A/N: Hello again! I know, I'm terrible at updating. It's been bothering me, but I've had one hell of a case of writer's block for this story despite countless attempts, but I finally finished this chapter. So at last, here's an update!

To those of you that stuck around for it, thank you so much! And thank you of course to those that have reviewed for me.

I do not own any HP or Wicked characters, unfortunately.

Enjoy!

Albus Dumbledore smiled to himself as he finished more of the paperwork on his desk and looked at the clock on the wall of his office. Eleven-fifteen in the morning. Today was the day he was, finally, going to get Minerva to go flying with him. He and Madame Hooch had been trying to get her on a broom since the first month she arrived, but she adamantly refused. Every time after that, she always came up with an excuse not to join them. At first, Albus thought it was because she had a fear of flying, but Minerva scoffed at him and even looked a bit offended by the notion. What's more, when Quidditch was brought up the week before, she didn't seem to know what he was referring to.

"So Minerva, are you excited for the first Quidditch game next week? The staff tends to get just as excited as the students. The first is Gryffindor vs. Slytherin, which everyone knows should be an entertaining one."

He smiled at her, but she looked back at him with confusion. "Quidditch?"

"Surely you know Quidditch! Even Germany has it's own team; they've played quite a few times in the Quidditch World Cup!"

Albus mirrored her confusion. The German National Quidditch team was well known in Europe. How could Minerva not know about Quidditch?

Even as he thought this, Minerva's face dawned a look of realization, as though a sudden thought had just occurred to her. Albus noticed this same look come across her face many times in the last few months, whenever he reminded her of something she should already be familiar with, much like Halloween.

"Oh! Oh, yes. Quidditch, of course, how silly of me. I never played or followed it very closely in Germany."

"Well, there's nothing stopping you now!" Albus said excitedly. "We've been trying to get you on a broom for months. I can get you to go flying with me and refresh you on the rules of Quidditch before the game next week. Rolanda can join us."

Minerva smiled after a moment, "That sounds wonderful, Albus."

Albus never was able to figure out Minerva's aversion to getting on a broom, but he supposed it didn't matter now that she'd agreed to go flying. He looked at the pile of work still to be done on his desk. He figured he could do a bit more before meeting Minerva and Rolanda on the pitch.

I glance up from the book I've been reading to look around me. I thought I'd heard something, but I suppose it was just a student who dropped a book. I'm sure if anyone were to see me, it may look a bit strange. After all, seeing your professor in a secluded corner of the library with three books open around her probably isn't something a student sees every day. Luckily, no one has come to disturb me yet.

Since my arrival, I've done a great deal of research on Hogwarts and Europe. One of my first priorities was learning everything I could find about Germany, especially Grindelwald, since he's part of my cover story. I had to be careful, because who knows what someone may have thought if they'd seen me with those books.

However, since my encounter with the Riddle boy, my focus has switched more to Parseltongue. Albus was right, the only known parselmouth was Salazar Slytherin, one of the four founders of Hogwarts. How is it possible that Tom Riddle is the only other person Albus has ever heard of with the ability?

I've asked myself more times than I care to admit why I would feel so uncomfortable with a student who has the ability to talk to an animal, when I myself spoke to them all the time in Oz. In doing this research, though, I finally found my answer. In Oz, it was commonplace for Animals to speak. There are no talking Animals in Europe, Hogwarts, or anywhere else that I've discovered.

Even with this information, there was something else about the encounter that bothers me. I've replayed that day in my head many times. It was the way that Riddle's voice changed; It was dangerous, something that no teacher should hear from a fifteen-year old. It brought every survival instinct I've ever had back to the forefront of my mind. His voice triggered something in me and I knew I'd have to keep an eye on him.

He has not openly challenged me since that day in my classroom. In fact, he has barely spoken to me aside from answering a question. But, sometimes I'll notice him watching me, or looking at me with this strange look in his eyes. It's almost vengeful, as if I'd angered and embarrassed him somehow. If he sees me looking at him, though, he looks away after a few moments. Once, I realized that if my glasses were off when I looked at him, he wouldn't hold my gaze for longer than half a second. I guess my new eye color is unnerving to more than just myself. I try not to use it to my advantage, but I do if necessary.

I look at the clock, sighing when I realize I need to meet Albus and Rolanda on the Quidditch pitch. I've been avoiding flying with them for months, but Albus seemed so excited and hopeful I couldn't help but say yes. According to what I've read, Quidditch is apparently a game played on brooms. It's an odd game, and for some absurd reason it has four balls, but I suppose I can see the appeal.

I desperately need to remember not to be so open in my questioning. When Albus mentioned the game last week, like an idiot I forgot that I'm supposed to be from Germany, where there is a team that plays in the world cup. Of course I should know what Quidditch is! At least, that's what Albus thinks. I was able to recover fairly easily, but I didn't miss the confused look on his face.

I laugh as my mind turns to that first conversation Albus and I ever had about flying. He actually thought I was afraid of it! What a ridiculous thought. Flying on a broom was my principal route of transportation in Oz, after all. That's why I was so reluctant to go in the first place. Last time I flew on a broom, it was as the Wicked Witch of the West. I terrified people on that broom, and I didn't want to take any chances.

Even so, I know it's just my paranoia of being discovered getting the better of me. I did love flying, and I got exceptionally good at it, thanks to the Wizard and his band of Witch Hunters. If brooms are commonly used in the game of Quidditch, I don't see any reason I can't join in.

When I finally arrive at the pitch, Rolanda and Albus are already waiting for me with brooms in their hands. Rolanda seems impatient.

I raise an eyebrow, "Am I late?"

"Not at all, my dear. Rolanda is just easily excited for anything involving flying."

"I see."

Rolanda smiles at me. I can feel the excitement radiating off of her. "So, Min, Albus said you've never flown before."

I sigh inwardly. She's taken to using that nickname nearly every time she sees me, despite my many attempts to get her to stop.

"Not quite. I've never played Quidditch before. I have flown before, it's just been a while."

If it's possible, her excitement increases tenfold. "Excellent! This should be good. Well, then, let's get started. Mount the broom." She says as I catch the broom she tosses toward me.

I do as she says and mount the broom, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. I see Albus trying not to laugh at my expression.

"Good. Now, on the count of three-"

"Rolanda. I know you're used to having to teach first years how to fly, but I'm not one of them. I don't need coaching." I say, giving her a small smile.

"Oh, right." She smiles sheepishly, looking down at the ground for a moment before looking at me. "Sorry Min. Whenever you're ready, then. Albus and I will follow."

Rolanda looks at me expectantly. I laugh to myself, deciding to have fun with it. After all, this is the first time I've been on a broom in months, and it's not like anyone's going to attack me this time.

I push off of the ground and instantly soar high into the air. The speed of the broom surprises me, but I push it to go faster. Before I know it, I'm spinning, flipping and flying high above the pitch at higher speeds than I ever achieved in Oz. After a moment of hesitation, I reach up and loosen my bun, letting my hair fall in waves down my back. I close my eyes, reveling in the feeling of the wind on my face and whipping through my hair. God, I missed this.

After a good few minutes, it occurs to me that Rolanda said something about Albus and her following after me, but I don't see them. Looking down toward the ground, I see their figures still standing on the pitch. I wonder why they didn't follow?

I fly back toward the ground, dismounting just before reaching it a few feet away from them.

"What happened to following behind me?" I ask, smiling at them. "Couldn't keep up?"

Rolanda looks thunderstruck. So does Albus, but he's not as obvious about it.

"Bloody hell." Rolanda finally utters. "Did you just-" She looks behind her at Albus. "Did she just make a joke? And she's smiling!"

This actually makes me smile wider. "Come on, Rolanda! I thought you wanted to go flying."

"I- Of course I do! But I wasn't expecting you to be bloody brilliant at it! Why in the hell didn't you want to come flying with us? It's been a long time since I've seen someone that good on a broom."

I laugh again, looking at Albus behind her. "I told you I knew how to fly."

Albus doesn't say anything. In fact, he looks even more surprised than he did before. I smile at him.

"So, are we flying, or aren't we? And, you still have to teach me about Quidditch."

Rolanda looks excited again. "Right!"

"Well, then," I say, smirking at them as I mount my broom. "Catch me if you can!" I yell behind me, laughing aloud when I see Rolanda nearly kill herself getting on her broom to try.

Later, I've still got a smirk on my face. Flying put me in a better mood than I'd been expecting, and Albus and Rolanda's faces made it so much better! After a few moments, Albus was finally able to get over his shock, and the three of us had a wonderful time. They taught me all about Quidditch; we even played a friendly game. It actually is pretty fun, even despite the absurdity of having four balls.

"Minerva!"

I turn around to find Rolanda walking toward me. I smile at her.

"Hello, Rolanda. How are you?"

"Brilliant! I still can't get over how easily you picked things up today. You're a natural at Quidditch! Are you sure you've never played before? Maybe you just don't remember."

I raise an eyebrow at her but then I realize. The amnesia, right.

"Perhaps you're right. In any case, I'm glad you were entertained."

"It was amazing. Where did you learn to fly like that? I had a hard time keeping up with you, and that's never happened before."

I laugh, "Well thank you. I think Professor Dumbledore was surprised as well. I've had..." I clear my throat, "Plenty of practice with flying over the years."

"I guess so. I don't know how you did it, but it was wicked. I just thought I'd let you know."

I flinch ever so slightly at her wording, realizing only a moment later it was completely harmless. I sigh inwardly. I am really starting to hate that expression.

"Min?"

I look back up to see Rolanda looking at me closely, a bit of concern in her eyes.

"Minerva? Are you okay?"

"Oh, yes. Of course."

"Okay." She smiles.

"I'll see you at the game later, right?"

I nod, smiling back at her. "Absolutely."

"Great! See you there!" A moment later she's gone, already halfway down the corridor.

"Hello, Minerva." Albus says, catching up to me as I leave the spectator tower after the match.

"Hello."

"So what did you think, now that you've seen an actual game of Quidditch?"

"To be honest, I found it very entertaining. It was fun to play, and I understand why so many like it now. It is very exciting, if dangerous." I say, recalling when a Slytherin beater nearly knocked a Gryffindor student off of her broom several feet in the air.

"Fair enough. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, and I'm sure Madame Hooch will be thrilled." Albus smiles, his eyes twinkling like mad.

I groan, "Oh, no! We cannot tell Rolanda how much I liked it. She'll become impossible if she finds out."

Albus laughs, "Alright, my dear. Your secret is safe with me."

I laugh too, "Thank you."

"Care to join me for a cup of tea in my rooms?"

I smile, "That sounds lovely. Lead the way."

After getting us our tea, Albus and I sit down on his couch watching the fireplace.

"Minerva, have I ever told you about the house-elves?"

I look at him, puzzled. "House-elves? No, I think I would remember that."

"Well, I'm sure you've heard of them, the creatures that serve mostly well-known and very old Wizarding families. But Hogwarts also has her own house-elves."

"Oh?"

"Yes, they work mostly in the kitchens, preparing the food and cleaning the castle."

My eyes widen, "They do all that?"

He smiles, "Yes, but there are hundreds of them, of course."

"Of course." I agree, playing along. "But if they only work for Wizarding families, how did so many of them come to be here?"

"Helga Hufflepuff brought them to the castle so that they would have good working conditions. After all, house-elves have a long history of being mistreated by their masters, but of course you'd already know about that."

Now I shake my head, "Sorry, no. My family didn't have house-elves."

"I see." Albus doesn't seem to find this odd, and moves on quickly. "Well, house-elves are creatures that are bound to their masters and are absolutely obedient to their every demand. Unfortunately, rather than be grateful for this, many wizards took this for granted and treated them like slaves. They don't have very many rights, and most see them only as servants without any feelings or worth."

His explanation makes me feel sick. "That- That's horrible!"

"Not to worry, Minerva. Hogwarts house-elves aren't treated like that at all. In fact, the elves actually like working here. Many of the professors have a few favorite ones that they'll call upon if they need something, much to their delight."

I breathe a sigh of relief, "Well, then I'm glad they have a decent place to live and work instead of being treated like animals."

"Indeed. Would you like to meet one?"

I pause, surprised. It seems like an odd question, but I have to admit that I am curious.

"Uh… yes?"

"Wonderful. Pipsy!"

Albus's voice does not raise, but not even a moment later there is a loud CRACK and a creature appears in front of us.

"Oh!"

I stare at it for a moment, more than a bit startled by the sudden appearance. The creature can't be more than two feet tall, with thin arms and legs and a much-too-large head for it's body. It's large ears flop slightly when it moves, and it looks up at Albus with oversized green eyes.

"Mr. Dumbledore?" The creature asks in a high voice, making it obvious that it's female.

"Hello, Pipsy." Albus smiles kindly at the elf. "I wanted you to meet someone. This is Professor McGonagall." He gestures to me.

"Hello," I say quietly. I feel rather silly, but I don't want to be rude to her, either.

"Hello, Miss." The elf smiles just slightly.

"Pipsy, if the professor should need anything, I hope it won't be asking too much of you to take care of it for her."

My head whips back toward Albus, but before I can protest the elf responds.

"Of course, Mr. Dumbledore. It would be Pipsy's pleasure."

"Albus! What are you doing? I thought the elves worked for Hogwarts, I don't want you to give me a house-elf." I protest quietly. The thought of having this poor creature as my servant, especially against her will is making me physically ill.

"I'm not giving her to you, Min, don't worry. She still works at Hogwarts, she's not going to be your elf. She'll just be there to help if you need anything. All you need to do is call for her."

"No, no, I'm sure Pipsy would much rather..."

"Pipsy is sorry to interrupt, Miss, but it is no trouble for Pipsy. Pipsy would gladly help a professor of Hogwarts in any way she can. Do not worry, Professor. It is not against Pipsy's will."

"But- But I really wouldn't have anything for you to do, dear. I don't need to bother you."

"That's alright, Miss. It is no bother, Pipsy is glad to do it. All you need to do is call for Pipsy when you need her, no matter what it is."

I'm still uncomfortable with this arrangement, but the elf almost seems happy with this development. I get up from the couch to kneel in front of her.

"Are you absolutely sure about this, Pipsy? I don't want you to do something you don't want to do, ever."

Pipsy looks surprised, but she almost smiles. "Pipsy is sure, Professor."

"Please, call me Minerva."

"Of course, Miss Minerva."

I smile a bit, thinking that's about as good as I'll get from the elf. "Very well then, it was lovely to meet you, Pipsy." I say, taking one of her small hands in mine, shaking it.

If possible, her large eyes get even bigger, and she looks over at Albus.

"Oh, Pipsy likes her very much, Mr. Dumbledore!"

Albus chuckles behind me, "I'm glad to hear it. I had a feeling you two would get on well. Thank you very much, Pipsy."

She nods, "Of course." She says, taking that as her exit. With a snap of her fingers and a pop, she's gone.

I walk back to the couch. "Oh, Albus, you sneak!"

"I know, but I knew you'd like each other. And despite what you might think, Minerva, she is not a servant. I know that is what's bothering you."

"Then why are they bound to the castle? Why can't they leave?

"House-elves can only be freed if they are given clothes."

"So why haven't they been given clothes!" I ask, giving him an incredulous look.

"As I said dear, they like working here, and this is a much better alternative to the life many of them could have. Believe me, I tried giving a Hogwarts house-elf a piece of clothing once. The poor thing became hysterical and ran away; he didn't even take it. He thought we were trying to make him leave. It never goes over very well."

I sigh, "Alright, fine. In any case, I'm glad I met her, even if I won't call her often."

Albus smiles, "Honestly, Pipsy seemed quite taken with you. I have a feeling she'll be very happy if you call her for something."

I smile too, sipping my tea. "We'll see."

A/N: Thank you for reading! Please review! I already have part of the next chapter done, so let's all hope that I can escape the writer's block this time! Thanks so much for waiting and being patient with me.

Until next time...

~Neve