Darkening Skies

[ginger newts]

Another excellent chapter. Hope they admit their feelings soon.

[Krystal]

Well we know he likes her and it looks like she is beginning to notice him but will she give him a chance?

[Hogwarts Duo]

Smart move on the dark side to hit so close to home but I wouldn't want an angry Albus after me. I'm glad that Mineva is beginning to see Albus as more than a colleague and I find myself waiting anxiously for your next update.

[DumbledoresKitten]

i absolutely love how you've build this story. slowlly giving us glimpses of how Albus feels, and how min is reacting to him. i can't wait to see what comes next.
Cat

[Karlynne]

Darkening Skies


Chapter Four

Minerva wished she could hurry her students along. It was her last class of the day but the combined class of Hufflepuff and Gryffindor fourth years were struggling. Yes, it was difficult to transfigure parchment into plates but it just took more concentration not more power. Several students had accomplished rectangular shaped plates and a few had round sheets of parchment but not one student had succeeded. She would have to give homework, which meant more grading later in the week.

She glanced at the clock on her desk and clapped her hands together. After gaining every student’s attention, she assigned homework and nearly shooed them out the class. It only took her fifteen minutes to return her classroom to its normal pristine condition and enter her private rooms.

There was an Order meeting that very night and Minerva wanted to take a bath and change into something other than teaching robes. She would have to eat dinner with the staff in the Great Hall and someone was bound to ask about her state of dress but she had a cover story ready. An old classmate and his wife wanted to meet with her for drinks. If she left dinner immediately after it ended, she would be able to join them for a drink before heading to the meeting.

She rose from the bath and began dressing before standing in front of her open wardrobe. What to wear? What to wear? She tried to convince herself she wanted to look exceptionally well for Arnold and Constance Phipps but Albus’ face kept coming to mind and she finally chose emerald robes that looked good against her creamy skin and matched her eyes. She brushed her hair until it shone and although she wore it up in her usual bun, it was softer than normal and she allowed a few tendrils to escape from the back.

Dinner seemed to go on forever. Several compliments were paid to her and she was aware of disappointment when Albus arrived late and without comment. She hoped he just hadn’t noticed her attire but he usually noticed anything out of the ordinary.

“Minerva?” Poppy Pomfrey, school mediwitch extraordinaire, was speaking to her. Minerva raised her head and acknowledged her with a nod.

“Do you have plans for the evening?”

“I thought I mentioned them to you yesterday.” Minerva gave her head a small shake as though to clear her mind. “ No? Well, Arnold Phipps, do you remember him? He invited me for a drink tonight.”

Every head at the table swiveled to stare at her and Minerva felt herself coloring under the scrutiny. She didn’t dress as well as she would have if she didn’t have an Order meeting afterwards and her robes, while flattering, were conservative. No one must have had major objections to her outfit as everyone returned to their meal and conversations resumed.

As soon as she politely could, Minerva excused herself. The Order meeting was in forty-five minutes so she would have to hurry.

Arnold and Constance were wonderful. She apologized for having to stay such a brief time but they were grateful she was able to come at all. The life of a professor at Hogwarts was demanding and if you include the duties of Head of House then it became downright hectic. Her title of Deputy Headmistress edged her into the insane category. Only someone whose entire life was Hogwarts could maintain and perform her duties so effectively.

She bade them goodbye with promises to owl them and remain in contact. Hugs and kisses were shared and Minerva apparated to Alastor Moody’s house. She withstood the inspection of her wand and her person. She had come to accept Alastor’s peculiarities and concerns over security and finally gained entrance into the house.

The room was half filled and Minerva chose her customary seat beside Albus. She was surprised to find his eyes bleak and somber. The news must be grim.

Albus watched Minerva enter the house and walk in his direction. Was she really going to meet another man after the meeting? She looked so beautiful tonight. Her hair gleamed and her eyes sparkled. If Alastor wasn’t the one performing the security check outside he would swear she was wearing a glamour charm or at the very least muggle makeup. The rosy tint to her cheeks couldn’t be natural.

He greeted her politely and noted she looked concerned. She probably wondered how long this would take so she can go meet Phipps. What made matters worse was Minerva and this Phipps chap attended Hogwarts before he came aboard so he didn’t know if this man was good enough for Minerva.

Actually he knew no one was good enough for her, no one but himself.

Generally the meeting ran an hour long. By nine o’clock she would be on her way to meet Phipps and would stay out for who knows how long. Well he wasn’t going to speed up the meeting so she can meet with another. An idea sprang to his mind and he rose to speak with Alastor.

Minerva crossed her ankles and shifted in her seat. The meeting had gone on for two hours now. Albus had spoken for nearly an hour and she could see the relief in the other members’ eyes when he opened the floor for questions. Within ten minutes the questions had been answered and most were waiting for Albus to close the meeting.

It came to a surprise to everyone, save Albus and Alastor, when the former asked the latter to discuss personal safety with them. It was after ten and Alastor was still emphasizing Constant Vigilance! A clock struck the half hour and the auror released his captive audience and Albus closed the meeting. It took several minutes to say their goodbyes and Minerva was glad to apparate to the gates of Hogwarts.

“Minerva, would you mind coming to my office for a few minutes?” Albus was holding her arm in his while they walked to the castle. Minerva knew it was only to prevent her from stumbling in the dark but she couldn’t help wondering what his hand would feel like on other places on her body.

It was nearly eleven but Minerva found herself alert. She was surprised that Albus led her into his sitting room instead of his office.

“I don’t think it’s prudent for the portraits to overhear everything I say,” he smiled at her.

They had settled on his sofa and he conjured up tea and biscuits.

“I apologize for spoiling your evening.” Albus tried hard to look contrite. “I wanted Alastor to discuss personal safety because I believe we will soon enter into a darkness we haven’t endured in years.”

“I didn’t mind the longer meeting…much,” she added in order to remain completely honest. “I had met Arnold for drinks before the meeting. He knows how busy the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts is and how conscientious.”

“Hogwarts is extremely grateful to have such a competent Deputy, Head of House, and Transfigurations Professor.” Albus smiled charmingly at her and Minerva found herself returning it.

“I did have enough time to meet his wife Constance. She is a dear.” Minerva was looking at the painting over the mantle and missed the look of shock on Albus’ face.

They rehashed a few of the topics discussed at the meeting but neither wanted to linger over it and Albus escorted her to her room with a spring in his step and a song in his heart. Minerva was still free.

He only just stopped himself from kissing her goodnight. He couldn’t refrain from whistling on the walk back to his room however.

[Krystal]

There better be a tart scent in the air soon. I know you're dying to do it. Krys

[Hogwarts Duo]

Woo Hoo...I sense a certain crackle of attraction in the air and it's sooooo exciting! I am loving this story!

[Orion's Guard]

Aww darn, no kiss. Good job on putting lots in the background. Will we see more of other characters interference?

[Kandice]

Okay you've built them up now let them have at it. I'm dying here. ;D Kandie

[ginger newts]

Oh, poor Albus thinking there was another man. I'm glad that got cleared up, but he should have kissed her. Hope the next chapter has a hint of steam, hehe.

[Sensiblyquirky]

I enjoyed this chapter; too bad Albus didn't kiss her. Good luck with the next chapter.

[Lady Lavendar]

No kissing! He should he have kissed her! Maybe he will in the next chapter, eh?

LL

[Jaya]

The time is coming... soon...

Isn't it?

Please?

Just a little kiss...

then maybe some lemonade?

:)Jaya

[tayryn]

i second everybody here!!

and will shamelessly beg for more... and most definitely beg for a lemon!!!

PLEASE!!!!

you are doing wonderfully on this, btw, and i really am anxiously waiting for more... lemon or not!

[QuillofMinerva]

Albus Dumbledore, you should have kissed her!

But I think he may do soon! I wished Minerva had noticed the look on his face when she told him, she had also met his wife.

Great chapter!

Clayre x

[Kamdra]

Okay, the fifth chapter is the charm right? Kammie

[DumbledoresKitten]

I totally agree with everyone. Awesome chappy.
*grr* no kissing (hits albus with a herring, get on with it already)
also not above begging for lemons *pays homage to the queen of lemons*

looking forward to whatever comes next. Lemon or no (please lemon )

Cat

[Kassandra]

Well if the story is for me then I think you should let them kiss at least and maybe a little more. Kassie

[Karlynne]

Darkening Skies


Chapter Five


If Minerva felt there weren’t enough hours in the day prior to the end of term, the summer holidays began with a flurry of activity. Two professors handed in their resignations and an immediate search for qualified ones had begun.

Minerva tried not to feel disdain for the departing professors but it was difficult. The two former Ravenclaws were excellent at their jobs but with the increasing tensions developing in the wizarding world, both felt it prudent to take a sabbatical to distant lands until things calmed down.

A careful search was being made for a DADA professor also. Eric and Evangeline Jacobs had decided to immigrate to France where she would teach. With a bounty issued for her head, Albus decided to send them out of the country under cover. Let the dark lord waste his energies searching for them.

By the time July rolled around the ministry could no longer ignore the signs. Two more witches and wizards had gone missing, one from the recently graduated class of Hogwarts.

Minerva found herself awake before six every morning and didn’t retire until nearly midnight most nights. She hardly noticed the time passing however. She was working beside Albus nearly every minute of the day and it was certainly the highlight of her day when he found a reason to cast his twinkling eyes at her.

Minerva rose from her bed and headed for her bathroom. It was time to begin another day.

Albus had arisen before dawn, as it was becoming more and more the norm rather than the exception. He found he needed at least ten minutes each morning to review the previous day’s events before he could face another day.

He didn’t think over plans and plots or wonder over rumors. He thought about how many times his hand brushed against Minerva’s and how often she smiled at him. She had taken to fulfilling all of her duties from within his office and they enjoyed both morning and afternoon tea together as well as the other meals.

She wasn’t wearing her stuffy school robes now that term had ended. No, she tantalized him with skirts that fell to her knee and blouses that hugged her frame. While her clothes were practical, his thoughts strayed to her impractical nightwear.

Her old tartan robe was simply a prop for the students. He had awakened her early yesterday morning after an owl arrived for him from the ministry. The news could have waited until breakfast but the urge to see her had been strong so he grabbed his dressing gown and hurried through the halls to reach her rooms.

She had opened her door while slipping her arms into a slinky, silken dressing gown. Her nightdress was made of the same red fabric and clung in all the right places. They had discussed the news for several minutes while standing in her doorway. He was invited inside but without knowing why, he had declined although he made no effort to leave the doorway.

Her feet was bare and he tried not to drink in the sight of her pale legs peeking through the part in her dressing gown. She had followed his gaze and blushed but he noted she did not tighten her belt nor pull the ends together.

He sighed and entered his bath. He would have to speak with her or she will come to think of him as a lovesick puppy or worse.

A week passed and Albus was no closer to speaking with Minerva. There hadn’t been a good opportunity and really they had been much too busy. It wasn’t until they received a christening announcement from Arthur and Molly Weasley that Albus decided enough was enough.

“Minerva, it seems the Weasleys have been blessed once again or should I say twice?” Albus’ eyes were twinkling gaily and Minerva stopped writing to smile up at him.

“Twins? One of each I hope.”

Albus shook his head. “I’m afraid its two boys, Fred and George. I dare say they will fill up Hogwarts single handedly if they keep up at this pace.”

“Five boys! My word, she will be run off her feet if this continues.” Minerva smiled. It had been a number of years since she had Arthur Weasley and Molly Prewett as students but she had happily attended their wedding and the christenings of their children.

“Will you accompany me to their home on Saturday? I do believe twins call for a number of gifts.” Albus tried to appear nonchalant but the eagerness had crept into his voice without his realizing it.

“I’d love to go, Albus. She won’t need much in the way of clothing I am sure but she will need a ton of nappies and bottles.”

The week passed so slowly that Albus found himself standing at the window several times each day staring up into the sun. The shadows on the ground proved that the sun was still moving but the days suddenly had twice the number of hours.

Saturday finally arrived and Albus dressed with extra special care. The house had recently been put under the Fidelus charm. Molly’s entire family, with the exception of under aged children, was now in the Order of the Phoenix and there had already been several attempts on the lives of many of her family members. So far all was well but additional wards and charms could not hurt.

Albus and Minerva had to apparate into the village before walking several miles to the Burrow.

The Burrow was teeming with family as they approached and by mutual consent, they decided to keep their visit short.

The twins were fussed over and the other three boys patted and offered treats from within Albus’ robes. Arthur let Albus know that he was available for missions still and wanted to do his part in the war.

An hour later, Albus and Minerva were calling goodbyes and heading back to the village by foot. The christening had only taken a few minutes and Minerva chided Albus about showing the older Weasley brothers a variety of pranks. He assured her that no harm was done but Minerva had the last word by predicting he would regret his actions. Both babies had watched the activities with noticeable glee.

It was a beautiful warm summers day and the slight breeze rustled through the leaves and kept them cool on their walk.

“Minerva, there is a lake nearby. Care for a swim?”

Minerva looked up at Albus to see if he was serious. He was.

“I don’t think we will have many opportunities to just relax and enjoy the weather,” he added when she didn’t immediately respond.

“What about the muggles?” she asked as two hikers passed with a wave by way of greeting.

“I will put up a few muggle repellant charms. It will only be for an hour or so.” Albus held out his hand and resisted the urge to grin when she put her hand in his. They walked another half a mile before the lake came into view.

Minerva went behind a few clumps of bushes and removed her dress. She transfigured her remaining clothes into a modest bathing suit and emerged looking for Albus. He appeared a few minutes later in a striped bathing suit that fell to his knees.

Minerva hid a smile at his attire. He hadn’t kept up with muggle fashion apparently. His bathing suit was nearly sixty years out of date.

Swimming with Albus was anything but restful. He splashed and kicked water at her. He insisted on racing her and when she refused kept dunking her unrepentantly until she agreed on a short race. She won and he insisted on a rematch. She won again and he demanded another. Knowing this would continue until she lost, Minerva decided to let him win the next one but while she slowed her pace, he slowed his until both were barely treading water.

“Albus, you were letting me win!” Indignant green eyes flashed at his twinkling ones. “I was trying to let you win this last one.”

Albus moved closer. “I didn’t want the races to end,” he admitted.

“Why not?”

“I wanted to spend more time with you.” His eyes pierced into hers and she felt him take her hand in his. “I have no right to ask you to allow me to court you. We are at the beginning of another war and there are no certainties except there will be deaths…” he trailed off.

“We are going to have to create our own happiness for the next few years and we are going to lose family and friends but I would rather have you at my side to help me endure.” Her brogue was more pronounced as she spoke from her heart.

Albus’ eyes had filled with hope and then happiness while he listened to her. She shivered as a slight breeze passed over them.

“It’s getting cooler. I had better get you out of the water before you become too cold.” He lifted her hand to lead her from the water but she resisted his pull.

“Allow me.” She moved until she was next to him and placed a light kiss on his lips. “I’m feeling warmer already.”

They stood in the water for several minutes before they pulled apart. By mutual agreement they separated and retreated to their former changing areas.

They resumed their walk into the village at a desultory pace. Another foolish war had begun because one man needed more than what he possessed. Albus wrapped an arm around Minerva’s waist and pulled her a little closer. Somehow they would get through this together. He looked up at the sky and thought the looming darkness had arrived but it had just become a little brighter.

The End

[Kamdra]

I know you are happy to finish that one. I am so glad you allowed them to kiss at last. Kammie

[Hogwarts Duo]

Yippee...a kiss...but sobbbs...the end! I'm glad they finally sorted out their feelings and finally admitted them. That was a great story.

[tayryn]

aaawwww!! kissage!! yay!!

i thoroughly enjoyed this story. very nicely done!

[Kassandra]

It must be wonderful to have someone to share the darkest of days with and I am happy for Albus and Minerva. Kassie

[Sensiblyquirky]

I know you are glad to be finished with this one, but I liked it. Yay for kisses, and I enjoyed Albus' need to swim and keep loosing the races.

CC

[ginger newts]

A very sweet ending, and I liked the bit about the Weasley twins watching the pranks so eagerly even as babies.

[Jaya]

YAY! on the kissage!!!!!

but....

how about a sequel??

Loved the bit where the twins watched Albus play practical jokes!!!

Jaya

[DumbledoresKitten]

yeah, albus and min are together.
great ending, i really enjoyed it.
I think minerva will regret albus showing the twins pranks more than albus will. (but we're all so proud of them in book five, it doesn't matter ;D)

cat

[TartanPhoenix]

Loved the ending!!! I just can't get the image of Albus in old swimming trunks out of my mind. Another great story.

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww I am so glad that they got together in the end and they shared a kiss. I must admit to being sad that the story has come to an end though.

I loved Albus swimming outfit (that will stay with me all night now)

[zoeteproet]

Oh my! What a sweet, wonderful story! I'm so glad Min and Albus go true this war together