To Whom It May Concern

Minerva walked up through the castle, looking over the damage. All in all, it wasn't bad. Some bits and pieces of wall taken off where a spell went astray mostly. The worst of it was Albus's office. The entire thing had been destroyed, save his desk, which Minerva suspected was indestructible.

They found Albus's body on the sixth floor among the worst of the damage. The entire corridor had been ripped apart and collapsed not far from where he lay.

You gave her quite the fight, Albus.

Minerva watched as the Aurors took him away, then started cleaning up the damage. There were splinters nearby that must've at one time been his wand. It seemed like the sort of dishonorable tactic Peta-Lorrum would've used. No respectable witch or wizard would destroy another's wand.

She worked her way up the castle, fixing the damage as she went, all the while imagining the battle that must've taken place between Albus and Peta-Lorrum.

It worried her a little that Peta-Lorrum's body hadn��t been found, but she didn't care enough to do anything about it. That wretched girl being gone was good enough for her.

Once she'd finished repairing Albus's office, she started organizing what was left of it.

No, not Albus's office. It's mine now.

She'd been acting headmistress a few times before, but it still hadn't sunk in that she would likely be the one to take over Hogwarts. It was subject to approval by the governors, of course, but she couldn't see who else they'd put in charge.

Knowing them, they'll pull someone out of thin air. Or worse, it'll somehow be Peta-Lorrum.

She dismissed the idea, reminding herself that Weasley and Perks had seen her die. If there were two people on whom she could rely, it was those two.

She was still concerned about both of them. Several members of staff had noticed that Perks and Malfoy had been acting a little too friendly towards one another before they'd realized anyone was looking. If any Muggle-born could get Malfoy to fall in love with her, it was Sally-Anne Perks. That meant she'd be more shaken up than she would've been otherwise.

It seemed that all of their group had watched someone they cared about die in the past year. Yet, they carried themselves as best they could. They struggled on, and so, Minerva knew, must she.

She tried each drawer of Albus's desk, looking through it for personal affects. She found smaller desks inside it, something that didn't come as a surprise. She found an old picture of Albus's family, which she hid away before anyone else found it; pictures of many of his staff at varying times in their lives; pictures of the old Order of the Phoenix. The most interesting thing she found was a sealed document that read "my successor".

Minerva unsealed it and started going through it. It held instructions and secrets of Hogwarts, many of which even Minerva hadn't known.

The most interesting bit nearly made Minerva fall over.

The Muggle Government has an organization called the Extraphysical Security and Intelligence Service, or ESIS. For many years, I have worked with them to provide information on the goings on in our world. They mean us no harm, but seek to keep the playing field as level as possible.

If you were able to open this at all, then you must be trustworthy. I implore you to see the benefit in a continued partnership with ESIS. They will likely be contacting you before long. I dare not tell you anything more before they've had the chance to read you in. They are good people.

Minerva looked over the note again, then slid it back into the folder and looked through the rest. Some were simple, urging her to improve her mental defences. Another explained how a room in the castle called the Room of Requirement worked. Another was a list of lessons he'd learned throughout his life.

The only one she couldn't get to was sealed shut, with no apparent means of opening it. It had no instructions on it. If not for the serious tone set by the remaining documents, Minerva would've assumed it was a joke.

She returned everything to the folder and put it in the box of things she'd been collecting. She finished going through his desk, and found one last letter.

To Whom It May Concern,

With my old friend Rose turned against us, I suspect I won't survive to see another school year at Hogwarts. While this makes me sad indeed, I look back on my time as the headmaster and see it well spent. I hope that everyone will carry on in my absence, and that they will rise up as I know they can.

What follows here will be my last will and testament.

Minerva read down the letter, amazed by some of the things she read. He'd left notes to every member of staff, including herself, as well as every member of Perks's group.

To Sally-Anne Perks: It has been my pleasure to watch the timid little girl that first stepped into Hogwarts turned into such a mature and strong woman. Your kindness for others is only matched by the patience you offer them.

To Draco Malfoy: To understand that something was missing from your life shows great wisdom, and to give up everything you know for it shows great strength.

To Harry Potter: If there is one good thing that Rose has done, it has been to make Alavel. He provided a strong example by which you now live, which has been no easy task. In spite of the misfortune you carry with you, you've seen to it that those around you are cared for. You've made Alavel, your parents, and myself all very proud.

To Ginny Weasley: I have met few people with more determination and courage than you. In spite of your own struggles, you're keeping your head high. I only wish I could've seen your journey reach its end.

To Ron Weasley: I cannot overstate how inspiring it was to see you handle the loss of Ms. Brown so well. I know of few others who can retain such focus through that. You do your house, both Gryffindor and Weasley, proud.

To Luna Lovegood: While I wish you'd return to the castle, I must say you've adapted to life inside the forest well. Especially considering the forest is off-limits to students for being dangerous, potentially life-threatening even. For anyone to have made a life and earned the respect of Magorian and Aragog is no small feat.

To Neville Longbottom: Your transformation during the Triwizard Tournament was nothing short of astounding. I'm ashamed to say that even I didn't think you'd survive. Then, and many times since, you stepped up and met the challenges at hand. To say your parents would be proud is something of an understatement.

To Hermione Granger: However I died, I hope you won't think it your fault. You are every bit as clever as Septima thinks you are and more. It is hard to let go of one's friends when they've turned. Do not blame yourself for anything. You've done well.

Minerva found it a little hard to read through the entry for Longbottom. She'd lost two of her own house that year. Still, she read on, feeling bad again for Hagrid. Albus entrusted care of Fawkes to him, but they had yet to locate the bird. Minerva had a bad feeling it was gone for good somehow.

Last on the list was Minerva herself.

Let it be known that I wish Minerva McGonagall to succeed me as headmistress. Minerva, you've been running the school from behind the scenes for years. I think it's about time we made it official. Good luck.

Minerva looked around, tears in her eyes, then put Albus's will with the rest of his things. She dried her eyes, then picked up the box and closed everything up. With one last look at Albus's office, she closed the door and went down to the rest of the castle.