Post by Hogwarts Duo on Oct 28, 2005 11:02:54 GMT -5
Summary: Albus and Minerva encounter his old flame at a garden party.
Rating: It's completely harmless.
Stars In The Sky
Minerva stood in the shadow of a large oak tree, murmuring a charm so a cool breeze fluttered across her skin. It was the dead of summer and the temperature had steadily climbed that day, spiking as soon as she and her date had arrived at the dreaded garden party. She casually eyed the scene in front of her. Chairs and tables spotted the landscape, interspersed amongst the blooming flowers whose heady fragrances colored the air. A band was playing some old tunes and several couples were dancing in a large, ornate gazebo. Laughter filled the air, along with shouts from friends greeting each other as newcomers arrived.
Even with all the friendly faces and voices, Minerva couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. She was by far the youngest one here, by many years. The lack of grey in her hair, the soft suppleness of her youthful skin and even the cut of her dress robes made her stand out from all the others. She had received her fair share of glances. Appreciative ones from the wizards and curious or measuring looks from the witches. She was very much out of her comfort zone, which was the reason she now stood on the fringes, trying her hardest to blend with the foliage around her.
However, even with the butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach, Minerva would not have missed the event for any reason. It was important to her date, who she watched talking with a group of gentleman all of which were either gesturing wildly or holding their bellies while they laughed. Her eyes lit up in appreciation at the fine form he cut in his new robes.
As the newest member of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore was the center of the party. It would be later that week when he would be formally sworn in. A ball would follow with the elite of the wizarding world dancing and feasting until dawn. So really, Minerva reasoned with herself, this garden party was a gentle introduction into what would follow.
She watched as his eyes wandered among the guests, no doubt looking for her. He had been practically dragged from her the moment they had been spotted. She didn’t mind. Minerva knew without a doubt that he was hers. She also knew that mingling was required and as much as possible, she wished to be excluded from it. It could be tedious and boring to meet person after person, so many that you no longer remembered anyone’s names or titles.
Minerva watched as his eyes lit up upon spotting her. He bowed to the group, obviously making his excuses, and headed in her direction. Her face warmed into a lovely smile and her heart skipped a beat as his intense eyes hungrily took in her form. They were both so intent on the other that neither noticed her until it was too late.
Albus was stopped abruptly as he ran into a short witch who had stepped into his path. Minerva saw his eyes travel to her and watched as they widened in surprise. He stepped back, as if he had been burned but recovered quickly. He made a short comment and looked like he was about to head around her, but the witch once again stepped into his path.
Minerva could only see the back of her. She appeared shapely in her tight robes and had icy blonde hair which fell to the middle of her back. Her hands, which were constantly reaching out to touch some part of Albus, were adorned with many large gems, to the point of being gaudy.
Minerva’s temper started to rise as Albus time and again removed the woman’s hands from his person and attempted to leave. The witch obviously had other ideas because she continually halted his departure. Having watched enough from her safe alcove, Minerva made her way to Albus’ side.
Her steps were swift and sure as she practically glided across the grounds towards Albus and the aggressive witch standing in his path. She wasn’t entirely sure what was taking place but based on Albus’ facial expressions, he was not amused. Knowing he was the center of attention at this function, she knew he had no recourse but to be gracious in his conversation, despite the way he might be feeling on the inside.
Minerva paused, just long enough to run her hand through her hair and to smooth down her robes before alerting the other woman to her presence. Having dated Albus for a few months, she was no stranger to being sized up by every female in the room and this would be no exception. However, she was not prepared for the conversation she overheard.
“Don’t you miss us, Albus? All the late nights in front of the fire sipping wine? The long, hot showers together before bed? The way I woke you up each morning with my mouth on your…”
“No, I do not miss any of those things,” he proclaimed confidently and with no hint of falter in his voice. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go and find my date.”
Once again the woman moved to step in front of him but instead she collided with Minerva, who had just taken the last step towards them. “Get out of my way! Why don’t you go and get me something to drink,” the blond haired woman bellowed, obviously mistaking Minerva for some underling here to help the house elves serve the guests.
Minerva was stunned at the abrupt outburst from the woman and was about to retaliate when she caught Albus’ eyes. Without uttering a word, she moved to stand beside Albus and continued to stare at the irate woman, her arm wrapping possessively around his waist.
“Who’s this little girl, Albus? Surely not one of your nieces,” she giggled maliciously.
“Her name is Minerva McGonagall and you know perfectly well that I have no nieces or nephews either for that matter.”
“Oh I see then. You must be the granddaughter of Nicholas Flamel then. Why don’t you toddle along and find someone your own age to party with? I’m sure our adult conversation would bore you to tears, lass.” The woman sneered at Minerva before directing her gaze back towards Albus, who was shocked at her rudeness.
Minerva surveyed the woman standing before her. She had been correct in her earlier appraisal of the woman’s figure. It was definitely one to be envied by most women but her face was something different. Instead of the raving beauty Minerva had expected to accompany such a figure and elegant attire, she looked much older and unhappy. The cosmetic charms she had no doubt placed upon herself were designed to take years off her appearance and it showed though not in a flattering way.
“For your information, I am not a relative of the Flamels, though they are lovely people. Nor am I interested in finding someone else with whom I can spend my time. I came to this little soiree with Albus and I fully intend to spend my free time with him.” Minerva’s emerald eyes turned harsh as she locked gazes with the woman standing opposite her.
“How sweet of you, Albus, to bring this…this child to the adult party. But surely you’d much rather play with someone who can keep up with your…stamina,” she winked as a wicked smile curled upon her lips. Giving Minerva a condescending glare, she once again placed her hands upon Albus’ chest and attempted to move them upwards around his neck.
As he had done numerous times already, Albus removed her hands promptly and wrapped his arm around Minerva’s shoulders, drawing her closer to his side.
“I can assure you, Madame, that I am no child and haven’t been one for quite some time.” Placing the extra emphasis on the word ‘madame’ was one of the worst insults one woman could pay to another. It was Minerva’s polite way of acknowledging the fact that the woman before her was considerably older than she and no doubt had seen her prime. “Now, if you will excuse us, Albus promised me a dance and I think it’s time he keeps his promise to me.”
“You’ll never make him happy for long. You can’t give him the kind of excitement and thrills that we shared together.” She turned her face towards Albus. “We could have it all again, Albus. All you have to do is take me back and we can kiss the stars again. We can have it all, especially now with your elevated position in the wizarding world.”
“I have no need for the stars as long as Minerva is by my side. She lights up my days and nights just fine, thank you very much. Besides, she loves me as Albus, not the prominent wizard but the man, which is something you could never find it in your heart to do. Now if you will excuse us, I have a promise to keep to my love.”
As the two strode away, leaving the blond haired woman completely speechless, Minerva could feel the daggers being thrown at her back. “Albus, who was that woman and what did she want?” Minerva had heard enough of the conversation to know and understand exactly what she wanted but she wanted to hear Albus’ thoughts on the matter.
“Her name is Constance Tarrington and I am sorry to say that I became involved with her years ago. Things went well for us at first but she continuously pressured me to become more active in the politics of our world. When I refused to stop teaching and take a position at the Ministry, she left me for someone older and with more clout. Seems he was only interested in a trophy on his arm and not a woman to share his life. When she began to harass him, as she had done me, he left her for a much younger woman.”
Albus slipped his arms tightly around Minerva’s tiny waist and drew her flush against his body as they began to move to the slow beat of the music. “And what became of that man? Did he and the young woman stay together long?” Minerva rested her head on his shoulder and waited for his answer.
“Indeed they did. Have you ever heard of Chauncey and Beatrice Summerbee?”
Minerva pushed back from his arms and looked at him in shock. “You mean the current Minister of Magic and his wife?” she gasped. “They’ve been rumored to have a storybook romance of sorts. The kind little girls dream of when they’re younger since he dotes on her every waking minute.”
“The very same,” he chuckled. He noticed how her body seemed more relaxed and her face showed signs of happiness. “And what’s more, I do believe we can show them a thing or two when it comes to romance and passion, my dear. But let’s not talk about them just now. I’d much rather focus on enjoying the feel of you in my arms, making me the envy of every man here this afternoon.”
“You’ve got that backwards, Albus. I believe it is I who am the most envied. I have the most handsome man in my arms, not to mention the most virile, attentive, loving and let’s not forget exciting,” she giggled.
“I’m sorry you had to endure Constance wrath, my dear. I had no idea she was invited to the party or else I would have warned you in advance. But I must say, I’ve never seen anyone put her in her place so quickly and so efficiently as you did.”
“It was my pleasure,” she giggled. “Besides, I didn’t think you’d appreciate me turning her into a mouse as I transformed into my animagus form and chased her from the premises. A lady must learn to control her temper and emotions sometimes.” Her eyes turned a darker shade than before. “Though if she had put one more hand on your body, I would have caused a scene for the history books. The Daily Prophet would have had a field day reporting the fiasco once I was finished with her. You are mine and while I am willing to share you for the sake of your public image, I am not willing to endure other women pawing at what is so unmistakably mine,” she finished with a hint of possessiveness in her voice.
“Merlin, how I adore you,” he whispered into her ear before placing a tender kiss to the side of her neck.
“Now about those long showers and late night wine tastings,” she mused as he twirled her around on the dance floor, “are you truly as satisfied with our love life as you professed to be in front of your former girlfriend? Or was that just a way of putting her in her place and saving my face?”
Albus drew her tightly to him and then bent her over in a dip as the dance ended. When she came back up into his arms, he kissed her passionately as several onlookers began to applaud. “My dear, as I said, you are the sunshine of my days and the twinkling stars in my night. You are my beacon in the storm and as long as I live, I will never need another woman in my life as long as I have you by my side.”
Constance watched from among the crowds and all eyes were focused on the handsome couple dancing in the gazebo. Her eyes were cold and stony, her body as rigid as a mighty oak. She had been a fool to walk away from Albus, but there was no mistaking the love radiating between him and the woman he now held in his arms. Today, she had lost the only thing remaining, her dignity. She had been outclassed by a younger witch. She had been easily discarded for someone younger and prettier. She had caught a glimpse of the future Mrs. Albus Dumbledore and from the looks of it, nothing in this world or the next could tear them apart.
The End.
Rating: It's completely harmless.
Stars In The Sky
Minerva stood in the shadow of a large oak tree, murmuring a charm so a cool breeze fluttered across her skin. It was the dead of summer and the temperature had steadily climbed that day, spiking as soon as she and her date had arrived at the dreaded garden party. She casually eyed the scene in front of her. Chairs and tables spotted the landscape, interspersed amongst the blooming flowers whose heady fragrances colored the air. A band was playing some old tunes and several couples were dancing in a large, ornate gazebo. Laughter filled the air, along with shouts from friends greeting each other as newcomers arrived.
Even with all the friendly faces and voices, Minerva couldn’t help but feel like an outsider. She was by far the youngest one here, by many years. The lack of grey in her hair, the soft suppleness of her youthful skin and even the cut of her dress robes made her stand out from all the others. She had received her fair share of glances. Appreciative ones from the wizards and curious or measuring looks from the witches. She was very much out of her comfort zone, which was the reason she now stood on the fringes, trying her hardest to blend with the foliage around her.
However, even with the butterflies wreaking havoc in her stomach, Minerva would not have missed the event for any reason. It was important to her date, who she watched talking with a group of gentleman all of which were either gesturing wildly or holding their bellies while they laughed. Her eyes lit up in appreciation at the fine form he cut in his new robes.
As the newest member of the Wizengamot, Albus Dumbledore was the center of the party. It would be later that week when he would be formally sworn in. A ball would follow with the elite of the wizarding world dancing and feasting until dawn. So really, Minerva reasoned with herself, this garden party was a gentle introduction into what would follow.
She watched as his eyes wandered among the guests, no doubt looking for her. He had been practically dragged from her the moment they had been spotted. She didn’t mind. Minerva knew without a doubt that he was hers. She also knew that mingling was required and as much as possible, she wished to be excluded from it. It could be tedious and boring to meet person after person, so many that you no longer remembered anyone’s names or titles.
Minerva watched as his eyes lit up upon spotting her. He bowed to the group, obviously making his excuses, and headed in her direction. Her face warmed into a lovely smile and her heart skipped a beat as his intense eyes hungrily took in her form. They were both so intent on the other that neither noticed her until it was too late.
Albus was stopped abruptly as he ran into a short witch who had stepped into his path. Minerva saw his eyes travel to her and watched as they widened in surprise. He stepped back, as if he had been burned but recovered quickly. He made a short comment and looked like he was about to head around her, but the witch once again stepped into his path.
Minerva could only see the back of her. She appeared shapely in her tight robes and had icy blonde hair which fell to the middle of her back. Her hands, which were constantly reaching out to touch some part of Albus, were adorned with many large gems, to the point of being gaudy.
Minerva’s temper started to rise as Albus time and again removed the woman’s hands from his person and attempted to leave. The witch obviously had other ideas because she continually halted his departure. Having watched enough from her safe alcove, Minerva made her way to Albus’ side.
Her steps were swift and sure as she practically glided across the grounds towards Albus and the aggressive witch standing in his path. She wasn’t entirely sure what was taking place but based on Albus’ facial expressions, he was not amused. Knowing he was the center of attention at this function, she knew he had no recourse but to be gracious in his conversation, despite the way he might be feeling on the inside.
Minerva paused, just long enough to run her hand through her hair and to smooth down her robes before alerting the other woman to her presence. Having dated Albus for a few months, she was no stranger to being sized up by every female in the room and this would be no exception. However, she was not prepared for the conversation she overheard.
“Don’t you miss us, Albus? All the late nights in front of the fire sipping wine? The long, hot showers together before bed? The way I woke you up each morning with my mouth on your…”
“No, I do not miss any of those things,” he proclaimed confidently and with no hint of falter in his voice. “Now, if you will excuse me, I need to go and find my date.”
Once again the woman moved to step in front of him but instead she collided with Minerva, who had just taken the last step towards them. “Get out of my way! Why don’t you go and get me something to drink,” the blond haired woman bellowed, obviously mistaking Minerva for some underling here to help the house elves serve the guests.
Minerva was stunned at the abrupt outburst from the woman and was about to retaliate when she caught Albus’ eyes. Without uttering a word, she moved to stand beside Albus and continued to stare at the irate woman, her arm wrapping possessively around his waist.
“Who’s this little girl, Albus? Surely not one of your nieces,” she giggled maliciously.
“Her name is Minerva McGonagall and you know perfectly well that I have no nieces or nephews either for that matter.”
“Oh I see then. You must be the granddaughter of Nicholas Flamel then. Why don’t you toddle along and find someone your own age to party with? I’m sure our adult conversation would bore you to tears, lass.” The woman sneered at Minerva before directing her gaze back towards Albus, who was shocked at her rudeness.
Minerva surveyed the woman standing before her. She had been correct in her earlier appraisal of the woman’s figure. It was definitely one to be envied by most women but her face was something different. Instead of the raving beauty Minerva had expected to accompany such a figure and elegant attire, she looked much older and unhappy. The cosmetic charms she had no doubt placed upon herself were designed to take years off her appearance and it showed though not in a flattering way.
“For your information, I am not a relative of the Flamels, though they are lovely people. Nor am I interested in finding someone else with whom I can spend my time. I came to this little soiree with Albus and I fully intend to spend my free time with him.” Minerva’s emerald eyes turned harsh as she locked gazes with the woman standing opposite her.
“How sweet of you, Albus, to bring this…this child to the adult party. But surely you’d much rather play with someone who can keep up with your…stamina,” she winked as a wicked smile curled upon her lips. Giving Minerva a condescending glare, she once again placed her hands upon Albus’ chest and attempted to move them upwards around his neck.
As he had done numerous times already, Albus removed her hands promptly and wrapped his arm around Minerva’s shoulders, drawing her closer to his side.
“I can assure you, Madame, that I am no child and haven’t been one for quite some time.” Placing the extra emphasis on the word ‘madame’ was one of the worst insults one woman could pay to another. It was Minerva’s polite way of acknowledging the fact that the woman before her was considerably older than she and no doubt had seen her prime. “Now, if you will excuse us, Albus promised me a dance and I think it’s time he keeps his promise to me.”
“You’ll never make him happy for long. You can’t give him the kind of excitement and thrills that we shared together.” She turned her face towards Albus. “We could have it all again, Albus. All you have to do is take me back and we can kiss the stars again. We can have it all, especially now with your elevated position in the wizarding world.”
“I have no need for the stars as long as Minerva is by my side. She lights up my days and nights just fine, thank you very much. Besides, she loves me as Albus, not the prominent wizard but the man, which is something you could never find it in your heart to do. Now if you will excuse us, I have a promise to keep to my love.”
As the two strode away, leaving the blond haired woman completely speechless, Minerva could feel the daggers being thrown at her back. “Albus, who was that woman and what did she want?” Minerva had heard enough of the conversation to know and understand exactly what she wanted but she wanted to hear Albus’ thoughts on the matter.
“Her name is Constance Tarrington and I am sorry to say that I became involved with her years ago. Things went well for us at first but she continuously pressured me to become more active in the politics of our world. When I refused to stop teaching and take a position at the Ministry, she left me for someone older and with more clout. Seems he was only interested in a trophy on his arm and not a woman to share his life. When she began to harass him, as she had done me, he left her for a much younger woman.”
Albus slipped his arms tightly around Minerva’s tiny waist and drew her flush against his body as they began to move to the slow beat of the music. “And what became of that man? Did he and the young woman stay together long?” Minerva rested her head on his shoulder and waited for his answer.
“Indeed they did. Have you ever heard of Chauncey and Beatrice Summerbee?”
Minerva pushed back from his arms and looked at him in shock. “You mean the current Minister of Magic and his wife?” she gasped. “They’ve been rumored to have a storybook romance of sorts. The kind little girls dream of when they’re younger since he dotes on her every waking minute.”
“The very same,” he chuckled. He noticed how her body seemed more relaxed and her face showed signs of happiness. “And what’s more, I do believe we can show them a thing or two when it comes to romance and passion, my dear. But let’s not talk about them just now. I’d much rather focus on enjoying the feel of you in my arms, making me the envy of every man here this afternoon.”
“You’ve got that backwards, Albus. I believe it is I who am the most envied. I have the most handsome man in my arms, not to mention the most virile, attentive, loving and let’s not forget exciting,” she giggled.
“I’m sorry you had to endure Constance wrath, my dear. I had no idea she was invited to the party or else I would have warned you in advance. But I must say, I’ve never seen anyone put her in her place so quickly and so efficiently as you did.”
“It was my pleasure,” she giggled. “Besides, I didn’t think you’d appreciate me turning her into a mouse as I transformed into my animagus form and chased her from the premises. A lady must learn to control her temper and emotions sometimes.” Her eyes turned a darker shade than before. “Though if she had put one more hand on your body, I would have caused a scene for the history books. The Daily Prophet would have had a field day reporting the fiasco once I was finished with her. You are mine and while I am willing to share you for the sake of your public image, I am not willing to endure other women pawing at what is so unmistakably mine,” she finished with a hint of possessiveness in her voice.
“Merlin, how I adore you,” he whispered into her ear before placing a tender kiss to the side of her neck.
“Now about those long showers and late night wine tastings,” she mused as he twirled her around on the dance floor, “are you truly as satisfied with our love life as you professed to be in front of your former girlfriend? Or was that just a way of putting her in her place and saving my face?”
Albus drew her tightly to him and then bent her over in a dip as the dance ended. When she came back up into his arms, he kissed her passionately as several onlookers began to applaud. “My dear, as I said, you are the sunshine of my days and the twinkling stars in my night. You are my beacon in the storm and as long as I live, I will never need another woman in my life as long as I have you by my side.”
Constance watched from among the crowds and all eyes were focused on the handsome couple dancing in the gazebo. Her eyes were cold and stony, her body as rigid as a mighty oak. She had been a fool to walk away from Albus, but there was no mistaking the love radiating between him and the woman he now held in his arms. Today, she had lost the only thing remaining, her dignity. She had been outclassed by a younger witch. She had been easily discarded for someone younger and prettier. She had caught a glimpse of the future Mrs. Albus Dumbledore and from the looks of it, nothing in this world or the next could tear them apart.
The End.
