After Tom had 'finished' with her, he placed a gentle kiss on her lips and simply walked away.

Minerva had stopped her crying, stopped her fighting and she had given up. She didn't even flinch when he kissed her. Hearing the door close behind him she took in a deep breathe, she turned on her side and pulled her knees to her chest.. Wrapping her arms around herself, she lay broken.

Albus hadn't returned to the castle that night. Sometime during the early hours Minerva must have fallen asleep. She was awoken by an owl tapping at her window. She got up carefully, wincing slightly with the uncomfortable feeling covering her body. She opened the window and took the parchment, noticing another letter already on the window ledge. She took both inside.

'There is to be an urgent staffer meeting in the staff room after breakfast.

Sincerely,

Frederick Horseman,

Deputy Headmaster.'

Her brow furrowed as she read it. Then turning her attention on the letter that was addressed to her.

'Minerva,

I'm not really supposed to be writing this to you but I didn't want to leave you in the dark.

The Ministry have requested I stay, there have been numerous Muggle disappearances in Europe and it's believed to be by dark forces. I fear it could be Grindlewalds followers trying to rebel against the Ministry.

I'm not sure when I'll be back, please don't forget I'm thinking of you and please keep safe.

Yours,

Albus'.

She could have broken down right then and there. All she needed, no, all she wanted was for him to be there with her. She stood in the same spot for a few more minutes, she placed the letter on the bed and walked, rather slowly to the shower. She scrubbed and scrubbed, the tears lost in the water running down her face. This was the last time she would cry.

As she pulled on her robes she stopped and looked at her wrists. They were red from his grip, luckily the robes would cover it. She walked over to the mirror, her cheek has a small cut where he had hit her, she found her wand and cast a spell to cover up the cut. Her hair in her tight bun, she exited her chambers.

As soon as she stepped out her nerves began to boil, she walked toward the Great Hall, checking over her shoulder every so often. Her hands were clammy, she had sweat on her forehead. As she neared she began to feel sick. What if he was in there?. She couldn't go in. Instead she made her way to the staff room.

"I'm afraid the Headmaster has been held up at the Ministry, for the last month Muggles have been vanishing in Europe. The Ministry is under the impression it's dark arts. Albus has had to travel to Europe to establish connections. I am unaware of how long he will be gone for but things will remain the same. If you have any queries please don't hesitate to speak with me. Have good day Professors'".

Minerva felt more alone then ever. After the meeting she had a class, luckily she didn't have Tom's class at all that day and that reassured her a little. Entering her classroom the cold instantly hit her, walking to her desk she froze. A single black rose lay on top of her book. She instantly turned around, her chest rose and fell at the thought of him being in her office. Why couldn't he just leave her alone. She grabbed the rose and with an angry groan dropped it to the floor and stepped on it, crushing it.

She had composed herself enough by the time her class arrived. She put on her 'McGonagall' face and soldiered on. Giving out the tasks she had wanted them to do. Her aching body reminding her every few minutes the events of the night previous, not that she had forgotten, not that she ever would.

The end of the day had come by quickly, she hadn't gone to the great hall for lunch and she wouldn't be going for dinner. She hadn't actually left the sanctuary of her office. Asking a house help to bring her a plate of food, she stayed there. By the time half past eight had come she felt so exhausted, she had hoped all day that Albus would return, there was still no word.

Standing she gathered her books and other essential items she would need, she turned around to see Tom standing in the doorway. She wanted to be sick. She reached for her wand, she wanted protection this time.

"I hope you liked the rose?" He said whilst walking into the classroom and shutting the door behind him. He had been very disappointed when she hadn't turned up for any of the meals. "I suppose you've been avoiding me?" He asked still walking toward her.

She placed her books back on her desk and stood against it. "Go Tom. Get out" She didn't raise her voice but she gave him a look which meant she was serious.

"Oh, temper, temper Minerva". He stood inches away from her. "I thought you might want to have seen me, after our love making last night." He stepped forward and whispered into her ear "I've been aching for you all day". He ran his hand over her shoulder and with his index stroked her cheek.

She looked at him with disgust. "Get your filthy hands off". She spat the words at him. "I don't want you anywhere near me. If you do, I can promise you, I will not hold back"

"What a shame.." He replied softly and stepped back. "I just thought you'd like to know how. How I got into your chambers…" He looked at her and seeing he now had her interest he continued. "You see, I've been planning this, little affair for months now." He tilted his head. "Professor Dumbledore, has been far to busy being loved up, that he hasn't noticed one of his students leaving the castle practically every night." He paced slightly. "I knew I would have you and my plan went exactly how I wanted it. You see, I am the one behind the attacks in Europe."

"But why?!" she interrupted him. She wasn't sure if she truly believed him.

"Why?!" he snapped at her "I want to rid the world of mudbloods and make the world how it should be, full of righteous people, worthy people. I will have power Minerva and your little boyfriend won't stop me" He smirked. "Oh and to get into your chambers, I used a polyjuice potion, as I said, I have been planning this for quite some time. When I heard you declare your love for the old man, I knew it had to be then. I went back to my chambers, drank the potion and rushed to yours. It was only a matter of time.." He looked at her with a horrid smirk.

Minerva had more courage than she ever had as she walked and stood inches from his face. "You disgust me" her anger for what he had done to her, how he had made her scared to even leave her rooms, bubbling up inside of her. "You are nothing but a stupid little boy. You really expect me to believe you're behind these attacks?. I don't think your capable..".

He laughed. "You, don't know anything" he said bitterly. "You don't know what i'm capable of. I have done more in a year than you would have in your entire life". His face etched with hatred. "You wait and see my dear Minerva. You wait and see." He grabbed her chin and pressed his lips to hers. "Tell your boyfriend, he won't win". He pushed her back slightly and turned and walked out.

Minerva's breathe hitched in her chest. She pressed her lips tightly together as his lips pressed against his. With a grunt she stepped back. Watching him walk away, she let out a heavy sigh. Her hand placed against the desk, she couldn't breathe. After a few moments of he gathered herself and picked up get items again. She hurried to her chambers.

Minerva lay in the darkness of her room, curled up on her bed. Her eyes were puffy from crying. She had sent a message to the Ministry when he had returned and hadn't received a reply yet. As she lay there she heard a popping sound. Sitting up she reached for her wand. Her heart pounding. "Minerva?" she heard Albus' voice and immediately ran to the door, opening it and wrapping her arms around him, the tears she flowing down her cheeks.

"My dear?" He questioned, wrapping his own arms around her. "What is it?".

"Tom" Were her only words.