Disclaimer: I don't own any of it, except the plot. Oh how I wish I could say that I do, but I don't. Le Sigh!
A/N: I would like to thank you all for your reviews. You have been very supportive thus far, so thank you a thousand times. And thank you also to all those of you who have reviewed my other stories as well, and I will update my stories as soon as possible. WOOT! Later much! Oh yeah, here are those responses to those reviews I always give…. Well, at least on this story, anyway. LOL!
Silver Sorceress: Wow, London? Lucky. The closest I've come to London is Florida. Well, I guess since I live in California, that is a good thing. LOL. Well, I hope you had fun and here is that update. I am glad you like this story and hope you continue to read it.
TartanLioness: I am glad that you are happy and hope that you have fun on your trip. It sounds exciting, and will expect an email from you about how fun it was. I am glad that you enjoyed my dedication and will miss you. Well, I do, and will continue to miss you until you get back. It was evil of you to leave when I need your comfort in my stories. I'll only forgive you if you come back as soon as possible and review every single chapter. Just kidding, you don't have to. LOL! Hope you had fun.
Mollisk: Thank you very much. I really enjoyed your review. I'm glad that you liked the way Minerva's rooms were described, and I am so relieved that you didn't find either of them OOC. Even if Min might be a little bit cuz of the sensitive thing, no one really thought so.
Alesia G: I am so glad to hear that you have added this story to your favorites list. I always enjoy having other authors read and enjoy my stories. And yes, I am also glad at the way the story has turned out. You're review has definitely left me with a smile on my face and a song in my heart. Poor Minerva. She is up for a long journey ahead, especially since, like you mentioned, she knows everything subconsciously and is trying to consciously remember them. Thanks for your review once again and I hope you continue to read this.
La Belle Coeur: Yeah, I don't think I've ever read a story where Minerva lost her memory either, so I guess that is what made me want to do this story even more. Just the thought of doing something different, which is what I try to do in all my stories. I can't quite say that I necessarily succeed in that aspect, but I do what I can. And I must admit I hardly ever watch Star Trek, but that is something I definitely remember. So, please read long and prosper.
Emutet: I am so glad that you liked this chapter. I am sorry it took so long to post this chapter, but I've been a busy little bee! Well, hope you continue to read!
DamesFan: Well, here is my update, like you requested. Read long and prosper!
Lady-jolly: Thank you. Yes, poor Albus and Minerva! Read long and prosper!
Kermy: Here it is, and I hope you enjoy it.
Mellypoo622: Yes, I agree. Everyone has a weakness, even the strong Minerva McGonagall. Thank you for not thinking it was out of character.
Leta McGotar: Yes it is very sad indeed. I am glad you like it, though.
Chapter Four: Getting To Know You…
Minerva woke up the next morning, the sun filtering through her window and landing across her face. She smiled as she felt the warmth on her cheek. But when she opened her eyes, she found that she still did not remember who she was. Her surroundings did nothing to help her memory, no matter how familiar they seemed to be, and when she saw that man in her room, she suddenly grew shy again.
The man turned onto his other side so that he was lying on the cot with his back to her, pulling the blanket up over his arm and continuing to sleep. She didn't know what to do. So, she got out of her bed as quietly as she could, trying her best not to wake him up. She didn't know how long he normally slept, so she did not want to disturb him. Continuing to be as quiet as she could, she went to her closet, grabbed her robes and anything else she thought she might need, and entered her bathroom. As disturbing as she found leaving Albus in the room alone, she decided that she could trust him. After he had been as kind as to help her last night, she knew that he was not going to be a bother.
She took a quick shower and got dressed, the whole process not taking much more than a half an hour. And by the time she walked out of her bathroom and into her private rooms again, she was just in time to see Albus make the cot, blanket, and pillow he had used disappear. It was all still so shocking for her to see him perform magic. After all, it wasn't every day one came in contact with magic, wizards, witches, and wands. Was it? Perhaps it was. The man Albus turned around and smiled warmly at her.
"I see you are feeling at home already," he said rather happily. She smiled meekly and blushed slightly. Why was she blushing? No one blushes when someone says something like that to them.
"Well, not really," she admitted. "I just figured that just because I've forgotten who I am does not mean I should forget about personal hygiene." His smile saddened a bit, but did not leave his face.
"Too true, my dear," he said. Then, his face picked up again. "Well, are you ready for some breakfast? I daresay it is almost time." He looked at his watch. "It is nearly eight o' clock. That's when breakfast begins, and I am sure the other teachers are anxious to see you."
Minerva felt her heart sink. She was not sure she was ready to meet any of the other teachers just yet. After all, she was still rather uncomfortable with her surroundings. But, she also knew that if she were going to ever remember who she was, then she would have to interact with those who were apart of her every day life. So, she smiled and, nodding her head in understanding, took his offered arm and followed him out of her rooms.
As they made their way down the halls of the great school, she took the chance to examine the many paintings on the wall. It had surprised her a great deal to see the occupants move and do things that a person would do. She wanted to comment on it, but decided against it. It did not seem to bother Albus, and therefore must mean that it was an every day occurrence around here.
"I see that this is all rather overwhelming for you already, Tabby," the man to her left said after a while. She looked at him, assuming that he was talking to her. After all, she was the only one there with him.
"Why do you call me that?" she asked. Once again, Albus felt his heart crack at the thought that Minerva didn't even remember her own nickname. He looked at her, patiently explaining to her.
"Well, believe it or not, my dear, but not only are you an acclaimed witch, but you are an animagus." She looked at him, confused, so he went on. "An animagus, unlike one who transforms in the manner of a werewolf, is a witch or wizard who can transform into an animal at will. You, Minerva, are fully capable of transforming into a grey tabby cat. That is why you have your nickname, Tabby, and your password, Grey Tabby." Minerva looked at him, stopped him, and blinked several times.
"You're putting me on," she said, frowning. Albus looked at her.
"I highly doubt that this is the time to be fooling you, my dear, don't you agree?" Nodding slowly, she decided to believe him. He seemed honest enough, and since she had no idea if he was lying or not, she decided that for now she should. They continued their walk to the Great Hall.
Ooooooooooo
During their walk, the other teachers were listening to Poppy and Severus. They were all sitting at the Head Table, with the exception of the latter for they were facing the teachers, explaining the whole situation.
"So, she has absolutely no recollection of who she is?" concluded Filius Flitwick, worry all over his face. The Charms professor always enjoyed his discussions with Minerva.
"No, she doesn't know who she is," said Poppy, shaking her head sadly.
"Nor does she remember any of us. She doesn't even remember being a witch," added Severus, his hands stuffed in his pockets. The other teachers exchanged glances.
"But she will get better, won't she Poppy?" questioned Pomona Sprout, the Herbology teacher. The medi-witch sighed.
"I do not know, Pomona. I do not know." Xiomara Hooch banged her fists on the table.
"Well, this is just horrible," she said. "We can't just sit here and let her suffer. Why can't we send her to St. Mungo's? It would be far better for her there, wouldn't it?"
"No, Xio, it wouldn't be," huffed Poppy. "All that could be done for Minerva has been done. There is nothing that the wizarding hospital can do. I've already called them and they assure me that the best thing for her now is to surround her with friends and loved ones. They say that will help the process along." She shivered and rubbed her hands up and down her arms. "Besides, I wouldn't like the thought of her in there. Not again. She's suffered enough as it is. At least this way she'll be with those who love her, even if she may not remember."
"Oh, this is so horrible," said Hagrid, a few tears falling. "We've got ter help her."
"We will," assured Pomona, patting his elbow, since that was the only part of his arm she could reach. "Don't worry."
"I feel completely responsible for this." They all looked to the door which sat behind the teachers table. There, Gildroy Lockhart stood, leaning into the door frame, his face, which was usually plastered with that stupid smile, was now drooping into a frown. "If only I'd put my foolish pride aside and learned more spells. But I've never been good with my magic."
"You can't really blame yourself," said Severus, though he would have liked to.
"No, I am responsible," said Gildroy, now walking toward him. "True, that horrible creature was the one who ricocheted it off, but why did I have to use that spell? Just because it was the only one I know? I swear, I will do anything it takes to get her memory back." Poppy and Severus looked at each other and smiled. Gildroy was always one for melodramatics.
"Very well, Gildroy," Severus said, looking back at him. "Just be your usual, charming self, and that should be enough for now." Gildroy nodded.
"Got it," he said. "I shall tell her all about myself." With that, he somewhat happily took a seat at the Head Table as well, seeing how several of the teachers had left already.
"So remember, anything you can do to help her is great," said Poppy. It was then that the doors opened to reveal Minerva and Albus, walking arm in arm down the center of the Great Hall. Poppy and Severus took their usual seats.
"Here we are, my dear," Albus whispered in her ear. "See? They're all waiting to see you." Minerva stopped dead in her tracks and gave Albus a worried look. He smiled, and pulled her hand gently. "Do not fret, Minerva. They're your good friends, just like me." Somewhat reassured by this, Minerva allowed herself to be lead by him to the Head Table. They stopped right in front of Pomona on the left and made their way to the right with introductions.
"Minerva, this is one of your close friends, Pomona Sprout. She teaches Herbology here, and is the head of Hufflepuff." Pomona smiled and waved at her best friend.
"Hello, Minerva," she said. Minerva smiled respectfully and nodded.
"Professor Sprout," she said. Albus smiled and leaned in, though he spoke loud enough for all to hear.
"My dear, I think you should know that we are all on a first name basis here, so do not hesitate to call us by our first name." She blushed slightly.
"I shall try to remember that," she promised. They moved on.
"And this is Poppy, whom I trust you remember from last night," he said. She nodded and they exchanged greetings. "This is Hagrid, our groundskeeper here." Hagrid stood.
"Professor McGonagall ma'am," he said, holding his big hand out to hers. Though she was slightly frightened to meet someone so big, Minerva placed her small hand in his, and it was soon engulfed in his. "Nice ter see yer doin' well." She relaxed a bit when he flashed a huge, toothy grin.
"Thank you, Hagrid," she said.
"Hagrid is also our Care of Magical Creatures professor," Albus added. Then they moved on to the next seat, which was empty. "This, Tabby, is where you usually sit, and here," he said, pointing the high chair next to it, "is my spot." Minerva sighed inwardly as she discovered that she would be sitting next to him. She was now growing more comfortable around him, and it was because of this she felt like clinging to his side. She didn't know why she felt such a strong connection to him, but she knew that it must have something to do with the life that she could not recall. They moved on.
"This is Severus, whom you've also met last night," he said. Severus gave her a curt nod, and for some reason, this made Minerva want to laugh out loud. But since she did not know what his reaction would be, she stifled it, though it was rather hard. "This is Filius Flitwick, our Charms professor, as well as Head of Ravenclaw." Minerva stopped him.
"Just how many houses in Hogwarts are there?" she asked. Albus chuckled.
"There are only four, I promise," he replied.
"Hello again, Minerva," Filius said, smiling, his head barely coming over the top of the table.
"Now we have Xiomara Hooch, the flying instructor, as well as our referee for all of our Quidditch games." Xiomara smiled.
"Hello, Min," she said. "Please get better, I miss my best friend and all of the things we do." Minerva smiled. She really was truly sorry that she did not remember any of them. They seemed to know her, and love her on top of it.
"And finally, we have Gildroy Lockhart," Albus concluded. Gildroy stood up and took Minerva's hand in hers, kissing the back of it. "He is not a teacher here at Hogwarts; he is an author… of fantasy." Albus added the last bit with a smiled, and Gildroy looked at him, an eyebrow quirked.
"Thank you for that introduction, Albus," he said, though he was not really angry. He was sure he deserved that. He looked back at Minerva, who had by this time pulled her hand back.
"Nice to meet you, Gildroy," she said. He bowed to her.
"Anything you need to be done, just ask and I shall do it," he said. "Gildroy Lockhart is at your service, Professor." Albus smiled.
"Well, shall we begin breakfast?" he asked. Minerva nodded and they sat down in their seats. Within a matter of seconds, food appeared in front of her and she was once again amazed by the way in which the magic world worked. Yes, she now fully accepted the fact that she lived in a magical world.
"Minerva, we've got it all figured out," said Poppy. She leaned forward, as did Minerva, so they could see each other. "Everyone here is willing to stay back for a while so we can all help you get your memory back. Each day, a different person will meet with you and talk to you about not only your life, but how we met you and our lives here, at Hogwarts. Does that sound good?" Minerva smiled.
"That sounds like a marvelous idea," she said, sounding happier than she had been when this all began. "I am most anxious to regain my memory." The others smiled.
"Good," said Poppy. "With whom would you like to talk with first?" Minerva considered this for a moment.
"Which would be the best choice?" she asked. The teachers looked at each other.
"I suppose Albus would," Filius said. The others agreed.
"Is that alright, Minerva?" Albus asked, secretly ecstatic that he had the first shift. Minerva nodded, happy.
"Yes, Albus, I believe that would be a very good idea indeed," she replied.
"Very well, we shall begin today," he said. "Not a moment to lose." He held up his glass to make a toast. "To Minerva getting her memory back."
"To Minerva's memory," the others chorused, holding up their goblets as well. Even Minerva joined in. They all drank, set down their goblets, and proceeded to eat and talk, Minerva not really joining in. After all, she did not have any idea who Kingsly Shacklebolt was, Mundungus Fletcher, Harry Potter, or any of the Weasly's was, though, but the sound of it, there were quite a few Weasly's. Nine total, if her calculations were correct. However, she did not care. For the mood at the table had picked up quite considerably, making everyone both happy and grateful.
A/N2: There it is, the next chapter to this story. I hope that you all enjoyed it. I was writing it really slow at first, because I did not know what to write, but then it began to pick up momentum at about page three or so, and by the time I was about halfway through this chapter, my computer was literally emitting fire and smoke because I was writing so fast and pounding the keys so hard. Hope you liked it. LOL! Read long and prosper! Always Hopeful