Thank you for all the lovely reviews! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story so far :)

31 October 1992

The silence seemed to stretch on for hours until finally, Dumbledore spoke.

"You may go," he told the three Gryffindors, causing almost identical expressions of relief to wash over their faces.

Hurriedly, they turned around and left the room, without so much as a glance backwards, and at a pace that could only be described as just shy of a run.

Minerva's eyes followed them leave, before gliding back to rest on Dumbledore who appeared to be deep in thought; his eyes fixed on the stiffened body of Mrs Norris lying on the polished surface of Lockart's expensive desk. It was only once the door had clicked shut behind the trio, did he finally look up again and speak.

"Severus, if you could talk to Professor Sprout about the potion this evening, I would be most grateful," he said. "She will know the one I mean."

Severus bowed his head silently before sweeping out of the room; now leaving only Minerva, Dumbledore, Lockhart, and Argus who was still sobbing noisily in his hands. Minerva produced a tissue for the Caretaker which he took gratefully.

"Now," began Dumbledore however he was rudely interrupted by Lockhart whose stunned silence after Severus' previous comment, had clearly disappeared.

"I could always try the spell..."

Minerva took a deep breath and held it, as her dislike towards Gilderoy Lockhart reached monumental heights. Even now, when something so serious had happened, he could not help himself from trying to be the centre of attention.

"I believe, Gilderoy, that we will cope well enough with Pomona and Severus' potion," continued Dumbledore, smoothly cutting Lockhart off. "However, Argus here has had quite a shock this evening and could do with an early night. If you are still-"

"Right-O, Albus, say no more," Lockhart said loudly, bounding to his feet. "I will accompany this good man back to his quarters," he added, patting Argus heavily on the shoulders.

Dumbledore considered Lockhart for a second. "Thank you, Gilderoy," he said finally, before turning to Argus who was blowing his nose noisily. "Argus, Mrs Norris will receive the best care until we manage to reverse her condition," he promised, "I will leave her in the excellent hands of Madame Pomfrey while we wait for the potion to be made. In the meantime, Gilderoy here will walk you back to your quarters and you will be excused from your duties until you feel better enough to return."

Argus got up and roughly wiped his eyes. "Thank you, Headmaster," he said gruffly - probably the first and last time he would ever thank Albus.

Albus smiled kindly and Argus then followed Lockhart, who had been waiting in the doorway, out of the room. Once they had left, Albus's smile disappeared and his features darkened.

"I do not like this, Minerva," he said quietly. "I do not like this at all."

Minerva's eyes rested on the cat again and she felt herself become a little nauseous. "Do you think it is true?" she asked.

"No student could have cast a spell powerful enough to petrify Mrs Norris," he replied solemnly. "Even wizards like you and I would find it difficult."

Minerva gave an almost imperceptible nod. When she and Albus had looked at the cat before it was clear to both of them that no student could have done such a complex piece of magic - much less three Second Years. However, when considering the events of the previous year with Quirrell, Minerva's mind had automatically jumped to the conclusion that perhaps a member of staff was responsible for Mrs Norris' current predicament. Clearly, Albus had considered that option too however, it did not seem that that possible alternative had persuaded him.

"Then," she began, "if it is true, who or what could have done such a thing?"

"I do not know," he answered softly. "Or rather, I do not understand it."

She raised her eyebrows waiting for something more, but it never came. Dumbledore suddenly straightened and picked up the stiffened cat.

"I will need to speak to Hagrid."

"Hagrid?" she repeated.

"Yes, Hagrid," he replied without elaborating.

Minerva frowned but nodded all the same. "Would you like me to get him now?" she asked uncertainly.

"I believe a meeting tomorrow morning will suffice," he answered. "Mrs Norris must be brought to Madame Pomfrey this evening."

"A staff meeting should be organised as well, Albus," she told him, to which he nodded in agreement.

"I think that would be best."

Minerva followed him out of the room and into the corridor. She gave a small shudder as her mind wandered to what could have happened to Mrs Norris. Then, if it was possible to attack an animal with such ease, how safe were the students and the staff in the castle now?

As her thoughts began to run away from her, Minerva shook herself and tried to return to a more pragmatic and practical mindset. After all, she would be no use to anyone if she let worry get the best of her.

"Is there anything else I can do in the meantime, Albus?"

Dumbledore appeared to think for a moment as he looked at the darkened corridor stretching out in front of them. Finally, he turned to her wearing a grave expression that did nothing to reassure her.

"Remain alert, Minerva," he said seriously. "There are things at work here that are far more complicated than they seem."

"What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "I cannot discuss this now, my dear, but we will talk about this soon. For now, I must get Mrs Norris to the Hospital Wing."

Minerva nodded and it was clear based on Dumbledore's expression that that was what he had been hoping for. He bowed his head respectfully in silent thanks before then striding away to the Hospital Wing with Mrs Norris in his arms. Minerva meanwhile stalled for a moment outside Lockhart's office, before making her way to the Gryffindor Tower to check on her students.