A/N: I know that some people have a hard time understanding why I chose Minerva as a smoker, but I still like that character flaw and I think it fits her. I admit, I did think about it because of Maggie's smoking, but it makes sense to me that she would. She is constantly working and busy... Not to mention lonely... And cigarettes are a likely "drug" of choice. I didn't like the idea of her drinking because it impairs judgment, something Minerva wouldn't do... Nor did I like the idea of pepper-up potions because it changes a person (like a drug). So anyway, that's my long winded explanation.
Sorry for the lack of an update in a while! Busy weekend!
Enjoy the chapter!
Minerva returned to her office and instantly busied herself with paperwork.
She was almost through her first letter when she felt her mind craving smoke.
Without looking she reached down and grabbed her box, withdrawing one and lighting it and leaving the rest on her desk.
Most of the paperwork was simple, filling out reports on students, faculty, and other happenings around the school.
The other part was tedious- doing the accounting for all materials used at the school. God, she hated it.
Halfway through her stack she recognized a letter from the Ministry. Though the Ministry technically had no jurisdiction over Hogwarts, it still managed to be an incessant nuisance to Minerva.
This time Kingsley wanted a detailed report on the current teachers at Hogwarts. Apparently the new system for monitoring had a flaw, that much Minerva could tell, and from the other subtle clues she had a feeling that Hogwarts itself distorted the information about it's occupants.
When any professor attempted to speak about various specific details about Hogwarts, they would often find themselves stammering for words. Hogwarts itself was lined with an unbreakable vow of sorts. It kept Hogwarts' innermost secrets safe.
Minerva, therefore, was at a loss of what to write. She couldn't give information because she knew it would just wind up rearranging itself.
Knowing that her letter would be a futile attempt, she decided to go to the Ministry.
She took a couple last long, thick drags, and then stubbed them out.
She rose to make her way to the Floo network, but turned and grabbed her pack of cigarettes and her matches. She figured after her meeting with Kingsley she'd need them.
She entered into the fireplace. "Ministry of Magic."
In a whirl she arrived in the main hallway of the Ministry, and the glittering fountain flowed before her. She banished the soot and made her way towards the magic elevators.
She glanced up at the clock- it was already six o'clock. Damn. If she missed Kingsley, that would mean even more headache tomorrow.
Spotting Kingsley's secretary making her way to the same elevator, Minerva flagged her down.
"Laura! Is the Minister still here?"
The blonde witch turned to Minerva. "Yes, Headmistress, he is. I'm on my way up. Join me?"
Minerva nodded and followed in behind her.
Laura had a son in Hogwarts now, a fifth year Hufflepuff boy named Sampson. "Sampson is doing well in his classes. He made good marks in all of his classes I believe. Except for Arthrimancy. He did… fair in that class."
Laura chuckled, "Yes, I know. His father and I both hated it when we were in school, and I think he's caught it, too."
Minerva smiled. "Mine was Divination- never liked it."
Laura nodded, "That's about right."
"Beg your pardon?"
Laura stammered, "Well… I mean… What I meant was- you're one for hard facts, evidence, precision, hard work and practice. Divination is very… uncertain. And oftentimes those who profess to understand it have absolutely no idea what their talking about."
Minerva laughed, "That's a kind way to put it. But yes, that is about right."
They shared an understanding smile before the elevator came to a jarring halt.
"Here you are, Headmistress. Second door on the left- you can't miss it."
"Thank you."
Minerva turned and headed down the hallway. The floor was a deep wood and the walls were a deep forest green with faint traces of navy patterns. Small chandeliers lined the hallways.
Upon arriving at the door, Minerva chuckled to herself. No you couldn't miss the door. There was an enormous gold engraved plaque that stated Kingsley's name, position, and every damn award or recognition he'd ever received.
It looked something like this:
Kingsley Shakelbolt
Minister of Magic
Order of Merlin, 2nd Class
Head of Auror Department
Recipient of the Wizard of the Year Award under Minister Fudge
Lead Auror in Second War with Voldemort
Winner of the Tryphonus Award for Valor in First War with Voldemort
Investigator in First War with Voldemort
And that was only on the first part of the plaque.
Arrogant asshole, Minerva thought. Apparently when people became Minister of Magic their common sense went out the door.
Although Kingsley hadn't done a bad job as Minister, it seemed that the obvious things evaded him.
Like the fact that the International Wizarding Conference was during exams.
Knocking on the door, Minerva heard a faint, "Enter."
Upon entering, Kingsley rose from his enormous leather chair. "Minerva, sit, please."
"Thank you." Minerva walked to the seat directly across from Kingsley's and sat perched on the end.
"And to what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Your letter, actually."
Kingsley's face fell. Not a friendly visit then- business it was.
"Oh, I see."
"No, I don't think you do. The request that you made of me simply cannot be done."
Kingsley gave Minerva a disapproving look. "I didn't ask you to rebuild Atlantis, I simply asked for detailed information on your staff. Surely you have that on your records."
Minerva sighed, "Yes, I do, but the thing is- those records are at Hogwarts. Not here."
Kingsley looked at her like she was a slow child unable to grasp easy information. "Then why didn't you bring it with you, Minerva?"
Minerva felt her anger rising. Why did he have to be so damn condescending? She needed to smoke. "What you don't seem to understand, Minister, is that the records of Hogwarts professors are kept inside Hogwarts. That is, the true and accurate records. If you had looked closely at the records that are rearranging themselves, you would be able to detect the charm put on them."
"Well if it's just a charm, I can reverse it."
Minerva shook her head. "It's not just any charm. It's a charm that's been with Hogwarts as long as the school has been in England. The records of the professors are under a sort of unbreakable vow. Why do you think Albus insisted that Hogwarts was the safest place to be during the wars?"
Kingsley shook his head, "Minerva, we need those records."
"What you have is what you get. There's nothing I can do about it."
Kingsley gave her a hard look. "What's this really about?"
Minerva was taken aback, "What in heavens are you talking about?"
"Who are you protecting? I always knew something wasn't right about you."
"Not right about me? What have I ever done to you?"
Is that why you hired Hermione? Do you need more people on your side?"
"What ever are you implying?"
"I'm implying that there is a conspiracy in Hogwarts against the Ministry and I will not have it!"
"A conspiracy? You really are a foolish man!" Minerva felt her cheeks go hot with anger.
"I'm foolish? You're just like Albus- stubborn, insolent, and conspiring to overthrow anyone who has an ounce more authority than you!"
Minerva rose violently out of her chair, her Scottish voice slicing the air, an aura of pure distain dancing angrily around her.
"THAT IS ENOUGH, MINISTER! I will not sit idly by and be accused of sedition! Especially by a man who feels the need to display his credentials to every person who must walk past his door! I have been nothing but obliging to the Ministry, no matter how ridiculous its head seems to be! Now, if you want to continue making accusations against me, I suggest you start an investigation with the Board. I assure you they will find nothing against me."
Kingsley rose out of his chair, "How dare you…"
"How dare I? HOW DARE YOU! Don't you DARE forget who I am, Minister! I have saved your life and career on more than one occasion!"
Kingsley gaped at the Headmistress. He knew he had made a serious error in accusing her.
"I expect an apology letter on my desk by tomorrow morning. If it isn't there, consider us to be at a deepest opposition. Good day, Minister."
With that, Minerva turned and strode out of his office.
Not bothering to follow protocol and exit through the Floo Network, Minerva apparated back to Hogwarts' North Lawn- the lawn that was protected from students and only open to teacher's and their families.
She reached into her robe and shakily withdrew a cigarette. Lighting it, she continued walking towards the lake.
It looked so calm, so serene. It soothed Minerva. So did her cigarette.
One cigarette passed. Then two.
She glanced up at the sky. By the setting sun, she guessed it was about seven, which meant that she had to be in the Great Hall in half an hour. Damn.
Stubbing out her cigarette, she burned the remains in a flash with a flick of her wrist. She wasn't about to ruin the beauty of Hogwarts' grounds with her habit.
With one last look at the lake, she apparated back into her office.
Xxxx
