Chapter 37
Dearest Minerva,
I am sorry to have to leave you yet another letter. Once again, I have been called away on Order business. I am unable to tell you more for fear that this piece of parchment should fall into the wrong hands. I know that you will understand. Please mind the school until my return in a few days time.
Always,
Albus
Albus turned to the chess set before the fireplace. He stood a book in the center of the board. It was the latest of a series of mystery novels that he knew Minerva enjoyed. It had been intended as a Christmas gift but now became a feeble attempt at an apology for leaving with no notice again. He carefully balanced the parchment against it so she would be sure to see it.
Pulling out his watch, Albus saw that it was getting late. Minerva would be there soon. He conjured a piping pot of tea and pulled a spare blanket from the closet. He draped the blanket across the back of the couch in an unspoken invitation for Minerva to stay as long as she like.
"It is time, old friend," Albus said glancing over at Fawkes. "Watch over her while I am away." Fawkes chortled and blinked his watery pools at Albus.
Albus gave him a half smile. "Please don't remind me. I just can't bear to watch her be disappointed again. This truly is the best way." Turning his back on the bird's disapproving gaze, he stepped into the fireplace and disappeared.
Fawkes sat motionless for a moment staring quietly at the door. He listened as the portraits began their usual evening chatter.
"…the nerve of him to go running off like that again…"
"…He's a busy man, she knows that…"
"…still, no need…"
"…Everyone knows what's more important…"
Fawkes heard a knock on the door and then silence. After a moment, the knock came again. When there still was no response, the door cracked open and bespeckled eyes peered around it.
"Albus?" Minerva questioned.
Fawkes cooed in response and received a warm smile from the woman in the doorway.
"Fawkes, I was unaware that you changed your name to that of your master," Minerva joked as she approached him.
With a gentle gurgle that sounded similar to a laugh, he accepted Minerva's gentle massage as she worked her fingers down to the bottom of his plumage.
"Would you happen to know where your friend is. He is late for our chess match and he knows how much I despise tardiness," she said with a warm chuckle.
Fawkes' eyes turned sad as he turned his head and looked at the chess board over her shoulder. A questioning look flitted over Minerva's features before recognition set in after she turned and saw the note propped against the book.
Fawkes' heart melted as he watched her shoulders slump in a sign of emotion that she would never allow another human to see.