A/N: This is a compilation of what is occurring across the realm of Hogwarts the morning after Minerva was attacked… 'The in between' time so to speak. This story will be taken through Minerva's return to Hogwarts – so, another handful of chapters. Enjoy & THANK YOU sooooooooooooo much for all of your wondrous reviews!
The in between….
Voldemort…
Voldemort strode back into the house, a smile upon his face as he ascended the stairs and stepped into the study. It had been a very good night. Two dead, one he had opted to Oblivate the man's memory – leaving him to believe he was a muggle who shunned clothing, and two more Ministry Officials under the Imperio curse – all and all, he was pleased.
"Master…" Wormtail skirted into the room. "Can I get you anything?"
"Yes, Wormtail." He unfastened his traveling cloak, letting it fall to the floor. "A bit of cheese and red wine."
Nagini slithered into the room as Wormtail went out, quietly coming to rest beside him. "Ah…my friend." He hissed in Parseltounge.
Nagini raised her head, bringing her eye level with Voldemort.
"I believe that the time has come, and we shall take what is ours." He threw his head back chuckling, "With McGonagall in St. Mungos, and Dumbledore gone from his precious Hogwarts…leaving Harry Potter, vulnerable. And the Department of Mysteries, mine." He could see the Order of the Phoenix mobilizing as news spread of Potter heading toward the Ministry and they following suite. Even Dumbledore would come to his aid…not having his level headed Deputy to consult…leaving both dead, the Order in ruin…and Minerva…his.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Minerva…
She could feel herself pulling away, distancing herself from even her best friend. She wanted time where she would not feel obligated to maintain the façade she had been forced to wear for what had become an eternity. She needed a respite. And if that meant leaving the world of the living for a time…then so be it.
She watched as Albus' body became faint…and his pleading words desperate… "You must come back…" and then…he stared up at her – deep blue eyes looking towards her…filled with an emotion she had never believed possible as he his words broke through the wall that she had begun to recede behind. "I need you." Shock spread through her, and before she could reply to his declaration, he was gone.
Leaving her standing there…staring after him, heart hammering in her chest. His words echoing through her…I need you…I…need…you…
She closed her eyes, willing her mind to block out the words that were now resonating through her…words that had some how created a balm for her soul…leaving her feel whole for a moment – and not alone.
And before she could stop herself…she was following him…
For how could she leave him alone, when he had risked everything to make sure she hadn't been.
She felt the light fade and a weight settle upon her that seemed to blanket her body, mind and even shroud her soul. But, there still lay a path that glimmered from use, the path Albus had used to find her and she held to it…until she could feel her breath lighten, clarity returning to her thoughts and hope beginning to fill her soul.
Blinking…she muttered for whom she sought, "Albus…"
Minerva felt a warm hand checking her pulse, as she spoke. "You just missed him, dear."
How could I have missed him? Unless he truly hadn't been there? Minerva mumbled to herself as she fought to remain conscious.
"Now…now, stay with me, Minerva." Helena brought the cloth back across Minerva's forehead. "Focus for a moment…it's Helena. You are safe."
Minerva felt her head lull to the side as she licked her lips, "Where…"
"You're in St. Mungos." Helena felt a measure of relief sweep through her as Minerva blinked open her eyes, training them upon her. "And you have given us quite the scare."
Minerva felt her strength already beginning to wane as her eyes drooped, "And…Albus…"
"Came at some point in the night and was here when I arrived," She laid her hand upon Minerva's arm, "When you are feeling up to it, you had best remind your esteemed friend to not be quite so careless with his own life…as the Ministry is still quite keen on having him spend his days and nights in Azkaban."
Minerva felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth, barely managing a nod as Helena continued.
"But you'll need to wait a bit, seems as though he's been temporarily banished to get a few hours rest…"
Helena didn't bother to finish the sentence as Minerva's quiet, rhythmic breathing filled the small room…and despite the decades of heartache and the current climate of distrust permeating the wizarding world…she couldn't help but feel a resurgance of hope beat within her veins as she realized that Minerva McGonagall would be rejoining the land of the living. The darkness had not taken one of the pillars of hope from the wizarding world today…a pillar that ran deep, and was at the very heart of Britian. But more importantly, she was the quiet foundation and held the heart of the man whom the world had made into an icon, her friend…Albus Dumbledore.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Umbridge…
She felt cold. Odd, she thought as she turned over. Her hand skimming across the sheet, and then onto stone. Stone? Instantly, she opened her eyes, faint morning rays of light streaming in the tall slender windows as she pulled the scant sheet and thin raggedy blanket closer to her chin as she stared about the room in shock. Her bed…all of her pillows except for the one her head had been lying on was gone. As were her bed linens. Her eyes practically jumped out of her head as she continued to scan around the room…her end tables gone…
"Milksy!" She screeched for her house elf as she noticed her dresser gone too.
A crack echoed in the now cavernous room, "Professors Umbridge called?" The small house elf squeaked as it innocently gazed up into the furious eyes of the other occupant.
Delores could barely contain her fury as she stared at the scrawny house elf. "Where…are my belongings?" She fumed.
Slowly, Milksy cast her gaze around the room. "You's asked us to clean and remove all non essential items from the Professors rooms."
Umbridge began scrambling into a standing position, her cheeks glowing red. "I said McGonagall's room." She began jamming her stubby finger toward Milksy. "BRING THEM BACK."
Milksy furrowed her tiny brow. "I's not removed them."
Delores opened her mouth and then clamped it shut, willing herself to calm down. She had never understood the House Elves at Hogwarts, nor their hierarchy – but as the Headmistress of Hogwarts, she could speak with the Head of the House Elves who could undoubtedly sort out this gross negligence. With every ounce of self control, she clamed her voice and in her usual sweet cadence spoke with her house elf. "Then, my dear Milksy, please bring Ramalza."
Milksy nodded and with a crack was gone. Within a moment another crack echoed, this time leaving a weathered looking house elf whose garment was unlike another house elf. Her robe was adorned with all four house symbols and she steadied herself with a knobby looking cane. "Hows can I serve, Professors Umbridge?"
"Please have the house elf responsible for taking my items return them, at once."
Ramalza gazed around the room, as if she were looking for where the misplaced items were to go, before she affixed her gaze back to Umbridge. "You is missing something?"
"Yes." Umbridge stated, raising her brow at the little elf in disgust. "You very well know I am missing my bed, dresser, end tables, linens and articles of clothing you little troll."
Ramalza barely acknowledged Umbridge's words as she stared at the pudge of human. Then with a disgusted wave of her hand and a crinkle of her nose, she spoke. "I shall have your clothes returned to you, immediately."
Ramalza raised her fingers to leave, but Umbridge's question caused her to delay for a moment. "And my other items?"
Her piercing yellow eyes snapped to Umbridge's, her voice turning cold as she spoke. "Are no longer available for your use."
And with a crack the elder house elf was gone, and all of Umbridge's clothes appeared in a heap in the corner of the room.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Severus…
He glided down the Great Hall, trying not to smirk as the students quiet chatter between bites of their breakfast echoed across the Hall. His house elf had just told him that Hogwarts was not happy with the new Headmistress. Severus had asked for clarification, but his little elf merely chuckled and said in sing song voice – "Cold is as cold does." And then shook his floopy eared head, before muttering something about Ramalza taking a personal interest in Umbridge's care for the remainder of her duration. Which, if you were in the Headmaster's or Minerva's good graces meant a lavish experience, if not…Severus shuddered to think what those consequences could be.
Then his eyes caught sight of the pink robed menace, and no matter how much his house elf's words had momentarily warmed his heart, he felt his scowl return in full measure. He noticed with a pang that Minerva's chair was empty – Filius and several of the staff were watching him as he approached. As he stepped upon the steps to approach the Head Table, he felt a sense of foreboding – there was not one piece of silverware, plates, goblets or any form of service ware upon the table.
He kept his face blank as he rounded the table, coming to sit beside Filius and Sinistra. Both cast him an uneasy glance as he pulled his chair to the table.
"My dear, Severus…" Umbridge stated, and the four professors between them quickly leaned back into their chairs enabling her to see him. "If you would be so kind as to call the meal."
Severus caught Filius smirking glance out of the corner of his eye, he nodded. "Of course, Headmistress. Ramalza."
At once, there was a crack, and the elder house elf appeared. "Professor Snape."
Snape raised his eyebrow, surveying the white haired elf who merely stared back at the Professor, waiting. "Our meal, please."
She nodded. "As previously stated, the Professors' meal will be delivered to their classrooms today."
Snape barely maintained his blank expression as he asked, "This is most unusual."
Ramalza shrugged as if his comment were expected and replied in kind, her eyes turning toward Umbridge. "As is injuring the Deputy Headmistress." With a crack, she was gone leaving a wake of barely covered coughs as the Professors contented themselves in quiet conversation before heading to their respective rooms. All of them found their favorite breakfast items waiting…except Umbridge – who had naught but a cold cup of tea and two day old ginger newts that had been left out and were unseemly hard.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Molly…
Arthur leaned over, kissing her softly on the cheek. "Be safe, love."
Molly smiled, "You too. The Ministry isn't exactly the safest place to work these days."
He winked, and was gone, leaving only the sound of a small crack in his wake as the first rays of light crept onto the Burrow. Sighing, she pulled her shawl closer to her and apparated to the foyer of St. Mungos. It's pearly walls glistening against the dawn.
Squaring her shoulders, she headed toward the information counter when she spotted a disgruntled group being escorted off the elevators. His high voice and unruly hair standing out immediately, "Percy." She breathed, veering towards him, but drawing to a halt a handful of steps away as his words reached her ears.
"She has NO Right! McGonagall attacked the Ministry and deserves to be treated…"
"With respect." A blue robed wizard snapped, pushing Percy forward. "You may be used to bullying people around with the Ministry this…Ministry that…but, here at St. Mungos –" The elder man stepped within two inches of Percy, his breath hot on his face. "We respect, ALL people, who respect others." If possible, the man seemed to get even closer, causing Percy to gulp…his adams apple bobbing as the man continued on. "Especially, Minerva McGonagall. One of the finest witches in Britain, no matter what the Ministry says."
"Yeah!" "Here here." Several others chimed in, and Molly took that as a cue to leave before she said something to Percy or heard something more that would cause her further pain.
Molly unobtrusively stepped around the mob, and into an unoccupied elevator – hoping Minerva was on the forth floor or she'd have to go back down to the lobby and could potentially run into Percy.
Her mind remained focused on her son…Where did I go wrong? How can you believe Minerva would do such a horrid thing? She was YOUR Head of House for seven years for Merlin's sake…Is the sudden belief that you are of importance, whereas, the rest of our family is not? Dare I hope that you are under the Imperio curse, versus this being your true nature…tears welling up in her eyes, for you are being as cruel as a Death Eater and seeing only what you are told to see.
The door slid open as Molly brushed the offending tears away before stepping off the elevator and into a wall of witches and wizards trying to enter the now restricted floor. "You can't stop us…" A black robed wizard with silver lining snapped.
Everyone else joining suite, until the row of St. Mungos employees parted as an elder witch wearing maroon robes with gold filigree work, clipped down the hall at impeccable speed. Molly recognized her at once, Helena Harrison, she had been the Matron at Hogwarts her first four years before leaving for an administrative job with St. Mungos. Over a decade ago, Helena had been named the Head Administrator for the prestigious hospital.
Helena drew to a stop in front of the twenty plus wizards and witches, drawing a deep breath. "You are right, I cannot stop all of you." She nodded towards the group of healers, "Nor will I try if you are here to visit loved ones. However," Her pleasant voice turning to steel, "Each of you will have to go be escorted to the patient's bed and are restricting visits to include only family." Instantly grumblings burst through the crowd, but she continued as though she did not notice. "I apologize for any inconvience, but these precautions are being taken to ensure one of our patient's safety whom I believe you all know – Minerva McGonagall." A shocked whisper swept the small group amid questions of concern and happenstance, but Helena merely held up her hand waiting for the group to become quiet. "I cannot answer any of your questions. Now, if you will excuse me…" She began to step around the group when her eyes landed upon Molly Weasley. "Molly…" She whispered, gently guiding the younger witch through the crowd with her. "It has been a long time."
Molly masked her confusion as to why she was being led through the crowd, and onto the restricted floor. Surely, she doesn't know I'm here to see Minerva. "It has."
"How's Arthur?" Helena asked as she turned the corner.
"He's…well." Molly stated, wondering where they were heading too, but stayed quiet, knowing she was in good hands with Helena Harrison. "And Michela?"
Helena shook her head, "She has had a ruff go of it these past two years. Her husband died two years ago this past March. And my schedule is not conducive to help her raise Briana."
"How old is Briana?"
Helena pulled Molly to a stop at the end of the hallway, "Am I right in assuming you are here to see Minerva?"
"Yes…though how did you…"
"I may not attend the Order's meetings, but it does not mean Albus has not provided me a list of active participants. Now…Minerva is the second room on the left down…" She nodded her head, "That, hall. She has been in a coma for the better part of the night, and through a miracle is beginning to come out of it… If you could sit with her until I sort this mess out with the Ministry?"
"Mess with the Ministry?" At Helena's glare, Molly surmised and stated. "You mean Percy?"
"He'll come around, Molly. Give him time. But…" She shook her head, "How he can believe Minerva would be responsible for an attack is beyond me. However, he is being directed by the imbecile Fudge, so who knows what that man has been saying about her…or for that matter, any friend of Dumbledore's." She patted the younger woman's arm, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must not make the Ministry wait any longer. I fear, my temper won't hold as it is." She was three steps away when she paused and returned. "If a healer asks about your presence, direct them to speak with me." And before Molly could say another word…Helena was already gone in a flurry of robes at speed belaying her age.
Molly walked the handful of steps, pausing at the doorframe…as she took a deep settling breath before entering…
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Grimmauld Place…
Albus closed the door and could hear Tonk's voice resonate down the hall. "No, I tell you, three of the four…something happened last night."
Albus cast an invisibility charm to walk by Mrs. Black as Sirius' voice responded. "But why would the Dark Lord send Death Eaters after Minerva's attackers?"
He stepped into the kitchen as Moody responded, "There is no proof and no markings designating it as a Death Eater attack."
Waving his hand, he become visible. "I believe the information you are missing is that Voldemort used to be infatuated with her." Albus stated, leaving the entire room to breathless as eyes turned to him, mouths still agape. "Or at the very least the idea of what he perceived the powerful witch Minerva McGonagall would and could be to him." He swept his cloak away as he sat, "Now, what of her attackers?"
Tonks swallowed, "That's what we were discussing…"
Lupin cut in, "It appears that there were seven, she stunned or disabled three before the four others stunned her."
Moody grumbled, "And it appears, that only Devonshire survived the night unscathed. Forsyeth was found just after sunrise walking down the streets of London without a stitch of clothing on, and when we placed a robe upon him…he screamed as though he had been placed on fire." Moody shook his head, "Berksin and Wilks were both dead, as was their families. No markings left except for a white rose. And I have never seen that call sign before."
Albus appeared to be listening, but his mind was not on the room nor people around him. His focus was on the woman whom he had left just over 5 hours ago, and although he had received word from Helena that she was no longer in a coma…her prognosis was still grave.
And for him to venture back to St. Mungos during the heart of the day was unwise. Though…he greatly wished too. To see for himself that she was fighting for consciousness, and not staying locked within that brilliant mind of hers – away from him. He felt his heart clench at the notion, to be left in a world without Minerva. Without her quick wit, her piercing green eyes that could penetrate his defenses, to her enchanting smile and invigorating laugh…Merlin…since when did she occupy so much of his life? He felt a tear wanting to fall, bringing his mind back to the present as a stray thought answered his rhetorical question with one that left him in a far greater paradox than he believed possible as he quietly sought the answer to…When hadn't she been interwoven in his life?
The debate swirled around the small room, each occupant throwing their thoughts in…except for Dumbledore who appeared to be aptly listening to each person – but as the conversation ensued, Remus began to distance himself and study the revered Headmaster. His blue eyes seemed to be following the debate about the Dark Lord, but…there appeared to be a hollowness beckoning back to the small group that worried Remus. Finally, unable to help himself…Remus cleared his throat, bringing all eyes to him – except Dumbledore's.
Sirius, Moody, Tonks, and Kingsley stared at Lupin – who in turn was staring at Dumbledore. Slowly, all eyes turned to the Headmaster, who for a solid minute after the conversation had ceased remained unmoving.
"Albus?" Moody finally prompted, tired of mindless waiting.
The group watched as the elder wizard seemed to be drawing himself back from some forgotten world. Each person physically recoiled as he lifted his haunting gaze upwards. His words indicating he had indeed been paying attention on some level, but the cadence in his voice belayed an undertone of worry that no one had ever heard before. "No matter the impetus behind Minerva's attack, we must remain focused regarding the Hall of Prophecies." He brought his long fingers to rest atop the table, stippling them together. "Voldemort will utilize every advantage he can." Especially, Minerva. He finished to himself as he pushed himself upright. "In regards to Minerva – Healer Harrison informed me that she is no longer in a coma. If I hear anything further, I shall let you know."
Albus began to turn and leave, his mind once again churning over the simple yet, poignantly question he had asked himself as Moody said. "Constant vigilance…"
Remus following behind Albus, "Where shall you be if we need to contact you?"
Minerva's bedside…his mind responded as he outwardly replied, "I have business that needs attending to. Contact Aberforth, he will know how to reach me."
Before Remus could question him further, Albus was stepping through the door and as soon as his foot touched the front step…he was gone, leaving a light breeze in his wake brushing across Lupin's face.