15 April 1957

Minerva walked briskly down the corridors. She was on her way to meet Elphinstone who had asked to meet her at Hogsmeade. Ever since she had left the Ministry, they had both managed to keep in touch, something for which Minerva was grateful. Now, several months following her departure, both had grown very close and they met almost on a weekly basis for a quick chat. Minerva found herself looking forward to them when Friday came, especially now that the weather was so nice. It meant that they could sit outside, or have a peaceful walk around Hogsmeade.

Minerva looked out of the window as she continued down the corridors. Blossoms were blooming on the trees and the sun was shining brightly in the sky. She could not remember the last time she had felt so peaceful, or so appreciative of what she had. Minerva turned her attention back to where she was walking as she approached the end of the corridor. As she turned, she almost walked straight into Dumbledore.

"Oh," Minerva exclaimed, putting a hand to her chest. "Goodness, I'm sorry, Albus. I didn't see you."

Albus did not seem as perturbed as she was. He smiled. "No need to apologise, my dear," he said. "In a rush?"

"A bit," Minerva conceded. "I'm on my way to meet Elphinstone. I told him I would be there at half-past but it is almost thirty-five past now," she added, after consulting her watch.

Albus nodded. "I won't keep you, then," he said, stepping aside so that she could get past. "I shall see you this evening, my dear. Send my best to Elphinstone."

He smiled then continued his way down the corridor. Meanwhile, Minerva continued her own way out of the castle. Once she reached the gates, opting for a fast method of travel, Minerva spun on the spot and apparated several miles away in Hogsmeade. After brushing down her robes, she made her way to the Three Broomsticks where Elphinstone was meant to be waiting for her.

"Minerva!" he called, once she had entered the pub.

Minerva smiled and walked over to where he was sitting at the back of the room. He had managed to claim a window seat, quite difficult in the Three Broomsticks and particularly at midday.

"I was starting to wonder if you were going to come at all," he teased, standing up and giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "The ever punctual Minerva McGonagall 10 minutes late. I never thought it possible."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "You would be kinder to me if you knew what made me late," she told him. He raised his eyebrow and she proceeded to explain. "I found a poor boy with a mushroom for a head in the corridors. I am not quite sure how that transpired," she added, shaking her head, "but he is now sitting in Hospital Wing very shaken."

Elphinstone chuckled. "I can't say that I am entirely surprised," he said. "A mushroom, really?"

"Yes," Minerva confirmed with a nod. "Elizabeth was not best pleased," she added, referring to the Hogwarts matron. "But enough of that. How are you, Elphinstone?"

He smiled. "Oh, same as always," he said. "Ministry work keeping me on my toes."

"I heard from Annabelle that that anti-muggle group is as elusive as it was 5 months ago," Minerva said.

"She is right, in a way," Elphinstone agreed tiredly. "We know hardly anything of their leader, how the group came to be, how long it has been around for..." he trailed away and sighed. "What is even more frustrating is that it is clear that they have grown in numbers. Most wizards we catch now, who are involved in anti-muggle attacks, have been found with some horrible tattoo on their left arm."

Minerva raised an eyebrow. "A tattoo?"

"A skull and a snake," Elphinstone clarified. "To mark their membership, it seems."

"That does not seem very discreet," Minerva said frowning.

"I don't think they want it to be discreet, Minerva," Elphinstone said, and his expression darkened somewhat making Minerva worried. "I joined the Ministry midway through Grindelwald's rise to power. As you would expect there was a lot of anti-muggle activity even in the UK. Groups were formed, some were disbanded and after 1945 things went very quiet on that front."

He paused and Minerva swallowed.

"These Knight of Walpurgis remind you of some of these groups from last time?" she said.

He nodded. "Dumbledore came to the Ministry last week," he said. "He believes we are dealing with more than just a small group of wizards who still believe in Grindelwald's ways. I think I am starting to agree with him. These people are becoming quite vocal, and to have a tattoo in a place that can easily be seen..." he added, looking at her significantly. "I think they want to be known."

They were both silent for a moment, Minerva trying to digest this new information.

"What is the Ministry planning on doing about it?" she asked finally.

This time, Elphinstone's expression morphed so that he looked almost annoyed. "Nothing. They believe no action is needed."

"That's ludicrous," Minerva said, and Elphinstone nodded.

"Alastor almost had a fit," he said. "The Auror department is stretched at the moment. The number of hours that our department is working is beyond extreme. I doubt anyone has had a proper night's sleep since this all began. Anyway, Alastor believes we need to nip this in the bud. The Minister and a large amount of the Wizemgamot, believe otherwise. They are under the impression that this will just blow over."

Minerva looked at him. "Do you think that it will?" she asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"I hope so," Elphinstone said, "but I have some serious doubts."

"Oh, there you are!" Pomona said as she entered the staffroom "Where have you been all day?"

Minerva looked up from her book she had been reading for almost an hour. She slipped a bookmark between the pages and closed the book. "I was in Hogsmeade with Elphinstone," she said. "I am trying to enjoy my days off as you told me to."

Pomona smiled. "I'm glad," she said. "Lovely day to do it as well. I don't think it has ever been this warm in Scotland. Did you have a nice time?"

Minerva nodded. "I did, although…" she trailed away.

"Although?" prodded Pomona.

"Although it was a shame to see him so anxious," she finished, stopping for a moment to give Pomona enough time to settle down in one of the high wing-backed chairs opposite her. "The Muggle attacks are getting even more frequent," she explained to her friend whose face suggested that she was slightly confused.

"I suppose that makes things very difficult at the Ministry then?" said Pomona, looking at Minerva.

"Yes, very much so… and especially in the Auror department. I can't imagine what they are going through now."

Pomona stood up and walked over to the back of the room where there were cupboards of crockery. "I'm sure they'll find something in the end."

"That's what I told Elphinstone," replied Minerva. She looked up at Pomona bustling around the place and asked, "Are you making tea?"

"Yes I am," answered Pomona, "Would you like some?"

"Earl Grey for me please," came Minerva's reply.

"Some people never change," grumbled Pomona and Minerva chuckled, pushing her spectacles back on the bridge of her nose. "Very English aren't you?" muttered Pomona under her breath, however; the clanging and banging of the cupboards and the teacups did not drown her words.

"I am Scottish, Pomona," said Minerva, thoroughly disgruntled. "Not English."

Pomona smiled as she walked back with two steaming mugs of tea. "Oh, dear Merlin Minerva, if you could see the look on your face right now! I'm sure you'll be famous for that frown one day," she added.

Minerva opened her book again. "Don't be ridiculous," was her reply.

Pomona chuckled and Minerva allowed herself a small smile too.

I hope you liked this chapter; it's longer than the previous one. Reviews are appreciated.