Double post because I'm feeling nice! :)

7 June 1994

It was just after breakfast and Minerva was on her way to Albus' office, looking sombre. She had just been to speak with the Aurors who had spent a sleepless night scouring the area for any sign of Black. Minerva's niece, Isobel, had been on duty as well. According to her there was no trace of Black anywhere. It was assumed that he had disapparated, though Minerva was aware of how far-fetched that seemed. After all, 12 years in Azkaban and then another year on the run would certainly take a toll on one's body. Furthermore, the energy and concentration needed for dissaparation were quite well-known in the wizarding community. It baffled her slightly trying to think of how Black had managed to escape yet again.

After a brief stop at the Hospital Wing and learning that the trio had been discharged, Minerva continued her way to the Headmaster's office. Assuming that Albus was alone she knocked once on the door before opening it. To her surprise, however, Severus was also in the office. His less than cheerful demeanour told Minerva he was still mourning the loss of his Order of Merlin.

"You want me to help him? That—"

Albus held up his hand to stop Severus from saying whatever else he had been about to say, then turned to look at her. "Professor McGonagall?" he said as Severus also turned to look at her.

Minerva's brow creased briefly to form a small frown. Not for the first time she felt curious to know what Severus and Albus had been discussing. Recently, she had noticed increased hushed conversations between the two of them, and something told her it wasn't about student timetabling issues or Potion's related matters. Albus' use of her formal title as well made it feel as though she had interrupted them in an important discussion quite by surprise.

Albus raised his eyebrows at her, waiting, and Minerva cleared her throat.

"Erm," she said, trying to shake these thoughts from her mind, "I have just had a word with the Aurors," she explained. "There is no sign of Black anywhere near the castle so they have decided to return to the Ministry."

Albus nodded. "I expect Sirius is far away by now."

"Yes," Minerva said, registering the unusual use of Black's first name. "The Dementors have been asked to remain," she added. "However, 2 Aurors will be staying to supervise them."

Albus nodded again, though this time, his expression was much more sombre. Before he could say anything else on the matter, there came a knock at the door. This time all three of them turned.

"Enter," Albus called.

Remus came into the room holding an old suitcase in one hand and his cloak in another.

"Morning, Minerva," he said, giving her a brief smile, "Severus," he added, nodding in Severus' direction. He walked up to Albus' desk and a look passed between both wizards and yet again Minerva frowned. "I thank you very much, Headmaster, for all that you have done for me this year," he said. "And to you, Severus, for the potions."

Severus looked surprised but he did not say anything.

Remus placed the envelope on Albus' desk. "My formal resignation," he said with a hint of regret.

Minerva's eyes widened. "You're resigning?"

"I'm afraid so," he told her. "After last night, I believe it is the best course of action."

"I quite agree."

"Severus," Albus said warningly.

Remus, however, appeared utterly unfazed. "I hope to see you again sometime," he said, nodding to Dumbledore and then smiling briefly at Minerva.

"If you are in need of a reference—"

"We'll see," Remus cut in gently, and Minerva knew at once that he was not expecting to find another job anytime soon. "Goodbye, Headmaster."

"Best of luck, Remus," Albus said.

Remus smiled and then left leaving Minerva, Albus and Severus in a completely silent room. Stunned, Minerva looked at Severus then at Albus. "Are you just going to let him leave?" she said incredulously. Albus did not say anything. "I can't—I can't believe this!" she spluttered, turning immediately around to go after Remus.

Minerva sped down the steps and slipped past the gargoyle before it had even fully opened.

"Professor Lupin!" she called, hurrying after him. Remus turned and stopped until she had caught up. "Will you not reconsider?

He smiled, albeit sadly. "I have considered it carefully, Minerva. I believe this to be the best solution."

"Solution?" she said, aghast, "but there was no problem, Remus."

"Not yet," he acknowledged, "but there will be now that the news of my—erm—condition is out."

Minerva blinked. "Out?"

He nodded. "I have enjoyed my year here, Minerva," he said. "It has possibly been one of the best years I have had since graduating," he added. "I thanked Albus very much when he offered me this job but he said I owed it to you." He smiled. "I could not have been more grateful for the opportunity to teach here but I know not many parents would approve of someone like me teaching their children."

"It is of no importance what the parents believe."

"But it is important," he said. "Because I believe it too. I put three students in very immediate danger last night because I was careless. I do not wish for that to happen again." He bent down to pick up his briefcase again. "I hope we can stay in touch, Minerva," he said. "It has been a pleasure working with you." He smiled and tipped his hat respectfully before striding away and leaving Minerva completely lost for words.

As she watched him go, Minerva's mind finally caught up with what had happened and what had been said. Abruptly, she turned on her heel and marched back up to Albus' office, slamming open the door when she got to the top.

Before either Albus or Severus had the chance to speak, she pointed an accusing finger at the latter.

"How could you?" she seethed. "You promised not to tell anyone!"

"Minerva," Albus tried to cut in. Minerva ignored him.

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"He was a danger—"

"Oh," Minerva said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You, of all people, called someone a danger? Don't you dare," she added, almost shaking with fury. "A childish dispute you had 25 years ago made you decide it was valid to sabotage a man's career!"

"Minerva," repeated Albus however Minerva ignored him again.

"Or did you do it because you are so desperate for the Defence Against the Dark Arts position?"

Snape's face turned puce red but before he could speak Albus stood up causing both Minerva and Severus to stop glaring daggers at each other.

"That is enough," Albus said, his voice quiet but powerful.

"You cannot condone this type of vengeful behaviour, Headmaster," Minerva said, still seething. "Remus—"

"Made his own choice," Albus cut in.

Minerva scoffed and folded her arms crossly. "Of course he did."

"Professor Snape let this information slip by mistake."

"Did he now?"

"Yes," Albus said firmly. "And I have already discussed his actions with him. There will be no need for further discussion."

He met her eyes and Minerva held his stare for several seconds before she was forced to look away. Albus sat back down and Minerva turned to leave the office. However when her hand was on the door handle, she turned back to look at Snape.

"I will not forget this easily, Severus," she told him seriously. "You needn't bother drafting your yearly application for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post," she added, "as you will not be getting it anytime soon."

Snape opened his mouth to retort but Minerva did not linger long enough to grant him the chance to reply. It was a childish move, she knew, yet at this point in time she was too angry to even care.