Hey diddle diddle

Minerva mulled over Gandalf's story, as she led him along the corridors of the castle at a swift pace. She was glad of the walking stick, as it gave her a sense of security and took some of the weight off her wobbly feet. In the past two days, she had mastered the art of using the stick so that it seemed as if she didn't really need it, but that did not alter the fact that she couldn't get on without it yet.

They had nearly reached Gandalf's rooms, when a strong wave of pain coming from her chest rushed over her. Her one hand grasped the stick, and she leant heavily on the wood, while her other hand gripped the robes at her throat spasmodically as she fought to keep in control. Soon, the worst of the pain was over, and she came aware of a troubled looking Gandalf moving to assist her.

Smiling faintly, she assured him that he wasn't to worry. 'The healers at St. Mungo's warned me that this would continue to happen for a few days, as the energy of the stunners still lingers in my body.'

'What happened?' He asked, of course he didn't know of the four stunners that had been sent at her when she had tried to help Hagrid.

She told him what had happened, careful to hide her feelings of shame and humiliation when she remembered how easily the Ministry agents had gotten rid of her. To her astonishment, she saw a spark of anger appear in his eyes.

It became clear against whom his anger was directed, as he spoke earnestly. 'I cannot say how much the foolery of these men angers me. They deserve the severest punishment!'

His words warmed her, but she only made a vague dismissive gesture with her free hand. 'I agree with you, Mr. Gandalf, but let us not bother about these men anymore. I would rather know how you have fared these past three days?' In truth, she was very curious to know why he hadn't left Azkaban earlier. She never doubted that he could break through its wards easily.

'Oh, quite well, although Azkaban is a fell keep. I would not go there again by choice. Prisoners with black hearts and soulless guards make for a foul prison, where even the few guarding wizards are barely human. When I received notice that the Ministry would keep me there four years, if it could, I thought it better to leave.' She liked his dry humour, she thought, as she tried to imagine the reactions his behaviour might have caused in Azkaban.

She gave no comment on his story, but led him silently on. Now and then, pain stabbed at her, and she had to keep iron control so her companion would not notice. She felt his kindly gaze on her every now and then, and she had the feeling he guessed she was still in pain, though he refrained from mentioning it and walked by her side quietly.

They walked on in silence. Neither of them saying another word till they finally arrived at his rooms. Then she introduced Gandalf to Professor Emmering. 'This is Professor Emmerings. Professor, this is Mr. Gandalf, he will reside in the rooms you guard for a while. The password to the rooms is 'Hey diddle diddle'. Good Night, Mr. Gandalf, Professor.' She added, then left, wishing more than ever for some sleep. This day had quite tired her out.

-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-^-

The following morning and afternoon she spent teaching. She wondered what Gandalf was doing, thinking he must be rather bored. After her last course at four o'clock, she went to visit him. Professor Emmerings was not in his frame, but she could hear him talking on the other side of the door. He was chatting with Gandalf! The corner of Minerva's mouth twitched: The white wizard had found someone to pass the time with.

She raised her hand to knock, but then hesitated. She did not want to disturb the two who seemed to enjoy talking with each other. So, she let her arm sink and walked off. She had not taken more than four or five steps, when she heard Gandalf call her back. 'Professor McGonagall!'

Surprised, she turned to face him. 'How did you know I was here?'

'Magic.' He said, dead-pan. 'Why didn't you knock?'

'I didn't want to disturb your little chat with Professor Emmerings. I heard your voices talking.' She informed him truthfully.

'And why should you not join us?' he didn't expect her to answer that question, but went on directly. 'Come on in, lady.'

She raised an eyebrow to him. 'Witches are not addressed as 'ladies' nowadays.'

'More's the pity.' He grinned, helping her into a comfortable armchair. 'Would you like some tea?'

'Oh yes', she assured him, her features brightening. She looked forward to a hot cup of fine tea.

In no time, they were seated cosily, both of them with a steaming cup of tea before them. Minerva relaxed a bit, resting her chin in her hand, her elbow resting on the arm of her chair. Gandalf literally sprawled in his chair, and, pulling a strange, long pipe from his robes, he asked: 'May I?'

Minerva nodded and Gandalf concentrated on the slow business of lighting a pipe and smoking it. After a while he had the pipe glowing wonderfully and began making rings of smoke and also the shapes of ships and other things. Minerva watched, fascinated. She had not known what wonderful images could be created from mere pipe smoke.

Once, between a sailing ship and an especially long-lived ring of smoke, Gandalf smiled at her, his bright blue eyes twinkling. Quite automatically, she smiled back and kept the smile for some time, till she realised what she was doing and, after sipping at her tea, returned her features to their usual, neutral expression.

It was Gandalf who finally broke their comfortable silence. 'So, how did you get rid of Mrs Umbridge? I must say I'm a bit curious about that.'

Minerva couldn't deny that the story provided her with devious pleasure. 'A brilliant student at our school led her into the Forbidden Forest where a young giant and a herd of centaurs dealt with her. Of course, we couldn't leave the woman there, so Albus fetched her from the Forest a short while ago. She is rather worse for the wear.'

'You don't seem to mind.'

'I don't. Dolores Umbridge has done a lot of damage and wrought great havoc at Hogwarts. I am glad she received some punishment.' Minerva scowled, the memories of Umbridge that were now resurfacing darkening her mood.

'But surely she wasn't really in control? At least, she didn't seem to be when I encountered both her and you in the cave harbour.' Gandalf enquired.

'Oh no!' Minerva told him of all the mischief students, especially the Weasley twins, staff and Peeves had done, making Umbridge's life very unpleasant indeed.

Gandalf chuckled as he heard of all the mischief that had been done in Hogwarts. He was very interested in the fireworks of the Weasley twins and asked her so many questions that she finally promised to show him their shop in Diagon Alley, where he'd be able to talk to Fred and George personally, at which Gandalf could not suppress a boyish grin.

Then it was time to go to the Great Hall where dinner was served. Gandalf led Minerva to the door (he himself would eat in his rooms, as Dumbledore didn't want to advertise Gandalf's presence at Hogwarts), and surprised her by kissing her hand before letting her go on her way. Slightly bewildered but also pleased, Minerva took her leave, her skin tingling from the contact Gandalf's lips had made with it.