The Marauders Unite (III)

Albus and Minerva

May 2, 1976

In the Headmaster's office, ALBUS sits behind the desk while MINERVA sits in front of it, both drinking firewhiskey from small glasses.

MINERVA: Ready for O.W.L.s to start again?

ALBUS: It's my favorite part of the year.

MINERVA: (laughing) You stand alone, then.

ALBUS: You're confidant in your class for this year?

MINERVA: (nodding) The fifth-years have been generally adequate in Transfiguration. I expect a good number to advance to N.E.W.T. level-

Suddenly, one of the portraits hanging on the wall comes to life as EVERARD jumps into the painted scene.

EVERARD: Headmaster!

ALBUS: Everard, to what do we owe this pleasure?

EVERARD: Intruders in the Ministry! Break-in! In the Atrium-

ALBUS: (standing up) Slow down, Everard. What did you see?

EVERARD: From my portrait in the high office- a group of Death Eaters arrived in the Atrium and made their way to the lower levels-

MINERVA: Whom specifically did you see?

EVERARD: It was the Lestrange woman- her husband, too- about three or four others, I think-

ALBUS: Did you see where they were going?

EVERARD: To the lower levels, but I didn't see where, precisely-

MINERVA: (darkly) The Department of Mysteries.

ALBUS: Indeed. We must catch them this time-

MINERVA: Shall I go with you?

ALBUS: Yes, yes- Everard, go back to your portrait in the Ministry and inform anyone you can.

EVERARD: Yes, sir- (He disappears from the portrait, leaving the canvas blank).

ALBUS: Minerva, quickly, send a Patronus to the Minister, tell him what's happening and that we're on the move-

MINERVA: (nodding) Expecto Patronum.

A wispy, silver cat appears from the tip of MINERVA'S wand. She relays a message into the magical being while ALBUS extracts a thought from his temple and releases it into the Pensieve on his desk.

ALBUS: Very well. Come, we must be off.

MINERVA releases her Patronus, which flies out the window. Together, she and ALBUS take each other's arm and DisApparate from the office.