Near but not with you

[Dream's Girl]

A/N: Just look at this and tell what do you think!

-Albus, are you sure that it is right? Don’t think that I am against it, but you are determining his fate ...

-No, Minerva. Harry will live with the Dursleys.

-You know what they are Albus! They will not love the boy. I doubt that Lily and James would like to see their son living with these... people...

-No, -had answered the man before turning over to the window. We already talked about this, and I see no point in repeating ...

-I pray thee, think! -Thwarted the voice of the woman as she insisted.- This is a mistake, obviously! They hate us! They hate Potter! They will take away Harry's childhood!

-He will never have a childhood... -without turning around, the man spoke.-

-He will, Albus! Yes, his parents are no more, but there are many other deserving families who, if not loving Harry, would at least not hate him!

-I will not leave the boy in the magic world, full stop. Let's end this conversation. - It was evident that he was already beginning to be nasty.

-You will not change your mind? This is so much of you! - The woman also began to lose patience.- Why did you decide for the child? Why did you take this decision alone?

He remained silent, but didn’t turn.
Realizing that the answer didn’t come, Minerva continued:

-I have the same right as you to take care of the child! Did you listen to me, or not at all?

-Yes, I did. But nothing new has yet been observed...
The woman only sighed. Then, calmed down, she walked to the man from behind and putting her hand on his shoulder, said:

-You want me to obey you and take your words as faith... but you do not explain. No. So you cannot, Albus...

The old man turned around, took her hand in his and touched it with his lips. And then a quiet voice replied.

-You are right, Minerva. But there are cases when there’s no other way...

-Cases ... – repeated the woman.- You will not explain. I do all of your orders strictly, trusting you on the floor... You say that you trust me, but I do not believe in it. You deceived me again, like last time ...

-I’m sorry ... - the man whispered. - Sorry ...

She touched his elbow, deploying to a person. Her eyes looked closely at his face, trying to find answers to her questions.

-Will you explain to me why Harry has to be left with the Dursleys?

-No ... - replied the man.

The woman sighed and turned. She went to the door. On the threshold she stopped and, without looking at him, said:

-There will always be allies... there will always be enemies... you do not trust in anyone, Albus... but when you will once need a friend, you will realize that you have nobody there. And there is nobody to blame. You will regret it Albus...
The door closed silently, leaving one man in a dark room.

Eleven years later. Hogwarts hadn’t changed, and neither had people. But times had changed. Finally the Great Hall doors opened for the young wizards and the Sorting hat identified him as a Gryffindor. It wasn’t news for anyone. The boy who had defeated Voldemort was setting forth the name of a hero. But it was still quite a child, and Albus had not responded to his questions. Why would he frighten the boy so early? The Dark lord had disappeared for a while now… It was summertime. Harry went to London. And in the office of the Headmaster, people were talking again.

-So, the boy did not have a single question? - Minerva asked in surprise.

-No, - swung his head Dumbledore.
The woman left a half empty cup of tea and standing up from the chair, walked to the fireplace. Calm slowly flickered to a flame grilled. Brand occasional crackled and red sparks flied from the fire, burning little holes in the carpet lying near.

-Do you want to say he was not interested in the fact that You- know-who attacked him? - Minerva asked without turning round.

-Most likely, it is interesting - Albus shrugged. - But he said nothing.

-You are a first-class liar, Albus. I do not know why others did not notice, but I see it - the woman sighed. - I don’t believe that Potter did not ask you anything. I don’t believe it… Eventually, the boy is just eleven years old; he could not understand the whole...
Dumbledore stood up from the chair and went to the fireplace. He stopped next to McGonagall.

- The truth may be too unpleasant. I do not want to spoil his childhood.

-You have already ruined it, sending the boy at the Dursleys - Minerva smiled.
-It was the best option for him. They are his family ...

-Do you justify them? – said the woman. - Yes, they humiliated him, insulted him, and you...

-I do not justify them – the man interrupted her. - I expected that they would treat him lovingly. It seemed to me that, at least, his aunt would love him: he is the son of her sister.

-And as always, this is your faith in the human nature! –said Minerva- And you did the same with Severus! He gave Potter, and you forgave him, and even more: you led him to Hogwarts!

-I had a reason! - Cut Dumbledore.

-But I told you they wouldn’t want, no? What did you want me to do? – She turned to him and shouted. – “Trust me, as everyone?" That's it… as everyone!

- Stop shouting, Minerva! – answered the man. - I really trust you!

- Stop lying! Lord, Albus, why? –a frustrated female voice asked. - Because I always knew you; I never betrayed you! I have not earned ...

Dumbledore embraced her by the shoulders and, looking in her eyes, whispered:

-There is no need, I ask you Minerva. Besides you, I do not have anybody, you know... If you stop trusting me, I’ll remain alone...

-You always were alone - lowering her eyes, said McGonagall.- You’re so comfortable... and I have always been close, but not with you... I have measured so that you do not love me, but with the constant lies I do not want to tolerate anymore.

Removing his hands, Minerva turned and walked to the door.

-Wait, - he took her by the elbow and prayed.

- Leave - Minerva shook her head.

-No, Wait! - he again took her by the shoulders.

-Stop it! If you now say that... that you love me, I swear that I’ll strike you.

-But that's true...

-Shut up! Shut up now... you already tell me tales, so do not make things even worse. Your worst falsehood is accepted. Do not you pity me? – She added very quietly.

-God, Minnie, forgive me! - he pressed her against him and softly repeated: - Please forgive. If you only knew why I should be silent! but I can’t tell you. You are the dearest for me, and if something happens to me...

-Stop, your caring – said Minerva. – What wrong could happen to you now? All is over since the next resurrection of Voldemort. And then... well, again you do not tell me.

Taking up the handle of the door, she turned her head and said with a smile curve:

-You know I'm surprised myself… I can think of what you tell to a poor boy, if you don’t even speak to the dearest for you...
The door shut with a sound; silence sharp punch on the wooden table.

It took another four years: long difficult years. It seemed that they would never end. Hogwarts had changed. People had changed. The times hadn’t change. The threat that seemed so shallow and transparent suddenly became clear and obvious. Voldemort was back. The Ministry did not believe it; but it wasn’t important. Their denial didn’t mean that the Dark Lord wasn’t reviving. He saw, he killed again. A war broke out. Not now but soon it would start. The effects of it would have the most terrible consequences...
There was a quiet knock at the door. The professor came in the semi-cabinet. The clock on the wall began to beat ten: one... two... three...

- Albus, what are we going to do?
Dumbledore raised his hands lowered to his face and looked tired at Minerva.

-We need to act. The Ministry doesn’t believe us, but not all of them agree. We need allies, Minerva.

-You will gather the Order, won’t you? - She asked, approaching his table.
The man nodded.

-Another War: other murders, the blood loss... how is he doing, Albus? How did he come back?

-The ancient black magic – he was tired, he let out.

- The bone of a parent, the selected force from the blood of the worst enemy, the freely given flesh of the servants... - quietly let out the woman. She was not asking, she claimed.-

-It was a trap, everything was a trap... encircled us round... - uttered Dumbledore. – So that we gave it back. I did not notice he was a substitute.

-Come on, Albus – the woman said descending her hand on his shoulder. - No one felt a fraud. No one is to blame. After all, Voldemort would still have returned. One month earlier, one month later: does it change things? But now we know where he is, what happened to him. We can trace it a step further. We do not wander in the dark.
Albus looked up and smiled. He put her hand on his.

-You are right, Minerva. At least, we are sure that he is back. And we'll be ready to meet him.
He rose from the chair and took over the shoulder of Minerva, and carried away to the fireplace. She smiled and followed him. Turning next to a hot flame, Albus turned to her and said:

-I hope you do everything possible to ensure that our new inspector feels here at home.
-Do you want to paint the entire Hogwarts in pink and have all the statues wear the white lace? – Minerva asked, amazed.

-Undoubtedly, this will be a surprise! - Dumbledore laughed. - And as he like Professor Snape…
Minerva smiled, imagining this strange vision. Yes, pink and white Hogwarts - a truly shocking scene.

-What should we do?

-The main thing is that you are with me - kissing her hand, he whispered. - I want to know that there are people who trust me; who do not give Hogwarts to the Ministry. I want to know that I have you.

-I have always been close, Albus - holding a hand on his cheek, said Minerva. - Always close ...
Smiling, she went to the door. At the threshold, stopping, she whispered:

-Near ...
Silently, the door closed. Albus turned to the window and quietly said:

-Near, but not with me...

***
Two years passed. And it seemed that ten years had occurred. Hogwarts had changed. People had changed, changed the course. War changes everything. Yes, Voldemort was back. Now he knew everything. The Ministry carried out the devils that officials were changing almost every day. Do not have confidence, even in old friends. Everywhere there were killings, arrests, often useless. And everyone knew who is behind this, but they couldn’t do anything. Yes, and that can make a man, if he does not know who to trust and who not to. They had to rely only on themselves and look out: but where?
The end of the school year came. Yes, Hogwarts was still safe, but you couldn’t be completely confident that nothing would happen. But they must act. And they should take risks.
The clock had already begun to beat eleven when the door was quietly knocked. Minerva joined the cabinet silently, like a cat, and covered the door.

-At last you came, why was it so long? - said Dumbledore.

-I had once been able to... - a surprised female voice answered. - What happened, Albus?
The man stopped in front of her.

-You will need to patrol Hogwarts, when I will not be here. - he started it. I called some people from the Order: Lupin, Tonks, Bill... they will help you.

-When?

-Tomorrow night.

- A ... - Minerva thought for a moment. - And where are you going?

-We need to separate Harry from Hogwarts for a while.

-Potter? - asked woman. - Where are you taking him?

-This is just our case with him - sigh Dumbledore. - I can not tell you...

- Well, of course - said Minerva. - This song, I have already heard it.

Okay, everything is clear. Tomorrow evening we will have to guard Hogwarts. Ok. Good night.

She quickly went to the exit and closed the door behind her.
Without waiting until Minerva remained in her closed room, the man rushed to it. As he waited for the door, it didn’t open. Without thinking, Albus cast a spell and went into the room.

McGonagall sat at the table, her arms on her chest and looking somewhere in front of her. When the door opened, Minerva looked on that side. Seeing him, she raised her eyebrows in surprise, and smiled.

-Just do not say that you come to tell the whole truth about your night chat with Potter, and where you will meet with him tomorrow.

-No, I don’t. - Calmly replied Dumbledore, passing in the room.

-Then why do you come?

-I am leaving tomorrow ...

-That I understand – which her tone didn’t express as she replied.

-This refers to Voldemort... - Albus continued.

-What? - Minerva had jumped from the chair. - Harry gathered to him...?

-Not quite - Dumbledore shook his head. - But that is directly related to...

-It is dangerous? –the woman asked leaving the table.
Albus smiled.

-All that is connected with Voldemort is dangerous ...

The room has hanging silence. They could hear the clock’s ticks. It was almost twelve. Such a short amount of time: just a few hours... but they were necessary...

-You won’t return, will you? – Minerva broke the silence.

-Why are you so convinced? - Dumbledore surprised.

-Because you came to me.

The woman stood expectantly in front of him and looked into his eyes.

-I always come back, Minnie... you know it - the man said, embracing her by the shoulders. - And this time, I will come back...

-You promise me? - Hopefully looking at him, Minerva asked.
But Dumbledore remained silent.

-So, no, - lowering the head, say Minerva. - So, you won’t return...
Eyes and lips trembled. The shoulders trembled. The man, feeling this, took the women's chin and lifted her head up.

-I do not know if I will come back... I do not know what waits for me there... I’m going into the unknown ...

-Don't go... - Minerva whispered. She knew that he still wouldn’t ask if he could avoid it.
Dumbledore shook his head.

-I…

Tear rolled down on her pale cheek.

-Why are you talking to me? –a frustrated female voice asked. - Do
not you see what I feel knowing that I now see you for the last time ...

-I could not warn you. After all, you wanted to know where and why I go. Now you know...

- Apparently, you were right, hiding it from me... I just wanted to know more...

-I already told you then, six years ago - began to Albus, holding a hand on her cheek. - But you did not want to listen... You wouldn’t believe...

-Then it was a lie, - confirmed Minerva with trembling voice. - Because I knew that you loved Grindewald. I hardly measured this and you... Now, I believe thy every word, Albus...

-But I really thought that I loved him... until a certain time. But then I realized that was wrong.
There was a silence. They only heard a wall clock’s ticks. Knock. Knock.

The sharp blow wide window frame, and the room broke the cold night air. The papers scattered throughout the cabinet, flower pots, standing on the windowsill, fell and shattered. Minerva turned away from Dumbledore and went to the window.

-There will be a thunderstorm, - the woman said while closing the window. Rama with scripts shut, taking with them the night wind rumble.

The room became quiet again. Teak, Teak, so... so...

-You know, as a child I was very afraid of thunderstorms - suddenly started Minerva. -We then had a house on the island, a small castle, made in stone; with the pinnacle ... My room had a large window in the wall. During daylight there was so much luminosity, as if I was on the street. But when it was at night... if it was quiet, I slept peacefully. And when the storm started, the window began to shake with each lightning, every sound in the room... there was an unthinkable echo and the wall was trembling... it seemed that the whole house was going to collapse ...

Dumbledore approached her and stood over her back.
-Now I understand why you are so tied to Hogwarts - holding a hand on her hair dissolved, Albus said.

-Here it’s so safe, so calm; we are separated from all over the world - said Minerva .- In a room so bright during the day and night, because there are bright stars on the island... I thought they were quite different...

Minerva cried, and, departing sharply from the window, faced Dumbledore. Albus picked her waist and spread by himself.

-This is just a storm, - he smiled.

-You see, even nature is against your leaving - reproachfully noticed the woman.

-I ask you, Minerva, - his voice trembled when he began.- I must go, and you know...

-You ask me too much – Minerva sighed, trying to move.
However, Albus did not weaken his embrace. The woman lifted her head and looked at him imploringly.

-If you must leave, the better leave now...

-You want the truth of this? - asked a man. - You want the truth to deprive us from a little to stay together?
Minerva shook her head.

-Of course not. But what will happen next? What will I do, if you do not return?

The bright flash illuminated the pair facing the window. Again, silence.

-At least once, Minerva, don’t think about the consequences - said Albus .- Live the present. Here and now only you and me. We have the time, really, it's not too little ...

She smiled.

-You 're a great strategist, Albus Dumbledore. Always the all two-step forward, but now you do not think that will happen tomorrow ...

-Well, first, not two, but three-, - smiled Dumbledore. - And secondly - yes, I ask you just to be with me. And don’t think about anything only about us.

-Well, - Minerva sighed. - That, in essence, not so much ...
Albus smiled and his lips touched her. Then he withdrew. A few seconds they just looked at each other. And then Minerva raised and kissed him. Albus responded to the kiss and pressed her to himself. Minerva pressed her hands to his closer, as close as possible .. And again silence. Only the clock struck midnight...