Minerva McGonagall's Machinations
Chapter 5: Minerva McGonagall’s Machinations
Professor McGonagall POV
Harry…No Hadrian, leaves the room. “Master IronClaw, how long should it take to find a necklace and create the enchantments?” I ask.
“About an hour.” states Master IronClaw.
“If it's alright with you I would like to wait here.” I state. Master IronClaw huffs and nods. I sit in a meditative state while I wait. I know that I am about to get a boost to my Occlumency Barriers but I want it to be the most beneficial. About 45 minutes later there is a knock on the door that I faintly hear in my meditative state. I finish up my meditation and come back to reality as another goblin comes in and hands a bejeweled necklace to Master IronClaw. I wait patiently before he acknowledges me.
“Miss McGonagall,” Master IronClaw starts. “Here is your necklace. It is layered with powerful Notice-Me-Not charms and additional protection from various potions and curses. It also has the highest grade Occlumency barriers that with your already good barriers that it should be nigh impossible for Albus Dumbledore to enter your mind without you knowing.”
I was stunned. I had no idea that Hadrian would know about this. It probably has to do with him being a Goblin Friend. “Thank you, Master IronClaw.” I say as I put it on.
“You are welcome, Miss McGonagall. But you should thank Hadrian.” Master IronClaw says.
“I will. May your enemies tremble when they hear your name Master IronClaw.” I say as I get up to leave.
“May your enemies tremble when they hear your name, Miss McGonagall.” Master IronClaw says as he gets up to lead me to the door. I follow him then walk out of Gringotts and head to the Leaky Cauldron greeting people along the way. She goes straight to the floo. I say. “Minerva McGonagall’s Office: Lionheart.” I step through the floo. I realize that I didn’t give Hadrian my floo’s name or password. So I summoned a piece of parchment. Wrote a quick note to Master IronClaw to pass it to Hadrian. I need to talk to someone.
“Expecto Patronum” I casted and my cat Patronus comes out. “Go to Filius, Filius could you come to my office please.” I looked pver some of my fifth year essays as I wait for Filius. There was a knock on the door. “Come in.” I say. I wait for the door to open to see who it is.
“Messers Weasley, and Mr. Longbottom, I was just about to go get you three.” I said as I see who came to my office.
“Hello Professor. How is Harry?” Neville Longbottom ask.
“He is doing well. He just needed to sort of few things out before he gets back. He will inform you of when he gets back.” I responded. All three boys nodded.
“Thank you Professor.” states Mr. Longbottom. As they left Filius walked in.
“You asked for me Minerva? How is young Mr. Potter doing?” said Filius.
“Before I answer you I have a question.” I stated. Filius nodded. “What does it mean to be a Goblin Friend?”
Filius eyes widened. Then he grinned viciously. “So Mr. Potter is a Goblin Friend?”
I nodded. “What does it mean?” I ask.
“Very good things for Mr. Potter.” Filius responds vaguely. “So how is he?”
“Last I saw he went to…” I stop. I realize that Dumbledore may have put listening charms in my office. I put the strongest Privacy Wards possible. Filius sees that and reinforces them. “He went to the healing halls take something called a Horcrux out of his scar -” Filius snarls. “And heal his many broken and improperly healed bones.” I say with emotion. “We failed to see that he was abused by his guardians. Or we were compelled to not notice.” I say in realization.
“Albus was supposedly the boy’s Magical Guardian.” Filius says in agreement. “How are you feeling after all that? I know that it must have been a shock to Mr. Potter but you trusted that Albus was doing right by the boy despite the obvious abuse.” Filius growled the last part.
“It has completely made lose trust in Albus, especially as the Headmaster of Hogwarts should be making the best decision for all children, even more so if he is specifically the child's Magical Guardian.” I say my voice raising unconsciously. “I will make sure that I help him be the best wizard possible. I will help make things right by that boy. I know he needs it.”
Filius nods. “Its time for lunch so I think we should continue this conversation later.”
We head to lunch as I am approaching my seat. We are approached by Severus.
“Minerva, How is Potter?” Severus says derisively, “enjoying special privileges'?”
“No Severus, But he will be back tomorrow.” I said back in a disappointed tone.
“Let him know I would like to talk to him when he gets back.” Severus responds with less snark. “If the boy wants you in the conversation you can.” With that we get seated and eat lunch.