"I would like one roll of parchment on my desk tomorrow when you come into class. Make sure it covers everything on the transformation of your animals into other forms of animals. That will be all for today."
The students filed out of Minerva's classroom, grumbling about their homework. Harry, Ron, and Hermione were walking out of the classroom, discussing their assignment when they saw Dolores Umbridge coming down the hall. She passed them with one glance and then headed into the classroom they had just left.
"Uh, I don't think that's good," Ron said, turning to look towards the classroom.
"No, it's not. Should we do something?" Hermione asked.
Harry shook his head. "Not yet. Professor McGonagall knows what she's doing."
"But last time, Harry..." Hermione started but Harry cut her off.
"We have to keep what we know to ourselves. We can't let anything out. If we do, Professor McGonagall could get hurt again. And we don't need that right now." They all agreed with Harry and continued their walk back to the Gryffindor common room.
Minerva looked up from her desk when she heard footsteps. The door swung shut and Minerva groaned as Dolores turned around.
"Minerva! I've finally caught you at a good time."
"This is not a good time, Dolores. I am very busy grading these tests. So, if you will excuse me..."
"I'm afraid I have some questions from the Ministry," Dolores said as she walked up to Minerva's desk and plopped down in a chair. Minerva inhaled sharply and protectively placed a hand on her stomach. Poppy and she had been able to come up with a way to disguise her slightly enlarged stomach with a series of spells, but Minerva still had her doubts. Dolores took out a quill and clipboard and looked directly at Minerva.
"You are involved in keeping the students guarded, correct?"
"Yes," Minerva answered. She really didn't want to be anywhere near this woman. She stood and walked over to the blackboard, cleaning it herself. Dolores stood as well.
"And do tell me, do you really believe the students are safe?"
"Of course I do. I have no doubt in my mind that they are fine at Hogwarts."
"Really? That is interesting," Dolores replied, writing quickly on her paper. Minerva turned to look at her quickly and then turned back around.
"I don't see why it is so interesting."
"Well, just after what has happened so far this year...and last year of course," she replied sweetly. Minerva dropped the eraser and turned around, glaring at the short woman in front of her.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Oh, nothing. I just wanted to make sure you were capable of taking care of so many students, after what happened last year. The Ministry wants to be sure you aren't under too much strain after your recent hospitalization."
Minerva took a step forward, anger filling her every muscle. "I am perfectly capable of taking care of my Gryffindors, not to mention the rest of the student body."
"No need to get snippy, Minerva," Dolores said, a familiar grin pulling at her lips.
"Well, I wouldn't have to get snippy if you would let me finish my work," Minerva said, waving her wand at the door which opened automatically. "Now, you can leave."
Dolores put her quill in her robes and started to walk towards the door. Minerva went back to her desk and was about to sit when Dolores turned back around.
"Ow!" Harry yelled, stopping in the middle of the hallway.
Hermione put a hand on his shoulder. "What is it, Harry?"
"My scar...it's burning like mad."
Hermione and Ron shared a glance and then turned to Harry. "We have to go tell McGonagall," Ron said as he and Hermione each took one of Harry's arms and walked in the direction of their Transfiguration teacher's classroom. They weren't prepared for what they would find.
"Minerva, just one more question before I leave," Dolores said, turning back to face Minerva.
"What could you possibly have to ask me?" Minerva asked, annoyed.
"How did it feel?"
"How did what feel?" Minerva's head raised to find Dolores smiling at her.
"Four stunner to the chest?" she asked as her wand pointed at Minerva. Instantly, Minerva was on her feet, her wand out.
"Professor! Professor!" Hermione yelled, bustling into the classroom with Harry and Ron on her heels. Dolores quickly lowered her wand but Minerva kept hold of hers. The three students moved out of the way as Dolores turned on her heels and walked out of the classroom, nose pointed in the air. The three students turned to look at Minerva and found her wand shaking in her hand. She dropped it quickly and sank into her seat.
"Professor, are you alright?" Hermione asked, stepping towards the desk. Minerva nodded, her head in her hand.
"Yes, Miss Granger. Is there something you needed?" She asked, looking up at them.
"It's my scar, Professor," Harry answered. "It was burning just a minute ago."
Minerva snapped into action. "Please, go to Professor Dumbledore immediately. I'll let him know you're coming. Go quickly!"
The three obeyed and rushed towards Dumbledore's office. Minerva let Albus know through the fire that the Trio was coming. She sat in her chair, closing her classroom door with her wand and then let the tears fall down her cheeks.
The Trio reached Albus' office and sat down when they entered.
"Now Harry, Professor McGonagall tells me that you're scar was burning."
"Yes sir."
"Tell me what happened."
"We were walking out of Transfiguration and we saw Ms. Umbridge going into the classroom. When we almost reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, my scar started burning badly. We went to tell Professor McGonagall and when we got there, Ms. Umbridge and Professor McGonagall had their wands out."
Albus sat up straight. "Their wands?"
"Yes. Ms. Umbridge put hers away and left quickly," Hermione answered.
"And Professor McGonagall?"
"She just sat down and asked us what happened. Do you think that my scar was burning because Ms. Umbridge was trying to hurt Professor McGonagall?" Harry asked.
Albus stood and walked in front of the three students. "I do not know, Harry. I have a feeling that your scar was burning because of Ms. Umbridge, but I do not know if she was trying to hurt Professor McGonagall. What I want all three of you to do is go back to your dormitory and rest before dinner. And stay away from Ms. Umbridge, understand?"
The three nodded and did as they were told. Though, they didn't rest. Instead, they formulated their own conclusions about what had transpired in the Transfiguration classroom.
Albus, on the other hand, walked quickly to Minerva's classroom, finding her working on the tests Dolores had interrupted her from grading. He closed the door behind him, causing her to look up at the sound.
"Albus?" she asked as he walked quickly to her desk and pulled her up by the arms. He searched her eyes and then hugged her close. "Albus, what is it?"
"Are you alright?" he asked, pulling away to look her in the eye.
"I'm fine, why?"
"Your young Gryffindors just came and told me what they found when they walked in here this afternoon."
"Oh," she said simply, sitting back into her seat. He kept hold of her hand and looked down at her.
"What happened, Minerva? And why was she pointing a wand at you?"
"Albus, it's nothing."
"Tell me the truth, Minerva. I mean it."
He sounded so serious that she knew she had to relate the entire story to him. He was so angry, she had to restrain him from going after Dolores himself.
"Albus, please, don't say anything to anyone. It will only cause more trouble."
"She will be out of this castle within the hour."
"You know that will only cause the Ministry to become upset. They think she is working for them. We and the Order are the only people who believe she is working for Voldemort. And don't worry, I'm not injured in any way. She can't harm me, Albus. I may be pregnant, but I'm still quick," she said smiling. This caused him to chuckle a bit and pull her back into a hug. They stood like that for awhile until Minerva heard the clock.
"It's almost time for dinner and I have to get these papers graded. Now, go do something important." He nodded and kissed her soundly before heading out the door. She sat back down and sighed. She had to find a way to stay away from Dolores Umbridge, but still find out what the toad was planning.
"So, what should we ask McGonagall tonight when she comes to talk to us?" Ron asked before shoving a spoonful of potatoes in his mouth.
"Ron, honestly, can't you take smaller bites?" Hermione asked, grimacing.
"Why?" he asked defensively, a drip of the gravy sliding down his chin.
"I think we should ask McGonagall what happened. I need to know why my scar was burning. If it was because Umbridge was trying to harm Professor McGonagall, we'll know for sure she is working for Voldemort," Harry said. They all agreed to what they would ask and they hurried to finish their dinner before going back to the Gryffindor Common Room.
At nine o'clock, Minerva walked in through the portrait hole. There weren't many people in the room, only a few couples trying to steal a few moments together. They all looked over and saw the stern look on their Head of House's face and quickly moved to their dormitories. All except Ron, Hermione, and Harry. Minerva walked over and sat down in front of the fireplace where the three had situated themselves on the couch.
"Now, is there anything you three wish to discuss tonight? Professor Dumbledore has asked that I stop in later this evening. If there is anything you wish me to tell him, then I will be happy to do that."
Hermione poked Harry in the ribs and he sat forward quickly. "Uh, there is something we want to talk to you about Professor."
"Alright, go ahead Mr. Potter."
"Well, uh, you remember when we came into your classroom today?"
Minerva shifted uneasily. "Yes, I do."
"Well, we have a feeling that the reason my scar was burning was because of Ms. Umbrdige. Professor Dumbledore seems to think so too."
"I see. Well, what does this have to do with me."
"We think the reason my scar was burning was because...because she was trying to hurt you again."
"Mr. Potter, I can assure you that Dolores Umbridge will not get the best of me again."
"But, Professor," Hermione chimed in, "Wouldn't it make sense that the Dark Lord was happy when Ms. Umbridge tried to hurt you? You are the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts. If you're hurt, he will be that much closer to Dumbledore, don't you think?"
Minerva sat stunned. Of course, it all made sense. Dolores was working for Voldemort. She hadn't doubted it for a second, but it was all clearer now. When Dolores tried to harm Minerva, Voldemort became extremely happy, causing Harry's scar to burn. Minerva was in the way of Dumbledore. Tom Riddle knew how close she was with Dumbledore, even though he didn't know the entire truth. The two always worked together on everything.
"Professor?" Hermione called, bringing Minerva out of her daze.
"I...I'm sorry. I was just trying to come up with a response to your suggestion."
"It makes sense Professor, don't you think? Voldemort wants to harm Dumbledore but there are many standing in his way; one being you," Harry said quietly.
Minerva looked down. Tears sprang to her eyes but she held them back. She gained her composure and stood.
"I will tell Professor Dumbledore about your assumptions. I'm sure he will be speaking with you shortly." She moved to the portrait hole but Hermione stopped her.
"Professor McGonagall?" Hermione said, standing quickly. The boys followed her action and stood up as well. Minerva turned.
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"What was Ms. Umbridge going to do to you?" she asked boldly. They all saw Minerva's face whiten slightly.
"Nothing I couldn't have handled, Miss Granger. Now, I suggest you all get some sleep. Goodnight." Minerva turned quickly and was out through the portrait hole in a matter of ten seconds. They knew too much, way too much. She had to talk to Albus. She hurried down the steps quickly and was on her way to the Headmaster's office when someone stepped in front of her. Someone with a wand.
"Way to go, Hermione! Now she won't ever answer anything for us again!" Ron stated dramatically before flopping down on the couch.
"Oh Ronald, stop it. She just doesn't want us to know that Umbridge was going to hurt her," Hermione said.
"I don't know," Harry said thoughtfully, taking a seat next to Ron. "I think there's more behind it. You saw her face, didn't you? I mean she got real pale. I think she knows a lot more than she's telling us, especially about Umbridge. Wait a minute!"
"What is it, Harry?" Hermione asked.
"What if this has something to do with what happened eleven years ago? Remember we found that article about Professor McGonagall? What if Dolores Umbridge was in on that...what if there is some way that Umbridge told Voldemort of the attack on McGonagall eleven years ago and now he wants to finish the job that wasn't finished then?"
"Harry, you think so?" Ron asked, standing up next to Harry at the fire.
"I do. And I think we need to tell Dumbledore now, before Professor McGonagall gets hurts worse. Come on!" He grabbed his wand and hurried out of the portrait hole, Hermione and Ron rushing after him.