22 July 1996

Minerva had returned from Caithness almost a week ago and had been welcomed with her never-ending duties at the castle, and frequent Order meetings. Currently, she was walking down the corridors, arm looped around Albus' left one as they returned from an early Order meeting.

Albus had slowed his pace — something for which Minerva was grateful. Despite how much better she felt after her sojourn in Caithness, she was also very much aware that she had not yet recovered.

Minerva cleared her throat and slowed her pace even more as her heart gave her a painful twinge. Albus did not comment, however, he slowed his pace again to match hers.

"Would you care to join me for lunch, my dear?" he asked pleasantly as they walked up the staircase. "We can discuss some of the arrangements for next year," he added.

Minerva nodded distractedly, her attention very much focused on the stairs she was meant to be climbing. It felt ridiculous that one flight of stairs would now cost her such enormous concentration and effort. It also worried her that, after all this time, she was still having difficulties. All she could hope for was that she would be well and truly recovered by the time September came around.

Finally, they reached the top of the staircase. Minerva internally sighed with relief. "Sounds lovely, Albus," she said, nodding again more firmly this time. "I actually have some documents that need to be signed by you in my office," she added.

"We can stop to pick them up first if you like?" Albus said.

Minerva nodded - even though it meant a detour she felt it was worth it. After all, it felt silly to delay these admin jobs any longer.

They had barely made it to the Transfiguration corridor however when they bumped into Severus. Minerva felt Albus stall beside her, and she could not help a small frown to crease her forehead.

"Headmaster," Severus began, however, he was saved from saying any more by Albus who nodded.

"You would like a word," he said understandingly. Minerva felt him place a hand on top of hers. "My dear, would it be terribly rude if I ask that we re-arrange our meeting?"

Though slightly hurt that she had been dropped so easily by Albus, Minerva did not show it. "Certainly, Albus," she said, with a courteous nod. She slipped her arm out of his. "Perhaps this evening instead."

He smiled, though he appeared distracted now. Perhaps even a little worried, Minerva thought.

"Thank you, my dear," he said gratefully. "Severus, perhaps we could take this matter up to my office," he said, already walking away.

Severus followed, giving Minerva a peculiar look as he walked past. Minerva could not quite pinpoint exactly what emotion Severus' eyes had been betraying - hatred, sadness, envy... She could not be sure. Either way, he had looked away before Minerva could really ponder over it.

A minute later and both Severus and Albus had disappeared around the corner. Now alone, Minerva took a deep breath as she thought about what she would do now. Perhaps some reading now that her afternoon was clear, she thought. Or perhaps she could start having a crack at the mountain of admin she had yet to complete.

Still debating, Minerva continued down the corridor towards her office. As she turned the last corner, she spotted the retreating back of Pomona Sprout. It seemed she had attempted to knock on Minerva's door only to find that the Transfiguration office was empty.

"Pomona?" Minerva called, loudly enough for Pomona to hear.

"Oh, Minerva," Pomona said, turning. "I was just looking for you."

"Anything I can help you with, dear?"

Pomona smiled as they met halfway down the corridor. "I'm on my way back home," she said. "Thought I'd ask if you wanted to join us for tea?"

Minerva raised her eyebrows in faint surprise. "Oh."

"It'll be nice," Pomona insisted.

Minerva looked uncertain. "I'm sure you and Albert—"

"Grace would be thrilled to see you," Pomona interrupted, causing Minerva to shake her head and smile slightly; Pomona knew Minerva could never refuse an invitation to see her goddaughter. "Will you join us?"

Minerva sighed quietly and smiled. "You've convinced me," she said, causing Pomona to beam.

"I need to water my plants first," Pomona said. "But I can meet you in your office in ten minutes?"

Minerva nodded, and Pomona smiled one last time before bustling away.