The Blessing: Recognition

"Minerva!" cried the White lady, standing and advancing to the very edge of her frame, as close to the visitor as it was possible for her to get without falling from her portrait. As if in understanding, the visitor stepped closer to the painting, and into the light. The image of Minerva McGonagall was greeted with a gasp. Stepping backwards and re-seating herself at her desk, the White lady took in the sight of the girl she had once known so well, now a woman and the second Madam Dumbledore. Minerva raised her eyes to her former friend and mentor, prepared for a tirade of oaths and accusations, yet not entirely certain that she would be chastised.

The White lady held her hand to her heaving chest as she steadied her breathing. When she had finally mastered her control, she turned to her successor. Minerva readied herself, sure in the knowledge that with this particular witch, nothing was certain.

"Minerva." The White lady began calmly. "Why have you come here to tell me this? Why not tell the portrait that hangs in the Headmaster's office?"

"Albus does not know that I have come to see you. Here, we are safe from prying eyes and I was not certain of your reaction. Besides, Albus tells me that you have not appeared in his office for some time."

The White lady chuckled. "No, I must confess I prefer it here, where it is more quiet. The incessant chattering of my predecessors can be somewhat trying at times. I tend to appear only when he calls for me."

Minerva felt herself distracted from her purpose as she settled into conversation with her old friend. The temptation to banter and to reminisce was great, but she needed to focus.

"He requires your presence more often than he dare ask for it." She said.

The White lady smiled.

"I think not. In recent years he has had no need, it seems."

Minerva's eyes dropped to the floor as she contemplated the meaning of the lady's words.

"He has had much need." she replied, a little forcefully, raising her eyes to her friend. "Many times, since he became Headmaster, I have found him looking to your portrait."

"He need only have called, Minerva. He knows that."

Minerva looked confused.

"But he didn't." She said softly. "Why not?"

The White lady's feelings for Minerva were implicit in her smile. She stood and moved to the foreground of the portrait, her arms outstretched in a pose that suggested she wanted to either hold or shake her companion.

"Because, Minerva," She answered "each time you found him looking to me, he turned to find you instead."

Minerva's gaze was fixed as she contemplated the truth behind the words. The lady retained her smile and motioned to Minerva to place her hands upon the canvas. Her look was kind and full of affection, reminding Minerva how much she had loved this woman as a child, and how much she loved her still.

"You cannot know how long I have waited to hear the news of your marriage to Albus" The White lady told her softly, as Minerva moved to place her hands against the painting.

Minerva frowned. "You expected it?" She asked, hesitating a moment.

The White lady seemed to look beyond Minerva as she remembered what she had seen.

"I did more than expect it." She replied. "I foretold it."

Thanks to all those who reviewed last time. Your comments were very useful! This fic has taken on a life of its own and seems to want to be a bit longer than first anticipated. It's proving tricky to write and I'm not very happy with it, so lots of feed back would be much appreciated!

The document manager is a pain in the quaffle, so the disclaimer is here: I borrowed Minerva, magic pictures, the Ministry of Magic and probably a few other things from JK Rowling. She can have them back when she wants.