The Truth Unveiled

Minerva was in a lather of indignation. She stormed and railed in Albus' office long into the night.

"How dare you think that you could keep something like this from me? What happens to one of my charges affects me. You should have confided your suspicions to me!"

"Minerva, I didn't mean to not tell you. It is ancient history. No one is sure what is true and what is false."

"I am not leaving here until you tell me all you know about the Chamber of Secrets. I want to know what is not in the history books."

"It's late. Get some sleep."

"No, that poor girl has been missing nearly overnight now. We have to find that chamber. Please Albus, tell me." Minerva narrowed her eyes at him. "Or is it that you have no faith in me or my abilities? It may be decades since my last expedition but my skills are sharper than ever."

"Never doubt my ... my regard for you, everything that you are."

"Then let me help."

"You are a great help to me. Without you this school could not function as well as it does."

Minerva stood still facing him across his desk. "That's not the kind of help I'm talking about, Albus. Since the end of last year, I've noticed how more and more tired you've become. Yet, you still manage to disappear to parts unknown every few days. And what of these sudden strange errands that you need to run? Or the owl posts that you do not allow me to see?"

"You do not need more to do. Leave things as they are."

"If I cared less for you than I do, I would do as you say. You are my closest friend. I would share your burden if you would only let me."

Albus knew very well the determined look that Minerva aimed his way. "I have no hope of changing your mind, do I?"

"None at all."

"And you are not likely to stop demanding answers are you?"

"Naturally not."

"Then, my dear, order us coffee and sandwiches. I have many tales for you - a chamber of many secrets, an order of the few but brave and a young man warped by ambition and fear."

Alastor stood by the open bedroom door. The better to make a quick exit should the need arise. He had delivered the news of the attack on Minerva. He watched Albus pace and rant. He knew better than most how deep Albus' feelings for her went. Not that the older man had ever revealed much in the way of words but his actions spoke of something more profound than mere affection or friendship.

"I should never have told her. I should never have given in but what could I have done? She is relentless!"

"Told her what, Albus?"

"Riddle, the chamber, the Order ... all of it ... years ago."

Several pieces of information now clicked into place in Alastor's head. Minerva's sudden unannounced involvement in the Order, while welcomed, had been puzzling. She had seemed to know more than she let on. She had gone so far as to take charge of many initiatives for the Order such as planning international escape routes or securing readily available funds for emergencies. Alastor had never questioned exactly where the funds came from but there was always enough for the asking. Her presence had given the Order much needed structure and stability without which they could have not grown stronger in number and purpose.

"I failed her again."

"Again?"

"Once decades ago I did not protect her from harm."

Moody held his tongue though he was very curious about this new revelation. "It's not your fault."

"Oh, yes it is. She became a target and someone that could be used against me. I never wanted that for her and yet that is what happened."

Sirius came by. "Kingsley's downstairs. He says that Minerva was taken to St. Mungo's. Here's Poppy's note."

Albus snatched the note from Sirius' hand. He read it quickly. Sirius and Alastor watched in shock as Albus sank onto the bed and rocked back and forth silently while taking long gasps of breath. After a few minutes, Albus composed himself.

"I'll be at the Diagon Alley safe house. I can reach St. Mungo's more conveniently from there."

"May I remind you that there's a warrant for your arrest."

"What of it?"

The two healers studied their patient closely. When it was learned who the mystery patient was, there was no shortage of volunteers or visitors despite the two Ministry guards posted at the door.

"Her heart stopped twice while we were preparing her for transport here," said one healer. "But the professor's always been a fighter."

"I don't understand the high level of neurological activity. It doesn't match the norm for stunner injuries."

"You're right. She should be unconscious, very little activity, with all the pain spells she's under.

A booming voice was heard outside of the room. "If you know who I am, then why are you still standing in front of me! Let me pass!"

The door blew off its hinges. Albus strode in. "How is she?"

"Her recovery will be slow but she will recover. There is no permanent damage." said the first healer.

"Leave us." The healers nearly ran out of the room. Albus looked down at her pale, drawn face. "You were supposed to stop taking risks but you are a stubborn woman. Sleep good dreams, Minerva. I'll come and wish you good night every night you're here. They won't stop me."

He kissed her forehead once. "Sweet dreams, my love."

Hogwarts was finally rid of the odious Umbridge and a collegial atmosphere had returned to mealtimes. Over breakfast, Minerva ate absentmindedly. As happy as was to be out of hospital, one thing marred her contentment - nightmares. They had began while she was healing at St. Mungo's. The mediwitches had told her they were likely from the trauma of being hit by four stunners to the chest. The dreams had only grown more vivid and memorable on her return to Hogwarts. On awakening, she remembered the words of an old flame - Piers Rampal. She pondered them now.

We have always been honest with each other. Our marriage would be based on a lie, Piers. I care too much for you to do that to you, to us.

I've missed you, Minerva. We have the rest of our lives to look forward to, starting right now.

The pain is not ... not natural. What have you done to me? Poison, a curse, what?

She muttered under her breath, "My mind is playing tricks on me. I never said those things. Poison? How ridiculous."

"What was that, Minerva?" asked Albus who sat next to her.

Minerva rubbed at her forehead as a headache began to throb.

"Are you all right?"

She glanced at Albus. "Just … just a headache. I'll take a potion later."

Albus focused all of his attention on her. He touched her shoulder. "You need rest and you will get it. You are not to do any work, none at all today."

At hearing Albus' voice and feeling his hand on her shoulder, a frisson of awareness came over Minerva. For a few seconds, she was acutely aware that he was a man and she a woman. The intensity of feeling quite shocked her.

"Do I need to make that an order, Professor McGonagall?"

"I do feel … out of sorts," admitted Minerva. "A day in bed, um, resting should be all I need to … to feel refreshed."

"And night," added Albus.

"N-n-night?"

"I will have all your meals delivered to your quarters. You are not to think of the school or the things left undone," said Albus. "Your health is the most important thing to me. Will you do as I ask?"

"I'm going to take a short walk then I'll rest. I promise," said Minerva.

Albus smiled. "I'll hold you to that promise."

Later that evening, Minerva had thought to get a sleeping draught from Poppy Pomfrey the nurse but changed her mind. If she tossed and turned, so be it.

"It's not like I'm losing any beauty sleep," said Minerva to herself as she settled into her bed.

She began to dream. This time another voice teased her mind. The words were faint at first then stronger and louder as they repeated in her mind's eye.

With you I feel as if I've walked into a shaft of blessed sunlight after a lifetime wandering amongst the mists. My vision is clear and my path true.

Because of you I dare to dream of things once beyond my reach. It is your unwitting gift, my love. For each day we are parted, your gift shall lend me strength and purpose. When you come to me, I shall show you our new home, our new life. We have been wanderers too long, you and I. Until that day, know that I leave my heart with you, always. Hurry to me.

Minerva woke with a start at three in the morning. Minerva was instantly wide awake. A hasty spell set her room ablaze with light. She knew where she was - in her rooms at Hogwarts. More importantly, she knew were she was not - a camp in the Egyptian desert.

Minerva sat silently on her bed. Her legs were pulled up to her chest and her arms hugged her knees. Sorrow held fast in her heart. Memories, the good, the bad and the awful jostled for position in her mind. She wiped at the tracks of bitter tears upon her face.

Her eyes went to her mirror. She scrambled off her bed to stand before it. Her fingers grazed the frame. Her voice began softly then gained in strength as she said, "Show me my love. Show me my gift. Show me now."

The mirror image was vivid and bright. The dullness of the last years had been banished. Minerva sniffed once. She rubbed her arms as twin sensations of chill and heat streaked through her being. She looked around her rooms. "I'm home."

She put her dressing gown on and dashed out of her quarters. The circular stairs had never seemed so long. She made her way through the headmaster's office and into his private quarters. She opened the bedroom door and peered in. She sat down by his bed and watched him sleep for a few minutes. She slipped under the blanket and wrapped her arms around him. They slept.

A few hours later Albus Dumbledore woke up with an armful. "Minerva? What .. what are you doing here?"

"I WAS sleeping."

"But ... but I don't understand. You're in my bed."

"And you find me objectionable? I thought we were friends." Minerva watched his eyes. She had missed them the most.

Albus ignored the pleasant sensation of having her so near. Her scent wafted seductively to his nose. With her tousled hair and sleepy gaze, she gave disturbing form to his dreams and fantasies. He had to do something before he embarrassed himself, or worse her. "We are. I'm just surprised."

"I had something important to tell you but I found you asleep. I didn't want to wake you. So, I went to sleep, too."

Albus tried to extricate himself out of her arms but somehow he couldn't. Her arms kept him close. "We ought to dress and then you can tell me then. Over breakfast."

"It's too early for breakfast." She aimed a deliberately sultry look his way. "Your bed is very comfortable. Have a lie in with me."

The look she gave him froze him on the spot. The huskiness of her voice and her double entendre beckoned to his suppressed desires jumbling his mind and will. "Minerva?"

Minerva traced his strong jawline. Her eyes lingered on his lips before coming to look into his eyes. "I am attracted to you, Albus Dumbledore."

His breath came out in a rush. He could not look away.

Minerva kissed his nose. "Because of you I dare to dream of things once beyond my reach. It is your unwitting gift, my love. For each day we are parted, your gift shall lend me strength and purpose."

Albus trembled. She brushed her cheek against his.

She spoke into his ear. "When you come to me, I shall show you our new home, our new life. We have been wanderers too long, you and I."

His mouth opened then shut. Every breath was short and ragged.

Minerva placed one hand over his heart. "Until that day, know that I leave my heart with you, always. Hurry to me."

Albus breathed deeply. "You remember? Everything?"

Minerva nodded. "You've put up with me all these years. Will you have me now as I am?"

Albus could not speak only nod before pulling her closer against him. For a time they simply held each other. Hesitant caresses communicated more than mere words could express. Shy kisses renewed promises made long ago.

A clock softly chiming broke into their private world.

"We've lost so much time." Albus said. "I should never have left you."

"Albus, don't go back there. Please. Let it be."

"Reza and I should have returned to the camp much earlier than we did."

"Stop it! It was what it was. I have few regrets and you ought to have none."

"I had planned otherwise. We cannot restore what we lost. That I regret deeply."

"Then we shouldn't lose any more time. I suggest starting where we left off." Minerva wound her arms around his neck. "Will you refresh my memory, my Albus?"

"It would be my pleasure, my dear."

Eyes closed. Lips met. For a time the world outside was the furthest thing from their minds.

Three days later while cuddling by the blazing fireplace, Albus broached a subject that he had been dreading - the subject of Piers.

"Minerva?"

"Hmmm, husband." Minerva lay with her back to his chest. One hand absently stroked his leg.

"I like the way you say that."

"I like saying it."

"What exactly do you remember about Piers?"

Minerva let out an aggravated sigh. "Are you trying to kill the mood?"

"We have not talked about him or Abraxos."

"I remember very little about the tomb itself. I see no need for further discussion, Albus. I remember Uncle Theodore informing me that Piers had died. Piers is not relevant. He's dead and gone."

"Not exactly."

Minerva turned around. Her surprise was evident. "What are you saying?"

"Reza obliviated some parts of your memory and added some new ones. It was for the best."

"He's alive?!"

"Not exactly."

"You are talking in riddles."

"I disagreed with Reza but he was adamant that Piers be punished for murdering the Ramallahs and for what he did to you."

"What happened to Abdul and Hema?"

"Your knowledge of that was obliviated too."

"Albus, please, tell me. What happened to Piers?"

"Justice, Minerva. The justice of the desert happened."

"Is Piers dead or not? It's a simple yes or no question."

"Life is never that simple."

"It can be if you choose it to be." Minerva smiled at him. "Let's deal with this and leave it behind us afterwards. All right?"

Albus agreed. "I contacted Khalil. He will be here in the morning."

"Khalil? Can't you just tell me?"

"I cannot be objective on the matter so Khalil is the best person to tell you about it."