I promise this chapter is actually longer than the last (slightly...) Thank you for the lovely reviews! Again forgive me for the short chapter. Just know that I am halfway through Goblet of Fire and have loads of little goodies in store for the next few weeks :) Also, I can absolutely promise that the next chapter is longer


20 February 1994

Following the incident in the Gryffindor Common Room Minerva had immediately put some additional enchantments on the portrait hole. Whatever Dumbledore had said in the past, this time what she did to protect her Gryffindors was entirely in her power. Any person who told her otherwise would be on the receiving end of a very stern talking to; and Sir Cadogan, whom she had just spoken to, would confirm that.

Knowing Pomona had stayed at the castle for the night, Minerva went to her friend's quarters and knocked. Pomona opened the door almost immediately, bleary-eyed and yawning. However, all signs of sleep and tiredness disappeared as soon as Minerva had told her what had happened.

"Oh, goodness," she said, her eyes widening. "Oh, come in, dear," she said instantly, ushering Minerva in. "Come and have a seat."

She brought Minerva to an armchair by the fire, then clicked her fingers so that the fire lit and a cauldron went to sit on top of the flames. Barely a minute later and Minerva was sat, warm and comfortable, in one of Pomona's armchairs with a cup of tea in her hands.

"How on earth did he manage it again?" breathed Pomona, after hearing the full story.

"I have no idea," Minerva said, rubbing her eyes. "With the new enchantments on the doors, the dementors..." she sighed. "He even managed to get inside the boys' dormitory. If he had found-"

"But he didn't," Pomona cut in. "He didn't, dear, and that is all that matters."

"I beg to differ," Minerva said. "That foolish knight just let him straight through."

"What happened to Sir Cadogan?"

"I sent him away," Minerva said. "I don't think I will be able to talk to him for some time," she added. "Thankfully the Fat Lady has returned and I am hoping to find some additional security measures."

"Let's hope the Minister does not intervene again and position Dementors."

"Don't," Minerva warned her. "Those creatures are not coming any closer to this castle. Frankly, I don't even know why they are still here seeing as they have done nothing to protect the students from Black. All they have caused so far is discomfort and almost fatal accidents."

"Hear, hear," Pomona sighed.

They fell silent for a moment; Pomona thinking quietly, and Minerva staring into her teacup.

"Are you going to go back home tomorrow?" Minerva said finally, breaking the silence.

Pomona shifted in her seat. "That was the plan," she said. "But well, Albert is finding it hard. And every time we try to talk things through we end up arguing. It's-it's infuriating," she finished.

"I'm sorry, Pomona," Minerva said sincerely.

"It's not your fault. It's no one's fault really," she added tiredly. "Well, maybe the Ministry's."

"I think most things can be blamed on the Ministry."

"Their silly marriage laws," Pomona continued, attempting to smile but failing quite miserably. "Keeping our true identities secret from our partners until a magical child is born."

Minerva nodded, thinking first of her mother and how much that law had affected her marriage, then thinking of Dougal and his marriage proposal all those years ago now.

"But at least those have changed now," Pomona sighed.

"Yes, indeed."

"Took them long enough."

Minerva nodded again, however before she managed to speak a silvery blue light burst through the doors and into the room.

"Minerva, would you please join me in my office at your earliest convenience," said the voice of Albus Dumbledore.

After the message was said, the blue Pheonix disappeared and Minerva sighed.

"Never-ending for you tonight, isn't it?" Pomona said, getting up and pulling Minerva into a hug. "I'll come by your office tomorrow during your free hour," she added, letting go. "Use the fireplace."

"Thank you," Minerva said gratefully. "And thank you for getting up to come and talk to me."

"Anytime, dear," Pomona said, smiling sympathetically. "I hope you do manage to get some rest."

Minerva smiled tiredly back. "I guess I shall find out soon enough," she replied. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight, dear."

Minerva saw Pomona give her a last small smile before the green flames obscured her face and Minerva was sent swirling through the grates heading for Dumbledore's office.