An Affair to Remember (Prequel to Second Best)

[dianahawthorne]

An Affair to Remember: Prequel to "Second Best"

***
DISCLAIMER: We don't own HP, unfortunately!
A/N: This is the prequel to "Second Best", written by kissofdeath - it can be found in the Drama section of the site. She and I are writing this fic together. We hope you enjoy!!
***

Chapter 1

Minerva sat on the veranda of the house she shared with her husband, thinking. These were supposed to be the happiest days of her life, but she felt that something was missing. She felt a lack of purpose, a lack of living for one thing, which disturbed her. She had always been filled with purpose, with drive, with determination, with spirit, but she felt those qualities slipping away.
She knew she should be happy – she was married to a man she loved – but she felt that that was the problem. She loved Thadeus, but she was no longer IN love with him – if she ever had been. And the worst part of it was that he was even more in love with her than he ever had been.
It was becoming increasingly clear to Minerva that she had been most in love with him during the early days of their relationship.


“Minerva?” Thadeus asked her nervously.
“Yes?” she replied, smiling at him.
“Would – would you like to come to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?” he blurted out.
She beamed at him. “Oh, yes!” she exclaimed. “I’d love to!”
He returned her smile. “I’ll meet you in the main hall at ten?” he suggested.
“That would be wonderful,” she replied, still smiling.

He arrived a bit early on Saturday and waited for Minerva to arrive. When she did, his breath was taken away as he watched her descend the stairs towards him, entranced by her beauty. She was wearing her long black hair in a braid for once, instead of the usual bun. She wore a navy blue knee-length skirt, a pearl-grey turtleneck jumper, and matching grey wool stockings, which accentuated her lovely long legs.
“You look beautiful, Minerva,” Thadeus said, and she smiled at him. As she took his arm, it was all he could do to keep breathing.
“Shall we go?” Minerva asked, and he nodded in response, unwilling to let his voice betray his emotions.
It was a perfect autumn day: clear, cool, and crisp. The sun was shining and the sky was a bright blue; the leaves had begun to fall from the trees. One landed in Minerva’s hair, and Thadeus picked it out, his fingertips grazing the side of her face, causing them both to blush.
When they reached Hogsmeade it was about 10:30 in the morning. They started their visit in Honeydukes, where Thadeus bought Minerva a box of Ginger Newts, her favourite biscuits. After their stop at Honeydukes, they walked down the Hogsmeade High Street before returning to Hogwarts. Thadeus led her not back to Gryffindor Tower, as she had expected, but up to the Room of Requirement. After they passed in front of the wall three times, a door appeared, and Thadeus held it open for her, and Minerva smiled at him as she entered.
Minerva gasped as Thadeus closed the door behind them. The room was transformed into a beach paradise – there was a picnic blanket with a large, delicious-looking lunch spread out on it, set on a sand dune, water lapping near the edge of the blanket.
“Oh, Thadeus! It’s wonderful!” she exclaimed, kicking off her shoes and walking to the blanket, sitting down and peeling off her stockings. Thadeus watched her, his mouth dry as she removed her stockings, revealing her bare legs. She looked up at him, smiling secretly to herself as she noticed his expression of desire. “Aren’t you going to join me, Thadeus?” she asked him, patting the spot on the blanket next to her. He joined her, kicking off his shoes as well.
They had a wonderful lunch – the food was delicious, but that was not what made the lunch wonderful. They laughed, talked, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. And when the meal finished, she leaned across the blanket and kissed him lightly.

She sighed as she recalled the memory of their first kiss. Those were wonderful times – she had been so in love with Thadeus then. The next memory that surfaced was of Valentine’s Day their seventh year.

It was their seventh year, and it was Valentine’s day. Minerva had sent him a very intricate valentine, a simple red heart with the message “Happy Valentine’s Day, Thadeus. I love you; Your Minerva.” While the message was simple, the charms she had placed on the red paper heart were quite complex: she had Charmed the paper to turn into an origami lion that would snap at a person’s fingers if anyone besides Thadeus tried to read it.
He had sent her a single red rose, accompanied by a heart bearing Lord Byron’s famous poem “She Walks in Beauty.”

She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that’s best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow’d to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair’d the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o’er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!

“My darling Minerva,” he had written at the bottom of the card. “I cannot believe that Lord Byron was not thinking of you when he penned this poem. I love you so much, and I regret that I am not as eloquent or as poetic as Lord Byron. As I cannot write a proper tribute to you, I hope that this poem will do as my tribute to you. All my love, Your Thadeus.”

Pulling herself back to the present, Minerva sighed. Where had her love for Thadeus gone? She had been so in love with him – he had been her entire world when they were at Hogwarts. They had been married for only three months, and every day she felt less and less in love with him. She still loved him, enjoyed spending time with him, but she could not help feeling that he was not the one she was meant to be with. But she did not know to whom she should belong.

[tabbyphoenix]

I hope this is a multi-chapter fic, can't wait for more!! Enjoyed it very much, feel so sorry for Min but more so for Thadeus.

Thadeus dear, you should've known Min's heart was with Al!

Update ASAP,

Keep up the great work and I'm delighted that you decided to continue!

Cheers!

[dianahawthorne]

There's more - kissofdeath is writing the next chapter.

[kissofdeath]

Glad to hear you guys are enjoying the fic. Here's Chapter 2:


~Chapter 2~
The next few years flew by for Minerva and Thadeus. Although both were quite young, they had managed to achieve the highest position in their careers. Minerva was now Head of the Auror Department and Thadeus was now one of the Chiefs in the Wizengamot. To everyone surrounding them, they seemed to have it all: a wonderful home, careers most people never even dare to dream of, and an amazingly happy marriage.


In reality, the romance was basically only one-sided. Thadeus loved Minerva, with all his heart and soul. She was his everything and she always would be. Unfortunately, Minerva's feelings for Thadeus stayed firmly in the friendship zone. She loved him, just as she always would. After all, he was her first love. But she wasn't in love with him, and she probably never would be again.

Over the years, Minerva tried so hard to fall in love with him, but each time she seemed to take one step forward and two steps back, making things a bit awkward. Finally, it just settled to the point where Minerva saw her marriage as more of a friendly, companionable one. A simple one without the sparks or the fiery passionate romance. After all, Minerva thought, romance and sparks were highly overrated.

Now here she was, laying in bed reading, completely absorbed in her novel. She was so wrapped up in it that she never noticed Thadeus standing in the doorway, with a look of intense desire in his eyes.

Making his way across the room, Thadeus took the book from Minerva's hands gently, but firmly. Before she could protest, he covered his mouth with hers, silencing her. Minerva moaned into his mouth, not from desire (Minerva never felt anything extraordinary when he kissed her, no sparks or desire) as he interpreted it, but from confusion. Her husband had never acted like this before, and she was quite curious as to what brought this abrupt change in his behavior. When she felt his hands start to move towards her chest she stopped him and broke apart from their embrace.

"Thadeus what has gotten into you?" asked Minerva before Thadeus placed a finger over her lips.

"Shh," he said soothingly, pushing her down among the satin sheets.

"Thadeus…."

Thadeus planted small, butterfly kisses around her neck, adding to Minerva's confusion. She and Thadeus were rarely intimate, for their work schedules were always different and normally by the time they were both home, they were both simply exhausted and fell asleep instantly. Besides the expected marital intimacy, such as on anniversaries or birthdays, their sex life was nonexistent. This didn't bother Minerva, for when they did actually have sex, it was quite awkward and uncomfortable for her.

Such was the case now. Even though Thadeus was doing all the right things it took to arouse her, she still couldn't help feeling extremely uncomfortable. Her feelings of unease only intensified when Thadeus leaned over to whisper in her ear.

"Let's make a baby…." He nuzzled unto her neck.

Minerva pulled away from Thadeus, and sat up, staring at him with shock. "W-what?" she spluttered.

Thadeus smiled and took her hand, which was absolutely frozen now. "You heard me, Min. I want a baby with you. I'm tired of coming home to a lonely, quiet house. I'm ready to have little ones running around everywhere. Merlin knows that this place is much too big for just the two of us."

"Where did all this come from?" asked Minerva incredulously. "You've never mentioned children before."

Thadeus frowned. "What are you talking about, Min? Children have always been part of our plan. We agreed that after we got married we'd focus on our careers first, and then once we've settled in we'd work on getting little ones."

Minerva thought back for a moment, trying to recall exactly when it was she said that. Once she remembered, she cringed. The plans Thadeus was referring to were ones they had made in seventh year. Back when she was still madly in love with him.

"Thadeus, I-I'm sorry. I don't think I'm ready to have children just yet." This was a lie. Minerva desperately wanted a child. Just… not with Thadeus. She didn't think it was fair to bring a child into this world when she had no feelings besides platonic ones for its father.

Thadeus sensed that she was lying but decided against pressing her further. Sighing in disappointment, he crossed over to his side of the bed and crawled into the sheets.

"You probably just need a while to think about it. Really get used to the idea." He said firmly.

"Maybe," Minerva agreed, not wanting to cause him any more disappointment.

"Goodnight, love." Thadeus said, kissing her tenderly on the lips. "I love you."

"Goodnight Thadeus." She replied, facing the opposite side of the bed, drifting off to sleep.

He noticed with a slight pang in his heart, the first of many to come in his long life, that Minerva had not returned his 'I love you'. In fact, she had not said 'I love you' to him for nearly a year.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

About a week later, Thadeus was pacing back and forth in living room, eagerly waiting for the post. The morning after the conversation about children with Minerva, Thadeus had gone to the apothecary to order a few potions to help give him and Minerva a boost in the right direction when they started trying for a child.

He realized, of course, that Minerva was against having children at this point in her life, but knew she would change her mind sooner or later, and that there was no harm in being prepared for when that moment arrived.

He stopped abruptly when he noticed their owl Aristotle carrying quite a lot of mail. Opening the window excitedly, he let the owl land on the desk, giving him a biscuit as he quickly sorted through the mail.

He tore open the package from the apothecary eagerly, excitement coursing through his veins. Inside, he spotted all the items Minerva would need: ovulation potions, nutrition potions, prenatal tonics. He frowned slightly when he noticed that his items weren't there. It was then that he noticed the small envelope beside the package. He opened it curiously, reading it aloud.


Dear Mr. McKinnon,
I was not able to fulfill your request for conceiving potions. The mandatory diagnostic spells that were cast on your arrival reveal some abnormalities. With a heavy heart, I regret to inform you that you are physically incapable of producing children, therefore negating all effects the potions would have on you…"


The letter went on explaining the disorder Thadeus had, but Thadeus was too absorbed in his own grief to let the words fully sink in. He collapsed into a chair, tears welling in his eyes

"No children. Ever." He thought to himself as he succumbed to the tears.

He wondered how this day could possibly get any worse when he noticed the other letter laying beside the package: a letter addressed to Minerva McGonagall… from Albus Dumbledore.


~Kissofdeath

[Katheryn Mae]

Oh non! (ahh ... french is attacking my english brain) I do hope Thadeus leaves it be....

But I love "Second Best" so much! I've got Thadeus' last line tacked up on my bed room door. These are amazing!!

[GreyTabbyCat]

I like your story very much! I think it's becoming quite a good explanation for everything that's happened at the funeral.

I'm waiting for more to come, although I feel sorry for both Minerva and Thadeus!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Three



Thadeus opened the letter and began to read it.

“Dear Minerva,
As you may or may not have heard, Armando Dippet is retiring from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts, and the Board of Governors has chosen me to be his replacement. As Headmaster, I will have to resign my roles as the Transfiguration professor and Head of Gryffindor, and yours was the only name that came to mind when thinking of a successor for my positions. I would be most flattered if you could respond with a time and place that are convenient for you so that we may discuss these matters further.
Yours,
Albus.”

As he finished reading the letter, he heard Minerva come down the stairs, so he stuffed the letter back into the envelope and resealed it with a tap of his wand. His wife entered the kitchen.
“Is the post here?” she asked her husband as she entered the room.
“Yes, you’ve had a letter,” he replied, handing it to her. Outwardly he was calm, but inside he was in torment.
He knew she would take the job – she never stopped talking about how much she missed Hogwarts. Even all these years later, she had kept in touch with Albus – they exchanged owls at least once a month, and occasionally met for lunch. Every time a new letter arrived from him she was more loving to Thadeus, more free with her affections and endearments. And every time they met for lunch, she would return, glowing with happiness. He knew that she was falling in love with him; he also knew that she herself had not yet realised it. All these thoughts ran through his head as he watched her read the letter.
Her eyes widened and began to sparkle as she finished reading the letter.
“Thadeus! Albus wants me to teach at Hogwarts!” she exclaimed, thrusting the letter towards him.
“Are you going to accept his offer?” Thadeus asked her, his voice sounding hollow. Minerva didn’t notice.
“Yes!” she declared, giddy with happiness, hugging herself. She spun around like a child, flinging her arms out as if to embrace the entire world.
Bringing herself back under control, she sat down at the kitchen table and Summoned a bottle of ink, a quill, and several sheets of parchment.
“What are you writing, Minerva darling?” he asked her.
“I’m writing to resign my position at the Ministry,” she said, finishing the letter and sealing it, tying it around their owl’s leg, who immediately took flight. She then rushed to their parlour, took a handful of Floo powder, and threw it into the flames.
“Albus Dumbledore’s office!” she called, kneeling on the hearthrug as she stuck her head into the green flames.
Albus looked up from his work at the sound of Minerva’s voice, and rush over to the fireplace, kneeling in front of it.
“I’ll take the job, Albus!” she exclaimed.
He grinned. “Wonderful! Why don’t you Floo over and we can go over everything?” he suggested.
“All right.” she replied, and pulled her head out of the fire.
“Thadeus,” she said to her husband. “I’m going to Hogwarts to discuss my new job with Albus.”
“All right,” he said, his heart sinking. He gave her a kiss, which she did not return. “I love you.”
She gave him a small, uncomfortable smile and Flooed to Hogwarts.
“Hello, Albus!” she exclaimed as he helped her out of the fireplace. She embraced him.
“Hello, Minerva,” he replied, returning her embrace. He led her to a chair in front of his desk and took the chair next to it.
“Now, Minerva, as Head of Gryffindor you will have to live in the castle,” he told her.
“That’s fine,” she replied. “When should I move in?”
“Would next week be convenient?” Albus asked her.
“I’ll have to ask Thadeus, but I think that it will be all right,” she replied. “I’ve already sent an owl to the Ministry informing them of my resignation. I’ve longed to return to Hogwarts, Albus – I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed it. This is a dream come true – thank you.”
He smiled tenderly. “You’re welcome, Minerva,” he replied. “Thank you for accepting.”

A few hours later, after signing contracts and being shown where her chambers, classroom, and office were, Minerva Flooed back to her home. She found her husband waiting for her.
“Well, how did it go, my love?” he asked her, his voice filled with false cheer.
“It went wonderfully!” she exclaimed. “I’m to move in to my chambers next week.”
“What do you mean, your chambers?” he asked her.
“Well, the Head of Gryffindor needs to live in the castle, so...” she trailed off. “Albus said that you can live in the castle too,” she told him with absolutely no enthusiasm.
“Do we just let this house stand empty, then?” he asked her.
“You don’t have to move with me,” she told him, her voice holding a note of hope.
He cradled his head in his hand. He knew that she didn’t want him to come with her to Hogwarts.
“All right, Minerva,” he said. “I’ll stay here; you move to Hogwarts.”
“Thank you, Thadeus!” she exclaimed, flinging her arms around him. She quickly stepped back and rushed to their bedroom to start packing her things.

That night, while lying in bed, Minerva remembered when Thadeus had proposed to her.

It was a few days before they were to graduate – their exams were over, their trunks were packed, and they were ready to go out into the real world. Minerva had already been accepted into the Auror training programme and Thadeus was the new assistant of the chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. On one of their last days as students at Hogwarts, she and Thadeus were strolling around the Lake, making the most of their limited time left at their school.
When they reached the far end of the Lake, Thadeus stopped, took both her hands in his, and knelt at her feet.
“Minerva, I love you so much – more than life itself. Will you do me the great honour of becoming my wife?” he asked her, producing a diamond ring.
“Oh, yes!” she exclaimed, smiling as he slid the ring onto her finger. She drew him into her arms and they kissed.

Minerva sighed. She had been so in love with him – where did it all go? Why was she no longer in love with him? She didn’t have the answer.

[Katheryn Mae]

Awwww. *pats Thadeus' back* I remember when I felt like this. This boy and I liked each other then we never did anything then about two months later we acted completely normal about each other. I understand poor Thadeus. But I also admire Minerva ... I mean, Thadeus must know that they were young and she's bound to see other men out there ... especially one like Albus.

Great job!

[tabbyphoenix]

*sigh* I feel so sorry for Thadeus!!! It's sad to see him loving her so much, but yes, tabbyhearts, they did hurry into marriage...

Great fic, can't wait!!

Cheers!

[tabbyphoenix]

Oh, sorry for doubleposting, but the banner is wunnerful! Who made it?

Cheers!

[kissofdeath]

dianahawthorne made the banner. Because she's awesome like that.

[Katheryn Mae]

Oct 11, 2008 1:06:55 GMT -5 tabbyphoenix said:

*sigh* I feel so sorry for Thadeus!!! It's sad to see him loving her so much, but yes, tabbyhearts, they did hurry into marriage...

Great fic, can't wait!!

Cheers!

Well ... I don't think it was totally hurried - now that I think about it. But still yeah, he shoudl've braced himself ... and in a way I think he did. Can't wait until I get my computer back so I can read more!!!!

[kissofdeath]

~Chapter 4~

One week had passed since Minerva had received the letter from Albus, and it had flown by quickly with Minerva packing her belongings, making the final arrangements over at the Ministry while Thadeus sadly witnessed it all. Today was to be her final day at home with him and he had vowed to make it both special and memorable for Minerva.

He walked across the bedroom to her sleeping form, marveling at how beautiful she was. Her ebony hair was splayed across her pillow and she had a small smile on her face. He frowned slightly as he wondered if it was Albus whom she was dreaming of but quickly pushed those thoughts aside. There was no time for those thoughts now. Especially when it was his last day with Minerva.

He kissed her tenderly at the top of her head and sprinkled small, lighter ones all over her face. As Minerva began to slowly wake up, he waved his wand, conjuring a tray of Minerva's favorite breakfast: waffles with whipped cream and fresh berries, hashbrowns, and a glass of pumpkin juice. Next to it was a small vase with a lily, Minerva's favorite flower.

"Good morning, my love" he kissed her lightly on her lips.

"Good morning, Thadeus. What time is it?" she asked, craning her neck to glance at the clock.

"9 am." He replied.

Minerva sat up abruptly."9 am!?!? Merlin, I overslept! I was supposed to go down to the Ministry to give Scrimgeour a debriefing over his new duties, then I had to pass by Diagon Alley, and.."

"Min, it's your last day here before you leave for Hogwarts. Then I won't be able to see you until around Christmas." He said sadly.

"I know, dear, and I'm sorry. But I've got so much to do. I need to make sure Scrimgeour understands everything, and then I've got to pick up a few more school supplies.."

"Min….." Thadeus pleaded. "Please. I've got our whole day planned out."

Minerva cringed as she saw the sad, pathetic look on her husband's face, feeling a rush of guilt. "Alright, I suppose I could just floo Scrimgeour tomorrow morning and order the rest of the supplies."

Thadeus's face immediately brightened. "Excellent! Here," he handed her the breakfast tray. "Eat up, we've got a big day today, and you need your strength. Especially for tonight." He winked at her, before leaving the room to prepare a few more things.

Minerva felt the all-too-familiar knots in her stomach tighten. Of course Thadeus would want to have sex, it was her last day with him for a very long time. But still, it didn't change the fact that the sex was still awkward and uncomfortable for her. She glanced at the plate in front of her. Suddenly she didn't feel so hungry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

"Thadeus, how much longer until we get wherever it is we're going?" asked Minerva irritated.

She and Thadeus had left the house about an hour after breakfast. Instead of flooing to their destination, Thadeus had wanted to fly, which Minerva had no objections to. That is, until he informed her that she would be flying blindfolded. So here they were know, about an hour and a half later, Minerva had her arms wrapped tightly around Thadeus's waist as he maneuvered the broom.

"Actually, we're here, love." He replied as he began to descend down towards the ground.

Minerva felt her feet hit the ground, wrinkling her nose slightly as she smelled salt. When Thadeus removed her blindfold, she gasped at the sight. They had landed right beside the ocean on a small private island. The sun was shining brightly, and a gentle breeze caressed them.

"Have a seat, darling" Thadeus gestured to the blanket beside Minerva's feet.

Once Minerva was comfortably sitting, he conjured a picnic basket. Minerva's eyes welled with tears as she realized what Thadeus was doing. He was recreating their first date. Waving his wand once more, he conjured up a radio to help enhance the mood. Soft, romantic music surrounded them.

"May I have this dance, my lady?" he offered his hand.

Minerva smiled. "Of course, my lord" she replied, her voice thick with emotion.

Thadeus held her close as they swayed softly to the beat of the music. He bent his head and whispered in her ear.

"She walks in beauty, like the night
Of cloudless climes and starry skies;
And all that's best of dark and bright
Meet in her aspect and her eyes:
Thus mellow'd to that tender light
Which heaven to gaudy day denies.
One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impair'd the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o'er her face;
Where thoughts serenely sweet express
How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.
And on that cheek, and o'er that brow
So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,
The smiles that win, the tints that glow,
But tell of days in goodness spent,
A mind at peace with all below,
A heart whose love is innocent!"

He ended his recitation with a tender kiss to Minerva's cheek.

Tears poured from Minerva's eyes. "Thadeus, I-"

"Do not need to say a word. My love, let's just enjoy this beautiful day, for it will be long before we shall have another one like it."

Minerva nodded as a few more tears cascaded down.Thadeus released her for a moment to rummage through the basket. Smiling brightly, he handed her a box of ginger newts. She smiled adoringly at him before they both dug in to the delicious food Thadeus had brought.

The day progressed perfectly from then on. After they had finished eating, they had gone swimming and had attempted to surf. Light conversation and laughter was in abundance between the couple and Thadeus ended the day feeling happier and more in love with Minerva than ever.

Minerva felt the same way about their little outing as well. Except that she saw the day more as a get-together with an old friend. Not a romantic date between a husband and wife. But seeing Thadeus look happier and younger than he had in months, Minerva decided to play along, pretending to be as in love with him as he was with her. Allowing him to hold her close and kiss her as he pleased.

After watching the sun go down, they decided to return home. As Minerva entered their bedroom, she felt Thadeus wrap his arms around her waist, trailing tender kisses down her neck. Instead of desire, she felt that same, horrible awkwardness course through her.

"Thadeus, darling. Do you think you could run down and get me a glass of water. I'm a bit thirsty." Thadeus looked at her oddly.

Minerva gave a forced smile. "I drank too much wine."

Despite being completely unconvinced, Thadeus nodded. "Alright darling. Be back in a few."
When she heard him reach the bottom of the stairs, Minerva crawled into bed, closing her eyes.

When Thadeus reentered the room with a goblet of water with a big smile on his face. The grin immediately vanished as he noticed his wife, curled under the sheets, fast asleep. He sighed disappointedly as he turned off the lights and plopped onto the bed, a good distance apart from his wife.

On the other side of the bed, Minerva was wide awake with her back to him. She sighed a sigh of relief, never noticing the tears of sorrow making its way down her husband's face as he realized with bitter clarity that Minerva's love for him was truly gone. And there was no way for him to win it back.

[tabbyphoenix]

Wow! That was really sad ... brilliant update, I really like how you wrote Minerva's and Thadeus' grief ... excellent!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Five

Minerva’s alarm clock woke her up early the next morning, and she was able to turn it off before her husband awoke. She didn’t want to have to suffer through a difficult goodbye scene. Making herself a quick breakfast, she wrote her husband a note.

“Dear Thadeus, I’ve gone to Hogwarts – I have many errands to run before starting the school year. I’ll Owl you when I get to Hogwarts, and I’ll see you at Christmas. I love you, Minerva.”

She folded the note and walked silently into their bedroom, placing it on Thadeus’s nightstand. Pausing for a moment, she looked at her sleeping husband. She hadn’t lied in her letter to him – she did love him – she just wasn’t IN love with him. Turning away from him, she walked out to the main hall of their house and picked up her carpetbag, before closing her eyes and Apparating to Hogwarts.

She was greeted at the gates by Albus, who took her carpetbag and walked her up to the castle.

“I’ve taken the liberty of decorating your rooms,” he admitted. “If you don’t like something, please feel free to change it.”

She smiled up at him. “Thank you, Albus,” she said, squeezing his arm lightly. He returned her smiled.

When they reached the castle, he led her up to her chambers. She gasped as she took in the beauty of her rooms. Her parlour was painted a deep crimson, with burnished gold moulding. There was a large, comfortable sofa at one end of the room, and two armchairs near the fireplace. One entire wall was lined with bookcases, most of which were filled, holding a variety of magical and Muggle books.

She had a small but adequately furnished kitchen and a large and luxurious bathroom, equipped with a large bathtub and shower. Her bedroom, however, was by far her favourite room.

In the centre of the bedroom was a large canopy bed, outfitted in soft white cotton bedcovers. The walls were also painted white, but there were many paintings of Scottish landscapes adorning the walls. The windows looked out onto the Quidditch pitch, and, beyond that, the Forbidden Forest.

She turned back to Albus, overwhelmed by the effort he had put into decorating her rooms.

“Thank you, Albus,” she said. “The rooms are perfect.”

“I’m glad that you like them,” he said, gazing into her eyes. She returned his gaze, and they were about to kiss when the fireplace flared green, startling them out of their daze.

Thadeus’s head was floating in the fire, and Minerva went reluctantly away from Albus to kneel by the fireplace.

“Min, why didn’t you say goodbye to me this morning?” he asked her, hurt.

“You were so tired, Thadeus, and I had to leave so early. I’m sorry,” she said. She was, too. She hadn’t wanted to deal with saying goodbye to him, but it would have been better if Albus didn’t have to suffer through this too.

“You should have woken me up anyway, Min,” he told her. “Now I won’t see you until Christmas.”

“I am sorry, Thadeus,” she apologised again. She could sense that Albus was getting uncomfortable. “Thadeus, I have to go,” she told her husband.

He sighed. “All right, Min,” he acquiesced. He knew that if he pushed the issue with her he would lose what little he had with her. “I love you.”

“Me too,” she replied, and stood up, turning back to Albus.

“Why don’t we go to your classroom?” he suggested, trying to cover up his discomfort.

“Albus, I’m sorry,” she said, trying to make him more at ease.

“For what?” he asked, feigning ignorance.

“For that,” she said, gesturing towards the fireplace.

“It’s fine, Minerva,” he said. “Let’s go see your classroom.”

She nodded, feeling dissatisfied with their conversation, but let it drop for the time being, and followed him to her classroom.

***

Much later that evening, after dinner, Minerva had finished unpacking and she was lying in her bed, replaying those few moments with Albus earlier that day. She had almost kissed him, and he had almost kissed her – if only Thadeus had not interrupted them! She was startled by that thought. Was she in love with Albus?

***

Albus could not believe that he had allowed his defences to fall, he could not believe that he had almost kissed Minerva – his newest employee, his former student, one of his best friends, but, most shockingly of all, a married woman. He hadn’t let her apologise to him because she had nothing to be sorry for – he should have apologised to her. Guilt overwhelmed him; he needed to apologise to her. Getting out of bed, he shrugged into his dressing gown and made his way to her chambers. When he arrived, he knocked on the door and was greeted with the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Minerva was wearing a flowing, almost sheer white nightgown, her dark hair loose around her shoulders.

“Albus?” she whispered, confused by his presence at her door so late at night.

“Minerva,” he breathed, memorising her appearance at that moment. He shook himself out of his daze. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” she said, stepping away from her door to allow him entrance. He walked into her parlour and sat down on the couch; she joined him a few moments later.

“I want to apologise for earlier,” he told her, looking into her eyes. “I never should have let my emotions get the better of me. I’m sorry.”

“Your emotions?” she asked.

He flushed. “I – I mean...”

She interrupted him. “Albus, I think that I’m in love with you,” she whispered.

He smiled down at her as she moved closer to him, placing her hands on his chest. She tilted her face up to his, and he bent down and kissed her.

[tabbyphoenix]

Dundundundun!
The plot thickens! I like the interruption part, though I did find the romantic build-up between Minerva and Albus a bit sudden, no offence, I still love the fic and hope you continue ...
kissofdeath: When will you update Because of Them?
Cheers!

[lemondrop]

oooh it's getting better and better.... on one hand i feel sorry for Thadeus but on the other I'm really happy for Min and Albus but I think it would only be fair Min tells Thadeus the truth.

~lemondrop

[Katheryn Mae]

Awww. I have a feeling Thadeus knew what was going on .... that's why he left without hesitation. I just hope Min will tell him. But sadly, "Second Best" makes it seem like Thadeus told Harry everything based on guesswork and observations.

[kissofdeath]

Alright, here's Chapter 6. It's got a lemon so I'm dividing it into two and posting the other half on the lemon boards.

~Chapter 6~

Part 1~

The kiss was everything both Minerva and Albus had ever imagined it to be. After so many years of hiding their emotions, a volcano seemed to have erupted between them. Minerva clung on to Albus as she led him to her bedroom without ever breaking their kiss. Once she felt the bed hit the back of her knees, she fell back, pulling Albus on top of her.

It was then that the rational part of Albus' mind broke through. He widened his eyes as realization flashed within him, breaking the kiss.

"What's wrong?" asked Minerva worriedly.

"Min, we can't. It's wrong. You're happily married."

"No. I'm not," she whispered.

Albus stared at her in confusion. "What are you talking about, dear?"

"Albus, I love Thadeus. I always will. He was the first man I ever loved. But I'm not in love with him. I never will be again." She reached for Albus's hand and brought it to her face. Albus instinctively caressed her cheek. "When Thadeus touches me, I fight the urge to flinch and pull away." She reached for his other hand and laced her fingers through his. "When he holds my hand, I feel so alone. When he holds me close to him, I want to break free and run." She kissed Albus lightly. "When he kisses me, I imagine that it's your lips on mine. And, and when he makes love to me, I feel lost and empty.

Albus, when you caress my cheek, I feel loved. When you hold my hand, I feel as though I can get through anything with you at my side. When you hold me close, I feel safe and secure. When you kiss me, I feel the fire within me burning me inside out." She looked into his eyes, trying to convey all her emotions in that single look.

Albus stared back into her emerald orbs, seeing the love in his eyes reflecting in Minerva's, feeling a surge of happiness, knowing that that love was for him, and him alone.

"And what do you feel when I make love to you?" he asked huskily, as his lips moved closer to hers.

"Let's find out." She whispered, her voice filled with desire as they kissed hungrily.

[lemondrop]

got to go to the lemon section *starts to run*

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Seven

****************************************************
This chapter is divided into three parts - the second part is posted on the lemon board. Thank you to all of our reviewers!!
****************************************************

While Albus and Minerva were making love, Thadeus lay in his bed, alone, thinking of his wife. He knew that he would never be first in her life again – knew that that spot was now taken by Albus. He wanted to hate him, but he couldn’t – if Albus made Minerva happy where he could not, then he couldn’t hate him.

But he was so lonely without Minerva – even though she had not even been gone for twenty-four hours, he was so lonely. In truth, he had been lonely for months – he had felt the distance growing within their marriage, even though they still lived together, shared a bed... he had felt her growing colder to him, and that made him lonely, so lonely.

Minerva, on the other hand, had never felt less lonely in her life. Even asleep, she felt utterly content and happy for the first time in her life. Still asleep, she snuggled into her lover’s embrace and sighed happily as his arms tightened around her.

Albus had never felt such a strong connection with anyone in his long life. He had been in love with Minerva for years, and they had finally confessed their love, and kissed, and made love... it had been the most marvellous experience of his life. He didn’t want to sleep and miss a moment of the closeness he felt with Minerva, but he could not stave off sleep much longer. She snuggled up to him and sighed happily; he tightened his embrace and fell asleep.

****************************************************
Part Two is on the Lemon Board!
****************************************************

Later that morning, they finally got out of bed and took a shower, freshening up for the day. They had a private breakfast in her rooms and then he helped her to set up her classroom. They ate lunch in the Great Hall with the members of the staff who had stayed over the summer. After lunch, Minerva spent some time with her old friend Poppy Pomfrey, who was the matron of the hospital wing. They spent the afternoon catching up, and when tea time came around, Minerva went to Albus’s office for tea.

“Why don’t we take tea in my private quarters?” he suggested, and she agreed. They walked up the brass staircase to his parlour.

“What will become of us, Minerva?” he asked the question that had been plaguing him all morning.

“I want to keep seeing you, Albus,” she told him, taking his hand. “I love you, but I don’t know if Thadeus will let me divorce him.”

“I’d like to continue seeing you as well, my darling – we just need to keep this discreet,” he said.

“All right, Albus,” she agreed. “I’ll do anything to be with you.”

“And I with you, my dearest,” he said, bringing their joined hands to his lips. “I love you.”

“And I love you,” she said. He got out of his seat and she rose from her seat as well. He enfolded her into his embrace and kissed her. As their kiss grew in passion, he took her hand and led her into his bedroom.

[lemondrop]

I'm feeling so sorry for Thadeus, but on the other hand I'm so happy for Min and Albus to be together... but it's really great!! Looking forward to the next update!! =)

[Katheryn Mae]

Awww. I read everything...poor Thadeus when/if he finds out. But I love Mina in this ... she's so "we can do this - i don't care." Amazing!!

[kissofdeath]

~Chapter 8~

Minerva eyed her reflection critically, smoothing out the front of her robes, adjusting her bun for the twelfth time in the last fifteen minutes. Today was the first day of classes and Minerva was nervous beyond belief. She relaxed immediately, however, when she felt a familiar pair of warm arms wrap around her waist.

"Darling, you look ravishing. Really, there's no need to be so nervous." He said, kissing her gently on her neck.

Minerva sighed. "I know, I just can't help it. Knowing that hundreds of students are looking to me for guidance and that their futures depends on me makes me feel so, so" she paused in thought for a moment as a wave of nausea hit her.

"So what, love?" asked Albus, concern evident in his eyes.

"So nauseous!" Minerva exclaimed as she pushed pass Albus and ran into the bathroom, slamming the door behind her.

Albus winced at the sound of her retching. He hated seeing her so nervous and it hurt him to know that she was unsure of her abilities as a teacher. He knew she would be an amazing teacher, one that students wouldn't necessarily adore all the time, because of her strictness, but one that they would be forever grateful for having. He wished there was something he could do to place Minerva's fears at bay.

Minerva clutched unto the toilet seat as the wave of nausea finally ceased. She wasn't exactly sure what had brought on this mysterious illness, nerves never had this much of an effect on her. After all, she was an Auror and was quite used to pressure and stress. At the back of her mind, there was a slight idea of what her random illness could mean but she refused to believe it. No, it couldn't possibly be that, she told herself as she washed up and returned to the bedroom where Albus was sitting on the bed waiting for her, clearly concerned.

"Are you alright, my love? Are you ill? Perhaps you shouldn't teach today. IF you'd like I could just-"

Minerva silenced him with a kiss, one which he returned happily with much love. Minerva and Albus smiled as they felt the warm familiar sensation and the fluttering butterflies in their abdomen. Their kisses still felt as new as ever and would probably always remain so.

"I'm fine, dear. Just a wee bit nervous."

Albus eyed her suspiciously but decided not to press the issue. Instead, he smiled and offered his arm to her. "May I escort you to breakfast, my lady?"

Minerva blushed prettily. "Of course, my lord. I would love nothing more."

The couple headed over to the Great Hall and sat down to eat. Minerva smiled at the familiar sight of students happily chatting over breakfast, laughing and playing. Happiness warmed her heart. She felt a strong sense of homecoming.

After about half an hour of flirtatious glances and a sensual game of footsie, breakfast was over and it was time for the couple to part ways. Albus escorted Minerva back to her classroom where her students were waiting. Minerva glanced over at the students nervously. Albus squeezed her hand assuredly and looked around, making sure they were alone in the hallway before leaning over and giving her a quick kiss. "Good luck darling. I know you'll be fantastic!"

Minerva nodded as Albus headed over to his office. She glanced through the window once more before taking a deep breath and entering.

"Welcome to Transfiguration…."

Before Minerva knew it, her last class of the day was over and she could finally return to her chambers for a few moments of relaxation before dinner. The day had gone incredibly smooth and by the end of her first class, all nervousness she had felt was gone and was replaced with a feeling of absolute equilibrium and happiness. This was what Minerva was meant to do. This was her calling: To educate the young minds at Hogwarts.

In all her life, Minerva had never felt happier than she was feeling right now. She felt as though she had it all: a wonderful, rewarding career, her one true love at her side. She smiled softly as she thought of Albus. Ever since they admitted their love for one another, they hadn't spent a night apart from the other's embrace. The past three weeks had been paradise.

Minerva stopped her thoughts abruptly. Three weeks….. The nausea, the fatigue, her illness this morning. It all made sense. Minerva let out a shaky breath she hadn't realized she had been holding in. No, it couldn't be. Could it? She thought back on her and Albus' previous nights. Protection hadn't really come to mind. Ever. Oh Merlin….

Minerva crossed over to the loo, rummaging through the medicine cabinet until she found a DIY pregnancy test, thanking the gods that her best friend was a medi-witch who insisted on keeping a fully supplied medicine cabinet. She scanned through the directions and did as instructed. She returned to her original spot on the sofa and counted down the longest three minutes of her life.

~kissofdeath

[phantomgirl]

Nice story

[lemondrop]

Oh my...what an evil cliff hanger... but again a really nice part... but I can't decide yet if I am happy for Min and Albus or not... I mean sure they are my favourite couple and I want them to be happy but Min is still married and althought Theseus is quiet sure that she does not love him anymore she did not tell him exactly what's going on....so yeah... let's just see what happens next...

~lemondrop =)

[Katheryn Mae]

Oh gosh. Haven't been checking. *shames* Evil cliffhanger! Excited!

[dianahawthorne]

Chapter Nine

Those three minutes were the longest of her life. She watched the clock tick down the minutes, and finally, one hundred and eighty seconds later, she looked down at the pregnancy test. It read “pregnant.”
“Oh, no,” she breathed, just as Albus knocked at the door.
“Min? Are you there?” he asked. Shaking, her face pale, she opened the door. “Min? What’s wrong, darling?” he asked her, concerned. He wrapped his arm around her waist and led her to the bed. She sat down and rested her head in her hands. He spied a long, slender object clutched in her hand. “What’s this, Min?” he asked her, gently prying her fingers away from the object. He saw that it was a pregnancy test, and it read “pregnant.”
“I’m sorry, Albus,” she whispered.
“Oh, Min, darling,” he said, caressing her cheek lightly. “We’re going to have a baby!” He smiled down at her.
She looked up at him, tears in her eyes. “Albus, what will happen when Thadeus finds out?”
His face fell. “I don’t know,” he said.
She buried her face in her hands. They sat that way for a few minutes, before Minerva raised her head.
“Albus...” she said. He looked up at her.
“Yes, Min?”
“I know what we can do,” she said.
“What?”
“I’ll go back to the Manor this weekend and sleep with Thadeus –”
“What?” he interjected, furious.
“Albus, please!” she begged him. He took a visibly deep breath to calm down. “I don’t want to, but it’s the only way that we can fool Thadeus into thinking that the baby is his. It’s still early enough in the pregnancy, at least,” she said. “Please, Albus. If it gets out that I am pregnant with my employer’s child when I am married, I will lose my job and be disgraced by the Wizarding community.”
“All right, Minerva,” he acquiesced reluctantly.
“Albus,” she said, placing her hand on top of his. “I love you so much, and I’m only doing this so that our baby will be safe.”
“I love you too, Min, and you should do whatever you feel is best for our baby,” he replied.
“I’ll go this weekend,” she said.
“Okay Minerva,” he said.
“Shall we go to bed, Albus?” she asked, standing up and taking his hand.
“All right, darling,” he replied, following her into the bedroom.


Minerva had Owled her husband, saying that she would be coming back for the weekend. Thadeus replied almost immediately, his letter waxing enthusiasm about their coming weekend. On Friday night, Minerva Flooed back to the Manor. Thadeus was waiting for her, reading a book in the living room when she landed on the hearth rug in a flash of green flames.
“Hello, darling,” he said, setting the book aside and standing up to greet her. She stumbled purposefully as she exited the fireplace, catching her foot on the rug, and fell into her husband’s arms.
“Hello, Thadeus,” she said, forcing herself to look up at him adoringly. She stretched up and placed a tender kiss on his lips.
He was incredibly surprised at her sudden display of affection and immediately broke of the kiss, although he was intent on continuing it. “Min, love, what’s gotten into you? You do everything possible to avoid me and then come back being incredibly affectionate?”
Minerva looked at him as innocently as she could. “Oh Thadeus, I wasn’t trying to avoid you! I was just so nervous about my first day teaching that I may have taken it out on you a bit.” She gave him a quick kiss and began to unbutton his robes. “I’m so sorry…”
Thadeus looked at her oddly, desperately trying to ignore the nagging feeling at the back of his mind that there was something else going on. In the end his heart’s desire overcame his judgment as he lifted Minerva into their chambers.

The next morning, Minerva woke up, feeling nauseous. Luckily, she was able to reach her wand to cast an anti-nausea charm on herself, just as her husband stirred.
“Good morning, Thadeus,” she said, leaning over to kiss him.
“Good morning, darling,” he replied. “Do you really have to go back to Hogwarts this morning?” he asked her, his eyes sad.
“Yes, unfortunately,” she replied. Slipping out of bed, she got dressed and turned back to him. “Goodbye, Thadeus – I love you,” she forced herself to say, and felt guilty as he beamed.
“I love you too, Minerva,” he replied, still smiling. She forced herself to return his smile, before turning to the fireplace to Floo back to her rooms.
Albus was waiting for her, and as soon as she stepped out of the fireplace, she threw herself into his arms and kissed him passionately.
“How did it go, darling?” he asked her once they had broke out of their kiss.
“It all went according to plan, darling,” she said as she savoured the feeling of his arms around her, feeling something odd about his embrace.
“I love you, Minerva,” he replied. “I love you so much.” He held her close and tenderly caressed her cheek. Although, this was meant to be a loving gesture, Minerva could practically feel the sadness radiating from him. She tilted her head slightly and was startled to see a flicker of sadness in her lover’s eyes.
“Albus, Thadeus may have my hand but you have my heart. You always have and always will.” She kissed him gently, emphasizing her point. “I love you. Forever and for always.”
Albus smiled, the flicker of sadness erased from his sapphire orbs as he leaned closer to her, returning the gesture.

[Katheryn Mae]

Aww. Cute but at the same time sad. Now I'll have something fun to think about all day. Wonderful stories.

[phantomgirl]

Nice updates