It took everything in her not to move, not to make a sound, not to do anything. Her wand lay on the floor where it had fallen. She raised her eyes slowly, taking in the aged man before her. Tall, and thin, with half-moon spectacles just below his sparkling blue eyes. Her own glasses were in her room next to her bed.

Minerva, is something wrong? His voice was kind, with a hint of fear.

Minerva struggled to find her voice, but she couldn t. All of her common sense had flown away with his kiss.

Albus, we-we-we can t do this. Her voice was shaking uncontrollably, and she hated herself for it, hated herself for what she felt.

You don t feel the same way. His blue eyes lost their sparkle as he sank to his chair.

Minerva stood with her back against the wall, hoping it would keep her up, knowing she couldn t do it by herself. Her breathing was still rapid, and her hair was hot and heavy on her neck.

Minerva, please, talk to me. Albus was practically begging from where he sat on his chair, his eyes full of concern, concern for her.

Albus, we can t do this. Minerva repeated, glad her voice was stronger.

A knock sounded at the Headmaster s door, and Minerva quickly wiped away a stray tear as Albus opened the door to reveal the potions professor, Severus Snape.

I am sorry Headmaster; I didn t realize you were busy. He said, catching Minerva s eye.

I was just leaving. Minerva decided quickly, Carry on.

She walked past Severus while leaning heavily on the wall, still unable to hold her own weight. The two men were silent for a few minutes after the door shut behind her.

Is she alright? Severus asked.

I m not sure The Headmaster replied, looking up at the other man.

What happened? Severus asked, sitting in the chair across the desk.

For Minerva s sake, I believe that should be kept private. Albus sighed, thinking of the way she had responded to his kiss, and then backed away quickly. What was it you wanted?

I don t wish to trouble you right now. I will come back later. Severus sighed as he stood up.

I m really quite fine. Albus replied.

No, you are not. Now go after her. Severus managed a small smile as he left and walked off down the hallway, his smile growing slightly larger when he heard the door open and shut behind him.