Minerva went towards the north tower; her mind muddled with all the different tasks she now had to attend to. She hadn't been able to visit Albus's portrait since that night. She promised herself she would as soon as she had a chance and made the decision to remain here through the summer. She couldn't bear to go that long without talking with him.
Minerva reached the Fat Lady and gave the password. She climbed through the portrait hole and the room fell silent. The chatter and laughter of moments before died down. Minerva glanced at all her students and began in her stern voice:
" I am looking for Harry Potter." Minerva announced. The students looked at each other and it was Hermione Granger who responded as she came down from the girl's dorms.
"Harry is up in his dormitory professor. He's talking with Ron." Hermione responded promptly.
"Thank you Miss Granger, could you please tell him I need to speak with him?" Minerva asked politely. Hermione nodded and went up to get him. (Girls could enter the boy's dorms)
Harry came down a moment later, he looked sad and forlorn, but there was also a look of steely determination.
"You asked for me professor?" Harry stood before her.
"Yes, Potter follow me to my office." Harry glanced back at Ron and Hermione who wore both curious and a bit wary looks. Harry followed his Transfiguration teacher out of the portrait hole and they began to go towards her office. When they reached her office Minerva offered Harry a Ginger Newt.
"You should eat Potter, you look pale," Minerva said and Harry took a Ginger Newt grudgingly.
"What is it you needed to see me about, professor?" Harry asked. He looked eager to leave, and Minerva knew he was bubbling over with various emotions.
"I was asked to speak with you on behalf of Dumbledore in case he, did not return." Minerva knew her voice had betrayed her in that instant. Harry gave her an understanding look.
"He asked me to tell you to not seek out He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Dumbledore told me that you would know when the time was right. He wants you to return to the Dursleys." Minerva looked at the scowl on his face.
"I am going to come of age, why can't I just leave there?" Harry asked disdainfully. Minerva looked at him sternly.
"Because it is Dumbledore's orders Potter. I except he has his reasons. He wouldn't ask you to do something unless it was really important." Minerva said. Harry felt guilt and pain in the pit of his stomach at that statement. It reminded him far too much of having to tip that awful potion down the old wizard's throat.
"Another question I have for you Potter is whether you will be returning next term." Minerva peered over at the young man. Harry fidgeted nervously in his seat.
"I am not sure professor, I have a lot to think about," Harry replied honestly.
"I understand, but you should keep my informed when you reach a decision." Minerva said in a kind tone.
"I will." Harry nodded. Minerva gave a curt nod.
"Before you go Potter, Dumbledore left this letter for you. I wouldn't read it until you are safe from prying eyes," Minerva said with an air of caution. Harry took the letter and thanked her before going back up to the common room to ready himself for the journey on the Hogwarts Express. Minerva folded her hands and sighed. She would have to find a new head of Gryffindor, as she could not run a school and a house at the same time.
Minerva wrung out her hands. She first person that popped into her mind was Rebeus Hagrid. He was loyal to Dumbledore and a true Gryffindor through and through. He might be called upon to try to reach another agreement with the giants, so Minerva closed her eyes and tried to think whom else would be a suitable head of house. Her mind was blank; that was until a picture of the white-bearded Albus suddenly invaded her thoughts. "In any case I better go to the train station to see that the students are off safely." She went into her regular teaching mode as she went to meet the members of the Order of the Phoenix who would be escorting them. Minerva went into main hall to meet them.
"Wotcher Minerva," A pink-haired and happy looking Tonks greeted her.
"Evening Nymphadora," Minerva said simply. Tonks bit her tongue about the use of her first name.
"Are you going to be all right Minerva?" This second voice was the slightly gray-haired and think looking Remus Lupin. He looked exhausted, and Minerva understood it was getting near the full moon.
"I am holding out all right," Minerva said to put their minds to rest.
"You can stay here and get some rest. We can handle the students." Tonks offered softly as she looked into Minerva's hard-lined face. "Hagrid is coming to," Tonks said.
Minerva glanced at her fellow Order of the Phoenix members and shook her head.
"I feel it's my duty to be sure they're safe. Albus would want that," She commented. She found she was saying that often. She still was digesting the fact that the headmaster would never again grace the steps of Hogwarts.