Prompt: Darkness
"It is a vote of confidence," Augusta was saying as she paced about the room like a general, "that I am allowing my grandson to return to Hogwarts."
"It's also the law," Minerva cut in, "though I can't say that's ever really mattered to you."
Augusta chose to ignore her and continued to walk. The Scottish witch's dark eyes followed her about, wondering exactly why she had been summoned to the Longbottom home.
"In times of darkness, such as these," Augusta continued, her language becoming more grandiose by the minute, "people will be tempted to shirk their responsibilities, to slink away in cowardice. But this family has never done that. Despite the risk, we face danger head on and show our support to you and to your fellow teachers who remain under Snape's rule."
Minerva nodded, appreciative of the sentiment, though not sure it had warranted her making such a long journey on such short notice.
"This is an excellent speech, Augusta," she said, "but can I ask why it needed to be said at this late hour?"
The slightly older woman stopped her pacing, the aristocratic head held high. It was an impressive sight, but Minerva could sense that beneath the exterior something was wavering.
"I just wanted to assure you that I know what I owe your school," the words were slightly clipped.
"Right," Minerva said skeptically, "Thank you. Anything else?"
Augusta gave a small sigh that she had obviously been fighting against and Minerva knew that there was.
"The Longbottom name is one that has existed proudly for many years," the great lady of the house said quietly, "It has stood for all that is right in this world for all that time, and it is imperative that it continues to do so. My grandson is future of his name and it is of great importance to me that he be able to-"
"-say it like a human being, Augusta," her companion interrupted.
"Keep him safe!" Augusta shouted out suddenly.
The tremble in her voice was a great shock to the other woman, even as she had begun to unravel her motives. The Transfiguration professor sat stock still, unsure how to answer the terror that had briefly exposed itself.
"I will do as much as I can," Minerva eventually said, "We all will, of course."
Augusta's eyes were wide.
"Minerva," her voice was shaky and low, "he is all I have left."
Here was a woman who had had so much taken from her by the shadows, Minerva could see it now. Augusta, beautiful, Augusta, who did all she could to hide it from the world. In that moment, Minerva knew she would whatever it took to spare her from further pain.