The Werewolf's Daughter

2: Meeting the professor

'Your Head of House is Professor Minerva McGonagall, who is also the transfiguration teacher. Professor McGonagall is strict, but very fair. You would do well not to cross her – not that I think you will of course!'

They reached a door and Professor Dumbledore knocked on it. A sleepy voice called 'come in!'

'Aah, my dear Professor McGonagall, you received my message?' Maya was confused – she had not seen any owls taking letters.

'Yes Professor, how can I help you at this hour?'

'Professor McGonagall please meet Ms Maya Jones, she is a third-year transfer from Ilvermorny, in the USA. Ms Jones is the daughter of Moira Jones and the niece of Lyra Jones – I assume you remember them both?'

'Of course, both women were in my house – I remember them well.'

'Unfortunately, both women have now passed on and Ms Jones here has been left alone. I have agreed that she can stay here until term starts. Can I leave Ms Jones with you and ask you to show her to the Gryffindor Common room?'

'Of course, Professor.' McGonagall said, getting up at once. She smiled fondly at Maya. 'Come on Ms Jones, I will take you to your common room.'

Maya and Minerva walked silently together; as they passed the great hall, Minerva said 'This is where we have all the meals – tomorrow morning at 9am, I will come and get you from the common room to show you how to get back down here.'

'Th..thank you' Maya said. Minerva noticed she was looking around in awe, but with a bit of fear.

'It's very intimidating at first – but don't worry. I have finished planning my lessons for the new term so I will be around to show you where everything is, so that by the time 1st September comes, you will be just like all the other 3rd years and used to the castle.'

Maya visibly relaxed and Minerva smiled at her again.

'Maya, do you have any luggage?' Minerva asked, she had just noticed the girl only had a small shoulder bag with her, which her wand was poking out of.

'It's actually back in the inn I was staying at in Hogsmeade; I could go down to collect it tomorrow.'

'Nonsense.' Minerva said. She did something with her wand and a bright blue cat went streaming out through a castle wall.

'WOAH! What was that?'

'That was my patronus, your bag should be delivered to the common room shortly.'

'Okay! Looks like I have a lot to learn!'

'Oh no dear, Patronus' aren't taught until your seventh year' she advised and then added, in a mumble 'although this may be a good year for everyone to try and learn them'.

Maya didn't ask what she meant by that, as they had suddenly stopped in front of a portrait. They had been talking so much, Maya hadn't even noticed what way they had come. Thank God McGonagall is going to meet me in the morning!

'This is the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room – the fat lady will make up the passwords, which will be given to me and the prefects and they will be passed on to Gryffindors. I ask that you do not write these down or tell anyone that is not in Gryffindor what they are. As it is Summer, a password is not required right now.'

The Fat Lady's portrait split down the middle and opened up to reveal a large round room, decorated in red and gold.

'This is the main common area; the girl's dormitories are up on the left. I imagine you are tired, so I will leave you to get to bed. As I said earlier, I will meet you here at 9am tomorrow morning.'

'Thank you, Professor…for everything.' Maya said, trembling again. She turned her face away, so the Professor would not see her tears.

'That's ok Maya – have a nice sleep and I will see you tomorrow.' the Professor said gently. She was quite clearly a private girl and Minerva did not want to stay and make her feel awkward.

Maya went up the stairs to the girl's dormitories, found the 3rd years room and picked a bed. Sure enough, her suitcase was in the middle of the room, as McGonagall had promised. Maya took out her pjs, put them on, got under the covers and fell straight to sleep.

10 minutes later

Minerva knocked on Albus' office door and walked in. 'She is settled in Albus, I will see to it that she is shown around over the next two weeks.'

'My thanks Minerva – was she ok?' Albus asked.

'She was ok, although she did tear up as I was leaving the common room. I think she has been through a lot.'

'Yes, I agree. She has gone through a lot and starting a new school in 3rd year, she could be about to go through a lot more. She also told me she will be looking for her father this year – she never knew him apparently. If he is a wizard, I would like it if we can offer any help we can.' Dumbledore said.

Minerva simply nodded and walked back out of the office.