Though Meia's slight, hesitating curling of the lips probably was meant to be a reassuring smile, the totally opposite effect of it was almost funny- almost. Minerva felt the nervousness rush more and more through her entire body, and even though she tried to control it- inhale, exhale!- she very well knew it was no use. No use at all, actually, because she had never before known real nervousness- so how could she ever have learnt how to control it.

Somehow, she did, though, because she mirrored the smile of the girl with a brave one of her own.

"Well- this is it, Minnie-Min." she quite ironically thought, unconsciously using the old nickname of her early childhood- perhaps as a verbal remembrance of her late parents.

"Let's face it, girl- it's life or death now. And probably death."

She nodded and smiled again. She perfectly well realized this piece of I-don't-care-ness was plain self-deceit- she *did* care- but it was better than nothing, now wasn't it?

Yet she couldn't keep her jaw from slightly dropping as Meia lead her into what probably was the most beautifully decorated hall she had ever seen. Even the Great Hall at Hogwarts…

Yes, the Great Hall was larger, but this…

This, Minerva decided, this was as if you entered… history. Yes. This hall had a medieval sort of greatness- there was absolutely nothing modern about it. It was- it felt as if you stepped right into what could easily have been the court of King Henry VIII.

"Anne Boleyn enters the throne room." Minerva thought, and then, quite carefully, touched her neck. "Let's just hope I don't end like her."

A wave of pain shot through her neck and she hastily retreated her hand. Bloody Riddle.

Riddle.

Minerva saw Grindewald, sitting on his throne, but even more did she notice the person sitting on a lower chair on his right hand.

Tom Marvolo Riddle…

Minerva's heartbeat stopped. Well, okay, it didn't, but she very much felt as if it did. No- no, it couldn't be true… But if it was…

"And, McGonagall, ready to die?" the boy- man- dryly commented, and Minerva startled. She didn't startle because of his words, though. No, she startled because the use of such rash words in such… interesting… surroundings almost felt like sacrilege to her.

So- "Shut up, Riddle!" she, more fiercely than she'd wanted it to be, exclaimed, sending a really quite dangerous look in his direction.

Minerva held her breath as soon as she'd realized what she had said. Had she gone too far?

But to her great surprise, Grindelwald didn't even defend his disciple. He didn't even look at Tom, actually.

His eyes were fixed on Minerva with a thoughtful, almost- sympathetic- look as he lazily waved his hand.

"Tom, leave us alone. Meia, you go too."

The two people- the one more reluctant than the other- proved once more to be well-trained, because they both immediately left the room, and Minerva found herself alone in one room with the most dangerous wizard of probably all time.

"You don't really like Riddle, now do you?"

It sounded sincere, and Minerva gave a sincere answer- despite the nerves that only grew worse and worse. Was he playing a game with her?

"No. I-I think he's an idiot."

Grindelwald faintly smiled and tapped the chair next to his.

"He is an idiot, Minerva. Sit down."

This sudden, familiar use of her first name surprised Minerva, and quite taken aback, she obeyed.

"Most people are idiots, Minerva, you'll learn that when you grow older. Don't think everybody is intelligent. They're not."

Minerva could only nod and- despite herself- found herself staring at the man before her with fascination. He slightly smiled- though his lips did not move, Minerva could read it in his dark eyes.

"Listen, Minerva, you were right, we've captured the gold. Thank you for the help and you're now officially one of us."

The woman's jaw dropped, more openly now, but she didn't think that could do any harm. Her head was swimming and she really couldn't help it. Such a load of information- and so suddenly.

Yet she was happy. She really was happy. Tom Riddle had not won. Tom Riddle had not won!

At least- not yet.

Because with quite a bang, Minerva landed back on earth again.

This was but one step. This was just the "proof" of her sudden switching sides…

Now…

But her thoughts were interrupted by the strangely heavy feeling on a larger hand on her slender one.

"Now, Minerva, I believe we have things to discuss…"