Minerva's mirror: Chapter 2
(Albus Dumbledore combs his beard in front of his bedroom mirror. He hums a tune, and the mirror hums along with him).
"You're looking very dashing today, Headmaster!"
"You think so?"
"Oh yes indeed! Your beard has an extra shine to it, and your hair is as silver as a full moon."
(Albus chuckles).
"That'll be the new shampoo Minerva bought for me."
"Oh, congratulations sir! How old are we now?"
"I beg your pardon?"
"Surely if you are receiving presents, there must have been an occasion! It's not Christmas is it?"
"No, it is not Christmas just yet. Neither was it my birthday. I merely remarked to Minerva the other morning that I needed some new shampoo, and she recommended hers. Said it was marvellous, and went out that afternoon and bought me a bottle."
"Very kind of her!"
"Absolutely. And it is marvellous, although I wouldn't have known it from looking at Minerva's hair. Can't see a strand with it up in that bun everyday…"
"You mean, you've never actually seen her with her hair down, and yet you trusted her choice in shampoo?!"
"I trust Minerva in all things."
"Headmaster Dumbledore! Have I taught you nothing about hair-care in all these years?"
(Mirror is irate)
"No, you've been very informative."
"Then surely, sir, you should know never to take advice on hair care products without actually seeing the hair of the advisor?! What if she never takes her hair down because it's got no sheen? What if she suffers from split-ends? Dandruff!! How could you be sure that the shampoo was right for you?!"
"Well, it clearly is, for as you said earlier, there is an extra shine to my hair this morning…"
"But you didn't know that! Really sir, you must be more careful. If this shampoo is so good, why does the lady never wear her hair down? Why must she hide it in this tight bun you speak of? What if the long term effects of this shampoo are damaging?"
(Albus looks puzzled)
"I very much doubt that Minerva would recommend something to me that might cause damage…"
"But you can't be sure sir!"
"Yes I can."
"No you can't, sir!"
"I can too! I've know her for a very long time. She is a woman of strict principle and would never wittingly recommend something harmful to anyone, least of all a friend - a category to which I flatter myself that I belong."
(Mirror eyes him suspiciously)
"Well you might be certain sir, but I am not. And as it is my duty as your mirror to take care of your physical appearance, I believe that I am within my rights to demand proof that this lady's hair is of a high standard."
"What nonsense! How can I give you proof? You live in my bedroom, and she has no occasion to ever come in here!"
"Well, sir, I suggest that you bring her here and request that she confirms that the shampoo she uses and recommend is of good quality."
(Albus smiles to himself)
"You want me to ask Minerva McGonagall to come up here to my bedroom and take her hair down to prove that it is as shiny and silken as my own is today?"
"Yes."
(Albus is quiet for some time. Eventually, he clears his throat.)
"Alright."
(Door closes as Albus exit's the bedroom.)