Written for the All You Need Is Love Competition (friendship, AlbusMinerva)
Can't Be True
Minerva sat opposite Albus' desk, tears streaking down her face. The headmaster sat opposite her, not a hint of a smile anywhere near him.
For a long while the pair sat in utter silence, contemplating the events of the past few hours. Albus could clearly see the pain in the professor's expression, and he felt no need to tell her it was all going to be okay; that he had it all sorted.
Eventually, Minerva spoke. "This… this just… this can't be true!" She struggled with her words. As a teacher and a prior Outstanding student, this had never been an issue before.
"I know, Minerva," Albus said calmly. "It is hard to believe."
"One of my own," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. Images of the smiling faces of James Potter and Sirius Black flashed through her mind. They had been a troublesome pair, but she would freely admit that she had a soft spot for both of them. She had never seen truer friends.
Well, that was what she had believed.
Albus was unsure as to whether or not she was referring to the fact that news had just come through that James and Lily Potter had been murdered, or of the reports that it had been Sirius Black who had caused such an eventful – and sad – night.
He said, "Minerva, I must go and tend to matters. Firstly, I must get the child to a safe place. Secondly, I must inform the rest of the staff. I just felt you should be the first to know."
Minerva nodded, wiping away a fresh tear that had rolled down her face. "I appreciate it, Albus," she replied weakly.
Albus offered her half a smile and reached out to pat her right hand which was resting on his desk. "I will all be okay," he said.
Minerva nodded again. "I believe it when you say it, Albus," she said, and forced a smile from her lips. She shook her head. "I just can't believe it."
"Nor can I," Albus answered. "It is a very strange situation." The headmaster stood from his chair and Minerva followed suit.
"Where will the child go?" she wanted to know.
Albus nodded. "I will tell you, Minerva," he said. "However, before I do, I have but one request of you."
"Anything," Minerva answered.
Albus smiled. "You will need to watch the people who live at number four Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey."
Minerva made to ask, but Albus shook his head. "Please, Minerva, just do as I ask."
The witch nodded and left the office, shaking her head. She hoped that in the morning this would all be just a terrible, horrible, terrifying, bad dream.
Um, so this was another last minute deadline kind of thing. I cannot wait to have all my challenges under check again. Back in the day when I used to get them in on time. Like, weeks before the deadline. How I miss those days.
I hope you enjoyed. Please let me know what you thought!
