Word Count: 431
Minerva sighs when she notices the time. She would love nothing more than to stay here forever, wrapped in Rolanda's arms. It isn't an option. She has made a commitment to the Order, and she will honor it.
Rolanda must realize what time it is. She groans her displeasure and holds Minerva a little closer. "Must you leave, Minnie?" she asks, fingers brushing over Minerva's arm.
Minerva wishes she could say that she can stay a little longer. Surely someone else can cover her, and Albus will understand.
But she can't. This is her choice, and she will choose it again and again. Her own life and joys don't matter in the grand scheme of things. She has to look at the bigger picture.
"I'm sorry," Minerva whispers, sitting up.
Sometimes she wishes she could remain neutral. Maybe that would make things easier. If she didn't care too much, didn't follow her heart, didn't want so desperately to change the world…
Rolanda laughs softly as she sinks back into the pillows. Her golden eyes move up and down Minerva's body. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you," she says. "You have always been so noble and honorable."
Minerva smiles at that as she stands in front of the mirror. Her fingers work, carefully manipulating her dark hair until it has been twisted into her usual bun which she secures in place.
"You really believe it's happening, don't you?" Rolanda asks. "You-Know-Who… He isn't dead, is he?"
Minerva wishes she could reassure her lover. Cornelius is determined to spin the story and tell the world that Harry is a liar and everything is fine. It would be lovely to live in that fairytale, but living a lie is not the way.
"He is," Minerva says.
"I wish you would stay. You know I hate it when you leave," Rolanda tells her. "I worry so much."
Minerva smiles at that. She worries too, of course. Truth be told, she wouldn't be out there if she didn't worry. She worries about herself, about Rolanda, about her friends and family, about her students. Each and every person in her life is just another reason to keep fighting.
Minerva returns to the bed, leaning down and kissing Rolanda gently on the lips. "I'm coming back."
Rolanda almost smiles. The corners of her lips twitch slightly. "You'd better."
This is always the hardest part, but Minerva knows it has to be done. She turns away and walks out the door. It is necessary, she reminds herself. In the end, it will all be worth it.