Coming Home to Rest

The headmaster strode down the hallway looking left and right. Were it not for his age and the decorum of his office he would have been skipping. In passing, Armando saw Filius in the Great Hall arranging Christmas decorations.

"Filius, I'm looking for Albus, have you seen him?"

"Try the lake. He usually goes there to brood after classes."

"Thank you."

Filius called out sharply. "Armando, wait! A moment please."

Armando paused at the door and waited for the smaller, younger man to join him.

"I speak for the rest of the faculty in saying that we are all beginning to worry for Albus."

"You are not the only one."

"There must be something we can do. He shuns company. He carries on the most perfunctory conversation at mealtimes. And lately, the ladies have noticed that he's not paying as much attention to his appearance as before."

"I hadn't noticed that."

"Neither did I at first. He just seems so very tired and listless." Filius put a hand on the Headmaster's arm. "I know you don't like to interfere in our personal lives, Armando, but Albus hasn't been the same since his return from Egypt. Is there anything we can do for him?"

"It is not my story to tell, Filius, and as far as doing anything," Armando sighed, "I am hoping that my news will lift his spirits."

"Good news about Miss McGonagall?"

"How do you -"

"A simple deduction. He went there to recruit her. I am guessing his involvement became personal and ended but not in his favor. Have I the gist of it?"

"It was not the involvement but the aftermath that troubles him. He lost much ... honor in Egypt."

It was not difficult to spot the lone figure walking by the lakeside. Armando called out and Albus reversed direction to meet him halfway.

"You must have ice for blood, Albus," Armando commented.

"The air clears my head I find."

"I have some news that may be of interest." Armando began to walk towards the school. Albus had no choice but to follow suit keeping his eyes on the path. "I received a missive from Theodore."

Albus' eyes narrowed. "Is Minerva all right?"

"Theodore requests that we reconsider her contract to teach here. She remains uneasy at Beauxbaton even after almost two months there. Theodore feels that a change is in order."

Albus gripped his friend and superior by both shoulders. "She's ... she's coming here, truly?"

"I have already sent my reply that we would be happy to have her." Dippet grinned. "I assume that you aprove."

"When is she expected to start? Next term?"

Armando took a deep breath before replying. "She will be here next Monday, Albus."

Albus stood still absorbing the news. Suddenly his whole demeanor changed. His shoulders lost their drooping posture. He straightened as if he had a string tied to his spine and the string had been pulled taut. Albus turned towards the lake, raised his arms high and let fly a loud whoop of joy. As his voice echoed to the farthest side of the lake, he frowned and his face became drawn again. "Armando, is ... will she only be visiting? You said a change not ... not anything permanent."

"Theodore mentioned that he did not feel that Beauxbaton could offer Minerva the safety that Hogwarts could. I said that she was welcome to stay as long as she wanted and that the contract would cover from now until the end of term next year. Annual renewals can be arranged easily enough."

"That's better than ... it is not unheard of for a teacher to start midterm, is it?"

"It is not commonplace but our enrollment has doubled and a new assistant Transfiguration teacher will be appreciated." Armando clapped him on the back. "I hope that you will cease this slow death by brooding and neglect."

Albus looked sheepish. "Was I that obvious?"

"Only to those who have loved and lost," Armando answered. "I want your word that you will accept what will be. I want nothing more than for your dreams to come true, Albus, but life does move on and so -"

Albus interrupted. His voice rang with utter conviction. "This dream is for me, not for Hogwarts, not for the Ministry, just for me. No one will take it away. Or convince me that it is hopeless. As long as she is here, nearby, that will be enough."

"And seeing her every day, will that not cause your distress to heighten?"

"On the contrary, it shall give my day purpose - to greet her with a smile at breakfast, exchange thoughts at lunch, perhaps even spar wits over dinner. It is more than I thought I would have with her when I left her in Theodore's care."

"She may never remember your time together."

"A little piece of our love still exists if in secret. She meant to have it so. She did not lose hope and neither will I."

"You are a far stronger man than I could ever be. Very well I shall desist harping on the matter for now."

Albus quickened his steps as they headed back to the castle. Armando, shorter by a head, had to double his pace to keep up.

"Three days does not give me much time but everything will be perfect." Albus rattled off a litany of tasks to do for him and the house elves from catching goose for fresh feathers for pillows to retrieving some antique wall tapestries to keep the chill away.

"Do you intend to get any sleep?"

"I'll grab an hour or two every day. Now, her suite will need to -"

"Suite?"

"Sitting room, small office for her library, bedroom, bathroom and maybe another bedroom or a solar so she can bask in sunlight on cold days. What do you think - solar or extra bedroom?"

Armando raised an eyebrow at the lavish set of quarters Albus had in mind to devise. "I think that it is not necessary to overwhelm the woman."

Albus continued prattling, "Do I have your permission to rearrange the fourth floor of Gryffindor tower? The one currently used for storage? It has the best views, at sunset especially."

"Would you stop if I refused your request?"

"No."

"By all means, continue with your refurbishment."

At Beauxbaton, Minerva folded the last of her cloaks into her trunk. Her door opened admitting in Theodore. His quick eyes took in the two trunks - one locked and the other open and full to bursting.

"I see you take up after your mother in the efficient packing department," said Theodore. "Just two trunks and a mirror."

Minerva laughed softly. "I've been traveling so much that I need very little." Her face became serious. "I had thought to settle down but I can't seem to. I should be happy for all the years I studied here. I don't know why I'm so restless."

"Shush! I won't hear of any regrets. There are too many old memories here on the continent for you. It will be good to start fresh at Hogwarts."

"But what of my research, all the data and, oh Merlin, the Rampals?"

Theodore snorted. "They can raise whatever fuss they so desire, Minerva, it will be to no avail. You and Piers were not married," Theodore mentally thanked fate and any gods listening at the time. "Thus, they have no claims whatsoever on you or yours."

"I just wish that I could make them feel better about Piers' death but I don't remember all the details."

"And how could you? You entered the tomb and into pandemonium. It is a miracle you survived at all." Theodore helped her lock the last trunk. "Give them time to grieve, Minerva. He was the only son left to them after the war. I can understand their position."

"Perhaps, I should hand over the research notes to them as they have requested and -"

"No, absolutely not!"

"Why not? The publication rights are not a fortune but it can be a steady income for them."

"Minerva, please, do not concern yourself over them, ever again. They are not as well off as they were but they are hardly paupers. Any financial losses they have incurred are due entirely to their decisions and activities." Theodore embraced her briefly. "Promise me, Minerva, that you will never grant them or their ilk access to your research into the Lingering Death. It's too important. The ramifications will be incredible."

"Oh, uncle, you don't believe the hearsay that the Rampals were in league with Grindelwald," scoffed Minerva. "Some small-minded, envious person started that rumor. There's no proof at all."

"Collaborators, surely."

"You will get in trouble with that line of thinking."

"Already have. Now, I will hear your promise from your own lips."

"I promise to not share or divulge knowledge of my research to the Rampals."

"Or anyone else," added Theodore.

"Not even Albus or the headmaster? I had thought to discuss the matter with Albus and, perhaps, their History of Magic professor."

"I shall make exceptions for Albus and Armando. Please, be parsimonious with your knowledge of the Dark Arts."

"You think it will be held against me?"

"Armando will welcome whatever you may offer. Albus certainly will, um, have no issues with your forays into the darker mysteries."

"I hope not. I fully intend to continue my research."

"As you should, my dear. Remember that not all you meet will have a conscience," warned Theodore. "Imagine what an addition the Lingering Death would be to the Unforgivable Curses."

Minerva shivered. "It is a purely academic project. I will not be developing a working curse model. I shall ensure that I leave enough unrevealed so no one else could make a model. Do you wish me to make an unbreakable vow on that?"

"No. Of course not." He looked Minerva directly. "Stay safe, Minerva. I could not bear to lose you."

"I shall be quiet as a mouse. I aspire to nothing grander than teaching some classes and doing my research on my off days."

"And, perhaps, make friends among the staff and-"

"Have a relationship?"

"I did not say that."

"You harp that I must move on from Piers."

"You are too young to grieve overlong. Life is for living."

"I know that. And I am not grieving still," said Minerva. "My melancholy is simply there. Its source I know not. Sometimes I think I know but it slips away."

"It must be frustrating."

"Oh, it is, Uncle." Minerva winced. She rubbed at her temples. "I'm getting another headache."

"It is a bad one? Do you want to rest and leave for Hogwarts tomorrow?"

Minerva shook her head. "No. We go today. It would be rude to cancel at the last minute. I'll get a headache potion there."

A chiming clock on the mantelpiece reminded Theodore of the time. He shrank Minerva's cases and mirror and pocketed them. "We are due at Hogwarts in the next half hour. Shall we?"

"I'm ready for a new adventure," said Minerva. They continued their conversation as they left her quarters.

"I may have differences with Armando but I do admire what he has made of that school - all established experts on staff, and the library is a researcher's dream. Then there are the still uncatalogued artifacts of immense historical value. What I could do with -" Theodore cleared his throat. "Beauxbaton is a young school. It is always good to have something to aspire to. One day, we will be amongst the best in the world. If Beauxbaton ever comes in second, I'd rather it was to Hogwarts. I'd slit my throat if we ever trailed Durmstrang."

Footsteps thundered down the staircase causing the headmaster to look up from his post in the entry hall. Albus fairly elevated down the steps so fast was his descent. Armando scrutinized his deputy's appearance - trimmed beard, freshly combed hair, elegant formal robes of deep blue velour and a matching hat. So much for neglecting his appearance, he thought.

Albus spoke breathlessly. "They ... they just apparated at ... at the gates. How do ... do I look?"

Armando helped Albus straighten his robes and hat. "You look fine. Relax, Albus."

"I'm trying."

"All is in readiness?"

"Yes. The marble bath is in place in her bathroom, in the right color and shape finally."

With great effort, Armando suppressed any comment on this new extravagance. Albus had been driving the castle's elf staff beyond endurance and distraction for the better part of the weekend. "Solar or spare bedroom, did you ever decide?"

"Both."

"I see." Armando adjusted his own small cap. "I was inspecting the wards last night. I found that you had put in some additional refinements."

"Oh, those, yes, I did. It must have slipped my mind to tell you."

"I was surprised that you extended them beyond the lake and the Forbidden Forest. Quite a bit beyond their previous boundaries."

"It seemed the logical thing to do. The wards should cover all the surrounding environs not just the castle proper."

"Of course. And the new restrictions on the front gates regarding the press and unknown persons?"

"Just a precaution. If they have business with us or are known to us personally then they will be let through. Otherwise, the gates will repel their entry. There will be no exceptions."

"Very thoughtful and, ah, thorough. Shall we?" Armando opened the main doors. The two men stood at the entrance watching a thestral-drawn carriage make its steady approach to the castle.

"Albus?"

"Yes, Armando?"

"What is that conveyance? Is that a thestral pulling it?"

"Hagrid helped find it. Very economical. No feed involved."

"And?"

"I thought the carriage would be a ... a nice touch to welcome visitors with."

"Visitors have always walked to the castle. Doing so gives us time to prepare."

Albus cleared his throat. "You will admit that it is a long way from the gates to the castle. In good weather, a long walk is always welcome but with ice and snow, is it not better to make a good impression and see to -"

"Say no more. I understand, Albus."

"Thank you, Armando." Albus felt a sense of serenity as the carriage drew closer. This is the first day of the rest of my life and I will make the most of it.

In the carriage, Minerva swiveled from side to side. The carriage had fascinated her.

Theodore remarked, "I don't remember this from my last visit. It must be new."

"Very practical yet cozy."

"Harumph. It seems a trifle indulgent." Mentally, he was formulating something similar for Beauxbaton but more elegant with real horses.

"I think it puts a visitor at ease. It's very thoughtful." She could not help snuggling deeper into the plush seats.

Theodore realized then just how thoughtful a gesture it was and who was most likely to have thought of it. "I wonder what other changes have been wrought."

Theodore eyed the castle. Was it his imagination or were the walls gleaming?

Armando and Theodore shook hands and embraced as old friends were wont to do. Albus and Minerva smiled at each other as they shook hands.

Theodore gestured towards Minerva. "Armando, may I present Miss Minerva McGonagall."

Albus saw the shrewd assessment that passed over Armando's eyes as the headmaster shook Minerva's hand.

Armanda radiated warmth. "Miss McGonagall, a pleasure. Albus did not exaggerate. I am certain that you will enjoy your stay with us."

"Thank you, headmaster. I feel at home already."

"You do?" Albus asked.

"It's the strangest thing, Albus. The minute I passed through the gates I felt ... I felt -"

"Comfortable? Safe?" suggested Albus.

"Welcomed, actually," replied Minerva.

"Before we proceed, Minerva has a powerful headache. Can we stop by the -" began Theodore.

"The headache is gone," said Minerva.

"It is? When?"

"I'm not certain. I think when we got into the carriage."

"Did you like the carriage?" asked Albus. "It's just a prototype. More improvements are needed."

"It's perfect as it is. Don't change it, please."

Albus beamed. "Perfect. Very good."

Armando watched the interaction between the two closely. "Albus, please show Minerva to her quarters and, oh, in an hour escort her to my office for afternoon tea."

Albus ushered Minerva towards the main staircase. Armando and Theodore watched the two ascend the stairs.

"I think this is for the best, Armando," said Theodore.

"If I had doubts, they are dispelled."

"You will take care of her won't you?"

"She will be in the best of hands. Albus will put her happiness before his own."

"That is becoming obvious."

"You have no idea, Theodore. No idea at all."

"I have all her estate paperwork with me. Minerva is fully in charge of all the details. Gringotts has completed the transfer of funds this morning and the estate steward informs me that all is well with her family lands." The two men walked towards the headmaster's office. "I've done what I can for her. This mess in Egypt is beyond me."

"Has information about the actual events been suppressed?"

"For the most part but nothing ever remains secret for very long. The Rampals and their circle have not been muzzled. Only the lack of true information stays their hand."

"According to Albus, everyone involved were obliviated with a few exceptions. Given time the details will become vague and fact will become rumor and hearsay."

Theodore sighed. "Let us hope so. Albus looks well. When last I saw him in Luxor, I thought I had never seen a man more steeped in despair and impotent rage."

Armando nodded. "I am grateful to Reza for seeing to his frame of mind before allowing him to return."

Theodore shuddered. "Now there is a man I would not like to cross. His sense of justice is rather macabre."

"Have you heard from him lately? And the boy, Khalil, do you have news of him?"

"Reza's last note indicated that the Guild was overjoyed at their new project for it promises decades of discoveries. Khalil has embraced the wizarding world. In fact, his family has moved to Luxor. The boy haunts the Guild office as much as he can. Reza says that he talks his ear off every chance he gets."

"What about the boy's protection?" Armando asked.

"Do not fret. I have seen the precautions the Guild has initiated to watch over the secret keeper and his family. They see Khalil as a future leader in their ranks after all and not one to be wasted. Reza will be very careful with him."

"I still find it incredible to believe that a boy that young was able to discern the danger he was in and flee."

"The boy's raw intelligence is daunting. One day Khalil will realize the influence that is his to wield. I for one am very glad the boy is on our side."

Albus guided Minerva on a brief tour of her quarters - all six rooms of it.

"I never expected this, Albus."

"Is ... is there anything else you need? Give me a few hours and -"

"No, oh, no. This is too much. Far more room than I could ever need. Are all faculty quarters so ... so lavish?"

"Not exactly." Albus thought quickly. "We seldom have faculty with your credentials and, uh, most faculty do have homes elsewhere and they only apparate in for their classes."

"I see. "

Albus felt his tense shoulders beginning to loosen. "You can change the color scheme, Minerva, and the furniture can be -"

"I don't want to change anything. Everything is lovely. My things will blend in wonderfully."

Albus exhaled feeling the tension leave his body. He watched her unpack.

Minerva expanded her trunks. For a few minutes, books and other belongings flew out and arranged themselves on the shelves of the sitting room. Minerva saw Albus examining the mirror.

"You must think me silly for having a muggle mirror." Minerva stood to the side of it. Both she and Albus were reflected on its dull surface. "I think it's showing its age. The reflection is fading with time as if the image was being seen through a gauzy veil."

Albus was both elated and sad. Elated that the spell he had placed on the mirror was intact and sad because Minerva was not seeing what he hoped she would be seeing.

"I can't bear to part with it. It was my mother's," continued Minerva.

"In that case, it should be in a place of honor."

"I know just the place." Minerva carefully levitated the mirror into the bedroom. Albus followed her there. "Right here by the window. Does it look all right?"

"It's perfect."

"I believe I shall like it here, Albus." Minerva looked out the window at the magnificent view of the lake. "I mean to take control of my life. It's one reason that I believe I was not ... content at Beauxbaton. I left England when I was very young. Perhaps, fate decries that I return."

"A sense of unfinished business?"

"Exactly!" said Minerva. "I will try your patience I'm afraid."

"Life at Hogwarts was becoming uneventful. I look forward to some excitement." Albus grinned back.