A/N: You can find a link to a dungeon level floor plan in the story description in my profile. Just a help to visualise what Snape's rooms might look like.

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Chapter 13 – On Friendship

(alternately Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape POV)

Minerva leaned back on the surprisingly comfortable settee in Severus's living room and closed her eyes for a short moment. She was tired. More than tired, actually, she felt worn-out, weary, utterly exhausted and drained of all energy. She really had absolutely no idea why she had accepted Severus's invitation to another game of chess tonight when all she craved were a few hours of uninterrupted sleep.

It was not even as though they played any more. Well, sometimes they did – that one match two days ago had been one of the toughest Minerva had ever played. But to be perfectly honest, they usually just set up the chess board and then ignored it after the first few moves. Surprisingly enough talking with Severus was even more invigorating than playing against him.

"Tired?" he asked.

"Merlin, yes," Minerva admitted, opening her eyes again. "I should not have come here after my shift of patrolling. I should have gone straight to bed like Pomona did. You're lucky that you're off tonight."

Severus smiled while he watched Minerva, and it was – very much to his own surprise – a genuine smile. He liked that woman. Especially when no one else was around. There were times when he thought that these were the moments when he encountered the real Minerva McGonagall.

Not that there was anything unreal about her at any other time. The new Headmistress was such an upright character that she always was herself, without any play-acting (unless, maybe, a certain blond celebrity was close by). But in the past four weeks Severus had learned that Minerva could actually relax when she was alone, and, even more astonishing, that she could do so when she was alone with him.

He now often invited her to his rooms just to have someone to speak to, and, marvellously, Minerva always accepted, almost as though she liked spending her time there. Maybe it simply was the fact that no one else in the castle knew about these visits, and that Severus's quarters thus had become Minerva's secret hide-out when she wanted to get away from her daily job routine.

"I know I got lucky tonight," he said. "But I am doing a double shift tomorrow. One of the Prefects is not feeling well and Poppy does not want him to wander the corridors at night."

"I wonder how long we can keep this up," Minerva yawned. "All of the staff members are so desperately deprived of sleep."

"We have to, and thus we will manage."

"Says the man who missed our last staff meeting because he fell asleep."

Severus smiled apologetically, but he had understood that Minerva was only teasing him. After all, he had been awake all night because she had asked him to research alternative methods to the Mandrake Restorative Draught. No wonder that he had missed the staff meeting this afternoon. Tibby had woken him with the message that the Headmistress was looking for him.

"By the way," Minerva said, "I told everyone that you could not attend the meeting because you were doing additional research on how to give a Potion to a ghost."

"Thank you," he retorted, genuinely surprised that she had covered up for him. "So did you decide anything important?"

"Not really. We've made Dumbledore's last suggestion a rule – you know, that the patrols at night time have to be done in pairs. Most staff members were anyway doing it that way."

The Potions Master frowned; he preferred to work on his own.

"I think we will manage to make sure that Lockhart will not share his shifts with you," Minerva said dryly. "But you might have to put up with Aurora or Sybill."

"Oh, wonderful. One will be prone to giggle persistently and the other one will constantly predict my imminent and gruesome death."

"Look, I am not going to hand out time-tables," Minerva said crossly. "Partner with whomever you like, but do not prowl the castle on your own. It is a safety precaution, after all. Between nine in the evening and seven in the morning no one is to be alone in the corridors."

Minerva felt almost sorry for being in such a bad mood, and for venting her wrath on Severus. Almost. She knew he could take it. That was one of the advantages of spending time with the Slytherin Head, he would never back down just because she was in a temper.

And she was the new Headmistress, was she not? At least Albus and that awful Lucius Malfoy had informed her about 24 hours ago that the school governors had voted to remove Dumbledore from his position and to name her Headmistress for the time being.

Her new position meant that she had to set the rules that she thought necessary, and make sure that they were being followed properly. Even if Minerva had a bit of a soft spot when Severus was concerned, she would make him follow her orders.

Minerva looked up and saw that Severus was watching her with narrowed eyes, as though he was pondering something. She looked away and started playing with the fringes of her shawl that she had put beside her on the settee.

Soft spot? Had she just – thankfully only in her own thoughts – admitted that she liked the Head of Slytherin House? Well, yes, of course she liked him. A lot. But that was… something entirely different. Minerva shook her head. All that lack of sleep made her confused.

"There is something else on your mind," Severus said carefully. "Something that worries you."

"Of course there is," she snapped. "Do remember, there is a potentially lethal monster somewhere in this school."

Severus looked away from her. He did understand her reaction, somewhat. Like himself, Minerva was a person who hated to be pressured, especially if it was about something personal. She would share her worries only if she was ready to do so.

After a few moments of heavy silence, Minerva spoke again.

"I wonder if I should send the students home."

Her voice was softer this time, almost apologetic. Severus realised that she had just admitted part of what troubled her so deeply.

"Dumbledore did not think it necessary," he said quietly.

"Yes, but it was his decision then. Now it's mine."

Minerva bit her lip absent-mindedly, and Severus suddenly understood. She had always been Albus Dumbledore's second-in-command, both in the Order of the Phoenix and in Hogwarts. This was the first time in her life when she alone was in charge for so many people, and in a very crucial situation, too.

If another student got hurt even killed, it would be Minerva's responsibility. She was the one who would have to face the consequences of a potential death.

"All this year you have advised the Headmaster to send the students home, and now you do have to power to do so. Yet you hesitate," Severus stated.

"If I close the school, this will be the end of Hogwarts. We have no chance of ever catching the monster then. The ministry would never allow us to re-open the school next year. The end of a thousand-year old tradition… Severus, is it worth it? Is the danger that real? With all the precautions we are taking now, can there be any more attacks?"

Minerva realised that she was on the verge of crying because she was so desperate to do the right thing. In the war, she had sometimes given orders that had endangered other people – but they had been adults, grown-up witches and wizards who had known what they signed up for when they had joined the Order of the Phoenix. Now she was risking the lives of innocent children.

And yet, people would skin her alive if she dared to close Hogwarts without proper cause. Hogwarts was one of the five leading magic schools, a pillar of the world-wide wizarding society. She could not just disregard that fact. Even Cornelius Fudge had been adamant about not sending the students home.

Albus Dumbledore was up to making such decisions. Minerva knew that she was not his equal. She was not as powerful, and not as confident that things would work out just fine. She was not up to his tasks.

"The heir of Slytherin is likely to be one of the students. Actually, he is likely to be one of my students," Severus said thoughtfully, with just a hint of bitterness in his voice. "With all the extra precautions to keep the students monitored at all times, I do not think it likely that he can prepare another attack."

"Unlikely, but not impossible," Minerva objected, although Severus's words did make her feel a little better.

"Also," he continued, "so far the attacks have not been as bad as last time. We do not know why, but the monster only petrifies its victims. No one was killed. For all we know, that creature might have lost some of its power."

"I think that is too much to hope for."

"And lastly… Minerva, fifty years ago a student was killed in this castle. You actually witnessed those days, and you know that they did not close the school even then. In general the wizarding society seems to prefer Hogwarts over a life. Even if more attacks happen, even if a student dies – I do not think people will hold it against you. Not for long at least."

"Spoken like a true Slytherin," she answered, not quite sure how to react to his reasoning. "It is not my reputation I care about."

Severus saw the expression on Minerva's face change and knew he had said something wrong. Of course she was not worried about her reputation. The question was whether she herself could live with the fact that someone had died because of her actions. Minerva was one of those rare persons who honestly tired to act according to a clear conscience.

His reasoning had been to Slytherin-like, to much like the way of thinking a Death Eater might employ.

"I know," he answered cautiously. "I did not mean to imply that. Forgive me if my words were ill-chosen."

She nodded jerkily, maybe not quite convinced, but ready to listen to him some more.

"What would you do?" she suddenly asked.

Severus swallowed hard, knowing that a lot depended on his answer. What would he do in her place? To be perfectly honest, he did not quite know.

"I think…" he said slowly, "I think I would send them home. For several reasons. Traditions do not mean that much to me. Hogwarts is not exactly a happy place that I love. I would not mind that much if it was never re-opened, and… I already have blood on my hands."

He did not look at Minerva, but sensed that she had relaxed a little.

"So you think I should send the students home," she stated quietly.

"No, I said I would do that. I don't think you should."

"Explain."

"Do treat those events fifty years ago as a precedent. Other people have already pondered that question, and they have decided that Hogwarts has to go on. Also, you do know that the students are better-protected now than they have ever been before. And Dumbledore advised you to keep the school open. Trust him, usually he is right."

"How do you know Albus told me that?" Minerva asked, utterly surprised.

"He did tell me that you would maybe want to close the school, and that I was to talk you out of if," Severus replied with a little smirk.

"That bastard!"

Minerva could not help it, she started laughing. Trust Albus Dumbledore to manipulate her even when he was not present. Severus's smirk broadened into a sly smile.

"You are aware that I will tell him what you called him," he said deviously.

"Fine with me! Honestly, how dare that man do something like that – so all the advice you just gave me was really his advice?"

"No, that was my personal opinion. – Minerva, I do know this is hard for you. But you are not alone, keep that in mind."

She leaned back in her seat and watched the man sitting on the other side of the low table. He was right, and she knew it. Whatever was going to happen in the future, she would not be alone to face those events.

"I think that was the reason why I came here tonight," Minerva said warmly.

"Hm?"

"I wondered earlier why I did come here, when it was obvious both of us would be too tired to play chess, even though it makes such a pretty excuse to visit you. I needed to talk to someone, and I knew I'd find a friend here."

She knew that she had blushed a little and looked away from Severus. Damn, she was not good at this. It was fine and dandy to quarrel daily when they both knew it was just their way of expressing mutual amity, but to openly call the Potions Master a friend was… overdoing things a bit. Maybe.

"You must be overly tired," Severus said dryly. "If you already feel inclined to consider a Slytherin your friend."

He was trying to make this easy for her, actually offering her a way to back out. Well, she was not a Gryffindor for nothing. Gryffindors might be foolishly noble sometimes, but they were brave.

"I mean it, Severus," she said, looking up.

The look on his face was priceless. She had hardly ever seen Severus Snape nervous. But after a few seconds, he relaxed visibly and returned her gaze.

"I know," he answered. "We are friends; I know that – I think I could just not believe my ears to hear one of us actually speak that word."

Minerva smiled.

Severus looked at her and watched that small smile expand into a wicked grin.

"What is it?"

"This situation is so unreal," Minerva answered, laughing a little. "I mean, we're both overreacting because we're so tired – at least I know I am – and suddenly there we are staring at each other like smitten teenagers when really we are just talking about friendship. I wondered for a moment what Lockhart would say if he saw us like that."

Severus could not help it, he laughed.

"He would hate it. Almost makes me wish he would walk in now."

"He is still quite interested in you, isn't he?"

"The man just cannot fathom that there are people in this world who are not in love with him. I think that is all there is. He needs to prove to himself that he can have anyone."

"Then he is in for a disappointment."

"Definitely."

Severus looked at the old-fashioned clock on his mantelpiece and yawned. He was dead-tired, but did somehow not want to break this conversation up. The evening had turned out to be much more pleasant than he had expected.

"Would you like some tea?" he asked

"I think I should go to bed, but…"

He snapped his fingers and called Tibby, and the small house-elf appeared instantly. She listened to his order and started grinning, then she interrupted him.

"Tea already is prepared, Master. Tibby is thinking that Master and Mistress will want something nice and hot. Master's room is very cold again."

The house-elf looked as though she was scolding her master gently. Severus forced himself not to smile. That little creature sure was the most dedicated elf he had ever met.

"Alright, then."

Tibby disappeared and was back within a flash, carrying a tray with tea and some shortbread biscuits. She set the table carefully and then went to the hearth where she put some more logs in the fire.

"Will Master be needing anything else?"

"No, Tibby, that will be everything. Go to bed."

"Yes, Master. – Sir, may Tibby…"

Severus anticipated what she was going to say and interrupted her with an impatient gesture. Tibby cocked her head to the side and beamed.

"Alright, but close the doors."

"Yes, Sir. Goodnight, Sir. Goodnight, Professor McGonagall, Mistress."

The small elf flapped her ears delightedly and hurried away to Severus's office. She closed the door from the other side, and seconds later they heard her open and close the other door leading to the laboratory.

"What was that all about?" Minerva asked.

She nibbled on one of the shortbreads with a rather amused expression on her face.

"Tibby has taken to sleeping in my laboratory, Merlin knows why. I have given her some blankets and pillows and she has made herself a nest in one of the storage cabinets. For some reason she insists that she is comfortable there."

"That elf sure does love you," Minerva commented.

Severus snorted. Tibby was apparently not unhappy with him as her new master, but love was too strong a word.

"Don't be foolish. She claims that it is easier for her to coordinate her work with my irregular sleeping habits if she is close by, and frankly I do not think she gets along too well with the other house-elves. Maybe they do look down on her because she got drunk that once."

"Then let's say that she seems very devoted to you. You treat her well."

"I just told her to stay away from Lockhart and try not to treat her like a bond-slave."

Minerva looked at him, once again as though something amused her quite a bit.

"What?" he asked irritably.

"Just as Lockhart cannot imagine a being who is not in love with him, you cannot grasp the idea that someone might like you just because of who you are."

"Nonsense."

Severus was glad to notice that Minerva was smart enough not to push the matter any further.

Minerva had a really hard time not to laugh out loud, but she managed to maintain a nearly serious expression on her face (nearly being the key word there). Sometimes it was just plain funny to watch Severus react to his environment, especially if he had to handle unexpected displays of affection. At least Tibby was not romantically interested in him, like Lockhart was; and then of course there had been that Christmas when Sybill Trelawney had…

"Now what are you thinking of?" Severus asked tetchily.

"Sybill."

"And that is a reason to smile?"

"Not really. Sorry, I think that lack of sleep just makes me giddy."

"Giddiness does not suit you well. Next thing you'll let your hair down, and then I really won't know how to handle you any more."

"Now you are the one who is talking nonsense," Minerva said haughtily. "But I do think I will floo to my place now and go to bed."

Minerva drank the last sip of her tea and got up from her seat. She put her tartan shawl around her shoulders and stepped closer to the fireplace.

"Thanks for the tea, Severus. And the conversation. Oh, damn–"

"What?"

"I keep forgetting that Dumbledore sealed the floo connection. Well, I suppose that means that I'll go back to my place. Goodnight, Severus."

Minerva drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders and went to the door.

"Wait."

"Mmm?"

Severus had put his black cloak on and waved his wand to extinguish the candles.

"Are you going somewhere?" Minerva asked.

"I am going to walk you back to your rooms."

"There is no need for that. I think I do know the way."

"The new school rule, does that ring a bell? No staff member is to be allowed alone in the corridors after nine o'clock. It is–" he checked his clock in an exaggerated way, "It is twenty past one. What does that tell you?"

Minerva had the impression that Severus did enjoy lecturing her, just to get even because she had earlier been so adamant about the rule. She could not quite see his facial expression because he was standing a few feet away from her and had already put out most of the candles.

"Don't be silly, Severus."

"I am not being silly," he said in a silky voice that suggested the very opposite of his words. "You've said it yourself – it's not some random rule, it's a safety precaution."

"I can very well look after myself."

"So can I, and yet you insisted that I was to obey The Rules. Even if you are our new Headmistress, there can be no exception for you."

He was enjoying this tremendously. Minerva bit her lip.

"Even if I did accept your offer to accompany me, that would mean you'd have to walk back here alone. One of us has to break this oh-so-sacred rule," she said impatiently.

"So am I to let the lady face danger all on her own? – Minerva, I am trying to display chivalrous manners here."

"Which is not at all like you!" she stormed.

"Do give me some credit. There have been occasions in the past when I did act politely," he retorted, now openly laughing.

"And you did tell me not to get used to it. Look, I do appreciate the offer, thank you very much, but you will not risk your very life just to prove a point."

"And neither will you," Severus answered.

His voice was more serious now. He turned back to the candles and lit them again so they would not have to continue their argument in the dark.

"You did not make that rule up just for fun," he said sincerely. "Except for Finch-Fletchley and Nearly-Headless Nick, all the victims were alone when they were attacked; and I suppose a ghost does not count because he cannot defend himself. Even the two girls yesterday were found lying a number of feet apart. The creature apparently does not attack several people at once, so two adults might stand a chance against it. Two, not one."

Minerva stared at the Head of Slytherin House, knowing that he would not back down. Merlin, that man was stubborn. Why could he not be like everyone else and just do what she told him to do?

"So what then, Severus? You will not let me go and I will not let you come with me. I can't stay here all night."

"Why not?"

Severus was glad that he had just looked away from Minerva when he had said that. He was too surprised when he heard his own voice, and needed a moment to re-create a stoical expression on his face.

When he turned around, the Head of Gryffindor House still stared at him. Apparently that comment had made her forget whatever she had wanted to say.

"Why not?" he repeated, now enjoying her reaction.

"Because we both need to sleep, that's why. Much as I enjoy talking with you all night long, tomorrow is a Monday and we will have to get up early."

"Technically it is possible for you to sleep here."

"I could not possibly… not when all that gossip about us has just died down a bit…"

"It is not like anybody would have to know. And you might have noticed that I do have more than one room – I did not imply sharing a bed."

Minerva still looked at him as though he had suggested finding a cosy sleeping place in the Forbidden Forest. Severus frowned. Great Merlin, it was not as though he had proposed anything indecent. They were adults, after all, adults and friends – not teenagers who could not be trusted in suchlike situations.

"You would stay if this was Poppy's or Pomona's place," he said. "It is the logical thing to do."

Minerva nodded slowly.

"Well, I suppose I could curl up on that armchair by the fireside…" she said hesitantly.

"You hate sleeping as a cat."

"Who told you that?"

"You."

"I did?"

"Some time during the war, you and Marlene McKinnon talked about those night shifts you did together – when you spied on my fellow Death Eaters. You said then that you hated sleeping in your Animagus form."

Severus looked at the settee in his living room. It was comfortable enough to sit on, but did not exactly make a good bed (having fallen asleep on it more than once, he knew that). Minerva still looked at him with a puzzled expression on her face.

He shrugged irritably and went into his bedroom, leaving the door open. Severus looked around. The bedroom was as clean and orderly as ever. He opened his wardrobe and took one of his standard white shirts; then he returned to the living room.

Minerva had gone back to the fireplace and warmed her hands over the flames. At least she had taken that ugly shawl off, so she had apparently decided that she would stay for the rest of the night.

"There," he said curtly, handing the Headmistress his shirt. "You also mentioned back then that you do not like sleeping in your robes, and this is the best I alternative I can offer."

"Thanks," she mumbled.

"Bathroom is on the other side of the bedroom," he explained. "You take the bed, I'll sleep here. Now would you stop looking so shocked and just go to bed?"

"Alright." Minerva looked up and smiled suddenly. "Goodnight, Severus."

Minerva went into the small bedroom. She did leave the door slightly ajar, after all these were Severus's rooms and he might want to use his bathroom in the morning. On the other hand, he did probably have another washbasin in his laboratory.

She put the white shirt on the bed and looked around in the bedroom, trying to be not too nosy. It was a small room, furnished only with a plain bed, one trunk, a wardrobe, one small mirror next to the wardrobe, and several bookshelves. Minerva was surprised to notice a tiny cellar window just above the bed – she was certain that this window could not be detected from the outside.

The bathroom was equally spartan – Gilderoy Lockhart would not have been happy at all. Minerva grinned, thinking that she possibly was the first person who entered these two rooms ever since Severus had moved in about twelve years ago. She knew that he had had one or the other short-lived affair, but he had never brought his partners to Hogwarts.

Minerva undid her hair and ran through it with a small comb that she always carried in her pocket. Then she brushed her teeth (conjuring up toothbrushes was one of the first things she had learned on those night shifts with Marlene) and washed her face.

Back in the bedroom, Minerva undressed slowly (except for her knickers, unless there was a very good reason she would not take those off in somebody else's bedroom!) and put her clothes in one orderly pile on that trunk. The pressed white shirt was a little bit too big for her, so it really was perfect for a nightshirt.

Minerva laughed quietly when she caught a glimpse of her reflection in that mirror. The Head of Gryffindor House wearing nothing but a man's shirt (well, almost nothing), with her hair undone and in a strange bedroom… it was an unusual sight.

Maybe too unusual. It had been a little too long since she had done something inappropriate like that, and Minerva found that she quite enjoyed doing it right now.

It was cool in the bedroom, so she swiftly slipped under the bedcovers and extinguished the lights. The bed was not exactly soft, but comfortable – just the way she liked it. And it smelled good, like a certain Potions Master she knew. Yawning, Minerva turned to her side.

Only five minutes ago, she would not have thought it possible to sleep under these circumstances, but then again… she was in this bed because someone truly cared for her safety. Considering who that someone was, it was actually quite likely that there were additional spells warding this room, so this was probably the safest place in Hogwarts. How could she not relax then?

Minerva closed her eyes and fell asleep within seconds.

Four hours later, Severus gave up. It was simply not possible to sleep on that stupid settee. Oh, one could fall asleep, but one could definitely not rest. Even after he had transfigured the darn thing to become longer, wider, and softer, it did remain the most uncomfortable piece of furniture he had ever encountered. Why had he even bothered to set the alarm of his clock? It was not like he was going to sleep anyway.

He got up and stretched, and then started to pace the room, occasionally shooting angry glances at that sorry excuse for a bed. Probably the thing was cursed so that no one could properly relax on it? Unlikely, but not entirely impossible… He made a mental note to check his rooms for unusual curses first thing in the morning.

It was not just that damned make-shift bed he had tried to sleep on, there was something on his mind. He had just not yet figured out what it was. Severus stopped his pacing and sat down again, this time in his favourite armchair.

That was better. He put his feet on the small table and tried to shift into a more comfortable posture. Maybe he could just not sleep because he had used his cloak for a blanket. Well, Minerva had left her shawl in the living room, and she would probably not mind if he used it. She was, after all, sleeping in his bed, most likely wearing his shirt.

Severus took the warm shawl and draped it over himself. He shook his head. Did that woman own one little thing that was not all tartan? Tartan with fringes. Minerva would buy anything that vaguely suggested Scotland, no matter how distasteful it was.

At least the fabric was soft and felt nice to the touch. And it did smell good – rather like a certain Professor for Transfiguration, but that did of course not mean a thing.

Another fifty minutes later he woke up with a start, this time because his alarm went off. It could not already be… yes, it already was half past six. The Potions Master felt about as rested as though he had spent the whole night on a nail bed. His students would today better behave exceptionally well (even if they were Slytherins), or he would have to take a lot of points to improve his mood.

Severus got up and walked to the bedroom. He knocked on the door before opening it, but there was no answer. Minerva slept soundly. Not wanting to wake her, Severus moved as quietly as possible. He took some fresh clothes out of his wardrobe and then went into the bathroom.

One cold shower later he did still not quite feel awake, but at least less exhausted than before. Severus went through his morning routine of toothbrushing and shaving and then dressed quickly. It probably was about ten to seven by now. Time to wake the Sleeping Gryffindor Beauty.

The Head of Slytherin House went back into his bedroom. A smile appeared on his lips when he once more watched the sleeping woman. Minerva McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor House, asleep in his bed. This had to be the strangest thing he had ever seen – and, possibly also one of the most peaceful scenes that he had ever witnessed.

Minerva slept on her side, with one hand slightly curled and resting on the pillow. Her expression was calm and relaxed. Severus felt the smile deepen on his face when he studied her hair, all tousled and with one stand falling across her face, and so unlike the tight bun he was accustomed to seeing.

Severus bent forward and pushed that strand of hair away, as tenderly as he could. Minerva smiled and turned in her sleep, but did not quite wake up. The bedcover slipped from her shoulder and Severus looked at his own shirt, for some reason pleased with the fact that she was indeed wearing it. She slept so serenely that he hated having to wake her.

He reached out once more, intending to touch her shoulder and wake her as gently as possible. And then, all of a sudden, Severus Snape realised that he could not touch her again, at least not with entirely innocent intentions.

He loved her. Out of the blue, realisation hit him with full force. His feelings for her were not limited to a regular friendship, but he had fallen in love without even being aware of the process. All those quiet evenings spent together, all that bonding and the trust they had build up… it had led to far.

Severus backed away from the bed, knowing that if he did touch Minerva now, he would get carried away and try to kiss her or do something else they both would regret.

"Tibby?" he whispered hoarsely, more than grateful for the existence of that house-elf.

It took only about 15 seconds before Tibby appeared at his side; 15 seconds that felt way to long to Severus.

"Yes, Master?"

The elf looked as though she had just woken her up, but as always she appeared eager to please.

"I will go upstairs for breakfast," Severus said. "Tibby, would you wake Professor McGonagall? I assume she would prefer if you did that once I have left."

"Yes, Sir."

Tibby stifled a yawn.

"And then do please help Professor McGonagall to get to the Entrance Hall unseen. No one is to know that she has spent the night here, do you understand?"

Severus did not wait for Tibby to reply, but turned on the spot and left the room.

Minerva realised that there was someone in the room, but she was still too drowsy to react. Gentle fingertips brushed some of her hair out of her face, and she smiled in her sleep. This felt wonderful. She turned, trying to follow that gentle touch, but lost contact somehow.

A dream was still vivid in her mind, she could not quite remember what it exactly it had been about, but it had involved someone touching her just like this, tenderly, lovingly, and then also with increasing passion. It had been someone she knew, someone who was…

"Professor McGonagall, Mistress, time to wake up!"

Minerva opened her eyes and saw Tibby next to her bed. The house-elf ginned happily.

"Good morning, Professor McGonagall!"

"Good morning, Tibby," Minerva mumbled, still sleepy.

It took her one or two seconds to realise just where she had woken up, and why it was Tibby who now offered to fetch her tea and breakfast, or do anything else that Mistress would like.

"Where is Professor Snape?"

"Master has already gone to eat breakfast. He is saying Tibby is to help Mistress get away from here unseen."

"Merlin, you are right! I have to get out of here."

Minerva slipped out from under her covers and got out of the bed.

"Tibby, I'll be ready in two minutes, could you wait for me in the living room? I'd appreciate if you could make sure nobody sees me going upstairs."

Five minutes later, Minerva left Severus's rooms and immediately turned into her cat shape after she had closed the door. Although almost everybody in this castle knew that she was an Animagus, with that many cats in Hogwarts she usually managed to go about unnoticed.

Tibby made sure that there was no one in the Entrance Hall, and once she had gotten there unseen, Minerva the cat darted up to her own rooms. Outside her own door, she checked once more that there was no one around, then she transfigured back to human shape and entered her living room.

Inside, she leaned against her door and grinned. That had gone well. For some reason, she felt quite good about this whole adventure.

Severus was not even the first one in the Great Hall, Filius Flitwick already sat at the staff table and enjoyed his morning tea.

"Good morning, lad," the old wizard greeted him. "Want to have a look at the Daily Prophet? I'm almost through with it."

"Mmm," Severus mumbled while sitting down. "Anything interesting?"

"Nothing that's news to us," Filius said, handing him the front page.

'Two More Students Attacked on Hogwarts Grounds' was the screaming headline, with a sub-heading saying 'Albus Dumbledore removed from his position as Headmaster'. Severus picked the paper up and started reading. Filius was right, the article was nothing but a summary of the events that had taken place on Saturday, and concluded with a brief characterisation of the new Acting Headmistress Minerva McGonagall.

In the meantime, a few more staff members and some students had arrived in the Great Hall. Pomona sat down next to Filius and yawned. Severus handed the newspaper to her.

"Does anybody have an idea where Minerva is?" Filius suddenly asked. "She is late."

Severus was very proud of the fact that he managed not to choke on his tea. Hopefully Tibby had followed his orders.

"No idea," he said curtly. "Why?"

"I just thought she might want to read this article," the Head of Ravenclaw replied. "They mention that she was Head of the Auror Training Programme in the past, so I suppose some of the students will ask her about that today – ah, but there she is."

Severus looked up when Minerva sat down on her customary place next to him, smelling of rose shampoo and looking as pristine as ever. She greeted everyone just as usual and then started nibbling on a piece of toast.

"Still not feeling inclined to sit down in the Headmaster's place?" Pomona said, grinning. "By the way, you should read this. Both the Prophet and the Quibbler mention you."

"No, as far as I am concerned this still is Albus's seat," Minerva said, pointing to the throne-like chair on her right. "He will be back."

"I think so, too. That Malfoy must have blackmailed the other governors, or bribed them – but they will call Albus back sooner or later," Filius said thoughtfully. "Not that you do not make a great Headmistress, of course," he added gallantly.

"No offence taken, Filius."

The corners of Minerva's mouth twitched just a little while she scanned one article in the Quibbler, as though she was genuinely amused about something but did not want to show it. Severus looked away from her.

"You do seem to be in a good mood this morning," Pomona commented. "And well-rested. You look much better than you did last night."

"Oh, I did not even sleep that much," Minerva answered vaguely while reading on. "I just – had a long good talk with a friend yesterday, and that helped to put some things in perspective."

"That is a very nice thing to say," Pomona said warmly. "Thank you."

Severus looked up and saw a genuinely happy expression on Pomona's face. Of course, the Head of Hufflepuff House had done the night shift with Minerva yesterday, and she was one of Minerva's closest friends. It was only natural that she would assume Minerva had meant her.

Minerva looked up and realisation dawned on her face. "You're welcome," she said after a few seconds, and then she turned to the Potions Master.

"Severus, would you pass me the tea?"

He did so, and for just a split second their eyes met. He did not need Legilimency to understand what she was trying to say. She had meant him, and he did honestly appreciate the compliment.

"Any time," he said, knowing that she understood he was not referring to a pot of 'Wizard's Choice English Breakfast Tea'.

Minerva looked at him for another second, her eyes suddenly widening as though she had just realised or remembered something important.

Then she took the teapot and continued to chat with Filius. Severus picked the Quibbler up and pretended to read the editorial, which today was some weird and wonderful tale about tiger-sized Kneazles that supposedly could be found in the Forest of Marston Vale.

Any time, he had said, and Minerva was aware of the invitation. She would come to him if she needed someone to talk to, and that would probably lead to a few more nights spent in such close proximity.

It had been a foolish thing to say. Severus knew that he would not mind at all if Minerva spent another night in his bed, but he was not quite sure if he was up to handling the situation. If she really felt that comfortable in his rooms… it was both a little too close and not close enough.