Oh poor Malcolm :( Next time he'll see his sister won't be for lunch but when he's called to St Mungo's.

16 June 1996

Minerva followed Malcolm and Helen to the front of the cottage. Minerva's heavily pregnant niece, and her husband walking close behind. After many weeks filled with late nights, mountains of work, and a complete lack of free time, the end of the academic year had provided Minerva with an opportunity to see her family. She had enjoyed the feeling of doing something that had nothing to do with the Order, and, for the first time, nothing to do with school.

Indeed, it had been like a breath of fresh air talking to Malcolm and Helen about the new renovations they had planned for their house. Or to her niece and nephew-in-law about their plans to move out of the cottage in Hogsmeade and closer to Caithness in preparation for the arrival of their first child.

Though Minerva had to visit Albus immediately after this, and then return to the school for a meeting with Dolores, it all seemed a lot more bearable than it had that morning.

Once they had all said their goodbyes, Minerva left the cottage with Malcolm and Helen who were planning on disapparating home.

"We'll see you next week for lunch, then?" Malcolm said, stopping by a small pond and turning to face his sister. "We can come to the Three Broomsticks maybe?"

Minerva nodded. "That sounds lovely," she said truthfully.

He smiled and kissed her on the cheek.

"You're almost there, dear," Helen said kindly, as she and Minerva embraced too. "Don't work yourself too hard," she added, though she smiled. "Give Pomona our best."

"I will," Minerva answered, stepping back and waving while Malcolm and Helen prepared to leave.

Once their arms were looped together, they waved with their free arms before they both disapparated. Minerva sighed and stayed watching the empty space for a moment, before then leaving to walk in the direction of the Hog's Head. As she had started to do for several weeks now, Minerva used the disillusionement charm to get to the pub. Then, like every time before that, she knocked five times on the door and waited for Albus to let her in.

"Hello, my dear," he said, once Minerva had come in. "I was not expecting you today."

Minerva smiled slightly, though she was studying him carefully. He did not seem any different to how he had been last week. Though maybe a little more tired, she thought. As for the room, it was as crowded but also as tidy as it had been last week. The only indication that someone was indeed living here was the presence of two open books, a map, and a mug of tea.

Minerva pulled her eyes away from the open map. "I am only briefly stopping by, Albus," she said finally, coming to perch herself on the edge of an armchair while Albus sat in another. "I only came today because I won't be able to tomorrow. I am supervising an exam in the afternoon," she added, by way of explanation.

He nodded, "I see. How are the students?"

"They feel more or less prepared," Minerva replied, folding her hands on her lap. "Admittedly, the NEWT students seem a little nervous about their Defence Against the Dark Arts exam. Filius and I have joined forces to go over some of the spells."

Albus immediately raised his eyebrows, and Minerva shook her head.

"Dolores does not know about it," she reassured him. "Though I doubt the lessons were really needed," she added. "I believe the students have been practising in their dormitories for the last few months."

Albus smiled mildly, though his eyes were still watching her carefully. "I am glad you were not caught, my dear," he said. "You are quite indispensable, I must say."

Minerva smiled tightly. "I am afraid your conclusions are quite different to some," she said, and both knew to whom she was referring.

"Has Dolores said anything?" Albus prodded.

Minerva thought back to the argument she had had with Dolores during and after Potter's career meeting. Despite Minerva's attempts for nonchalance when Dolores had made her aware of the possibility of more than one professor being sent away, Minerva still understood that it had been a threat. And a serious one at that.

Albus raised his eyebrows and Minerva shook her head but did not reply outright. Indeed, she did not want to worry him if she could. There would be no use anyway - there was nothing he could do.

"I have some notes from the Order meeting on Tuesday," she said instead, pulling out some parchment from her pocket. She stood up and reached over to hand them to Albus.

He took them appreciatively, and Minerva watched as his eyes flicked through the file. He seemed engrossed by it.

She studied him for a moment, then sighed and sat back down on the arm of the chair.

"Will you ever tell me what it is you get up to?" she asked quietly.

He was silent for a while. Then, he slowly and quietly folded the pieces of parchment. "One day," he said, speaking softly. "If I am right."

Minerva swallowed and folded her hands on her lap. "Could others not be of use to you, Albus? With any of your enquiries?"

He did not reply immediately and never managed to because Minerva's watch whistled loudly.

Minerva sighed tiredly and began to get up. "Well, it was worth a shot," she said. "I must go back to the school, Albus. I have a meeting with Dolores - something about a fanged gerbil."

Albus frowned and Minerva shrugged, showing that she was as much at a loss as he was. She then walked over to give him a quick kiss on the cheek and embrace.

"Look after yourself," she said, as they broke apart. "Only a few more weeks before we'll have time to sort this whole mess out."

"Perhaps."

"We will, Albus."

Albus nodded gently and walked her to the door. "Thank you for coming, my dear," he said. "Until next week?"

"Until next week," Minerva confirmed.