A roar of rage sounded from the doorway and bounced off on the walls, causing Edward to let go of Minerva in shock. Minerva slid to the floor; never had she felt weaker or more powerless.

Albus had gone to visit Minerva like he sometimes did but the sight that greeted him was not one he was happy to see. He had felt a surge of rage sweep inside him; no one was allowed to hurt his Minerva. As Edward let go of Minerva and turned to Albus in shock, Albus was satisfied to see that this rogue had found out exactly how mad Albus Dumbledore could get. His eyes were cold and hard and they were enough to make any man run home with their tail between their legs. In two strides, Albus was at Edward and grabbed him by the collar, lifting him off of the ground, pushing him to the wall.

"Never," Albus said in a dead-threateningly low voice, "Never come back. If I ever see you here again, I swear that you'll regret the day you were born. And if I hear that you have in any way contacted Minerva again, same thing counts. Do you understand me?" Edward nodded quickly, looking exceedingly frightened. Albus let go of him and he fell into a heap on the floor. The Headmaster threw him a disgusted glare before turning his attention to his Deputy, who was lying at the floor, trembling. He was almost at her side when his instincts told him to turn around. And as he whirled around, he saw Edward Jones jumping at him. Albus turned slightly and gave the other man a little push, so that he fell to the ground beside Albus. Edward got up again and attacked Albus, but Albus was ready and even though the younger man managed to give him a black eye and, Albus was quite sure, break his nose, he was quickly sent back to the floor. This time Albus' temper took over and the older man grabbed Edward's head and banged it into the stone floor, surely causing a concussion. After doing it twice, the man was unconscious but Albus continued until Minerva, who had gotten off of the floor, swung her arms around his waist and pulled him off of the floor.

"Don't kill him, Albus! It isn't worth it! Don't kill him!" She felt him freeze. He just sat there, then he put his head in his hands and hid his face.

"Oh, Merlin, Minerva, I almost lost it. I hated him for what he did to you and wanted to kill him for it. The Monster in me got out and I never wanted you to see the Monster. I'm sorry. I'm so very sorry." Minerva just embraced him and together they cried.

After a while they both got up and Minerva buttoned her dress again. She couldn't help the tear that rolled down her cheek and she looked down, trying to hide it. But soon she felt a cool hand on her chin and encouraged by Albus, she looked up into his bright blue eyes.

"What is on your mind, my dear?"

"I… He… oh, Albus, I was so scared. I've never been more scared in my life. I couldn't get him off of me and he was assaulting me and I was so scared of what was going to happen next. I swear, Albus, if you hadn't come in, he would have… he would have… have…" She burst into tears again. Albus held her in a tight embrace and let her sob into his beard, knowing exactly what she meant. The mere thought of it scared him. How could anyone do such a thing to this beautiful, amazing woman? How could anyone wish to do her harm? As Minerva's sobs quieted, Albus gently lifted her into his arms and carried her out of the office. As they left the office, they met Minerva's long-time friend, Poppy Pomfrey, who gave them a strange look. Albus quietly asked hr to take care of the man in Minerva's office and she obeyed without question, though the look in her eyes promised that there would be plenty questions later.

Albus carried Minerva through the castle, past her chambers and to his own, not caring about the students who turned to stare after them. The children would have to wait. Minerva hadn't looked up once during the walk to Albus' chambers but when they entered his bedroom she opened her eyes and looked at him questioningly. He gently laid her on his bad and found one of his own night shirts, which he gave her and went outside so she could change. When he was outside, he finally remembered why his nose felt so numb and he pulled out his wand and cast a healing spell. When Minerva called, he went back inside, almost surprised that she had changed into nightwear without complaining. But one thing really bothered him. It didn't seem like Minerva was willing to meet his eyes as she sat there on his bed, wearing his far too big night shirt.

"Minerva?" he asked gently. Finally she looked at him and his heart nearly broke at the look in her deep green eyes. He stepped up to her and pulled his blanket over her, thinking that she looked like a little lost girl. He tucked her in and rose to leave without pressing a tender kiss to her cheek like he wanted to. But when his hand was on the handle and the door was open, he heard her speak.

"Albus…" He turned around to face her. "Would you… I mean… please… please stay, Albus. P-please." Her voice was so weak and it scared Albus. Slowly he closed the door again and went to the bed where he sat down on the edge. He reached out his hand to stroke her hair and was slightly taken aback when she flinched a little. He let the hand fall to his side again with a pained expression.

"I'd love to stay, Minerva, but I don't think you are quite ready to handle it," he said, his voice strained.

"N-no, Albus, please. Please don't go! I need you!" Minerva begged him. Her eyes were pleading him to stay as well as her voice and he couldn't leave. Trying again, he reached out and this time Minerva leaned into his tender touch.

"Lie down beside me," she whispered, her eyes brimmed with tears, as his long fingers caressed her hair, which had come out of its bun.

"Minerva, are you sure you want a man that close to you right now? Shouldn't I rather get a hold of Poppy? Or Rolanda?" he asked, his voice full of concern. Minerva smiled a small sad smile.

"I trust you more than anyone, Albus. If I need anyone here with me, it's you."

Albus slowly took off his outer robes and lay down beside Minerva, on top of the blanket. She shook her head at him and indicated for him to slip under the covers. He hesitated for a moment, then he complied. When he was under the covers, Minerva closed her eyes and a few moments later she was fast asleep. But sleep didn't find Albus. He couldn't help but think about what could have happened to Minerva, had he not interrupted when he had. 'I'm so grateful I didn't stay in my office to write letters to Cornelius and chose to visit Minerva instead… If he had raped her, I would have killed him,' he thought. 'I can't quite believe it… she saw the Monster in me and yet she's not afraid of being this close to me…' He felt Minerva slide closer to him, seeking warmth. He was happy to wrap an arm around her to warm her and when she snuggled closer to him he couldn't quite fight off the happy smile that spread on his face.

Albus woke up a while later because Minerva was struggling to get away from him. She was forcibly pushing him away, murmuring, "Get off me, get off me!" Her cheeks shimmered with tears in the dimly lit room and Albus was certain he knew what she was dreaming about. Or rather, having a nightmare about. Minerva scrambled away from him, completely entangled in the sheets. Her eyes were open but the look in them betrayed the appearance of being awake. Minerva moved further and further away from Albus, only resulting in falling off of the bed. Albus quickly jumped out of bed and leapt to the other side to make sure she was okay. It seemed that she was finally awake and not quite sure how she had ended up on the floor or why she was entangled in bed sheets that smelled like Albus.

"Minerva, are you okay?" At the sound of his voice, Minerva looked up and her dream came back to her. Once again she began to cry bitterly and Albus knelt on the floor, putting his arms around her.

"That's it, love, just let it out. I'm here… Everything is going to be okay…" Albus continued to whisper soothing nothings into her ears and finally she calmed down.

"T-thank you, Albus. For everything. For always being here for me and for taking care of me when I was a student and when I came back to teach. For all these years of friendship, they mean so much to me, Albus, you know that right? You know that you mean the world to me, right?" She looked as though she was terrified of the mere thought that he didn't know how much she cared about him. He gently smiled at her.

"Yes, of course I know, my dear. And the feelings are mutual." She embraced him tighter before standing up and going into the living room. Albus followed her and was surprised to see a tray with food and drinks for two. On the tray there also was a note. Minerva picked it up and read it out loud, "Dear Headmaster and Minerva,

You didn't show up at dinner so I took the liberty

to check up on you and I had the House Elves send

your dinner up here on a tray. I have taken care of

Mr Jones (he informed me of his name when he came

to) and he will need to stay here in the Hospital Wing

for a few days before we can send him away.

Regards,

Poppy Pomfrey"

Minerva looked at Albus with raised eyebrows. Albus wasn't sure if he was angry or worried or what, but he didn't want Edward Jones in the castle for longer than was absolutely necessary. He gently shook his head.

"Are you hungry, Minerva?" he asked, not answering her unspoken question. Minerva sighed lightly and nodded. Together they sat down and ate their dinner in silence.

When they finished, the tray disappeared with a soft plop!

Albus rose and offered a hand to Minerva, to help her up. She stood and smiled at him, trying to stifle a yawn. Albus chuckled.

"Perhaps it is time for us to retire for the night," he said, looking at the large grandfather clock in the corner. Minerva nodded. She had never felt more exhausted. Together they made their way to the bed room and Albus tucked Minerva in.

"I'll be in the guest bed room tonight," he said quietly. Minerva's had shot up in alarm.

"No, Albus! I… I don't…. please don't go, Albus!" Albus searched her eyes for the truth and then nodded.

"If you are sure, my dear."

"I am, Albus! I…" She looked down. "I don't want to be alone." Albus couldn't help the surge of rage welling up inside him. How could that man have done this to her? What would have happened if he had actually been able to go through with what he wanted? He would have ruined her completely. Slowly he got into bed beside her and not long after they were both fast asleep.

TBC...