THC Challenge Round

House: Slytherin

Class: Ancient Runes

Category: Standard

Prompt: Fake Dating

Rating: K

Word Count: 1209

Beta: GreenGecko

Warnings: N/A

Taking one last look at herself in the mirror in the Muggle hotel room she found herself in, McGonagall shuddered. Albus certainly had to be off his rocker this time. She was clad in a floor-length, forest-green dress. It had slender straps that exposed her shoulders in a way she was not used to. Across her chest, back and arms she wore a black, lace shrug. On her feet were uncomfortable Muggle shoes. They had a low heel and open toes. As per Albus's instructions, her toenails and fingernails were painted to match the outfit. Her hair was down around her shoulders in an uncharacteristically flowy style. Moving away from the mirror, she peered out the window. Down below she could see cars racing back and forth. Her stomach rolled knowing that soon she would be in one.

With her hair loose around her shoulders she looked several years younger. A knock on her door told her that it was time to go. Holding in her negativity and distaste for this plan, she straightened her shoulders and walked confidently to let in her caller.

Albus stood in the doorway looking as out of character as she did. His beard was neatly trimmed, and his back-length silver hair was tied back into a neat ponytail. He wore a smart suit in a green shade that matched Minerva's dress and polished leather dress shoes on his feet.

"Splendid, Minerva, you'll play the part perfectly!"

Grimacing at his words, she took his arm as they walked down the hallway for the final act of their grand performance. Over the last months, the pair had been disguising themselves as a Muggle couple, Sally and Bernard Burger. Sally was a secretary at a local firm and Bernard was a sales representative for a large company. The pair were stylish, elevated and, most importantly, boring and proper.

Over the last few months, they had quickly managed to befriend Petunia and Vernon Dursley and in doing so were able to get a closer look into the life of Harry Potter. He was only two years old, but they wanted to ensure that close tabs were kept on the boy until it was time for him to go off to Hogwarts.

Minerva was certain that there were less personal ways to spy on a family. She had a feeling Albus had insisted on this method only to satisfy one of his outlandish plans. She loathed everything about the couple they had befriended and could not wait to get this wretched dinner over with. Once they confirmed that Harry was indeed safe and being cared for, Albus promised they would drop the charade and Minerva hoped dearly that he was being serious.

Arm in arm, they stood on the busy, urban street. The yellow streetlights illuminated their surroundings while Albus expertly hailed a cab.

"4 Privet Drive, please."

The driver nodded and the trio sat in stiff silence during the car ride. Holding back yet another sigh, Minerva rehearsed what she would say and how she would conduct herself. Deep down, she knew she would do the right thing, but the feelings of spite and hatred towards the Dursely's grew stronger by the minute.

At their destination, Albus thanked the driver and handed him some Muggle bills. He offered his arm to Minerva as they exited the vehicle and walked up the short driveway to the house. There were lights on in the upstairs bedrooms and Minerva spotted the shadow of Petunia dressing both her son and Harry for dinner.

Vernon greeted them at the door and took their coats. He complimented their attire and straightened his own tie as he led them into the dining area. The table was set with fine plates and silverware. There was an ornate lace tablecloth under the dishes and the smell of dinner wafted from the kitchen. Not long after Minerva and Albus were settled, sipping beverages in the living room, Petunia arrived downstairs with the boys. Dudley clung to her hand and Harry trailed behind them.

"You remember my boy, Dudley?" She said, proudly introducing the toddler to her guests.

The pair smiled and nodded politely.

"That one's Harry." She said curtly, pointing to the dark-haired boy who had sat himself on the floor and was playing with a couple of coasters that he had stolen off the coffee table.

"I can put him to bed if he's bothering you." Petunia gestured to Harry while Dudley began to wail.

"It's quite alright," responded Minerva, "We're guests in their home. Let them play."

With a tight-lipped smile, Petunia went into the kitchen to finish dinner.

Minerva sat back and observed Harry, sadness and warmth mixing in her heart as she watched the boy play. She was grateful he survived but felt guilt for forcing him to grow up with these people. Deep down, she knew Albus was right. It is far better for him to grow up away from the fame and drama that followed his name, but it still burdened her to see him live where he was not an equal.

"Diner is ready," Petunia announced, rushing to grab Dudley.

While Petunia wrestled Dudley into his cushioned highchair, Minerva helped Harry into an old wooden highchair on the other end of the table. He didn't fuss but his big, green eyes never left her face. Even when Minerva took her seat, Harry's eyes still continued to return to her.

While dinner was being served, Albus chatted business with Vernon. Petunia fed Dudley and left crudely chopped pieces of meat and vegetables in front of Harry. All the while she chatted with Minerva about her garden and the gossip that was spreading between neighbours. Minerva did her best to not let her misery show though but every time she would glance at Harry, perfectly calm and content, her patience grew thinner.

As the meal wrapped up and Petunia ran off to fix dessert, Minerva stole a fork and a knife from the table. Vernon and Albus had returned to the living room with glasses of Brandy to sip on. Ensuring everyone was properly distracted she uttered a transfiguration spell, and the silverware became a knight and a white horse. It was not her best work, but she hoped it would do. She stood to join everyone in the living room. Harry was once again playing with the coasters. Minerva knelt down and laid the toys by his side. His wide eyes found hers once more and she knew she was being thanked.

For the rest of the evening, she allowed herself to zone out, nodding and smiling at the conversation. As it grew late, Petunia announced it would be time to get the boys in bed. Albus took the chance to make their exit. He thanked the couple both, profusely and waved goodnight to the boys. Minerva joined him and they left arm in arm.

Once outside Albus spoke.

"I think it is time for Sally and Bernard to move across seas. I'm growing rather tired of these people."

Minerva felt immediate relief, quickly followed by guilt.

"But poor Harry will be stuck with them for nine more years."

"Yes," Albus said sadly, pondering his answer. "But he will be safe."