Sorry for the late update! Just got back from work and I'm absolutely exhausted! I hope you enjoy this chapter :)
2 August 1995
Minerva bit her lip gently as she reviewed the equation scribbled on the page. It was a draft of the newest article that would be in the next Transfiguration Today issue. The author had wanted a second pair of eyes to review the work. Seeing as he had met Minerva before at one of the conventions, and seeing as she was already greatly involved in the editing process of the magazine, he had asked Minerva for some help.
Now, sitting comfortably in an armchair in the small cottage she was renting in Caithness, Minerva was frowning gently as she read through the paper. It was challenging, no doubt about it. However, this was partly why she enjoyed reviewing articles such as these ones so much. It was not another essay written by one of her students, but a research paper written by an experienced academic trying to broaden the field of Transfiguration. It pushed her to think more about her subject, and it invited her to learn more about the importance and value of Transfiguration in the wizarding world.
Minerva brushed her lips with the tip of her quill before making a quick note in the margin. As she did so, a loud knock sounded at the door causing Minerva to jump. She looked at the door, then at the clock on the wall marking 9.30 pm. The knocking sounded again, a little more urgently this time. Minerva put down her files and stood up from her chair. She swallowed, then picked up her wand from the coffee table.
"Who is it?" she said, approaching the door.
"Albus Dumbledore."
Minerva instantly frowned. "What are you doing here at 9 o'clock at night?" she said, still speaking through the closed door.
"I will explain once you open the door," came Albus' reply. He then paused, and Minerva cleared her throat.
"What did you get me as a wedding present?" she asked.
"A new chess set," came Albus' reply. "Who gifted me my favourite blue hat?"
Minerva sighed and opened the door to find her friend on the other side. "I did. Come on in, Albus" she said, stepping aside to let Albus through. "How did you know I was here?"
Albus stepped inside and closed the door behind him. "I went to the manse first but your brother redirected me," he replied. "Minerva, a matter of some urgency has arisen at Privet Drive. Harry is safe," he added quickly, noticing how fast Minerva had blanched, "but Mundungus is no longer at his post and I require someone to watch the house while I go to the Ministry."
"What happened?" she asked.
"Harry has been reprimanded for underage magic," Albus said, making Minerva frown even more. Albus however, did not pause long enough for Minerva to question him further, "and he has been expelled from Hogwarts."
"I'm sorry?"
Albus nodded. "I must speak to Cornelius immediately," he said. "But I am concerned that Harry may attempt to leave his Aunt and Uncle's house now that he believes he has been expelled from Hogwarts," he added, giving her a significant look.
Minerva sighed when she finally understood what it was that he wanted from her. "You want me to go and supervise Potter?"
"The house," Albus corrected. "Harry must not leave it under any circumstances."
"Very well," Minerva said, rubbing her eyes tiredly.
Albus put his hand on her arm. "Not for the whole night," he reassured her. "I will meet you there as soon as I am able. For now—"
"—you must talk to the Minister," Minerva finished. She nodded and opened her hand so that her coat came flying towards her. She put it on over her muggle skirt and blouse, then slipped her feet into her shoes.
"I will accompany you there," Albus said, helping her to lock the doors of the small cottage. Once satisfied he held out his arm for Minerva to take. Minerva gave him one look, then put her wand into her pocket and placed her hand on top of Albus' forearm ready to disapparate.
Minerva's fur bristled as she felt rather than heard a new person arrive on the street. She looked up and spotted Albus who made a beeline for her. Instantly, she morphed back into her human form.
"Potter went to sleep two hours ago," she informed him, as he came to sit on the wall beside her. "The Dursleys have just gone up," she added.
"Thank you, my dear," he said, patting her arm gratefully.
"Arabella told me that it was Dementors who attacked Potter and the Dursley boy," she said, turning to look at him. "What were Dementors doing here?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, my dear," Albus replied, though Minerva was unsure if that really was true.
"I am assuming the Minister is not keen to admit that self-defence is a justified reason for using magic in front of a muggle?" she said. Albus shook his head and Minerva sighed. "What will happen now?" she asked.
"Cornelius has agreed for there to be a trial."
Minerva tutted and shook her head. "A heavily biased one no doubt," she muttered. "They cannot possibly expel him."
"I believe they will try their best," Albus answered truthfully. "I will attend the trial myself to ensure that it is as fair as possible."
Minerva nodded and they were silent for a moment, both watching the house. It was Albus who finally broke the silence.
"Why the cottage?"
Minerva raised her eyebrows. "Hm?"
"I thought you were staying with your brother."
"Oh," Minerva said, crossing her legs and wiping her eyes tiredly. "That was the original plan," she admitted, "but Helen and Malcolm have contracted some sort of bug. They weren't keen to pass it on, so we decided I should rent a cottage rather than stay with them."
"Nothing serious I hope?" Albus asked.
This time Minerva frowned slightly. "I don't think so," she said, "but it is somewhat unusual. Malcolm is rarely ill."
Albus nodded slowly just as Minerva was forced to stifle another yawn behind her hand. As though only noticing just now how tired his friend was, Albus closed his eyes briefly.
"You were on duty last night," he remembered. "My apologies, Minerva."
Minerva shook her head firmly. "No need to apologise," she insisted, brushing his concerns away. "Would you like me to stay?" she added, turning the focus back on the house - the real reason they were both sitting on an uncomfortable wall.
"I can take over from here, my dear," Albus said, and he squeezed her hand gently. "Get some rest, and I will see you..."
"Tomorrow afternoon," Minerva replied, finally getting up. "If not before." She then paused and looked briefly at number 4 Privet Drive before turning back to Albus. "What will happen to the boy? I know he came here for his safety but perhaps it is high time he is moved to headquarters."
Albus nodded. "I agree, Minerva. I will speak with Alastor tomorrow and we can find a safe way to move Harry then."
They were silent for a moment as the event of this evening passed through their minds again. Suddenly Albus cleared his throat.
"Go back to Caithness, my dear. I will need you well-rested tomorrow."
Minerva unconsciously brushed the tip of her wand with her fingertips. "Will you stay the night here?" she asked.
"I will," he replied simply.
Minerva nodded. "Goodnight then, Albus," she said.
"Goodnight, my dear."
Minerva checked that the coast was clear, then disapparated back to the small cottage in Caithness.
