Crumbling Foundations

[QuillofMinerva]

Summary: Albus recieves a letter from a person in his past, how will the reappearance of this person effect his relationship with his deputy?

Rating: 13+

A/n: This story was co written with Angeldust.

Chapter One: Out of the Blue!

Albus swept along the corridor, making his way towards the transfiguration classroom on the first floor. In his hand, he clutched a piece of parchment which he had received that very morning.

He reached the transfiguration classroom and heard the familiar voice of his Deputy head and best friend, telling her students she wanted a roll of parchment from each of them explaining the use of transfiguration in the modern wizarding world. Albus then heard the scrape of chairs and the sound of feet heading towards the door. Moments later the door swung open and out spilled twenty or so first year students. He waited till the classroom was empty before entering and closing the door behind him.

Minerva McGonagall was tiding her classroom and was completely unaware that she had company. She softly hummed a Scottish rhyme which she remembered from her childhood. Albus smiled softly as he watched his friend and reflected on his relationship with her. It was certainly a complex relationship and to be honest he wasn’t sure of it himself, they were friends but so much more. Before Albus could think any more about it, her voice broke into his thoughts.

"Are you trying to put me back in St Mungo’s?" she said, clutching at her chest with shock.

"Certainly not," he replied with a smile, "I never want to see you in there again."

"Then what have I done to deserve a visit from you at this time of the day?" she teased. "If it’s about what I said to Severus then I’ll tell you now, I’m not apologizing."

Albus chuckled to himself as he recalled the argument between her and the potion’s master at breakfast. He perched on the edge of the table and fiddled with the parchment in his hands for a moment.

"I will not ask you to say sorry to him," he replied once he was comfortable. "I received this just after breakfast this morning."

He handed her the letter and watched her as she scanned through it, her eyes widening as she reached the bottom of the letter.

"She has to be joking," began Minerva handing the letter back to him. "How could she ask this of you? I do hope you won’t let her anywhere near Hogwarts."

"Well..." began Albus.

"After everything that woman put you through, Albus, you can not tell me that you would allow her back in your life," cut in Minerva. "What makes you believe that she is a changed woman?"

"People change, Minerva," he replied. "Severus returned to the light side."

"Allison isn’t like Severus, she is rotten to the core," she said, her voice raised. "She will never change, Albus, please I can’t see you be made a fool of again."

"Minerva," he replied, his voice also raised, "I think I know Allison a lot better than you do."

"So is that why you failed to notice she was working for Grindelwald?" Minerva snapped in reply. "If you let her back into your life, then you are a bigger fool than people think you are."

The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them and they hit Albus like a ton of bricks.

"Albus," she said quickly "I’m sorry, I didn’t mean..."

"I think Minerva," he replied coldly, "that this conversation has gone as far as it can go. You have made your feelings clear to me but I am Headmaster and I decide what happens."

"Albus," she said walking over to him, "please don’t do this. I know she was your wife at one stage but please remember what she put you through."

"She is coming to Hogwarts, Professor McGonagall," he told her coolly. "I believe people deserve second chances."

"I think you are wrong in allowing this woman back into your life, into the students’ lives and I refuse to have anything to do with this," she snapped. "I never thought I would see the day I would disagree with you, but it has come."

"Very well Professor," he replied sharply as he got to his feet and swept out of the classroom, letting the door slam behind him.

Allison. God, Minerva hated that name. How could he be so foolish? The woman was evil. She was the perfect stereotype of evil. Minerva had never got on with her. Not when she met her at Albus’s wedding and not now. She was... she was the most horrible woman ever created.

To be continued

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

oh lol. this sounds interesting, another woman Minerva hates (Umbridge being one) can't wait for update Great Fic

[LadyJolly]

Man I love story and I just was so mad at Albus for bring her to Hogwarts and not listening to Minerva but I can't wait til I get to read more so post more soon please.

Lady Jolly

[Alesia]

This is going to be very interesting since it looks like they aren't a couple and her objections are going to be based both on fact (Alison's former betrayal and jealousy) Very fun.

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 2 by Kaitlyn

Minerva had spent most of the day talking to Poppy and Xiomara Hooch. They both came up with the answer that Albus still loved Allison. It made her feel sick. She had tried to get into his office but the statue would not let her in. She hated this. Her boss, her best friend, the man she loved would not have anything to do with her. It hurt.

She stood in the middle of the entrance hall, Harry, Ron and Hermione at her side. Albus had wanted there to be a small welcome party for when he and Allison arrived back at Hogwarts.

“Professor Dumbledore wanted us to meet her,” Ron said shyly, flinching under the glare of their head of house.

“Don’t tell anyone I told you this. But beware of this woman. She’s not what she appears to be. She’s rotten and no good. Watch out for her,” Minerva muttered under her breath.

“But she was Dumbledore’s wife.”

“And your point is Mr Weasley?”

The heavy oak doors slammed open as the cold night air chilled Minerva to the bone. And there she was... Allison. She was basically the complete opposite of McGonagall. She was short with shoulder length blonde hair and extremely tanned skin. She was a shapely woman, carved as if by the hand of Hecate herself. Big red lips with that ‘butter wouldn’t melt’ smile. Albus stood to her left, his hand resting on her shoulder. Allison’s eyes met Minerva’s instantly. The daggers were still being thrown.

“Minerva!” Allison greeted her, her voice high and girlish. It always managed to set Minerva’s teeth on edge. “My fallen angel. How are you?” she asked all this as if they were some old friends meeting up again. Allison always called Minerva fallen angel.

“Allison,” she muttered coldly, receiving very cold looks from Albus.

“And who are these delightful children?” she muttered in her sickly voice walking over to the three children.
Minerva shoved all three behind her back, wand out at the ready. “You touch the children and I swear...” She was cut of by a rather angry Dumbledore.

“MINERVA! WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?” he boomed.

“You may trust her, Albus. You may still think she has some light within her. But she doesn’t, she’s rotten. I won’t let her anywhere near the children!”

Allison pretended to look hurt. She was a very good actress.

“Don’t worry, my dear,” Albus told her.

“Maybe I should go, Albus. I mean it’s obvious some people are not able to forgive me. But I swear I have changed,” Allison muttered. Minerva looked like she was about to throw up.

“How dare you talk to Allison like that!” Albus snapped as if lecturing a school child.

“You always told me to stand up for what I believe is right. And I am. I will not let her near the children.”

“So sorry, Professor McGonagall,” Snape muttered from the door to the dungeons. “But the last I heard, Albus Dumbledore was the Headmaster. Not Minerva McGonagall.” Severus smiled slyly. Revenge was sweet.

“Thank you, Severus. He is right, Minerva. I never thought I would have to say this. But I’m afraid you will be put on probation if you’re not careful.”

Minerva’s face turned into a look of pure shock. “Probation? Why?”

“For the harassment of a fellow teacher.”

“Fellow teacher?” Minerva asked, feeling rather stupid repeating what he was saying.

“Yes, Allison is the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor.”

Oh what Snape would have given to have a camera that minute!

To be continued

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Three by Clayre

Allison Jackson and Albus Dumbledore walked along the corridor to the rooms that Albus had set up for Allison while she was teaching at Hogwarts. They were quite near his own but far enough from Minerva’s so contact between the two women would be limited.

"I am sorry about Minerva’s outburst," said Albus apologetically as he showed her into her rooms "I’m not sure what got into her."

"I can understand her reaction," replied Allison as she looked around her rooms. "What I did all those years ago is unforgivable but I have changed, Albus. I will never hurt you or the students again."

"I believe that people can change," he replied. "Minerva will come round in time. Now I must get going, sleep well and I’ll see you in the morning."

"Night Albus," she said, flashing him a sweet smile.

Albus made his way to his own rooms, he had mixed feelings about her return. He was glad that she had returned to the light side but there was part of him that could not forgive her for what she put him through. Her returning had also damaged the most important relationship he had ever had, the relationship with his Deputy head. The look of hurt in the green eyes when he threatened her with a warning would stay with him for a long time.

In all the time he had known Minerva, he had never seen her act like she had done down in the entrance hall and for one moment, he wasn’t sure what she was going to do. He knew she was more capable than she let on, she was probably the most powerful of witches of recent times, not that many people knew it. He was angry at her for showing him up, for showing herself up.

Now Allison was back in his life, he knew that no love existed for her on his part. They had never really been in love from the start, just friends who married for the convenience. His heart had always belonged to that of his best friend and Deputy headmistress, Minerva McGonagall, and now they weren’t even talking.

Albus reached his own rooms and sat behind his desk and looked at the picture to his right. The picture was usually of himself and Minerva laughing and standing very close but now Minerva was standing with her back to him with her arms crossed across her chest and she was frowning.

He was right about giving Allison a second chance, he had been right about Severus. Albus had to be right, he was right.

The next morning, Minerva waltzed into the Great Hall as she did every morning. It was a bright beautiful day. Her eyes were sharp and alert. She noticed the three Gryffindors sitting at the table already; it was unusual for them to be in so early. But she ignored this. Most of the teachers were already at the high table.

Albus was there also. He flashed a small smile at her, she ignored that also. She sat down to his right. To her disgust she found herself sitting next to Severus. On the left of Dumbledore Allison sat. Minerva found herself glaring at the new teacher. She stopped herself after a while. Shooting fake daggers was all good and fun. But real ones would be better.

“You really hate her, don’t you?” Severus asked.

“No she’s my best friend. What do you think?” Minerva snapped angrily. Bloody Slytherins, no idea when to just butt out.

“Albus seems to like her. I never thought I would see the day, really, you two." said Severus under his breath

"The Headmaster and Deputy not talking. Absolutely awful,” Flitwick muttered from Snape’s other side. The dagger look was shot and Flitwick decided it was probably best not to say anymore.

The Great Hall filled up slowly after most of the students were seated. Albus stood up slowly. He waited for Minerva to tap her glass or cough to get the students’ attention; she did no such thing and just sat there.

“Good Morning students of Hogwarts. It is my great pleasure to introduce the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Allison Jackson.” There was silence for a while then a few students started to clap. And Minerva once again found herself glaring at Allison.

“McGonagall doesn’t seem to like her, does she?” Ginny muttered softly to her older brother.

“Nope, don’t think she does.”

To be continued

[ginger newts]

Oh my, so much drama. I do hope Albus and Minerva work out their differences soon and I can't wait to see what happens with Allison. Something tells me that Minerva will turn out to be right. Don't keep us waiting too long for more!

[Adrasteia]

Off course Minerva is right. ;D
This is so interesting, I'm hooked.
I can't wait for the next part.

[Jessabelle]

I am hooked! The story looks very promising! Unfortunately I am going to be without a computer all weekend. Hopefully you will have a few updates by Sunday. Can't wait to see more!

[Jaya]

MOREMOREMORE!!!!

Please?

Pretty please?

Jaya

[tayryn]

oh wow!

i think Minerva should hex her now! hex her good!!

Shooting fake daggers was all good and fun. But real ones would be better.

i LOVED this line, btw! it honestly cracked me up!

very much looking forward to more!

[JKMcGonagall]

Even the picture Minerva is mad at Albus. She had her back to him. Ohhhh, Min doesn't like her!!!!!

Of course real daggers would be more fun, dear. In fact can we supply you with them. You could always hex her into next year, or better yet, the next decade.

Will Albus never learn to trust Min.

Well, got that out of my system. Update soon.

Kay

[Alesia]

Ooohh, men are sooo clueless. Second changes are fine but he needs to tend the relationship that is the most important. anybody got a clue-by-four?

[LadyJolly]

This is definately in the right catergory hahah Dang I hate the Allison eheh Poor Minerva. Albus should really listen to her but I know he's so into giving people a second chance but ... nvm Post more soon Love this story

Lady Joly

[Herzele]

I liked this story very much when I read it for the first time ... And I'm going to like reading it again ...

[Jessabelle]

Please post again soon .. very soon

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Four

Allison Jackson paced her room that night, waiting, just waiting. The fire roared softly. The face of none other than Lord Voldemort appeared. His red eyes scanned the room lightly. “And?” he asked dangerously.

“I’ve become the new Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher. Dumbledore is so gullible,” she answered slyly.

“Good, that means you’re closer to Potter also. But don’t worry about him at the moment. Just play along. Carry on with the plan. I’ve changed act. That way no one will notice you not even golden boy Potter.” He smiled, his disgusting teeth showing slightly.

“Yes my lord,” Allison answered bowing slightly.

“Just make them all believe you and soon I will have Hogwarts!” He laughed maliciously. “Dumbledore doesn’t even suspect you.”

“No he’s so sure I’ve changed. Thinks I came back to the light side. How stupid. He’s so easily fooled.”
“And no one else suspects you?”

“No... well no one important,” she answered slightly scared of what he would say next.

“What do you mean no one important? Who suspects you?”

“Another teacher. The Deputy Minerva McGonagall she doesn’t trust me. Doesn’t believe me.” She smiled slightly.

“Dumbledore’s whore? Interesting...”

“She had a fight with Dumbledore, they’re not talking to each other now.”

“I see. You say she’s not important, you’re wrong. You have never seen her in battle. She is more powerful than she lets on. Be careful of her. As soon as she gets even the tiniest piece of evidence she’ll be onto you.”

“She’s already onto me, my lord. She keeps watching me. She knows I’m up to something.”

“Work on her. Don’t let her get anything against you. Try to convince her that you have changed.”

“I don’t think that will work, my lord. She’s extremely close to Dumbledore. Even if they’re not talking. She’s very strong-willed also, I don’t think even the Imperius curse would work.”

“Then kill her. Just make sure you have an alibi. Sneak up on her. Surprise her, destroy her. The trip to Hogsmeade could work. Convince her to go. Then when she’s out there you can kill her. That way you’re safe. Do not fail, Jackson! I won’t stand for anymore mistakes.”

“Of course not, my lord.”

Meanwhile, Minerva was strolling along the corridor on one of her nightly walks about the school. She had already caught two Slytherins out of bed and taken forty points from both of them, that would serve Severus right for embarrassing her in front of Albus and Allison.

As she reached the fourth floor corridor, she came across Allison rushing along it. Allison came to an abrupt stop when she saw that she wasn’t alone in the corridor.

"What are you doing?" asked Minerva, her voice stern and cool.

"I’ve just come back from seeing Albus," answered Allison.

"Really?" replied Minerva, with a hint of amusement.
"Yes!" said Allison, who was beginning to feel a little uncomfortable.

"How strange," continued Minerva, "his rooms where the other way when I last checked."

Damn! thought Allison as she bit the inside of the mouth and tried to think of an answer. She could feel Minerva’s critical eyes on her, sizing her up and judging her. Allison looked at Minerva and saw that a smug look appeared on her porcelain features.

"We were taking a night time stroll around the school," Allison finally answered.

She knew that Minerva did not believe a word she had just said. Allison started to make her way towards Minerva, trying to intimidate the Gryffindor witch but Minerva stood her ground. They stood face to face, their noses inches apart.

"I have changed, Minerva," said Allison softly. "People can change and Albus believes in me."

"Yes people can change, Ms Jackson," replied Minerva coolly, "but you are not one of them."

"Tell me," asked Allison sarcastically, "are you always this forgiving?"

"You forget," replied Minerva, "I was here after you left and I saw the destruction you caused by jumping into bed with Tom Riddle."

"What’s this really about, Minerva?" hissed Allison. "Are you worried that now I’m back you won’t have such a hold over the great Albus Dumbledore? I can assure you that now I’m back, I will secure his heart once more and I will be sharing his bed."

Minerva shot Allison a look of disgust.

"What this is all about," replied Minerva, taking a step closer and fixing her with an icy stare, "is that I don’t trust you one bit and believe me when I say this, I am watching you. Every step you take and every mistake you make, I will know about."

Allison took a step back from the Deputy Headmistress and tried to match the icy glare she was receiving from her but she couldn’t hold Minerva’s stare as it was so intense.

"Goodnight Ms Jackson!" said Minerva. "And remember what I said."

Allison watched Minerva sweep away and cursed her under her breath. Minerva McGonagall had to be dealt with but Allison wasn’t sure how to do it.

to be continued

[tayryn]

ooooh... i was right in my first comment! lol! Minerva needs to hex her, and hex her now!

Allison took a step back from the Deputy Headmistress and tried to match the icy glare she was receiving from her but she couldn’t hold Minerva’s stare as it was so intense.

loved this! loved that she wasn't able to do it!

so PLEASE tell me that Minerva is SO going to kick her ass when all is said and done!?!? *g*

can't wait for more!!

[Jessabelle]

omg omg .. sooo good! .. please don't wait too long to post again .. cant wait to see more drama between Albus and Minerva ..

[ginger newts]

Ah, good, she's properly intimitated by Minerva. I'm worried what she's going to try though... Update soon!

[Jaya]

Go Min!!!!!!

Nice chapter. Can't wait for more!

Jaya ;D

[DiannaB]

;Dthis story is so great! I love it! can't wait for the next posting!! ;D

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Five

“Albus?” Allison yelled as she crept in Albus’s rooms.

“Good evening my dear,” Albus answered looking up at her from behind his desk. His glasses caught the candles’ glow. He watched her as she strolled over and sat on the seat opposite him. “You look worried, my dear, is something wrong?”

Ah, Allison thought to herself. If I tell him McGonagall’s been bugging me, she’ll be out of my hair for a few days. That will give me some time to think about how to get rid of her permanently.

“Nothing Albus... it’s just… I ran into Minerva. She told me she was watching me, that she doesn’t trust me. I didn’t know what she would do, Albus. I thought she was going to curse me,” she gasped, forcing fake tears to roll down her cheeks.

“I can’t believe she would do that. I’m sorry, Allison; I don’t know what’s gotten into her lately. I know you two have never been the best of friends but this is ridicules. I’ll go see her.” Albus sighed before standing up dimly. He didn’t even notice when Allison threw her arms around him. But he did notice when her body invaded his personal space and pressed against him. Her head buried in his chest.

“Allison... what are you…?” He never got to finish his question.

“Oh Albus, you’re always there for me even after all these years. Thank you.” He didn’t notice when Allison had to bury her head back in his chest again to hide her wide satisfied grin.

A few minutes later Albus found himself outside his Deputy’s door. How long had it been since he last stood there. It felt like ages. He had hardly seen her for the past week let alone talked to her. He knocked on the door for the sixth time and again didn’t get an answer.

He tried the door handle and was troubled to see it wasn’t locked. He slinked inside the dark room unseen. It was a beautiful room, gorgeous red velvet sofas, with oak tables and a huge fireplace at the end of the room. The fire was burning fiercely, giving the room a deep red shine.

Minerva was resting on the sofa, her stunning trim form scarcely covered by a silk nightgown. Her lengthy, silky hair falling around her sleeping figure. Those cherry red lips slightly open, begging to be kissed. It was so tempting, just a small kiss, she would never know. How it happened he would never know but one minute he was staring at her. The next he was sitting in front of her, his hand caressing her exposed cheek softly. He knew he shouldn’t, if she was to wake up, if she was to see him. Yet he couldn’t stop himself, his lips brushed against hers, her lips were so supple, so tender and gentle. He forced himself to move away from her, he knew what he was doing was wrong. He knew he had to get out of that room, he knew if he stayed any longer he wouldn’t be able to control himself. But she was so beautiful, the beauty called out to him. He held his breath when she rolled over on to her back and opened her eyes tenderly. He knew he had to move and now but he was frozen. He watched as her eyes scanned the room, they fell on him immediately.

“Albus?”

Her green eyes were staring intently at him, a number of unreadable emotions shined brightly in her tired but beautiful eyes.

"Albus," she said again, "what are you doing here?"

As she straightened up on the sofa, she became acutely aware of the lack of clothing, a subtle blush graced her delicate features and she quickly reached across for the tartan blanket. Albus watched her as she wrapped the blanket around her bare shoulders, he couldn’t help but watch her. She noticed him watching her and she stared back at him with a questioning look, she was waiting for an answer.

"Allison," he began.

"I don’t want to hear that name," she interrupted sternly, "it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. Is that all you came to see me about?"

Albus was surprised by the coldness in her voice as she spoke, it was the tone of voice she normally reserved for when she was talking about Lord Voldemort or Severus Snape.

"No it isn’t," he replied. "I don’t like how she has affected our relationship. In all the time we have known each other, we have never fallen out and stopped talking to one another."

He watched as her facial expressions soften and he cautiously reached for her hand. He held one of her delicate hands with his and gently massaged the palm of it. He was relived that she didn’t pull her hand away from him.

"I haven’t exactly enjoyed not talking to my best friend," she told him with a soft smile. "I have missed you."

"As I have you, Minerva," he said. "Please don’t let this come between us. I couldn’t bear to lose your friendship."

Minerva smiled softly at him and moved her feet off the sofa to allow him to sit beside her. It felt so good to be on speaking terms with him again. Albus was her best friend and she loved him, perhaps more than a friend should but she couldn’t control her feelings. Over the few days that they hadn’t been speaking, Minerva had felt that a bit of her had been missing.

He moved from the floor to sit down beside her on the sofa. He was so close that she could smell him, a strange mix of spearmint, lemon and chocolate and it was such an intoxicating smell. Minerva found herself leaning against him and to her delight and surprise, he didn’t move away, he let his arm wrap around her waist and his hand came to a rest on her hip. They sat like this for some time, no words were exchanged between them. They were both delighted with the new development in their relationship, neither knew what it may mean but they didn’t mind at this precise moment.

A loud knock on the door stirred them both from their private thoughts. Minerva and Albus looked at each other, Albus placed at hand on Minerva’s knee indicating that he would answer the door. Minerva pulled the tartan blanket tighter around her, she hoped that the vision of her wrapped up in a blanket wouldn’t look too conspicuous, otherwise the rumour mill would be working hard that night. Albus opened the door and was startle to see the last person he wanted to see.

"Allison!" he said.

Allison didn’t answer him and just swept into the private rooms of Minerva McGonagall. Minerva eyed Allison with a hint of disgust while Allison just smiled sweetly.

"Albus darling!" exclaimed Allison. "Have you asked her yet?"

Both Albus and Minerva looked at each other with confusion and waited for Allison to continue.

"Oh Albus!" she carried on. "You have such a bad memory. I was always having to remind him of things when we were married. What Albus was meant to tell you was that he wants us to be great friends and is going to suggest that we go for a meal together."
Minerva shot a poisoned glare towards Albus and then got to her feet angrily.

"GET OUT, BOTH OF YOU!" she demanded.

Albus started to push Allison out of the door, he knew that an angry Minerva McGonagall was a force to be reckoned with and he couldn’t deal with that. He had other things on his mind, he wanted to get to the bottom of Allison’s actions.

to be continued

[tayryn]

ooooh...

this was a wonderful update!

i loved Albus just watching Minerva sleep... how entranced with her he was.

and i also very much liked them sitting and holding each other on the couch! that was very sweet!

as for Allison... i cannot wait until Minerva hexes the witch! and please, please, please say she's going to! it would just be wrong if she didn't! LOL

looking forward to the next chapter!!

[JKMcGonagall]

"An angry Minerva McGonagall was a force to be reckoned with." Oh, I love that line. So true.

Please let Min hex her really soon.

Kay

[Ginger Newts]

Aw, I loved the interaction between Albus and Minerva on the couch. So close, and yet so far from what they should be doing. I hate Allison more with every chapter. Hurry and update so we can get to the part where she goes away.

[Alesia]

The description of Albus's enchantment of a sleeping Minerva was excellent.

I am hoping Alisoun just overplayed her hand. I can't believe Albus is going to stand for her making statements like that in front of Minerva and not confront her about them in front of Minerva as well.

Looking forward to the next chapter and seeing Alisoun gets what coming to her. She is quickly catching up with Umbridge in my mind.

[DiannaB]

;DOMG I love love love this story, am SO excited for the next update!! ;D

[Jaya]

What a wonderful chapter!
I have to believe that Albus is beginning to come around....

more soon please!
Jaya ;D

[Jessabelle]

Another excellent post .. I can't wait to hear more! Sooner than later hopefully!