Ch 20

The tests were finally over and Victoria was nearly as happy as her students. She actually had a moment to breathe without any of her students coming to her to ask last minute questions. Suddenly, in the middle of grading her papers, she heard a tap at her window. Looking up she saw a large red and gold bird; she recognized Fawkes immediately from being in Dumbledore's office. Opening the window for it she took the letter from its beak. It trilled a gentle song, which for some inexplicable reason made her smile, and flew back out the window. She tore open the letter reading it quickly,

Professor Knight,

There is something I would very much like to discuss with you. Please come to my office at your earliest convenience.

Albus Dumbledore

She couldn't help but think the letter was a little cryptic. Of course it was like Dumbledore not to reveal much information, but usually there was more than this. Quickly scribbling a response she looked at Regina. The overgrown cat was lounging on Victoria's bed, "Regina, would you please take this to Dumbledore."

The feline looked at her as if to say, "I'm not an owl."

Victoria shook her head, "Yes, I know you're a kneazle not an owl, but please. Just this once."

Regina continued to look at Victoria, her gold eyes giving the same message.

"Again, I know you are not an owl, but this is for Dumbledore. You like him, what's the problem."

Finally Regina relented and stalked her way over to Victoria and took the letter from her. "Thank you Regina. I promise when you get back there will be a nice juicy can of tuna waiting for you."

Regina slunk her way out the door without another look back.

…

A few hours later Victoria arrived at Dumbledore's office. Knocking she heard him ask her to come in. Opening the door she found him sitting behind his desk, "Ah, good afternoon Victoria."

"Afternoon Professor. You said you wanted to see me?" She asked closing the door and stepping over to his desk.

"Yes," he smiled motioning her to a chair in front of his desk. "Actually, I had a question for you."

She looked at him inquisitively, "For me sir?"

"Indeed, as you know we are coming up to the end of the term. I was curious to know what your thoughts were concerning next year." He asked seriously, steepling his fingers under his chin.

She averted her eyes for a moment. It was something that she'd given a lot of thought to, and she knew that this moment was going to happen. Taking a deep breath she looked back up to him, "Sir, I have loved being a teacher here. The students have been magnificent and the staff have been nothing but supportive. I have had an amazing year, but I still don't feel proficient enough to continue. I know the theory as well as anyone, but I don't feel competent in teaching it hands on when I don't have that much hands on experience."

He nodded slowly, a small smile creeping onto his face. "I had thought you would say something to that nature." She gave him a curious look as he opened a drawer in his desk and pulled out a piece of parchment. "You see, I have received a letter from Mr. Moody just this morning. He was inquiring as to if I had any candidates that I would recommend to the Auror training program."

Her blue eyes lit up at the thought. An Auror! It was the one thing she had truly wanted to do, but she had thought when she was younger that she didn't have the courage. Now, after working with the Order she knew she could. "Are you serious?!" She asked happily.

"I take it then, you would be willing?" He asked, his eyes twinkling back nearly as brightly as her's.

"I would love to!" She exclaimed.

"Splendid," He smiled leaning back in his chair, "seeing as I sent an owl back saying that you would."

She laughed, "You know, I should be upset about that."

"Are you?" He asked the grin still firmly in place.

"No, it's just like you sometimes know me better than I do. Thank you Professor."

"It is my pleasure my dear. Now, if you will excuse me, I fear a Headmaster's work is never done." He motioned to the large stacks of papers littering his desk.

"Of course," she got up from the seat. "Looks like I need to go start packing. Thank you again sir."

"You are most welcome." He smiled watching her leave.

…

It only took a few more minutes before Dumbledore heard yet another knock on his door. Crossing the room to open it, he was unsurprised to see Minerva standing in front of him. He had known she would be there soon, but hadn't expected her so quickly. Motioning for her to step inside he closed the door and smiled, "Good afternoon my dear."

Forgoing the pleasantries she asked stiffly, her eyes giving away the fear encircling her heart, "Albus is it true?"

He smiled at her, his eyes twinkling, "I'm afraid it is; I am hopelessly in love with you." He said wrapping her in a warm embrace.

Fighting off his arms she shot him a particularly dark look, "You know very well that is not what I'm talking about."

"I'm sorry." His smile faded, only on her account, knowing it would only increase her temper. "It is true. I talked it over with Victoria just a few minutes ago."

"Albus, what were you thinking?" she asked slipping into one of the chairs near the fire. "You're putting her in grave danger."

"I would not have given Moody her name if I had not thought she could handle it." He answered gently, taking her hand in his. "She is a strong woman Minerva, much like her mother I dare say."

She gave a slight smile, the compliment meaning more to her than she was willing to admit. Instead she continued the debate, "That may well be, but that does not mean she won't get hurt. Even the best of wizards can't handle Auror training."

He chuckled, "You are sounding more like a mother every day." Taking a seat next to her he continued, "This is her choice my dear. Even if I were not to have given her the option she would not have stayed here next year. It is very likely she would have gone searching on her own, this was the only way I knew to have her learn safely."

She looked at him warily, "What are you saying Albus? Did you ask Moody about her?"

"I did indeed." He answered almost sheepishly.

She jumped out of her seat shouting, "How could you?! Albus, she could very well be killed!"

"Please calm yourself Minerva." He said gently. Watching her pace before him, much in the same manner he usually did, "As I have said, she is a strong woman. You should also remember she will be training with Moody himself, who else would you have train her?"

"That is beyond the point." She answered angrily.

Catching her hand as she walked in front of him again he pulled her to him, "My dear, it is in her nature to want to improve herself. I am afraid she comes by it naturally," he smiled.

She smiled weakly, "I'm just worried about her Albus. Now that we've found her, I don't want to lose her."

"I understand that well. It hurts me as much as it does you to see her leave, however I am certain this will prove to be beneficial to her." He responded giving her hand a squeeze.

She heaved a great sigh, "I am sure you're right."

"I do find it amusing that she would follow in her mother's footsteps." He smiled pulling her to him, wrapping her in his arms yet again.

She didn't protest this time, a smile forming on her face, "I must say I am pleased about that. However, I do still fear for her. I know how hard training is. I can't help but be worried."

He placed a gentle kiss to her temple, "She will be fine Minerva, just as you were."

She smiled relaxing into him, "We will see."

…

Victoria had just arrived back in her rooms after telling Poppy the news when she heard a knock on her door. She was surprised at having a visitor, as the only person to ever have been in her rooms was Minerva. Going to the door she opened it to reveal Severus. She couldn't help but wonder at his presence there, "Severus! What brings you here?"

"May I come in?" He asked noticing as she hadn't moved from the doorway.

"Oh, sorry, of course," she said stepping aside so that he could enter. His black robes and hair against her light blue décor made him stand out horribly. She smiled at his nervous appearance.

"I have heard rumors that you are leaving us soon, is it true?" He asked taking a seat on one of the mismatched chairs, this one being light blue and white polka dotted.

Heaving a sigh she nodded, slipping into the chair next to him, "Yeah, it is."

He nodded, unsure of what to say next. "Surely it is your choice."

"Yes," she said simply. "I didn't feel like I was good enough to teach. I didn't have enough experience in the field."

"Was the Order not enough experience for you?" He asked, a sad look crossing his face.

"Not really. But I was just given a great opportunity. I've been accepted into the Auror training program." She smiled.

"I do hope it is… to your liking." He slowly answered, looking down at his hands.

"I'm sure it will be." She smiled. Pausing she watched as Regina stretched and jumped down from her place on the window sill. The kneazle looked around momentarily and then sniffed at Severus's robes.

"What is this?" He asked slowly, wary of the little creature.

"That's Regina, my kneazle." Victoria laughed as Regina jumped up into Severus's lap. He looked almost scared to touch the feline. "Don't worry, if she likes you it's a good thing. Kneazles will attack untrustworthy people."

"Regina you say?" He asked cautiously petting her with one finger. "What is she queen of, might I ask?"

"What?" Victoria looked at him curiously.

"The name Regina means queen." He answered pausing in his petting for a moment while Regina readjusted herself on his legs.

Victoria laughed, "I guess you could say she's queen of my room then."

"Indeed." He said simply continuing to pet Regina, now scratching her between her ears.

"Actually, I did have something I wanted to ask you while you're here." Victoria said, it was her turn to be nervous.

"What would that be?" He asked watching her carefully.

"Well, you know I've been brewing Wolfsbane for Remus every month. Now that I've joined the Aurors I won't be able to do it. I mean I don't know where I'll be every month. I was wondering if… if you would brew it for me?" She asked anxiously.

He studied her for a moment, "I have no objections to this, but would Remus accept it from me. Our history is not shall we say pleasant."

"He doesn't have to know it's coming from you. I mean, I don't think he would mind, but if you don't want him to know we don't have to say anything." She answered quickly, still nervous about his answer.

"Would you wish to lie to your friend?" He asked curiously.

"If it means making another feel more comfortable, then yes. But it's not really a lie; I'm just not telling him I'm not doing it anymore."

He studied her for another moment, "Very well."

They didn't say anything for a few minutes, both lost in thought. Finally she looked up to him, "Severus, just because I don't live in the castle anymore, doesn't mean that we can't still be friends. I value our friendship and don't want to lose it by leaving."

He gave her a slight smirk, "I do not wish to lose your friendship either."

She smiled, "I'll still visit when I can… if I have any time off that is."

"I am certain you will be much too busy for me." He responded sadly.

She put a hand on his, "Severus, why are you always putting yourself down like that? I promise, anytime I have time off I will come see you."

He didn't say anything in response. Instead he gently pushed Regina off his lap, "I'm afraid I must go."

"Leaving so soon?" She asked, sad to see him leave.

"Yes, I am not through grading the exams yet." He crossed to the door, pausing before he exited, "You will let me know when you leave?"

She smiled, "Of course. I couldn't leave without saying good bye."

He nodded and left through the portrait hole. She shook her head after him; she still couldn't understand how anyone could possibly be so self-conscious.

…

The next evening after dinner, Victoria was on her way back to her rooms to pack, when Minerva caught her in the corridor. "Ah, Victoria."

"Professor, nice to see you." Victoria smiled. "Are you headed to dinner?"

"No, I was on my way to see you." Minerva answered adjusting her glasses on the bridge of her nose.

"Really? Well I guess you found me. Anything I can do for you?"

"Actually, I was going to offer my services in packing." Minerva said kindly. "That is if you do not mind."

"Mind? That's so sweet, thank you." Victoria smiled, leading Minerva towards her room.

Neither said anything until they reached Victoria's room. As Victoria said the password, "Destiny", Minerva looked at her inquisitively. Victoria shrugged in response pushing the portrait open and stepping inside with Minerva close behind. Minerva looked around the room, "I see your style has not changed."

Victoria laughed, "Not in the least. Location may have changed, but nothing else." Pausing she looked around the room, noticing how cluttered it was, "I'm sorry Professor, I really haven't started packing yet."

Minerva waved off the comment, "No matter, we will have it done in no time." Minerva plucked her wand out of her pocket, waving it around in a circle around the room. Items from everywhere started shrinking and packing themselves in the trunk and suitcases Victoria had at the end of her bed. True to her word, only moments later everything was neatly packed up with the exception of one pair of clothes for the morning and her toiletries. "There, I believe that is all."

Victoria looked at her in amazement, "I have never seen anyone pack that fast. The last time I tried that I wound up with a suitcase full of clothes that had looked like they'd been thrown in."

Minerva gave her a rare smile, "Practice my dear. That is all you need."

Victoria smiled, "I guess so." Motioning for her to take a seat Victoria added, "I'd offer some tea, but I'm afraid I'm out."

"It's quite alright," Minerva pointed her wand and conjured up a tea service.

Shaking her head Victoria took the other chair, "I really shouldn't be surprised."

Minerva chose not to comment, only giving a smirk. Handing Victoria a cup she asked, "Are you looking forward to your new career?"

Victoria beamed, "I can't wait. I've wanted to be an Auror since I can remember. When I was younger I never thought I'd be able to do it, so instead I was going to train to be a healer. I don't know, something has changed over the last few years. I think I can do it now."

Minerva gave her a slight smile, the girl's energy was contagious, "I am certain you will do well."

Suddenly a sad look crossed Victoria's face, "I am going to miss this place though. I love being here. Everyone here has become family to me."

Nearly choking on her tea, but recovering quickly Minerva said, "The castle will always be here if you should choose to come back. You are welcome anytime."

Victoria gave her a slight smile, but the tear in her eye gave her away, "I'm just going to miss everyone here so much."

Setting down her tea Minerva rose from her seat and pulled Victoria into a warm embrace. The tears flowed freely from Victoria, making it impossible to see the few that escaped from Minerva. Minerva rubbed her back gently, whispering to her, "It is alright. We are no more than an owl away. You can see us anytime." It was the first time in Minerva's life that she actually felt like a mother. She was happier than ever to be able to comfort her daughter, but it broke her heart to know she wouldn't have a chance to do this again.

It took a few minutes for the tears to subside, pulling herself together Victoria released her hold on Minerva and stepped back. "I'm so sorry Professor. I know I'm acting like a child…"

Minerva put a hand on her shoulder reassuringly, "It is quite alright Victoria. Sometimes leaving a place we know is difficult. It can be even more so when leaving the people we become attached to."

Victoria nodded, "I know. I have never reacted like this to moving before. Not even when I left the States. I don't know what came over me."

Minerva smiled, "I understand. It is hard to leave this castle. It becomes a part of you. On the other hand, that also allows us to take a part of it with us wherever we go."

Victoria smiled up at her, "Thanks Professor."

"You are welcome." Minerva smiled back taking a sip from her tea.

…

As Victoria awoke the next morning it was with a heavy heart. It was the last time she would wake up in her room at Hogwarts. She got ready for the day slowly, trying to put off the inevitable. Finally making her way to the Great Hall, she couldn't help but think it looked strange without any of the students there; they had all taken the Hogwarts Express home the previous day. She took her normal seat between Minerva and Poppy. They all exchanged pleasantries, but didn't say much after that, none of them wanting to discuss what was going to happen. Each pushed around food on their plate more than eating. When Victoria decided that she'd waited long enough, she sighed standing, "I guess, I should get going."

Poppy's eyes filled with tears that she'd been holding back, "Do write. I will miss you so much." Poppy sobbed pulling Victoria into a tight hug.

"I will. I promise." Victoria smiled sadly pulling back. She turned to Minerva next, spotting a single tear rolling down her cheek, "Don't you start on me now." Victoria joked.

"I'm sorry dear. It is difficult to see you go." Minerva said sadly, pulling Victoria into a hug as well. Although it was uncharacteristic of her, she couldn't help it. Minerva felt like she was losing her baby girl all over again.

Victoria pulled back after a moment, "Like you said last night, I'm only an owl away." Minerva nodded, brushing the tear away and watching as Victoria moved on to Albus. "Professor Dumbledore, thank you for everything."

His blue eyes twinkled at her as he took both of her hands in his, "Thank you my dear, for allowing yourself the chance." He winked at her.

She nodded, moving on to the last person she needed to say good bye to. Taking a deep breath, she wasn't sure if she was going to be able to hold it together for one more. Approaching his chair he rose, his black robes flowing behind him. She smiled sadly, "Severus."

"Victoria." He said simply, fighting hard to show no emotion.

Unexpectedly she pulled him into a nearly bone crushing hug. Whispering in his ear, "I'll never be too far away." Before pulling away she kissed his cheek.

He nodded, but said nothing. Turning to the rest of the table she said, "Thank you everyone, for giving me the best year ever. I will miss all of you more than you know." She turned away quickly and left the Great Hall, tears streaming down her face.

The others at the table watched her walk out; none of the four had a dry eye. Poppy spoke first, her voice cracking horribly, "I hope she'll be alright."

Minerva nodded, "You taught her well Poppy."

From Dumbledore's other side, Severus spoke up in a strange croak, "I trust she knows what she is doing."

Dumbledore smiled, "I believe she does. She has more to learn before she returns to us."

…