Hounds of Winter

[StarCrossed158]

Mercury Falling
I rise from my bed
I bring my thoughts together
I have to hold my head
Seems that she’s gone
But somehow I am here
The Hounds of winter
They’re howling in the wind

I walk through the day
My coat around my ears
I look for my companion
I have to dry my tears
Seems that she’s gone
Leaving me too soon
On the darkest December
I’m as cold as the man in the moon

I still see her face
As beautiful as day
It’s easy to remember,
Remember my love that way
All I hear is that lonesome sound
And the Hounds of winter
Follow me down

They make up the fire
The way that she could
I spend all my days
In a search for dry wood
Board up my windows
And close the front door
I can’t believe she
Won’t be here anymore

I still see her face
As beautiful as day
It’s easy to remember,
Remember my love that way
All I hear is that lonesome sound
And the Hounds of winter
Follow me down

Season for joy
Season for sorrow
Where she’s gone
I will surely, surely follow
She brightened my day
She warmed the coldest night
The Hounds of winter
They got me in their sight

I still see her face
As beautiful as day
It’s easy to remember,
Remember my love that way
All I hear is that lonesome, lonesome sound
And the Hounds of winter
They hurry me down

- Sting

Chapter 1

The morning air was viciously cold and icy. It blew at gale force speed, as though it was running from a horrible enemy. There was no one outside, save for one. A lone figure could be seen walking the grounds, head high and standing tall, as though immune to the treacherous weather. Her long dark hair was quickly coming out of its bun, whipping around her head like tentacles. Despite this, she still had a striking beauty about her, her face accentuated by her light wrinkles, and her penetrating dark eyes seemed even more so in the eerie moon-light. She wore a long, black, wool jacket, which she kept tightly wrapped around her slender figure. Her long elegant fingers were safely concealed in black leather gloves, and in her right hand she tightly grasped a single envelope, still sealed. As she walked slowly through the field, her mind wandered back to just a few hours ago, when fate had finally caught up with her.

*******

Minerva McGonagall had received the letter that morning, before much of the school had even woken up. She had been busy reviewing her daily schedule, when she heard tapping on her window. When she looked up she saw a coal black owl, with red eyes, holding a letter. She opened the window for the bird, but it refused to come inside, and would only sit on the window ledge. She reached for the letter, but stopped when she saw the writing.
“It can’t be.” she whispered to herself.
She was woken from her trance by a load squawk from the menacing bird. She jumped and took the letter from its claw, at which point it jumped around and flew off. She closed the window and then turned her attention to the letter. In that all too familiar hand-writing, it said:

Professor Minerva McGonagall,
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
England.

Minerva had gone ghostly white, and her hands started to shake slightly. She knew who had written the letter and she knew what he had said in it.
“Oh, for god sake woman!” she said, trying to gain her composure, “It’s only a damn letter!”
Deep down, though, she knew it wasn’t just a letter, it was an ultimatum, an ultimatum to which there was only one solution. She breathed in deeply and looked out the window; it was still too early for students to be up. ‘I need some fresh air’ she thought to herself, and with that she set the letter down on her bureau and went to get dressed. She slipped off her night gown, and shivered as the cold air fell upon her bare skin. She picked out one her new robes; dark maroon and slightly lower cut than she was used too. The under dress sat nicely on the ends of her shoulders, and cligned to all the right curves. She put the outer robe over the top, and then began pulling her hair back until finally she had it fastened in a tight bun. She paused a moment, ‘What the hell’ she thought as she reached for the gold necklace hanging on its stand. Standing back she couldn’t help but notice she looked visibly younger. ‘You’re imagining it’ she told herself as she put on her jacket and gloves. She slipped on her shoes, grabbed the letter and headed out the door.

*******

She slowly breathed out deeply, trying to calm herself down. She cringed as she felt a slight pain in her chest, even after a year the scars still remained. She took a quick glance at the letter and then at the school, still no lights. She had been outside for over an hour, and still she couldn’t bring herself to open the envelope.
‘You have to open it some time’ she told herself, ‘I don’t have to do it right now though,’ she thought, ‘It would take my mind away from teaching, I would be thinking about it all day’. She smiled to herself, wryly; she already had been thinking about it, ever since she had received it. ‘Right’ she thought, ‘its decided then.’ as she slipped the letter into her pocket, and headed back towards the school. ‘Just in time,’ she thought, as she noticed light in a few windows, most notably Albus Dumbledore’s. She knew she would have to tell Albus, but now was not the right time.
She walked back to her room and took off her jacket and gloves. She then turned towards the mirror and sighed, ‘what is the point?’ she thought as she took her hair out, only to put it back up. When she was satisfied, she took a quick glance at her schedule, again, then picked up a stack of papers, tests, and homework she had graded the night before, and made her way to her classroom.
When she got there, she set the papers down on her desk and quickly got a fire going. She tried to keep her mind busy by grading a few more papers, but her thoughts kept returning to that letter. She was so lost in her thoughts, that when a loud knock came from the door she jumped and knocked the cup of tea she had just made, off her desk.
“Damn it!” she whispered harshly to herself, “Come in.” she added as she pulled out her wand and began drying off papers on her desk.
“My dear, if I had known knocking on the door had this affect on you, I would have come by fire place instead!” said a pleasant voice from the door.
Minerva looked up, already knowing who it was.
“Good morning Albus.” she said, just a little annoyed that he found it all amusing. “I trust you knocked so loudly for a reason.” she added, pointedly looking up at him.
“Oh yes! Just wondering if you would do me the honor of escorting an old and lonely man to breakfast?” He said, with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes.
Minerva had to sigh and smile, he always had a way of making her feel sorry for him. She walked towards him with a raised eyebrow,
“I’m pretty sure you only fit one of those qualifications, Albus.” she said, as she took his arm and walked out of the door.
Albus turned to her, “Oh, and which one is that?” he asked.
“I think you know.” she said with a smile.
They continued to walk and talk down the hallway, as they had done every morning for the past 49 years.

[hasimausi]

*is intrigued*

OK, who would have the nerve and give Minerva McGonagall an ultimatum?

[StarCrossed158]

Ah but that is the whole point of waiting for the next chapter!

Eager question though, did you like it?

[StarCrossed158]

Chapter 2

They got to the grand hall, and Minerva let go of his arm. They walked up the aisle towards the staff table. When they got there, Albus pulled out Minerva’s chair, and when she had sat down, he pulled out his own chair at the center of the table.
He turned to Minerva again and said “You were up early this morning dear, did you get enough sleep?”
Minerva looked up quickly, he had seen her? “Oh, yes, I just felt like a walk, clear my head.” she said.
Albus just nodded and smiled, he too had been up early this morning, after being woken by a particularly worrying dream. He had walked over to the window with his hot cocoa, expecting to see empty fields and forests. He had to look twice to make sure it was her, but he had been quite surprised to see Minerva walking the grounds, especially on such a cold morning. He sat there, lights off, watching her for what seemed like ages. Everything about her was elegant and beautiful, and on such a gloomy day, her pale skin and jet black hair made her seem like an angel.
Albus Dumbledore had been in love with Minerva for many years now, it seemed that from the moment he had seen her he was smitten. Of course as her teacher and 15 years her senior, he quickly repressed his feelings for her. However, when she had applied for his old job as Transfiguration teacher, those feelings resurfaced. To him she seemed perfect, how could he even consider hiring someone else? As they both got older, age, it seemed became less and less important. He wanted to tell her, but something kept holding him back. What if she got hurt because of him? He had many enemies in this world, and they all would jump at a chance to get to him through someone else. He couldn’t put her through that. So, he had resigned himself to just dreaming about her.
His dream last night, however, was not the type he was used to. He was in a room, that he was sure he had been in once before. It was darkly furnished, mostly made up of dark reds and black. He sat on the settee, and waited for something to happen. All of a sudden, a much younger looking Minerva walked into the room and sat down next to him, her eyes focused on the letter in her hand. Albus peered over her shoulder and read the letter with her, it said:

Dear Mrs. Minerva Riddle,
We are happy to inform you that you performed extremely well on the Auror intake exam. We cannot, however, allow you to enter the training program due to certain security problems. In the mandatory security check of your background and history, we found several disturbing facts surrounding you husband, Mr. Tom Riddle. We found information that your husband has formed a cult of Muggle-haters called the “Deatheaters”, and that as head of this cult he goes by the name Lord Voldemort, and that he himself has performed unforgivable curses on innocent Muggles. These claims are being investigated presently, but we are sure you understand that we cannot accept you at this time.
Yours Truly,
Acanthi Humus
Head of the Auror Committee

Albus watched as Minerva’s hands began to shake, and then her whole body as she began to cry. She suddenly got up from the settee and rushed out the door, leaving the letter lying on the settee. He followed her into the other room, which he realized was her bedroom. Albus then remembered were he was, and he had been here before. This was the house were Minerva had lived with her husband, Tom Riddle.
Albus had been here only once while they were married, and conveniently Tom was out of the house. Albus had never liked Tom Riddle and Tom had never liked Albus. Albus had been wary of the boy ever since he had met him all those years ago in that orphanage. His opinion of him was only reinforced when Tom came to school. He quickly started up a group of friends, which were widely thought of as the most evil group of kids in the school. But Professor Dippet loved Tom, he thought he was fabulous. Not only was Riddle known as a “bad boy” he was also known as a ladies man. Almost all the girls in the school at some point or another had a crush on Tom, and he knew it. The only girl who hadn’t fallen for Tom was Minerva. Tom soon realized this, and it drove it mad. Things only went from bad to worse once Tom had set his sights on Minerva. He was so intent on making her his that whenever some one got in the way, they paid the price.
Tom soon changed his tactics and decided to show Minerva he could be as romantic and civilized just like all the other boyfriends she had had. He sent her letters declaring his love to her, flowers and chocolate on Valentines, earrings for her Birthday, and then finally on Christmas he caught her under the mistletoe.
It is strict Hogwarts tradition that if you get caught under the mistletoe with anyone, you must kiss them. Many students had reveled at this tradition, while others cringed. Minerva cringed.
He kissed her in front of the whole school during Christmas dinner. Albus had to watch in horror as his favorite student was swept off her feet by a boy who didn’t even come close to deserving her. It was no surprise to anyone when two days later they started going out. Things progressed quickly, and by the time they graduated they were madly in love. Three months later they were married, Albus was invited but he came up with an excuse not to go, he couldn’t bare thinking about it.
Now, as he watched her tear smeared face as she raced around the room, he wished he had come to see her more often. She was packing; Albus knew she had already suspected that something was wrong before she received the letter. She stuffed the last piece of clothing into her trunk, and emptied her jewelry case. She closed it up, and shrank the trunk, putting it into her pocket. She took one look at the room, wiping the tears from her eyes and face, and then walked out of the door.
Albus followed her, but quickened his pace when he heard raised voices. He got in the hallway only to see a furious Tom Riddle towering over Minerva. The argument was muffled, but Albus jumped when all of a sudden Tom slammed Minerva against the wall, still yelling at her. The voices became clearer now, and he could hear what they were saying.
“You promised me! You promised me that you would stay with me forever! You lied!” yelled Tom, slamming Minerva’s head against the wall. “You’ve betrayed me!”
Minerva struggled to keep her footing, “Tom, please! You’re hurting me!”
“Good!” he yelled back. “You’ll never be free of me Minerva, you’re mine! You’ll always be mine!” He grabbed her head, and forced his lips onto hers.
Minerva tried to pull away, but his grip was too strong. When he finally let go, he got out his wand, and pointed it at Minerva’s chest. He muttered something that Albus made out to be “Levatoris”, and Minerva seemed to float in the air momentarily, before falling back to floor. Tom’s attention was momentarily somewhere else, and Minerva took advantage of that. With a faint ‘pop’ she had apparated from the house. Tom let out a roar of rage, and punched the wall Minerva had been slumped against. He let out deep breaths, and calmed down enough to smile evilly.
“Levatoris,” he recited, “A spell of dark magic origin, which binds its victim to the caster for eternity. The caster can call the victim in 50 years and that person’s body will change back to its original state at the time of the casting. The person will also never be able to leave the caster, unless the caster is challenged by another for the ownership of the victim.” He bent down to pick up Minerva’s wedding ring, “You’ll be mine again, just like I promised.”
At that point the dream had ended, and Albus had woken up with some very worrying images in his head.

[hasimausi]

Upps! Did I really forget to say how much I liked this story?

Sorry, but I was so distracted by the fact that someone would DARE.....

OK, here goes: I LIKE! I LIKE!

Please update sooon *bats eyelashes*

[hasimausi]

Oh nooo! Poor Minerva *sniff*

OK, I could suggest some other person who would gladly challenge Tommyboy .... ;D

(Sorry about the confusion with my previous post, you must have updated a nanosecond before I hit the enter key)

[Isabelle]

This is a very intriguing and very neat idea. I look forward to learning more about this dream of Albus's and for your next update!

Liz

[Alesia]

Obviously Albus's dream was a vision of the past. I hate the thought of anyone "owning" Minerva but if it has to be someone I would much rather it be Albus then Tom.

[Jessabelle]

wow this is very interesting .. please post again soon .. very soon!

[StarCrossed158]

I'm glad you like it! This my first ever story so I'll take allt he help I can get!

And don't worry, I would never let Minerva be owned by anyone!

[StarCrossed158]

Chapter 3

Harry was sitting in Charms class, desperately trying to pay attention to Professor Flitwick’s lecture. His head was throbbing; he’d had this terrible headache all morning.
“Mr. Potter! Please try and pay attention!”
Harry jumped, and looked up to see Professor Flitwick looking at him.
“Sorry sir” Harry mumbled.
As Harry flipped through his book to find the right page, there was a sharp pain in his scar. He furrowed his brow and touched it with his hand; his scar hadn’t hurt this bad in ages. Many thought that the connection between Harry and Voldemort had somewhat lessened over the years, but Harry knew it wasn’t true. He silently cursed himself for not telling Dumbledore about all the times his scar hurt, but it just seemed a little childish to run to him every time something happened.
“Harry!”
Harry looked over to see Hermione looking at him, eyebrows raised.
“You’re on the wrong page!”
Harry quickly turned a couple pages ahead, and pretended to read over the material. The classroom was silent now, as all the students began to read about a new technique of charming something.
‘Meratiso raeth vatlero’ said a silky voice.
Harry looked around; nobody appeared to have heard anything. Maybe it was just the pain from the headache. He went back to reading, trying to shake it off.
‘Sartus nirta Levatoris’ said the voice again, this time louder.
Harry turned to Hermione, “Did you hear that?”
“Hear what?” she asked, looking slightly worried.
“It’s probably nothing,” he answered, “don’t worry about it.”
All of a sudden a blinding light flashed in front of Harry’s eyes. When it faded, he was in a whole different room. He looked around; the place was falling apart at the seams. The wallpaper was peeling off, and the boards coming off the window frames. Harry breathed in, and immediately began coughing. The entire place smelt of smoke and mildew, and something else Harry couldn’t quite identify.
“Enter”
Harry spun around to seen a figure sitting in the shadows. The doors behind him opened and Lucius Malfoy walked into the room.
‘That’s not possible’ thought Harry, Lucius Malfoy was put in Azkaban last year. There was no way he had been released?
Malfoy knelt in front of the shadowy figure.
“My Lord,” said Malfoy, “You summoned me?”
“Yes” said the same silky voice, which Harry now recognized as Voldemorts’. “You are to make preparations for the fall of Hogwarts.”
“My lord,” said a surprised Malfoy, “So soon?”
“Yes, I will be going in person,” said Voldemort, “It is time we eliminated Dumbledore once and for all, and besides, I have something to take care of, personally.”
The room started to wobble and the picture blurred, and when Harry opened his eyes, he saw a worried Madame Pompfrey standing over him.

[StarCrossed158]

Sorry It's so short, the next chapter is longer I promise!
O.k. I lie, but chapter 5 is longer!

[nena]

O.k. I've actually registered now, so I'm actually a member of the site I'm posting on! I've pre-written the story up to Chapter 13, so I'll try not to post it all too quickly! Please leave your suggestions and comments! Any advice is welcome!

[Jessabelle]

Please post again real soon .. Is Dumbledore going to find out what is going on? Please say that Harry is going to tell him and not be an idiot about this. I cannot wait to see what the next chapter is all about ..Pplease post it soon! Especially since I now know that you have it written! Lol. Excellent writing!

[nena]

:-*Thank you so much! I'll post again tommorow, as my parents are kicking me off the computer for the night.
I'm so glad you like it!




Later: O.k. I lie again! I've managed to squeeze a few more minutes!

[nena]

Chapter 4

Minerva found herself again sitting in the Great Hall, in the seat to the right of Albus. She should have been relieved that the day was over and that it was a Friday, but instead she was worrying about the contents of that dreadful letter. She had not opened it that morning because she didn’t want it distracting her all day. In reality, she was just avoiding the unavoidable. Now she sat at the staff table, with a plate full of food, while everybody else was close to finishing. She couldn’t eat. Her stomach was doing flips, and she felt sick at the thought of telling Albus. She had never kept any secrets from him, except this one, and she dreaded the look that would be on his face when she told him what should have been said 50 years ago.
“Minerva, dear, you have hardly eaten anything, are you feeling all right?” Albus asked, looking worried.
“Oh, I’m just not particularly hungry right now.” she lied, forcing a weak smile.
Albus still looked worried, but decided not to push it right this moment. He was still wondering whether to tell her about his dream or not. He could not be sure whether it was a memory from Tom or in fact just a dream.
She had to do it; Minerva thought to herself, do it now or you’ll never do it.
“Albus,” she said, sounding a little weak, “I was wondering if I could talk to you about something, if you have the time of course.”
“Of course, my dear, we’ll walk up to my office after dinner is finished.” Albus said with a smile.
Sure enough, as the number of students started to thin in the Great Hall, Albus and Minerva got up to leave and walk to his office. As Minerva started walking down the hallway, which was still fairly full of students, she began to feel slightly dizzy. She stumbled a little bit, but quickly steadied herself. Albus gave her a worrying look, but she just smiled and kept walking. Her head began to fill up with vicious whispers, saying things she could neither hear nor understand. She didn’t get very far before her legs totally gave out, and she had to grab onto Albus to keep from falling. Albus grasped a hold of her before she went totally limp and he had to lay her on the floor. Her face was ash white, and she had suddenly gone very cold.
“Minerva!” he said, panicking, “Minerva, can you hear me? Please say something!”
By that time, a number of students had gathered around the two professors and were watching wide eyed as Professor Dumbledore gathered Professor McGonagall into his arms hurriedly, and carried her off to the Hospital Wing.

*******

Harry Potter had heard that Professor McGonagall had collapsed in the hallway, but he soon saw things for his own eyes, when Professor Dumbledore burst into the Hospital Wing carrying McGonagall. Harry had been in the Hospital Wing all afternoon, because of horrible pains in his scar. Things had gotten bad enough that he started hearing Voldemort’s voice but then his scar actually started to bleed. As Madame Pompfrey rushed over to the Professors, he could barely hear their hushed conversation.
“Albus, what happened? How did she get like this?” said Pompfrey as she inspected Minerva, who had gone unbelievably pale.
“I don’t know Poppy, but she didn’t look well during dinner either.” said Dumbledore, “Poppy I need you to treat her for possible signs of the Levatoris Curse”
Poppy looked aghast, “What! She can’t have that! Even if she did Albus, you can’t treat it! You know that! The best I can do for her is keep her here until she gets through the first stage.”
Dumbledore looked devastated, yes he did know that Poppy couldn’t stop the curse, but he had hoped there was something she could do to slow the stages. He looked at Minerva again; apparently his dream did have truth to it.
He turned to Poppy, “I’ll be staying here tonight Poppy, just in case.”
With that he pulled over a chair and sat beside Minerva’s bed, and held her hand.

[QuillofMinerva]

This is a really good story especially since this is the first one you have posted and welcome to the board btw

Looking forward to reading more and I do hope Minerva is okay. The Tom Riddle connection is interesting.

Keep up the good work

Clayre x

[nena]

Thanks bunches for all your comments, I'm really glad you guys like it!

[nena]

Chapter 5

Harry looked on as Dumbledore sat there all night, just holding her hand. Occasionally he would look out the window, but he never let go of her hand. Harry had heard the rumors that Dumbledore and McGonagall were married or an item, but they were never anything more than rumors. Now as he watched them, he could see why people thought they were a couple.
It was getting late and as Harry tried to get comfy for the night, he knocked the side table by accident. As his bowl went crashing to the ground, he looked up and saw Dumbledore looking at him. For the first time that night, he saw Dumbledore smile, but only half heartedly. He let go of McGonagall’s hand and walked over to Harry.
“I didn’t see you there Harry,” said Dumbledore, “What brought you here?”
“I’ve had these terrible headaches all day, and then I started hearing Voldemort’s voice in my head.” said Harry, “I went into this kind of dream, and when I woke up my scar was bleeding and I was in the Hospital Wing.”
Dumbledore looked unusually worried upon hearing Harry’s answer, and began to massage his temples, as though this information had caused a sudden headache. He couldn’t help but wonder if Harry’s sudden headaches and Minerva collapsing were somehow connected. He looked at Harry only to see him giving him a questioning look. He took a deep breath, and sat down beside Harry’s bed.
“Harry, what I’m about to tell you is to stay strictly between the two of us.” Dumbledore said seriously, “Do you understand?”
Harry slowly nodded his head; he wasn’t quite sure what could be so important that no one else could know.
“Not even Ron and Hermione, sir?” he asked.
Dumbledore considered it for a moment, “They have proven their loyalty to you,” he said, “I suppose you could confide in them.”
He took a moment to gather his thoughts and then he looked Harry straight in the eyes.
“Harry, I told you before that I was the one who went to go see Tom Riddle and brought him to Hogwarts.” He started off slowly, “I was also his Transfiguration teacher for the seven years he was at school. During the last year he was at school, he started sending love letters to a girl, who was the best of her class.”
Harry couldn’t see how any of this had to do with his scar bleeding, or the voices in his head, but decided to keep that to himself.
“That girl was one of my favorite students, Harry, and I could never see her going out with Riddle. Sure enough, however, come Christmas time he had worked his charm and they became a couple.”
Dumbledore looked particularly distressed at this point, and Harry wondered if there was more to the story that he was letting on.
Dumbledore took a deep breath, and continued. “They got married a year after they graduated, and it seemed as though they had the perfect union. But, as the years past, Tom was away from home a lot, and worrying reports of attacks on Muggles kept making their way to his wife. Six years into the marriage, and everything was going down hill. His wife finally decided to apply to be an Auror, but she was turned down because of disturbing reports about her husband’s activities.” At this point Dumbledore brought his eyes up to meet Harry’s, “Harry, the girl who married Tom, her name was Minerva McGonagall.”
“What!” said Harry, jumping up, “Professor McGonagall was married to Voldemort!? That’s...that’s impossible!”
“I’m afraid there’s more Harry,” said Dumbledore somberly, “Voldemort caught Professor McGonagall trying to leave, and he became infuriated. Somewhere along the line he performed a spell on her called Levatoris.”
“I’ve never heard of it before.” said Harry.
“Most people never have,” continued Dumbledore solemnly, “For which I am eternally thankful. It is from the darkest of magic; it binds its victim to the person who cast the spell, but that person must wait 50 years before they can force their victim to return to them. When it is time, the caster says a few spells, and then the victim goes through a series of stages.”
“Is that why Professor McGonagall collapsed?” asked Harry.
“I believe so,” said Dumbledore, “She is now going through the first stage, which will take her body back to its original state 50 years ago.”
“So it’s going to make her look 50 years younger?” asked Harry, fairly confused.
“Yes, and then Voldemort will pay her a series of visits, in which he will perform the other stages, which no wizard alive has ever seen.” finished Dumbledore.
Harry sat silently for a moment; he understood what Dumbledore was saying. Voldemort had staked his claim on Professor McGonagall years ago, and now he was coming to get her back. How this all tied in with his scar bleeding, he had no idea.
“The reason I’ve told you all this Harry, is because I believe through your connection with Lord Voldemort, you heard the initiation spell, and through your scar you felt his pleasure at knowing 50 years of waiting was over.” said Dumbledore, with a disgusted look on his face, “You could be in grave danger if Voldemort finds out about this. Everyone thought that after he took your blood, the connection was severed, apparently, it remains.”
Harry looked up at the Professor, “What are we going to do? Madame Pompfrey said their was nothing you could do to stop the changes in Professor McGonagall.”
“She wasn’t entirely correct,” said Dumbledore, “There is a spell we can perform, but it will only keep Voldemort from coming to perform the unknown stages.”
“So there is nothing we can do to keep her from changing?” asked Harry
“No, but only her body will change,” said Dumbledore, “She will look and feel younger, when in fact she has 70 years of memories in her head.”
“Professor, there’s something I didn’t tell you ...”
Harry never got a chance to finish; a voice rang out, cutting through the Hospital Wing like a knife.
“NO!”

[Alesia]

Harry had better be getting ready to tell him about Lucius and co being on the way. Silly boy.

I really like what you are doing with this. The spell is ingenious.

[nena]

Don't worry about Harry, he's just having one of those stupid boy moments!

Glad you like it so far!

[JKMcGonagall]

Welcome to the board. New authors are always welcomed with open arms.

I love the title of your story. It reminds me of another series of books that I love called "The Dark is Rising Series". I'm not sure why it reminds me of them, I will have to go look at them.

The spell that you had Tom cast on Minerva is really awesome and very scary. To think that someone can come and take control of you in fifty years is a frightening thought. Very, very dark magic indeed. Tom is a very twisted person.

I hope Harry shares his vision with Albus before it is too late.

I am looking forward to reading your next chapter and wondering how the trio will be trying to help out. You know they will.

Kay

[Jessabelle]

Oh, don't leave us there for to long. I am really enjoying this. Update again soon please!
- Jess

[Isabelle]

Man oh man! You updated quite fast and I missed those last few chapters. You just gone and dangeld me over a cliff. You must not leave me hanging here, I don't think I can handle it! Great job so far!

Liz

[QuillofMinerva]

Looking forward to reading more!

Clayre x

[nena]

I can't resist updating! I'm so bad! Well anyway, here's the next chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 6

Minerva was sat up in her bed, as pale as a ghost, eyes frantic, looking at her reflection in the window pane. She touched her face cautiously, as if she was imagining it. She knew the curse would make her look younger, but she had no idea it would happen so fast. Her face was fuller; she could see her natural redness coming back on her cheeks. Her wrinkles were non-existent, and her lips fuller. She could see everything crystal clear, and had no need for glasses. Her dark, wavy hair was voluminous and lively. She was in such a trance that she didn’t even hear Albus’ footsteps as he walked up behind her, and jumped out of her skin when he put his hand on her shoulder.
“Jesus! Albus you scared me!” she said looking up at him.
He managed a faint smile, but for the most part couldn’t take his eyes off of the woman sitting in front of him. It was literally like stepping back 50 years. Suddenly all the feelings he had repressed burst to the surface, and he wanted nothing more than to sweep her off her feet and kiss her. Then he realized something, he had no chance of ever being with Minerva now, even if they did stop the stages. She looked 20, and a stunning 20. He on the other hand looked close to 80, and had no chance of ever wooing her. The sudden excitement he had felt when he first set eyes on Minerva had faded into a depressive lull, and he found it hard to maintain his smile.
“Sorry dear, but I do believe it was you who scared us.” said Albus, “I had thought you would sleep for the next 5 years.”
Minerva smiled wryly, “You make it sound like some kind of Muggle fairy tale.” she said, trying to sound relaxed.
“Far from it, my dear, far from it.” Albus muttered.
Minerva found herself suddenly feeling guilty about not telling Albus about everything sooner. He didn’t deserve to be put through this, not after the fiasco of the past years. He hid it skillfully, but Minerva could see he was hurt, and the feeling inside her stomach only got worse when she realized it was her fault.
“Albus, I’m so sorry!” she said tearfully, “I wanted to tell you, but I ... I didn’t know how! No one knows about this, and I thought ... I don’t know what I thought.”
By this point tears were steadily coming down Minerva’s cheeks and she was on the verge of a full breakdown. Albus gently sat down on the side of her bed, and pulled her towards him; embracing her. She wrapped her arms around him, and quietly sobbed into his beard.
“Minerva, none of this is your fault,” he soothingly whispered to her, “I would never dream of being mad at you, not about this anyway.”
She pulled away, and looked at him for a moment, the corners of her mouth slightly turned upwards. She loved him so much. She had ever since she was at school, but quickly forgot the idea when she realized he would never be interested in her. Instead, she made the fateful decision to go out with Tom Riddle instead, a decision that would most likely haunt her to her grave.
“Thank you” she whispered.
They sat there forever, Minerva’s head gently resting on his shoulder, as he silently held her in his arms and swayed back and forth.

*******

Unbeknownst to Minerva and Albus, someone was watching them. His scarlet eyes blazed through the darkness. As he watched that old man touch his Minerva, he felt as though he could blast him into oblivion right there and then.
‘No’, he told himself, ‘there will be a time to kill the old fool, watch the pain in his eyes as you take her away. Revenge’
He had to admit, his plan was quite ingenious. Apparently the boy had some uses after all, and now that he could use him for more than a few minutes, and the boy didn’t even know it was happening to him, it was like looking through a peep hole. It seemed like he had his own personal spy in Hogwarts.
‘You already do’ he reminded himself.
Dumbledore wouldn’t even know he was there, as long as he kept his distance. He could also watch Minerva, study her daily schedule, so he could know where she was all times of the day.
‘Only a few more weeks’ he told himself, ‘Then everything will be yours.’

*******

Harry looked on, as the two professors sat silently entwined. He couldn’t help but stare at Professor McGonagall. She was so beautiful, of course she had been good looking even at 70, but he hadn’t been prepared for what he saw in front of him.
After Dumbledore had gotten up to see what was wrong, Harry followed him, and watched as Dumbledore and McGonagall finally embraced, at which point he returned to his bed, sensing that they needed privacy. He had felt slightly woosy upon sitting down, but figured it was just the potion Madame Prompfrey had given him. As he finally fell into sleep, he could not help feel a sense of foreboding surrounding the rather sudden turn of events.

[Jessabelle]

hmmm .. this is certainly interesting .. I am not quite sure what to say about this chapter .. I am glad that they have a few weeks to figure out what they want to do though .. poat again soon please!
- Jess

[Isabelle]

I am rather intirgued. I love an author who can't resist updating!

Liz

[nena]

Chapter 7

“You’re kidding!” said an amazed Ron Weasley.
Harry had just told Ron and Hermione, what had happened in the Hospital Wing the night before. He could tell from the wide eyes of his friends that they were as amazed as he was.
“But Harry,” started Hermione, “That means he could try and kill you, and what if he already knows about the bond, he could use you as a looking glass.”
“I know,” said Harry, “I already told Dumbledore about my dream in Charms, after I was released from the Hospital wing, but I don’t think anything else is going to happen.”
“So, it’s for sure that he’s coming?” asked Ron, worriedly.
Harry nodded solemnly, “Yeah, it’s for sure.”
“Surely, Dumbledore knows of a way to stop all of this.” said Hermione, “I mean, isn’t, You Know Who supposed to be afraid of him?”
“He said there was something, but he didn’t go into detail about it.” said Harry.
“So we just have to sit here and wait for You Know Who to come and kill us?” asked Ron, sarcastically.
Harry looked at him, “Over my dead body.”

Chapter 8

Minerva had been released from the Hospital Wing the next day, and as soon as she set foot in the hallway, she received funny looks from all the students. Rumors spread like diseases, and the hallways filled with whispers of,
“Who is she?” “That’s a looker there mate!” “Is she a teacher?”
It was not until Sunday afternoon that somehow someone learned of what had actually happened, and then, naturally, the whole school knew. Professor Dumbledore traced the leak to Draco Malfoy, who no doubt had heard about it from his father, who Dumbledore had just learned, had escaped from Azkaban. It was of no matter for concern, however, what really troubled him was what Minerva had shown him the night before. A letter she had received the day before, from Lord Voldemort. It said:

Dearest Minerva,
I trust that you receive this letter in good health, and that you have prepared for the events that are now at hand.
Fifty years ago I promised you that you would be with me forever, and now is time for me to fulfill that promise. You betrayed me, but now you will see the error of your ways. By the time you read this letter the changes that come with the first stage will have already begun. You know that there are two more ‘unknown’ stages that will come later. I warn you now, either cooperate, or I will be forced to kill students, one-by-one, until you do.
Events are already set in place now for the siege of Hogwarts, and you can be assured that it will fall. If you fight against me in this siege, consequences will follow. You would do best to remain in your rooms for the entire battle.
I look forward to having you in my arms again; you always knew it was your fate.
You’re Husband,
Lord Voldemort
P.S. Merry Christmas

Albus could still see the terrified look on Minerva’s face as she read the letter, and then read it again. They had sat together then, on Minerva’s couch, he held her as silent tears slipped down her cheeks. He could see her resolve slowly dissolving, and it was because of that he worried about her. They could almost be certain that Voldemort would attack on December 25; Christmas day, the exact date Minerva had left him 50 years ago. They still had three weeks until then, but it wasn’t enough time.
They could send the students home tomorrow, but even that was too dangerous. Albus was willing to bet that Voldemort already had a group of Deatheaters in the area, and that any attempt to evacuate would end up in a massacre.

*******

Minerva came to see him the next morning, and he almost fell out of his chair at the sight of her. She was wearing one of the new outfits she had had to order, because of her change in size. It was a blue-green dress, with a bodice and a square cut top, with a flowering design running down the middle. Over the top she had floor length over-robe, of the same colour green, only a little darker. Her hair was up, but she had let little curls hang down as well.
It took him a few seconds to actually register that she was talking to him, at which point he started listening.
“I mean, I’m not sure me teaching again is such a good idea.” she said, “What if something happens during class or something? Albus?”
“My dear, I couldn’t possibly find a replacement at such short notice, even if I did agree with you” he replied with an encouraging smile.
Minerva gave him a withering look and sank into a nearby chair. She wasn’t entirely comfortable wearing such a lower cut dress, but on such late notice, that was all the store carried. What would her students think? They were used to the 70 year old Minerva McGonagall, who wore covered up, modest dresses.
“I feel like such a child!” she said frustrated, “It’s not like I haven’t been teaching for almost 50 years!”
Albus smiled, “You took the words straight out of my mouth, anyway, I do believe it is time for breakfast, are you coming?”
Minerva looked doubtful, but she knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer. Albus Dumbledore wasn’t one for running away from things. She got up and took his outstretched hand.
The silence that fell over the Great Hall when the two professors walked in was deafening. Everyone turned to look at them as they walked up the isle to the staff table, and they even watched them as Albus pulled out Minerva’s chair before sitting down in his own. At that point, Albus looked at them and smiled.
“I do believe it’s time for breakfast” he said.
With a wave of his hand, breakfast appeared before them, and their minds were temporarily taken away from the staff table. Minerva gave Albus a grateful smile, and turned her attention towards buttering her toast.
Breakfast passed without any more excitement, and much to Minerva’s displeasure, it was time for her first period class. She glanced at her schedule and silently groaned; 7th year. Which also meant Draco Malfoy would be in it. She always tried to remain unbiased, but over the years it had become more and more difficult were it concerned Draco.
‘Oh, well.’ she told herself, ‘suck it up’.

*******

A couple weeks later, she walked into her classroom, to find Severus Snape was waiting for her.
‘What the hell does he want’ she thought to herself.
“Ah, Minerva. I was wondering if you could do me a favor.” he asked.
Minerva looked at him quizzically, “What did you have in mind, Severus?”
“I need you to watch my 6th period class for me, I have some important business I have to see to.” he said rather silkily.
“Yes of course, who do you have?” she asked.
“7th years, it’s just review really, nothing too much.”
With that he walked out of the classroom, leaving Minerva cursing herself, and Snape. Why did it have to be 7th year? She shook her head and walked to her desk, setting down her papers and books.
She still couldn’t believe that Albus had given Snape the ‘Defense Against Dark Arts’ job. Oh, well. He said it was only review.
A few minutes later, the bell rang and the students came into the hallways. One by one they filled her classroom, until finally Draco Malfoy strolled into class. She stood up and walked in front of her desk.
“Today we will be,” she only got four words in before a hand shot up. “Yes Mr. Malfoy?” she asked.
“Is it true that you suffering from the Levatoris curse?” he asked with a smirk.
Minerva narrowed her eyes, “I do believe that is none of you business, Mr. Malfoy. Now if you would kindly keep all questions till the end of instruction.”
She finished giving her lecture on transfiguration of a mammal, when Draco’s hand shot up again.
She sighed, “Yes Mr. Malfoy?”
“Is it also true that 50 years ago you were married to the dark lord, but liked screwing Dumbledore better, so you left him?” Malfoy asked, with an even bigger smirk.
Minerva was momentarily speechless, momentarily. “30 points from Slytherin, Mr. Malfoy, for sheer disrespect and use of crude language!” she barked, “You will come with me to see the headmaster. The rest of you will continue work on pg. 569.”
She walked down the isle of desks, and took a hold of Draco’s arm, and walked him out of the classroom.
Minerva walked briskly down the hall, still holding Malfoy’s arm. When she got up to the second floor she let got and turned to walk up another flight of stairs. All of a sudden Malfoy slammed her into a nearby wall, hitting her head. She was slightly dazed, and tried to regain her footing, reaching for her wand, but Malfoy was too quick. He hit her in the diaphragm, which caused her to loose her breath and gasp for air, her wand falling to the floor. He then pulled her into an empty classroom, and pushed her to the floor. When Minerva looked up again, she gasped, Draco Malfoy was no longer standing above her. Instead, she was met with the terrifying scarlet eyes of Lord Voldemort.

[Isabelle]

Woah!! I didn't see that coming! You must update soon! I need to find out what happens!

Liz