For Your Love

[angeldust]

ohhhhhhhh so sweet she's such a darling now!

[Claire78]

Wonderfulk fanfic, can't wait to read more.
Claire

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww I really loved that tender moment once she had started massaging his shooulders and then he placed her hand on his heart with his covering hers. Awwww I have gone all soppy now

[Hogwarts Duo]

Chapter 7

The rest of the week passed much the same way, with Minerva taking time from her day to do little but meaningful things for Albus. Each one chipped away at the wall surrounding his heart, letting her in just a little further with each day. Regardless of how she had behaved in the past, Albus felt ready to give her another chance and the upcoming weekend might be the perfect time to tell her as much. And he only had a day to get everything planned.

But as luck would have it, Cornelius Fudge reared his ugly head once more and demanded Albus’ help in some rather delicate matters concerning wizarding relations. For all of his efforts and protests, Albus found himself writing Minerva a note, informing her of his whereabouts and that with any luck, he’d be back at Hogwarts by nightfall. Of course, that was all subject to change, depending on how long it took Albus to convince the stubborn Minister to see reason.

Minerva read the note and sighed, not for her sake but for the man she loved. He worked so hard trying to keep Cornelius Fudge from making horrendous mistakes which could affect their entire society and as a direct result, Fudge relied upon Albus heavily. It often appeared to her that the dense man could not make one single decision without contacting someone for an opinion and all too often that man was the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Looking at the letter in her hand, Minerva came to realize that it was just another reason why she should have been treating Albus better all along.

Many nights when he returned from meetings with Fudge, Albus would be tired, mentally and physically. In thinking back over their time together, she could recall instances where their plans had been interrupted or altered due to an urgent meeting at the Ministry. Then she remembered her hot temper and how she sometimes picked a fight with Albus when he returned so late, knowing full well that he was only doing what he felt best for everyone and putting himself and his wishes second.

Throughout the day Minerva watched the skies for an owl from Albus. Whenever he was called away on such short notice, he tried to take a moment of time to send her an update, with estimated times of his arrival back at school. If he thought to send one this time, she would make sure that when he returned home, he was greeted with a warm smile and so much more. Plus, it was a sure sign to her that she was making some progress in drawing him back into her life.

Shortly after five o’clock in the evening, a small brown owl flew through the opened windows in Minerva’s rooms. The tiny bird was obviously exhausted but proudly delivered his message to the woman to whom it was addressed. Offering the little one a handful of owl treats and a small bowl of water, she patted his head and untied the letter as he busied himself with her offering.

Minerva,
It seems Cornelius is not in the mood today to see reason and I am at my wits end. I had intended to ask you to dinner this evening but I am sure once I return to the school it will be much too late to try to plan something. I am deeply sorry but please try to understand. With the way my luck is running, I will not return much before midnight so please enjoy the rest of your evening and I will see you at breakfast.
Love,
Albus

To say that Minerva was unhappy would have been a serious understatement, though her anger was not directed towards Albus. Cornelius Fudge had ruined her plans so many times in the past that it should be something she was accustomed to by now. Still, it was unfair of him to demand so much of Albus’ time, especially during the summer months when he should be focusing on his own life and adventures.

Dinner that evening was rather subdued. Several of the remaining staff members had taken time away from school or had gone into Hogsmeade for a night on the town. Minerva ate her food but for some reason it just didn’t taste as good as it did when he was by her side. There was no lively conversation or twinkling eyes to watch. Instead, it was quiet and very matter of fact. Her thoughts turned to Albus and how he was faring with Fudge.

After dinner, Minerva went to her rooms and gathered a few items before making her way through the deserted halls to Albus’ private rooms. If he was to return very late, she would at least make his homecoming something special and comfortable. As soon as she set foot in his bedroom, she set to work.

With a little wand waving, Minerva had transfigured his brightly colored sheets into a set of pale blue satin ones and a down comforter with a matching duvet cover. She made sure his pillows were fluffed and that the bedding was turned down on his side of the bed, waiting for his warm body to slip inside for a good night’s rest. A single chocolate frog was placed on his pillow with a note, Sleep Well My Love.

Turning her attentions elsewhere, she went into the bathroom and began her transfiguration of that room as well. A pool of hot water filled the bathtub and a warming charm was cast upon it to ensure its’ warmth when he returned. Feeling just a bit impetuous she placed a few droplets of lavender oil into the water to soothe his undoubtedly frayed nerves. It also helped that it would serve as a subtle reminder of her as well.

A few candles were lit in the bathroom and she thought to place one ever-burning candle beside his bed. A steaming pot of his special hot chocolate and his favorite mug sat at the ready beside a plate filled with his beloved roast beef sandwiches just waiting to be consumed. She hoped that he would appreciate all of her efforts but as long as it brought some comfort to him that was really all that mattered.

Albus stepped wearily into his chambers after a long day of reasoning with a man who was barely capable of making a sound decision on his own. All Albus wanted to do was climb into bed and rest his tired bones. He walked into his bathroom to change into his nightclothes and was pleasantly surprised to find a tub filled with warm water. Slipping into the soothing bath, he felt his muscles begin to relax and he let his mind drift away to a few days earlier when Minerva had treated him to a massage. He smiled thinking that his mind was playing cruel tricks on him for he could detect a faint scent of her perfume in the air.

Half an hour later, he climbed from the water and dried off using a quick charm and reached for his nightshirt. Instead what he discovered was a note attached to the hanger on the back of the door.

“No need to look for your nightclothes for they are not here. Besides, you’ll find more pleasure in sleeping au natural this night. Trust me.”

He wrapped a towel around his waist and walked into his bedroom, where he was greeted with another set of changes. Taking a sandwich in one hand and a cup of cocoa in the other, he quickly devoured the food and made a mental note to properly thank Minerva in the morning. When the pot was half empty and the plate cleared of his dinner, he walked over to his bed. Peering down he took in the sight of the luxurious sheets, the chocolate frog and the note. Dropping the towel from his waist and letting it pool beside his bed, he sighed as he slid into bed, his thoughts turning to Minerva and the way she used to cuddle with him at night.

Whispering the incantation to put out the ever-burning candle, he let his mind and body relax as he drifted off to sleep. The last thought before he completely dozed off was of Minerva and how it was time to forgive, forget, and move forward with their lives.

The following morning, Albus got dressed and went straight to Minerva’s rooms, hoping to have a few moments alone before breakfast. Unfortunately for both of them, she had already gone out for the day but not before tacking a note to her door specifically for him. It told him that she had a few errands to run and that she hoped to be back in time for dinner. She would let him know as soon as she returned and even mentioned a game of chess, which had been postponed several times over the course of the previous week.

Several hundreds of miles away, Minerva was at seaside muggle village arranging for a little getaway for them. The ocean had never been a particularly soothing vacation destination for Minerva, most likely due to the tabby cat within her. She had always found the mountains and moors more appealing but this was not about her. This was about him and his preferences. The last time he had tried to whisk her away to the ocean, she had put up a stern fight, which ended in them staying at Hogwarts and her giving him the cold shoulder for the entire weekend. But times change and so did she. Placing her money on the desk to reserve the cottage, she felt content and excited. He would never see this little adventure coming and with any luck, he’d understand just how much she had changed for him…for them.

TBC...one more chapter to go kids!

[Herzele]

Aaaawwwwwwww ... That was such a wonderful chapter !! So sweet ... She really is an absolute dear now ...
Just one more chapter ? I so hoped this story would go on for another ten chapters or something like that ... ;D

[Sensiblyquirky]

oh i do love this story! I'm glad Minerva has been able to change for good, and I cannot wait for the last chapter. Excellent ladies, as usual.

Christy

[Claire]

Don't keep us waiting too long for the next chapter. Great story, one of the best I've ever read.
Claire

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

Loving it! can't believe only one more chapter left ....but can't wait, Great Fic

[ginger newts]

Oh, that was so sweet. What a perfect way to come home at the end of the day. I can't wait until they finally have some time for a real date. Just what did she mean that he'd prefer sleeping nude that night? Update soon!

[Alesia]

Yeah, Min. She is doing all of the right things. I am glad to see Albus is ready to forgive her.

Great chapter. I am going to miss then when it is over. It is such a different perspective on their relationship.

[JKMcGonagall]

I want this story to keep on going, and going, and going. It is so sweet the way she has changed. Lucky Albus to come home to so many nice things.

Kay

[TartanPhoenix]

I'm so glad to see that she didn't slip back into her old habits. I wouldn't be upset if she decided to wring Cornelius' neck though.

[Miss Q]

This is such a wonderful story ! I'm really glad that you let things go their way!!!

Thanks for a lovely chapter!!!!

M

[QuillofMinerva]

Ang, don't keep me well I mean us waiting too long for the next and final chapter.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Chapter 8

In order for Minerva to really make an impression on Albus and to catch him completely by surprise, she had to keep her activities a secret from him upon her return. He had asked a few questions over dinner but with skillful answers she had managed to tactfully appease his curiosity. Even during the chess match that evening, he mentioned missing her during the day and how he would have liked to accompany her.

“And I would have loved your company but sometimes there are just things a woman needs to do alone,” she replied. “But that is not to say that you can’t spend time with me this weekend.”

“This coming weekend?” he asked, suddenly remembering the outing he had intended to plan for them.

“Yes. Why? Is that a problem?” Minerva was now nervous. She had already paid for the use of the cottage and her entire plan now hinged on getting Albus away from the school for an entire weekend spent in a relaxing environment where he would receive the utmost care and attention.

“Well, no I suppose not. I had thought of a few things I’d like to do this weekend but I never got around to getting them organized.”

“Albus, you really know how to make a girl feel special,” she teased. “If you could fit me into your busy schedule, I’d like to take you on an adventure. We will leave tomorrow afternoon. That is, if you care to join me.”

“How could I refuse such a lovely woman? Do I get any clues as to what this adventure is all about or will I have to wait until tomorrow?” He was thrilled at the prospect of Minerva planning a secret outing for the two of them and what was better, he could see that she was truly making an effort to change. Over the past few days he had noticed how the things that once angered her were now just minor incidents. They had not been at odds over anything and the time spent together had been reminiscent of their first days together…sweet, romantic, and just plain lovely. The only difference was that they had not kissed and made up officially.

“No clues, dear. Not a one. But I can promise you that it will be an adventure you will remember,” she answered with a mischievous gleam in her emerald green eyes.

“Then I leave myself in your very capable hands, my dear. What time shall I be ready to leave?”

“I think we should be able to leave around six o’clock tomorrow night and still have plenty of time to enjoy what’s left of the day. And there’s no need to send owls to anyone informing them of your absence. As your Deputy, I’ve already taken the liberty of arranging for everything here to be covered. All I need for you to do is ensure that you’re ready for a relaxing time away from owls, school, work, staff, and especially Fudge.”

“That, my dear, should be no problem at all. But it would help to have some idea of where we’re headed so I’ll know how to dress or how much money to bring with me in case my sweet tooth sees something it can’t live without.”

She giggled at his last comment. “I can promise you that where we’re going you won’t need money and your stash of lemon drops will be waiting for you to arrive. Besides, if all goes according to my plan, you will be too involved in other things to even think about your sweet tooth.”

“Ah, well then it sounds like all I need to do is make sure I’m ready to leave at the appointed time and to wear a smile on my face.”

“That is correct! Just leave everything else to me and I can promise you that it won’t be something you’ll end up regretting.” Minerva easily moved her queen into position and gave a resounding “checkmate” before rising from her chair. Bending down, she kissed Albus softly on the lips when wiped away the traces of her lipstick from his mouth. “Tomorrow, Albus. Don’t forget.”

He watched her leave and absently raised his hand to his still tingling lips. “Wait, Minerva,” he called out. She was halfway down the stone stairs before he caught up with her. “I’d like to walk you back to your rooms. If that’s alright with you.”

She giggled softly and looped her arm through his, resting her head on his arm. “Of course it’s okay. I’d rather like that.” The silence that descended upon them was companionable, much like the ones they enjoyed so often early on in their romance. It was almost as if they had stepped back in time, to an era where they were both striving extremely hard to make their love last and it felt wonderful. “Well, kind sir, it would appear that we have reached my chamber door,” Minerva teased.

“Indeed it does, my lady and I must bid you adieu until the morrow,” he answered dramatically. “But would the fair damsel grant me the favor of a kiss?”

Instead of answering him with words, Minerva locked her arms around his neck and pulled his face towards hers, closing her eyes and parting her lips in the process. The kiss started out like so many others during the past week, soft and gentle, yet somewhat reserved in its’ passion. Then suddenly it was as if a new emotion washed over them both, sweeping them away in a flood of memories, desires, and yearnings.

Albus’ hands wound around Minerva’s small waist, pulling her flush against his body. The warmth from her lips and the delicate touch of her fingertips on his sensitive neck caused him to deepen the kiss, dragging his tongue lazily across her lips begging for permission to enter. When her lips parted, he was surprised to find her tongue eager to caress his as a quiet moan escaped his throat.

Several moments passed in the heated embrace. Minerva found herself pressed against her door as Albus’ hands began to explore the all too familiar territory of her body. For the first time in over a week, Minerva felt whole again, not from his touch but from his mind telling hers that she was forgiven. He would never have allowed himself to kiss her with this much passion if that wasn’t the truth. Arching into his touch and planting heated kisses all along his neck and jaw, she began to giggle. Much to her surprise so did he.

“I feel like a schoolgirl again after a date,” she freely admitted.

“And I haven’t felt this young and out of control in so long it’s hard to remember,” was his breathless reply.

“Perhaps we should say goodnight and pick this up tomorrow, say at six?” she answered raising her eyebrows. He had known Minerva too long to know that her sentence was far from innocent and it was that playfulness that excited him no end. With a new spring in his step and a weight lifted from his shoulders, he passionately kissed her once more then returned to his room to fantasize about the upcoming outing and how much more enjoyable life was going to be from now on.

Promptly at six the following evening, Albus was dressed in what he considered conservative clothing. His robes were a deep purple, his hair was neatly combed and even his socks matched his attire. He had just pulled out his cologne bottle when he heard Minerva enter his rooms. “Be out in a second my dear,” he called before splashing a little onto his face. With one last glance in the mirror, he opened the door, only to be greeted by a vision.

Her long raven hair was set free from its’ customary bun and it fell in waves down her back. There was a healthy glow to her cheeks and her lips looked like absolute heaven with the light shade of red to tint them. Her eyes sparkled with mischief and happiness, a combination which always proved delightful and her slender yet womanly body was covered in the most beautiful muggle dress Albus had ever seen. It was a shocking shade of red, bright enough to cause even the most devoted husband to turn his head in appreciation. The creamy skin of her arms, neck and part of her chest was exposed, causing his mouth to go instantly dry as he remembered times when he had been granted the pleasure of exploring her delicate features at length. Her shapely legs peeked from beneath the knee length hem of the dress and as she twirled around to give him the full effect of her chosen attire, he felt a familiar stirring between his legs.

“You look absolutely divine, Minerva,” he praised “but you neglected to tell me we were going to a muggle place,” he finished, looking down at his own appearance.

[Hogwarts Duo]

“That’s because I knew if I told you, you’d worry yourself to death about what would be the correct outfit for today. Now, I’m giving you five minutes to run to your closet, choose a pair of pants, a shirt, and some shoes and change into them. When you’re done, then we can leave.” She took a step closer to him and dragged her finger down his nose and across his lips. “But don’t take too long, dear. You’ll be wasting valuable time.” Like an obedient child, he turned and made a hasty retreat to his room, not even bothering to close his bedroom door as he immediately began to strip out of his wizarding clothes.

When they finally reached the apparition point, Minerva drew him into a tight embrace and held him to her for a long moment. “I’m sorry for every pain I’ve caused you. I’m sorry that it took such drastic measures to make me see just how much I love you and need you. I apologize for every mean thing I’ve said or done and for all the times I’ve taken your love for granted.” She was trying hard to hold back her remorseful tears but as he opened his mouth to speak, the silenced him with a single pleading look. “I swear to you, from this day forward, I will strive to love you as you deserve, with my whole heart and soul. I would do anything for you, Albus Dumbledore, as long as you love me.”

“And that is all I’ve ever asked of you, my dear. Your love was all I ever needed and still is. Without you my life is dull and I find myself longing for the times we once shared. I’ve safeguarded my heart this week for fear that your change was only on the surface but with each day that passed, I grew to understand that you had really had a change of heart. For that, I am eternally grateful and ready to move forward with you as my lover, my friend, and all the wonderful things in between.”

As their lips tentatively touched, Minerva pulled him flush against her body and activated the portkey, whisking them away to her little seaside village. When they landed, Albus waited a moment before opening his eyes. The swirling effect of the portkey combined with the heady feeling he always got whenever he kissed Minerva combined for a unique feeling. He chuckled at the thought that he actually heard the sound of waves crashing to the shore. That would be the last place Minerva would choose to spend a romantic evening.

“You can open your eyes now, love. I want you to watch the sunset with me.” Minerva’s soft voice seemed to be the beacon his mind needed to force him to take a look at his surroundings. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked deep into hers, seeing all the love he held for her mirrored in her own expressive green orbs. Then he noticed something peculiar. The sound of the waves had not disappeared as he anticipated. Minerva slowly turned him around and wrapped her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly from behind. “I know how much you love the ocean and as long as you’re here, I have nothing to fear.”

“But, Min, you hate the ocean. You always said it made you feel uneasy. Why bring me here when it causes you so much discomfort?” he asked turning his head slightly to steal a glance at her face.

“Because it brings you happiness and that is what I want most. There will be other days and other weekends when we can go somewhere I love but this is about new beginnings and compromise. Yet I have to admit that I highly doubt we’ll be spending much time at the beach, if I have my way,” she giggled.

They settled down on the secluded spot overlooking waves as they crashed on the rocks below. Periods of long sensual kisses were mingled with softly spoken words of love and a reaffirmation of their commitment to each other. Neither of them remembered witnessing the sunset, as glorious as they knew it was, except as a reflection in the others’ eyes. Well past dark, Minerva moved from her warm spot in Albus’ arms to stand at the edge of the cliff, letting the warm night air caress her skin and hair. “I think it’s time we left this lovely spot.”

“I wish we didn’t have to leave. I’m not ready to return to Hogwarts just yet my dear. Can’t we stay for just a bit longer?” Albus pleaded. “I want to stay and watch the sunrise with you, here.”

“Ah, you misunderstand me my dear. I didn’t say we were returning to Hogwarts, did I? You assumed that this would be the extent of our adventure but it has only just begun.” She knelt down beside him and cradled his face in her hands. “We have a secluded cottage reserved for the entire weekend. There is a large window in the master bedroom that will allow us to lie in bed and watch the sea as well as the sun. Everything is waiting for us. Even your sherbert lemons and some luxurious satin sheets.”

“I love you Minerva McGonagall and I intend to show you that tonight. I want us back. I want to build my life with you and to face each day with you by my side. You are my life and my reason for waking up each day and I vow to you this moment to never let you forget that.”

Tears spilled from Minerva’s eyes as she listened intently to his words. She had always felt his love for her but never had it touched her more deeply than it did at this moment. For the first time she truly understood exactly what she meant to him and how desperately she would cling to him in the future. “And I return the vow. I have changed, Albus, and for the better. My old self was cruel and harsh but the Minerva you hold in your arms is only filled with only the best qualities, the ones you have come to see and experience over the last week.”

Albus scooped Minerva into his arms and kissed her soundly. “Now, tell me where this cottage is located. I don’t want to waste another minute here when I could be proving my love to you over and over again.” A long slender finger pointed to a house located on the edge of the beach and without another word passing between them, he carried her to their new destination.

Slow, nervous strokes and tender, tentative touches set the pace for their lovemaking. Minerva took her time in peeling away each of his garments, lavishing each part of his newly exposed skin with her breath and tongue. When he was standing before her, completely void of all garments and visibly aroused, she pushed him gently onto he bed and hovered over him. “This is all about you, my love. Relax and take all I have to give,” she said before lowering her lips to his hardened desire.

Albus’ eyes rolled back into his head as her skilled mouth took all of him inside and brought him to new heights of passion. This simple act was nothing new to either of them but this time it meant so much more and it showed with each swipe of her tongue, each caress from her fingertips, and every deep moan from his writhing body. “I…I can’t…Minerva…so close…”

She looked up at him with smoldering eyes and dragged her nails across his bare chest, scraping his sensitive nipples in the process. With renewed vigor, she completed her task, taking every drop of his love and seeing that he was thoroughly satisfied. Drawing her up to him, he tenderly cradled her to him as he struggled to form a coherent thought or phrase. “Gods, I have missed you,” he managed to admit in a husky voice.

“Mmmm, and I’ve missed you too. I don’t ever want to be apart again.”

“Marry me then, Minerva,” he said seriously, rolling her onto her back as his face hovered inches from hers.

“What? You can’t be serious,” she stammered. “I…I didn’t do this so you’d feel obligated…”

[Hogwarts Duo]

“You did all of this because you love me. I can see that in each and every thing you’ve done for me and not just tonight. Losing you was horrible and it made me realize that I too had made sacrifices in our relationship that should never have been made. I put you second to everyone else when that is not how I felt in my heart.”

Minerva raised her head enough to capture his lips in a searing kiss that seemed to go on forever. “Nothing would make me happier than to be your wife. I love you so much and I never want this feeling to end,” she whispered before nipping at his shoulder.

“Then lie back and relax. Take all I have to give,” he repeated just before lowering his head to her breast and blowing warm air across the hardened nipple.

It would be hours before they finally succumbed to sleep tangled in each others’ arms. A new chapter had begun in their lives and though the journey had not been easy, it had taught them some valuable lessons. Love with all your heart. Cherish the moments you have been given and above all work to keep your passion alive, even when it seems a lost cause. For nothing is ever truly lost. Misguided, maybe. Misplaced, certainly. But if it’s true and heartfelt, it’s always there just waiting to be reborn.

The End.

A/N: Thanks to everyone who stuck with us to the end of the story. We know it was rough in the beginning to see Minerva in a different light but we hope you enjoyed the story anyway.

[Sensiblyquirky]

oh what a wonderful way to end it. It is alright that Minerva was different; it is nice to see different perspectives. Great job!

Christy

[Jaya]

The beginning was difficult but the end was worth the wait... A wonderful story. Thanks so much for sharing it!

Jaya ;D

[Herzele]

That was a really wonderful way of ending a wonderful story !!

[Kimberly]

Great ending and well worth wading through the challenges of the beginning. Kim

[JKMcGonagall]

What a beautiful way to end this story.

Yes, the beginning was heart wrenching, but to see the changes Minerva made in herself, for Albus, over time only adds to the lovelyness at the end.

Thank you for a beautiful story.

Kay

[QuillofMinerva]

Sob.....this story has come to an end!

I really enjoyed this story from begining to end though it was strange to read Minerva as she was but it was great to see her like that, have her do the running instead of Albus.

love
Clayre x

[Alesia]

I loved the way this story ended. It was wonderful to see how Minerva changed to be more aware of what she was doing and changed to be more accommodating of things beyond their control. It was almost great to see Albus acknowledge he needed to place her in his actions (first) to reflect where she was in his heart.

[griseldalafey]

Aw, what a wonderful ending. I'm glad she managed to win him back in the end.

[ginger newts]

That was a fantastic ending, I just wanted that chapter to go on and on and on. I'm so glad they worked everything out and even found something better than they had before. Wonderful story, there aren't words for the happy feeling this left me with.

[Miss Q]

This was a really wonderful ending to a lovely story! Thank you for sharing it with us!!!

M

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

awww....that was a lovely ending *tear in eye* I really enjoied this, Great fic

[tayryn]

oh... this was WONDERFUL!! what a fabulously sweet, romantic, perfect ending! i have loved this story from the very first chapter!!

i never found it difficult in seeing Minerva in a less than perfect light, and was thrilled that you actually dared to write her that way! i loved that she had to take a good hard look at herself, and realize that she too had faults. (we know Albus does too)

this was a delightful story, and definitely one i plan on reading again!!

[TartanPhoenix]

I can't believe I missed this one I loved the ending. It was the perfect gesture for her to take him to the beach. I don't know how you guys keep coming up with this stuff, but don't ever stop!!