What happened?

[JKMcGonagall]

Ok, this is really a mystery. So what happens next, I wonder. Ohhhh! That nasty Peeves.

One has to wonder why the empty classroom has been abandoned all these years. Must be something pretty bad there (eerie music goes here). I am assuming that the Albus she sees there is not the real one, kind of like the rat that the boy saw (indefinable something that goes into the desk drawer). Hurry and update soon. I am on the edge of my chair.

Kay

[Jessabelle]

please do update more often .. it is such a good story

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: Here is the next part. All the HBP has had me hitting up friends for Zoloft. Hopefully, this chapter will clear up some questions, then, we can go back to the present. yay!! Enjoy everybody.

Chapter 5

Albus was home. In the span of a single second, the temperature within the room had risen to be almost intolerable, the air had thinned, and Minerva loved it all. Never taking her eyes off of the man standing before her, Minerva quietly closed and locked the door, almost afraid that any noise would destroy the moment and he would again disappear.

Through it all Albus was just standing there. To her delight, he had worn the set of midnight blue robes she had gotten him for Christmas the last year and he looked as impressive in them as ever. The color brought out his eyes and made them shine an even more violent shade of blue, if that was even possible and the light silver work around the hems glittered in the soft light. The torches lining the wall cast shadows against his face, obscuring everything but those magnificent eyes. They hadn’t left her since she had entered, and Minerva could feel the blush rise along her neck even after all their years together. There were many things that he could be called; flatterer, seducer, but most importantly, he was hers.

With a seductive smile and her heart pounding in anticipation, Minerva stepped away from the cold wall and reached for him. “Well Headmaster, this is a surprise. I didn’t expect to see you back so soon. I take it your meeting with the Minister went well.” All while she was talking, Minerva had run her fingers down the front of his robes, undoing the buttons that she encountered before sliding her hands inside taking pleasure in the heat and smooth texture of the skin beneath her fingers.

“Yes, the meeting was very..productive.” He looked down into her eyes and smirked, letting a single finger trail a lazy pattern down her back before coming to rest against her behind. This caught Minerva off guard. If there was one thing Minerva had never seen him do before, it was smirk. He always said Severus did enough of it for the entire staff.

“Albus,” she said quietly, slightly concerned at his odd behavior. Something was out of place, but she couldn’t understand what. She let her gentle hands slide up his chest, on their way to his cheek, but they stopped when she felt something damp just on the inside of his collar. Brushing against it, her fingers came away and the momentary confusion she felt slowly gave way to disbelieving horror. Her fingers were coated in lipstick, bright red, certainly not her shade, slipstick. Her eyes snapped up to meet his, waiting with every hope in her soul for an explanation, but his smirk had simply changed into a lascivious grin. She could see it in his every expression, glee. He had been caught, and instead of being embarrassed or ashamed, he was happy.

Cold dread washed over her as the air suddenly disappeared from the room, leaving her panting and lightheaded. “As I said, most productive.” He stared at her, the once loving and gentle gaze turning cold and..triumphant?

“But..what..where? Albus, I.” she didn’t finish, not knowing what to say. “My my,” he sneered, “Minerva McGonagall at a loss for words. I must write the Prophet; this is certainly newsworthy. Really Minerva, I don’t know what you expected. Have you looked in a mirror lately?”

“But the meeting, Cornelius.” Her thoughts were disjointed. She just couldn’t get her mind to wrap around what was happening. The man who, just that morning, had declared his love was now shattering the world they had created without a second thought.

“Yes, the meeting. There is just so much to be discussed with twenty five year old blond receptionists when one has the time. I never knew they could be quite so talented.” He drew out the last word and let a sound that could pass as a laugh escape.

Minerva had backed away from him, her emerald eyes large behind her square spectacles and beginning to fill with tears. “How, how could you,” she choked out, her voice failing her. “I loved you more than anything.”

He snorted and waved away her declaration like an especially annoying insect. “Simple my dear. I found someone better.” He reached into the left pocket of his robes, and it was then that she noticed he wasn’t wearing his wedding band. Early in their relationship the rings had been charmed to appear whenever they managed to be alone, but, this time, his was nowhere to be seen. If she could have thought rationally, she would have realized hers hadn’t appeared either.

He pulled out his watch and looked at it briefly before stowing it back in his robes. “I’ve invited her to the castle. She’s going to be my new personal secretary. As I said, she was quite talented.” He paused for a moment. “I hope that won’t be a problem.”

Minerva recoiled as if she had been slapped. Not only was he having an affair, now he wanted to bring the harlot into her school. Minerva began to shake as her temper began to take hold. “If you think,” she said, her voice deathly quiet, “that I’m going to stand here and let some strumpet anywhere near you or the children, then you are gravely mistaken.”

He simply considered her over the top of his half moon spectacles, the torch light making his hair glow. “Alright,” he said calmly, “I would like your resignation on my desk by the end of the day, preferably before I get back to my office. We wouldn’t want you to have to stand anywhere, now would we?”

Minerva stood stunned, her mouth hanging open. She had to leave; she had to leave Hogwarts. It was the only place she had ever truly called home, and now she was being forced out. She couldn’t understand just what had happened. In the span of ten minutes, she had lost not only her husband and job, but her home. She had lost everything. It just became too much. So, she did the only thing that came to mind; she ran. She slammed the door on his maniacal laughter. She ran through the corridors, ignoring the surprised and concerned looks from students. She ran up every flight of stairs and didn’t stop until she came to their chambers. Flinging herself into the sitting room, Minerva finally stopped, her chest heaving from the exertion.

She stood in the middle of the comfortable room, numbly taking in her surroundings. She stared at the pictures of the two of them. She saw a pair of his shoes beneath the chair, and his cup of hot chocolate from the evening before sat cold on the coffee table. In an instant, it was simply too much. With a renewed determination, she moved to their desk and pulled out a fresh piece of parchment. As she wrote, only a single tear made its way down her nose and landed with a splatter just next to her signature. “Winky,” she called, and a grey house elf with large green eyes and a tuft of white hair sticking up from his head appeared with a faint pop. “Winky, could you please leave this on the Headmaster’s desk for me?” “Yes Professor. Winky is happy to help Professor.”

With another pop the elf was gone, and Minerva was alone. Waving her wand, several oversized trunks appeared, and she stood bye as all her possessions flew from every room and folded themselves neatly. It only took her five minutes to pack fifteen years worth memories.

During all of this she had forgotten about someone very important, Fawkes. It wasn’t until he let out a manic screech, causing her to jump, that she even remembered the bird was there. She walked over and stroked Fawkes head softly, taking comfort in his warmth and soft plumage. “Oh Fawkes, I’m going to miss you my friend. Apparently, I’m not enough for him anymore. Take care of him Fawkes, and you will always have an extra stand in my sitting room if you decide to visit.” The phoenix rubbed against her hand once more before trilling out one of the saddest songs she had ever heard.

Taking only what was hers and leaving every memento behind, Minerva shrank her trunks and placed them in her pockets. With a single look back at what had meant so much to her, Minerva walked out of the castle and disappeared.

[JKMcGonagall]

That couldn't have been Albus, no way. Albus would never treat Minerva like that. It has got to be that something that is trapped in that classroom pretending to be Albus. Take us back to the present and let's get them back together again! Quickly.

Great story. Update soon, please.

Kay

[Lady Lavendar]

You know I think that whomever wanted Minerva out of the school did a very good job of it. But why would someone want her gone? Well hopet o see another great update like this one up soon!

LL

[Jessabelle]

oh for gods sake .. poor min .. please update again SOON .. lol .. but please .. this is very good

[LadyJolly]

MY GOODNESS!!! and I haven't read this yet oh my that's what's going on?! More soon please

Lady Jolly

[Miss Q]

Oh my God! What on earth happened to Albus? I really hope that there will be more chapters coming and please, PLEASE let there be a happy ending!!!!

And I really enjoy your writing!!!

M

[TartanPhoenix]

Sorry the update took so long. Here we go.

Chapter 6

Poppy sighed as she pulled the heavy infirmary blanket up just a bit higher along his thin sleeping form. It had taken almost four hours, but every injury, every malady had been corrected, and, for the first time in what she assumed was an eternity if the dark circles under his eyes were any indication, he was sleeping peacefully.

Poppy watched the shallow but steady rise and fall of his chest as the firelight played across his face, casting shadows that seemed to match his mood so exactly. She reached out and brushed aside a small lock of snow white hair from his weathered face that now showed every one of his years, smiled in a motherly fashion, before leaning forward and placing a gentle kiss against his forehead.

He would sleep through what remained of the night and most of the next morning, she had made sure of that, and now she had other business that required her full attention. “Sleep well Albus,” she whispered, extinguishing the lamps surrounding his bed before turning and heading into her office.

Closing the door quietly behind her, Poppy let out a frustrated growl. It had been six years, and while she knew he had been suffering, she had never imaged it to be quite like this. She sat back and watched as the twinkle in his eyes diminished before disappearing all together. She sat back while he pulled away from his friends and colleagues. She even sat by and watched him pull away from the students. But, she couldn’t sit back anymore.

Simply, Albus was like a father to her. He had been there for her when her own family had been murdered during the war with Grindelwald. That madman also seemed to have a fascination with pureblood, and her family had the misfortune to be muggles. He had offered her a sympathetic ear and a dry shoulder, but he wouldn’t allow her to wallow in self pity. “Life is meant to be lived Poppy,” he had said. “You shouldn’t squander it on what should have been.” Poppy let out an unlady like snort. ‘Seems to have forgotten,’ she thought.

This did nothing to help her already frayed nerves. There was nothing she wanted to do more than to forgo procedure, and to hell with decency, but she knew she couldn’t. There was still one more duty she had to perform before she could retire for the evening, and she wanted none of it.

Resolved but weary, she sat down behind her practical maple desk and reached for a fresh piece of parchment. It was a letter that had to be written, but that didn’t mean she had to be gentle. No, they never said that during healer training. Letting all of her anger swell and crash within her, Poppy began to write.

The sky was a grey that no word could adequately describe, and the smell of salt sat heavy in the air as waves crashed against the jagged rocks below. ‘Another wonderful day,’ Minerva thought bitterly, looking out the small window of her two story cottage. Sighing, she placed the last of the plates in its cabinet before closing the door and walking into her library. The last six years had been difficult for the witch, and it showed. New lines decorated her face, her once proud shoulders were perpetually slumped, and her once raven black hair was now lightly streaked with white.

But, it was the constant and never ending numbness that consumed her that did the most damage. ‘Just like the Tin Man,’ she mused, fingering the worn spine of her favorite copy of the muggle novel. ‘Only the wizard took the heart back.’ No tears came as she thought of the wizard who had first stolen then destroyed her heart. They had been shed long ago, but the insuppressible ache still existed.

Sighing, she dropped the book back on the small end table and got up, heading to the desk facing the wall. She needed to start the next chapter of her textbook soon if she was going to meet her deadline. The sixth years text was almost complete; she only had to finish the various human transformations before it could be sent to the publisher for a final review. It was still teaching, she reasoned with herself, in its own way. Even if she could never step into a classroom that wasn’t settled in a remote part of Scotland, at least she could still help her students. She couldn’t fail them as well.

She worked through the morning, never taking notice of the changing sky, or the birds making their homes in her eves. It wasn’t until well after lunch that she was unpleasantly interrupted. A quick burst of flame erupted in front of her, setting the edge of her notes alight. Fawkes cooed his apology as she hurried to extinguish the flames. “Hello Fawkes,” she said, reaching into her desk for the bag of treats she kept specifically for him. “You have another letter for me hmm,” she said, putting the treats on the desk.

She was surprised when he simply stared at her and held out his leg. His beady eyes seemed intent and penetrating, much like his masters. “Why does he insist,” she asked mostly to herself, “isn’t all this enough?” Once a week, usually a Wednesday, every week since she had left, Fawkes would appear with a letter from him. She had read the first, but his single question of why had ended the practice. Now, she simply put them in the chest in her attic, unopened, but never forgotten. There had also been letters from the other staff, but those too had joined the pile. Trying to explain would have hurt too much.

Minerva was snapped out of her thoughts when she realized that Fawkes was still there. “He’s probably missing you my friend. You should head home before he starts to worry.” To her surprise, the phoenix seemed to actually shake his head and point with his head to the letter. Looking down, Minerva saw not Albus’ loopy writing, but the practical scrawl that could only come from Poppy.

For a reason that seemed to hover just out of reach, Minerva’s heart stopped before it began to pound behind her ribs. Perhaps it wasn’t the letter itself that caused such a reaction, but the way it was addressed, Mrs. Minerva Dumbledore. Her hands began to shake as she turned over the envelope, breaking the seal. Her eyes grew larger and her breath hitched as her eyes traveled over the parchment.

Mrs. Dumbledore,

It is my duty to inform you that your husband, Albus Dumbledore, was admitted to the hospital wing of Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry at 10:45 last evening. His condition is now stable, but, should you actually care, the damage was extensive.

I have been assured that you will receive this missive, but if you actually read it or not, I can only guess. I, like everyone else, don’t know the reasons for your departure, and at this time, I don’t care. The only thing that matters at this moment is the man sleeping in my ward, and the fact that he was so delirious with fever that he spent an hour calling your name into the darkness. I can only conclude that, for some unfathomable reason, he still loves you. I can only assume, like the others, that this letter will go unanswered, but I have done what I must. Now, I must return. Someone has to care for your husband.

Poppy Pomphrey
Mediwitch, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Minerva sat, frozen, in her chair. Albus had been hurt, and if Poppy had sent out a notification, it would have had to be serious. A part of Minerva had to admit she was surprised by the harsh tone of Poppy’s words. They had been good friends , and she of all people should have understood why she needed to leave when Albus began prancing around like the playboy of the western world with his new secretary.

‘What could he have told them when I left,’ she wondered to herself. Her eyes darted up, along with her temper, and came face to face with the waiting phoenix. “What has been going on Fawkes?” Her voice was low and her eyes burned with a fire that made the bird envious. He simply crooked his head to the side and let out a small squawk before turning his back to her. To Minerva’s eternal surprise he began to shake his tail feathers in her face, his red plumage obscuring everything else.

For six years she had hidden herself away, run like a scared child. The time for running was over. If he wanted a confrontation, then she would give him one. Before she could change her mind, Minerva summoned her cloak, pocketed her wand, and grabbed a hold of Fawkes tail. It was time to return to Hogwarts.

TBC..what do you guys think?

[rogueinker]

Read this earlier and forgot to comment. I liked the way you kept everyone else in the dark about why she left. It gives Minerva's return a sense of the unexpected. How will she be treated? Wormtai better get a fitting end.

[Mellypoo622]

YAY! She's going back! Great update!

[Miss Q]

Oh my God! She's going back!!! This story get better with every chapter!

I hope that whatever happened they will work everything out!! Please let them end up happy!!!!

M

[Alesia]

This is going to be interesting. I am not sure I agree with what Minerva did but I guess if I got a shock like the one she got I would run as well. Thanks for the update. I really like the way you portrayed Poppy.

[Jessabelle]

omg omg omg .. such a goos post .. u really must post the rest soon .. very very soon

[LadyJolly]

I'm glad Poppy was harsh with Minerva ehehe but then again damn that blasted rat! hope Albus will get better and all will be resolve but until then I'll be waiting for more posts hopefully soon

Lady Jolly

[Jaya]

Min's going home! Min's going home!

Can't wait for the next chapter!

Jaya ;D

[TartanPhoenix]

Fawkes’ method of travel, while expedient, had never truly sat well with Minerva, and today was no exception. With a brilliant flash of red, the two appeared just outside the main doors of Hogwarts. Unlike her cottage, the skies around the school were a brilliant blue, dotted occasionally with a bright white fluffy cloud. The air was crisp but not cold, and a light breeze carried the falling leaves through the air. They rustled as they passed by, on their way toward the forest.

Minerva released her death grip of Fawkes’ tail as a wave of nausea washed over her. Perhaps it was the heat that he radiated, but Minerva suddenly remembered exactly why she always insisted on apparating separately when Fawkes was needed. Another gust came up and wrapped around her as she leaned against the cool stones of the ancient castle, willing her stomach to relax. She took an odd comfort in the slight roughness beneath her cheek and the cold that seeped into her. It was still the same. Despite everything that had happened, Hogwarts still stood, silent and proud. It had stood for a millennium before she arrived, and, gods willing, it would stand long after she was gone. That irrefutable fact brought a comfort to her troubled mind.

Minerva pushed herself upright again, taking a deep breath, and another, before straightening her shoulders. “Wish me luck Fawkes,” she said, stroking his head gently. He butted her hand once before disappearing in another flash. Minerva let her hand reach out and run slowly along the giant oak doors. Even after all these years she could still feel the overpowering hum that reverberated in the very foundations. As it pulsed through her again, she knew it. She was home. Before her courage failed her, Minerva pushed on the heavy doors and did her best to slip through unnoticed. Unfortunately for her, she had forgotten to check the time, and she entered just as students were changing classes.

Immediately, she was surrounded by hundreds of chatting and laughing students, most of whom didn’t even seem to realize she was there. She simply stood for a moment and watched. Flashes of red or silver caught her eye in the sea of black robes. She watched as a group of girls stood in a corner, exclaiming over the newest article in Witches Weekly. No doubt there was a new quiz to determine just who would ask them to the winter ball or something just as trivial, but she smiled anyway. Boys walked together, trying to outdo each other in the alphabet belching games. She was equally pleased and disturbed that it appeared to be a Gryffindor that won the honor, making it all the way to T before he ran out of steam.

She soon realized, much to her displeasure, that she must of been standing there far longer than necessary when she spotted two students watching her from across the corridor. They both had to be at least sixth years by their height, but given how they were staring, she would hazard seventh years instead. One of them looked somewhat familiar. He was taller certainly, and had grown up to be quite handsome, but Minerva was sure she could still see a small Aries Borden staring back from behind his transfiguration essay. He had been hopeless then. ‘I wonder if he’s improved?’ she wondered.

Minerva was about to follow the wall to avoid the crowds in a last ditch effort, but she had stayed too long. The two students were headed directly toward her. There was no hesitation, no awkwardness when the two boys stopped directly before her, coming eye to eye for the first time. “Professor McGonagall?” the taller of the two spoke, the slight question in his voice belaying the confidence her projected.

“Mr. Borden,” she replied, lifting her eyebrow ever so slightly. She watched in silent amusement as his back straightened ever so slightly. She still had it. In a move that surprised them both, he reached out and wrapped her in a tight hug before pulling back as if slapped. A bright red flush worked its way up his face and into his red hair. “It’s good to see you too Aries,” she said quietly, trying to suppress a blush of her own.

“Jake and I thought it was you when came in Professor. Are you here to stay?” It had all come out in a rush, and Aries never looked up from his shoes until he had fallen quiet.

“No Mr. Borden, I am not. I will be leaving as soon as my business in the castle in completed. Surely, considering the amount of grumbling I heard after my lessons about the workload, you wouldn’t be so edger for me to return.” Minerva had said the last with a slight smile, trying to lift the heavy atmosphere, but failed spectacularly when Aries and Jake exchanged dark looks before nodding. Deciding it was a question best left unasked, Minerva excused herself and strode directly into the gathering students.

This seemed to startle the group that had formed to watch as they took notice of the new arrival. “Your next classes will beginning soon. It would be best not to be late,” she said, slipping naturally back into the stern professor she had always been. Several younger students jumped and scurried away. True to her words, she hadn’t gone ten steps before the bell sounded, and a stampede began.

Minerva’s steps also increased. Her arrival would be announced to every professor before long, and she wanted nothing more than to be back home before they had a chance to investigate themselves. It would lead to far too many questions. With the students gone, the rest of Minerva’s trek through the corridors was eerily silent. The precise click of her heels along the flagstones were the only companion to her thoughts. She nodded to the portraits as she walked by, trying to ignore the looks of surprise, shock, and, oddly enough, contempt, that they displayed. She took notice of the small changes in the halls. A tapestry had moved outside the prefects bathroom, and the Lady of Shallot had moved from the Astronomy Tower. ‘You can do this. It’s only a quick visit. You see that he’s alright, you check that he’s not going to die, and then you let him have it!’

Her thoughts traveled along with her feet. Each new thought ended with him begging forgiveness before she left him there and returned back to the cottage. ‘How can it be possible to love and loathe someone at the same time?’ She never got the chance to answer herself; her feet had stopped moving, and she found herself in front of a familiar door. Pushing it open, Minerva took in the pristine infirmary. Beds still lined the wall, and the windows still caught the perfect amount of morning light.

Taking a quick look around, Minerva let out a relieved sigh when she didn’t notice Poppy. Friend or not, Poppy was protective of her patients, and she certainly wouldn’t appreciate Minerva screaming at one in her infirmary. Minerva couldn’t help but shudder. The students always thought she was the one not to cross, but none of them had ever seen Poppy truly mad. It had taken three weeks for the school nurse to sort out Angela Duncan. The idiot girl had made the mistake of insulting Poppy’s parents during their sixth year. Poppy had been lucky not to be expelled, but once they found Angela’s arms it was all but forgotten.

Closing the door as quietly as possible, Minerva slipped through the curtains in the back that separated the student and faculty wards. For only the second time in her life, Minerva came up short. He was still laying in bed asleep, but Minerva couldn’t reconcile the man she had left with the one before her. His hair was shorter as well as his beard, but it was the chalk white skin and black circles that surprised her more. He was far too thin, and his hands that were capable of so much sat limply at his side. He looked the very picture of an old man, and despite herself, she was frightened for him.

Wrapping her arms around herself, Minerva stepped closer, coming to a stop beside him. “What have you done Albus?” she asked quietly. “Why do you do this? You send me away, and then call me back again? I am not your whore, to be at your beck and call.” She let out a shuttering breath, “I’m not even your wife anymore, except on parchment. Why can’t you leave me be?” Her voice had never risen above a whisper, but when she was through, her voice was raw from the emotion of it.

TBC

[LadyJolly]

Oh how painful for Minerva. But I do hope Albus will get better. and also hope you will write more and post it soon. It's really good.

Lady Jolly

[Kandice]

I just found this story for the first time tonight but I'm glad I was able to read it in one sitting. I am intrigued and I like the way you showed Minerva's side of things and I'm dying to know what happened. Kandie

[Miss Q]

Oh, please update next chapter soon!! This story grows... I like it!

M

[QuillofMinerva]

I have missed sooooooooo many updates but I have finally caught up and I am glad I have done.

Oh poor Minerva....must have been hard for her to come back as she has done. Everyone seems to be blaming her but I think there is so much more to the situation. That couldnt have been Albus with lipstick on his collar, just can't have been.

Update soon please and Ill be looking out for it.

Clayre x

[Alesia]

I am torn about this story. I know what she thinks he did to her but the irony of it is that it of course was not him at all and I am angry at her for not fighting more or even wanting to know if he really did install some nymph as an assistant, which of course he did not.

The conversation between Poppy and Minerva when Minerva hears the truth ought to be an interesting one. Can you imagine the guilt she will feel?

[Mellypoo622]

I hope Albus is okay and that they can work things out!!! Great update!

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: I'm glad everyone seems to be enjoying the story, and I hope you'll stick around. We're getting to the good stuff now.

Minerva didn’t know how long she had stood there, simply watching him sleep, but it didn’t really matter. He was still firmly in Morpheus’ grasp, his chest rising and falling slowly. She watched as his eyes darted quickly beneath his eyelids, and every so often his lips would move. She watched, curious, as his face took on a pained expression and his hand flexed, reaching for something or someone before falling limp again. It took another moment for his face to relax, and soon he was quiet again. ‘He always was a restless sleeper,’ she thought.

Her ears perked up as she heard a slight rustle from just beyond the curtain, and her back straightened as he entire body tensed in preparation. She would know exactly who was on the other side even if she couldn’t smell Poppy’s perfume. She still smelled of vanilla. Minerva didn’t bother to turn around, didn’t utter a sound as the screen was pulled away, revealing her to the other woman.

Poppy had come up short when she had found the strange woman just standing over Albus. She was simply standing there, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She didn’t turn around, and, even though she seemed familiar somehow, Poppy just couldn’t place her. Coming back to her senses, Poppy bristled as she walked into the small room. “Excuse me? The headmaster isn’t up for visitors. I don’t know how you got in here, but I’m going to have to ask you to leave. This is a closed ward.” In the deafening silence that followed, Poppy had expected the stranger to turn around and leave or at least argue, but remained silent and unmoving. By that point, Poppy was working herself up well to be furious. No one, no one, dared to disobey her in her ward. “It’s time for you to be leaving,” she ground out, letting her hand travel into her robes.

Her fingers had just wrapped around her wand when she received one of the greatest shocks of her life. “He looks older.” It came out so quietly and matter of fact that, at first, Poppy didn’t quite understand. Once the meaning of the words sunk in, it only took a heartbeat for the voice of the speaker to sink in as well. Without a second thought, or first for that matter, Poppy closed the small distance between them, and when Minerva finally turned weary eyes to the shorter woman, Poppy simply acted. The resounding crack was the only sound to be heard as Minerva’s head snapped around, threatening to twist off completely. Her own hand came up to rub her now red, stinging cheek. She didn’t say a word, but Poppy could easily read the surprise and hurt in Minerva’s eyes.

“How dare you ,” Poppy hissed, “How dare you show your face here again. You leave, not a word to anyone, and just show up again as if nothing has happened? Why? Come back to see if you could get your old job back, or..his? Is that it? Did you assume he would just slip away and you could return. Well, I’m sorry to disappoint you Min, but he’s going to be just fine.” All through her tirade, Poppy had inched closer and closer into Minerva’s personal space. She now she toe to toe with the taller woman, and Minerva could smell the coffee from breakfast on her breath. It took a shifting from the man in question to break the tension that had filled the room. Poppy glanced quickly to make sure he hadn’t woken up, and then grabbed Minerva roughly by the upper arm, dragging her back through the curtain and into the main ward.

Minerva’s mind was reeling. This is what her best friend thought of her? That she had come back to..gloat? Over what? She still didn’t have a clue what had happened. She allowed herself to show only a moment of weakness as she all but flopped into the nearest chair before looking up again. “What was wrong with him Poppy?” The question caught the nurse off guard, she had expected a fight, a defense at least, but not this. The worry, not curiosity on Minerva’s face made her answer. “What wasn’t wrong? He had an ulcer, bronchitis, his blood pressure was through the roof, he’s lost almost thirty pounds since his last physical, his fever spiked at almost 104, and, not that’s it’s surprising, but he had enough alcohol in his system to knock out a hippogriff.”

Minerva had gone paler and paler with every word Poppy spat, but it was the last item on the list that caught her attention. “Alcohol? Albus doesn’t drink.”

Poppy actually snorted. “No, Albus never used to drink. You of all people should know things change.”

Minerva nodded. “They do, don’t they? When will you release him?”

“I won’t be.” Poppy actually looked insulted by the question. “He’s going to stay until I can be sure he won’t go crawling back into his bottle.”

“I see. Then I will leave you to your work Madam Pomfrey. I’ll return later in the afternoon. He and I have a few things to discuss. Good day.” Minerva turned as if she were about to leave, but Poppy reached out and put a restraining hand on her shoulder, whirling her around.

The smaller woman was actually pulsing with rage, her hazel eyes deepened to a menacing black. “Oh no you will not. You have no further business here, and I’ll be damned if I’m letting you anywhere near him again. You’ve already caused him enough grief; I won’t let you add to it.” The venom in Poppy’s voice was obvious, and it only served to anger Minerva more than her words ever could.

Reaching across, Minerva removed the other woman’s hand from her shoulder with perhaps more force than necessary. Taking a step closer, she leaned down so that her lips were scant inches from Poppy’s ear. “Since when, does taking a mistress make you the victim?” She straightened up again, looking Poppy directly in the eyes, taking little pleasure in the dazed, confused look she saw there. Taking a step back, Minerva paused before she turned back toward the door. “And Poppy, I forgave it once, I forgave it twice, but if you ever lay a hand on me again, there won’t be enough pieces left to put you back together again.”

Minerva strode across the hospital wing and reached for the door handle, but was given a rather nasty shock as she tried to leave. She whirled around, her wand already pointing at Poppy. “Let me out Poppy.”

The woman simply stared at her as if seeing her for the first time. “You really don’t know, do you? You truly don’t have a clue.”

“I know more than you seem to think, now let me out Poppy.” The fight was slowly draining out of her, and Minerva was exhausted.

“He looked for you, you know. He spent every day for a month searching, and another six calling in favors left and right, looking for any sign.” Poppy looked up from the seat Minerva had vacated. “You hurt him so much Minerva, but it took almost two years for him to stop looking.”

Minerva couldn’t believe her ears; Poppy was actually defending him. “I’m sure he was just devastated Poppy. I would imagine though that his little tramp found ample ways to console him.”

This was the second time Minerva had mentioned another woman, and Poppy only became more confused. “Minerva, what are you talking about? There hasn’t been anyone else. You know damn well I would have flayed him alive if there was.”

Minerva shook her head. Apparently, Albus hadn’t told them everything, not that she had expected him to. It would do for him to appear less then perfect. “I’m sorry to disappoint Poppy, but he told me all about his new secretary and her job description when he returned from the Ministry that day, if he had ever gone at all.” By the time she choked out the last word, tears were beginning to form in the corners of her eyes. She had thought the time for tears had passed; apparently, she was wrong. “I was traded in for a new model Poppy,” she whispered. “I was replaced and then removed. I lost it all Poppy, so don’t lecture me about his pain. My only regret is that it couldn’t have been more. Now, will you please let me go?”

Poppy didn’t respond. Instead, she stood up and carefully made her way toward the shaking witch. She looked as if she were approaching a wild animal as she carefully raised her hand. Unlike before, the hand that rested on Minerva’s shoulder was gentle, concerned. “Minerva,” Poppy whispered, her brows knitting together, “What are you talking about? Albus didn’t return from the Ministry until long after dinner, and he certainly didn’t bring a secretary. There was no way he could have been in the castle. You were gone long before he ever returned.”

Minerva shook her head. She couldn’t believe what Poppy was saying. She had seen him, felt him. “He was there Poppy. Peeves had made a mess, and I was going to use the empty classroom next door, and he was there.” Minerva had never told anyone about that day, and once she started, she just couldn’t stop. “He meant everything to me Poppy; everything and he just threw me aside. I don’t know what he’s told you, but don’t waste your sympathy on him. He doesn’t deserve it.”

Minerva let her eyes drop and sniffed while she tried to wipe the tears away. Before she could understand what was happening, Minerva found herself wrapped in Poppy’s embrace. It only took a second for her walls to crumble, and she found herself weeping into Poppy’s shoulder. Her entire body shook with the violence of her cries and her arms tightened around Poppy’s shoulders. “Shh Min. Everything’s going to be alright. It’s going to be O.K.” Poppy rubbed comforting circles along her back. “What am I going to do with the two of you?”

When Minerva finally managed to stem the tears, she gave Poppy a watery smile as she accepted the handkerchief being waved in front of her. “Now, you are going to come with me and have a nice cup of tea Min. I think there are some things you need to hear.” The previous arguments seemed forgotten as Poppy led Minerva into her office, quietly shutting the door behind her. This would take awhile.

AN2: I was re-reading some of the reviews, and I'm not quite sure if I made myself clear about what's in the spare classroom. I don't want to just give it away, so all I'll say is we've had two seperate people walk in and see two completely different things, each unique to that person. I hope that helps.

[LadyJolly]

I'm glad that Poppy heard her out. It seemed like she would just kick her out of the school. But I hope Albus does get better and talk to Minerva and I hope you write more and post soon ;D This is really good and now it has me hooked.

Lady Jolly

[Alesia]

I think I know what it is and I love that you have done this story on that theme. Very ingenious. And no I won't tell. I really really like the scene between Poppy and Minerva just enough anger mixed with just enough love of a friend to get it all out.

[JKMcGonagall]

Great scene between two old friends, and yes, I think I know what it is too, but I'm not telling either.

Thanks for the great update, and keep them coming. I love this story.

Kay

[Jaya]

Wonderful couple of updates! Minerva's hurt really comes through as does Poppy's anger. I like it when Minerva warns Poppy against touching her again... and then the end when the two friends find each other again... really powerful stuff...

Jaya ;D

[Mellypoo622]

Great update! Poor Min! I'm glad Poppy figured out that Min didn't leave to be mean!

[Miss Q]

Poor Min! I'm glad Poppy didn't just hang on to her own anger!

M