Disclaimers: See the first chapter.

Snippets From the Potterverse

Chapter 39 - Disturbing Sights

Transfiguration.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione were copying notes from the board. Sixth year meant the advent of human Transfiguration, and Professor McGonagall was determined to prepare them as much as possible to guard against accidents. (Of course, given some members of the class, accidents were imminent.)

While the class scribbled, Professor McGonagall was sitting dreamily at her desk. McGonagall looking dreamy was quite an occurrence. No one had ever seen her look that way before. She wasn't the dreamy type.

Hermione was the first to finish copying the board, and sat back while waiting for everyone else to catch up. She squinted at McGonagall. The professor was gazing down at a small, gold-framed photograph. Hermione would have needed a telescope to see who was featured in the photograph.

Then it hit her. True, McGonagall was almost eighty, but she must have a husband or a sweetheart somewhere. Why else would she be gazing so lovingly at a photo?

Everyone else had, by now, finished copying the notes, and were waiting for McGonagall to put up more notes as soon as the last quill stopped scratching, but she wasn't moving. They all waited. And waited. And waited.

Finally, Hermione cleared her throat. Erm - Professor?

McGonagall jumped, and stuffed the framed photograph under a pile of parchment. Yes, Miss Granger?

Um... we're done the notes.

Oh - right. McGonagall tapped the board sharply with her wand, and the class went about copying the new notes. McGonagall returned to staring at her picture.

The entire lesson went this way. Finally, the bell rang, the class heaving a sigh of relief. They had had quite enough of McGonagall's attitude. It was tres creepy.

But Hermione was still thinking hard. Who could it possibly be in that photo?? She didn't think it was a Mr. McGonagall, since Professor McGonagall wore no wedding ring. Still, it could be a secret crush.... She confided in Harry and Ron, but regretted it almost instantly. The two boys decided it would be a great idea to snoop around and see if they could get a glimpse of the picture.

You aren't supposed to do this! Hermione hissed at them as they tiptoed back into McGonagall's empty classroom. You're invading a teacher's privacy! You could get detention for this!!

Harry and Ron hissed back. Harry eased open the top drawer of McGonagall's desk.

He drew out the gold-framed picture. Ron and Hermione leaned forward curiously.

It was a picture of Dumbledore. But that wasn't the worst part. The worst part was the signature: To Minerva, the sexiest professor I've ever laid eyes on in a century and a half. From your love-muffin, Albie.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione fainted.