Author's Note: Hello again all! Thank you so much for continuing to stick with this story, I cannot tell you how much I appreciate all of the kind notes and words I have received. They have all given me so much encouragement. I hope you continue to enjoy this story, as much as I enjoy writing it. Being back to writing has been so very nice, and if things continue to go the way they have been going hopefully I can continue to provide new chapters on a more regular basis. I hope you enjoy this next chapter, and please don't be afraid to reach out.
Minerva was almost giddy when she awoke that morning, although if anyone had asked she would have adamantly denied that fact. Severus had finally agreed to meet with her this afternoon in Hogsmeade. While they had met up before for the Quidditch match and had tentatively made further plans to meet again he ended up having to cancel those. She understood that he was going through a lot. Being in his position was something that she could hardly imagine herself. This was the first time in probably years that he had some semblance of freedom.
She also knew that he was still grieving the loss of his best friend. She had remembered how close he had been to Lily Evans during their school days. For five years those two were inseparable, until something happened between them. She had never asked about what it was and from what she understood the subject was quite a painful one for Severus. Her death must have hit him very hard, and as difficult as it was for her she knew that he needed time and space to heal.
When he had stopped by her office two evenings ago and asked her if she was still interested in meeting at the Three Broomsticks to talk about Quidditch it was a delightful surprise. Immediately she had accepted his invitation and within a few minutes the two had agreed on a time to meet. They had chatted for a while longer, about school, and work before Severus had taken his leave. Once he had closed the door behind him Minerva found herself smiling brightly still. It had been the best news she had gotten in awhile. For the next two days she nervously awaited an owl or a note from him that he would need to cancel, but they had never come.
Before she met up with him she would have some duties to attend to at the school. Albus had also asked her if she would be able to walk the new third years down to the village for the very first time. She was honored that he had asked her to do this, and that he had placed enough trust in her to take on this responsibility. Once she had taken them to the village this would leave her with enough time to run some errands and pick up some supplies before meeting up with Severus.
While she was deciding what to wear for the day she hesitated for just a moment. Normally she would not have any trouble with this. Clothes were clothes, and black suited her just fine most of the time. Today however, she wanted to try something a little different. Since her discussion with Severus a few months back she had found herself thinking more and more about adding some color to her wardrobe. In particular emerald green. She had thought about it so much that a few weeks ago she had purchased a new cloak.
She had not been bold enough to buy a cloak in that color, it was still black, but it was embroidered with shimmering green floss and more decorative than any of the others that she owned. As of yet, she had not had the courage to wear it, but after thinking on it for a few moments she decided that perhaps today was the day to take a chance. Standing in front of the mirror she slipped it on over her robes and fastened it around her neck. It was rather a beautiful cloak, and she felt that perhaps Severus was right, the color did suit her. Finally she put her hat on and with one final glance in the mirror she was on her way out the door.
As she walked she couldn't help but feel a bit self conscious. This was a very new thing for her, to be wearing colors at school. It was something that she simply did not do! On her way downstairs she ran into Poppy. "Minerva, is that a new cloak? It's lovely." The matron said taking a look at it. "It is nice to see you adding a splash of color to your wardrobe."
"Thank you." Minerva said. "You do not think that it is too much?"
"Minerva." The other witch said shaking her head. "Please do not worry about such things. This is a lovely cloak, and it suits you quite well. It is not extravagant in the least, and even if it was you are free to wear whatever you wish and nobody will think any less of you for it."
"If you are sure about it." Minerva said at last, and the other witch nodded. "I appreciate the vote of confidence."
"That is what I am here for. Now, did I hear correctly that you will be walking the third years down for their first Hogsmeade trip today?" Minerva nodded. "How very exciting! I am so glad that we have finally been able to resume these trips with them. It has been such a long time since any of our students have really gotten to experience all that this school and area have to offer."
"I am very happy for them as well. Some of my fondest memories from my Hogwarts days were from my trips down into the village." Minerva said.
"Would you mind too terribly if I were to tag along with you this morning? I have some materials I need to pickup in the village. " Poppy asked after a moment. "You know, it sounds so silly, but I am afraid the last several years have had quite the effect on me. I'm still rather nervous to make the trip alone."
Minerva sympathized with her friend. She understood completely how that must feel. After years of looking over one's shoulder it could be quite hard to stop doing just that. "Please do join us, the more the merrier. I am sure that your presence would be reassuring to the students as well."
"Thank you." Poppy said with a smile, squeezing her friend's hand. "I'll meet you in the entrance hall in about half an hour?"
"That would be correct." Minerva said. "I'll see you then." With that she was on her way to the Great Hall for a quick breakfast and then to her classroom to finish a few things off before leaving. Soon enough she, Poppy, and the third years were all standing in the entrance hall and getting ready to leave. It was a much smaller group of students than she had previously anticipated, however she understood that many parents were still reticent to give permission for their children to leave the protected halls of the school. She understood their concerns completely, and hoped that with time things would be able to change.
Luckily the walk down to the village was rather uneventful. Based on the stories she had heard from other staff members she counted herself rather lucky that the students did not try anything on the trip. Once they had reached the village she made certain that they knew what time they needed to return to the castle and where they could and could not go. By this point in time the students knew enough not to cross her and promised to be on their best behavior.
Once the students had scattered, going off to explore the village she let out a deep sigh knowing that at least part of her work for the day was now done. She would now be free to run her errands and take care of some of the things she needed to do today.
"Good work Minerva, I believe you handled that quite well. I would not be surprised if Albus saw fit to have you take on this responsibility every year from now on." Poppy said once the last of the students had made their way off in the direction of Honeydukes.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence Poppy, but I am sure he has other ideas. Besides, I am only filling in for the deputy headmistress." Minerva said.
"For now." Poppy said in reply with a smile. "For now."
"What exactly is that supposed to mean?" Minerva asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Oh nothing at all." Poppy replied, and then abruptly changed the subject. "It is rather lovely being back in Hogsmeade again. I cannot remember the last time I saw Christmas decorations here."
Minerva wanted to follow up on what Poppy had said before, but thought better of it. She had the distinct feeling that there was more that the mediwitch had to say, but that she would likely not be willing to admit anything today. "You are right, the decorations here are lovely." she said at last.
"It is all quite inspiring, don't you think?" Poppy asked her. "Will you be decorating your classroom this year?"
Truth be told Minerva had not even considered decorating up until now. With the war there had been little reason to celebrate anything before. "That seems like a lovely idea Poppy. I think I will do just that."
"I'll hold you to it." Poppy said with a smile. "By the end of the week I expect to see decorations on those empty walls."
"Setting deadlines now, are we?" Minerva asked with a laugh. "It is not as if this is a graded assignment. I am not a student anymore."
"No, but we all need a little bit of incentive now and then." Poppy said in reply. "Now then, I need to be off to the apothecary to pick up some materials for the school. Do at least try to enjoy yourself while you are here."
"Just what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Minerva asked her friend as she turned on her heel and headed to the apothecary. Poppy turned around and just raised her eyebrows, before going on her way. Even in their school days Poppy had always been telling Minerva to let her hair down and have some fun. On the few occasions that Minerva had found herself breaking school rules it had always been for some scheme Poppy had come up with. Even now, behind that stern persona of the hospital matron she could still be as mischievous as ever. If only the students could see this side of her.
Once Poppy was out of sight Minerva started off in the direction of the bookshop. She needed to get some supplemental texts for her advanced transfiguration classes. The shop here was small and quaint and while they sold titles in all subjects they always seemed to have more on offer for Transfiguration than anything else. She had even been able to find titles here that Flourish and Blotts did not have! The little shop was tucked away in a back corner of the village, far from many of the more popular shops such as Honeydukes.
The store itself had been around as long as the village itself and for all of that time it had always served as a bookshop. The building that housed it appeared to be deceptively small and quaint from the outside. A small half timbered house with a high ceiling. It blended in very well with its surroundings, and if you weren't specifically seeking it out one could easily have mistaken it for just another house. The only thing to distinguish it from the houses in the area, was a small book shaped sign hanging above the entry.
As she walked up the path towards the cozy bookshop Minerva immediately got the feeling that she was home again. "Professor McGonagall, how lovely it is to see you today!" Came a voice from just around the corner. Turning around to look Minerva saw the well dressed figure of the shop's proprietor, Mr. William Tibbits. He was just affixing some Christmas decorations to the eaves of the shop.
"Mr. Tibbits, how good it is to see you as well." Minerva said greeting the bookseller with a hug. "The decorations look quite nice."
"Thank you." Mr. Tibbits replied with a smile. "I do so love this time of year, and everyone is in such desperate need of good cheer."
"You are speaking in rhyme again Mr. Tibbits." Minerva replied with a smile.
"One cannot help it in times such as these, poetry, prose and rhymes flow with ease." He said teasing her. "You cannot blame an old bookseller for occasionally getting carried away by his craft."
"Indeed I cannot!" Minerva replied chuckling just a bit. "One could hardly call you old though, distinguished perhaps, but never old."
"You always were one to flatter me Professor. From the time you were just a third year you could charm any individual who crossed your path." He said tapping her on the nose. "Don't give me that look, you know it is true. From the very first time you walked into my store you had me under that spell of yours. Asking for copies of Transfiguration texts while all of the others your age wanted novels and guides to creating love potions. Students like that do not come about very often."
"Now it is you who flatters me." Minerva said with the tiniest hint of a blush forming on her cheeks.
"Why don't you come in, and we can get caught up on everything over a nice cup of tea?" He asked her gesturing towards the door.
"That would be lovely." Minerva said, following him into the shop. The smell inside the building was intoxicating. Books old and new lined every available space on the first two floors. Stacks and piles, shelves and shelves of them. As a student she would often spend hours in here, curled up in one corner or another with the different tomes. This place was perhaps one of the most magical in all of their world for her.
Mr. Tibbits led her to a back corner where a small table was laid out, and bade her to take a seat whilst he went to retrieve the tea and cakes. As she sat there waiting for him to return she marveled at just how much had changed in their world, but how this place had managed to stay the same as it had ever been. It was a comfort to know that she could always have this sanctuary to return to in times of need.
"So my dear professor, it has been months since I have last seen you. Pray tell, how have you been settling into Hogwarts once again? Are things working themselves out with your students? Have you settled into a more comfortable routine yet?"
"I believe so." She said in reply. "It did take some getting used to though, slipping into the role of a full time professor."
"That sort of thing is quite the change, but from everything I have heard you made the transition admirably. I have not heard a word spoken against you, and from all accounts the students seem to enjoy having a professor closer in age to them." He said pouring their tea.
"It is interesting that one might consider that to be a benefit." Minerva replied. "Many might say that my age is rather a disadvantage in a situation like this one. Younger teachers showing less authority and all of that."
"All nonsense if you ask me. Authority does not come from age, it comes from knowledge and competence. If your students know that you are proficient in what it is that you do and that you will not tolerate cheek that is all that you need." He said. "You might also look at it this way. Nearly all of the teachers they have had over the years are much older, hardly relevant to them if you ask me. Not that their professors were lacking in any sense, but if your only experience in school comes from teachers who are a great deal older it is much harder to relate to that. Being as young as you are, and being in the position of full professor at Hogwarts shows them that they are capable of achieving greatness and of becoming experts in their chosen fields. You have given them no excuse to fail."
Minerva colored a bit at this. "I appreciate the vote of confidence. It means a lot coming from you."
Mr. Tibbits smiled at her. "I am honored that you think so highly of my opinion." he said. "Now, do tell me about what has been going on in the school as of late. I am quite curious to know all that you have been up to. Your students, your classes, any new friends amongst the staff?"
Minerva began to tell him the story about her year, and he listened attentively. Asking questions about things, and offering tidbits of advice where needed. It was much easier to talk to him than to Albus in many ways about these things and she felt herself growing a bit more at ease than she had felt in a long time as their conversation wore on. He knew all about the school, but he was removed enough from things such as internal politics that he could offer advice and give insight as none of her colleagues could. When she had finished her narrative he sat there looking at her pensively for a moment, leaning forwards, his hands clasped beneath his chin.
After a moment he spoke once again. "Professor, I believe you are leaving something out of this story."
"What pray tell might that be?" She asked after a moment, feeling his gaze resting upon her.
"Throughout the entire course of our conversation you have not mentioned the new potions master once. We all know that Slughorn has retired, and everyone in the village knows that he was replaced with another young professor such as yourself. Indeed, Edgar Pippin will tell anyone who will listen to him that his young protégé has taken up the post. Yet not a word from you on the whole matter. I am deeply curious as to your thoughts and opinions of him."
Minerva hesitated for a moment. Severus felt like something private to her, their friendship had been something that she almost did not want to share with others. Certainly she was not ashamed of it, it was not as if it was some dark secret. Yet she had barely let on to anyone about it. Truth be told ever since that evening at the ministry gala, and the kisses they had shared, she had not been entirely sure what to think of things herself. Even the memory of it all was enough to make her blush.
"From all accounts he is an excellent teacher. The students fear him, but their performance in the craft of potion making has improved a great deal since he first took over the position. He is the consummate professional and gets along well with the other members of the staff."
"That is all very good to hear, I am certain that Edgar would be very happy to hear all of this. How do you feel about him though? You are a good judge of character, you always were." Mr. Tibbits said sitting up again and crossing his legs. "What do you think of this new potions master?"
Minerva took a deep breath before replying. She knew that this man who sat before her was not the judgmental type. He cared about her and was merely curious as to how she was getting on. Still, when her own feelings were so confused she was not certain how she could explain things properly. "I like him a lot." She said at last. "I think he has been good for the students and the school. Truth be told I think he as been good for me as well. He's become a good friend, and a trusted confidante. Not to mention a formidable foe when it comes to an evening chess match."
Mr. Tibbets studied her face for awhile, trying to read her expression and she felt herself coloring a bit under his gaze. She really needed to learn to control that a bit better. Her facial expressions could give her away in an instant, her emotions were too clearly visible on her face.
"I see." was all he said before taking another sip of his tea. "If that is the case I would enjoy meeting this young man someday. The next time you are in Hogsmeade you should bring him by the shop and introduce us. I should very much like to see this man for myself."
"Of course." Minerva said with a smile. "I am certain that he would enjoy coming here and meeting you as well. I will ask him when I see him this afternoon, perhaps we can come by in a week or two?"
"This afternoon?" Mr. Tibbets asked with a smile. "Yes, by all means, just send me an owl with whatever date and time the two of you arrange and we can set something up. I am very eager to make his acquaintance."
"I believe you will like him." Minerva said finally. "He is a very good sort of man."
"With such praise coming from you I am sure that I will." The older gentleman said. "Now, while you are here can I interest you in some of the newer texts I have acquired? There are some very unique ones on the topic of Transfiguration that I am sure you would find to be most interesting."
Minerva readily agreed, and the two of them spent the next hour or so in the stacks, poring over books. By the time she had left the shop, she had more titles than she had initially intended to bring home with her. Two of them gifts from Mr. Tibbets, three purchases for her classroom, and one novel for her to read. The last one had been a spur of the moment choice, but as Mr. Tibbets had told her, everyone needed a little bit of escapism from time to time.
On her way back towards the Three Broomsticks Minerva found herself window shopping, looking at all of the displays in shop windows. Even shops she would not normally frequent. Looking at her watch she saw that she still had some time their meeting so she stopped into the bakery to pick up some fresh bread for later. The food from the Hogwarts kitchens was excellent, but sometimes she liked to have something different. It could be quite nice to have a meal on one's own from time to time.
The aroma wafting from the bakery was quite lovely and as she waited in line she gazed at all of the different confections on display. Tarts and cakes, sweet treats, and savory breads. Maybe she would indulge in a slice of raspberry cake later on. When it was her turn to order she asked for her bread and the slice of raspberry cake, and then after a moment she was surprised to hear herself ask for one of the lemon tarts. Another spur of the moment decision, perhaps the day really had gotten to her a bit. She herself was not fond of lemon tarts, or lemon anything really, but she knew they were Severus' favorite sweet. Perhaps he might enjoy it.
After milling about the area for a few minutes she realized that she had just enough time to make it to the Three Broomsticks without being late. As she reached the door to the establishment she found herself patting down her hair and smoothing out the wrinkles in her robes. It was silly, she knew deep down he would not care about how she looked, and after all they were just meeting to discuss Quidditch, but still she cared. Taking a deep breath she walked up to the doors and went inside. Immediately she found herself searching for Severus and a few moments later her eyes landed on him.
He was at a secluded table towards the back of the room, she started to head in his direction before realizing that he was not alone. Aurora Sinistra sat by him and the two were talking and laughing. She had a bouquet of flowers in her hands that she was smelling, that she set down on the table after a moment. Minerva felt her heart sink as she witnessed the scene before her. Severus had come here with someone else and he seemed quite happy to be with her. Perhaps he had forgotten their meeting, or perhaps she had just arrived too early.
All of her excitement from the morning had evaporated in a split second, and before she could even stop herself from doing it she turned around and left the pub before he could even notice that she was there. It was ridiculous, he had the right to spend time with anyone he chose to. She held no claim on him, and if she made him happy then that was a good thing. Severus deserved some happiness, yet she could not help the surge of jealousy that she felt bubbling up inside of her at the thought of him being with Aurora.
Of course Aurora was a lovely woman, she was polite and friendly. Always willing to help someone out, and she had been most welcoming to Minerva when she had first returned to the school. She could not blame Severus for liking her, yet at the same time she felt so very blind and naive. How could she have not noticed this before, how could she have not realized that perhaps there was something else going on. She was remarkably daft. Almost unforgivably so.
Wrapping her cloak more tightly around herself she wound her way through the streets of Hogsmeade and back up to the castle. She needed some time to herself to get a handle on what had been going on today. As she made her walk she was careful to avoid anybody she came across, even dodging the questions of curious portraits until she made it to the safety of her rooms. After setting down her purchases in her small kitchen area she went into her bedroom. Taking off her new cloak she tossed it to the side and then lay down on her bed and sobbed.
What had started out as such a lovely hope filled day had turned sour in the blink of an eye. For the rest of the day she took refuge from the world. She needed to pull herself together, nobody, especially not him, could see her like this. Instead of going down to the Great Hall for dinner with everyone else she stayed in her rooms and ate by herself. It made her feel a bit like a petulant child, but for once she did not care. The world could think what they wanted of her, what did that matter?
For hours she allowed herself to be a prisoner of her own thoughts, wondering just how she had gone wrong and how she had managed to misinterpret things for all of this time. After hours of tossing and turning she finally returned to her sitting room, in search of some distraction. It was not long before she found herself digging into the novel that Mr. Tibbets had recommended earlier that day. For once Transfiguration texts would not suffice to distract her, she needed something else instead. The book did its job, and soon enough she was feeling a little bit better and she was finally able to get to sleep. It was not a particularly restful sleep, but it was better than lying awake the whole night would have been.
When she finally awoke the next morning it was to the sound of an owl tapping at her window. Sitting up she threw a dressing gown on over her nightgown and then opened the window. The bird perched itself on her window sill, it was a beautiful barn owl. In its beak it held a letter addressed to her in a slanting script. She took the letter from the bird and in return offered it a piece of bread remaining from the last evening. The owl took the bread gratefully, and then sat patiently, waiting for her to open and read her letter. Evidently the sender of the message was expecting a reply.
The bird hopped down from the window onto her side table, and she closed the window preventing any further cold air from getting in. Judging by the script on the envelope she had a feeling that she already knew who it was from. Opening it up and reading the contents only confirmed it.
Minerva,
I hope you find yourself feeling better this morning. I missed you yesterday in Hogsmeade, and when you did not show up to dinner last evening in the Great Hall I realized that you must have taken ill. I am so sorry that you are not feeling well, and I hope that you feel better soon. I took the liberty of brewing some pepper up potion and sending it with Augustine. Hopefully it will help set you to rights once again. I know that the colds this year have been rather nasty. Should you need anything, or be in want of company please don't hesitate to let me know. I would be happy to visit with you, and perhaps even have a game of chess if you are feeling up to it.
Yours Sincerely,
Severus
Reading the note Minerva could not help but feel a twinge of guilt. She should have at least provided him with some excuse for not being able to make it yesterday. It had been wrong for her to act so hastily. Above all else he was her friend, and a very good friend at that. Just because she had walked in on something else it did not give her the right to treat him so poorly. She was so ashamed now that she did not know how she would face him. Taking up her quill and a piece of parchment she began to jot down a quick note, apologizing for her absence, and using the excuse of illness that he had provided her with to postpone their next meeting. She made certain to thank him for the potion and the time that he had put into brewing it as well. It was quite thoughtful of him to do that, which made her feel all the more guilty about her deception.
As much as she would have enjoyed spending the time with him today she was not yet ready to face him. Especially as she was not ill as he had thought she was, it would not be the right thing to do. So she took the bottle from the owl's leg, and handed him the letter, before opening the window and sending him back to his master. Once the owl had gone she found herself staring at the small phial in her hand. It really was a kind gesture. Though she would not be using it today, she would put it away for the future. Perhaps she would have a cold later in the year, or perhaps it would serve as a reminder to her of how immature she had been.