A/N: This short little excursion struck me earlier today and I just couldn't shake it. I hope I did justice to the one and only Minerva McGonagall. I'm always so frightened to write her because she's so darn intimidating and wonderful. Hopefully I captured some part of her here. Hope you guys enjoy!
Minerva McGonagall was easily the most intimidating woman Belle French had ever met. Head of Gryffindor house and Deputy Headmistress (by choice), the woman exuded authority and wore her severity like a thick cloak. Belle had never met anyone quite like this professor whose office she currently sat in. She was doing her best to contain the nervous excitement that threatened to overwhelm her, but the young Ravenclaw wasn't certain that she succeeded.
"Normally this type of meeting would take place between you and your head of house," the professor explained. "But given your previous circumstances and your performance in my class, I wanted the opportunity to personally discuss your progress at Hogwarts."
Belle nodded as McGonagall spoke. Previous experience with changing schools prepared her for expecting this conversation she'd been expecting since September. Rudimentary checks on her progress catching up as well as a discussion about how she "fitting in." Generally, she hated these meetings, but this time was an exception.
Her longtime hero and role model sat opposite her engaging Belle in a conversation. Being in class with McGonagall didn't hold a candle to this more intimate setting. Belle had read every book she could get her hands on concerning the Second Wizarding War. The topic fascinated her in the way most subjects did. Mild obsession followed by countless hours of research. However, Minerva McGonagall had stood out to the bookworm in a way that few others had. This woman was the queen of resilience and courage, and yet she was humble enough to have stepped back down to a teaching role a few years after the war. Belle idolized this professor.
"Thank you for taking the time to check in on me professor," Belle replied, careful to calm herself before speaking. It wouldn't do to look a starstruck fool in front of one's hero.
The stern woman provided a curt nod in return. "Honestly, in your case this is more of a formality than anything. You've excelled in my class," Belle couldn't help but beam at that praise, "Professor Flitwick is more than impressed with your ability in Charms. Professor Sprout reports that you are making top marks in Herbology. And every other professor has similar remarks. They agree you're a splendid student and have no trouble catching up and staying on task."
Belle's cheeks burned red at the high praise. She'd never taken compliments well. It befuddled her why teachers were always so impressed by those students who cared about learning and doing the work set to them. "Thank you, professor. It's really nothing, school is just my thing."
McGonagall fixed her with a piercing stare that Belle struggled to return. "It's no small thing for a student to put in so much effort Ms. French." Another nod followed that statement before the professor continued. "Now I do have notes that you struggled with Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions earlier this semester, but things seemed to have leveled out there as well."
Belle grinned enthusiastically. "Potions has just never been my thing, my eternal Achilles heel and there wasn't much in the way of a DADA class at Illvermorny or Beauxbatons. It just took a little extra work and I had a good tutor for those subjects."
"Might I ask who your tutor was, I have quite a few students who refuse to learn from the professors. Perhaps some detentions and forced tutoring would help," the words were spoken in a firm manner, but Belle didn't miss the twinkle of something playful in McGonagall's eyes.
"Rumpelstiltskin Gold," the young woman answered.
The smallest of furrows appeared on McGonagall's brow. "So, you're the young woman I've been hearing so much chatter about," Belle's heart skipped a beat at that acknowledgement. What kind of chatter could there be? "I can't really say I'm surprised. You seem to have a better head on your shoulders than most."
Unsure if she'd just been complimented or reprimanded, Belle replied with caution. "I try to give everyone the benefit of the doubt, always seems the proper thing to do."
"Well heaven knows that boy needs a friend," McGonagall commented. A slight tug twitched the corner of the witch's mouth, leading Belle to believe that she might just have earned a little extra approval from her hero. "How are you fitting in here at Hogwarts Ms. French?"
"Oh, wonderfully," Belle gushed. "I've written to Father letting him know I'll not move again. Hogwarts feels like home already." The bookworm lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Besides, the library here is the best I've ever seen. I fear Madam Pince might ban me if I don't start leaving at a decent hour."
To Belle's great delight that earned a snort from the professor. "You remind me very much of one of my former students. She spent more time with her nose stuck in a book than most people do breathing."
"That does sound familiar," Belle chuckled.
"Well Ms. French, thank you for taking a few moments out your day for this short check-in," McGonagall concluded as she stacked papers neatly on her desk. "It's been a pleasure speaking with you outside of class."
"Thank you, Professor. You've all been so helpful and wonderful, I really do love being at Hogwarts," Belle responded earnestly as she stood. Unsure what the proper protocol in such situations might be, the bold young woman stuck out her hand before turning to go. "I appreciate all that you've done," she added hoping she wasn't being too awkward.
However, it seemed she'd earned McGonagall's respect at some point since September. The older woman extended her own hand and shook the hand of her strange student. "Take care Ms. French. And should you need anything, my door is always open."
Belle left the office with a level of giddiness she hadn't known was possible to reach. Minerva McGonagall thought she was a good student and held some manner of fondness for her. She'd been acknowledged by her hero. What more could she want out of life?
A/N: Thanks for reading! Let me know what you guys think and, as always, I'll see you guys in the next chapter.