Forever Dying

by Purple Eyed Cat

Warning: Major HBP spoilers. I am not going to write a summary here, considering that gives away most of the plot of this story and a major HBP spoiler. Just, read with caution. Agnsty and fluffy oneshot.

A/N: Major HBP spoilers, do not read if you haven't finished the book.

Summary: Minerva McGonagall mourns Albus, and is comforted by the fact that he will, in some way, always be with her.

Disclaimer: I own none of these characters, just Minerva's thoughts. Everything else belongs to J.K. Rowling.

Now to the story:

Minerva McGonagall, headmistress of Hogwarts, watched as Hagrid bore Albus Dumbledore's body to its final resting place. On the outside, Minerva showed nothing but strength and determination; but on the inside, her heart was shattered. Albus, the man that had stood by her side for so many years, was gone. With the rest of the school, she mourned his passing, but she was suffering even more, because she had not had the chance to tell the great wizard that she loved him.

As the flames began to consume the late headmaster's body, Minerva couldn't take it any longer. She broke down, sobbing quietly. She didn't care that the students were staring at their once-stern teacher, who was crying like everyone else. All she wanted was for Albus to comfort her, to tell her that everything would be alright. Albus had been her rock, her pillar, and she couldn't believe she was gone. It brought the realization that the war was upon them crashing down.

But Minerva still hoped; that was why she had left Albus's seat in the Great Hall empty; it was like saying they still had hope of his return someday.

A flash of gold and red swept by her; Minerva smiled through her tears as she watched Fawkes fly joyfully through the flames, and then vanish. Minerva knew that the phoenix had gone to be with Albus, never again to be reborn in the ashes of the fire.

As the last flame disappeared, Minerva thought of a quote, a quote that she had heard many years ago, a quote that gave her the hope that she would see Albus again one day:

"Each day we die a little more."

So, that was my first attempt at a Dumbledore/McGonagall one-shot. I hoped you liked, but remember, this is my first attempt at this ship, so please be lenient.

Please review!

Purple Eyed Cat