Thanks so much for the book suggestions :) I'm trying to read a broader range of books. I've got into the habit of settling for Agatha Christie's and other murder mysteries and thrillers. It will be nice to have a bit of a change :) On a side note, I've recently finished I Let You Go by Clare Mackintosh so if you like thrillers then I highly recommend this book :)

Anyway, I am glad you're enjoying the story. Thank you so much for the lovely reviews :) Really they make my day!

7 August 1993

"You're looking cheerful," Pomona commented as she bumped into Minerva on the way down the corridor. A few flowerpots swayed dangerously in her arms and Minerva quickly helped her to rebalance the pots. As she did so, Pomona's eyes noticed the cream envelope in Minerva's hand, sealed with purple wax. Her eyes widened. "Is that...? They didn't say yes did they?"

Minerva smiled. "They did," she said, waving the letter proudly. "I am to collect it tomorrow afternoon."

"You are not serious," Pomona murmured. "And I thought you didn't approve of Miss Granger's decision?"

"I don't disapprove, if that is what you mean," Minerva replied, seriously. "I still stand by what I told her last year; it is all well and good to enjoy learning but one must not put academia above wellbeing."

Pomona nodded in agreement. "But..."

Minerva shrugged. "The girl was quite adamant and if anything I believe she will learn from this experience."

Pomona pursed her lips and gave Minerva a look. "I think you are spending too much time with Albus, dear," she said, though not unkindly. "Anything could happen."

"Miss Granger is a sensible girl," Minerva said, "and I will be monitoring her activities closely."

Pomona shrugged. "Very well," she said, nodding and then smiling. "But what I really can't get my head around is how on earth you managed it? The Ministry doesn't give away Time-Turners to anybody."

This time a wry look came in Minerva's eyes and she smiled, though tried to conceal it and shrugged. "I can be very persuasive."

"I'll say," Pomona teased, just as the sound of footsteps sounded from behind them. They turned.

"Oh, Mr Lu-Remus," Pomona said, correcting herself mid-sentence. She rolled her eyes and smiled as Remus came to stand beside them and rolled her eyes. "Old habits, I'm sorry."

"No need to apologies," he said good-naturedly. "I must admit I am finding it quite as hard not to call my old teachers, Professor."

Pomona chuckled. "You will get used to it, I promise, dear," she said, patting his hand. "It took us all a while but we managed."

Remus smiled, his eyes gliding to the stack of pots Pomona had balancing on her arms.

"I'm off to my office," she explained. "Plenty of plants that need growing before next term."

"Would you like any help?"

"I wouldn't want to trouble you," Pomona replied. "My office is far from the Defence corridor."

Remus shook his head, "Not at all. Besides I was on my way to the library which isn't far from your office if I recall correctly?"

"You do," Pomona said, slightly amused - indeed not Remus or any of his friends had been so chivalrous when they had been at school. She passed him some pots so that now they were both holding equal amounts, and glanced sideways at Minerva who smiled.

"Well, it seems I must bid you both a good afternoon," she said, waving the letter slightly. "I have to speak to the Headmaster."

Minerva stepped in front of the gargoyle and raised her eyebrows as the wings opened and Severus appeared in front of her on the steps.

"Good afternoon, Severus," she said.

"Good afternoon, Minerva," he replied civilly. "I assume you are here to speak to the Headmaster..."

"Naturally..."

"...about Potter," he continued over her, the faintest trace of a smirk on his lips.

"Harry Potter?" she said, frowning. "No, not at all. I came because — well nevermind why. Why would I be here about Mr Potter?"

"Underage sorcery yet again," Snape said, with an unconcerned shrug. "The Headmaster has just informed me. It was quite a serious offence I might add. But I won't bore you with the details, Minerva," he said, the corner of his lips twitching upwards into another smirk. "After all, being his Head of House you should know by now how extravagant and careless Potter can be."

And without waiting for a reply, Snape swept away back down the hallway with Minerva's narrowed eyes following him.

Finally, with an irritate tut, she turned briskly to the gargoyle and snapped, "Ginger Nut." The Gargoyle bowed its head and Minerva marched up the stone steps. "Albus," she said, as she opened the door widely. "Would you care to explain why I am hearing the name Harry Potter before term has even started?"

"I see Severus has told you," Albus replied, clasping his hands.

Minerva folded her own arms and gave Albus her most severe look. "He most certainly did," she said, "in his own thoughtful way as you can imagine."

"Indeed, I can," he replied, acknowledging her remark with a faint tilt of his head. "There appeared to be some sort of misunderstanding at number 4 Privet Drive last night."

Minerva looked briefly upwards at this and took a seat opposite Dumbledore. "I cannot say that I am entirely surprised."

"Nor am I," he agreed. "As I was saying, there was a disagreement that resulted in Mr Dursley's sister being inflated and wandering the skies for a little under half an hour. Mr Potter left quite promptly after the incident took place."

It took Minerva a moment to absorb this information. "Pardon?" she said finally, frowning. "Potter turned his aunt into some sort of balloon? And now he is no longer at Privet Drive, alone, when Sirius Black is on the loose?"

"The Knight Bus located him shortly after he departed from his Aunt and Uncle's house," Albus reassured her. "Harry is now staying at the Leaky Cauldron. Cornelius saw that Mr Potter went straight to his room and he will be supervised closely until he leaves for King's Cross on the first."

"Right," Minerva said, still frowning but understanding the situation a little more. "Well, I suppose that is somewhat of a relief. Not the magic, mind, I mean Potter being found," she added quickly. "Lord knows what would have happened if he was found by another," she said, making meaningful eye contact with Albus. "Will he be punished for underage sorcery?"

"The Minister has decided on this occasion to let the matter slide."

"That would not have been the case for most other students," Minerva said. "I hope Mr Potter is aware of that."

"I am sure that he is."

Minerva nodded then sniffed. "Very well," she said, waving her hand. "Just as long as Potter is safe now, that is all that matters. Along with the return of his aunt to solid ground."

This time Albus did smile and an amused twinkle appeared in his eye. "She was returned to her proper condition and the incident was wiped from her mind. It was believed to be the best solution. Else she may have been subject to-"

"Nightmares? A strong fear of her 13-year-old nephew?"

Albus smiled. "Quite."

"Hm," Minerva said, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. "Well, at least it wasn't the exploding toilet again," she said, catching Albus' eye.

He chuckled. "In that case, the mishap was dealt with swiftly."

"And thankfully so," Minerva added. "That house was filled with—well I will mention it no further," she said. "So moving swiftly on, I actually came up to speak to you about three matters."

"Just three?"

"Just the three," she said, briefly glancing at him over her rectangular spectacles. "Firstly, the Hogsmeade trips," she said. "With Black on the loose should those visits to the village really be continued?"

"With the new protective measures in place, I see no reason why not," Albus replied. "We can always re-think our decision if circumstances change."

Minerva nodded and scribbled down a few notes. "Very well," she said. "The second thing I would like to bring to your attention is this." She produced the small cream envelope she had previously had tucked in her robe pocket. "I am to collect it tomorrow morning."

"The Time-Turner?" said Dumbledore, surveying the letter detailing Minerva's instructions on how to collect the device. "I must say I am impressed, my dear."

"It was very difficult to procure, don't get me wrong," Minerva told him. "Cornelius was not keen but he did finally concede."

"I am sure Miss Granger will be most appreciative."

"Well, I hope so," Minerva said. "It took me months to get permission," she added, pocketing the letter again. "Anyway, I just thought you should be aware that Granger will indeed be in the possession of a Time-Turner."

Dumbledore nodded.

"I think that is all I had to say. I must speak to Severus about the potion for Remus, as we discussed."

She stood up, tucked a stray hair behind her ear, and began to leave.

"I believe there were three matters you wanted to discuss with me?" Albus called, causing her to stop and turn.

"Oh, yes, I had almost forgotten," she said, the hints of excitement present in her voice. "Have you read the new Transfiguration Today? The article reviewing our research paper?"

Albus smiled. "I have looked at it," he said. "I would say it was quite positive."

"Quite positive?" Minerva said, raising her eyebrows, but smiling despite her scandalised tone.

"Will you be attending the award ceremony?" he asked her.

"Oh," Minerva said, sobering. "Oh, I don't know. It depends on the situation."

Albus quirked an eyebrow.

"These students of ours really keep me on my toes," Minerva told him earnestly, moving to the door again. "I might be busy."

He chuckled. "There is nothing wrong with having your good work celebrated, Minerva," he said, seeing right through her as usual. She always became terribly embarrassed when others made a fuss over her. A quality she had shared with her father who similarly enjoyed the feeling of his work being briefly acknowledged but required nothing more.

"I believe a positive review in Transfiguration Today is sufficient," Minerva replied. "Will you attend?"

"Perhaps," said Albus. "But I would not wish to go alone."

Minerva allowed herself the smallest of smiles. "Well let us hope the students do not cause too much disorder before November. It may be that I will reconsider if my plate is not too full."

"I am glad to hear it," Albus smiled. "I shall see you at dinner, my dear."

Minerva smiled briefly. "See you shortly, Albus."