Those Ten Years C

[Sensiblyquirky]

I was unable to get a reply button to post the next chapter so I got impatient...

Chapter Fifteen

“Minerva we need to discuss the floral arrangements, guest lists, and the reception, well everything actually,” Poppy called walking into Minerva’s sitting room reading from a piece of parchment.

“Minerva,” she called again looking up to find the room devoid of any human or feline form. Searching Minerva’s rooms Poppy left in the direction of Albus’ office. Knocking thrice Poppy was admitted into the office only to find Albus poring over papers.

“Is Minerva not with you?”

“No, I thought she was with you. Weren’t you two planning?” Albus asked raising only his eyes to gaze at Poppy.

“She wasn’t there when I arrived. Do you know where she could be?”

“Let me go look for her, Poppy. I’ll let you know when I find her.” Returning to his work Albus recorded his last thought before leaving to search for his fiancé. Immediately Albus left for the lake where he found Minerva finishing her first walk around the body of water.

“My dear exercise is very important, but aren’t you supposed to be with Poppy?”

“I need to think, Albus,” was Minerva’s short response as she paced before Albus.

“May I walk with you while you think?”

“Sure.”

Falling in step Albus silently joined Minerva as she continued on her walk. Although committed to stay with her till she spoke Albus had to admit after their third time around he was getting tired. “Minerva, talk to me,” he pleaded grabbing her hand and bringing it to his mouth for a soft kiss.

“I can’t do this, Albus. I don’t want a large wedding.”

“What do you mean you can’t do this? You still want to marry don’t you?”

“Yes Albus, but let’s just go away for a weekend and we can find somebody to marry us.”

Albus stared incredulously, “I don’t really think that is what you want. Maybe you’re just nervous. I hear it is quite common…”

“Oh shut up!” Minerva yelled wrenching her hand from his. “I don’t want a lot of guests; I don’t want to make all these plans, and arrangements. All I need is you, Poppy as a witness, and someone to marry us.”

“So you’re telling me you want to get casually married by a stranger in an empty hall or room that says nothing about us and our love? The day won’t be special at all. I want this to be special for us.”

“Isn’t it special enough that we are pledging the rest of our lives to each other? That we are bonding our magic, and love?” Minerva asked exasperated that Albus didn’t seem to understand.

“Yes that’s special. I just don’t want it to be you and me hopping to some location, and back here for lunch. I don’t think that is what you want either. What are you really worried about?” Albus tried again to get to the bottom of the problem.

Minerva started to walk away after mumbling ‘never mind,’ but Albus grabbed her hand. “We are working this out now, Minerva. You must have had a dream as a little girl or young woman about your wedding what was it?”

“I don’t want to tell you. You won’t like it, and you’ll think me silly.”

“Is that what this is about? You won’t know unless you give me a chance to like it Minerva.” Letting go of her hand Albus watched as she walked away from him to stand at the edge of the lake.

“There are some castle ruins not far from where I grew up. I used to play there quite a bit, and I always thought that would be nice.” Waiting for Albus to comment Minerva crossed her arms over her chest unaware that he had taken a step closer.

“Go on,” was all he said.

“The walls of the hall are still quite tall so I thought there would be nice. I’ve always wanted only a small number in attendance.”

“Any decorations?” Albus asked moving closer and directly behind Minerva.

“Petals for the path I walk down, but nothing more. I wanted a small bouquet of the deepest red roses I could find.” Now aware of Albus’ position behind her Minerva stopped once again to see how close he would move.

Raising his hands Albus placed them on Minerva’s shoulders, running them slowly down to rest on her upper arms. “Did you see how you wanted to look?” he breathed into Minerva’s hair.

Smiling softly Minerva closed her eyes in order to focus more clearly on the image she had conjured long ago. “White robes: simple but elegant and a train but no veil. My hair would be down, maybe some curls.”

“Has the image changed?” Moving his arms Albus encircled Minerva’s waist and drew her fully against his chest.

“Well still no veil and I don’t want a long train. Just a slight one so it flows well, easier for walking.”

“I think you just planned most of your wedding, darling. As long as I’m the man waiting for you, and the rest of your admirers don’t attempt to take my place it sounds wonderful.”

“Really? You don’t think it is childish and silly? Not to mention you haven’t seen the place, and I’m going to ignore the admirer comment for now.”

“I trust that it is the perfect place, but we can arrange to go there if you want. Minerva why did you believe I would think it childish?”

Turning around Minerva buried her head in Albus’ beard. “I thought of it a very long time ago, Albus.”

“Well just try me out next time that’s all I ask. Now, think I can steal a kiss?” Albus mused holding Minerva close.

“Perhaps I have one for you, but only one. I need to save many for that young man I met the other night.” Minerva teased. After a few delicious moments they left the lake so Minerva could find Poppy and Albus could return to his work.

Two days later Albus informed the staff that he and Minerva would be gone for the afternoon and evening, and to send Fawkes if they were needed.

Picking Minerva up at three Albus escorted her to his rooms where they took a port key to the ruins of which Minerva had spoken. Taking Albus by the hand Minerva led him through the ruins showing various spots, and coupling them with stories from her childhood. Purposely avoiding the hall Minerva saved it for last. As she led Albus into what used to be the great hall of the ancient structure he was carefully watching Minerva’s face as it lit up at the sight before her.

“I find it peaceful here,” she whispered almost afraid she would break the spell that kept the memories of the past embedded in the stones: telling the tales the visitor wished or was ready to hear, and Minerva wanted to hear them all.

“So will I stand about here,” Albus asked moving to the “front” of the room.

“Are you sure you still want the wedding here?” Minerva replied motioning Albus to move a bit to the right.

“I want what you want. It’s fine.”

“Good, I thought you would feel…at home.” Minerva teased winking at Albus.

“I knew you were just after me for the money. Already have my grave dug don’t you?”

Instead of receiving a witty reply Albus noticed Minerva’s eyes had darkened, a gloom had settled over them.

“What’s wrong, Minerva?” he asked crossing toward her.

“I never asked, but when we admitted that we wanted something more why did you take me to the graveyard? It was rather morbid.”

“I wanted to make sure you really wanted to be with me, someone so much older, and I wanted to see how strongly you felt. Also, I needed you to know that I really am a man with a beginning and an earthly end.”

“Only earthly?”

“I’d like to think so.”

“You could have just asked me how strongly I felt.”

“Yes I realize it wasn’t very romantic, but I hope I’ve made up for it.” Kissing her softly Albus got a roguish look in his eyes.

“You know we don’t have to be back till very late tonight.”

Cautiously Minerva replied. “And…”

“Well we need some memories here, don’t you think?” he asked nuzzling into her neck.

“We are not making love in this spot.” Minerva exclaimed knowing full well what he was thinking.

“There are other areas around here you know.” At this time Albus was rubbing soft circles over Minerva’s back, focusing on the lower region.

“Hmm” Albus knew he had almost won, so he let a hand slip further down her backside.

Stepping away Minerva smiled at Albus’ disgruntled expression, “Not here, Albus. But I do know of a place…” Walking away Minerva gave Albus a look back as she took down her hair, and beckoned him to follow. Grinning wickedly Albus quickly followed.

[Hogwarts Duo]

ACK! How could you just leave me hanging like that? You've just gotta post the next part soon! I love the plans Minerva made for her wedding. They sound so simple but so incredibly romantic. Glad she finally told Albus. ^_^

[ginger newts]

Aw, yay cute wedding plans. It sounds perfect for them. Update soon.

[TartanPhoenix]

The wedding sounds perfect, and the *ahem* other activities don't sound so bad either. Great update!

[Jaya]

Can't wait for the next chapter! Will we get a wedding? Will we get a lemon? Will we get both?

Jaya

[QuillofMinerva]

Awwww wedding plans! How sweet and Im glad Minerva is having the wedding she wanted.

What a way to leave that chapter, that was soooooooo mean ;D It would be great to see a lemon

Clayre xx

[Sola]

YAY! Great min gets her childhooddream of a wedding!...and the end would be a great point to get on with a lemon... ;D

Anyway...

Sola

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Sixteen: Those Ten Years

Summary: Exploring Albus and Minerva’s relationship during the ten year gap between the first and second chapters of the first book.

Rating: er…11+

The wedding had gone perfectly, and Poppy promised not to tell the staff or any paintings, for they were as bad as the professors with spreading gossip. The rest of the year sailed by for all occupants of Hogwarts, and with the arrival of summer vacation good spirits seemed to exude from the very castle walls.

Leaning against the inside wall of the Astronomy tower Minerva silently watched the remaining students depart for their homes. Looking out over the grounds Minerva was lost in her own memories from her time at Hogwarts.

“Minerva,”

“Oh, you startled me Poppy,” she exclaimed as one hand flew to her chest in surprise.

“Missing the students?” Poppy asked smiling turning her gaze toward the grounds as well.

“That bunch? I don’t know I think we could all use a break, but I was thinking of some of our years.”

“Yes, I know if I had to treat Mr. Sankary one more time I was going to have you transfigure him into a mouse and leave him all summer! Do you remember the time we snuck out to go into the Forbidden Forest?”

“Oh good heavens yes. I don’t know what you and I were thinking to let Sarah drag us out at night to see if we could find any unicorns. The groundskeeper almost caught us.”

“Luckily his hearing wasn’t too good then or we would have had to spend the next week in detentions, and letters home to our parents. Imagine that? I would have begged to stay at Hogwarts over the summer.”

Laughing Minerva nodded her head in agreement. “You know, I had a student ask me that this year. She had had three detentions for unnecessary talking, and I do believe she was a little afraid to go home. I know her mother; she won’t be too hard on her.”

“Only three and she asked?”

“Well her mother is quite strict. To be honest I’m not sure the child was ever allowed to talk, so when she came here I don’t think she ever stopped.”

Sharing another laugh Poppy inquired after Minerva’s summer. “I’m not sure what Albus and I will do. I hope we can get away for a few weeks to do some traveling of some kind. Are you going anywhere?”

“Just home and perhaps Italy; it has been awhile since I’ve been there, and I think it could do me some good.”

As Poppy finished the door to the Astronomy tower squeaked open, and the women turned to see Albus approaching them. “I’m not interrupting any female talk am I? I’d hate to have to stay,” he teased.

“Don’t worry I’ll fill you in on every detail later, and try my best to make you listen to it all.”

“If you figure out how you should write a book, women around the world would love it,” Poppy replied already walking toward the door.

“Too true,” Minerva said smiling, “Are you leaving already?”

“Yes I need to get the hospital wing in order, and then prepare to leave. Might as well start now, see you two at dinner.”

“Well what brings you up here, Albus,” Minerva asked once the door had shut behind Poppy’s retreating form.

“Coming to see you, love. I received an owl from Aberforth today, and he has invited us to Ireland for two weeks this summer. Care to go?”

“Won’t he feel left out?”

“Apparently there is a girlfriend, so it will be four of us.”

Minerva turned to look at Albus and raised an eyebrow, “Human? I’m not spending my spare time with a goat.”

Albus wrapped his arms around Minerva’s shoulders, and pulled her back against him. Kissing her temple he assured her it was a witch, and not a goat. Deciding Ireland would be nice to visit, and they could always feign urgent school business if it got to be too much so they agreed to join Aberforth on vacation this year.

A month later the most important school business had been taken care of, and Minerva was standing in their study, her bags already in her pockets, waiting for Albus to hurry up.

“Alright, I’m here Ms. Impatient and five minutes ahead of schedule mind you. I do hope this is the correct name of the cottage Abe has rented, and we don’t get lost.”

“Well maybe Agnes can read, and she wrote it down.”

“Who?” Albus asked perplexed.

“Agnes, Aberforth’s girlfriend. That is her name, right?”

“Oh, sure.”

Double checking everything they flooed into the, correct, cottage only to find Aberforth and Agnes had yet to arrive. Picking the room that suited them, Albus and Minerva settled in before exploring the remainder of the house, and the grounds. The area of the country was quite beautiful, and Albus remarked he always thought the Irish had some secret to keep the grass so green. Returning to the cottage late in the afternoon Albus was surprised his brother had still not arrived.

“Maybe Agnes, or whatever her name is, needed more time to get ready?” Albus offered as an excuse.

“Yes, like I needed extra time with you today. Really, do you think something has happened?”

“I doubt it. Just relax, darling, and let’s enjoy our few moments alone before they arrive.”

“Well what about supper? Is there a store near-by, because there are no house elves?” Evidently the fear of a missed meal did much more than a missing brother to get Albus concerned about being in the cottage alone. Minerva watched silently as Albus re-checked all the cupboards she had just checked, and refrained, this once, from rolling her eyes. She was just about to suggest popping back to Hogwarts for supper when a loud commotion behind her made Minerva jump, and turn around.

Standing in the middle of the room was a tall gangly woman, with short gray hair and bright green eyes. Her robes were a little too tight, Minerva thought, and of a ghastly lime green color.

“Are you Minerva?”

“Yes, and this is Albus, Aberforth’s brother.”

“Well I’m glad you weren’t somebody else, would have hated to have popped out the old wand and put her to work,” the woman replied jovially winking at Minerva.

“Hello, Agnes,” Albus looked to Minerva quickly to make sure he was right then continued, “Where is my brother?”

“Feeding the last of his goats. He’ll be along in a second; one of the goats, I forget which one Sloppy, Moppy something,” Albus shared a look with Minerva and held back a chuckle, “got loose this morning, which is why we are late. Took forever to find that one, I tell you he needs to get rid of some of those, but Ath- just won’t hear of it.”

“So you aren’t too fond of the goats?” Minerva asked surprised Aberforth was seeing anyone who didn’t love his goats at least half as much as he did.

“They are alright, I guess. I prefer chickens, myself. The way I figure it if I can stand Ath-‘s goats then he can stand my chickens, and we can get along great. I don’t mind the noise, but Ath- says my chickens are too loud.”

“They are woman!” Albus’ younger brother was just stepping out of the fireplace, in time to catch the tale end of Agnes’ comments. “Why you like those things I’ll never know.”

“The same reason you like your smelly goats,” Agnes replied. Aberforth grinned, and wrapped his arm around the woman’s waist before greeting his guests.

“Are you keeping my brother straight, Minerva?”

“Of course.”

“Good. I’m glad he finally found someone, I was getting too busy to look after him.” Albus huffed but decided not to comment, and changed the subject to that of dinner. His stomach was aching for some food, and he knew his brother was always hungry. Agnes informed them of the direction of a store near by, and the four of them set off for dinner.

The two weeks in Ireland went well, and Minerva was pleasantly surprised to find Agnes rather nice to be around. She was odd, that goes without saying, but good company for the most part. The days were spent quietly outside, or on day trips to cities or ruins in Ireland. For a few days at the end of the first week the couples agreed to split up for two days.

Minerva and Albus used this time to explore Dublin fully, but unfortunately Albus kept running into people he knew so Minerva and he were unable to act like a couple when out in the city.

At the end of the two weeks Albus and Minerva thanked Aberforth and Agnes, and each couple agreed to do this again next year just at a different location of Albus and Minerva’s choosing. With one last good-bye Albus and Minerva returned to Hogwarts for the rest of the summer in order to prepare for the arrival of the students.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Seventeen: Those Ten Years

“Albus?” Minerva called out opening the door to their private study, but finding no one she continued toward ‘his’ bedroom. The fall of the year had receded as quickly as it had begun, and Christmas was fast approaching. Albus and Minerva had decided to stay at Hogwarts, and spend a quiet Christmas alone as their first as husband and wife; however Minerva had just received an invitation from her cousin, Elizabeth, to join her family for the holidays.

“Albus,” Minerva tried again opening the bedroom door. There on the bed, in the middle of the day, was the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry taking a nap.

“Albus, wake up. Honestly, napping in the middle of the day,” Minerva teased while shaking his shoulder.

“I have to be able to keep up with you at night, darling. What is it?” Albus asked turning over to face his wife.

“I just received an owl from Elizabeth, my cousin you remember, and she’s invited us over for Christmas. I’d like to go.”

“Minerva,” Albus started to whine, “I thought we had agreed to spend a quiet Christmas here?”

“That was before Elizabeth’s invitation. It will be a lot of fun, and muggle traditions which you’ll love and the children are dears.”

“I want to stay here, and be alone with you.” Albus stated a little too firmly, as if pleading Minerva’s temper to come out of hiding.

“We won’t be there the entire break. Just Christmas Eve, then till two days after Christmas Day; why don’t you just think on it for a it and we can talk after dinner?”

“I don’t need to think on it. I don’t wish to go.”

“Albus stop being childish; this will be a lot of fun, and I never ask you to do things with my family so I think you can afford to do it just this once. Don’t make me loose my temper.”

“Yes, that is so difficult,” Albus replied sarcastically. “Look, why can’t we decide to go next year? Just tell them it is too late to send out invitations, and we have plans but would love to come next year. I’ve already arranged everything to stay here.”

“Then change it! It is still two weeks till Christmas, and there is plenty of time. Why are you being so difficult?”

“I could ask you the same question. I’m staying here.”

“Well I’m going!” With that Minerva slammed the door, and walked briskly back to her office. Angry tears threatened to leak down her cheeks as Minerva slammed her office door, and sank into her desk chair. She just didn’t understand the problem. He never had to do anything with her side of the family, and she just knew he would enjoy the muggle traditions.

Albus sulked back into his office, only to be accosted by the paintings with Headmaster Dippet leading the way.

“Whatever did you do, Albus?”

Albus didn’t answer but just stared at an old book lying open on his desk. He was in no mood to discuss his argument with Minerva to anyone, let alone the numerous portraits in his office.

“I heard it all,” Dilys answered. “Not going with your wife to her family’s for Christmas is awful Dumbledore, and I’ ashamed of you.” Albus’ lack of a rebuttal sent his office into an uproar. Half the portraits sided with Minerva, and half with Albus and they refused to talk to each other.

That evening Albus decided to pay a visit to his friend Nicholas, and left the school in Minerva’s hands. Arriving at the Flamels’ Nicholas and Albus headed for the basement, where they had done a lot of experimenting over the years and Pernelle headed for the fireplace.

“Minerva?” She called the school hoping to get the details on why Albus was at their home, and not with her. As soon as Minerva saw who it was she told Pernelle about their fight knowing she would see her side, and a little advice couldn’t hurt.

An hour later Nicholas came up from the basement for something to drink just as Pernelle was ending her call to Minerva.

“You will not believe what Albus did!” Pernelle exclaimed.

“I thought he had done something to upset the Scottish lass.”

“Well he has, indeed. He has refused to spend Christmas with her cousin, Minerva received the invitation you see,” but before Pernelle could continue Nicholas interrupted her.

“Sweetheart Albus is still here, so just tell me the basics.” He requested pulling her toward him, and kissing her gently.

Nicholas almost laughed when Pernelle told him, and remembered a time when he was foolish enough to try and get out of a family engagement with his wife’s side. It had certainly been an icy few days around his house.

Once back in the basement Nicholas informed Albus of Pernelle’s fire call to Minerva.

“So I guess you know,” Albus mused twirling his wand.

“Yes, and you know she can make your life a living hell?”

Albus just nodded. “Well good luck, my boy, but I’d advise on going.”

Changing the subject to Alchemy it was after another two hours that Albus returned to Hogwarts, and to his bedroom.

Minerva was up in bed reading a book, but only her eyes acknowledged his entrance into their room by following his movements. Albus silently got ready for bed, but instead of getting in on his side he sat perched next to Minerva. Taking one of her hands into his Albus played with her fingers while Minerva watched.

“I’ll go with you to Elizabeth’s, and I’m sorry for my initial response.” Albus finally said lifting his head to look into Minerva’s eyes.

“Thank you and I’m glad you have decided to come, but why did you make such a fuss?”

“I told you I had already made plans.”

“Well what kind of plans, Albus?” Minerva asked trying to keep the impatience out of her voice.

“It really doesn’t matter, but if you must know I had planned a sleigh ride, the house elves were going to serenade you, breakfast in bed Christmas day, and Christmas evening meal in this little place I’ve been working on in the Forest.”

“Albus I couldn’t have known you had put so much time and effort into our first Christmas as husband and wife if you didn’t tell me,” Minerva replied softly.

“I didn’t want to ruin the surprise, and I hoped you would change your mind?” Albus finished weakly shrugging his shoulders.

Minerva merely shook her head, and leaned forward to kiss her husband’s cheek. “Get in bed, you old coot, and we can still use what you’ve created before we go or when we return; but I still wish to spend Christmas with Elizabeth.”

“What days again?” Albus asked climbing into his side of the bed.

“Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and then two days after,” Minerva answered extinguishing the light from her wand.

“Could we return a day early, so that night we could eat out in the forest and then I can take the charms off? I ensured the centaurs I would remove them shortly after Christmas.”

“Alright, I’ll owl Elizabeth in the morning telling her we’ll come but leave a day early.”

Albus pulled Minerva toward him kissing her goodnight as they fell asleep.

[QuillofMinerva]

Wow two chapters ;D I am a happy camper now!

Thanks for updating. I am really enjoying this story!

Oh Albus' plan for christmas sounds sooooooo romantic

[Hogwarts Duo]

Ya know...sometimes Minerva is just way too hard on Albus for her own good. What he planned sounded perfect for a first Christmas but I'm glad they got it sorted out with a compromise. Thanks so much for the two chapters! ^_^

[ginger newts]

Ouch, she definitely should have asked why he was so opposed to visiting her family...those plans sounded so wonderful. I'm glad they worked it out of course.

[JKMcGonagall]

It's good that they worked out a compromise. Love the story, please update soon.

Kay

[Sensiblyquirky]

In response to Nerva:

I agree with you really, and thank you for an honest review. I haven't updated this fic because I lost interest in it. I should have stopped it after they got together and given up on the rest of the ten years. Now that it is continued through some of those I don't honestly know what to do about the story as a whole, I'd welcome any suggestions. Right now I have one chapter left of When the Leaves Change and graduating from college, but after that maybe I can try and fix this story.

Christy