Family

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter One

My dear Brother,
How are you? I was at the family home yesterday, and it is
in terrible shape. Now, as the oldest I believe it is your responsibility to
see to it’s up keep. This Christmas would be perfect for you, but I,
unfortunately, will be on the continent doing serious research so I will
be unable to help you.
Happy Christmas,
Your adorable brother

Albus sighed as the placed the letter down on his desk. No doubt the family estate needed some attention, Albus himself hadn’t been there in at least twenty years, but it was bequeathed to both Aberforth and himself. As usual his younger brother would be doing who knows what with his goats, and would naturally be unavailable.
Albus looked around his office once, and decided he could use some time away that wasn’t business. The only thing he hated was that he would be all alone, and on Christmas too. ‘Would anyone want to come,’ he thought to himself as he twirled the tip of his beard.
Suddenly the twinkle in his eye became more pronounced and a visible smile made its way on to his face: ‘Minerva.’ Albus knew the only person he would want to spend two secluded weeks with was Minerva, but would she agree to come? Thinking not too much harm could come by asking Albus left his office heading for Minerva’s.
“Hello, my dear, how has your day been?” Albus greeted Minerva upon entering her classroom.
“Just fine, Albus. Finishing grading some papers, how has yours been?” Minerva replied getting up from her desk so as to move closer to her dear friend.
“Great, thanks. I got an interesting letter from Aberforth today. It seems the family estate needs some attention: cleaning out attics and things of that nature.” he replied sitting on one of the student desks.
“So you want to go this Christmas break I take it?” Albus just nodded. “Well, that’s fine Albus. How long do you think you will be gone?”
“Well actually, my dear, I will be gone for all of Christmas break, but I was hoping you might want to come with me?” Albus asked quietly, raising his eyebrows hopefully.
To say Minerva was shocked would have been a gross understatement, and it took her a few moments to respond, “Well, I don’t know Albus. It is rather short notice, considering that Christmas break is in one week.”
Albus’ face fell; he hadn’t thought that she would have any plans: “If you don’t want to come or if you have outstanding plans you don’t have to come. I just thought maybe you could use the break away from Hogwarts, and…well…to be honest I wanted some company.”
“So you wanted me to do all the work since I’m the more organized one in this friendship?” Minerva asked trying to look as stern as she could.
Albus immediately countered hopping off the desk, “No, no. That is not it at all. You don’t even have to work, I promise-,” but he stopped when he saw her smiling. Taking a step closer to her he asked, “So you’ll come then?”
“Yes, Albus, I’ll come. You’re right I could use a break, and how could I give up a chance to see you clean?”
Eyes’ twinkling like never before Albus kissed Minerva on the forehead, and was pleased to see a blush spreading up her cheeks.
“Get out of here you old coot, so I can get some work done before next week arrives or I shall be forced to bring it with me,” Minerva quickly said while shuffling papers on her desk in an attempt to hide her blush.
“Now there will be none of that. We shall consider this a mini-vacation, and you will not bring any work with you, Minerva McGonagall, and I mean it.” Albus replied looking at her over his half-moon spectacles.
Glaring at him Minerva said, “Fine, but you need to let me work then.” Picking up an essay Minerva indicated that it was, indeed, time for him to go. However once the door closed behind Albus, Minerva laid the essay down and sat back in her chair. A small smile played on her lips as she sat thinking about spending two whole weeks alone with Albus, and the fact that he had asked her to come instead of the other professors almost made her want to jump up and down, almost.
Suddenly Minerva leaned forward and picked up a blank piece of parchment and a quill. Writing on top: Packing List.
Winter robes-green, black, and red
Tartan scarf
Traveling cloak
Winter boots
Gloves
Skirts-black, and the red one
Blouses-white, red, green
Pajamas-
Here Minerva stopped. Normally she would just pack her “teacher pajamas” as her sister had nicknamed them, but a part of Minerva wanted Albus to see her in something else. Shaking her head that she was going to do this for man who never feel about her the way she felt about him she put down:
Pajamas-red silk set
Not really revealing, but different none the less. Smiling to herself Minerva folded the parchment tucking it within the pockets of her robes, and picked the discarded essay back up. She definitely did not want to bring any work with her on this trip.

[TartanPhoenix]

Yay for another wonderful story. That sounds like Aberforth, but I can't be too unhappy since Minerva is coming. I'm rather glad she's leaving the teacher's pj's at home. Update soon.

[ginger newts]

A beautiful beginning, I'm smiling like an idiot. I couldn't sleep so I popped by the boards and how wonderful to find this little bit of fic, can't wait to see how it goes.

[HappyReader]

;D What's X-Mas but time spent with your loved ones? I can't wait to see where this is heading. Update soon please!

[griseldalafey]

Oh briliant start... *grin*

I can't wait to see what happens.

[TabbyForever]

Ooo yay i'm glad we don't have to wait long for another one of your wonderful stories!!!!!
Ummm i like the idea of Min and Albus....'working' over christmas!!!!Cough cough...honest they'll be working!!!!hehehe
Role on the next chapter!!!!
Tabs

[Nerweniel]

Oh dear... lovely beginning, please write more soon! I totally agree, they will "sooo" be "working", of course ;D! NO WAY, hehehe, cuteness ahead!

Love,

Liz

[Catwoman99]

Yay another fic!!! This one sounds promising. I'm glad she's gonna leave the "teacher pjs" at home. Wait til Albus gets a load of her! More soon please!

-April :-)

[Jestana]

Bravo! A very intriguing start! I can't wait to see what's next!

[Inappropriate Goat]

This trip is sounding very promising for minerva.... Eeee i am excited

MM

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Two

It was Friday evening of the following week, and Minerva was all ready to go. Albus had asked that they meet in the front entrance hall, though she wasn’t sure why since they could have used the floo network, but there she was nonetheless waiting on him. Finally she saw him strolling up the corridor.
“You are late, Headmaster,” she greeted him only glaring a little.
“Shows how much you know, my dear. When you are the great Albus Dumbledore you are never late, other people are merely early,” he replied sticking his nose up in the air in mock importance.
Minerva couldn’t help it she laughed, “Albus, what am I going to do with you?” After a pause she added, “Why did you want to meet here?”
“Because I want you to see some of the grounds, so we are apparating and not using the floo network. Are you ready to go?”
Nodding that she was the couple set off toward the gates of Hogwarts, and in no time were standing on a snowy path. Following Albus, Minerva looked out in wonder at the grounds. She could tell that they were rather extensive, and the blanket of snow on top made everything look so beautiful. After a few more minutes the house came into few, and Minerva let out a small gasp but Albus had heard.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” he asked quietly.
“Yes, it is,” Minerva answered never taking her eyes off of the house. It was a large mansion made out of white stone, instead of brick, and she could tell the front door was painted blue. The architecture was rather interesting, with juts here and there throughout the façade, but it was still beautiful.
“Albus, why don’t you come here? I mean it is beautiful.” Minerva asked after they had continued their walk.
“Do be honest getting out here is hard with time constraints, and then it does need a lot of work. So I guess I just prefer to stay at Hogwarts.”
“Does it have a name?”
He mumbled something she couldn’t quite hear while looking intently at the ground, “Albus, what did you say? I didn’t hear you.” Once again Minerva couldn’t understand him, “Albus Dumbledore will you stop mumbling, and tell me the name of this house!” Minerva ordered exasperated.
“Quirky Quarters. My mother thought it would be amusing since the Dumbledore’s have all been eccentric, so she said.”
Minerva started to laugh so hard she almost fell down. “I didn’t think it was that funny, Minerva, but I’m glad you are enjoying it. Now, you know why I didn’t want to tell you.”
Regaining her composure Minerva tried to save the situation, “I’m sorry, it is just funny. It fits though. I’m sorry I never met your mother, because I do believe I would have liked her.”
Sending her a little bit of a glare he finally chuckled himself, “It’s alright, I forgive you. Mother would have loved you. Though I would have been a little afraid, you two would have been unstoppable.”
Upon entering the house Minerva was a little surprised at how immediately homey it felt. One could tell it was not used much, sheets over some pieces of furniture, but for some reason it just felt like it was more lived in then many other mansions.
Looking around Minerva asked, “Albus, exactly how many attics are there?”
He grinned, “Only one, but it spans the length of the house.” Minerva turned to look at him, eyes wide, “Please tell me that was a joke.”
“Well I could, but it would not be the truth. Don’t worry, my dear,” he said patting her shoulder, “I won’t make you work…too much,” he finished with an impish grin.
“Albus, are any rooms ready for people to actually stay in them, mainly you and I?”
“I think so, but I suggest we go look. I don’t want to tackle the attic until tomorrow sometime, so tonight we can make the living room look presentable and just relax.”
Once up the stairs Albus showed Minerva where she would be staying. The room was huge, and done in various shades of blue. With a flick of his wand Albus had any sheets on the furniture removed, the fire lit, and the bed turned down.
“Am I going to bed already, Albus?” Minerva gently teased, but he just smiled at her.
“The bathroom is right across the hall, and my room is down the hall on the left. I suggest you get settled, and meet me back in the living room in half an hour.” Nodding her head in agreement, Minerva went about unpacking her clothes and hiding Albus’ Christmas presents.
Half an hour later Minerva descended the stairs to find Albus already on the couch watching the fire, with a mug of hot chocolate in his hands. “I could have helped you, you know, to fix the living room,” Minerva said looking down at him from half way down the staircase. Albus looked up to say something and froze. Minerva looked beautiful wearing red silk pajamas, and her hair down. Albus couldn’t remember the last time he had seen it down.
Waking from his trance Albus said, “Forgive me, my dear, I am not used to seeing you dressed as such. As to the living room I just went ahead and did it.”
Blushing Minerva asked, “Should I go change?”
“No, you look beautiful. Please stay as you are, and come join me for a cup of hot chocolate.” Minerva made a mental note to wear these pajamas, or silk ones more often.
“Do you like your room?” Albus inquired once she had sat down beside of him.
“Yes, it is very nice. The house really is lovely, Albus.”
“I’ve always thought so. Now, are you up for a game of chess, exploding snap, what do you want to do to start this vacation off,” he asked turning to face her on the couch.
“How bout we just talk.”
“Ok, what about?”
“I don’t know just think of something,” she replied taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
Albus thought for a minute and then said, “Ok, how bout we ask each other questions and then you answer them. For example, where is one place in the world you want to visit that you have not?”
“Russia. I’ve always been intrigued by it, but have never had a chance to visit. You?”
“America. I have been to Russia once, but would like to go again. Now, it is your turn, my dear.”
“Let me see…” Minerva thought for several minutes before she finally had a question, “First kiss, who, when, where?”
“Getting personal are we?” Albus asked raising an eyebrow but answered it nonetheless, “Sixth year Hogwarts, library, Hannah Hepburn. We had been seeing each other for a while, and well…”
“The library, Oh Albus.”
“What is wrong with that?” Albus asked looking a little putout.
“Nothing, just not very romantic.”
“Well, what about you?”
“Also sixth year, William Braswell, the bridge you cross to get to Hogsmeade.”
“And the circumstances?”
“We were on a date, looking at the water, then each other, you know the rest.”
Albus knew that Minerva had had boyfriends, how could she not, but the thought of her kissing someone else made his stomach lurch. “Ok, how many boyfriends?”
“Four.”
“Any serious?”
“Your asking more than one question!” Minerva exclaimed but she answered him anyway, “Only one I thought could head toward marriage, but that obviously didn’t happen.” Albus noted a tinge of bitterness in her voice when she had said that and placing his hand on her shoulder he asked softly, “Do you want to tell me what happened?”
Looking at him for a moment she returned her gaze to the fire and answered in a flat voice, “I walked in on him and some floozy.”
“Oh, Minerva, I am so sorry.”
“That’s ok, it doesn’t matter. It was a long time ago. How bout you, how many girlfriends?”
“Ten, but I have lived longer than you.”
“I know any serious ones? Walk down the isle?”
“No, and no. Just didn’t find one that could stand my quirks enough to live with me!” he added smiling.
The questions went on for a few more hours until they could barely keep their eyes open anymore, and without meaning to they fell asleep together wrapped in the other’s arms on the couch.

[Jestana]

Daw! So cute! I love it! Bravo!

[TartanPhoenix]

So very cute. Loved it. Update soon!

[griseldalafey]

Well, the nigh-wear certainly did the trick
Great story, I can't wait to see what they discover on that attic.

[Inappropriate Goat]

That is sweet. I can't wait for more!!!
MM

[angharad]

Oh my! I'm really enjoying this! Any chance they'll find something silky and lacy in the attic that happens to be just Minerva's size?

[TabbyForever]

Awwwww sooooo cute....you must be the master of cute stories!!!!Another great chapter!!!!
Bring on the next!!!!
Tabs

[ginger newts]

Awww, I love that they fell asleep together on the couch! This is really great, you're doing a wonderful job of capturing that awkward "friends slowly becoming more than friends" sort of conversation. Can't wait to read more!

[Isabelle]

Awe, that was sweet. You got that "others are merely early" line from Princess Diaries 2 didn't you? If you did, I don't blame you, I love that line. I love the whole movie just about as much as I love seeing AD/MM coming together like this. Bravo.

Liz

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Three

Minerva was awakened by a delicious smell coming from the kitchen, and getting up she quietly made her way to that room. Leaning up against the doorframe she smiled, there stood Albus making breakfast and the muggle way too.
“My dear, are you going to come into the kitchen or just stand there and admire my work?” Albus asked never removing his eyes from the pot in front of him. Minerva was grateful or he would have seen her blush, “Forgive me I forgot you know everything. I suppose I shall taste this feast.” After a little while she asked, “Albus where did you learn to cook?”
Setting her filled plate in front of her he responded, “My father always thought that any man should know how to cook. He taught me the muggle way saying it would impress the ladies, is it working,” Albus asked giving Minerva an impish grin.
“I have tasted it yet,” was her wry response. When finished with breakfast Minerva had to admit everything had been delicious. “That was very good, Albus. I am impressed.”
Smiling he made a mental note to cook for her more often, “Well, I’m glad you liked it. Now, I suggest we go get dressed and then head up to the attic. There are a set of stairs at the very end of the opposite end of the hall you are staying on. Climb those and you have found the attic.”
A half hour later Minerva ascended the stairs to find Albus waiting for her, “You know, Albus, I never thought I took a long time getting ready until I came on this little trip with you. It seems you are always waiting.”
Hmmm was his only response as he was too busy looking at a particular picture leaning up against the wall. Wanting to see what he was looking at Minerva came up behind him. The portrait was of a very beautiful woman with dark brown hair, and the most expressive blue eyes. “She’s beautiful, who is she?”
“My mother. It was taken not long after she and Dad were married I believe. Yes, she was very beautiful.”
“You should put that up somewhere in the house, Albus.”
He only nodded. Minerva was growing concerned because he had not taken his eyes off of the painting, and he looked removed from the present day.
Placing her hand in his she gave it a gentle squeeze, “Albus, is everything ok,” she asked gently.
In a voice so quiet Minerva had to strain to hear it he said, “We were very close, and her death was rather unexpected.” Minerva enveloped Albus into a hug, and rubbed his back in soothing circles for a few minutes before he pulled back but not before kissing her cheek.
“Thank you, my dear. Now where were we?”
“No thanks are needed, Albus. As to where we were we had not started yet, so it is up to you,” she said still very much aware of her hand in his or more importantly aware of how his thumb kept rubbing the back of her hand.
Picking a corner in the left of the room the two set to work, and sometime later Minerva couldn’t hold in her laughter at her latest discovery. “Albus,” she asked sweetly, “these are the cutest little pair of underwear I think I have ever seen. I do believe these are yours.”
Turning around and turning red Albus couldn’t believe she had found those. They were purple with little moons and stars that moved around on them. “Perhaps I should look through the rest of that box, Minerva.”
“No that’s ok, besides I think I want to continue looking through it,” she said still smiling.
“Yes, well I would be more comfortable if you did not, so here let’s switch.” When Albus made his way to where she was he noticed she had not moved, but was looking through the box again.
“Oh, Albus was this little teddy bear yours?” Minerva was having entirely too much fun with this, and seeing Albus all exasperated and flustered was well worth anything he would do to her.
“Ha-ha, you’ve had your fun Minerva. Now, please move.”
“No.”
“Minerva,” Albus sounded desperate.
“Albus,” she mocked.
“Woman, if you don’t move the consequences will be dire.”
“Oh, I’m shaking Albus,” she replied in a fake scared tone.
Albus lunged, but Minerva was prepared and was able to move out of the way before he could catch here. She was done the steps before he even got up. Apparating to the living room, he caught her just before she snuck outside.
“No fair!” Minerva cried as Albus picked her up and slung her over his shoulder.
“There were no rules, my dear,” he replied happy with himself that he had caught her.
“Albus put me down!” Albus caught her foot before it hit a rather sensitive part of his body. “Oh no Minerva, no kicking.” Before she could use her other foot he practically threw her down on the couch, but she was unable to move because he was lying on top of her.
“Albus, get off of me. I can’t breath,” Minerva screamed in a rather breathless voice. Though if asked she could not have told you what had made her breathless, Albus’ body weight, or the fill of him lying on top of her.
“Do you promise to let me look through that box,” he asked.
“Yes, alright, no need to act so childish over it.” Albus sat up, and brought Minerva with him.
“It is just embarrassing Minerva. How would you feel if I went through your stuff, and found your previous undergarments?” Minerva tried to hide the blush at the thought of Albus finding one of her bras, “Ok, ok. I understand. Now we should get back to work.”
They worked hard and long all day, and by the end of it had successfully organized and cleaned half of the attic. Descending the stairs Minerva suggested that they get clean before dinner.
“Are you going to make dinner, Albus? OH, that reminds me, where are your house-elves?”
“I took them to Hogwarts thinking they could be of more use there. They would kill me though if they found out I came home without letting them clean it. As to dinner we shall have to, do you want to help?”
Smiling she assured him that instead of watching she would love to help him. This time Minerva was the first downstairs, and she waited patiently in the kitchen for Albus.
Albus smiled as he entered the kitchen to the sight of Minerva with her hair-down, and in bare-feet waiting for him. “My dear, aren’t your feet cold?”
“Perhaps a little,” but before she could say anything else a pair of warm emerald green socks appeared on her little feet. “Thank you, Albus.”
“Your welcome, now what do you want for dinner?”
“What are our options?” Deciding to cook chicken and some vegetables it was an hour and a half before they sat down to dine. Minerva had to admit that cooking the muggle way was tedious, but not without its rewards.
Whipping her mouth after the last bite Minerva inquired as to what they were to do that evening.
“Well I brought down some Christmas decorations thinking we could put those up, is that alright,” Albus replied setting the dishes to magically clean themselves.
“Oh, that would be lovely but you have no tree,” Minerva observed.
“Ah the beauty of Magic, I do believe I could conjure one up,” and in no time he had.
Albus explained the various different Christmas ornaments, and the family traditions surrounding them while they decorated the tree. One ornament in particular caught Minerva’s eye: “Albus, what about this one?” It was a beautiful glass ornament, with some words written in the middle, but they were too small for Minerva to read without her glasses.
He wondered if she would say something about that one, “The words are Shakespeare’s sonnet 116, and every time someone got married in the family they would put that ornament up to symbolize their love. If no one got married then the couple believed to be the most in love would be asked to put it up.”
“Could you read the sonnet to me, I am not familiar with that one.” Albus smiled, “Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love is not love which alters when it alteration finds, or bends with the remover to remove: O, no! it is an ever fixed mark that looks on tempests and is never shaken; It is the star to every wandering bark, whose worth’s unknown, although his height be taken. Love’s not Time’s fool, though rosy lips and cheeks within his bending sickle’s compass come: Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bears it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error and upon me proved, I never writ, nor no man ever loved.”
“You didn’t even look at the ornament,” Minerva said amazed.
“I committed that to heart quite some time ago, I believe it to be one of his best.”
“It is beautiful. Do you think we could put it up…I mean it is just to lovely to be left lying in a box,” she added when he raised his eyebrow at the first part of her sentence.
“I don’t see why not.” They both stepped back and admired the tree as they put that ornament up, and Albus slipped his arm around her waist and Minerva laid her head upon his shoulder.
“Very nice, if I do so my self,” Albus commented after a while.
“Yes, very nice, but I do believe it is time for bed,” Minerva replied reluctantly removing herself from Albus’ arms.
As he followed her up the stairs Albus couldn’t help but wish that they were going to the same room, and that he could hold her like the night before. Alas, they were already at her room and had to depart for the duration of the night.
“Goodnight, Albus.” Minerva said leaning up to kiss his cheek.
“Goodnight, Minerva. Sleep Well,” and with that the couple separated to their rooms only to find that that night’s rest was not as pleasant or as deep as the previous night’s had been.

[TabbyForever]

Awww i never heard that sonnet before.
It was a nice touch to the story!!
I like this...its not very often you hear bout his family!!!
Well done, another great chapter!!!
Tabs

[griseldalafey]

oh, lovely chapter. That underwear and his teddy bear were so cute. *grin* Does the teddy bear have a name? And a beautiful quote too. I can't wait to see what happens in the next chapter.

[Jestana]

Oh, that was so waffy! (warm and fuzzy) I love it! Bravo!

[ginger newts]

I love the bit with the ornament. Can't wait to read more!

[Miss Q]

Lovely chapter! I loved the way you put the sonnet in!

Waiting (patiently(?)) for the next.

M

[Nerweniel]

Awww, that sonnet must be one of my favs... it's soooo shippy, and in name of hell, can those two lovable idiots PLEASE see what's right in front of them ? Hehe, lovely story, please continue soon!

Love,

Liz

[Catwoman99]

;D This is so fabulous! The sexual tension is great. The underwear and teddy bear thing was hilarious. And the sonnet? One of my favs. Yay! Can't wait for more!!!


-April :-)

[angharad]

Very cute! How sweet that he gave her some emerald green socks. I guess this Albus already had a pair...

[HappyReader]

Ooh! Get them to play a game of 'sneak-into-the-other's-room-and-snog-'em-senseless'!! Please? lol Whatever you do, it's a lovely story!

[TheEmeraldRose]

Wonderful chapter! I love that sonnet, it's one of my favorites
I agree with HappyReader, we need some serious snogging in this fic!

-<3-Lauren