Author's note: Thanks to everyone who's reviewed so far! It really means a lot to me. Just to let you know, this story is going to be fast-paced, simply because it takes place over 20+ years, and if I write about every single month of every single year, the story would get way too long. Besides, most of the action will happen after 2009 (the year Teddy Lupin comes to Hogwarts :) ), and it's only 2000 right now. :) Let me know if I'm moving too fast, and I'll try to slow it down. Thanks again! ~ TwiHarInk113

Chapter 5: Wrong

Summer passes more quickly than other time of year for me. It seems like the last day of school was just yesterday, and now it is September 1st again. I am sure the 2000-2001 school year will be just as good as the last one.

Today started like any other first day of school, for Hogwarts, anyway. I lead the first years into the Great Hall and waited impatiently for them to get sorted. Minerva gave a short speech, and then the feast began.

Half way through the feast Minerva whispered in my ear, "Meet me in my office in five minutes." Without another word, Minerva stood up and left the table. I followed shortly after.

When I entered Minerva's office, I found her standing near the window, silently gazing outside it. "Minerva?" I asked softly.

Minerva turned around slowly at the sound of my voice. "Take a seat, please." She said with a smile.

"Is anything wrong, Headmistress?" I asked when we were both seated.

Minerva smiled. "No, nothing's wrong. It's quite the opposite actually."

"What do you mean?"

"I strongly believe last school year couldn't have gone any better. Do you have any idea why that is?" Minerva said.

I shake my head no. "I'm afraid I don't have the slightest idea."

Minerva smiled again. "Well, part of it has to do with having a fantastic deputy headmistress. Lucianna, you've done so much for Hogwarts in the past year, and for that, I thank you."

I blushed. "Thank you, Minerva."

"I'm just glad to have you as my deputy headmistress, Lucianna." Minerva said. "But the real reason I called you in here is because there is something I must know, and I want your honest opinion. Overall, how do you honestly think I'm doing as headmistress?"

My mouth fell open. "Why, Minerva, I think you're wonderful."

"Do you really believe that?"

"Of course, I do!"

Minerva sighed. "I just tend to doubt myself sometimes. I feel like I have to live up to Dumbledore's standards, and he was, in my opinion, the greatest headmaster who ever lived. Those are big shoes to fill."

"Minerva," I said softly. "Please, listen to me. I agree he wasHogwarts greatest headmaster, but that doesn't mean you can't live up to him. You have the same great qualities he did, I can see it. Dumbledore would be proud."

Minerva stared at me. "You are absolutely right. Now, unless you have something to tell me, you're free to go."

"Thank you, Minerva." I said and left her office.

Several months passed, and before everyone knew it, 2001 was here. The students had just gotten back from their winter break, and many of them were squirrelly.

"Quiet down!" I said to my fifth year Slytherins and Gryffindors when I was ready to begin class. "As you hopefully recall, before break, I gave you a thirteen-inch essay assignment. If you could please bring that up to me, we can get class started."

Several students groaned, which wasn't a good sign. The students slowly brought their papers up to me and made a pile on my desk. With a frown, I counted the papers. I counted twenty-one papers, while there were thirty-three students in the class. That was only sixty-three percent of the class, a horrible percentage.

"This is outrageous!" I scolded. "Only sixty-three percent of you turned in an assignment! This means thirty-seven percent of you will never succeed in life if you keep it up! You'll end up with the kind of the jobs that not even a werewolf – and they struggle to find work every day– would want. In addition to the work some of you didn't complete, everyone now must do a sixteen-inch report on gratitude. You kids don't know how lucky you are. While some people, such as werewolves, struggle to get by, you are ungrateful slackers. Who would hire you if you slack off now? I sure wouldn't. This report is due tomorrow, no exceptions! I suggest you get to work."

I took a deep breath, and sunk down in my chair. How could I make these kids care? I cared about their futures, so why couldn't they? Maybe they just didn't understand, but how could I explain it to them? The entire room was silent, and it stayed that way for the entire class period.

When class was over, I said, "Class dismissed," and the class was out of the room like a stampede of wildebeests.

Later that day, I overheard a group of fifth year Gryffindors say my name, so I decided to tune in on the conversation. As I found out, eavesdroppers never hear anything good.

"Pasen is being so unfair!" exclaimed one of the girls.

"I know!" exclaimed another. "Who does she think she is, telling people they're not going to succeed in life?"

"That's just wrong." A third chimed in.

I did everything I could not to protest and let the girls know I was listening. I wasn't being unfair at all. I only cared about their futures. Why couldn't they understand?

Suddenly, I realized something I never thought about before. I was just like Minerva! When I was in school I thought Minerva was strict and unfair. Now, I realize the only reason she was strict was because she cared about what would happen to us and wanted us to care as well. I decided to go to her, and explain how I was wrong about her all these years.

Quickly, I ran to Minerva's office and knocked on the door. Minerva opened the door almost immediately.

"Just the person I want to see. Come inside." Minerva said, and led me into the office. "Hogwarts needs excitement."

I stared at Minerva. "What are you talking about?"

"Hogwarts needs excitement." Minerva repeated. "I overheard two first years talking about how they expected more from Hogwarts, and they wanted more excitement. I don't want to be known as the 'boring headmistress', so we need to come up with an event that's fun and exciting for students, something… new."

"I…I'll try my best, Minerva." I stammered.

Minerva smiled. "Good. Now, is there something you needed?"

I laughed. I'd almost forgotten. "Oh, yes… I'm sorry, Minerva."

Minerva frowned. "Whatever for?"

I took a deep breath as I told Minerva about the day's events. After I was finished, I said, "When I was in school, I thought of you in the same way. Now, I realize I'm just like you. The reason we're so strict with our students is because we care. I only just realize that, and I'm sorry. I misjudged you. You were a fabulous teacher, Minerva, and an even better headmistress. I know that now."

When I finished talking, I noticed Minerva had tears in her eyes. "I know." She said softly. "I always knew you didn't like me, but I hoped you would understand someday. I was right."

Minerva gave me a gentle hug, and I hugged her back. In just two short years, we went from being foes, to being friends, and it felt great. I now understand.