Family

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Four
Minerva had been waiting downstairs for half an hour before she decided to go searching for Albus. She found him in the attic looking through a family album, and once again he was stuck on a picture of his mother. Minerva stepped in front of him, and took the book away. When he started to protest she put her finger to his lips to silence him, and taking his hand in hers she led him outside.
“Talk to me, Albus. When did your mother pass away,” Minerva asked while they started to walk around the grounds.
“Twenty years ago.” His short answer indicated that Minerva was going to have to pry information out of him.
“What happened,” she asked gently hoping to spare him any pain. Albus never responded, so Minerva tried again, “Albus you need to talk about this, twenty years is a long time to hold it all in.” Giving his hand a squeeze she added, “I’m right here.”
Albus was still staring straight ahead when he finally answered, “She was murdered while visiting my aunt.”
Minerva had to stifle the gasp in her throat when she heard that, “Did you find out who did it?”
“No.”
Minerva stopped their movements, and waited for Albus to turn around before she stepped forward to close the gap between them and putting her arms around him she held him tight to her. Albus had not spoken about his mother’s death since it had happened, and nor had he allowed himself to grieve. He was too busy and needed, he told himself, so he simply didn’t have the time; but as he stood in the snow being held by Minerva he gave in to the sadness. Minerva stroked his hair as he started to cry, and supported his weight as much as she could when they sank into the ground. By the sounds of Albus’ sobs Minerva knew that he had not cried in a very long time, and she cried with him.
“It’s ok Albus, just let it all out,” Minerva whispered as she rubbed his back. It was a long time before they got up off the ground, and that was mostly due to the fact that it had started to snow. Minerva stood up, pulling Albus with her and led him into the house and to his bedroom. Quickly transfiguring his robes into more comfortable dry ones Minerva sat with him while he fell asleep. When he was finally asleep she tiptoed out of the room thinking she could help him if she started in on the attic again. Three hours later Minerva stopped for the day, and went to check on Albus. He was still asleep, so she went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
An hour later Minerva was heading up the stairs, with two trays floating behind her. Entering she was pleased to see him sitting up in bed.
“Hi,” she said softly, “I thought you might like some dinner.”
“Thank you, my dear. Did you cook this all by yourself?” he asked as she sat his tray on his lap.
“Yes, but I cheated. I’m afraid I don’t know enough of the muggle way to manage it own my own,” Minerva answered sitting down in the chair she had sat in earlier.
“Minerva, come up here. It will be easier to eat your dinner,” Albus said patting the bed. Minerva felt herself blushing as she moved to the bed, and under the covers.
“What have you been doing while I’ve been napping,” Albus asked sampling his dinner.
“I cleaned a little bit more in the attic, and then I made dinner.”
“Minerva you didn’t have to do that,” he said looking to her, “I didn’t want you working too much while you were here.”
“Albus it’s fine. I wanted to, but don’t worry I left plenty for us to do tomorrow,” Minerva replied smiling at him.
“That was delicious, Minerva,” Albus said as he made their dinners disappear.
“Thank you.”
Turning to her, and taking her hands within his own Albus said, “Minerva, I want to thank you…”
“You don’t have to say anything Albus,” she started but he employed the same techniques to silence her and she had done to him earlier.
“I want to, Minerva. I want to thank you for helping me today. I have not spoken about Mother’s death since it happened, and nor had I allowed myself to really grieve. I guess I just tried to forget it, and that is one of the reasons I have not returned to the house in all that time. You have helped me more than you know, my dear. Thank you,” and leaning forward Albus placed a very gentle kiss on her lips.
When he leaned back Albus couldn’t help but be happy at the smile that was slowly forming on her face, and he reached behind her to take the pins out of her hair.
“Your hair is very beautiful, Minerva, you should leave it down more often”
“Hmmm,” Minerva purred as he ran his long fingers through her hair, “It gets in the way, so when I work I put it up.”
Turning her around, and gently easing her down into the mattress Albus began to massage her scalp and continue to stroke her hair. It wasn’t long before Minerva fell asleep, and though Albus had spent most of the afternoon sleeping he was still tired, so he laid down beside of Minerva to go back to sleep. Facing her he couldn’t fight the urge to place a gentle kiss to the back of her neck, but he was not prepared for her response. Still deep within her dreams she turned over, and cuddled close to him kissing his neck before she let out a soft contented sigh.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Four (Part II)
Waking the next morning Minerva was disappointed that Albus wasn’t in bed beside of her, but she reminded herself that he had slept a lot yesterday and was probably restless. Getting up she crossed to the window, and smiled softly as the white landscape. It has snowed a lot last night, and everything looked so beautiful. Her reverie, however, was interrupted by the sound of voices and moving out of the room and to the end of the hallway she identified the second voice as Aberforth’s.
“Albus, you need to talk about what happened.”
“I’m fine Aberforth.”
“You are not fine! You have not mentioned Mother since she died, and that was twenty years ago. I know you were her golden boy, but…”
“Don’t ever say that again, Aberforth! You are suggesting that she loved one of us more, and she didn’t. She loved you just as much as she loved me.” Albus responded his voice daring Aberforth to contradict him.
“I know, Albus, but she liked you more. You two got along better just like father and I got along better.”
“Just be careful, Aberforth.”
“See what I mean, Albus? You need to talk about it.”
“I have talked about it, now will you please drop it,” Albus stated calmly.
“With whom have you talked about it, Fawkes? He doesn’t count.” Aberforth replied but before Albus could they heard Minerva.
“Albus…are you down there?” Minerva asked as she came down the stairs (in her pajamas no less, even though she had fallen asleep in her robes.)
Aberforth looked back to his brother, and then back at Minerva as she walked down the stairs.
“Hello, Aberforth. It has been a long time, how are you?” Minerva greeted him sweetly.
“Um…fine. Hope you are well,” he replied confused.
“Yes, thank you.” Then turning to Albus Minerva said, “Darling, have you started cooking breakfast yet or do you want me to?”
“I started, my dear, but was interrupted,” Albus answered as he eyed Aberforth.
“Yes, I thought I heard some voices. Aberforth why don’t you join us for breakfast? Though I do hope you don’t mind if I stay in my pajamas.” Minerva said moving to the kitchen.
“Um, no I don’t mind,” Albus’ younger brother was still dumbfounded at finding Minerva alone with Albus, and in her pajamas no less. When she had gone into the room Aberforth questioned his brother, “What’s up with you two?”
“She’s very special to me, Aberforth,” was his only response. To be honest he didn’t really know where they stood in their relationship.
After a moment Aberforth said, “Mother would have loved her, Albus. Don’t let that one go.”
Smiling he replied, “Don’t worry, I won’t.”
When Aberforth departed after breakfast, Albus came up behind Minerva and wrapped his arms around her tiny waist, “You are amazing you know, thank you.”
Smiling Minerva leaned back into him and replied, “Well, I couldn’t let him harass you like that, now could I?” Turning around Minerva kissed him lightly on the lips, and then rested her head on his shoulder.
Albus smiled as she leaned into him, and carefully picked her up and carried her to the couch sitting down with Minerva in his lap.
“We should finish the attic, Albus.”
“We have a week and a half to finish the attic, Minerva,” he replied lightly nuzzling her neck, not really sure what her response would be.
“Then what should we do,” Minerva asked as she threaded her fingers through his hair.
“I think we’re off to a pretty good start,” he muttered as he started to kiss his way up her neck.
“Albus, what do you want,” Minerva asked pulling away and suddenly very serious.
“You; you’re my best friend Minerva, but I want you to be so much more than that. Part of the reason I asked you to come with me was in hopes that I would find the perfect moment to tell you exactly how I feel about you.”
Whispering Minerva asked, “How do you feel about me?”
“I love you. I love you as a friend, as a lover, as a soul mate, as a companion, and as a man loves a woman. You’re everything I have ever wanted.” Albus stated waiting for her response.
“Oh Albus, I love you too!” Minerva replied through the tears running down her cheeks, “I’ve love-d you for s-so long, and I n-never thought you w-would love me in return.”
Kissing her tears away he assured her that he did indeed return her feelings, and the happy couple spent the rest of the day on the couch snogging, and simply holding each other close.

[griseldalafey]

I love this so much. It's funny, sad, touching and romantic, all in one story. You're doing a great job with it!

[Jestana]

Whee! They finally admitted it! Yay! Is there going to be more?

[ginger newts]

These are the best kinds of stories. I love when they start with the hugging and kissing before they realize how the other feels. This will keep me smiling all night. Please say it's not finished yet!

[Sensiblyquirky]

There will be more, as to what per se I'm not quite sure...but I will update as quickly as I can.

Glad you like,

Christy

[Jestana]

Yay! More! Whee! *happy dance*

[Inappropriate Goat]

That was so sweet. I absooloutly loved it. YOu am strting to agree with everyone else, you have to be the queen of cuteness.
MM

[angharad]

You know, I'm seriously considering silk pajamas now, though green would suit me better than red...

I'm looking forward to the next update!

[Miss Q]

They admitted it!!!! Wohoo! Can't wait to read more!!!

M

[Lady Lavendar]

I Love this story! It made me feel a lot better after a long day at high school :(I dont like high school as you can see). Hope to see more of this soon!

Lady Lavendar

[TabbyForever]

ooooo much cuteness!!!
I love this story...just like i love all your stories...hell i just love AD/MM!!!!
Well done another great chapter...i'm glad this isn't the last either...would be sad to see it end just as they've fessed up!!!
You mixture of happy, sad, cuteness, and everything is fantastic!!!!
Tabs

[Catwoman99]

;D ;D Now I'm all giddy! Great chapter. I'm so happy they admitted their feelings and I love how you got them together. Good work!!

-April

[TartanPhoenix]

spiffy spiffy chapter!!! It was just so cute. I'm so glad they finally admitted it. Hurry and update. I'll beg if you want; I'm not proud.

[Sensiblyquirky]

This chapter is sad, but I hope it is still good.

Chapter 5 (Part I)
The first week had come to a happy end for the new couple, who had found very little reason to clean and every reason to spend most of their time in romantic adventures. Walks around the grounds, fire lit evenings spent talking, kisses and caresses, and Albus had even convinced Minerva to have a snowball fight.
Monday of the second week, and only two days till Christmas, Minerva and Albus found themselves back up in the attic to finish what they had started.
“Albus, we can’t finish this if you keep kissing me,” Minerva said as Albus was nuzzling her neck from behind.
“Ah, my dear, as usual you have captured the entire point so quickly,” Albus responded still kissing her.
Stepping away from him she turned around and said, “I want to finish this so go over there,” pointing to a corner far from her, “and get to work.”
Albus gave her his best puppy dog face, but she would not budge. He sulked over to his corner, with a sad look on his face, and mumbled, “Cold, just cold.”
“Yes, my love, I’m cold, cruel, and heartless.” Minerva said shooting him a smile. Albus tried to glare at her from the corner of his eyes, but when she mock glared back he finally shook his head and turned to work.
A few minutes later when all was quiet Minerva said just loud enough for him to hear: “I love you.”
Albus smiled, and was about to say he loved her too when an owl flew through the open window. They had opened it a bit for some fresh air to help with all the dust. It dropped a letter into Minerva’s lap, and looking over to Albus Minerva said, “It’s from my sister.” Albus knew by the expression on Minerva’s face that she didn’t think the letter would bring good tidings so he made his way to stand behind of her, kissing the top of her head before she opened the letter.

It’s mother. Come quickly.

“Minerva, I,” but Albus was interrupted by Minerva, “Why do some of the best times in my life get ruined?” she asked as she stood up to pace.
“I did not know your mother was ill, Minerva.” Albus stated calmly as he watched her move about his attic.
Minerva stopped, “Perhaps I should define ill. Mother has never been the sanest of people, and since Papa passed away she has been drinking heavily and I just don’t know what else. I stay away for as long as I can.”
“Love, why do you stay away,” Albus asked gently as he approached her.
“My mother and I have never really gotten on well, Albus. I do not have the relationship with mine you had with yours.”
“Are you going to go,” he asked as he pulled her into his arms.
“It seems I have no choice. I need to leave shortly. I’m so sorry, Albus.” Minerva whispered into his shoulder.
“I’m coming with you, Minerva. I don’t want you facing whatever you have to alone,” Albus calmly but firmly replied.
“Oh Albus, thank you!” Minerva replied kissing him soundly.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 5 (Part II)

An hour later Minerva and Albus stepped through the fireplace of Minerva’s childhood home, and she gasped at the sight. Picture frames had been shattered and broken shards of glass were lying on the ground, papers were scattered everywhere, and some of the chairs were broken. Minerva gripped Albus’ hand tightly as she surveyed the room, but before she could say anything Minerva’s mother staggered into the living room stopping as she saw her visitors.
“So Daddy’s little girl has come home has she,” Minerva’s mother sneered.
“Mother I think you should sit down. How do you feel?” Minerva asked trying to control her temper.
“I’ll sit down if I want to sit down, kitten,” Albus noticed that Mrs. McGonagall had practically spat out the pet name in disgust.
“Don’t call me that Mother.” Minerva replied through clenched teeth.
“Yes, how silly of me to forget, only your father could call you that,” her mother replied walking to the bar to fix herself a drink.
“You were too busy referring to me as an ugly unwanted child. Papa just wanted to make sure I knew someone in this household loved me.” Minerva answered back her voice level rising.
“Your father loved you; I’ll give you that, but a lot of good that did you. Look at what you have become some lonely old school teacher babysitting some snotty faced children all day,” Mrs. McGonagall said refilling her drink.
“They are not snotty faced children! Nor am I lonely, and I am most certainly not old. And one more thing, get this straight, I do not baby-sit. I work, all day trying to ensure that the future of our world is left in capable hands,” Minerva shouted at her mother, almost forgetting Albus was there.
“I guess he is the reason you are no longer lonely,” Mrs. McGonagall asked her daughter looking at Albus. “Let me ask you something Minerva, do the school governor’s know you are sleeping with the Headmaster,” she finished looking quite pleased with herself.
Albus firmly believed that losing his temper never helped a situation, but he was hard pressed to keep it while he witnessed the way his love’s mother treated her. A part of him just couldn’t believe a mother could be that way. Choosing now as a good time to step into the conversation Albus said, “Mrs. McGonagall,” but he never got the chance to finish.
“I wasn’t talking to you, this is between my perfect daughter and me,” Minerva’s mother interrupted harshly. “Now, Minerva, is that how you got to be his deputy in the first place? Giving out favors, what would your father say?”
“THAT IS ENOUGH,” Albus boomed causing both of the ladies to jump. “Mrs. McGonagall if you cannot refrain from verbally abusing your daughter then don’t say one more word to her. Minerva and I have only just begun a romantic relationship so I can assure you that what you are implying is most definitely not the case. Minerva received the position, because she was the best qualified, end of discussion.” Power was radiating from Albus as he stood there, and unknowingly he had moved in front of Minerva during his reprimand shielding her from whatever her mother could throw her way.
“Now,” he continued in his characteristically calm voice, “we came because Minerva received an urgent owl from her sister. Do you know where she is, or why exactly Minerva was needed?”
“I had no idea Ellen had owled Minerva, and she is not here now,” her mother replied having lost some of her vigor.
“Then do we need to remain,” Albus asked praying to the gods he could get Minerva out of here.
“No, I would very much like it if you left,” she replied coolly.
Minerva spoke up now, “Mother, are you sure you do not need anything? Since we are here is there anything you need me to do?”
“Leave,” was all her mother said, and gathering up her tartan carpetbag Minerva turned toward the fireplace. “You go first, Albus,” she said flatly. He nodded, but gave her a reassuring squeeze before he stepped through into the fireplace. Before Minerva could go her mother came up to her and pushed bits of paper into her hand, “Mother, what’s this?”
Her mother just smiled, and said “Your favorite picture of you and your father.” Minerva looked quickly to her hand, and whispered, “How could you?”
“Easy really,” her mother replied smiling.
“He didn’t love me more than he loved you mother,” was all Minerva said before her image was consumed by the green flames.
When Minerva stepped out of the fireplace, and into the waiting arms of Albus Dumbledore she burst into tears still holding the bits of paper.
“Oh Minerva, I am so sorry,” was all Albus could think to say.
“Albus can you put pictures back together,” she asked looking pitiful and lost at her hand.
Removing his wand from his robes Albus uttered the simple spell that should have resulted in the picture returning to its original state, but nothing happened. A fresh wave of tears fell down Minerva’s cheeks as she placed the bits on the table. “D-do you have anything muggle that would work?” Minerva asked heartbroken.
Albus hated seeing her like this and wrapping his arms around her tightly he asked, “My love, what is it a picture of?”
“It’s my favorite picture of my father and me. We were sitting outside on the swing by our gardens when I was seven. Look at what she did to it,” Minerva finished weakly.
Albus just held her as she cried, and spoke soothing words in her ear. After awhile he pulled back to cradle her face, and said, “Minerva I am sorry your mother treats you the way she does, but do not believe one word of what she says. You are not ugly, quite the opposite in fact my dear, what you do is very important, and you are most certainly not unwanted.”
“Thank you,” she replied smiling for the first time since that morning. Leaning back into his embrace she said, “Make love to me, Albus.” Albus closed his eyes and painfully said, “No.”
“A-albus, what? Why not,” she asked hurt fresh tears brimming in her eyes.
“Minerva listen carefully to what I’m going to say. I want to make love to you, darling, believe I do. I want to spend all day and all night making love to you until I’m so exhausted I can’t even sit up in bed. But that is not what you need now, you need to sleep and I promise to hold you as you do so. I love you, Minerva, and I will make love to you, but now is not the right time.”
Minerva still wasn’t convinced, she was sure that would make her feel better but she saw his point. Thinking he was right she added, “Yes, I guess you are right, I’m sorry.”
Leaning down to kiss her deeply he said, “Don’t be sorry, my love. I promise to do everything in my power to make sure our first night together will be everything you want it to be.”
“I have no doubt about that,” she whispered back before his lips descended upon hers.
Albus held Minerva closely to him all night never actually sleeping, just rubbing her back and whispering words to her sleeping form: “I love you. You are the most beautiful woman I have ever met. I love you,” and on he went all night long.

[ginger newts]

Oh, how sad...poor Minerva. You're doing such a great job with this story though, it's very realistic. Can I ask what time period this is taking place during, I mean is it before/during HP time?

[TartanPhoenix]

Oh my. Minerva's mother needs some serious help, but atleast Albus was there to help. Another wonderful chapter.

[Jestana]

Oh my. Poor Min! It takes quite a gentleman to refuse a request like that. *grin* Bravo!

[Catwoman99]

Well, I have some very choice words for Minerva's mother! Great twist to the story. That was very sweet of Albus to refuse such a request.

Me want more!

-April :-)

[Miss Q]

Poor Min! What a mother! Great chapter! Can't wait to see what comes next! I only hope that her mother wont cause more trouble!!!!

M

[Isabelle]

Oh, poor Minerva! I hope there's a therapy session in order for her mother. What happened with her sister? That kind of confused me. Anyway, this was lovely, but sad. Bravo!

[Nerweniel]

Albus is so incredibly noble, you know... but poor Min, with such a mum... I really hope Albus will be able to make her happy again . Then again... OF COURSE HE WILL ;D!

Love,

Liz

[TabbyForever]

Oh my....poor Min, what a horrible woman!!!!!
Albus was such a gentelman saying that he wanted to wait till she was in the right frame of mind for them!!!
Wow, another great chapter...
this story just keeps getting better, and its refreshing to see a new take on Mins relationship with her mother!!
Tabs

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 6 (Part One)

Christmas Eve was a more somber occasion than Albus would have liked, Minerva looked so sad. They had found out early in the morning though that Minerva’s sister had never sent that letter but her mother did. It seems the whole point was to give Minerva the torn up picture of her father, and of course to torment her child as much as she could.
When Minerva finished with the letter Albus asked “Love, do you have any idea why your mother treats you that way?”
Leaning into his embrace Minerva spoke softly, “I think she thinks father loved me more. My mother always paid more attention to my older sister, she was the beautiful one, and I was the intelligent one. She just didn’t understand me, and when Papa started to spend a lot of time with me she got jealous. Silly really to be jealous of your child; Papa would just talk with me or we would read together. Whenever mother would tell me that I was ugly, Papa would always tell me I was beautiful. I loved him very much.”
Albus leaned down to place a kiss atop her head and said, “When did he pass away, love?”
“Two years ago.”
Albus gently picked Minerva up so she could scoot on to his lap, and he held her tightly as their conversation continued, “I am so sorry, Minerva.”
“It’s ok, Albus. I just wish I could fix that picture. It really was a good one,” she replied quietly. They sat there for awhile just finding comfort in the each other’s arms before Minerva got up to go finish the attic. Albus choose this as the perfect time to see a good friend of his London: “Love, I need to run a few errands. I’ll be back no later than five this evening. Will you be ok staying here by yourself?”
“I will be fine, Albus. Do you need any help with your errands?” Minerva answered as she was half-way up the stairs.
Walking up to her Albus kissed her soundly on the mouth then said, “No, love. You stay here, and I’ll be back.” Minerva just shook her head as she finished climbing the steps, giving Albus the perfect chance to gather all the pieces to the picture without her noticing.
Since they had agreed to give each other the Christmas presents they had already brought, and not to go shopping for others Minerva forced herself to clean the rest of the attic while Albus was gone. As she was cleaning she ran across a letter Albus’ mother had written to her eldest son not long before she died, and by the looks of it Albus had never seen it. Carefully Minerva opened the letter and read:
My Darling Son,
I hope all is well at Hogwarts, and that you are not working too hard. The house is rather lonely without all my men around here, and I’ve started to move more things up into the attic for save keeping. One day I hope you will use this house for your own family. Don’t shake your head, Albus! I know what you are thinking: that I need to stop talking like I’m dying and that you don’t think you will ever find a woman, oh let me see how do you put it, yes that could stand your quirks. You will my son, and I have no doubt that I would approve of your choice. On that note, I believe you have already found her. Who am I talking about?
Let me see if I can quote you: She is a very able Transfigurations teacher, and quite pleasant to be around. Intelligent, with a quick wit, and a sharp tongue when angered, but really very sweet, funny, and oh yes…beautiful. Don’t argue with me, Albus, I have evidence to use against you. Your mother always does her homework. Not only do your eyes twinkle like never before when you talk about her, but whom else but the woman perfect for you could ever beat you in chess? I have done some research on our young Ms. McGonagall and I quite approve Albus. Now, do something about it!
She would love you, how could anyone not? You have a great capacity of love, Albus, you always have. Share some of it with her, for I fear you will need her strength and love in the years to come and she will need yours. She would be very lucky to have you, my darling, very lucky indeed.
Love,
Your Mother

Now Minerva knew he had never read this before, and conjuring a picture frame she placed the letter in it. Minerva smiled, it was nice to know Mrs. Dumbledore had approved of her and it answered her question of just how long Albus had loved her.
Just at that moment in London Albus was happily walking through the streets humming, because he had managed to get the picture fixed. First a muggle friend helped him to tape it up, and then he was able to figure out what spell Mrs. McGonagall had used so he could not repair it with his wand. Finding that out he had been able to restore the picture to its original form, and he had to admit that he was a great picture. He now knew where Minerva got her green eyes from, and her father’s were just as vibrant as hers. He was so happy he couldn’t decide when to give it to her, this evening or wait until Christmas.
Back at Quirky Quarters Minerva was having the same problem; she didn’t know when to present Albus with the letter so she just put it in her room and went downstairs to wait on him. Somehow Albus had managed to sneak up on Minerva from behind, “Hello, my love, did you miss me?”
Turning quickly Minerva’s only response was to pull his head down to hers and kiss him long and hard. When they broke apart Albus whispered, “Do I take that as a yes?”
Minerva just nodded. They spent the rest of the evening in front of the fire, and when Minerva was asleep Albus carefully carried her to his room for the night.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Six (Part Two)

Albus woke up the next morning by the feel of someone playing with his beard, opening one eye he stole a look at Minerva. She was trying to plait it, but was getting frustrated by all the tangles.
Opening the other eye he said, “You know, my dear, I think you should just give up on that.”
Minerva jumped, “I didn’t know you were awake. How long have you been watching,” she asked eyeing him suspiciously.
“Only a minute or so, I do love to watch you but I would rather kiss you. Do you think you have a kiss for me on Christmas morning,” Albus asked eyes twinkling madly.
Smiling Minerva said, “That all depends, have you been a good boy this Christmas?”
Albus nodded his head in the affirmative, “Very good.”
“Indeed, that is yet to be determined.” Albus Dumbledore could not believe she had just said that, because she was not talking about his deeds over the year. The look in her eye, and smirk on her face suggested she was talking about a much more intimate act. His mouth was hanging open just enough in surprise for Minerva to slide her tongue into it as she leaned up to kiss him.
“Merry Christmas, love” Minerva whispered when the kiss was over. Albus just smiled at her, and summoned her gifts to the bed so she could open them. Once she had summoned his they set about to opening their gifts: books, new chess pieces, candy (for Albus), and new scarves. All that was left were the two small gifts, and Minerva insisted that Albus go first.
Tearing off the wrapping paper Albus read the letter, a single tear gliding down his cheek. Minerva brushed the tear away and spoke in hushed tones, “I found it yesterday while cleaning, and I thought you might like to have it.” Albus turned to Minerva and cradling her face kissed her very softly, “Love, I’m so glad you did this. I, also, think you should pay attention to all the excellent things said about you in here, and she would have loved you. I am certain of that.”
“Thank you, Albus.”
When Minerva opened her last gift she gasped and looked to Albus, and then back to the picture, and then back to him, “H-how…” was all she could get out.
“Well a friend of mine who happens to muggle taped it for me, and then I just researched the spell she used, and here you have it good as new.”
“Oh, Albus…I don’t know what to say, thank you so much,” Minerva whispered tears in her eyes.
“Then don’t say anything, love. I understand.”
Looking up at him she said, “I love you, Albus Dumbledore. I love you so much.”
“And I you Minerva McGonagall, now how bout a walk around the grounds and then I think we need to start preparing our Christmas dinner.”
Albus and Minerva had the best Christmas either could ever remember, and they only wished they had more than three days before they had to return to Hogwarts.

[Jestana]

Wow, that was bloody fantastic! Such thoughtful and appropriate gifts! Bravo!

[ginger newts]

What a wonderful Christmas, they're so sweet to each other. And I love that Albus' mom approved of Minerva way before they ever got together. That was a fantastic touch!

[Miss Q]

:)They're just so sweet together!!! You are doing a great job with this story!

M

[Nerweniel]

Awwwwwww... go Albus's mom! The way she approved of Minerva was wonderful, great chapter, thanks for writing this!

Love,

Liz