A Convenient Fiction

[lemonygingersnaps]

MORE MORE MORE - I love the characterisations and the twist of this story - its a refreshing burst of creativity! Excellent Job!

[Catwoman99]

This is the first story I've read in quite a while and all I can say is wow. It's a rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm loving every minute of it. Such exquisite torture! I really am enjoying your writing and characterizations. Thank you for taking this further and letting your romantic nature rule out your other ending. I look forward to the next installment.

- April :-)

[foci]

I sincerely thought that I would not be back before June-July to comment. However, this chapter I cannot let go by unnoticed. Let me begin with the unpleasant part, typos. You misspelled Romanian in the fourth paragraph (Rumanian) and you very first sentence has mixed verb tenses “was been part of”, I imagine you wanted to change was to has been or vice versa.
Now onto the pleasant part. I think I can see now why the emotional turmoil of chapter 8 was necessary. Let me cite some moments I particularly liked:

>Certainly her refusal to allow their relationship to develop made her reaction to seeing him with another woman absurd. But that didn’t change the fact that she was used to being the one who was closest to him and now, for whatever reason, he was absorbed by someone else. And she was unsettled.< I have to compliment you on how much you seem to have given to the background of both Albus and Minerva. Perhaps I’m drawn to your story so much because I was in a similar (but not identical - LOL) situation that you presented in this chapter myself, and when I nod after every paragraph and think “Yep, that’s how it feels like,” I guess it means that you do a marvellous job. Your greatest achievement is that you can explain these feelings in an excellent style, and one neither feels “being taught” nor ignorant about Albus and Minerva’s emotional distress. I particularly liked how you placed a stop between the last two sentences in the paragraph I quoted, without the stop and the “And” it wouldn’t have the same effect on the reader.

I chose not to reflect on some other excellent details you seemingly had added for effect and better understanding of the two’s character; such as Albus’ careful supervision of Minerva’s article, or the tentative conversations about childhood, because I have so much more to comment on.

The two things that made fall in love with this chapter and take my hat off before you were:
1., How Albus’ reacted to Minerva’s >“I am sure Madam Dragomir will be delighted to have you as a companion.”< It is a very real and very Albus reaction and it took huge effort for Albus to say so little. Fabulous counterpoint (or rather emphasis) to your earlier description about how his actions enabled the two to become friends again. His two-sentence response probably cost him as much energy and heartache as the organisation of their winter altogether.

2. And the second is that he didn’t take advantage of Minerva’s offer to stay with her that night.

These were so powerful moments, so in-character reactions, and so alive moments. It lent a powerful aura to the whole chapter. I, for one, like this chapter the most from the first ten.

The hidden humorous moments made me smile and chuckle just as you had intended, I’m sure.

All in all, a worthy update with beautiful sentence structures and a powerful story flow. Not to mention that not once did I manage to guess what would happen in the upcoming chapter and that’s always a sign of a brilliant story.

[tanja]

I´d missed the last update, and finally read it. Really sad, but I`m glad they are aware of their feelings now. At least I hope so...

[Sensiblyquirky]

I like this turn of events because it is more realistic, but I do eagerly await happily ever after! It will be interesting to see what happens while Albus is away, for both Albus and Minerva.

Christy

[zyx]

That was a really sweet, sad ending.
I love it.

[kate]

I just read the whole story for the first time and I am really stunned and am looking REALLY REALLY forward to your update!!!!

How can you put a TBC here???!!!

Anyway it is a fantastic story... I love the humour!!!!! I love how you describe everything and their feelings! I am just loving it!!!

PLEASE update very soon

Thanks for this wonderful story!

~*~ Kate

[Leaves of Green]

Update or I don't think my poor little heart could take it.

[nemi]

I've missed too many updates.

This is one of the most brilliant stories I've ever read. As you described Minerva's feelings for Albus, "the more I think I understand it, the more enigmatic it becomes". You never fail to leave me hanging. You write really well and every chapter is intense and evocative. Albus and Minerva's feelings are described wonderfully. This story has a wonderful plot, it's an extremely original take on marriage.

You have the wonderful ability to make me feel like I'm part of the story; to make me love and hate the characters as if they're real. I love the exchanges between Albus and Minerva and how you don't just have them rush into it; you've taken time to analyse their thoughts and it's made the story even more wonderful. I eagerly await your next chapter

[kbmaillist]

This is fantastic more soon please

[morgan72uk]

A/N - thanks for the reviews and the continuing interest in this story. I think this is the penultimate part, but you can never tell.

Part 11

The cart rolled slowly on its path, the occupants feeling every bump along the rutted track. Shifting around, trying to find a comfortable position, Albus reflected that there was nothing more frustrating than having magical modes of transport at your disposal and not being able to use them. He understood the necessity of the agreement the magical Government had come to with their muggle counterparts, but right now he wasn’t particularly happy with the results. Still, however slow and painful the progress he was heading inexorably in the right direction. He was on his way home.

He glanced over at his companion. Lucretia Dragomir gave every impression of being deeply asleep, but she could just be ignoring him. Over the last two weeks he had got the impression that she had become bored by his company. It had been several days since she had made any attempt to seduce him, which meant she had probably decided that his charms were as overrated as his conversation. He didn’t mind in the least.

He knew her better now. He’d seen beyond her political persona and realised she was a witch of considerable ability. Her ambition and cunning had carried her far in her chosen field, would likely carry her further yet. She would be a useful ally, but he doubted that they would ever be friends. She wasn’t the worst person to spend two weeks searching the Romanian countryside with. To illustrate the point, he spent a couple of minutes compiling a list of who the worst people would be and she didn’t even make the top ten.

Still, as they had pursued wisps of smoke he had found himself wishing, on more than one occasion, for a logical and insightful analysis of the situation, preferably delivered in a Scottish accent. He had also recognised that a companion who could transform into a small cat, with sharp senses would have been very useful in their investigations. But Minerva was safely back at Hogwarts – and with every excruciating second of the journey he was getting closer to her.

Their last encounter had been on his mind a great deal; there had been little else to think about and certainly nothing that had such potential to absorb him. Her behaviour was confusing and their last moments together had felt hurried and unfinished. But at the same time she had given him tantalising glimpses of what their relationship could be like – if only she overcame her fears. When he was feeling pessimistic he knew that during his absence she might have had time to retreat, to regret what she’d said. Since his arrival here he had been unable to contact anyone, so he had no way of knowing what was on her mind. But still he hoped.

Until the moment she had asked him to spend the night with her he hadn’t been certain that what he was loosely terming his ‘strategy’ was having any effect at all. Faced with her fears he had realised that the only thing he could do was ensure she saw beyond his public persona and understand who he really was. But that wasn’t exactly easy to accomplish – especially when his heart told him to press ahead, to confront the issue and find a solution to it. He thought he could probably convince her if he really put his mind to it, the passion in the few kisses they had shared had told him more than she realised about the war raging inside her. But it wasn’t his decision to make, there would be no Dumbledore riding to the rescue this time.

It wasn’t as if he didn’t have other things to worry about. The threat that had brought him to Romania had proven elusive, but very real – they even had a body to prove it. He suspected that this was unlikely to be the last death, which raised another point. Was it right of him to involve Minerva more closely in his world? If the darkness were coming, as he feared it was, then it would be safer for her not to be close to him. But it was too late for that; whatever they had done to keep their marriage a secret might not be enough. She was already in harms way and he had placed her there. Knowing that, how in good conscience could he continue trying to convince her that they were meant to be together? And yet, how could he stop?

Finally they reached Bucharest and he was able to dispense with rustic modes of transport. Lucretia was more than capable of dealing with the authorities in Romania, at some point he knew he would have to speak to the Ministry himself, but it would wait, it would all wait. The only thing he was interested in was getting back to Hogwarts and Minerva.

As he walked from Hogsmeade to the school he felt as though he were breathing easily for the first time in weeks. During his absence the fragile beginnings of spring had taken root, the trees were heavy with blossom and flowers marked the footpath. His thoughts grew fanciful and he imagined spending the summer months with Minerva, walking together in green meadows, sharing picnics and long, lazy afternoons. His footsteps sped up and he almost laughed at himself – it was not dignified for a man of his age and position to be so in love, especially when he remained uncertain of her response. But how could he help himself?

Lucretia’s parting comment had left him in no doubt that she understood the reason for his hasty departure. As he bade her farewell she had said, “give my regards to Professor McGonagall. I hope she realises that she is a fortunate woman and a worthy opponent. I underestimated her, not a mistake I will make again.” He didn’t think it would be wise to pass on her sentiments to Minerva.

As he crossed the wards that protected the castle and its grounds he noted that the tingle of magic was of a slightly different timbre. But he paid it very little heed, assuming that Armando must have strengthened the wards during his absence. His thoughts darkened for a moment at the thought of the trouble that could be coming, he would do anything he could to prevent this world from being caught up in another war – but his best efforts might not be enough. If he failed it would be back to spying, to betrayals and sacrifices, back to the violence and deception that he loathed.

He shook his head, casting aside the thoughts and concentrating instead on his destination. It was mid-afternoon; the students would be busy in lessons so it was unlikely that he would be able to see Minerva straight away. But lessons would be over soon and perhaps they would be able to have afternoon tea together.

He was smiling as he stepped through the large doors; it was good to be home. But his smile faded as he found himself face to face with four of his colleagues – the heads of the other Houses and Minerva. All of them looked sombre and he didn’t even take the time to wonder how they had known of his return.

“What’s going on?” He asked, looking from face to face, seeking a clue. Inevitably it was Minerva who stepped forwards. She didn’t bother keeping a professional distance between them and her eyes were soft with compassion as she touched his arm.

“Albus, I am afraid I have some bad news. The Headmaster died in his sleep two nights ago.”

***

As she entered her rooms Minerva gave a practised flick of her wand and the black robes she wore were transformed into her comfortable, familiar green ones. How she loathed funerals.

Crossing to the windows she looked outand saw that the last of the visiting dignitaries were leaving. They had given Armando a dignified send off, but she was sure that everyone had been bitterly aware that they should have been celebrating his retirement. Instead of delivering eulogies they should have been hearing how he planned to occupy his time now that he no longer had a school to run. It just wasn’t fair that he had been robbed of the chance to relax and enjoy himself.

She glanced around the room; knowing she should probably start packing. With Armando’s death the changes to her role had taken effect earlier than planned. She was now de facto head of Gryffindor and teaching much of the transfiguration curriculum in addition to her own subject. But, she was unsure when she would actually move to her new rooms since Albus was showing a marked reluctance to occupy the Headmaster’s suite and as far as she knew was still using his old rooms and study.

Albus. She sighed, looking outside, hoping that perhaps he had decided to take a walk. But there was no sign of him. There was no point pretending that she wasn’t worried about him. He had taken Armando’s death harder than anyone – probably because he had not been here. If she knew anything at all about the man who, in name at least, was her husband, it was that he had the tendency to hold himself responsible for things that could not possibly be lain at his door.

Over the last two days he had evaded her attempts to talk to him, taking advantage of the fact that they both had much to do, avoiding her at meals and during the evenings. She understood that he wasn’t ready to talk about this yet and she had left him in peace, left him to brood. But she wasn’t sure how much longer they could go on like this, she didn’t want him to deal with this on his own. There was no reason why he should have to.

Until Armando’s death her greatest worry had been what Albus’ return would mean for their relationship. She had been bewildered by her feelings, by her reaction to another woman’s interest in him. She had been in a riot of uncertainty during his absence, her feelings chaotic and confused, her imagination conjuring up a variety of dangers for him to overcome; dark wizards, dangerous beasts – and Lucretia Dragomir’s charms.

It was perfectly clear what the next step ought to be, but still her courage had failed her. She could have damned Porus for what he had done to her, but she was reluctant to concede him that much power over her. And, in truth, it was her weakness that scared her, her own capacity to lose herself in another person that made her reluctant to take the risk again. Yet, when she thought about Albus she knew that he would never use that frailty against her, that he would protect her from herself if that was what was needed. Everything about his behaviour indicated that his intended for her to make the choice herself – no matter what it cost him.

She didn’t know what to think about that. Or about her growing realisation that any relationship between them would need to be finely balanced. They were complicated people who each had demons, who could cause each other great pain, but who understood the other perhaps better than they understood themselves. No one she knew, not even her own parents, had a relationship even remotely like the one she had now with Albus. She knew that greater intimacy would make the complexity even more apparent. Could she do it?

Suddenly it became a question not of whether she had the courage to overcome her fears but of whether she had the courage to live with someone whose sensitivity and intelligence were as acute as Albus’? Someone who was restraining himself from rescuing her, but who was likely to be called up on to save their world. She had not arrived at an answer to that question when Armando’s death had overtaken them.

But in all her musings, in all the vacillations and contradictions of her thoughts she had not, at any point, considered how important her reaction to him hurt and unhappy would be. The truth was she loved him and she could not bear to see him sad.

She shook her head, trying to dispel the thoughts of a decision she knew she was running out of time to make. She needed to work; fortunately there was marking to be done, there was always marking to be done.

The corridors were quiet as she made her way to her classroom. The student body was understandably subdued and the teaching staff was still struggling to come to terms with their loss. Many of them had viewed Armando as a friend and while she had not been as close to him as some, Minerva couldn’t help but wish she and Albus had not been deceiving him about their relationship.

She retrieved a bundle of essays from various years; she thought sleep would be slow in coming tonight and that being the case sheintended to use her insomnia productively. She had hoped to bump into Albus on her travels, but there was no sign of him. Reluctantly she conceded that since he was avoiding her, she would have to wait until he came to her. She had to trust that sooner or later he would come to her to talk, to seek comfort.

As she rounded a corner she came upon Nearly Headless Nick, drifting aimlessly along. His expression was as unhappy as everyone else’s seemed to be and she wasn’t surprised to learn that even the ghosts had been affected by the passing of the Headmaster.

His greeting was decidedly lacklustre, which was fine by her since she was in no mood for cheerfulness. But Sir Nicholas could be a useful source of information and she did not hesitate to ask him if he had seen the new Headmaster.

“I believe after his meeting with the Governors he went to his study, his new study I mean.” Well, that was something at least, although she wasn’t entirely reassured. “I believe he is still very troubled by Professor Dippet’s death.”

“Yes,” she agreed, “I think so too. But he won’t talk to me – at least not at the moment.” She glanced over at her companion, realising that as Head of Gryffindor she could ask for his assistance. “Sir Nicholas, would you linger near to the Headmaster’s study this evening and, should he emerge and should you have the chance to speak to him, would you tell him that you believe I am still awake?”

“Of course dear lady, you can rely on me.” She watched him float away – not at all certain that it would be enough, but what else could she do?

Hours passed, it grew dark outside and her study started to feel cold. She lit a fire, summoned some tea and still there was no sign of Albus. Her marking was all but finished, she was tired and she knew that tomorrow was likely to be a long and a difficult day. But if he came looking for her, if he needed her, she wanted to be here.

She picked up her research notes and tried to concentrate on the latest findings – but the notations and formulas danced before her eyes, making no sense at all. Still she persevered, desperate for an excuse to stay awake.

And then she heard it. Her sharp senses picking up the sound of footsteps outside her door. She could scarcely breathe, terrified that it was her imagination, or even if it were Albus that he would change his mind. The silence was a long one, she dug her nails into her palm to prevent herself from going to the door and opening it. Finally she had her reward, a quiet tap on the door, so soft that had she not been listening carefully she would have missed it.

“Come in.” He stepped into the room slowly, she could sense his reluctance and she was certain that one wrong word would cause him to bolt.

“Sir Nicholas said you would still be awake; waiting up for me?”

“Yes,” there was no point in denying it. He looked at her properly for the first time since she had broken the news of Armando’s death to him and she was almost overwhelmed by the sadness she saw in his eyes. “Come here,” she said gently – surprised but relieved when he complied.

As he sat down beside her she reached for him and drew him into her arms. He tried to pull away at first, but she murmured nonsense words of comfort, rubbed soothing circles on his back and finally he relaxed into her embrace.

“It wasn’t your fault,” she said, stroking his hair, “you couldn’t have known, none of us had any idea he was so ill.”

“I should have known, I should have been here.”

“And he would still have died. It’s all right to mourn him, to miss him. But you shouldn’t blame yourself for something you could have done nothing to prevent. He died peacefully, Albus.”

“I know.” They were both silent after that, she didn’t know how long they stayed clasped together, drawing solace from one another. At last he pulled back and touched her cheek with trembling fingertips, “Minerva, you are my peace.” At his words she closed her eyes, her lashes wet with tears. All the deliberations, all the things that she had worried about were meaningless compared to this.

“And you are mine.”

TBC

[Sensiblyquirky]

I love this chapter. I love how she seems to have just given in at last, she's thought about it too much and I'm glad Minerva seems to have decided (i want to be careful should you change something!)

Now for some kissage...that would be great.

Christy

[Trulyamused]

Excellent. The emotion here in palpable but Minerva thinks to much. The last part was perfect.

Hope to read more soon.

Truly

[Hogwarts Duo]

With each update, I fall deeper and deeper into this story. The depth of emotions you portray for both Albus and Minerva is overwhelming and makes me truly believe in what you're writing.
I can truly see them both behaving just as you're written them, which is a true testament to your skills.

I look forward to the next update and I can't wait to see how you convey their emotions and the events when they actually come together as a couple in love.

[avadagypsy]

Ditto with what everyone else has said! I love your writing style, I love the plot, I love EVERYTHING about this story, and everytime I log onto this board, I imediately look to see if you've updated yet! Keep up the great work!

[lemonygingersnaps]

Thanks for the update - I love this story!! :-)

[tanja]

it´s so very sad but still so good... I loved it and I hope they´ll be able to support the other

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

awww....so loving this!, it's very moving.

can't wait for next update . keep up great work, loved the chapter =]

[Catwoman99]

I'm happy to see an update for this. This chapter was brilliant. I'm glad to see that Minerva seems to have come to a decision (the right decision) about Albus. Her conflicting emotions and reasons for her trepidation are totally believable and logical given her past. You write both Albus and Minerva very well.

- April :-)

[littlemorgsi]

You characterise Albus and Minerva really well. Hopefully, Minerva will decide to further their relationship, and Albus will NOT decide that doing so would put Minerva in too much danger.

[ismaco]

Awww! I liked it a lot!
Excellent chapter!!! Bravo... please update soon.
Love,
Isabel

[chell]

I am still enjoying this fic very much. I love your writing style and the way you are able to draw me into your story. I could say more, but I'd just be echoing the sentiments of everyone who reviewed above me. It's wonderful and I can't wait for more.

[Jessabelle]

Oh my God, that last sentence was perfect! Excellent work. I am glad that you are continuing to use such raw emotions in such a realistic way. Please update quickly!
- Jess

[TartanPhoenix]

I have to agree; the last sentance is perfect. It is simple, but it sums up everything that she's struggled with. I can't wait for the next chapter.

[Tartan Tabby]

Finally I have time to review your story! It's really awesome and very well written, the best I've read in a long time! Albus and Minerva are very in character and all their emotions are absolutely believable. I can't wait to read more and hope you update soon!

[alison]

Wow! I really love this story. The depth and range of emotion is incredible. It's really believable--the struggles of a relationship make the end result all the more powerful. Please continue.

[morgan72uk]

A/N - ending is, apparently, difficult.

Part 12

The Seer of Islay was beginning to think he had done something to offend the Gods. A transgression of some kind, he reasoned, could be the only explanation for his having to face Minerva McGonagall for the third time in less than a year.

At least this time she wasn’t pointing a wand at him and threatening to transfigure him into something small and furry. Having faced her wrath he was immeasurably grateful that she appeared scarcely aware of his presence. Instead her attention was fixed firmly on the wizard at her side. This time he was pleased to see that she stood before him in robes of deepest green, which shimmered with the early morning sunlight. Added to the loose curls of hair that tumbled around her face and the softness of her smile she looked every inch a woman about to be married. Again.

Beside her Albus Dumbledore looked resolute, but nervous. He had yet to let go of her hand and seemed to have no intention of doing so. Their body language was completely different from that first morning and the glow around them was not completely due to the shards of sunlight.

Their request had been unusual, but one he was able to grant. And, after all, he could tell that he was really marrying them this time – even though he didn’t understand why that hadn’t been the case the first time around. He really didn’t need to know all the details, but his life was so quiet and still, sometimes he couldn’t help but become interested in the affairs of others. He suspected that this relationship would be one he would be watching for a long time.

This time, when their wands touched the bright light engulfed them once more. It was a rare enough phenomenon for him to be shocked at experiencing it twice –although they seemed to have been expecting it. When the light cleared they were locked together in a passionate embrace and before he had a chance to congratulate them, the pop of their apparition carried them away to Merlin knew where. Which at least spared him from having to explain what he had seen of their future.

***
When they kissed it was difficult to think about anything else. Dimly Minerva recognised that the air around them felt different - clearly they were no longer on Islay. The sound of bird song and the soft spring breeze led her to conclude that in all likelihood Albus had apparated them back to the environs of Hogwarts. If she had been able to spare the attention she would undoubtedly have been grateful that his power and control was such that he could kiss her and apparate at the same time.

The cautious part of her recognised that they were probably within sight of the school, which meant that despite the early hour there was a possibility that they would be seen. But Albus threaded his hand into her hair, caressing her scalp with long, sensitive fingers and this, combined with the stroke of his tongue against hers, made her caution melt away.

Eventually they parted, breathless, but still touching, their hands clasped together, smiling at each other. Only now did she realise how anxious Albus had been looking – as though he had been half-afraid that she would change her mind. She couldn’t blame him, she had put him through so much.

Her memory drifted back to the night when she had finally made her decision. “You are my peace,” they had said to each other in the dwindling firelight. But it was not, after all, the final declaration. The words that needed to be said had lingered between them, but they had to be hers and she had known that she owed him no less than the truth.

“I could live like this,” she had said taking his hand in hers, “with our friendship as it is now, close but not too close. I could be content with that life, with never having to face my fears. But, I think it would make you very unhappy – and I have already learnt that I can not bear to see you sad. I don’t think I could stand to be the cause of your unhappiness.”

“You shouldn’t decide because of someone else.”

“I can’t think of a better reason, when you love the someone else in question.” And she had drawn him to her and kissed him, letting the passion build slowly and gradually between them. “I love you,” she had whispered sometime later, surprised at how sure and certain she’d sounded and how the voice she had spoken with had echoed her feelings.

She was certain. She believed, not in herself, but in the man she had given her heart to. She believed in how determined he had been not to rescue her, she believed that his struggle to overcome his chivalrous nature meant that he understood her own fears. When she thought of the relationship they could have she did not expect it to be simple or uncomplicated – but she knew that this love would not diminish either of them.

And so they had stayed up half the night, kissing, holding each other and hardly speaking. She had felt his relief at her decision and tried not to feel guilty that she had made him wait so long, put him through so much.

Somewhere in those hours, though she was not quite sure when, this plan had been born. She was determined that he would not doubt her, which was why early the following Saturday morning they had repeated their wedding ceremony. He had needed the reassurance, perhaps needed it still – and she was more than happy to give it.

But it was not that simple of course. Albus smiled ruefully and stepped back from her, she squeezed his hand and returned the smile. Though it was a Saturday, they both had duties to fulfil – actually, with Albus now acting as Headmaster and Minerva covering some of his lessons as well as her own and taking over from him as Head of Gryffindor, they were both extremely busy. There would be little time to celebrate their marriage.

“I wish we could spend the day together,” he said, “I wish we had time for a honeymoon, but I fear that until the summer we will have little time for ourselves.”

“I understand,” and of course she did. He gazed at her in silence for a moment and she shivered at his intensity.

“Still, I believe we may be able to find some time alone later,” he said, his voice husky. “We could have a private dinner, I am sure there are a number of important matters we need to discuss.”

“I’d like that.” He touched her cheek with his hand and lifted her hand to his lips. The moment he touched her skin with his lips it was all she could do not to kiss him again. They hadn’t made a conscious decision not to consummate their relationship until they had been through the marriage ceremony again – but somehow that was what had happened. The week had been long and tiring – and they both had tasks to complete that day. But she looked into his eyes and all she could think about was tonight.

***
Albus Dumbledore sighed heavily as he returned to his study, his footsteps echoing hollowly as he crossed the room. It was dark and slightly cold, as though it had been empty for most of the evening – which it probably had. The house elves had tidied away the dinner they had not touched and the candles he had lit had long since burned out. He was disappointed - even though he had been gone for hours he’d been holding onto a small hope that she would wait up for him. Yet, after the day they had both had he could not blame her for retreating to her own rooms for some sleep.

The sunrise on Islay and the renewal of their marriage vows felt a long time ago already. She had looked so beautiful and so absolutely determined. When he looked into her eyes he knew that she meant what she said - even if he still struggled to believe it. He knew better than to doubt Minerva, he smiled at the thought of even trying.

As it had turned out that had been the easiest part of the day. He had spent most of the rest of it trying to get to grips with the vast amount of paperwork that had accumulated since Armando’s death. He was still, uneasy, about using the Headmaster’s study – but the papers he had needed were there, so he had made himself overcome the reluctance. Although he was still not ready to occupy the rooms that went with the study.

By early evening he had dispatched much of the paperwork and his concentration was deserting him. The only pleasant part of the day had been giving instructions to the house elves about their evening meal. He had been determined that it would be special.

He had known that Minerva would not be free to join him until the rest of the school sat down for their evening meal. Between supervising a visit to Hogsmeade, coaching some seventh year students worried about their NEWTS and overseeing a detention - her schedule was as busy as his.

He had been thinking about changing his robes when she’d contacted him. And, though his heart had lifted when her head appeared in the fire, he could have cursed the students of his own House for their appalling timing.

A practical joke gone seriously awry, causing damage and even some injuries. It was apparent to both of them that the Head of Gryffindor would be detained for some time in repairing the common room, making sure the injured received treatment and meting out punishment. He had sighed, said he hoped the offenders were suitably contrite and offered to come and lend a hand with the clear up. She had promised that she could manage, which had left him to concern himself with asking the house elves to keep their meal warm for them.

At that point their night had only been running a little behind schedule. But once things had started going wrong they hadn’t stopped. By the time Minerva reached his rooms having dealt with the antics of her students, he had been putting on his cloak.

“The Minister wants to discuss my report on events in Romania – she insists that it must be tonight, I have put her off several times already and I can hardly tell her how I had planned to spend this evening. I’m sorry.” She had leant against the door, watching him as he finished putting on his cloak. Her expression had been difficult to read and at first he had thought she was angry. But instead, to his surprise, she had started to laugh.

“It must be difficult, when the universe refuses to heed the wishes of the great Albus Dumbledore,”

“It is inconvenient,” he had agreed, delighted that she was teasing him. He had laughed as well, resting his head against hers, “I just want to spend the evening with you. Why can’t the Universe co-operate?”

“Don’t sulk.” She had brushed her thumb over his bottom lip and he'd been amazed by how much her simple touch had affected him. “The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll be back.”

But she’d been wrong. The Ministry had taken the information he had returned from Romania with extremely seriously. At any other time he would have been relieved that they weren’t simply dismissing the news of a growing threat. However, because they were taking it so seriously he had found himself attending a near endless meeting about strategy – it was the early hours of the morning before he got away.

It was fair to say the day had not gone as he had hoped. He wished he could laugh about it, but it meant too much to him. He had wanted everything to be perfect, for Minerva to feel loved and cherished and for their first night together to be filled with joy and passion. It was what she deserved and it was frustrating that events had conspired against them. He knew he was being childish, sulking even. But it was difficult to shake the mood off. He was tempted to stamp his foot and shake his fist at the heavens, but he was too tired to make the effort.

Instead he made his way across the room, hoping that a few hours of sleep would cure him of his bad mood. He was too busy wallowing in disappointment to notice the soft light that crept beneath the bedroom door. Which meant that the sight that greeted him when he opened the door came as a complete surprise – and it took his breath away.

Minerva was curled up in his bed wearing what looked like burgundy pyjamas. Her hair was falling around her shoulders, her glasses were perched on the end of her nose and open in front of her was a large book – which looked a lot like Hogwarts – A History. He had never seen her look more beautiful.

“I can’t believe you’re here,” he breathed.

“Where else would I be? These rooms do belong to the Head of Gryffindor.” He perched on the edge of the bed, slightly afraid to cross the final distance to her.

“So I’m in the wrong place?”

“No,” she closed the book and set it on the bedside table, taking her glasses off and lying them on top of it, “actually you’re in exactly the right place. Although, I can’t help thinking you’d be more comfortable in bed.”

She reached out to him, sliding into his arms and when he started to speak she pressed her hand to his mouth effectively silencing him.

Their eyes met and the irritation of the day simply faded away. They were here, together, what else mattered? And then she brushed her lips to his ear and whispered, “come to bed.”

It was an invitation he had no intention of refusing.

The End (except for a very short epilogue)

[alison]

Oh, this story is just so lovely! The depth of emotion and the realistic nature of the characters is wonderful. Well done! Congratulations on finishing! And thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story with us.

[lemonygingersnaps]

I love this story and you did a fantastic job! Kudos!! :-)

[Hogwarts Duo]

This has to be one of my favorite stories. You have created characters which are real and things don't always go smoothly for them, just like real life seems to be. I have enjoyed this story immensely and longed for each update and I'm sad to see it ending. However, I'm looking forward to your next story...whatever and whenever that may be!