A Convenient Fiction

[Hogwarts Duo]

I'm glad Albus had a chance to speak with the seer about the light. And you did a great job in making me feel uneasy for them on the walk back to the school. I'm anxiously awaiting the next section of this story so please don't take too long in posting it.

[Isabelle]

This was a lovely chapter. I like how you are developing their characters. I hope you will post again soon!

Liz

[tanja]

don´t know why but somehow i had tears in my eyes...It´s really sad so far..

[Gemmie Lou]

please update soon xxxxxxxxxxx

[nemi]

This story is absolutely brilliant. It's extremely well written and the plot is absolutely wonderful. There *are* a lot of marriage fics out there but this is undoubtedly one of the best- it's really original and I can't wait to see where it's going. Albus and Minerva are both kept in character and I love the way you convey their thoughts. Update as soon as poss!

[EloquentPhoenix]

'She was his friend, he was grateful to her; there was nothing more to it than that.'

He wishes It's a slippery slope from here on in, they already care for each other more than they let on, I thought that from what the seer thought about them, it is obvious. They'll be back? To get married all over again when (notice when not if0 they fall in love and admit it. Update soon.

[Amandah Leigh]

this is a cute new take on an old story idea, and I look forward to seeing the next installment!

[angeldust]

This is a wonderful fic and i'm really enjoying it so far. Hope to see more soon!

[Nerweniel]

There may be a few more fics with this theme, but I'm rather struck by the realism of this one . Great job!! I really hope to see a next chapter soon .

Love,

Lies

[morgan72uk]

A/N - thanks for the reviews. I'm glad people have enjoyed the story so far - let's see where the twists and turns take us!

A Convenient Fiction – part 4

Minerva stood in a shaft of sunlight, her arms wrapped loosely around her waist as she summoned calm and confidence from within. In just a few minutes Albus would be here and it would be time to face Armando. In these final moments she was going over the story they had decided upon, trying to make it sound convincing but not over-rehearsed.

Perhaps she was worrying unnecessarily. But for someone as naturally reserved as she, it would always be challenging to discuss her feelings with a third party. And then when you considered that the feelings in question were – well, fictional – it was hardly surprising that she was worried at her ability to carry off the act.

But she wouldn’t be pretending with just anyone. Albus was her friend, the person she trusted the most. In her more optimistic moments she thought that would make it easier to persuade Armando that close friends had fallen in love. The rest of the time she wasn’t so sure. If they could convince someone who knew them both as well as Armando did, then the few other people who needed to be told should present little difficulty. They simply had to make Armando believe.

She was still amazed by the way they’d pulled together the story of their relationship. They’d agreed to build as much as possible on the truth, which left them hoping that the Headmaster would find it all too easy to believe they had fallen in love over chess and quiet suppers.

Albus had done most of the making up. She couldn’t help thinking it was a good idea that he was going to become Headmaster, since if the ease and enthusiasm with which he had concocted their fictional romance was anything to go by, he didn’t have anything like enough to engage his mind at the moment.

“I hate it when you watch me from the shadows,” she said when she felt a familiar tingle on the back of her neck.

“My skulking is never any match for your feline senses,” Albus stood beside her and laid his hand on her shoulder. “Are you ready?” The comfortable familiarity of his presence was a warm, reassuring glow. The slight hint of nervousness she detected in him was a welcome reminder that she was not in this alone. Even his touch was a comfort of sorts – as well as a preparation. They would have to touch far more than they normally did if they wanted Armando to believe they were newly married.

“As much as I will ever be.”

“There’s nothing to worry about Minerva. We are married, even if Armando doesn’t entirely believe our story, he can’t dispute that.”

“That’s so – reassuring.” He chuckled and squeezed her shoulder before turning her around to look at him.

“You’ve already done more for me than I can ever repay. I know that you hate dishonesty – I won’t let you pretend more than you can bear. We don’t need to become other people; Armando won’t be expecting that. When people fall in love they don’t lose themselves, they don’t change, it isn’t about possession – it’s about loving someone for who they are.” His words were meant as solace, but they also conjured up unhappy memories. She didn’t need the reminder that her life had been a very long way from the picture he was describing.

“Minerva?” She looked away, but wasn’t surprised that he’d caught a glimpse of her pain.

“What you describe sounds wonderful Albus – but it wasn’t my experience. However, I appreciate the thought. Now, you shouldn’t keep our Headmaster waiting.”

“Are you all right?”

“Of course I am.”

He didn’t entirely believe her – she could tell that from the way his eyes searched her face. Pale, inscrutable eyes which were always so knowing, always so kind. His scrutiny had never disarmed her; it had never bothered her that he saw further into her mind and heart than other people. But her own vulnerability was something she was not comfortable with, even though she knew he’d never use it against her – even if sometimes she needed more than kindness, more than gentleness – something altogether more…

“Minerva?” She blinked; abruptly realising she had been gazing at Albus, thinking the most unlikely of thoughts.

“Sorry, I was miles away.”

“Obviously,” he turned to climb the staircase towards the Headmaster’s study. “The flush to your cheeks is very becoming my dear – especially in a new bride. Do you think you’ll be able to keep it there until I come to ‘introduce’ you to Armando?”

Damn him. His expression and voice made it almost impossible to tell if he was being serious. As her cheeks burned the one thing she was certain of was that when he returned, she would still be blushing.

***

“Albus,” Armando Dippet smiled as his Deputy stepped into the study. He was relieved that he looked more cheerful than the last time they’d met and that had to be good. Summer at Hogwarts was always somewhat relaxed and several days had passed since he’d last spoken to his Deputy. The owl he’d received the previous evening asking for an appointment had intrigued him, he knew it couldn’t be about the timetable or the arrangements for the start of term.

Now, he could see there was a twinkle in his Deputy’s eyes once more – mischief and unholy glee waging a war with solemnity. Long ago he had accepted that he would never fully understand the wizard before him, he doubted anyone alive would. Whenever they conversed he was always sure that Albus, while paying full attention, was also simultaneously thinking about 4 or 5 different things. It was extraordinary how he sifted through information – finding the missing pieces to puzzles no one else even suspected the existence of. He would make a wonderful, if enigmatic, Headmaster and Armando was sure that was what he was here about.

With any luck he had found a way around the Governors’ ridiculous suggestion. Perhaps a clause in an ancient document that would demonstrate they were acting outside their powers.

“Armando. I’m here to tell you that I was married yesterday.”

Or, perhaps not. For several moments the Headmaster of Hogwarts was without the power of speech. In truth he knew he looked most undignified sitting there with his mouth open in shock. But what other response was possible?

“Married?” He repeated slowly when the power of speech returned. His brain jumped to the logical conclusion because, after all, arranged marriages took longer than this to – well, arrange. “But you said there was no one!” he accused.

Before him Albus shifted, looking a little sheepish. “Yes, I know I said that,” he began slowly.

“Clearly it was a case of protesting too much.” Armando concluded, enjoying his Deputy’s momentary discomfort. “Well, I suppose congratulations are in order – will I get to meet the lady in question?”

“Actually, I believe you’ve met her already,” but before he could speculate about that Albus continued, “my concerns about the risk to anyone I’m close to haven’t dissipated Armando. I need your word that only a few people will ever know about this. Not even the full Board of Governors must know, it’s just too dangerous.”

“You have my word, I’ll talk to the Chair myself, we’ll find an alternative to put before the full Board. Only 2 or 3 people ever need to be informed.”

“Thank you.”

“So, you say I’ve met this brave and foolhardy woman? I must confess I’m keen to discover her identity, is she here?”

“She’s waiting outside.” As Albus slipped outside, the Headmaster schooled his expression. He had a suspicion about who was going to step through the door with Albus – but it was only that. If he was wrong, he didn’t want anyone to realise he’d been speculating.

As it happened he wasn’t wrong. Minerva McGonagall slipped into the office, blushing becomingly as Albus slipped his arm around her waist. “Armando – I believe I did say you’d met my wife?”

“My dear girl – have you taken leave of your senses?” But he was smiling as he kissed Minerva’s cheek and offered his very sincere congratulations. “At least I was correct when I said anyone prepared to marry Albus was brave.”

“You don’t look surprised at the news,” Minerva observed at last.

“I was surprised when Albus waltzed in here and told me he was married. But, once I’d recovered from my shock I have to confess you were the person who came to mind.” He saw the worried look the newly weds exchanged, “I promise, you’ve never behaved with anything other than the impeccable discretion I’d expect. But we old men have a tendency to the romantic – and I suppose I was hoping that all the time you’d been spending together was filled with something more than discussions about transfiguration and games of chess.”

They spent a little longer talking, he asked about the wedding and Minerva, rather dryly, explained that Albus had been responsible for organising the ceremony. “Once I was certain my fiancé was not leading me straight off a cliff, it was rather beautiful,” she said dryly, shooting a look at the man standing beside her. “Clearly Albus has a flair for the dramatic.”

“I am fairly sure you knew that already,” her husband replied. For a moment they looked at each other and Armando was sure they had forgotten all about him. Then, the moment was over; Minerva excused herself and Albus started to follow her.

“Can I speak to you for a moment Albus?” Both men waited until the door was closed and then the Headmaster said softly, “she’s good for you.”

“Let’s hope I’m equally good for her.”

“I know how much you must want to protect her – but she isn’t weak or helpless, she isn’t anything like Penelope.”

“You’re right,” Albus agreed, “she really isn’t anything like Penelope.” For a moment his mind flicked to another woman, another lifetime – but then resolutely he pushed the thoughts away. Armando clearly hadn’t the slightest doubt that their marriage was genuine, which was what they’d wanted. Albus wasn’t taking his claim that he’d suspected something between them too seriously. They had always spent a lot of time together and sometimes people speculated, reading too much into friendships; although, in this case that speculation had worked in their favour.

“Were you worried about the age difference?” Armando asked, “is that why you were reluctant to tell me you were involved with her when we first discussed the Governors’ request?”

“About the age difference, the secrecy, about almost everything,” he confessed, repeating the lines they had agreed upon. “We’d discussed marriage and decided it was impossible - but Minerva is, strong-willed. And when I told her about the Governors…”

Armando sighed, almost wistfully, “you’re a very lucky man, my friend. I’m sure you’ll be very happy – with such an intelligent, beautiful and young wife.”

The innuendo was plain but Albus didn’t hear it; he was dazed, suddenly seeing Minerva through another man's eyes. Was she beautiful? Armando clearly thought so. But for so long he’d viewed her as his friend, a familiar intelligence with an inherent grasp of logic that he respected. He believed he was privileged to see a side of her she concealed from others and he knew that beneath her rather frosty exterior there was warmth and compassion as well as the bravery of the staunchest Gryffindor.

But, for how long had he viewed her as his friend, only his friend and not as a woman? He was married to her for Merlin’s sake, someone else had just told him she was beautiful, implied that she was desirable – and he was surprised? What was wrong with him?

The greatest wizard of the age, he scoffed; clearly he had spent far too long with his head in books.

TBC

[EloquentPhoenix]

Yes, Albus, you have! Fools, Armando knew they were perfect for each other they are so blind! Yeyness the progression here was great, good chapter *awaits more*

[avadagypsy]

YAY! what a wonderful start to my day! Another update! Albus is finally realising that minerva is gorgeous. About time hey? Keep the updates coming!

[Sensiblyquirky]

I love the seeds you are planting in this story, and Albus had best start taking notice now! Of course Minerva still needs to wake up, but following their awakenings should be fun. I shall be greedy and hope for another update soon!

Christy

[mugglemin]

This was worth the effort of signing in to review. I've been waiting for you for days! Nice and neat, intelligently written, short but sweet and with lashings of angst for those of us who know what should be coming...even if Albus and Minerva don't! I like the way you are playing things out evenly, no rushing to sappy, ridiculous moments of fluff...I know it will come, but subtlety is the key for effective ADMM romance, I believe.

Good for you, and please hurry up with the next installment!

mugs.x

[Alesia]

I tried to review on ff.net but it won't let me, I just want to tell you I love the way you have constructed the backstory for both Minerva and Albus. He had a wonderful past, she didn't.

I like the way you constructed Armando. He wasn't over the top or giddy but honest about what he saw between two friends.

[Hogwarts Duo]

This story is so refershing and interesting. I love the way Armando suspected Minerva but was discreet enough not to mention it before Albus presented her.

And the little hints that there's something more between Albus and Minerva is perfect. There are small bits upon which they can build a wonderful romance.

I'm looking forward to the next bit so don't make us wait too long.

[Isabelle]

I do so love how you are developing the back story to their hopefully bidding romance.

I look froward to another update soon!

Liz

[tanja]

It was an interesting update...I´m curious how everything is going to develope.

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

oh great chapter....loving it keep up the great work

[Jessabelle]

I love how you are writing these characters! I agree with what Mugglemin said about how you are writing this and sort of "taking things slowly"! Keep up the great work and update again soon!
- Jess

[Gemmie Lou]

loved it please update soon xxxxxxxx

[zoeteproet]

How could Albus miss the obvious fact that Minerva is beautiful?
Thank god, Armando told him.
I loved their wedding, with the power and magic, you can see that they're ment to be together.
I hope you will update soon, you have me hooked for this story.

[nemi]

Albus is such a moron sometimes. I loved the last line; it was really effective. This story is brilliant; with every chapter you post you keep me hanging, even if it's not a direct cliffhanger. Update soon.

[morgan72uk]

A/N - thanks for the reviews.

Part 5

The start of term was almost upon them and for several days now Minerva had been far too busy to dwell upon the ramifications of her marriage. Actually she had scarcely seen her ‘husband’ for the last 48 hours; he had disappeared, as he was wont to do. The owl he’d sent had said simply, ‘gone fishing,’ and that he would try to be back before the term started. She thought she knew him well enough to assume that he hadn’t literally gone fishing – but it was hard to be certain of anything when it came to Albus.

At last she had a few hours to herself and now that it was cooler, her plan was for a quick run around the lake in her other form. But when an apologetic looking phoenix appeared in the middle of her rooms with a distinctly half-hearted flourish she knew Albus was back from his travels and that the few hours to herself were going to have to wait. She touched the phoenix’s head and said quietly, “tell him I’m on my way.”

They’d agreed to use Fawkes as a signal for those rare occasions when Albus needed her to appear in his rooms and that, on such occasions, she would bring with her a few possessions; enough to make it look as though she spent a significant amount of her time in the Deputy Headmaster’s private rooms. Since only Armando knew they were married, she assumed that he was planning to pay them a visit.

As Fawkes disappeared she collected a carefully packed bag from behind her sofa, shrank it to fit into the pocket of her robes and once outside in the corridor transformed into a tabby cat.

Her progress across the castle was rapid, she transformed back, enlarged her bag and tapped lightly on the door as she spoke the password that would allow her access to Albus’ rooms. It still felt odd to be able to freely enter his private domain; this was very different from being able to gain entrance to his office. But he had deemed it necessary and she had reciprocated – giving him the password to her own rooms, knowing that she could trust his circumspection in using it.

She’d always thought that the rooms occupied by the Head of Gryffindor were very lovely, even given the current occupant’s rather eccentric taste in décor. The bright, almost clashing colours weren’t exactly to her taste and if she really were all but living here she would have had to find a way to tone them down – or else risk a constant headache.

Albus emerged from what she assumed was the bedroom and smiled, “that was impressively fast my dear – which is just as well. Armando owled me to say he will be here in a few minutes - I thought it well to make it appear he had interrupted a quiet evening together.”

“The Governors?” she asked briskly, determined to be business-like, even in these circumstances. His eyes twinkled in amusement at her tone but all he said was,

“I assume so.” He waved his hand and the lights went out – to be replaced by the soft glow of candlelight. Two glasses of wine appeared beside the sofa and a low table slid forward with a partially played game of chess set out upon it.

Not to be outdone Minerva opened her bag and with a few quick spells one of her spare outer robes joined one of Albus’ on a hook, some books and one or two photographs took up residence the mantelpiece. The final items she hesitated over. She thought it unlikely that Armando would venture beyond the living room, but in case he did, she had brought with her some things to give the impression she spent her nights here.

“Do you mind if I…?” she held out the bag so he could see what she had left to distribute.

“Be my guest,” swiftly she passed into the other room, laying a robe on the bed beside the large, purple dressing gown. A hairbrush went onto the chest of drawers and a few toiletries into the bathroom. She had not intended to look around the bedroom – but never having been there before her curiosity got the better of her. The four poster was enormous, its hangings an elegant mixture of gold, red and burgundy. But what really drew her attention was the picture on the bedside table, where her own image smiled and waved back at her.

Feeling suddenly mischievous she waved her wand and the heavy coverings on the bed were pulled back, the pillows moved around, the robes slid to the floor and the sheets became rumpled.

When she emerged she found Albus leaning against the fireplace looking around the room one last time. “I see I have you in check,” she observed, nodding to the chess game they had apparently been in the middle of.

“Well, it seemed best not to make Armando suspicious.” She was prevented from replying by a knock at the door. As Albus went to answer it she curled herself into the corner of the sofa, he paused at the door and looked back at her; she saw his lips move and then felt her hair slip around her shoulders. She glared at him as she realised he had vanished her hairpins, but he was already opening the door to let the Headmaster in.

“It’s good to see you back Albus,” Armando said as he stepped into the room, “I trust your fishing expedition was productive?” At the question Albus glanced towards Minerva who was doing an excellent impression of someone who knew what they were talking about. In fact, Albus was certain she was dying to ask him what he had been up to – but was far too discrete and careful to come out and ask him directly.

“Actually the fish were frustratingly elusive,” he replied before dismissing the subject and offering the other man a seat, “will you join us in a glass of wine?”

“That would be most pleasant,” another glass was summoned and the wine poured, Armando settled himself into a chair while Albus joined Minerva on the sofa. “I hope I haven’t interrupted your evening?”

“Not at all,” Minerva replied, glancing down at the chessboard she added, “although the break may give Albus a chance to re-group.”

“She’s going to beat you again, isn’t she?” Armando chuckled. Albus sighed, heavily,

“I haven’t conceded defeat yet. Now, what can we do for you Armando?”

“I wanted to tell you both about the discussions I’ve been having with the Chair of the Governors. As you know he is due to step down shortly and he asked me to also talk to his designated successor. They both agree news of your marriage will not be something any of the other Governors will be informed of. Their suggestion is that the full Board is told that you have agreed to a morals clause being included in your contract. In effect you will be agreeing that should your personal life bring the school into disrepute you could be sacked.”

“I imagine being secretly married to a fellow teacher could fall into that category,” Minerva said, “I can think of circumstances when, if people found out, our marriage could be viewed as quite scandalous.”

“Especially when the teacher in question is also one of my former students,” Albus added.

“I thought of that as well,” Armando produced 2 scrolls of parchment and handed them over, “this is the morals clause and this is a letter, signed by me and by both Governors, which states that the clause is rendered null and void for issues relating to your marriage. If the secret is discovered, it may still cause a scandal but it won’t cost either of you your jobs.”

Minerva leant over his shoulder to read the documents – which was sufficient distraction to require Albus to marshal his concentration. One of the reasons he’d gone away was to try to come to terms with his new awareness of the woman beside him. The faint scent of her perfume and his consciousness of her body, so close to his, made him recognise that the attempt had not been entirely successful.

“It seems fine Armando,” he said at last handing the scrolls back.

“I’m glad you think so. However, I did realise that this situation had given us another difficulty, one I’m surprised neither of you thought of, or perhaps your minds were on other things.” They exchanged glances, with no idea what he was talking about. “Albus – when we first talked about your becoming Headmaster we also discussed who would succeed you, you do remember that?”

“Of course. I am still planning to appoint Professor Craddick as my Deputy – at least until her retirement and to offer Minerva the positions of Head of Gryffindor and transfiguration professor – oh,” finally he realised what the problem was, “she’s perfectly qualified for both positions Armando, it isn’t nepotism.”

“I'm aware of that Albus, but 2 of the Governors know you are married to Minerva. They might well question your decisions with regard to her – even if they won’t be able to raise them with the full Board. However, I am not married to Minerva, so I can recommend her appointment with no questions asked. You just have to agree, I assume you do?”

“Of course.”

“Perhaps they’d like to put a morals clause in my contract as well,” Minerva said, her tone and expression making both men very aware of how angry she was. “Thank you for your efforts on my behalf Headmaster, but there are other wizarding schools I can teach at. Perhaps it would be best for all of us if I wasn’t here.” Albus’ yelp of protest was drowned out by Armando’s laughter.

“And have our new Headmaster pining away because his wife lives in a different country. I don’t think that would be a good solution at all, my dear. Please don’t worry, I’m sure it will all be agreed – in fact you may wish to have the current Head of Gryffindor spend some time helping you to prepare for next year. I suspect that won’t be too much of a chore.”

Albus could tell that Minerva was controlling her temper. One day, he thought, he would find out why she found generosity so difficult to accept; he was sure it was allied to the reason she struggled to accept compliments. Someone, somewhere had caused her great pain – but now was not the moment to explore old wounds. In fact, if the frown that had suddenly shadowed Armando’s face was anything to go by, there was one more thing he had to tell them.

“What is it Armando?”

“You see too much my friend,” the Headmaster commented ruefully. “The Governors’ I confided in are prepared to vow never to reveal the secret of your marriage – but they have both asked to share the news with their wives.”

“It’s too many people,” Albus responded at once, “the greater the number who know, the greater the risk of exposure.”

“And how could I have stopped them? What could I have said? Would your wife be happy to learn you keep secrets from her?” It was, under the circumstances, an unfortunate question. There was a long silence, Armando’s eyes widened with the realisation that Albus hadn’t responded, clearly implying that he did keep secrets from his wife.

It was Minerva who saved the moment – lying her hand on Albus’ arm she said, “I don’t imagine other men’s secrets are of the same magnitude as yours, my dear.” At her words he looked at her, startled by what she had said, how much she knew without him telling her, how much she seemed to understand. “But Armando is right – we can’t sow marital discord amongst others in order to protect our own marriage.”

“Fine. Just their wives though, no one else.”

“Agreed, I’ll see to it.” Armando stood, “I’ll bid you goodnight then,” he took a step towards the door and then hesitated. “I am getting old,” he said, almost under his breath and then, “Albus would you mind if…?”

“Be my guest.” They were both too wary to say very much while Armando used the facilities – although Albus did wonder why when he returned from the bathroom he was bright red and bid them a rather hurried good night. Minerva looked distinctly amused, but he decided not to ask her about it. They waited for long enough to be sure the headmaster was safely back in his own rooms and then she collected the few items she had brought with her and slipped back out into the corridors.

Suddenly weary Albus decided upon an early night but, when he stepped into his bedroom, he realised what it was that had startled Armando – and what had amused Minerva so. The bed was very far from the pristine state he had left it in – in fact it was a riot of disorder, with pillows scattered, sheets tangled and two robes on the floor. It looked exactly as though two people had been enjoying themselves within it quite recently. He chucked out loud at the unexpected glimpse of Minerva’s humour and at how embarrassed Armando must have been when he saw the bed and leapt to the inevitable conclusion.

He picked up his dressing gown and her robe, wondering if she realised that she had left some of her possessions behind. The material was soft and silky beneath his fingertips and for a moment his imagination supplied a picture of her clad in it. But then he blinked it away – annoyed with himself. Had he been celibate for so long that he was this easily affected by an unexpected burst of attraction – or was it something about her?

Whatever the answer it was an inconvenient, but not insurmountable problem.

TBC

[Trulyamused]

Poor Armando. I Bet he almost had a stroke when he saw the bed. (chuckle).

Loved this.

Hope to read more soon.

Truly

[avadagypsy]

really great chapter! Gotta love minerva with the bed and everything! how funny! Can't wait till the next update!!!
Gypsy

[tanja]

Hihi clever Minerva ;D
I liked the idea of the picture next to the bed vrey much as well.
And I so hope for a soon update

[EloquentPhoenix]

Heheh, hilarious! Argh it's so frustrating, they're so obviously perfect for each other but they're together but they aren't. Albus having realised, but unwilling to accept, Minerva curently blind as ever. I'm completly hooked to your story, I was drawn in right from the beginning, I can never wait for the next chapter. I love it, even though I wait with baited breath each chapter for a *moment*. update soon!

[Isabelle]

That was rather daring of Minerva. Poor Dippet. I love this chapter. I hope those governors' wives don't go blabbing. Will we see a developing closeness in their relationship soon? I can't wait for the next chapter!

Liz

[EarthyGrl]

Hilarious! Keep on writing! ;D