Alastor approached his longtime friend as everyone adjourned from the meeting. It was late, but if he had the opportunity to see her, he would. He always would. "Minerva," he said, motioning for her to approach him. "Were you the one that found Potter?" Minerva approached him for the first time that night and hugged him.

"Two of my students came and got me," she explained, pulling her dressing gown around her.

"Where's Severus?" he asked, looking around the room for the other member of the Order's core group.

Minerva shrugged. "Another summoning tonight. It makes sense now- given Arthur's attack." She looked exhausted and let out a long sigh. "Thank you for coming- I'm sure Molly will appreciate you accompanying her tomorrow with the kids."

"I've never been one for comfort and that shit," Alastor said. "But happy to do my part. You know that."

The Deputy chuckled. "I will admit you're not the pinnacle of support, but you are loyal. We all know that."

Alastor looked closely at his friend, missing her company. It had been years since they'd spent any time together. The First War had paired them on many a reconnaissance mission, sharing many evenings alone, which had led to talking about a variety of things. He'd felt lucky to see her in action, see her when she was exhausted, and hear some of her deepest thoughts. Most of his life had been spent sleeping with whomever was there because he was drunk, but there was no woman that had ever captured his attention the way she had in those days. Of course, that was many years ago, but every time he saw her feelings that he wanted to ignore rushed through him. At first, he'd thought it was the close quarters that had made the feelings appear. Being alone with someone for so many days and nights would make almost anyone question their relationship. But, it never went away. She still intrigued him. He was old. She was old. There had never been a moment for them, yet, her presence made the hard shell around his heart shatter.

She looked beautiful. As the candles in Dumbledore's office began to flicker out, he could see the gray strands in her hair glow. He had missed seeing her hair in a side braid, down out of its constraints. Those had been the moments during their missions he'd grown to love. Merlin, his father would be disgusted if he knew how his harsh son was soft for this woman after so many years. "I'll walk you back to yer rooms," he muttered, leaning on his cane for support.

"I'd appreciate that."

They walked in mostly silence, Minerva looked exhausted. He suddenly felt guilt for making her entertain him for the walk. "Did ya know?" he finally asked.

"Did I know what?"

"That that creep wasn't really me." Anger rushed through them at the thought of so much time in Barty's hold.

"I thought you'd changed a lot," she replied. "I didn't catch on, and it made me feel quite foolish." She signed. "I was sad thinking that you didn't have interest in our friendship anymore. Barty and I had a few evening chats, but it never quite felt the same. I just figured things had changed in our old age. Plus, you've spent a lot of time drinking away, Alastor."

She never held back, and he chuckled. "Aye; I have, Min. But, there are some parts of the old brain that even alcohol can't wash away."

"I wish I was seeing you under better circumstances, but this is a pleasant surprise."

"Min, I-," Alastor quickly shut his mouth as Severus came stumbling towards them from the other end of the hall. It wasn't the time to continue talking to her. Trying to contain his hatred, Alastor watched her run to him- the child that had come into her life and gotten all he could have ever wanted, the woman that would forever haunt him.

"Are you alright?" Minerva asked, concern in her voice, letting Severus lean on her arm. He was walking with a slight limp, Alastor noticed.
"Fine, Min," he grumbled. "Why are you up?"

"Arthur…" Alastor answered.

"Oh, you already know. How?"

From what Albus had said, Severus was not going to take the news of Occlumency lessons starting particularly well. His distaste for Potter was fairly clear, especially in Order meetings. "I'm awfully tired," Minerva said after a moment of hesitation. "Can we go to bed?" A strong temptation came over Alastor to break the news to Severus, but he didn't want to upset Minerva.

Severus looked at him, and Alastor tried to read the blank eyes, but he couldn't. "What do you want, Moody?"

"I was walking Minerva back to her rooms," he explained. "Albus summoned me; I'm going to the Weasleys in the morning."

"Who else responded?"

"Tonks."

"Is Arthur okay?" Severus asked.

"Seems we caught him in time," Alastor replied. "I should go."

"Good night, Alastor," Minerva said, taking his arm. "Don't be a stranger."

"It seems with the events unfolding, I'll be seeing you a lot more."

"Go ahead of me, Min," Severus said, taking a step towards Alastor. Minerva hugged Alastor, and he couldn't help but close his eyes briefly as the sweet smell of her skin was right beside his face.

"Good night," Minerva said, kissing Severus's cheek as she walked the rest of the way to her room.

"What do you want, Severus?" Alastor asked, unsure of what he wanted. The two had never spoken outside Order meetings. Severus left as soon as any of the social hours after each meeting began- Alastor was sure it was to avoid Sirius and Remus.

"Thanks," he muttered.

"Speak up," Albus barked. With Minerva gone, he could hide his distaste a little bit less.

"I said, thank you," he replied.

"For what, may I ask?"

"For keeping an eye on her." Severus smirked. "No pun intended."

Alastor rolled his eyes; Severus's tone was less humorous and more bitter. "Where were you?"

"My reporting requirements do not include you."

"Do you bring that shit back here?"

"Bring what back?"

"Are you putting her in danger?"

"You think I disregard her safety?" he asked, angrily.

"I just asked a question, boy."

"I keep her safe. I said thank you because you walked her back tonight. I'll keep in mind not to say a word again," Severus snapped.

"I wasn't going to allow her to walk alone."

"I trust you," Severus said slowly, calmer now. Alastor didn't know what to say. The man seemed genuine. "You care for her."

Unclear of what he was implying, Alastor stood his ground. "I've known Minerva for a long time."

"Good. Good night, Alastor." With that, he walked in the direction Minerva had gone.

Did Severus know? Or was he just thankful? Alastor tried to shake off the incident as he made his way out of the castle that evening. Jealousy was a woman's game, if he could admit to himself that's what he was feeling. For months he would forget all about Minerva and the years before, but every time he saw her, the feeling flooded back. He'd never been good enough for her anyways. But, then again, neither was Severus. It made him feel guilty that the upcoming war sort of gave him hope- hope he'd have more evenings like this one- more encounters with her, more chances to work together. He had not much to live for anymore. The Order, his occasional jobs for hire, and the small bright points where he saw old Minerva. Severus was a lucky man.