Note- it's been so long since any updates! Sorry! Yeah, I have a bad computer. Ill update a lot, I promise

And progress the winter break did. Minerva's lessons with Aberforth went exceptionally well, and she thought that within a few years she might be able to teach him how to be an Animagus. She saw her intense talent within him. The potions lessons, no one knew how they were going. The boys never spoke of them, neither did Tom. All the professors and other students respected their wish for privacy. However, shock came when the three boys and their teacher did not appear for the Christmas celebrations.

"Odd, that Tom has decided to miss this festive day. And the three boys as well." Albus murmured to Minerva as she looked around the room expectantly for them.

"Odd indeed." She replied.

"Minerva," Albus began, "I have some suspicions about Tom, and the lessons he is giving the boys, and," But Minerva cut him off.

"Don't worry Headmaster." She said coolly. "I've heard your talk among the other professors. I know the views on Tom. And I take it as my duty to go and fetch him, if you do not object." Albus said nothing, and the two only stared at each other. "Why are you jealous of his brilliance, Headmaster? Are you scared he will surpass you someday, as the greatest Wizard there is? He has already surpassed you in my heart." And with that, she marched away to the corridor leading to the dungeons.

Minerva fumed as she walked away from the Great Hall. It was true she heard rumors, about Tom and the three boys. She had never heard Albus spread them, but was sure he was aware of them nonetheless. He couldn't find it in himself to accept her relationship with Tom. And that, for some unknown reason, made Minerva furious.

She came to a locked door, and heard voices inside. The bottom had a hole in it, so after a moment, she turned into her tabby cat and crawled thru. She hid in the shadows, and looked for Tom. How surprised he would be to find her here. Maybe he had forgotten it was Christmas day. She heard voices, and used her cat hearing to listen in. Tom was talking. But in a cold, cruel voice...

"Do you understand today's lesson?" he asked. The boys responded in unison.

"Yes Lord Voldemort."

"We will ascend to the Christmas celebrations of the others for today. Once again, I must impress the need for secrecy on all of you. Black!" The boy looked up, and timidly answered.

"Yes, Lord?" Tom grinned wickedly.

"I don't believe you understood my command of secrecy. You spoke too much to one of your fellow students. Crucio." Minerva winced as Black writhed and screamed in pain on the ground. "Imperio." Riddle commanded. Black stopped, and stood up. "You will obey me now." Black nodded. Riddle led the three boys out of the dungeon, and up the corridors to the great hall. Once they were out of sight and earshot, Minerva left too. She scampered all the way back to her chambers, where she transformed back into herself, so she could cry. She cast her eyes to her beautiful bouquet of the monkshood, which only made her cry more. She did not notice, had never noticed, that whenever she was in the room, the eyes of the snake glowed green.

Albus watched Tom and the boys enter the room, and watched expectantly for Minerva to follow. But she did not. He did not ask Tom, at the moment, he did not feel like facing Tom. It was true, their were rumors about Tom Riddle and the mysterious classes. But he had no part in them. True, he had listened eagerly, trying to hear anything that would make Tom less worthy of Minerva's love. He never had joined in spreading them, but he had never defended the young man's integrity that he had been shown for the 4 months, which he had been employed. However, when they all sat down for the Christmas dinner, Minerva still had not appeared. Albus, who sat beside Riddle, looked around curiously for her. It was unusual for her to miss a meal. Riddle was looking for her too, though Albus did not notice that.

Minerva woke up slowly. She had fallen asleep after returning to her rooms. For a moment she did not know where she was. Then she saw the calendar. December 25th. She remembered after that. Minerva rose slowly, and got ready to go to the feast. As she was fastening her robe, she saw the calendar again. The 25th. Her mind finally comprehended. Shouldn't she have? Why didn't she? Shit. She thought.

Albus, tired of looking for Minerva, leaned over to Riddle.

"Tom, do you know where Minerva is?" he asked.

"No, I thought you knew?"

"Well, I sent her down to fetch you, and she never came back." A variety of expressions crossed Tom's face. Then he saw her.

"Ah, there she is Albus." He smiled to her and motioned her into the chair beside him. She smiled back into his eyes, and they shared a lovely Christmas meal together.