AN: I wanted a little bit of humor at the end, so I hope that was conveyed alright. Also, I have NO idea why Voldemort wants our dear Minerva. Honestly, I don't. But, if you have an idea, please share it with me. I will give you credit; pinky promise.

Severus kept his mind and face blank as he walked into the dining hall of Malfoy Manor. There was one seat left to the right of the Dark Lord; he was the last to arrive.

"Damn you, Severus! Could you take any longer getting here?" Severus didn't look up to see who spoke.

"Silence! I'm sure Severus has a reason for being late." The Dark Lord twirled his wand between his fingers.

"Dumbledore wouldn't let me leave."

"He still trusts you?"

"Explicitly, my lord."

"And, how is Minerva McGonagall?" Severus' blood ran cold.

"She was in the Infirmary the last I saw." Severus paused, not sure how in depth to go.

The Dark Lord was met with looks of confusion, questions, and protests.

"Why do you care about her?"Lucius Malfoy asked.

"What condition is she in, Severus?"

"I didn't ask, my lord."

"She was unconscious when I left."

Every face in the room looked up at the Dark Lord, no one bothering to conceal their surprise. Even Severus had trouble keeping his face and mind blank.

"When you left?" Severus couldn't place the voice, but didn't concentrate on it.

"Ah, I have known Minerva McGonagall many years, and decided to pay her a visit. She didn't take to it kindly. But, perhaps you would like to see for yourselves."

With an inaudible groan, Severus raised his eyes to look at his master. He couldn't figure out any single emotion on his face, except for the excitement in his dark eyes. Severus sat in confusion as the air over the table wavered, and a room flickered into view like a Muggle television. As the air settled, Severus realized it was Minerva's room. He kept his head turned towards the memory, but his eyes faded out of focus, and he recited ingredients and steps to various potions to keep his mind occupied. But he couldn't avoid listening to their reactions. He heard the Dark Lord's groans from next to him, as well as the murmurs of surprise and occasional spoken word.

"Merlin, damn it all. Who knew ol' McGonagall had such a great body underneath all them robes."

Severus focused his eyes in time to see the memory of Minerva hitting the ground and rolling. He couldn't help the wince than washed over his face as she cried out. Luckily no one in the room noticed, and he quickly unfocused his eyes.

Finally the memory ended and Severus returned to the conversation.

"Is there something you want from her, my lord?" Lucius asked.

"Perhaps, perhaps. Now, Severus, I suggest you return. I don't want you absent from Hogwarts too long," he leaned closer to Severus and spoke quietly. "Keep an eye on her. I certainly don't want her dead. Especially with that Ministry woman there. "

"Of course, my lord."

Severus stood and nodded to the people gathered around the table before hurrying from the room and house. He Apparated as soon as the wards allowed him to, arriving as snow and night fell around Hogwarts. Severus wrapped his cloak tighter around him and sprinted towards the school. He didn't notice the change in temperature as he slowed to a walk near the Infirmary. He only hoped Albus was inside, or that Minerva wasn't alone.

He pushed into the room and found it brightly lit, with a large gathering off staff around the only occupied bed. Immediately his mind jumped to the worst and he moved quickly to the bed as the shouting reached his ears.

"I will not stay here for another night, Poppy! I want my own room, my own bed."

"Nonsense! I want you here where I can keep a close eye on you. It's either here or St. Mungo's."

"You only want me here to stop me from returning to teaching tomorrow."

"Minerva, you are acting like a third year. Merlin, if I wanted to stop you from returning to teaching I would charm your room."

"I can't sit around and do nothing for any longer. I'll stay here for the night, but I return to teaching tomorrow."

Poppy growled and through her hands up in the air, admitting defeat. She didn't look happy, but neither did Minerva, who was sitting up in her bed with her legs thrown over the edge.

"I am not an invalid, and I shan't be treated like one!"

"No one is treating you like an invalid, Minerva. We just want to make sure you're alright."

"It was only the Cruciatus Curse. I think I've faced worse, Albus."

By the tone of her voice, Severus knew it wouldn't be wise to argue with Minerva.

"You can return to teaching tomorrow."

"Severus, you are never one to state the obvious." She gave him a strange half-smile.

"I only meant to say that you shouldn't be falling asleep in front of your students tomorrow."

"Severus has a point, Minerva. You would be wise to heed him." Albus glanced up at Severus, and then returned to the witch.

"I hate it when you are right."

Albus laughed as he squeezed her hand and brushed the top of her head with his lips. Severus felt a bubble of jealousy in the pit of his stomach, but shoved it aside as Albus walked towards him. He noticed most of the staff that had surrounded her had disappeared.

"Goodnight, Minerva."

"Goodnight."

He lingered a moment longer as she laid down and pulled the covers over her still-bruised body. Severus turned to leave, but muttered nox under his breath. As he shut the door, the candles flickered out, and he followed after Albus towards his office.