Hey everyone! I told you I was trying to get back into updating faster and well, I think this was pretty fast. Thumbs up! :D

Anyway, we've jumped a little bit in time but I'm sure you'll understand where to when you start reading so I won't bore you with details on that. But I will say that I found this quite hard to write. I think what it is, is that I find it hard to write from Minerva's POV. I just can't quite get into her head sometimes so I don't really feel like this chapter is as good as it could be but I've been playing around with it all day and I thought, ok that's enough! Just put it up. So here it is... be gentle :D

So I've seen the film twice, the first time I loved it, the second time I wasn't so sure. So I'm seeing it again and after I've seen it a third time I'll let you all know what I thought. Although I can say that I loved Snape, Alan Rickman played him perfectly and it was so heartbreaking. And it was great to see McGonagall again - she kicked ass!

*SPOILER* And obviously, seeing as though I'm a huge MM/SS fan, Snape's hesitation before he duelled with Minerva didn't escape my notice, nor did the fact that he didn't fight back. The shipper in me did the happy dance! Hands in the air and everything! *SPOILER END*

Also, I have based Snape in this chapter on the performance from the film because I thought it was just so beautiful. So I'm sorry if you think he's not quite in character but it just worked so well for where I wanted to go in the next chapter. So recognition to Alan Rickman for that! Hahah.

Anyway... thank you all so much for the reviews! I have had such an amazing response to this chapter and it's produced some fantastic swapping of emails, talking about the film and MM/SS. And please keep them coming! I love meeting new people, hearing other people's thoughts, sharing ideas... everything! Thanks for all your continued support!

This chapter is dedicated to my 50th reviewer More-Than-Ever17. Hope you like it! (I wonder how long it will take to get 100 reivews :D hahah)

Enjoy everyone!

- Lillibet x

Chapter 10

Minerva folded the corner of her page back and closed the book she had been reading. She'd had a long day, a very long day. And although she had always enjoyed the Halloween Feast, this year's festivities were rather more rambunctious than usual. She'd found many students out of bed trying to play tricks on opposing houses and one or two couples in various empty classrooms. Now however, she had finished her patrolling shift and all that had troubled her was someone else's problem. She didn't normally like to pass off responsibilities onto other staff members but tonight she pushed all those thoughts from her mind. She looked up at the portrait above her fire place and found that Leander was already asleep in his lion form. It must have been a lot later than she thought if he'd fallen asleep while she was still awake. She placed her book on the table beside her sofa and with a stretch, made her way toward her bedroom.

Minerva quickly went about her nightly routine and she slipped into a long sleeved white cotton nightgown that was perhaps a little too thin for the end of October. She sat down in front of the old mirror on top of the equally old vanity desk and pulled the pins from her bun. She began combing her fingers through her hair, taking away the days tension and then ran a brush through her dark tresses. She closed her eyes, enjoying the sensation and then began to braid her long hair. She had just tied off the end when she heard Leander speak from behind her.

"My Lady," he panted, his handsome face contorted with concern and alarm.

"What is it?" Minerva asked, feeling a dark sense of foreboding in her stomach.

"The Headmaster has sent for you, he asked you to meet him in the courtyard. Do not waste time my Lady!" Leander said, stopping Minerva from collecting her dressing gown. "Make haste!" Leander dashed from the portrait and Minerva rushed into the living room.

"Leander what..?"

"The Headmaster has asked for your help Neva," the man said, interrupting her. "Now go, quickly!" The door to her quarters swung open and Minerva ran into the corridor, her wand gripped tightly in her hand.

The cold autumn air hit her like a ton of bricks when she burst through the main doors and into the courtyard. She ran to the walk way, slipping on the rain soaked stones and she realised she was bare foot. She was about to use a warming charm on her freezing cold feet when she caught sight of something ahead of her.

Albus was staggering toward her through the mist that had gathered around the castle and Minerva ran toward him when she realised he was half carrying someone with him.

"Albus!" As she neared him he stopped, exhausted and gently let the person he was supporting fall to the floor.

"Take him home Minerva," Albus said, touching her shoulder gently. "Take him home and care for him. He's been through enough tonight." Albus strode away from them and Minerva watched him disappear into the fog again. She slowly knelt down in front of the man and nudged his hair away from his face.

"Come Severus," she whispered affectionately. "Let us go home." She was surprised at how willingly he took hold of her hand and she helped him up into a standing position. At his first step his knees gave way and he gripped Minerva tightly. Minerva stumbled and she heard her nightgown tear as he pulled on her but she managed to keep them both up right. "You need to go to the hospital wing," she said but Severus shook his head violently.

"Bed." That was all he said and Minerva pressed her lips together.

"Hold onto me," she said as she pulled one of his arms over her shoulder and she felt him grip her arms tightly. She knew she'd have bruises tomorrow. They slowly made their way back to the castle and Minerva struggled to keep her feet from slipping on the stones.

Finally they reached the main doors and they stumbled inside. Minerva quickly grabbed Severus before he fell face first in the wall and she helped him along the corridor. Severus made a beeline for the dungeons but Minerva knew they'd never make it down the stairs in his condition. After making a quick decision she helped him up the stairs to the first floor and pulled him toward her quarters.

Leander was pacing back and forth in his portrait and when they approached him he stood stock still, watching them carefully.

"Neva, what..?"

"Open the door now!" Minerva shouted and the door flew open instantly. Despite his slim frame, Severus was dead weight around her neck and she was beginning to weaken under the strain. As they entered the warmth of her chambers Severus tried to head for the nearest chair but with her last ounce of strength, Minerva steered him toward her bedroom. She pushed him toward her bed and he fell into it heavily while Minerva fell onto her knees on the floor in front of him. She took a few deep breaths before standing on shaky legs and leaning over him to check that he was alright. He slowly looked up into her eyes and Minerva hoped she was successful at holding back the shock she felt at what she saw.

Severus looked completely broken. He was pale and his eyes seemed empty. He was lost. It was a look she remembered on herself long ago when she peered into the mirror.

"He promised..." His breath caught in his throat as he tried to speak.

"Severus..." she brushed a hand across his forehead and she watched as tears fell across his cheeks.

"He promised..." he tried again but his voice was hoarse as if he'd been screaming for hours. "He promised to keep them... it's all my fault." He closed his eyes tightly and then surprised Minerva by sitting up sharply and grabbing her shoulder tightly.

"Severus..." She felt a twinge of fear in her chest at the intensity on his face.

"The Potters are dead," he said with a surreal calmness that made Minerva just stare at him for a second until his words actually sunk into her mind. "They're dead." He repeated. There was no emotion to his voice, nothing in his eyes. He was a blank canvass and Minerva wasn't sure what upset her more, the death of her favourite students or her colleague's complete and utter despair. "It's all my fault," he said quietly, more to himself than to her.

"I don't believe that," Minerva said, shaking her head and feeling her own tears splash down her cheeks. "You came to us... you've told us things... they went into hiding because you..." Severus flinched at her words and she stopped talking.

"Yes, they were in hiding... because of..." He swallowed hard and his eyes fell to her neck. "It's my fault." Minerva tried to read what was in his eyes but he'd closed himself off to her.

"The Potter's death is not your fault. No one could have stopped him!"

"I should have tried harder! I should have pressed him for more details... I should have pushed further into his thoughts..."

"But then you would be dead too!" Minerva exclaimed, holding his face between her hands, making him look at her. Severus closed his eyes, more tears spilling from under his lashes. They fell silent for a moment until Severus opened his eyes and looked at her.

"The boy... Lily's – " his breath caught. "Lily's son survived."

"What?" But Minerva knew she'd heard him correctly. She shook her head slightly in disbelief. "But how..?"

"I don't know," Severus said with an unconcerned shrug. "But I think... I think the Dark Lord... I think he's dead."

Minerva stared at him in amazement. Could it be true? She felt her body jump up from the bed and a sudden wave of dizziness washed over her. She knocked into the bedside table and she felt Severus' hands reached out for her waist to steady her. She tried to hold back the first sob that racked her body, unable to let herself believe in what Severus thought might have happened. Could he really be dead? Could all this really be over?

"Minerva..?" She quickly wiped away her tears and took a deep breath before turning back to face Severus.

"You need to rest," she said, unclenching his fists from her nightgown. "Stay here, I'll be right back." She threw on an emerald green teaching robe over her nightgown and slipped into her shoes as she headed for the door. As she was about to exit her quarters she turned back to see Severus standing at the doorway to her bedroom, watching her carefully. She opened her mouth to say something but thought better of it and fled into the corridor.

Minerva was running toward Albus' office when someone nearly collided into her. She stopped short and held her hand over her heart as her eyes travelled up the large body of Hagrid.

"Hagrid, you gave me a fright!" She exclaimed and Hagrid looked down at the floor.

"Sorry Professor," he said, wringing his hands together. "I need to get to Professor Dumbledore's office."

"I'm heading right there now," Minerva said as she and Hagrid quickly walked the rest of the way.

"Have yer heard?" Hagrid asked after a second. "'bout the Potters?"

"Yes," Minerva said with a twinge of sadness and she looked up at Hagrid who blew his nose into his large spotty handkerchief. She watched him out the corner of her eye, waiting to see if he had heard anything of You-Know-Who or the Potter boy but he remained silent.

"They were a nice couple," he muttered when he managed to get his emotions under control.

They reached the Headmaster's office and Minerva shouted the password as she jumped onto the stairs and ran the rest of way. She burst into Albus' office and although she knew he probably wouldn't be there she couldn't help but feel frustrated at the same time.

"Do you know where he is?" She asked as she turned to look at Hagrid.

"No... he sent Fawkes." Hagrid pulled a small piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to her. "Said to bring the 'package' Sirius had to Privet Drive, does it mean anythin' to yer?"

"Privet Drive? No, it doesn't." She handed the note back and headed for the stairs. "You should floo straight to Godric's Hollow, Sirius will be waiting for you," she said as she passed Hagrid and he touched her shoulder.

"Is everythin' alrigh' Professor?" He asked and she nodded. She looked up into his eyes and she knew he could tell she was lying but just as always, he never pushed. He'd find out soon enough anyway, she thought as she made her way down the stairs and headed for her quarters.

When she made her way back into chambers Leander was nowhere in sight and she guessed he must have gone to find out the gossip now working its way around the castle. She hoped he would be discreet on who currently resided in her rooms. Thinking of Severus she made her way to her bedroom and found the young man sitting in her window seat fast asleep.

She slowly made her way over to him and sat next to him, careful not wake him. She looked at his face and even in sleep he seemed pained. She brushed a piece of hair from his face and his eyes fluttered open when her finger tips brushed his skin.

"Where'd you go?" He asked in a whisper.

"To look for Albus," she said, pulling the throw from her bed and covering Severus with it.

"Did you find him?" She shook her head and Severus turned to look out of the window.

"But I know where he'll be going," she said and he slowly turned to look at her.

"I want to come with you," he said, knowing she was planning on looking for the Headmaster but she shook her head.

"I think it's best if you stay here," she said and he grabbed her arm.

"Do you trust me Professor?" He asked in a sudden outburst, his voice bordering on desperation.

Minerva froze and stared at him for a few seconds. Did she trust him? She knew what he was worried about. His master had been vanquished, leaving behind his followers to face the consequences. His hands clenched tighter on her arms and she squirmed uncomfortably. He must have seen her unease as suddenly his face went blank and he dropped his hands from her arms.

"Perhaps I do deserve to go to Azkaban. The things I've seen..."

"Listen to me Severus Snape," she said interrupting him. She may be undecided on her level of trust of him but she knew he didn't deserve a life amongst the dregs of society. "Azkaban prison is no place for you. Yes you may have played witness to some atrocities but you have a long life ahead of you to redeem yourself. This will be your fresh start and you should grasp it with both hands." She took hold of his hands and squeezed them tightly. "Albus will stand by you, Severus, you know he will." His eyes dropped to the floor as if he was embarrassed by what she was saying and when he spoke his voice was so quiet she had to strain to hear him.

"Will you?" He looked up at her when she didn't answer straight away. "Will you stand by me?"

"Yes," she said without thinking, surprising herself at the genuine feeling of loyalty toward him. "Yes I will." Severus closed his eyes and nodded with a sigh of relief.

"I..." he shook his head as if dismissing what he was about to say and opened his eyes to look her. She could read his appreciation in his eyes and she nodded.

"I have to go," she said after a second. "Try and get some rest."

Severus said nothing more and turned his head to look out the window again. Minerva glanced over her shoulder at him before stepping into her living room. She took out her wand and summoned a patronus.

"Severus is in my quarters, please watch over him while I find Albus." She said before sending the small tabby cat to relay the message to Filius. She took a small amount of floo powder into her hand and threw it into the fire before stepping into the green flame.

"The Hogs Head!"

-x-

The next night, Minerva and Albus stepped out of the fireplace into his office. Albus moved straight to his desk and sat down while Minerva remained by the fire. She folded her arms over her chest and watched the Headmaster sort through a pile of letters as if nothing had happened.

"This isn't right Albus," she said with a hard edge to her voice. Albus looked up at her as if he were surprised to see her there.

"It is imperative he remain anonymous, he cannot grow up famous. Living with his aunt and uncle will give him the protection he needs. Here, in our world, his life is still in danger. Sending Harry away was the only way to ensure his survival." Albus took a breath and Minerva looked away from him but she could still feel his eyes on her. "I thought you of all people would have understood my reasons."

At that Minerva's head spun around to face him and she narrowed her eyes at him. How could he do this to her? How could he dredge up a past that she'd tried so hard to put behind her? Minerva felt her anger simmering under her skin and she turned toward the door, wanting to head to her quarters before she said something she'd later regret.

"How is Severus?" Albus asked before she could open the door. Minerva sighed and turned to look at him over her shoulder. He was looking at her with an apology in his eyes and she swallowed deeply before answering him. She knew he hadn't meant to upset her.

"Fine... shaken," she added after a second. "When I left him he was thinking about what would happen to him now that..."

"Yes," Albus gave a remorseful nod. "I have already had pressure from the Governors Board."

"They've asked you to remove him from the staff?" She asked carefully and when he nodded she felt outraged. "But you're not going to..." He held up a hand to interrupt her with a slight smile.

"Do not worry my dear," he said. "I do not intend to remove him from his post but it is regrettable that he will still have to stand trial."

"Stand trial?" Minerva shook her head. "But he..." She stopped and took a deep breath. If Severus were to stand trial he wouldn't stand a chance. They'd send him to Azkaban Prison for sure.

"I will speak on his behalf. I will give evidence of his allegiance; you have nothing to worry about Minerva. He will not go to Azkaban." Minerva couldn't help the breath of relief that she let out and Albus smiled over at her gently. "I do believe you have become rather fond of our Potions Master, Neva."

"I think fond is too strong a word Albus, perhaps tolerant is a better one. We have learned to tolerate each other." She avoided his eyes because she knew he could hear the white lie in her words. She had indeed become fond of the young man. In fact, she had been fond of him at school and despite what she'd heard of his past, she was pleased to see that deep down, he had not much changed since his school days. Of course there were things about him that she did not know and would never wish to know, but that didn't change the fact that she often sought out his company during meal times.

"Well whatever you wish to call it," he said looking down at his letters. "I think he will come to depend on it in the coming weeks." Minerva watched him pick up his quill and he began to reply to a letter he had just opened. "There are celebratory festivities in the Great Hall, you should go enjoy yourself." Minerva wanted to say more but she knew she had been dismissed. She shook her head affectionately and gave a slight laugh.

"Goodnight Headmaster," she said and she heard his sing song reply just as she was closing the door behind her.

As Minerva headed back to her quarters she couldn't help but think about the man she had left there. Severus hadn't said much after his return but she could tell that whatever had really happened on Hallows Eve had shaken him more than he would ever admit. She knew from his school days that he had once been friendly with Lily but their friendship seemed to dwindle as they progressed through the school. She knew Severus probably mourned the death of his childhood friend but it wouldn't account for his desolate behaviour. Or had the children's bond been stronger than she had ever noticed?

As she drew near her door she noticed Leander was still missing. No doubt he would be celebrating with the rest of the school. She let herself into her quarters as quietly as she could and the first thing she spotted was Filius fast asleep in the armchair in front of her fire. As she made her way over to him she noticed the fire had burned out and the air was beginning to chill. She conjured a woollen throw and carefully draped it over him to keep him warm. She didn't have the heart to wake him but she took the fact that he was still here to mean that he had stayed with Severus for the whole day. She was grateful to think that Severus hadn't been left alone.

After making sure Filius was still asleep she made her way into her bedroom in search of her other colleague. She knocked gently, even though the door was open and entered slowly. She looked toward the bed but instead found him at the window, in the exact same place as she'd left him. Had it not been for the crumbled bed she'd have wondered if he'd moved at all since she'd left him last night. She stepped toward him and he turned to look at her.

"I'm not a child Professor, there was no need to send a babysitter." Minerva stopped at the contemptible look on his face and she took a minute to choose her words carefully.

"It was for my own peace of mind Severus, I meant no harm by it." Severus studied her warily and he shifted in the window seat, leaving space for another person. She took it as a sign of forgiveness.

"Filius lost his son in the Second World War, did you know?" He asked as she sat down beside him.

"Yes I did."

"And his wife died soon after," he added, his eyes trained on the trees outside. "Did you know that too?"

"Yes." She had a nervousness feeling in her stomach when he turned to look at her. Filius had shared the same story with her when she had first arrived at Hogwarts and she knew the older man would not have betrayed her confidence and informed Severus of what she had confided in him. But she could already see the burning questions in Severus' eyes and she dreaded his next words.

"Your scar... is it to do with your husband dying?"

"Yes." She realised it was all she had been able to say for the last ten minutes but she didn't trust her voice to keep the emotion out of her words. He nodded and reached out a hand to gently take her wrist. Her pulled back her robe and turned her arm over so that he could see the long thin scar. He traced his finger lightly across it and Minerva shuddered under his touch, sending sparks down her spine and stirring up feelings she hadn't let herself experience in a long time.

"You must be tired," he said, looking up into her face. His fingers were still tracing her marred skin and she managed to shake her head. Despite spending the better part of an entire day sitting on a cold stone wall in her animagus form, she felt wide awake. There was too much on her mind.

"I don't think sleep would come tonight," she whispered. Severus lifted his fingers from her skin for a second before replacing his index finger, followed by his thumb, then his index finger again. She kept her eyes on his as she felt him tap his fingers across her scar until she suddenly realised what he was doing. He was playing something on her arm, as if there were keys tattooed on her skin and she smiled softly. "What are you playing?" She asked, knowing from the look in his eyes that he could hear the tune in his mind.

"I want to show you," he whispered. He laid his hand securely on her own and pulled her up from the window seat. He grabbed the throw she had given him earlier and draped it across her shoulders. They slowly made their way into her living room, trying to be as quiet as possible as they made their way to the door. Severus turned to Minerva and took hold of her hand again, he squeezed it gently and she let him lead her down into the cold, dark dungeons.

Hope you liked it... let me know what you think :D x