Memories of a Broken Heart~Challenge 26

[Hogwarts Duo]

I remember the first time I saw her. I can still recall the way my heart skipped a beat and the pounding of my blood as it echoed in my ears. The ache of wanting to be closer to her, to touch her porcelain smooth skin, to run my hands through her long black hair which fell in a silky sheet down her back and to look into her emerald green eyes knowing that her gaze was for me and me alone.

I had never been so utterly captivated by a woman in all of my days but she seemed to cast an enchantment over the entire room as she entered, making every man’s eyes turn to her as she gracefully glided across the floor. Instantly, a protectiveness like none I had ever experienced before or ever will again washed through me and I desperately craved to be the one man who safeguarded her heart.

For all of her radiant outer beauty, there was an inner beauty that managed to shine though those stunning eyes. The ancients believed eyes were the windows to the soul and I had never put much faith in that theory until I locked eyes with her and she smiled. It was then that I truly saw her for the first time. Inner beauty unmatched by anything my mind could comprehend yet unknowing to herself, making her all the more desirable.

Her mind was something of a marvel too. Strong-willed, witty, intelligent, yet caring and willing to listen to the opinions of others. Those were characteristics to be treasured for they spoke of a true desire to learn and she had them all in abundance. Yet another reason I fell deeply in love with the raven haired beauty upon first sight.

I watched her from a distance until my body overrode my mind and took the first tentative steps toward her. When I neared, she turned and smiled, as if reading my thoughts from so far away. I took her hand in mind and kissed the back of it, taking note of the softness of her skin and the scent of lavender that radiated from her very pores. There is no other way to describe my feelings other than total submission and instant longing for the woman before me.

Hearing her speak was like listening to the most melodious birds high in the trees as they sang their songs of happiness. The soft Scottish lilt to her voice and the gentleness which was so evident in every syllable practically melted my heart. As my name tumbled from her lips, I craved for her to speak it over and over again, yet in a more private setting. My mind quickly wondered how that same voice might sound as it cried out my name in passion as we shared the most intimate of dances together.

Shaking my head, I had to remember that I had only just met this enchanting goddess and any hopes of making her mine would depend on my ability to prove myself worthy of her love. After several glorious moments in her presence, I parted her company with another kiss, this one more lingering, to the back of her hand. I then proceeded to inquire about her personal life from trusted colleagues and friends in attendance.

The joy that flooded my heart could not be expressed in words when I learned that she was unmarried and not dating anyone. How could the wizarding world be so blind? How could all the men around me not fall at her feet and practically beg for just a moment longer in her presence? Perhaps they were truly blinded by the more exotic or flashy women, who were so obvious in their dislike for the woman before us. It was quite possible that they, like me, were just too nervous and spellbound to adequately express their thoughts and feelings. But I did not intend to remain just a man in the shadows for long. I did not wish to go through life without at least trying to make her mine in every sense of the word.

One might say I was overzealous in my feeble attempts to catch her eye but I dared not let her get away that night. I took every chance conceivable to make my presence known and to sit close by when she needed a break from the numerous dance offers. It was then that I noticed a handsome wizard sharing a lighthearted chuckle with her in a quiet corner of the room. No doubt he had met her before that night for they seemed to share a familiarity, evidenced by the closeness of her chair to his and the way he leaned in to share a quiet thought.

Fear and despair gripped my very soul at the thought of losing her so soon when in reality I had never possessed her. But in watching them from a safe distance, I assured myself that their connection had to be one of friendship only, maybe just a passing acquaintance. Although, he too, could easily have been interested in her as a lover, despite their obvious age difference. He certainly seemed to hang on her every word as it tumbled forth from those luscious lips and the gaiety of their laughter rang through the room much like a tolling bell signaling some grand event.

Thankfully, my fears were put to rest as a group of eager looking women, all paling in comparison to her, spotted the couple and descended upon them. They no doubt were looking to steal the prominent wizard from his secluded spot in the room and force him to spend more time with them. With a lingering apologetic look, he bowed lowly and kissed the hand I so longed to call my own before walking away with a downhearted look in his eyes. I saw that as my chance to once again make myself known to her. With my heart once more pounding furiously in my chest, I smoothed my robes and walked confidently towards her.

Once again I introduced myself to her and was thrilled beyond words to see her smile as she remembered me. I made sure to express to her how lovely I found her this evening and was graciously rewarded with a blush to her cheeks. Just then the soft strands of a song floated through the room and I boldly took her hand, leading her to the dance floor for the first of many dances that evening.

At first she seemed rather shy and embarrassed by my glowing praise of her work and her accomplishments but soon we developed a comfortable rapport. All of my assumptions were confirmed as I listened to the most intriguing woman excitedly speak of her work in detail and with such passion. To be honest, I did not care what she said as long as she continued to speak only to me, as long as her attentions were directed solely in my direction, as long as I was at the forefront of her mind. She could have confessed the most heinous of crimes and I would not have dared interrupt her soft, beautiful voice for fear of breaking the spell from which I never wished to be released.

But like all things, this evening had to come to an end. I do not, even to this day, know from where I obtained the boldness to suggest a meeting, a date if you will. Yet I did and to my delight she smiled demurely and accepted. Without thinking, I rattled off a date, place and time, to which she agreed, and the first date was set.

Watching her walk away that evening was terribly difficult. She had accompanied her friends to this affair so I was not permitted to walk her home but I took comfort in the fact that I was to meet her again and soon, without the noise and interruptions of a crowd. As I lay in my bed that night, my thoughts drifted back to her. I replayed her every move, every word she spoke to me, the look in her eyes as I made her laugh, and her overall grace and charm that had captured my heart. I knew that night I could never belong to another as long as she walked among us mere mortals here on earth. I drifted to sleep planning our first date and the many ways I wanted to shower her with my undying devotion and in the days ahead, I would use every ounce of my energy and resources to ensure that she felt like the goddess I saw that first night.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Our first date resides among my memories as a diamond among glass. It is similar to my other memories in that it is part of my history, an event worth remembering. But it is so much more than the others in its beauty. The way it shimmers and begs to be held up to the sun so it may glint and shine, making me smile at its radiance.

I recall in exact detail the way the hem of her little red dress moved in time to her swaying hips as she walked up to me from down the street. How her eyes lighted upon me and how they held in them a promise of wondrous things to come. I can still see in my mind how she cut all of her food into little pieces before placing them between her soft, full lips. How every time she laughed she reached up to push an errant strand of hair behind her ear. All of these things I have never forgotten, all of them making up a woman so worthy of everything I had to give.

It was as if a dream had come real. We talked surrounded by the plush seating in the restaurant and it was as if we were the only ones around. We shared stories of our childhood with each other. She laughed with me at the misfortunes which had befallen me in my younger days as some spirit of youth led me down the wrong path and then righted itself before too much harm could come to me. I learned that she came from a large family and had played among dozens of cousins. Much to my surprise she had been a tomboy, causing constant heartache to a mother who longed for a proper girl. However, as all good parents do in the end, her family loved her simply for who she was and I could tell how deep her devotion ran for her mother and father as she spoke.

The night ended with a walk through the park. A warm breeze blew through the trees, rustling the leaves and creating a soft music. We nurtured a comfortable silence for most of our walk, our hands brushing one another’s from time to time as we listened to the night speaking. And before we parted I let myself sink into her eyes, those beautiful eyes which held the world for me. I reached out and caressed her cheek with my fingers before lifting her hand to my lips and leaving a soft kiss. I did not wish to rush into things for what better way to cherish what you love than to take your time, enjoying it to its fullest.

And so our relationship progressed. She agreed to other dates at other times and I found myself all the more captivated as the courtship progressed. She was everything I dreamed my one true love to be. I can remember every detail of course but certain things always jump out at me when I think back.

Among my most treasured remembrances resides our first kiss. It was our third date before I felt the time was right. Her eyes held a shyness that they had never possessed before as I leaned closer, my hand coming to rest on the nape of her neck and my fingers tangling in her hair. The way her lips felt like rose petals, soft and smooth as they slid across my own. How her hands tentatively reached up and wrapped around my neck pressing her body deliciously into my own.

She had pulled back suddenly, her cheeks turning pink with some sort of imagined embarrassment. I told her then that I cared for her. I did not speak of love although it coursed through my veins. It was too soon. She let herself inside her apartment, stopping to look back at me and her smile set my heart aflame.

The first time we met in Diagon Alley for lunch, I remember thinking how comfortable our relationship had become. My dearest had some errands to run that day and suggested that The Leaky Cauldron would be a nice place for a sandwich. She was radiant as always and I noticed the looks we received, envious of the obvious closeness we shared. A friend of hers, Xiomara Hooch, had stopped by our table and my heart had swollen with pride as she confirmed to the yellow eyed witch that yes I was him. How that moment changed me. From that point on, I strove to be everything she ever wanted.

As we went to go our separate ways after a filling meal, her hand reached out to touch my arm. I stopped and looked at her, questioning in my gaze. When she asked me to join her, I felt such elation at the thought of carrying her packages and being with her in a more domestic sense that it took me a few seconds to respond.

Our day progressed from there in a blur of pleasure. The only hint of things to come was our stop at Madame Malkin’s where Minerva tried on a gown for an upcoming event with the ministry. As she stood there, looking as a queen among peasants, another noticed her as well. The older wizard which I had spotted at the event where I first saw her stopped and complimented her on her appearance. She seemed a bit nervous or uncomfortable and I found myself rising to stand by her side. His eyes looked over me and I knew in that moment that he wished to be in my shoes.

However, he was soon on his way and my darling and I were once again together, nothing evading the trance which she had placed upon me. Our days together passed and became weeks of pure happiness. I did my best to sweep her off her feet, sending flowers and small gifts, tokens of our time together.

Then one day, after a walk in the countryside surrounding my house, she had come inside saying she needed to talk with me. What left her lips, those lips I so adored, once we stepped through the door caused my world to stop. The paradise that I had built around us hesitated as she decided to confess to me her tentative feelings for another.

My heart, so entranced by her, stopped beating. My stomach filled with a sickness so suddenly as to cause my knees to become weak. I sat upon the chair in my entry room, unable to breathe properly. She had rushed over, a tear sliding down her cheek. She begged me to listen and listen I did. She did not know her own heart and every word she spoke was like a stab wound to my own.

How could she not love me? I loved her with all my heart and I told her as much. I told her how the moon never glowed so bright in the night and how the flowers never smelled so sweet. I told her how every day was a wonder to behold as long as I knew she would be with me. Her tears tore through me and in the end we agreed to allow her some time on her own to figure out what it was she truly wanted.

I let a few days pass between the time she admitted confusion and the day I first sent her an owl. I felt that enough time had been lost and if I continued to stay away, my love’s heart might lose faith in my devotion to her. I will never forget how much it rained those days she was absent from me. It was as if the heavens opened up and poured out all the sorrow and despair I was feeling. I could only hope she felt the same and would come back to me soon.

I debated and struggled for the perfect choice of words to send to my beloved Minerva. While not wanting to rush her decision, I needed for her to know how much my heart was breaking and that I could and would give her anything she’d ever dreamed of and so much more. If she would only allow me the opportunity to make her mine.

Waiting patiently for something has never been a strong virtue for me but alas, that is what I was forced to do. After sending my most trusted owl to Hogwarts with my love letter, I was forced to spend several more lonely hours hoping for a response, a word from her. I had to keep reminding myself that she was most likely busy with her own affairs but that did little to ease the suffering of my heart and mind, not to mention my very soul.

To add to my heartbreak and uneasiness, I learned that the man who kept creeping into our lives was none other than Albus Dumbledore, the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts and the heralded savior of our world. To this very day I am not sure how my mind failed to recognize him the instant I first saw him with her. After all, his face had been splashed all over the papers, crowning him the most powerful and most eligible wizard in modern times. Better still, I am almost certain that my darling introduced us or at least mentioned him, but as so often happened when I was with her, my mind focused solely on her and the happiness we shared.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Then it arrived. I saw the faint outline of an owl winging his way to me from the distance and immediately I knew it had to be from her. I eagerly ran outside to greet the poor fellow and took him indoors for a special treat while I poured over the elegant handwriting of my dearest. And my happiness doubled when my eyes took in the words written on the parchment. She wanted to meet with me in the park, a favorite spot where we shared so many glorious and intimate moments. Obviously she had made her choice or at least missed me so much that she needed to remind herself of what she had before her mind became cluttered.

The day finally arrived and I took special care to look my best. I wanted her to miss my touch, my kiss, my soft breath as it blew across her neck. I wanted her to run into my arms and put all my fears to rest. With those thoughts in mind, I apparated to the park with plenty of time to spare. My intention was to be there waiting with a bundle of her favorite flowers and a broad smile as I watched that amazing woman glide effortlessly across the grass towards me, hopefully to tell me that her mind was clear and we would be together for as long as we each drew breath.

The sun was shining warmly upon the earth and the gentle breeze was just enough to prevent the warmth from becoming uncomfortable. The grass was a lush green and felt like carpet as I tread upon it. Children were playing and the sounds of their laughter filled my heart, thinking of the future children I might one day have with the woman I so desperately loved beyond all others. Birds were singing high in the tree branches, almost proclaiming Minerva’s approach to our spot in a romantic corner of the park. It was as if the entire world knew of her decision and was happy that we were to finally be together, despite her earlier lapse of commitment. Those few days of despair and unhappiness were far behind me when I thought of how many more days we could share together after this afternoon.

When I neared the comfortable bench where many wonderful moments had passed between us, I was a bit surprised to see Minerva already seated, looking as radiant as ever. My heart fluttered in my chest and I stood back and watched her from a distance, just drinking in the sight of the woman I loved so much. She looked so happy, so refreshed, and I had to desperately fight the urge to run to her and take her in my arms, vowing to never let her leave them again.

And then I saw my world go black. The birds hushed their singing. The children all vanished along with their gaiety. The sky, which has been so beautiful, turned dark as if the rains were returning rapidly. Even the grass beneath my feet felt different, as if it had turned into quicksand and the world was swallowing me up entirely. Or at least that’s how the world morphed around me as I saw him walk up to her.

He held a bundle of flowers in his hand as he approached her from behind. Watching the scene unfold before my eyes, I found I was rooted to my spot, unable to move even if I had wanted to. I saw him come to a stop just behind her and pause for a moment. She seemed to be so caught up in her thoughts that she never noticed his approach. So, it took her by surprise when his hand eased in front of her gaze, presenting her with the large arrangement of spring flowers. His head dropped level to her shoulder as he pressed a lingering kiss to the side of her neck and she lolled her head to one side to grant him total access, thus inviting more of his caresses before he moved to sit beside her. She inhaled the no doubt richly scented flowers and kissed his cheek gently. Then, to my horror, she laid her head upon his shoulder as they talked much too quietly for me to hear from my safe distance.

Looking down at my flowers, I knew that I had lost her to another. Yet I had to hear the words for myself before I would ever believe it. How could such a famous man give her the privacy and attention she so richly deserved? What did he possess that I did not or could not attain through hard work and dedication? I would willingly devote the remainder of my days on this earth to ensure her happiness but it was becoming all to clear to my tear filled eyes that I was not the man from whom she wanted all of those things and so many more. But I could not and would not give up so easily. I had to speak to her one last time if for no other reason than to hear that Scottish lilt speak my name once more.

When I approached them, they did not see me at first but it was Albus who caught sight of me from the corner of one eye. His hand dropped discreetly to clasp Minerva’s and I could see the gentle, reassuring squeeze he gave it. Her eyes sparkled like emeralds in the summer sun as she turned her eyes towards me and the smile that lit up her face was breathtaking. I had to admit that she looked positively radiant.

She offered me a seat on the bench beside her and I hesitatingly took it. I wasn’t sure if I could be so near to her and not reach out to stroke the creamy softness of her skin or the petal like texture of her lips not to mention the silk of her hair. Somehow, though, I found my strength to rein in my emotions and without waiting for her to speak, I greeted her with a kiss to the back of her free hand, never letting my eyes leave hers for a single second.

Not long after that brief contact, she began to explain what I most dreaded to hear. She had, in truth, found love with another. Albus Dumbledore. She went into great detail about her feelings for me and how her time with me was well spent, nothing at all she would ever regret. A bittersweet moment for me indeed was hearing those words tumble from her lips. I was told how she had greatly admired him from a distance, never truly believing he could return her affections, never daring to test the waters for fear of a broken heart and ruined friendship. The blade of the sword struck my heart mortally when she admitted that it was because of my zealous attempts to win her completely that Albus realized his own attraction to her.

There it was, from her own lips to my ears. Because of my undying and unwavering love and passion for this goddess, I had lost her to another. And still I could not find it in my heart to be angry with her. I only wanted happiness in her life and if that could not be with me, then I would have to accept what fate had decided and get on with my life. That, in and of itself, would take me several years to accomplish but only after many tears and long nights spent in the company of my memories.

Albus, too, was vocal that afternoon. He expressed his profound gratitude to me. No doubt he may be the most powerful wizard but he lacked a certain courage that would permit him to reach out and touch the face of heaven herself. It was only in seeing his world slip away that he recognized what a black hole his heart would become if Minerva belonged to another. He had no idea that the black hole he described had just invaded my heart and was threatening to overtake my very being.

After patiently listening to their apologies and sincerest regrets I asked them for one last moment alone with Minerva before I walked out of her life completely. Glancing at Minerva and seeing her nod her head in agreement, Albus gallantly stepped a distance away to allow me that one request.

I took both of her hands in mine and peered one final time into those eyes that had captured me from weeks ago. I desperately tried to memorize every single detail of her face so I could think back with longing in the years to come. My voice cracked as I asked her if she could be truly happy with him, living a life of notoriety and no doubt danger. Her resounding yes put the last of my hopes to rest and I bid her a wonderful life with the man who had made her happier than I ever did. She thanked me for being so understanding, not realizing how each additional word on the subject brought me more pain. I smiled and spoke nothing but truth as I revealed that I had only wanted her happiness and if that could be found with another then who was I to deny her. She cupped my cheek and with a soft but chaste kiss to my lips, I knew it was over.

[Hogwarts Duo]

She turned to look at Albus and nodded once more. He instantly returned to her side and placed an arm around her shoulder, drawing her closer to him. I made him promise to forever safeguard this angel from heaven and he assured me that it went without saying. I shook his hand and looked into his eyes, seeing a twinkle that matched the sparkle in Minerva’s so well. With that, I bid them goodbye and walked slowly but surely away from the woman I loved with all my heart.

It has been years since that fateful day and I can now look back on my time with Minerva with fondness. If I am quiet and undisturbed, I can still smell her sweet perfume, taste her kisses and when the wind blows just so through the trees, I believe I hear her voice calling my name.

Numerous times throughout the years our paths have crossed and each time I see the love Albus gives her lying for all to see within her eyes. If I lived a thousand lifetimes I could never have given her that look, despite my riches and determination. Ours was a love for a season but with Albus she found a lifetime. Perhaps even beyond.

I do not wish to leave this on a sad note though. Despite my years of searching for another Minerva, I am happy to say that I found none. Nor did I honestly think I could. Instead I found the woman who looked at me the way Minerva always looked at Albus. We have been happily married for decades now and she had been so wonderful in so many ways, even in understanding my past love. And for that alone, I am eternally grateful.
Just this morning I ran into Albus and Minerva in London. They were surprised to see me, just as I was to see them. They looked so happy and I was informed that they were shopping for a blessed event. When I pressed, not too hard mind you for I did not wish to pry, Albus proudly related that they were to be grandparents. While the gender of the baby would not be known until its’ birth, Albus had convinced Minerva that it was never too early to spoil a child. A playful look adorned her face and she winked at me, telling me that she could never deny him anything. Once again, I found myself offering congratulations to a man who had waltzed into my life and taken that which I held most dear. But as I look at my own children and grandchildren I come to realize that one never forgets heartaches for without those we can never accept what the fates have in store for us. For without the heartbreak of losing Minerva McGonagall to Albus Dumbledore I might never have found my wife and my goddess Minerva might never have confessed her passion for the man who no doubt fulfilled her every dream and desire from the moment he first said her name.

The End.

[ginger newts]

How sad for this mysterious man, but a beautiful tale indeed. I'm glad Albus got his act together and approached Minerva and that her other man found his own happiness. Not at all what I expected when I set the challenge, but great work as always.

[Sensiblyquirky]

What a unique response. I really liked it though, and naturally I'm happy Albus got Minerva. But I do wish I knew who the man was...

Christy

[Jaya]

Wow... (got to include the first response)

What an interesting way. I guessed almost immediately that this narrative was being told from Albus' point of view and wondered who it was. Leaving the man's identity unnamed was a really good idea. Your story is well written and thought provoking...

Jaya

[tayryn]

wow... just wow...

this was utterly incredible.

i love how it was told from the mystery man's POV... and i can honestly say my heart was aching for the poor man, who could not know that he would never have Minerva's heart!

[Karlynne]

I can't begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this story. It was sad yet there was a dreamy quality to it that I just loved. Imagine having someone love you so much. Thanks for the response. It was great. Karlie

[DumbledoresKitten]

I agree with Karlie. There was definately a sad yet dreamy quality to this piece. *wonders if there will be a retelling from either Min's or albus' POV*
Amzazingly well done
cat

[Sola]

Awww...that was sooo sad!...And I realy didn't recognise it's NOT Albus till somewhere near the end of the first part!
The poor strange man ...but I'm for sure happy that she's Albus' Angel in the End.

Anyway....This is sooo salient -great!

sniffing Sola

[angeldust]

oh my i never ever thought i would say this but i feel so sorry for the other man he was so deeply in love, the description of his world falling down was amazing ;D this was fantasticly written and i don't know if i should cry or smile now...

[QuillofMinerva]

Wow ladies! That was a great and unusual challenge response and I really enjoyed it so well done. Would have loved to have found out who the poor man was though, I am still thinking about him now. I thought I might have guessed at one point but then figured that it couldnt be.

Clayre x

[KayleeTonksLupin]

OMG...wow...just...wow...who is this mystery man? ? ? I want to know...*sniffle* I feel so bad for him...But I love it that Albus and Min got together, naturally :-)

Huggleses and Kaylee-wolf treats,

Kaylee

[Catwoman99]

That was utterly amazing. Such a beautifully written albeit somewhat sad piece you two have written. At least there was a happy ending for both Minerva and her mystery suitor. Bravissimo.

- April :-)

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

awwww...poor Albus..im in tears now, but good fic

[Kandice]

I don't care how many other men mooned over Minerva as long as she ended up with Albus. It was great to see her acting so honestly about her relationship with both men and not stringing either along. Good job. Kandie

[angharad]

This was a unique take on the challenge, and quite poignant.

[griseldalafey]

Hogwarts said:

Instead I found the woman who looked at me the way Minerva always looked at Albus.

I loved this line and for his wife's sakes, I hope he loves her as much as Albus loves Minerva.

Wonderful challenge response!

[Jessabelle]

Very very good .. I love how it ends!