A/N: A plot bunny attacked me as my brother and I were playing out in the rain and I slipped in the mud. *rolls eyes* Oh yes, the author is so graceful. This baby is the result.

Big thanks to my wonderful betas Minerva Gwendolyn McGonagall and Mini-Minerva! Thanks ladies!

Disclaimer: Nothing is mine! All hail the mighty JKR! *bows* We are not worthy…

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With every step she took she could feel her strength weakening. Each one was a challenge, a challenge to carry on. She had long ago taken off her heels. They were of no use at all in the muddy forest.

A bolt of lightning streaked through the sky, illuminating the face of Hogwarts' Deputy Headmistress. The rain poured down on her and the darkness of the clouds made her journey even more trying. Minerva had long ago lost count of the days. She had no clue what part of the Forbidden Forest she was in. All she knew was that she had to make it back to the school with her precious cargo intact.

As she slowly made progress, she felt the twisted branches of the trees catch her clothing and skin. She closed her eyes as the water streamed down her face and plastered her hair to her skin. Her hair… but she couldn't think of that right now. She had to carry on…

A sudden violent gust caused a branch to draw back and drag across her face. Minerva flinched; feeling it sting and knowing it had left an angry red scratch. She continued on, ignoring the pain and weakness she was feeling, praying she was walking in the right direction.

Her situation was hopeless. She was lost, cold, hungry, and dying. She wouldn't lie to herself. The last spell had hit her right in the heart. She could feel it slowly eating away at her, consuming her as she fought to get home.

Suddenly, she tripped. She fell with a cry, but she was careful not to crush her cargo. Minerva lay in the mud and tried to catch her breath. She could feel the pain shooting through her ankle and prayed to anyone who was listening that it was not broken.

A thought flashed through her mind. She could stay here. She could finally stop and rest. All she needed was a few moments to close her eyes and…

No!

Her eyes flew open and she struggled to rise up on her knees. A bolt of lightning flashed through the sky and her heart sank. Her glasses had been crushed. They were of no use to her now. Without her wand she would not be able to repair them. She groaned. If only she hadn't lost her wand in the struggle to escape…

She stood and tested her weight on her ankle. Finding it was not broken; she stooped to carefully pick up her burden.

No! she thought. Not a burden, my precious cargo. It truly was the only thing that kept her going.

Readjusting her hold, she took one step and then another, knowing she could not stop once more. She wasn't sure if she would be able to get up again.

A howl rang through the night and Minerva shivered. If the storm didn't strike her down first, she was sure the creatures of the forest would. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up. She was being watched. She paused. A few meters to her left a pair of glowing eyes steadily watched her. As Minerva cautiously took a step forward the animal did the same.

No, not watched, stalked like prey. Feeling her already struggling heart speed up, she continued on.

Please, let it be my imagination…

Lightning flashed through the air and the animal took off for safety. Her cry was muffled by the crash of thunder. With renewed strength she picked up the pace, gripping her cargo tighter. She completely forgot about the threat of danger.

The sky lit up again and this time she knew she wasn't imagining things. Suddenly, the trees before her disappeared. She had finally reached the edge of the forest. Not daring to let her step falter, Minerva continued on. Never had the old castle looked so beautiful before.

Minerva struggled up the slick marble steps, slipping on each one. Finally, she reached the huge doors that lead into the school. She placed her cargo beside her with utmost care. With the last strength she had she grasped the huge iron ring and knocked on the door. She collapsed onto the hard stone

Smiling, she gazed upon her precious cargo. He was soaked and broken, but thankfully still alive. We did it, Albus. We made it home. With that, Minerva McGonagall's world turned dark.

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*does Jedi handy thingy* You will review this story!