Thank you all for your reviews for the first chapter. I am sorry it has taken me so long to update, I should be able to get a few more chapters in at winter break. My disclaimers apply throughout the whole story. Also, I believe there's more sides to a character than we ever see. Thus, they may seem OOC. I hope you enjoy!
Minerva returned to her sleeping quarters and put on her tartan dressing gown. It was emerald, and she let her hair out of its trademark bun. Minerva went to the window and looked out upon the grounds. Hogwarts, she had taught here for thirty years, honing the young wizards of tomorrow. Minerva closed her eyes and tried to push back the fear of the task ahead of her. The remaining members of the Order of the Phoenix faced difficult challenges, and harder yet she would now have to serve as Harry Potter's mentor. She had never come off as kind-hearted as Albus, but she had always kept herself more guarded. She kept her feelings at bay to protect herself, and when she was teaching she wanted to look professional. With Albus, they had always had a very strong friendship. They trusted each other, and she's been at his side for so long. They had both kept their feelings buried until it was too late. Minerva took one last look out on the grounds, which were silent and peaceful. Hagrid's cabin was still smoldering slightly, and he has come up to the castle to sleep in a spare room with his boarhound Fang. Minerva braced herself to talk to Harry Potter in the morning. Albus had requested this before he'd left that night before the Dark Mark had appeared above the castle. Minerva remembered the exchange.
Minerva had just finished dining in the Great Hall and had confiscated a couple of first year Gryffindor's fanged Frisbees. Albus had come after her, his blue eyes looked trouble and aloof.
"Minerva, I need to speak with you." Albus called out politely. Minerva stopped in her tracks and turned to him.
"Yes, what is it Albus?" Minerva asked. Albus observed the last of the Hogwarts students file out of the Great Hall.
"If you would please follow me to my office, I would rather not have anybody eavesdrop." Albus cast an eye around as if somebody were hiding in the tapestries. Minerva nodded and followed Albus to his office. She had always enjoyed looking at the various trinkets in his office. Albus was a man of many faces, and Minerva didn't know all of them.
"Please sit." Albus indicated a chair after they reached his office. Minerva obeyed and looked at his face. He looked tired and worn. He didn't look as if he'd slept properly and the mischievous twinkle in his eye was no longer present.
"Albus," Minerva began gently, "Are you all right? You look ill." Albus looked up at her with a tired smile.
"I am fine, old age has finally caught up with me. Now, I am sure you are wondering the reason I brought you up here?" Albus questioned. Minerva nodded and he continued.
"I have a request to make of you. It may seem odd, but I cannot explain. If I do not return I need you to speak with Harry Potter. I have left a letter for you explaining what he needs to be told. I know this is all confusing, but I need you to trust me." Albus pulled a letter out of the drawer that was stamped with the Hogwarts crest of arms.
Minerva took the letter silently and looked into Albus's half-moon spectacles.
"I have always trusted you Albus." Minerva replied honestly.