Okay, after reading the the last chapter, I realized that that was HORRIBLE and so unlike Albus Dumbledore. Lol. And for the thing about no bad reviews, scratch that, because I just got one. Not for this story, though, for HPTDLM. All well. It's expected. Anyway, this chapter took kind of a long time to publish, because the publishing thing on this site broke down. Lol. Also, I really had no idea how Minerva McGonagall would be to blame. So, I put out some really stupid things…..sigh……well, I hope you review, at least. Lol.

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Minerva McGonagall ~ Trembling Hands

Minerva was sitting at the long table, listening to Cornelius Fudge drone on and on about You-Know-Who, and what the Ministry of Magic were planning to do about him.

"……So, I conclude that the Wizarding Word should be very cautious about leaving their homes after dark, and to practice many spells, especially the "Expecto Patronum" one, as the dementors are now roaming – GOODNESS!"

For with a flash and a poof, a single golden feather and a letter had landed in front of Minerva McGonagall. She herself had jumped, but almost at the same time, had reached out for the letter. It was Fawkes's feather, she was sure of it. So, that would mean that it was Dumbledore's letter……

"Minerva! What is that?" Minerva was jerked into the present as Fudge continued to call her name.

"What, this? Oh! It's nothing important, nothing at all……please, Minister, continue."

But as the Minister of Magic began to speak once more, Minerva paid him no mind and proceeded to open the letter that lay on her lap. Her eyes darted from left to right, as she read the epistle. She frowned to herself after finishing, knowing what was bothering Dumbledore, and why.

He was upset, of course, that Sirius had died (Minerva shuddered at the thought), and he was also blaming himself for all the trouble. He believed, that he himself, was the only one responsible for Sirius' demise.

But that wasn't true. There were others responsible as well.

Like Minerva herself.

Minerva knew that no one would blame her, why would anyone? She was at St. Mungo's Hospital For Magical Maladies And Injuries. She couldn't have done anything to prevent anything from happening. Which was why Minerva blamed herself. She didn't do anything. Any little step, any little mistake, could cause huge happenings.

Minerva really couldn't remember why she had run out that night that the Ministry was attacking Hagrid. Of course, she knew that she wanted to prevent Hagrid from getting hurt, but she had completely forgotten the situation. It was Hagrid, for Merlin's sake. Hagrid was perfectly capable of defending himself, and with the giant blood in him, he'd hardly be hurt at all. But no, Minerva had gone running out to stop the people from attacking Hagrid. And she had gotten attacked herself.

If Minerva were more cautious, more careful, then she probably wouldn't have landed herself at the Hospital. That way, when Harry had that awful vision about Sirius getting tortured, then she could have assured him that it wasn't true, that it was just You-Know-Who up at his pranks again.

But Minerva was not as cautious as she should have been. She just rushed without thinking. There was no way for her to change the past………CHANGE THE PAST!!!! She could!! She could just grab a time-turner, and whiz off to that day, and……and……and what? Run up to Harry and tell him that everything was okay? He wouldn't believe that. Especially since she was supposed to be in the Hospital Wing, and if he went there, then Madam Promfrey would tell him that she was at St. Mungo's……

But Severus could! Yes! Severus could use a time-turner, and go up to Harry when he was trying to find someone! Harry had forgotten all about Professor Snape, but he wouldn't forget about Harry!

For an instant, Minerva actually considered this possible. Sure, it would be hard to convince Severus to agree, but he could, eventually. But then, several factors came crashing into her mind that ended the once-delightful idea with a disappointed drop. For one, this was weeks ago. If Severus were actually to go back in time, he would have to find some place to hide so that no one would see him. That was nearly impossible. Another thing was that if Harry did listen to Severus (which would be a little hard, seeing that Harry didn't trust him), then after explaining everything afterwards, he would talk about Severus assuring him that nothing bad was to happen, and the past Severus would deny it, leaving everyone very confused.

Also (Minerva hated to think this, because it seemed selfish), if it had not been for Sirius, and Harry going to rescue him, then still hardly anyone would believe that You-Know-Who was back, and the Death Eaters wouldn't have been caught.

But, one final reason was that although no one wanted him to go, Minerva couldn't help feeling that his death was to have happened. That he died for a reason. There must be some cause.

"………and so, that concludes it all. Meeting adjourned!" Minerva snapped her head back, suddenly realizing that she had missed practically the whole meeting. Walking back to her room at the Wizarding Hotel, she decided that even though Severus was not much help, seeing how much he hated, and still hates, Sirius, he could at least help Dumbledore.

In her room, Minerva took out two pieces of parchment. Taking one first, she wrote:

             Dumbledore,

I understand your feelings at the moment. I feel that it would be best for you to be able to confide your feelings with someone. As I am unable to be there, I think that Severus Snape would be best. I will write to him for you.

                                                                                                                   All the best,

                                                                                                                   Minerva

Taking the other piece of parchment, Minerva composed:

             Severus,

Though as much as I know that you hated Sirius Black, he has now passed on and there are many others suffering. Albus Dumbledore is included. He has been grieving deeply, and so I suggest that you go on to him and help him cope, as much as I know that you don't want to. He needs, as I suspect, someone from the Order, and I am not available.

                                                                                                          Minerva

Minerva sighed as she folded the pieces of parchment up. Taking the owl that she had brought along from the School, she gave it the letters.

"Make sure you give Dumbledore's his letter first," she whispered. The owl hooted once, and then spread its wings to the night sky.

It was awhile before Minerva noticed that she had been staring out the window for quite awhile. She retired to bed, with shaking, trembling hands. She knew, deep down, that it was not from the cold, but from grief, and perhaps, guilt.

~*~

Oooooookay……lol. Anyway, I hope that that wasn't too boring or anything. And also, I know that it dosen't really make sense to have a Wizarding Hotel, because witches and wizards could just dissaparate to their homes, and then apparate back the next day. But, if Minerva was to do that, then she could've comforted Dumbledore, and the story couldn't go on. So, I made it a little weird. Lol. Anyways, I hope you liked that, and please review!!