Minerva McGonagall knew many things to be true. As a master of transfiguration it was a given. But this lesson did not come from the many long days and nights during her apprenticeship under Albus Dumbledore. Nor, did it come from the 7 years of education in Hogwarts' regal halls. No this lesson came from her grandmother whom she still remembers fondly. "You will never get another chance to make a first impression" was a lesson that her grandmother was always quick to remind her grandchildren of at every family gathering, as they had a cousin who always had trouble holding his tounge.

It was this lesson that Minerva thought back to as she observed the obese, whale of a man Vernon Dursley as he carried on in a nearby pub. The day of observation had started normally. While she felt cautious and creepy spying on Harry Potter's relatives her concern greatly outweighed any reservations she had. She took the duty of observing Harry's family seriously and as one that needed to be done. No child would have her childhood or that of many mistreated magical children on her watch.

She arrived around noon down the street from the home in a nearby alley. Quickly casting a disillusionment charm and a notice-me-not she stood silently outside of the medium sized home. There she could see the horse faced woman, Petunia Dursley, and her child, whom she could only assume was Dudley, playing on the play mat. The house was spotless, almost clinically so, except for the colorful mat mother and child played on. They both seemed happy, though little Dudley seemed quite a bit over fed.

A little while later she saw Petunia get up and go toward one of the muggle devices on the wall. She believed it was called telephone, it had been a while since she needed to use one. After speaking to it for a short while she started to put the toys away and strapped her son in the carrier. They then got in their car and left. On her broom, that she was thankful she had thought to bring along, she followed.

It seems that they were going to a company, Grunnings by the sign. Petunia quickly exited the car and grabbed the carrier and her bag while Minerva followed quietly behind her. Vernon had forgotten his lunch, which unbeknownst to McGonagall was a rare event, and had called his wife to bring it to him. The little family had a nice few moment together. Vernon eating his lunch as he played with his son as Petunia looked on. Eventually, Vernon needed to get back to work and so Petunia left. Minerva decided to stay and observe Vernon. Although the family seemed mighty normal from what she'd seen of Petunia and Dudley she wanted to know more about Vernon as well.

It turns out the Vernon was a brash man. He did his job well, Minerva had to admit but, he was quick to anger and just as quick to brown nose. He yelled and thew papers at his underlings and then turned and sweet talked his way into a day of golf with his supervisor. At the water cooler in the breakroom his coworkers could be found gossiping as they are want to do. And there they spoke with fear of his temper and distaste for his anger but also admired of his position and skill.

McGonagall thought it ironic how one without magic could be so similar to Lucius Malfoy and the slytherins who surrounded him.

Later, at the end of the day, Vernon didn't return home immediately. As it was only 5pm, he decided to stop by the pub with some friends, unaware that that Minerva in the form of a black tabby was still following him. There he drank and was merry with his friends. His large hands hit the table many times during laughter and he hit his mates round the back in enthusiasm. However, Minerva saw more. He also routinely harassed the waitresses, pinching their bums and whistling as they walked by. He and his friends heckled the gay couple in the corner. Pointing, laughing and making obscene gestures at the two men. When they walked out the pub an hour later they bumped into their table whispering that they hoped the two fairy freaks get what's coming to them.

His interaction with the men in the pub did not inspire confidence in Minerva. If he couldn't accept differences in his own kind how would he adapt to magic. She jogged to keep up with the heavy set man as he walked his way home and she was careful to stay out of his sight after she saw him kicking at several strays.

Arriving at home, the man was once again the kinder soul she had seen with his family before. His wife kissed his cheek, seemingly disliking the smell of beer on his breath, and he was careful picking up his son to greet him as well. And the family ate and were normal. Vernon talked about his day mentioning the men he had encountered at the pub with his mates and Petunia brought up her concerns that more freaks would be joining the neighborhood. All the while Dudley ate merrily occasionally screaming or yapping for his parents' attention which they gladly gave.

And as the family settled for the night Minerva was able to think.

For all intents and purposes the Dursley family was normal, almost boringly so. They obviously loved their son and treated him well. But at the same time she had reservations. They seemed to eschew difference, looking down upon it as something horrible and freakish. Vernon was harsh and cold to those around him, those he saw as below him. And while she had not seen him be physically violent to people, he didn't hesitate to use his words as weapons against those he didn't even know. Petunia seemed okay. She obviously loved her son, the type of strong love that must run in the Evans' line, but she was also terribly high-strung. Her house was immaculate despite having a small child. Everything had a place. Listening to her conversation with Vernon at the dinner table, it seemed that every interaction with neighbors or close friends was a carefully orchestrated social move.

This perfect pristine family would be given little Harry? Little Harry with his his creamy brown skin and bright green eyes? Whose hair is just one shade of curly but still one shade of straight? Who, during his first birthday party made sparkly bubbles appear out of excitement. Who colored his whole destroyed nurseryroom a mirage of colors out of grief after witnessing his mother's death? No, Minerva could not ethically allow Albus to place Harry with these people. Looking back at her on childhood, at her father's judgemental looks and her mother's envy, how she- No. She could not and would not.

So she did what we all would have done. She lifted her wand and cast a patronus telling Albus to not come to Number 4 Privte Drive and that she would meet him in his office shortly.

Minerva briskly dusted off her robs after walking out of the floo in Ablus' office. Looking up she could see worry lines around the man's eyes, his mouth set into a firm line. To the side, in an obviously conjured bassinet, was little Harry. And despite the gentle, tinkling music and the bespelled cloud-animals circling above his head, it didn't lessen the impact of the obvious tear tracks that could be seen on his small cheeks.

Turning back to the aged headmaster, Minerva sat across from him and got straight to the point.

"You can't leave him there." She stated strongly

"Now Minerva, I believe that what would be best for young Mr. Potter is to be with the family he has left." Albus assured.

"I think that that's a great sentiment but the fact of the matter is Harry would only be unwelcome in that household." She tried to reason.

Steepling his hands, Albus leaned forward towards Minerva.

"What makes you say that?"

"While the Dursley seemed like a normal family they were almost too normal." She explained, "Petunia spent a lot of time manicuring their house to perfection. She planned every social interaction to a tee. Vernon showed no qualms about using force to get what he wanted. He-"

"So they want the very best of young Dudley? I see no problem with tha-" Albus interrupted only to be interrupted himself.

"Albus! You didn't see it! Yes they want the best for their child but they want the best for themselves too. And they're willing to do anything to get it!" She stressed.

"Minerva, I see no problems with this. In fact, this seem quite positive. Why I do believe that being headstrong and showing perseverance are" he stressed, "Gryffindor traits! Maybe they could impart some of that on little Harry here." He quipped looking over at the slumbering baby.

"You weren't there and so you just won't get it. They're the worst sort of muggles you could ever be around and I don't see their influence, no their presence, having a positive impact on Harry's life."

"Are you sure that you're not letting your own experience cloud your judgement?"

Minerva was insulted and betrayed that he would think that she would let her family experience cloud her judgement.

"While my experiences with my own father and mother may have opened my eyes to the actions of those who are fearful of difference and how we can become complacent in our own lives, do not think for one second that I would allow that to cloud my judgement. Not for one second Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore." She seethed.

Shamed Albus sat back and regarded her again.

"Are they really that awful?" He asked.

"Albus, the man was verbally abusive to two gay men he had never met and obviously had never planned to meet before. And his wife's only concern about the situation was if any more 'freaks' like them would move into the neighborhood."

While angry at their actions Albus knew that muggles could be terribly quick to judge. He asked, "How do you know that this is representative of their future actions?"

Exasperated but firm, Minerva regarded Albus calmly.

"While I may not be sure of this coloring all of their actions, how can someone who cannot accept individuals who are like them in all but sexuality be expected to accept a child who has magic and will be expected to adapt and learn in an entirely different culture?"

"This all may be true but I will still be placing young Harry with the Dursleys. Though I appreciate your-"

"IF YOU" She interrupted and started to shout but looking over to the bassinet she lowered her voice to a wispering roar, "place him with those discusting people not only will I go relieve them of his presence but I will make sure it will be a mistake you will never forget."

Shocked Albus looked own, his eyes steely.

"What?" He asked disbelieving

"You heard me. If you place him with those people I will go back and get him myself. And then I will make sure you regret it. I will not let you place him with the muggle equivalent of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Lily and James' Legacy deserves more than that. Harry deserves more than that."

Dumbledore knew that he could go on arguing. That he could do what he wanted and place Harry with his relatives. But could he in good concious leave the already emotionally and physically vulnerable child in the hands of these muggles that Minerva called 'the worst sort'? Could he? Should he, risk the well being of young Harry on what he wanted? Sighing, defeated, Albus asked one last question.

"So who do you suggest take care of him?"

And with little to no hesitation, Minerva answered.

"Me. I will."