So, here we go, chapter 11 up. Hope you enjoy it. And don't forget to review ;-)
Over the next few days, Severus really tried not to bully Harry and the others during the lessons. Minerva had talked to him once more, and he had to admit that she had a point. Harry couldn't be held responsible for his father's actions which had hurt the young Severus deeply.
Though Severus had always been known as someone who loved to bully others but deep down he had been a sensitive young man who had been hurt too much to trust anyone. Minerva had sensed that and tried to give him the love he deserved. But in front of the other students she couldn't favour him or protect him too much. Otherwise they would have mocked and teased him even more.
One day during lunch, Severus suddenly clutched his left arm. Minerva smiled at him sadly, knowing fully well that Voldemort had again summoned his death eaters. That would mean that Severus would have to leave, to some mission probably where no one knew if he would come out alive and unharmed. And Albus would leave too; the order would take some actions this night.
Minerva sighed as both men stood and left the table. Albus kissed her lovingly on the lips while Severus gave her a peck on the cheek.
After they had left, Minerva looked at the trio. All of them looked rather uncomfortable, especially Harry. He had been quite restless ever since the training started, and every time Severus was summoned to another death eater meeting, the young man thought about the prophecy and his desire to fight Voldemort.
"Harry, be patient. Your time will come, sooner than you expect it to." Minerva covered his hand with hers and squeezed it lightly.
"I know… it's just… I don't know. What you told me about Snape… Professor Snape. I thought about it. And I kind of know how he must have felt. That doesn't make it any better that he has made my life miserable for the last 5 years but he shouldn't have to do this. He shouldn't have to go through tortures and such." Harry said quietly.
Ron looked at his friend slightly puzzled. He had heard Snape's story too, and he kind of felt sorry for him. But the larger part of him wished Snape far away, him and his potions. Ron had struggled through those potions lessons with Harry and Hermione, and though Harry did quite well without the pressure, Ron still couldn't quite grasp it.
"I know, Harry. But I'm glad you've come to some kind of understanding for him." Minerva smiled at the boy and then rose from her chair.
"So, since there won't be any potions lessons this afternoon… what do you think about a swim in the lake?" She winked at the trio and then left the room. Only seconds later, Harry, Ron and Hermione ran past her, obviously quite happy about the unexpected free afternoon. Minerva thought she might enjoy a nice book Albus had gotten her from a muggle shop and spend the afternoon in the garden.
When she walked upstairs the kids had already changed and were on their way back down and outside. Hermione stopped next to her and put her hand on Minerva's shoulder.
"Will you come to? Please," the girl added with a soft smile. They had grown quite close over the last weeks. Minerva had always felt a connection with the clever girl, and Hermione admired Minerva for all she was and knew.
"Well…" Minerva wasn't sure she should go with the kids. Severus might come back and need someone. Lately he had been hurt sometimes when he returned from a meeting.
"Oh please, come along. Just for a swim." Harry grinned at her, remembering the little water fight they had had at their first afternoon they had spent at the lake.
Minerva chuckled. It had been quite a memorable afternoon that day.
"Oh, alright. But not for long. I want to be back before Severus." Lightly she went upstairs to change into her swimsuit and get a towel.
Some minutes later they had arrived by the lake. The kids were already enjoying the warm water while Minerva stood by the shore and laughed about the stunts Harry and Ron tried. It was just too funny.
After some time Hermione started feeling uneasy. She had the definite feeling that they were being watched. But the lake was hidden, and nobody, except for those who lived in the McGonagall manor, knew how to get there.
"Minerva?" She thought it better to tell the older witch about it. After all, you never knew these times.
"Yes, dear. What is it?" Minerva swam over to her.
Suddenly, Hermione felt silly but she just had to tell Minerva.
"Well… I don't know… It sounds stupid but I feel like someone's watching us." She shrugged apologetically.
"No, it's not stupid. I felt that too. And I have a feeling that someone's out there. I've been waiting for a good opportunity to get back to my towel and get my wand." Minerva's body had tensed. All her senses were alert now. Her hearing abilities were very good, and there was definitely someone out there. She wasn't exactly scared but she thought they should be careful.
Carefully, she got back to the shore and casually went back to her towel where her wand lay hidden. She grabbed it when suddenly someone stepped out of the forest that surrounded the lake…