When The Leaves Change

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 12:


"Minerva, Minerva," I heard my name being called as it interrupted the varied happiness
that was my dream. Groggily I opened my eyes to identify the person that dared disturb my sleep, most especially since I seemed to be deeply engrossed in it.


Albus stood before me, but before addressing him I gazed at the clock in my room. It read one in the morning, I had bid Albus goodnight only two hours previously.


Since the beginning of our romantic relationship over a week ago Albus and I had increased the amount of time we spent together. Though I still played my piano for Albus we generally snuggled between kisses, danced in my sitting room, or simply sat in front of the fire talking before Albus retired to his rooms. I was surprised to find he had returned, but was too tired to truly express it.


"Albus it is one in the morning, what is so important," I finally asked.


”I overheard Linnelli discussing plans to meet an individual at a night club in London,
but I could not catch who it was. We need to follow him, now I'll wait in the living
room while you get dressed. It doesn't matter what you wear as we'll be using glamour
charms. Hurry, please."


Albus pulled me from the bed and retreated as I stumbled toward my wardrobe and then into the bathroom. I barely registered my actions; accustomed to a morning ritual I was able to perform the necessary activities without much thought. By the time I had joined Albus my senses had returned to me.


Only it wasn't Albus but a blond haired, green eyed man with a normal nose dressed as a
muggle that greeted me.


"I rather like you like this, Albus." I smiled raising myself up to give him a light
kiss.


"Don't get too used to it, my dear. I'll be back to normal in less than twenty-four
hours. Now for you…"


Albus held his wand out and immediately my appearance and attire were altercated. Whereas Albus was normally the red-head I now stood in front of my mirror with my hair cascading to my shoulders in fiery red ringlets. I was dressed in a none-too subtle way, several areas of my dress missing desperately needed fabric. My eyes however remained the same.


"You didn't change my eyes."


"I couldn't change those, too beautiful."


" Then I want your eyes back, as well," I replied trying to adjust my dress as best I
could.


"They are too noticeable I'm afraid. The dress is supposed to be like that, Minerva. You
look..."


"Like a tart," I finished for him, my voice dripping with ill concealed disgust.


"Yes I suppose you do, but I think it will be appropriate if this club is the one I think
it is. We are going to floo into a friend of mine's home, and then leave from there.
Stay close to me, I don't want anyone getting the idea that you are at the club as a
single lady."


Albus was quite protective, perhaps a bit too much at times, but it made him even more
endearing. "I trust your friend knows of your plans, I'd hate to see his or her shock."


"Nicholas knows; he and Pernelle are expecting us."


"Wait! The Flammels, I can't meet them dressed like this. What will they think?"


"That you must be absolutely gorgeous under this facade and that I wouldn't choose just
any lady to accompany me on such a mission, but one requiring brains and skill.".


"You slippery snake, and the hat placed you in Gryffindor?" I teased as we prepared to
leave; Albus could be a shameless flatterer, but I suppose we both could be when the situation required it.


In a few moments time we were standing in a richly decorated sitting room, filled with
trinkets and collectibles from the greatest cities of the times. The collection crossed centurial boundary lines, and many of the items reflected the unique position the Flammels were in: to have lived through and seen so much. However before I could more adequately survey the room in detail we were approached by a gentle couple.


"Albus, my good boy, Minerva may get used to you without the beard," Pernelle teased the professor as she approached. Pernelle was of medium height with snowy white hair that fell in ringlets to her waist, and her eyes were a bright grey-blue. For it to be so late she and Nicholas were wide awake, perhaps from excitement.


"I'm always willing to oblige a lady, Pernelle," Albus replied bending to kiss the
elderly woman on both her cheeks.


"If I didn't think of Albus as my own son I would tell him to get away from my wife,"
Nicholas commented to me, gaiety apparent in his eyes. A tall and slender man Nicholas resembled a young man’s idealistic vision of the distinguished professor.


"And you dearie, I imagine you will be glad when this is over and you can return to your
normal clothes. I assume those aren't yours?"


"Absolutely not," I replied hastily, "My more suitable robes are awaiting me at Hogwarts,
and I will be happy to return to them. It is nice to meet you Mr. and Mrs. Flammel I
added in greeting having never been introduced to the famous couple before.


"We have heard good things about you. I hope you both will have time for breakfast when you return, so that we may get to know you Minerva." Pernelle requested her preference, her cheeks tinged with a pink hue.


"We'll see," Albus replied, "but for now we must be off. Have you changed the wards,
Nicholas?"


"Not since the last time you visited, so getting back in should be easy enough for you.
Be careful."


Bidding a hasty good-bye Albus ushered me out the front door and gave me the exact location to apparate to. As we walked through the club’s door a few moments later I knew Albus had indeed dressed me appropriately. Many of the women looked to be of questionable reputation as they milled about the dance floor and between the tables skirting the edge. As Albus instructed I remained close, not feeling comfortable in my new atmosphere.


Albus appeared content just to wander around the filthy establishment, but I grabbed his arm and drew him to the dance floor.


Holding him close I was able to whisper in his ear, “We’ll be able to scan the room as we move on the dance floor, but we won’t attract attention like we would just turning about the room.”


“Assuming he isn’t in a private room. I noticed some stairs down a small hallway when we first entered.”


As we danced I lowered Albus’ hands to the lowest part of my back, after noticing the position of the other couples on the floor as well as the position of their hands. Albus then moved one of his hands lower, and I felt a wave of heat course through my body to the very tips of my fingertips.


“Why do you think it is Linnelli,” I asked while my eyes continued to scan the room as they adjusted to the darkness and the oppressing clouds of smoke.


“I’ve never trusted him. He seems to linger in the shadows, as if the sunlight would betray him.”


“Perhaps it would,” I responded distractedly as our current position on the dance floor permitted me the opportunity to see a door open from the hallway Albus had mentioned earlier. Albus had been right Professor Linnelli stumbled out holding the hand of a brunette strumpet.


“Albus, he’s coming out of the door with a woman. I think this is a rendezvous for an affair, so Georgette doesn’t find out.”


Linnelli’s clothes were rumbled, his shirt unbuttoned down to his trousers, the woman likewise was disheveled with her skirt alarmingly high on her thigh.


Albus quickly turned me in order to switch positions and then he sighed audibly in frustration. “I had hoped to have the Chimera issue solved before Christmas, but it looks as if whoever brought it on the grounds is being extremely careful. Hagrid has assured me no one has visited his cabin, or asked him about unusual creatures.”


I removed Albus’ hands from my body and led him off the dance floor and out of the door before replying to his comments.


“Albus the night father died, when I was attacked in the forest, I was actually following the cloaked figure. It was traveling on the same path we took when we found the Chimera. I’m not certain, but the stature of the figure led me to think that it might be a woman.”


Even though Albus’ eyes were not the brilliant blue that had unsettled me so during our first meeting they still managed to unsettle me in the dark alleyway outside of the club. However he made no comment on my keeping this information from him, instead he took my hand firmly in his own and kissed the back of it.


We walked a few steps in silence before Albus stopped and took my free hand into his as well, and clasping both my hands he spoke. “Minerva, I told you that I share information with very few. I have come to value your opinion and your strength with increasing intensity over the past few months. I cannot promise you that I will share all information with you, I simply,” Albus broke looking for words to best express himself. Rather than wait for him to finish I spoke instead.


“Albus, I won’t lie. I know that whether our future is a day or longer that the secrecy will be difficult to handle at times, but I also know that I trust you. I promise to try and be understanding. However do not struggle under the weight of our world alone if I can help you.”


Albus’ tender lips were upon my own before the last of my words escaped fully. Bringing me flush against his frame he parted my lips gingerly and proceeded to rob me of my breath in a slow, gentle, and yet passionate embrace. When we parted I leaned against his chest while he exhibited the strength of the power that lies within his veins and apparated us both back into the Flammels sitting room, removing the wards while doing so.


Rather than attempt a few hours of sleep Albus and I decided to stay up in order to see
the sun rise, and we were both very happy to have made that decision. We talked at
length about the Chimera, Albus informing me that he had written to Kristoff only to have received no reply. I found this strange and resolved to write to the man in question
myself to see if any response would be forthcoming from a hardly known individual as
opposed to receiving an inquiry from Albus Dumbledore.


As the sun began its journey to the horizon and beyond Albus and I fell silent, content
to revel in the beauty before us and in each other's arms. I rested back against Albus
as we watched the light illuminate the sky, splashing colors on the blackness as an
artist would on a blank canvas. I mused that in a way it was a blank canvas, each new
day was completely its own and as the artist brings his history into what he creates so
too do each of us when facing a new day.


"If I asked you to marry me today would you say yes," Albus whispered before bending to kiss my neck.


"No."


"What about tomorrow."


"You are a silly old man, Mr. Dumbledore. We still have much to learn about each other."


He pulled away and turned me about so that I might face him, "So what is it you wish to
know, Miss McGonagall? Remember though we'll have our entire lives to learn as much as we can."


I played along surprised at our playfulness considering our deplorable state of
sleeplessness, "Yes, but there are some things a girl simply must know. Are you a mean
and evil brute, sir?"


"Absolutely, a complete tyrant."


"Will you rule our home with an iron fist?"


"Two of them."


"Children?" I could not bring myself to speak more than a word for fear of dissolving
into a fit of laughter.


"Many. I want you barefoot, pregnant, and in the kitchen and the bedroom only. No
working, or thinking for yourself, we cannot have women thinking for themselves, might
try and over take the world. What a complete disaster that would be, people might learn
there is a better option out there."


This time neither of us could control the positive energy that soared through our veins,
and bubbled outward in the form of throaty laughter. I settled back into Albus' embrace
willingly as my giggles subsided.


"Mr. Dumbledore," I spoke a moment later, "I believe this is a parting of the ways, I
simply cannot be with a man who holds such views."


"Oh, and what is so disagreeable?"


I arranged my face into an expression of seriousness before responding dryly, "I simply
must wear shoes."


Albus spoke while trying to catch his breath, "And you cannot budge from your position?"


"I would never."


"Very well. I will change my ways, convert to a more liberal way of thinking and become a champion of equality in order to keep you close. What say you?"


"That sounds divine, just remember the philosophy that I'm always right and this should
be an everlasting relationship."


”No truer words have ever been spoken.” Albus and I turned to find Nicholas smiling
widely at us from the doorway to the kitchen.


When Pernelle completed our little group by joining us downstairs we retreated into the
kitchen. Albus apologized for my wretched abilities at cooking and urged me to stay far
away from the food. Seeing nothing wrong in allowing the others to prepare my meal I
agreed to merely sit at the table and watch.


I enjoyed watching Albus and Flammels interact, it was easy to notice that Albus was
indeed the son with which they had never been blessed. The conversation flitted between
jovial stories and serious research, occasionally I was called forth to comment but
generally I preferred to simply look in upon the scene.


However I was unable to remain an innocent bystander for long as Nicholas addressed the subject of my recovered piano.


“I’m forever indebted to Albus for finding it for me. I cherish it very much”


“I was relieved when we found it so early,” Nicholas replied while flipping pancakes the
muggle way.


“We,” I inquired curious as to the details, for Albus had refused to give me very many.


Nicholas passed a look to Pernelle and then the couple together turned to Albus, "Have
you told her so little?"


Albus had the dignity to look abashed, while I merely looked confused.


"He has only told me that he had inquired, and the man who bought it from my brother had been reasonable. He refuses to tell me more, would either of you care to enlighten me?"


I did not realize that my Scottish temper had seemed to flare for a moment during my
remarks, but it must not have gone unnoticed by the other occupants in the room as the
Flammels retreated and Albus came forth.


The professor settled down in a chair across from mine slowly, bringing the tips of his
fingers to rest against each other before he began speaking.


"I call upon Nicholas to do some investigative work for me, when I'm sure the work is not dangerous. He agreed to visit the homes of those in your brother's social circle.
During one of those visits he found that Marcus McDougal had purchased a new piano for his young bride. Learning this I set up to meet with the man in question on Sunday, I knew I would miss the funeral but I had hoped to return with your piano as an excuse."


"The short of it is I bought the piano from him."


I blanched. I had known in the back of my mind that whoever had bought the piano would want to be justly compensated should it be found, but Marcus McDougal had no doubt demanded twice of what he had paid. Further, knowing my brother I knew that he would have sold the piano at an inflated price. I sunk back into my chair, and closed my eyes.



"McDougal probably charged you twice what he paid, and Adonis is a shrewd businessman. Albus, how will I ever-"


"This is why I did not tell you," he interrupted calmly, reaching out to trap both my
hands within his own, "I do not want you to feel obligated. I bought the piano because
you were miserable without it and I could not bear the sight of you being unhappy. I
require no thanks or monetary compensation."


I rose from my seat, my eyes never leaving Albus’ as I settled into his lap. My hand stroked Albus’ beard as I thought through the various ways in which I could respond. I wanted to kiss my companion, removing us from any reality that was no completely absorbed with the feel and touch of our lips; I wanted to sink into his embrace; I wanted to tell him how happy I was; and I wanted to tell him my desire to make him happy.


“The time has passed so quickly that I have neglected telling you an additional fact about my piano. You see my mother rarely stood up to my father, normally if she did so it was behind his back and in secret, which I never understood. But on the day of my coming out party my mother gave me a gift, a special gift that I have treasured since receiving it. It too was a secret, so my mother showed me how to hide it within my piano.”


“She gave me a string from the first magical harpsichord known to exist. You gave me more than just my piano, Albus, and I will forever be grateful to you for that.”


In the early hours of a new day I poured all that my time with Albus had meant to me into the kiss I placed upon his lips. Normally hesitant on public displays of affection it did not matter that we sat in a kitchen that was not ours; all that mattered was my attempting to illustrate the swirl of emotions that coursed through me.


A/N: Thanks to Amy for the harpsichord idea, and thanks to everyone that has reviewed!!!

[Jessabelle]

So that is how he got the piano! Nice update. I am glad that the Flammels have been brought into this! The way you decribed Minerva after Albus had changed her looks made her sound like Lily Evans, with the red hair and green eyes! Keep up the good work.
- Jess

[Isabelle]

Awww, Minerva really seems to be breaking out of her shell very slowly with the help of Albus.

I am glad to know how Albus was able to get the piano back. I hope Minerva isn't to angry with him.

I like the harpsichord idea. That was sweet and a nice little extra tidbit about how special the piano was to Minerva.

I look forward to the next bit.

Liz

[tayryn]

i love that you brought the Flammels in!!

and i adored the playful banter between Albus and Minerva... and of course... the kissage!!

what can i say? i am a sucker for kissage!!

looking forward to the next update.

[ismaco]

Ohhh! I loved it!!!!
I think it's perfect. Thank you for revealing us how he recovered the piano.

My favorite lines:

sensiblyquirky said:

"If I asked you to marry me today would you say yes," Albus whispered before bending to kiss my neck.
"No."
"What about tomorrow."
"You are a silly old man, Mr. Dumbledore. We still have much to learn about each other."

I think her answer is a very intelligent one. I love that there's no rush.
Again... I'm looking forward to read more, please update soon!
Thank you for a lovely chapter
Isabel

[Trulyamused]

Wonderful. Loved this part.
Meet the Flammels. The Piano story.
Excellent.

Looking forward to more.
Truly

[maritelske]

This was just lovely! The ending was marvellous, particularly Minerva's musings on not minding that they were in a kitchen that was not their own. You right beautifully, and I was pleased to see Minerva and Albus not wishing to rush into anything. Very sensible and very them.

[Alesia]

Their banter was excellent!!!!!


"I simply must have shoes" I loved it.

[QuillofMinerva]

Awww Albus was very sweet when he said that about her eyes **sigh**

[bee.]

"Are you a mean
and evil brute, sir?"
"Absolutely, a complete tyrant."

I loved the playful yet romantic banter which basically made up the whole chapter. This was so beautifully written - as always.
-b

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 13:

I'm sorry this has taken so long to post, but school is getting hectic. I'm going to try my hardest to have the next chapter up by the end of the week, in an attempt to make up for the delay in this one!!

I could not sleep. I could only lie awake, my mind too preoccupied with my first day as a teacher to allow me any respite from the anxious attack of my nerves. The substitute had left very little information pertaining to the direction the class had taken since his arrival, but I had worked to prepare thorough lesson plans.

Albus warned me that there would be lessons that failed, but I hoped fervidly that the one prepared for the first day was not one of them. Rather than remain in bed fighting the insomnia by staring at my ceiling I decided movement was best.

Donning my midnight blue dressing gown I crossed the wooded threshold of my bedroom and entered my crowded sitting room. I intended over Christmas to strengthen the wards on my little cottage and then move my piano and other personal effects into the structure. I wanted to be positive all inside was safe from my conniving brother. Further I intended to use the excuse of decoration to draw Siri away from her books.

I had taken the librarian into my confidence and I was concerned about her health. She had increasingly lost weight as of late, one of many signs my new friend was in a depressed state. For the moment, however, I chose to busy myself with rearranging my rooms to better accommodate my beloved, but quite large, possession. Lighting a fire to increase the warmth I set to work.

While rearranging I rehearsed my welcoming speech to my class, “That will do! My name is Professor McGonagall and I will be your Professor for the remainder of the year. Though Ancient Runes requires little in the way of spell work, I expect each of you to conduct yourselves in an appropriate manner at all times. I will not hesitate to deduct house points, give detentions, or demand your permanent removal from my classroom should you give me due cause. Finally, some of you may choose to test me, but I suggest you be far more concerned with how I shall test you.”

‘No Minerva,’ I mumbled as I decreased the size of my coffee table, ‘scratch the last line. Say that if they test you; if you expect it they’ll deliver.’

Twirling my wand as I rested on my knees I searched for a better way to end my opening speech, and settled upon the following: “I have high expectations for each of you because I have confidence in your ability to master this material. Now, who can tell me how the Thurisaz is used?”

I rose from the floor happy with the new arrangement of my humble abode: my piano occupied most of the space, jutting into the room from the window facing the grounds, while a settee and single chair were arranged around a coffee table in front of my fire place, and book shelves lined the walls in the back corner of the room. Before I turned to ready for the day the door to my room opened very slowly.

I watched silently as Albus tip-toed in with a bouquet of flowers in his hand. “Are those for me,” I inquired while my professor was attempting to close the door quietly.

Albus turned quickly and his lips curved in such a way to suggest he was pouting. “You were supposed to be asleep,” he whined as he crossed the room and into my open arms.

“I’ve been tossing and turning all night, so I got up to make this room more presentable. Albus, these are beautiful.”

The focal point of the bouquet was a stem of snowy white orchids, each with delicate plum tips. Filling out the exotic surprise were small flowers of the same plum shade to enhance the orchids, but not detract from them. I barely stroked the petals to feel their silky touch, but not to bruise. Albus’ thoughtfulness struck me deeply, and I was thankful that his eccentricities translated into exotic flower choices.

“I wanted to surprise you. Your first day of teaching has to start out just right.”

Sharing a few moments with you sounds like the most divine way to start my day, but I have to get ready soon,” I added while sighing.

Albus’ eyes lit up as his hands spanned my waist, “I’m sure I could help.”

I loved how Albus could make me laugh, “and I’m quite sure you could not, darling, at least not yet.”

Moving away from Albus’ embrace I conjured a simple vase to hold my flowers and then placed them on my piano before I returned to his embrace. Threading my hands through Albus’ auburn locks I kissed him passionately but teasingly before I bid him good-bye.

Once Albus left I jotted him a note, and then summoned Minky to deliver it to his classroom. I could not help but smile as I slipped under the extreme warmth of my shower thinking of my little note:

To: A professor with a penchant for purple

I was hoping you would be able to help me. I love Satin gowns, but I would love a soft nightshirt of my own.

Will you oblige?
~An inner redhead who is positive
You can take care of her needs.

The classroom was quiet when I arrived, the desks throwing shadows underneath my feet. The walls were sparsely decorated, adding a doomed gloom to the atmosphere. With a flick of my wand Ancient Rune symbols in various shades of gold, green, and black covered parts of the walls at various heights. Content with my work I approached my desk and turned to stare out at the empty room.

I breathed deeply imaging a variety of students filling the desks, talking amongst themselves before settling down when class begun. I tried to imagine what it would look like when a student understood a concept, would the light be blinding?

Blinking I patted my bun, checked my robes, and headed for the door to watch the future: mine, theirs, indeed ours mingle and live.

Per usual the great hall’s noise was enough to leave one deaf, and quite happy about being so. Upon reaching the doors I noticed a seat next to Albus’ was empty, so I took the opportunity to inquire whether he had seen Minky.

“Yes, she delivered a most interesting message. I was hoping this evening you could help me figure out which beautiful woman sent it,” Albus whispered, moving his hand underneath the table to squeeze my knee.

“And just how difficult will that be Professor?”

Albus slid his hand a little higher on my thigh before I covered it with one of my own, stopping the progression, “I hope my answer to it will take much longer, and I see no reason why it shouldn’t. Your beauty blinded me the first time I saw you, and it still does.”

“You know you are quite handsome yourself, at least to me,” I replied wanting to return the favor. However shifting my eyes to scan the room I noticed several of the staff watching Albus and mine’s conversation with keen interest. Albus must have followed my gaze because he removed his hand from my leg and engaged Cynthia in conversation. During which Verena and Siri moved to speak to me.

“Did our rugrats cause you any trouble this morning,” Verena inquired taking a sip of her pumpkin juice.

“No, but I have some Slytherins and Gryffindors this afternoon, seventh years too.”

“A quiet bunch they’ll be I’m sure.”

“Well during the war I had a few talkers under me, and I daresay the same tactic should work.” We shared a conniving laugh as we finished our lunches, and before we departed I whispered my desire to share a walk with Siri after dinner. Her response was minimal, but I was pleased she agreed.

Once lunch was over I retreated to my small office adjourning the runes classroom for my break. The office was rather small, sparsely decorated, and it was difficult to imagine Damion McGonagall grading essays behind the desk that subjugated the room. Before planning lessons for the remainder of the week, using the guidelines Albus was so kind to provide, I prepared a letter for postage to Dr. Kristoff regarding his Chimeras. I was hopeful that two inquires would illicit a least one response, but only time would tell.

My last class of the first day was the most resistant to my new position at Hogwarts, a few were arrogant enough to smirk and one went a little further.

“Professor,” he began by dragging the word out to demean the title as much as possible, “did you get this job because the old man was your father?”

“Mr. Douglas I’m not surprised you are familiar with nepotism considering your family has operated within its bound for so long. Five points from Slytherin house for disrespect.” I neglected to inform the class that he was technically correct, though the circumstances were vastly different.

“Was it Dumbledore then,” the young man continued pressing his luck.

“That is Professor Dumbledore to you and five further points from Slytherin for every word in your sentence, and a detention. See me after class in order to arrange it.” The smug smile disappeared from his face then and he slid down in his seat.

“That’s right, good job Professor!” A gryffindor beamed at me.

“Five points from Gryffindor Mr. Shannon for gloating.” Once it was firmly established that I was disliked by both houses the lesson began.

After dinner I instructed Albus to head toward his rooms and that I would join him a little later in the evening. Though he pouted a little he complied with my request, and I took Siri’s elbow and led her out of doors and into the gardens.

“What are your plans for the holidays,” I inquired first to confirm my belief that she had no plans.

Siri’s eyes never lifted from the ground as she responded, “I plan on staying at the castle. There isn’t really any where else I can go. Mum and Dad are visiting my brother on the continent, and I’d rather not go.”

“Why not,” I pressed, as we wove away from the castle.

“Well Walter’s married; my sister-in-law’s siblings are engaged or married, so I would be the odd one out. That doesn’t exactly sound like the best way to spend a holiday.”

The last portion of her statement gave me cause for concern, but I voiced my desire without hesitation. “I want you to come to the cottage with me. I desperately need another woman’s help with the decorating, and your rooms are perfect. Albus would prefer every garish color there was, and all in one room might I add. Plus you need to get away from the castle.”

“And be the third wheel to you and Albus? I’d rather be the third wheel to my own family,” Siri was vehement in her refusal, for the first time she looked me in the eye.

“Siri I won’t take no. You won’t be the third wheel, besides the break is two weeks and we can arrange it so Albus isn’t even there for part of the time you are at the cottage. He has various obligations, and a brother he needs to visit. I need your help, please come for the first week at least.”

“Minerva I’m not sure,” she continued, though rather lamely in comparison to her first refusal.

“Siri, I know it will do you some good to get away from here for awhile. It will be a week of vacationing filled with lots of tea, decorating, shopping, walks in the snow, and I know where we can get some great fire whiskey,” I added hoping to completely hook my friend to the idea.

“Are you sure Albus won’t mind?”

“If he does I’m sure I can think of some way to bring him around to my way of thinking. Will you come?”

Smiling for the first time in days Siri agreed to come baring no serious objections from Albus, only for the first week, and on the promise I would send her packing should Albus and I prefer the time together. I bid her goodnight happy with the compromise, but hopeful that I could convince her to stay for the second week as well.

Happily I arrived at Albus’ chambers and spoke the password, I was about to inquire whether he knew of any available men we could invite to dinner when I observed that Albus looked very concerned.

Looking up when the door shut behind me he motioned me to his settee in front of the fire.

“I just received a response to my Kristoff letter. He died four months ago and when the man sent to replace him discovered the final Chimera missing he was negligent in a reply in hopes of resolving the issue without the news reaching beyond the perimeter of his camp. At the end of his rope, so to speak, he has requested any help we can offer him.”

“Did he provide any insight into how Kristoff died?”

“No, but he did suggest a meeting in the not too distant future between me and him.”

“A meeting is a good idea. That way the Chimera could be returned to where it belongs,” I reasoned happy that any contact had been established.

“We may need it yet,” was Albus’ vague reply. He sat with his arms bent at the elbow, the tips of his fingers lightly resting against each other as his mind wandered through the vast information that it stored.

I rose from my seat and positioned myself behind Albus’ chair, from which I began to knead the muscles in his neck and shoulder as well as massage his temples. I was happy to provide Albus with comfort, having received so much from him.

I worked my hands over his broad shoulders in silence, as Albus sighed in contentment, until he reached for one of my hands stopping my movements. Slowly he kissed my wrist, right where my heart beat echoes through my veins. It began to beat a little faster.

“How was your walk with Siri?”

“It went fairly well, she’s agreed to come with me to the cottage for the first week of the holidays. She’s so very down I felt it would be good of her to get away from the castle.” Apprehensiveness must have seeped into my voice as I spoke because Albus sensed what was coming.

“I suppose this means I shouldn’t be around much during the first week?”

“Sadly yes,” I whispered leaning down to kiss his temple, “but I don’t want you to disappear completely. I would like her to stay both weeks, and I most definitely must have you there for the second week. Perhaps if we get her used to the idea she would agree, I’m just very concerned she’s depressed. I’m sure I can find a way to thank you.”

“Actually it partially solved a problem I was having. Aberforth’s Christmas gift to me this year is a five day trip on a retreat involving visiting animal farms. I was worried you would be upset.”

“Nope, you won’t be missed at all,” I teased moving to sit in the Professor’s lap. “Now, aren’t you supposed to have a little something for me?” My attempt at seduction was punctuated and thwarted by a yawn, my lack of sleep from the night before was beginning to impact my activity level.

Albus laughed heartily, “I do, but perhaps we should save it for another night. I want to believe in my ability to keep you very awake, but should I be wrong the damage to my ego would be irreparable.”

“Well we can’t have that,” I mumbled through another set of yawns, which prompted Albus escorting me to my rooms and ordering me to have a good night’s sleep.

[Orion's Guard]

Excellent. The romance is starting to settle, I'd like to see where the mystery goes!

[Isabelle]

This chapter was lovely. I am curious about Kristoff. I hope Minerva will be able to help Siri. I love the banter between our happy couple. Update soon!

Liz

[amandahleigh]

awesome


I like where this story has been, and I look forward to where it's going.


Keep up the great work!

[bee.]

I loved reading about Minerva's first day on the job. Not to mention Albus wanting to surprise her with his flowers. Wonderful as always. More by the end of the week would be my high.

-b

[EloquentPhoenix]

Ohh I'm feeling very guilty for how long it thas taken me to get around to reading this story. Though the plus side is that I got to enjoy all of the chapters in one go. It's brilliant and a wonderful read. I love chapters 11-13 the best, but the ending of 13 was cruel on us! It's really well written, but I'm a fan of yours generally and I always enjoy your writing. Please update soon, I will of course continue to read now that I have started.

[Jessabelle]

Delightful!

[avadagypsy]

YAY! Update soon!

[Alesia]

I am sorry I haven't reviewed lately but I really like the way you are putting this story together. The romance and adventure blend together and ebb and flow to not over power each other but allow for development of both.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Well I didn't quite make the 'end of the week' deadline, but here is the next chapter!

Chapter 14:

The cold days of December passed quickly as my time was increasingly filled with the demands teaching requires. When afforded time for leisure I opted to spend the majority of it curled up in Albus’ arms before a blazing fire, he could warm me so.

It was not long after receiving the disturbing news of Kristoff’s death that Albus visited me one evening in a rather playful mood. Stubbornly he requested that I teach him a simple song on the piano, and he refused to desist until placated. Quite cheekily he performed so dreadfully so as to require the guiding of his hands with my own to produce a sound that would not be considered torture in even the most inhumane of societies.

While teaching Albus we became, I imagine mostly through his inability to focus on anything other than myself, contorted in such a way to cause us to stumble onto the floors of my sitting room. Though years later I cannot recall how we came to be upon the floor I have never forgotten the events that followed. Since this evening I have awakened to a new day in the arms of my Professor more frequently than I have alone. It still makes me smile.

As well as my personal affairs were progressing my professional life was also blossoming. After the first week of classes I had settled into the new routine, having discovered what joy teaching could bring. As the students learned my expectations many began performing to them, and the classroom began to run smoothly. It was not, however, until a few days before Christmas break began that I felt the Ancient Runes classroom was truly my own.

I had introduced code-breaking to my older students and a particular child had a difficult time with the new topic. The logic of the basic steps eluded her, and I was concerned we would adjourn for the holidays without her having mastered the material. One afternoon while working the concepts clicked, each successive notion falling neatly in line behind the others. I left my classroom with the proof I needed for me: I could teach.

Thus was the state of my affairs when I awoke to a bright sky on the day Siri and I were to travel to my cottage. I indulged several moments upon rising to survey the view from my window: snow blanketed the ground in plush whiteness as icicles hung precariously from the castle’s nooks and crannies, the effect an image of purity. It too, like many things, would be destroyed in time, but in the dawn of a new morning I savored the glimpse I was given.

“It’s too cold, you should come back to bed,” Albus mumbled as he sat up, his hair standing up in places from sleep.

“I have a few things to do before we leave this morning, and you should be rising as well you know. Aberforth won’t want you to be late.”

“Maybe he’ll leave without me,” Albus suggested gleefully, “and besides you have been packed and ready for days. A lesser man would have been sorely offended to find you so eager to leave his company; you are very lucky Miss. McGonagall.”

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder, so they say,” I beamed coming to sit on my side of the bed, my dressing gown belted tightly. “Further it is you who are lucky to find a woman so agreeable she puts up with your raving antics. Just how she and I are one in the same is beyond my ability to grasp.”

Moving closer to Albus I laid my head against his chest, he having returned to a prostrate position.

“My beauty you were merely in the right place at the right time.”

As I felt my professor’s long fingers searching about for the tie to my gown I pondered that perhaps a little more alone time would not drastically alter our plans.


The village close to my cottage was brilliantly decorated for the holiday season, the snowy landscape contributing to the picturesque image. Store fronts advertised their best merchandise to every customer that walked by as Christmas wreaths greeted those that dared to enter in hopes of satisfying their gift list’s hungry demands. The street’s trees were decorated in lights and ribbons, further evidence of the citizen’s hard work.

Siri and I greatly enjoyed exploring the beautiful village once we had warmed the cottage with fires, and left Minky to tidy up. In particular we found the bookshop to be too diverting for such as ourselves. In Siri’s case this was due not only to the books, but on a young man that approached her on our first afternoon.

I could not have asked for better timing, for at times the surest way to heal a heart is by being desired by another. Unbeknownst to my friend I watched from the shadows as the young man complimented Siri on her taste in literature.

“I don’t believe I’ve seen you in here before. I would have remembered someone so pretty.”

Siri flushed and smiled shyly as she thumbed through the book that was in her hands. “I’m visiting a friend who bought the cottage not far from town. I work at Hogwarts.”

“A Professor then?”

“No, I’m the librarian; not very glamorous,” Siri muttered. I could see the thought that she would be perceived dull running across her face, and I hoped the young man would reassure her to contrary.

“I think that’s wonderful. I imagine if I didn’t own this store I’d be one too.”

“You own it, but you seem-”

“so young?”

“Well, yes.”

“Not so young, but it was my father’s so now I run it.”

As I watched the two chat for the next few moments I wondered how Albus and I appeared to those that watched us at school, and if any were as pleased as I was then. When the man was called away for business I was induced to approach.

“If you do not find a reason to come here every day I will find some for you. He seemed lovely, Siri.”

“He was cute, and really nice. Did he seem too young?”

“Not at all,” I beamed.

When we made it to the counter to pay Mr. Daniels, Siri had just informed me of his name, was the one to handle our affairs. I was pleased to note the sly glances he and Siri sent the other’s way. While growing up I avoided the match making process, and even then I had no intentions of being the mediator between two hearts, but I was much more in tune to the little nuances exchanged between my friend and her new one. Mr. Daniels attention had already made a huge impact upon Siri’s countenance and for that I would be forever grateful, but I confess I felt a wee bit protective too. However I thought that once Albus returned we would need to invite the young man to dine with us.

The remainder of the first week passed quickly as I busied myself with furnishing my new home. Though Siri was a tremendous help she disappeared for large portions of the afternoons, and I was elated when she approached me about being away for dinner. On the evening of her date I had just put the finishing touches on the living room when Albus’ familiar, Fawkes, arrived in a ball of fire.

It would not be long before the magnificent phoenix burned to ashes only to be reborn out of its own life and destruction for its color was of such a vibrant red orange that it was a competitor for the setting sun. There to deliver a letter from my professor he strutted about the room as he waited.


My beauty,

My plans for this week altered their course last night when I received an urgent owl from Mr. Jacobson, the man who replaced Kristoff. He wants to meet tonight, but his letter said little. I gave him the address of your cottage not wanting him to have an encounter with the Chimera at the school, and I wish for you to hear what he has to say. I’m sorry this is such late notice as he will be arriving this evening at nine. I’ll be there by seven.

I hope you and Siri have had an entertaining week and you have not fallen in love with any of the locals.
Your Professor


Normally I would have bristled at such short notice, but I recognized that this would happen often to the woman involved with Albus Dumbledore. I knew this was Albus’ way of communicating that contrary to our first argument over his inability to share knowledge he was more willing to incorporate me into some of his other responsibilities, which erased any uneasiness I would have felt.

Though I did wish to know more about all that Albus knew I had come to accept that he would refrain from sharing many of the details with me. His reasons were his own, and many unknown to me, but it was a choice I made to be with him and one I have never regretted making.

Fawkes disrupted my thoughts with an impatient trill, which resulted in a hurried note sent back to our companion and a hasty exchange between Minky and I over what should be prepared for dinner.

Retreating from the kitchen to avoid the entire preparation process I escaped to my bathroom so that I could remove the efforts of my decorating from my person, though I would never truly fit into the family in which I was born I knew that a McGonagall woman never entertained guests without being fresh for the occasion.

As I was fixing my hair into a solitary braid I felt long fingers impede my process, the actions of the fingers echoed those of our first kiss as did my command.

When my eyes came back into focus I noticed a little piece of hay residing in Albus’ beard. He chuckled at my quirked eyebrow.

“I told you Aberforth’s Christmas gift? Well it included sleeping on the farms, in the barns. Needless to say I forbade him to ever give me another Christmas gift.”

“Albus that’s awful, I cannot believe you stayed. You’ve spent the past four days sleeping in barns?”

“Indeed, but,” he paused to kiss about my neck, “I see you, my lady, have a very luxurious bed.”

“Well if you are on your best behavior tonight I might be willing to share, for a small nominal fee.”

I could feel Albus’ Cheshire grin against my neck as his hands fisted into my hair, however I untangled our bodies wishing to return my hair to its braid and share a dinner with Albus before our guest arrived.

Over the coarse of our dinner Albus regaled me with stories from the last four days, including a few startling ones involving goats, while I informed him of Siri’s new attachment. Albus lamented the absence of some of his favorite colors from my new cottage, but he was pleased to find blues and yellows throughout the house as he had suspected it would be decorated entirely in emerald green or Gryffindor red. Softly I told him that I thought we could add some of his colors in as accent pieces, so he would feel at home.

A brisk knock interrupted our reunion at a little past nine, and Albus and I switched into professional roles immediately. I believe it was our time in the war that allowed us to separate our professional and personal lives in uncanny quickness.

When Albus answered the door a tall middle aged man ducked his head through the doorway and stood in my living room. He was of average weight with sandy blonde hair and deep chocolate eyes that always shifted about the room looking in every corner as if he would see what could not be seen.

“I apologize for the short notice, but I need some answers. Why did you write me about the Chimera, do you know where the last one is?”

Ever patient Albus insisted the man take a seat and a cup of tea before answering his question, “As you are no doubt aware I enjoy researching various magical creatures, which led me to your Chimera. I knew a small colony still existed, owning several volumes that reference the colony and its former head. What I’m interested in at the current moment is Kristoff’s death.”

Few men were able to evade a question once asked by Professor Dumbledore and this one was no different, “He died in his sleep I was told, he was over one hundred years old, so I assumed it was the truth. Do you think the disappearance is connected? I have interviewed everyone that knew him, and no one was very helpful.”

“Did you know him,” I asked from my position in the chair closest to Albus.

“I apprenticed under him a few years before choosing to take my life in a different direction, but contact between us ceased then.” I found this particularly strange and wondered if the parting had been under auspicious terms, but decided not to voice my musings until Albus and I were alone.

“Interesting, is the Chimera very dangerous in the wrong hands?”

“It could do some damage because they are violent creatures when they feel threatened, but they would serve very few people. One reason we are left with only one is their tendency to kill their own. This one is very important because she is female, and we were trying to mate her with the male before his death. She disappeared before tests could be administered to determine whether she carried or not. The entire race of creatures could be extinguished with her, it is imperative that we find her. If you have any leads I would appreciate them, as my superiors are anxious for news.”

“I’m afraid we don’t,” Albus lied coolly, “but I am willing to lend you any help you need to solve this mystery. I understand that it is very frustrating, not to mention an unpleasant way to begin a new career. We’ll keep in touch.”

With those final words our guest had no choice but to return to his lands devoid of the creature he desperately hoped to bring back. Albus and I watched his retreating form speed across my land before he disappeared from sight.

“You don’t trust him,” it was a simple statement but Albus answered it as if it was a question.

“No not at the present at least, his mind was a jumble of scenes I could not put together. Most were filled with jealousy and rage however, and I rarely trust people when those emotions dominate their hearts and minds.”

I nodded in understanding, “Did you think it odd that the master and the student communicated so little, and that he left in the first place? Few apprentices change trades in the middle of their learning.”

“Indeed I did. Where is Siri?” Albus’ change in subject was his indication that he no longer desired to discuss the visit we had just had, I knew he would need time to adequately process the last day.

“She’s on a date with the young man that owns the bookstore in town, he’s really quite nice, and I’m sure she’ll stay the second week now.”

“And I assume she can enter your new home without your aid,” Albus asked as he bent down to pick me up, one arm under my knees the other around my waist.

“Of course.”

The remainder of our vacation was truly relaxing as Albus was able to spend most of his time at the cottage, and though Siri did stay we found time to ourselves for dinner out and in as she and Tom had really hit it off.

We all returned in bright spirits to the castle for the start of the new term, anxious to begin a new year in our individual lives in the hope that it would be even better than the last. Nineteen fifty-six had been a year of ease and tumult for me, but as the clock struck midnight on December thirty first I knew that it had been a momentous year. It had not only taken but given, however I had yet to realize all that it had truly given me; that would come with time.

[EloquentPhoenix]

Yey I'm really enjoying this story, not only for all the brilliant Albus/Min moments but also for the mysterious Chimera plotline which I am also very fond of. Update soon

[ismaco]

I missed an update... sorry
I loved both chapters... and I specially loved this lines:

Though I did wish to know more about all that Albus knew I had come to accept that he would refrain from sharing many of the details with me. His reasons were his own, and many unknown to me, but it was a choice I made to be with him and one I have never regretted making.

I believe it's very Minerva, I mean, JKR always says that Min is not Albus's equal, I think those lines could be an answer to that... whatever.
Please, update soon.
Love, Isabel

[Alesia]

<sigh> really nice.

[Isabelle]

I don't know what to say! This was a lovely chapter. I am looking forward to learning more about the Chimera. I hope they find her. I am happy for Siri. Will we hear wedding bells in the future for her? Update soon!

Liz

[Trulyamused]

More, more, more. Please.

Wonderful, can't wait for more. ;-)

Truly

[Jessabelle]

I really do admire the way you write and I cannot get enough of this story. I don't know if you mean to write the story way I perceive it, but it is as if there are two plot lines. (Maybe I am “perceiving” it wrong?) And, what I love about this is that they each play each other up at appropriate times in the story. Please keep the good work! I am enjoying this immensely!
- Jess

[bee.]

I do so enjoy this story. I don't know how you do it! The insight of both minerva and albus is completely within context and character. The chimera situation is ever lurking in the plot, and it gives the story a completely different edge when compared to the common romance fiction. Please write more soon!

-b

[missAmandahLeigh]

I'm still loving this!

[Sensiblyquirky]

Chapter 15:

A/N: I’m sorry it has taken so long to update, but I was on break and then I’ve had some school work to do. I know I should have written over break, but I was very lazy. I loved it! Thank you to everyone who reads and reviews this story, you make it so much fun. This chapter is a little bit shorter than I usually do, though not too much, but I just had to end it where I did.

Cynthia Olanska was late. Siri and I had decided that we wanted an evening with the girls the following Saturday night and Cynthia had agreed to see me after her last class of the day earlier in the week so I could inform her. However being the only warm body in her office I used the time to turn about the modest space examining her various pictures and trinkets at my leisure.

She had several photographs displayed in frames placed upon most available surfaces, several included pictures of her in exotic locations no doubt during the summer when she was free of professorial obligations. One photograph caught my eye above all the rest.

Cynthia was posing with a man in a rather could climate, as there was snow on the ground, while a mountain loomed in the background. The man was significantly older, but striking in his features. So interested in the object I failed to hear Cynthia approach.

“One would think with your animagus form you would hear extraordinarily well.”

I might not have heard, but nor did I jump when she invaded my reverie. “I can actually, but sometimes even I leave my surroundings. I was admiring your pictures.”

“That one was taken years ago. That’s my father,” she explained indicating the man beside her in the photo.

“He’s handsome, but you must take after your mother.”

“I never knew her, she died when I was very young, too young to recall, but yes I do. I have a picture of her over here.”

“I take after my mother too, except for my hair color.”

“I’m sorry for being so late, dear, but a student wanted to speak to me after class. What was it you needed?”

Cynthia appeared rather frazzled, but I attributed it to the stress of a full teaching day. “To invite you to a ‘Ladies of Hogwarts’ gathering this Saturday in my rooms. I will have the house elves supply some food, and I’m sure we can find something suitable to drink. It’s just a night to relax with friends.”

“That sounds like fun, but I’m not sure I can make it.”

“I refuse to take no Cynthia; we have not seen much of you lately. Besides I’ve discussed it with Albus and he promised to rally the men together to convince them to take over all of the responsibilities of that night. Just come for a little while at least.”

“Oh all right, I’m too old to fight you young professors any more. Perhaps if I go I can get details about this new boy Siri is seeing, and some new stuff on you and our Deputy Headmaster. The castle has been rather dull lately, even Georgiana has been quiet.”

“I don’t expect her to attend, but maybe Joanna knows something about her.”

“Joanna misses lots of things with her head stuck in those plants all the time, but Verena might. No I don’t suppose Georgiana would come considering.”

“Considering what,” I inquired confused.

“Well the situation with she and Albus.”

My befuddlement must have been overtly apparent because Cynthia did not need me to ask again of what she was speaking before she continued.

“I thought for sure you knew. Well the short of it is she had designs on Albus, many women do, and he turned her down. That was at the start of term this year and then when you arrived, and he became completely besotted I do believe she decided to despise you.”

“Interesting, but I confess I do not consider it a great loss. I imagine her acquaintance would have been tiring.”

I left Cynthia’s office an hour later still laughing with merriment: she had told me quite a few stories about my Albus. I will tell about one as it dealt with another woman who wished for Albus’ affections. Not the bashful sort she thought the surest way to win him was with her wanton ways. Marching straight into his office she unbuttoned a coat she was wearing exposing herself to him, only she did not allow a few moments to ascertain whether he was alone. Various members of the Hogwarts staff and ministry officials were given quite the show. The story did not end too badly for her as a young ministry official had been impressed; they are now married with two children.

The end of the week was not long in arriving as the days flew by due to the amount of work I needed to accomplish between rising and retiring. Albus did as requested so when Saturday evening came to pass Verena, Siri, Joanna, Cynthia and I were sharing stories and much laughter around my sitting room as a fire blazed invitingly.

For a few hours we were undisturbed, it was enjoyable being able to share moments with friends in the mist of a hectic school term. I believe such gatherings did us all well.

Though our laughter was loud it could not compete with the commotion heard outside my chamber doors. We all tried to ignore the encroaching noise in the hope that another professor would handle the issue, having been left alone for so long we held out hope.

“Cynthia your turn,” I turned to address the star gazer, “any great loves to shame us all?”

Before she could answer a knock so forceful it reverberated throughout my room causing a few collectibles to quiver in its wake interrupted our gathering. Hagrid’s panicked voice spoke from the other side as I hurried to open the door.

“Professor McGonagall, it’s Professor Dumbledore ‘e’s hurt, the Headmaster told me ter come and get you.”

“Hurt? Did he leave the castle tonight?”

“No, it was the-”

Fortunately my mind comprehended before Hagrid could spill the Chimera’s presence at Hogwarts and shut the door between us and my guests.

“Don’t mention it,” I whispered a little too harshly, “I understand. Wait here and I’ll be with you shortly.”

I left Hagrid ringing his massive but gentle hands in the corridor to return to a den of questions. “I don’t know anything save he is hurt,” I replied hastily. “You girls stay here, and I want to hear all about your love life later Cynthia. I’ll update you when I can.”

Retreating swiftly I had a few questions of my own as Hagrid guided me toward the hospital wing. “What happened, Hagrid?”

“Professor Dumbledore he, he wanted ter have a close look at Chloe ter see if she was ‘spectin.’ I told him I hadn’t seen signs that she was. We were talkin’ and then I don’t know what came over Chloe, she’s very nice and all.”

“Hagrid,” I interrupted hoping my tone conveyed my current impatience over the waning necessity of the conversation about Chloe’s personality traits. Hagrid sheepishly apologized.

“Sally bit the Professor.”

“Who,” was my incredulous reply.

“Oh, sorry Professor, the snake that is Chloe’s tail, it deserves a name too.”

I knew then that I would never truly understand Hagrid and his fascination with dangerous creatures, but I did decide to never seek his advice on naming creatures or children, should I ever need it.

At last we approached the hospital wing; I hopefully our medi-witch had the situation under control. However when we entered I saw no such medical person, only Albus and Armando arguing. Albus stopped when he saw me approach and turned a blazing eye on the Headmaster.

“I did not send for Minerva.”

“No I did you foolish imbecile, now maybe you will let her treat you. We need to extract the poison. Any other wizard and you would have collapsed earlier, unfortunately you’re more powerful.”

“Where is the nurse,” I inquired addressing Armando.

“I gave her the night off assured we could handle any situation that arose. Albus assures me he knows what to do to save his life, but he needs help which he refuses. Now you two are to sort this out, and then I want both of you in my office tomorrow in order to explain how the Headmaster of Hogwarts was unaware that a dangerous creature had been illegally brought onto the grounds it is his job to protect!”

Dippet’s ire was extreme, though not unwarranted, Albus’ anger was steady, and mine increasingly growing as he had yet to meet my eye with his own. “Why does he refuse aid,” I asked before the Headmaster and Hagrid departed.

He flustered and stumbled before mumbling it was due to the placement, then he left as a string of expletives trailed behind him.

“Where were you bitten?”

“Just beneath my left buttocks.”

“Lucky for you you weren’t facing the other way.”

“Is that why you love me,” Albus attempted to joke.

“Who said anything about loving you? I’m completely exasperated with you. I have accepted much of your secrecy, I have submitted myself to blindly following you if need be, but I refuse to accept this situation. I am not yours only when the sun shines, or when there are clouds on my horizon. On this occasion you should have come to me first, you should accept my aid, in fact you will accept it. You are not the white night tonight, you are not even worthy enough to be the villain, now lie down and instruct me,” I demanded ending my tirade.

Silence reigned for the moment Albus contemplated refusing me, but eventually he did as instructed. The wound was purple in color, the tint spreading throughout his leg following the trail the venom blazed. Compose Albus instructed me flawlessly, though the pain had increased exponentially. His temperature rose in response to the alien agent and the procedure to extract it.

An hour since I began we were rewarded when Albus groaned in pain, the magic from my wand extracted a long blue thread of poison from his body.

I sat with Albus the rest of the evening, never closing my eyes in rest. I was not tired. Thriving under the need to nurse, I tirelessly tended the wound and watched as the fever broke. It was strangely exhilarating to be needed and to have succeeded against the poison.

My vigil was disturbed only once as Siri moved noiselessly into the hospital wing to inquire after the patient. She was pleased to learn that it was not serious and Albus would be fine by morning. She attempted to console should I have had any fears, but I did not. I never thought that I would loose Albus from the Chimera’s bite. Pondering on the one thing none of us can escape was not something I enjoyed, and thus it occupied by thoughts only when necessary. However I knew that when I lost Albus it would not be to something so trivial, he would die in a future battle or he would sacrifice himself.

Involuntarily I shuddered when my mind drifted to such thoughts, which alarmed Siri greatly. She gave silent supportive comfort I reasoned was not needed yet welcomed. Before she departed I made her tell me any new secrets the ladies had divulged.

“Well,” she began in whispered tones, “Cynthia fell in love with a man that worked for her father but he was the worst of sorts, Verena had a fling with a university Professor of hers, and Joanna was been arrested once for indecent exposure while in Austria.”

I laughed quietly at Joanna, “I hope she gave details.”

“She didn’t, much to our disappointment. You’ll have to try later, and make sure you tell me anything you learn. All she said was it was worth it.”

“I suppose if you are going to be arrested you might as well enjoy it.”

Siri did not stay much longer as the darkness outside was beginning to lighten signaling the dawning of a new day. I watched the sun rise splendid in its vibrancy by Albus’ bed, slowly stroking his hand as I held it fast within mine. Light ripped the darkness at the horizon sparkling on the remnants of snowfall frozen from the hours consumed by night.

Turning my eyes from the light I focused on Albus’ face, peaceful in sleep, and felt myself smile softly. ‘Do I love him,’ I whispered out loud. He could most definitely exasperate me, but even fighting with him was exhilarating; I needed someone with the capability to spare with me intellectually, and I needed my partner to be strong.

I took pride in being stubborn and strong, and I accepted help from few people. My mind flew to memories during the war when I would refuse aid, people scolded but they respected me. Yet with Albus I no longer fought against him, his aid did not anger me nor embarrass me for I knew it was not given out of a belief that I was unable to act alone.

‘Love,’ I muttered once again as I slowly bent to kiss my professor’s forehead.

“Has no equal,” a voice hoarse from sleep called out as the most beautiful eyes fought against the clouds of night that blurred their vision.

“Is that why you have no equal, the amount of love that runs through your veins?”

“It runs for you. You are my equal in many ways.”

“But not all.” When Albus opened his mouth to reply I kissed him softly to halt his words, “that’s all right,” I continued after I pulled away, “you were never meant to have an equal and I was meant to love a man who was my better.”

“Don’t subjugate.”

“I won’t, I’m stubborn enough to defy my better and smart enough to realize when he's right.”

“That’s why we work,” Albus smiled up at me as he drew me close for a longer more involved kiss.

“That’s why we work,” I echoed.

tbc...

[Trulyamused]

Great. The 'Left Buttock' bit makes me chuckle for some reason. Maybe because my mind says the word 'buttock' like Forrest Gump. I know wierd. ;-)

Love this though. Hope to read more soon.

Truly