Transfiguration Mistress

did you want children of your own? would you have stopped teaching had you become a mother?

Anon,

I have always wanted children, but I was hesitant. Living through both Wizarding Wars, I didn't want to bring a child into that. Had I had a child, I wouldn't have stopped teaching. Another reason why I haven't had any. Though, if you ask Harry Potter or Professor Flitwick, they will tell you that I would make a great mother.

Professor McGonagall

What was your relationship like with your mother, Isobel? Were you closer to her because she was a witch?

Anon,

My relationship with my mother was stressed ever so slightly. I was closer to her because she was a witch, but I was also close to my father. It wasn't the best upbringing, but it certainly wasn't the worst.

Professor McGonagall

#Minerva McGonagall #Hogwarts #Ministry of Magic

"In all honesty, I never had trouble with it until Harry Potter’s six years. " Why was it a problem then?

It was a problem then because things weren't as simple. The threat of Voldemort hanging over everything changed several things at Hogwarts.

Professor McGonagall

#viralanomaly #owl

Busy, Busy, Busy

In short, that sums up the life of the Headmistress of Hogwarts. Between caring for the school, students, and staff and meetings with the Ministry things have been busy. I regret having to place this on, I believe it is a Muggle phrase, the back burner for this past while.

As it stands, I have a few hours of peace that I would like to spend here. Feel free to send in owls and questions. I will do my best to answer them. I do apologize for my absence, but must make it known that Hogwarts has a higher priority than anything.

I hope everyone is having a good day, and that their weekend has been restful.

Professor McGonagall

How do you manage to keep your true feelings about certain students to yourself, and not let it color your interactions with those students?

I have been teaching for over 50 years and that has taught me how to keep my feelings about the students from interfering in their education. In all honesty, I never had trouble with it until Harry Potter's six years.

Professor McGonagall

#viralanomaly #owl

Minerva, it's been awhile since we've spoken. How are things? I trust that you're doing well, though, of course, do not want to assume.

Calleo,

I do hope you'll forgive me for my very late response. Things have been quite busy, as per usual.

I am doing very well, and I hope the same can be said for you. If a time can be arranged, I'd like to have you over for tea again. You bring many topics I don't think about, but rather like to learn.

With care,

Minerva

#calleo-bricriu #owl

Have you ever had a crush on a co-worker... or a teacher when you were a student?

Anon,

Have I ever....? Merlin, the questions you lot come up with! Yes, I have had a 'crush' on a co-worker while teaching at Hogwarts, but never on a teacher while I was a student.

I'm sincerely surprised this question hasn't arisen in class all these years...

Professor McGonagall

what kind of mother do you think you would have been if you had children? what is your relationship like with your nieces and nephews? thank you professor :)

Anon,

Seeing as I have worked with eleven year olds for most of my life, I would like to think I would have been a good mother.

I have a good relationship with my nieces and nephews, all of whom seem to expect I'll bring gifts when I visit. Much the same is true for Harry Potter's youngest, Lily.

Professor McGonagall

#minerva mcgonagall #hogwarts

Students and Followers

I sincerely apologise for my extended absence these past few weeks. It was quite a lot to juggle on top of Hogwarts. I have missed conversing with many of you here, and have balanced things out to where I may return. Yes, you will be seeing more of me around here. I have a few leftover owls to go through this morning, but please feel free to send any other in. I will dedicate most of today here and ration time the rest of the week. Mostly, Madam Pomfrey thinks I am working too much and need to take a break. I wish everyone a pleasant day, and evening. Professor McGonagall

What would you do if a student came to your office crying?

If a student came to my office crying, I would invite them in and attempt to calm them down. I would wait to see if I could help with whatever was causing their distress. The students of Hogwarts know that my office door is always open to them should they need it. Professor McGonagall

Tag, you’re it! Here are the rules: Each tagged person must post ten things about themselves. You have to choose and tag ten people. Go to their blogs and tell them you tagged them. No tag back.

Mr. Potter, you are lucky you are not at Hogwarts. Why I am acquiescing to this, I do not know.

1) My name is Minerva McGonagall

2) I am Headmistress of Hogwarts

3) I am an Animagus

4) I have worked at Hogwarts for over 50 years.

5) I am a proud Gryffindor

6) My Patronus is a cat

7) I never looked into the Mirror of Erised

8) I survived both Wizarding Wars

9) I was never particularly adept at Divination

10) I was previously Transfiguration Mistress and Head of Gryffindor.

Professor McGonagall

#alohamoraharry #owl

Hello Headmistress McGonagall! Are things less hectic at Hogwarts now that everything seems to be getting back to normal after the *ahem* incident with the former-Professor Snape and Ms. Granger? I just wanted to check in with you and see how you have been doing lately. I'm doing well myself, getting over a few nasty colds right in a row. I'm excited for Valentines Day coming up, how about yourself? Doing anything exciting? ;) Have a lovely day! ~Bethany

Miss Bethany,

My apologies for the delay in my response. Things have become considerably less hectic at Hogwarts, but the school is still busy. It is bound to happen in a castle brimming with adolescent witches and wizards.

I hope you are resting after your bout of colds. Rest can aid in recovery, I've found. I myself am doing quite well, busy, but well. Thank you.

I've never been one for Valentine's Day, but the students are. As it stands, the hallways are decorated and some of the seventh years have charmed the suits to serenade people walking by.

I hope you have a good day, and rest!

Sincerely,

Professor McGonagall

#snaperocksmysocks #owl

thank you for following me! <3

Hello Ms. Jasmine,

Thank you for the follow. If someone can take the time to extend the favor to me, it is the least I could do to follow them back. I look forward to seeing what you have to say.

Do forgive me for the delay in responding. Things have been hectic at Hogwarts the past few weeks. I hope all is well with you.

With care,

Professor McGonagall

#megustaloslibros

alohamoraharry

“headmistress mcgonagall” art commissioned by me; done by miss macroosmique.

*

A gift to the newest Headmistress of Hogwarts.

You know you were always my favorite Professor.

With love, Harry

A very well done painting. I thank both Harry and the artist for it. -Professor McGonagall

Minerva glanced around her office once more, including the man standing by her desk.

“Thank you, Filius. I should only be gone a few hours.” Minerva nodded her head in gratitude to her Deputy and took a handful of the powder. She was running late as it was.

She Flooed out of Hogwarts and…

Selena let out a deep sigh as she finished the last of her paper work for the night. She looked at the clock on the desk, she was already late but she couldn’t leave the work for tomorrow as Mr. Malfoy said that it was urgent for her to finish looking over this particular account as soon as possible. The account was one of the more prestigious muggle accounts. Taking out her wand she flicked her wand at the files and they disappeared, sent over to Mr. Malfoy’s desk.

Selena grabbed her cloak and headed out the door. She chanced a glance at the door across from hers. The lights were still on in Mr. Malfoy’s office, the familiar scratching of his eagle quill could be heard.

Selena headed for the elevator and out the building, once reaching a safe apparition point, she turned on the spot. She felt the familiar constricting feeling, as if every bit of air in her lungs was being squeezed out. It only lasted for a moment though. As the darkness that had consumed her abated and she found herself in a familiar part of London that housed the Leaky Cauldron.

She entered the tavern. It wasn’t as busy tonight. Off to the side, she saw the headmistress. She slid into the seat across Minerva.

Selena placed her head in her hands, her shoulders sagged. Burying one’s self in work wasn’t really the best thing to do if you were in an off state of mind. But leaving Selena alone with only her thoughts to accompany her wasn’t advisable either.

The bartender approached their table. ”Firewhisky” Selena said without taking her head out of her hands.

She heard a clink of a bottle and two glasses being placed unto the table. Once the whisky was poured into the glass, she drank it all down in one gulp. The fiery liquid slid down her throat. She felt the whisky settle in her stomach. For the first time in awhile she felt more than this numbness that was threatening to consume her. Selena filled her glass again, yet this time, she only took a sip. Setting the glass down, she tore her gaze from the whisky and glanced at Minerva who had just been looking at her the whole time, without saying a word. If this was simply a meeting between headmistress and former student, Selena would have recalled her manners. She would have greeted the headmistress before sitting down and would not have acted like a drunkard. But really, this wasn’t a formal meeting of that matter. This was a meeting between friends, a meeting between family and you are allowed to let go of your inhibitions around family.

“Minerva…” Selena said silently. She did not know if Minerva could hear it, but she knew there was some sort of plea in that one word.

Minerva looked up when Selena entered and watched with a neutral expression as she sat. Minerva felt her heart sink as she watched her friend’s façade fade away. The Headmistress knew what Selena was trying to do; hide in her work. Minerva was guilty of it as well.

With a sigh, Minerva watched Selena down the firewhiskey, and debated about intervening when she saw Selena sip the second. The elder woman reached out and took her hand in her own, squeezing it reassurance. Despite the noise in the room, she heard Selena say her name.

“Selena….” she didn’t know what to say, didn’t know what was on her mind.

Minerva kept her hand on Selena’s, silently hoping she could help the girl.

Selena felt a warm hand touch her own. Minerva wasn’t saying much but that single touch said a lot of things already. A moment or two of silent companionship passed between them. It was as if they were in their own little bubble, their little world separate from everything else.

“It’s fine…” Selena said, not meeting Minerva’s eyes. “I’m fine…” Selena said more to herself than to anyone, trying to convince herself through repetition; maybe if she heard it many times it would become true.

Selena shook her head back and forth, trying to get the moroseness out of her system. She didn’t come here to mope anyway.

“So….” Selena tried to inject a bit of peppiness into it, but she knew she was failing miserably, but perhaps the her topic of choice will deter Minerva from Selena’s feeble attempts at trying to be happy.

“How are things between you and Flitwick? Are you pregnant yet?” Selena felt her lips twitch as she watched Minerva get a bit flustered. Selena would have never dared to be so blunt with the headmistress before, back when she was a student. But things were different now. And sometimes different was good.

Minerva kept her hand on Selena’s, hoping it could accomplish what words could not. She frowned noticibly at the other woman’s words, not believing them.

She hesitated at the subject change, tempted to force Selena to talk. Instead, Minerva sighed and gave it; hopefully Selena would talk later.

Selena’s new topic shocked the Headmistress greatly, but not enough to remove doubt from the back of her mind.

“Pregnant, Selena? Do you have any idea how old I am?” Minerva laughed, the idea so blasphemous to her.

“Things with Filius are….” Minerva paused, trying to find the right word. “Good.” It wasn’t the word she wanted, but it was the best she had on her short mental list.

Minerva couldn’t help the pale blush that crept up her neck. Despite the teasings from Harry, she wasn’t accustomed to her relationships being broadcasted for all to see.

Selena took another sip of whisky as she watched Minerva struggle a bit to describe her and Flitiwick’s relationship. Selena looked back at the times she saw the two of them together once they were a coupe.

“It’s not as absurd as you would think. Having a baby… there are ways to go about it… And you may be getting on in years Minerva but don’t give me that whole age thing. You’re as fit as an ox.. I mean.. a champion dueler and a mistress of transfiguration? I’d like to see what kind of offspring both of you produce. And well, it isn’t exactly secret that you um.. the both of you… you know. ”

Despite Minerva being a friend, Selena still found it a little off to imagine her former professors doing.. sexual acts. And especially if the stories she heard from Harry were true…

Past events played in her head, the two of them were really sweet towards each other. It wasn’t just your petty love too. it was a love that had grown through years of companionship and appreciation of the other. Teasing aside, it was really a beautiful thing, what they had. It was the perfect definition of growing old together. She knew that Minerva and Flitwick had been colleagues for so long. They knew each other like they knew the back of their own hands.

She frowned at the memories that came to mind. They were part of better times. New Year’s Eve.. and also…. a few weeks ago .. at the…

Once again, Selena tried to run away from these thoughts. Even now, when it was a perfect time to address these things, in the company of a friend. She still couldn’t do it. Perhaps if she eased into it….

She leaned her head into her hand. Her elbow was propped up on the table. She was fingering the almost empty glass of fire whisky with her left hand, swirling the contents around.

“How are you Minerva?” Selena asked. She knew that Minerva understood this had nothing to do with her and Flitwick at all.

Minerva smiled slightly. “Selena, I know I’m capable of having children. I just, I don’t think that’s the kind of evnoirnment a child should grow up in. Filius and I are usually so busy during the school year that there would be so little time as a family. And Merlin knows I wouldn’t take enough time off to make Poppy happy. You know I’m horrible with pushing work aside.” She took a breath after her speech, but her smile had grown slightly.

In Selena’s silence, Minerva thought of her relationship with Filius Flitwick. She had known him since they were eleven, had grown out of touch after their seventh year, but had grown closer when they both returned to teach. Theirs was a relationship that came from knowing the other person better than yourself, from years of knowing each other.

Minerva looked up and met Selena’s eyes until Selena lowered her head. Her question came as a shock, despite knowing it was the reason for their meeting.

“I’m coping, but it’s hard. I avoid the office when I can. The students help, to be sure, as does Filius. But what about you? How are you doing, Selena?” Minerva again took the younger’s hand.

Selena filled her glass with whisky and downed it all again in one gulp. She honestly did not know how to answer that question. Again, perhaps talking it out would help gather the cobwebs plaguing her mind. Talking it out would allow her to come to a proper conclusion as to how she is viewing this whole situation.

“Minerva. I look at the whole thing and I’m just shocked at how the world just went so out of control. I’ve had a few days to think about things though…. “

Selena sighed deeply and looked directly into Minerva’s green eyes. Eyes which have not dulled with age, but on the contrary is bright with the wisdom of her years.

“Severus…. he did so much, not only for this family but .. for a lot of people. His students… and many others. I look back to those years he was my professor.. and then when we became … friends and .. I’ve come to consider him as a father too. A relationship like that.. built in years.. doesn’t just disappear… No matter what…”

“You can’t control what your heart feels…” Selena said quietly.. repeating words that was said to her before, by a wise person…

“I’m sure you understand where I am coming from Minerva, you and Severus may have a different history from what we had.. but you were colleagues and friends for years…” The whisky bottle was empty now. She called over the bartender for another bottle. As she waited for the bartender to return, she was fiddling with her fingers.

“No matter what Severus did… it cannot be denied that he was able to help a lot of people… He was able to help me a lot too… I’m not the same person as I was before since I became close to Severus and Harry…”

“Magic, you know…” Selena laughed lightly. She didn’t know if she was making sense.. but talking about it helped a lot.

“The other day when I was at Percy’s I was able to glance at owls Harry and Percy were getting. Some of it saddens me.. I want to tell all these people that… they shouldn’t let Severus leaving impede their own progress… They shouldn’t turn back on what they’ve learned and how far they have come because Severus left, in a way, Severus has given them a leg up.. in the same way that Harry has done for others too…

“I… I take all the good things he was able to give me… and cherish those… Cherish what we had…. I’m thankful for all of them.. I really am. ”

Selena sighed and looked at the hustle and bustle around the tavern. The world was moving, but it really seemed like her own has stopped. The constants which she had cling on to… gone… It was all about rebuilding.. and making things better…

“Our actions don’t make up the entirety of who we are as people.. Even if we gather all the actions we did our whole lives… there’s still more to Selena.. to Minerva or to .. Severus than just those actions…. the reality of the human person is so much more… Beyond blood, beyond history and beyond being magical… we are human… “

She allowed the bartender to fill her empty glass. She sipped the liquid carefully this time. It was wrong to seek solace in such things.. but she found.. not a happy place in it.. but a place she was comfortable in, nonetheless.

“Even if.. I see that.. It doesn’t make things easier.. I’m just lost.. as things are now. I can be likened to a lost puppy really. Looking for the owner I’ve come to love and depend on so much.” Selena’s voice cracked at this point, but still she continued on. She recounted past events to Minerva, Lily’s party to the time Severus, Hermione and herself had tea, and so many other wonderful times.

“Severus, to the man I considered my father.” She raised her glass, and without waiting for Minerva, downed the whisky again. There was no hate in those words, they were sincere…

She placed her glass down unto the table, a bit harder that she meant to, but she was a bit inebriated and her locomotor movement was a bit beyond her control at the moment.

“Minerva..” Her speech was a bit slurred now.. “No, I’m not alright… but I will be.. I will be” Selena placed her head in her hands again, just trying to take in everything….