When The Leaves Change

[amandahleigh]

That's so beautiful.

I can't wait to see them check out the cottage. It seems like such a ... dare I say it? ... Nice thing for her father to do.


AL

[Isabelle]

Ach! I missed your last update! But now I found it! Whew!

Wow, I feel kind od bad that Minerva's father died; death is always sad, but to die when Minerva and ALbus are on their first "date" so to speak? What timing!

This last chapter, I loved! I like how Albus and MInerva's relationship is developing and the conflict between them at the beginning. Albus really did deserve that slap!

A cottage in the Highlands? I am curious to see how their trip to the cottage will turn out.

Liz

[KayleeTonksLupin]

this is very good I like it very much! It deserves many, many Kaylee-wolf treats ;D ^.^ I love it! Keep going, I want to know what happens next!

~Kaylee

[Jessabelle]

The dialogue was great in this chapter and once again I though that you did a great job displaying all the emotions and such. You are doing an amazing job with this story. Keep up the great work and update again soon, please!
- Jess

[ismaco]

I love the way you write... please, PLEASE update soon!!!
I don't know why but I love Minerva slapping Albus when he deserves it...

Isabel

[Nerweniel]

This is really the best story you ever wrote ... of course your other fics are great too, but there's something about this one that makes me go *applause*. Go you !

Love,

Lies

[littlemorgsi]

Did Adonis kill him? Will Minerva get to keep her piano? (Not the transfigured one)
All these questions! Please update so we can have answers.

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh I wonder what the visit to the cottage has in store for Minerva and Albus

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter Ten:

Albus and I departed Hogwarts once dinner had been served and apparated to the edge of the cottage’s grounds. The cottage was nestled ten miles outside a small village in a small valley between two hills. I noticed a quaint loch, formed ages ago, completed the picturesque vista as Albus and I walked toward the cottage.

I was surprised to find the cottage beautiful, having prepared for an uninhabitable hovel. However my new home was decent in size, the stone were white washed, and the shutters and door painted in a serene blue. The steps leading to the door were a bit steep for my tastes, but soon my attention was captivated by the door’s knocker. It was a griffin.

I fingered the cool metallic figure, the ornate detailing remarkable in its minute accuracy.

“That was oddly kind of him,” Albus muttered behind me as I reached to open the door.

“Our relationship was very complicated; even now I am not certain I understand it.”

The inside of the cottage was sparsely furnished, but pristine in its condition. Soft light pierced the darkness the further I retreated into my home, and I turned in time to notice Albus replace his wand in its customary resting place inside his robes.

I caught his eye and smiled before returning my gaze to the living room and the kitchen, as the rooms flowed into each other seamlessly. I began to imagine how I would decorate my new home, and knew as soon as my eyes alighted on the bay window in the main room that my piano would fit beautifully there.

“Minerva?”

“Hmm,” was my noncommittal response while I imagined sitting at the piano, Albus behind me, his hands resting on my shoulders.


Albus’ voice, once again, broke my reverie only this time he procured my attention, “I’ve been calling your name for a minute or two. Have you seen the library?”

“There’s a library,” I inquired as Albus beckoned me into another room.

The library walls were lined with brimming book shelves from floor to ceiling with a break for a staircase to the second floor. The stained finish of the wood was rich in hue, mimicking the dark colors father chose for his suite at Hogwarts. The ceiling was wood, as well, the beams creating coffers in the recessed areas.

“Albus,” I asked as my eyes scanned the ceiling, “can I hire someone to place designs or carvings in the coffers? I would love musical notes, composers, and designs of instruments. Is it feasible?”

“I would imagine so, my dear. I know just the man to contact in London. I’ll write in the morning.”

My interior design dreams were halted when I inspected the books with more regard, “but these were in the manor,” the incredulous exclamation slipping from my lips.

Abruptly I lowered myself into the only chair in the room as Albus came to stand beside of me. “I don’t understand,” I whispered my gaze sill on the books, “why give them to me?”

“You love reading.”

Albus’ statement was simple, and perhaps nieve, enough to draw my attention toward his face. Worry lines had etched into his skin, some permanent from time, and others new due to his current state of perplexity.

“Exactly; I love it so why would father recognize that with an emotion lacking of scorn?”

“You said your relationship was complicated,” came the gentle reply.

“Indeed, it was. For the longest time I thought he hated me, but I think it was more his inability to handle difference. He didn’t understand me.”

“Nor did he try to,” Albus interjected calmly, “and he must be held accountable.”

“I am not absolving his sins, but I think this cottage proves he felt something for me, it must. There were some good times you know.” My voice had softened during this exchange, while my mind preoccupied itself with Albus’ comment.

“I’m sure there were.”

“Albus,” I called turning to face him completely once again, “I-I didn’t, I didn’t think…what you just said now about understanding me. The night by the forest I accused you and I told you I didn’t view you through them, but did I?”

“If you do not think so then no.”

“Just now though, your comment reminded me of mine to you about being scared you did not wish to understand me. Albus, I never considered you like father, but—“ Albus cupped my face in his hands to stop my muttering and then leaned forward to brush his lips against my forehead.

My cheeks warmed at the contact, memories surging of the night of father’s death and what could have happened before we were interrupted.

“It does not matter now, and if you are correct then it is important that you have recognized that. We’ve moved past that night, so there is no need to dwell on it. Come we have another floor to discover.”

Momentarily reassured by my companion I allowed Albus to lead me from the library, and onward on our expedition of discovery. We meandered the remaining floor peering into the empty rooms, taking note of any small changes that needed to be made.

The master bedroom was beautiful in design, and very large for the size of the stone edifice. As Albus inspected the fireplace I brought up a subject that had been lingering on my mind since early that afternoon.

“I spoke with Dippet today, and he offered me father’s job for the remainder of the year starting the first.”

Albus’ head popped up too quickly, and as a result made contact with the fireplace’s mantle.

“Damn,” he cursed rubbing the top of his head. I laughed heartily when he glared crossly at the mantle, as if the fault was its. My laugh did not diminish when Albus then glared at me crossly.

“If you are finished enjoying my pain then maybe you can tell me how that came to be.”

I started a fire and conjured what I hoped Albus would consider a comfortable couch before relating this tale:


I spent the first part of the day in Hogesmeade as I needed new robes for the funeral, and a few effects of a personal nature. I was detained longer than I had anticipated at the Three Broomsticks as Rosmerta shared the latest town gossip with me with an amazing amount of alacrity. The young waitress was a beautiful woman who had desires to own the establishment in the future, but she lacked a proper filter for her thoughts which, at times, made her seem abrupt. However she had endeared herself to the other female, and dare I suggest male, staff members as well as myself in a short amount of time.


Rather than return to the castle gates by foot I had to apparate on account of my lateness for a meeting with Headmaster Dippet. I had hoped to seek an extension on my visit until the end of the first week of December as that would give me two weeks to prepare for my move.


The gargoyle was not standing guard as I approached its customary place, which led me to believe I would be kept waiting a few moments to see the Headmaster. As I neared I could make out part of the conversation ensuing behind the ornate door, as Dippet’s guest preferred rather loud tones.


“I cannot stay beyond the first! I took this job on a temporary basis, and now he’s dead. I never agreed to stay the year!”


I was unable to hear the Headmaster’s response, but the exclamations were distressing. Since father’s death I had not given thought to his teaching position here at Hogwarts, assuming his replacement would agree to stay through the year in order to give the Headmaster an appropriate amount of time to find another individual with enough knowledge in ancient runes.

However my mind did not hinder my eye, which afforded me the opportunity to move away from the door when it was hastily thrown open. A relatively small man, most especially in juxtaposition with his voice, appeared in the door way. The light reflected off his balding head as his beady eyes surveyed my figure.

Huffing he moved past me mumbling what might have been a condolence. I was left to watch his retreating form and the empty stairs until the Headmaster appeared behind me inviting me inside.

“Am I wrong to assume you over heard our conversation?”

“I heard his refusal to work longer. I apologize that my family has put you in such a position.”

“Your father’s death wasn’t something you could not control, Minerva. But you don’t know anyone who wishes to teach Ancient Runes do you,” he asked in unmasked desperation.

“I knew few of my father’s acquaintances. He taught Adonis and me, or a hired tutor so we would be well informed on the subject, but no one else comes to mind.”

“You are currently unemployed,” the Headmaster asked shifting his weight from the back of his chair to his arms on his desk.

I attempted to use his question as a transition to the purpose for which I had come, “Yes, I was hoping I could ask your indulgence on the matter of my residence here in the castle. I would be much indebted should I be allowed to remain-“

“Have you thought of teaching,” Dippet interjected.

Blanching I begged his pardon.

“Teaching,” he reiterated, “I’ve heard you have become comfortable with the students, and mingle with them well when the situation allows. I will be frank, Minerva, my substitute’s refusal to stay much longer puts me in a bind. If you would consider it and agree to stay to the end of the year I will offer you the position. I have faith Damion educated you well on the subject, and only a resume and recommendation would be required for the governors. Think on it and let me know, and you may remain in the castle as long as you wish.”

A strong willed individual I was unaccustomed to loosing control of a conversation and being hustled about, but in a whirlwind I found myself outside of the Headmaster’s office with a job proposal.

Having related my tale in full to Albus I solicited his advice on the decision I had to make.

He sat pensively for a few moments, his beautiful blue eyes unhidden by his spectacles lost in the low flames of the fire before us.

Just as my attention was returning to my future decorating needs Albus spoke, “Professionally speaking I urge you to think carefully about your options. Teaching, for even a short amount of time, is not to be entered into lightly. You will be entering into a classroom that has undergone many changes as it has moved from one professor to the next. Your students will look up to you, and you will be responsible to them. Do not take the position merely to pass away the time, Minerva. Use it, by all means, to test the waters, but should you take it give it all you have.”

“Personally, it could not please me more to have you so close for six more months.”

I appreciated Albus’ honesty regarding the position, and we sat in silence as I considered his points. At last I concluded the night was retreating too quickly for us to remain in the cottage, and it was best to return to the castle and its comforts.

Yet I inquired whether we could make a stop by the manor, “I wish to gather the copies of my resume, I do not foresee it taking long.”


Albus readily agreed and we apparated to the edge of the manor, and quickly proceeded to the entryway.

As a McGonagall we entered undetected of my brother, who had no doubt moved immediately after father’s death to the manor, so I instructed Albus to wait for me and I moved toward my own apartments.

Nothing had been touched, for which I was grateful as it allowed me to find the necessary papers extremely quickly. The object of our trip having been so swiftly obtained I returned to Albus, and urged him to follow me toward my music room. It had been too long since I had last seen my piano, and I wished to see that it had fared the separation well.

“This is my favorite room of the house,” I spoke to Albus as we neared the closed doors, “as I could escape here often. I hope to remove my piano soon, as it would look lovely nestled in the bay window at the cottage.

I opened the doors quietly, but stopped at the sight before me, and after a pause rushed into the room. Not one object occupied the large room.

I turned to Albus and bade him move from the door as I came running toward him, and past him through the house. I burst into my father’s, now my brother’s office, to find him writing correspondence at the desk.

“Where’s my piano,” I shouted coming around the desk raising my wand to my brother’s throat.

“Sold,” was all he sneered.

My venom evaporated as his words pierced my heart, my wand lowered to my side, “to whom,” I whispered.

My brother laughed at me, the malicious glee exuding from his very pores in a noxious fragrance of hatred too oppressive for decency. Fleeing I searched every room I could in hopes of discovering any falsehood in his statement, forgetting that my companion was still in the house until Albus caught me coming out of a room.

He grabbed me by the arm and drew me toward him; his arms were warm and safe. It was then in his strong arms that I burst into uncontrollable tears.

I vaguely recall Albus leading me away from the manor, and the cold droplets of rain that thrashed against my lithe frame as we walked to the edge of the manor’s property. I tried to wrestle from Albus’ arms and rush back toward the manor.

“Let go, maybe he’s lying, and I just couldn’t find it!”

Albus grabbed me by the shoulders, “Minerva, he’s sold it. It isn’t at the manor.”

I felt in that moment the small flicker of hope I had kept burning inside of my heart cease to shine, and Albus must have seen that in my eyes for he responded earnestly.

“I’ll find your piano, Minerva, we’ll find it.”

“What if he’s destroyed it,” was my feeble question as I leaned against Albus desperately needing the warmth of his arms again, only to find they were cold from the rain. In that moment I felt as if everything in my life would be cold, my most prized possession was lost to me and the man whose arms I sought for appeared to lack the warmth and comfort I needed so.

“Then we’ll get you another piano,” Albus suggested to my horror.

“No, I must have that piano. I must have that one.” At this moment the self-control I had perfected since I was a wee child shattered, I was completely dependent upon Albus to get me back to the castle.

My final memory of the evening was being lifted into Albus’ arms, and the sensation of apparation.

**I thank everyone for his/her patience, and ask a little more indulgence for the kissing to begin. The next chapter should satisfy the kissing fiends, or so I hope!**

[amandahleigh]

I give you eight stars! Four because this chapter is awesome,
and four bonus stars because you've promised kissage in the next chapter!

[Trulyamused]

Excellent. I hope the piano is still in one piece.

Hope to see more soon,

Truly

[Alesia]

I was afraid Minerva's dear brother would do something dreadful to the piano when her father left him the manner. bastard -both of them.

[ismaco]

sensiblyquirky said:

**I thank everyone for his/her patience, and ask a little more indulgence for the kissing to begin. The next chapter should satisfy the kissing fiends, or so I hope!**

Even if I'm dying to see them kissing... your chapter is too good to miss the kissing scene! I loved it!!

I don't know why Minerva didn't hex Adonis to the next century... I'm sure Albus will find her piano, at least, I HOPE SO! Go Albus!!

Thanks foy the update.... I'm waiting for the kissing scene!!! YAY!!
Love, Isabel

[LadyJolly]

this was wonderful! Though I really do hope Minerva gets her piano back. I really don't like Adonis he's just too much of a jerk! anyways looking forward to the next chapter! Kissage hahahah

Lady Jolly

[littlemorgsi]

Oh please let Minerva get her piano back. Adonis is malicious isn't he? Thank goodness Albus was there though.

[bee.]

Aw, Albus is so supportive. And I agree, I can't imagine what state Minerva would have been in if Albus hadn't been there. Basically Adonis is going to hell.

I hope they find her piano! Write soon,
-b

[TartanPhoenix]

I want to know who that bastard sold the piano to. There has to be a way for Albus to get it back. For this chapter I'm willing to wait for the smooches. Great as always.

[tayryn]

Adonis needs to be slapped. then hexed!

and let me just say... yay for impending kissage! *G*

this was another very nice chapter!!

[Isabelle]

Okay, now I really hate Adonis! I really hope he was lying, but my guess is that he isn't.

I hope they find MInerva's piano.

Yay for forthcoming kissage!

Liz

[Gemmie Lou]

cant wait for the next update im hooked!!!! xxxgemmie louxxx

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 11:

I’m sorry for the delay in the chapter, but unfortunately school seems to think it comes before fan-fiction. I hope this chapter does not disappoint.


I awakened slowly the next morning in unfamiliar surroundings, and alone. My eyes followed the procession of unseen objects as they swept around me.


I was lying in a bed significantly larger than my own, which was dressed in linen and cover in various shades of purple. The harangue of colors that followed attacked my senses and I slid more fully under the cover provided, simply staring at the ceiling.



Sleep had not provided a respite from the nightmare that was my current situation, so no peace preceded a harsh realization. All that existed was the harshness. As I lay in Albus’ bed I could not urge my mind to focus on any other topic save my piano.


Desperately I tried to recollect the exact happenings of the day before, but my memories ceased once Albus had picked me up. I went over every room in the manor again only to concede that my piano had indeed been sold.


Once again I tried to focus away from my piano by introducing new ideas into my mind. They would work for a time before images of my piano, never far removed into the recesses of my mind, would lay siege. Turning my head I wondered what side of the bed Albus slept on, deciding a little effort would be needed to answer my inquiry I moved to inhale the fragrance of each pillow. The pillow I was not occupying smelled so strongly of Albus, the distinct smell of lemon and musk, that emanated from him. Positioning his cushion vertically I laid my head on it, curling to the pillow.


Perhaps there wasn’t only harshness I reasoned, there was Albus and then there was harshness. During this time I held no desire to leave the warmth of my companion’s bed. I thought about the Chimera, the job offer, father’s funeral, and most persistently my piano.


Time held no power over my languid movements and thoughts until I heard the door creak open.


“Minerva,” the masculine voice called, the voice deep even as a whisper.


Albus walked around the bed and sat facing me; his long fingers stroked my head as I lifted my eyes to his.


“I hope you don’t mind that I took the liberty of transfiguring your robes into something more comfortable.”


I had not noticed my attire, but I looked then to see that I was in a night shirt.


“I didn’t know what you preferred to wear to bed and I find these comfortable, so I thought you might,” he spoke, as the faintest of blushes warmed his cheeks.


“It’s fine, thank you. Albus,” I asked softly after a moment’s pause, “what happened after you picked me up? I cannot remember.”


Albus trailed his fingers down my arm and gently clasped one of my hands to his, “You were distraught, Minerva. By the time we reached my rooms you were already asleep, so I just cleaned your face and changed your clothes and put you to bed.”


I squeezed his hand tightly, “I would have been lost without you. Thank you.”


“I will find it,” Albus added emphatically. When I did not respond he changed the subject, “have you had anything to eat?”


Shaking my head no I watched as he summoned Minky and ordered a light lunch for two.


“Come, you need to get out of bed.” Albus held out his hand for me to take it again, but I did not move.


“I’m very comfortable here,” was my simple reply.


“Under normal circumstances I would be very happy to hear you are comfortable in my bed, but my mother always told me to make my bed and I can’t do that while you’re in it.”


I couldn’t help it; I smiled and let him move me from the bed. Tying the sash of Albus’ dressing gown tightly around me after Albus had been so kind to drape it over my shoulders. I could have snuggled in its warmth for eternity.


Our lunch was a quiet affair and Albus’ afternoon classes kept him from staying long. Once left alone in his sitting room I took the opportunity to survey the numerous books and trinkets he had lying on every available surface. Noticing a book on the small table next to Albus’ chair I reclined to satisfy my curiosity over what the Professor was reading.


The book was on Chimeras, so naturally I began to read immediately. Much of the afternoon I perused the book for its information. According to the book the last known colony was in Russia, and the breed was dying due to its propensity to kill even its own at times. The wizard in charge of the colony was Claude Kristof, a respected member of the care of magical creatures’ academic society.


I wondered if Albus had been in contact with Kristof, and I made a mental note to ask him when he returned to his rooms. However Albus did not return before I succumbed to sleep for the evening.


Once again I greeted the new day in Albus’ bed and alone. However, rather than surrender to the self-despair that had controlled my behavior the day before I aimed for productivity. Having discovered the bathroom, the calmest room in Albus’ quarters due to its being decorated in blues, I was able to make myself presentable.


After calling Minky and ordering breakfast I wrote Albus a short note and used the floo network to return to my own rooms. I deemed it wise to make sure that no one saw me leaving the Professor’s rooms in the morning.


I had intended to contact a friend at the ministry concerning a possible opening in the Liaisons department, ensuring that I would be aware of all my options before replying to the Headmaster’s offer, and confirm any last minute arrangements for father’s funeral; but I was halted by the sight of my transfigured piano.


Focused on my actual piano I had forgotten about the temporary one in my own rooms. Slowly I felt my feet move toward the instrument and I felt my new found resolve slip from me. I lowered myself to sit before the piano, but I could not bring myself to play. I gazed at the piano, but I did not see it.


Time passed quickly while I was lost to the present, consumed by thoughts and images of the past, but Albus broke through the spell when he arrived by playing a few notes.


I blinked, returning to my surroundings, “that was awful,” I whispered.


Albus chuckled as he moved behind me, placing his hands on my shoulders. I leaned back into his body, and his hands traveled down my arms to hold me more securely.


“I had intended to be productive this morning,” I commented reluctant to move from his embrace, and he seemed as unwilling to let me move.


“You got dressed, that’s an improvement from yesterday, and it is only noon; plenty of time left for productivity. I am, also, supposed to deliver the ladies of Hogwarts concerns for your health. Siri and Vernea are not pleased that you’ve missed dinner lately. Not two minutes would go by before one or both would remind me to speak of them to you. If you could please send them a note to give this old man a rest I would appreciate it.”



“Perhaps I’ll venture forth today to reassure them, it will give me something else to do. Besides,” I added finally extricating myself from Albus’ arms, “we wouldn’t want them to think negatively about your caretaker skills now would we?”


“Absolutely not, especially when we both know I am perfectly capable of taking care of all your needs.”


My eyes widened at Albus’ statement, but rather than face me he was busy setting up my lunch.


I pondered over many responses but chose the safest one, “yes, thank you for all you have done.”


“Now,” Albus replied moving toward me, “I have business to attend to on this fine Saturday, so I must leave you for now.”


Then he added holding my hand, his thumb rubbing circles on my palm and his cheek against mine, “the sight of you sleeping in my bed was all the thanks I needed.”


I heard his husky voice and felt his lips on my cheek for the remainder of the day.


I was pre-occupied while preparing for father’s funeral the following morning, the previous afternoon had left me with much on which to think. Primarily the liaisons department would not have an opening until June, though I was encouraged to apply as interviews would begin in March. Further, I had visited the Ancient Runes classroom in order to get a feel for the environment to see whether it was one in which I could exist. Though my ultimate desire would be to teach transfiguration rather than ancient runes I resolved to accept the job.


I trusted myself to work hard for the students, knowing how important well informed and dedicated professors were to me. Quickly returning to my room I sent a copy of my resume with one reference and a short note by Minky to the Headmaster.


Feeling better than I had in some time I popped into the teacher’s lounge where I found many of the women working or gossiping. We spent the remainder of the afternoon chatting, and each promised to attend the service on Sunday, and not to badger Albus.


Now as I walked toward the manor door I reflected on all that had happened. To my disappointment I was unable to share my news with Albus as he had not returned to my rooms, but I felt confident I would see him at the service.


For the duration of my time at the manor I did not speak to my brother or my sister-in-law, not trusting my temper to remain check. The service itself was formal and impersonal, though a large crowd did manage to attend. However the person I most desired to see was absent.


“Minerva, I’m sure he had a reason,” Siri whispered in my ear during the reception.


“He was probably called away to the Wizengamot, you know how sought after he is,” Vernea added in restrained tones. I was interrupted from responding by Headmaster Dippet requesting a moment alone with me.

“I was thrilled to receive your answer yesterday, and the governors will approve of you on Monday. If at all possible we should go over the terms of your contract on Tuesday, say ten?”


He paused giving me time to confirm the time before he continued, “I believe you will do well in the classroom, Minerva, and I’m looking forward to working with you. I believe it is appropriate for me to welcome you to the Hogwarts staff, Professor McGonagall.”


The Headmaster’s words put a smile on my face that familial stress and Albus’ absence did not the power to erase.


When I returned to Hogwarts I remained on the grounds to watch the sunset. I let the fading rays of sunlight close a chapter of my life; I would awake tomorrow in a place different than any I had imagined. I still did not know the end, but I knew the journey had changed directions.


In the moment that the last ray of sunlight disappeared I did not know how true my thoughts were until I returned to my rooms to find the furniture pushed to one side in complete disarray, a tired Albus resting in the only free chair, and my beloved piano taking up most of the room.


Albus stood upon hearing me enter and spoke before I could, “I told you I would find it.”


“H-how,” I muttered, my eyes clouding with tears I tried desperately not to shed.


“I will tell you about all the details later, but I want you to play. I’ve been dreaming about what you would look like behind this piano since the first time I saw it.”


Instead of flying toward my piano I flew to Albus, wrapping him in a fierce hug. “Play for me,” he whispered, echoing the request he made the first night I granted him his request.


Having no suitable verbal response I complied, stroking my beautiful piano before I began. I played my favorite songs long into the evening, too happy to be reunited with the only thing that had gotten me through most rough spots in my life. Hours later I finished a Schubert piece, my fingers slightly tired.



Looking up I expected a note to be revolving in the air, but no such object could be seen. I had inclined to rise and investigate further when long fingers hunted about my bun looking for pins, and removing any found. I sat still, too afraid to move or perhaps breath as those same fingers ran through my long tresses.


My eyes closed as my heart beat quickened only to pop open when one set of fingers caressed my cheek.


“Don’t stop.” For a moment I was sure it had been I who had spoken those words, but one rational thought broke through the haze of desire and I began the last piece again. My concentration was weak; my senses in a state of high alert wondering on what the man behind me intended to do next. I knew my skin was flushed, the heat spreading slowly throughout my body as a shiver traveled down my spine. I felt the urge to curl my toes.


I took a deep breath when my hair was all moved to one side, my fingers halting over the keys in anticipation. Soft lips and a wiry beard played about my neck as masculine hands ran down my arms. Turning my eyes bored into Albus’, the light blue now darker and the child like twinkle replaced with raw emotion.


“Kiss me,” I said, and he did.

[littlemorgsi]

Wow! That last bit was intense. I am so glad she has her piano back. Will you tell us how he found it?

[Jessabelle]

Excellent,I really do like it! When are we going to see more about the Chimera at Hogwarts?
- Jess:)

[Alesia]

WOW, this latest chapter is awesome. It is stirring and provocative with hints of humor and deep emotion.

The way Albus raised the level of his pursuit of her, making his feeling clear but leaving the choice up to her was powerfully written.

[Isabelle]

:oWowsers!! That totally blew me away.

I love how they sort of flirted with each other throughout most of the chapter, and of course, Minerva waking up in Albus' bed. How could I not?

Yay! He got her piano back! I am really interested in finding out how he got it back. I am assuming this was why he missed the funeral.

The part of this chapter seemed erotic in a way. I am curious to see how this night will turn out. That was a very cruel place to stop, BTW, but I won't hold it against you.

I look forward to the next chapter!

Liz

[tayryn]

all that build up... and... and... that's it!?!?!?!?

geeez!!!

bitching aside... lol... this was a nice update. i am pleased Albus found her piano for her... and i love the buildup to the kiss. i truly did!

looking forward to more!

[ismaco]

To stop there was a bit cruel, but it was a wonderful update!
I absolutely loved it!! BRAVO!! I knew there had to be a reason for Albus' absence.... and Albus is brilliant!! He rescued her piano!
I hope you can update soon.
Love,
Isabel

[QuillofMinerva]

Finally caught up Sorry I have been slack

Wow that final section of his chapter when she was playing and then they kissed, was really intense. I just loved it!

I am so glad she has her piano back. Well done Albus

Brilliant Story

Clayre xx

[maritelske]

That last paragraph was stunning. Loved the bit about her toes curling - that's so very true. I thought it was beautiful that she played for him, and a scene I can vividly see in my mind. You wrote it so beautifully - I felt sucked in from the word go.

Looking forward to an update. Congratulations on a lovely piece of work.

[bee.]

So wonderful! I squealed super load, and my brother asked me if I was ok. I loved the long waited kiss, even though I've been left hanging. I also loved how Albus took care of her, like always, and most of all how he found her piano. I'm eagerly waiting for more, so write soon!
-b