Disclaimer: Not mine

A/N: Before I begin, I would like to address something that was mentioned in a review. It was suggested that Lily is not having nearly a hard enough time dealing with being raped. I know this. She is still in denial, and a lot of rape victims act out by pretending nothing has happened. Please be patient. When the full truth of what happened hits her, she is going to have a very hard time coping.

Chapter Four: Disagreements

Minerva never made it to the hospital wing. Nearly Headless Nick caught up with her and said that Peeves was making a mess in the Gryffindor common room. That had taken two hours to sort out, as the poltergeist has set fire to a number of pieces of furniture. After she was finished with that task, it was time for the final staff meeting before the children would return.

Minerva hoped to have enough time before the start of the meeting to speak with Poppy, but she was waylaid again when one of the staircases changed on her. She just made it to the staff room before Albus began to speak. She took her normal seat next to him, but instantly became distracted by trying to meet Poppy's gaze from across the table.

Albus discussed how many new students would be arriving that year, how all the teachers' preparations were coming, and various other start of school items. Then he paused.

Albus glanced at Poppy, hoping he wasn't making a mistake. His wife was going to be angry with him, but the mediwitch thought it was for the best. He had to defer to Poppy when it came to the physical and emotional well-being of his students. He wished that they would have had time to speak with Minerva before the meeting, but she had arrived late. He took a deep breath before continuing.

"Lastly, you all need to be aware of an issue that has arisen within the last day. Poppy?"

Minerva sat horrified. They certainly weren't about to do what she thought they were.

"Thank you, Albus." Poppy said. "One of our prefects was raped last night. You all need to be aware of this because she may need time off from class. She is in denial right now and it is not unusual-"

Minerva never heard whatever else Poppy was saying. She was absolutely furious with both her and Albus. Her fury seemed palpable, because Filius, who was seated on Minerva's other side, kept casting nervous glances at her. She was looking down at the table in an attempt to calm herself; she knew that if she looked at her husband or friend she was going to explode.

Minerva thought it was working until, without warning, a glass of water rumbled and cracked right in front of Albus. He looked at her, but she would not meet his gaze. All the other professors had turned their attention on the headmaster and duputy headmistress. Some knew of the marriage between the two, others did not. Those that did were stunned. They had never seen anything even remotely resembling anger pass between them.

Albus dismissed the staff a short time later. "Minerva, please wait a moment."

"I don't think I will." she said as she turned and walked out the door.

"Oh, dear Merlin." she thought as she walked to her office. She couldn't believe she had done that. She had never treated him that way before; it had to have seemed blantantly disrespectful. Most of the staff didn't know they were husband and wife, so it had just appeared that she was telling off her employer, Albus Dumbledore.

She was so lost in thought that she veered away from her office and found herself in the hospital wing. As she entered the main room, she could hear crying. She rushed through to the private ward and to Lily's side.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

Lily sobbed. "Madam Pomfrey says I can't go tonight."

"Why not."

"She wouldn't tell me."

"Of course you can." Minerva said, quickly making a decision. "Do you have your school things?"

"Ye- yes. Someone went to get them for me this morning. Can you really let me go, even when she said no?"

"I'm your head of house. Of course I can." Minerva answered. "Especially if she could give no reason to make you stay. Go change into your uniform."

"Yes, ma'am."

As Lily was dressing, Minerva began an internal debate. Lily had the right to know that the professors had been told about what happened. She hated to tell the young girl, though. Lily also had the right to privacy, but that had been forcibly removed by Albus and Poppy. Didn't they realize that after being physically violated it was imperative not to further victimize the woman?

Lily emerged far too soon and Minerva made her decision.

"Sit down, Lily."

Lily sat and eyed her professor carefully. "What is it?"

"It was not my choice, but the professors have been told."

"WHAT?" Lily shrieked. It was the first time Minerva had ever seen the girl mad. She started to hyperventilate, so Minerva began rubbing her back.

"Shh." Minerva whispered. "It's okay."

"How? How is it okay? Who told?"

Even in her anger, Minerva could not betray her husband. Oddly enough, she seemed to have not problem placing all the blame on her friend. "Madam Pomfrey."

It wasn't a total lie. Deep down, she knew that Poppy would have been the one to convince Albus that telling would be for the best. Albus would have respected Minerva's opinion more.

"Why?" Lily asked.

"I do not know, but I intend to find out."

It took Lily another half hour to calm herself. When she had, Minerva glanced at her watch.

"It's time for us to go. I need to make sure Poppy is not here."

"Why does it matter if you are allowing me to go?" Lily asked.

"It doesn't. I would just prefer to avoid a confrontation right now."

Poppy had not returned after the staff meeting. This was not unusual; Minerva supposed she was with the Potions Master, discussing what she still needed for the upcoming year. Minerva and Lily walked out of the hospital and made it to the Entrance Hall just as the students were arriving.

"Go with your friends. If they ask why you were not on the train, tell them you were helping me with some work here." Minerva whispered.

"Thank you, Professor." Lily said.

Minerva glanced into the Great Hall and saw her husband was seated already. She raced to his office, grabbed the sorting hat, and raced back. The first years were waiting with Hagrid in the Entrance Hall.

"Thank you, Hagrid. Students, this way."

While Minerva was retrieving the hat from his office, Albus glanced at the Gryffindor table. He was quite shocked to see Lily sitting there, as Poppy had told him she would not be releasing her in time. Poppy had apparently just noticed this as well, considering the fact that her face was turning red and she was having trouble breathing.

Poppy leaned over two other professors to hiss at Albus. "What did she do?"

"Minerva might not be responsible for this." Albus answered, though he knew she most likely was.

Suddenly, the doors reopened and Minerva led the first years through the hall. She could feel the eyes of her husband and friend on her, but she steadfastly ignored them. After the sorting, she took the hat into the side room before taking her usual place beside Albus.

"Minerva-"

"No, not here. We will talk later."

The meal was tense for both of them. Minerva could not pay attention to his speech, nor could she eat very much. She kept looking at Lily, who was sitting with a group of her friends, laughing. This proved to Minerva that she had been right in allowing her to attend. Poppy kept shooting nasty glares at Minerva when she thought no one was looking.

When the students were dismissed, Minerva went straight to the quarters she shared with Albus. He followed her, vaguely aware that Poppy was following both of them.

By walking very quickly, Albus arrived almost as soon as Minerva did. Poppy had to almost run, but she came moments later.

"What the bloody hell did you do?" Poppy screamed as soon as the door was closed.

"Me?" Minerva questioned. "What about the two of you?"

"I did what I felt was in the best interest of my patient."

"I did what I felt was in the best interest of my student." Minerva countered.

"Ladies," Albus interrupted. "We can sit down and discuss this; there is no reason to yell. When we resort to-"

"Shut up, Albus." Minerva said. As the full weight of what she had said fell, her eyes widened and she covered her mouth.

Poppy suddenly looked very uncomfortable. "I think I am going to leave you two alone. Minerva, I'm sorry I yelled. I also regret not telling you that I was going to have to go against you with the staff. I had my reasons, and when you are less agitated I will explain them. Good night."

When Poppy had gone, Minerva remained standing in the same place. She couldn't think or feel anything. Try as she might, she didn't understand all that had gone on in the past day. Just twenty-four short hours ago, she was eagerly anticipating the new school year. Things were perfect with Albus; Poppy was her closest friend. She hoped and prayed that things hadn't been as difficult on Lily over the last day, but she knew that was a hopeless wish.

Albus stood watching his wife. He wanted to go comfort her, but he knew she might not accept it. He, once again, did not understand what she was going through. He wanted to, but the chances were not good of hearing it any time soon.

"Minerva-"

"I think I am staying in my own rooms tonight." she said.

"No."

"What?"

"No, Minerva. I am begging you not to do this. You do not need to run from me. Whatever you need from me, you may have, but do not disrupt our marriage. Let me help you face whatever you are up against."

Minerva started to cry. She nodded slightly as she felt strong arms go around her. Albus was so warm and gentle that she wanted nothing more than to fall asleep cuddled next to him.

The couple made their way to the bedroom and changed. Minerva decided to wear a night gown to bed, but not a heavy one. Albus noticed, but did not comment. He was too thankful that she had stayed. That night, Minerva did indeed fall asleep safely in his arms.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who reviewed. I love you all. Hope this makes up for the apparently too long of a gap between chapters 2 and 3. Next chapter will have more Lily in it. However, it is still a MM/AD story, which means Minerva has to get herself figured out first. Then she can help Lily. So, please review:)