Night after the second task

It had been an hour after Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid found Barty dead. Now Albus, Minerva, the minister, Snape, and Moody were in Albus's office. Albus was sitting at his desk with one of his hands on his face and the other on the desk. Minerva stood next to Albus's chair, Snape and the Minister were standing next to each other in front of the desk, and Moody was just standing behind them near a post.

"It couldn't have been one of the students." The Minister said.

"So are suspecting foul play from a teacher?" Albus asked with his hand still in his face.

"You know Hogwarts has very loyal teachers Albus. Could it have been a student from one of the other schools?" Minerva asked.

"It could have been anyone sir," Snape said. "Should the Heads of the Houses be keeping an eye on what is going on after hours?"

"I'm not sure what to do at the minute Severus, I need a minute to just think this through. Perhaps you are right." Albus said.

"Albus, are we going to continue to let these events happen and do nothing?" Minerva asked. "First the dark mark, Potter's name coming out of the goblet, and not Barty is dead!"

"What do you suggest we do Professor?" Moody asked from behind. They had forgotten he was there.

"I suggest not wandering the corridors at night alone! One of us could be next Alastor!" she said firm but with concern.

"I do believe we should post up a rule or something so the students are aware there will be troubles if they wander the halls at night." The Minister said.

"I agree with Minerva and the Minister," Albus said. "We shall tell the portraits not to open their doors after hours, in or out."

"And what about the other schools?" Snape asked.

"We shall let the headmaster and mistress handle their students. However, we will tell them what is going on and that the castle will be sealed after hours."

"I do believe nobody should leave the grounds for now." The Minister added.

"Yes, yes. We shall inform them in the morning," Albus said and stood up. Minerva took a step back. "For now, we need sleep," They all nodded. Before everyone left Albus said one more thing, "I do need to speak to Severus and Minerva about some paperwork they have given so please stay." Snape stopped walking and turned around. Once Moody and the Minister were gone and the door shut, they started talking.

"Paperwork Headmaster?" Snape asked puzzled.

"That was a cover up Severus," Albus said and sat back down. "I do suspect foul play from our school. I do know neither of you have done it. You both have my full trust."

"Who do you think Albus?" Minerva asked.

"I'm not sure, I haven't put the pieces of the puzzle together yet. I do believe we should keep our eyes open at all times. All rules are very strict right now."

"Agreed." Snape said.

"I should be getting back to my room now." Minerva said. Without even thinking, Albus grabs her wrist as she turns to walk away to stop her from going. She turns and looks at him. Her eyes were telling him not to give anything away. His eyes had no twinkle in them and were begging her not to go. Minerva sighed and took her glasses off with her free hand.

"Alright." She said.

Snape just looked at the two of them but on the inside he was saying 'I knew it, I knew it!' like a little kid.

"Severus, I trust that you will not discuss what went on after the other two left with anyone, especially what just happened now." Albus said and turned to look at him.

"I would never tell a soul Headmaster." He said and he was indeed telling the truth.

Snape nodded and then headed to the door and shut it tight behind him. Once the door was shut, Albus sat up fast and pulled Minerva in for a hug. He held her close. He finally pulled away but still held her but not as close.

"You do know I can take care of myself, right Albus?"

"What you said was true, that one of us could be next." He said in a weak voice.

"Albus," she said and looked him in the eyes. "I'm not going anywhere and neither are you."

He pulled her in again, but this time kissed her. He poured his love for her into it. She finally had to break it for oxygen. She let go and put her head on his chest. He held her as close as he could.

"Albus, you were also right about us needing sleep. Tomorrow people will be asking questions and we will have to provide them with answers." She said quietly. She felt his head nod and she pulled away. He still had her hand and they went back towards the private quarters.