Those Ten Years

[Sensiblyquirky]

Ok what I am attempting to do is write those ten missing years between the first and second chapters of the first book. It will be the evolution of Albus and Minerva's relationship, their lives, and it will be long. Please tell me what you think!

Chapter One

Albus Dumbledore sat in his office a little surprised, he was sure Minerva would have come barging into his office as soon as they both returned. He had even prepared himself for her onslaught against leaving Harry at his relatives, but she had not come. So he decided to go in search of her, and he found her in her office working. He often wondered if the woman ever took a break. Knocking twice he waited for her brisk, “Come In,” he didn’t have to wait long.

Waking his way toward her desk he didn’t speak until he was seated, “Minerva, what are you doing? I expected you in my office hours ago.”

Leaning upright in her chair Minerva did not look angry but not happy either, “Just contemplating whether trying to earn your trust is worth it anymore,” was her no-nonsense answer.

A little taken aback Albus was quick to recover, “What makes you think you have never had it, I usually don’t make someone my second in command if I do not trust them.”

“You didn’t have much of a choice when you became Headmaster, Dumbledore. The evidence for that lies in the fact that the youngest member on staff, and the one of the least senior Professors was chosen to be your Deputy.”

“I’m not sure whether to take that as an insult to my ability to choose, or perceive it as insult to you,” Albus replied calmly bringing his hands together at the tips of his fingers.

“It was meant as neither, you simply had very few decent candidates, and I suppose I was the best out of the lot,” Minerva answered unsure of what he would say next.

“I had no idea you had such low self-esteem, my dear,” was his calm remark.

Staring at him intently Minerva replied, “We are not always as we seem.”

“Indeed we are not, remember that.”

Minerva shot him glare, “Are you implying that the Great Albus Dumbledore is not as he seems: the almighty, all knowing, perfect wizard our world has deemed you?”

“I have never nor will I ever claim to be the person you just described, and I don’t believe that is how you perceive me,” Albus replied showing an ever so slight bit of irritation in his voice.

“No, I do not see you in that light. I think you made a mistake tonight, he should never have been left with those people.”

“He is safest there, Minerva. Some of Voldemort’s supporters are still at large, and he needs to be kept safe. His mother’s blood only does that at his relative’s house,” Albus replied once again in his ever-present calm voice.
“He might be safe there, but he won’t be happy. I watched those people all day, after I had to harass Hagrid for information because someone decided to leave me out, and they are horrid. I will be very surprised if he comes out of that house sane, and normal. He should be very maladjusted once he arrives here in eleven years.”

Albus chuckled softly, “My dear, you seem to know a lot about children for a person who has never had one. I think he will be fine. He had a first year with his parents, which is very crucial, and they cannot be as bad as you perceive them to be. He is family.”

Albus had missed Minerva’s reaction to his first question, so he was rather surprised at her next comment, “I think it is time you left, Headmaster, it has been a long day.” Turning away from him she focused her gaze on the window.

Confused Albus did not move, “Minerva, what did I say?”

“Do you know anything about my life before Hogwarts? I know you have never bothered to ask, and I know I have never offered any information,” she added.

“I know your father was the one who asked me to look at your application for the post. He said that you had filled it out, and then decided not to turn it in. He mentioned that you were looking to get out of a bad marriage, and that you had always loved Hogwarts. I knew of your position as an Auror, and your accomplishments here during your years, of course,” Albus asked curious as to where this was leading. He had always wanted to know more about Minerva, but he did not wish to seem too forward or nosy.

“I was never married,” Minerva answered turning around to face him. Albus made no attempts to hide his shock. “I lived with a man, without marrying him, for a number of years. My father, naturally, was disappointed and humiliated at my dishonorable way of life. I was looking to get away, that is true. I became pregnant, and decided to keep the baby against my lover’s wishes which prompted his choice to leave me, and our baby. Unable to work due to my condition I had no where else to go but home. My father took me in, but basically hid me until after the child could be born. I never understood that, I leave for nine months and come back with a baby is just as obvious as if I had stuck around and grown in size.” Here Minerva paused to collect her thoughts before continuing, “My labor was very difficult, and I lost the baby. I almost died myself, and every healer I have ever been too has given me no greater than a two percent chance of ever being able to have another child. I wanted to come to Hogwarts, because it was an escape but I had always loved it and the idea of teaching. I chose not to send in my application, after much thought, due to the thorough inspection each applicant receives. I knew the Governors would never approve of my past history, and I had no intentions of lying to them as my father did. I do not believe I have anything to be ashamed of.”

Minerva smiled softly as she watched Albus’ face change from shock, to confusion, and to deep thought. It was a few moments before he found the right words with which to respond, “I had no idea, and I apologize for my previous statement. Ignorance is no excuse, and it was an ill-mannered one to make, but I do hope you will accept my apology. I am, also, very sorry for your loss. I cannot imagine what that must have been like for you. I must say this however: that your lover was no gentleman and nor did he deserve you. Leaving you alone in that situation I find unacceptable. If I may ask a question though, is it not hard to surround yourself with children every day?”

“I love children, Albus. I do keep my distance for that reason, but if I could not have my own I wanted to feel like I had thousands. To watch them grow from young adolescents to young adults, and to feel apart of that process. Are some occasions, or days hard? Yes, and they always will be but that’s no reason to never see another child again,” was Minerva’s calm response.

Nodding Albus replied, “That is very wise, Minerva, and it speaks to your strength.”

“Are you trying to flatter me in hopes of forgiveness,” Minerva inquired.

“No. I do not expect, nor do I deserve your forgiveness immediately if you ever choose to bestow it upon me. It is, of course, your decision to make.”

Inclining her head in agreement they sat in silence for a few minutes before Albus spoke once more, “I was wondering, my dear, if you would be interested in accompanying me on a walk tomorrow. I should like to get to know you better, unless of course you have no desire for me too.” Albus shifted in his seat waiting for her reply. Minerva had always intrigued him, and he hoped she would at least allow him to become a better friend. He really wanted to try to get closer to her, but he wasn’t sure he had that right.

“Not tomorrow Albus, but perhaps another time in the distant future.” Minerva noticed that Albus actually looked downtrodden, and he tiredly rose from her chair. He knew a dismissal when he heard one.

Pausing at the door but never turning to look at her he said, “I chose you as my Deputy, because you were the best person for the job and I knew I wanted you at my side. I did not tell you about tonight thinking it was wise to leave one of us at the school, and I knew you would not agree with my decision. I was going to tell you when I returned. I will not leave you in the dark in the future, good night.”

Minerva sat staring at the vacated seat for awhile before retiring to bed. A walk with Albus was not something she would have turned down in the past, but Minerva knew she needed a few days to work past the conversation they had just had. She would forgive him it just wasn’t going to happen over night, but she also knew it wouldn’t be long before she did. Minerva had watched his face intently and she knew he meant every word, but what pleased her the most was what wasn’t on his face. The judgmental expression she had received so often in the past wasn’t there; some friends and family had looked at her like she was a whore, and he didn’t. It wasn’t there, and for that she was grateful.

[ginger newts]

Well, Pal, you already know how I feel about this. It's wonderful, sad for sure, but very well done. I can't wait for more, but you know I've just now realized it was actually 10 years rather than 11. Keep up the good work.

[Isabelle]

Wow, this a great start! I've always wondered what had happened between them during those 10 years. I guess I'll have to stay tuned then!

Liz

[TabbyForever]

ummm i believe this is going to be a very interesting story!!!
And knowing your writing abilities its going to be well written as well!!!
This chapter was a great start, its horrible to see her have such a tough time but i'm sure she'll get there in the end!!
Well done mate!
Jem

[Jestana]

Wow. Good start. Certainly not what I'd expect Minerva to have in her past. It's a promising start and I definitely want to see where this is going.

[TartanPhoenix]

Once Albus removed his boot from his mouth I think he smoothed it over quite well. I can't wait to see where you take this. Great first chapter as always.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Two, part one:

Minerva didn’t see Albus much for the rest of the week; due to his obligations to their world but whenever she did there were tense moments. It was a Friday evening, and she was strolling along the lake when she noticed someone was ahead of her. Squinting her eyes she knew it was Albus, and she watched him from behind as he walked.

He didn’t carry himself the same way he did in public: his shoulders were slumped, his stride shorter, and his hands were clasped behind his back as he walked. Looking on him Minerva realized just how tired he looked, and to be honest how sad even from the behind. She was not prepared for him to stop and turn toward the lake though, but deciding she might as well speak to him she continued on her way.

Upon hearing Minerva’s footsteps Albus turned toward her, bowing ever so slightly and then turning back toward the lake. Minerva waited for him to say something but he didn’t so she spoke first, “May I know why you are ignoring me, Headmaster?”

“I thought that you would not want to talk to me, and you would rather be on your way. I did not wish to detain you when you would not want to be. I can assure you I did not mean any offence,” Albus replied quietly still looking at the lake.

An awkward pause followed before Minerva cleared her throat to speak again, “How were your meetings at the ministry today?”

Albus sighed, “There is much to be done. The last eleven years have wreaked havoc on our world, as you know, and Minister Bagnold mentioned to me that she would like to retire by the end of the year.”

Conjuring a bench Minerva took a seat as Albus still stood, “Really? Who would take her place?”

Turning back to look at her Albus gave the hint of a grin, “I imagine I’ll be asked; it would make the seventh time. I do so hate to disappoint them. It is always the same: they come to ask me so hopeful, and every time I tell them no that I prefer Hogwarts. It never fails that at least one person, though often more, doesn’t understand and I make an enemy or two every time I’m asked.” Taking a seat beside of her Albus added, “I’m sorry, my dear, but you won’t get to be Headmistress just yet.”

Minerva snorted, and cut her eyes at Albus only to find he had cut his at her. They shared a soft smile before returning their gazes toward the lake.


“Lily and James will be laid to rest at the old Potter estate this Sunday. I can easily make arrangements for the school should you wish to go,” Albus said quietly looking, now, at his hands.

“Thank you, I appreciate that and would like to go. Who’s going to give the eulogy, Albus?”

“Remus,” was his short response.

Nodding Minerva replied, “That is as it should be. What time will you be leaving?”

“Nine; the ceremony is at ten but I feel I should be there to help in any way that I can.”

“If you don’t mind I would like to leave with you, and offer what ever assistance I can,” Minerva said turning to look once more at Albus.

Albus nodded, “Have you talked to Mrs. Longbottom this week, Minerva, to see how Alice and Frank are?”

Minerva sighed quietly. So many of her young lions had been lost during this war, and now they were going to face the most difficult part. The heat of battle was over, and all the emotions so conveniently pushed aside would come back to prey upon those still alive. “I talked to her yesterday, no change as is expected. The boy, Neville, is handling it fairly well but his Grandmother says he seems to be retreating into a shell. I worry about him, Harry, the list goes on.”

“I know, my dear, and so do I. I’ve asked Arabella Figg to move in down the street from the Dursley’s so someone of our kind can look after Harry. She’ll report to me twice a month. I was wondering if I could ask a favor of you, if I’m away when she typically reports would you mind taking it for me.” Albus asked turning to face Minerva.

“Of course I don’t mind, and thank you,” Minerva replied.

Rising from the bench the two made their way back inside the castle, and Albus escorted Minerva to her rooms, “Minerva, I must,-” but Minerva interrupted him.

“I don’t need another apology, Albus. I know that had you known you would never have made that comment. It doesn’t excuse the fact that you said it, but I’m not going to hold that against you. I, also, want to thank you for not judging me, or at least not showing it,” she added with a hint of a smile.

“I was not judging you, Minerva, then or now.” Albus looked as if he had something else to say, or perhaps ask, but instead he bid her a good night and headed toward his rooms. Before he got too far away Minerva called out, “Albus! How about chess next week?”

Albus turned to smile at her, “I would love that, my dear. Sleep deeply, and well.”

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Two, part two:

The following Sunday Minerva arrived in Albus’ office at five minutes till nine only to find him not dressed appropriately, “Albus Dumbledore you cannot be serious,” Minerva exclaimed.

Looking toward her Albus followed her rather sharp gaze to his robes, “What’s wrong with them?”

Stepping closer toward him Minerva shook her head, “Albus this is a funeral, and light blue robes are not appropriate. You do own black robes, do you not?”

Albus reluctantly mumbled, “Yes, but I look funny when I wear all black. It doesn’t suit me, like it does you, and these robes go with my eyes.” He tried to look pitiful, but Minerva simply rolled her eyes.

“That may be, but you need to be in black. Now go change, and I’ll wait.” Albus huffed off toward his bedroom like a little boy, and Minerva softly laughed to herself. When Albus came out Minerva had to admit he had been right, all black did not suit him.

“Go ahead, and laugh,” he stated calmly if not pouting a little.

Smiling Minerva merely walked toward the fireplace. Once they had landed inside the Potter living room Minerva turned to Albus, before walking away, “The blue does suit you better.” Then turning back around after taking a few steps Minerva teased, “Albus, you’re cute when you pout.”

Albus gazed after her a grin playing about his face before he chuckled, and went in search of the men.

The number in attendance was a fair size, and Remus had given a beautiful eulogy. Scanning the crowd Minerva realized she had not seen Albus since the burial; moving her eyes to a window she noticed he was standing along the new graves, and she moved to join him.

Minerva slowly walked toward Albus as he placed a hand upon James’ headstone, running it down the length of the granite. As usual he knew she was there before she spoke, “I offered to be their secret keeper, you know, but they opted for Sirius.”

Using a gentle voice she allowed few to hear Minerva stopped a few feet behind Albus, “They trusted him; it was only natural that they chose him. I doubt they wanted to give you one more stress to worry about, either.”

Doing the same to Lily’s grave as he had done to James’ he asked, “Why always the young?”

“Because more is lost when they die; we loose little with the old who have already lived a full life and imparted many of their gifts to future generations, but with the young dies a bit of the future. More is lost when we are denied their gifts, and the gifts you taught them.”

Turning to face her Albus asked, “That sounds like something I’d say, my dear.”

“Perhaps you have. I guess I’ve been around you long enough to pick up a few things,” Minerva replied smiling softly at him.

“Minerva do you remember the first time James and Sirius were brought to my office?”

“Oh heavens, those boys were always in trouble but correct me if I’m wrong, Headmaster, but I do believe it was for trying to prank all the Gryffindor girl’s dormitories.”

Albus had stepped back from the graves and was now standing next to Minerva, “Too right you are, my dear, and I knew then that they would be a handful. Delightful, though, and rather ingenious.”

“I remember the first time Lily came to me after class. She was so scared, but she wanted to talk about how to explain some of what was happening to her here to her parents. I knew she’d be perfect for James about their third year.”

“What made you think that,” Albus asked looking at the graves once again.

“She was the match to his character and she would humble him. I don’t know you could just see it when you looked at them, especially around their sixth year,” Minerva replied turning to study Albus’ profile.

“Albus?”

“Hmmm?”

“Why did you ask: why the young? That is highly unlike you,” Minerva asked never removing her gaze from his profile.

“You caught me in a weak moment. I fear I have them too,” he replied turning to look her in the eye.
“You’re not the only one,” Minerva whispered a moment later dropping her gaze. A single tear leaked from behind her glasses, and began its journey down her cheek. Lifting a hand Albus removed the tear with his thumb, “Come, my dear.”

“Can I have a moment, Albus,” she asked looking back up at him.

“Do you want me to go inside?”

“No, just give me a moment.” Stepping aside he watched Minerva place two deep red single roses on the graves before running her hand along their names. He had to strain but he did manage to hear her whisper, “Sleep tight, my children.”

[Jestana]

I'm so glad they worked past the awkwardness, but the scene at the funeral... Beautifully done.

[ginger newts]

Oh, how sad and beautiful. I'm glad they're being friendly again. This is shaping up to be a wonderful fic, Pal.

[griseldalafey]

Poor Minerva, that's so horrible what has happened to her. Can't wait to see what will happen in the next chapters, although I'm glad that they're getting closer together again.

[max]

Christy, that's going to be a great fic! I'm very much looking forward to the next part of it.

Max
"And no, in the moment I won't ask for lemons - but preprare for getting pestered later!" ;-)

[Isabelle]

This is beautifully written and you capture their emotions wonderfully. I'm so glad Minerva and Albus have each other to fall back on in this hard time. The scene at their graves very nicely done. I'm looking forward to the rest.

Liz

[ArabellaFiggs]

Awh, this is such a lovely story.
I hope you will update it soon.

Joop

[TabbyForever]

Oh thats really sad!!!!
I'm glad their getting on again but its a shame it has to be under such circumstances!!!!
Well done!!
Jem

[angharad]

I'm enjoying this, and very much looking forward to the next update!

[delenndumbledore]

A very sad but a very interesting story, too. We read a lot what happens in the books of JKR, but mostly about Harry and his friends.

I like it very much to read about the thoughts and the behaviour of the adults...especially about Albus and Minerva...and what could be.

Greetings...Delenn Dumbledore

[Sensiblyquirky]

Sorry for the long wait, school got in the way.

Chapter Three, part one:

Since the Potter’s funeral walks around the lake, and weekly chess matches had brought Albus and Minerva closer together. As new insight was gained by each the two Professors realized just how many interests they had in common.

At this moment, however, they were participating in a meeting with the Minister of Magic and various other ministry officials. Albus looked upon the occupants of the room rather bored with the meeting, so he decided to focus on Minerva: see if he couldn’t catch her attention from across the room. Something was different about her today, though. She was antsy, and in a rather cross mood. Albus could remember clearly her response to finding she was expected at the meeting:

“Albus I simply cannot go! No one will need me there, and I don’t see why I have to go,” Minerva bellowed as she stood over him after their last chess match.

“Minerva, the Minister expects both of us to be there. I don’t see why this bothers you so, you are always complaining about never knowing enough information and this is the chance for you to. What is wrong?” Albus inquired quite surprised at her venomous refusal to attend the meeting.

“I just…I just…I’m never here on the tenth of June and I would like not to be at the ministry either. You can fill me in on what was said. Tell them I’m unwell, or something,” Minerva almost pleaded.

Shaking his head Albus refused to be moved, “I can’t, Minerva. Unless you can tell me exactly what you want to do I cannot excuse you.”

Instead of answering she stormed out of his sitting room, the door banging very loudly behind her.


Zoning back in he noticed Minerva was moving to get up, “I’m sorry but I must leave. Headmaster you can fill me in on the remainder of the meeting, good day!”

Albus was up as soon as Minerva had left the room, “Excuse me.” Possessing a longer stride Albus had Minerva by the arm and into an abandoned office before she turned the corner.

“What is wrong with you?”

“I have to go Albus, I’m always there; I have to go, please let me go,” Minerva pleaded near hysteria.

“Minerva what in the world are you talking about?” Albus had her by both of her upper arms trying to calm her down.

“My son’s grave! This is the day he was born, and I’m always there. I spend the whole day there: walking in the village, and then visiting the grave. I have always been there; I have to go. If you don’t let me I’ll hex you into next year Albus Dumbledore!” Minerva tried to sound as threatening as she could, but she only succeeded in looking more pitiful than before.

Drawing her into his arms Albus soothingly rubbed her back, “You can go Minerva, its ok. Why didn’t you tell me before?”

“Because it is silly; it was so long ago but I just have to go. I can’t stay any longer, Albus, I just can’t,” Minerva whispered into his chest.

“You don’t have to. We aren’t discussing anything important any more, so I don’t think they’ll miss me either. Just let me go tell them that we will not be returning; you wait here.”

“We,” Minerva asked when he moved toward the door.

“Yes, we, you are in no state to travel alone; and you would be returning too late at night to do so unaccompanied. I’m going with you.”

“I’m not a little girl, Albus,” Minerva replied regaining some of her normal composure.

“Exactly my point, my dear, I will only be a moment.”

Five minutes later Albus and Minerva were standing on the outskirts of Fraserburgh when Minerva motioned Albus to follow her. They walked for a good ten minutes before Albus noticed a field to their right.

“Just under that tree, Albus; my father sent me here for the last five months of the pregnancy, and I used to read under that tree.”

Approaching the tree Albus could just make out the child’s name: Alexander McGonagall. He watched quietly as Minerva touched her son’s grave, speaking in hushed tones to him, and replacing the flowers on the grave. Conjuring a bench she invited Albus to sit with her.

“What happened, Minerva,” Albus asked looking at the grave.

“I went into labor on the eighth, at about nine that evening and at first everything seemed to be fine. The midwife who helped me was pleased, and excited. The next afternoon was when it all started to go wrong. The pace that morning had been slow, and the contractions were far enough apart that we both realized it would be awhile but they started to get more intense in my back. The midwife discovered he was breech, and we had to turn him around. Well, she was a muggle, passed on a couple of years ago, so she did it manually. Then I was having trouble actually delivering him. He didn’t get the air he needed, so he wasn’t alive. I remember horrors from this last war and the one with Grindelwald but no memory burns into my mind more than the one of realizing I had finally given birth only to never hear a newborn’s cry.”

Her voice had never shaken while she had spoken, but as Albus turned to look at her he could not help but feel the tears well up in his eyes at the sight of hers streaking her face. He really wasn’t sure of what to do; he knew he wanted to hug her but was that what she needed?

Minerva made the decision for him, “Albus?”

“Hmm,” he hummed softly.

“Hold me, please.”

Albus enveloped Minerva in his strong arms, his large hands rubbing her back in soothing circles. Her head came to rest upon his beard, and the wet spots she felt against her cheek meant more to her than any words, no matter how eloquent, he could have spoken. The afternoon light was filtering in between the branches of the tree be speckling the ground, and as the sun moved across the sky the light and the shadows danced. The dance was complicated, soft and harsh, a battle of the perspectives. Which would win? Staring at the dance Albus lost sight of it realizing that the darkness would win today, and the light tomorrow but sitting under the tree beside the child’s grave the battle became between life and death. Would life lead you or would death on this earth, which does man choose: to fight what he can control, or what he cannot?

Albus looked down at the woman in his arms only to find her looking up at him, but he didn’t let her speak first, “I no longer wonder why you surround yourself with children, I think I completely understand now.”

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Three, Part two:

“I, too, have often come to conclusions or realizations underneath this tree. I find myself wondering if it doesn’t possess some magic of its own,” Minerva commented quietly turning her gaze toward the grave.

“And what shocking revelations has my Deputy come to under its branches,” Albus teased as Minerva removed herself from his embrace.

“Wouldn’t you be surprised,” as a sly grin formed on her face she stood up, “come I always walk along the beach and I need to visit Mrs. Pickens as well.”

They had been walking on the beach for about an hour when Albus voiced his concerns on how far they had walked, “Minerva we had better head back if you are to visit your friend as well. We have walked far.”

“She leaves at the end of this beach in a sound, Albus. Oh and I should warn you she is rather friendly with the gentleman, and she talks like a sailor. If she pinches you don’t say anything.”

“If she pinches me, are you serious?” Minerva’s smile indicated she was indeed serious.

As they approached the house this met their ears: “About damned time you showed up, and who’s the bastard you’ve got with you?”

Smiling Minerva replied, “What manners, Mrs. Pickens! You should get to know Albus before you decide whether he is a bastard, he might be a son of a bitch instead.”

Albus looked at Minerva shocked; he had heard an occasional word fly but not too many times.

“My child,” the woman started as she gave Minerva a hug, “they are interchangeable. I’m sure he’s both.”

Chuckling Minerva stepped aside, “This is Albus Dumbledore, Amelia.”

“You haven’t heard her speak such language before, have you son?”

“I must admit I have only heard her do so upon occasion.”

“Yes, well she’ll calm down in a bit and start raising her eyebrow at me: she’s a lady,” Mrs. Pickens replied dragging out the word lady and rolling her eyes.

“That’s right, Amelia, and I consider it my good deed of the year to try and reform you. But each year I return to find you the same.” Minerva shook her head in mock frustration as they sat down in the living room.

Amelia chuckled before turning serious, “Have you been yet?”
“Yes, and thank you for the flowers they were beautiful.”

“I put the same ones every year it was no trouble at all.”

Albus and Minerva stayed for dinner, and as the evening progressed Albus became much more relaxed around the elderly woman to the point that when she pinched him after dinner he winked at her.

Walking back up the beach Minerva asked Albus whether he had had a good time. “Yes, my dear, though she is loose with her tongue.”

“Always has, too,” Minerva replied smiling.


Albus chuckled, “Reminds of one time when I was in my teens. My mother had just told us that a lady never cusses, and when she turned around she stubbed her toe and a resounding “Damn” echoed through the house. We never let her live it down. Though in her defense it was one of only a few times I ever heard her cuss, but the irony was too great.”

“Albus I want to thank you for coming with me today. It was nice to have some company,” Minerva said quietly after some time.

“Just had to make sure you wouldn’t jump off one of these lovely cliffs,” he quipped.

After hitting him Minerva pretended to ignore him that was until Albus started walking faster. Looking over at him she noticed he was smiling. Minerva picked up her pace, and then he did as well. Catching on Minerva took off in a run down the beach.

Stopping were they entered the beach Minerva waited for Albus to finish, “I won, old man.”

“Yes, well, you’ve got eighty years on your side and you weren’t supposed to run yet. I was supposed to run first, you cheated.”

Laughing Minerva replied, “Then I’m quicker of wit than you, and I still would have won had you started first!”

“Nope, you would not have.”

“Albus, don’t start that.”

“Don’t start what?”

Heaving a sigh and walking away Minerva said, “You are impossible!”

“That’s why you love me,” Albus replied smiling.

Turning to look back at him Minerva decided to play along, “That’s it: I’m madly in love with you.”

“Get on the ground, please.”

Minerva looked confused, “Whatever for?”

“You just declared your love for me, it is only proper that I make passionate love to you and I fear I cannot wait for the comfort of a bed.”

“Is this how you get the women,” Minerva replied a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

“Works every time.”

Shaking her head Minerva started to walk away, “Come on, old man, time to go home.”

“My dear can’t you find a better term of endearment,” Albus asked as he rejoined her.

“Do you ever stop? And perhaps I could consider old coot or barmy old codger.”

“I was thinking more like handsome,” Albus replied puffing out his chest and turning his head to give her a profile shot.

“Don’t do the profile, Albus, the nose kills it.” This deflated him immediately, “Yes, rather wretched isn’t?”

“Quite, but I rather like it.”

“Now who’s being impossible,” Albus asked as he looped her arm through his. Leaning her head upon his shoulder the two friends walked along in silence.

[Jestana]

*giggle* I love the banter, but I feel sorry for Min. *sniffle* Good job!

[ArabellaFiggs]

Yah an update.
Lovely chapter.

Joop

[ginger newts]

You already know I liked this, but you need a proper review.

This was a very nice chapter, it was sad and sweet and funny all roled into just a few pages. It's nice to see how the relationship has evolved over a few months.

Keep up the great writing, Pal!

[griseldalafey]

Poor Minerva, she should have just told him.

Loved the Amelia and the flirting at the end.

[Isabelle]

Oh, poor Minerva. Good thing Albus is there to save the day. I love the banter between them and with Amelia. Bravo!

Liz

[Mellypoo622]

Great story! I love it! Update soon!

[TabbyForever]

Awww this rocks this story!!!i love it!!
Can't wait for the next bit!!!
Thankyou for sharing
Jems

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Four:

‘One year,’ Albus thought as he stood on the roof of Hogwarts looking at the stars, ‘Harry’s been at his relatives for a year now.’ The reports weren’t fabulous, but nor were they wretched. Albus stood gazing at the stars thinking about his last promise to Lily and James: to keep Harry safe. That’s what he was trying to do, but he also knew Minerva was most likely correct: his happiness was in danger. He let out a huge sigh, one he never would have willingly allowed another person to hear.

“Are you planning on jumping,” a soft voice with a hint of amusement asked from behind.

Albus turned his head but Minerva spoke before he could, “That way I could turn around. I don’t think I could stand for a friend to do that in front of my eyes.”

“Thank you,” Albus replied solemnly. That did not get the intended response she wanted so Minerva moved to stand beside of him. They stood there in silence for awhile just staring at the stars until Albus felt the urge to fly.

“Minerva, come flying with me,” Albus requested excitedly as he turned to face her.

Minerva quirked an eyebrow, “Albus we cannot go flying. What about the school, and it is really chilly tonight.”

“Don’t be such a stick in the mud, Minerva. I can get Fawkes to alert us should we be needed. I just really want to fly. I promise not to go too fast, and we will stay on the grounds. C’mon,” Albus pleaded, “I really need this.”

Minerva moved her eyes to the night sky, and then back at Albus. “Oh, alright, but we can’t be gone for long.”

Summoning Fawkes and his broom the two were off in no time, with Minerva gripping Albus tightly around his middle from behind.

“Comfortable?” Albus inquired once they set off.

“Oh yes. I love sitting on thin pieces of wood with no cushion. My favorite past time.”

“Just making sure, hold on!” Albus cried as he dived toward the lake, skimming over the surface as he did so.

“Albus! You said you would not go fast, and now my robes are wet!”

“I lied!” Albus confessed as he shot up toward the sky, but then stopped abruptly to hover over the forbidden forest.

“Why did we stop?”

“Look to your right, Minerva. It is my favorite view of the school.” Minerva rested her head on his back while they gazed at Hogwarts.

“You know, my dear that is the only place I have ever really felt at home.”

“Me too,” after a pause she added, “Albus what’s wrong?”

Sighing Albus looked down at his hands. He wasn’t sure he wanted to remind Minerva what day it was when there was no way to escape her. “It is a year since Harry was left at his relatives, and yesterday was the anniversary of Lily and James’ death.”

“I had thought that was what was bothering you. Do you want to talk about it?”

“I was just thinking about Harry when you found me on the roof. You are probably right about him being unhappy, but I was asked to keep him safe and I still think it was the best option and still is the best option. I had been thinking of where I could move him, but nothing comes to mind.” Minerva thought Albus sounded tired, and she began to rub his tummy in soothing circles.

“Let’s go back to the school, Albus. You can get some hot chocolate, and we can play a game of chess.” Nodding in consent Albus flew them safely to the roof where they unloaded and made their way back to his sitting room.

The chess game progressed slowly, so it took Minerva awhile to look up when Albus was taking longer than usual to make the next move. When she did what she saw warmed her heart: he was slumped in his chair asleep.

Rising quietly she levitated him to his bedroom. Placing him on the bed she moved to his chest of drawers looking for a nightshirt. The first drawer she pulled open was full of socks, as was the second. Smiling softly and shaking her head Minerva moved to open the third drawer only to find Albus’ boxer shorts. A faint pink hue in her cheeks she finally found the night shirt. Quickly she changed him, and then moved to tuck him in his bed.

Minerva walked quickly to her room still a little chilled from their flying, and the added coolness of the empty corridors. Deciding she was too tired for a hot bath Minerva changed quickly and sunk beneath the covers of her bed in attempts to get warm. The next morning when she woke up Minerva felt like her head weighed a ton.

She knew that night air would not be good for her, and now she had a head cold because of it. Since it was a Saturday Minerva flopped back into bed with a grunt. Just as she was about to fall asleep she heard two cheerful knocks at her door. Deciding to ignore Albus she just closed her eyes again, but he kept on knocking.

‘Damn him,’ Minerva said to herself as she rose to answer the door in her night gown, forgoing the dressing gown.

“What do you want,” she tried to bark but only hoarsely whispered as she opened the door.

“You sound terrible, and…you look terrible. Back to bed, young lady,” Albus said as he brushed by her.

“Where do you think I was?” Minerva grumbled. As she stumbled back to bed she felt her nightgown rustle, and it changed into a nightshirt similar to Albus’.

Climbing into bed Minerva couldn’t help but say, “I think you are the only man to put more clothes on me once he has seen me in one of my nightgowns.”

“Well you need more warmth when you are sick, and that thing wasn’t giving you much. Very beautiful as it was, your slender frame needed more warmth. I promise next time to just take it off,” Albus chuckled as he pulled a chair up beside of her bed.

“I’m going to ignore that last statement, and try to ignore you.” Minerva replied pulling the covers up to her chin.

“Now, you can’t ignore me. I consider you my patient, and I must nurse you back to health.”

“I’m doomed. Just bury me by the lake under the big tree if you don’t mind.”

“There isn’t a big tree near the lake.”

“Well plant one. Make my dying wish come true.” Minerva replied bringing a hand up to her forehead.

Albus chuckled, “I think I prefer you sick.” Shooting him a glare Minerva tried to respond but Albus covered her mouth with his hand, and leaned forward to slowly stroke her hair.

“Now, my dear, don’t say something you would regret later. I’ll leave you so you can get a nap, but once I’m done with my paperwork I’ll be back. You can have a slave for the day.” Kissing her softly on the temple Albus moved to the door.

“Arrogant git!” Minerva mumbled.

“Aw, sweetheart, I love you too.”

“That is not what I said,” Minerva tried to yell as he walked out the door. Under Albus’ care it only took Minerva a week to fully recover from her cold, and she had to admit to herself that she enjoyed all of his attention.

[ginger newts]

Aw, yay, another good chapter. I love the banter, you are getting better at it. Can't wait for more!

DM

[babsy]

;Dyay. yet another awsome chapter
keep up the good work. I totally love this story! ;D

[Isabelle]

How sweet of Albus! I love the light-heartedness between them. Can't wait for the next part!!

Liz