Pretending

[SpellboundKate]

AW! That was so sweet, and I loved the part where he hinted that he wasn't pretending! Please update, ASAP and have fun at college. *confetti*
Kate

[TabbyForever]

Awwwww that was really really cute!!!!
I loved very much....but of course we all knew he wasn't prenting didn't we!!!hehehehehhe
Good luck with the start of term....i've got another month before i'm back....thankgod am not living in halls!!!it'd kill me!!!
That much on books!!!!eeeeek it should be illegal the amount us students have to pay!!!!
Good luck, hope you can update soon,
Tabs

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Five

It was mid-day and Albus was looking for Minerva. She had managed to avoid him all morning, and he was on a hunt. He had made a decision: Albus wanted to know for sure what Minerva thought of him, but she was going to have to suffer a little first. He was going to pet her, kiss her, and truly act like a man who had completely lost his heart. He was going to act like he wished he could, and the whole point was to see what her response would be. Spotting Athena up the hall he moved toward her.
“Athena where is your Aunt Min?”
“She’s in the library.”
“Thank you.” He set off for the library, and luckily the door was a jar. As he looked in he saw Sean sitting next to Minerva, and Minerva was ignoring him. Albus watched for a bit until Sean put his hand on Minerva’s thigh.
Pushing the door open he stormed into the room, and pulled Minerva out of Sean’s grasp. “You will not touch her,” Albus demanded as he stepped toward Sean. “You will leaver her alone, and if I ever hear of you stalking her again or saying cruel things to little Athena you will quickly learn why I was the only wizard Voldemort ever feared.” Though spoken calmly Albus was radiating power, and Sean knew that he was not the wizard to mess with and without a word he left the library giving up his quest.
Albus turned to Minerva and began rubbing her arms and leaned over to kiss her forehead, “Are you ok, sweetheart?”
“I’m fine, Albus, and thank you for getting rid of Sean,” Minerva replied quickly trying to get out of his grasp, but Albus wouldn’t let her go. Instead he led her back to the couch, and wrapped his arms around her rubbing her stomach in soothing circles.
“Albus, please,” Minerva whispered.
“Please, what Darling?”
“Let me go.”
Albus let her sit up, but before he would let her leave the room he caught her off guard by kissing the back of her neck, and sucking just ever so slightly. Minerva gasped, and turned to face him angry.
“Just because you are pretending this week doesn’t mean you get certain liberties that come along with being romantically involved!”
“Well, Ms. McGonagall, who was the person who begged me to kiss her? Which one of us took the first step to deepen the kiss?”
“That was to get rid of Sean! You didn’t have to deepen it that was your choice.”
“So you’re using me without any regards to my feelings?” Albus asked looking hurt.
“No, of course not-,”
“So you kissing me, and having me touch you and act like your boyfriend when you want, but not when I want. That’s not using me?”
Minerva was practically shouting now, “Albus! You knew what this was about when you agreed to it, and you were supposed to make this week better and now you’ve made it worse! I mean this morning, were you serious when you said you weren’t pretending?”
“I think the better question is: are you pretending? Or why would it matter if I was or wasn’t,” replied Albus before he walked out the door. He leaned against the wall briefly to calm himself, he hated seeing her upset but it was the only way and he knew it.
Minerva was looking at the door in shock, and mumbled to herself: “He left the ball in my court! He left the bloody ball in my bloody court!!” Minerva stayed in the library for awhile to reflect on Albus’ current behavior and decided that if he wanted them to act like a couple that two could play that game. Leaving the library with a wicked smile on her face she went in search of Albus.
She found him asleep outside, and she couldn’t believe her luck. Sneaking up behind him Minerva began tracing his features with her finger, and she bent down to his ear, “Honey, waaaake uuuppp. C’mon sweetheart, wake up.” Albus opened his eyes slowly thinking he had heard Minerva, however he was not prepared for what she did next.
Moving quickly Minerva came in front of Albus and with a flick of her wand his outer robes disappeared, and she quickly undid the buttons of his shirt sliding it off his body. Running her hands over his chest she leaned in to his face to whisper, “Let me help you relax.” She let her hands run up and down his chest a few more times before moving behind him to allow her fingers to gently need his muscles.
Albus closed his eyes enjoying the sensations she was creating in him. Before he could go to sleep again, Minerva began digging into his muscles.
Sitting up quickly Albus said, “Ouch! Minerva not so rough, please.”
“Oh, darling, was that too hard? I’m sorry, but I really wanted to work those knots out of your muscles. If you can’t take it then I won’t go as hard,” Minerva replied sweetly.
“You can go harder than you were at first, but not so hard.” Albus replied lying back down.
When he was settled Minerva began, “Ok. I won’t go as hard, but I had no idea you were so sensitive Albus.” As she hoped that had gotten to Albus, and he turned around immediately to protest that he was not sensitive.
Minerva took his face within her hands and replied, “That’s ok sweetheart, being sensitive is not always a bad thing. Though now I know why you are always so lean,” Minerva added while running her hands over his biceps.”
“What do you mean by that,” Albus asked letting his temper get the best of him.
“Just that you don’t work out much, Albus, but that’s ok.”
“I AM NOT sensitive, and there is nothing wrong with the way I look.” Albus practically yelled looking very hurt.
“That is not what I meant, my sweet.”
“That is what it sounded like to me,” Albus said abruptly turning around and pouting.
“I just wanted to do something nice for you, and you get all mad! I didn’t mean to offend you, and I’m sorry you took it that way but I just wanted to be nice,” Minerva replied pretending to cry. Albus felt bad and turned around to say something, but Minerva was storming across the yard.
Smiling and muttering to herself, “Mission Accomplished”
Later that evening Albus entered their room to go to bed, and noticed Minerva wasn’t in it. He really wanted to speak with her and apologize for his behavior, but he hadn’t been able to find her all day. Finally he went to Athena’s room to see if she was there, and sure enough she was in bed with the child singing her to sleep.
Minerva looked up when she heard the door open, and immediately looked back down to the child. Convinced Athena was asleep she turned away from Albus, but made no move to leave the bed. Crossing the room Albus knelt down beside of her, but she turned around again.
Albus sighed heavily and spoke in a soft whisper filled with pain, “I’m very sorry, Minerva. I know I over reacted, but I guess what you said just got to me. You were so nice to give me a massage, and I’m sorry I yelled at you. I hope you can forgive me.” When she made no sound or movement Albus left the room, but not before whispering again, “I really am sorry.”
Minerva was going to spend the night in Athena’s room, but Albus had sounded so sad and even though he deserved it she couldn’t let him stay that way. So exiting quietly she entered their room to find him in bed on his side, but she knew he wasn’t asleep. Moving with such a quiet grace reminiscent of her animagus form Minerva slipped across the room without him noticing. Quickly she got into the bed, and snuggled up against his back. Albus turned and encircled her with his strong arms. Knowing she had gotten him earlier Albus wanted to get her one last time before going to bed, so he moved his head so he could kiss her. Kissing her on the lips softly, and quickly running his tongue along her bottom lip Albus pulled back and whispered “good night.”
‘So he still wants to play does he’ Minerva thought to herself before letting her hands slip under his shirt to caress his chest.
“Minerva, what are you doing?”
‘Testing you,’ she thought but answered aloud, “Taking your shirt off.” Albus couldn’t believe his ears, and when she got it off he felt her lips on his neck and then the lips moved down to his chest. He gasped when she flicked her tongue over his nipple. He couldn’t take it anymore, and in one swift movement Minerva was on her back and he was kissing her hard. Albus’ hand was slowly making its way to her breast, but he stopped his hand before it reached its target.
‘This isn’t right,’ he thought, ‘Oh, God, how much I want to do this but it isn’t right. I have to stop.’ As the last thought crossed his mind he pulled away, and moved from the bed to stand by the window.
“Albus what’s wrong?” Minerva asked out of breath.
“I can’t do this, Minerva. I’m here pretending to be something I’m not, and I can’t take advantage of you like that. I think you should sleep with Athena tonight, and I promise no more games.”
Minerva had never been so happy. He had passed her test, and now all she needed to know was how he really felt about her.
“Albus I want you to answer this next question honestly, please. When you said you loved me, were you really pretending?”
Here it was thought Albus the moment of truth. This is why so many people lied he thought, the truth is much harder to say and even harder to face.
Minerva had to strain to hear his response he said it so softly, “No, I was not pretending. I am in love with you.”
Moving behind him Minerva wrote on his bare back with her finger what she said out loud, “I…Love…You…too.”
“Really?” Albus asked turning around to look at Minerva.
“Yes, really,” she replied smiling. Albus was so happy he picked her up and spun her around. “Albus put me down!”
“As you wish.” But when he did he drew her into a passionate kiss. Before things could go too far Minerva extracted herself from him, and retrieved the top to his pajamas. Putting it on for him Minerva led him back to the bed.
“We don’t need to do that yet.” Minerva said lightly kissing his temple once they were lying in the bed facing each other.
“No, we don’t. Goodnight, my love.”
“Goodnight.”

One more chapter to go!!!

[Catwoman99]

;D ;D This chapter and the last were brilliant. I'm glad their games didn't lead to a misunderstanding. Can't wait for the conclusion!

Good luck with your new term and I hope your dorms get repaired.

-April

[TartanPhoenix]

I loved it. Their games were certainly inventive, but in the end ALbus is always the gentleman. Can't wait for the conclusion. Update soon!!

[Jestana]

*happy sigh* That was beautiful! I was a little concerned with their 'games', but I'm glad they were able to work past it. The best, I think, is the fact that Albus didn't take advantage of the situation. Bravo!

[Nerweniel]

Niiiiice Albus, niiiiiiice Min! Super-niiiiiiiice you for this absolutely wonderful chapter! They admitted their feelings! Long live the cuteness!

Love,

Liz

[TabbyForever]

Awwww that was sweet....
What a devious little madam that min can be!!!!
I'm glad the 'games' didn't lead to bad feelings!!!
Can't wait for the last chap!!!
Tabs

[TheEmeraldRose]

Yay! They admitted their feelings! I really like this story, I don't want it to end... ;D

[ginger newts]

I love this story! Can't wait for the next chapter, hope it's up soon.

[Lady Lavendar]

This is a wonderful story! Hope you update soon!

Lady Lavendar ;D

[griseldalafey]

Finally, they've admitted their feelings. Lovely story and 'm glad it isn't over yet.
I felt really sorry for Athena, she's such a sweet girl.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Six

The rest of the week had gone by quickly for Minerva and Albus, because they were so wrapped up in each other with time for Athena of course. The night before they were to leave Athena came running in to their room crying her little eyes out. Minerva immediately lifted her up onto the bed and held the child as she shook from the force of her sobs.
“Angel, what’s wrong?” Minerva asked concerned
“M-mum, she she just l-left!” the child wailed.
“What do you mean left?” Albus interjected.
“She said she n-needed to figure stuff out and t-that somebody would look after m-me,” the poor child cried.
Looking at Minerva he noticed she was crying too as she held the child, and Albus immediately moved Minerva to where he could hold her as she held Athena.
In a few moments the child had cried herself to sleep, and Minerva looked back at Albus.
“Oh Albus, we can’t leave her here. We just can’t.” Albus knew what Minerva was asking of him, and there was no way he could say no.
“She can come back with us, Minerva, and stay for the duration of the summer. It will be nice to have her there, and I think she needs it. But, two nights from now you are mine. We will be going on our first date, and I’m sure Poppy would love to watch her for us.”
Minerva was so happy she didn’t even inquire after their date, but kissed Albus instead and whispered in his ear, “You will be properly thanked, my love, when we are alone.”
When she settled back into him Albus leaned down to her ear and asked, “Was that a suggestive smile I saw on your lovely face?” Minerva didn’t answer at first enjoying the feel of his lips on her neck, but she eventually said, “Perhaps, perhaps not. You shall have to wait and see.”
When Athena awoke the next morning she was still in her favorite Aunt’s arms. Being as quiet as she could she scooted up to get closer to Minerva’s face, and she quietly stared, rather intently, at her Aunt Min’s face. Then taking a little finger she started to trace her face. Minerva woke up immediately, but instead of saying anything she just watched Athena. When the child was done she leaned forward and kissed her aunt, whispering, “I love you, Aunt Min and I know you love me. That’s why I’m happy!”
Minerva couldn’t help it she started to cry, and alarmed Athena asked what she had done wrong.
“Oh no sweetheart you have done nothing wrong. You see some people cry when they are happy, and that’s what these are: happy tears. You make me happy, my angel, and I do love you very much. You know, Albus and I have a surprise for you. How would you like to come to Hogwarts?”
Athena’s eyes lit up like Minerva had never seen them, but she was still whispering, “You mean come and live with you and Uncle Albus?”
“For the summer, my love, not all the time but we would love to take you back for awhile today, if you want to go.” Minerva whispered back.
Athena just nodded vigorously and threw her arms around Minerva’s neck.
The three of them left by floo, since Athena couldn’t apparate, later in the afternoon, and once back at Hogwarts Albus was able to add another room to Minerva’s quarters for little Athena. Minerva remarked to Albus that she had never seen the child so happy.
“I can believe it. Minerva you do know that she wishes you were her mother, don’t you?”
“Albus how can you say that? She loves me and I her, but she has a mother and there is a bond there.”
“She told me, Minerva.”
“What? When?” Minerva asked lifting her head off of his chest to look him in the eye.
“When you were getting your bath a few hours ago, she just climbed up to me and told me she had to tell me a secret. She was so cute, whispered in my ear, that she wanted you to be her mum.”
Minerva laid her head back down on Albus’ chest and he could barely hear her whisper: “I wish I was.” Then louder she said, “Natalie makes me so mad, Albus. How could she leave that child? To find herself, humph, I don’t see that ever happening. My darling angel cries and wants me to be her mum, because she doesn’t think her mother loves her. That is wrong, Albus, and there are times when I really want to take my wand to Natalie.”
Albus kissed the top of her head, and soothingly rubbed her back in an effort to calm her down, “I know, love, it angers me as well. But we can be there for Athena, and maybe…maybe she could live here during the year as well. I promise I will look into it. I can’t promise it will happen, but I will look into it.”
“Oh Albus, thank you!” Minerva replied before she kissed him rather heatedly.

Two nights later Minerva and Albus were bidding Athena and Poppy goodnight, and heading out on their date.
“Albus where are we going?”
“Ah that, my dear, is a surprise. Now hang on tight, because we will be traveling by portkey.”
When Minerva landed on her feet she let out a large gasp. Albus moved behind her, and looping his arms around her waist whispered: “I had to give you the most perfect first date. I love you!”
“Oh, I love you too!”
As the sun was setting Albus and Minerva sat down to dinner in Tuscany knowing that this was indeed the perfect first date, because they were sharing it with each other.

Thanks so much to everybody who reviewed this for me. You guys make my day!

[Jestana]

I knew it would be Tuscany! Poor Athena! I want to hex Natalie within an inch of her life! *growl* Wonderful story! Bravo!

[SpellboundKate]

That was sooooo sweet! ;D I love how he took her to Tuscany!!! Albus is very sweet. And this was (is???) a very wonderful story!!!! ....I almost wish it never would stop..... Great work!!!
KaTe

[TartanPhoenix]

That was so adorable! ;D Natalie needs to find herself over a high cliff. I loved this story; your work just keeps getting better and better.

[Miss Q]

Oohhh so sweet... and sad, the poor child!

Thanks for this wonderful and lovely story!!!! ;D

[Nerweniel]

Poor Athena... GO MIN AND ALBUS! And the dinner in Tuscany... awwww.... cuteness! Thanks for writing this wonderful story!

Love,

Liz

[TabbyForever]

Ahhhhhh so cute!!!!
I loved that story....it was great!!!!
And poor Athena!!!but she's luck she has and aunt and uncle that love her very much!!!
Nice touch to the story!!!!
Well done, i can't wait for your next adventures!!!
Tabs

[griseldalafey]

Aw it's over
I loved Athena, she was really sweet. At some points I wanted to pull her through the screen and give her a hug.
The story was wonderful. You did a great job with it.

[Dewey]

It's. . . Over. . . Already? But it's so good!

**claps and cheers** Great story. Really.

Really?

Really.

Really, really?

Really, really.




-Dewey SBC

"So much for. . pretending!"

[HappyReader]

Dawww. Am smothered by the fluffiness. Psst Albus, adopt the kid already!

[TheEmeraldRose]

I agree with Happy Reader ^...they should deffinitely adopt Athena!

This story was soooo good, and nice and fluffy! I never wanted it to end! *dreamy sigh*

[Catwoman99]

How romantic! *sigh* Can we persuade you for a sequel? I mean you left it wide open!! :-) This was really a cute story. Though that Natalie should be hexed into next year.

-April :-)

[griseldalafey]

Have just been re-reading this story and I still love it. I absolutely adore Athena. And therefore I hate Natalie. What a..... Wonderful story, thanks for writing it!

[amandahleigh]

*whines* It should't be oooovvvveerrrr!

I need moooorrrrreeeee...I waaaannnnaa know what happnes with theeemmmm and her reeeaaallll motherrrr....!!!


Seriously, tho, wonderful fic, I just wish it wasn't done.

AL

[crystalpheonixeyes]

Okay, I know that people have not posted in about 9 months or something like that, But I love this story so much, I thought I would bring it back to the top of the board. This story is Awesome!

[mmadlyinlove]

I read this on ff.net and it's as good now as it was then. Great job. Read long and prosper. ~mmadlyinlove~

[ellieminerva]

WOW! I've just read it and it's great! That's so romantic and little Athena's so cute! It was also funny to guess what they would do next,I mean all that pretending...really great! And it made them end up as a couple!

[childminerva]

This is the 2nd time I've read this fic...but I love it!