Moron

[Jessabelle]

Fabulous update! Please post again really soon!

[Lady Lavendar]

I think he's a liar!!! I don't like him that much. Well great chapter! Update soon!

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

omg! this is such a great fic, just relised it's posted here, ive been reading it on fanfiction.net

love it so much, cant wait for the update!

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: Hello everybody. Here's the next chapter of this little adventure. I wrote a good chuck of this last night while I waited in line for GOF yay!! I hope everyone's still enjoying it.

The fire blazed hot and bright in the fireplace beside Albus’ desk, but the light in his eyes was brighter. His office was an absolute disaster. Robes lay handing over the back of his chair, half empty plates of food littered various tables, and mounds of balled requests littered the floor. Mixed in were hundreds of pieces to his many contraptions. He had lost control over his emotions, and in a blinding flash, he had destroyed most of his office without a thought. Luckily, it rearranged itself once again almost immediately, but his trinkets would need special attention, something he was presently unable to give. That was something he couldn’t offer at the moment.

The reason for the monumental destruction lay scattered across every available inch of his desk. Dozens, perhaps hundreds, of replies sat stacked, waiting, depending upon subject. Albus’ eyes blazed over the letters, his eyes only catching bits and pieces of each. ‘Three women..dancing..only eighteen...same robes the next morning..’

Albus had been alive for a long time, and through the years he managed to make friends in almost every facet of the wizarding world, including the Ministry. It was lucky for him that many of them owed him a favor or two. It hadn’t taken long to direct the pertinent questions to the appropriate people, and the response had been overwhelming.

Many had expressed surprise over his questions. Most had assumed he knew of his friends exploits. Reading through them, Albus began to understand the disapproving looks he received whenever he mentioned Minerva or Michael, how most people simply narrowed their eyes and changed the subject. They were under the impression he knew, and worse, approved of his friends dalliances. This fact only wounded him further.

How could he have been blind to his Michael’s antics? How had he allowed the most precious of women to be taken in and then abandoned by such a man? The emptiness of her eyes when he had first arrived still haunted his waking moments.

With a frustrated yell, Albus pushed away from his desk. He ignored Fawkes’ indignant squawk as the chair slammed loudly into the wall behind his desk, waking the sleeping phoenix with a jolt. “What am I supposed to do?” he asked aloud, his entire body shaking. His hands ran through his long hair in a nervous gesture. “I can’t very well storm down and confront him. There’s no telling what Michael may say, and it could only hurt Minerva. But, I can’t just ignore it either.” He began to pace beside the fire, the flames jumping with each pass he made.

Albus’ thoughts drifted back over the years, remembering every instance Minerva had been left alone. Looking back, it was beginning to make sense. There had been too many conferences, too many research projects. Michael was a Potion’s master, true, but not one of such caliber as to justify the excursions. Albus couldn’t believe he had missed the signs.

Michael was, if nothing, indiscriminate. Blondes, brunettes, redheads, even the occasional hag or nymph; nothing seemed to be able to sate his appetite for women. But, what scorched Albus' heart, was the five months Michael spent in Cambodia.

Unlike various other excursions Michael had made over the years, there was a potions symposium scheduled for the first week that Michael left. The trip had legitimate, or it would have been if he had bothered to attend. There was no research, no pressing business to keep him away from his wife. There was only a twenty year old girl named Ling and five unaccounted for months in the Cambodian jungle.

Albus’ temper flared again as he remembered watching Minerva stare out the windows all those months, simply waiting for an owl that never came. Sleepless nights spent beside the fire talking, playing chess, or simply enjoying the other’s company became a staple of their days.

Albus still wasn’t sure how he survived those months without going utterly insane. It had been the sweetest torture to be allowed to see her smile, hear her laugh, and not be able to touch her. Of course, a friendly hug or chaste kiss wasn’t unheard of between them, but Albus longed for so much more. His dreams, while almost always of her, had intensified during those months. After she would retire for the evening, he could hardly wait for sleep to claim him so he could hold her in his arms, feel her tremble beneath him. The night became his sanctuary.

He could just image the couple now. It was still an early Sunday morning, and Albus seriously doubted they had awakened. They would spend their day together, before she would be forced to return to the school that evening. That special sway to her hips and impish grin would have returned, and Albus would spend the entire evening meal trying to forget why.

Albus shook his head to try and clear away these thoughts. He had a decision to make, and he didn’t have long. Confronting the issue wasn’t an issue; it had to be done. The question became how. As Albus saw it, there were two viable options. He could follow Minerva back to her chambers and explain the situation. He would present the facts and hope she would believe him.

The other, more appealing, option was to confront the problem. Michael would still remain at the cottage after Minerva left, and it would present a perfect opportunity. He dearly wanted to hear Michael’s explanation for his actions. When as was done and said, Michael would pay for his stupidity. Either way, Minerva would be hurt. It was only a matter of when.

“Albus,” a voice above him called gently, “she’s just entered the castle.”

Albus’ head snapped up. He had run out of time, and still hadn’t made his decision. It was made for him when his office door suddenly opened and Minerva all but ran inside. As soon as he saw her smile, Albus knew he couldn’t tell her then. Her smile grew when she saw him and she threw her arms around his neck. His own snaked around her waist, pulling her closer. No words were spoken between the two. They had long outgrown them.

Minerva pulled away and her eyes grew concerned as she looked at him. Albus simply shook his head at her unasked question and wrapped her arm through his. They began walking out of the office, starting to discuss the latest Transfiguration article when Minerva finally noticed the bits littering Albus floor. She never heard the chatter that filled the office once they departed.

Minerva soon forgot the mess as dinner passed. The conversation was lively between the professor’s, as always. Tales of weekend exploits passed between the friends. Filius had found a new process for self-levitation when he accidentally fell from his stool and tumbled twenty feet, only to hover a few inches from the ground. With refinements, he would be ready to present it to the Ministry for consideration.

To everyone’s surprise, Professor Travers, the surly Muggle Studies professor, had managed to not only refrain from removing house points for an entire weekend, but he arrived at the dinner table that evening with an uncharacteristic smile. The debate as to the reason led to questions of Minerva’s own weekend. Her answering blush was enough to cause laughter from her friends and questioning looks from the students. No one noticed when Albus’ laughter was somewhat stilted, or how his hand clenched painfully on the armrest of his chair.

It wasn’t until Minerva turned back to him and noticed the untouched plate of food that she realized something was amiss. “Are you quite alright Albus?” she whispered, putting a comforting hand on his arm beneath the table.

He looked at her, forcing a smile on his face. “Quite alright my dear. I just don’t seem to be very hungry tonight.”

Minerva wasn’t fooled and leaned into him so the other’s couldn’t overhear. “I know you’re worried Albus, but everything is fine. Michael and I discussed it, and we’re going to figure out who the imposter was. I..we were hoping you would help us.”

Minerva’s thumb was rubbing unconscious circles across the top of his hand. She had no idea just what she was doing to him. Albus’ eyes, which had hardened when she began speaking, softened again, and he let a faint smile grace his lips. “You know I would help you with anything Minerva; you need only ask.”

She beamed at him, squeezing his hand once again and encouraged him to eat. “We can’t have you wasting away,” she had teased.

He ate like an obedient child while his mind churned. All too soon, dinner was over, and the students began to file back toward the dormitories. Just as Minerva was preparing to leave, Albus grabbed her hand, holding her back. “I have something I need to attend to tonight Minerva. I shouldn’t be too late; would you wait up for me? There will be things we need to discuss.”

Minerva nodded, waiting for him to stand as well. “What’s this about Albus?” she asked. While it wasn’t unusual for him to have late night meetings, his behavior was beginning to worry her.

“Later,” he promised before summoning his cloak.

Michael was wandering around the small cottage, a smirk on his lips, when it grew as someone knocked on his door. “Ah Laura,” he said gleefully as he pulled on his dressing gown and walked toward the door.

His eyes bulged and the smile disappeared as he was forced backward into his own home. “We need to talk,” came the displeased growl.

AN2: Kudos to everyone who noticed the little misunderstanding in the last chapter. I've always felt that loyalty was a priceless asset, a true strength of character. But, over the years, I've also begun to understand that loyalty can lead to its own desceptions. We're so sure of something that we dilute ourselves into believing that it could never be wrong. It's a rather depressing thought really.

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh Minerva......get out of that marriage and be with Albus, he is the man for you!

[tanja]

I can´t beliefe it !!! Min being such a fool !!! Impossible...it´s such a sad story...I really hope Albus is able to open Min´s eyes, which of course will be a shock to her, but therefore she has Albus, who will catch her...PLEASE update very, very soon !!!

[Alesia]

Albus just remember you don't want to go to Azkaban. Minerva will have to see the evidence and she will be VERY upset with you if you make this decision for her.

Excellent excellent chapter and I love how you have peppered bits all through the story. I didn't get the line Minerva thought about the stares and sideline looks she has been receiving in the first or second chapter. She thought people were starring at her because she was attractive but they were starring at her because they knew her husband was a dog!!! Excellent.

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

omg omg! great chapter....evil cliffy lol. cant wait for the next chapter

[Lady Lavendar]

This was such a good chapter! I can't wait to see what happens between those two! I hope Albus dosn't hurt him to bad because if Minerva believes what Albus has to say, she needs something to take her anger out on!

[gingerkitten]

Minerva, you need to leave his sorry ass. You belong with Albus, who will treasure you, not Michael the scum.

[LadyJolly]

Man, when I read that Michael was cheating on Minerva on so many times and with many different women I just swearing my ass off...and then my mother starts opening the door and I shut up. BUT STILL THAT...excuse me a while.....*goes away swearing and calming down* The nerve of that man!! How dare he get caught by his wife cheating and then cheats on her again!

I hope Albus you kick his sorry ass like .... there's no tomorrow. And tell Minerva that will be sad though but better than staying the that bastard Michael! Hope you write more soon I am enjoying it. I assure you though I just don't like Michael for what he's doing to Minerva! But I'm loving the story non the less. Update soon!!

Lady Jolly

[amandahleigh]

This is such a sad story. Sad for Minerva, because she's so oblivious and the truth is really going to hurt, and sad for Albusm because he does not wish to hurt his friend but he needs to tell her the truth, and sad for Michale, because I am going to transform myself into a ficitonal character, jump into the fic, and kill him. Slowly.

[angeldust]

Caught red handed!!!!! (slaps Michael) He did it again that man has no pride for himself or Minerva ohhh I really really hate him!! Update soon

[Jessabelle]

This story is really really good. I feel bad for Minerva and I can't believe how naive she is being. Your writing is excellent. I normally don't like stories like this because they end up being too much of a soap opera, but so far you have done a magnificent job and I cannot wait for your next post. Please update ASAP!
- Jess

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: This was fun to write.

Instantly, Michael found himself shoved unceremoniously into one of his own armchairs, staring up at his long time friend. “Albus, what on earth!”

Albus rounded on him, his entire frame shaking. “How many?” he asked, his voice deathly quiet, daring to be contradicted.

Michael looked up at him wearily, hoping Albus was simply fishing. There was no way he could know. “How many what Albus? What’s gotten into you man? Sit down, and I’ll get you a drink.”

“How many women..have you shagged..in back corners..since you’ve been married..to that wonderful woman?” With every ground out word, Albus stepped forward, until his hands clamped around the arms of Michael’s chair, their faces scant inches apart. Albus’ hot breath ruffled the hairs hanging in Michael’s face, as grey eyes grew wide and then narrowed.

His entire body relaxed back into the chair, a feral grin sliding across his face. Albus straightened up, stepping away from the chair. He couldn’t let himself get carried away. Every fiber of his being screamed for satisfaction, but he held back. He had never seen Michael this way and he wasn’t sure just what the git was capable of. He reached into his cloak, ready to pull out his wand, when Michael spoke, and Albus’ world stopped spinning.

“I lost count somewhere after 1958. Although,” he said, turning thoughtful, “if you’re interested, there was this one time in Paris..” He let his thought trail off and took delight in the shocked face staring back at him.

It wasn’t often that Michael got the best of anyone, especially Albus, and he savored the rare victory. Languidly, he got out his chair, straightening his dressing gown and smoothing his hair.

Albus expected several reactions, but not this. “She loves you,” Albus said, horror etched in every word. “Did she mean nothing to you, nothing at all? What in the hell is wrong with you?!”

Michael’s grin grew as he walked over toward the fireplace, where he kept his wand on the mantle. He made the mistake of turning his back on an exceptionally irate wizard and kept talking. “What can I say Albus? She’s a great shag. She can go for hours, and I do mean hours. She may be dull as dirt to be around otherwise, but,” He spun around wand at the ready, but Albus was quicker, much quicker.

With a sharp crack, stars flashed before his eyes as Michael fell to the ground, his wand skidding across the floor, well out of reach. Albus stood over him, a red glow encompassing him, shaking his hand out.

Reaching up, Michael almost screamed when his hand came into contact with his nose as a white hot pain radiated throughout his head and seemed to utterly consume him. When his hand drew away, it was covered in a deep red. It took everything he had not to faint on the spot. “You know I abhor violence Michael, but, in this case, perhaps I could make an exception. Friends are worth the extra effort after all.”

Albus reached down, and this time Michael managed to scream like a school girl as Albus pulled him to his feet by the now throughly broken nose. Albus seemed to pay no attention to the blood flowing down his arm and robes, or the frantic clawing of Michael’s hands on his. “It would be best for your nose if you would quit struggling you idiot. You already look like a Picasso; no need to make it any worse.”

Albus turned and shoved Michael back into his arm chair, and waited until he looked up again, Michael’s eyes filled with pain and hatred. With a wave of his wand, Albus conjured another chair and sat down, his elbows resting on his knees, utterly at ease.

The initial wave of rage had abated; perhaps Aberforth had been onto something when he used to punch the oak tree in their backyard. Now, all Albus was left with was an incredible sadness and utter disappointment. “You disgust me Michael. If I didn’t think Minerva would kill me, there wouldn’t be enough of you left to fill a snuff box. I do hope those other women were well worth all of this.”

The blood had finally slowed, and Michael pulled his hands away from his face. That damnable grin was still firmly in place, now accompanied by a steel glint in his eyes. “They were more than worth it, believe me.”

He cocked his head to the side, regarding the older man. “Not that you would know, the way you’ve been pining away after my wife all these years. I doubt you would know what to do with a woman if she jumped in you lap.”

Twice in one night; despite the broken nose, it was rounding out to be a decent evening. Albus never seemed to react, the same tired expression blanketing his face, but Michael could read the shock in his eyes. “You didn’t think I knew? Why do you think I married her? I had..hell, I have beautiful women; I wanted that one.”

Michael shot to his feet, swaying for a moment from the blood loss before he began to pace. “I saw the way you looked at her. Bloody hell Albus, I’m surprised you didn’t step on your own tongue. Tell me, how does it feel Albus? How does it feel to finally be the one to find something you want and cannot have? Rather unpleasant, wouldn’t you say,” Michael sneered.

“As a special favor for all our years of friendship, let me fill you in on what you’ve missed.” He stopped his pacing and smirked down at Albus, his eyes malicious and wild. “She moans like a cheap Knockturn Alley whore. There’s this one spot just behind her..no, I’ll let you find it on your own. That’s what this is about isn’t? Albus Dumbledore, her great rescuer, rides up on his white horse once again to save the day. And the prize? Why, the fair witch of course. But, between you and me,” he said, leaning forward for dramatic effect, “she’s more of a hag, or perhaps a harpie.”

Michael straightened up again, his face flushed, making him look like a bruised tomato. “That’s quite enough Michael. You’ve said more than enough.”

Michael seemed to think before nodding slightly. “Once again Albus, you’re right. We both know you won’t tell the wench what we’ve discussed, so why don’t you ju..” All sound suddenly stopped.

Michael’s hands once again flew to his face, this time in abject horror. His hands slid across his smooth face, muffled cries of terror filling the room. His fingers played over the seamless expanse of skin that used to be his mouth. “You never did know when to stop, did you? Now that I have your undivided attention. This time, you’re the one that’s right Michael. I’m not going to tell Minerva, you are. You and I are going to walk back to the castle like the adults that we are, calmly, rationally, and you are going to explain the situation to your wife.”

He watched, almost amused, as Michael began to shake his head furiously, backing away. “Be a man Michael. Don’t make me put you in a body bind.”

With a flick of his wand, Albus transformed Michael’s dressing gown into a simple set of black robes and cloak before walking toward the door. “Not a word,” Albus warned, his eyes flashing as the door opened silently and Michael’s mouth sudden reappeared.

Experimenting, Michael opened and closed his mouth a few times, for once holding his tongue. “Aren’t you coming?” Albus asked, making a point of tapping his wand against his leg, sending sparks flying from the tip. Michael crept out the door, flinching as Albus dug the tip of his wand into his back.

“You had me fooled Michael,” he growled, all the while keeping a serene look upon his face as people passed. “I thought you were a smart man.”

They walked in silence, Albus’ wand hidden by the folds of their robes, and Michael not daring to look anywhere but straight ahead. The long walk allowed both men ample opportunity for reflection. One, one what awaited him atop the hill, and the other on the past.

No matter how desperately he tried, Albus simply couldn’t stem the flood of guilt and unease that threatened to overtake him. Michael had hit far too close to the mark for comfort. He had been best man at their wedding, had introduced them. It was because of him that they had met, and the bastard hadn’t even lasted two years.

Even after this, when everything was done, Albus knew he could never reveal his feelings; it just wasn’t possible. In a way, he was no better than Michael. He spent twelve years pining, lusting after another man’s wife. Just because he didn’t paw her like a piece of meat didn’t make it any better. In the end, he had done exactly what he always feared. He hurt the one he loved most, and he would never forgive himself.

It was with determined dread a short time later that Albus gave the password to Minerva’s chambers, and ignoring Michael’s snort, pushed him inside. “Albus, I was beginning to wonder..what on earth happened?”

AN2: Over the last few chapters between here and ffnet. I've gotten quite a few reviews about just how naive Minerva is in this story. That wasn't quite what I had intended. Emotions are funny things; they absolutely screw with your head. Even the most logical person can be blinded by a strong emotion, love, hate, envy, and Minerva is no exception. It isn't naivety that blinds her to Michael's infidelity. She is genuinely, and utterly, enamored with the pig. And that, at least to me, is what makes this story so tragic.

[Lady Lavendar]

This chapter was was well written. I can't wait to see what is to come.

[QuillofMinerva]

Michael is such a scumbag! I can't believe he would talk about Minerva in such a way. Love can blind people and Minerva is only human, led by her heart and willing to believe what he tells her because of her love. I don't like her being in love with the pig because I want her to love Albus but I guess we will see what happens in the rest of the story.

Loving the updates and looking forward to reading more

Clayre xx

[tayryn]

this was a great update! i am SO glad Albus did what he did to the git!

and i don't think Minerva is being naive... you're right, she's in love... and when one is in love, one is sometimes blind to faults and sometimes one chooses not to see the faults in the name of love...

now, let's just hope that with Albus' help, Minerva's eyes are opened...

although i do wish Albus had done more than simply broken Michael's nose. i would have.

looking forward to more.

[Alesia]

I have agree that Minerva isn't naive but desperately in love with Michael. One of the hardest things in the world is to see the really ugly truth about the one you love.

Now lets see if Albus can actually get Michael to tell her the truth, I don't think he can - unless he somehow recorded their conversation. I can see Michael convincing Minerva Albus is acting out of jealously. I hope she has faith enough in her friendship with Albus to look in a pensieve if need be.

You put this chapter together very well. The range and rage of Albus' emotions and Michael's callousness is quite good.

[tanja]

that´s not true ! If Albus isn´t going to put a stop on him, I will...personally and by myself !!!
Such a *grrr* i hate him...

[JKMcGonagall]

There is an old saying that certainly fits your story. Love is blind. Minerva is not naive, she is blinded to Michael's faults because she loves the lowlife, so she cannot see his faults. She is hurt, but because she loves him, she is willing to overlook what is going on.

I hope Albus can make Michael tell the truth to Minerva. I doubt it, though I know he will try. I think Michae will twist it to make Albus look bad in Minerva's eyes. I agree with Alesia, I too, think Albus will have to persuade Minerva to use the pensieve to view what happened. If she is as mad at Albus, as I think she could be, that may take a lot of doing. I hope Michael is not able to ruin the relation...er..friendship Minerva has with Albus.

This is a wonderful story and quite original. I am looking forward to more of it.

Kay

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

brillant chapter...another cliffy your so evil lol. cant wait for the update and keep up the great work!

[gingerkitten]

You've got to hand it to Albus. He'd do anything for the people he cares about.

[angeldust]

I like your version on Minerva she seems more human it's nice to see that side now and again. BUT HOW DARE HE!!! All those woman and talking about her like that marrying her in spite of Albus ahhh! Men like him do not deserve oxygen, good on Albus I loved the remark You already look like a Picasso hehe I really hope Min sees this man for what he is and runs to Albus soon!!

[amandahleigh]

Wow. You are a great writer...that dialogue between Albus and Michael... I was so angry with what Michael had to say, and just...well...wow.

I don't think Minerva is overly naive. Just... trusting. She loves him so she trusts him, so she doesn't see what may or may not be right in front of her... It's really very sad.

[Jessabelle]

She is still being naive. She is so smart, I cannot believe that a woman wouldn't question her husband being away so much. And, letting emotions blind you is sometimes what part of being naive is all about. When I said that she was being naive in my last review please know that I didn't mean it in a bad way because I absolutely adore this story! Excellent update, the dialogue was great, as was Albus' reactions to Michael. Please post again soon!

[TartanPhoenix]

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!! Here's the next installment; it's a little short, but oh so satisfying to write. I am a little concerned about the character portrayal's in this chapter however. If you would be so kind and let me know what you think. It would be appreciated.

Before either man had a chance to respond, Minerva was across the room and by Albus’ side. Without a second thought, she took his blood stained arm in her smaller hands, running them gently over the skin, looking for injury. To his horror, Albus hadn’t cast a cleansing charm before they left the cottage. He didn’t even want to begin to image just what they were saying in the village.

He caught her a hold of her as she traced his palm, causing her to look up for the first time. “I’m fine Minerva; it’s not my blood.”

Her eyes followed his and grew as she noticed Michael’s condition for the first time. Pulling both farther into the room, Minerva pulled out her wand and was about to heal his nose when Albus reluctantly stopped her. “It would be better to wait for a nurse Minerva. It’s out of alignment. If you heal it now, it can’t be reset. Not that he wouldn’t deserve it,” Albus added, more to himself, but she caught it.

“Would one of you tell me what is going on? What happened Michael?” Michael cast a nervous glance between his wife and Albus, wincing as the wand was jabbed into his back.

Taking a step away, Michael did his best to look nervous, not a difficult task. “It’s simply a misunderstand Tabby. Really, there’s nothing to worry about.”

Even as Minerva simply raised an eyebrow and looked poignantly at the slow trickle of blood again making its way down her face, Albus was trying not to explode. “Tell her Michael,” he ground out, taking a step forward.

Michael turned and looked at him, false concern lacing his features. “We both know you wouldn’t want that Albus. Let’s just forget it my friend,” he said in a false whisper, Minerva overhearing every word, just as she was meant to.

“Albus? What don’t you want me to hear?”
She wheeled on him, a sense of dread settling over him.

Albus closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep, calming breath. He never saw the grin flash across Michael’s face. Albus was absolutely sure of one thing. When all was said and done, no matter what Minerva chose, Michael was going to spend the next twenty years croaking in his aquarium. “Tell her Michael. Either you do, or I will.”

With an exaggerated sigh, and a sympathetic look plastered to his face, Michael shook his head sadly. He regretted it instantly when a headache threatened to suddenly engulf him. “All right Albus. I was going to forget everything for the sake of friendship, but if you’re determined, I’ll tell Minerva everything.”

Michael took Minerva, who by now was more confused than she could ever remember, by the hands and sat her on the couch before sitting beside her. “I was back at our cottage, preparing for bed, when there was a knock on our door. I answered it and was pleasantly surprised to find Albus on the other side. Naturally, I invited him inside. I followed him into the sitting room, and the next thing I know, he punched me.”

Michael looked up to see Albus’ chest rising and falling in great heaves, his fists clenched onto the mantle above her fireplace. “He started ranting about how I treated you, how I couldn’t be enough for you, that I wasn’t what you needed. And then,” Michael paused for dramatic effect, “he asked how I managed to weasel myself out of it. Obviously Min, I had no idea what he was talking about, and my nose hurt so badly I wasn’t really thinking straight. He asked how I convinced you to forget about his woman.”

Minerva gasped, her eyes now resembling owls. Michael rubbed her hands comfortingly. “I couldn’t believe my ears. My best friend sent some harlot to my bed. I was so shocked, I couldn’t think. He simply kept repeating I wasn’t what you needed, and you would do best to forget me.”

He turned away, making sure Minerva would be able to see his face. “How could you do it Albus?” he asked in a strained voice. “We were your friends. How could be betray us like this? What reason could you have to try and destroy our marriage?”

Albus was red in this face, his breaths labored, and he was on the verge of drawing his wand when Minerva turned her wide eyes on him.

Every ounce of color drained from his face, and the wind completely left his sails when he saw her. Her expression was agonized, a pain and betrayal ripping his still beating heart from his chest. She couldn’t actually believe he would be capable of such an atrocity? It just couldn’t be. But, every fiber of her being was telling him otherwise.

Slowly, the rage was beginning roll from her in waves, crashing against him, but it was the single tear he noticed prickling at the edge of her eye that numbed him. For one of the few times in his life, Albus was speechless. For all the logic and arguments swirling in his mind, Albus’ tongue was nothing more than lead, heavy and useless. His hands slid from the mantle, leaving behind two scorch marks, flopping useless against his sides.

Minerva stood, walking toward the large window, gaining space from both men. Albus watched as her hand, which once again donned a simple golden band, came to finger the small broach he had given her as a wedding present.

She stared out at the blinking stars, seeking guidance. It was apparently not forthcoming because she sighed and leaned against the cool window panes. “Is it true?” Minerva asked, her voice steady, demanding.

The sea of auburn beard twitched as he worked his jaw a few times. He only found his voice as she turned to stare at him, taking his silence as an admission. “No!” he said emphatically. “I could never Minerva.”

“Of course that’s what he would say,” Michael countered from his place on the couch, seeing the tide beginning to shift once again as her eyes softened. “You don’t actually expect him to admit something this grievous do you? It would ruin him. He’s lying Minerva; I swear.”

For all his ranting, neither of them heard. They were each far too busy with their own conversation. Granted, words were never uttered, but every thought, every feeling was communicated with ease. The desperation and fear in Albus’ gaze was met with hope and disappointment in hers.

Albus searched his mind frantically for a way, any way, to assure her of his innocence. Without it, even if she didn’t hex him into oblivion, there would be no way to retain any semblance of her friendship, and she would be forever fooled by her husband. He would rather die.

The watery shadow of the moon along the floor gave Albus his inspiration. “I can prove it.” He stepped forward, hoping she wouldn’t suddenly decide against him. “I’ll show you my memory. We can use my pensive. I will show you everything.”

Michael began to panic, and jumped to his feet, putting a forceful hand on Minerva’s shoulder. “Pensives can be deceptive,” he reminded them. “Memories can be altered. How do you know if what you’ll see is true?”

Albus looked at her over the edge of his glasses. “If you have so little faith in me, then view my memories directly.”

Minerva stepped forward, letting Michael’s hand slip away from her shoulder. She searched his face, comprehension of his meaning taking hold. “You would allow me.. you could pull me in as well?” she whispered, her voice guarded, unsure.

Albus nodded. “As long as the connection is made I could move us back and forth. My memories are yours for the taking. Always for you.”

By now, Michael was sweating profusely. Legilimency was never his forte, and there would be no way to denounce the thoughts once she had seen them. Memories were only alterable once they were removed from the mind, and they all knew it.

He went to grab her arm, but he was too late. The words were spoken, and he missed his chance. Michael waited on baited breath as their faces changed, frowns and grief moving seamlessly from rage and disbelief.

All the while, the two sets of eyes never broke contact, not did Albus’ hands from their resting place on her upper arms. Suddenly, the spell was broken, Albus’ arms once again dropping to his side.

Before they had fully left her side, Minerva swung around. For the second time in as many hours, Michael found himself flat on the floor, clutching his nose. This time however, it wasn’t in pain, but in lack of. She healed his nose. “Get out!”

By the way, I love turkey!!!!! Gobble Gobble

*too much pumpkin pie*

[tanja]

YES !!!!!!!!!! She did it !!!!!!!!!! Finally !!

by the way: cruel point to stop the story...

[LadyJolly]

HA! Take that you ...... ANYWAYS! Now Micheal will forever look ugly mwuahahahh and that's good he really deserves it. and I'm so glad Albus showed her the truth!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

(even though I don't get a turkey dinner or any of that...I live in Canada. Thanksgiving has pasted. But it would be nice to have another Thanksgiving ahhahahah)

Lady Jolly

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh Merlin, poor Minerva but she needed to know! I am so glad she has told him where to go and I hope she has healed his nose wrongly!

I just hope she will be okay

Great update

Clayre xx