Chapter Six – Albus' POV
He made his way down the tower steps about half an hour later, still shivering slightly from the December chill of the night winds. Heading directly towards his rooms, Albus let his mind wander back towards his visit so far to Hogwarts, and what he'd learned so far. But, it really wasn't really much when he thought of it.
He'd learned that Minerva hadn't been to class all year. That she, even though she hadn't been to class, wanted to student-teach for him next year. Tom Riddle and Rubeus Hagrid apparently didn't get along at all since the year before. Rubeus and Minerva's friendship seemed to have deepened greatly in the past year. That, as all of his thoughts reminded him so much, he couldn't seem to get Minerva off his mind.
"Albus," Armando called, turning the corner that lead to his rooms, "A quick word in my office please?" He looked worried and without waiting for a response, Armando turned and lead the way towards his office.
Arriving at the gargoyle guarding his office, Armando paused, looking towards one of his best friends. And as Albus stopped besides him, he gave the password, and the two stepped onto the staircase. As they revolved slowing around the center post, Albus watched as his friend eyed him closely. Finally deciding to give in, Albus sighed, "What is it?"
"Minerva," Armando replied, "she's too young Albus." He pushed open his office door, and crossed the room, taking a seat behind his desk. "Minerva is only nineteen Albus, she's forty-four years your junior. Why do you keep treating her so differently compared to the others?"
" 'Others?' What do you mean?" Albus asked, settling himself in a chair opposite Armando's turned back.
"I don't want you to break her heart Albus," Armando replied, speaking to the window overlooking the lake, "You care for her so much, and what if something happens to you? You're not always going to be there for her, you know."
"I know I won't," Albus twirled his beard around a quill, "but I will be when I can." Rising, Albus made his way towards his friend, "Armando, really, just listen to me." Sitting on the edge of Armando's desk, Albus continued.
"I know I'm not always going to be there for Minerva, I mean, how can I? I've got a job here and she's got a life that's only just beginning. But, I love her," Albus ignored his friend's surprised expression, "and I'd do anything to make sure she's happy, even if it means I have to accept the fact that she's never going to think of me as anything more than a friend."
"So," Armando tried to convey all of Albus' declaration in his mind, "you're going to do anything at all to make Minerva happy, even if it means giving her away to some other man to love?"
Albus sighed, and after a while, nodded slowly, "Though I really don't like to think about that right now, even though it's probably going to happen. But yes, if he makes Minerva happy, I'd do anything for her."
"You know," Armando hesitated for a few moments, "some people don't want to live. What if Minerva asked you to kill her because she thought she would be happy afterwards? Would you do it?" Looking slightly shocked, Albus shook his head, turning around fully to face Armando.
"Why would I allow her to kill herself?" Albus snapped, suddenly looking more hurt than annoyed.
"Because it would make her happy," Armando replied.
"Of course I wouldn't," Albus' face softened slightly, though he still remained defensive, "I'd be there for her."
"What if she didn't want you there?" Armando countered, "what if she wanted to be alone?"
"I wouldn't let her," sighing, Albus rose, "You've seen what the past four months have done to her," he sighed, "she needs me here." Turning, a knock sounded at the door, and without waiting for a response, it swung open.
"Albus," Minerva whispered quietly, and silently, she ran to him, burying her face on his shoulder, crying softly. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, Albus shot a pointed 'see what I mean?' glance towards Armando, who shrugged.
"Miss McGonagall," Armando looked slightly annoyed that Minerva had burst in on their conversation so, but also, he felt a deep sense of longing to be the one comforting the girl in his Deputy's arms.
Almost as if Albus could sense his thoughts, Albus' arms tightened around Minerva's shoulders and he pulled her against his chest, rocking her slowly. "I'm here Minerva, nothing will harm you now." He whispered, running his fingers through her hair.
"Minerva," Armando whispered, placing a hand on her back, "would you like a mug of tea or anything?" he asked, seeing annoyance flash in Albus' eyes. Nodding, Minerva turned in Albus' arms, "A mug of tea, I guess." She responded, "Do you have anything you want to talk to me about professor?"
