Prepare yourselves for an eventful year :)
1 September 1996
Minerva's arms were folded around her waist as she waited on the steps to the castle for the first signs of the Thestral-pulled carriages. Filius had exited the castle several minutes ago to work on the protective spells on the gate. Now, she was just waiting for him to return.
Tapping her foot anxiously, she narrowed her eyes as she tried to spot Filius and Argus, who had accompanied the wizard. It was several minutes before she heard someone join her.
"Good evening, Professor McGonagall."
Minerva felt her lips pursed ever so slightly. "Good evening," she replied.
She heard Albus move next to her and instantly felt a bit guilty at her unconversational tone. It had been almost 3 weeks now that they had been arguing - or avoiding each other was probably the better word. Indeed, she and Albus were talking, however, the genuine friendliness and teasing in their conversations was gone.
At this point, the prolonged length of time this had been going on was mainly her fault. It was her who had got the most worked up during the argument because Albus had suggested she take some time off in September. The fact that he had not included her with the staff organisation process again, only added to the list of things Minerva was angry with him about too - though she had also been guilty of a similar offence when she had made Potter Quidditch Captain and only told Albus after the fact.
Mainly, however, she was frustrated that Albus had almost ceased speaking to her about matters such as when or why he was going to be absent from the castle.
She had debated many times to be the one to extend the olive branch and apologise. Every time her feet had brought her to the stone gargoyles outside his office, however, Minerva had found herself incapable of saying the passwords and going up the steps. Childish, she knew, but the longer it went on the harder she had found it to forgive him.
"Minerva, I have not been fair to you," Albus said quietly. "And you have every reason, and every right, to be annoyed with me."
Minerva's arms loosened slightly, as Albus spoke. Her frown and pursed lips eased too.
"I sincerely hope that you can forgive me, my dear?" Albus continued. "And that we may be friends again?"
Finally, Minerva turned her attention away from the winged-boar gates and looked at Albus through her rectangular glasses. Her expression softened and she sighed. "We were always friends, Albus," she said tiredly. "But of course your apology is accepted. I hope that you can accept mine as well?" she added.
Albus smiled with obvious relief. "There is nothing to forgive, my dear," he replied.
Minerva smiled slightly too, and she tipped her head from side to side. "I think I most definitely fit the description of being too stubborn at times," she admitted, looking back at the Hogwarts grounds. "We both could have done better."
"Perhaps," he conceded.
"Or quite definitely," Minerva corrected, to which Albus smiled weakly. "It is just that I worry, Albus," she added, more seriously now. "You don't talk to me anymore, and if you do not talk to me then I cannot help you. And I would like to help if I can."
Albus nodded. "I understand, Minerva," he said sincerely.
"But do you really, Albus?" she asked. "Nobody would sustain an injury like that if they weren't doing something dangerous. It doesn't take a genius to work out that whatever it is that you are doing is related to You-Know-Who in some way."
She paused and pursed her lips. She didn't want to argue again, so she tried to keep her voice calm when she continued.
"We all joined the Order for the same reasons, Albus. We understand the risks," she added. "We can help you if you will only let us."
She turned to look at Albus who nodded again. He opened his mouth to speak, however, whatever it was that he was about to say, Minerva never found out.
"Evenin' Professors."
Minerva held Albus' gaze for a second longer, before turning to Hagrid. "Good evening, Hagrid. I believe the train should be arriving in Hogsmeade shortly."
Hagrid nodded. "On my way there now," he said gesturing vaguely at the gates. "Didn' see Professor Slughorn in the Hall," he added.
"Horace is on the train making sure everyone is present and accounted for," Albus explained.
Minerva pursed her lips slightly at this. She was fairly certain Slughorn had offered to ride the Hogwarts Express for another reason as well. Indeed, she vaguely remembered being asked to sit in a carriage with him, and several other students when she was in her third year, to discuss her future plans. He had tried to invite her to some of his dinners afterwards throughout the rest of her school years, though Minerva had always managed to avoid accepting the invitations. He had later admitted to her that he could not compete with Dumbledore, who had guided and offered Minerva incredibe support whilst she was at school.
"Oh," Hagrid said. He shrugged mildly. "Perhaps tha's for the best."
Albus smiled and nodded.
"I'll bring the Firs' Years to the side room, Professor McGonagall."
"That would be most helpful, Hagrid," Minerva said. "Thank you."
Hagrid smiled, then made his way down the hill and towards Hogsmeade. Minerva sighed.
"Truce," she said finally, extended her hand to Albus.
He looked surprised for a moment, before then looking slightly relieved. His hand met hers and he shook it.
"I don't like arguing," Minerva added tiredly.
"Neither do I, my dear," he replied. "I would like to apologise again for suggesting that—"
Minerva held up her hand to stop him in his tracks. "There is really no need, Albus," she said. "I understand why you had to ask. And it did come from a good place, I realise that," she added. "But you need to trust me when I tell you that I am all right. Just as I will accept that I need to trust you, when you tell me that you are all right."
She gave him a piercing stare until Albus finally nodded.
"You will be needed in the Great Hall," she said. "I can take care of things on this front," she added.
"Will you join me for tea this evening?" he asked before he left.
Minerva turned to face the grounds again, supressing a smile. She nodded. "I will have to check my Gryffindors after dinner. Will 8 o'clock do?"
"That will do just fine, my dear."
