24 December 1985

Minerva was sitting in her customary chair in the staffroom. She had had a long day, and all she really wanted to do was go back to her quarters and spend the rest of the evening alone. Nevertheless, it was the last day of term, and, as Sinistra had suggested a few weeks prior, the professors at Hogwarts were now ending the year with a game of Secret Santa.

Minerva had been reluctant to join however, in the end, she did not think it would be wise to miss the event by hiding in her room. She had noticed Albus had been keeping a close eye on her since her return and, particularly today, she did not want to give him any excuse to broach certain topics that she would rather stay clear of.

"Fudge?" Pomona said, settling beside her friend and handing her a piece wrapped in tissue paper.

"No, thank you," Minerva replied, pushing her thoughts to one side. Her eyes settled on the wrapped rectangular box Pomona was balancing on her knees. "Who did you get?"

"Sybill." Pomona grimaced. "It took me a lifetime to find an appropriate gift - an ornithomancy book," she said. "Apparently, it's the in thing at the moment."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Or another excuse to tell us we are all going to drop down dead tomorrow," she sighed. "Do we need to give the presents at the same time?"

"It doesn't seem like it," Pomona answered, frowning and scanning the room. "I'm just waiting because Sybill hasn't arrived yet. Why? Are you in a hurry?"

Minerva's eyes followed Snape as he began to make a beeline towards her. She sighed and forced herself to stand up, extracting her own present from her handbag. "I'm leaving for Caithness early tomorrow morning but I haven't got round to packing yet," she said, only slightly untruthfully. She was, in fact, leaving early in the morning however her bags had been packed since yesterday evening. "I just came down to give Severus his gift but then I really must start getting ready."

"Fair enough," said Pomona. "What did you get Severus?"

"Shampoo," Minerva replied grumpily, leaving Pomona with the expression of someone who didn't know whether to laugh or not.

"Minerva," greeted Snape stiffly - like Minerva he seemed just as uncomfortable and just as impatient to leave the small gathering. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Minerva echoed. They exchanged gifts quickly and Minerva had to bite back a snort – clearly, he had given this a lot of thought, she thought sarcastically. "Thank you," she said, forcing a more cheerful tone and slipping the box of chocolates into her bag.

She watched Snape do the same with the new set of weighing scales and beakers she had got for him from Diagon Alley. He then gave her a thin-lipped smile and was about to say something when a distraction in the form of Filch interrupted them. A nasty gleeful smile was plastered on his face as he pushed open the staffroom door with his foot.

"Caught these two messing around in the corridor," he said, pulling two Gryffindors into sight by the scruff of their necks.

Grateful that she was closest to the door and never having been more pleased that her Gryffindors were the ones in trouble again, Minerva excused herself and left Snape standing alone in the staffroom.

"Thank you, Argus," she said. "I will take things from here."

Filch's face dropped and Minerva felt she had robbed him of his Christmas present. "Out of bed after curfew," he muttered by way of explanation. "Should be chained up downstairs like they used to be," he added, although very quietly, before letting go of the collars of the two students and trudging back up the hallway likely in hope that we would cross more unruly students.

"It's only 5 minutes after curfew," started one of the Gryffindors, hoping that if he spoke first he could avoid his Professor's strict punishment. "We were just coming back from the library."

Minerva pursed her lips as her eyes landed on their bulging pockets. "I find that hard to believe, Mr Jones," she said. "What do you have in your pockets?"

"Nothing," said his friend Smith, a trifle too quickly.

Minerva shook her head tiredly. "I don't suppose you are the ones who have been throwing dungbombs in Mr Filch's office?" She raised her eyebrows as they looked at her sheepishly. She extended her hand. "Dungbombs, please. Then back to bed. We can discuss your actions further after the holidays."

The two boys reluctantly gave her the three dungbombs they had unsuccessfully tried to hide in their pockets before muttering brief apologies and leaving quite quickly back to their dormitory. Minerva watched them for a few seconds, shaking her head slightly. Then, taking a deep, steadying breath, she tried to collect herself, at least until she reached her room and prepared to leave.

"The culprits caught at last?"

Minerva spun around to find Dumbledore standing behind her. "Good grief, Albus," she said, her heart beating fast in her chest. "Don't creep up behind me like that."

"My apologies, Minerva," he said sincerely, "I did not mean to frighten you."

Minerva lowered the hand that had flown to her chest when Dumbledore had first spoken. "That's all right," she said finally. "And, to answer your question, those were indeed the students who have been hiding dungbombs around the castle."

Dumbledore smiled. "All's well that ends well, then," he said, offering her a small sweet in a shiny purple wrapper. "Éclair? A delightful combination of caramel and chocolate."

Minerva fastened her cloak which she had picked up on her way out and put the strap of her handbag on her shoulder. "I won't deprive you of your sweets, Albus," she replied.

"Leaving already?"

"I'm afraid I must. The holidays have caught up with me faster than I expected. I need to start getting ready," she said tiredly. "I'm sure you will find somebody else to share your sweets with."

She smiled tightly then made a move to leave. However, barely two steps down the hallway, Dumbledore put a hand on her shoulder.

"Minerva."

Minerva closed her eyes briefly. She knew where this was going. Apart from herself and perhaps Snape, Albus was the only other Professor she knew who read the Daily Prophet cover to cover. She took a breath and turned around, opting for the air of someone who had no idea what was about to be discussed. "Yes?"

Dumbledore did not seem convinced by her innocent expression. "I wanted to make sure that you are all right?"

"I am perfectly well, Albus," replied Minerva, trying to sound calmer than she felt. "Thank you."

"I saw the article in the newspaper this morning," he continued. "The shopkeeper-"

"I know what it said," she interrupted abruptly. "The shopkeeper has been caught, the botanical shop closed down, what happened to El—" she stopped, took a deep breath, and started again, "what happened to Elphinstone won't happen to anyone else now. No more needs to be said, Albus. I have no desire to discuss the matter further."

Dumbledore nodded. "I am sorry I pushed you, Minerva," he said quietly.

Minerva flare of anger went as quickly as it had come. Her shoulders sagged. "No, don't be," she said finally. "I'm the one that should be sorry. You were just trying to be kind." She sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose feeling both tired and stupid.

"The trial is on Tuesday."

Minerva nodded. "I know it is," she said quietly. "But I don't think I can face it."

"You do not have to go alone," he reminded her gently, "It might help."

Minerva swallowed. "Or it might not," she finished after a while. "I need to think about it, Albus. I haven't had a moment to myself today I—I just need to think about it."

"Of course."

Minerva looked back up at him. "Please don't think I am ungrateful—"

"I would never think such a thing, my dear," Dumbledore answered. "It has been a difficult time."

"That's no excuse for being rude," Minerva said. "I really can't thank you enough for everything you have done for me since, well, since." She put her hand on Albus' arm and leaned forward and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Now, I really must get going. Merry Christmas, Albus."

"Merry Christmas, Minerva."

Minerva secured her bag on her shoulder and left. By the time she had turned the last corner the tip of her wand was lit to help her navigate the dark corridors to her quarters. Once she arrived she unlocked the door went inside and closed the door by leaning against the wood. Dropping her bag unceremoniously at her feet, she then slowly sank to the floor and put her head in her hands.

Although it had been months since Elphinstone had gone, the preparation for the funeral, clearing out the house, starting at Hogwarts again had been distractions - welcome distractions. Now, however, with the news of the shopkeeper's arrest and Christmas right on her doorstep she was reminded again of how alone she was. First, her brother Robert, then her father, Dougal, her mother, and now Elphinstone all gone.

Minerva pressed her fingertips onto her closed eyelids until bright dots spotted her vision. However, the pressure did not alleviate the flow of tears that had started to pour unrestrained down her cheeks.

Last one I'm sorry! Things are going to become much more cheerful (and exciting hopefully!). We're finally getting close to the Harry Potter years! :)

Also, thank you so much for the lovely reviews. I really appreciate them all and I'm glad you are enjoying the story so far!

I hope everyone is doing well :)