Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Rainforest Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Chapter 11 – A Hospital Confession

Minerva felt time passing incredibly quickly once the wizarding world had been notified about her engagement. There were wedding plans to make and essays to mark. Minerva found herself becoming more and more easily tired and knew she should cut back on her work load but everything had to get done and she did not want to shirk her duties.

This was why during one of her classes, seventh years in fact, she felt extremely tired and so set them a revision lesson. Instead of moving around the room and checking on their progress or to answer question she sat at her desk. She spent the time marking her third years' essays.

The end of the lesson seemed a long time coming but when it did she could hardly wait to get to her quarters for a quick rest. Before she could though she had to arrange an extra lesson with Hermione. As they were deciding on a day however Minerva began to feel her mind spin, all thoughts seem to leave her mind as she felt her stomach shift, as if flipping itself over repeatedly. The last thing she heard was Hermione saying her name in surprise.

POP

Minerva felt herself wakening, fighting the weakness in her body as she struggled to sit up. She heard Albus' concerned voice telling her to lie still so she contented herself with opening her eyes only to find the cerulean blue ones staring back at hers, without their normal twinkle.

"Albus what happened?" Minerva asked her voice hoarse.

"Hermione said the two of you were talking when you just fainted dead away. She conjured you a stretcher and brought you here to the infirmary. Poppy took one look at you and decided you were just exhausted which I must agree with. Minerva oyu have been working yourself too hard. I know the wedding is important to you and very soon and that you take your work very seriously but nothing is more important then your health. Promise me you won't work yourself too hard anymore."

"I promise Albus," Minerva replied but not all of her will was in the promise, a fact Albus noticed.

"Minerva, is there anything you want to tell me? Anything at all?"

Hearing his worried tone Minerva tried to laugh it off saying, "Nothing Albus. I just felt like I was promising my life away. But that's not for another three weeks yet."

Albus smiled slightly at her attempt at humour before tucking her in and telling Minerva of Poppy's orders for her.

"You are to stay in the infirmary for a week and I will teach your classes. You are only allowed to do 2 hours of work a day and you are to eat healthy foods only, which really isn't a problem."

Minerva sighed, it would be pure torture with nothing to do all day long and for a whole week too. However she had more important things on her mind. When was she going to tell Albus? It had to be soon.

POP

The week passed slowly and agonizingly for Minerva. Many of the staff came to see her when they could as did Hermione and a few of her other more dedicated students. But it was the early afternoons Minerva loved because that was when Albus came and they would talk for hours and plan their wedding. However Minerva knew that she would soon have to tell him so on her second last day in the Hospital Wing instead of making plans with him she took his hand and gestured for him to sit in the bed next to her.

"Albus there is something I need to tell you."

Albus looked at her, his puzzlement obvious. "What is it Minerva?"

Minerva took a deep breathe and began to speak. "Ever since summer there has been a change in me. I know you have noticed everyone has. I have changed the way I look, the way I act and how I relate to the students. There was a reason for this. When you asked me why I told you it was time I rejoiced and lived. Well there was a reason for that reason. I don't want to be remembered as the strict Transfiguration Professor who always gave the most homework-"

Here Albus broke in and said, "Minerva that title has belonged to Severus for the past decade and a half."

Minerva just nodded but did not laugh. Not really knowing how to explain Minerva decided a direct approach was best.

"Albus I'm dying."

Albus just stared at Minerva, shocked. He tried to speak but nothing came out. Knowing she had to calm him she began to speak.

"I have Infensus Morturio. As you might know this is an extremely old disease and there has not been a case in the last two centuries. It is a simple disease because it basically involves the body becoming tired. This eventually leads to some sickness. The body is left extremely weak and death is soon forthcoming."

Albus found his voice and added one more sentence. "There is no cure."

Minerva nodded; tears had begun to run down her cheeks at the simplicity of a statement which had such a devastating effect. Albus was as still as when she first told him so Minerva pulled him towards her, enfolding him in a hug which was the catalyst for his own tears.

A/N: Okay so now everyone knows exactly what is going to happen.

Minerva is sick, there is no cure.

I know many of you wish there was a miracle cure but there's not going to be.

Thanks to Lena, LinZE, ginger newts, TheEmeraldRose and Quill of Minerva for reviewing.