Blessings and Heartache.

[Jessabelle]

Please update soon!

[LadyJolly]

A wonderful chapter. Yet I didn't review it when I read it. But it's wonderful!!! Like some of the others I never really thought Minerva would have brought Gray home. This will certainly be interesting. AND!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CLAYRE!!!!!!!!! I hope you have a wonderful and fun birthday.

Lady Jolly

[Dianna B]

this is an excelent story, I cannot wait to read some more!! ;D

[JKMcGonagall]

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, dear Clayre,
Happy Birthday to you.

I just noticed that it is (or was) your birthday, I hope your birthday was a great one and hope you had lots of fun. Love your story and am checking for updates everyday.

Kay

[TartanPhoenix]

Happy Birthday!!!!!!

Can I just say, go Minerva! For once, Albus deserves a little competition. Hope you update soon!

[QuillofMinerva]

Blessings and Heartache

A/n: Hello everyone, thank you very much for all your reviews. I am glad you are all enjoying this story and I am also glad that no one saw what happened in the last chapter coming. I will say this though….all is not what it seems. This update isn’t exactly the longest update but it gives a bit of the plot, I hope you enjoy this chapter though it does contain angst.

This hasn’t been beta read because I am too impatient to post and Ang will still be tucked up in bed at the moment.

Chapter Nine: You have no right!

Minerva looked at the spot where Albus had just been standing in a confused daze, his presence in her rooms had taken her by surprise and she was annoyed that he had taken it upon himself to let himself into her rooms without consulting her. In the past, she wouldn’t have minded him doing that but things were different now and he had no right.

“Minerva,” said Gray’s voice, breaking into her thoughts “who was that?”

She looked at the man stood beside the table and smiled at him; he was certainly more of a morning person than she was. His face was bright and cheerful, his eyes awake and alert and his voice warmed her. She walked towards him and sat down at the table, where he poured her some tea and looked at her.

“No one of great importance Gray,” she answered, “you have certainly prepared quite a breakfast spread.”

“I tend to find I have quite an appetite after a night such as last night!” he said with a smile

She smiled and nodded her head in agreement; she had woken to find herself very hungry which was unusual for her because usually she had to force herself to eat something in the morning. Breakfast made her think of Albus and what he would do in the Great Hall; Albus would make sure she ate something at breakfast by filling her plate for her while she poured herself some tea. She forced a smile on her face as she watched Gray drop one lump of sugar into her tea and then stirred in the milk for her.

“Was that him?” questioned Gray as he sat down opposite her and helped himself to a syrup pancake.

“Was who what?” asked Minerva as she buttered her toast and refused to look up at Gray.

“The man who has made you question yourself,” he answered “the man who has made you sad and feel like a joke?”

Minerva looked up at her companion and shook her head, she didn’t want to talk about Albus right now, she wanted to enjoy her breakfast and Gray’s company. Gray was obviously a master at reading people’s body language and seemed to know the right questions to ask but she didn’t want to answer them.

“I take by your silence, I am correct.” Gray observed gently.

“Gray please,” she finally answered “I don’t want to talk about it, he is my boss and that is that.”

Gray nodded and continued to eat his breakfast, glancing at her every now and then to see what she was doing. Minerva, despite her appetite was picking at her food with her folk and staring out of the window. Gray reached over and touched her hand gently.

“Do you want me to go?” he asked.

“No,” she replied, “please stay. I’ll be better company and after all I promised you a tour of the Hogwarts.”

They continued their breakfast by talking about books and potion advancement, they spoke of Albus Dumbledore no longer and Minerva was glad for the respite. She enjoyed Gray’s company; he was an intelligent with a sense of humour and seemed to like her for her and not for what she could do for him. He was the perfect breakfast companion with his joke telling and gentlemanly ways. After breakfast, Minerva showed Gray around her beloved Hogwarts and they spent nearly two hours in the library.

“I have never seen such a collection Minerva,” enthused Gray “must be the finest in the world.”

“Nearly,” she admitted “I know of a personal collection that surpasses this.”

“The man this morning.” Gray guessed as he ran his fingers over the spines of the books in the restricted section. “He doesn’t strike me a reader.”

“He likes to read but I believe he gets tired of getting books for birthdays and Christmases,” she answered with a smile “he prefers socks and sweets.”

After the library, their next stop was her transfiguration classroom, which he admired and told her that he could imagine her commanding her class’s attention in this room. Minerva fought a blush that threatened to appear on her cheeks as he praised her, she wasn’t used to this type of attention and she had to admit that it was welcomed. They were walking along the corridor when Albus Dumbledore appeared on the staircase and caught Minerva’s eye. She breathed in and reached out for Gray’s arms, she slipped her hand through the crook in his arm and struck up a conversation about his work. She didn’t know what possessed her to make such a move but she had and now she had to continue it. As they reached where Albus was standing, Minerva inwardly cleared her throat and greeted him formally.

“Good afternoon Professor Dumbledore,” she used his title, which was something she rarely did “may I introduce a dear friend of mine, Gray Thomas.”

“A pleasure to meet you Mr Thomas,” greeted Albus with a curt nod of his head “Professor McGonagall may I have a word?”

Minerva had expected this and so she straightened up, she told Gray to meet her back in her rooms and she would join him shortly. Before he left, she kissed him gently on the cheek and then looked at Albus with wide eyes.

“What can I do for you Headmaster?” she asked.

“I want to talk to you about yesterday and also about your guest,” he answered “you should have cleared it with me first.”

She looked at him in surprise, he expected her to clear it with him when she brought a guest back with her. She couldn’t believe she was hearing this, none of the other staff had to clear it with him when they had guests saying so why she should she have to.

“I wasn’t aware of any such rule Headmaster,” she replied “I know them like the back if my hand and I can assure you that there is no such rule.”

“He could be anyone.” He shot back.

“What are you saying Headmaster?” she questioned, her voice raising slightly “You have no right to question me in such a way.”

“I have every right,” he answered “the safety of the school is paramount.”

“For your information,” she replied, her hands resting on her hips “he has no hidden agenda towards your beloved school because he agreed to taking veritaserum before coming here. Just because you find me a joke doesn’t mean other men see me like that Headmaster.”

She looked at him, locking him with a glare that unsettled him slightly. When she received no answer from him, she turned on her heel and swept away from him quickly and didn’t look back at him once.

TBC……

[tayryn]

no no no no no no... get to the making up and the kissage already! lol

loverly update!

and our Albus is so jealous! whee! goodie!!

[Orion's Guard]

Awesome. I've been checking this one recently for updates, and I'm glad to see it! I think Albus needs to suffer a bit before he gets his hugs and kisses, and Minerva needs to enjoy herself (though I doubt she will with this new conversation hanging over her head).

[gingerkitten]

Ouch! Albus, you have just been told.
Thanks for the update!

[Alesia]

I totally agree with Bogus7, ALBUS MUST SUFFER!!

Suffer, suffer, suffer!!!!

He obviously didn't learn his lesson (i.e. seen the light that he had better speak up or lose her) when he saw Gray in her room,

He has shown no remorse for publicly humiliating her in The Daily Prophet and with the staff,

And now he is letting his unrecognized jealousy turn him into a total arse.

I know he loves her but really it is not excuse for his current behavior.

Can you tell you really caught my interest with this story?

Thanks for the update!

[Jessabelle]

What exactly do you mean "not is all what it seems"?

Good update. I am glad that Minerva is enjoying herself while in the presence of Gray, however I hope it isn't too long before she begins to enjoy herself while in Albus' presence! Please update again really soon!
- Jess

[amandahleigh]

Ooh I just read everything and this is great. I'm a little sad because I actually like Gray, and it's so much easier to want AD and MM together if the person MM is with is a real jerk! haha...

But no, I guess it's Albus' turn to be the real jerk. *sigh*

;D

AL

[Mellypoo622]

I just read everything and this is such a great story! I wish Albus would realize how stupid he is being! This is amazing! I can't wait for more!

[Sensiblyquirky]

Oh drama, drama, drama. I want the kissage sooner than I'll probably get it. I know Albus needs to repent, gravel, etc...but this Gray guy is too nice. I don't want Minerva leading him on, or falling for him for that matter! So get Albus' rear in gear!

Christy

[Jessabelle]

Please update soon!

[LadyJolly]

I know Albus should suffer a bit...but Minerva with some other guy doesn't quite appealing even if he's really nice. It just doesn't seem right but in the end it just has to be Minerva and Albus! But I want to know what happeneds in the inbetween. ehhehe Update soon.

[Lady Lavendar]

Great chapter! I kind of like Gray, but it just dosn't seem right. Albus, Albus, Albus.... he just needs to tell her already. Hope you update soon!

[zilah]

This is so great story. I really hope that you update soon. I'm almost desparate to know what happens next. Thanks for shearing,


zilah

[foci]

I hope for a quick update. I love the storyline and can't wait to see how you continue the story.

[QuillofMinerva]

Blessings and Heartache.

An: Oh I know, it’s been ages since I updated this story. Real life became busy and I also set up a HP roleplay community, if you would like the address, just let me know and I’ll email it to you. I have found writing this chapter very difficult and I do not like it one bit but I need to update otherwise it will be all forgotten about. Here is an update though, enjoy! This hasn’t been beta read so you have been warned.

Chapter Ten: Realisation.

Albus stood still and watched her walk away from him, his mind trying to process her words while his heart fell to pieces. Her words had stung him like a dozen hornets and the poison was flowing through his veins quickly, infecting him. He had never thought of her as a joke, the thought had never crossed his mind in any way, shape or form. Seeing her with that man had knifed him in him in the heart, she was entitled to a life but it was only now that he realised that he wanted to be her life. He had always known his feelings for his deputy ran deeper than professional, they were more than colleagues, more than friends but what they were, had never been defined.

Albus had never defined rules about bringing people back to Hogwarts, he himself in his younger years had done that but not since Minerva had come into his life. He hadn’t denied himself dates, he had been on a few but he couldn’t muster up any enthusesium for the date itself and the woman he was sitting beside. His thoughts would all was end up being consumed by the emerald green eyes of his best friend, Minerva McGonagall. He had known then, his feelings for her but living in denial had become a safety net for him over the years and he had stayed there, wrapped up in her friendship.

He had managed to convince himself that she would never see him in any other light, than a friend. He truly believed that and her actions with Gray, proved him right. Unrequited love was a burden but it wasn’t one he would readily give up.

He watched as she swept around the corner, out of sight, part of him wanted to go after her but the other half of him didn’t want to see her being comforted by a man he didn’t know. He argued with himself whether to call out to her but he couldn’t, he simply watched her disappear. He felt like such a fool, he was a man after all and shouldn’t be dissecting everything like he was. He took one last look at the corner before storming off to his rooms where he sat down and fiddled with a quill for a good hour before being brought back from his musings by Fawkes, who had decided he was rather hungry.

Albus begrudgingly set about fixing a snack for his loyal familiar, the silver bowl shaped like a sherbet lemon which had been a gift from Minerva had fallen on the floor more than once while Albus mixed Fawkes meal. The phoenix watched his master with interest and on a few occasions rolled his eyes when Albus let out a curse or to when he couldn’t open a packet of prawn crackers by hand.

“Don’t you look at me like that old chap,” complained Albus “you try opening a packet when your fingers are covered in bacon and tuna pieces. It is ruddy hard, I tell you.”

Fawkes simply cocked his head to the side and fluttered his wings in a manner, which told Albus that he didn’t really care how he opened the packet as long as he did.

“Any one would think I starved you!” continued Albus as he finally opened the packet of crackers and began to mix them with the smoky bacon pieces and tuna flakes in a haphazard way.

Albus attached the bowl to Fawkes stand and sat back down on his chair, he popped a sherbet lemon into his mouth and closed his eyes as he savoured the flavour. Fawkes peered at the food all mashed together and turned his beak up at it, he didn’t like messy food and the food Albus had placed before him was like a crash scene. Fawkes liked it when Minerva made his dinner, she would always present it nicely and she seemed to put more effort into it.

“It tastes exactly the same as Minerva’s,” Albus reminded his picky familiar “the same ingredients so don’t turn your beak up at it. Eat up Fawkes!”

The phoenix turned his back on his master and placed his head safely under his wing, a small snorting sound came from under his wing and it was Albus’ turn to roll his eyes. Sometimes Albus wondered if Fawkes were a female phoenix, he would certainly behave like one at times when he couldn’t get his own way. He had fallen out with Minerva and he didn’t want to fall out with Fawkes either, the silent treatment from Fawkes wasn’t very pleasant.

“What about if I put a sherbet lemon on top?” suggested Albus.

Albus tried to hide his smile when Fawkes twitched at the sound of sherbet lemons; he knew how to get around his feather friend. He only wished, he could say the same about a certain witch they both knew and loved dearly. He placed two sweets on Fawkes plate and soon the phoenix was happily eating way.

“I have truly messed up things Fawkes,” mused Albus as he sat at his desk “I really wish my brain would engage my mouth before I speak, if I did, I wouldn’t have pushed Minerva away as I have.”

Fawkes stopped eating and looked his master, deciding his food could wait a bit longer; he hopped over to where his master sat and knocked his head against his hand. This was the phoenix’s way of telling Albus to continue and that he was listening.

“The whole thing in the paper,” began Albus “was true in some respects. I know we aren’t getting married but I would love for that to be case. Minerva is in my mind constantly and I did have her in mind as I spoke to that blasted Skeeter woman. I only made a joke of it to make her not worry, I assumed she would be so angry with me for saying what I did but it turns out that my joking has hurt her. I can’t make it up to her because she is with that fellow; he is clearing her up when it should be me! How am I ever going to fix this mess Fawkes?”

[ginger newts]

Gah, he's so stubborn! Fawkes needs to just peck at Albus until he finally goes to Minerva.

I loved their interaction in this chapter and Fawkes not wanting to eat a messy meal. Very cute. I hope you update again soon and get Albus and Minerva sorted out.

[littlemorgsi]

I half expected Fawkes to go and find Minerva to be fed after the mess he was provided with. I can see he has been firmly on her side. Clearly, Fawkes needs to take drastic action. I agree with ginger newts. He should peck Albus until he goes to Minerva.

[Hogwarts Duo]

UGH! Albus just needs to get a clue and admit his errors to Minerva. They'd both be a lot happier if he did and that Gray fellow would be looooong gone!

This was another great chapter and I'm glad you decided to update. Hope to see more soon!

[Sensiblyquirky]

Alright Albus get your rear in gear and just tell her. This other guy simply must go, and I do hope you won't make us wait in agony too much longer.

Christy

[Jessabelle]

The way you have written Fawkes and his response to what is happening is so cute! Excellent work, please update quickly!
- Jess

[Alesia]

All I want to know is can a phoenix wheeled a bat? Cause Albus needs one to the side of his head.

[tanja]

wonderful chapter!

[LadyJolly]

Awesome chapter! but yes how will he fix this? I'm eagar to find out so please update soon!

Lady Jolly

[lemonygingersnaps]

I love this and really want to know what happens. Are you updating?

[morethanacrush]

Ummmmm..... Can we pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease make Xiomara get a hold of him? That would amuse me greatly, I dunno about anyone else...
Love
Cody*
PS: Update soon darlin!