Long before Minerva McGonagall became the unyielding symbol of discipline at Hogwarts, she formed a dangerous attachment to a brilliant seventh-year student — a witch far too intelligent, perceptive, and emotionally intense for her age. What began as academic admiration slowly crossed into forbidden territory. Years later, after graduation, the former student returns to Hogwarts as a member of staff, and the quiet bond they never severed finally has a chance to become something lasting.