Chapter 3
It only took Madam Pomfrey a little more than an hour to finish her examination. She slowly made her way toward her office and the Headmaster. She was not looking forward to this conversation. She had seen the look in Albus' eyes as he left Minerva's bedside. It was well known among the staff, and most of the informed wizarding world, that he more than fancied his raven haired deputy, and that she in turn practically worshiped the ground he walked on. It was also well known that they were determined to make nothing of it, having known each other for well over fifty years.
Poppy made her way into the office, but stopped in the doorway at the sight before her. Albus Dumbledore, the greatest wizard alive, was sitting in one of her chairs, asleep, with his head propped back against the wall. Poppy could just make out the stain of blood on his shoulder from Minerva's head, the thought sent a shiver down her spine. She slowly approached him; she didn't want to startle him. No matter how eccentric he appeared to others, those on the staff knew he was not a man you wanted to sneak up on. It may just be the last thing you do.
She lightly touched his purple robed arm and called his name softly. Albus sniffed lightly and slowly opened his eyes. As soon as he saw Poppy's face Albus straightened up in his seat, his eyes watching her wearily. Poppy just sighed and took the seat next to his. She refused to meet his eyes as she began to speak. "Well, it's not as bad as it could have been. She lost some blood, from the gash on her head. She has a light concussion as well." She stopped for a moment, trying to find the best way to broach the subject. "Those were repaired easily; my biggest concern however, is the spell she was hit with. Whatever it was put her under a magical sleep. I don't know what I can do. She may wake up on her own, or.." she drifted off.
Albus' eyes had taken dimmed as she had been talking. He had to ask the question, but in his heart he knew the answer. "Or what Poppy. Surly she will wake up."
Poppy just shook her head. "I've never seen anything like it Albus. She seems to be suspended in time. She will stay alive, but I don't know if she will ever wake up. I'm sorry; I just don't know what more I can do." Poppy had a hard time keeping herself from shedding a tear as she saw the look on Albus' face. He had taken on the look of a condemned man who had just been told he would never see the sky again.
She left him alone to his thoughts. "Never wake up," he repeated to the thin air. Albus got up slowly and made his way out into the ward. The lights had been dimmed, and the curtain had been removed from around her bed. Albus could see Minerva lying there, peaceful as he had ever seen her. She was still pale, and her robes had been replaced by a thin hospital gown. Poppy had placed a chair next to the bed, and Albus lowered himself into it, placing his head in his hands. As he looked up he reached out and grasped one of her thin cool hands in his. "I will find a way to bring you back. I swear Minerva. I don't care how long it takes me; I'll do what ever I have to. You will come back." He leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead and headed out of the Hospital wing and down to dinner. He had an announcement to make.
Albus trudged toward the Great hall, and anyone who saw him could tell he was a man with a heavy heart. His normally proud shoulders were stooped against the weight they carried, and his normally bright blue eyes had lost their sparkle and dimmed to a cloudy grey. He knew that by now the entire school would have heard what happened. He was only hoping they wouldn't barrage him with questions before he could explain.
Albus came to the large doors, but couldn't make himself enter. Taking a steading breath he pushed open the doors and his arrival met complete silence. He began to stride along the Gryffindor table, but was stopped by Harry Potter's hand on his arm. Harry just looked up at the Headmaster with a look of complete understanding, and Albus couldn't help but return the gesture as his hand came down on Harry's shoulder. No one said a word as he stepped in front of his seat and raised his arms to quiet the imaginary noise. He closed his eyes for a moment and began.
"As you have all most likely heard, Professor McGonagall was involved in a tragic accident during lessons today. At this time her condition is stable, and she is in no immediate danger. It is unknown however, when and if she will wake up. The spell she was hit with is as of yet unknown. I can assure you that I will not rest until she is with us again." Albus took a breath to gather his own thoughts and to allow is announcement to sink in. "I will be taking over the transfiguration classes until such a time that Professor McGonagall is recovered. I don't want anyone to worry; everything will turn out alright. Please everyone enjoy your dinner." As he finished and sat down the food appeared on the table, and the hall filled with the noise of students discussing the latest revelation.
At the Gryffindor tale, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were looking up at the Headmaster. Hermione sighed as she looked at the boys. "He looks so sad. I still can't get that look on his face in the classroom out of my mind."
Harry had been very quiet all day. He was just looking at the Headmaster. "He loves her," was all he said. This caught the other two's attention as Ron spit out a mouthful of pumpkin juice.
Hermione looked back at Albus as he picked at his plate but didn't eat anything. "I think you're right Harry; but what can we do?"
Harry just shook his head, "I don't know; we could help with research. No one knows that library like you do. We should go talk to him after dinner."
Ron shook his head as he reached for another roll, "Bloody hell Harry, if Dumbledore doesn't know what's going on, how do you expect us to figure it out?"
Hermione just rolled her eyes and huffed. "Ron we have to help. This is McGonagall we're talking about. We owe it to her."
After the Headmaster left the trio followed him to the corridor. "Professor," Hermione called. Albus stopped and turned around, he couldn't help but smile slightly at the oncoming teens. They were always so edgar to help. "Hello you three, what can I do for you?" The three approached and they were shocked to see how old the Headmaster looked. His face was drawn and etched deeply with lines. No wonder the other professors kept giving him worried looks.
Harry was the first to speak up. "We want to help Professor. I know we can't do much, but we could help with research."
Albus looked down at them and nodded. "I would appreciate any help you could offer. Miss Granger I believe you know where to start?"
Hermione nodded, "Of course Professor; we'll get started right away." With that the trio headed off toward the library, and Albus to Minerva's side. It would be a long night.
