The moment has finally arrived!

Let me know what you think and if you would like me to write about a specific event/moment during the Philosopher's stone :)

1 September 1991

"Good evening, Professor McGonagall," Dumbledore said cheerfully as he joined her outside the Great Hall.

"Good evening, Headmaster," she said. "Are the carriages on their way?"

"They will be here any minute now," he replied as he extended his arm, which Minerva took, and then walked down the steps to the Entrance Hall. "Hagrid has also sent word that the First Years will be boarding the boats soon. Is the Third Floor secure?"

"Both doors are sealed," she assured him. "I have also spoken to Argus and he will be standing outside the door most evenings."

"I think that is wise," he said. "Thank you, my dear."

"Of course. Severus and I will also be patrolling on the evening's Filch cannot," she added.

"The stone could not be in safer hands," he told her.

"I'm glad you think so, Headmaster, but," she faltered as they came to a stop outside the front doors. "I am concerned that a student may disregard the rules and meet the Cerberus."

"Fluffy," he corrected her mildly.

Minerva clucked her tongue. "I am being serious, Albus. All I have been dreaming about these last few weeks is of a student walking into that room and meeting that—Fluffy. If only we could put a stronger charm on the door—"

"My dear, you know as well as I do why it would be imprudent to do so," he told her seriously. "It would draw too much attention."

Minerva pursed her lips. "I know," she said. "Although you could equally say that restricting access to a whole floor will make anybody suspicious regardless if the door had powerful protective enchantments on it," she pointed out.

Dumbledore did not answer, and Minerva sighed as she reached for her wand from her inner-robe pocket.

"Very well," was all she said.

Straightening, she turned to face the large oak doors and made a swooping motion with her wand so that the doors began to ease open. Already a trail of thestral-pulled carriages lined the path leading to the castle. Almost immediately, doors to the carriages opened and groups of three, four or five students disembarked and began filing into the castle, moving in groups towards the Great Hall.

"Walk, Mr Jordan," Minerva called as Lee flew past to catch up with Fred and George.

"Sorry, Professor!" he apologised, slowing himself down and adopting a fast-paced march instead.

Minerva shook her head slightly before turning back to the rest of the student filing in.

"Hello, Professor McGonagall," said Angelina Johnson, followed by Katie Bell, who did the same.

"Hi, Professors!"

"Hello!"

Minerva nodded and continued to greet the returning students. A little while later, when almost all had disembarked, she began to pick up bits and pieces of their conversations.

"—Harry Potter—"

"—I saw him, on the train—"

"Yes, that boy with black hair—"

She locked eyes with Dumbledore who gave an imperceptible nod. Barely five minutes into the new academic year and Harry Potter was already the topic of much discussion. Although it did not surprise her in the least, she would be lying if she said she had not been hoping the boy could have been spared at least until he actually arrived at the castle.

"Hurry along now," she said, chivvying the students in.

The last 3 students hurried inside just as it began the rain. With another swish of her wand, Minerva allowed the front doors to close again.

"I shall see you inside, my dear," Dumbledore said, nodding to her.

Before he could go, however, Minerva leaned forward and took the frayed and battered hat from his hands.

"Every year you let it accrue dust," she said, giving him a brief accusing stare. "We want new students to be sorted into their houses not wheeze to death on a stool."

"I beg your pardon!" said the Hat angrily as Dumbledore tried to hide a smile.

When she was finished she handed him back the hat, smiling only slightly. "See you shortly, Albus."

She watched him leave the Entrance Hall and then turned to face the doors again with the familiar feeling of anticipation and excitement she felt every year. Barely a minute had passed when three loud knocks echoed across the room. Minerva straightened her robes, her hat, and then opened the door.

Hagrid stooped down and beamed at her. "The firs'-years, Professor McGonagall."

Minerva nodded then briefly searched the group until she spotted two green emerald eyes starring back up at her from behind round wiry spectacles; the exact same shade and shape as Lily's. Although looking distinctly underfed and more nervous than most first years, Minerva could not help the feeling of relief spread through her at the thought that after 11 years Lily and James' son was now finally under their care.

She looked back up at Hagrid. "Thank you, Hagrid. I will take them from here."