The dismal weather outside certainly matched her mood today. Minerva was all too aware of the soft patter against her window and the susurrus of rain falling over the grounds outside. She sighed, shrinking a few more items in her office to be taken up to the headmaster's area later. Her books, followed by various knick-knacks, photo frames and her bookshelves, all went into a small wooden box perched quite innocently on her desk.
Albus had died near the end of term and Minerva was to take his place. Although she knew that this sort of thing could happen and probably would have eventually, she wasn't ready to accept it yet. He had been a constant throughout most of her life, first as a mentor and then a dear friend. Albus was a highly respected wizard who devoted most of his time to making the world a better place. When faced with the terms of his passing, Minerva just didn't feel right to use his office or claim his position. It felt wrong, like she was betraying him somehow.
Minerva's chairs were the next to go, and she hesitated briefly before levitating them in with everything else so far. A sudden rumble drew her attention to the burgundy curtains that would remain for the next head of house. It was a pity, really, since she was quite fond of the color.
Minerva had spent most of her life in this castle, fully content in the knowledge that Albus would be there when the school needed it. He'd always been willing to listen to her when she'd wanted advice when starting out her career, and she couldn't help wishing that Albus was still around – if only to ask him how he'd been able to manage it all.
She picked up the box and glanced around the bare remains of what used to be her office before closing the door. There were so many memories in here, ones that she'd never let go of even in the face of her imminent promotion. It was a sobering thought, to climb to the next tier on account of her friend's death. For all of his good deeds, Albus was certainly a tough act to follow; he always saw the best in others, even those who had wronged him. As she made her way down the corridor, Minerva only hoped she could prove him right about herself.
Written for:
The Ring of Fire Challenge Game using the prompt: McGonagall's Office
The Genre Challenge - Hard level - rain/hurt/comfort