Chapter Text
Minerva was concentrating on keeping her respiration slow and calm. As an educator, she had learned that it was of imperial necessity to keep her emotions in check. Especially in dealing with matters of such challenge. Especially in dealing with her most brilliant, yet rule-breaking students. Especially dealing with a Potter.
Such Potter was far from being an ordinary child. Not only because of the ordeals that marked his early years, but because of his parents. Her former students. She knew that was wrong, and always berated herself for doing it, but she had developed a special preference for James and Lily. Her Head Students, pride of their House, and prime examples of courage and kindness.
Nevertheless, it was wrong to go beyond the professional care of her actual and former students. Developing any further feelings would taint and command her actions...
For instance, if Severus kept marching into this office and uttering such stupid affirmations, she might find herself obligated to find the sharpest object in Albus’ office and throw it at his bloody nose.
"He is a menace! A few days in school, the Potter boy and his friends disrespect the school rules and threaten the safety of all!"
"Now, now, Severus," interrupted Filius. "The Potter boy was not responsible for the appearance of the troll. He was rather brave and a valuable presence in this altercation. He and the littlest Weasley saved their colleague."
That’s right. Filius was as insightful and gave accurate inputs.
Following his lead, Pomona, also a fantastic colleague, added:
"Indeed, Potter and Weasley showed courage beyond their years. They should be recognized!"
"This is outrageous! How Potter keeps getting privileged with his impulsive and spoiled actions..."
Albus looked at her and raised his eyebrows, prompting her to speak. It made sense, after all, that Severus had demanded this reunion after the rushed events of last night to discuss the privileged treatment given to certain students of certain houses...
It was unprecedented. Never in their professional relationship had he dared to accuse her of such. Despite his prejudice against her house, which she frequently confronted behind closed doors — the students should never suspect the conflicts between their teachers! — he always showed respect and a certain tolerance to her.
Alas, that was not important. It was not about her, or the points given yesterday, or the exception to allow a first year on the Quidditch team getting him so riled up. It was a vendetta. A stupid and juvenile vendetta. And she must end this soon; it was nearly lunchtime, for Merlin’s sake.
"Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley defeated a troll last night while defending another student. The majority of us recognize this, right?" Her gaze rounded on her colleagues from Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw, then to the Headmaster, receiving nods, before facing again her youngest colleague. "Awarding points is a standard procedure in these situations. Or do you wish to discuss any further actions on my part?"
That’s it. Let’s see if he has the courage to repeat the accusations he shouted to Albus after Potter’s admission to Gryffindor’s team.
He sputtered, but before being able to compose an answer, a loud hurricane stormed through the office.
"A TROLL? YOU LET MY SON FACE A TROLL?!"
Oh, Lily Potter was always a force of nature. Especially combined with her husband.
"You promised, Dumbledore, you promised our son would be safe in this school!" hissed an aggravated James.
"As your son's safety should be above everyone else, Potter. You are always disregarding everyone else!" shouted Snape.
Despite being initially bewildered by Lily’s arrival, he perked at the sight of James. Severus would never get past his jealousy...
"Don’t you fucking dare, Snape! You, better than anyone, know how my son’s security has been compromised since his birth. You certainly contributed to it," spat James.
Snape was about to reply when Lily touched James and spoke:
"James, my love, please don’t respond to the provocation of certain individuals." The redhead sent a disdainful look to Snape that made him cower, and then turned to the Headmaster with a stony look. "Despite the choice of certain staff members complicating our ability to trust in the safety of Hogwarts, this event is truly concerning, Professor Dumbledore. How do you explain it?!"
Albus remained calm, even with a special twinkle in his eyes.
Snape became suddenly entranced by his shoes, as their other colleagues controlled their breaths, like enthusiastic listeners of a soap opera on the wireless. Minerva suspected that Filius and Pomona had reached some sort of telepathic deal to go unnoticed so they would be able to appreciate the show.
Meanwhile, Albus had not spoken yet, and she was preparing to respond in his place to avoid an explosion from the Potters. As she was about to open her mouth, another student erupted through the room like a jumping dog smelling a tasty picnic in the park.
"Sorry, sorry, I am late. ‘Traffic’ was a bitch," Sirius Black said, rolling his eyes at James. "But I am here, finaaaaally!" He then reached for Lily’s hand and swiftly kissed it.
However dramatic the interruption was, Minerva had to recognize that it softened the Potters. Lily rolled her eyes but sagged against James, showing signs of calming down. James became softer, more confident as his brother-in-arms had his back. As he always had.
But, not to be detained, Black continued with the theatrics:
"Minnie, how lovely you are to my sore eyes!" he said, bowing his head to her. Turning to her colleagues: "It is also great to reencounter other fine professors of this brilliant school, even if accompanied by some... parasites." He waved to Snape before finally turning to... "Headmaster, care to explain what happened last night with my beloved godson?"
Now, Minerva was sure: the twinkle in Albus’ eye was there. Nevertheless, his voice was calm and collected, not betraying his façade and posture.
"I am sorry that the moment to reconnect with former students is marked with such preoccupations, but I must assure you that Mister Potter's safety is well preserved."
"Potter’s safety!" scoffed Snape, awakening from his stupor (how unfortunate!). "As there are no more pressing matters and this invasion is certainly..."
Albus raised his hand to stop him. While showing himself frustrated with this action, Minerva thought Snape should appreciate it. In the moments he chose to speak, James and Sirius balled their fists, and Lily, always more conscientious of the three, wrapped her hand around her wand.
(In the darkest and most secret places of her mind, Minerva tried to guess which hex Lily would throw at Snape... She had a few suggestions.)
"However, if we are to proceed with this abrupt visit, perhaps we can free most of my staff since the students might need attendance," continued Albus. "Professor McGonagall may assist me in the retelling, but the professors should continue with their daily functions."
This was not what her colleagues hoped to hear, and their reaction was instant. Filius jumped, Pomona moaned disappointedly, and Snape opened his mouth — dear Merlin, not again!
"Yes, I am sure I can assist you and help you to provide all the necessary information, Headmaster. Unless any of my colleagues has any doubt about my competency as Head of House or my actions in this role?!"
She looked directly at Snape, challenging him to confront her.
Her former students were not oblivious to this interaction and were quick to intervene as well:
"Professor, believe me when I say that your presence is one of the most contributing factors to my son's attendance at school. My husband and I trust you and your integrity." Lily may have been talking to her, but she was directly glaring at Snape again. "Other new additions to staff, in recent years, made us question the value we once attributed to the school."
Ah, always sharp-minded! Lily was quick to sense the previous debates.
"I must add, in the role of Most Dedicated Godfather of Britain, I agree!"
"For fuck’s sake, Padfoot! That is not a thing!"
Of course, Potter and Black started derailing the conversation...
"So, we might proceed?" jumped Minerva, hoping to advance the discussion.
"Yes, please, Professor. We are concerned about this issue," shared James, with a calm tone.
The boy had grown into the role of a father. He met her eyes and showed confidence. But not before adding:
"We trust you."
Hmm. If this was directed just at Snape, or if it also related to Albus, she was unsure.
Albus made a sign to the others to leave the room. All with disappointed faces, trying to prolong the moment — Filius fidgeted, Pomona whispered for a promise to hear more later, and Snape tried to catch Lily's eyes again. But once more, Lily and James leaned on each other, isolating themselves from the world, drawing strength to protect their child.
When only the five remained, Sirius made another move to dissipate the tension:
"So, before we start, is this a situation of buying the kid a new gift or re-teaching him ways of marauding? And is it true he stuck his wand up the troll's nose?!"
Always the dramatic. Others might interpret this as immaturity, but Minerva knew better.
And she was proud. Because she knew that what he approached with lightness and theatrics was, in reality, what was needed: the Potters needed support and help to keep calm and light, even if this was achieved through distraction. And Minerva and Albus needed reassurance that there remained some trust in this school.
Because they were talking about Harry Potter — one of the most endangered children of all time. But also a child who was the most loved, and whom they all wished to protect and keep happy.
There would be many talks during his school years, many questions of the best course of action to protect him... but Minerva knew, with every fiber of her being, that she and his family would protect Harry or die trying.
So they talked. More easily than expected. Because if it was on her watch, Harry Potter and his family — her students — would be safe.