Post by EloquentPhoenix on Feb 10, 2006 19:37:18 GMT -5
Changes
Part One: Obvious
Disclaimer: Not mine.
A/N: By any context I like I hope my slight alteration still makes this valid. My first challenge tag response so please be gentle. This was intended to be some random drabble/fluff but turned out as a song fic I’ve been intending to write for a while now.
“Oh God help me!”
One could say that it was odd to here such words pass the lips of Minerva McGonagall, esteemed deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And yet, one who knew her could say it was not really odd at all. You see, to Albus Dumbledore, it was not rare for Minerva to ask him for help. Though he would admit that the melodramatic tone was somewhat unusual.
Minerva flopped down on the couch before the fire in his office, staring blankly into the flames. Rising from his seat behind the desk Albus came to sit beside her, waiting silently for her to continue her rant. It could have been hours or seconds that they sat there, and neither would have noticed the difference.
Finally, sufficiently calmer from being in Albus’ presence, Minerva continued, “Why do they always do this to me? Why, Albus, why?!”
Albus continued to sit in silence, she would explain properly once she found the right words to do so. Though to be perfectly honest he already had an idea to who the “they” was that she was referring to. Her family. And, of course, he was quite correct.
“There is to be a McGonagall Family Valentine’s Day Ball on the fourteenth, obviously, and well, you know what it’s like…” she trailed off.
“I assume you’re referring to attempts to partner you off to the son of some well respected Scottish family with whom your parents are acquainted?” he asked.
“Indeed,” she responded dryly, with the slightest hint of a raised eyebrow. “It’s not matchmaking as such, it’s just that someone my parents approve is always there, and I know they hope. You’d think by my age they would’ve figured out that I’m perfectly happy with my life as it is. And to make it worse, Valentine’s Day, how’s that for a hint? And it’s not that I dislike spending time with my family, but a ballroom filled with people I don’t know is not my idea of quality time. Furthermore, my idea of a nice Valentine’s Day is one for relaxing with loved ones if you see fit to do so. Otherwise it’s just a day where everyone is a little more relaxed. I do so hate events like balls.”
He chuckled softly, “Well I’d be happy to accompany you, as ever, if only to protect you from the hoards of respectable, suitable and available suitors,” he replied with a dramatic flare.
“Would you? Thank you again Albus, I wouldn’t ask but taking Xiomara or Poppy just doesn’t give me as much protection,” she teased.
Despite the teasing between them both there was an obvious sadness in both pairs of eyes, one that neither could see in the other’s or even properly accept in their own. For it was obvious, to everyone but each other, how they both felt. A long unspoken and thought unrequited love, perhaps a cliché, but still very true. One who looked merely at the surface would say it had become the essence of their relationship, but one who looked closer would see that despite this love, there is still a longstanding friendship built upon years of companionship, trust and care.
Both simultaneously wishing they could forgo pleasant events such as this to spend their Valentine’s Day together, they bid each other farewell and agreed to meet in the entrance hall on the day of cupid.
They’d accompanied each other on events like these for years, and it was a long time since either of them had spent days wishing they could go as a couple as opposed to colleagues. But the on the night of the thirteenth they both felt a slight tingle of excitement, as traces of long buried irrationality and love came back to the surface.
They were very obvious, there is no doubt about that, but they were also well settled into a friendship that allowed them to keep these feelings at bay. The feelings were still there, and often showed themselves in teasing and flirting, but they were also buried deep inside due to the seemingly harsh reality of the world around them. Love, after all, is no trivial matter to be taken upon lightly, so the feelings were unconsciously buried. It is also safe to say, however, that events like these were the times at which this obviousness and these feelings were more apparent to the two of them.
Part Two: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
A/N: Final part, songfic to Muse’s Can’t Take My Eye’s Off You. Which I don’t own, just like I don’t own Albus and Min. I do own Min’s cousin Sam though. Would like to add that Sam is named after my friend’s new baby brother who was born today! Though by the time I post this it’ll probably be yesterday…
Before long the evening of Valentine’s Day had arrived, and our two lost lovers met at the entrance hall. Their easy flowing conversation was filled with stories of couples they’d caught in broom cupboards that day and shared laughter. Again the tingle of change was apparent for both, as they silently and subconsciously admired the other, particularly the way their appearance was definitely notable. Minerva’s gown revealed little more than her usually robes, but was noticed by Albus. Albus was unusually in colour-coordinated robes, though it went neither unnoticed nor unappreciated by Minerva.
Despite the foreboding feelings that preceded the ball both Albus and Minerva found themselves having a reasonable time. It was around the middle of the evening, perhaps only around ten pm when things started to change. Throughout the ball both had found that their earlier feelings of change had been correct. It was almost as if they’d gone back in time to a place where they couldn’t stay away from each other, where their feelings were very much on the surface and very apparent.
It was a little time after ten when Minerva’s young cousin, Sam, jumped up on her from behind. He was fifteen and a squib and very fond of his cousin Minerva. Perhaps because he had never seen her teach at Hogwarts, or the stern façade she kept. This was the first time he’d seen her properly in 5 years, since he had never been old enough to attend these balls before this year. It only took perhaps five minutes, give or take, in the company of Albus and Minerva to see the obvious love between them. He saw the way they were struggling to keep their eyes off each other, how they were finding it difficult to deal with feelings that had once again come to light. With a cheeky grin he bounded off to change the music.
Being a squib he went to a muggle high school and had been introduced to a muggle band called Muse by a friend of his. Slipping the perfect song next in line to be played he drifted to a safe distance to watch the events unfold. As the song started to play Minerva and Albus were deep in conversation about something. The first strains of the song and as the words drifted over them Minerva and Albus found themselves lost in each other’s eyes.
You're just too good to be true
I can't keep my eyes off you
You feel like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
Albus stared at Minerva as the words washed over him, his grip on her arm tightening slightly as he found it was one of those moments again. One when he felt the overwhelming urge to show the feelings he only allowed himself to feel when he was alone and had no chance of telling her. He stared into her eyes, wanting nothing more than to hold her close and to stop hiding from love, wanting nothing more than to allow love to become the mere essence of their relationship.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
Minerva stared back, drowning in his eyes, recognising with a start that his eyes mirrored her own, showing long hidden and buried love. One so desperate that it hurt to feel it, one so desperate that it was easier not to feeling it all, and pretend only friendship existed.
Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you makes me weak
There are no words left to speak
Feelings that flooded both of them did make them feel weak, they could only cling to each other as they moved closer together.
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
It was at those words in the song when they realised the truth they had always known, but never properly embraced. Albus pulled Minerva out into the quieter hallway, where the sound of the music was muffled but still present.
Whispering “I love you, if that’s alright with you.” And proceeded to pull her into his embrace, his eyes never leaving her until he closed the distance with a simple, but beautiful first kiss. And the music continued in the background as she whispered “I love you, too…”
I love you, baby
And if it's quite all right
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely nights
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You're just too good to be true
I can't keep my eyes off you
You feel like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it's quite all right
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely nights
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I found this day
Let me love you, baby
Let me love you
Thus ended the Valentine’s Day that changed the lives of the two lost lovers, the Valentine’s Day when they learned how to feel instead of fighting it. And the one when they learned to love The McGonagall Valentine’s Day Ball too.
A/N2: Ohhh this really took a mind of it’s own and really didn’t turn out anything like I planned. I’ve agonised over it and it’s a bit weird, from the left field so to speak, but I enjoyed writing it, it was very therapeutic. I hope you like it, I wanted a different take on their relationship and Valentine’s Day. I’m not too sure about it at all to be honest, but it took me long enough so I figured I might as well submit it. I think it's part 2 I don't like
Part One: Obvious
Disclaimer: Not mine.
A/N: By any context I like I hope my slight alteration still makes this valid. My first challenge tag response so please be gentle. This was intended to be some random drabble/fluff but turned out as a song fic I’ve been intending to write for a while now.
“Oh God help me!”
One could say that it was odd to here such words pass the lips of Minerva McGonagall, esteemed deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. And yet, one who knew her could say it was not really odd at all. You see, to Albus Dumbledore, it was not rare for Minerva to ask him for help. Though he would admit that the melodramatic tone was somewhat unusual.
Minerva flopped down on the couch before the fire in his office, staring blankly into the flames. Rising from his seat behind the desk Albus came to sit beside her, waiting silently for her to continue her rant. It could have been hours or seconds that they sat there, and neither would have noticed the difference.
Finally, sufficiently calmer from being in Albus’ presence, Minerva continued, “Why do they always do this to me? Why, Albus, why?!”
Albus continued to sit in silence, she would explain properly once she found the right words to do so. Though to be perfectly honest he already had an idea to who the “they” was that she was referring to. Her family. And, of course, he was quite correct.
“There is to be a McGonagall Family Valentine’s Day Ball on the fourteenth, obviously, and well, you know what it’s like…” she trailed off.
“I assume you’re referring to attempts to partner you off to the son of some well respected Scottish family with whom your parents are acquainted?” he asked.
“Indeed,” she responded dryly, with the slightest hint of a raised eyebrow. “It’s not matchmaking as such, it’s just that someone my parents approve is always there, and I know they hope. You’d think by my age they would’ve figured out that I’m perfectly happy with my life as it is. And to make it worse, Valentine’s Day, how’s that for a hint? And it’s not that I dislike spending time with my family, but a ballroom filled with people I don’t know is not my idea of quality time. Furthermore, my idea of a nice Valentine’s Day is one for relaxing with loved ones if you see fit to do so. Otherwise it’s just a day where everyone is a little more relaxed. I do so hate events like balls.”
He chuckled softly, “Well I’d be happy to accompany you, as ever, if only to protect you from the hoards of respectable, suitable and available suitors,” he replied with a dramatic flare.
“Would you? Thank you again Albus, I wouldn’t ask but taking Xiomara or Poppy just doesn’t give me as much protection,” she teased.
Despite the teasing between them both there was an obvious sadness in both pairs of eyes, one that neither could see in the other’s or even properly accept in their own. For it was obvious, to everyone but each other, how they both felt. A long unspoken and thought unrequited love, perhaps a cliché, but still very true. One who looked merely at the surface would say it had become the essence of their relationship, but one who looked closer would see that despite this love, there is still a longstanding friendship built upon years of companionship, trust and care.
Both simultaneously wishing they could forgo pleasant events such as this to spend their Valentine’s Day together, they bid each other farewell and agreed to meet in the entrance hall on the day of cupid.
They’d accompanied each other on events like these for years, and it was a long time since either of them had spent days wishing they could go as a couple as opposed to colleagues. But the on the night of the thirteenth they both felt a slight tingle of excitement, as traces of long buried irrationality and love came back to the surface.
They were very obvious, there is no doubt about that, but they were also well settled into a friendship that allowed them to keep these feelings at bay. The feelings were still there, and often showed themselves in teasing and flirting, but they were also buried deep inside due to the seemingly harsh reality of the world around them. Love, after all, is no trivial matter to be taken upon lightly, so the feelings were unconsciously buried. It is also safe to say, however, that events like these were the times at which this obviousness and these feelings were more apparent to the two of them.
*~*~*
Part Two: Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
A/N: Final part, songfic to Muse’s Can’t Take My Eye’s Off You. Which I don’t own, just like I don’t own Albus and Min. I do own Min’s cousin Sam though. Would like to add that Sam is named after my friend’s new baby brother who was born today! Though by the time I post this it’ll probably be yesterday…
Before long the evening of Valentine’s Day had arrived, and our two lost lovers met at the entrance hall. Their easy flowing conversation was filled with stories of couples they’d caught in broom cupboards that day and shared laughter. Again the tingle of change was apparent for both, as they silently and subconsciously admired the other, particularly the way their appearance was definitely notable. Minerva’s gown revealed little more than her usually robes, but was noticed by Albus. Albus was unusually in colour-coordinated robes, though it went neither unnoticed nor unappreciated by Minerva.
Despite the foreboding feelings that preceded the ball both Albus and Minerva found themselves having a reasonable time. It was around the middle of the evening, perhaps only around ten pm when things started to change. Throughout the ball both had found that their earlier feelings of change had been correct. It was almost as if they’d gone back in time to a place where they couldn’t stay away from each other, where their feelings were very much on the surface and very apparent.
It was a little time after ten when Minerva’s young cousin, Sam, jumped up on her from behind. He was fifteen and a squib and very fond of his cousin Minerva. Perhaps because he had never seen her teach at Hogwarts, or the stern façade she kept. This was the first time he’d seen her properly in 5 years, since he had never been old enough to attend these balls before this year. It only took perhaps five minutes, give or take, in the company of Albus and Minerva to see the obvious love between them. He saw the way they were struggling to keep their eyes off each other, how they were finding it difficult to deal with feelings that had once again come to light. With a cheeky grin he bounded off to change the music.
Being a squib he went to a muggle high school and had been introduced to a muggle band called Muse by a friend of his. Slipping the perfect song next in line to be played he drifted to a safe distance to watch the events unfold. As the song started to play Minerva and Albus were deep in conversation about something. The first strains of the song and as the words drifted over them Minerva and Albus found themselves lost in each other’s eyes.
You're just too good to be true
I can't keep my eyes off you
You feel like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
Albus stared at Minerva as the words washed over him, his grip on her arm tightening slightly as he found it was one of those moments again. One when he felt the overwhelming urge to show the feelings he only allowed himself to feel when he was alone and had no chance of telling her. He stared into her eyes, wanting nothing more than to hold her close and to stop hiding from love, wanting nothing more than to allow love to become the mere essence of their relationship.
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
Minerva stared back, drowning in his eyes, recognising with a start that his eyes mirrored her own, showing long hidden and buried love. One so desperate that it hurt to feel it, one so desperate that it was easier not to feeling it all, and pretend only friendship existed.
Pardon the way that I stare
There's nothing else to compare
The sight of you makes me weak
There are no words left to speak
Feelings that flooded both of them did make them feel weak, they could only cling to each other as they moved closer together.
But if you feel like I feel
Please let me know that it's real
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
It was at those words in the song when they realised the truth they had always known, but never properly embraced. Albus pulled Minerva out into the quieter hallway, where the sound of the music was muffled but still present.
Whispering “I love you, if that’s alright with you.” And proceeded to pull her into his embrace, his eyes never leaving her until he closed the distance with a simple, but beautiful first kiss. And the music continued in the background as she whispered “I love you, too…”
I love you, baby
And if it's quite all right
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely nights
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I found you, stay
And let me love you, baby
Let me love you
You're just too good to be true
I can't keep my eyes off you
You feel like heaven to touch
I wanna hold you so much
At long last love has arrived
And I thank God I'm alive
You're just too good to be true
Can't take my eyes off you
I love you, baby
And if it's quite all right
I need you, baby
To warm the lonely nights
I love you, baby
Trust in me when I say
Oh, pretty baby
Don't bring me down, I pray
Oh, pretty baby
Now that I found this day
Let me love you, baby
Let me love you
Thus ended the Valentine’s Day that changed the lives of the two lost lovers, the Valentine’s Day when they learned how to feel instead of fighting it. And the one when they learned to love The McGonagall Valentine’s Day Ball too.
A/N2: Ohhh this really took a mind of it’s own and really didn’t turn out anything like I planned. I’ve agonised over it and it’s a bit weird, from the left field so to speak, but I enjoyed writing it, it was very therapeutic. I hope you like it, I wanted a different take on their relationship and Valentine’s Day. I’m not too sure about it at all to be honest, but it took me long enough so I figured I might as well submit it. I think it's part 2 I don't like
Great responce 
