Rating: PG

Spoilers: HBP if you squint hard

Summary: Minerva has a night time visitor.

Disclaimer: I don't own it. I don't make money off of it. I have nothing to give if I am sued. JK Rowling owns it all I just torture the characters.

I watch you sleep and my soul aches. You don't even know I am here so innocent in slumber you lay. Your arm thrown over your head fingers stretched as if reaching for something in your dreams. A content sigh escapes you and a small smile graces your perfect lips. I find a smile tug at my own to see you so at ease. When you wake that innocence will disappear and the sadness will return. You bear the weight of the world on your shoulders and will not let anyone take an ounce. I find myself wanting to leave knowing I should not be so privileged to see such a sacred site. Like an irreverent pilgrim who knows they not see the very face of God I cannot turn away. I sit down so careful not to shift the bed and half fearful and half excited like a naughty child I reach out and stroke your soft hair. I savor the silky feeling against my fingertips yet I pull my hand away as you shift. I am fearful that you will awaken and the innocence will be lost. You do wake and I let out a breath I do not know I hold. I have gotten too close to the flame and I know I must now leave. I stand and instinctively I lean forward to kiss your forehead and whisper as I leave what I can never say.

"I love you my Tabby."

I head toward the door sadness once again weighing upon my soul. I do not hear the answer you murmur in your dreams. It is too late for me as I walk through the door.

"Albus I love you."