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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Nov 24, 2004 20:59:40 GMT -5
Ok, I'm on break at my Grandmother's so it may have some mistakes and if so I apologize. For a bit I can write some more now that some of my massive amounts of work has been finished!
Chapter One:
"Poppy," Minerva McGonagall called as she stuck her head in her friend's office.
"Agh, Minerva!" Poppy screeched as the box she was carrying fell to the floor spilling medical supplies all over her office. "Did you have to scare me?"
"Sorry, Poppy, here let me help," Minerva apologized as she came into the medi-witch's office. As the women put the supplies back into the box Minerva asked Poppy the question that brought her to the hospital wing. "Do you know where our esteemed Headmaster is?"
Poppy chuckled, "Did I notice a hint of sarcasam in your voice?"
Minerva smiled softly, "Hmm, a hint. I must be loosing my touch."
The women shared a look before Poppy answered her original question: "I overheard Severus complaining at breakfast that Dumbledore wanted to do experiments in his Dundgeons today. What do you need him for?"
"As usual he hasn't signed some papers I need to get off to the governors this afternoon." Standing up Minerva moved to the door, "I better go make sure we still have a Headmaster. I'm too young to take over just yet, can't peak this early in life can I?"
"Minerva you do realize you are sixty, don't you," Poppy teased. Minerva narrowed her eyes, "Yes, I do, but we McGonagalls stick around for awhile. I don't even have a grey hair yet."
Poppy rolled her eyes, "As you love to remind me. Why don't you let down that black hair, change into something saucy, and fufill your wildest fantasies with our esteemed Headmaster."
Poppy couldn't help but smile at her friend's blush, but after a moment Minerva recovered and replied: "I'd prefer the hospital wing to the Dundgeons. Which bed, Poppy?" Before Poppy could answer Minerva had left the office in search of Albus Dumbledore.
Nearing the nether parts of the Castle Minerva was knocked off her feet by a loud blast. Sitting up slightly disoriented she jumped to her feet, "ALBUS!" Wand out Minerva ran into the room to find everything a mess, "Albus?"
A weak voice called back to her, "Minerva." Running to the corner of the room Minerva gasped as she looked upon her friend. His glasses had smashed and his eyes were bleeding. Minerva was jerked out of her stupor by Albus' voice,
"I can't see, Minerva. Please help me get to Poppy." Minerva stooped beside of him and captured one of his wandering hands in her own, "I'm here, Albus. I'll get you to Poppy. I'm going to levitate you." Minerva quickly kissed his forehead before she levitated him out of the destroyed room.
Minerva hurried along the corridors as carefully as she could with Albus suffering in tow. Minerva turned the corner and called, "Poppy!"
"Minerva, you did it again!"
"Don't worry about the box. It's Albus...a blast...his eyes," Minerva hurriedly spoke as she moved Albus to a bed in the adjourning room.
Poppy immediately became professional with one look at Albus, "Minerva, wait in my office."
"But-"
"Minerva, wait in my office," Poppy repeated and Minerva knew arguing woudl only hurt Albus.
Minerva paced in Poppy's office, the vision of Albus never leaving her mind. She could feel her heart squeezing in her chest as she thought of Albus in the room next to her. She was pulled out of her depressing mussings by the sound of Poppy's voice.
"Minerva, I need your help. He's in an enchanted sleep, but we have to pick out the little shards of glass in his eyes by hand. Can you do it?"
Minerva just nodded. The two women worked for two hours before Poppy dressed and covered Albus' eyes. Walking back into Poppy's office the women collapsed into two chairs. However Minerva couldn't keep quiet, "Poppy, will he...how is his sight..." Minerva stopped as she felt the tears fill her eyes. Poppy silently crossed the room and drew her into her arms.
"It's ok, Minerva. He'll be without sight for seven to ten days so his eyes can heal, but he should get it back. He's gong to need a lot of help, Minerva. He needs you," Poppy whispered as Minerva pulled back nodding.
"Can I sit with him?"
Poppy watched her friend wipe her eyes with her handkerchief, and then raised her eyes to look resolutely into Poppy's.
"Just try an get some sleep." Minerva smiled appreciateively at her friend. Minerva emerged from the office and slowly walked toward Albus' bed. She smoothed his blankets before fingering the bandages covering the twinkling eyes she loved so much. Bending down Minerva placed a gentle kiss on the bandages over his eyes, and then his forehead before smoothing the hair back from his calm brow.
Minerva sat there for hours just watching Albus before she subcummed to sleep: her hand gently covering his.
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Post by ginger newts on Nov 24, 2004 21:09:05 GMT -5
Oh yay, you've started it. This is great so far, but poor Albus, how horrible! Can't wait to see where this goes. Hmm, I wonder who will be his eyes....
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Post by Jestana on Nov 24, 2004 21:17:33 GMT -5
Oh! Poor Albus! I wrote a story where a girl was in a car accident and ended up with glass in her eyes, but she never got her eyesight back. Anyway, this is a great start and I can't wait for more!
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Post by tartantabbycat on Nov 24, 2004 21:22:56 GMT -5
*covers mouth with hands* O. M. G.....Oh poor Albus! I can't wait to read more!!
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Post by angharad on Nov 24, 2004 21:23:00 GMT -5
I like it very much so far!
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Post by KayleeTonksLupin on Nov 24, 2004 22:17:06 GMT -5
OhmyGod, Albus, Albus! Noooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep it up, I want to see where this goes!!!!!!!!!
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Post by QuillofMinerva on Nov 25, 2004 2:39:13 GMT -5
Oh Poor Albus....cant imagine anything worse than that. Please update soon
Clayre xx
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Post by max on Nov 25, 2004 3:08:28 GMT -5
Whow - great start! Now I'm very much looking forward how Minerva will help her esteemed headmaster. ;-)
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Post by angeldust on Nov 25, 2004 11:09:21 GMT -5
oh wow this is brilliant! but poor Albus n min! update soon!
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Post by Miss Q on Nov 25, 2004 12:21:49 GMT -5
Update... please!!! Because I wanna know what happens!!!
M
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Post by TabbyForever on Nov 25, 2004 12:53:59 GMT -5
Nooooooooooooo, don't stop there!!! Hey great start btw!! Awww poor albus, I can't wait for the next chapter, please don't leave it too long before you update!! Glad you got some of that horrid work outta the way!!!
J
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Post by griseldalafey on Nov 25, 2004 17:23:02 GMT -5
Poor Albus *sniff* And Minerva too for that matter. I can't wait to see where you'll take this. Have fun at your grandmother's
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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Nov 25, 2004 21:35:09 GMT -5
Chapter Two: Part One
Darkness; Albus tried to open his eyes but found he couldn't. Panically he twisted his head until a cool soft hand cupped his cheek. The Scottish voice he loved so much, the unique pronunciation of the vowels and the rolling of the r's more pronounced the softer his Deputy used it, pierced the darkness: "It's ok, Albus. I'm here."
"Minerva, why can't I open my eyes?" Minerva took a deep breath as she looked at Albus.
"Pieces of your glasses got in your eyes due to the blast, and Poppy and I spent two hours removing them all. You have to wear the bandages for at least a week to let them heal, so..."
Albus finished for her, "I won't be able to see." Minerva leaned further over him, grasping his resting right hand: "You will get your sight back, Albus. You will, Albus, but in the meantime I'm here for you. We'll get through this don't you worry."
Minerva watched for any reaction out of Albus. For minutes not a sound could be heard, and when Minerva was about to say something Albus moved his hand from her grasp and fumbled as he moved it up her arm to her shoulder, stopping only when he reached her neck. Minerva closed her eyes and one tear escaped as she felt his long fingers wrap around her slender neck.
"I knew I should have cleaned."
Minerva laughed and slapped his arm, "What am I going to do with you, Albus Dumbledore?"
Albus just smiled, "Go get Poppy, Minerva. I want to get out of this bed. Let's see if the good medi-witch will let me."
"Good luck," Minerva sarcastically whispered.
An hour later Minerva was leading Albus slowly down the corridor toward his office. "Albus, do you remember what happened," Minerva asked as she looped her arm around his waist to guide him around a corner.
"I was mixing various ingredients: wolfsbane and dragon's blood I believe. I would suggest ou not do that, my dear."
"Albus, do you even know the last time I got near a potion set?"
Chuckling Albus just gripped her tighter, "Point taken, my dear." It wasn't long before they reached his office, "Albus we are at the steps, just let me lead you. Here," she moved his hand toward the wall once on the first step, "place your hand on the wall. Ok lift one foot up."
Albus used his foot to feel for the next step up, and then moved it up there gingerly. Ten minutes later they had moved up the stairs into his office, and into the sitting room.
"You wait right her, Albus, while I gather some things from your office." Minerva left Albus standing not too far from his chair while she went to retrieve a few books. While reaching for a particularly worn copy of TEXTJane EyreTEXT she had leant him ages ago, and she was sure he had yet to read, a loud crashing sound came from the sitting room.
Minerva came running into the room to find Albus on the floor feeling around for the lamp he knocked over. "Albus, are you alright?"
"Yes, but I was just trying to sit down. I forgot the lamp was there." Minerva reached for Albus' hands, "Come on, let's get you in your chair and then I'll clean this up."
Albus sat in his chair and placed his head in his hands, "I'm sorry" he mumbled. "I know this isn't how you wanted to spend your first week of the summer."
Minerva patted hs knee before sitting down on the couch, "Oh, I don't know. A lot of people would love to have you in this position; just don't question any papers I get you to sign. Remember any raise I get is solely based on my outstanding work."
Shaking his head Albus chuckled at her attempt at some levity, "Now, my dear, if the sorting hat was correct in your placement you would never take advantage of an old, blind man."
"Sorry I don't know any old blind men. In a week's time you will be back as good as new. Now, I thought I'd read to you.
"Alright, which book," Albus asked as he settled back into his purple chintz chair.
Smiling Minerva curled up in his couch, "Jane Eyre"
Albus' lip curled, "You're cruel."
"It is a great book, and I want you to enjoy it as I have."
"Hmmm, well don't blame me if I fall asleep," Albus huffed.
"Don't worry, you won't."
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Post by tartantabbycat on Nov 25, 2004 21:48:22 GMT -5
I love the banter between these two. They're so funny!I love how Minerva doesn't give him room to argue with her. GReat job hon!
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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Nov 25, 2004 21:50:27 GMT -5
Chapter Two: part two
Three hours later Albus was still awake and, though he wouldn't admit it, he was enjoying the book.
"Albus! Stop fidgeting, what do you need," Minerva asked exasperated at his behavior.
Blushing he mumbled, "the bathrom."
"Oh...oh..." Minerva fought her blush as she helped him up. Once in the bathroom Minerva hoped she could get him situtated and then leave.
"Are you,-"
"Yes"
"Ok." Minerva quickly exited the room thankful she could wait in his bedroom. She didn't have to wait long, but she had some time to take in his bedroom and smile softly. It was a bit messy, but not as bad as it could have been. Walking to his dresser her heart jumped to her throat as she recognized he picture resting on top. It was one of them two years ago at a party. Minerva didn't have long to look at it though, because Albus emerged from the bathroom read to grab some lunch.
The afternoon passed relatively quickly, and before too long Minerva was tucking Albus into bed. "Minerva, could you stay," Albus asked quietly as she smoothed some hair back.
"Of course. I'll just be in the sitting room."
"Oh no you don't. This bed is big enough, and you will get a good night's sleep which you cannot do on the couch."
Minerva was silent for a moment, "Oh, alright. I guess this is better in case you should need me."
Minerva prepared for bed, and climbed in next to Albus. It wasn't long before they fell asleep.
Albus awoke with a start in the middle of the night: he needed the bathroom again. This was one moment he cursed his age. He called to Minerva three times before he concluded he could get to the bathroom by himself. Swinging his feet over the bed he hadn't gone two feet before he tripped and went crashig to the ground.
Minerva sat upright in bed, "Albus?" Looking to her right, and seeing the empty space she shot out of bed and rushed to the outline of his form.
"Oh, Albus, are you alright?"
"Yes," he replied curtly.
"Here let me help you get up," Minera said as she pulled him to his feet.
"'Where were you trying to go?"
"The bathroom," he grumpily mumbled. Minerva guided him safely to the room, and back into bed once he was done.
Back in bed Albus turned his back to Minerva as he curled upon his side. Minerva knew he was upset, he was independent and this was a trying situation to be in. Minerva wanted to comfort him, "Albus?"
No answer.
"Albus?"
No answer, so Minerva scooted closer to Albus and snuggled into his back wrapping an arm loosely over his waist. He was going to know she cared whether he would let her verbally convey it or not.
Albus didn't acknowledge her contact, but Minerva didn't move. She was almost asleep when she felt Albus reach for her hand, bringing it to rest within one of his own higher on his chest.
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Post by ginger newts on Nov 25, 2004 22:01:20 GMT -5
Oh Pal, you know I always love it when they end up asleep together. I feel so bad for Albus, this has to be hell, but I'm glad Minerva is there to help him out. So much cuteness in this chapter, I can't wait for more!
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Post by Lady Lavendar on Nov 25, 2004 22:18:00 GMT -5
Poor man! i can't even imagine how he must feel. This is a greade A story! Update soon! LL ;D
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Post by TabbyForever on Nov 26, 2004 2:59:31 GMT -5
Awwww...what a great way to start the day, with such a fluffy fic!!! Thankyou for updating so quickely! Well done pal, this story rocks!! J
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Post by QuillofMinerva on Nov 26, 2004 4:04:58 GMT -5
Oh i love the fact that she is reading Jane Erye to him......this story is kinda like it, isnt it because Mr Rochester is temporary blinded isnt he. a really lovely chapter and i loved the banter between them keep up the excellent work Clayre xx
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Post by ArabellaFiggs on Nov 26, 2004 5:22:07 GMT -5
Whoa, another great story. Poor Albus, I feel so sorry for him. Please update soon. Can't wait to see what's all going to happen.
Joop
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Post by griseldalafey on Nov 26, 2004 9:30:07 GMT -5
*snicker*, she's right, reading Jane Eyre to him now is cruel.
Wonderful update!
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Post by Miss Q on Nov 26, 2004 9:32:01 GMT -5
Sweet! Absolutely adorable!!! Even if I do feel alittle bit sad for Albus!
Can't wait to readmore!
M
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Post by angeldust on Nov 26, 2004 11:28:25 GMT -5
awww sweet yet sad a the same time UPDATE!!!
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Post by Jestana on Nov 26, 2004 12:44:25 GMT -5
Albus must feel so helpless, not being able to see. *huggles him* I'm glad Min's taking care of him and they're so cute when they sleep together.
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Post by tartantabbycat on Nov 26, 2004 13:22:42 GMT -5
-melts- awwww!!! I SO love where this is going!! Please update soon!
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Post by Babsy on Nov 26, 2004 14:49:28 GMT -5
;DHey! awsome chapter, can't wait to read more!! this is such a cute story!! ;D
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Post by Sensiblyquirky on Nov 26, 2004 20:26:35 GMT -5
Chapter Three:
Albus awoke the next morning missing the feel of Minerva's body snuggled against his. Sitting up in bed he listened for any sound, and it wasn't too long before he heard the shower running. Albus let his mind wander into the shower with Minerva, he could see the water cascading down her back and traveling down the long legs he wanted to caress. Feeling his body respond to his mussings Albus attempted to focus on something else, but Fawkes simply doesn't compare to a nude Minerva. Once again Albus cursed his current state, for he wanted nothing more than to climb in behind Minerva and help her wash, more thouroughly than she would he imagined.
"Albus?" He inwardly blanched, and attempted o bunch the covers in his lap.
"Yes, Minerva?"
"Would you like a bath first or breakfast," Minerva asked as she sat on the edge of the bed.
"Uh, a bath."
"I'll run it for you."
"Cold, uh cold water please. It, um, it helps me wake up." Minerva quirked a eyebrow, but chose not to comment. A few minutes later Minerva came to lead Albus into the bathroom, and as he stood up Minerva no longer wondered why he wanted cold water.
"Ok, Albus, here's the tub," Minerva said as she placed his hand on the object, "and here's a towel. Will you be ok?"
"Yes, thank you Minerva." While Albus was in the bath Minerva made the bed, and rang an elf for some breakfast. All the while pondering Albus' state from the earlier, hoping she was the cause.
Hearing Albus open the bathrom door Minerva strode back into the room, just as he finished slipping his boxers on. Minerva's lips went dry as she stood there staring at Albus in his boxer shorts.
"Oh, I'm sorry Albus. I thought you were dressed," she muttered turning to leave.
"Actually, Minerva, can you pick me out some robes?"
"Sure, what color," she asked walking to his closet.
"Sky blue, they should be in the middle." Once dressed Minerva led Albus into his sitting room for breakfast.
"Here, Albus, I tried to put a liberal amount of jam on your toast asyou normally do at breakfast," Minerva commented as she handed Albus the toast.
After taking a bite Albus handed it back, "needs more if you would be so kind."
Minerva looked flabergasted, "You're kidding."
"Nope."
"Albus, how in the world do you have teeth left," Minerva asked as she spread more jam on his toast.
"Lucky, I suppose."
Settling into a light conversation they decided for a walk around the grounds after breakfast. The walk down to the grounds was slow, but void of any mishaps for which Albus and Minerva were both thankful. Once outside Minerva directed Albus toward the lake.
"It is a beautiful day, Albus! Bright blue sky, and oh there are some lovely flowers by the lake."
"Where," Albus asked as he twisted his head to the right and left. Minerva gently caught his head and moved it to the right, "to your right Albus." she softly whispered.
He sighed, "No that it matters. I can't see them." Minerva used her thumbs to stroke his cheeks, "I know."
"No, you don't. You can see them."
Minerva closed her eyes for a moment, "No I guess I don't, but I know you are frustrated and I know this is hard for you. I know you hate having me constantly around to baby you, but I'm here for you Albus. Anything you think I can't understand I want you to try, and help me to. I want to understand as much as I can."
Minerva was still stroking his cheeks, and Albus lifted his hands to hers running them down her arms to her shoulders then down her back, drawing her into a hug.
"Thank you."
"No need, you know I don't handle self-pity well."
Chuckling Albus moved is hands up her sides, his thumbs running over her breasts, "Sorry," up to her face. "I'm glad, my dear. I'd hate for you to let me get too down."
Minerva was thankful Albus couldn't see her blush, "Are yu trying to get a feel, Headmaster?"
Albus could tell Minerva as kidding so he played along, "Does that mean I can? My other fingers are jealous of my thumbs."
Minerva leaned into Albus resting her head on his shoulder, "You're crazy."
"What was that? I'm handsome? Minerva you are so sweet."
"Do you want me to leave you here?" Minerva asked leaning back fro his embrace.
Albus tried to look as pitiful as he could, and shook his head no, "I'll be a good little Gryffindor so my head of house won't leave me."
Minerva took his arm to lead him around the lake, "That's right, and if you're good I'll give you a treat."
Later that night Minerva smiled as she lay beside of Albus, his arm wrapped over her waist. She knew something had changed today in their relationship, but she also knew he wouldn't do anything until he got his sight back. She wished the next five days would pass by quickly and peacefully, but not all wishes come true.
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Post by ginger newts on Nov 26, 2004 20:39:24 GMT -5
Oh my, what to comment on first? hehe I loved this chapter, Pal! Lots of goodness here, from his predicament when waking up to the "accident" during the walk. Hurry and update again!
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Post by Jestana on Nov 26, 2004 20:57:44 GMT -5
That was very cute. I don't know whether to feel sorry for them or not. *giggle* Very good and I can't wait for more.
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Post by Isabelle on Nov 26, 2004 23:58:55 GMT -5
This is lovely. Kind of sad, but I like how you are developing their relationship. Poor Albus. He'll get through it though, especially with Minerva at his side! Liz
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