Headmistress McGonagall

Thomas Hardy

Headmistress McGonagall

Hogwarts was in chaos.

Students were being attacked. Colin Creevey, Hermione Granger and Justin Finch-Fletchley were still in the hospital wing. Madame Pomfrey was keeping a close eye on them until the Mandrake Restorative Draught was administered.

Everyone else was keeping as low a profile as they possibly could. Between classes the halls were filled with students hurrying as fast as possible, heads down, hoods up, hands at their sides.

Hannah Abbott's blonde pigtails, Parvati Patil's bright smile, Ginny Weasley's brilliant red hair--all were concealed in a sea of black.

It was as if the students were making a concerted effort to squeeze as small as possible, to blend together, to fit all their bodies in a little box. If they were indistinguishable, hidden within one general mass, then they were safe.

Safety was elusive at Hogwarts. Everyone wanted it, and no one was guaranteed it.

And all this was before Albus Dumbledore was removed as Headmaster.

~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~

Minerva hurried down the corridor, anxious to reach her office. Since she had assumed the role of Headmistress, the contents of her inbox had increased significantly. Gone were the afternoons spent leisurely reading each letter over a cup of black coffee.

Now she was lucky if she managed to cram in half a sandwich between boxes. Yes, she now had so much mail that it was delivered in boxes.

Reaching her office door, she carefully pushed it open. Only last week she had opened it too quickly, and an avalanche of envelopes had cascaded onto her head. It was an experience she did not want to repeat.

The door swung open, narrowly missing a basket full of pale lavender letters hanging from the coat rack. When it had opened wide enough, Minerva squeezed through the gap, stepping over what looked like a hatbox covered with stamps.

Standing in the middle of the room, Minerva deliberated over where to begin. She glanced at the row of jockeying owls on the window ledge, the cardboard box overflowing with letters of all sizes, and the stack of parcels in the corner.

None of those looked interesting to her, so she picked up the envelope at the top of her inbox. In most respects it was very ordinary. The only odd thing about it was that it smelled strongly of cinnamon and wool.

Curiosity piqued, Minerva slit the seal open and unfolded the letter.

Dear Minerva,

I trust you are coping well with your new responsibilities, and am deeply sorry that they were thrust so quickly upon you at such a difficult time. Believe me when I say that if I had been granted any foreknowledge of my removal, I would have left my affairs in a more--ah, manageable--way. As it is, the most important piece of advice I can give you is to wear thick wool socks. They help to ward off the chill that has accompanied the recent rains. Very helpful, I've found.

In all gravity, Minerva, the time has come for me to trust you with a few of the secrets of our school. For years you have greatly aided me in its running, and now--at least for a little while--the whole responsibility has fallen to you. I have complete confidence in your abilities--you should know that. But even as informed as you are, there are several things of which you are unaware.

First, and of the most immediate importance, is the protection of the Mandrakes. Filius and I have set up several wards over the greenhouses in addition to the existing ones. Their purpose is to effectively keep the Mandrakes from harm. If something should happen to them before they reach maturity, it is highly possible that the Petrified students will not be able to be revived before they are to be sent home for the summer. This could prove especially problematic in the case of our students of Muggle parentage.

I have gotten into the habit of going myself each night to personally see that no harm has come to the Mandrakes. It would ease my mind if you would do the same.

In this difficult time it is hard to know whom to trust. One person, in particular, may have aroused your suspicions. It is important, of course, for you to concentrate your efforts on those people who may pose actual threats, so I have decided that you should know the history of Gilderoy Lockhart.

I am aware, Minerva, that several of my staff have questioned my appointing him, and I can understand their concern. The truth is that Gilderoy--bless him--is the least of your worries. I know that to some, his vanity and conceit seem like an overblown act to distract us from noticing his Dark activities. Please reassure the staff that their worried imaginations are creating a threat where there is none--and that Gilderoy does not participate in any Dark activities. In more peaceful times, I am sure those suspicions would never have entered their thoughts. However, I am not by any means suggesting you trust Gilderoy with anything of significance. Just because he is not dangerous does not mean he is competent. Dealing with Sybill--bless her

Good luck, Minerva, and with all my confidence,

Albus Dumbledore

Quietly, so as not to disturb him, she scratched out his name for Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The bulletin board was already crowded with announcements, flyers, and notices. Minerva had to take down a few to make room for hers. Right next to "IMPORTANT STAFF MEETING REGARDING COMMENCEMENT" she tacked up the Mandrake Monitor Schedule.

And right next to that she posted another notice, reading "REMINDER TO ALL STAFF: EXAMS BEGIN JUNE 1."

There were a lot of things Minerva didn't know about Hogwarts: who the Heir of Slytherin was, if the Mandrake Restorative Draught would be entirely effective, if Muggle-borns would have to be withdrawn from school the following term.

However, she did know that she was not looking forward to tomorrow's announcement regarding the exam schedule. She had a feeling that the students would be more vocal in their response to this than they had recently been about any other academic matters.

Not for the first time, Minerva fervently wished Hermione Granger had not been Petrified. If she hadn't been, she would have been organizing study groups and writing up exam schedules for months now. Her efforts would have kept the students prepared for the exams and lessened the shock, both making Minerva's job much easier.

Minerva mentally reminded herself to tell Hermione how much she appreciated her. After she had been revived, of course.

Minerva stopped moving, surprised by a sudden burst of clarity. Until Albus returns, I am him.

She straightened, feeling confident. In fact, she looked forward to tomorrow's announcement. It would be her first act as Headmistress where she was actually being Albus. She would lead the students courageously, come what may. It was what Albus would do, she knew, and what he expected of her, and what she owed him.

~~~~~~~~~~

The next morning, Minerva arrived at the Transfiguration classroom a few minutes early. She wanted to make sure that she was there before any of the students.

However, she was just barely the first person there. This was not surprising. A lot of the students made it a point to spend as much time as possible in their classrooms, right next to their professors. They seemed to think they would be safer there than in the halls, or even in their common rooms.

Minerva glanced around the room, wanting to be sure that everyone was there before she made her announcement.

"Finnigan! Give Mr. Thomas back his wand, and pay attention."

Seamus turned around guiltily in his seat. "Yes, Professor." He handed Dean back his wand and looked at Professor McGonagall.

"Thank you, Mr. Finnigan. I don't suppose you could tell me where Potter and Weasley are?"

Dean shook his head, causing Minerva to look disgruntled.

"Of course. I can see how that would be expecting too much of you. Could you at least try to--"

She was interrupted when the door banged open. Harry and Ron hurried through it, looking rather dirty. They also had long red stripes on their faces that looked suspiciously like deep scratches.

"Weasley!" she barked. "I'm sure you were doing something tremendously important, but do me the courtesy of arriving on time!"

Minerva noticed that Harry looked extremely relieved, as if he had been let off the hook.

"And that goes double for you, Potter. As you well know, it is especially important that you do not aimlessly roam the corridors."

Minerva waited while the boys took their seats, each a faint shade of red.

"Now that Potter and Weasley have been so kind as to join us, I have an announcement to make. I have decided that your final exams will begin in one week, on June first. I trust you will prepare accordingly--"

No one heard the rest of Minerva's sentence, as a loud uproar drowned out her voice.

Seamus Finnigan seemed especially upset. "Exams?" he howled. "We're still getting exams?" His jaw dropped in disbelief.

Neville Longbottom had turned a particularly frightening shade of green. "Wh-wh-what?" he whispered. "Exams? Not in all this. I was sure

Looking annoyed, Minerva cleaned up the mess with a wave of her wand.

"The whole point of keeping the school open at this time is for you to receive your education," Minerva said sternly. "The exams will therefore take place as usual, and I trust you are all studying hard."

Many faces stared back at Minerva, looking panicked--as if they had not been studying hard. Then they turned toward each other, and a rumble spread over the room as the students complained about how unfair it all was.

"Professor Dumbledore's instructions were to keep the school running as normally as possible," Minerva said. "And that, I need hardly point out, means finding out how much you have learned this year."

Ron Weasley's broken wand began to whistle--loudly. "Harry," he said, "Can you imagine me taking exams with this?"

Minerva put her hands to her temples and sighed as the roar crescendoed around her. Good Merlin! It's difficult to be Albus!

~~~~~~~~~~

Four days later, Minerva was sitting at the head table, eating breakfast. She found herself thinking that it was a big week for announcements; first the exams, and now this. When she had swallowed her last bit of toast, she pushed her chair back and stood up.

"Attention! Your attention, please." She waited for the conversations to fall silent. When the last mumblings had died away, Minerva began to speak.

"I have good news," she said.

The Great Hall exploded with yells, squeals and roars.

"Dumbledore's coming back!"

"You've caught the Heir of Slytherin!"

"Quidditch matches are back on!" This particular roar was Oliver Wood, unsurprisingly.

Smiling to herself, Minerva said, "No, Wood. As much as I would like them to be, Quidditch matches are not back on. You'll have to wait for next year, I'm afraid. No, my announcement is this: Professor Sprout has informed me that the Mandrakes are ready for cutting at last. Tonight, we will be able to revive those people who have been Petrified."

A wave of emotion and cheers rocketed through the Great Hall. Harry, Ron and Neville jumped out of their seats like they had been shot from a cannon, massing together in a bundle of hoarse yells and high fives.

Fred and George Weasley set off some silver and purple Filibuster Fireworks, resulting in colorful explosions and purple streamers trailing down onto people's hats.

Minerva struggled to make herself heard over the uproar. "I need--I need

She pulled out her wand and transfigured a pancake into an orange megaphone.

"Excuse me! Your attention, please. Please, everyone--look up here. Thank you. I need hardly remind you all that one of them may well be able to tell us who, or what, attacked them. I am hopeful that this dreadful year will end with our catching the culprit."

Minerva put the megaphone down, glad to stop talking. Her throat felt a little dry. All the shouting, most likely. While the students celebrated, she leaned over to Severus and asked him to watch the students while she visited the hospital wing.

At the door, she paused for one last look. Remembering Albus' request, her gaze fell upon Ginny Weasley. She was sitting alone, not joining in the celebration. She did not look excited, pleased, or joyful like everyone else in the room.

Instead, she looked...frightened. Minerva paused.

She shut the door, which had been partially opened. Just as Minerva was about to go over to her, Ginny got up from her seat and sat next to Ron and Harry, who were a few seats down the table.

Ginny looked very nervous. She rocked back and forth on the very edge of her chair. It looked like she was about to fall off.

Ginny mumbled something that Minerva couldn't hear. Whatever she said, Harry and Ron leaned in close to her, as if they were in a huddle.

Out of the corner of her eye, Minerva saw Percy Weasley approaching them.

She didn't see Ginny jump up and run away like a frightened deer. If she had, she would have been more than a little alarmed.

~~~~~~~~~~

Minerva left the hospital wing a short while later. She would have preferred to stay longer, but she had to get back to her room to teach sixth year Transfiguration.

Madam Pomfrey had given her a cough medicine that tasted like raspberries and vanilla, and instructed her to swallow a dose every two hours, the first of which she had taken before leaving the hospital wing. One side effect was dizziness, and Minerva felt it as she walked down the hall. Students blurred in and out of focus.

She shook her head to clear the fuzziness. Harry and Ron came into clearer focus.

Minerva's eyes grew large as her mouth thinned proportionally. The effect was frightening. "Potter! Weasley! What are you doing?"

The boys jumped at least a foot in the air. It sounded as if a Howler had gone off right behind them. Ron spun around to face his Professor.

"We were--we were--" Ron stammered. "We were going to--to go and see--"

Harry quickly interrupted. "Hermione," he said. "We haven't seen her for ages, Professor, and we thought we'd sneak into the hospital wing, you know, and tell her the Mandrakes are nearly ready and, er, not to worry--"

If Harry said anything else, Minerva didn't hear it. Time had stopped for her as her memories took over her mind.

At the far end of the hall, a man walked by. The girl chased him. Halfway there, she slipped on the water and fell to the floor. Crying, she scrambled to her feet and ran after him.

"W-wait. Please! Please wait!"

The woman left, shutting the door behind her.

The girl ran over to the window and pounded on it, hard. "Let me out! Please! Where's my Mum? I have to see her. Open the door, I have to see her, please. Please."

The little girl called out until her voice was hoarse, and pounded until her fist bruised. No one came to let her out. She sank down to the floor and stared out the window. Many people went past, but none of them looked in at her.

A few hours later, a woman was pushed by on a gurney. She lay very still, and her eyes stared unseeingly at the ceiling. The girl stared, then jumped to her feet.

"MUM!" she screamed. "MUM! LET ME OUT!" She pounded on the glass with each word. "MUMMY!"

The gurney went past. The girl watched it as far as she could, and then it was gone.

Minerva stared unseeingly at the boys, tears in her eyes.

"Erm, Professor?" whispered Ron. This seemed to snap her out of her reverie.

Minerva tried to speak, but her voice came out with a croak. She cleared her throat and tried again.

"Of course," she said. "Of course, I realize this has been hardest on the friends of those who have been...I quite understand. Yes, Potter, of course you may visit Miss Granger. I will inform Professor Binns where you've gone. Tell Madam Pomfrey I have given my permission."

While the boys walked away towards the hospital wing and their friend, Minerva dug a tissue out of her pocket. When she thought they were far enough away not to hear, she blew her nose. If anyone said anything, she would blame her sniffles on the cough medicine.

She took a moment to compose herself, and then went to explain the boys' whereabouts to Professor Binns. From there she hurried to her classroom. She had a lesson to teach, after all.

~~~~~~~~~~

People poured out of classrooms, climbed out of trapdoors, and ran in from the grounds. First years were knocked aside as rows of bigger students cut paths through the throngs. Prefects tried in vain to maintain order. No one knew what was happening, but everyone assumed the worst.

The professors hurried through hidden passages in the walls, ducking in and out of tapestries and statues, traveling by the quickest paths to the staff room. One by one they banged in through the door, breathing shallowly and clutching their sides. Many of them had not run so fast since their school days, or even before.

Most of the professors huddled in small groups, whispering in frightened voices. The whispers stopped when Minerva walked through the door. Every face turned toward her expectantly. Some looked terrified. Some looked anxious. One or two looked resigned, nauseous and courageous.

"It has happened," Minerva said heavily. "A student has been taken--" a few people gasped "--by the monster. Right into the Chamber itself."

Minerva stood tall, prepared for the questions she knew would come. She didn't have all the answers--or even many--but she would answer them the best she could.

Severus Snape was the first to speak. "How can you be sure?" he asked. He was holding onto a chair so tightly that his knuckles were white.

Recalling what Professor Sinistra had told her, Minerva answered him. "The Heir of Slytherin," she said, "left another message. Right underneath the first one. 'Her skeleton will lie in the Chamber forever.'"

"Who is it?" asked Madam Hooch. When it looked as if Minerva would not answer her, she spoke again. "Which student?" she asked, more forcefully.

Minerva glanced at Professor Sinistra before speaking, willing her to say that she had lied, or made an error. To say that she was mistaken, and it was some other student after all. The Professor met her gaze with swollen red eyes, giving Minerva all the answer she needed. Minerva shut her eyes and breathed deeply. She was almost surprised to see everyone still there when she reopened them.

"Ginny Weasley," she said shakily. Her resolve began to crumble. I am Albus. I am Albus.

As if from far away, she vaguely heard a thump. She supposed someone had collapsed. It didn't surprise her.

The next words came out of her mouth unbidden. She hadn't planned them, hadn't thought about saying them. Yet as she heard them, she knew they were true, and most likely the only acceptable option. "We shall have to send the students home tomorrow." Her voice sounded old, and tired--defeated. I...am... the thought drifted away, unsustainable. "This is the end of Hogwarts. Dumbledore--" her voice broke "--Dumbledore always--always said--"

Once again, the staff room door banged open. Minerva could almost hear the courageous violin music playing--playing as Dumbledore strode into the room, ready to rally them together and bring the nightmare to an end. And then the music stumbled, splintering and faltering away into scratchings and wrong notes, as Gilderoy Lockhart danced smilingly in.

Lockhart broke in on her thoughts. "So sorry--dozed off--what have I missed?"

Thankfully, the other professors stepped forward to address him. Minerva was sure she couldn't deal with him or anyone else at the moment.

"Just the man," Snape said silkily. Dangerously, for anyone who knew him. "The very man. A girl has been snatched by the monster, Lockhart. Taken into the Chamber of Secrets itself. Your moment has come at last."

Professor Sprout chimed in. "That's right, Gilderoy. Weren't you saying just last night that you've known all along where the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets is?"

Minerva stumbled over to a chair, suddenly needing to be off her feet. If she could just sit...somehow it could be all better. Everything would be all right. She just had to sit.

"Yes, didn't you tell me you were sure you knew what was inside it?" asked Professor Flitwick.

"D-did I? I don't recall--"

"I certainly remember you saying you were sorry you hadn't had a crack at the monster before Hagrid was arrested," said Severus. "Didn't you say that the whole affair had been bungled, and that you should have been given a free rein from the first?"

Minerva stood, feeling slightly more calm. Prepared. I...am...Albus. I am...Albus.

"I--I'm sure I really never

Minerva turned to face him. "We'll leave it to you then, Gilderoy," she said forcefully. "Tonight will be an excellent time to do it. We'll make sure everyone's out of your way. You'll be able to tackle the monster all by yourself. A free reign at last."

Lockhart looked as if he would be sick, right there in front of everyone. His brave façade crumbled away, leaving him looking like the weak man he was. His eyes darted nervously at the door, flickering over the faces in the crowd, searching for a friend. He found none.

"V-very well," he said. "I'll--I'll be in my office, getting--getting ready."

He walked calmly out the door. The staff could hear him break into a run on the other side.

"Right," said Minerva, "that's got him out from under our feet. The Heads of Houses should go and inform their students what has happened. Tell them the Hogwarts Express will take them home first thing tomorrow. Will the rest of you please make sure no students have been left outside their dormitories."

The teachers filed out, one by one. Minerva stood alone in the room for a few moments before following her colleagues out into the school.

She had things to do.

She was Albus.

~~~~~~~~~~

The rest of that day passed by in a blur for Minerva. She went up to the Gryffindor common room where she had a difficult time explaining what had happened. She could feel the Weasleys staring at her the whole while, as if waiting for the punch line to some horrendous joke. The twins sat in a huddle with the other Quidditch players, except for Harry, who sat next to Ron.

The two of them sat there, quietly, neither saying anything. Hermione reached over at one point to grab Ron's hand and raise it to his eyes, wiping the tears away. Percy sat stiffly on the edge of a chair, looking uncomfortable and lost.

He followed Minerva out, presumably to help the other prefects patrol the halls, but Minerva knew he really meant to Owl his parents. She didn't envy him, and made no move to stop him.

When she thought he had finished, she too went into the Owlery. She Owled the governors and Minister Cornelius Fudge. And Albus. She knew she should Owl Molly Weasley, but she couldn't bring herself to do it. What could I say? What is there to say? I wouldn't even know where to begin.

She spent the rest of the day with the prefects and other professors, monitoring the halls and passages into the castle. Until Molly and Arthur got there--and she knew they would, any parent would, and them most of all--the best they could do was to prevent any further harm. No one knew where the Chamber was, and no one could do anything. They all felt so frustrated, so helpless. Ginny Weasley was somewhere in the castle, and there was nothing they could do.

A little after ten, a house elf came running up to her.

"Miss, there is being visitors for you in your office, Miss. They is wanting to see you now. They are saying it is important. Miss is hurrying, please."

Minerva did hurry, although reluctantly. She knew it had to be Molly and Arthur, and she still had nothing she could say to them. All during the long day she had imagined meeting them, and imagined what she would say. Nothing had come to mind then, and certainly nothing did now.

Seeing that she was quite incapable of doing it herself, the house elf opened the door to the office and gave her a small push through it.

Minerva saw Molly as if she was the only thing in the room. She was sitting in front of the fire, crying as Arthur held her. He rocked her like a small child, stroking her hair and occasionally wiping her nose. Minerva simply didn't know how he did it, how he stayed so strong. She supposed the shock hadn't hit him yet.

She felt like she shouldn't be watching--especially since she couldn't offer any consolation. She took a step back but the door was shut behind her.

"Come here, Minerva," whispered a voice. "Stand by me."

She felt her burdens leave her. She actually felt lighter, as if she was floating away from the earth. For the first time in weeks she was not the guardian of hundreds of lives. The students were safe in hands far more capable than hers. She felt positive that--somehow--things would turn out better than they appeared.

"Ginny, Albus," she said, "where is she? Have you found her?"

His eyes looked seriously back at her. "No, Minerva, I have not. If she is to be found, it will be the work of someone else. But I--I have not found her."

Minerva sat, stunned. She had been sure that Albus knew where the Chamber was, that his return to the castle would act as magnet, drawing Ginny from wherever she was hidden. She realized now that she had been mistaken, and sat staring. Molly and Arthur, she thought, their youngest child, their only daughter.

She stood, wanting to go over to them, to say something to help them, when the door opened.

Minerva was sure that one more shock would kill her.

She gaped as Ginny, Ron, and Harry appeared in the doorway. Now, time did slow down as she watched, as if from far away, as Molly and Arthur rushed across the room to grab their daughter in a hug. She heard herself take great gasps of air, as if she could never have enough.

As if through a haze, she heard Molly speak to Harry. What is she saying? I can't hear her.

She started down towards the kitchens, suddenly hungry. She wanted to get a cake to bring up to Gryffindor Tower. The students would want to celebrate once they heard the good news, and what better way to celebrate than with cake?

~~~~~~~~~~

Minerva sat at the head table, enjoying the best feast she could remember. It certainly was different. Everyone was in their pajamas--and not just the students, but the teachers, too!

The celebrating stopped only when the revived students filed in from the hospital wing. Everyone stood respectfully for a few moments before breaking into wild cheering. Hermione Granger ran across the room screaming "You solved it! You solved it!" Minerva supposed she was talking to Potter and Weasley, and she guessed Hermione was referring to something Potter had said in his long story. She added it to her mental list of Things to Find Out Later.

At about three o'clock in the morning a mass food fight broke out. Albus made no move to stop it and, although she wouldn't have said so, Minerva was glad. The students could certainly use a bit of fun. She herself even threw a buttered role at Severus when he wasn't looking.

Hagrid strode into the room at three thirty, so excited to see Harry and Ron that he knocked them face first into their bowls of trifle that they had been just about to launch at the Slytherins. They did not seem upset.

She wasn't surprised when Albus awarded Potter and Weasley not only one hundred points, but two hundred points--each.

Minerva had a sudden idea. She leaned over to Albus and whispered in his ear. He looked delighted and nodded approvingly. She stood up and tapped her glass to get the students' attention. Unsurprisingly, that did not work, and she looked to Albus for help. He stood up, and the students quieted almost immediately.

Once silence had been restored, Albus sat down, looking expectantly at her. She cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Your attention, please. It is my pleasure to announce that your exams have been canceled as a school treat. Please use this time unwisely, and make sure to enjoy the beautiful weather outside. Thank you, and return to your feast."

The uproar following this announcement was matched only by the din raised when Albus revealed that Professor Lockhart would not be returning next term. She noticed that quite a few teachers joined in applauding that news.

The feast only broke up at around seven in the morning, when all the students finally stumbled up to their beds, exhausted. Minerva went too, glad that she could finally sleep

She walked up the stairs to her room behind Potter, Granger and Weasley as they made their way to Gryffindor Tower. As the black, brown and red heads bobbed in front of her, she realized how far they all had come that year. How much they had grown, and how much they had endured. How much they had changed. They had come so close to death and lived through it. They had faced great loss and met it with courage. They had known deceit, selfishness, and evil, and had not been corrupted by them. She knew they had learned important lessons and truths in the last few months, and she knew with equal certainty--and sadness--that they would need to remember them in the years to come.

And she had grown as well. She had found new confidence, faith, and trust in herself. She had gained familiarity with her own role in life and discovered that she could be stretched to new limits without breaking. New facets of her personality had been revealed to her--some that she liked, and some that she didn't. Most of all, she had gained a new appreciation and respect for Albus and his job as Headmaster.

But, even so, she looked forward to returning to Deputy Headmistress next term.

Or, better yet, simply Minerva.