Chapter 2
Minerva stormed her way to Albus's office, her eyes flashing like wild lightening and her robes billowing behind her like a cloud of tartan. Her fingernails bit into the flesh of her palms as she clenched her fists together in fury. Although she knew that Severus and Rolanda were solely to blame, she somehow could not help but feel a strange surge of anger towards Albus as well.
She pounded loudly on his door, panting from the combination of sudden physical and emotional exertion.
"Come in," he called to her.
Minerva threw open the door and swept into the room, not caring to hide her obvious frustration.
"Ah, my dear, please have a seat."
"I don't have time to sit down," she snapped, his term of endearment having spurned her on.
"Is something wrong?" he asked, placing his pen down onto the desk and rising to his feet.
"No, everything is just perfect," she hissed.
Albus, now looking quite concerned, moved from behind his desk and began walking towards her. Intent on keeping as much distance between them as possible, Minerva moved backwards and nearly collapsed against the door.
"Minerva, please... Tell me what's wrong."
She shrank back and turned her head away, fearful that she might lose herself in his touch as he gently squeezed her shoulders. The poor man didn't even realize why he was acting this way, she noted, beginning to feel somewhat sorry for him.
"My dear, please talk to me about it."
Her mind raced as he lifted her chin so that she would look him in the eyes.
"I can't. You shouldn't – ALBUS, WHY ARE YOUR EYES TWINKLING LIKE THAT?"
He chuckled as he released his grip on her shoulders.
"Perhaps because I am looking at a very beautiful witch," he said, his voice deep and silky smooth.
He leaned into her and trailed the back of his index finger down her flushed cheek.
"No, don't..." she pleaded, feeling so wrong for pushing him away yet not wanting him to regret anything between them when the potion wore off. "I have to go."
Without any explanation, and now with the threat of tears stinging at her eyes, Minerva denied every voice and urge telling her to give into him... and she ran.
To be continued...