A Mistake? <updated June 1, 2011>

[~Aly~]

Title: A Mistake?

Summary: Minerva is getting ready to finish school when she runs into her favorite professor (Dumbledore) atop the Astrology Tower.

Rating: PG

A/N - The * words are Gaelic, standing for mother, father, dear/beloved, sweet, 'little capable one', sister, temper, and So ma tà is translated roughly into 'to this place then'. (In order of *)

Part 1

1944

It was a bright, cool spring night near the end of April. Minerva McGonagall was just a couple months away from finishing her required schooling at Hogwarts. She had been a prefect and now was head girl, giving her the ability to wander the corridors at night. On this particular night she made her way up to the astrology tower, the highest tower in Hogwarts. She opened the door to the tower and smiled as she was greeted by a soft and gentle wind. She walked to the edge and looked out, forgetting everything for the moment. A stronger breeze came up and whipped her long black hair and robe behind her, showing the school uniform that she was wearing underneath.

“Why are you up here this night, Miss McGonagall?” A soft voice came from a few paces behind her, forcing the startled girl to turn around sharply.

“Oh! Professor, you startled me.” Her face flushed suddenly as she looked at her favorite professor stood before her in his robe over his pajamas. “I just needed some fresh air since I was unable to sleep.” It wasn’t a complete lie but was close to. She had wanted fresh air, but not because she couldn’t sleep. She wanted the fresh air to stay awake and get rid of the feelings she had for her professor, the one in front of her now.

“Miss McGonagall I find that hard to believe.” Her professor said with a smile as he walked over and stood next to her. “I have never known you to have many problems and I doubt falling asleep is a problem.” He looked at her over his half moon glasses with his piercing blue eyes and a smile.

She suddenly felt as though he knew why she was up here. “Professor Dumbledore –“

He brought up a hand and cut her off, “No need…I forget that I, myself, have sleeping trouble occasionally.” He turned to look out at the school grounds below them. “I shouldn’t have disbelieved you.”
She just stared at him; he never talked like this to his students. She gaped slightly, catching herself before it was too noticeable.

“Um…professor?” she gave him a curious look as she turned to face him now, the wind having died.

“Yes…Oh…I’m sorry, I forget myself sometimes.” He continued to smile at her, “Anyway I was looking for you, I was wondering what you planned to do immediately after you are done here. Especially since there is no teaching position open at any school right now.” He turned and looked away from her, something about her made him relax and more conscious of his actions around her.

“I planned on becoming an animagus.” She glanced at him and followed his gaze out over the school grounds. “Um…but why are you wondering professor?” He shouldn’t really care beyond what a teacher cares and they had asked her what she wanted to do two years ago.

He sighed, wondering if he had stepped too far over the boundaries he had made for himself. “I was wondering if you wanted to study under me after you are done here. It was just something I was coming to suggest.” His voice had stayed steady, not trailing off until he was done.

Minerva’s heart did a flip as her stomach twisted together tightly. Had he really meant what he was saying? He wanted her to study under his guidance after she was done with school. She wanted to shake her head in disbelief, but wouldn’t being as stubborn as she was. “Thank you for the offer professor, but I was going to spend the next year perfecting my animagus transformation. If I can come back after that I would be more than happy to.” She was trying to give herself time away from him to see if she really did have feelings for him or it was something else.

“Alright then…I will leave the offer open for a year from when you leave here.” He turned and started to walk toward the door to the school. He stopped, holding it open and turning to face her again. His face softened. “Minerva please go to bed, whatever is troubling you will be answered in your dreams.” With a swirl of his cloak he vanished into the school leaving the door open.

She stared after him, why had he used her first name. Wasn’t he supposed to be formal with her? She shook her head finally and waited a bit before following him back into the school. She quickly went to her dorm room and to bed for a quiet night’s rest.

Albus Dumbledore, on the other hand, didn’t go to bed but instead stayed up and paced between his study and his room. He didn’t know why he offered her the opportunity to study under him or why he used her first name, but it had sounded nice instead of being so formal. He looked at his desk, a stack of papers sat there waiting to be graded. With a sigh he walked over to them and started, spending the rest of the late night and early morning finishing them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

School had ended and Minerva was home at the Manor in Scotland. She loved it there and had been home for nearly a month and was now facing the fact that she wouldn’t be returning to Hogwarts unless she was to study under Professor Dumbledore. She sighed and fell onto her bed, wondering if it was time to start her animagus studies. She got up and went to see her mother, a visit that she wasn’t sure how it would go. She hadn’t really talked to her mother since she had gotten home from school as the only conversation that seemed to be allowed was her having a family. She gave a sigh and left the room with her hair and spring gown trailing behind her. The war that the muggle world was having didn’t affect her family as they lived far from any place that could be civilized.

She stood outside of the study where her mother was usually found reading or relaxing. She shook her head, hearing voices beside her mother’s. She gave a knock and walked in, “Màthair*?” her voice was very quiet as she stepped over the threshold that led into the study. A blazing fire was going in the fireplace and someone sat across from her mother and father. She wondered why he was even home, “Athair*?” Confusion was written plainly across her face; since coming home she had begun to speak more Gaelic than plain English, as the first was her native tongue.

“My ionmhuinn*, your professor has come to visit with us and you seem to forget your place.” Her mother smiled and motioned for her to sit next to the man that she now realized was Albus Dumbledore. Her heart quivered as she made her way to sit next to him. “He was wondering how your studies were coming. I was just about to ask what he was talking about when you walked in.”

“You seem to have perfect timing my milis*.” Her father looked stern as he said this, he always had been stern. Minerva could tell though that he was thoroughly pleased to see her. She shied away, slightly ashamed to have been avoiding her parents for the past month; she gave them excuses as to why she wasn’t around.

“I’m sorry Màthair, Athair.” She faced her parents and gave a slight bow before turning to the guest. “Hello Professor Dumbledore.” She smiled and gave him a slight curtsy before sitting down next to him. “I was just coming to talk to them about those studies.”

Dumbledore waved her hand as she was acting so polite and proper. “Please, you are no longer my student. Albus if you will, the other seems too proper. Now as I was wondering about your studies that you had mention before you left.” He was facing her with his twinkling blue eyes. He liked hearing the Gaelic roll off of her tongue. He had to blink to keep his thoughts focused on why he was here.

Minerva blinked, taken back by him being so forward. She wasn’t sure if she was imagining it or not, but her feelings for him seemed to be returned. “I was going to start them tomorrow and I need to make a trip to Diagon Alley. I need some books.” It was a lie, but she knew her father wouldn’t like the idea of her becoming an animagus at the moment. “I told you I wanted to be a Transfiguration teacher and there is more that I need to know. I also need more practice with the different spells.” She gave a smile, adding quickly. “That’s what I have been doing this past month, practicing.”

“Well my milis have you gotten anywhere with your practicing.” Her father had called her the nickname he had since she was a young, young girl; as long as she could remember. She opened her mouth to talk, but was cut off by Albus.

“I’m sorry Murrachan*…” He smiled at all of them, revealing that he could also speak Gaelic fluently. “But if need to get to Diagon Alley, I would love to have you come with as I need to stop there before I return to Hogwarts.”

“Oh, isn’t that nice my ionmhuinn. I think you should go with him, tomorrow as it is getting late in the day now.” Her mother smiled as she thought of having Albus Dumbledore stay for a while. It was not that late actually, being only about mid-afternoon, but that didn’t matter to Minerva’s mother.

A slight nod to her mother, “If you wish Màthair and Alus does not mind.” She turned to face him, seeing what seemed to be a pleased look on his face. She knew what she was to ask and said it as politely as possible. “Albus Dumbledore, would you like to stay for the night and depart tomorrow?” Her head bowed slightly, awaiting his answer.

“Minerva McGonagall, you need not be so formal with me.” Albus looked at her parents now, “I would be delighted to stay if it is not a bother, Michael and Emilia McGonagall.”

Her mother smiled proudly at this, “Well than with that settled, I will have dinner started as I believe your piuthar* is coming for supper tonight.” A silent gulp went down Minerva’s throat. Her former professor was staying the night and having dinner with her whole family. “Minerva, my ionmhuminn, please show Albus to his room for the night. Oh and your sister will only be here for dinner.” Her mother got up and gave her a swift kiss on the forehead before heading out the door humming and old Gaelic tune.

She looked at her father who was standing in front of her; her eyes pleading for him to stay. “I’m sorry my milis, but I must head back to work for a little bit. Please be the well mannered little one I know you to be.” He turned on his heels and strode to the fire place. “Ministry.” And with a flash of green he was gone.

Suddenly Minerva felt self-conscious about sitting next to her former professor in the study with only the fire crackling. “Would you like to see your room than?” she had suddenly stood up with her hands neatly folded in front of her. She heard him start to laugh as he took out what looked to be a piece of candy.

“My dear, you are too formal for this occasion and if you don’t mind me saying you look quite beautiful also.” Albus met her gaze through her square spectacles. “I would prefer to see the grounds that I once heard you talking about.”

Stunned Minerva opened her mouth and closed it again. “Alright then, I shall try to keep my manners in check along with the foinnich* we McGonagalls are rumored to have.” She was pleased to be able to mix languages with him, finding it an easier way to express herself. She smiled and started to walk out the door. “So ma tà*…” She didn’t wait for him, having been told she was being too polite. She started to give him a tour of the immediate grounds surrounding the house along with what lie in the distance beyond them.

[~Aly~]

Part 2

Minerva had taken him through the well manicured garden that surrounded the manor, giving slight insight as to why there was such a variety of flowers in the cool Highland climate. They were sitting on a bench facing the distant hills; her back was straight as she sat up very proper and he leaned against the ivy covered wall of the manor. “Minerva, my dear, will you tell me what that tower is for in the distance…” He gave her an expectant look, hoping for a well thought out answer.

“Um…” she looked in the distance, seeing nothing. “What tower Albus, I don’t see one.” She heard him sigh and looked at him. Too her surprise he had taken off his glasses and was handing them to her.

“Take a look now, my dear.” He had set his glasses on her nose gently and turned her head back to where the tower stood.

She gave a surprised gasp, “There is a tower…I don’t know, having never seen it before.” She dropped her head and looked at the ground. “How did you figure it out?” Her sister had noticed after passing the medi-witch exam several years back. “No one but my sister and I know.”

“I paid attention my dear. You always sat close to the board in class and now here you never commented on any of the surrounding areas.” Albus touched her chin with his hand ever so slightly lifting her face up to look at him. His touch sent a warm sensation down her spine. “You have nothing to be ashamed of; many people have that same problem.” She gave a slight nod and felt his hand drop from her chin.

“Min! There you are!” Minerva froze at the sound of her sister’s happy voice. Margret McGonagall was five years older than her younger sister. “Why aren’t you wearing the glasses I sent you?” Her sister hadn’t noticed the man sitting next to her sister until she was just several feet away. “Oh Professor, welcome, I wasn’t informed that you were here.”

“Margret…It’s so nice to see you again, too.” Minerva had forced herself to sound civil. It wasn’t that she hated her sister, but more that her sister had always used her as a plaything growing up. She still tried to it seemed, encouraging their mother to make new dresses; causing Minerva to be the manikin for her mother.

Emilia McGonagall was a seamstress that would customize her work so that no two things were the exact same. Minerva hated it while Margret loved to help their mother. It just showed who each girl took after. Minerva, her hard working father; while Margret was playful and cheery like their mother.

She shook her head, the black curls swishing back and forth against her back as the gown had a deep cut in the back that went to just above the waist. Her head cleared of the thoughts about the past, she now looked back at Albus who just simply smiled, “Well Margret I see you haven’t changed much and a successful medi-witch I hear.”

Margret nodded and was about to reply when her sister stood up, “You wouldn’t happen to have another pair of glasses would you? I think I lost the ones that you sent me.” She watched as her sister started to laugh.

“Course I do Min, I keep them in my bag. Coming?” Margret had turned and was heading back inside the manor, glancing over her shoulder to make sure they were following.

“Albus if you wouldn’t mind…” Her eyes pleaded silently for him to not leave her alone with her sister.

“Of course my dear, ‘Min’.” he chuckled lightly as he saw her face go scarlet. “I shall assume that that particular name is off limits.” He stood up still laughing slightly and followed her inside.

“You assume right, considering I don’t know why you would be giving me nicknames in the first place.” Minerva was annoyed, now being forced to come to terms with her near sightedness, her sister calling her that stupid name like she was some small child, and her former professor coming up with nicknames for her. She brought her hand up and pinched the bridge of her nose, everything seemed to be against her as she now had a horrible headache.

Her and Albus got as far as the door to her room since Margret had come back up the hallway with the glasses. “Here you go, and now that you’re of age you can change them to look however you want.” With a smile her sister slid past and headed back to the study.

There was an audible sigh from Minerva as she looked at the plain black glasses. She didn’t even think about Albus standing behind her as she turned and walked into her room, lying face down on her bed.

The door was open and thus and invite inside, Albus walked in silently behind his former student. Had he pushed to far again, but she hadn’t said anything or done anything to make him think she was uncomfortable around him. That is if you exclude her being stiff backed and very polite and proper. His sigh was very soft as he sat down next to her side on the bed. She hadn’t noticed and so he placed a hand on her shoulder gently.

Minerva didn’t jump at his touch, but welcomed it as she felt the warm sensation again in her body. “Why did you come to visit?” She was afraid that she already knew that answer, but needed to hear it from him to be sure.

“I can’t keep the offer open until next year and I need someone that I know I can trust to take the offer. I need someone that wants to learn more and is willing to teach.” She felt his hand grip her shoulder tighter and turned to look up at him.

“I’m not ready to teach, nor am I qualified.” For once since Albus had first met her, he had to say that Minerva McGonagall was worried about something simple.

“That is why I came here now.” She turned to face him, “I want you to come back to Hogwarts now.” He gave her the encouraging smile that she needed. “But before you answer I think we should head down to the kitchen before they think we disappeared on them.” He stood up and took a few strides and waited at the door for her.

She had to give him credit; he knew how to get her confidence back up. That was why she had always gone to him when she needed help with something troubling her at school. She looked at him, taking in his features. His long auburn hair with a small beard, the crooked nose that she had seen him break once at Hogwarts, and finally she looked at his eyes, his twinkling winter blue eyes; she had to look away as their gaze felt piercing. She felt that he could see through her and read her mind at times. She closed her eyes and got up, straightening out the gown so that it sat properly again. She looked back up at him, placing the glasses on her vanity and walked out the door behind Albus, closing the door behind her.

Finding her family in the dining room just taking their seats; she was going to show Albus his seat when he stepped in front of her and slid out the chair. “Chivalry has yet to die my dear.” He said, giving a small chuckle as she sat down, tucking her gown underneath her.

She gave a polite response and a curt nod. Her face showed no traces of the near breakdown that she had only moments before. She watched as he took the seat next to her, Margret sat across from her, as her mother and father sat across from each other at the ends of the table. She heard the door to the kitchen open and their two house elves came in carrying the main course of roast beef with many side dishes. A small chuckle slipped from her as she looked at the house elves. Instead of the simple pillow cases she usually saw the two in, her mother had demanded that they wear clean apron suits that she had made. Her mother hated dirty clothing it was a trait that all of the McGonagalls all shared in the house.

Everyone started to fill their dishes as the elves brought out her parents’ drinks along with her sister’s water and her own cup of hot tea. “Albus would you care for something to drink?” Her mother’s polite voice sounded from next to her.

“He’ll have sweet tea or hot chocolate.” Minerva thought as she turned to look at him, already knowing what he was going to say by his look.

“Hot chocolate, Madame if it’s not too much of a bother.” He smiled as an elf came out with the glass of it and set it next to him. The elf bowed and disappeared back into the kitchen. The table was silent as everyone ate, not wanting to be the first one to start the conversation. Albus volunteered, “You have a lovely garden, Minerva was kind enough to take me through it and explain some of the different flowers and trees.” He saw her go red out of the corner of his eye.

“Well I’m glad my milis was kind enough to do that, considering we have rarely seen her over the past month.” Her father responded, eying her as she kept her head down and focused on her supper. “It seems we will have to have you visit more often than if she becomes more social when you are around.”

Minerva looked up, a chance to say her new found plans. “I’m going back tomorrow. I was offered a job under Professor Dumbledore. A chance to expand my studies for teaching.” She saw the exchange between her parents, hope in her mother’s eyes and sadness in her father’s stern ones.

“I’m sorry, but you are going back to Hogwarts Min!” Margret was shocked. Minerva just nodded and saw Albus move his hands from the table; she could only hope that he kept them in view of everyone. They stopped suddenly as if he knew what she was thinking and made their way back to his plate.

“I must apologize for not talking to you about this when I arrived. I thought it best to see if Minerva wanted to come back first.” He paused and glanced at her before turning to her father. “I cannot think of anyone more capable of this job than your daughter Michael. I will make sure she visits home. She shan’t be that busy that she is unable to visit.”

She saw her father give his nod of approval and smiled. “Thank you Athair.”

Her father laughed, “Anything to see that smile on your face my milis.” Everyone continued with their meal, the conversation had become lighter as the desserts were brought out. Minerva couldn’t eat any more and continued to participate in the conversation.

It had gotten late and her sister stood up, “I’m sorry, mum, poppy, but I must be going. My shift starts in a little bit at St. Mungo’s, so if you will excuse me.” Their father gave a nod, “It was nice to see you again Professor. Min good luck…” A gleam was in her sister’s eyes as she turned and walked out into the hall. She had grabbed her bag and disapparated outside.

“Athair, if you wouldn’t mind, I would like to go and pack.” A sigh and then the nod followed. With a smile she stood up, Goodnight then, I will see you all in the morning.” She gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and then her father before disappearing into the hall. Outside the door, she heard the conversation resume, she knew naught what is was about.

Back in her room, she opened her trunk and smiled as most of her attire was still packed up. She took a few things out and set them neatly on the floor of her closet. She packed the new dresses her mother insisted on her having, especially since they were made specifically for her. She left an emerald green and black gown out. She liked it better than all of the ones that had either red or gold on them, probably because it was different. The back was cut to have her long hair sit against her skin and the sleeves had no shoulder as they came down to a point to rest on the back of her hands. “I’ll wear it tomorrow when we go to Diagon Alley,” she mumbled as she examined the gown even closer. Her mother had made this one specifically it seemed to show off her upper body. She hung up her travelling cloak next to it.

“It will fit you nicely…” His soft voice came from the door which was closed. She jumped, not having heard him or seen him enter her room. “Your mother seems to have a gift for making them.”

She stared at him, angrily. “How the bloody hell did you get in here? That door has been shut for a while now.” Her hair seemed to bristle as she stared at him.

“That is my secret. I only stopped in to tell you that you won’t need any of your spell books so they can come out of your unpacked trunk.” He held up a hand as she made to say something. “I would also like to know where I will be sleeping tonight.” Her face softened somewhat.

“How did you, oh never mind.” She started to mumble, something about a know-it-all old coot. “I’ll show you to your room then,” she stood up straight and led the way out of her room and down the hall just a short ways. She opened the door to a spare bedroom that resided between hers and her sister’s. It was very neat and plain; the four poster bed resided in the middle against the outer wall, floor to ceiling windows resided on both sides of the bed. Albus stepped past her and looked out, knowing that below was an excellent view of the garden. “The washroom is right across the hall from your room.” She gave a curtsy and stepped out of the room.

“Thank you murrachan,” he smiled as she exited his room. “You have been too kind to this know-it-all old coot.” He watched as her face lit up in shock for a fraction of a second, before returning to its polite expression. He laughed and gave a nod, “Goodnight then.”

She quickly returned to her room and finished her packing and looked at the glasses on her vanity. Picking them up she set them in one of her traveling cloak’s pockets. She didn’t plan on losing this pair, or wearing them just yet. With a sigh she removed the current rose gown she was wearing and wrapped up in a robe to take a hot bath. She stood across the room and heard Albus conversing with someone else about her.

“-are you quite sure Albus, she is still young and knows many of the students. She-“

“That is why I choose her, she knows them and is capable in the art-” A pause, “Someone is listening Armondo.” Her eyes grew wide as she thought of what he would do if he found here listening. Acting on instinct she suddenly changed into a silver tabby cat, just in time too as the door opened. She sat and batted her tail back and forth. It was a secret that she hadn’t told anyone yet as she had mastered it in her sixth year of school. “I didn’t know she had a cat, wait she did have one at Hogwarts…though it wasn’t silver…”

Seeing her chance she got up and walked over to his legs, gliding in and out of them as she purred softly. With a shrug he picked her up before she could get away and closed the door as he reentered his room. “It was just her cat Armondo.” He set the silver tabby on his bed where she curled up, purring and watched him with her ears perked forward.

“Okay then, like I was saying, she doesn’t have the necessary experience to teach the higher classes.”

Albus was kneeling next to the fire, “Oh you mean the classes that she passes perfectly? I knew you would worry about that, it is why I’m bringing her back now before the term does start.” He looked tired and run down slightly. “If she doesn’t seem fit after a few classes than you can do as you wish.”

“Fine than Albus, I will give her until winter break if necessary, but I would like to have a positive answer by Halloween.” With that, the headmaster of Hogwarts left Albus to himself.

He got up from the fire and looked down at the ‘sleeping’ cat on his bed. “If only convincing him that I’m not mad was as easy as picking you up my dear.” She purred and pushed her head against his hand. “Well, shall we go to bed…” He knew the cat wouldn’t respond as she was too busy purring. He stood up and pulled off his outer garments to reveal a simple under shirt which quickly grew into a nightshirt as he pulled back the sheets and got under them. He was careful not to disturb the silver tabby at his side. With a wave of his hand the fire died and the room was dark.

Minerva flexed her cat paws and stood up, being able to see quite well in the dark. She walked up to his face and poked his crooked nose. She wanted out, and continued to poke his nose with her sheathed paw until he opened his blue eyes and smiled. “What is it my dear?” Springing off the bed, she stood at the foot of the door and pawed it gently. He sighed and got up to open the door, but against his better judgment, picked the cat back up and went back to bed. “I think you can live without your mistress for one night my dear.” A growl had started in her throat when she decided against forcing him to let her out. She was terribly tired after all and the bed was quite comfy in the warm summer air. She didn’t purr as he set her back on the bed against his side, but yawned and stretched, kneading the blanket lightly as she settled down to sleep.

Albus watched the silver tabby as she curled up to sleep, “How strange that Minerva never brought you to school, you seem friendlier than her brown tabby.” He stopped wondering as he soon fell asleep with a hand resting on the sleeping cat.

A/N - sorry I don't have it listed as separate parts, but I don't know how long it's going to be either...in short I have a beginning and an end with no knowledge of how to get from one to the other. (would like some feedback on it) Thanks.

[minervammcg]

Wonderful!!! I believe you'll do just fine in continuing this story. Again wonderful! Update soon.

[~Aly~]

Part 3

The next morning they were awakened by the bright morning sun streaming in through the windows. Albus was the one to wake up, seeing the silver tabby stretched out next to his head, her face facing him. He smiled and scratched the cat’s head. “Morning my dear,” he continued to smile at her as he got up and left to the washroom. Minerva shot off the bed and into her room through the cracked door.

She changed back looking very disheveled from sleeping as a cat. She hadn’t slept well, being a light sleeper and there had been owls outside hooting along with a couple mice scurrying around. She looked in the mirror and started to tame the mess that she called hair. With it no longer sticking up all over the place she walked back out into the hallway yawning. She stood outside of his room and looked in to see if he was out of the washroom yet. Not seeing him there she turned to see him directly standing behind her.

“Looking for me?”

She gave him a nod, “I saw your door open and wondered if you were up yet.”

“Well I’m up and I spent the night with your silver tabby. She was very friendly, oh I wonder if she is still there.” He stepped past her and walked into his room. “Looks like she took off.”

“Well I’m surprised she even stayed with you, she isn’t very friendly. She disappears when guest are around.” She smiled and turned to the washroom. ‘I’ll be out in a bit, or longer than that; I need a hot bath.”

She shut the door behind her and Albus turned back to his room. He shut the door and dressed quickly. Ready to leave he opened the door and almost ran into a towel clad Minerva. She gave a soft squeak, “Excuse me…Albus…” She clutched to the towel that was around her. She glared at him and quickly shot into her room, shutting the door quickly.

He blinked as she disappeared into her room. He walked the short distance down the hall to her room. “Minerva?” he said, after waiting cautiously for a short time. He didn’t hear a response so he knocked.

The door sprang open at his touch as she stood there staring at him. “Yes?” She raised her eyebrows, now wearing her gown. Her travelling cloak was hanging over her arm and her trunk was nowhere to be seen.

His mouth open and closed a couple times. “I-I…Can I take your cloak?” He finally managed to say something.

She stared at him and walked towards him. “Here,” she snapped back angrily.

“Okay…” he took the cloak and followed her down the hall. “Minerva, wait…What is wrong?”

She stopped dead in her tracks. She closed her eyes as she turned to face him. Not opening her eyes she gave a soft reply. “Nothing that concerns you.” She turned back and walked into the kitchen where the house elves had prepared breakfast.

“Mistress, your father has already left for work today. He was sad that he left too early in the morning.” The house elf said, seeing Minerva enter the kitchen. “Missy is glad to see her mistress up, but sad to hear you leaving so soon.”

“Don’t worry Missy. I will come home occasionally.” She smiled as the elf ushered her to the table and placed a fruit covered waffle in front of her. “You are too generous Missy.” She smiled and picked at the strawberries in front of her.

Albus walked in as Minerva was being seated with food set in front of her. “Can I get mistress’s guest something to eat too?”

“I will have the same as her.” Missy looked at her mistress who gave a nod. Soon another plate of waffles and fruit was set on the small table. The elf bowed and left the room, hearing her other mistress call for her. They sat in silence eating, Albus not wanting to make her angry with him again, in case she changed her mind. Minerva on the other hand was calming her mind as she slowly ate the fruit from her waffles.

Her mother came in smiling. “Morning…” she turned and left as soon as she had entered. Minerva stared after her before turning to Albus.

Swallowing the bite of waffle that she had in her mouth; “Are you ready to go?” she smiled at him, pushing her plate away.

Albus swallowed, “I’m almost finished.” He didn’t rush himself eating, knowing how he felt after traveling by floo powder. A few minutes later he finished and stood up. “Shall we then?” he headed to the kitchen fire place only to hear her laughing.

“That fire place isn’t connected, why would we want people coming and going through our kitchen.” It made him feel better, knowing she wasn’t as angry with him anymore. “The study, before you ask.”
She led the way out of the kitchen and up to the study where her mother was making another dress. She walked over and gave her mother a kiss on the cheek and exchanged a few quiet words in Gaelic that Albus didn’t catch. Seeing her face as she came over to the fireplace, he could only assume that he didn’t want to know. He handed her the cloak back and watched as she put it on over her dress.

The fire blazing in front of her, she grabbed a handful of power and threw it in. “Leaky Cauldron.” Her voice rang out clear as she was swept away in the flames. Albus wondered why there but shrugged it off and followed suit, his voice softer as he stepped in. Soon he was stepping out of the Leaky Cauldron’s fireplace. He looked up to see Minerva soot free, unlike himself. “How..?”

“My màthair’s fine work,” she gave as a simple response and led the way to the entrance to Diagon Alley. Out of the public eye she started to help brush off the soot from his cloaks. “I must apologize for my behavior this morning, I was a little shocked when I came out of the washroom this morning to see you standing there looking at me. It was mostly because I wasn’t properly dressed you could say.”

“There is nothing to apologize about my dear, I understand.” He gave a nod and looked at her. “Shall we then?” as he offered out his arm to her. She took it, wondering why he was being the proper gentlemen at that moment. They entered the alley after opening the gateway and looked around. “My dear, what is it that you needed here?”

She was caught off guard and stumbled to find the right words, “Um…I…um…” She didn’t hang her head, but thought about it. “I don’t need anything, unless there are certain books I need now.”

He shook his head, “Just robes for teaching then.”

“What?!” she had to act shocked, having heard about that last night.

It wasn’t the shock that he had expected, thinking that it was slightly unemotional which didn’t fit her right now. “Yes, to get experience I’m going to have you teach the first years.” He sighed; wishing to tell her more now but it wasn’t the time or the place. “So…I do say you look rather stunning in emerald green and black.”

“Sir, are you flirting?” Feeling a little edgy about him making that comment, the second in less than a day, she saw his eyes close as they stood outside of the tailor’s.

“No my dear, just commenting on how well green works on you for a Gryffindor.” He opened the door and led her inside.

“Ah, Albus Dumbledore, what is it that you will be needing this time.” A young tailor made her way from the back of the shop to them. “And my, what a stunning young woman; I have never seen such a gown before.” Minerva flushed, her mother had insisted on tailoring her robes for school instead of buying the standard ones. “If you don’t mind me asking miss, but who made your gown for you?”

Albus smiled, “My dear, I didn’t come here for me, but for the woman you are now fussing over.” He saw her raise an eyebrow as she glanced back at him, having stepped toward Minerva for a closer look at the dress. “She will be needing robes of those same colors for teaching.”

The woman stood up straight and looked at him, allowing for Minerva to breathe for a few seconds. The tailor turned back to her and grabbed her hand. “Come then. I wish to see how you enjoy my work compared to Emilia’s.”

“How did you…?” Yet again, Minerva has no clue as to how she knows who made the dress.

“I can tell by the material my dear. Any good tailor can. Certain tailors use certain kinds. Being that this is very fine quality, breathable, yet very strong, though I have yet to meet another tailor that puts a spell right into the fabric’s thread that will keep it clean permanently.” She placed Minerva up on a stand, making her feel yet again like a manikin. “Whoever purchased this dress for must care a lot; I have never seen one this fine and excellently tailored. Who did you get this from?” Her focus turned to Albus, “You didn’t buy her this did you?”

He opened his mouth to reply when he was beat to it, “It was given to me by my màthair.” Seeing the tailor’s confusion she fixed her mistake, “I’m sorry, my mother.” She gave pause thinking of telling her that her mother made the dress, but decided against it. It was one less thing that she wanted people to know.

“You are a very lucky woman,” the tailor replied as they went through the steps of taking measurements. Minerva reacted as if it was her mother doing the measurements. The tailor rambled about something with Albus, eventually turning the conversation to Minerva. “It seems you have been through this before, but I don’t recall you ever coming in here for school robes.”

“I have a relative that is a tailor, she made them for me.” It raised an eyebrow from the woman. “No, her name isn’t Emilia either.” At that, she noticed Albus had taken interest and was about to say something when her cloak was removed and a black cloth was pulled over her head only to have it pulled back off.

“Albus please leave the area.” It was a demand which he did. With him gone she turned to Minerva. “I’m sorry, but I can’t fit your teaching attire right if you are wearing that gown.”

With a sigh she slowly removed the gown, revealing a white slip underneath it. “Better?” she had set the gown on a nearby chair. The gown was sitting up with the arms settled into the lap, an invisible person. They both laughed and the black cloth went back over her head.

Albus sat in the front of the store, waiting for her to finish in the back. He checked his watch; an hour had passed since he had come up front. He settled back into a chair and waited, popping a yellow candy into his mouth. After another half an hour the two women reappear with two large boxes. The tailor was smiling as Minerva was not. “Please pass my regards onto Emilia will you.”

“I shall try to remember…” Her response was civil, but not without the undertone of anger. She handed the boxes to Albus as he held open the door for her. He nearly had to run to catch up to her as she headed for the ice cream parlor just a short ways down.

“Minerva…wait…” he caught up to her. “What’s wrong?” He touched her shoulder and she spun around.

“I don’t like it when people dig into my private life and then make accusations about it.” She snapped at him. A nearby woman turned to see who was making the fuss and turned away as soon as Minerva scowled at her. “Nor do I not know why you didn’t tell me that I would be teaching last night, as I could have had my màthair make my robes for me!” She noticed that he was carrying her cloak over his arm along with the two packages, her ranting stopped. She turned and took a seat near the parlor entrance. He came over and set the boxes down, her cloak on top of them. “I told her to send the bill to you.” Her voice wasn’t as angry as she sat with her legs crossed looking at the two packages.

He stood silent before her, “I’m sorry, but I shouldn’t have even told that you will be teaching yet. Headmaster Dippet will be upset.” He gave a sigh, “May I get you something?” He motioned to the ice cream parlor.

“Yes, something chocolately with strawberries.” Her voice was slowly getting softer as it returned to normal. He gave a nod and disappeared inside. “And I called him a know-it-all, seems he doesn’t catch everything.

Albus returned shortly, carrying two large cones of ice cream. He handed the chocolate one to Minerva, having had them mix the strawberries into the chocolate ice cream. His own was a simple vanilla. They sat once again in silence as she quickly devoured her ice cream and a smile spread across her face. She stood up, “Don’t worry, I’ll be right back.” She disappeared into the parlor. She came back out minutes later. “Is there any other places we need to go?”

Taken back by her sudden mood swing, he just gave a smile, “If you don’t mind being dragged along by an old coot like me.”

She nodded, “I trust you to lead.” He stood up and wrapped her cloak back around her shoulders. He took the packages and offered her his arm. He led them down the way, stopping at a candy shop to pick up several bags of his favorites and then the apothecary to replenish the school’s supply of potion ingredients. Now laden with several more boxes, they headed back to the Leaky Caldron for lunch before they returned to Hogwarts.

They passed the menagerie that had owls outside, but a cage of kittens sitting in the window. Minerva stopped and wandered closer for a better look. There was a silver tabby in the window that was curled up sleeping as its brothers and sisters played. She looked at Albus, “You don’t mind do you?”

“No, you’re allowed to bring a pet if you wish. Why didn’t you grab your cat from home?” She had already prepared for that question,

“That silver tabby is mine, but she has a preference for my ather over anyone else. Not to mention he is quite fond of her himself.” With a nod, she went in and a few seconds later the cat in the window was no longer there as it had been placed in a basket and given to Minerva. She came back outside with the basket set on her arm and a smile on her face. As they returned to the Leaky Cauldron, they decided to go right back to Hogwarts, now that they had a kitten with them. Albus went first as she closely followed behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Armando Dippet awaited the return of his deputy as he sat behind his desk. He was returning a letter to the Minster of Magic; it was about the current muggle war and the dark wizard that had arisen to help the Germans. He sealed the envelope with wax and his seal, handing it to the barn owl perched on the edge of his desk. “The minster please,” the owl took off and flew out the window as green flames shot up in his fireplace. He looked over to see a tall man with long auburn hair step out of the fireplace with several packages. He set them down and proceeded to dust himself off. A few seconds later a woman appeared in another burst of green flames, she was accompanied by a frenzied mewing from the basket on her arm. Which in contrary to the girl was covered in soot; setting down the basket, she took out a silver tabby kitten as her hood fell back from her face. The mewing quieted, but it was still visibly shaking. “Ah, you have returned Albus. I see that you have bought the replenishing supply for the potion master.”

He gave a nod, striding forward. “And how is Horace? I hoped to catch him here with you.”

Minerva remained in the background by the fireplace soothing her upset kitten. “Miss McGonagall,” she looked up to see the Headmaster calling to her. She got up, placing the now sleeping kitten back in its basket. “Albus has informed me that you are willing to teach in his absence throughout the year, even taking the first years permanently.”

“Yes, sir, but I would like to know why I’m needed.” She replied, turning to look at the door as it opened.

“Minerva McGonagall! It is nice to see you again so soon.” A rather short, slightly round man entered the room. He had a thick head of ginger blond hair, and pale gooseberry colored eyes. He instantly walked over and stood between Minerva and Albus, making himself look shorter than her really was. She recognized him as Horace Slughorn, the potions master.

Minerva went stiff as she was motioned to sit in front of the desk, the chair she took sat in front of Albus. Slughorn took the other. “You have perfect timing Horace. We were just going to inform young Miss McGonagall here about how she would be needed this year.” He turned to look at his deputy who remained standing behind the young woman, his hands resting on her shoulders. He gave him an inquisitive look that was ignored, so he went on.

“Miss McGonagall, as I was saying you will be filling in for Albus when he is absent from the school.” She felt the grip on her shoulders tighten just barely. “There is a dark wizard behind the muggle war and the ministry has asked for the help of some of the Hogwarts professors. I know you will not be filling in all of their positions, but if necessary you will take another post besides Transfiguration.” He took a breath before continuing, “Be that as it may, you will have to study up some over this summer. You should only have to fill in for Albus and occasionally Horace here as he volunteered to take the more difficult classes if you don’t feel up to them.”

She stared at him, taking it all in, “Are you fine with this, or do we need to find someone else.”

She blinked, “No, sir. I’m fine with everything. I will not let you down.” She was a Gryffindor, and giving her word on something meant that she would do her best to keep it, unless it was impossible. She felt a gentle squeeze on her shoulders and looked up at him. He was smiling back down at her with his twinkling eyes, winter blue eyes.

A sudden mewing broke the silence that had settled, and a smile spread across the Headmaster’s face. “It seems we are in need of lunch.” He led the way over to the couch and armchairs. As they sat down, food appeared on the coffee table between them; it included a small dish of milk for the kitten. She placed it on the floor next to her feet, setting the kitten down next to it. “What did you name it?”

She looked up, “Lily, her name is Lily.” It was the first name that had come to mind. She stroked the kitten gently as it lapped up the milk in front of it.

“I hope she doesn’t eat the mice you use in class my dear.” Albus was smiling as he watched her. He quickly turned back to the other two, grabbing a plate that held a sandwich and leaned back against the back of the couch. He was sitting next to her, with Horace across from him and the Headmaster across from Minerva.

She grabbed a plate and sat up stiffly, picking her sandwich apart as she ate it. The conversation was light, now that the main matter was cleared out of the way. She received several more comments on her dress, making her go bright red in the face.

The day wore on slowly as the three men talked and she curled up on the couch with Lily in her lap. Horace had left to attend to a potion that was brewing in the dungeons and Albus and the Headmaster were now playing chess at the far end of the couch and table. Her eyes had drifted shut as she rested her head on the back of the couch. She heard Horace come back and join the other two; and then she was silently sleeping with the purring kitten in her lap.

Horace looked over at the quiet girl, “Albus, I think you should put her to bed.” The other two looked in her direction as she slept there. “I think we wore her out.”

Albus shook his head, “No, let her sleep for a bit. It is far too early to be placed in bed, besides her room isn’t ready yet is it?” He looked to Armando, who shook his head.

“It will be in a few days. Your move Albus,” the three returned to their game of chess. The each played one another at least once, Albus winning both of his games.

Night had fallen when Armando finally beat Horace. Albus was looking at Minerva who was still sleeping silently on the couch. “It seems to have gotten late my friends, I think we shall retire.” He turned to Horace, “If you would help me carry the packages and don’t forget the basket.” He bent over and picked her up in his arms, gently maneuvering her so that her head rested against his chest. The little kitten only glanced up as his comfy bed was disturbed. “I shall see you tomorrow Armando.” He headed out the door and down the staircase with Horace just behind him.

The two chatted idly about nothing in particular. Up at his study, the door opened for Albus as he gently maneuvered into the room. “I’ll just be a minute Horace.” He carefully made his way through a couple more doorways before setting her on his bed as gently as possible. The kitten rolled off and stretched as he gently removed her traveling cloak and hung it up. The room was warm so he left her on top of the blankets, one corner pulled back in case she did get cold.

Back out in the study area, Horace had sat down on the sofa and set his potion supplies on the seat next to him. “You could have levated the packages behind you.”

“Then you wouldn’t be up here to enjoy a couple glasses of Brandy, would you.” Albus himself barely drank, but it had been a long time since he had and thus poured to glasses, handing one to his guest. The two colleagues played another game of chess, which Albus one once again, before Horace headed back to the dungeons.

No longer having a guest, Albus headed into his bedroom to check on her. She had found her way under the covers and was still sleeping silently; she had curled her body around the kitten that lay at her side. With a smile he grabbed his night clothes and changed in the wash room he had off of his room. Returning to the study with a couple blankets and a pillow he stretched out on the couch and fell asleep.

[minervammcg]

Again wonderful!!!! Absolutely. Update soon!

[~Aly~]

A/N - Thank you ^_^ it makes me happy knowing that someone is enjoying it.

Part 4

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Minerva woke up in a soft comfy bed. She rolled over and hugged one of the pillows close to her, only to hear a mewing coming from the other side of the pillow. She had dislodged the sleeping kitten from its sleeping place next to the pillow. She had the thought in her head that she was still at home and the past two days were just a dream; she opened her eyes to see deep purple hangings with stars on them surrounding the bed. “Where-“

“Hogwarts my dear,” she stared in the direction that the voice came from and saw a shadow in the hangings. She picked up the mewing kitten and crawled over to the foot of the bed and pulled them open.

“Morning my dear, it seems that you were very tired yesterday.” Smiling at her was Albus, “I must apologize for not waking you to get properly ready for bed, but you seemed so peaceful that I didn’t want to disturb you.”

He watched her, her bright green eyes drifting from him down to her attire, the emerald green and black gown. He continued to smile, seeing the soft light hit her skin making it look milky smooth. He wanted to place his hand on her cheek and see her smiled at him. He stopped his thoughts; she was his student once again, though she was also a colleague at the same time. He can’t not now, later after the situation was done and over with.

She looked back up at him, her green eyes meeting his blue ones, hers were wide with shock. He waited silently until the realization hit her. “I’m really going to be teaching first years?” He gave her a nod and offered his hand to help her out of the bed. She took it as he thoughts drifted to her smooth skin again. He blinked slowly to clear them to find her now facing him, “Your cloak is over there, he pointed to the door to his closet where it rested on hung on a hanger. He gently turned her so she was facing another door, “The washroom is through there and,” he turned her to face the other direction, “that door leads to my study. “I’ll be waiting for you out there. I’ll take Lily and feed her,” he added as he coaxed the kitten out of her arm. He walked out through the door he had just pointed out to her.

Minerva stared after him for a few seconds before looking about to not see her packages around anywhere, and followed after him. He glanced up in surprise as she appeared in the study just seconds later, grabbed her two boxes and disappeared back into his room.

She tossed the boxes on the bed through the open hangings and went for her cloak where she pulled out of it a small chest. Her wand slid from its hiding place in her right sleeve. She locked the door and placed the tiny chest at the foot of the bed, tapping it twice. It grew in size quickly, stopping when she kicked it and the top popped up. She pulled out her bathing necessities and disappeared into the washroom for a long hot bath.

Albus was playing with Lily when nearly an hour later Minerva walked back out into his study wearing a black under tunic of sorts and a bright emerald green cloak over it, that rivaled the color of her eyes. Her black hair was pinned up tightly into a bun without a single strand of hair out of place. She smiled as he seemed to be shocked at her appearance. She watched as he got up and came over to her.

“My dear, I don’t think black frames suit you.” His wand was out as he came over and tapped her glasses. She couldn’t see the difference until he gave her a mirror. Her glasses were now rectangular and gold, resting at the top of her nose. She walked over and placed the mirror on his desk, noticing that he was still looking at her.

“Are we going to just stand here or are we going to get started?” He blinked; she wanted to get started on work before even having breakfast?

“Yes, but I think breakfast is required first, seeing as you were sleeping when supper was served last night. To the Great Hall then?” he asked as he opened the door to the seventh floor corridor. She exited and could see the portrait of the Fat Lady just a ways down the hall. She turned around to see him standing in front of a door she had always found locked. He started in the opposite direction of the way she would have gone, only to find that it was a staircase leading to the second floor. Seeing the look on her face he gave a simple reply. “When you have been here as long as I have, you learn many secrets of the school.” He led the rest of the way to the Great Hall.

Inside, she saw just the head table were a few of her former professors sat. From across the great hall she could see them smiling. “It seems Horace has let it be known that you are returning as my under study and a substitute.”

At the table, she was placed between Albus and Professor Merrythought, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. The latter gave her a warm welcome along with a hug, causing Minerva to go stiff. “Still as stern as ever I see…” the older woman said as let go and returned to the food in front of her. As other professors she had came or left, they stopped by her to welcome her back.

“It seems everyone is happy to have you as a member of the staff, Miss McGonagall.” It was Madame Trelawney, a very gifted seer and the Divination professor. She gave a curt nod and a smile. “My dear,” she had taken the vacated position of Professor Merrythought and was whispering in her ear, “you should tell him before something happens that the two of you regret.”

A stern faced Minerva turned to face the elderly woman next to her. “I’m sorry Madame, but I have no idea of what you are talking about.”

Madame nodded and stood up, “I’m talking about something after the war is over, not now.” It had been a soft conversation between the two that Albus had missed.

“Oh, hello Madame Trelawney, I see you have already had a word with my new apprentice.” He had a sweet smile on his face.
“Oh, yes, I was just telling her how wonderful of a teacher she will make.” Minerva scowled at her as she knew it was straight up lie.

“Well, I’m glad that I have chosen such a competent apprentice.” He nodded as Madame left them. “Well, are you ready to start? I thought was could practice down out on the grounds.” She couldn’t respond thinking of what the seer had said to her. “Hello, Min?” He knew that would get her attention and it did.

“That is not for you to call me! That is for my sister and only my sister!” Her voice was a low growl as she snapped and glared at him, thinking what the seer said impossible at the moment. “Yes I’m ready to go.”

He got up with a sigh and led the way down to the grounds, specifically the garden. “Minerva, my dear, I’m sorry, but you weren’t responding to anything else I was saying.” He watched as she looked down at the ground, it caused him to want to pull her close and comfort her. He didn’t, knowing that that weakness you be used against him any time. “My dear, you have a lot to take in and it isn’t going to be easy when you have just graduated from here. I’m- we’re asking a lot of you.” He paused, seeing no change in her, “We’ll start with something simple than, continuing your studies where they left off.”

“Sir…Albus if you wish.” She looked up, her wand suddenly in her hand as she recalled their last class, where they were transforming their desks into animals. She looked at the bench just down the way and gave her wand a wave. Soon a lioness was standing there baring her teeth at the two. “I know every spell in that book along with many from the restricted section in the library.”

He was taken back that she could perform it so easily. “Wandless then?” her wand was tossed to him and the lioness was once again a stone bench. “Very well, um…is there something you wanted to know?”

“No, but I’m not feeling too well. I’m going to the infirmary.” She called her wand back and slipped up her sleeve as she turned and left the garden, leaving a dumbfounded professor behind her.

A squawk was heard and Albus looked to see Fawkes gliding towards him. He lifted up his arm to offer as a perch. “You as confused as I am?” A nod from the trusting phoenix as they started back towards the school to see if she was alright.

Minerva knew exactly what was wrong, but needed some items and thus made her trip up to see Michelle the medi-witch of Hogwarts. She entered and smiled as Michelle stood in the door as if she knew that she was coming. “It’s good to see you again my dear, in good health I hope.” She received a nod and walked over to her taking her into a hug. “My dear, come in for some tea.” She kept an arm around the down girl as she opened the door to reveal a tidy little office with another occupant.

Minerva saw her and didn’t show any emotion, “Minerva!” Came an excited voice from the other girl.

“Poppy, shush and get the headache reliever.” A nod and Poppy disappeared out of the door as her mentor guided Minerva to a seat next to the fire. “You need-?”

“Yes!” She snapped and was instantly sorry for it. “I’m sorry, coming back and what I was asked to do; just so much stress.” A pop and there was a tray of tea with three cups and chocolate. She looked up at the medi-witch, “You are too good to me, Michelle.”

Michelle had been digging in the cupboard behind her desk, pulling out a box. “Everything you need is in there hun.” At that moment the door opened to show Albus Dumbledore standing there about to say something when he spotted the box in Minerva’s hand.

Her lips suddenly went very thin as she glowered at him before throwing the box at him. “OUT!” Just barely dodging the box he stood at the entrance to the infirmary. Minerva shot out the door and picked the box back up; spotting him she turned to face him again. “OUT! BLOODY HELL! WHAT ARE YOU NOT UNDERSTANDING ABOUT OUT! YOU OLD COOT!” The box was thrown again as he shot out the door and down the hall. She retrieved the box and sat back down, her arms crossed across her chest as she glowered at the wall.

“My dear, I think you were a little harsh.” Michelle was cleaning up the last of the spilled tea tray.

“HARSH! Just because I said I coming here doesn’t mean he had to FOLLOW ME! STUPID OLD COOT! He thinks he knows everything!” At that moment the door opened again. “APPARENTLY YOU DIDN’T LEARN THE FIRST TIME!” She had gotten up and was about to throw the box again when she saw that it was a very shocked Poppy in the doorway.

“Oh, that explains why I saw Professor Dumbledore running down the hall.” She stepped in, closing the door again as Michelle coaxed the tightly gripped box out of her hand and sat her back down in the chair. A new tray of tea and chocolate appeared as Minerva downed the headache reliever in one gulp and pinched the bridge of her nose. The tree women remained in silence for some time.

“That was a stupid move wasn’t it.” The other two just nodded. “I feel so stupid…”

“My dear, he only came up here to make sure you are fine.” It didn’t have the effect that she was hoping it would have as Minerva broke down crying. Poppy went to comfort her, but was pushed away.

“That you Michelle, Poppy, but I have to go.” She grabbed the box, shrinking it and placed it in her pocket as she exited to the hallway, making her way back to the seventh floor where his study was.

Albus sat in his study with Fawkes on his perch by the window sleeping. A knock at the door and he waved it open, continuing to write his reply to the minister. He could feel eyes watching him from the other side of his desk. “Are you here to throw that box at me some more?” He said in a stern voice as he finished the reply, sealing the letter and waking Fawkes with it. “I’m sorry, but this must get to him now. Do not leave until you have a reply.” The phoenix took the letter and disappeared in a burst of flames. He finally looked up to see a very tear stained face of his under study, no box in sight. As he continued to watch her, he could see more tears sliding down her face. She looked hurt… “I didn’t mean…” Words failed him as he stood up and made his way around to her, ignoring the nagging voice that said not to do it, and took her into his arms. To his surprise she didn’t resist, but buried her face in his chest.

She broke out sobbing; repeatedly saying ‘I’m sorry’ or ‘I was so stupid’ as she rubbed her face in his robes, forgetting that she was wearing glasses. She felt him tilt her head back and remove her glasses. “Look at me my dear…” He felt his thumb caressing her cheek as she opened her eyes to see in soft blue ones that were twinkling and she started to cry harder, reburying her face in his chest. “My dear, there is nothing to apologize about.”

She nodded, “Yes there is – I threw a box of tampons at you! And said things I didn’t mean.” He looked outside and saw it was growing dark.

“Come my dear, it has grown late and you should rest.” He guided her into his room and lay down on the bed with her next to him. Her face was still buried in his chest as she continued to cry, slowly stopping. He rubbed her back slowly as she eventually fell asleep using him as a pillow along with gripping his cloak very tightly. He sighed and laid there listening to her even breaths. A soft mewing was heard when the kitten jumped up and didn’t make it, her claws stuck in the sheet. He reached over and grabbed Lily by the scruff of her neck and set her on the abandoned pillows just above his head.

He had no idea what time it was, nor did he remember falling asleep. He opened his eyes and saw Fawkes staring down at him. He went to move and a deeply sleeping Minerva was still clutching his robe. “Fawkes, I’ll take care of it right away in the morning.” The phoenix gave a soft chirp and took off through the open window again, the letter left on his desk. Albus dropped his head back against the bed again and had the hangings close around them. “Dear Merlin, what am I getting myself into.” He laid his head against the bed once again and fell asleep.

The next morning he awoke and saw that she was still sleeping soundly and that her grip hadn’t relaxed one bit and he was slightly afraid of waking her up. Laying there he heard someone out in the study and prayed that it wasn’t Horace or Armando. “Albus?” he gave a sigh of relief as it was Michelle, who now stood on the other side of the curtain.

He replied quietly, “If you tell no one…” She slowly opened the curtain and saw the sleeping girl clutching his cloak. “I assume you came to check that she didn’t murder me yesterday.” An amused look appeared on her face.

“Yes and no, she forgot something and I was going to give it to her at breakfast, but then neither of you showed up so I came up here.” His eyes grew wide, “It’s about mid-morning and it seems you haven’t moved for a while.” She gave a soft chuckle as the girl started to stir.

Minerva relaxed her hand and laid it flat as she opened up her eyes to see a familiar cloak in front of her and hear a steady heartbeat and breathing in her ear. She sat up, closing her eyes to rub the sleepers from them and finding herself immensely sore. She opened her eyes to see Albus lying where she thought her pillow was; he was smiling like always which made her wonder till she remembered be coaxed to bed from some rest. “I-I’m-I’m s-sorry.” She watched as he shook his head.

“Don’t be, I needed a goodnights sleep.” He turned his head and looked past her. “Well Michelle you seem to have had perfect timing as she is up now.” Minerva visibly stiffened knowing someone had seen them.

“My dear, I wouldn’t mention it. I brought you this as a welcome back present.” She left the room, closing the door behind her. Minerva stared at the box, wondering what it could possibly be.

“Well open it why don’t you?” Albus had yet to move from the position he had slept in all night. She undid the tie holding the box closed and removed the lid. Inside was a black pointed hat with a green band around the base, where two red feathers stuck out of, following the curve of the hat back. “Well, that was nice. It goes with your outfit nicely.” He stretched throwing his legs off the side of the bed as he pulled the hangings back. “Don’t worry about her telling, she hasn’t let me down yet.” He got up and walked out to his study where he sat back down and read the letter Fawkes had brought back the previous night.

[minervammcg]

How cute! It was great, once more so please please please continue!

[gryffindorprincess]

I can't wait to read more its wonderful.

[~Aly~]

A/N - thank you ^_^ it really makes me happy knowing that you want to read more.

Part 5

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The rest of the summer continued without much of any more episodes of Minerva throwing things at Albus. Though when she did get moody he would pull her close and take whatever tongue lashing she gave before he took her and settled her into bed where she refused to let him leave. These episodes didn’t last too often, though it meant a good night’s sleep for the two of them. Her chambers had been completed and were now part of his private room. Soon it was August 31st and the students would be arriving the next day. They had the classroom prepared and decided to have a relaxing day by the lake.

Minerva had packed a basket of food with a blanket and had it hooked on her arm as Lily balanced on her shoulder with her claws sunk in slightly. Albus saw her and laughed as he gently removed her from her shoulder perch, “We won’t leave you here by yourself with Fawkes.” He glanced back at the phoenix that had recently had his Burning Day and slept curled up below his stand in the sunlight. They walked out the door and down out onto the front lawn. They sat by the lake, the blanket lain out with Minerva lying back on the ground with Lily playing with the feathers on her hat.

Albus smiled over at her, popping a yellow candy into his mouth. He looked at her; she was wearing her emerald green and black gown. He loved her in that dress, though he dare not mention it, or the fact that he enjoyed comforting her on her moody days. He leaned over and started to rummage through the basket when his pointed hat was suddenly swiped off his head. He looked up to see her standing up wearing it with a smile on her face. “Miss McGonagall that is not lady-like behavior.”

“I’m not trying to be lady-like; being lady-like all the time is boring.” She smiled and looked at him, “You need to say the magic words to get your hat back.

“Please? Thank you? Um…” He looked up at her, “I need some help, give me a hint as to what the magic words are.” She only shook her head, the hat sliding down to the tip of her nose, her hair being down and not holding it up on her head. He sighed, “Accio my hat.” The hat flew back to him, leaving her hair a slightly fuzzy mess.

“Cheater,” she joked and sat back down. They had been out there for some time, not realizing that the headmaster had a perfect view of them from his office. He looked out the window to see them lying close together on a blanket by the lake. “I think I shall join them…” He was more curious as to what was going on between them than if they cared about him joining them. He wasn’t all that curious, being able to tell that his deputy and his understudy were very close.

“Albus, Minerva,” He had just recently started calling her by her first name. “You don’t care if I join you do you.”

“No, headmaster,” her voice was very polite as she moved as the blanket grew in size to accommodate the third person. “Would you like a sandwich?” She offered him what looked like a hot ham and cheese.

“Thank you very much my dear.” He took it graciously, petting the playful kitten that was playing with a button on his cloak. He started asking about how things were going, the conversation more tuned toward Albus than Minerva. The latter had incidentally started yawning and lay stretched out on the blanket next to Armando, Albus on his other side.

The sun started to set when Minerva woke back up to see the two playing, yet again chess of all things. She looked on and saw that it was a lost cause for the Headmaster who was trying desperately to save his king. “I’d give up Headmaster, he has you once again.” She smiled and stood up stretching and picking up Lily who held a button in her mouth proudly. She laughed and took it from her, placing in her upside down hat. “It seems Lily has stolen this from your cloak sir.” She placed the button in his hand as he stood up, realizing that she was right about the chess game.

“Thank you Minerva, for both. Well I must be going, probably have a couple owls awaiting me in my office.” Albus stood up also, taller and the other two, “Goodnight then Armando.” The two of them stepped off of the blanket and Minerva proceeded to pack up the rest of the food and the blanket, sticking her hat in the basket with the opening facing her. She hooked the basket on both of her arms and walked toward the two men who were discussing something deeply.

“-it’s not healthy Albus…” The headmaster’s voice was low.

“Nor is it for you to decide…”

“What goes on in this school is my business, making it something I can affect.”

She wasn’t that close, but her cat side could pick up part of, “The personal life of your staff is not in your control.” She gave a cough and both looked at her. “Till later Armando…” Albus said dipping his head and taking the basket from her arms.

“Till later than Albus…” The Headmaster strolled off at a quick pace for his shorter legs.

She turned to him and opened her mouth to speak but was silenced by a hand held up. “Now is neither the place, nor the time my dear.”

She shook her head, “Not was I was going to say.” He gave her an inquisitive look. “I was going to say that whatever you two were talking about, I hope he doesn’t involve Horace.” He started to laugh as they entered the school.

“I hope he doesn’t either, I wouldn’t want everyone knowing that.”
They were soon back in their shared chamber, the door locked and Albus resting on the couch. It was now dark outside and Minerva was getting ready for bed. She came back out and looked at him stretched out, his head back and his eyes closed. She was wearing a green tartan nightgown, with her hair loosely pinned up on her head and a smile on her face. “It would seem my dear that you are in need of some rest.” She was using his own words against him, sitting in his lap.

He picked his head up and looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “My dear I was resting till you came over –“ she placed two fingers on his mouth and shook her head.

“Come,” she smiled, grabbing both of his arms and leading him to his bedroom, something he had done several times with her. She disappeared into the washroom, giving him time to change. A few minutes later and she stepped back out to see him sitting on the edge of his bed with his head in his hands. He looked up at her, having heard the door open. She saw the sad expression on his face. “What?! Did I do something?”

“No, don’t fret, but this is what Armando and I were arguing about earlier. I’m too close to you. It isn’t right when a year ago you were a student here. I remember when you came here your first year, as excited as could be as you were placed in my house. I also remember when you came running into my class room crying, about what I can’t recall, and I held you close. A father holding his daughter you could say.” He paused and gave a sigh, “You grew and came to me more, like I was your best friend. Then last year every time we talked it was at night, somewhere no one could see us. You would not say anything sometimes and just hug me. It wasn’t a healthy relationship between us.”

She shook her head and walked over to him, getting into his arms and sitting on his lap. “You’re wrong Albus Dumbledore. I trusted you more than anyone in the school and have always felt the same toward you.” She saw him raise an eyebrow, “And I called you a know-it-all old coot.” They both laughed as he took both of their glasses and placed them on the nightstand. “To bed then?” She wiggled out of him and dove under the covers quickly. He nodded and joined her.

He didn’t say another word, feeling her rest her head on his chest and soon heard the even breathing that meant she was sleeping. “And how is it that you have felt for me all these years…” He asked her sleeping form, closing his own eyes and drifting into a dreamless sleep.

He was awoken the next morning by Michelle calling his name from his study. Not feeling her resting on him, he looked to be sure and she wasn’t having rolled over onto her side and curling around the kitten that had come up onto the bed sometime after they had gone to sleep.

“Michelle, what are you doing here?” He put his glasses on as he walked out into his study in nothing but a purple and blue nightshirt.
He heard her chuckle slightly, “I was making sure you were still alive. Armando spoke with me last night about-“

“He shouldn’t have, that is between him and me.”

“That’s what I said, except I added Minerva, but he wouldn’t listen. You must deal with this soon Albus, or something tragic may come about. I don’t want to see either of you hurt.” She meant Minerva or himself and he had to agree on one part, that he didn’t want to see Minerva hurt because of him.

He sighed and looked back at the bedroom where she appeared in the doorway with Lily purring at her feet. “Michelle, tell me I haven’t messed everything up yet.” She walked slowly forward, her glasses high on her nose. She looked at Albus when the medi-witch refused to answer her. “Please, tell me I didn’t mess everything up.”

He had to smiled at her, “No my dear…there wasn’t anything to mess up.” It wasn’t a cheerful response, but it worked for her. She nodded and disappeared into what was her room to get her wash things. She reappeared and disappeared back into his room.

“Albus, you think it wise to give her hope like that.”

He shook his head. “It’s not hope but the truth.”

She bowed her head, “If you say so…do you…every night?” She nodded to his bedroom.

“Merlin no, just when she needs comforting,” or I need it. He added the latter to himself as the medi-witch gave a sigh of relief. “She is still a child to me, I couldn’t.”

“You say that now, when she isn’t throwing herself at you. Will your will power hold when she does?”

He sighed, “I hope I never have to find that out.” Michelle nodded in agreement and made to leave, “Next time knock before you enter Michelle or I will be force to change my password.” She nodded before exiting.

“I’m causing trouble for you, aren’t I?” Minerva stood in the doorway to his room wrapped in a towel, fresh out of the bath.
“My dear, you aren’t causing me trouble.” He smiled at her, the twinkle in his eye gone and she noticed.

“Then we,” She motioned to both of them, “are causing trouble for someone.”

He sighed, “Not causing it, but are in trouble. It isn’t wise for this to happen.”

She shook her head, “What happens and what is wise rarely go hand in hand.”

He had to laugh at that, “You are right my dear, so very right.”
She smiled, “We have to appear as no more than colleagues then.”
He stared at her, “You said last night that you have always felt the same for me. How is that exactly?” She stared at him blankly and walked forward till he wrapped his arms around her. Her face was buried in his night shirt. “My dear, is there something wrong?” She shook her head and he bent his closer to her. “Then what my dear?” She turned and found his mouth right there, the urge was too great and she gave him a quick kiss.

Embarrassed she slipped from his grasp and disappeared into her room, locking the door. Albus just stood there and stared after her unable to tell her that he felt the same. He didn’t want to tell her. He sat down behind his desk, ignoring the small pile of letters that sat there neatly.

Minerva quickly dressed, wearing a comfortable pair of heels she started to pace her room. Her hair hung down behind her going to her waist in black, full, luscious curls. Continuing to pace she started to twist her hair up into a tight knot-like bun, stopping in front of her vanity to make sure she had it pinned right. Satisfied she looked at the clock on her wall. Only several more hours till the feast. Sighing she knew that she would have to face him again sometime. Unlocking her door she walked back out into the study to find him sitting behind his desk staring at her with a distanced expression on his face. “Dumbledore?” his expression came back to the present.

“I’m sorry about earlier…” she watched as he got up and came over to her still in his nightshirt. He was shaking his head.

“If you meant it, don’t be sorry. Did you mean it?” He stood over her as she gave him a nod, unable to find her voice. “I’m glad you did.” He leaned forward and gave her a soft alluring kiss. Her eyes closed until he pulled back, making her give a soft whine. A knock came at the door and instantly they were across the room from each other, Albus heading into his room to get ready.

Mineva opened the door, “Headmaster, what is it that you want?”

“Making sure my deputy and his understudy are alive.” He said, stepping inside as she moved out of the way and taking a seat on the couch. “Neither of you were at breakfast nor did he answer my call.”

“Oh, well he is alive, still in his room. He came out once, placing Lily outside of his room and disappeared back inside.” She imagined him listening to the conversation on the other side of the door and laughing slightly. That thought in her head, he opened the door and came out.

“Armando, you need something or here for just a visit?” He smiled, his purple robes trailing behind him slightly.

“I was coming to discuss tonight’s sorting and wondered if you wanted to pass it to Minerva here.” She pretended not to be paying attention as she coddled with the kitten on the couch.

“That is for you to ask her, not me. You know I don’t care if someone else does it.” He turned to look at her from behind his desk. “Well, would you like to take care of the sorting this year?”

She looked up, her face unreadable. “I would love to Headmaster.”

“Good, then you will meet them at the top of the stair case coming up from the water passage, just off of the Entrance Hall. You will hold them outside of the Great Hall until I finish addressing the older students.” She gave him a nod to tell him that she understood what he was saying. “The sorting hat will already be set out for you when you enter. Here is the list of names. Six o’clock meet me in the Entrance Hall.”

She nodded, “Thank you sir.” He nodded and left the room in a swirl of his black cloak. She sighed and relaxed the stiff expression she had on her face and smiled at Albus.

“I prefer it when you smile.” He said smiling at her and looking through the pile of mail he had on his desk. He opened and replied to several of the letters. “Would you like to accompany to the owlry?” She nodded and placed her pointed hat on her head, the feathers gone a Lily had pulled them out. She smiled and walked out the door, her features becoming stern as she stepped through the door, him just several steps behind her.

He gave her a smile, as they talked about her first class the next day, first year Hufflepuffs and Slytherins. She was slightly apprehensive, but didn’t voice her feelings aloud. She looked out over the grounds as the sun started to dip down toward the trees. She just stared, owls swooping out of the window in front of her.
Done with his task he walked over to her, “You alright my dear?” He moved to comfort her, unknowing that the Headmaster had just came into the owlry with his own stack of letters to mail. He said nothing and just watched them.

“WHY THE HELL WOULDN’T I BE!” She snapped back at him and moved away, walking out past the Headmaster without a second glance.

“Having issues Albus?” A smile was apparent on his face.

“Oh, hello Armando…no, why are you asking?” Albus stared back at his superior as he handed the letters to several different owls.

“Oh, well she seemed very angry with you.”

Albus shook his head, “No, I think she’s just nervous about tonight and tomorrow.”

“I can see why. She doesn’t have much experience outside of the school.”

“I can assure that she is right for this job, her knowledge in the subject rivals mine. Her dueling is excellent and according to Horace, if you believe him, she is quite talented in potions. She hasn’t presented an issue with any of the other staff members. If you doubt my judgment that ask them about her or Madame Trelawney perhaps, hm?”

Armando shook his head, “That won’t be necessary, I don’t doubt you Albus. I just thought you would have picked an older…more experienced person to fill the position.”

“I know not one person that has a talent like hers for Transfiguration. Nor would they want to teach as they are set in their jobs.”

“Be that as it may, but once everything is done, she will need to get a job away from here.”

Albus just nodded, “So be it then. See you at the feast then Armando.”

He swept past the shorter man in a swirl of purple and stars. “So be it Albus.” Armando looked out at the purple sky before following his deputy out the door.

Minerva stood waiting in the Entrance Hall with a scroll in her hand. A curl had fallen from her bun and it was bothering her as it hung next to her face, ruining the image she was going for, stern and not one to be crossed. She took of her hat and set it at her feet with the scroll of parchment, taking an extra pin from her tight bun and pulled the curl back tight against her head, winding it around the bun before pinning it down. She bent over and picked up the scroll and her hat. “Minerva, are you ready?” Her head shot up and saw the Headmaster standing in front of her. He was holding the sorting hat in his arms.

“Yes.”

“Good, this way then.” She followed him across the hall to a door on the far side next to the entrance to the dungeons. “It will only be a few minutes before Hagrid brings the first years up. She gave a nod, showing that she understood, her eyes following him as he left her.

Her thoughts drifted to Hagrid, she had never really talked with him before but knew that he had been expelled for the attacks that had threatened to close the school a few years back. She didn’t believe it as he was just a simple third year. She was lost in thought when a voice came out of nowhere.

“Miss, where is Professor Dumbledore?”

“I will be in charge of the first years Hagrid. Thank you.” She nodded at the boy who towered over her. He disappeared through the doors behind her. She looked down the stairs and saw the first group of them come around the last landing to look up at her.

“Welcome to Hogwarts.” Her voice was sharp “Now if you will follow me this way…” She waited a few seconds to make sure everyone was there and there weren’t any stragglers. Satisfied she turned and opened the doors to the Entrance Hall and stood outside of the Great Hall.

“Now, we shall proceed with the sorting.” The Great Hall’s doors flew open to reveal a stern looking woman leading the young ones forward. Her eyes looked a vicious green as she stood next to the stool holding the sorting hat. She unrolled the parchment and started to read off the names of the first years, placing the hat on their head. Done she grabbed the hat and disappeared into a door behind the staff table for a second before coming out to join the feast. Her seat remained open next to Albus and she took it, ignoring him for a short while, talking with the new charms professor, Filius Flitwick. A short little man who was sitting on a pile of books so he could easily eat from his plate.

“My dear, would you mind passing the decanter?” She nodded, grabbing the decanter and handing it to Albus. “Oh, I see you have met our new Charms professor.”

“Yes, thank you for observing the obvious, Dumbledore.” She added to him with a sarcastic smile. She turned back to the new professor. “I’d love to come and help you in your class sometime.”

“Minerva, what a splendid idea!” his little voice squeaked in excitement.

Soon the Headmaster stood up and directed the newly appointed prefects to guide the new members of their house back to their common rooms. She nodded to Filius as the staff now started to disperse, “I shall see you in the morning.”

“Good luck my dear,” came his squeaky voice as he took off.

She glanced over her shoulder at Albus, leaving for their chambers. It didn’t take her long to get there, beating the students up to the seventh floor. She stood against the wall were their chambers were, unable to get in since he had locked the door with a password that she didn’t know. She watched as the students finally arrived, a few of them spotted her and gave her stern expression a look of curiosity or nudged their friends. Several Gryffindors smiled, knowing exactly who she was. A seventh year came over, Rolanda Hooch. “Shall I assume I can’t have you as my seeker again this year?”

“You assume right Ro.” Her stern expression faded slightly as she talked to her friend and former team mate.

“Why you back here?”

“You’ll find out later, now I suggest you go to bed Miss Hooch.” Both girls jumped to find Albus Dumbledore standing next to them.

“Yes professor,” she looked at Minerva real quick. “See you around then.” She turned and joined several students heading in through the portrait hole.

“Am I not allowed to speak with my friends or former team mates?” She snapped at him as he held the door open for her.

He shut the door behind him, locking it. “No, but that is Armando’s worry. If you teach someone else’s class with friends of yours, you will favor them. I’m telling you this so you don’t make that mistake and give him reason to get rid of you.”

She just stared at him; her shock came through on her stern face. “He wants to get rid of me…Why? Because I’m not that old or is it that I lack the experience that the other staff members have, or is it because I’m so close to you?” her stern expression back on her face as she thought of all these ideas.

She saw his expression as he sighed. “No, not one of them, but all of them especially the last one; I’m amazed though that you snapped at me when he appeared suddenly. You aren’t angry with me are you?”

Her walls that she had built failed, and it was a visible effect. “I haven’t thrown a box of tampons at you yet have I?” She laughed and walked over to him, wrapping her arms around his waist.

He joined in with her, “No, no you haven’t my dear.” He looked down at her, “You should go to bed also and my dear, the password is lying on your bed.”

She gave him an inquisitive look, not asking as she entered her room. She was expecting a piece of paper on her bed, but instead there lay her kitten, Lily. She smiled and changed into her green tartan night gown and curled up under the blankets with the kitten next to her head. She dreamt about her first day ever at Hogwarts.

Albus however sat up, doing a last minute lesson plan and looking at some letters that had arrived. He had taken off his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was supposed to leave the next day but being the first day of class. He had to have Minerva view his classes so she was prepared for the next day when she was to teach them. He sighed and massaged his temples, writing quickly back to the minister. “I will leave late tomorrow night or early the next morning. I will not change my plans for any reason.” He turned to Fawkes and frowned, the phoenix was still too small to go anywhere. He got up and gently stroked the bird’s downy body before leaving the room for the owlry.

He returned just several minutes later and was really tired. He looked in on her and couldn’t help but sit next to her and stroke her hair gently. “Hm…” he heard her wake up somewhat as she rolled over to face him. Her eyes were closed and he knew that she knew he was there. “Stay professor…” he smiled as she mumbled in her sleep.

“Course I will my dear.” He lay down on his side facing her as she cupped around him with her head resting on his arm next to his chest. “You need your rest my dear…sleep well.” He bent his head and kissed the top of her head before succumbing to a dreamless sleep.

[minervammcg]

Cute again! That darn Armando should just mind his own business! Continue soon!

[~Aly~]

A/N - Thanks again & if I don't post another part for a while its due to the fact that I'm either stuck at a point (due to brain abandonment) or I have no internet access. Please keep reviewing...(it should help coax my brain to return)

Part 6

The next morning Minerva jolted awake, thinking she was late to her first class of teaching, only to find that the sun was just rising and it wasn’t six a.m. yet. She laid back and felt an arm reach over her and pull her closer to its owner. She rolled over and found a sleeping Dumbledore next to her with his glasses still on and couldn’t help but laugh silently at him. Not remembering him lying down next to her the previous night she carefully extracted herself from his grasp and grabbed her bathing supplies. Her nerves were frazzled in anticipation and a hot bath is what she needed to calm down. She watched as he pulled the blankets closer to him. She smiled as she left the room, pulling the hangings closed.

He could no longer sense her next to him and reached out to where she should be and found her, pulling her closer. Then she was gone again and he pulled the blankets closer, only finding her sweet smell which he settled for.

Over an hour later he finally awoke to see a shadow enter the room and proceed to move around. He heard what he believed to be a towel fall to the floor. He gave a sigh and rolled over onto his stomach, waiting for her to finished getting dressed. It would be wrong of him to try and get out of the room while she was changing, but it was also wrong of him to be in the room while she did change, regardless if the hangings were drawn closed around the bed.

She heard the sigh and looked at the bed; he had the worst timing on waking up. She pulled on her black underlining and pulled open the hangings at the foot of her bed. “I don’t remember inviting you to bed…” Her tone was a mock serious one as the edges of her mouth twitched, wanting to smile.

“You were half asleep my dear.” He didn’t roll over; he didn’t want to in fear of what she might or might not be wearing.

She walked around to the side of the bed and whipped them open, sitting down on the edge to roll him over. With him on his back she saw that his eyes were still closed. Giving a huff of annoyance she kneeled on the bed, straddling him. “If you don’t open your eyes I will be tempted to hex you.”

“Get off of me first.” He sounded angry and he couldn’t believe it, was she throwing herself at him already. He must have jinxed himself in his conversation with Michelle.

Another annoyed huff from her and he couldn’t feel her kneeling over him anymore. “I can’t believe you think I would do that.” She had jumped to the right conclusion as she glared at him with a hurt expression on her face.

He opened his eyes to find her wearing the black underlining to her teaching robes. He looked at her and instantly felt guilty and swallowed. “It’s not that I think you would, but I’m afraid of my own self control. I can’t be sure about it.” She stopped glaring and didn’t look as hurt anymore. “I’m sorry,” he got up and pulled her close, kissing the top of her wet head of hair. He let go and walked out the open door, heading into his room to get ready for the day.

It was a quarter past seven when they headed down to the Great Hall together, talking idly. She smiled as she saw Rolanda waving at her from the foot of the stair case. They entered the hall and made their way to the head table where she immediately struck up a conversation with Filius again.

The owls came flooding, delivering the class schedules and any mail that was sent to anybody. Rolanda sat at the Gryffindor table as she looked at her schedule. She had taken another year of Transfiguration at the advice of her friend Minerva and was shocked to see her friends name underneath Albus Dumbledore’s. She went to look up at the head table when another owl crashed down in front of her, flipping her plate on a first year’s schedule. She quickly apologized, taking his schedule and clearing it of the spilt food with a slight wave of her wand. The first year stared at her, while she stared at his schedule. Under basic Transfiguration was just Minerva’s name. She smiled and handed it back to the first year. She looked at the owl that was holding its foot out to her while it pecked at the toast that had been flipped off of her plate. She took the letter from its leg, the owl hooted, picked up the toast and left. She unrolled the scroll; it only had three things written on it in very neat penmanship, “Astronomy Tower 9p.m.” She looked up and Minerva no longer sat there. She stuffed the papers away and started talking Quidditch to one of her team mates on who was going to replace Minerva as seeker.

Minerva stood in her class room with her back to the open door. “I know you’re standing there Albus.”

“My dear…” His voice was in her ear as she spun around quickly to find him very close, leaning over her and instantly her cheeks flushed as she slid out from between him and the chalk board where she was writing the notes for her first class that was in twenty minutes.

Her face remained stern, with a little more color in her cheeks. “What do you think you are doing?!” She snapped at him, a smile crossed his lips. “Don’t give me that smirk!” She snapped again before he could respond.

“Proving to the Headmaster that we are no more than colleagues.” He replied very casually as Armando stepped into the room his face flushed.

“How the bloody hell did you know I was there? No, don’t answer that, I don’t want to know.” He looked very disappointed to be proven wrong. He cleared his throat, “Anyway I came to wish you good luck on your first day Minerva. And Albus, I believe you…now.” He added the last as he turned to face his deputy before leaving. Seeing as you have this hour off now, would you care to come and discuss a few matters before your first class?”

Albus gave him a nod of his head, “Certainly Armando.” He turned his back on her, “Good luck my dear Professor McGonagall.” He didn’t need to see her face to know that she was shocked to be called professor.

She scowled after them, yet again set up to lie. She didn’t feel like writing anymore and charmed the chalk to finish up for her as she arranged her papers on the desk. She looked up to see student filing into her room slowly. She pulled up her lesson plans for the week, looking them over she felt someone was standing in front of her desk. “Yes?” she said as she looked up from the paper. “Miss Hooch, do you not have anywhere else to be?”

Rolanda shook her head, “No, professor. I was hoping to be able to observe your class that is if you don’t mind.” Rolanda had never seen her friend look so stern before.

“No, Miss Hooch and I suggest you leave before I take points away from your house.”

“Later than professor.” The slightly shocked seventh year girl turned and walked by the stunned first years, knowing exactly what they were thinking. This professor was going to be a strict one.
She looked over at the stand where the red downy Fawkes sitting in the sunlight. She walked over to him, waiting for the bell that said class was starting. It came several seconds later. She turned to face her student. “Welcome to your first class. Transfiguration is some of the most complex and dangerous magic you will learn at Hogwarts.” She changed her desk into a pig and back not surprised at their awe looks on their faces, though inside it made her happy to see that. She proceeded to give them an overview of how her class was going to progress and finally demanded that they take down the notes that she had on the two chalk boards. Class nearly done, she gave them homework, a writing assignment on the notes they had taken that day. The class soon dismissed after another minute and she vanished the writing on the boards, charming the chalk once again to write on its own, this time not notes for her class, but Albus’ seventh year N.E.W.T. students.

“You did an excellent job for not having the experience the Headmaster is looking for.” She turned to see him sitting on the front desk smiling. “Would you like to take my other classes as well?” She knew he was joking.

“Sorry Albus but I must respectfully decline the offer.” A smile appeared on her face as she placed her notes in an empty drawer and pulled out his, setting them on the desk.

“But dear professor, you will be teaching them for the rest of the week.” He had appeared at her side again, talking soft enough for only her to hear. It caused her to jump and move, glaring at him as she moved to the other side of the desk.

“Professor Dumbledore, I honestly wish that you wouldn’t do that to me!” She saw that he was sorry, but it didn’t matter. “If you insist I take them, then I will. Otherwise don’t scare me like that!”

The class had started to fill in when she had started yelling at him, the students stared up at the front of the classroom. “They are all yours then professor.” He smiled and walked into the office behind the desk, closing the door. The students filtered in and the ones near the front of the room could hear her give a huff of annoyance.

“Is he that bad to work with?”

“Miss Hooch if you do not take a seat and get started on your notes, I will dock points from your house!” she snapped quickly, recognizing the voice. The girl that had stood behind her turned and took her seat and did as she was told, very grudgingly though.
The class had started and she faced her peers, no her students, asking them to hand in their summer assignment before she started. She went right into the notes that were on the board. Several minutes into the lesson, the Headmaster entered the classroom. She finished her sentence and turned, not showing the shock on her face seeing him standing there. “Hello Headmaster, is there something I can do for you?”

“I was hoping to speak with Albus, but he doesn’t seem to be teaching at the moment. Do you know where he is?” The Headmaster hadn’t moved from the door way.

“He is in his office behind me, now if you don’t mind…” She looked at him awaiting his response.

“Thank you my dear Professor, I won’t be much of a disturbance.” He said, making his way around the edge of the classroom and disappeared into the classroom. She was about to start her lecture again when a single hand was held in the air.

“Yes, Mr. Riddle.”

“I was wondering Professor McGonagall if you can perform this which you are teaching us…”

Her eyes narrowed as her nostrils flared, he doubted her ability to teach them, probably based on the fact that she was the same age as many of them. “Yes, Mr. Riddle. Why do you ask?”

“Simply because you only graduated a few months back.”

She swore to herself as she heard many of the students exclaim at this news. She couldn’t take points for him knowing that, though she wished she could. “Is that a concern? Or do you think I don’t know the material enough to teach it?”

He gave a nonchalant reply, “It isn’t a concern, but I would like to see you perform the spell.”

“If you hadn’t decided to keep me from my lecture, I would have shown you by now.” Her voice was cold as she looked at the rest of the class, “Are there any other questions that you would like to address now? None? Good.” She turned back to the board and found her place again quickly. Smirking inwardly as she saw the Head Boy receive annoyed glances from his classmates. Finished she gave them their homework and finally performed the spell flawlessly to his displeasure she noted. Undoing it she barked at them to get to work and sat down behind the desk, going through the notes he had written on his lesson plans. The class filtered out and she now had a free hour.

She got up and went to knock on the door to his office. To see the Headmaster’s back facing her as he opened it. “Being the Minister’s request I shall have to accept his actions. Oh, hello Minerva, how did the class go?” He had turned to exit only to find her standing in his way.

“Good sir, thank you for asking.” She stepped out of the way.

“Good to hear, good to hear.” He said, passing her and smiling. “I shall see you later than.” He quickly exited the classroom, leaving the two stare after him.

“I assume that Tom Riddle gave you little trouble…” Albus said, still sitting behind his desk. She gave a quick nod, seeing he wanted to discuss something else. “Good, good…he was the only one I really worried about.” He looked through the papers in front of him, eventually looking up after several minutes, waving his hand for the door to shut. “I won’t be here for the rest of the week at the request of the Minister. I’m needed on the frontlines with the aurors. They need someone that knows the enemy to an extent.”
He watched as her carefully placed mask failed to hold steadily as a worried expression crossed her face slightly. “Please don’t worry my dear; I will be coming back in one piece.”

“That one piece better be alive.” Her voice was cold, but her features much softer. He came around from behind his desk and stood next to her.

“I promise you that it will my dear, it will.” She leaned into him, not caring if anyone saw at the moment. His arms wrapped around her and she closed her eyes enjoying the short moment of bliss and peace. “Now, I’ll take the next class if you will observe.”

She nodded, pulling out of his grasp. “I’ll be back in time for the class, don’t worry.” She said as she opened the door and disappeared out of sight into the hallway. She was only going to the bathroom when an idea struck her. She would attend the class, but she would do so as a cat. She liked the idea.

Dumbledore stood, staring out the window, gently petting the phoenix on the head. He felt something brush up against his leg, pulling him from his thought process. He looked down to see a silver tabby at his feet, purring as she looked up at him. She resembled the one that Minerva had at her house, except for the markings near the eyes. “Well hello my dear.” He picked her up and set her on the desk behind him, stroking her gently. The remainder of his class filled in and he glanced at the door as it swung shut of what seemed to be of its own will. He didn’t see her, but that couldn’t deter him from teaching. Giving the cat one last stroke he started on the roll call and rolled right into his demonstration to his lecture and finally homework and practice.

Minerva sat up on his desk, watching him as he taught. He definitely had a different style than she did. The class ended and he looked distraught that she missed his class. Being lunch time he followed them out the door, not realizing that the silver tabby was following him very closely.

Instead of heading down to the Great Hall, he went up one floor and to their chambers. “Lily,” the door unlocked and he disappeared inside. She slipped around the corner and changed back. She touched the door, whispering the password. “There you are!” She had just shut the door when he spotted her. “Weren’t you supposed to be somewhere this past hour?”

“Sorry Albus but I got caught up.” She stood in front of him, feeling like she was a student getting punished by him again. Her face went red as she stared down at the plush purple carpeting.

He walked over to her, “I don’t mean it that way. You’re not someone I can punish for doing something that you don’t have to do.” He picked her face up to look at him, “Now then, let’s have lunch.”

She nodded and he made her sit down on the couch, taking a seat next to her. Soon a tray holding a small assortment of food appeared, a house elf holding it. He took it, thanking the elf as he set the try in his lap. They talked quietly, about how her N.W.E.T. class handled being taught by someone not much older than them.

The rest of the day passed without any problems as Minerva taught the rest of the Transfiguration classes under his watchful eye. He once went over and offer her a piece of candy, she stared at him for a few seconds before scowling up at him at the idea. After the last class filed out, they returned to their private chambers and started on the pile of papers that they had collected from summer assignments that day. Minerva sat neatly on the floor in front of the couch, marking the papers from the younger classes. Ablus sat on the couch and bent forward over the table reviewing the N.E.W.T. class’ papers. He looked at his watch, “Minerva my dear, we should be down in the Great Hall.”

She looked up at him somewhat surprised, “It isn’t time for supper yet is it?”

He nodded, “Seems we got slightly carried away.” He stood up and offered her a hand in getting up; she took it. “Shall we then?” He smiled as she was standing next to him hanging onto her hand with an arm around her waist. She raised an eyebrow at him but held her tongue as he let go.

Down in the Great Hall, everyone was already eating when they walked in; professor and understudy. No one paid heed to their late arrival except Headmaster Dippet who watched them curiously, still not truly believing what Albus was telling him about their being nothing between him and her. He looked at his Deputy as he took his seat. “Get a little carried away?”

“Yes, we were grading the summer assignments before I realized that we were late to dinner of all things.” Albus gave a laugh at this, filling his plate with all sorts of different foods.

“Oh,” Aramndo sounded slightly unconvinced, “and what about lunch then?”

“We just had an argument over nothing really.” Albus was thinking of the time she had come into their chambers and started ranting about something he had said. That time she had thrown a book at him. He saw the headmaster’s nod, guessing that he had looked into his mind ever so slightly. The subject was soon changed as Horace started asking about the Daily Profit article that had been issued that morning about a possible marriage law coming into existence due to Grindewald’s war that was starting and taking lives.

After supper, Minerva made her way up to the Astronomy Tower and waited for her friend. At nine, Rolanda appeared and scowled.

“Ro…You know I can’t show you any favor just because you’re my best friend.”

“Then why snap at me during your first class and my class?” Her friend crossed her arms and stood very defensively.

“You had horrible timing on both parts. I’m sorry, but please don’t hold what I do against me…” She looked pleadingly at her friend who continued to stare at her. “Ro…” She stepped forward and pulled her friend into a hug, “I don’t know what I would do if I knew you hated me.”

Rolanda’s tough exterior melted and she hugged her friend back. “Minni I couldn’t hate you. Now why are we up here?”

“It makes it easier to talk with you and not be scrutinized by everyone.”

“Scrutinized? What the hell is going on Minni?”

“Nothing, except that the Headmaster thinks I’ll favor my friends over anyone else.”

“Well he should just stick his nose in someone else’s business. Why would miss stern professor favor anyone, including her friends?”

“Ro!”

“What Minni, it’s true. You didn’t even favor us when you were Head Girl, catching us out after hours.” She sighed, “I should head back before it’s too late. After all I have a paper to write for you now.”

“No, I’m not looking it over either. Night though Ro…” She gave her friend one last squeeze before letting her head back to her dorm.

“Night Minni…” Ro disappeared, leaving her friend to stand in the last of the sunlight before turning back to the school.

Albus was in their chambers and smiled seeing her come back. “Have a nice chat?”

“How-“ she glared at him, “I really hate when you do that.”

“Do what? I only asked finding a crumpled letter that was addressed to Rolanda Hooch telling her to come talk to you tonight.”

“Oh…” She looked sheepish as she walked over and sat next to him on the couch. “Sorry…”

“It’s alright,” he pulled her closer and set his chin on top of her head. They sat together for awhile till he stood up, pulling her with him. Shocked to be standing she nearly crumpled not having told her legs what was going on. “I take it that bed is the best option.”

“If you wish…” She walked into his room and lay down on his bed after casting her outer cloak aside.

“I thought you would go to bed…” He had followed her in and was baffled slightly as to why she was lying on his bed.

“I’m in bed…” She stared up at him, “Why, are you having issues with where I’m sleeping?”

“No…it’s just your…not ready for bed…” She stared at him, getting up and exiting the room. She wasn’t gone long, reappearing in an emerald green night gown with her black hair falling in curls behind her. He stared at her, having just pulled on his purple pajama bottoms; yet to put the shirt on.

She lay back down and placed her hand on his shoulder, gently coaxing him to lie back. He did, turning his head to face hers and finding her lips for a sensual kiss. He rolled over so that he was facing her; he could feel her smile as he continued to kiss her, one hand tangled in her hair as the other traveled the length of her side. She rolled them over straddling him as her hands gently kneaded his chest. He stopped and rolled her over quickly, pinning her wrists to the bed and holding her legs together with his knees.

“No…not tonight…My dear,” he paused to find the right words. “I want to continue but it shall have to another night.” She glowered at him and without uttering a word changed into a silver tabby, curling up tightly beneath him. He was shocked and stared down at her, making his way off the bed. “Minerva Tabatha McGonagall!” He stared at her angrily. “I demand you change back this instant!”

Minerva picked her head up and yawned, stretching she shifted back, snapping at him. “Figured since you didn’t want me tonight, then maybe you would be happier with a cat!”

“We aren’t dealing with this tonight.” He reached up and put two fingers to his temple. “I’m going to leave now. See you in a week.” He grabbed the pile of clothes that he had set on his dresser and walked out of the room.

“Albus!” She got up and called after, racing out to see him turn to look at her with a raised eyebrow.

“I’m sorry…I know that I shouldn’t have, but this morning and then throughout the whole day. It won’t happen again.” She reached up slightly and gave him one last kiss. “Be safe…” She turned around and entered his room again to curl up under the sheets and fall asleep.

“I will…” He said softly after she had returned to his room. He quickly changed and left, making his way down and out of the school. He walked the long path to the school gates; once outside he looked back before disappearing with a subtle pop. He didn’t know that he wouldn’t see the school again for nearly two months. Though leaving his classes and house duties to her, he was positive that she could cope for a week.

[minervammcg]

This was great!!! I can't wait for more!

[minnie313]

keep posting please... I love it...

[~Aly~]

Part 7

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The week dragged on slowly and come Sunday night Minerva sat behind his desk marking papers from her classes. She looked up at the clock on the wall and noted that it was horribly late. Giving a yawn she started marking the last paper from her pile, jumping as she heard a knock on the door. Wrapping a robe about her she looked quizzically at the door opening it to find the headmaster waiting on the other side.
“Do come in sir,” she stepped to the side and let him step in.

“I’m sorry to bother you at such late an hour, but it seems Albus has not returned as planned. I came to see if he had forgone meeting me and come straight back to his chambers.” She stared at him surprised, “Seeing that it was you who answered the door, I can only assume he has not returned.”

She shook her head, taking a seat on the couch. “No, but since you are here would you like some tea?” She motioned to the tray that had been sitting there for some time.

“A cup and then I shall leave you.” He glanced at her, realizing how modest she looked with her legs crossed and green tartan robed pulled tightly about her. He also felt her gaze upon him and grew uncomfortable. “One sugar and slight milk.” He added before she could ask.

“Here you go sir,” she handed him a hot cup of tea, taking her own.

“I’m sorry to have caused you trouble this past summer, but it made me curious as to why Albus was so adamant on you taking this position.”

“Well, since we discussed career options in my fifth year, he has always known that I have wanted to teach Transfiguration. He has, since then helped me excel in my studies.” She shrugged before drinking some of her tea. “I guess this was his way of seeing I had chosen the correct career path.”

“Well my dear, it seems you have. I will come to you first if I am looking for a teacher than.” He gave her a polite nod, finishing his cup of tea. “Just one more question if you don’t mind then. Why do you share a study if you are nothing more than his understudy?”

“Like you said we share a study for the ease of keeping the papers straightened and his helping me learn more. As for anything else, I can assure you that I’m not allowed into his chambers, nor is he allowed into mine.” In all actuality the spell was only on her chambers and was only placed there recently, but the headmaster didn’t need to know of that minor detail.

“Oh…” He had tried to probe her mind, but it failed as her walls held steadfast before him. He didn’t want her to know that he was looking and thus didn’t push the walls. “I shall take my leave then,” he stood up and made his way to the door. “Thank you for the hospitality my dear and have a good night.” He bowed and turned disappearing out the door.

She got up and returned to the desk where she proceeded to mark the last paper from the previous week’s homework that was collected.

The next day she awoke and proceeded through the routine she had established in his absence. She would get up and ready herself for teaching. Proceeding to the Great Hall for breakfast before heading to her first year class; they proved more difficult to teach than any of the other classes. She had already thrown a Slytherin out of her class twice, but at the potion masters request allowed him back in.

She stood staring out the window, stroking the phoenix next to her; Fawkes had grown to trust the young witch as she had been present on his last burning day. He nuzzled her arm comfortingly as he knew what she was thinking about. She turned to face her students and promptly went into the lesson. Her day dragged on, that day slowly shifted into a week and again Headmaster Dippet visited her late Sunday night for a cup of tea. That week soon shifted into October as the month had gone since anyone had heard from Albus.

Halloween came and a haunted ball was held by the school ghosts after the feast. She had helped the first, second and third years with changing some robes into a costume for them. Her older classes didn’t really ask for help, but complained as she assigned homework on a Friday night, even though it wasn’t due for a whole week.

At the ball, Minerva stood in the shadows with her friends Poppy and Rolanda, both seventh years. The two expressed concern over their professor’s disappearance to her as she stood very stiff against the wall. She agreed that it was very odd, but would say no more. The ball ended and Minerva stayed behind, helping the other staff members clean up as the ghosts proceeded to the dungeons to finish their little masquerade.

The first week of November came and went. Halfway through the second week, it snowed. She stood in her classroom awaiting her first years that morning; they were starting a new spell to change a bird into a goblet. She looked at Fawkes who looked back at her and gave a gentle cry of soothing that she loved to hear. She stared at him as he suddenly disappeared in a burst of flames right before the bell sounded for class to start. He had wanted to go and she let him as he was torn between the two bonds he had.

Halfway through her lecture to the N.E.W.T. class a fiery plume appeared in front of her. The class stared as she just placed the feather on her desk before continuing the lecture. She was smiling inwardly as she assigned them homework before dismissing them early.

“Professor…” she recognized the voice to see Poppy and Rolanda standing in the door way of the empty class. Her N.E.W.T level class had all four houses together due to the low numbers of people taking it. “Why did that feather appear?”

“Fawkes was just letting me know something. Now, I’m sorry but I have somewhere to be.” She ushered the two girls out of the classroom and shut the door behind her. Rolanda headed back to her common room as Poppy followed her professor. “Miss Calloway, where are you going?” She asked her friend politely.

“My next hour is spent training with Madame Michelle for the medi-witch exam.”

“Oh, well I’m headed to see her right now.”

Poppy nodded and silently followed her friend to the infirmary. Michelle stopped them at the door, allowing Minerva in, “Poppy, would you be so kind to help Professor Slughorn with this list of potions I need restocked.” Poppy just nodded and proceeded to the dungeons.

Michelle reentered the infirmary and proceeded to the curtain closed nearest her office. She stepped behind the curtain to see a stern faced McGonagall and a worried Dippet staring at the body on the bed. She sighed, “He will be alright, but I would prefer him to having only one visitor at a time. Headmaster, seeing as you have been here since he came in, please allow Minerva to have time with him.”

Armando looked at her, wondering if he was missing out on something. He bowed his head leaving, followed closely by the medi-witch. She escorted him into her office, closing the door behind her.

Minerva watched the two leave and looked at Fawkes, smiling. “Thank you,” she mouthed and the bird dipped his head before disappearing in another flash of flames. She turned to the man in the bed now and sighed softly, “Oh Albus…” She thought that he was sleeping.

“Yes, my dear.” He opened his blue eyes and looked at her. She froze and couldn’t help but smile. “I came back in one piece.” He tried to laugh, but it seemed to pain him too much and stopped.

“That you did Albus, that you did.” Her features softened immensely as she leaned down and hugged him gently. She talked quietly of the time that had passed since he left. She was talking about the Halloween dance when he glanced up at the clock.

“My dear, you are late for your class.”

“What?” She turned and looked at the clock just as Michelle entered the enclosed space. “Oh dear,” she stood up, “I bid you a quick recovery.” She turned and nodded at Michelle, who walked past and started to fuss over him.

She shifted once outside of the curtains and raced through the hallways, nothing but a streak of silver. The bell rang as she reached the hallway leading to her classroom. Two students were running towards her and ducked into the classroom just before her.

She shifted behind them as they sighed in relief that she wasn’t there. “Ten points from Slytherin for being tardy.” She saw the hair on the back of their necks stand up on end as they slowly turned around to face her. “Or shall I make it ten more if you continue to stand there, take your seats.” The two nodded and promptly sat down in the open desk to the left.

She walked up to the front of the room, hearing whispers wondering how she did that. “It’s a wonderful thing, being a teacher.” She commented as her class stiffened, starting to take the notes that the chalk was writing on its own. She stood facing her class, “The ability to keep your class wondering about how you get things done. I may let you in on this little secret soon.” Her class stared at her in awe, forgetting to write down the notes; two students were the exception here. Her eyes grew to a sharp green as she noticed this, “If you wish to know, then you should be writing this down.” She snapped, causing her class to jump. She proceeded to lecture them on Animagus transformation. Feeling generous she gave them a short assignment on what they would become if they became an animagus, though it was due the next time they met.

The rest of the day flew by quickly after scaring her fifth years by appearing out of nowhere. She visited Albus that night, inquiring about how long she was going to keep him under her watch to Michelle. “A few days if he behaves and listens to me-“

“I do listen,” he interjected quickly. Causing both women to turn and look at him.

“Then why do you insist on sitting up and joining our conversation!” Both snapped at him instantly. He shrunk back and lay down on the bed.

“So, like I was saying.” Michelle said, looking back at Minerva. “He could be out of here as early as tomorrow night and as late as next week.”

Minerva glanced at him, “Well, then let’s hope he behaves and gets out of your hair. As we both know how childish he can be.” The other nodded at her before glancing to look at her patient who was pouting.

“Is there something you wanted to say Albus?”

He mumbled, “I’m not childish.” Both women started to laugh at his statement.

Minerva came around and stroked the auburn hair lightly. “Course you’re not my dear.” She smiled before bending down to kiss his forehead. “Be good and I‘ll see you tomorrow night.” She walked past Michelle smiling as the medi-witch knew of their closeness.

Back in their chambers, she started on the pile of papers to mark before the coming Monday.

The next night Albus returned to their chambers and lay down on the couch, awaiting Minerva’s return from supper. The door opened and he heard her voice. “Headmaster, what a pleasant surprise; Albus is inside. I’ll call for some tea then.” Armando must have agreed for he entered and smiled at his deputy who lay on the couch. Moments later a tea try appeared on the table in front of the couch.

Albus looked up, “Minerva, would you call for some hot coco instead?” She nodded and a cup disappeared replace by a mug of hot chocolate. She walked over to the desk and sat down, determined to get her quota of papers done for the night. Albus frowned at this along with the headmaster. He opened his mouth to address this when Armando beat him to it.

“Minerva, my dear, please come and sit with us.” She sighed and got up as there was a knock at the door. “Oh, that must be Horace.” He didn’t need to ask her to open the door as she went and got it.

“Hello Professor,” She smiled and held the door open for him.

“Well hello Minerva, it’s nice to see you.” He bowed himself in and took the chair next to Armando. “You look better Albus.”

“Thank you Horace.” Albus smiled as Minerva came over and sat on the floor between the couch and the table. “Minerva, why don’t you take a chair?”

“The floor is much more comfortable.” She said nonchalantly taking a cup of tea and drinking some of it.

“So Albus,” Armando started, looking at him, “will you tell us why it took you so long to return?”

He stared at them from his stretched out position on the couch. “Well the days that we were supposed to be acquiring the information, we had to chase our informant around the Eastern front. He…was having fun being under the protection of our aurors.” He sighed, recalling the details. “It was a few weeks back that we finally caught him, being tortured by one of Grindewald’s men. We saved him and he gladly gave us what we wanted to know. He was murdered the next day in the hospital.”

Everyone looked shocked, excluding Minerva, who just reached up and let her hair down. Her black curls fell around her face, making her seem less stern and more…emotionally human. Albus pretended not to notice the annoyed vibe that she was giving off subtly. “We were supposed to come back last month, when we had been betrayed by one of our own and captured. One by one they took their toll on each of us, though no one gave up any information that I know of. It was a few days ago when I was faced with either life or death. I said nothing and somehow pulled up enough strength to overpower the men surrounding me.” He took a sip of coco and continued.

“Somehow we all managed to get out of there alive, though none of knew how long we had been there and so stuck to the plan that we were given to return home. Of course I was ordered to return here. I made it to Hogsmede where they called Michelle to come and get me off the floor of the Three Broom Sticks. I’m sure you know the rest…” He looked tired after resting two days under Michelle’s watchful eye. He laid his head back on the arm rest and one of his hands fell into her lap. She looked down at his hand and then up at the two men in front of her.

They stared back at her as she didn’t snap at him for being so clumsy. Both watched as she gently picked up his hand and placed it back on his chest. She looked at the two of them, “I’m sure you don’t wish to see him back under Michelle’s care any time soon do you?”

Both shook their heads, unsure as to what she was getting at.

“Well, then it best that you leave and let him rest.” Her voice was soft, a side rarely seen by the two men who stared at her.

“Minerva…I’m fine…” he smiled at them, making her resolve to shove them out even stronger.

“Albus, you need your rest and besides that the hour is late.” Both quickly stood up, as her voice slowly grew sharper.

“Its fine Albus, she is right you need to rest.”

“Night then,” slowly both men retreated out the door.

He smiled down at her, “Must you scare away my company like that?” He started to laugh and then stopped as his ribs ached with the effort. He sighed in defeat, “It seems you are right my dear.”

He stood up slowly, Minerva catching his arm. He pulled her closer, letting his arm slide to his waist as he pulled her in for a passionate kiss. Suddenly a knock at the door and it opened. Armando reappeared to see her flush in the face with her arm around him supporting him, while his hand rested around her waist.

“Minerva, why didn’t you ask one of us to help instead of doing this on your own?” He had recently come to believe that there was nothing between the two of them and now he saw this.

“I guess it’s that I’m a proud person Headmaster.” He nodded at her, noting that her voice sounded slightly embarrassed.

“Here, let me help him.” He walked over and supported Albus from the other side and helped him walk into his room. He walked back out and picked up several papers that he had forgotten originally.

“Thank you sir,” she replied simply as she watched him leave for a second time. Moments later, Albus reappeared in the door way to his room. “You’re supposed to be resting Albus.” She looked up at him, unable to actually snap at him for disobeying Michelle’s orders.

“I will when you come and join me and the sooner you do the less you have to worry.” She sighed in defeat, realizing that she wouldn’t be getting any of her papers marked that night. Turning the lamp off she walked over to him and her wrapped his arms around her. “My dear, it was very lonely without you.” He kissed her again as she sat him down on the bed.

He coaxed a soft moan from her as he pulled her down on top of him. She shook her head and pulled away. “Not tonight my love…” her voice was soft as she hated to say those words. He rolled her over and pinned her in place, staring at her with his blue eyes.

“My milis, but why not?” he bent his head and proceeded to kiss her neck.

She hated it; he was coaxing her with her native tongue. She shook her head and closed her eyes, determined to not go through with it. He had cast her emerald robe aside and was working the buttons on her black under robe very skillfully. She freed a hand and held his still as he was still placing kisses on the exposed skin of her neck. “It isn’t right…this moment feels forced…” She couldn’t explain it, but he stopped kissing her neck.

“I’m sorry my dear, but at least one of us had the resolve to stop.” He looked ashamed of himself suddenly, letting go of her wrist and rolling off of her and the bed. He quickly changed and put himself under the covers. Minerva hadn’t moved as she closed her eyes and forced herself to believe that she wanted this. She could tell that she had stopped him in time as only one button remained fastened on the front of her robes. She slowly got up as he got under the covers. She walked into her room and let the robe slide from her shoulders as she pulled her nightgown over her head. She walked back to his room and found him on his side facing the wall, his back to her.

“Albus…” her voice was soft as she crawled up next to him and touched his shoulder. “Please look at me…” He obliged and rolled over to see her just inches from his face. She closed the distance and gave him a soft kiss. “Good night my love…” she whispered, curling up next to him with his arm holding her close.

He gave her a soft kiss to the top of her head as he heard her familiar breathing pattern slow as she fell asleep. “Good night my milis.” He smiled as she squirmed closer to him at the sound of his voice. He soon succumbed to his tiredness and slept dreamlessly.

A/N - ^_^ is sorry that the details Albus provided were very...vague, but I couldn't come up with much for it and figured he could pass it off as a top secret mission that can't be disclosed to anyone. & should probably change the rating, but I know it won't become lemony at any point, due to me failing at those stories. ((brain is still gone on vacation sadly)) & thank you for those that reviewed, it made me slightly giddy to see you are enjoying this...story that is still nagging at me.

[minervammcg]

Again amazing! I really love this story. Hope to see more soon!

[~Aly~]

Part 8

Albus never did get over his guilty feeling for what he did that night, refusing to accept that she wasn’t bothered by it he took back his classes and would dote on her occasionally. At the beginning of December he took her to an upscale restaurant, claiming that it was on con of him missing her birthday.

Minerva on the other hand never cared that he had missed it, though her parents had been furious with her for not coming home for it. Which she had explained that she couldn’t due to her teaching and it falling on a weekday; her parents accepted her reason, though they didn’t believe it and demanded that she be home over the holiday break.

It was the last day of classes before the students were to leave for home the next day. Albus and herself decided to be easy on their students and let them off with no homework, provided that they could perform the spells that they had learned since the beginning of the year competently. Of course they excluded the animagus section of the year for the fifth years, though they saw the charm performed by Minerva for the first time.

A sixth year thought it would be funny to see the two kiss and changed one of the instruments on the ceiling that was hanging over the two into mistletoe. It took another student only moments later to point this out. Minerva flushed at the idea and swore under her breath that the student would pay; Albus on the other hand laughed and thought it was all in good spirit. He smiled and spun her around and dipping her as he gave her a gentle kiss. There were cheers from the guys and ‘ah’ing from the girls. Their strict professor relaxed and flushed a deeper shade of red, matching the Gryffindor red on half of the student’s cloaks.

News spread very fast of what had happened at the end of the sixth years’ transfiguration class. At supper that day, Armando had to ask why the kiss took place at all. He had only heard half of the whole thing and that half had been twisted horribly. “Armando, it was fun and games.” Wrong words.

“Fun and games, you making out with your understudy!” he snapped at his deputy in a hushed voice.

“It was a kiss Armando. A sixth year changed one of my Christmas decorations into mistletoe. It was the only reason we kissed.”

The headmaster’s expression softened and his mouth formed a simple ‘o’. He felt stupid and immediately turned his attention back to his food.

Minerva had her back to the entire conversation talking with Filius about the whole ordeal as he had the same class right after she did. He was telling her about how everyone in the class was whispering about something and he had to ask what. “Oh my dear it was an explosion of details that they bombarded me with, that I didn’t know what to make of all of it.”

“It was just a simple kiss due to the fact that someone changed a decoration into mistletoe.” She shrugged her shoulders.

“You did nothing about it?”

“I couldn’t when it was Albus’ class and he said it had only been good fun.”

“Course he would say that. Oh, my dear are you staying over break?”

Before he could continue, she was shaking her head. “I’m not sadly as my parents are mad at me for not visiting on my birthday. I’m forced to go home, though willingly you could say.” She smiled and started to discuss the décor that filled the Great Hall and Entrance Hall. As students started to file out, she said goodnight and made her way up to their chambers, Albus having gone ahead of her. She didn’t think to watch out for someone to grab her from a secret passage way. She went to scream, but a soft hand was clasped over her mouth tightly yet gently.

“Shush,” she calmed hearing Albus’ voice in her ear as he let go of his hold on her. She spun around to face him, thinking or reprimanding him, but kissed him with a fiery passion instead. He gently pushed her up against the wall and kissed her back. “If this is how you’re going to respond to me doing this, then I’ll have to do this more often.”

She pushed him away, grabbing a hold of his hands. “No, not every time you do this as it is the holiday season and it would look suspicious if I hexed you right now.”

He laughed and pulled her along behind him and up a staircase. He pulled her through a door and into their study. “Just a small passage that I use in case of emergencies.” She pulled away and walked into her room, determined to pack for her trip home. He stood outside her doorway, not wanting to trigger the charm in place on her room. “Minerva my dear, you don’t want to relax by the fire on this fine night?”

She looked up at him, dropping the last of her clothes in the trunk and shutting it. She gave it a swift kick and heard it lock. She had been meaning to fix that for a while now. She nodded to him and took a few steps as she kicked off her heels, suddenly running and jumping into his arms. He caught her and swung her up so that he was cradling her and walked over to the fireplace and sat down on the floor with her nestled neatly in his lap.

They discarded their outer robe and she lay in his lap in her black under robe as he wore a red one. She had her eyes closed as he gently stroked her hair after taking out all the pins that kept it neatly in place. “My milis, I was wondering if you come with me to my brother’s place tomorrow. It would only be for a simple overnight stay. I think your parents can stand one more day of you not being at home.”

She started to shake her head, “No, they are quite angry with me for not visiting on my birthday.”

“I’m sorry about that, it was my fault.” He looked down at her and traced the features of her cheek with his forefinger ever so gently.

“No, it wasn’t and if you continue to blame yourself I will go home and not return.” She looked up at him sternly, though her dark hair softened her expression as it outlined her face.

“I can do you one better.” He smiled, gently poking her nose. “I will quit blaming myself and feeling guilty about…that, if you come with me to my brother’s. If you do then I will return with you to the McGonagall Manor for the remaining Christmas break.”

Bloody hell was he good in getting her to do as he wanted. “Alright, alright…I agree, on one condition.” She sat up and turned to face him, kneeling with a playful expression on her face.

He watched her, regretting that she had become successful in occlumens. “What is the one condition?”

She smiled and leaned in, capturing his mouth with hers and slowly drawing him back towards her. She stood up and he followed, still wondering what her condition was. He leaned in and kissed her exposes neck as she led him into his bedroom.

Turning to face him, her hands started on the buttons of his tunic robe. He continued to kiss her, his brain not registering what was happening. He undid her under robe and it slid halfway down as her hands were busy undoing his last button. The button undone she dropped her arms to let the robe drop the rest of the way to the ground. Her hands pushed his off of his shoulders and it too dropped to the ground.

He pulled her closer and did away with the last of her garments, his hand resting on the small of her back as he laid her on the bed. He smiled as he heard her moan his name before he pushed in and heard her gasp as she arched her back.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Minerva lay with a blanket across her lower back and her head resting on his chest. Albus awoke and smiled down at her till he recalled what had taken place the night before. He frowned slightly, but forgot as he watched her sleep peacefully next to him. He started to draw small patterns on her back with his forefinger. She woke not much longer after that, smiling up at him as she kissed his chest.

“You never told me my one condition.” He reminded her.

She grew very flush in the face, “Sorry, I knew if I told you would have stopped me.”

He closed his eyes as if he agreed with her silently, as he sighed. “Have you…before-“

She shook her head before he could finish his question. He suddenly grew angry and got out of the bed and made his way into the bath. She got upholding the blanket around herself as she followed him.

“I shouldn’t have been you’re first.” He heard her enter and turned to face her from the bath. “It should have been someone your own age-“

“There is no one my own age that I would ever think of having sex with.” She dropped the sheet at the edge of the bath and stepped in, ignoring his stare.

“You-“

“Albus!” she suddenly snapped, focusing her fiery emerald greens on him. She notice that his blue ones flinched only slightly as he stood rigid standing more than waist deep in the water. “You cannot change what has happened. I suggest you learn to live with this fact.” She made her way over to him and noticed his eyes taking in her milky white body. She stood inches in front of him as he refused to move now. She placed both of his hands on her waist and wrapped her own arms around his neck. “And people call me stubborn…”

He laughed and pulled her closer. “I’m sorry my milis, but I believed this my own fault and undoing.”

“No, not your fault,” she stared up at him as his look questioned her, “it’s our fault. We both consented and no one can judge us for that.”

“You may think so, but people will.” He managed to sit back down and pulled her with him after placing a loving kiss on the small of her back.

“Let them…”

“Or don’t, I will not place you in harm’s way by letting this become public knowledge,” he settle back and pulled her close to him.
She looked sad at this news, but said nothing resting her head on his chest.

It wasn’t for more than an hour later that Minerva and Albus extracted themselves from the bath. She wrapped in a towel and proceeded to his room to collect that which he had strewn the night before. He came up behind her and placed a kiss on her neck, letting one of his hands wander. She quickly slapped it and left his room shaking her head laughing.

Another hour passed before either of them was ready to depart for his brother’s place and an owl had been given a letter to take to her parents, letting them know of the delay in her plans. She smiled at him and gave him a quick kiss before exiting the room. She was wearing a winter blue gown and a black travelling cloak, her hair fell in curly waves behind her and everything seemed to soften her sharpest features.

Albus on the other hand wore his red and green robes as they made their way down to the Entrance Hall to find Dippet standing there at the foot of the stairs waiting for them. He nodded to both of them, “Good morning to you’s.”

“Yes sir,” she replied first, and glanced at the door.

“I do wish both of you would stay for the holidays.”

“Armando, I would love to, but it has been so long since I last saw my brother that I must go see him.”

“Yes, you are right Albus, but don’t let him break your nose again.”
Albus just laughed at that comment, “Well if he does, maybe he will straighten it at the same time.”

Armando nodded and turned to Minerva finally, “Please have a safe trip my dear.”

“I will sir,” she nodded and started toward the doors.

“Well, I must be going Armando.” He bowed and followed her out the main doors.

It was lightly snowing outside as they walked the driveway out past the Hogwarts gates. They looked back and could make out the school in the distance. He placed his arm around her waist and pulled her tight to him. She held him close and then they were gone with a soft pop.

A/N - sorry this one is shorter than the rest...but I didn't want it to drag on into the next section...Please enjoy ^_^

[minervammcg]

Wonderful!!! Update soon!

[~Aly~]

Part 9

They were standing in the woods behind a large white house that looked slightly abandoned. “Um…Albus?” Minerva turned to look at him as he just stared at the house. They had been standing in the woods for nearly an hour and he hadn’t said anything, it seemed his mind was playing something out before his eyes as they held a distant look to them. “Albus…?” She called again when he didn’t answer the previous one.

She pulled away and sat on a snow covered log just a few feet away. “Ariana…” His voice was soft and sad as he came back to the present to look at her. “I’m sorry my dear, but I brought you with to…ensure we play fair…I guess you could say.” He walked over to her and looked down at her smiling, though the twinkle in his eyes had disappeared.

“Who is Ariana?” She looked up at him, ensuring her face was unreadable along with the walls in her mind.

“My younger sister, who died here.” He sighed and sat down next to her. “Last time I saw my brother was at her funeral when he broke my nose for the second time.”

“Oh…” She looked down, before resting his head on her shoulder.

“Come my dear milis, I dare not say we stay outside in the cold any longer.” He placed his arm around her and led her up to the house.

“Albus!” An angry voice came from the back door.

“Aberforth…” His voice answered calmly.

“You know you’re not welcome here!”

He sighed, “For a night, then we will be gone.”

“Never! You murdered her Albus!”

Minerva felt him flinch as he stopped a few feet from the door. “I carry that with me everywhere. You need not remind me.”

His brother seemed to realize that he was very sincere in his words. “Fine, just one night then.” He opened the door and allowed them inside. “Who is this that you brought with you Albus? Someone else you can get killed with your irrational ideals?”

Albus flinched again and released his grip on Minerva. “No, she is my understudy at Hogwarts. Minerva, this is my brother Aberforth. Aberforth, Minerva McGonagall.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” She stared at him, seeing a slight resemblance to a goat. He was wearing silver oval glasses and had the same auburn colored hair as Albus, though his was much shorter and his beard was more of a goatee. He also had the same blue eyes, that made her believe that in the right situation would probably twinkle like his older brother’s.

“The pleasure is mine,” Aberforth bent forward and took her hand, placing a gentle kiss on the back of it.

She flushed as he took her hand. “Thank you.”

“You’re Michael and Emilia’s youngest aren’t you.” She gave a nod as he continued, “I can see the resemblance to your beautiful mother, though you seem to have inherited the McGonagall attribute for sternness and I can only imagine the temper.”

She had slowly grown redder as he talked of her parents. She made to speak when Albus interjected. “Aberforth, must you bring up her parents? Do you not think she has a large enough shadow to live under already?”

“Nope, unless you count the one that you cast with your inflated head.”

“I don’t see what you are talking about. Really you two, grow up!” She snapped quickly, turning away from them and finding her way to the study and knelt down in front of the fire to warm.

The one stared after her, his face worried as the other laughed. “You have your hands full with her Albus. Have fun and do try not to let her kill you. Actually on that matter, don’t let her get killed.”

She turned to see them enter, glaring at both of them. “Sorry my dear…Just brotherly love.” He gave a tentative smile at her.

“Whatever you say Albus, whatever you say.” His brother was still laughing as she sat very stiffly with her back to both of them still warming by the fire.

Aberforth sat behind a desk and pulled out three glasses and several bottles. “Since it is a family reunion, why not have a drink then?”

Albus walked over and poured a honey colored liquid into two glasses. “Course drinking the mead first.” He laughed and poured a glass of a deep amber colored liquid; it looked as if the glass held a dark fire within it.

“Here, Minerva my dear.” His voice was soft and his blue eyes looked apologetic as he held a glass out for her to take. She took it and got up, letting him lead her over to the desk in which his brother sat behind. A couch appeared behind the two of them and they sat on it.

“To family ties…you may hate them, but may they always be there for you.” Aberforth toasted, clinking glasses with the other two before downing his glass in one gulp. Minerva drank her glass slowly watching the two brothers as they each down their glass. She looked out the window to see the sun had set recently and the sky was a fiery red through the light snow that continued to fall.

Minerva was drinking slowly and was shaming her family name by doing so, but she was enjoying as the two brothers now had an arm around the other and were singing a Christmas carol out of tune and to different rhythms. She had to laugh silently till Aberforth came over and took her hand. “A dance my dear lady.” He didn’t wait for a response, but pulled her up and started to waltz around his study with her, Albus conducting music from his wand.

He wasn’t very graceful in her opinion and had her feet stepped on several times along with him nearly falling over, forcing her to hold him up.

Albus stopped conducting and Aberforth stepped back and bowed as she gave him a curtsy. “Thank you my dear lady.” He stood up and kissed her on the lips. He started to head for the door, before turning around. “Night my dear and watch out for him.” She watched him go and heard as he stumbled up several flights of stairs. She turned to find Albus standing behind her; jealousy was evident in his eyes.

“Albus…” her voice was soft and shook slightly as he looked down at her.

He didn’t respond, but bent his head for a deep kiss as he took her by the waist and twirled slightly before losing his balance and falling onto the couch behind them. Minerva landed on top of him and quickly extracted herself from his grasp.

“Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!” He jumped and spotted the angry woman before him and started to laugh. “This is not a laughing matter.” She reached forward and grabbed him by the hand and pulled him up. “It is late and we are expected somewhere at a decent hour tomorrow!” She turned and started out of the room with him following her.

“My dear, it isn’t that late.” He didn’t sound as drunk as he appeared. He placed his hands on her hips, causing her to turn around and glare at him.

“Albus P-“

“I’m fully aware of my name dear.” It seemed she had a sobering effect on him. He suddenly looked older and sad. “You are right.” He walked forward, guiding her up the stairs to his former room, remembering the last time he had been there.

“Albus…” her voice had softened at his sudden change in mood.

He simply shook her head and removed her traveling cloak from her shoulders. “Sleep is the best medicine anyone can afford.” She looked up at him as he made his way to the bed before removing his own traveling robes. He lay down and seemed too tall for the old four poster bed. Frowning she removed her gown and set it in a chair. She decided against trying to fit under the blankets as herself and promptly changed into her silver tabby.

Albus opened his eyes to see the silver cat jump up on the bed and curl up on his chest. “My little Tabby, my little milis.” He said, slipping into a deep troubled sleep as he relived his sister’s death.

Minerva had never had a harder time falling asleep than she did that night, having been dislodged from her chosen sleeping place several times. She finally gave up and jumped off the bed when he had sat upright while still sleeping.

Down on the floor she gathered his traveling robe and placed it next to hers, curling up in the two together. She quickly fell asleep, not realizing how close it was to dawn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Albus awoke the next morning, very stiff and sore with his head slightly foggy as to what had happened the night before. He turned to look for Minerva’s sleeping form, when he soon realized that she wasn’t there. He looked out and found a moving ball in the two traveling cloaks on the floor. He frowned, had he done something that caused her to hate him to the point she slept on the floor. He got up and picked up the twitching bundle and proceeded to leave the room, making his way back to the study where the fire was still going. He placed her on the floor in front of the fire and disappeared in search of food.

Albus found his brother in the kitchen with a goat, they were both eating breakfast. “Morning…” He mumbled and proceeded to search for food and finding nothing. “Um…is there a reason you have no food here?”

“Actually yeah, a young couple is coming to look at the place. I can’t stay here forever, she wouldn’t approve.” His words caused his older brother to flinch. “You’ll have to find food on your way.”

“I figured as much.” He started to head out and back to the study.

“Albus...” His brother came over to him and suddenly punched his nose again. “That’s for being the stupid know-it-all that created an impossible shadow to live in!”

Albus just covered his nose which was bleeding and broken yet again. He watched as his brother returned to the table without another word. Turning on his heels he made his way back to the study to find the silver ball of fur still curled up and smiling if you really wanted to say that much.

Checking to make sure his nose stopped bleeding, he woke the cat. “Minerva my dear, we must be on our way.”

The cat opened one eye and looked at him, suddenly jumping up and soon she knelt before him. “Albus, your nose is-“

“Yes my dear, but that aside we need to go if you want to make it to your parents early.”

“Course, but without breakfast, it’s so unlike you.” He helped her get up and picked up the two robes, suddenly realizing that she was only wearing her slip and his face reddened as he placed the two robes on the nearby armchair.

“I’m sorry my dear, but I’ll be right back.” He quickly left the study and retrieved the abandoned dress that was in his former room.

Minerva stared after him turning back to the fire, realizing why he must have left as she caught a reflection of herself off the windows. She heard the door open and turned, “Albus, I’m-“

“Albus? I’m Aberforth my dear…oh!” He stood there staring at her, not sure what to say or do.

She instantly grabbed one of the robes and wrapped herself in it. “Aberforth!” She growled and pointed back at the door, ordering him out without even thinking that this was his home.

“Aberforth!” Albus’ voice came from the doorway, “What are you doing!”

“I was getting my papers when I saw that your understudy wasn’t wearing much more than the slip.” The younger brother growled at him. “What exactly is your relationship with her?!”

“That doesn’t concern you.” She had appeared behind him, causing him to visibly jump.

He turned to face her, “Oh, but my dear I don’t care that Albus is sleeping with his student, it’s the fact that he decided to do so in my house!”

She noticed that Albus flinched at this and stared down at his feet. “I’m not his student and on top of that, if I remember correctly you were the one kissing me last night Aberforth!”

It was his turn to flinch, though it wasn’t as noticeable as his brother’s. “That may have been my girl, but I returned to my chambers alone. It seems you returned to my brother’s and…” He raised an eyebrow, turning to Albus. “You are one sick twisted old man!”

“WE DIDN’T! I SLEPT ON THE BLOODY FLOOR!” She glared at him; her wand was at his throat. “Give me one reason.” She hissed at him.

Albus stepped in, grabbing her hand and lowering the wand with some evident force, though it seemed as he pushed her hand down without difficulty. “Minerva, Aberforth, I think we are done here. Let her get dressed and we will leave.”

“Humph, have fun with that one Albus.” He turned and quickly left the room.

Minerva’s hair seemed to be standing on ends as she seemed to be bristling as her eyes watched him leave. She had been pulled closer to him as he gently stroked her hair, managing to calm her slightly.

“Is our age difference that great?”

“Are you going to leave if I tell you the truth?”

“I couldn’t even if you forced me to.”

He smiled and kissed the top of her head. “I could be your grandfather.”

She looked up at him, “You don’t seem that old.”

He smiled, “The miracle of being a wizard isn’t it?” He laughed, releasing her and holding her gown out for him.

She smiled back him, letting his cloak slip from her shoulders and she pulled the gown over her head. She grabbed her hair, pulling it over her shoulder as she turned her back to him. “You wouldn’t mind lacing it would you?” He looked and there on the back of her dress resembled the lacing of a corset.

“Are you sure?” She just nodded in response and could feel as his hands pulled the strings tight as he made his way up to the top. Once it was tightly tied, the plate in which he laced up disappeared, revealing her milky white skin.

“My mother’s ingenuity at its best, she never makes the dresses so horribly revealing, but they are not very modest either.” She smiled, throwing a braid over her shoulder as it lay centered in the void.

“She is very good at what she does, isn’t she?” He only received another nod as her traveling cloak flew to her and she fastened it at the neck. He was still watching her; unaware of her prodding his stomach till she gently touched his nose. “Ow!” He held his nose gingerly and then sighed. “Best we leave now huh?” She nodded and led the way back out of the study and through the back door and into the woods. He wrapped his arm around her, kissing the top of her head before they disappeared with a faint pop.

They appeared in another little village where Albus was going to take her to a small diner, when she shook her head and insisted on going to the manor. He obliged and they once again disappeared with a simple faint pop.

A/N - I'm sorry that it is another short section, but yet again I didn't want it to drag on to the point that I couldn't roll into the next part very easily. ~ I kind of like the a/n.s down here...

[minervammcg]

This was great again!!! Keep up the excellant work.

[Lady of the Night]

I am so addicted to this story! You are doing such a good job! I just wish it was a novel so I can just keep on reading!

[~Aly~]

Part 10.1

A/N - nighean = daughter, leannan = lover, gaolach = beloved, beag = little, & piseag = kitten
I'm horribly sorry that this is my shortest post yet, but I wanted to get it up before I lost my internet access. I thank you for the reviews & i hope this gives some satisfaction to you's.

“Where are they?” Emilia McGonagall paced back and forth in front of the fireplace in the study. Her husband sat behind the desk working on a paper. He glanced up and silently walked over to her.

“Emilia, calm yourself…” He grabbed his wife’s arms and pulled her to him.

“She said they would be here by now. Oh, Michael, what if something happened to them?” Michael McGonagall just hushed his wife as she thought of this. Several minutes passed as he held her close. A door closed in the house and both of them jumped as a voice sounded in the doorway.

“Athair, Màthair, is something wrong?” In the doorway stood their daughter, worry just barely evident on her face. Behind her stood Albus Dumbledore and both instantly relaxed, Michael quickly letting go of his wife, who rounded on their daughter.

“Where have you been young lady?!” she was speaking harshly in Gaelic, its rare form rolling off of her tongue and lashing at her daughter, who just stood stiffly and took it. “We have been worried about you. No owl letting us know that you weren’t coming till today!”

“I sent an-“ Her words were cut off as a loud thud hit the window and there on the ledge was the owl she had sent to her parents. Her father got up and opened the window. She turned her head slightly to Albus, ”Should have asked Fawkes to take the letter.” She found his hand behind her and gently squeezed it. The Snowy Owl looked at her, after having the letter removed from its leg it flew at her and landed on her shoulder. She shied away, not being overly fond of owls and afraid that this one held grudges.

Her father looked at the letter and then up at his daughter who was eyeing the bird on her shoulder warily. “My dear, she did send an owl. It seems to have just been caught in a snowstorm.” Her mother’s face instantly switched from angry to shock to apologetic as she rushed over to her daughter, wrapping her arms around her and giving her kisses on the cheeks.

The owl fluttered from her shoulder to Albus’ as both watched the young woman go stiff as her mother’s arms enclosed about her.

“Nice to see you too Màthair.” She saw her father come over and her eyes pleaded for his help.

“Emilia, let her catch her breath, she just got home.” He grabbed his wife’s shoulder and gently coaxed her back. “It is wonderful to have you home for the holiday my little milis.” He stepped forward and kissed her cheek. He looked up at Albus, “It is nice to see you have taken well care of my nighean*.”

“I think I owe you the thank you, she is the one that has kept me out of trouble.”

“Oh! Albus Dumbledore!” Michael lost his grip on his wife’s shoulder as she darted forward and around her daughter to hug the man standing behind her. Again her father was forced to grab her mother’s shoulder and pull her back.

“Emilia! What has gotten into you?” His wife turned to him and cried into his shirt.

“Athair, we’ll be in the kitchen, we left in a hurry this morning and didn’t eat.” She saw her father nod and led Albus out of the room, the bird taking up a perch on her shoulder again.

She hadn’t led them to the kitchen, but to her room. She wanted to clean up and change. He had followed her without question, now raising an eyebrow as she turned to face him. She spun around her back faced him as she pulled her braid over her shoulder. “Will you unlace, it needs to be undone by the same hands that laced it.”

“Course my dear.” He reached forward, thinking he would feel her soft, warm skin but instead he found the plate that he had laced up earlier. He quickly undid the gown and stepped back as she slid it from her shoulders. He turned around and closed his eyes, until he felt her hands slide his own cloak from his shoulders.

“You need not worry, it would be horrible if my athair walked in and saw that…” He turned to her, with his eyes open. She had wrapped in a green tartan robe.

“But you told him we would be in the kitchen.”

“No, I told my màthair that we would be in the kitchen.” She touched a finger to his lips, shaking her head. “My athair knows I don’t enjoy eating in the kitchen unless I’m in a hurry, regardless if I have company.”

He just stared at her, not sure of what to make of this.

“Please make yourself at home; I will only be a few minutes or more.” She smiled and reached up to give him a kiss before exiting the room.

He just breathed a sigh of relief after she left only to jump at someone else. “She really is something isn’t she?” Spinning around Albus saw Michael McGonagall standing in the door way.

“Um…yes…” he sounded unsure of his answer; it was her father he was talking to after all.

Her father just laughed and proceeded to sit on his daughter’s bed. “Come and sit, she has already told me.”

Albus stared at him as he slowly walked over and sat down. “Oh, I didn’t know.”

“I just don’t want to see her hurt, as I’m also sure that you don’t want to see that either. I’m asking that you let her find someone who can constantly watch out for her. Not that you can’t, but you are being asked to save the whole wizarding world as it is. You cannot be expected to save us and keep her safe.”

Albus didn’t look at him; his thoughts were on the edge of his mind. “You are too old for her. She needs someone young!” He shook his head, “I gave her that option so many times and she has constantly returned to me. If I push her away again I’m afraid she would do something drastic.”

Her father just dipped his head and got up. “I’ll have Missy bring you up some food.” He turned on his heels and walked out, nodding to his daughter as he passed her on his way out. She stared after him, eventually shutting the door.

“Did he talk about what I think he did?” She turned to look at Albus who had lain down on her bed and was staring at the underside of the canopy. “Albus…” he wasn’t answering her and she was force to walk over to him, holding her towel tightly as she climbed onto the bed and straddled him.

“Minerva,” he moaned as he felt her on him, looking he saw that she was wearing only a towel. “Now isn’t the time. Please put something on.” He tilted his head back so he wouldn’t have to see her.

“No, now is the perfect time and no I won’t get dressed until you look at me and talk!” She snapped and tilted his head back to face her. His blue eyes weren’t twinkling, but deeply saddened. “No matter what my athair said, I will not leave you for someone else. I love you and you are my leannan*.”

He stared back at her, not having thought that she would ever call him her lover after stating that she loved him. “If I am your leannan, then you are my gaolach*. I could only dream of you never leaving me.” His response enticed a smile to replace the anger that had previously been on her face.

“Then I mustn’t wake you up then.” She smiled and leaned down to kiss him, resting on his chest nicely. His hands had slid along her side and found a resting place on her hips.

A crack was heard and both turned their heads to see Missy the house elf standing there with a tray of food, staring at them. She quickly sat up, “Missy, I forbid you to mention anything you see right now to anyone. If anyone asks I was in my room alone.” The house elf nodded, placing the tray on the vanity before leaving.

Albus took the opportunity to pick her up and make her sit in his lap as he sat up on the bed. She instantly spun around and wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her gently by the shoulders. “No my little milis, not right now, I would but I don’t want to be disrespectful. Besides, I think your sister is approaching.”

A few seconds later she heard her sister Margret outside her room. “Min!” She tried the door and it was locked. Minerva instantly sprang up and without thinking opened the door and let her sister in before she forced the door open. “Min!” She was again held tightly that day. “How are you?”

She thought it odd that she wasn’t asking why her former professor was sitting on her bed as she stood in a towel. “I’m fine, yourself?”

She turned to find that Albus was no longer sitting there and the bed looked empty. She shrugged and made her way into her large closet and started to pick out what she was going to wear. She settled on a nice, low cut blue dress.

“Good, dad said Professor Dumbledore was here with you. I don’t see him.”

“Oh, well you just missed him; he went for a walk…in the gardens, I believe.” It was the first place she thought of as she pulled her white slip on over her head.

“Oh, well then I shall just have to find him.” She turned to leave. “Did you want me to lace you up?” She nodded to the dress.

“No, I’ll manage.” She replied, her back facing the closet as she suddenly felt the laces moving of their own accord.

“Alright, I’ll see you down stairs for supper.” Margret walked past the vanity and picked a strawberry off the tray, disappearing out the door before Minerva could say anything.

“Albus?” She made to turn around, but couldn’t as her laces were pulled slightly tighter. Eventually she was spun around to find him standing behind her. “You could have said something.”

“Like what? No, Margret, I’ll lace up your sister’s dress for her.” He stared at her, the twinkling back in his blue eyes. “I’m sure she would have had a panic attack due to your room talking to her.”

“Speaking of that, where did you go?”

“I told you, a secret that I shall share on a later date.” He smiled at her and pulled her close for a kiss as his fingers undid the clip that was holding her hair up on her head. It cascaded down around her and was still damp.

“For being your age, you sure do misbehave a lot.” She smiled, jumping up on him so her legs wrapped around his waist.

“Ah, but I have you helping me along with that.” He pulled her close and kissed her again, walking over to her bed where he set her down. “I would love to continue this, but I’m afraid that I’m supposed to be outside.”

“I shall join you then.” She relinquished her grip around him and sprang up off the bed. She held out her hand and her cloak flew to it. He shook his head, chuckling softly. “What?”

“You are a milis beag* piseag* my dear. I am lucky to have you.”

She smiled at him, “I think it is the other way around my dear Albus.” She reached up and gave him a quick kiss on the lips before heading out her door. He followed, knowing she wouldn’t get caught by anyone before they reached the frozen gardens. That from her room’s view was as excellent a view as the other months.

[minervammcg]

This was great again!! Keep it up.

[~Aly~]

10.2

A/N - sorry this took so long, but lost my internet at home, packed for college, moved to college, finally started college and then the derailment of my thought train in which majority of the passengers were killed (it was a sad day in mybrainland). I really want to know what you think of this section cause the only part I honestly like (which is sad cause im the author) are the dresses & the animated necklace.
Thanks ~ Aly
(p.s. i still have to write more before i begin the spring semester in the story)

Christmas day came to find Albus holding Minerva tight to him, both ignoring the pile of presents on each side of bed. “Hm?” Minerva mumbled as he mentioned something that she didn’t catch as he tried to wake her.

“You should wake up dear. It’s late morning, almost noon.” He said softly, kissing her neck as she stretched slightly.

She laughed and rolled over to face him, “I don’t want to…I don’t care if they notice that I never got up.”

“Ah, but they might notice and wonder why I never came out of my room.”

“I hate it when you’re right.” She buried her face in his chest before pulling the blanket with her as she got off the bed. “I also hate it when your will wins over.” She grabbed her robe and dropped the blanket as she wrapped it around her. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled, seeing that he had been looking at her.

“Yes, well I hate it when you do that.”

“Oh, I bet you do,” she smiled as she walked back over with the blanket and straddled him on the bed with the blanket on her shoulders.

“Off!” He snapped as he rolled over onto his stomach so he didn’t have to deal with her persuasive technique.

“Ah, you’re no fun.” She moved up to his chest and handed him one of his presents.

“It’s a book.”

“Open it!” She growled playfully at him, kneading his back.

“Only if you keep doing that.” He opened the present and found a box, which he opened curiously as it obviously wasn’t a book. He found brilliant purple robes with winter blue stars stitched into the material, while they twinkled in and out like the real things. “You didn’t…” He rolled over gently and looked up at her.

“Course I didn’t buy it, I made it. My mother isn’t the only seamstress in this house; both my sister and I can do what she does after starting to teach us at a young age.” She smiled at him.

His hands went to her hips and pushed her back so he could sit up. He kissed her, pulling her closer to him. “I’ve told you that I love you haven’t I?”

She nodded and kissed him back, “I don’t think I would have bothered to make it if you hadn’t.”

He smiled at her, kissing her again as a package appeared next to them. “Since you forced me to open mine, it’s your turn. If you get off of me first.”

She pouted and finally obliged as he levitated the package out of her reach. She got off and sat in his lap between his legs. “Happy?” The package floated over to her and settled neatly in her lap. She opened it slowly to find a very nice red velvet box, which sprang open at her touch to see an emerald green and onyx cat on a sterling silver necklace. The necklace lay upon a black corset it looked like.

“Why don’t you go get ready?” He reached out and touched the lid, closing it and the seam disappeared. She turned and looked at him, pouting. “You can’t open the box again right now; it will open after so long.”

She sighed and got up off the bed and disappeared out the door. She turned to say something, but he was gone again. “How the hell does he do that?” She shut the door and disappeared into the washroom to take a nice long shower.

Albus had returned to his room and disappeared inside to change into fresh clothes for the day. He then waited till someone was coming to see him leave his room. Acting like he forgot something he walked back in for a few seconds before leaving and getting into Minerva’s room. He lay on the bed and thought for a couple minutes before realizing that she would try and play again.

Minerva came back and just stared to get dressed, pulling her black slip over her head. She suddenly saw the velvet box and walked over to it and sat down on the bed. “Off!” She sprang up and saw Albus reappearing as his charm failed.

“So that is how you get away without being seen. You can cast a powerful enough disillusionment charm to disappear.” He just sighed and nodded at her, before sitting up and picking up the box. She sat down next to him. “Are you going to explain this box then?”

He nodded and set it in her hands. “It opens with a kiss from you and will close with a tap. If anyone else touches it, it shuts and seals itself.”

“I noticed, but a kiss…” She gave a shrug and brought the box to her lips. It opened slowly as she set it back down next to her. She picked up the necklace only for a few seconds before he gently took it from her hands.

“I can’t touch the box remember.” He said, seeing the confused look she gave him. “Go on now.”
She nodded and took the black corset by the top and pulled it up. It wasn’t a corset, but a black tunic dress for under her emerald robe or on its own. The sleeves were long and opened to a wide mouth at the end of the sleeves, making them several feet long. She smiled at him, getting off the bed and putting it on carefully. “Will you lace?”

He nodded and walked over to her, placing the necklace on the nearby vanity. His nimble fingers worked quickly and laced up the corset neatly, and not extremely tight. He grabbed the necklace and placed it about her neck hooking the clasp in the back. “It fits you perfectly my lovely dear.” She smiled as her face flushed at his comment.

She looked down and realized that the corset was cut a little less modest than she would have liked, but it was still very modest compared to other dresses she had. The front cut deeply between her breasts and seemed to give her better definition to not just her chest, but her entire body, only brought to her attention as Albus was dragging his hand down her side and resting on her thigh, she barely felt his hand through all the layers that formed the bottom of her gown. She felt his lips find her neck and turned to look at him. “It seems I can get you to do anything while wearing this gown.”

He sighed and stepped back, “Nearly, but I’ll regain my restraint now.” He turned and walked to her bed and carefully drew out an emerald green cloak that would go with the gown she was wearing. He held it for her to slip on. Grabbing the cuffs of her gown she slipped her arms through their sleeves. Wearing that, you couldn’t see the definition that the black gown gave her.

She turned to him and frowned slightly. “I love it, but you know I like playing. Apparently I’ve made that a little too obvious.”

“I know you do and I believe we are expected for time with your family right now.” He clasped the button at her waist height, completely hiding the definition that she now had. He reached down and gently kissed her lips, “Let us go now.”

“Fine…” she turned around and led their way to the study to find the rest of the family sitting around with a tree in the corner, it was frosted with red, gold, silver, and blue decorations with an angel figurine on top of the tree, charmed to look like it could fly.

“Oh, Min, it’s lovely.” Her sister got up and rushed over to get a closer look at her new gown and cloak. “Where did you get it?”

Albus moved past her and sat down on the couch next to her brother, who was staring at her surprised. “From a secret admirer, there wasn’t anything saying who it was from. Hope I meet him soon.” She smiled and laughed while the cat on her necklace readjusted to standing position. Her sister started to fuss over the necklace.

“I’ve never seen her look like that.” Her brother commented to Albus, who just raised his eyebrows and looked surprised at his comment.

“I never noticed.” Her father glanced at him and didn’t say anything. Her mother got up after a few minutes and went over to examine the work of the material.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Everyone except Minerva and her mother stumbled to bed that night after their diner and drinking together in the lounge afterward. Her mother helped her father to bed, leaving first. Soon her brother and sister left, helping each other back to their rooms. “Albus, let’s go…everyone else is in bed.”

“You look so beautiful my lovely piseag.” He mumbled as she grabbed him by the arm and led him up to his room. She really wanted to play and he seemed up for it, but she knew he would be horrible in the morning if she did. She put him in his bed and quickly left his room before anything could happen.

She lay on her bed, placing her face down in the pillow. She couldn’t wait to get back to Hogwarts and away from her family. She only had a week left and it seemed horribly long. She finally fell asleep after rolling around trying to get comfortable, she wasn’t overly comfortable but still fell into a dreamless sleep.

Minerva didn’t realize how fast those days were going to past by until they were gone and she had packed for Hogwarts the night before she left, and she wanted to leave that night but her parents wouldn’t let her. The next morning she called for food as she got ready and Albus lay on her bed, ready to leave.

“Hey Toby…” she said, walking in to see their other house elf.

“Ah, mistress, I brought you your favorite.” He bowed and his long pointy nose touched the ground as he disappeared with a crack.

“Your favorite is waffles and strawberries with whipping cream?” Albus eyed the two plates that were brought and placed on her vanity. She just nodded as she disappeared into her closet to get dressed. She reappeared wearing a white very modest gown that had a collar about her neck and exposed no skin besides her face and hands. “You really going to wearing that?” He had never seen that dress before.

“Yes, why wouldn’t I?” She walked over to him, handing him a plate that she had grabbed from the vanity. She started to eat her breakfast as he just looked at her. “I suggest you eat before I get done so I don’t leave without you.”

He just shrugged his shoulders and took the plate, watching her eat. “You wouldn’t leave without me. I know you wouldn’t.” He started to eat and they sat in silence for a short time, both finished quickly. He looked around and her trunk was gone as usual. He suddenly remembered the pile of presents that had been sitting in the corner of her room. “Um, my dear, where did the presents go, out of curiosity?”

“Curiosity killed the cat, Albus.” She smiled and pulled out a silver pocket watch from her pocket. “Everything is right here. Why would I drag around a full sized trunk and all of those presents that still need to be opened?”

“I just thought you sent them to the school already.” She shook her head and got up, heading out the door. He quickly followed as she made her way outside. She started to run and disappeared as she twisted gracefully. He followed, disappearing with his own twist of his body

He reappeared outside the gates of the school. He looked around and didn’t see her anywhere. Suddenly a ball of snow hit him in the back. He spun around and saw another flying towards him, which he barely dodged. He walked over to the snow bank that was there and climbed up far enough to look over the edge and saw Minerva sitting below with a vary catty-grin on her face.

“What? It’s all good fun, hun.” He smiled down at her, but shook his head. She pouted up at him, “We can’t play, even now as we sit outside of the grounds of Hogwarts?”

“No, my dear, I’m afraid that our only sanctuary is our room.” He grabbed her arm gently and pulled her up. He brushed a stray hair out of her face. “I’m sorry my dear, but one day…”

She shook her head, “I don’t care if we can tell anyone ever.” She reached up and kissed him, feeling him push her away.

“Minerva-“

“Minerva what? Not here, this isn’t the place. I have enemies and don’t want you to get hurt.” She stared at him, feeling his hands firmly placed on her shoulders holding her back. He never looked as strong as he really was and it was easy to forget, especially when it was winter and both were bundled up in several layers of clothing. She looked at the ground and heard him sigh.

“We better get back up to the school; Armando will be waiting for us.” He let go and started up the long drive towards the school. She continued to stand there till he came back and picked up her chin to look at her face. “My dear milis, he knew that I would be returning with you…” he sighed and gently kissed her cold lips. “You are always the one trying to keep this appearance up and are doing a much better job of it than I am.” Her green eyes met his bright blue ones, causing her to smile. “Now let us go before you get too cold.”

She nodded and walked next to him up the long drive. The discussed a variety of things, but mostly about when she was going to register her animagus form before getting in trouble with the ministry.

[minervammcg]

This wonderful!!! I'm so glad you updated. I've been waiting and waiting.

[~Aly~]

~Thanks but I've hit I nice big fat road block in my writing & need a little help in getting to where I want to get so if anyone is willing to please give me a few ideas I would love it. It would also hopefully stop from me having more spells of disliking my sections like the last one...v.v (sorry...it really bothers me & I don't know how to fix it just like rowling ^_^)

Anyways...I'd love to hear what you have to say...
Thanks...your strangely dress obsessed author
Aly ~

[minnie313]

I positively love your fic and this is rare when I do so...

So .... you want a few ideas.... (for now, searching my mind with intensity...)

I have two: -they are discovered and Armando want to fire her
- Albus is caught by the super-vilain: Grindelwald

minnie313

[Lady of the Night]

I am so addicted to your story! I look forward to every update! I hope that your writers block goes away soon!

[mistressquill]

I look forward to the update. Very interesting story so far. I'm curious as to where it's going to lead.

As for ideas: Maybe she and Albus get into a fight. Or you can reveal more about Minerva and her sister since Minerva doesn't really seem very close to her sister. Or you can make up something that's happened in Minerva's past. Or something surprising could happen now. Hope that helps. Hopefully you can write again soon.

[~Aly~]

Thanks for the ideas...

-minnie313- armando firing her may be fun...

-mistressquill- as far as surprising that is in the already partially written sequel & don't ask how I got to the sequel without finishing this one first...

thanks again...
~Aly~

[horcruxhorror]

plz up date its going to eat me alive if u dont