Unlikely

[osusprinks]

Title: Unlikely

Summary: ADMM, it's not as unlikely as Albus and Minerva might think (yeah, I have no idea how to write one of these sorry ;D)

Rating: E for Everyone

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter. If I did, you would know. The writing would be better and the story would be a heck of a lot longer!

A/N: Ok this is my first fanfic ever so please be honest, but kind! It’s based on a repeating dream I have been having starring Rosemary Clooney, so if it sounds like a movie, book, or fanfic you know, blame my subconscious. Sorry!

Thanks for reading. ~OSUSprinks

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Chapter One

The hot July sun poured in through the windows of her office as Minerva sat at her desk rereading the offending letter. Her youngest niece was recently engaged and her sister had written not only to inform Minerva of the wedding, but to remind her that once again she was to be the only unmarried woman in the family. Athena wrote on and on about the dishonor and whispers of scandal Minerva brought on the family through her marital state and also her close relationship with her boss.

Albus watched Minerva read her letter. He had come by to invite her to afternoon tea in his office, but had stopped short of knocking on her open door when he’d seen the look on her face. ‘Her family again, no doubt,’ he thought, as a single tear rolled down Minerva’s right cheek. Albus knocked lightly on the door before taking a seat across the desk from Minerva.

“What is it, my dear?” Albus asked as he watched Minerva try to compose herself.

‘Alright McGonagall, put on a happy face,’ she thought as she answered with a smile. “My youngest niece is to be married during the Christmas holidays. Athena wrote to invite me to the wedding.”

“Are you unhappy with Verplaca’s choice?”

“Of course not. You remember Corc Brodie, don’t you? In fact I’ve known since last Christmas this was coming. He confided in me that…that he wished to marry her.” Minerva wiped another tear away.

Albus leant forward as wet green eyes met sparkling blue ones and whispered, “then why the tears, Tabby?”

Minerva had been trying hard to control herself since Albus’ entrance moments before, but the use of his private nickname for her, a reminder that while he might never love her as she loved him, he did like her for who she was, broke the dam she had created for her tears. As Minerva laid her head on her desk, Albus shut her office door and then knelt beside her chair as he rubbed her back.

“I…I’m sorry,” Minerva said as she attempted to gain control.

“You have nothing to apologize for Tabby. You can’t be the strong, stern, unflappable Professor McGonagall all the time.” Albus smiled as he handed her an impossibly bright purple handkerchief.

Minerva accepted gratefully before speaking again, this time more to her than to him, “Maybe that is the problem. Maybe that is why no one wants me.”

Albus stiffened as Minerva began crying once more. ‘How can she believe that?’ he asked himself.

When Minerva had returned to Hogwarts to teach several years before, she and Albus had renewed the friendship that had began during her student days as he’d helped her with her animagus training. Throughout the years as they went on walks, drank countless cups of hot cocoa and tea, and matched wits in games of chess, duels, and the occasional disagreement, Albus had realized something that had changed his life: He loved Minerva McGonagall.

When he had first realized his feelings, Albus had tried to squash them. He was much too old for her and he was her employer and former teacher besides. Once he realized how deep his love for his Tabby actually ran, Albus determined to make his feelings known, through his actions at least. He had begun walking Minerva to breakfast each morning, complimenting her more often, and even daring the occasional goodnight kiss on the cheek. While Minerva had seemed pleased with his attentions, she had never shown him any returning affection. The escorts, compliments, and even his pecks goodnight had become a part of their friendship by now, but Albus had realized long ago that Minerva would never love him as he loved her. It simply wasn’t to be.

As Albus recovered from his moment of reflection, he realized Minerva was once again in control of her emotions and composed.

“I’m sorry for my outburst, Albus.” She interrupted his attempt to answer, “No, it’s not fine. One would think, after all this time, I would know better than to let Athena get to me. I just can’t handle her accusations sometimes. I tell her time and time again that you and I are just good friends and nothing more, but she refuses to believe me. And now with the last of my nieces engaged…” Minerva trailed off. She had spoken without thinking her comments through and now regretted bringing up Verplaca’s wedding again.

“And now with Verplaca’s marriage, you are once again the lone single female bringing shame and dishonor to your family?” During his speech Albus had gotten up from his knees and leaned back against the desk while doing a fairly good impression of a distraught Athena.

Minerva laughed, “Yes, that about sums up the letter. Silly, I know.”

Suddenly, Albus was serious again. “It’s not silly Tabby, not silly at all. Any man would be lucky to have you as his bride. I’m just happy I’ve been able to keep you to myself this long!” Albus smiled as he thought of an idea. “You know Tabby, there is one solution…you could marry me.”

Minerva felt her heart soar before breaking in two. During her student days at Hogwarts she had always had a crush, as she believed her students called it, on her favorite transfiguration professor. When she had returned to Hogwarts as a teacher and she and Albus had once again become friends, those feelings had grown and deepened into a love she was sure she could only share with one man, Albus Dumbledore. And now he stood before her, proposing marriage.

‘But not the marriage you’ve imagined full of love. He’s just sacrificing himself for your happiness as he sacrifices himself for everyone else’s,’ Minerva thought as her heart sunk lower.

“Albus, I couldn’t possibly…”

“Tabby, nothing between us would have to change. We could tell your family, and Aberforth of course, but no one else would have to know. It would solve both our problems. Your family and my parents’ portraits would be happy and we could get on with our lives as we see fit to live them.” Albus went on, warming to the idea of being Minerva’s husband if in name only. “I think it’s the perfect solution. Unless…unless you had someone else in mind…”

For the first time since Albus had thought of his idea he began to have doubts. Being married to Minerva, even if it was a marriage of convenience that would have to be kept secret from most of the world, would be much better than not being with her at all. Of that he was certain. But what if she loved someone else? He was not sure he could survive such a blow.

“No, there’s no one else, well no one at all I mean. But I can’t let you do that for me. It’s too much. Now,” she said in a tone that let him know no further discussion would be allowed, “Why did you stop by?”

“Oh,” Albus was stumped. He had been so thrilled with the idea of marrying Minerva that he could think of little else. “It seems I’ve forgotten.”

“Well after the scene I caused it’s no wonder. Are we on for chess this evening?” Minerva asked as she made an attempt at normalcy, knowing that as soon as he left her office she would cry again, for a different reason this time.

Albus looked into her beautiful green eyes, knowing he would never see his love reflected in them. “Of course dear Tabby,” he answered, then smiled, “and perhaps this time, I’ll win.”

“Unlikely,” she replied with her usual banter as she shut the door behind him and tears began to well in both green and blue eyes.

[morethanacrush]

oooooo I likes. Are you adding more, or is that the end? It doesn't seem like the end, but I've read a few stories like this that just end at that point.... I hope you continue!! lol
Love
Cody*

[childminerva]

hi-miss mcGonagle here...
just thought I'd leave a note on this site too becasue this story is really well written and a great first start to your fanfic writing career.
Obviously if you're going to add more I can't put this in my C2, but it might make it to the chapter C2 since I can add stories to that one too. We'll see, I have to be very objective with what I add to that C2 since I'm only a staff member and not the creator. I'm actually going through my C2 and cutting out a few.
Anyway, lovely start and I'm eager to read more.

[FireBird]

This can't be the end! The story is far too interesting for that. Oh, the places you can go with this!
I hope you'll add more soon!

[gmshed]

Oh, that is good! There has to be more!

[nicolerose]

That is so sad! I hope that they end up getting married... only when they do get married they both know they love eachother.

[beMMADfabulous]

This is great! I can't wait to read more from you! ;D Very interesting and yet sad. In many ways here I can relate to Minerva right now...

[Gemmie Lou]

loving this!!!!

[mcgonagallrules]

like this a lot! Hope you update soon.

[crystalpheonixeyes]

I loved this! I hope there is more!! I can't wait to read more... wow othat was repetitive... ^__^

[alison]

An interesting start....I like the interactions and the insight into the way their friendship has developed so far. Please continue! Thanks for sharing

[osusprinks]

A/N: The disclaimer and all that was in the first chapter so I don't think I need to post it again! Once again, this is my first so if I am doing this wrong let me know! More thanks than I can mention to mmadlyinlove (AKA Always Hopeful) for all her help!

Chapter Two

Minerva sat the family table, posture upright as always, though her shoulders drooped slightly, betraying her weariness. The table was decorated in yellow, red, and purples, in deference to the Brodie family tartan, which contrasted significantly with the McGonagall tartan Minerva had chosen to wear.

‘Albus would love the purple in the Brodie tartan,’ Minerva thought idly as she fingered the tartan tablecloth and listened to the bagpipes play, while the newlyweds danced yet another reel. She looked up to see Athena, looking beautiful, as always, in her mother-of-the-bride dress robes, approaching with Minerva’s old friend, James Pomfrey, looking quite dashing in his traditional kilt.

“Minerva, dear,” Athena began with a coy grin, “You remember James, don’t you?”

“Of course. James, how are you?”

“I’m well, thank-”

“And single,” Athena broke in with a bright smile, the polar opposite of Minerva’s sudden scowl. “I’ll leave you two to get reacquainted.”

Minerva watched Athena as she moved confidently to the next table and began chatting with the Crouch family, before shaking her head as she turned back to James.

“I’m sorry about Athena, James.”

“Oh that’s alright Min. Same old Athena. She hasn’t changed much, has she?” he said with a crooked smile. “Actually I set myself up. I figured it was better you were fixed up with me, rather than that Macdonald chap.”

“Magnus ‘Dent-Head’ Macdonald?” Minerva exclaimed, her distaste evident.

“Aye. I saw Athena chatting him up and being an Auror, I’m sworn to protect the innocent from harm, so I decided to offer myself up for use in Athena’s matchmaking attempts.” James began to laugh.

Minerva grimaced in Athena’s direction, watching as she picked up the newest edition to the Crouch family, Barty Jr., she believed. “I would have spent the whole night listening to why a dangerous, often fatal, ancient game that has been banned over 200 years should be reinstated. The man thinks of little else besides Creaothceann. Oh what was Athena thinking?” Minerva laughed before continuing, “And where is Poppy this evening?”

It was a well known fact among the Hogwarts staff that James Pomfrey and Minerva’s friend Poppy Stewart, the young school matron, had been seeing each other for nearly a year. Minerva was thankful Athena had yet to hear of the relationship.

“Poppy always visits her parents during the first week of her holiday breaks. She offered to postpone the trip, but I thought she should go. Best to keep her parents happy as I’ll be going to see them next week.”

“Is Poppy staying with them next week also? I thought she was returning to Hogwarts.”

“Well no,” James suddenly seemed shy. “This is strictly between you and me, but I’m going next week to ask her father’s permission before I propose to her.”

As she offered her congratulations and blessing, Minerva wondered what it was about her that encouraged these confessions from young men at Christmas time. It would most likely be another Christmas wedding, she knew Poppy would say yes without hesitation and had always wanted a winter wedding. Minerva sighed as James left her table to speak to some coworkers. She was happy for Poppy and James and Verplaca and Corc. She truly believed that each would be happy with their chosen spouse. It seemed the world was full of happy couples.

“And once again I’m alone,” Minerva whispered as she looked at her watch to determine how long she would have to wait until leaving would no longer be considered rude. It had been a trying day.

Minerva had spent the morning, as she readied herself for the wedding festivities, cultivating a positive and optimistic attitude. Within moments of arriving in Athena’s home, she realized her work had been in vain. As was the tradition in the McGonagall family, the day had started with a large breakfast with the entire bride’s family in attendance. Athena had lead her to the children’s table, explaining loudly so all present could hear, that as everyone else had come in pairs there was no where else to seat her. She had attempted to remain positive, but after answering her oldest great-niece, an impetuous child of nine, at least a dozen times as to the whereabouts of her beau and why not all women have beaus, Minerva was already at her wits end when the breakfast concluded and they moved onto dressing the bride.

Though she knew that she shouldn’t have a favorite, Minerva had always related to Verplaca more than her other nieces. She had graduated only a few years before and Minerva had enjoyed the pleasure of teaching her at Hogwarts. Verplaca had proven herself to be just as driven in her studies as Minerva herself had been at Hogwarts, and had graduated with top honors. Minerva had hoped Verplaca would follow her path and attend university, but she had chosen instead a low level job at the Ministry and a high society wedding. In her more cynical moments, Minerva was beginning to believe there was no way to combine the two options.

As she helped Verplaca ready for the wedding and presented her with the set of sapphire earrings McGonagall brides had worn for centuries to bring them good luck in marriage, Minerva was struck with two equal but opposing emotions: sorrow that she might never wear those earrings, and pleasure as she realized the stones encased in the pure gold were the exact color of Albus’ eyes. The happy thought of those sparkling blue eyes was enough to remind Minerva of her early morning promise to her self. She would not allow Athena or anyone or anything else ruin this happy day for her. Her youngest niece was marrying the love of her life and Minerva was extremely happy for her.

This newest resolve had lasted only until the end of the ceremony. The wedding was beautiful. Minerva had enjoyed watching a nervous Corc fidget with his kilt, while waiting for Verplaca to walk down the aisle of the old stone church. As everyone turned to watch the bride’s entrance, Minerva had kept her eyes fixed on Corc. At the first sight of his bride, Corc’s eyes widened and face flushed as his mouth dropped open. As an equally flushed Verplaca joined Corc at the front of the church, Minerva agreed that Verplaca was indeed a beautiful bride. The young couple was so very happy and Minerva hoped they would live long and happy lives together.

The ceremony had swiftly come to a close and the guests had been invited to the Brodie estate for the reception. Verplaca had asked Minerva to remain behind for family pictures. Unfortunately this meant that Minerva was once again at her sister’s disposal.

Athena’s first complaint had been Minerva’s hair. Minerva had attempted to dress her hair in a more fashionable style, but in the end had decided it would not matter what the bride’s aunt’s hair looked like and fixed her hair in her traditional and practical bun. Athena was appalled that Minerva would be willing to be immortalized in the wedding photographs with her hair in such a fashion. What followed had been Minerva’s worse nightmare. As Minerva had reminded herself not to cause a scene, her sister, aunts, older nieces, and even the bride’s mother-in-law had crowded around her attempting to fix her hair. Minerva had always considered her hair to be her best and worst feature. She loved the feel of her long hair when she left it down and loose, but Minerva had learned long ago that she was not taken seriously by the many men in her profession when she appeared that way.

Minerva knew she would never stop traffic with her beauty, but she also knew she had been and still was attractive. While she never dressed with her femininity in mind during the school year and rarely during the summer, she had made an attempt for Verplaca’s wedding. Apparently the attempt had been unsuccessful, at least in Athena’s eyes. Once Minerva’s hair was twisted up in a complex and unduly large French twist, which seemed more like a beehive to Minerva, Athena had immediately turned to her robes and without comment began casting spells to change the color and shape. The end result was a completely different Minerva, unlike anything seen before and Minerva hoped unlike anything to be seen in the future.

As she looked in the mirror, Minerva saw bright pink dress robes cut too high and too low for her taste. The pink robes matched exactly the large flowers placed throughout her hair, which had been even higher than Minerva had imagined. As she turned from the mirror, again inwardly repeating her mantra of ‘don’t cause a scene…don’t cause a scene’, Minerva had come face to face with Verplaca, who had taken one look at her mother’s work and began muttering counter spells. Once Minerva’s appearance had been returned to normal and she decided not to hex her sister into the next century, she had taken her hair down in an attempt to appease Athena. Verplaca had smiled at her favorite aunt before returning to the photographer.

Once the photographer had taken the shots she needed, the family had joined the wedding guests at the Brodie estate and the reception had begun. Minerva had appeared on the outside to enjoy her evening, while she had actually spent the time pretending she was somewhere else, anywhere else. Athena it seemed, had gone out of her way to make Minerva miserable, and she had succeeded. In fact the only highlight of Minerva’s day, the actual wedding ceremony excluded, had been her small chat with James Pomfrey.

Minerva looked again at her watch. The reel had just ended and Verplaca was making her way towards the family table. Minerva stood to greet her, having decided she would make her excuses.

“Aunt Min, I’m so glad you came today.”

“You know I wouldn’t have missed your wedding.”

Verplaca smiled brightly, “But I know today wasn’t easy for you. Mom means well. Honestly she does,” Verplaca continued as Minerva showed her disbelief. “She just wants everyone to be happy and she thinks you have to be married to be happy.”

“And what do you think?”

“Well you aren’t married and you are happy. Right?”

Minerva looked into Verplaca’s joyful eyes and realized she was right. “Yes I am happy. You make me happy. I was so proud of you today and I am happy for you and Corc. I love you both.”

Verplaca and Minerva hugged.

“Say hello to Professor Dumbledore for me. I’m sure he’ll be waiting for you when you get back,” Verplaca said with a smirk. She had undoubtedly heard and started some of the rumors spread among the students each year about the true nature of the headmaster and deputy head’s relationship.

“Unlikely, but I will tell him when I see him,” Minerva answered with a smile as Verplaca moved away to say her goodbyes to Corc’s Aunt Jean, who was also on her way out.

Yes it had been a trying day, but a good one Minerva decided as she apparrated home to Hogwarts.


A/N: A glimpse at what I sort of imagined the Brodie tartan to be… www.clan-macpherson.org/clan10.php?name=purple

[gmshed]

Yay! I loved the image of Minerva in bright pink! I could just see Verplaca's horrified face when she saw what her mother had done. Update soon!

[childminerva]

The Brodie family, huh? Nice touch. I really loved this chapter, it was very well written. Her mom got on my nerves, but that just made her character very believable. Update soon!

[furandfeathers]

oooh I can't wait to read what happens next! Why won't they just admit they love each other

*

[nicolerose]

waho! I cant wait for more.... and im really happy about poppy!

[FireBird]

Nice! Loved her niece's reaction to what had been done to Minerva. More soon, please!

[Leaves of Green]

Wonderful! Update soon!

[childminerva]

Just thought I'd leave a note of congratulations-your first fic has recieved a "HOT" sticker!!!

[KSpirit]

I wasn't paying attention, and I kept passing right by the update! Just on a whim I decided to open the thread, and I was so excited!
Great fic, update soon!

[osusprinks]

A/N: Thanks to Always Hopeful, padishahZ and Hawk for all their help editing and holding my hand! Thank you so much to all my reviewers. There honestly wouldn't have been more without you! I hope you enjoy!

Happy Reading. ~OSUSprinks



Chapter Three


On the morning of Verplaca's wedding, Albus watched from his office windows as Minerva walked down the path to the main gates. She was wearing her favorite dress robes and, to be honest, they were his favorite as well. Albus had always found Minerva to be beautiful; but he found the McGonagall tartan most becoming on her. Its dark, forest green highlighted her emerald eyes and creamy pale skin. He had often imagined her wearing those robes, though his dreams offered the soft fabric a closer fit to her amazing figure, with her long black hair out of its usual bun and flowing loosely down her back. In his fantasies, she looked at him with the fierce devotion and loyalty she so often displayed but also with something more. Love.

‘Stop fooling yourself, old boy,” Albus thought as he watched Minerva step through the main gates and after a moment –“steeling herself, I’ll bet”- apparate away. Albus watched the spot she has disappeared from a few moments before turning back to his desk. He chuckled as he looked over the stacks of papers and candy drop wrappers as he thought of the night before.

He’d been called to the ministry for a so-called emergency meeting, which in actuality was nothing more than a slight problem with the seating chart for the upcoming International Assembly of Wizarding Governments being hosted by the British Ministry. It seemed it was not just the Muggle governments of Russia and America that could not get along. Though Albus had seen the solution immediately, it had taken more than a few of his hints for the minister to come to the same conclusion. As he’d apparated to Hogwarts, Albus hoped for better things from the next person in that post.

Albus had entered his office, tired and ready for a cup of cocoa or something stronger, and a few lemon drops in front of the fire. He had found Minerva, sleeves rolled up, old apron wrapped around her, and hair up in a handkerchief, cleaning his office. It had been her ritual since their very first Christmas holiday as Deputy and Headmaster to clean his offices during the break. As she went about his office, dusting shelves, filing stacks of papers, organizing his desk, and taking no notice of him, Albus felt free to watch her and wonder how any man could keep from loving her.

Back in the present, Albus sat down at his already re-cluttered desk. Once again he pondered her words of so many months ago.

“Maybe that is why no one wants me.”

Albus still could not understand how Minerva could feel that way. He had attempted to bring up the subject once or twice since that day, but she had always stopped him from pressing the subject. He didn’t understand, and it seemed he never would.

Over the course of his day, Albus thought of Minerva often. Though she had tried to conceal how nervous she’d been about attending her niece’s wedding festivities, Albus could see right through her. Even at the best of times, Athena was a difficult woman to get along with. Albus knew this would not be the pleasurable day it should be for Minerva, if her sister interfered.

‘If only I could be there for her,’ Albus thought as he prepared Fawkes’ evening treat. He was happy he’d at least thought to ask James Pomfrey to look out for Minerva. Albus knew Minerva and Poppy Stewart –soon to be Pomfrey if Albus’ suspicions were correct- were close and that James would look out for his girlfriend’s friend. Albus just hoped it had been enough.

“There must be something else I can do for her,” he thought aloud as he put Fawkes’ bowl containing a mixture of hot cocoa and broken ginger newts in front of the phoenix. Albus pondered as he watched the bird take a swift drink before flying to the corner of the office, landing neatly in the bird bath Minerva had given him last Christmas. As Albus idly looked on, Fawkes began grooming as he chirped a sweet tune.

“Yes. That’s a perfect idea, Fawkes,” Albus exclaimed as he glanced at his watch. “I should have just enough time,” he murmured as he walked out the office door.


Minerva apparated to the massive gates of Hogwarts and walked quickly inside. Normally she took time to enjoy the scenery around her, but not this evening. As she strode across the grounds, Minerva took little notice of the few remaining students who had not returned home for Christmas and were currently building a snowwizard in the early moonlight. Tonight, her only thought was of her private rooms where she intended to take a hot bath and enjoy a hot cup of tea. As she approached the portrait to her private rooms, she tried to remember if she’d replaced her lavender bath salts as she’d meant to during her last trip to town.

“Love can sometimes be magic.” Minerva grimaced as she gave her password. She had changed it that morning as a part of her attempt at optimism. The line came from a book of poetry Albus had recently lent her. Love was not something she wanted to think of at that moment. She truly had been happy when she had left Verplaca earlier in the evening, but in the minutes that followed her mood had begun to sink as she thought of her own love life. She was reminding of the rest of the line of poetry.

“I’d like to change my password please,” she said to the portrait of the young girl in a pale blue ballerina’s outfit. “Magic can sometimes just be an illusion.”

“Yes, professor.” The young girl curtsied before returning to her dance.

Minerva finally entered her rooms and was stunned as she looked around her. In the center of her former sitting room sat a large beautiful bathtub that seemed more like a small swimming pool in size. On a small table next to the tub sat a selection of her favorite books, a tea pot, which appeared to be steaming, and a small delicate plate of her favorite china holding three ginger newts, the exact number she allowed herself each evening as a snack. The tub was filled with steaming water and soft bubbles. The air was scented with lavender, her favorite fragrance, its source, either the bath bubbles or the dozens of candles floating in the air. The warm glow of the candle light mingled with the low fire bathing the room in gentle shadows. A gramophone had been set up in the corner and Bing Crosby’s smooth voice filled the air, joined by the vocal talent of Albus Dumbledore, who stood in the middle of her room with his back to her.

“Albus?”

Albus spun around to see Minerva standing in the door way to her rooms. Her hair was down. Her hair was actually down and she was wearing those robes. Had it not been for the shock and question in Minerva’s beautiful emerald eyes, Albus would have been sure he was dreaming.

“Albus, what…” Minerva trailed off, tears beginning to well in her eyes. She looked from him to the candles to the tub and back to him.

“I...” Albus felt tongue-tied and for once did not know what to say. “I…I’m sorry I invaded your privacy, Minerva. I just wanted to help you relax and Fawkes had this idea.” Albus looked down suddenly feeling rather foolish and uncomfortable. For the first time he had looked at the room from her point of idea. At first he had just meant to tidy her room as she so often did for him, and to put on some music and brew her tea, but as usual he had become enthusiastic once he began. He realized now that the room’s transformation might seem to be a romantic overture. In his enthusiasm he had forgotten to check his feelings. Did best friends normally do this sort of thing for one another? He didn’t know but it was too late to change anything now.

As the silence dragged on, Bring Crosby began singing “Young At Heart,” a favorite of theirs. Albus remembered the first time they had heard this song together. It had been one of their Sunday afternoon games of chess, which were invariably followed by time spent drinking tea and chatting. Minerva had brought a new record and introduced him to Bing Crosby. Albus had been amazed at the sound of the crooner’s voice. As he’d listened, Albus had watched Minerva, her eyes closed, thoroughly enjoy the music and seemingly melt into the sofa. He’d decided right then and there that he’d have given all of his powers to sing like Bing Crosby if it meant seeing Minerva melt like that for him. When the song “Young At Heart” had played, Minerva had smiled sweetly at him and said, “This always makes me think of you.”

Albus had been listening to Bing Crosby and singing along with him ever sense.

The song and the memory that accompanied it reminded him how close he and Minerva truly were. There was no need for him to feel uncomfortable around her for any reason.

“How was the wedding, Minerva?”

She seemed surprised to have the silence broken. “The wedding? It was…well…” Minerva looked up into the bright blue eyes of the man she loved, the man who had gone out of his way to create this beautiful, relaxing environment for her, because he already knew how the wedding had been. ‘No,’ she thought, ‘there is no need for me to lie to Albus.’

“The wedding was wonderful. Verplaca was a very beautiful and very happy bride. She asked me to tell you she said hello. I truly believe she and Corc will do well together. However,” Minerva grimaced thinking of Athena’s costuming changes, “Before and after the wedding was a different matter. I did have a very nice chat with Poppy’s James. Albus…” She trailed off looking around the room once more before looking back at him. “I don’t quite know how to thank you for all this.”

“Tabby, there’s no need to thank me. I was trying to think of a way to help you relax. I knew today would be trying for you and I wanted to help.”

Minerva closed the distance between them and hugged him. As she laid her hear on his shoulder and felt his arms go around her, she was reminded of why she loved Albus. He was always so concerned for her well-being and so compassionate to all those around him. At the same time he was so humble that he refused to accept credit and thanks for all the wonderful things he did.

Albus wrapped his arms around Minerva and smiled when she snuggled into him. He dared to run his fingers lightly through her flowing ebony locks before reluctantly letting go of her. “I should get back to Fawkes. Tomorrow is his burning day and you know how he can be.”

Minerva smiled and led him to the door. “Thank you again for all this Albus. I think I’ll have a good soak before going to bed.”

Albus didn’t know whether the change in the air between them was due to the changes he’d created in her rooms or something more. He took both her hands in his. “You deserve to relax after your day. Would you be willing to tell me all about it over lunch and a game of chess in my rooms tomorrow?”

“Sounds wonderful,” she smiled and blushed slightly as he squeezed her hands. “Goodnight, Albus.”

“Goodnight, Minerva dear.” Albus leaned down kissing her flushed cheek.

Minerva shut the door behind Albus, locking it. She looked once again at the transformations he had managed in her rooms. Minerva realized that something between them had also changed as they’d said goodnight. She ran her fingers through her hair before removing her robes and sinking into the bathtub. As she took a deep breathe she enjoyed the feel of the hot water, the scent of the candles, the sound of Bing as he began singing another of her favorites, and the thought of Albus Dumbledore preparing the whole experience for her. The look in his eyes as he’d taken her hands and kissed her cheek had shaken Minerva to her core. That their friendship meant nothing more to Albus than just a platonic relationship was a belief she had firmly held since she’d been a student. All it had taken was one look into his magnificent eyes to transform that belief into a hope she thought she had long overcome.

Minerva took a sip of tea, her favorite blend, as Bing crooned softly, “P.S. I love you.”

“Unlikely,” she said firmly, trying to convince herself. Minerva relaxed back into the water, shaking her head as if to clear any remaining doubt.




A/N: The quote is… "Love can sometimes be magic. But magic can sometimes...just be an illusion." Javan (AKA: Steven Javan Jones) He published after the time of this fic, but frankly I loved the quote too much to care. Sorry about that! Bing Crosby recorded the songs I used between 1950 and 1954. I like to think Minerva would have enjoyed him as much as I do.

[FireBird]

Great update (and so soon)!! Albus is so caring and understanding! I very much enjoy the way you wrote Minerva contemplating things.

[nicolerose]

AHH! I thought that they were going to get together!! but.... I cant wait for more!! haha. Very good chapter

[gmshed]

Yay! An update! I love the way Albus already knew exactly what would have happened and prepared that. And the way that he suddenly realised what it might look like. I just love it!

[childminerva]

I like Bing too, not as good as ol' blue eyes (Sinatra), but still...I like that his music is something she and Albus share. Nice update-Albus is just too sweet for words and I liked that Minerva gave Fawkes a birdbath.
I'll be looking forward to the next update!

[kankulex]

Awwwwww..... sweet! I hate Minerva's siter... and I just LOVE Albus.. but don't we all?
Brilliant update again! I'm looking forward to more of course...

[Trulyamused]

Wonderful. What a sweet thing for Albus to do.

Hopefully they'll find there way to each other soon.

Truly

[Jessabelle]

I just realized that I have yet to review this fic. An excellent start that has capatured my attention! This last post was great and the setting was wonderfully romantic. Please update again soon!
- Jess

[KSpirit]

Another one! Great! I almost missed this one too...I'm just not paying attention at all.

Good job, keep it coming!

[Gemmie Lou]

more we need more