Disclaimer: As usual . . . I own nothing . . . I borrow the characters
just a little :-)
Note: First I have to thank everyone who has reviewed!!!! I've never thought getting that much reviews (I could get used to it) THANK YOU
I'm working actually on chapter 4 – which is the final chapter – I hope that I'll finish it within the next days. However I'm having a lot of stress at the moment, that I'm only able to work at night or on weekends.
Thanks again to my beta reader Pet * very big Hug*
The Endlessness Of Time
Chapter 3
Minerva Mc Gonagall held a letter, with a well known seal, in her trembling hands. Had her thoughts really been confirmed? A couple of weeks ago she had got a message of the Ministry, which informed her that they would have a place as a teacher for her. The school would contact her soon, to give her more details about the job.
The black-haired woman broke the seal and started reading the letter:
###
Dear Miss McGonagall,
I am pleased, to inform you, that we can offer you employment as teacher of Transfiguration at Hogwarts.
After the Minister of Magic told me that you plan to end your career as Auror delete and your consideration about becoming a teacher was very surprising for me. However I am completely convinced that you are more than suitable for this position.
The school year will start September 1st. Please, send me your answer about your decision or any questions you might have by the end of July.
I would be pleased to welcome you at the beginning of the school year as a member of the staff.
Yours sincerely
Amando Dippet Headmaster of Hogwarts
###
The thoughts and feelings raced through Minerva's mind.
'Hogwarts! I would have accepted everything . . . but Hogwarts? Oh Merlin, after all the years of . . . NO! This is past Minerva don't let the memories take possession again, not again.'
She rose quickly, forgetting about the wounds on her shoulder and stomach she had received as an Auror. Three months had passed and she had still not healed.
"Damnit!" Minerva sighed and sat down on her chair slowly.
Three months ago Grindelwald had been defeated by Dumbledore.
This war was one of the darkest in the world of magic. So many people and familys had been killed by Grindelwalds minions. Whether they were magic or not the minions made no exception . The war against Grindelwald was Minerva's last mission. Only two hours had had seperated Minerva and Albus from a encounter.
***
The twilight had set in a long time ago. Six dark shapes hurried in direction of a old stone house with ivy tendrils at the walls. It was a beautiful estate. However none of the six persons were interested in beautiful houses. Actually it was quite, too quite – the whole air smelled of smoke and made it hard to breath.
Everything went according plan. Everybody knew what they had exactly to do, if just one of them faltered they would all die.
Behind the walls of the estate five dark wizards met – Grindelwald and four of his loyal minions called the "Inner Ring". The order seemed easy, crush the meeting and defeat the wizards, but nobody suspected that it could have such a terrible end.
The elite of the Aurors should stop them.
Minerva's pulse beat unnaturally fast, all senses were tense and her intellect worked untiringly. Nobody spoke, the pressure was high and too much depended on the success of the mission.
They entered the house quickly and quietly. The rooms were dark and quiet.Time seemed to be at a standstill. Finally they stood in front of a heavy oak door. They could see light and hear muffled voices.
Looks were exchanged for the last time before they pushed the door open. The war had started.
Grindelwald smiled, while his minions tried defending themselves or fleeing. Curses filled the room, but Minerva only had eyes for Grindelwald who condescendingly smiled at her. This was not their first meeting. Before he started the following against wizards and Muggle Grindelwald was a frequent visitor in the Ministry and because of this it was inevitable that they would have met at some conferences.
"Ahh, Miss McGonagall. I wondered when I could expect your vist. I am very pleased to welcome you here." He still smiled, ignoring the fight.
"I see you have brought some friends with you, but they seem to have fun elsewhere. How rude of them. To be honest, it is a shame that none of your – friends – can attain your talent. It is really a pity that you do not fight on the 'right' side. Just imagine your power and mine together . . . " He said the insanity clearly visible in his eyes.
Shivers ran down Minerva's spine.
"I don't think so Grindelwald, I am on the right side and I would never only think about . . ." He cut off her words and laughted loud.
"Oh that is the brave, stern Minerva McGonagall I know. I see there is nothing left other than to force you to the dark side." He took his wand and spoke a curse in Minervas direction.
Minerva skillfully evaded the curse, but he hit her on the right shoulder and she felt blood running down her back. Immediately she started the reprisal:
"CASTRATUS!" She screamed.
With satisfaction Minerva saw that a long cut had appeared on Grindelwalds chest and blood stained his beige robe. Wordlessly reached the dark wizard to his chest and watched the red blood on his left hand. His smile has disappeared.
"I am impressed Minerva. I never thought that you would use the forbidden castratus-curse. However it is not that surprising for me, because I have always known that there are dark places deep inside of you, my dear." Grindelwald said.
Minerva knew that the wizard was using intensive care to confuse her. However he was right with his observation. Many times she felt something dark inside of her, but she usually only felt it when her self controll was weakened after a fight.
". . . Although I'm very interested what are you trying to cover and hide behind your shield, I prefer to retire. It has got a little 'uncomfortable' here too much blood in the game if you ask me - "
Before Grindelwald could speak further, Minerva put another curse on him, which struck his left arm. His eyes became dark almost crazed.
"There, there my dear! You should be grateful that I have a little weakness for you, otherwise you would be dead now. But you should not overestimate my goodness and it is time for you to be quiet - ADMIRABILIS! - " While Grindelwald spoke he turned his wand to the witch.
"ADMIRABILIS!" Minerva also turned the curse towards him at this moment and the strength of the two colliding curses hit both in the stomach. They slumped against walls.
The dark-haired woman noticed the salty taste of blood in her mouth and seeping hot through her robe. Strong pains and cramps ran through her lungs and body. Suddenly everything went black.
***
Minerva breathed in sharply and fighed to replace her memories with the reality.
'These memories don't help you! It is over now be strong! They want you in Hogwarts you can go home – Oh by Merlins beard come on stop sitting idly on your chair, Minerva.'
The beautiful witch went to her desk and started to write the confirmation letter for Headmaster Dippet:
###
Dear Headmaster Dippet,
Thank you very much for offering me the position as teacher of Tranfiguration. I am happy confirm that I will take the job and I assure you that I will work hard to be suitable for this job. I will send an owl with information about my arrival.
Yours sincerely
Minerva McGonagall
###
***
Six weeks later Minerva McGonagall sat in one of the coaches of Hogwarts which would bring her to the castle. The new school year would start in three weeks, but the future Tranfiguration professor had decided that it would be the best to get settled before all students arrived.
The towers of the old castle got closer every minute. The forbidden forrest, the big dark lake with all the secrets, nothing had changed. Only the silence was differnet, because all students and almost all teachers were still on vacation.
She thought about Albus Dumbledore and whether he knew about her arrival. Minerva knew that there was no public announcement had been made about her position as Tranfirguration teacher, Armando would have his reasons. However Albus was Dippets most trusted ally and he surely would know it.
Finally the coach stopped in front of Hogwarts main gates. Presently the gate opened and Armando Dippet went to the coach to welcome Minerva.
'He has gotten old' She thought
Deep lines ran through Dippets face, his beard and hair were now snow- white. However he had noting lost about his hearty and radiant personality.
"Miss McGonagall . . . I mean Professor McGonagall, a heartly welcome back to Hogwarts." He smiled and squezed her hand.
"Thank you Headmaster. I still can not believe that I am back." Minerva also smiled. Yes, she was home again.
"I have to admit, that I do not recogniz you first. An impressive change since you left Hogwarts." Actually Dippet had still the picture of the student McGonagall in his mind.
She had been a beautiful young woman when she had attended Hogwarts instead of the student a slim, tall and very graceful woman got off the coach, had Armando immediatley rejected the picture.
The lines of her face had deepened 'extremely attractive' confessed the old wizard. Her dark green eyes, which had fascinated everybody in her school years now looked very mysterious and it was sure that they would betray nothing, if Minerva did not want it. She had kept her reserve, felt Dippet. She had pulled her hair to a tight bun.
Now at least was Armando Dippet completely convinced that Minerva McGonagall was more than suitable to teach at Hogwarts.
Minerva smiled about his words: "Well, the years do not past away without leaving traces of aging. But the years have been apparently good for you, Headmaster." The old man laughed loud, while Minerva took his offered arm.
Together they entered the castle.
'Nothing has changed' She thought while they walked through the corridors until they reached the Headmasters office.
"Please take a seat." Dippet said as he showed Minerva the way to the seat nearest the fireplace.
"Thank you." Minerva said and sat down into one of two comfortable wing chairs.
Dippet sat down on the sofa. With a wave of his wand two tea cups with the requiered aromatic liquid appeared.
"I hope you like the tea, I have to admit Earl Gray has been my weakness for ages." He confessed.
"Oh yes, thank you I prefer the tea, too. I had not noticed that I was thirsty until now, it has been a long journey." Professor Dipped nodded understandingly before he turned to Minerva with a question.
"Since the Minister told me that you consider to step back as an Auror and that you are thinking about a position as teacher. I am asking myself why have you quit your career?"
The handsome woman slowly put down her cup, to win time for the answer. She had expected this question, however not so fast. She looked at the Headmaster, her face was serious:
"Well, I have thought about becoming a teacher for long time. In addition, it was time to make a space for more talented Aurors . . . Admitted I was very surprised as you offered me the position. Why?"
'She is avoiding answering' He thought.
Dippet had not expected to get an answer. Minerva McGonagall was one of the best Aurors of the wizard world. Not considering her magical power. Something must happened to her to change her that much. He answered her question:
"I have seen your abilities years ago and I have seen you acting for the Ministery. You have a sharp intellect and discipline. I think you are the best choice for a Transfiguration teacher."
The old wizard saw that Minerva was not quite satisfied with his answer. He smiled and drank of his tea. Finally she spoke:
"This explains the choice, but for what reason I am here? Professor Dumbledore is Tranfiguration teacher, therefore I am superfluous."
'Ahh, she hits the nail on the head. Very well.'
"Good, I owe you an answer." Armando took a drink of the tea and began to comment as the door of his office opened.
To be continued . . .
A.N: And what do you think? Please review *hint*
Note: First I have to thank everyone who has reviewed!!!! I've never thought getting that much reviews (I could get used to it) THANK YOU
I'm working actually on chapter 4 – which is the final chapter – I hope that I'll finish it within the next days. However I'm having a lot of stress at the moment, that I'm only able to work at night or on weekends.
Thanks again to my beta reader Pet * very big Hug*
The Endlessness Of Time
Chapter 3
Minerva Mc Gonagall held a letter, with a well known seal, in her trembling hands. Had her thoughts really been confirmed? A couple of weeks ago she had got a message of the Ministry, which informed her that they would have a place as a teacher for her. The school would contact her soon, to give her more details about the job.
The black-haired woman broke the seal and started reading the letter:
###
Dear Miss McGonagall,
I am pleased, to inform you, that we can offer you employment as teacher of Transfiguration at Hogwarts.
After the Minister of Magic told me that you plan to end your career as Auror delete and your consideration about becoming a teacher was very surprising for me. However I am completely convinced that you are more than suitable for this position.
The school year will start September 1st. Please, send me your answer about your decision or any questions you might have by the end of July.
I would be pleased to welcome you at the beginning of the school year as a member of the staff.
Yours sincerely
Amando Dippet Headmaster of Hogwarts
###
The thoughts and feelings raced through Minerva's mind.
'Hogwarts! I would have accepted everything . . . but Hogwarts? Oh Merlin, after all the years of . . . NO! This is past Minerva don't let the memories take possession again, not again.'
She rose quickly, forgetting about the wounds on her shoulder and stomach she had received as an Auror. Three months had passed and she had still not healed.
"Damnit!" Minerva sighed and sat down on her chair slowly.
Three months ago Grindelwald had been defeated by Dumbledore.
This war was one of the darkest in the world of magic. So many people and familys had been killed by Grindelwalds minions. Whether they were magic or not the minions made no exception . The war against Grindelwald was Minerva's last mission. Only two hours had had seperated Minerva and Albus from a encounter.
***
The twilight had set in a long time ago. Six dark shapes hurried in direction of a old stone house with ivy tendrils at the walls. It was a beautiful estate. However none of the six persons were interested in beautiful houses. Actually it was quite, too quite – the whole air smelled of smoke and made it hard to breath.
Everything went according plan. Everybody knew what they had exactly to do, if just one of them faltered they would all die.
Behind the walls of the estate five dark wizards met – Grindelwald and four of his loyal minions called the "Inner Ring". The order seemed easy, crush the meeting and defeat the wizards, but nobody suspected that it could have such a terrible end.
The elite of the Aurors should stop them.
Minerva's pulse beat unnaturally fast, all senses were tense and her intellect worked untiringly. Nobody spoke, the pressure was high and too much depended on the success of the mission.
They entered the house quickly and quietly. The rooms were dark and quiet.Time seemed to be at a standstill. Finally they stood in front of a heavy oak door. They could see light and hear muffled voices.
Looks were exchanged for the last time before they pushed the door open. The war had started.
Grindelwald smiled, while his minions tried defending themselves or fleeing. Curses filled the room, but Minerva only had eyes for Grindelwald who condescendingly smiled at her. This was not their first meeting. Before he started the following against wizards and Muggle Grindelwald was a frequent visitor in the Ministry and because of this it was inevitable that they would have met at some conferences.
"Ahh, Miss McGonagall. I wondered when I could expect your vist. I am very pleased to welcome you here." He still smiled, ignoring the fight.
"I see you have brought some friends with you, but they seem to have fun elsewhere. How rude of them. To be honest, it is a shame that none of your – friends – can attain your talent. It is really a pity that you do not fight on the 'right' side. Just imagine your power and mine together . . . " He said the insanity clearly visible in his eyes.
Shivers ran down Minerva's spine.
"I don't think so Grindelwald, I am on the right side and I would never only think about . . ." He cut off her words and laughted loud.
"Oh that is the brave, stern Minerva McGonagall I know. I see there is nothing left other than to force you to the dark side." He took his wand and spoke a curse in Minervas direction.
Minerva skillfully evaded the curse, but he hit her on the right shoulder and she felt blood running down her back. Immediately she started the reprisal:
"CASTRATUS!" She screamed.
With satisfaction Minerva saw that a long cut had appeared on Grindelwalds chest and blood stained his beige robe. Wordlessly reached the dark wizard to his chest and watched the red blood on his left hand. His smile has disappeared.
"I am impressed Minerva. I never thought that you would use the forbidden castratus-curse. However it is not that surprising for me, because I have always known that there are dark places deep inside of you, my dear." Grindelwald said.
Minerva knew that the wizard was using intensive care to confuse her. However he was right with his observation. Many times she felt something dark inside of her, but she usually only felt it when her self controll was weakened after a fight.
". . . Although I'm very interested what are you trying to cover and hide behind your shield, I prefer to retire. It has got a little 'uncomfortable' here too much blood in the game if you ask me - "
Before Grindelwald could speak further, Minerva put another curse on him, which struck his left arm. His eyes became dark almost crazed.
"There, there my dear! You should be grateful that I have a little weakness for you, otherwise you would be dead now. But you should not overestimate my goodness and it is time for you to be quiet - ADMIRABILIS! - " While Grindelwald spoke he turned his wand to the witch.
"ADMIRABILIS!" Minerva also turned the curse towards him at this moment and the strength of the two colliding curses hit both in the stomach. They slumped against walls.
The dark-haired woman noticed the salty taste of blood in her mouth and seeping hot through her robe. Strong pains and cramps ran through her lungs and body. Suddenly everything went black.
***
Minerva breathed in sharply and fighed to replace her memories with the reality.
'These memories don't help you! It is over now be strong! They want you in Hogwarts you can go home – Oh by Merlins beard come on stop sitting idly on your chair, Minerva.'
The beautiful witch went to her desk and started to write the confirmation letter for Headmaster Dippet:
###
Dear Headmaster Dippet,
Thank you very much for offering me the position as teacher of Tranfiguration. I am happy confirm that I will take the job and I assure you that I will work hard to be suitable for this job. I will send an owl with information about my arrival.
Yours sincerely
Minerva McGonagall
###
***
Six weeks later Minerva McGonagall sat in one of the coaches of Hogwarts which would bring her to the castle. The new school year would start in three weeks, but the future Tranfiguration professor had decided that it would be the best to get settled before all students arrived.
The towers of the old castle got closer every minute. The forbidden forrest, the big dark lake with all the secrets, nothing had changed. Only the silence was differnet, because all students and almost all teachers were still on vacation.
She thought about Albus Dumbledore and whether he knew about her arrival. Minerva knew that there was no public announcement had been made about her position as Tranfirguration teacher, Armando would have his reasons. However Albus was Dippets most trusted ally and he surely would know it.
Finally the coach stopped in front of Hogwarts main gates. Presently the gate opened and Armando Dippet went to the coach to welcome Minerva.
'He has gotten old' She thought
Deep lines ran through Dippets face, his beard and hair were now snow- white. However he had noting lost about his hearty and radiant personality.
"Miss McGonagall . . . I mean Professor McGonagall, a heartly welcome back to Hogwarts." He smiled and squezed her hand.
"Thank you Headmaster. I still can not believe that I am back." Minerva also smiled. Yes, she was home again.
"I have to admit, that I do not recogniz you first. An impressive change since you left Hogwarts." Actually Dippet had still the picture of the student McGonagall in his mind.
She had been a beautiful young woman when she had attended Hogwarts instead of the student a slim, tall and very graceful woman got off the coach, had Armando immediatley rejected the picture.
The lines of her face had deepened 'extremely attractive' confessed the old wizard. Her dark green eyes, which had fascinated everybody in her school years now looked very mysterious and it was sure that they would betray nothing, if Minerva did not want it. She had kept her reserve, felt Dippet. She had pulled her hair to a tight bun.
Now at least was Armando Dippet completely convinced that Minerva McGonagall was more than suitable to teach at Hogwarts.
Minerva smiled about his words: "Well, the years do not past away without leaving traces of aging. But the years have been apparently good for you, Headmaster." The old man laughed loud, while Minerva took his offered arm.
Together they entered the castle.
'Nothing has changed' She thought while they walked through the corridors until they reached the Headmasters office.
"Please take a seat." Dippet said as he showed Minerva the way to the seat nearest the fireplace.
"Thank you." Minerva said and sat down into one of two comfortable wing chairs.
Dippet sat down on the sofa. With a wave of his wand two tea cups with the requiered aromatic liquid appeared.
"I hope you like the tea, I have to admit Earl Gray has been my weakness for ages." He confessed.
"Oh yes, thank you I prefer the tea, too. I had not noticed that I was thirsty until now, it has been a long journey." Professor Dipped nodded understandingly before he turned to Minerva with a question.
"Since the Minister told me that you consider to step back as an Auror and that you are thinking about a position as teacher. I am asking myself why have you quit your career?"
The handsome woman slowly put down her cup, to win time for the answer. She had expected this question, however not so fast. She looked at the Headmaster, her face was serious:
"Well, I have thought about becoming a teacher for long time. In addition, it was time to make a space for more talented Aurors . . . Admitted I was very surprised as you offered me the position. Why?"
'She is avoiding answering' He thought.
Dippet had not expected to get an answer. Minerva McGonagall was one of the best Aurors of the wizard world. Not considering her magical power. Something must happened to her to change her that much. He answered her question:
"I have seen your abilities years ago and I have seen you acting for the Ministery. You have a sharp intellect and discipline. I think you are the best choice for a Transfiguration teacher."
The old wizard saw that Minerva was not quite satisfied with his answer. He smiled and drank of his tea. Finally she spoke:
"This explains the choice, but for what reason I am here? Professor Dumbledore is Tranfiguration teacher, therefore I am superfluous."
'Ahh, she hits the nail on the head. Very well.'
"Good, I owe you an answer." Armando took a drink of the tea and began to comment as the door of his office opened.
To be continued . . .
A.N: And what do you think? Please review *hint*