Author's notes: I started this story when I was still a teenager which seems quite astounding. However, it's the one I always come back to. And, for once I seem to be organised and have a full timeline and chapter summaries written for rest of the story. I can't say when updates will be as I'm doing a post-graduate degree at the moment which does take most of my time but am aiming for once a fortnight to a month. Also, the last chapter has been modified a teensy bit and may warrant a re-read for this to make complete sense.

Anyway, I thought I'd add another chapter quickly, prove I was getting this done to any who might be in doubt. Lol.

Enjoy and please review!

Chapter 12: Night-time Visions.

Minerva had never been called into the High Inquisitor's office before and she found the experience simultaneously irritating and disconcerting. The irritating half of it resulted in a brisker step and pinched expression. One that must be terrifying to younger students who all but ran in the opposite direction upon catching sight of her. The disconcerted half of it produced an elevated heart rate that seemed to be increasing as she neared Dolores' open door. Could the vile woman had discovered her association with the Weasley twins? Was she aware of the painstaking planning that had been taking place in her chambers for the past fortnight? Or, was it worse even still and had she found out about her plans with Amelia?

To be entirely truthful, Minerva had no real idea and took a moment to compose herself before knocking on the other woman's office door.

"Enter," the girlish voice that made Minerva wish to curse everything in sight called.

Minerva took a deep breath and pushed open the door, her nose wrinkling in distaste at the kittens that gambolled on mounted plates and throughout childish oil paintings. The pink frills that lined the other woman's chair, ran a ring around her desk. It was, quite frankly, revolting.

"Ah, Miss McGonagall," Dolores greeted with fake enthusiasm. "I've been waiting for you."

"How kind," Minerva shot back, taking a seat without waiting for an invitation. "I imagine you summoned me here for a reason?" she continued, "For I could think of numerous other things I might be doing right now."

"Really, Miss McGonagall," Dolores said with a theatrical sigh. "I'm trying to be friends, so we can work as a team…"

"I was under the impression we were already working as a team," Minerva interrupted. "And that's 'Professor McGonagall'," she added. "I didn't complete years doing post-graduate study and in the Auror's office for my proper title not to be used."

Dolores leant back in her chair and made a steeple with her fingers, surveying Minerva without a word for several seconds.

"Ah yes," she said finally. "Your work in the Auror field. You earned yourself quite the reputation."

"Did I just?" Minerva retorted, bristling under Dolores' continued critique.

"You did," Dolores agreed.

"Fancy that."

Dolores frowned; her posture unchanged. Minerva looked at the rings around her stubby fingers, still wondering why on earth she was sitting across from one of the people she truly hated. She could remember Dolores from her student days, sitting in the front row and calling out answers. Behaving much like one Hermione Granger if truth be told. She'd never been overly good at Transfiguration, preferring Charm work.

"I thought we'd have a cup of tea," Dolores continued, waving her wand and conjuring a plate containing tea, milk and sugar.

"What on earth for?" Minerva said irritably. "There are many other things I could be doing right now."

"Ah!" Dolores said, pouring a cup of tea and pushing it across her desk. "That, Miss McGonagall is precisely what I wanted to talk about."

Minerva scowled, more than aware that Dolores was goading her, trying to get her to do something foolish. Perhaps hex a kitten, she added to herself. Which was oh-so-tempting. She closed her eyes for a moment, calming herself down, thinking instead of the piles of parchment covered in adolescent scrawl which currently littered her coffee table.

Measles Malady, fireworks, canary creams…

"Why, Miss McGonagall," Dolores interrupted. "You look like you wish to tell me something."

"I can assure you that I don't," Minerva said with a shrug of her shoulders.

She settled into the soft armchair, attempting to make herself comfortable as Dolores gestured for her to drink. Minerva took a sip, expecting to taste the faint hint of an added potion. However, the tea was to usual Hogwarts standard and Minerva took another (larger) sip condemning herself to the forced conversation. Really, she inwardly groused, the twins hadn't decided which spider venom they were going to substitute for the boomslang. She was set to help them and now this… irritating excuse for a teacher was forcing her to sit and drink tea!

-o-

It was late by the time the 'interview' had finished, with dinner long finished and Minerva ignored the passageway to the Great Hall in favour of her chambers. The gargoyle stepped to the side without a word and she pushed open the door, nearly stepping on a hurriedly written note that had been pushed beneath. Inside, it was dim with the only light coming from the fire in the hearth and Minerva found herself disappointed to find Fred and George not in her living room, not discussing the latest idea that had run through their minds. However, she recognised the handwriting on the outside of the parchment, complete with her nickname 'McG.'

McG,

Sorry you weren't here. Presume your favourite High Inquisitor wanted you for something. We'll come back another night. On another note, what do you think about replacing the Boomslang with Noble False Widow?

Hope she doesn't keep you too long,

Fred and George.

Minerva headed for her private library and withdrew the title 'Spider Breeds of the UK.' Truth be told she wasn't sure of the answer and it had been so many years since she'd out any true thought into potions. Sure, she could whip up a healing potion without hesitation but that was the result of practice. Merlin knew they had needed them often enough during both the war with Grindlewald and the first war with You-Know-Who. There were times barely a decade ago where each Professor had a healing potion bubbling over the fire at all times lest someone return from a battle with injuries. The School Nurse and the Potions Master of the time just couldn't keep up with the demand.

She moved a sheaf of parchment to the side and set down the heavy book to its side as she glimpsed just one of the twins' plans. One of their more recent ideas. Unbidden, a smirk pulled at her lips as she skimmed across George's messy handwriting.

Portable Swamp

Purpose: Infuriate Umbridge

Needed:

Swamp-like substance; somewhere around lake bank?

Expanding potion

Detonator (voice, timer or both? Ask McG).

Counter curse (easy for McG, Flitwick etc. Beyond Umbridge capabilities.

She glanced towards her chambers, with its warm bed and adjoining bathroom, then back at the plan in front of her. The note that had been pushed beneath her door also peeked out from beneath the book on spiders. She had work and sleep to catch up on but the wish to help the boys with this task was almost irresistible. She leant over the portable swamp plan and added a few minor notes before snapping her fingers.

Instantly, a house elf appeared before her. She was even shorter than most of her kind, barely reaching Minerva's thigh.

"Yes, Professor, Miss!" she squeaked.

"Could you bring me some leftovers from dinner?" Minerva asked. "And a mug of hot chocolate?" She neatened the twins' plans into a pile to make room. "Just place it here."

"Of course, Professor!" the elf said with a grin. "I will be back!"

She disappeared with a loud 'crack' leaving Minerva to head towards her bathroom to shower and change. She would at least make herself clean and comfortable before continuing with her revisions.

-o-

Hours later found Minerva curled up on her sofa, a blanket over her legs as she added notes and suggestions to the recipes for disaster. She could feel her eyes beginning to droop and she was planning to go to bed when there was a frantic knocking at her door. She was on her feet in an instant, the blanket kicked to the ground. She had learned during her tenure at Hogwarts that there were two types of knocking. The first was the result of a prankster who wished to disrupt her while asleep. The second was a student who desperately needed help.

This was the latter.

She opened the door to find Neville Longbottom hunched over, his hands on her knees as he took in gulping breaths.

"Professor," he gasped. "It's Harry, he…"

Minerva began to run before Longbottom had finished his sentence. She covered the ground quickly and was before the Fat Lady in less than five minutes. The portrait opened the door without waiting for a password and Minerva rushed up the staircase to the boys' dormitory. Harry was sitting in his bed, sweaty and red-cheeked. His face lit up when he saw her and he reached out towards her as she hurried across the dormitory and crouched down in front of him.

"What is it, Potter?" she asked. "Where does it hurt?"

Harry took a deep breath, taking the hand she had offered him. His grip was tight was he answered. "It's Ron's dad. He's been attached by a snake and it's serious, I saw it happen."

Minerva felt her stomach drop. "What do you mean, you saw it happen?"

"I don't know… I was asleep and then I was there…"

She frowned. "You mean you dreamed this?"

Harry threw her hand away with a snarl. "No!" he spat. "I was having a dream about something completely different, something stupid… and then this interrupted it. It was real, I didn't imagine it. Mr Weasley was asleep on the floor by a gigantic snake, there was a load of blood, he collapsed, someone's got to find out where he is…"

Minerva realised her mouth had fallen open as he glared at her. He hadn't out his glasses on yet and those far-too-familiar eyes were shimmering in the firelight.

"I'm not lying and I'm not mad!" he bellowed. "I tell you, I saw it happen!"

She nodded, rising to her feet and handing him his spectacles which rested on his bedside table. "I believe you, Potter," she said. "Put on your dressing down – we're going to see the Headmaster."

He leapt to his feet and grabbed his dressing gown, pushing his glasses firmly on his nose. Minerva looked at Ron, who looked as horrified as Minerva felt.

"Weasley, you ought to come to," she said curtly.

The two boys followed her past the other members of their school year, down the staircase and into the common room and past the Fat Lady who didn't say a word. Violet was next to her and the Fat Lady was whispering to her old friend, telling her of the night's events. It wasn't often Minerva had gone to the Gryffindor Tower after hours and she was enjoying telling the tale. Minerva felt nauseous as she led the boys through the maze-like corridors with only one thought in mind: Get to Dumbledore. She may have had numerous disagreements with him of late but the fact remained he was the only person to turn to in a crisis like this. Harry looked sick, his eyes bright and wide and she quickened her pace, arriving at the Headmaster's office mere minutes later.

"Fizzing Whizzbee," she said.

The gargoyle moved to the side revealing the moving staircase and she ushered the boys inside, one hand on each of their shoulders. Both were breathing rapidly, in obvious panic and she reached for the griffin knocked and rapped three times. The door opened without word from inside.

"Oh, it's you, Professor McGonagall…" he greeted. "And… ah."

He looked from Minerva to Harry then back again, eyebrows raised.

"Professor Dumbledore, Potter has had a … well, a nightmare," she said, answering his unspoken question. "He says…"

"It wasn't a nightmare," Harry interrupted, stepping forward.

Minerva looked down at the boy beside her. "Very well, then, Potter, you tell the Headmaster about it."

"I … well, I was asleep," Harry said. "But it wasn't an ordinary dream … it was real … I saw it happen … Ron's dad – Mr Weasley – has been attacked by a giant snake."

Minerva closed her eyes for a moment. It sounded so absurd yet she believed Potter without any trace of doubt. And to think, they were merely standing there while Mr Weasley … wonderful and eccentric Mr Weasley was bleeding to death.

"How did you see this?" Albus asked softly.

"Well … I don't know," Harry snapped. "Inside my head, I suppose-"

The boy sounded angry and Minerva could hardly blame him.

"You misunderstand me," Albus said, holding up a placatory hand. "I mean … can you remember – er – where you were positioned as you watched this attack happen? Were you perhaps standing next to the victim, or else looking down on the scene from above?"

Harry looked taken aback. "I was the snake," he answered finally. "I saw it all from the snake's point-of-view."

Albus's eyes fell to Ron who looked as if he were about to burst into tears. The sight of Ron seemed to spur him into action. "Is Arthur seriously injured?"

"Yes!" Harry answered.

Albus rose to his feet, nearly making Minerva jump. "Everard? And you too, Dilys!"

The former Headmaster and Headmistress stood to attention immediately.

"You were listening?" asked Dumbledore.

"Naturally," Dilys answered.

"The man has red hair and glasses. Everard, you will need to raise the alarm, make sure he is found by the right people …"

The two disappeared out of their frames to, Minerva knew, their portraits in the Ministry of Magic and Saint Mungoes. Albus moved around them to Fawkes who was resting on his perch. Minerva barely heard what Albus was saying but obeyed his instruction to conjure seats and sit down. Her attention was entirely on Fawkes who woke the instant Albus touched his head. His eyes opened and he looked at Albus, clearly waiting instruction.

"We will need," Albus whispered, "a warning."

Fawkes was gone in a burst of flame. Albus headed to one of the instruments in his office, most of his own invention and tapped one with his wand. Puffs of smoke curled and thickened to form a serpent's head. Minerva's attention was held by the smoke and she was unsurprised when the smoke serpent split in two. Dumbledore had explained to her previously his belief that the Dark Lord's and Harry's minds were linked, giving each the ability to see the other's thoughts. She found herself fidgeting as they waited for the portraits to arrive back, wanting nothing more than to help …

"Minerva," Albus said sharply. "I need you to go and wake the other Weasley children."

She leapt to her feet. "Of course …" She hesitated at the door before opening it. "And Dumbledore – what about Molly?"

"That will be a job for Fawkes when he has finished keeping a lookout for anybody approaching," Dumbledore answered. "But she may already know … that excellent clock of hers …"

Minerva nodded, turning the handle and running down the moving staircase. She sprinted through the corridors and back to the Gryffindor Common Room. Another portrait member had joined Violet and the Fat Lady who opened the door. Minerva rushed in, heading for the entrance to the girls' dormitories first. Ginny Weasley was fast asleep, her hair splayed out on the pillow and Minerva shook her shoulder, wanting her to wake quickly.

"Miss Weasley," she said, squeezing the girl's shoulder. "Wake up, please …"

Ginny eyes opened and she looked at Minerva in confusion. "Professor, what …"

"Get your dressing gown and meeting me in the Common Room," Minerva interrupted. "I need to get your brothers."

Thankfully, Ginny didn't ask any questions and Minerva left her to gather her night things as she rushed towards the boys' dormitories. The seventh years were on the highest floor and she was breathing heavily by the time she reached the twins' dorm. Unsurprisingly, the two's beds were beside each other and she headed for Fred's first. He was lying on his back, snoring softly and Minerva shook him roughly. Thankfully, like Ginny, he woke quickly. His eyes widened in horror as they fell on her.

"Professor!" he squealed, drawing his blankets to his chest. "I get you want to help us and all but visiting us at night…!"

"Get up, now," Minerva said, not sparing him further glance as she headed towards George's bed. "You need to see the Headmaster …"

"We can't possibly get the blame for something right now," Fred protested. "You waking us up proves that, doesn't it?"

"Just do it, Weasley," Minerva said over her shoulder. "Humour me."

George was more amenable than Fred and she tried to explain what was going on to all three Weasleys as they headed back to Albus' office.

"Harry's seen your father being attacked," she said, weaving them through the moving corridors. "I imagine Dumbledore will send you to Sirius' house so you're near the hospital and able to visit easily."

"What do you mean, 'Harry's seen your father being attacked'?" Fred said as they paused briefly in front of the stone gargoyle.

"Exactly that," she answered. "Your father's been attacked."

"But, how …?"

She was saved from answering as the door to Dumbledore's office opened of its own accord and she pushed the three red heads inside. They looked terrified and Minerva wanted nothing more than to gather them in her arms. Instead, she waited while Albus made a portkey to send them directly to Grimmauld Place. Everyone jumped as there was a burst of flame in the centre of the room which left behind a single feather which floated towards the ground.

"It is Fawke's warning," Albus said, catching the feather before it hit the floor. He looked overtop the feather and locked eyes with Minerva. She could see the worry in his eyes, worry for Arthur and for Harry; and the fear that this was all beginning again. The first war had brought enough casualties. And now, it was all happening again because of Ministry incompetence and the want to believe that everything was right in the world.

But it wasn't right … it was very, very wrong and the Ministry was going to regret their decision to ignore the Dark Lord's return soon enough. How many casualties would be necessary for that to occur was another horror to consider at a later date.

"Professor Umbridge must know you're out of your beds…" Albus said, his eyes not wavering from hers. "Minerva, go and head her off – tell her any story…"

Minerva left without a word, back down the staircase and turned in the opposite direction to Gryffindor Tower. Dolores had given herself chambers near the Entrance Hall and Minerva headed towards her rooms, wanting to intercept her before she reached the Gryffindor Common Room or Dumbledore's office. Around her, the portraits rushed to and fro and she heard them muttering to each other. This was how word got so quickly around the school, why very little could be held a secret …

"Miss McGonagall," a familiar, hated voice said from behind her. "What brings you out this late?"

Minerva turned around, finding Umbridge in the centre of the corridor. A panting portrait leant against a frame, giving Minerva a snide look before beaming at Umbridge. Ah yes … one of Hogwarts' sponsors from many centuries ago. A sponsor who favoured Ministry regulations and the idea of muggle-born registration. One – in other words – who thought Umbridge was a wonderful addition to the school.

"I could ask you the same question," Minerva replied.

"Oh, but I've heard the most fabulous tale," Umbridge simpered. "I believe you were contacted by Mr Longbottom about an incident in Gryffindor Tower but rather than come to me as you are well aware you should, you went on your own. Is that correct?"

A hatred Minerva hadn't felt in years pounded through her veins as she nodded, fighting to keep her voice calm. "There was no need to call for you," she answered. "A mere nightmare …"

"If only a nightmare, why did you return again mere minutes later and take the Weasley siblings with you?" Dolores interrupted. "Leading me to my next question … where are they now?"

"The Weasleys and Mr Potter?" she asked.

"Who else?" Umbridge said. "Surely, they haven't left the school grounds …"

"Of course not," Minerva said quickly. "They're in the …" She searched for an idea, any idea of what to say. Her eyes fell on a portrait of a famous healer … "Hospital Wing," she answered.

Umbridge looked confused. "Hospital Wing?" she echoed.

Minerva nodded, thinking quickly. "Yes, one of the twins' pranks didn't go particularly well and I had to take them all to the Hospital Wing."

Dolores clapped her hands together. "You wouldn't mind showing me this, Miss McGonagall? Just so I can confirm …"

"No," Minerva continued abruptly. "They're in quarantine. Until tomorrow morning at least. Poppy suspects there might be a contagion …"

Dolores' eyes widened in obvious disbelief but eventually she nodded. "I see. Well, I best take 50 points from Gryffindor," she said. "For wasting both your time and mine with foolish tricks."

She grinned again and sashayed around Minerva, back towards her chambers. Minerva stood still, angry, but unable to take back any of what Umbridge had done. The woman was an insidious being but – unfortunately – an intelligent one. A feather from Fawkes and a hand-written note appeared next to her in a burst of light. Minerva grabbed them both and tucked the feather in her dressing gown while glancing over the note from Dumbledore.

Gather belongings for Harry and co. and take to Grimmauld Place.

Once back, please come to see me.

Minerva took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to collected herself and her thoughts before heading back, yet again, to the Gryffindor Tower.

Harry … Arthur … The Dark Lord … When would it all begin to make some semblance of sense?

-o-

Minerva's tread was heavy as she walked towards the Headmaster's office. She had packed clothes and belongings for the twins, Ronald and Harry and taken them to Sirius' house. Molly had burst into tears and thrown her arms around her neck when she saw the suitcases in Minerva's arms. Sirius and Remus had bombarded her with questions until she had pushed them both away, stating she had to be back at Hogwarts. Sirius had sneered, clearly wanting more information, but Minerva had held form and walked out into the London Street. She knew the anti-apparition spell around Grimmauld was necessary, but at times it proved irritating.

And now she was going to speak with Albus, whom she had been on strained grounds with for some time. The stone gargoyle moved to the side after she gave the password and she was inside Dumbledore's office in seconds. He looked up as she entered, giving a silent 'ah'.

"You need to tell me what on earth is going on, Albus," she said without pause, sitting down opposite him. "And now."

Outside, the sun was rising, and she could see the faint threads of pink and orange light beginning to peek through the black, reminding her just how early it was and how little she had slept.

Albus sighed heavily. "I'm truly not one hundred percent sure …"

"Then tell me what you're ninety-five percent sure about," Minerva interrupted.

He hesitated but – perhaps recognising she was not about to leave without answers – nodded.

"All right …"

-o-

Hermione Granger rushed to the staff table later that morning, half-way through breakfast. She looked terrified, much to Umbridge's obvious delight and Minerva rose to her feet and led her out of the Great Hall. Dolores called behind them 'mind that contagion!´ in their wake.

"They've disappeared, Professor!" Hermione said desperately. "Harry, Ron, Ginny … everyone! And I don't know where they've gone, what's happened … the Fat Lady won't tell me anything and …"

Minerva held up a hand and Hermione fell silent, still breathing quickly.

"They're safe," Minerva said. Hermione slumped in relief, looking as if she wanted to cry. "And I imagine you wish to see them?" she continued.

"Please, Professor? Could you do that …? That would be wonderful … Please …"

Minerva nodded towards her office. "Pack a bag and then come and see me. I'll send you to Grimmauld Place."

Hermione was gone in a swirl of black robes.

Minerva continued to her office and sat down, taking a quill from her desk. She tapped it with her wand thinking 'Portus' and it rose from the desk and gleamed blue for a moment before falling back down. Hermione appeared again minutes later and Minerva nodded at the quill, instructing her to say 'Grimmauld Place.' After a brief thanks, Hermione had vanished and would now be on the front steps of Grimmauld Place and knocking on the door.

"Unregistered portkeys?" a familiar voice said from the doorway.

Pomona Sprout leant against the doorframe, looking both concerned and frightened. "Really, Minerva …" she continued, "… close your door if you're performing magic like that. You know Umbridge would take any opportunity to get rid of you."

"What have you heard?" Minerva asked.

Pomona gave a small smile. "I heard it from Sebastian, who heard it from ZahZah, who heard it from Violet who heard it from the Fat Lady that …" She shrugged. "From there, it gets muddled as if people weren't sure what happened and so made it up." She held her hands up. "Unless you care to tell me …"

"Arthur was attached," Minerva said bluntly. "We're still not sure if he'll make it."

The Head of Hufflepuff gasped. "How did you find out?"

"Potter saw it," Minerva answered. "He had a vision."

She thought back to her conversation with Albus, of how Harry and the Dark Lord were forever connected. How Harry was seeing events through Voldemort's eyes. Pomona's expression was stolid as she remained silent, waiting for Minerva to explain more. But Minerva found herself mute and, for once, able to understand how Albus must feel at times. It was not beneficial for Pomona to know what had happened and why, so why would Minerva tell her? The less people who knew the better.

"And …" Pomona pressed after a prolonged silence.

Minerva looked at her friend, uncertain what to say, and still said nothing. Understanding, Pomona rose to her feet and headed for the office door with a soft 'ah' of realisation. "Minerva," she said, pausing before she left. "Remember this is why you are so often angry with Albus." She waited for a few seconds, clearly wanting Minerva to say more.

The Deputy Headmistress looked down at her hands which she had rested together … but said nothing.

Author's notes: Please review!