Minerva and the other Order members took one last glance around Hogsmeade station. It has been quiet lately; the Daily Prophet had no reported any Deatheater sightings. Minerva started the walk back up to the castle. She would have apparated; however, apparition was not able inside the Hogwarts grounds. The grounds were silent and Minerva reminded herself not to think about the white tomb that now encased the greatest wizard of the age.
She reached the front gates, the boar statues greeting her like silent sentries. Minerva realized she had problems to solve. So many new obstacles had arisen that it seemed hard to digest. She had to, and she needed to do so swiftly for the safety of the wizarding world. That, and continue to ensure Harry Potter's safety. Minerva entered the castle; it was actually easy to keep clean with the students gone. Minerva looked around; she saw that even the ghosts seemed to have had a bit of lie-in. Well, ghosts couldn't actually sleep, but that was not what she had meant.
Minerva made her way up to the former headmaster's office. She found it as she had left it. The silver instruments tinkling and whirring, and other portraits snoozing pleasantly in their frames. Minerva's eyes automatically went to Albus's portrait. He was awake and staring at her with his blue eyes. They were kind and looked pleased to see her.
"Minerva, it has been far too long since we've talked," Albus stated gently. Minerva gave a half-smile.
"I am sorry. I had to see the students off to the Hogwarts Express." Minerva explained.
"That is quite all right. I am glad you have come back. I know we have a lot to discuss." Albus offered and Minerva nodded.
"Albus, what am I supposed to do about the Order of the Phoenix? Where will we have headquarters? And about Potter.." Minerva broke off in mid-sentence. Albus held up a hand.
"I understand you have a lot to deal with. The Order of the Phoenix, Alastor has been appointed secret-keeper in the case of my death," Albus said. Minerva's eyes shot up.
"Are you saying Alastor Moody is now the head of the Order?" Minerva's voice held some surprise.
Albus smiled, and then replied, "Yes, he is. Considering his record as an Auror I thought it best. I know you have a lot to consider." Minerva wanted to reply but had nothing to say. "Harry will come back to Hogwarts." Albus said confidently.
Minerva peered up at him. "He will? From what I could gather he seems determined to take on He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named single-handedly." Minerva scowled.
"Voldemort, Minerva. Fear of a name only increases fear of a thing itself. And Harry would be very foolish to seek Voldemort out right now. He will have to corner him when he is at his weakest, when he has no followers around to do his bidding," Albus sat in the chair in his portrait.
"Yes, I hope Potter does take that route." Minerva straightened her glasses and peered at the portrait above her. She gazed into the blue eyes of Albus and only wished that she could see the real ones once more. Minerva broached a subject that had been troubling her for quiet some time. "Why did you have to leave Albus?" Minerva said with such sadness in her tone.
Albus sighed. He then looked down at her and looked as if he was truly sorry. "It was a sacrifice I had to make for Harry's safety. He is more valuable than me," Albus replied grimly and Minerva stamped her foot.
"You are valuable! You're the only one he ever feared!" Minerva burst out, and then felt embarrassed that her temper had come to surface. Albus didn't seem disturbed.
"I am flattered Minerva. But, if we had lost Harry the wizarding world would have also lost it's chance at victory," Albus smiled gently and Minerva could almost swear she saw a blush on her face.
Minerva cleared her throat and smiled. Smiling wasn't something a lot of people saw Minerva McGonagall do. "Do you think I should appoint a new Gryffindor head of house?" Minerva asked Albus. Albus looked thoughtful.
"You should if you think it would be too difficult to manage running the school and a house as well," Albus advised wisely.
"Well, that's the thing I want to do both," Minerva replied honestly. She looked up to see Albus's reaction.
"You shouldn't stretch yourself too thin. Things are going to get very complicated very soon," Albus said with a gentle air. "Did you have anybody in mind for the position?"
Minerva nodded her head. "Yes, I was thinking Hagrid." Minerva rubbed her neck a bit from looking up at the portrait. Albus stood up and closed his eyes. He seemed to be in deep concentration mode. Minerva didn't wan to break his concentration. He finally folded his hands and gave a tiny nod.
"If you decide to appoint Hagrid, I think he would do a good job to uphold the standards of Gryffindor." Albus finally replied. "The choice on what to do is ultimately up to you, and I have always known you to have excellent judgment," Albus complimented. Minerva was flattered.
"Thank you Albus, that means a lot." She smiled and decided she should do some serious thinking before coming to a conclusion. "I should probably go for now," Minerva said albeit a bit reluctantly.
Albus acknowledged that and said very gently. "Minerva, may I say you look very beautiful this evening." Minerva defiantly felt herself blush as she left the office for her own.