Short chapter today... Sorry! Hope you can forgive me! Maybe there'll be a double post this week too.

As always thank you for the lovely reviews :)


15 February 1994

Minerva shook down her cloak which was covered in small flakes of snow. She had just returned from a short weekend stay at her brother's house in Caithness. Her nieces and nephews had come, along with their partners and children. Overall, it had been nice to see the family, and Minerva had enjoyed herself. She made a mental note to visit more often - after all, she deserved some relaxation time every now and again. Despite the chaos caused by her students at school.

Minerva sighed as she rounded the last corner leading to the Charm's corridor. She had almost reached Filius' office when she spotted Seamus Finnigan and Dean Thomas huddled together and looking at something that strongly resembled the Fanged Frisbees Argus Filch so hated.

Minerva stopped beside them and cleared her throat. Instantly the two boys jumped and Seamus quickly attempted to hide the object behind his back.

"Evening, Professor McGonagall," he said cheerfully, sharing a nervous glance with Dean Thomas who was looking equally as guilty.

"Good evening, Mr Finnigan," Minerva said, putting her hand out. "Frisbee, please."

"It's not—" but Dean stopped in his tracks after the stern look Minerva gave him. He then nudged Seamus who revealed the frisbee and placed it into Minerva's outstretched hand.

Minerva pursed her lips and looked at him over her spectacles. "These are forbidden, Mr Finnigan, as I am sure you are well aware."

"Sorry, Ma'am."

"I should think so," Minerva replied. "5 points from Gryffindor."

He looked up. "Really?"

"Yes, really," Minerva said crisply. "Now, back to your dormitory, both of you," she added, ushering them down the hallway. "I seem to recall you have several essays in need of writing by next week."

The boys nodded and left for the Gryffindor Tower. Minerva also continuing down the corridor until she reached Filius' office. She knocked on the door and pushed it open slightly.

"Evening, Filius."

Filius turned and raised his eyebrows. "Oh, Minerva," he said. "Good holiday?"

"Quite peaceful," Minerva replied, causing Filius to smile.

"Goodness, how lucky," he said. "That word is almost foreign to my ears."

Minerva smiled understandingly. "How was your holiday?" she asked anyway.

"Eventful," he said. "Argus has been punishing students left, right and centre. And Mr Wood has been knocking on my door every other day."

Minerva winced sympathetically. "He is quite passionate about Quidditch," she said apologetically. "Have you come to any conclusions about the broom?" she added.

Filius turned and picked up the Firebolt he had been looking at before. "I cannot see anything wrong with this," he said. "Mr Potter has quite a fan somewhere out there."

"Hm," Minerva said, looking at the broom too and frowning. It seemed distinctly odd; who would send Potter a broom, she thought, and a Firebolt, no less.

Filius, who had been watching her, nodded. "I can't understand it either," he said. "But I see no reason why Potter should not be able to fly this at the next Quidditch match."

He handed her the broom which Minerva took, still frowning slightly.

"Thank you, Filius," she said finally.

"Don't mention it. We don't want anything happening to the boy in midair," he said, catching her eye, "again."

"Please," she said tiredly, "I would rather not be reminded."

He smiled sympathetically and patted her elbow.

"Well, I had best give Potter the good news," Minerva sighed. "I'll see you at dinner, Filius."

He nodded and Minerva left the office. She had barely left the room when she bumped into Wood. He opened his mouth but Minerva held up her hand before he could speak.

"Your seeker will be receiving his broom today," she said, causing Wood to almost jump in the air with delight.

"That's brilliant! Slytherin won't know what's hit them," he said cheerfully.

Minerva nodded and Wood continued down the hallway a new bounce in his step. Minerva meanwhile continued her way to the Gryffindor Common Room where she found Potter and Weasley playing chess and Hermione Granger huddled in a corner behind a mountain of parchment and books.