A/N: First of all, thanks for the reviews. I always enjoy receiving them, though I don't always understand your point. g For example, someone complained that it would be selfish of Albus to kill someone just to create a horcrux. Well, Albus has fought in two wars, so I believe it's highly unlikely that he was never forced to kill someone. We know that he defeated Grindelwald, and I don't think they'd send a dark lord to Azkaban. Plus I doubt that Grindelwald would have allowed them to take him alive.

Secondly, someone said I should have pointed out that the story centres around Minerva. Ok, good point, perhaps I should have said that in the description, but since Albus is dead at the moment I thought it was rather obvious. ;-) The 'real' AD/MM part will come up soon, so be a bit patient with me.

And now enough rambling, enjoy the next chapter, and don't forget to review. ;-)

"No, you won't. It's way too dangerous." Minerva rolled her eyes in exasperation at the three teenagers in front of her. Of course those three had seen more dangers than many of their classmates. But then again this was something personal.

"Uhm… Minerva… I hope you don't mind but I think the idea isn't that bad," Lupin said from the bed. He looked at the older woman, not sure what to expect now.

"But…" Minerva started.

"Look. The point is that it might look curious when you leave school so soon after you've been appointed the job of headmistress. With the kids you have a cover story. Pretend to show them Berlin or something. Perhaps you can even arrange a visit in the Wizarding School there. I mean, there are so many people who have an eye on you now, and it just might be better. We don't want anyone to become suspicious. And in case of an emergency, you have three excellent fighters at your side." The werewolf grinned at the stunned faces of the three Gryffindors. They clearly hadn't expected him to take their side but it was quite welcome.

Minerva seemed to think about what Lupin had just said.

"Well, you do have a point. But I have to check with Molly and Hermione's parents first."

"No, it's ok, my parents are on vacation now and I would have stayed with Ron anyway." Hermione beamed at Minerva. She knew that it could be dangerous to go with her professor but she wanted Dumbledore back too.

"Okay, okay. So you three go packing and I'll contact Mrs Weasley." When the trio had stormed out, Minerva turned to Lupin and glared at him.

"What on earth did you think you were doing by helping them? You do have a point but it would have been better to take someone fully trained with me. Not three teenagers who might have faced a lot of dangers but who haven't even finished school yet. I just can't afford to look after them too once I've arrived in Berlin."

Lupin got up from the bed and went over to his former teacher. Gently he pulled her into an embrace. When he let go again, Minerva looked at him in surprise.

"Minerva, I trust those three. They might be young but they've shown what they're capable of. And I don't want you to get hurt. We need you Min." Lupin raised a hand to Minerva's cheek, stroking it lightly. He could see that Minerva had tears in her eyes, and he knew that she tried to be strong for the sake of it but the events had taken their toll on her.

"I know." Minerva managed to say. Her voice trembled all so lightly. The taller man pulled her into another embrace and stroked her back.

"You'll get him back, Min." Gently Lupin placed a kiss on Minerva's head before he let go of her.

"Thank you." From the depth of her sleeve Minerva pulled a handkerchief and blew her nose. "I should really go and contact Molly now. The children will be back soon." With a last smile at Lupin she turned around and left the room.

When Lupin looked at Tonks and Mad Eye who were still sitting on the bed, they gave him an odd glance.

"What?" he asked defensively.

Moody got up and patted him on the shoulder.

"You're a good boy." Without another word the older man left the room, leaving behind a rather stunned Lupin.

About an hour later Minerva and the children were on their way to the apparition site. Minerva had thought about taking a port key but she didn't want to raise any suspicions by registering one, so she had decided for apparating to Berlin. She had shrunk their luggage so they could easily store it into their pockets. All of them were dressed in contemporary muggle attire – though Harry had to keep Ron from wearing an absolutely out-fashioned bowler hat. Before they started, Minerva had, again, instructed them what to do in case they got separated.

"Well, then let's go." She took a deep breath and then disappeared with a loud pop which was followed by three more pops as Harry, Ron and Hermione followed their teacher.

Apparating still wasn't their favourite way of travelling, and so all three of them were glad when they found themselves in the green surroundings of Tiergarten in the middle of Berlin. Minerva stood a couple of meters away from them, already checking a map for the way they'd have to go.

It had been decided that they'd pay a short visit to the headmaster of the Berlin wizarding school before they'd start their search for the horcrux. Minerva didn't have any idea what the rotten tooth could be so they would have to try to get a clue somewhere in the city.

"This way. We'll take the train to the school. I think it's best to blend in with the muggles. But nonetheless, be careful and look out for suspicious behaviour," Minerva said while she folded the map and put it away.

Together they set off for the nearest train station. Ron kept asking himself what Minerva might have meant with 'suspicious behaviour' when he saw someone odd-looking approaching the Scottish witch.