Disclaimer: I own nothing it all belongs to J.K. Rowling
March 15th
Part II"And where is our esteemed Headmaster this fine evening?" this years Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Lizzie Greene, asked.
"I notice 'Minerva my dear' is also missing." Newly appointed Potions Professor, Severus Snape, smirked.
The rest of the table went silent. Some of the elderly professors exchanged quick glances but most stared intently at their mash potato, chicken and peas. This did not go unnoticed by the two new professors.
"A Ministry meeting, Filius?"
Oh Merlin! That girl is too inquisitive for her own good! What to do? What to say? Breath Filius and stay calm
"Not that I know of Lizzie." The tiny Charms Professor squeaked in an unusually high pitch voice, even for him.
Severus curled his upper lip. He didn't need his Death-Eater skills to tell Filius Flitwick was hiding something.
Filius gulped under Severus' scrutiny.
Lizzie looked the table up and down and noticed every professor except Severus was avoiding her gaze. She turned to her left and asked the Herbology Professor if she possibly knew where the two were.
"Me? D-do I know where Minerva a-and Albus are?"
Pomona Sprout's face was bright red and she was biting her bottom lip. Something she only did when nervous Severus observed. Pomona took a bite of chicken and chewed it slowly to buy herself time. Panicking, as there was no more chicken left to chew, she blurted out
"I suppose they are where they always are on March 15th!"
Every member sitting at the head table turned open-mouthed to stare at Pomona. The members who had been at Hogwarts the longest quickly gathered their wits about them and resumed eating, shooting glares at Pomona on any given chance.
Pomona! Oh my, now we've really let the bludger out of the box!Severus sat back deciding it was better to appear unconcerned and let Lizzie handle the situation.
"March 15th? You mean they usually disappear on March 15th?"
No-one answered but they were all thinking the same thing.
Yes, now just drop the subject!
Lizzie jumped to her own conclusions and a small smile crept across her face.
"I see."
Professor Edgar Kettleburn raised an old gray eyebrow.
"Just what do you see Lizzie?"
"Well of course I've heard stories, I'm aware of the rumours. But that's all I thought they were – rumours."
School medi-witch Poppy Pomfrey took on a look of sheer panic.
"Oh and what rumours might they be?" Edgar continued.
"You know, that Dumbledore and McGonagall are an item."
Pomona spluttered on a bread roll she had been munching, sending it flying halfway across the Great Hall.
Severus smirked, never going to admit he found the whole situation highly intriguing not to mention amusing.
Filius noticed how Poppy's eyes flashed with fury.
"I really don't see how it is any of your business Elizabeth."
Poppy's comment raised many an eyebrow at the table.
Filius was the only other member of staff present at the Head Table who had worked at Hogwarts long enough to remember the day Minerva took up her Transfigurations post. Although he had no concrete proof he suspected that some truth lay behind the rumours. He could clearly remember how happy the two of them once were, how close they once were and how that drastically changed. It happened some 30 years ago. Albus lost his twinkle and Minerva lost her joy out of life.
Yes all this turmoil started March 15th all those years ago. I know not how, I know not why but I do know it's not my place to question.
He suspected Poppy knew more than she let on and he could see how her anger was rising. He had only ever seen Poppy really furious once in his lifetime and he did not wish to see it again. It was back in her forth year at Hogwarts.
Ah yes…hehe…I don't believe the young lad ever grew back eyebrows…hehe…Coughing to clear his throat Filius said loud and clear with authority in his voice
"Poppy is quite right, it is none of our business. However I ask you to ponder this. Have you ever seen either of them behave anything less than professional?"
He paused to let what he said sink in before he continued.
"Imagine how they would feel to learn that their trusted and loyal colleagues have been gossiping behind their backs. Lizzie, Minerva has bent over backwards to accommodate and help you settle in here at Hogwarts and Severus, Albus took huge risks to secure this teaching position for you! Is this how you repay them?
All the professors' heads bowed in shame. Poppy smiled appreciatively at Filius though he couldn't help but notice it didn't reach her eyes. He sighed inwardly.
Perhaps one day I will know what happened. Every once in a while I catch a glimpse of the fun loving Minerva that I previously knew. Hopefully one day she can break free and return. There's still hope, 'Albus darling' may have changed to 'Headmaster' but as Severus pointed out 'Minerva my dear' still remains…
A/N: March 15th was a oneshot but I've decided to continue though I'm not sure how many chapters will be posted. I have decided to explain the whole situation from different points of view. This one being Filius Flitwick's, a character who deserves some time in the spotlight! Thanks