Pensieve
One of her darkest memories - Minerva
It was nearly a week since the night Dumbledore awoke suddenly from a very restless sleep. In his very core he felt something amiss. Throughout the day following he remained distracted, almost confused. His staff began to worry about his condition.
"Albus please eat something." Minerva pleaded with the man who stood vigilant. He shook his head gravely.
"I will eat when Severus returns from his meeting with news." Albus reassurred her. It seemed that the meetings between Voldemort and his followers were becoming more and more frequent. It was good enough reason to be alarmed since it seemed so out in the open. He Who Must Not Be Named barely concealing his plans.
"Do you honestly have no idea what's causing this?" She asked while resting a gentle hand upon his shoulder.
"Minerva, all I know is if my feeling is correct, we have a very important person in very grave danger." Albus stated. Suddenly shadow landed with what almost sounded like a snap upon the stone floor. Snape removed his mask swiftly to reveal his pale face which shone whiter than usual.
"They have the girl, they have Granger." Snape's voice was raspy and frantic. Dumbledore stood quickly, the room instantly dropped in temperature as an almost dark presence loomed. Minerva's eyes were wide as saucers. She grasped the front of Severus's robes hysterically.
"You must go back! You must save her!" The woman screamed while pushing the younger man out onto the balcony, willing him to fly into the night to gather Hermione. Thoughts of what those vile people were doing.. the acts they could be committing upon her.
"Minerva there's nothing I can do." His voice cracked, grabbing her hands which had starting beating him in the chest. Albus had long since fled his offices, to the Ministry, trusting Severus with his green eyed collegue.
"There must be a way, you are one of them..."
"Minerva.. There is nothing I can do." He stated his eyes piercing into her tear filled orbs. She collapsed to the floor clutching on to whatever part of the dark haired man she could feel. He joined her, rocking her back and forth. He whispered into her ear confirmation that he would retrieve her. He would bring her back. All Minerva could do was weep in his arms, helpless, and remembering the flashes of that youthful face.
"They know who she is Severus," Minerva sputtered exhaustedly once her tears had subsided some. "They'll kill her." Severus shook his head.
"I will find her."
Two months Minerva waited, she could barely find the will to crawl out of her bed each morning. In part, she felt to blame and yet she didn't know why. She would have had to leave even if I had told her... Even if things were different.. this was their mission, but why do I feel so ashamed?"