn't realise that anyone apart from myself came up here," said a voice, breaking into her thoughts.

Grasping her wand instinctively, she turned around to curse the intruder when she saw it was Albus.

Lowering her wand she glared at him, "You shouldn't sneak up on people!" she said.

Albus chuckled and stood beside her gazing at the night sky.

"I come up here from time to time, just to think and get away from it all" he said, breaking the silence.

"I did too as a student, it's very peaceful at night, I love the stars" she said smiling at him and gazing out once again.

"Well, good night professor. If you need anything, I'm just down the corridor" he said to her before leaving.

"Good night" she said turning around but he was gone.