The Tabby, the Phoenix and the kitten

Chapter twenty six

A few weeks had gone by and Minerva's mother and brothers had come by to visit often. Much to the annoyance of Minerva.

As the the summer was coming to an end with only two weeks left, Albus and Minerva were preparing to go back to Hogwarts.

One evening Albus and Minerva were sitting in their office, Minerva writing up lesson plans for the upcoming year and Albus was answering letters from the Minister of Magic.

The manor had been quiet all day as Arianna had gone to Hermione's for the day so Albus and Minerva were able to get quite a bit of work done.

"What time are we to pick up Arianna from Miss Granger's house again Tabby?" Albus asked after finishing his letter.

"We'll leave in about 15 minutes Albus." Minerva replied looking at the clock on the wall.

"Ah." he said.

"What's the matter?" Minerva asked sensing there was something bothering him.

"Nothing my dear, why would you think there was something wrong?" he answered quickly.

"Well by the speed in which you answered me for one. That and you've been fidgeting with that quill and avoiding my eyes. What do you need to say that I won't like?"

"It's seems you know me far too well, darling. it's just well I've filled the Defence position at the school. With the only offer we received, I might add.."

"And? who is it?"

"Gilderoy Lockhart." He said with a slight cringe at the expression Minerva had made, as he knew very well just how she felt about him.

"You hired Gilderoy Lockhart to teach our students Defence Against the Dark Arts." Minerva said, it was more of a statement than a question.

"The bloody self-centred, mendacious, author, is going to teach the children Defence Against the Dark Arts." She said in a dangerous tone, her eyes blazing.

"He was the only applicant this year Minerva, you know how difficult it is to fill that position every year." Albus said trying to reason with her.

"Don't 'he was the only applicant' me, we both know that you could have pulled a few strings to get at least a qualified person to fill the position, but you decide to take the easiest way out, because Merlin forbid that you don't answer the bloody Minister of Magic right away, who by the way cannot seem to do his job without asking you're advice on everything first, so that you could find a suitable teacher for the next generation of witches and wizards who will get poorly educated this year because of your simpleminded decision."

Albus sat quietly while her Scottish temper flared. He watched as she stood and began to walk out of the room.

"I'm going to go and get Arianna while you sit here and think about what've you've done." she said and apparated out of the room.

Albus sighed and popped a sherbet lemon into his mouth, knowing better than go disobey Minerva, and besides, he had another letter to answer from the minister.
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"And she behaved well I hope?" Minerva asked Mrs. Granger as she stood in the doorway waiting for Arianna to put on her shoes.

"Oh yes, a bit shy at first but very well mannered." Mrs. Granger answered with a smile. Minerva waited until Arianna had said her good-byes then the two walked out of the house and headed down the street to a quiet place for them to apparate.

"Where's daddy? I thought he was going to come with you?" Arianna asked as they walked.

"Your father is in trouble." she answered.