Ah yes, it's me again bringing you the next chapter in the story. My keys are getting worse on my keyboard so just to give you a heads up, I may not be able to post for a while. Also, thank you to all who review and my loyal fans. yes, even you quiet followers. you make this book worth writing.
Minerva's Point of View
As Minerva entered the Great Hall for the first time in almost a week for breakfast, she was given a subtle reminder that Halloween was just around the corner. Pumpkins and gourds adorned every table and Jack o lanterns levitated over everyone's heads. Even the magic ceiling seemed to be screaming Halloween as it was adorned with a full moon along with the many stars that dotted it's landscape. Orange tablecloths and candles were covering the tables and the cobblestone floor seemed to hold an eerie glow.
Minerva smiled to herself as she walked her way up to the head table as she noticed the surprise in Alecto's eyes that she was there. Receiving the many smiles and well wishing looks from her other colleagues, with an exception to Amycus who just stared, she waved subtly at her side and sat down at her rightful place as deputy headmistress. Some of the students stopped their chatter and looked up at her, surprised and pleased to see their loving teacher back and feeling good. As the normal clattering of plates resumed, Minerva began to pile her plate with all sorts of bacon, cheesy scrambled eggs, toast, and muffins. She poured herself some orange juice and downed it, forcing her to fill it again.
"You sure seem hungry today." Severus joked. Minerva gave him a silent stare as she chewed her bite so she could speak.
"That's what happens when you are unconscious for almost three days." She said flatly. Severus seemed taken back, so Minerva gave him a smile to reassure him that it was her raw sense of humor. A slight upturn at the corner's of Severus's lips told her that he was suppressing a smile as she crammed more food into her mouth as cordially as possible.
"So, are you looking forward to the Halloween feast this weekend?" Severus asked sincerely, as he knew that Halloween happened to be a holiday that Minerva always seemed to enjoy. Also, he seemed to be trying to make small talk to take away the awkwardness of the situation.
"Actually yes, I am. Look, you don't have to make small talk with me Severus. I understand." Severus looked relieved. He smiled weakly, only visible if you knew where and how to look at it. It was funny how he always seemed so dreary and yet he held so much emotion inside that anyone else would have spontaneously com-busted.
"It just... What happened..." Severus looked down at his hands as he twiddled his thumbs, his tell when he was nervous. Minerva looked at him with some pity and sympathy.
"I know. If it was up to me, I would say it never happened." Minerva gave him a smile as she finished her plate. She knew that Severus was going to object to her tending her class. For some reason he was more protective than usual. Minerva couldn't put her finger on it, but it was almost as if there was something he wasn't telling her. "Something the matter Severus?"
"No, of course not. You're feeling better and are eating well. There isn't anything to be upset about." Severus looked her in the eyes, giving Minerva the feeling that he could see right through her. His eyes were deep dark brown, so dark in fact, that it felt as if she was staring into a bottomless abyss. She shook the feeling off as she stood.
"Well then, I must be getting to my class. Thanks for the company headmaster." She said formally as to not alarm or alert the others to the true nature of their relationship. Severus put a hand gently on her arm and looked into her eyes briefly as if to say be careful.
"I could sit with you in your class today to make sure you are alright..." Minerva shook her head gently from side to side as she pressed a hand firmly on his to reassure him.
"No, I'll be alright, I promise you." Severus nodded after a slight pause. Releasing her arm, he looked over to Alecto for a brief second, then back to Minerva. Minerva began her descent down the small set of stairs leading to the long isle to exit the great hall.
Severus's Point of View
Severus watched Minerva disappear behind the doorway, then glanced back at Alecto again. He wasn't sure if he should worry more about the situation with Alecto or if he should relax a little more like Minerva. She seemed to not care about the danger of them being together. It almost seemed in his nature to worry about Minerva's safety. He realized how much he cared for her, not just recently, but all those years of bickering and teaching side by side and pushing her away.
He hated himself for taking so long to tell her how he really felt about her. Now, even that he has broke his silence, she is now in danger and he still hates himself for it. Why does life have to be so complicated? he thought bitterly to himself. He finished his meal and stood, making sure to nod to the other professors while getting on last quick look from Alecto. She almost seemed to be threatening him with her facial expression. A slight chill worked its way up his spine, causing him to suddenly go cold.
Secretly, he knew that Alecto would hold this over his head for a long time, but as soon as she is board of getting what she wants all the time, the news would get out anyways. He hoped that he was wrong, but somewhere in the back of his head something kept nudging at his mind that it was just a matter of time before it gets out.
He turned, reluctant to release the secretive bitch's gaze, and walked out of the great hall with his robes billowing behind him. He knew that Minerva wouldn't want to have anything out of the ordinary today as to not alert the students, but he also had a feeling that something bad was going to happen. It wasn't anything in particular, but the thought kept nagging him in the back of his mind. Whether it was the look from Alecto, or Minerva's first day back, he was at an unease in his life right now.
He climbed the first set of stairs now and took a right. He stopped short in front of Minerva's doors which happened to be on the way to the next set of stairs. Debating whether or not to knock and bother her with his uneasy feeling or not, he stood there for a few moments. In the end, he decided that leaving her alone today would be best for everyone. Especially being her first day back. He made his way back up to his office, walking quickly and keeping to the secret corridors to keep from being spotted by any unwanted attention.
Finally he made it to his rooms and sat down at his desk to attempt to catch up on his paperwork. After several minutes, he found he had been reading the same line over and over. He couldn't stop thinking about Minerva and her safety. He glanced up at the grandfather clock in his dorms which read quarter past nine. Severus knew that Minerva was more than likely sitting in her desk right now, preparing for her class exactly forty-five minutes ahead of the time class actually started.
He chuckled to himself, knowing that Minerva was a very habitual person. It was suddenly very tempting to go and check on her, but something held him back. A feeling, no... a hunch? Something else began to nag at him as if he was being watched. He vaguely remembered that he was not to tell Minerva of the discussion between himself and Alecto. Could it be Alecto watching him so closely? Or was it someone else entirely? Severus began to walk the length of the room slowly and quietly to attempt to hear anyone using an invisibility spell or cloak.
Finally he sat back down, still uneasy but unable to find anyone lurking in his private rooms. He looked back at the clock, seeing it being almost ten, Minerva would be starting her class soon. There was no way to really check on her now, for it may alert the students to something fishy. Attempting once again to respond to concerned parents and Ministry inquiries, he turned back to his paperwork, hoping to get some done before lunch. Struggling to maintain focus, he finally stood and walked out of his room, feeling the need to take a walk.
Minerva's Point of View
Minerva sat at her desk, waiting patiently for the last fifteen minutes to tick by so she could begin her lesson. A stirring movement out of the corner of her eye alerted her to a student entering the classroom. She glanced up suddenly to see who it was, and found a familiar red headed sixth year heading for her desk.
"Yes Ginny?" Minerva asked curtly, as she was being disrupted from her thoughts. Ginny looked at her reluctantly for a moment before looking back at her feet.
"Professor Alecto is still being cruel when teaching. She is putting down muggles and has gotten even worse. What should we do?" Minerva looked both shocked and a little panicked at the word we. Re-positioning herself and regaining her composure, she looked Ginny in the eye sternly.
"We, will do nothing. I however, will do my best to correct the situation. She is from the ministry mind you, so even the headmaster cannot do much. Do you remember what Deloris Umbridge did to this school and Professor Dumbledore couldn't stop her?" Minerva waited for a moment as Ginny nodded, showing that she understood the position she was putting her favorite professor. "Well, that is what we are dealing with here. I have been trying and so has Professor Snape. I assure you, we are doing the very best we can."
"I believe you professor. I just... I'm worried for all the muggleborn in Hogwarts." Minerva nodded and placed a reassuring hand on Ginny's shoulder.
"I'm doing all I can Ginny, now please go sit back down so I may begin class." Ginny nodded solemnly and walked back to her seat.
Severus's Point of View
Finding himself at the end of Hogwarts grounds and the beginning of Hogsmead, Severus decided to look around the shops for a bit. He passed the sweet shop, knowing that even though Minerva likes sweets, she doesn't indulge in them very often. He felt the sudden need to buy her something as a surprise for her favorite holiday. He walked around for a time before coming across a shop that seemed as if he had never seen it before. He walked in, setting the bells off in a small chiming ching a ling.
"May I help you?" Asked a voice from behind the counter. Severus looked at him for a moment before continuing.
"Why yes, in fact. I am looking for something nice for someone very dear to me. She doesn't wear jewelry, really, but she does wear a broach." The man behind the counter pulled out several broaches he happened to have in stock. Severus looked them over before spotting one that suited Minerva perfectly. It was in the shape of a cat with a red jasper stone in the middle. "How much for this one?" He asked pointing to the broach in question.
"200 galleans." Severus winced slightly at the price. That was almost what he had for living expenses in a month. He mulled it over in his mind for a moment before deciding that Minerva was worth every bronze knutt that he had. He handed over the money pouch before picking up the broach in it's case and leaving the shop penniless. He knew that Minerva would appreciate this though, so he wasn't disappointed as he made his way back to Hogwarts just in time for lunch.
Thank you all for your views and reviews. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Yes, it was cut off just before noon, but as I already had over two thousand words, I didn't think you would mind too much. I will begin the next chapter either tonight, or in the morning as My hands are sore from typing on this blasted keyboard.
To be continued...