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A little over a week after the staff meeting I find myself walking toward the Great Hall for dinner. Normally Albus insists on walking me, but he had a meeting with the Headmaster. Looking ahead, I notice Professors Slughorn and Merrythought looking at me, but they quickly turn away when they see me staring at them. I sigh. Most of the professors still don't know what to do with me. I suppose I can't really blame them, but I was hoping they'd get over it by now. Rolanda Hooch is all right, I suppose. She makes a point of talking to me whenever she runs into me, which I find I appreciate a great deal.

Halfway down to the first landing something bumps roughly into my shoulder, and I have to hold on to the railing to catch myself. "Oh, I'm so sorry was that my-"

I look up only to find Silvanus Kettleburn's face in front of mine. The smile on my face is instantly replaced by a glare and I don't bother finishing my sentence.

"I suggest you watch where you're going, Professor McGonagall. We wouldn't want you falling down the stairs."

I straighten up, forcing a slight smile on my face. "I'm sure you're right, professor. It's funny, I thought I felt something bump into me, but I must have been mistaken. After all, we're the only ones here."

The smug look on his face turns into a glare. "It must have been Peeves. I'm sure Professor Dumbledore will work it out for you, much like everything else. Better run and tell him so he can take care of it."

"I'm not quite sure what you're insinuating but I suggest we go our separate ways before you say something you regret."

I take the few steps down to the first landing and start walking past him, but he grabs hold of my arm before I can move away from him.

I stare at his hand on my arm before looking at him. "Let go of me, Kettleburn."

"You act like you're better than everyone here because Dumbledore decided that you're his favorite. I know you're not who you say you are, but you have everyone else eating out of the palm of your hand."

He gets closer to me as he speaks in a low voice that makes my skin crawl, but I laugh despite it. "Hardly. I'm not sure what world you live in, but I most definitely don't have anyone in that position, especially not Professor Dumbledore. I suggest you get away from me and stop making ridiculous comments."

I attempt to walk away and retch my arm from him, but he doesn't let up on his grip and pulls me closer to him again.

"I am warning you, Kettleburn. Let me go. Now." I order in a low voice, almost like a growl.

"Minerva?"

I turn my head to find Albus and the Headmaster looking at me from downstairs. Armando is looking at Silvanus with suspicion, but Albus just looks concerned.

Silvanus grips my arm again, making me turn back to him. "They won't always be there to get you out of trouble. I will find out who you are, I promise you that." He finally lets go of my arm, walking quickly down the stairs and past both Albus and Armando. I stand there for a second, shaking myself. I'll have to be more careful and make sure I'm not stuck alone with him.

"Professor?"

I turn and Albus and Armando are standing in front of me. I smile at them.

"Are you alright? What was Professor Kettleburn doing?"

I shake my head, smiling. "Nothing at all, we collided on the stairs and he was helping me maintain my footing."

I can tell they don't believe it. Armando still looks angry and Albus looks at me with a mix of outrage and concern. I don't hold either of their gazes. Instead, I turn away and walk past them the rest of the way down the stairs. They follow behind me silently, and when I reach the bottom of the stairs I turn back to them.

"Professor McGonagall, I hope you know you needn't keep quiet about any problems with the staff here. It's my job to make sure every professor in my employment feels welcome, and that includes you."

I nod, "Thank you so much, Headmaster Dippet. I assure you, I'm fine. I had hoped that the staff would overlook the incident with Professor Kettleburn sooner than this, but I'm sure it'll blow over in time. It's nothing I cannot handle."

"I should think not. And I'd also like to apologize on behalf of Silvanus for his behavior at the meeting. I know it's been a few days, but it wasn't the warmest welcome for you, and for that I am sincerely sorry. I have talked to him about it, and hopefully he will head the warning. If he doesn't do not hesitate in coming to me."

I manage a small smile, knowing that is most definitely not the case. "Thank you for your concern Headmaster, I appreciate it." I'm certainly not going to tell him how wrong he is in his assumption.

I can feel Albus staring at me, and I glance over at him. He looks almost as if he's trying to read my mind and figure out what Kettleburn was really doing so close to me in the stairwell. Great. If Albus knows something's amiss I know damn sure the Headmaster does, too.

"Professor?"

I turn my eyes quickly back to Armando. "Yes?"

"There is a small mystery we must solve, I'm afraid, regarding your records. It seems Silvanus checked the German ministry as well, but they did not turn up there, either."

"Ah, I see." So that's what caused Kettleburn's outburst. "Oh dear, that is a problem."

"Indeed. Of course, with the war going on in Germany it's no wonder that your records are lost, as are many others, but the board won't like-"

"Actually, Armando, I believe I have solved the mystery."

"Have you, so soon?"

"Yes, it didn't take very long, just a quick owl to the Ministry after leaving your office. Upon further investigation into Professor McGonagall's records, they have been found. Because of the chaos surrounding Grindelwald and the war, they were simply misplaced. I have sent for them and they should be on your desk by tomorrow."

Until this point I'd been looking at the floor trying to figure out a feasible lie, but upon hearing Albus's words my head shot up to look at him. That's not possible! How could they have been found? I'm not even German, how could they show up in their ministry…

I stare at Albus, who glances back at me, but only for a moment. It takes every ounce of control I have to keep my mouth from dropping to the floor. Albus must have falsified the records upon realizing they weren't there. But, why? Wouldn't that be enough proof for him to know I'm not who I say I am? Why would he lie?

"Really? How wonderful, that saves us all a great deal of trouble and headache. Shall we go into dinner? I'm afraid we're late."

Albus and Armando start walking toward the doors, but I'm too busy trying not to panic to notice.

"Minerva, aren't you coming?"

I look up at Albus, trying not to look too out of sorts. "Actually, no. You go ahead, I don't feel very well suddenly. I'll see you at breakfast." I manage to smile at Albus, noticing Armando's concerned gaze behind him before turning and walking away as quickly as possible without looking suspicious.

An hour later I am still pacing back and forth in my rooms, trying to come up with a solution. I figured I would have to come up with a lie regarding my records eventually, but I never imagined they'd be found. I've been trying to come up with some other explanation, but they shouldn't even exist in the first place. Albus falsifying the records has to be the only option. The biggest question is why. That should have been enough to prove Kettleburn right, why would he risk it, and why would he lie to the Headmaster? It just doesn't make sense.

My thoughts are interrupted by a knock on my door and I allow entry without thinking about it. The next time I look up Albus is standing a few feet from me. I suck in a breath.

"Albus."

"I wanted to make sure you were alright, you left in such a hurry."

"Oh, I'm fine, I just have a lot on my mind."

"You're wondering about your records."

I pause for a second, surprised. It wasn't a question, but I find myself nodding anyway.

"Yes, in fact I am. I don't understand how you found them."

"I didn't find them exactly. But you needn't worry about it, Minerva. It's been taken care of."

I stare at him. "You lied? Why?"

"Because it would have hung over your head until they were found, so I took care of it."

"Albus, you can't just-"

"Relax, the records are official. Or, as official as possible. With the war in Germany I'm sure they won't look any further into it. As long as they have them, it's all that matters. I probably shouldn't be saying this, but our ministry isn't very thorough."

I shake my head, "If anyone found out, you'd be fired. I can't let you-"

"Ah, my dear. You underestimate me."

I sigh. I really shouldn't allow him to do this, but something about his expression keeps me from arguing with him.

"Albus… thank you. I don't know how I'll ever repay you."

"You don't need to, anything is worth the expression on Kettleburn's face when he finds out."

I laugh despite myself, and when I look up Albus is looking at me seriously again. "What was he really doing, Minerva? I didn't like how close he was, and Silvanus would have rather seen you fall down the stairs than catch you."

I huff, knowing he's right. "He bumped into me on purpose. He grabbed my arm and started threatening to expose me. He was making rather ridiculous comments regarding you and I, among other things."

He looks shocked, but I smile at him. "Don't worry about it, Albus. I know none of it is true, and hopefully once he knows my records have turned up he'll get over it."

"Why wouldn't you tell Armando about this? That was unprofessional of him on many levels. It's bordering on harassment."

I roll my eyes, "Don't be ridiculous, Albus. I've handled much worse than the likes of him. I didn't see any point in making it worse by telling the Headmaster. His opinions are not going to change no matter how many reprimands he gets. I can hold my own against him. I appreciate yours and Headmaster Dippet's concern, but I've never been one to go running to others to solve my problems."

I turn away from him, picking up a few papers scattered around the room. "Please don't say anything to the Headmaster. I can't stop you if you think it's necessary, but I'm asking you not to."

He sighs behind me. "If that is what you wish, my dear, I will not say a word. I will simply ask you to be vigilant. When his mind is set on something, Silvanus tends not to let it go."

I laugh once, "Is that all? If threatening me is the worst he can do, this will be simpler than I thought."

"I'm serious, Minerva."

I turn my head to look at him, "I know you are, Albus. You don't need to concern yourself so much; I'm always prepared." I say, emphasizing the last part.

For a moment Albus looks as if he wants to either argue with me or ask me to elaborate, but he thinks better of it. Instead he sighs as I turn back around, sounding both exasperated and defeated.

"I don't doubt it. Just remember, should you ever need my assistance, regardless of circumstance, you need only ask for it."

I pause momentarily, confused and slightly concerned by his tone of voice. Where in the world did that come from?

But when I turn around to question him, Albus is gone.

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