Author's Note: I was reading, and I noticed there weren't many really well written enjoyable Minerva and Albus stories, especially in the mature section. Do other's find it disgusting perhaps? Romance is purely mental in my opinion, so I find Albus and Minerva darling, and quite beautiful. But it's a matter of opinion.

July 20, 1936

Minerva McGonagall sat at the breakfast table quietly eating a sandwich. A peculiar breakfast for some, but it was completely normal for Minerva. She didn't care much for breakfast foods, and sandwiches were so handy. They fit neatly in one hand allowing the other free to hold a book aloft.

Minerva sighed, setting down her copy of Hogwarts, a History. It would be another year before her letter came. She was only ten. Mind you, she didn't think that was quite fair. Her birthday was, after all, this October. She would be able to keep up; she had even read several textbooks to prepare herself.

"Minerva."

"Yes mum?" asked Minerva, politely looking up from her book.

Her mother smiled and handed her a letter.

Minerva stared at it for several seconds. Was it what she thought it was? It said it was from Hogwarts but… Minerva didn't think that was possible. She hesitantly opened it.

Minerva skimmed it quickly in disbelief. She smiled at her mother. "Mum, I get to go to Hogwarts this year."

"I know dear."

Minerva blinked. "How? I'm not old enough yet."

"Well, that's never stopped you from doing anything before. Being young is not a hindrance. It can work to your advantage."

"How?" asked Minerva, her eyebrows furrowed.

"You remember when you first played your Da at chess?"

Minerva smiled. Her father was a marvelous chess player. "That's the only time I beat Da, you know. He was so shocked."

Her mother smiled, tucking a wisp of ebony hair behind her ear. "I'm sure you'll use your age to your advantage as always."

Minerva nodded. "Could you get me these books? I don't have all of them… and maybe a new copy of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them. Mine's falling apart. You must have had it for at least a decade."

"Actually it's only been in print since 1927, only younger than you by two years," said her mother with a smile.

"Oh… it's in awful bad shape for its age," said Minerva.

Her mother giggled. "Well, you're incessant reading is to blame."

"Sorry mum…"

"Don't worry about it. You know your reading is an asset," said her mother. She cocked her head as if she were listening for something. "Da's home. Maybe you can get him to take you to Diagon Alley and get some new books. Mind you, some of your other books are still in good condition, and we aren't exactly rich, so it'd be nice if you didn't make sure to save as much as possible."

"Of course mum. Hi Da."

"How's me darlin' girl?" asked Minerva's father in a thick Scottish accent.

"Good. Da? Will you take me to Flourish and Blotts?" asked Minerva giggling as he squeezed her with a hug.

His face fell. "Another book Minnie? I don' know if we can afford it…"

"You'll have to afford it, our daughter's starting at Hogwarts," said Minerva's mother.

"Is that right? Well, then Minnie, we'll hafta afford it."

Minerva bit her lip. She didn't want to think about money problems. She knew she didn't have to. Her parents would take care of it.

September 1, 1936

Minerva hurried onto the train and went to the very last compartment where she hoped she wouldn't be disturbed. She pulled out her transfiguration book and started reading. As she had walked past some students were talking about how difficult the transfiguration teacher was, and she wanted to make sure to make a good impression.

She listened to conversations that wafted through the train. At first she was annoyed and almost got up to shut the door, but then something stopped her.

"What house do you think you'll be in?" a student asked of another.

"Maybe Gryffindor. I hope Ravenclaw though. That's the obvious choice. Any other house and you'd be stuck with dummies."

"I want to be in Hufflepuff. People would be polite, not call each other dummies."

Minerva shut her door completely not wanting the argument to disturb her thoughts. She read Hogwarts, a History, and knew all about the houses. Still, she didn't know which one she would prefer. Ravenclaw had sounded good, yet the sound of the other student made them sound haughty. The sorting hat decided anyway, so she continued reading about Switching Spells near the end of the book.

"Would you like anything to eat?" asked a woman pushing a trolley of candies.

"No thank you," said Minerva not looking up.

"Better get dressed dearie, getting close now…" said the lady shutting the compartment door.

Minerva sighed, shut the book, and quickly changed. The train slowed to a stop and she disembarked, trying not to get trampled by the older students.

"First years… First years… I'm Ogg and I'll be leading you to the castle."

Minerva followed behind him and into the castle.

It was astounding. She had seen pictures in books before, but to see the actual castle… it was just stunning. She knew the ceiling was enchanted, but it looked just like the sky.

An old wizard stood talking. Minerva didn't really take in much of what he was saying.

"Welcome the first years, and I hope everyone remembers to stay out of the Forbidden Forest this year. Professor Dumbledore, would you bring the hat out please?" asked the headmaster. Minerva had gathered from the chatter that he was to be called Professor Dippet, or Headmaster Dippet.

Another wizard brought a hat to the stool and stood. He had splendid auburn hair and a beard. He looked to be in his forties, and had bright sparkling blue eyes. Minerva pursed her lips, deep in thought. He looked very intelligent. She didn't know why she thought this, but that was her belief. She decided she might have to find out more about this Professor Dumbledore.

Minerva sighed as the hat sung its song. She'd read about it and its annoying singing habit. After several minutes the singing subsided and applause filled the room. Minerva watched anxiously as Professor Dumbledore pulled out a piece of parchment. He began reading off names and one by one the students were sorted into the four various houses.

"Minerva McGonagall," he said finally.

Minerva sat down on the hard stool and felt the hat drop down around her ears.

"Another difficult one… So much potential… Intelligent. Very intelligent. Perhaps Ravenclaw? But there's so much bravery there… It doesn't matter to you? Well then in that case…

"GRYFFINDOR!"

Minerva stood and went nervously over to the Gryffindor table. She sat down quietly, ignored by the others. Throughout the feast she remained quiet, merely watching the staff table, trying to get an idea what her professors would be like. She decided she'd probably need a good night's sleep.