Protecting Harry

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 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 on this office and uttering such stupid affirmations, she might find herself obligated to find the sharpest object in Albus’ office and throw it to 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 give 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 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 on her house, which she frequently confronted behind closed doors – the students should even 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 given 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, there 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 the repeat the accusations that 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 and 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 Lilly touched James and spoke:

- James, my love, please don’t respond to the provocation of certain individuals. – the redhead sent a disdain look to Snape that made him cowered 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, as enthusiastic listeners of a soap opera in the wireless. Minerva suspected that Filius and Pomona reached some sort of telepathic deal to go unnoticed so they would be able to appreciate the show. Meanwhile, Albus has 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 as a jumping dog smelling a tasty picnic on a 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 the interruption was dramatic, and 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, and confident as his brother had his back. As he always had. But, not to be detained, Black kept 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 said waving 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 facade 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 hands, and Lily, always more conscientious of the 3, wrapped her and on her wand. (In the darkest and most secreted spaces 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 to this abrupt visit, perhaps we can free most of my staff since the students might need attendance - continued Albus -Professor Mcgonagall may assist me on 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 disappointed and Snape opened his mouth - dear Mearlin, 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 of my competency as Head of House or my actions in this role?! - She looked directly at Snape, challenging him to confront him.

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 facts to my son's attendance at school. Me and my husband trust you and your integrity - Lily may be talking to her, but she was directly glaring to Snape again - Other new additions to staff, in recent years, made us question the value that 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 sake, Padfoot! That is not a thing!

Of course, Potter and Black start derailing the conversation...

-So we might proceed? - jumped Minerva, hoping to advance with the discussion.

- Yes, please Professor. We are concerned about this issue - shared James, with a calm tone. The boy had grown to 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 to Snape, or if it also related to Albus, she was unsure. 

Albus made a sign to the others to leave the room. All with disappointing faces and trying to prolong the moment - Filius fidgets, Pomona searches for a promise to hear more later in a low voice, and Snape tries to catch Lily's eyes again, but once more Lily and James leaning on each other, isolating themselves of the world, trying to get strength to protect their child. 

When only the five remain, Sirius makes another move to try to dissipate the tension: 

- So, before we start, this is a situation of buying the kid a new gift or re-teaching him ways of marauding ?! And, is it true he stuck his wand on the Troll's nose?!- Always the dramatic; others may interpret this as a signal of immaturity, but Minerva knows him.

And she is proud. Because she knows what he approaches with lightness and theatrics is in reality what is needed: the Potters need support and help to keep calm and light, even if this is achieved the distraction, and Minerva and Albus need tranquilization that there remains some trust in this school. Because they are talking about Harry Potter, one of the most endangered children of all time. But also a child who is the most loved and they all wish his protection and happiness. There will be many talks during his school years, many questions of the best course of action to protect him... but Minerva knows, with every fiber of her being, that she and his family, would protect Harry or die trying. 

So they talked. Easily than expected, because if it was on her watch, Harry Potter and his family - her students, would be safe.