Chapter One: A New Headmaster

Professor McGonagall was striding down Diagon Alley. Her black and purple robes followed her. Her hair, up in a bun, was today down and weary from several days of traveling.
It was midnight in the Alley, there were almost no people there, exactly how she wanted it, however.
She had to be quiet.

The Headmaster waited, patiently. Where was he, the headmaster thought, did I come the wrong time?
Minerva McGonagall was right on time, apparently. Just as she was about to swerve around, heading back, a glimmer of light appeared before her, and a tall, proud looking Abicottus stood before her...

"Abicottus," McGonagall said, "you're quite late, if you have not noticed."
"I have noticed, Minerva. Truly sorry I am." Abicottus answered.

"Good." Minerva whispered.

"Say, Minerva," Abicottus said before Minerva could continue, "You've been absent to counsel Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry quite lately. I can see something is the matter, or so I've heard. The McGonagall everyone claims to know would think it absolutely stupendous to leave the school without proper notice-"

"Yes, yes, Abicottus. Exactly what I have called you here for..."

Minerva McGonagall struggled to think for words.

"...As you've noticed, I've been absent to attend school. How is the Hogwarts School doing, without my supervision?"

"Most Wonderfully, Min-"

"Yes, yes. That's wonderful. But sad news I have today. Unfortunately, I might not be present in the school for quite some time, from now." McGonagall paused.

"How will the school-" Abicottus began.

Minerva interrupted, "The school will do fine, for as long as I am gone a new Headmaster is to be elected. As my first instict tells me to rely upon Longbottom, here....he's just a bit too...unfitting for the job. Popplewell joined the other side, and all the other teachers certainly won't do. As much as I wish for Albus Dumbledore be here for proper guidance of the school, he is long gone...for now. And so I have entrusted the school upon your hands-"

Abicottus didn't look as stunned as Minerva had expected. "I don't know, McGonagall....there are risks to that, as I've only been to the school for-"

"But," McGonagall said, "you must remember that Dumbledore..."
"Dumbledore's will could easily bring the wrong fate. I am not known to have ever been a headmaster, at any school...chances are you're pulling Hogwarts into the wrong hands, Minerva."

"Just do what I say, please, Abicottus." Minerva said hurriedly, she took a breath as if she were about to apparate...

"Before you start your apparition, I would like to know where and why you are leaving, Minerva. It seems as so it is my duty...you are the headmaster, after all. Better to know if I can help you in any way, to where you are going."

"It's not the right time to discuss that, Abicottus, but I would like you to know if anyone doubts that I appointed you headmaster," -Minerva pulled out a small piece of parchment, torn slightly at the sides-"Just show them this, I do promise it has all the information...that they need to know."

"Thank you, Professor." Abicottus took the paper, concealing it within his robes.
"As for where I am going, after a few months of time an owl will be sent straight to you, Abicottus. A private message, I want you-"
"An owl? You don't have an owl, now do you...other than the school owl-"
"Those matters have been taken care of. Now, as I was saying...it's a private message. I absolutely forbid you to share the information with anyone..."

"Anyone?" Abicottus asked.

"I must warn you, that of the new coincidence that has dawned upon us. Surely you have heard of the child of Potter?" Minerva asked.

"Albus Severus Potter. A year two this year...Gryffindor, son of Potter as you say. Am I speaking of the right Potter?" Abicottus said.

"Yes, you are," Minerva whispered in a rushed voice, "I do have to leave soon, but there are certain things I need you to take precaution of. The dark lord is sure to be after the child, as soon as I leave grounds, but you can not let that happen, Abicottus. There are several safety measures you must take...forbid anyone to leave grounds...and....unfortunately..."

"Dementors?" Abicottus asked.

"I would have appointed dementors, but I have heard a rumor spreading viciously across town. That Voldemort can control dementors. A dangerous fact...but I must take caution of everything, shall I not? And also, Kingsley Shacklebolt, whom you know to be the Minister of Magic...is getting rid of the Dementors." McGonagall said, her voice shaking only slightly.

"Then what...?"

"A d-dragon, of course..." Minerva seemed to have a weak voice.

"What of them? Dragons were extinct, or so I had come to believe..." Abicottus said.

"Not just yet! As of being an auror, Potter had once stumbled across a dragon egg. He said for me to take precaution...use it to seal hogwarts from the worst of fates." McGonagall said.

"What type of dragon?"

McGonagall cleared her throat. "Of that, you will know of shortly. It's in my study, in the chest..."

"Oh, yes. The chest. Of course." Abicottus said, recalling the red chest with golden edges.

"Keep it in the dark, concealed within the chest. That is where the dragons like to hatch...in darkness." McGonagall said.

"Good. I'll be waiting for the letter, Minerva."

"Yes. As for now, take care."

With a hush of the wind, the professors vanished from sight.