Box of Glass

[griseldalafey]

Box of Glass
By Griselda la Fey

Disclaimer: All the characters belong to JKR. I just borrow them, play with them and almost kill them. But afterwards I hand them back fairly undamaged.

Author's notes:
Another quick story. The chapters will be rather short, but this will give me the chance to update quicker. I hope you like it.

...#...
Alastor’s voice sounded hurried and Albus could detect and tad of fear in it. "You must go to Godric’ Hollow, Albus. Mundungus says he saw three Death Eaters, he can never handle them by himself!"

"I will", he reassured the ex- Auror. "Don’t worry Alastor, I will leave at once".

Moody’s face disappeared from the fire and Albus grabbed his wand. Usually he did little fieldwork, leaving that into the hands of very capable wizards and witches, such as Alastor Moody and Nymphodora Tonks. But at this moment, there was no other solution. All the Order members were working or posting elsewhere. Severus couldn’t go for obvious reasons and Minerva was in a prefect meeting. Disturbing her would only raise questions. Three Death eaters and probably even more could cause great havoc among the mostly wizarding inhabitants of Godric’s Hollow.

He threw a hand of Floo Powder in the fireplace and spoke "Severus Snape". The head of the Potionsmaster appeared in the flames. "Come to my office, Severus", he spoke hurriedly. Seconds later, Snape stepped out of the fireplace and brushed of his robes.

In a few words Albus explained the situation.

"I didn’t know anything about it", Severus said angrily.

"I know, I know", Albus replied reassuringly. "Perhaps this wasn’t planned".

The dark man slammed his fist against the wall. "I wish I could go".

"Too dangerous my boy", Albus said, shaking his head. "It would lead to your exposure. I will go and everything will work out fine. I shall be back soon. Tell Minerva what happened".

"I will", Severus promised surly.

Quickly Albus transfigured a candle into a portkey. Touching the greasy wax he felt the familiar tug at his navel as he was transported. A few moments later he stood in a dark alley. The only illumination came from the moon.

Holding his wand out in front of him he started to walk. Deserting the alley he came into a larger street. A shabby sign read ‘Dolgon Street’. Clearly this was the dodgy part of Godric’s Hollow. In the distance he could hear noises. It sounded only a street away. Walking more quickly he hurried to the end of the street.

Peering around the corner he overlooked the situation. Mundugus Fletcher stood against a wall, surrounded by three Death Eaters. He had his wand out, but even from this distance, Albus could see it was shaking in his fist.

"You’ll never get me", Mundungus stammered. I’ll blow you to pieces…once I’m finished with you.."

Albus smiled wearily. Typical Mundungus Fletcher. ‘His bark was far worst then his bite’, as Minerva would say.

Calmly walking closer he said in a pleasant voice, "Good evening, gentlemen".

The three Death Eaters spun around and Albus recognised one of them as McNair.

"Dumbledore…", the first Death Eater growled. He cast a stunning charm, which Albus shielded easily. More curses and spells were thrown at him, but he fought them of all. Mundungus was moving away form the wall gradually, coming nearer and nearer towards him. He was still talking.

"I’ll kill you. Don’t think you can mess with Mundungus Fletcher".

Albus cast a stunning charm himself and the Death Eater who had spoken earlier fell to the ground.

Then a lot of things happened at the same time. McNair cast a spell at Mundungus, while the second Death Eater aimed a curse at Albus. Albus blocked that one quickly, but from the corner of his eye he saw what McNair was doing.

He made the decision in the flash of a moment. Almost before he had decided, he was already taking action. With his wand outstretched in front of him he jumped in front of Mundungus, crying ‘Expeliramus!"

Seizing Mundungus around the neck, he pulled him down to the floor. He twisted his own body in an attempt to avoid McNair’s curse. He was only a fraction of a second to late. The flashing silver light brushed against his side and he felt a numbing pain shot through his body.

Breathing became impossible, he struggled for air, his arms clawing through the air. Finally it felt as if the hand that had covered his nose and mouth and was clutching his throat vanished.

He took in a deep breath of air, immediately followed by as deep, agonising scream of pain. I felt as if his insides were on fire. As if someone was stabbing a hundred sharp knives into his body.

It was getting darker and darker. All of sudden he realised he was fainting. He struggled to keep awake, but the darkness called him. He was being pulled into a tunnel backwards and felt there was nothing he could do to stop it.

Noises, visions, it all became a blur and then there was nothing. Except quietness and darkness.

And after that he became unconscious.

TEXT

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 2:

Minerva walked back from the Prefect meeting to her own rooms, feeling rather content. The meeting had gone well, apart from the little incident with young Mr. Malfoy. He still did not seemed to understand that he could not take disadvantage of his badge by bullying younger students.

Once inside her rooms, she shook of her robes and hung them on the closet. Clad only in the black, cotton dress she usually wore under her robes, she walked into the small livingroom. She was just about to sit down with a book she had picked up earlier from the library for some light reading when the flames in the fireplace roared up high. A moment later, Alastor's head was in fire.

Alarmed by the look on his face, Minerva kneeled down in front of the fireplace. Before she had the chance to ask something, Alastor was already talking. "Come to St. Mungo's directly, Minerva", he ordered hurriedly. 'There has been an accident. It's Albus…"

"Albus…?" she gasped in shock, clutching her chest. "But how… he was at Hogwarts… what…?"

"Minerva, there is no time for that now!" Alastor practically yelled. "Come to St. Mungo's and all will be explained".

His head disappeared and Minerva dashed out, without bothering to put her robes back on. She needed to get to St. Mungo's as soon as possible, but firstly, she needed to find Severus Snape. In the hall she bumped into Hermione Granger, who was making her prefects rounds. Quickly she pulled the girl into a quiet corner.

"Listen Miss. Granger, something has happened to the Headmaster and I need to get to St. Mungo's. It involves Order business. Go to Professor Snape and tell him this. Don't alert anyone else!"

During her hurried speech, Hermione had gone very pale and her eyes had widened in shock. But thankfully she didn't start to ask al kinds of questions. She simply nodded and ran off. Relieved that she could leave, she hurried now to Albus' office. Only his fireplace was connected to St. Mungo's. Reaching the gargoyle, she spoke the password, 'bubblegum'. Once inside she ran to the fireplace and threw a handful Floo Powder in it. 'St. Mungo's" she spoke clearly.

A second later she stepped out in the main hall and rushed over to a witch dressed in light blue robes. "Excuse me, can you tell me were I can find Albus Dumbledore?" she asked breathlessly.

"Department of Spell Damage, fourth floor', the witch answered.

Not wanting to wait on the elevator, Minerva used the stairs and ran upstairs.

When she arrived at the Department of Spell Damage, she ran into Alastor. His face looked grave and she felt her heart sank. "How bad is it?" she whispered.

Alastor shook his head. "The healers are working on him right now… it's too early to say anything about his condition. But he was in quite a state when they brought him in.

"What happened?" she asked.

Alastor explained the events of that evening to her and guided her to a waiting room. Now all they could do was wait.

Slowly the full impact of what had happened began to sink in. Albus was hurt, he could be in a life threatening condition and there was nothing she could do. How could this have happened?

"I wanted to ask someone else", Alastor said softly as if he were reading her thoughts, "but there wasn't anyone else available. And you know Albus, he just went… saying that everything would be fine".

After half an hour, the longest of her life, a healer, dressed in dark blue robes walked up to them. Shakily, Minerva got to her feet. Judging by the face of the healer, there wasn't much good news.

Unbidden, a feeling of fear, agonising, terrifying fear rose up inside her. He wouldn't, would he? Surely he could not be…?

"Is he…?" she asked hoarsely. She couldn't even think the word, let alone say it.

The healer shook his head. "He is not dead, no".

A warm, glorious wave of relief washed over her, but it was quickly tempered by the wizard's serious expression.

"He is out of immediate life- danger at the moment, but he is still unconscious. And we cannot find out why. As long as we don't know what sort of spell hit him, we cannot treat him well".

'But he lives', Minerva thought, 'at least he is alive'. "Can I see him?", she asked.

"Certainly, follow me, please", Minerva and Alastor followed the healer through the sterile looking halls of St. Mungo's, until he stopped and opened the door to a small room. "I'll leave you alone", he said discreetly.

Minerva stepped into the softly illuminated room, Alastor right behind her. On a high bed, dressed in a white night-shirt, standard St. Mungo's issue, lay Albus, her best friend and the love of her life.

Tentatively she stepped closer and placed her hand on his arm. "Albus…', she spoke softly, "Albus… can you hear me". There was no response whatsoever.

He looked so fragile lying there. His eyes were closed and his face was pale. Because of the spell a large part of his beard had burned away. Lying there on a white bed, his face almost as pale as his white hair and beard, he resembled a ghost.

Subconsciously, Minerva shook her head. He wasn't dead. He was still alive and everything would be all right. He would wake up.

Alastor took her hand and squeezed it gently. "I have to go", he said softly. "I need to find McNair, I need to find out what spell he used".

Minerva nodded. "Good luck. And Alastor… ", she looked at him pleadingly. "Please be careful".

Alastor nodded and looked down at the still form of Albus Dumbledore. "Don't give up, mate", he growled hoarsely.

Minerva felt her cheeks getting wet and realised she was crying. After Alastor had left, she took a chair and sat down. Taking his hand between her own, she looked at the face of the man she had loved and adored for so long. "Please wake up Albus", she begged quietly. "You don't know how much I need you".

She sat there for hours, just staring at his face, occasionally reaching out and stroking his cheek or his hair. Eventually the light of the new day began to creep through the window, illuminating his face.

Once again, she reached out to caress his cheek, but her hand stopped in mid air.

His eyes, those magnificent, sapphire blue eyes had opened…

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 3:

'I need to send an owl to Cornelius', was the first thing that came to his mind when he woke up. 'I need to tell him about the attack on Godric's Hollow'. Suddenly he felt confused. There had been an attack and he gone over there, but what had happened afterwards? He didn't remember returning to Hogwarts or getting to bed.

Then the memories began to flow back to him. He remembered the spell he was hit with, Mundungus screaming, falling on the hard, cold floor…

But were was he now? At the Hospital Wing? In his own bed? There wasn't much pain, his limbs only ached a little.

Then he became aware of a hand stroking his face. It felt good and he enjoyed the soft touch for a few moments.

"Albus…", spoke a voice near his ear. "Can you hear me? Please wake up…"

He could recognise that voice everywhere. That slightly sultry voice with a soft hint of a Scottish accent. He could have known that she would be here.

When he opened his eyes, he wasn't surprised to find her sitting next him. Until he saw her face. She was pale and had dark circles under her eyes. She looked worn out and also deeply worried.

He wanted to smile to her, reassure her, tell her that everything was all right. But when he tried to, he found out that he couldn't. His muscles would not obey the commands of his brains.

Her eyes widen in surprise when she saw his open eyes. Leaning closer she whispered urgently, "Albus… are you awake? Can you hear me?"

He tried to speak, but again he failed. It was maddening. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't move his lips or force any sound out of his throat.

He tried to move his hand, but that seemed to be even more impossible. From the corner of his eye he could see his hand, see his fingers, but he couldn't move them an inch.

"You're in St. Mungo's", Minerva told him gently. "You were hit by an unknown spell by McNair and you've been unconscious for a while. But you'll be fine now". She smiled, but he could see it was a troubled smile. He could see all the pain, worry and fear she must have gone through this night reflected in her eyes.

He longed to reach out and touch her face, to tell her that everything was fine, to make that frown disappear from her face.

She rose to her feet and squeezed his hand gently. "I'll go and find a healer".

When she was gone he tried again to move his limbs, but again he wasn't able to do so. Worry started to grow in him. What was the matter with him? Why couldn't he move? He felt completely conscious, so what was wrong then?

Minerva reappeared a few minutes later with a healer at her side. The wizard closed asked her to wait outside. Once she was gone, the healer pulled out his wand and started to cast a serie of diagnostic spells on him. Albus' fear increased when he saw the healer's face becoming more and more grave.

Eventually the healer pointed his wand at his leg and muttered a spell. A sharp pain shot through his knees. But still, even the pain didn't make him move. With a jolt her realised that something must be wrong with his reflexes also.

Shaking his head, the healer opened the door and gestured for Minerva to come in. Anxiety was written all over her face. "Is he awake?"

Again the healer shook his head. "I'm sorry, Professor, he isn't".

"But his eyes are open", Minerva said softly.

"I know, but that in itself does not say much. Patients who are in a coma often open their eyes, but they remain completely unconscious.

"But I am not unconscious!" he wanted to scream. "I am awake, I just can't move…"

His heart clenched as he saw Minerva's face fell. Her shoulders slumped down and she turned even paler then before.

"What are his chances?" she asked quietly. "And please, tell me the truth", she added.

The healer made a small gesture with his head. "I cannot attempt to deny that his situation is very serious. He is in a deep coma. Even his reflexes aren't working anymore".

"But he does have a chance to wake from this coma?" Minerva asked, almost eagerly.

"Yes, but there is also a chance, and a rather large chance, I might add, that he doesn't. And even if he does wake from the coma, it is unsure whether or not he will ever be his old self again".

A look of determination appeared in Minerva's eyes. "This is Albus Dumbledore we're talking about. If anyone can conquer this, it is him".

Albus would have laughed out loud if he had been able to. That was his Minerva. She had always been the most loyal to him. She had always had the greatest faith in him. He watched as she sat down next to him and took his hand between her own.

"Don't give up Albus", she muttered. "Just keep fighting".

The healer walked to the door, but just before he stepped out of the room, he turned around. His face was grave and deeply serious.

"I admire your faith in his strength, but I must warn you once again that his condition is very serious. He may not get through this…", the healer paused for a second. "Even the great Albus Dumbledore is not unbeatable".

With those words he stepped out of the small room and closed the door behind him.

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 4:
Minerva walked the now familiar route to Albus' room. Her pace was slow and her walk missed it's usual energetic step. Catching a look of herself in a mirror hanging on the walls she noticed that her face was ash grey and that there were circles by the size of teabags under her eyes.

Outside the door of Albus' room she hesitated. As always she was afraid. Afraid to enter, afraid of what she might find. She placed her hand on the door handle and took a deep breath to steady herself. Unbidden, a feeling of hope and anxiety rose inside her. It was always the same. She would hope, against her own better judgement that there be an improvement today. That today was the day she would see that wondrous smile again. That she would hear his deep, warm voice again. That everything would be fine.

Gently she pushed the door open and upon entering a lump formed in her throat. He still lay there, still and pale, as if all the life had gone from him.

It hurt. Every time she entered this room, it hurt so terribly that it left her shaking. It had been two weeks now and still there had been no change. He opened his eyes every morning and they fell close at night, but that was all. And from the looks of the healers who examined him she could tell that the situation was worsening. Their grave looks and the way they silently shook their heads told her that his chances of a full recovery were decreasing.

Seeing the love of her life, the most powerful wizard of the world lying in hospital bed, so deprived of his strength tore at her heart. Sitting down next to his bed, she took his hand in hers and began to speak. Pushing her own pain and fear aside, she tried to make her tone sound light, hoping that on some level, he could hear her.

"We had quite a spectacle in the Great Hall this afternoon, Albus. Apparently the Weasley twins have invited something they call 'Foamy Soap Gum'. It's some kind of bubble gum that is very suitable for blowing bubbles. But somehow those gum bubbles come lose and start to float in the air, like soap bubbles. They're immensely popular under first and second year students.

Anyway, tonight this resulted in a bubble blow contest, right after dinner. You would have loved it Albus, the entire Great Hall was covered in bubbles".

She smiled sadly, remembering the sounds of laughter and joy from the students. It was the first time in weeks that they actually had fun and she hadn't had the heart to stop them.

"They're so worried about you, Albus", she continued. "They keep asking me how you are doing and if you are making any progress. You really need to get better, they need you so much. They care so much about you".

'As do I", she added in her mind. She had spent the last two weeks this way. After dinner, she hurried to the St. Mungo's spending as long as she could with him. Talking to him, reading him stories or sometimes just simply sitting there, holding his hand and stroking his face.

Over the past two weeks she had tried to give the impersonal hospital room a few more homely touches. She brought flowers with her and Sherbet lemon bags, hoping that he would react to the smell. But so far, all her efforts had been for nothing. So far, nothing indicated that he noticed her being there.

A sound was heard by the door and when she looked up, she saw Severus entering. His usual emotionless face held an expression of worry now. A worry that she knew was reflected in her own eyes.

"Still no change?" he asked.

She shook her head. "The healers say that he is still in a coma. They're not sure if he can hear anything… but I like to believe that he does".

"I wish there was something I could do…", the man muttered. "To be so helpless…"

An idea stuck her and she couldn't help but gasp.

"What?" Severus asked bewildered.

"Severus, what if you invade his mind? Perhaps you can coax him to come back to us?" She looked at him, her face filled with expectation.

"I can't", Severus answered firmly.

"Why not", Minerva started. "Surely you can…"

"Listen", the Potions master explained. "First of all, if he is in a coma, there will be nothing for me to read. His mind would simply be blank. Secondly, Albus is a strong, powerful wizard, I'm not sure if I will be able to invade his mind. His probably will have his defences up.

And thirdly… I don't think I want to do this. I couldn't bear to enter his mind without his permission… Albus is a private person… It would just be wrong".

"I just want to do something…", Minerva whispered miserably. "To sit here, so helpless… it's horrible".

"I know…", Severus sighed heavily. "I know Minerva…".

When she came home that night, completely exhausted, she crawled in bed and rolled into a ball. For the first time since this nightmare had started, she began to cry. Harsh, dry sobs racked through her body, coming from the core of her soul. Hugging her knees to her chest and wrapping her arms around them, she cried and cried and cried until she was spent.

Then she lay there, still trembling. Visions and images played through her mind. Albus smiling at her. The two of them sitting in his office, playing chess, his gently touches and sometimes flirty remarks.

Losing him would be unbearable. Losing him would mean losing a part of herself.

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 5:
Watching her leave was the hardest. The moment she rose to her feet and gently stroked his face or squeezed his hand. He dreaded the moment her sweet voice whispered, "Until tomorrow, Albus", knowing that he had to face many empty hours again.

Hours in which he was bored out of mind, literally counting the seconds away. He tried all sort of things to keep himself occupied. He tried to remember books he had read, tried to remember the words of every song he had ever heard he painted landscapes and portraits in his mind, counted non-existent objects, everything that could keep him even slightly occupied.

Longingly he thought of the boring paperwork lying on his desk. What he won't give now to just sit behind his desk and fill out the forms, every now and then popping a sherbet lemon in his mouth.

It had been three weeks now, since he had woken in the hospital. Three mind numbing weeks and by now he felt like screaming, crying and pounding the wall in frustration. But instead he could only lay down and watch. Watch as the healers entered and left his room, their faces sad.

Even worse were the overly cheerful nurses. "Good morning! How are we feeling this morning?" they asked in high pierced voices as if they were talking to a four- year- old, while roughly scrubbing his face with a wet cloth.

Minerva took care of him as well. She often combed out his hair and beard. But her hands were gently and her touches tender.

There was still no improvement in his condition. When he woke, his eyes opened and that was all. He wasn't even able to move his eye-pupils, his gaze was always fixed on one spot. If only he could move his eyes, he could use that as a way to communicate with her. She would surely understand his attempts. He would give anything to let her know that he was not unconscious. That he was very aware of her being there.

He loved watching her, when she sat next to his bed, talking or reading, or sometimes just watching him. She had come, every night, without failure to see him, to talk to him. And he looked forward to her visits so much. It was the one thing that kept him sane, that made him hold on.

He spend the many hours he had now thinking about her. He had known her for over sixty years. One morning she had walked into his classroom as a confidant, but withdrawn and serious student. Over the years as he taught her, first Transfiguration and later tutoring her to become an Animagus, she had little by little let her guard down. Minerva McGonagall wasn't one to trust another person quickly, she wasn't easy to befriend, but once you had managed to do so, you were allowed to see the wonderful woman behind that mask of strictness and efficiency.

Now she was his dearest and most valued friend. He did not care more for anyone then he did for her, he enjoyed no one's company as much as hers. He loved and had loved no one above her. She was the woman who'd held his heart, his dreams and his desires for the past forty years.

And she didn't know. For all she know, his feelings were strictly platonic. She had no idea how he wanted them to become so much more to each other. How he longed for her, how he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, not as mere friends, but as husband and wife. But he never told her. He had fought so hard for their friendship, for her trust and confidence in him, he didn't want to jeopardise that by telling her about his true feelings. The risk was too great, he didn't dare to take it.

For the past weeks he found himself often dreaming about what it would be like if she returned his feelings. And he felt happy and grateful for every minute she spend in his company.

Sometimes he wasn't able to see her, which unnerved him highly. The nurses would have changed his position, so his head was facing the ceiling or the window and no matter how hard he tried, he could not see her, only hear her voice. At those moments, he felt more then ever like a prisoner in his own body.

He did try. Oh how he tried. He spend hours and hours, focussing on his muscles. Trying to force him to obey the orders of his mind. But all his efforts didn't even result in the smallest muscle spasm. Unwilling to give up, he tried and tried, until he fell asleep in sheer exhaustion.

Until the door of his room opened again and she walked in. He could tell by the way she carried herself that the stress and the worry were beginning to take their toll on her. Her face was pale and thin and he could tell that she had lost quite a few pounds over the past weeks. But she always smiled as she greeted him. She always appeared cheerful and warm and even although he could look through her facade, he appreciated what she was doing.

Sometimes the fear caught in his throat. What if his situation never changed. What if he had to lay here for years and years to come, without any hope of recovery? Trapped in his mind, caged in his body, until he went mad with frustration. What if Minerva stopped visiting him, because she moved on with her life?

That fear alone caused his heart to clench and made him try harder. And when she visit him at night, he stared at her when he was able to. He tried to bore his look into her eyes, make her realise that he was there, that she wasn't talking to a shell.

He needed to reach her. He just needed to.

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 6:

Six weeks now. Six weeks since her world had crashed down around her and had shattered to pieces. Even the rise and return of Voldemort had not moved her so much as this event. She wondered if it would ever change. How many nights would she sit there, watching him?

He was facing her this night and his blue eyes were fixed on her. She stared back in them, desperately looking for the twinkle that was so painfully missing. She felt as if she was looking at a statue.

The door opened and revealed the healer that had treated Albus from the moment he had brought to St. Mungo's. Minerva didn't like him. There was something distant and pessimistic about him that irritated her. Right now his face was grave and serious, as usual. "May I have a word with you?" he asked in his deep, slow voice.

"Certainly", Minerva nodded, letting go of Albus' hand after giving it a reassuring squeeze.

She turned around in her chair and watched as the healer sat down on the other, empty chair.

"As you are aware, Professor Dumbledore's condition has not improved over the past six weeks", the wizard began. "As difficult as this may be, me and my colleagues believe that the time has come to accept the fact that the situation is hopeless".

"What do you mean by that?" Minerva asked, suddenly terrified.

"We will transport him to another section", the healer told her. "A department for the more… permanent patients. There he will stay until his body gives up. This will happen eventually. He will not suffer, he will just go, easily and comfortably".

'He talks as if he is talking about a dying plant', Minerva thought exasperated and desperate. Her mind refused to believe that this was the end, the end of her Albus.

"But there must be something we can do… anything…", she persisted. "I'll keep talking to him, perhaps…"

The healer interrupted her. "That is another matter I want to discuss with you. I believe it would be wiser if you stopped visiting him".

'WHAT?" Minerva gasped, horrified.

"Your visits are pointless. He can't hear you. Surely you see that. You've became headmistress of Hogwarts. You have other obligations now. You cannot continue coming here every night".

Fury, white, boiling anger rose inside her, directed at the man who thought he could tell her what she should and shouldn't do.

"Never…", she hissed furiously. "I will never leave him alone. You can't stop me from coming here. As long as he's alive, I will be there for him".

"But he is no longer living", the wizard plugged on mercilessly. "He has already gone. This is just his shell".

Minerva straightened her back, looking directly at the healer. Tears started to fall from her eyes, slowly trickling down over her cheeks, but she spoke in soft, but clear voice, "Every time I place my hand over his heart, I can feel it beating against my fingers. And as long as his heart still beats, I know he is alive and that I am bound to him".

"You ask to much of yourself", the healer warned her, getting to his feet. "I understand that this has come as a shock to you, but I advice you think the matter over carefully". With those words he turned around and left, leaving a shaking Minerva behind.

She turned around to Albus once more and looked into his beautiful blue eyes. All the emotion, the pain, the fear, the grief rose inside her and unable to fight it down she grabbed his hand and hide her face in it, tears streaming over her cheeks.

"Please Albus… please don't leave me", she sobbed desperately. "Please don't die… I couldn't bear it…".

She looked up through a veil of tears and reached out to stroke his face. "I've tried to be brave and face it all, but without you…, I'm lost dearest Albus", she whispered.

For a while, she simply stared at him, as if she was doubting, hesitating. Eventually she seemed to have made up her mind, for she leaned forward and brushed her lips against his. She moved her lips over his, feeling the soft texture and curve. After a few moments she pulled back, a shy smile playing on the corners of her mouth.

"I love you Albus", she said softly. "I love you so much, you have no idea… I never dared to tell you… but… there hasn't been anyone but you for me. I have loved you since that night you pulled me in a hug because I had managed to transform… ". She smiled fondly at the memory.

"I've loved you all those years and to think now that I must go on without you…"

Fresh tears spilled over her face and she sobbed again.

A little later she had composed herself again and kissed the back of his hand. "I used to dream that we were together Albus", she told him with a dreamy smile. "I dream about our life, our house, our children… Did you ever wanted to have children, Albus?"

She smiled wistfully. "I wanted yours… I still do… before I run out of time…"

She stood up and cupped his face between her hands. Gently she pressed her lips to his. A tear fell from her eyes on his cheek. "Fight this, Albus…", she begged softly. "Fight it with all your strength. I'm not prepared to lose you yet my love".

Caressing his face tenderly one last time, brushing the tear away, she turned around and left.

She never noticed the tear that trickled down over his other cheek.

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 7:

He could literally feel his heart pounding in his chest. She loved him. She actually loved him.

He had overheard her talk with the healer and his heart had soared with pride when he heard her fierce words, "I will never leave him". His strong, loyal, Minerva.

And then later when she had said. "Every time I place my hand over his heart I feel it beat against my fingers..." He understood now. Her hands had often wandered over his chest during all those nights when she had sat next to him. And it had always came to rest over his heart. Now he realised that this was her way of convincing herself that he was still alive.

When she spoke those words he had known about her true feelings, but refused to believe it yet.

As she had cried at his bed, moments later, he had wanted nothing more then to gather her in his arms to hold and comfort her. He had wanted to brush her tears away and make her smile that amazing smile again. He had cursed his body for holding him captive, for keeping him from her. Never had he felt so helpless as at that moment, when his love had sat next to his bed, crying her heart out while he was unable to reach for her.

He had believed that things couldn't get any worse or anymore painful.

Until she had leaned over and kissed him. It was heaven and hell at the same time. Pleasure and torture combined. The softness of her lips against his own, slowly moving, exploring… he never wanted the moment to end, enjoying the feel and taste of her.

But he could not react. He lay there motionless as his deepest desires, his most secret fantasies came true, unable to react, unable to respond to her love and show her his own.

Then she had told him that she loved him. She told him about the dreams she had cherished so long and he marvelled at the fact that they were so like his own.

He longed for the evening to come. To see her face again, to hear her talk about their future as if was undoubtedly going to happen.

But he also dreaded it. Hearing her talk like that, pouring her heart out pained him more then little else could.

When she finally came in, he noticed that she walked a little lighter, as if a part from her burden was lifted from her. Her smile, while she leaned over him was simply radiant.

"Good evening, my love", she let her lips brush over his cheek.

He wished he could bring his arms around her, pull her closer, guide her lips to his mouth and kiss her deeply. But instead he could only remain still as she pulled back, slightly blushing.

'It is wonderful to see you, darling', he told her in his mind. Her presence was soothing and comforting and her tender touches and caresses almost made him the happiest man in the world. If only he could react, it would be perfect.

By the time both of them knew it was time for her to leave, her face saddened. She held his hand, softly massaging the back as she told him what the healer had said to her earlier.

"They are going to move you tomorrow, dearest. They'll bring you to a special ward. The healer told me that they have different visiting hours there, but that won't stop me from seeing you. I'll still come, every night, I promise".

How he wanted to tell her how much he loved her, now his love for her was growing with each passing second, because of her unwavering loyalty and care. What had he done to deserve such love and devotion?

Reluctantly she left, clearly afraid of what the next day would bring them.

As soon as the door had closed behind her, he started to focus again on how to show that he wasn't in a coma. He had of course tried in the previous weeks, but so far, it never worked. It felt as if his body wasn't working anymore, as if it functioned or rather malfunctioned independent from his mind. He couldn't so much as move an eyelash.

All of a sudden a thought stuck him, and he wondered outrageous why he had never thought of it before. At least one of his body functions was still working. Every morning, when he woke, he opened his eyes and every night when he fell asleep he closed them. It was the only moment his body and mind connected.

That precise moment, when he woke and opened his eyes, was the moment he stood a chance.

He was so excited about his discovery that at first he felt he was never going to fall asleep. But he needed to and with great effort he cleared his mind, forcing it to relax. Slowly he drifted of to sleep.

When he woke again he heard voices of a healer and two nurses. This was it, he realised. The moment of truth. The moment he opened his eyes, he summoned all his strength together. Forcing himself to gave some indication that he was awake.

He remembered her voice, her words. "I love you, Albus and I've always… There hasn't been anyone but you… I love you Albus, I love you… "

"Minerva…", he wanted to say, forcing his strength to his face, his eyes, his mouth. It had to work, it was too important. Only the slightest movement, the faintest whimper would be enough. He had to make it happen. Concentrating with all his will power, he tried to move his mouth.

Finally a faint groan came over his lips and immediately he felt all the energy leave him as exhaustion took over.

The healer and the nurses were around his bed instantly, casting one after another diagnostic spell on him. More healers came and went, all talking excitedly.

He tried to understand what they were talking about, meanwhile fighting down his fatigue. He heard someone say, "Get Olesons, he's an expert on legilimency, we need him now!".

Ten minutes later another healer walked in, while reading a roll of parchment. Albus felt so tired he wanted nothing more then to close his eyes and fell asleep. But he had a dreading feeling that if he did so, he would not wake up again.

The healer, Olesons apparently stepped closer and spoke the spell. Albus forced his defences down and felt the wizard intruding his mind. He fought to keep the images of Minerva at bay. That was too private. He didn't want to share that with anyone except her.

The face of the wizard paled and Albus felt him leaving his mind.

"Oh Merlin… ", he heard him stammer. "The Professor wasn't in a coma at all… he has been awake for these past weeks…"

More diagnostic spells were cast on him and more excited sounds followed. He was too tired… he just wanted to sleep. He was too weak to stay awake now, he needed rest. Minerva, I love you… I'll come back… I'll just close my eyes for a moment…

A sedating spell hit his chest and he closed his eyes, falling in oblivion.

[griseldalafey]

Chapter 8:

Shrugging out of her daily robes, Minerva changed into a comfortable cotton dress and sat down on the couch, tucking her feet below her and wrapping her hands around a steaming mug of tea. In an hour or so, she would see Albus again.

She let out a troubled sigh as she gazed in the fire, remembering her last visit. Her feelings had been completely out of control then. She had touched and kissed him that evening, called him 'her love', basically, she had acted as if they were together. And if she were honest, she had to admit that it felt so good to pretend that they were.

But she was also disgusted with herself, feeling as if she had taken advantage of him, of the situation. In real life, he would never allow it to happen. Simply because he didn't return her feelings. If he was aware of what had happened… she shuddered at the thought. And her disgust only grew. Her behaviour had been inexcusable.

'You fool', she berated herself, 'you stupid, foolish…'

A knock on the door interrupted her trail of thoughts and she called out to whomever it was on the other side of the door to come in.

Severus stepped in and Minerva felt her jaw drop at the sight of him. In all the years she had known him, she had never seen him laugh. Often he smirked and very, very rarely he allowed himself a small smile, but at this moment, he was grinning broadly, his face shining with unconcealed happiness.

"Severus… what is the matter?" she asked completely bewildered.

His smile became even wider. "Minerva, you are not going to believe this…", his voice sounded equally happy and Minerva's confusion only grew.

"I just had word from St. Mungo's", Severus started and Minerva felt her heart miss a few beats. Albus… there was news about Albus… that must be it…

"He has regained consciousness… , Albus is awake and he is going to be fine".

"But… what…? how… ? how did he…?", she couldn't believe it. It was too good, too amazing to be true.

She took a deep breath to calm herself. "Did he wake from his coma?" she asked eventually.

Severus shook his head. "From what I understand from the healer's explanation, he never was in a coma, to begin with. There was something wrong with his nerves, what made it impossible for him to move his body or talk… But he has been conscious for a long time".

"His nerves…", Minerva repeated incredulously. "You mean he was paralysed or something like that?"

Severus nodded. "Apparently yes. After he was hit by MacNair's spell, he was unconscious for a while, but he woke the next morning. And he has been conscious ever since but unable to let anyone know he was".

Slowly the full meaning of Severus' words began to sink in and Minerva gasped in horror. "You mean to say that he has been conscious these past seven weeks, but was nothing less then trapped in his own body?"

Severus face sobered and he nodded. "The past month and half must have agony for him".

"Oh Albus…", Minerva muttered, tears welling up in her eyes. "What will happen now?" she asked Severus.

"They've treated him this morning", Severus replied, "he has full control over his body again. But the healer said that he was still very tired".

"I can imagine", Minerva muttered. There were so many emotions running inside her now, she was beginning to feel rather overwhelmed. Suddenly a thought stuck her and she gasped in shock.

"I assume you will go and see him this evening?" Severus asked, never noticing anything.

"Ehhmmm…, I..ehh..', she blinked several times, trying go gather her thoughts. "Why don't you go and see him, Severus? You've been so worried about him".

Seeing his surprised face, she added, "And take Mundungus with you… I'm sure he would want to see Albus as well…"

"Are you alright, Minerva?" Severus asked frowning.

"Yes… I am…", Minerva stammered. "I just… need to… I need some time to let it all sink in, really", she finally said, desperate to get him out of the room.

"Alright…", Severus said uncertainly. "If you're sure… then I'll visit him this evening…"

Still looking puzzled, he left her rooms.

Once he was away, Minerva sank down on the couch and buried her face in her hands. Tears of shame and despair streamed down over her face.

Albus was awake, he was going to be all right again. In a few weeks, days maybe he would be back at Hogwarts but instead of rejoicing it, she was devastated.

How was she ever going to face him again? How could she ever explain her actions to him? How was she ever, ever going to rebuild their friendship?

"I've ruined it…", she moaned heart broken. "He will never understand…" She continued to cry, realising she had lost him in an entire different way. Things would never be as they were before.

With an arching heart she remembered the evenings they had spend in his office, the quiet chess games, the comfortable hours they'd spend in front of the fire… It was all over now.

He would be so disappointed in her. Her heart sank when she thought of the conversation that would undoubtedly follow now.

"I'm so sorry, Albus…" she whispered hoarsely, "so sorry…"

[griseldalafey]

Hmm... I just posted eight chapters of one story. I hope I did in the way Liz and April intented it to be...

The last chapter should be posted tomorrow...

Love,
Griselda

[ArabellaFiggs]

Hi sister, great story. Well done you.
ps: I will never have a bet with you again.
To expensive.

[Catwoman99]

Hi Griselda,
First off, I love this story.

As for your posting, I was thinking more of separate threads for each chapter. That way, people can review a particular chapter. But since you had all these chapters already written, I guess this way works too.

Like I've said before, this is all still experimental...we'll just have to wait and see what works best.

-April ;D

[Miss Q]

Griselda, this is an absolutley wonderful story!!! Can't wait to se how it goes!

M

[Nerweniel]

Well, for me it's ok like this... I mean, either this or separate threads... But this is ok for this story, 'cause the chapters were already up at ff.net, so we could review the first ones over there.
Anyways, I've said it before and I say it again: great story, but it name of Merlin, get them happy together ;D!

@ Arabella Figgs about the bet: Maggie Smith is in maaaany movies!

[Chapter 9]

Chapter 9:

He stared at the door, waiting impatiently for it to open. It had been two days now, since he had 'woken'. His strength was almost back. This morning he had taken a short walk, feeling relieved beyond anything that he was finally able to move his limbs again. The healers had told him later that he was allowed to return to Hogwarts within a few days.

The amount of visitors had been overwhelming. Practically the whole Order had stopped by in two days time, except…

Except for Minerva. She hadn't visited him, nor had he heard from her.

It puzzled him. He had expected her to be the first one to come to him. When he asked the others about it, they avoided his eyes and muttered something about her being extremely busy.

He wanted to see her so much. He wanted to tell her what he should have told her years ago, that he loved her so very much. He wanted to hold her, touch her and never let her go again.

Over the past days a fear had started to grow inside him, becoming more and more difficult to ignore. What if she hadn't meant it? What if she didn't love him, but had merely spoke in the emotion of the moment? What if she had changed her mind?

After hearing those words from her, after the feel of her lips against his own, he doubted if he could go back to their former, platonic friendship.

Finally the door opened and he held his breath, hoping with his whole heart that it would be her.

But it wasn't.

He couldn't hide the disappointment from his face when Alastor entered. If the former Auror ever noticed anything, he didn't show it. Instead he sat down on the chair next to his bed and looked approvingly at his friend. "You look a lot better", he said in his low voice. "How are you feeling?"

"Almost back to normal", Albus answered, getting over his initial feelings. "The healer told me this morning that I may return to Hogwarts in two days".

"Yes, I heard that", Alastor replied. "Poppy is talking to him right this minute. Apparently there are certain conditions".

"You brought Poppy with you?" Albus asked surprised.

"Well… yes…", Alastor shifted uncomfortably. "She wanted to visit you as well and since I was going as well…, I thought we might as well come together...".

"Of course", Albus commented dryly.

"She'll be here soon", Alastor said.

Albus grinned, but when his thoughts returned to Minerva his face sobered.

"Why didn't she come?" he asked softly.

Alastor didn't need to ask whom he meant. "I don't know", he answered truthfully. "I don't know why she's avoiding you".

"I see…", Albus answered, his heart sinking further.

"You really want to see her, don't you?" Alastor asked.

He nodded wordlessly.

"Right, that's it then", determinedly, Alastor got to his feet.

"Where are you going?" Albus asked confused.

"I'm going to have a talk to Minerva", Alastor growled. "And if I have to, I'll drag her". Not even waiting for his reaction, he headed for the door.

I split up chapter 9 in two parts, because it wouldn't fit.

[Chapter 10]

Chapter 10:

That evening, Minerva stood in front of the door, almost shaking with nerves.

Alastor had come storming in her office that afternoon, demanding that she would go and see Albus that evening. Arguing had been pointless as he had threatened to stun her and carry her to St. Mungo's.

Knowing that the moment had to come eventually and that she might as well get it over with, she had given in and that was why she stood here now, feeling as if she was about to be sentenced.

Carefully she opened the door. When she saw him, sitting up against the pillows, looking directly at her an unexpected feeling of joy swept over her. After all her worries and fear, it was so good to see him like this again.

But soon she remembered the seriousness of the situation and she lowered her gaze again.

As for Albus, when she finally stood there in the doorframe, he felt his heart miss several beats. She was wearing lovely, crimson robes, much less heavy and concealing then her usual teacher robes. But her hair was still up in a tight, strict bun and he realised that despite the robes she was in full teacher mode.

Minerva walked to the end of his bed, her eyes fixed on a spot above his head, nervously twisting her hands. She had decided to pull her hair up in an attempt to look as professional and collected as possible. All she could hope for was that Albus would accept her sincere apologies and gave her a chance to rebuild their friendship again.

"Minerva…, come here", he said softly, holding out his hand to her. Slowly, she walked closer, still refusing to look at him. She sat down on the chair, folding her hands together so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

"Minerva, please look at me…", he pleaded softly.

She rose her eyes to his chest and slowly upwards over his beard and mouth, until they reached his nose. Then she didn't dare to go any further. Deciding that it was easier to say it without looking him in the eye, she took a shuddering breath and began to speak.

"Albus.. I know that you're… I know what you are going to say… But please, let me say first… that I'm sorry…"

He couldn't believe he was hearing this. How could she possibly think that he would be angry with her?

"… I know you are shocked… affronted even by my actions… and I… "

Unable to listen any longer, he leaned forward and cupped her face with his hand, finally forcing her to look at him. His other arm moved around her shoulders, pulling her closer towards him and he cut off whatever else she was going to say by covering her mouth with his own.

Minerva froze when she felt his lips moving over hers, silencing her ramblings. She couldn't believe this was really happening, and was also a bit surprised that his strength had returned so soon.

But when he gently started to nibble on her lower lip she closed her eyes gradually, one hand sneaking behind his head.

His hand moved from her cheek to her hair and he waved his fingers through the silky strands, completely ruining her bun.

He broke the kiss briefly to catch his breath and to pull her from the chair onto the bed. Leaning back in the cushions against the headboard he pulled her with him, until she was sitting closely against him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

Guiding her mouth back to his, he kissed her again, more intently and passionate this time, showing her all the love he felt for her. When she returned his kiss with equal feeling, pressing herself closer against him, he thought that his heart was going to burst with joy.

"I love you", he muttered a long time later, still showering her mouth with small kisses, "I love you so much".

"I love you too, Albus", she whispered back, smiling and crying at the same time.

He kissed the salty tears away from her face and wrapped an arm around her waist, savouring the feeling of her in his arms. She rested her head against his shoulder and snuggled closely against him.

Her bun had come completely undone by then and he pulled the last pins from her hair. "You have no idea how hard it was not to be able to respond when I heard you say that you loved me ", he told her, lovingly stroking her face.

"I know…", she answered, lifting her head from his shoulder. "I'm so sorry, Albus… "

He placed a finger over her lips. '"Don't ever apologise for that again, my love. You gave me the strength to go on, to fight… knowing that you loved me…", he kissed her again, telling her what he couldn't put in words.

Six months later he needed that same method again to express his joy when his wife told him that within eight months, he would become a father.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------


I just couldn't leave that last line out. I hope you all liked it and that it lived up to the expectations. Thanks to everyone who reviewed this story ) You guys make my day!

[Nerweniel]

Griselda, you're a genius, you know that? That last sentence was... like... GENIUS, yeah ;D! Cuteness, yayness, whatever- another great story by a great authoress!

Love,

Liz

[AthenaDumbledore]

AAAAw, again. I love this. He's really really truly madly deeply in love with her in this one isn't he?
I loved the last chapter, it was such a perfect ending. And, *adresses the other people around*, don't you guys think this screams for a sequel?

I, for one, would love to read it.

Good work!

Sara.

[TabbyForever]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, thats the shortaned version of it...you should have seen the one that Liz got!!!!hehehehe
I'm seconding the motion for a sequal!!! ;D
It was fantastic, i loved it and well done!!!hehehehe
Totally inspiring story there... i just wish i could write like you all!!!
Please write a sequal!!!
Tabs

[CrankyCauldron]

Where did all those chapters come from? One moment I was dying to read about Minerva perhaps telling him she loved him and the next thing I've got four chapters to read! I was sooo happy! lol

Oohhh it was fabulous! I adored every moment. I loved the ending, the middle and the beginning, I even loved the title!

I'm just about to put up my own soppy fic, but it's a one-off, and no where near as fab as yours! Do do a sequel! It might be hard to keep it relatively realistic and IC but I would love to hear more about their future together!

Happiness!
[CC]

[angharad]

This was just so incredibly touching! I love the tenderness in your writing! Bravo!

Happy now,

Angharad

[Lady Lavendar]

I loved it! I say a sequel is in order! I really would like to see what happens in their future!

Lady Lavendar

[Miss Q]

This story (all nine chapters) is truly wonderful! Thanks for the happy ending!

M (yes, I'm probably a little more than a closet romantic)

[Sensiblyquirky]

Ok, though a little late i just had to respond! I loved this story! In fact I was waiting for the 9th chapter the day I was set to go on my family vacation, but luckily you posted it before we left so I was not kept in suspense!! Ok, so that last sentence def. clenches it for you: I'm a dork. Oh well...very nicely done. ;D

Christy

[Mellypoo622]

Loved it! I read it last night and didn't get a chance to reply! Great job!

[KayleeTonksLupin]

OMG I LOVE THIS! It's AWESOME! What else is there to say? (heh, Jestana will recognize that line.)

[JoanneM]

Oh it was soooo devastating because you almost could feel Dumbledore's frustration about the inability to say something to her ... Your story reaaly captured me all the way through!

And of course I loved the ending! I *love* cuteness ... ;D ;D

[nikkimouse]

This is so sweet! Such a perfect ending to a somewhat tense story!

[Tabby67]

YEESSS!!! I just found this...again. I fread it on FF.net, and I'm happy all over again. ;D Great story!

~Branda~

[elivania]

That was wonderful. Absolutly wonderful. So sweet and for a while so heartbreaking. Great job. Just brilliant. *Eli*

[minerva62]

Again one of my favorite fics...soooo romantic...And considering that in many other fics Minerva states that Albus always talks too much, it was a brilliant way to keep him quiet and let Minerva show him how she feels about him... ;D

Very well done, love this!