22 December 1981

Minerva came to a stop outside a small cottage remotely hidden away in the English countryside. No sounds could be heard from within the house and there was no sign that anyone was actually inside – all the lights were off. Nevertheless, Minerva knew that the house was not empty.

Taking a deep breath she made her hand into a fist and knocked three times on the door.

No answer.

She tried one more time.

Silence.

"It's Minerva," she said, knocking on the door again. Taking a few steps back she located the bedroom window and squinted. This time, although nobody came to the door, she was sure that she had seen something or someone move upstairs.

"Please open up," she said. "It's been a week, now. You need to come out."

She waited a few more minutes until she started to hear some soft thuds from indoors. Suddenly the door swung open and Minerva came face to face with her friend and old classmate Augusta Longbottom. The latter's eyes were red and puffy cupped by purple bags. A tissue was scrunched up in her left hand, which was hanging loosely by her side. The other hand was holding the heavy door open.

"Augusta," Minerva said quietly. "Can I come in?"

Augusta opened her mouth instantly, no doubt on the verge of telling Minerva to leave. Then, changing her mind, she bowed her head and stepped aside to let her friend in.

"Is anybody else home?" Minerva asked, looking around the house.

Augusta closed the door with a gentle thud and padded into the hallway. "No," she said. "I'm sure Albert has already told you what has happened."

Minerva didn't try to pretend. "Yes, he did," she sighed, now watching her friend's stooped outline. "But he is still worried about you. And I am too."

Augusta made her way into the living room. "I'm fine," she said, abruptly.

Minerva followed her, taking out her wand to light the candles in the room. "No, you're not," she said, "And nobody expects you to be. But you can't hide out here forever."

Augusta closed her eyes and pursed her lips tightly together to stop the bottom one from quivering. Taking a deep shuddering breath in, she turned to face the other witch.

"Look," she started, clearly trying her very best to remain calm, "If you've come here to persuade me to leave the house, then you can go right now. I know Albert has put you up to this and he shouldn't have. I just need some time by myself. Is that really so hard to understand?"

Minerva shook her head. "No," she said, "But the longer you hide here the harder it will get to leave." She took a few steps towards Augusta who seemed determined not to cry. "Visiting hours aren't over yet. You still have time to go to the hospital."

Augusta shook her head aggressively. "No," she said, "No, I'm not going," she repeated, firmly.

"I'm sure they would like to see you-"

"Like to see me?" scoffed Augusta, humourlessly, "Like to see me? Minerva, they don't even know who I am! They would barely remember me visiting them anyway."

"Augusta-"

"You have no right coming in here and telling me what to do," interrupted Augusta, pointing her finger accusingly at Minerva. "You're not married. You don't have children. You will never understand what it's like and what it has been like for me since those—those people took Frank and Alice." Her face crumpled, and she lowered herself into an armchair. "They took everything," she said, through sobs. "Everything."

Momentarily frozen Minerva watched as Augusta dissolved into tears. She could barely make out what the other witch was saying anymore. Then, pulling herself together, Minerva walked over to her friend and kneeled down in front of her.

"Augusta, I know that this is hard," she started, softly. "And I'm not going to try and pretend that I understand exactly how you are feeling. I'm not here to push you into doing anything or to tell you how to feel." She placed her hands around Augusta's and was relieved when Augusta let her. "I am here, as a friend, to make sure you are taking care of yourself."

"That's not important," said Augusta, through her tears.

"It is," said Minerva, firmly. She produced a tissue and passed it to Augusta who took it gratefully. "Have you had something to eat today?"

Augusta shook her head. "I haven't got round to yet," she murmured.

Minerva stood up. "I've brought some soup with me so you can have that. Come now," she said softly, "Let's get you into the kitchen and I will make you some dinner."

Minerva wrapped an arm around Augusta's shoulder and together they made their way slowly into the kitchen. Setting her down in a chair, Minerva then began by getting a pan out and setting the table. The soup she had brought was one she had made with Elphinstone a few days ago. It was a lentil soup and Minerva had also bought a loaf of bread to accompany it.

"I'm sorry, Minerva," said Augusta, quietly. "I didn't mean what I said before."

Minerva poured the soup into a bowl and placed it in front of her friend. "I know," she said. "You don't have to apologise."

Augusta smiled weakly. "I do though," she insisted. "I—I just—" she stopped and shook her head silently. A tear trickled down her cheek and she wiped it away with her fingers. "I just don't know what to do," she said, finally. "I can't bring myself to go to St Mungo's and I feel terrible about it. I haven't seen Neville, or Alice or-or Frank since it happened and Albert and I had this row and-and-"

Minerva placed her hands on Augusta's again. "Augusta, stop," she said. "Listen to me. Nobody is judging you. You have done the best you can and nobody could ask for more. All you need now is some extra support. There is no shame in asking for it."

"I don't think I can go and visit them," said Augusta, wiping her eyes again.

Minerva produced another tissue. "I know it's difficult. But you can do this. It doesn't have to be today but maybe tomorrow or later on this week instead? I can come with you or you can go with Albert. I know he's staying at a friend's house at the moment," she added, when the other witch started to cry even harder, "But I have spoken to him and he really would like to come back and talk to you."

Augusta didn't say anything for a few minutes and Minerva didn't push. It was a while before the other witch stopped crying and dried her tears the best she could.

"Visiting hours end at seven, right?" she said, thickly.

Minerva nodded. "You don't have to go today, Augusta."

Augusta shook her head. "I do," she replied more confidently. "It's time."

She made a move to get up but Minerva pulled her back down. "Finish your food first," she said. Augusta sat back down and picked up her spoon again. "Would you like me to come with you?"

"It's okay," answered Augusta, smiling weakly. "I'd rather do this by myself. Thank you for the offer, though."

Minerva smiled back. "That's no problem," she said. "I'll leave you to get ready."

She got up, as did Augusta who sent the now empty soup bowl flying towards the sink.

"I might come round on Thursday," added Minerva, pulling on her cloak, scarf, and gloves. "If there is anything else you need before that, send me an owl. And don't feel guilty about it," she added, "you won't be disturbing me or inconveniencing me in any way."

Augusta nodded. "I promise," she said. "Thank you for coming, Minerva. Really." They stopped in the hallway just outside the door and Augusta gave her friend a tight hug. "It means a lot."

Minerva smiled as she opened the door and stepped out of the house into the cold. "Anything you need," she repeated, "give me a call. You know where I am."

Augusta smiled too and waved. A few minutes later and Minerva was already outside the gates to the school. Despite her attempt to appear strong and supportive, the whole afternoon had drained her. Although it had been a few weeks since Frank and Alice Longbottoms' attack, the pain left by the news of the attack and the knowledge of what had been done was still raw.

Deep in thought, Minerva started to make her way back to her private quarters. Hardly paying attention to her surroundings, it was no surprise that when she heard someone say her name she jumped.

"Minerva, are you coming to the trial?"

Minerva spun around. "Alastor!" she said, her hand on her chest, "What are you doing here?"

Alastor shifted his weight onto his good leg. "I'm getting Dumbledore," he said, gruffly. "We're going to the trial together. Are you coming?"

Minerva looked down. "No," she said, "I don't think I can."

Alastor narrowed his good eye – the other one darting around in its socket. "Well," he said, finally, "I guess I'll see you another time."

Minerva nodded. "Yes, another time."

Moody watched Minerva for a moment longer before grunting and then stomping off down the hallway to find the Headmaster. Feeling slightly ill, Minerva took off down the opposite hallway and continued her way to her quarters.