The course of justice

[angeldust]

(Ceartas means justice in Gaelic)

The course of justice


Chapter 1

Albus Dumbledore stood silently in the waiting room next to the ministers office, he paced impatiently he had been waiting for over 30 minutes. The minister in question Durga Dendrites had gone in search of the best Ceartas the ministry employed. A Ceartas was almost like a barrister in the wizard world, they were employed by people to stand and defend the client as well as question witnesses.

Of course if you couldn’t afford a Ceartas the members of the wizengamot would do this themselves but the trials always went much more smoothly when a Ceartas was on the case. Albus Dumbledore himself was in desperate need of a Ceartas, his brother had once again been performing illegal magical testing on animals, of course none were painful or awful most just changing the colours of the goat’s fur.

Aberforth had never had any intention of hurting anyone or anything he was a peaceful man and hated violence, but of course he was still performing unregistered magic. His brother had escaped just before Albus arrived to warn him. And of course just seconds after Albus’ arrival the Aurors turned up and accused him.

Unregistered magic wasn’t a huge crime the most he could get was 2 years in a normal wizard prison, but Albus was not willing to spend 2 years of his life counting the cracks in a cell wall.
Albus whirled round the face the door as it creaked softly, Durga Dendrites stood in front of him a woman standing next to him.

She was a very young this woman, her black hair was pulled into a loss elegant bun at the back of her head, she wore a white sharply pressed blouse that was neatly tucked into a long black skirt, she also wore a light emerald summers robes the flew out behind her slightly when she walked. Her bright emerald eyes shone out at him behind square shaped glasses.

“Professor Dumbledore,” She greeted him extending her arm to greet him with a friendly hand shake. “It’s good to see you again sir.” She greeted politely, Albus watched as her bright eyes flickered over his appearance before returning to his face a humble smile gracing her pretty face.

“This is Minerva McGonagall Albus, our youngest and best she’s Max’s daughter, Leonard McGonagall’s granddaughter.” Durga claimed his face breaking into a beam of pride at the fact that a McGonagall was working in his ministry. But Albus didn’t notice this; his eyes were solely focused on Minerva, could this be the girl he had taught less then 6 years ago? She looked so different, Albus remembered her as being a lanky teen all legs and arms with a fiery temper, usually found out of boundaries with her best friends Alastor Moody and Arthur Weasley. She had been a common genius never needed to study or revise she always knew the answers with out even having to listen.

But now… she was still tall, much taller then short little Durga Dendrites, her eyes shown with a determination and wisdom usually found in people much older then she was, her body was softened now with slight curves in all the right places. She was a very attractive woman Albus found himself thinking before mentally slapping himself for having such thoughts about a ex student.

“It’s very good to see you again Miss McGonagall, I didn’t recognise you for a moment you’ve… grown up.” Albus muttered softly in that wise raspy voice.
“Please call me Minerva, now this may sound rash but we need to get to work, this case isn’t going to be easy but I’m willing if you are.”
“Straight to the point as always McGonagall, I’ll leave you two to it.” Durga stated clearly before leaving the room.

“Now Professor,” Minerva said as she closed the door behind him. “What were you doing when you were found at the site?” Minerva asked softly pulling out her notebook and scribbling his name down. Albus went through the story telling her about his brother and how he had been trying to warn him.

“You’re going to need a better story then that Dumbledore!” Minerva snapped coldly, seemingly annoyed at his answer.
“This is no story that was the exact truth!” Albus muttered his calm voice shaking softly even his own Ceartas didn’t believe him.

“I didn’t say it wasn’t,” Minerva answered sharply “But do you really want to see your brother take your place? Now I will ask you again what were you doing when you were found at the site?” Albus stared at her dumfound, she wanted him to lie how could this be the young girl he remembered so well always willing to mostly follow the rules with a passionate hate for lying.

“Professor…” She whispered softly at the shocked look covering his face. “I’m sorry; I’m used to working with people who will do anything to get out of trouble. You’re an honest man and the decision is up to you, but I personally think you would do well to lie just this once.” Minerva whispered her eyes meeting his and not looking away. She had very beautiful eyes.

“I understand, but you must know I’m a rubbish liar.” He watched as Minerva lent forward to him and for a second Albus had the feeling she was going to kiss him, but of course she didn’t.
“Well we will have to change that won’t we?” She breathed easily before pulling away from him again.

(Am not totally sure what I think of this. But I do know that this story does get better so hang in there! Reviews would be fantastic even if they are bad )

[Hogwarts Duo]

The description of Minerva was awesome and I love how we see her for the first time through Albus' eyes. I'm anxious to see how Albus gets out of this mess...and hopefully wins the heart of the one and only Min. ^_^

[Kassandra]

I like this different occupation for Minerva and it looks like the story will be very interesting.

[Lady Lavendar]

This is a really good story so far! Hope to see a update soon!

LL ;D

[Miss Q]

This was a very good and interesting start!!! I do hope that you'll continue!!!

M

[Karlynne]

Definitely something I want to read. I would love to see Minerva's skill as an attorney. Karlie

[ginger newts]

This is a great start, I'm very interested to see where it goes. Kudos on finding a new way to bring them together, I'm sure Minerva will do well in court. (People used to tell me all the time I'd make a great lawyer because I love to argue. Humph)

[griseldalafey]

That's a very interesting start! I hope Minerva can keep Albus out of prison!

[Aurinko]

Intriguing start. I like the idea of Minerva as an attorney. Will Albus lie in court?

[Sensiblyquirky]

Very interesting start, and I'm anxious to see how it all plays out. I really liked how you described Minerva, and the way Albus' thoughts were going.

Christy

[angeldust]

Thank you to everyone who reviewed big hugs to all of you! This chapter is much longer then the last one and im sure the rest will be as well ;D As i now have a new computer and with 180gb I no longer have to worry about space ;D And now everything works properly as well! So unfortunately guys your going to be seeing a lot more of my stuff posted around



Chapter 2

Albus sat silently in his study, he needed an alibi. The thought of him lying to the whole wizengamot was not one he was looking forward to. Though he knew Minerva was right if he wanted to stay out of prison he needed to lie. Minerva… she had been on his mind almost all day, how could she have such power, to just be able to walk back into his life and have him smitten in less then a minute. No Albus corrected himself he wasn’t smitten, he was shocked to see her she had grown up she was different and he wanted to know how different nothing more. His feelings were platonic, friendly even he had got on with her well when she was under his care at Hogwarts and what he was feeling now was nothing more then protective feelings and a lust to know who she was now. Lust… an interesting choice of word really… the thought of her crept back into his head again for a brief second before he chased it out again.

“You are a foolish old man Dumbledore… foolish.” He whispered to himself burying his head into his hands, never had his own feelings confused him so much.
He felt his head jerk up suddenly at the sound of his faithful pet screeching. A letter was attached to his leg, quickly opening it and treating Fawkes to a sherbet lemon he read.


Dear Professor Dumbledore

I do hope this letter finds you in good health; I would like to meet for a drink tonight at the three broomsticks to discuss your alibi, I wish I could say more but I wouldn’t put it past the opposition to interfere with my mail. Lucius Malfoy is helping the Aurors who found you with their defence and he is most certain to try and sabotage this trail.

Best wishes and safe journey

Minerva

Albus stared at the letter dumfound she wanted to meet up with him for a drink… was this usual Ceartas action? Albus was quite sure it wasn’t… and now Malfoy was getting involved with the opposition! Albus could feel his head banging violently, oh why didn’t he just leave his brother to fight his own battles! A part of him was quite sure that Minerva would get him out of trouble… but the thought of Malfoy being opposite him was not a pleasant one, Albus knew that Malfoy had the power to twist all the wizengamot around his little finger, and Albus at the moment wasn’t particularly popular with the ministry as it was. Banging his head one last time against his hands he went to shower and dress for his evening with Minerva.

Albus felt like a school boy again, he scolded himself again and again every time he looked in the mirror and wondered if Minerva would like what she saw. ‘This is a business meeting you fool not a date!’ he scolded himself again and again.

She’s 80 years younger then you he told himself as he walked through Hogsmeade, she’s probably all ready got a boy friend her own age he told himself again and again she has no interest in you!

“Professor!” She greeted him softly when he entered the three broomsticks. She looked stunning, her practical green robes had been replaced for a much lighter red one, her hair was still drawn back but it didn’t look anywhere near as foreboding as it had done before. “I was starting to worry you wouldn’t come.” She smiled lightly at him.

“My dear leave such a beauty as you sitting here alone, never!” Albus couldn’t believe he had just said that, he mentally slapped himself thousands of times and only just managed to resist the urge to do it physically. Minerva didn’t seem to mind quite the contrary in fact, a pretty pink blush fled around her cheeks as a nervous smile graced her features.
“Thank you Albus…” She whispered softly.
“Now my dear why did you call me here?” Albus asked softly as he ordered the drinks.

“It’s not safe to converse through mail anymore Dumbledore. Only a few minutes after you left I received a letter that had already been opened and I’m quite sure Malfoy is behind it, but that doesn’t matter I really do need to know your alibi so I can get to work.” Albus felt his heart drop, he had been so concerned with how he looked and scolding himself he had completely forgot why she wanted to meet up with him. He avoided eye contact with the woman in front of him, he felt so stupid and now he was going to have to tell her he didn’t have one.

“Well?” Minerva asked impatiently.
“I…” Albus started softly looking down at his feet and refusing to look back.
“You don’t have one do you!” Minerva snapped Albus felt himself shake his head softly as if he was being scolded by his mother. She sighed softly and Albus with out even looking could feel her eyes seizing him up, but he could tell she wasn’t angry… more disappointed. He could almost hear exactly what she was thinking ‘typical, absolutely typical’. Albus had made himself look like a fool many times before but he had never felt as bad as this… he… he wanted to impress her to shower her with his knowledge he wanted to see her hanging onto his every word. He had always hated the way women threw themselves at his feet and hung to his every word he had never wanted that, but now he wanted so much for the woman in front of him to be even slightly like that, he wanted her to notice him.

“You were meeting with a friend that night weren’t you Albus?” Minerva asked quietly.
“Hum… oh yes.” Albus said clicking onto what she was saying.
“You were meeting your friend there so you could walk into the nearby village for a drink away from the eyes of the press correct?” Albus nodded slightly, he had spent some of the after noon thinking up alibis how could she come up with one so quickly.
“But I don’t have anyone to prove it…” Albus whispered making sure no one could here him.
“Its common knowledge that you and Alastor Moody are friends; well he owes me a favour.”
“You’re extremely devious for a Grythindor Miss McGonagall…” Albus muttered more to himself then her.
“Ah yes… but what would you do with out me?” Minerva teased softly as she sipped her gilly water.
‘What would you do with out me?” the question rang clear through his mind hours later.
‘Not torture myself with images of a much younger woman.’ Albus found himself answering to the wind as he walked back to the castle.

[Kamdra]

I really like the way Minerva is so take charge. Poor Albus is hooked.

[Kassandra]

I know I am naive and such a goody goody but do they have to lie? I don't mind the lie if it were to anyone but a lie in court seems so awful after you swear to tell the truth. Yes, I know people do it and Albus and Minerva aren't perfect. I am happy that she is taking good care of him though and looking out for him. I hope its for more than just doing her job. Kassie

[Karlynne]

Well I for one will be happy to have you post your heart out. I am interested in seeing how justice is going to be meted out in this fic. My mind is trying to work out the oppositions strategy. Karlie

[Kandice]

I just found this story and I really like this Minerva you've given us. I can just see her and I really like when a writer gives me such a strong, clear image. Kandie

[griseldalafey]

Albus is *so* falling head of heels... it's such an original story, I love it.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Oh I feel so sorry for Albus...spending all that time worrying about his appearance for Minerva's sake and then to have her only speak of business. She's just gotta open her eyes and see the handsome man before her. ^_^

[angeldust]

Chapter 3

Albus walked slowly down the sleepy corridors of the ministry of magic, this was to be his forth meeting with Minerva. The first part of his trial was going to start in two days and already he was nervous. Though Albus thought to himself the idea of seeing Minerva in action, arguing for him was not one he could dismiss easily.
Opening the door to her office, Albus was quite shocked to see not Minerva but a man sitting at her desk. The man in question was quite tall; his long legs were sprawled across Minerva’s desk his back pushed against the emerald chair.

His dark hair was well tamed; he looked as most wizards in the ministry did like a respectable business man. But Albus noticed straight away that this man was anything but normal, his air was different to that of his business man. His eyes glinted dangerously as they eyed Albus up fully. This man had a sense of insanity around him.

“Who are you? Where’s Minerva?” Albus asked the man quite rudely for his normal character he didn’t trust this man at all. The man smiled softly at him.
“I could ask you the very same questions all though I unlike you do happen to know the answers. After all having Minerva talk none stop about a man can teach you who he is, and living with the woman in question I can usually tell where she is.”

“Who are you?” Albus asked again his temperatures rising; he disliked it when someone obviously knew exactly who he was yet he knew nothing about them in return.

“That is none of you concern boss,” The man answered sarcastically. “I have a simple piece of advice for you my friend. Albus Dumbledore or not… stay away from Minerva! I’ve seen the way you look at her, how your eyes undress her. Disgusting, but then Minerva’s just as bad isn’t she, the way her eyes light up when she talks about you.” The man sighed heavily. “She will be my wife Dumbledore, we will be married and she will be tame, no more talking about other men…” He grinned again at Albus his perfect white teeth beaming out at him.

“You will not be invited to the wedding” He muttered again before closing his eyes and laughing suddenly. This man is mental Albus found muttering again.
“Who are you?” Albus demanded more fiercely for what felt like the 20th time. The man laughed once again before disappearing completely. Albus found himself pulling out his wand and whirling around the room quite a few times before a face appeared bang smack in front of him causing him to stumble backwards slightly.
“Gary, Gary Winterbourne.” The head muttered before once again disappearing and this time not returning.

[Hogwarts Duo]

ACK! Say it's not so! Please tell me that the man is really mental and Minerva is not engaged to that oaf of a man. Or better yet...tell me that she leaves him at the altar and runs away with Albus...woo hoo!

[Karlynne]

Oh a twist in the story.I hope Gary is delusional and Minerva isn't close to liking him. Thanks for the update. Karlie

[Kassandra]

This is very exciting and I can't wait to read more. I so hope Minerva doesn't like that jerk. Kassie

[Jaya]

Smack him, Albus! Smack him!!!!!

Jaya

[DumbledoresKitten]

Wow, Min is so Slytherin: coming up with albus' defense. good thing moody owes her a favour.

*growls at Gary* what kinda psyco is min dating

poor albus

cat

[QuillofMinerva]

Hmm now that was a twist!

[griseldalafey]

Right.... I do *not* like this Gary person.

I honestly believe Albus would be a much better fiancee for Minerva

Thanks for the update!

[angeldust]

(Big thankies to everyone who reviewed! Sends out hugs to you all!)

Chapter 4

Albus sat nervously in the minister of magic’s office; this was to be his last meeting with Minerva before the first part of his trail. He had only just recently found out that his trial would be split into three parts taking over the best of two weeks. Minerva was running awfully late and Albus now found himself making small talk with the Minister of magic.

“Durga, have you ever met a man named Winterbourne?” Albus found himself asking as the conversation turned to Minerva. That man had been in his thoughts all night and he wanted nothing more then the minister to tell him he was escaped lunatic who had taken a liking to Minerva.

He watched as Durga Dendrites long tired face screwed up in thought. “Winterbourne… Winterbourne…. Oh you mean Gary! Gary Winterbourne?” The aging minister asked.
“Yes, do you know him?” Albus asked softly hoping the man in front of him was about to tell him what he wanted to hear.
“Yes of course! He’s one of our best, I bit odd I do admit but working in the department of mysteries does that.”

Durga watched thoughtfully as his friends face dropped suddenly it was quite obvious Albus didn’t hold a liking for Gary. Strange really Durga found himself thinking he would have thought they would get on extremely well.
“He…he works in the ministry?” Albus asked slowly, what on earth was the ministry coming to if they hired people like… like that!
“I… I heard a rumour he’s involved with Miss McGonagall?”

”Ah finally a rumour that’s true, they’ve been together for just over a year now rumour has it he proposed to her last month. They both seem extremely happy together…” Durga felt himself trail off at the look on Albus’ face, he looked upset.

“Albus is something wrong?”
“I’m fine Durga. I think I’ll go look for Miss McGonagall now.” Albus smiled taking one last Sherbet Lemon from the minister’s desk before leaving. Durga had introduced him to the sweets only a few weeks ago and

Albus had taken an immediate liking to them almost like the way he had been introduced to Minerva. As soon as he rounded the corner leading to Minerva’s office he almost crashed into the very same woman. Her beautiful face was glowing with anger; her big appealing eyes glared at him making Albus feel uncomfortable.

“So we decided to show up today did we?” She snapped tartly.

“Just because your name can get anyone at your feet doesn’t mean it will work on me! You can’t just not turn up to an appointment I do have other things to do as well you know! I wasted my whole day yesterday just waiting for you to show up! Your freedom may not be important enough to you to turn up but my job most certainly is!” She snapped angrily those beautiful lips slamming together into a thin line. Albus wasn’t even registering what she was saying… she was so beautiful.

“I have half a mind to hand this case over to someone else.” She growled angrily.
“I know Minerva… I am awfully sorry something came up and I couldn’t get out of it.”

Albus found himself muttering softly as he hung his head in shame. She was obviously happy with that lunatic she was… she was probably in love with him. Albus had no right to ruin or stir things for her; she deserved that happiness he found himself thinking. He watched as Minerva’s face softened slightly at the sight of him.
“Well Professor… you can make it up to me by taking me out to dinner tonight.” She answered triumphantly.

“Oh no I don’t think…” Albus started thinking back to Gary, he wasn’t afraid of him or what he might to do him. But he didn’t want that… man turning on Minerva is something went wrong.

“You will be there Albus! You owe me and we still have much to discuss before tomorrow.” She said quietly, she was very persuasive when she wanted to be Albus found himself thinking as she walked away from him.

(This chapter was very dribbley and all over the place! But the next chap is very stable i promise you!!!!)

[tayryn]

i can't believe i haven't reviewed this yet! *smacks fingers*

i am thoroughly enjoying this! tis an interesting role you've thrust our Minerva into.

this last chapter... seeing an unsure Albus... i liked that.

and i am with Jaya... Albus needs to smack that other guy!!

looking forward to more!

[Karlynne]

Please say it isn't so. I can't bear the thought of Minerva with that other guy. She deserves so much more. Karlie

[ginger newts]

Oh, I missed a chapter, so sorry. I really really hope that guy Gary gets out of the picture! As much as I hate to say it, I almost hope he treats Minerva like a jerk so she'll leave him. Update soon.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Ack! I was hoping that Albus would slip and tell Minerva what Gary had told him...thus ending her 'relationship' with him. But it's gonna be good to see how Minerva gets rid of Gary...woo hoo.