Post by Hogwarts Duo on Dec 29, 2005 13:41:28 GMT -5
Summary: Follow Albus and Minerva as they fall in love-one dance at a time.
Rating: safe for everybody..."T" Rating
A/N: We originally started on this story in April 2004 but we lost our way once or twice with it. Now that we're nearing completion, we thought it was time to share it with all of you. We hope you enjoy.
“You are so adorable. Your mother will be very proud.”
The little girl studied the mirror before her, which had issued its opinion. Her pale face was accented by soft, black hair, which had been pulled up with a bow. The bit of ribbon was made with the family tartan and matched the emerald silk robe that swirled around her ankles as she walked forward to inspect herself more closely. “I don’t want to go to the party. I would much rather finish reading my book.”
“Someone as beautiful as you will be the belle of the ball. You will have a great time and I am sure the book will be long forgotten.”
The girl eyed the mirror doubtfully but turned toward her wardrobe all the same. She carefully selected a pair of matching slippers and sat on a small stool to put them on.
“Darling, are you almost ready?” Her mother’s voice drifted through the house. The little girl quickly stood and raced out of her rooms and down the hall.
Her mother was sitting with her back to the door and the young lass watched as she charmed her shiny, blonde hair into a beautiful chignon and adorned it with flowers. Light green eyes smiled at her from the mirror and soon she was finished. “Are you ready to greet our guests? Your father is waiting for us downstairs.”
Her mother took her hand and the women of the house made their way down the sweeping staircase. At the bottom, a handsome man dressed in formal robes was standing by the front door as the first of the family’s friends arrived. He took his wife’s hand in one of his own and placed his other hand on his daughter’s shoulder.
Dozens of people had been introduced to the girl and she was getting a bit bored. She knew some of the witches and wizards from previous dinners but no one who was very interesting. Just as she had started to fidget, a bit of a commotion broke out in the front yard and her father stiffened. Someone interesting must have arrived and the little girl strained to see through all the robes to get a glimpse of the new person. Finally the crowd parted and a man approached.
Her mother whispered a piece of advice as she kissed her husband on the cheek. “He is only a wizard, love.”
The gentleman made his way up the stairs. The girl’s eyes widened as she looked up. He was very tall and had dark red hair. She hadn’t seen anyone as tall as her father before and that impressed her.
Her father began to make introductions and the older man smiled at her causing his eyes to twinkle. “Albus Dumbledore, May I present my wife Athena and my daughter Minerva.”
“It is very nice to meet you.” Her mother extended her hand and the wizard took it. He brought her hand to his lips and brushed a small kiss across her knuckles. Minerva sighed, waiting for the pinching of her cheek or a pat on the head. Instead the man, Mr. Dumbledore, crouched down and took her hand as well. “It is a pleasure, my dear.” He then kissed the back of her hand taking her by surprise.
Minerva giggled as his moustache tickled her sensitive skin causing the wizard to smile in return. He stood up and greeted her father with a formal handshake. Mr. Dumbledore moved along entering the sitting room as the previous guests had done.
Finally all the guests had arrived and Minerva and her family made their way into the sitting room. The house elves were bringing around trays filled with hors d'oeuvres and all the guests were mingling gaily. Minerva stood by her mother’s side as she received several comments on how big she had gotten and how grown-up she looked.
Minerva hated these parties for just that reason. Everyone treated her as if she were a baby. She was very smart for her age. Perhaps she wasn’t able to understand everything the adults talked about but she was certainly smarter than they thought she was. Her mother had asked her to attend saying that she needed to learn ‘social graces’ and now was the best time to start.
Minerva’s mind started to wander as another person commented on her size, as if she could help it. She spotted her Dad speaking with the red-haired wizard in the corner. He was waving his arms around like he usually did when he was trying to make a point and Mr. Dumbledore was nodding his head now and then. She also noticed a group of witches nearby pointing at the two of them and smiling. She wondered what they found so funny.
Her thoughts were interrupted when dinner was announced and everyone started to move toward the dining room. Minerva was seated between her mother and an elder witch who smelled funny and only wanted to talk about the weather. Being the only little girl at the table was awkward but she simply concentrated on her food and didn’t say anything unless asked a direct question. The main topic at the table was alchemy. Her father worked in the field and most of the guests did as well.
She found she was very good at looking interested in what her neighbor had to say without actually paying attention. Instead her thoughts were centered on the book upstairs in her bedroom. It was difficult to read and she had to look up several words already but it was so fascinating that she didn’t mind. Her love of learning came from both parents and she had been reading books meant for children twice her age since she was very young. They had a huge library and had started one for her the day she had been born.
For dessert Minerva was given her usual cup of fresh fruit. She had never been very interested in sweets. A trait her parents found most odd. The others seated around her had anything from cheesecake to triple-layer chocolate fudge cake. Her nose wrinkled at the thought of having to eat all of it. She had noticed that when anyone ate a lot of sugar they started to act very funny. Not at all like themselves and she liked herself just as she was-thank you very much.
Once dessert was finished, everyone made their way to the enchanted veranda for drinks and dancing. Cozy chairs were set up in groups to allow for discussions and the garden was in bloom and perfect for a sunset stroll. Minerva’s eyes were begging to be dismissed as she looked at her Mom. “Just a bit longer darling and then you can head to bed. You never know, you may be asked to dance.”
Athena laughed at the look of horror on her daughter’s face. Minerva had a few dancing lessons under her belt but was shy at the idea of trying it out in public. She huffed her way over to an overstuffed chair and flopped down in a rather un-ladylike manner. She sat there watching everyone dance and have a good time. A few people had stopped by to say hello but nobody stayed for very long. She was not in the mood to be polite and had to force herself to smile.
With her mind otherwise occupied, she didn’t see the gentleman sit next to her. When he spoke, she jumped slightly in her chair. “Miss McGonagall, how are you this evening? Not bored by all the stodgy adults are you?”
She looked into the blue eyes of Mr. Dumbledore and gave another of her half-hearted smiles. “It is not that I am bored Mr. Dumbledore but I would rather be reading my book.”
He leaned back a little in his chair before continuing. “And what is the book you are reading?”
Minerva’s eyes lit up as she went on to tell him all about it. “I received it from my mother a couple of weeks ago. It is called A Beginner’s Guide to the Study of Transfiguration. It is very interesting. I have had to ask about a couple of the words but I believe this will help me when I am older and can perform magic on my own. When I go to Hogwarts, my mother says I can take a transfiguration class every year. My mom made me come to the party tonight to learn what she calls “social graces’ and I am on a very interesting chapter.”
When Minerva finished speaking she took a deep breath. She was afraid she had said too much to the stranger but one look at his face eased her fears.
“I think transfiguration is very interesting too. I took it every year I went to Hogwarts.”
Minerva studied him for a moment. “I thought you liked alchemy? That is what everyone here seems to find interesting. It is all anyone ever talks about.”
Mr. Dumbledore started to laugh and Minerva straightened in her chair. She didn’t like to be laughed at and decided she might not like this man after all.
“I agree with you wholeheartedly, my dear. I do love alchemy as well but even I would enjoy talking about other areas of magic.”
Minerva relaxed again after he explained why he was laughing. He was very nice to speak to. Much better than most of the adults she had met tonight. They sat for a few minutes and continued to talk about transfiguration. He told her about how if she studied really hard, she would even be able to turn into an animal. She thought it was a little strange but it would certainly be fun.
“Can you turn into an animal?” Minerva looked at him questioningly trying to decide what kind of animal he would be. “I think you look kind of like a lion with all that red hair.”
Mr. Dumbledore laughed again and this time Minerva joined in. “Thank you for the compliment but I am afraid you will be disappointed. Yes, I can turn into an animal but I become a snowy white owl. I was sorted into Gryffindor at Hogwarts which may account for my lion-like appearance.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled at her and she knew he was teasing. A snowy owl sounded very nice to her. All of her family owls were brown but she had always wanted a white one. Even though it wouldn’t be her first choice of an animal to turn into, she decided it was good for him.
As they were finishing up, she noticed another group of witches pointing and laughing again but this time it was at the two of them. “Mr. Dumbledore, why are all those women laughing and pointing at us? What do they find so funny?”
Mr. Dumbledore turned and looked in the direction she had pointed. He sighed and shook his head. “It is nothing. They just find me funny for some reason.”
He gave her a big smile and stood. Minerva was disappointed he was leaving but perhaps her mother would let her go to her room now. She was very surprised when he extended his hand. “I was hoping a young lady with pretty green eyes would honor me with a dance? Think of it as learning more about “social graces” and perhaps your mother will free you afterwards.”
Minerva couldn’t help but look hopeful and after careful consideration decided to grant his request. She took his offered hand as he led her to the dance floor. She was much shorter than him but not for long. Suddenly, with a whispered spell from Mr. Dumbledore, she was nearly eye level and her feet were no longer on the ground.
“I hope you do not mind. I thought I would do the guiding.”
Her eyes widened in surprise but only for a moment. A waltz had started and he whirled her across the floor while she asked all sorts of questions on how he had done that and where was his wand.
Before long, Minerva realized that the music had stopped; yet she was still suspended in the air. She also noticed that a rather pretty witch was coming towards Mr. Dumbledore but she had a strange smile and was making funny faces at him. Minerva decided that she did not like this woman at all and wondered how she could get away quickly. However, Mr. Dumbledore had not returned her to the ground and she was at his mercy for the moment.
When the witch finally reached the couple on the dance floor, Minerva heard the woman ask him for a dance but his response confused Minerva. “I am afraid that Miss McGonagall has not informed me as to whether or not this is our last dance. Therefore, I must decline your invitation at the moment. But, thank you for asking.” His response made the lady very mad but Minerva noticed a smile on Mr. Dumbledore’s face as the other witch stomped away, so she smiled too.
“Why was the lady so mad at you? Did you do something that she didn’t like?” Minerva was not sad that the witch had gone to join the others in the corner, but she did wish that they would stop staring. Obviously, their mothers had never told them how rude it was to stare. If her mother caught her doing such a thing, she would be reminded of that very point. Another one of those so-called ‘social graces.’
“My dear, I want to thank you. You see, that young witch wanted to dance with me but I did not wish to dance with her. Now, I believe you had a few more questions about transfiguration and it would be impolite of me to walk away from you at the moment. Would you care to grace me with one more dance while I attempt to answer your questions?”
Feeling that this would be the best way to spend the remainder of her time at the party and to ensure that her mother and father would be pleased, Minerva agreed. As they waltzed across the floor, she noticed that her mother was smiling at her. Her spirits were raised because that meant that if she played her cards right, her mother would release her from the party after this dance.
As the music ended, Mr. Dumbledore escorted Minerva to her mother’s side. “Mrs. McGonagall, May I compliment you on raising such a delightful young lady. And quite a graceful dancer, if I may say so.” As her mother thanked the nice man for such praise, Minerva realized that she had forgotten something very important. As he turned to walk away, Minerva called after him.
“Mr. Dumbledore! Mr. Dumbledore!” She noticed him swiftly turn to face her and drop to his knees so that they could be at eye level with one another. She thought that was awfully nice, since most adults never think of such things. “I forgot to say ‘thank you’. Mother says that a lady should always thank a gentleman after a dance.” Leaning in close to his face, she whispered, “Please don’t tell her I forgot.”
Minerva noticed that he was on the verge of a smile and she gave him one of her own. “Miss McGonagall, I assure you that it will be our little secret. And, thank you very much for allowing me the honor of your company.” Kissing the back of her hand once more, she giggled and ran off to join her mother in the hopes of being sent to her rooms to finish her book.
Her wishes were granted and within a few short minutes, Minerva was in her own room getting ready for bed, with the assistance of her mother. She always loved it when her mother brushed her hair before bed. It seemed to relax the young girl and made her feel like a little princess and tonight was even more special. But her mind was full of things and she needed answers. After a moment of sheer silence, Minerva felt courageous enough to ask her mother a question that had bothered her most of the night.
“Mother, why were those witches staring at Mr. Dumbledore and laughing at him? He said it was because they think he’s funny and I suppose he is but they shouldn’t laugh at him. It’s not nice, is it?”
“Well, Minerva they were not exactly laughing at him. They were smiling at him and probably hoping that he would notice them and ask them to dance.” Minerva did not understand why that would make him funny and she asked her mother for more of an explanation. “Let’s see if I can make this simpler for you. Those witches were not married and Mr. Dumbledore is not married either. They were hoping that he would ask them to dance and that maybe one day they might fall in love.”
A panicked voice escaped Minerva’s throat. “Oh Mother! I am not married and I danced with him…twice! Does that mean that he will think I want to fall in love with him?” Minerva’s eyes had now grown large and she clutched her book to her chest, hoping that her mother would know the answer.
“Dearest child. It’s all right. I assure you that Mr. Dumbledore thought no such thing. He realizes that you are much too young for him and he is a perfect gentleman. You did him a favor tonight by dancing with him and your father and I appreciate that.”
Feelings of relief caused Minerva to slump back into the large pillows and she began to chatter away again. “Did you know that he is able to turn himself into an owl? He said that I can do that one-day too but I don’t want to be an owl. I am going to finish my book tonight and then try to dream of which animal I want to be. Can you or father turn into animals?”
“No, dear. I’m afraid neither your father nor I am able to do that. There aren’t many witches or wizards who have enough talent to master such a skill. I tell you what…since you were so cooperative tonight and you behaved like the beautiful young lady we know you can be, how about you and I go to Hogsmeade tomorrow and buy you another book?”
Thinking that she had the best mother and father in the world, Minerva agreed and settled down to finish her book before drifting off to sleep and attempting to picture Mr. Dumbledore as a snowy white owl.
TBC...and reviews are welcomed and appreciated!
Rating: safe for everybody..."T" Rating
A/N: We originally started on this story in April 2004 but we lost our way once or twice with it. Now that we're nearing completion, we thought it was time to share it with all of you. We hope you enjoy.
“You are so adorable. Your mother will be very proud.”
The little girl studied the mirror before her, which had issued its opinion. Her pale face was accented by soft, black hair, which had been pulled up with a bow. The bit of ribbon was made with the family tartan and matched the emerald silk robe that swirled around her ankles as she walked forward to inspect herself more closely. “I don’t want to go to the party. I would much rather finish reading my book.”
“Someone as beautiful as you will be the belle of the ball. You will have a great time and I am sure the book will be long forgotten.”
The girl eyed the mirror doubtfully but turned toward her wardrobe all the same. She carefully selected a pair of matching slippers and sat on a small stool to put them on.
“Darling, are you almost ready?” Her mother’s voice drifted through the house. The little girl quickly stood and raced out of her rooms and down the hall.
Her mother was sitting with her back to the door and the young lass watched as she charmed her shiny, blonde hair into a beautiful chignon and adorned it with flowers. Light green eyes smiled at her from the mirror and soon she was finished. “Are you ready to greet our guests? Your father is waiting for us downstairs.”
Her mother took her hand and the women of the house made their way down the sweeping staircase. At the bottom, a handsome man dressed in formal robes was standing by the front door as the first of the family’s friends arrived. He took his wife’s hand in one of his own and placed his other hand on his daughter’s shoulder.
Dozens of people had been introduced to the girl and she was getting a bit bored. She knew some of the witches and wizards from previous dinners but no one who was very interesting. Just as she had started to fidget, a bit of a commotion broke out in the front yard and her father stiffened. Someone interesting must have arrived and the little girl strained to see through all the robes to get a glimpse of the new person. Finally the crowd parted and a man approached.
Her mother whispered a piece of advice as she kissed her husband on the cheek. “He is only a wizard, love.”
The gentleman made his way up the stairs. The girl’s eyes widened as she looked up. He was very tall and had dark red hair. She hadn’t seen anyone as tall as her father before and that impressed her.
Her father began to make introductions and the older man smiled at her causing his eyes to twinkle. “Albus Dumbledore, May I present my wife Athena and my daughter Minerva.”
“It is very nice to meet you.” Her mother extended her hand and the wizard took it. He brought her hand to his lips and brushed a small kiss across her knuckles. Minerva sighed, waiting for the pinching of her cheek or a pat on the head. Instead the man, Mr. Dumbledore, crouched down and took her hand as well. “It is a pleasure, my dear.” He then kissed the back of her hand taking her by surprise.
Minerva giggled as his moustache tickled her sensitive skin causing the wizard to smile in return. He stood up and greeted her father with a formal handshake. Mr. Dumbledore moved along entering the sitting room as the previous guests had done.
Finally all the guests had arrived and Minerva and her family made their way into the sitting room. The house elves were bringing around trays filled with hors d'oeuvres and all the guests were mingling gaily. Minerva stood by her mother’s side as she received several comments on how big she had gotten and how grown-up she looked.
Minerva hated these parties for just that reason. Everyone treated her as if she were a baby. She was very smart for her age. Perhaps she wasn’t able to understand everything the adults talked about but she was certainly smarter than they thought she was. Her mother had asked her to attend saying that she needed to learn ‘social graces’ and now was the best time to start.
Minerva’s mind started to wander as another person commented on her size, as if she could help it. She spotted her Dad speaking with the red-haired wizard in the corner. He was waving his arms around like he usually did when he was trying to make a point and Mr. Dumbledore was nodding his head now and then. She also noticed a group of witches nearby pointing at the two of them and smiling. She wondered what they found so funny.
Her thoughts were interrupted when dinner was announced and everyone started to move toward the dining room. Minerva was seated between her mother and an elder witch who smelled funny and only wanted to talk about the weather. Being the only little girl at the table was awkward but she simply concentrated on her food and didn’t say anything unless asked a direct question. The main topic at the table was alchemy. Her father worked in the field and most of the guests did as well.
She found she was very good at looking interested in what her neighbor had to say without actually paying attention. Instead her thoughts were centered on the book upstairs in her bedroom. It was difficult to read and she had to look up several words already but it was so fascinating that she didn’t mind. Her love of learning came from both parents and she had been reading books meant for children twice her age since she was very young. They had a huge library and had started one for her the day she had been born.
For dessert Minerva was given her usual cup of fresh fruit. She had never been very interested in sweets. A trait her parents found most odd. The others seated around her had anything from cheesecake to triple-layer chocolate fudge cake. Her nose wrinkled at the thought of having to eat all of it. She had noticed that when anyone ate a lot of sugar they started to act very funny. Not at all like themselves and she liked herself just as she was-thank you very much.
Once dessert was finished, everyone made their way to the enchanted veranda for drinks and dancing. Cozy chairs were set up in groups to allow for discussions and the garden was in bloom and perfect for a sunset stroll. Minerva’s eyes were begging to be dismissed as she looked at her Mom. “Just a bit longer darling and then you can head to bed. You never know, you may be asked to dance.”
Athena laughed at the look of horror on her daughter’s face. Minerva had a few dancing lessons under her belt but was shy at the idea of trying it out in public. She huffed her way over to an overstuffed chair and flopped down in a rather un-ladylike manner. She sat there watching everyone dance and have a good time. A few people had stopped by to say hello but nobody stayed for very long. She was not in the mood to be polite and had to force herself to smile.
With her mind otherwise occupied, she didn’t see the gentleman sit next to her. When he spoke, she jumped slightly in her chair. “Miss McGonagall, how are you this evening? Not bored by all the stodgy adults are you?”
She looked into the blue eyes of Mr. Dumbledore and gave another of her half-hearted smiles. “It is not that I am bored Mr. Dumbledore but I would rather be reading my book.”
He leaned back a little in his chair before continuing. “And what is the book you are reading?”
Minerva’s eyes lit up as she went on to tell him all about it. “I received it from my mother a couple of weeks ago. It is called A Beginner’s Guide to the Study of Transfiguration. It is very interesting. I have had to ask about a couple of the words but I believe this will help me when I am older and can perform magic on my own. When I go to Hogwarts, my mother says I can take a transfiguration class every year. My mom made me come to the party tonight to learn what she calls “social graces’ and I am on a very interesting chapter.”
When Minerva finished speaking she took a deep breath. She was afraid she had said too much to the stranger but one look at his face eased her fears.
“I think transfiguration is very interesting too. I took it every year I went to Hogwarts.”
Minerva studied him for a moment. “I thought you liked alchemy? That is what everyone here seems to find interesting. It is all anyone ever talks about.”
Mr. Dumbledore started to laugh and Minerva straightened in her chair. She didn’t like to be laughed at and decided she might not like this man after all.
“I agree with you wholeheartedly, my dear. I do love alchemy as well but even I would enjoy talking about other areas of magic.”
Minerva relaxed again after he explained why he was laughing. He was very nice to speak to. Much better than most of the adults she had met tonight. They sat for a few minutes and continued to talk about transfiguration. He told her about how if she studied really hard, she would even be able to turn into an animal. She thought it was a little strange but it would certainly be fun.
“Can you turn into an animal?” Minerva looked at him questioningly trying to decide what kind of animal he would be. “I think you look kind of like a lion with all that red hair.”
Mr. Dumbledore laughed again and this time Minerva joined in. “Thank you for the compliment but I am afraid you will be disappointed. Yes, I can turn into an animal but I become a snowy white owl. I was sorted into Gryffindor at Hogwarts which may account for my lion-like appearance.”
His eyes crinkled as he smiled at her and she knew he was teasing. A snowy owl sounded very nice to her. All of her family owls were brown but she had always wanted a white one. Even though it wouldn’t be her first choice of an animal to turn into, she decided it was good for him.
As they were finishing up, she noticed another group of witches pointing and laughing again but this time it was at the two of them. “Mr. Dumbledore, why are all those women laughing and pointing at us? What do they find so funny?”
Mr. Dumbledore turned and looked in the direction she had pointed. He sighed and shook his head. “It is nothing. They just find me funny for some reason.”
He gave her a big smile and stood. Minerva was disappointed he was leaving but perhaps her mother would let her go to her room now. She was very surprised when he extended his hand. “I was hoping a young lady with pretty green eyes would honor me with a dance? Think of it as learning more about “social graces” and perhaps your mother will free you afterwards.”
Minerva couldn’t help but look hopeful and after careful consideration decided to grant his request. She took his offered hand as he led her to the dance floor. She was much shorter than him but not for long. Suddenly, with a whispered spell from Mr. Dumbledore, she was nearly eye level and her feet were no longer on the ground.
“I hope you do not mind. I thought I would do the guiding.”
Her eyes widened in surprise but only for a moment. A waltz had started and he whirled her across the floor while she asked all sorts of questions on how he had done that and where was his wand.
Before long, Minerva realized that the music had stopped; yet she was still suspended in the air. She also noticed that a rather pretty witch was coming towards Mr. Dumbledore but she had a strange smile and was making funny faces at him. Minerva decided that she did not like this woman at all and wondered how she could get away quickly. However, Mr. Dumbledore had not returned her to the ground and she was at his mercy for the moment.
When the witch finally reached the couple on the dance floor, Minerva heard the woman ask him for a dance but his response confused Minerva. “I am afraid that Miss McGonagall has not informed me as to whether or not this is our last dance. Therefore, I must decline your invitation at the moment. But, thank you for asking.” His response made the lady very mad but Minerva noticed a smile on Mr. Dumbledore’s face as the other witch stomped away, so she smiled too.
“Why was the lady so mad at you? Did you do something that she didn’t like?” Minerva was not sad that the witch had gone to join the others in the corner, but she did wish that they would stop staring. Obviously, their mothers had never told them how rude it was to stare. If her mother caught her doing such a thing, she would be reminded of that very point. Another one of those so-called ‘social graces.’
“My dear, I want to thank you. You see, that young witch wanted to dance with me but I did not wish to dance with her. Now, I believe you had a few more questions about transfiguration and it would be impolite of me to walk away from you at the moment. Would you care to grace me with one more dance while I attempt to answer your questions?”
Feeling that this would be the best way to spend the remainder of her time at the party and to ensure that her mother and father would be pleased, Minerva agreed. As they waltzed across the floor, she noticed that her mother was smiling at her. Her spirits were raised because that meant that if she played her cards right, her mother would release her from the party after this dance.
As the music ended, Mr. Dumbledore escorted Minerva to her mother’s side. “Mrs. McGonagall, May I compliment you on raising such a delightful young lady. And quite a graceful dancer, if I may say so.” As her mother thanked the nice man for such praise, Minerva realized that she had forgotten something very important. As he turned to walk away, Minerva called after him.
“Mr. Dumbledore! Mr. Dumbledore!” She noticed him swiftly turn to face her and drop to his knees so that they could be at eye level with one another. She thought that was awfully nice, since most adults never think of such things. “I forgot to say ‘thank you’. Mother says that a lady should always thank a gentleman after a dance.” Leaning in close to his face, she whispered, “Please don’t tell her I forgot.”
Minerva noticed that he was on the verge of a smile and she gave him one of her own. “Miss McGonagall, I assure you that it will be our little secret. And, thank you very much for allowing me the honor of your company.” Kissing the back of her hand once more, she giggled and ran off to join her mother in the hopes of being sent to her rooms to finish her book.
Her wishes were granted and within a few short minutes, Minerva was in her own room getting ready for bed, with the assistance of her mother. She always loved it when her mother brushed her hair before bed. It seemed to relax the young girl and made her feel like a little princess and tonight was even more special. But her mind was full of things and she needed answers. After a moment of sheer silence, Minerva felt courageous enough to ask her mother a question that had bothered her most of the night.
“Mother, why were those witches staring at Mr. Dumbledore and laughing at him? He said it was because they think he’s funny and I suppose he is but they shouldn’t laugh at him. It’s not nice, is it?”
“Well, Minerva they were not exactly laughing at him. They were smiling at him and probably hoping that he would notice them and ask them to dance.” Minerva did not understand why that would make him funny and she asked her mother for more of an explanation. “Let’s see if I can make this simpler for you. Those witches were not married and Mr. Dumbledore is not married either. They were hoping that he would ask them to dance and that maybe one day they might fall in love.”
A panicked voice escaped Minerva’s throat. “Oh Mother! I am not married and I danced with him…twice! Does that mean that he will think I want to fall in love with him?” Minerva’s eyes had now grown large and she clutched her book to her chest, hoping that her mother would know the answer.
“Dearest child. It’s all right. I assure you that Mr. Dumbledore thought no such thing. He realizes that you are much too young for him and he is a perfect gentleman. You did him a favor tonight by dancing with him and your father and I appreciate that.”
Feelings of relief caused Minerva to slump back into the large pillows and she began to chatter away again. “Did you know that he is able to turn himself into an owl? He said that I can do that one-day too but I don’t want to be an owl. I am going to finish my book tonight and then try to dream of which animal I want to be. Can you or father turn into animals?”
“No, dear. I’m afraid neither your father nor I am able to do that. There aren’t many witches or wizards who have enough talent to master such a skill. I tell you what…since you were so cooperative tonight and you behaved like the beautiful young lady we know you can be, how about you and I go to Hogsmeade tomorrow and buy you another book?”
Thinking that she had the best mother and father in the world, Minerva agreed and settled down to finish her book before drifting off to sleep and attempting to picture Mr. Dumbledore as a snowy white owl.
TBC...and reviews are welcomed and appreciated!
)
