Moron

[tayryn]

FINALLY!!

a story where Minerva decks someone! whee!!

i love it!

this was a very good chapter! i am glad Minerva now knows the truth. the next little while will be hard... but now she needs to heal... then move on... with Albus, of course!

keep going!!

[angeldust]

haha go Minerva!!!! WHOHOOOO!! Oh that man deserved that so much, i loved Albus speech about his memories always being hers beautiful update!!!!

[Herzele]

Poor Min ... But I'm so glad she knows the truth ... I just hope she'll be okay ....

[JKMcGonagall]

Oh my, she healed his nose. How thoughtful of her, because now it will be forever out of alignment. Well, that will ruin his good looks (snickers to herself) forever, since it can't be changed now. Well, the little ferret deserved it.

Now maybe Min and Albus will get together. I have a feeling it may be a tad rocky at first. I don't think Min is going to trust any man too soon, even if it is Albus. He will need to be patient with her.

Please continue your story soon. I like it a lot.

Kay

[Alesia]

I loved the way you handled this entire chapter. I thought at the beginning Albus was really in trouble and then you saved us all some angst and did the Legimency thing (hurrah)

The way Minerva reacted to the blood on Albus' hand and fingered the broach her gave her and his line "Always for you" were all exceptionally well placed touches to allow the reader to see more then the character. Excellent.

[Jessabelle]

Oh my God. I thought for a moment that Albus wouldn't say anything at all and that she was going to take that as a yes to her question. Good thing he found his voice! It is so obvious that she likes Albus, she went to him in concern before giving her husband a second glance when they walked in the room! This was good, as always and I am very glad to see that Minerva got in a good hit! Please update as quickly as you can, I cannot wait to read more!

[amandahleigh]

I was yelling at him (Albus) to say something, anything, and I'm glad that you chose to have her watch his memory rather than let them argue about things... awesome.

;D

al

[gingerkitten]

It sucks to be you Michael!

[Lady Lavendar]

Great update! And just to think. Michael thought he was going to get away with it. tisk tisk.

[TartanPhoenix]

AN: Here it is, the last chapter. I really just want ot say thanks guys for all the great feedback and comments you've had for me. I've been utterly overwhelmed with stuff lately, and this has been the bright spot in my day. Hopefully, this is up to par, and you enjoy it as much as I have.


Minerva wrapped the cloak tightly around her as she enjoyed the light crunching of gravel under her boots. Even after time, it still seemed all so surreal. One year; it had been one year since the divorce was final, one year of freedom and regret, one year of shame and enlightenment.

It hadn’t taken long after their separation became public knowledge that the rumors and whispers finally reached her ears, and they had burned. For weeks, well meaning friends, and strangers, expressed their pleasure in her decision. Unfortunately, most also mentioned several of his liaisons in their explanations. Minerva had stopped counting at 36 women over the last twelve years, and she knew there had been more.

Now, looking back, she couldn’t believe how blind she had been. The whispers and looks in the village finally made sense, the sympathetic glances from his colleagues made her blood boil. It seemed only two people didn’t know, and they were the two who should have.

Minerva reached th outer edges of the village, and as seemed to happen more often than not anymore, conversation stilled before again building as whispers began. She did her best to ignore them as she walked, but it had been difficult. She had entered the village the morning after she kicked that toad out of her rooms, her life. The had village stopped and stared as she struggled to make it into Flourish and Blotts. She hadn’t entered the small community again for almost three full months after that instance.

She moved past the shops, past the small homes that lined the road on her way once again to the book store, but she stopped beside one derelict cottage. A sad smile appeared on her face as she looked at the once beautiful building. She hadn’t fought him when Michael requested the cottage. She hadn’t wanted anything from him; she certainly didn’t want his makeshift brothel, so she had readily agreed. In one month’s time, all doubt Minerva ever held about karma was erased.

It seemed that after his little ‘mishap’ Michael was not as attractive to his many paramours. In fact, it was rumored even the dogs would run in fright as he walked across a street, their tails firmly planted between their legs. It was only a matter of days before his cottage was put up for sale, and Michael could no longer be seen skulking through the shops.

His most recent tryst, a Cambodian girl named Mai, hadn’t been totally honest in their introductions, and it cost him dearly. The girl, for she had only just turned sixteen, apparently had an overprotective father, a very large overprotective father. When he found out about the foreigner who deflowered his precious little girl, the man immediately contacted the Ministry.

Michael was forced to pay restitution to the family, he lost his position within the government, and he was now no longer to apparate outside the country without registering with the Ministry as to his whereabouts. Failure to follow these procedures, it was hissed in alleyways, would result in immediate imprisonment. Michael was now ruined in society, and Minerva hadn’t been unhappy to lose track of him.

Reaching out, Minerva gently wrapped her fingers around the single lily was bloosomed along the picket fence, stroking the soft petal before releasing it again. Minerva amused herself with images of Michael begging in the streets, or better yet, busting tables in some unsavory bar. He always hated manual labor, and had looked down his nose on more than one waiter during their time together.

Before long, she found herself curled up in an overstuffed chair in Flourish and Blotts, the latest Transfiguration publication capturing all of her attention. The morning, and most of the afternoon passed in a blur before Minerva snapped the book shut. It would certain have to join her collection; there was one theory in particular she couldn’t wait to begin researching further when she returned to the castle.

She had just reached the end of the shelves and was about to turn the corner, when she heard the usual whispers and rustling of robes in the next isle. Minerva could just make out the tops of two heads in the gap above the row of books, but she could hear them perfectly. “Are you sure it was her?” The shorter of the two women whispered. Her flyaway grey hair kept falling in her eyes, and the woman constantly batted it away.

“Of course I’m sure,” the other hissed, her far to red lipstick smudging on her teeth. “I don’t understand it. I’ve lost any faith I had in men. The woman in blind as a bat, but he chases after her like a love sick puppy. It’s disgusting.”

“How can you be sure? They’ve been friends for years, perhaps it’s no more than that.”

The taller woman snorted. “There’s no mistaken Luzensia. They were walking through the village not two weeks ago, and I’m surprised she didn’t trod all over his tongue. I just don’t understand how or why. What could he possibly see in her? She didn’t even know her husband was gallivanting behind her back. Now, she has one of the best looking men in the country pining away for her, and still she doesn’t notice. I doubt she would see the broad side of a building if she walked into it.” Both women laughed, and Minerva could feel her heart contract as they sauntered away, unaware they had been overheard.

Absentmindedly, Minerva made her way to the cashier and paid for her book before walking out into the cooling air. The sun was still bright, but the day was beginning to fade. Minerva never noticed; there was only one thing occupying her mind. Albus.

When Michael left, she had felt guilty. Yes, she had lost a husband, but by standing with her, Albus had lost a dear friend. The first few days afterward had been awkward for them, each unaware of what to say, what could be said. Quickly enough, though, the tension dissipated, and things were almost normal.

Thoughts of her friend filled Minerva with that odd warmth she could never understand and her thoughts seemed to calm, even as her heart sped up its rhythm. By unspoken agreement, neither ever mentioned that night, or its effects, again, much to their relief. He simply held her hand as they played chess to soothe her, dragged her out into London when she would have holed herself up in the tower. In short, he had pulled her though.

As time passed, her dreams changed from those of Michael’s sneering face, to a pair of summery blue eyes. More often than not anymore, she awoke each morning with a smile and a sigh escaping her lips, humming as she made her way into the shower.

Despite the thoughts of the two betties to the contrary, Minerva wasn’t completely oblivious. She had heard Michael’s accusations, his reasoning. At the time, she had believed it to be nothing more than an attempt to hurt, to belittle, her best friend. But, over the last few months, she had caught his eyes once too often, seen his hands flex as she passed. His hand lingered along her back unconsciously and his breath ticked her ear as he whispered during balls and assemblies.

There was too much happening, spinning, in her over active mind to do him any justice. So, she had feigned ignorance, preferring to sort out her own feelings before confronting his. There was only one problem, and they had dropped it unceremoniously in her lap and to her attention. She had been stringing him along for a year, toying with his emotions in order to preserve her own. It had to end.

Leaning against a lone tree, Minerva closed her eyes to the fresh moonlight and let her mind drift.

A soothing, rich, voice whispered words of comfort in her ear as twinkling blue eyes stared down at her with what she acknowledged as love. She could almost feel the heat from his hands as they rested along her shoulders. Something deep within her snapped, her eyes flying open and her mouth opening slightly in surprise.

In the blink of an eye that was still far too short, Minerva found herself perched outside his chamber door. The courage that infused her on her journey back began to waiver ever so slightly. Shaking her head and squaring her shoulders, Minerva reached forward and knocked on the door.

In a moment, a bleary eyes Albus opened the door in nothing but a crumped sleeping gown and tiger slippers. He perked up immediately as he noticed the identity of his late night caller, stepping aside to allow her entrance. “Minerva? Not that I’m upset to see you, but it’s after midnight. Is everything all right?”

Reaching out, Minerva took the candle out his hand, letting her fingers brush his. She placed it on the table beside them before looking back at him. Albus’ brows furrowed in confusion. “Minerva?”

She smiled up at him impishly, only a hint of nerves touching her eyes. Without a word, Minerva wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down, capturing his lips with her own. She moved slowly, amused by his shock and hesitation. It wasn’t ever day a woman could surprise Albus Dumbledore.

When her tongue began tracing lazily against his lips, seeking entrance, it was Minerva’s turn to be surprised. With a animalistic growl, Albus pulled her to him, welcoming her assault. She didn’t fight as he took control, relishing the feel of his hands as they fisted themselves in her hair and his tongue caressed her own slowly, fanning a fire she hadn’t realized had started. Neither noticed as he lifted her from the ground and her legs wrapped tightly around his trim waist. A deep groan at the contract was the only reaction.

Too soon, they were forced apart, their chest s heaving in an attempt to breath. Albus’ face was flushed, and his beard was askew from her hands trailing through it. “Minerva, what..” he manage to chock out.

“Shh,” she said, silencing him with a gentle kiss. “I seem to have misplaced my white knight. I don’t suppose you’ve seen him, have you?” She got her answer as the candle was extinguished and he carried her quickly into the bedroom.

[JKMcGonagall]

Yea! She found her white knight. I love the way you ended it. Michael got what he deserved, and Albus got Minerva. Things are right with the world.

Kay

[tanja]

Happy End !!!!!!!!! Brilliant story, great job done

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh I can't believe it's the end

But I am glad she found her white knight and life with him will be much better then with her ex husband because Albus adores her, for her.

I have really enjoyed this story, thank you for sharing!

Clayre xx

[tayryn]

aaawww... i SO love happy endings to angsty stories! reminds me that the world isn't as completely screwed up as i think it is!

this was wonderfully done. the whole story.

this last chapter... i am very glad Michael got his! the git!!

and i truly love how Minerva finally got the courage to admit that she loves Albus... and the kiss... whee! very nicely done!!

all in all... this was a very good story.

[Alesia]

What a fantastic ending! I really liked the way you had Minerva be forced to confront her feelings about Albus excellent. I have never quite believe how two people that close wouldn't have some clue about the others feelings. Your Minerva knew but wasn't ready to do anything about it yet great new idea.

[angeldust]

Wonderful ending to a brilliant story, more than 36 woman ack that man deserved everything he got and more!

[Jessabelle]

Brilliant! Absolutlely brilliant! I am sad to see this story end because I enjoyed it so much. However, I thought that you did a great job and I agree with Alesia, it was a good idea to have Minerva know of Albus' feelings and still take the time to sort out her own! I hope to see another story from you in the "not-to-distant" future!
- Jess

[Herzele]

Yay !! She found her white knight !! I love that ending ... I'm sorry to see the story end because I liked it a lot, but it was the perfect ending !

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

wow! what an ending! i so loved that ending! ...best romatic ending ever !!!!Great peice

[gingerkitten]

Yay!! She found him!! Nicely done!

[amandahleigh]

Oh, I love happy endings! And this was a great one...so much leading up to them getting together, and then when it happens it's like on a whim, so it's the perfect mix of surprise and foreshadowing and everything!
;D