"Do you guys realize anything strange about Professor McGonagall?" asked Hermione, as the trio left transfiguration.
"What do you mean?" asked Ron. Harry looked at her, interested.
"Well, she seems different," said Hermione. She didn't really know how to explain it. It was just something she felt inside her heart and not her mind.
"Maybe you're still not used to seeing her without her hair in a bun. She does look much better now, don't you think?" said Ron. Harry nodded.
"Yeah, less scary. And she doesn't look so old with her hair down," agreed Harry. Hermione rolled her eyes. Sometimes, she couldn't believe how shallow her two friends were.
"No, not her hair. I do agree she looks pretty, but that's not what I'm talking about," she said.
"I don't see what you're getting at, Herm," said Harry. Ron had the same confused look as he did. Hermione sighed.
"I think she's put a charm on herself," said Hermione in an exasperated sigh. She had noticed it for several weeks already but could never be too sure. She still wasn't sure.
"A spell?" the boys asked simultaneously. Hermione nodded, her brow creased in deep thought. Now that she had said out in the open, it didn't seem so farfetched anymore.
"Well, if you boys would pay attention, you'd notice that whenever she walks into a puddle of sunshine, there a thin gold strip that outlines her," explained Hermione. The boys looked at each other. Neither of them had noticed anything like that.
"I dunno, Herm. Are you sure you're not imagining it?" asked Ron, skeptical. Maybe Hermione's extreme was meddling with her sanity.
"Trust me, I'm sure. When I first realized it, I immediately went to the library to find out more. According to one of the books, when a person casts a spell on himself... or herself, the person omits a thin band of color, according to the spell performed," she said.
"So what charm is McGonagall putting on herself?" Ron asked. Hermione shrugged.
"It didn't say. There were too many to list down," she replied looking thoroughly dissatisfied. Harry looked thoughtful for a while.
"Actually, Herm, I have noticed that she seems a little distracted. And tired," said Harry. Maybe she was still recovering from that night. He didn't remember much, but he did remember how she had tried to shield him and a few others from the curses strewn at them. It didn't take a genius to know how much energy is put into such magic. But it's been nearly six months, surely she had recovered most of he energy.
"Hey," Ron's voice gently broke into his thoughts. The two looked at him concernedly. He smiled. He knew his friends still worried about him, and he was truly grateful for that.
"I think that she hasn't truly recovered from... that night and the spell is ... like an energy boost," Harry said. The other nodded. Ron was more than happy to drop the subject and began talking about quidditch. His two friends joined in, but both were still thinking about their head of house.
* * * * * * * * * *
Her back was so tired. Her feet were all swollen. Her face was all puffy and right now, sensible, levelheaded Minerva McGonagall was ready to scream in frustration! She grateful for Poppy's disillusionment charm, so even though she felt like an over bloated rubber glove, in everyone else's eyes she was the normal, and very much thinner, Professor McGonagall. Remus Lupin, who had been reinstated as a teacher, had been a little doubtful and asked endless question, but eventually accepted her explanation that she was just over tired.
Even Dumbledore hadn't said anything, although she wasn't arrogant enough to think he wasn't suspicious. She had caught him looking at her analytically, trying to put pieces of the puzzles together, but so far, her secret was still safe between her, Poppy and her baby. She smiled as she thought of the little being growing inside her. But a sudden jet of pain down her spine effectively wiped the smile away. If only there was a spell to make the pain go away too, she thought tiredly and placed her books on the windowsill, and leaned against the wall. She shouldn't be carrying these books either, but if she didn't then tongues will wag, questions will be asked. It was all too risky.
Tentatively, she placed a hand at the small of her back and stretched. Although it couldn't be seen, she could feel the fabric of her robes stretch against her large stomach. With the other hand, she placed it on her growing tummy. The smile returned. Poppy said she'll be able to feel the baby kick soon. She couldn't wait.
"Professor?" a voice to her right pulled her back to reality. Quickly she straightened up, but another jet of pain in her back caused her to lean back against the wall.
"Professor, are you all right?" Harry asked again, holding out a hand to help her but she waved it away. Worried eyes peered back at her from behind black frames.
"I'm alright. Just a little muscle cramp," she answered. Breathing deeply, she waited a few seconds for the pain to go before turning to her student.
"And you, Harry?" she asked back. Harry just shrugged.
"I'm alright, I guess. I can't remember much, and it's great to not have nightmares anymore," the boy answered. Minerva nodded. She knew what he meant about nightmares. She had her own share of it.
"No after effects, so sudden pain? Tiredness?" she asked again. The boy shook his head.
"Nope, I'm fit as a fiddle," he answered with a grin, then his expression turned back to concern.
"How about you, Professor? Sometimes you look really tired," asked Harry. Darn, the boy is perceptive.
"Harry, I'm an old woman, my body heals much slower than your young
one," she said, Harry just smirked but shook his head.
"You're not that old Professor. Professor Dumbledore is much older and I could've sworn I saw him skipping down the east corridor yesterday," said Harry. Minerva laughed. She wouldn't put it pass Albus to do something like that, especially if he knew someone was watching.
"Thank you for your support, but I hope you're not trying to butter me up hoping for lesser homework," she said with one of her rare good-natured tones.
"No, I meant it, but if it helps... less homework wouldn't be so bad," he said sheepishly, causing his Professor to laugh even more.
"Professor, how is Professor Snape doing?" he asked suddenly. His question wiped her smile and the reality of her situation returned. Absentmindedly, she rubbed her stomach.
"I don't know Harry. Does he seem amiss to you?" she asked.
"No, he seems his usual self, but he's more... pensive," Harry said. Pensive? She thought. Was he still wondering about that night? It was six month ago. No, it must be something else.
"Well, Harry, you and I can only guess. Even if Severus wasn't feeling well, he'd be the last to admit it," she said her tone suddenly tired. Keeping her secret from the father had to be the toughest thing ever. And for some reason unknown to her, his ignorance hurt her badly.
"I guess you're right Professor," he said, unaware of her sudden dejection.
"Well, run a long now Harry, I have much paperwork to attend to," she said. He nodded but hung around until she made shooing gestures with her hands. He looked her over one last time and ran off towards the Gryffindor tower. Minerva had a horrible feeling inside her that he wasn't convinced. She just hopes he never finds out what he's suspicious off.