Minerva's mirror: Chapter 3
(Albus Dumbledore takes his seat at the teacher's table for breakfast. Minerva is already in hers.)
"Morning Minerva!"
"Good morning Albus. Your hair looks wonderful!"
(Albus blushes a little)
"Thank you. It must be that shampoo you bought me. My mirror said exactly the same thing."
"Well it is a wonderful shampoo. I've used it for years and my hair never seems to tire of it. It really gives it a shine and makes it ever so silky and soft. I wouldn't use anything else now."
(Albus stands up a little to get a better look at the bun on Minerva's head. Minerva frowns. Albus sits
again.)
"Do you know, I don't think I've ever actually seen your hair, Minerva?"
(Minerva blanches)
"You see it every day, Albus!"
"Yes, but what I mean is, I've never seen it down."
"No. I don't think you have…"
"Is it luxuriant?"
(Minerva is shocked by his choice of adjective.)
"Uum…well, yes it is rather fine."
"And long?"
"Yes, I can sit on in when it's down…"
(Long pause, followed by throat-clearing from Albus)
"And you've used this particular shampoo for how long?"
"About fifteen years. Ever since it came out…"
"Hmm…well, you see, the thing is…"
"Yes?"
"My mirror…"
(Albus explains the demands of his mirror.)
"Of course it seems totally unnecessary to me, but the mirror insisted…So would you mind? He's gone ever so intense all of a sudden. Used to be a very laid back chap, but this seems to have upset him. If you come, it might shut him up."
(Albus looks hopefully at Minerva, who shifts uncomfortably in her chair)
"Albus…"
"Yes?"
"Would you be very put out if I said no?"
"No! Of course not! Not at all! Not one bit! Don't be daft! Not put out at all!"
"I'm sorry…"
"Don't be! It's just a foolish mirror! Silly of me to ask. I shouldn't let myself be bullied by inanimate objects."
(small smile from Minerva and an awkward silence.)
"Any particular reason…just so I can tell the mirror…?"
(Big blush from Minerva)
"I…um…I'd rather keep it to myself, if you don't mind, Albus."
(Albus's turn to blush)
"Of course, of course…I beg your pardon."
(Much toast munching)
"Well, good morning, then Minerva."
"Good morning, Albus."
(doors close as Minerva and Albus exit the great hall in different directions.)