A long time ago the fan fiction legend Gypsy Silverleaf launched Harry Potter Realm dot com. I was one of its forum contributors under the name "KESplanet." I was in high school when I wrote my first fan story before the sixth book came out. It was a biography of Minerva McGonagall. I wouldn't say I was mad when Rowling published a back story for her, but I can't say I was thrilled either.

I kept a copy of my story in physical form. I'm pulling ideas from it to create a new story. I hope you enjoy this! If you knew me from back in the day, drop a review or send a PM!

Minerva and Hermione

Minerva

Hogwarts has many secrets. This is something she could readily relate to. Most of Minerva's secrets won't get anyone killed like Slytherin's literal Chamber of Secrets. But a few of them may cause harm to people if they ever see the light of day. So, Minerva chooses to keep these secrets locked in her heart for as long as she still breathes.

One such secret of Hogwarts is how voices from the past chase one another through the school. It is easy to confuse this with madness, but it is a manifestation of magical youth like the poltergeist. Only adults hear traces of the conversations from decades ago running through the halls.

"KNOW-IT-ALL MCGONAGALL! KNOW-IT-ALL-MCGONAGALL!"

"What did you write down for who was the third supreme Mugwump?"

"I promise you Mum that I shall forever tell this story to show you are not mean enough to be the mistress of Ebeneezer Scrooge!"

"Is that student really a werewolf?"

Of the many tragedies to happen on these grounds, the fact that the screaming of dying children will be memorialized should not be discounted.

Minerva had taken a moment to survey the grounds from the entrance. The dead and wounded had been cleared from the grounds yesterday. Minerva asked her faculty to stay one more night to make sure all threats had been taken care of and to secure the school. Then she ordered everyone home to their families.

She could hear Hagrid approaching her from behind.

"How're you holding up Professor?"

"I'm fine Hagrid."

"I'm not in the practice of calling anyone, especially you, a liar, but I suspect ye might be at least a little."

Minerva looked at him closely. "I have never given you enough credit for how perceptive you can be Rubeus. You lead with your heart and that has caused you a great deal of trouble. But that should never be mistaken for stupidity."

Hagrid chuckled. "McGonagall! Don't make me blush! I've always thought the world of a ya. You're gonna be a bloody brilliant headmistress!"

"How's your brother?"

"Doing fine. He misses the students already. I think the students liked having him around to entertain and briefly forget about their losses."

"A very wise observation. I shall add five points to Gryffindor when the new term commences."

Hagrid smiled again. "Anything to give my house a leg up!"

Minerva smiled.

Hagrid turned serious. "Are we the only ones here?"

"I convinced Horace to take up a room at the Three Broomsticks. I made an unbreakable vow with Irma to protect her library so her daughters could take her home. We are quite alone Hagrid."

Hagrid stared her down. "I never forgot, McGonagall."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"There's no need to lie now. The giant blood made me immune to your charm. A powerful little thing. It's fascinating how people who went to school with you don't ever mention Devon. Tonks and Lupin don't even discuss Megan when rehashing old times. You really made sure no one thinks to say anything about your first late husband or your daughter."

Minerva flinched at hearing their names.

"Hagrid, I have my reasons!" she said with a touch of desperation.

"I've no doubt you do. It doesn't seem entirely right, but that's something I think you need to sort out with yourself."

"Hagrid, there are forces at play greater than you can imagine."

"That sounds a lot like something Dumbledore would say. He was always protecting us from ourselves it seems. I loved the man like a father, McGonagall, but from what I can gather his plan may have caused less death if he had trusted a few more people to help out."

"I don't disagree. But this is different!"

"That may be what you tell yourself. I'm going to get Grawp some dinner. You're always welcome to join us."

Hagrid walked down the steps.

"Hagrid!"

He turned. "I think I know who she is. Your secret is safe with me. But I think you should tell her. Sometime soon."

Minerva stood there and watched Hagrid make his way across the grounds. Tears leaked down her face.