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 17 – A Turn for the Worse

Minerva did not just spend her days sleeping. While Albus worked in his office she would think. Think about how to say good bye to her husband and friends. She knew that any people wrote letters so she had been writing letters, trying to find the right combination of words for the right letter. It was perhaps the hardest thing she had ever had to do.

She had many drafts but after many weeks she came up with three letters. One for Albus, the love of her life, one for Hermione, a girl who was like a daughter to her, and one for the newspaper. She knew many people would wonder at her sudden death and that they would hound Albus after her death until they got their answers. Minerva wished to save Albus form it as well as to make sure the truth was heard.

Along with the letters Minerva had written down a basic outline of what she wished for her funeral. She wanted it to be small and simple, reminiscent of her. It would also make things easier for Albus.

However writing the letters and funeral arrangements down had taken its toll on Minerva. She began to sink lower and lower into slumber. Until one day Albus knew it was time for Minerva to be in the Hospital Wing and that it was time people were told. It was time for his heart to prepare itself.

That day he took Minerva to the Hospital Wing it was early morning and Minerva was drowsy, between the lands of dreamland and reality. He laid her on one of the beds in a private room, summoning her favourite tartan blanket and covering her with it before kissing her on the forehead. Before he left the Wing he called for Poppy and told her the time had come, her eyes welled up but she quickly bustled off to Minerva's room, ignoring the tears for the time being.

Albus quickly floo-ed to St Mungo's, there he found Healer Samuel Johnston. He quickly told him of the situation and the Healer agreed to go to Hogwarts with the Professor. They were soon in the Hospital Wing and the Healer was examining Minerva, his face grave. He turned to Albus, his eyes speaking volumes.

"I'm sorry Albus. She has a few hours left maybe a day if we're lucky. There are probably people you need to speak to; she will still be here when you come back."

Albus just nodded and began to make his way to the Great Hall, alone, something he had not done for many years and it was immediately by both students and teachers alike. He did not sit, calling attention to himself. Once all the students were silent he began to speak, slowly and quietly and yet every single person in the Hall heard him.

"My wife, and your ex-Professor, Minerva McGonagall-Dumbledore is currently in the Hospital Wing. She has been sick for quite awhile now but her-," Albus stopped and looked down at his hands, a moment of weakness, "her time has now come. Sometime today she will pass. This is why you are going to go back to your dormitories; the teachers will no doubt wish to see Minerva. I know this will be hard for many people but we will all get through it, all of us."

He nodded to the students and swept back out of the Great Hall, leaving them to eat breakfast with what appetite they had left. The teachers stared at each other, stunned beyond belief, some with tears as realization struck them – she had been sick for months. Hermione meanwhile was quietly sobbing next to Severus Snape who seemed as if he was having trouble controlling his emotions.

The students were also looking at each other in pure astonishment. Their old teacher, dying? It couldn't be. She was Minerva McGonagall, she wasn't meant to die, she would always be there, just like Albus Dumbledore. After picking at their breakfast many of them headed back to their dormitories, not knowing what to do so just sitting with each other, in silence.

The Head of House teachers stopped in their Houses' dormitory to make sure everyone was all right. They then went and joined the teachers who were already waiting in the Hospital Wing, waiting to see Minerva.

They were only allowed a minute to talk to Minerva for she needed rest. Their good byes were quick but anything but painless. Very soon only Hermione, Albus and Poppy were left. Knowing it was her turn Hermione went in and sat next to Minerva, she knew she had longer with her mentor but she didn't know how to start.

"Speak to me child, I want to know how you are feeling," Minerva spoke, her voice rough.

"I…I don't know what to say. I knew it was coming but…I didn't expect it so soon. By the end of today…." Hermione trailed off.

"I know Hermione. I'm okay with it. It is time for me to go; I no longer have a place here on earth. I need you to be prepared to move on, to live your life, and remember: Don't worry about tomorrow, or regret what's in the past. You can't change what has happened with me or what is going to happen. Just remember that I love you Hermione. I know you will not waste your life as I have done, find your love and never let him go. Hermione, love is the greatest thing in the world and I only want you to experience love for a lifetime."

"I love you too Minerva, I don't want you to leave me But I know you have to. I'll be the best teacher Hogwarts has and I'll find the love of my life, marry them and be happy forever. I will make you proud of me," Hermione whispered fiercely.

"Oh Hermione, I'm already proud of you, so proud. You have achieved so much in your life; I only want you to be happy. Come here."

Minerva held her arms up weakly and Hermione sat on the bed, leaning into the embrace, letting Minerva comfort her even though she was the on dying. Both were crying but Hermione soon calmed to a certain degree and kissed Minerva lovingly on the forehead.

"I love you Minerva, good bye."

As she stood and turned her back on Minerva tears once again began to cascade down her face and she left the room. It may well be the last time she saw Minerva alive but she would never forget her. She had been her mentor and model for years and had impacted upon her life like no one would ever know.

To be continued…

Okay I cried my way through most of this chapter. It just kind of hit me that I was killing Minerva.

I mean it really did. I don't think I fully realised before this point. My friends didn't help much either saying it was just a character, she's not.

Anyway I hoped you will all review and make me a little happier.