Fic: Snapshots: Book II: Colors of Love

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A.N. Book II consists of chapter 11-20 of my fic Snapshots. I hope everyone enjoys.


Book II: The Colors of Love

Title: Oh My Love is Like a Red Red Rose
Author: GEM
Date: 7-23-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Red

Minerva McGonagall made her way down toward the quidditch pitch. She was late. She was very late. The note from Professor Dumbledore said that the Gryffindor could have the pitch for an hour today as a final practice for their match against Slytherin. What she didn’t count on was Professor Slughorn, holding her class after the period was over. Minerva crested the hill and went into the locker room. She didn’t find any of her teammates waiting.

She turned around and headed for the pitch. What she found surprised her. The pitch didn’t look like a quidditch pitch at all; instead of green grass Minerva was met with a field full of red roses and her teammates were nowhere in sight.

Minerva felt a pair of warm arms wrap around her. “What do you think love?” A voice asked while kissing the back of her neck.

“It’s beautiful Albus.” Minerva turned in his arms and kissed him. “But sooner or later someone is going to come down here for practice.”

“I think not my dear, since I canceled all quidditch practices for today.”

“Oh, why is that?”

“I wanted to surprise my girlfriend.”

“Well you certainly did.”

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Book II: The Colors of Love

Title: The Astronomy Tower
Author: GEM
Date: 7-23-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Orange

Minerva ran as fast as she could never before in her life had she felt this way. She’d never let anything bother her. She kept to herself and never listened to what anyone said, but today was different. Today she snapped. She ran up the stairs to the astronomy tower and leaned against the railing and cried. Minerva cried her first really tears, since those Slytherin boys began to bully her in potions class. They had no right to accuse her of sleeping with him she would never, not while she was a student. Was she attracted to him? Yes. Did she find him funny? Certainly. He was very good company. She felt safe when she was with him but she was not his floozy.

She was so upset that she didn’t hear him come up behind her. “Minerva?”

Minerva looked up at him with tears running down her face. She took the offered handkerchief and wiped her face. “You’ve heard then?”

“Yes, my dear. I have.”

Minerva felt his arm around her back. She leaned into him and they stood at the top of the Astronomy tower and watched the sunset. Glorious shades of pinks, reds and orange splashed across the sky “I guess I blew our cover.”

“What cover? We’ve never needed cover. You needn’t worry yourself about that my dear. We’ve done nothing wrong.”

[gem]

Title: Finality
Author: GEM
Date: 7-23-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Yellow


Minerva sat under the big oak tree down by the black lake. All of her friends were at the leaving feast but she had no desire to join them. The roll of parchment in her hand seemed heavy, it carried an air of finality to it. She unrolled and looked at it once more. The Hogwarts seal was in the center and Her name was in neat calligraphy across the center. Minerva M. McGonagall… graduate of Hogwarts…granted all the rights and privileges there of.

Tomorrow she would board the Hogwarts Express for the last time to leave and never return. She would never see him again. They would never share a game of chess or a pot of tea. She would get on with her life and he would get on with his. Minerva never loathed a color as much as she loathed the yellow hue of the parchment she now held.

“Minerva, you’re missing the feast.” Albus sat down next to her.

“Won’t you absence be noticed?”
“I let professor Dippet know that I would return shortly. What on your mind my dear? You should be happy but I fear you are not.”

“You’re right I am not. I have to piece of parchment now that says I am a graduate of Hogwarts. It means I have to leave. It means I’ll never see you again. I’ll never be able to tell you how much you really mean to me. How much I love you. Minerva whispered to herself.

“I care deeply for you Minerva. This is not the end. We shall see each other again.”

[gem]

Title: Years later
Author: GEM
Date: 7-24-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Green

“I care deeply for you Minerva. This is not the end. We shall see each other again.”

It was chilly December day as the carriage made it’s way up to the school’s entrance. When she reached the gate, a tall wizard with auburn hair and long beard extended his hand to her. She took his hand stepped down gracefully as their hands met a long forgotten spark ignited in her. In the instant Albus’ crystal blue pools met her deep seas of green, Minerva knew than that he felt it too. After all these years, he still felt love for her and she for him.

“Welcome home, Tabby.”

“Thank you, Professor Dumbledore. I’m glad to be…home.”

Albus gave her his trademark stare. “Why the formality?”

“I thought it appropriate given the circumstances.” Minerva suddenly felt like a student again.

“I see.” Albus offered her and arm. She took it grateful as they made their way up the stairs toward Headmaster Dippet’s office. “You know, Minerva, you are no longer a student…this means that we are free to indulge. I do hope that isn’t too forward of me.”

“You’re not, but I need time.”

“Take all the time that you need.” Albus stopped in front of the Gargoyle. “Headmaster Dippet is waiting for you.”

[gem]

Title: A Late Night Visit to the Astronomy Tower
Author: GEM
Date: 7-25-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Blue


Minerva McGonagall looked up at the clear night sky. The stars were shinning as bright as Albus Dumbledore crystal blue eyes. Why do my thoughts always turn to him. It was a simple infatuation that’s all. I was seventeen, he was me mentor. I was in love with him. I still am.

Minerva came up to the astronomy tower because it was always a place were she could think but, tonight she didn’t find it nearly as peacefully as she had in the past. She could let this go on any longer. She needed to face it even if he rejected her.

“Are you alright, Minerva?”

Oh that voice. Minerva didn’t dare look at him; if she did she would lose it.

Albus walked over and leaned against the rail next to her “Minerva?”



Minerva finally looked up at him. Albus crystal blue orbs stared sweetly back at her. He always made her feel so at ease. Those eyes. She adored those eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Are you sure, my dear?”

My dear. “I’ve had a lot on my mind.”

“Minerva you know you can tell me anything. It will stay in the strictest of confidence.”

Minerva smiled up at him. “I’ve always known that.” Minerva let out a breath she was holding. “It’s a beautiful night isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed, my dear.”

“Anything?”

“Excuse me?” Albus turned to Minerva. May be she would finally open up and tell him what was bothering her.”

“You said I could tell you anything?”

“Yes, if you are comfortable with telling me, of course.”

“Of course. I was thinking about my last year at Hogwarts. Do remember it Albus?”

“I remember it very well Tabby.”

“You loved me then didn’t you?”

“You know I did” Albus shifted slightly closer to Minerva. He was quite certain he knew where she was going.

“Do you still love me?”

“Of course I do. “ Albus took her and hand in his. “You are very dear to me Minerva.”

“Do you think we’ll every have what we had when I was a student?”

Albus put his arm around her waist. “Minerva, in time I hope we have that and much more.”

Minerva put her head on his shoulder and smiled. “I can live with that.”

[gem]

Title: Chess Match or Love Match Author: GEM
Date: 7-23-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Purple


It had been several weeks since their faithful meeting in the Astronomy Tower. Albus and Minerva met each night for tea and a game of chess. They would discuss the latest going on at the school as well as the newest articles in Transfiguration Today.

Albus was ever the gentleman taking his relationship with Minerva very seriously. They were dear friends and he had no intentions of ruining that friendship. He was however in love with her, as she had so correctly pointed out that night at the top of the Astronomy Tower, he had been in love with her since the end of her seventh year.


Albus sat at his desk correcting his second years’ essays when there was a knock at the door. Albus put down the latest roll of parchment and went over to answer it.

When the door open what he saw sent a shiver down his spine. Minerva McGonagall had never looked so lovely. She had arrived for the nightly chess match in a stunning set of robes that reminded him of lilacs.

“Good evening my dear. You look very lovely this evening.”

Minerva smiled and blushed. She was unsure about her wardrobe choice, but she knew she was growing tired of dance around their attraction. “Thank you Albus.”

Albus showed her into the sitting room doing his best not to undress her with his eyes. The robes hang just right and the purple hue compliments her hair and eyes. How could he have been so blind? Minerva was no longer a child. She was a beautiful young woman. She looked like royalty and it was time that he treated her as so.

[gem]

Title: Hogsmeade Weekend
Author: GEM
Date: 7-23-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Brown


Headmaster Dippet walked into the staff “Good evening, Albs, Minerva.”

Minerva smiled at the Headmaster, “good evening sir.”

“Armando, I trust you are well.”

Armando Dippet sat down at the table with the two professors. “I’m feel quite well thank you. I daresay much better than most of the Professor at the present time.”

“Yes, indeed. It is a rather nasty flu season.”

“That is actually why I came done here. I was hoping to find you. I know that you had both planned to get away this weekend, but I need to ask a favor of you both. It seems that we are two chaperones short for the Hogsmeade trip this weekend. I was hoping you would be able to help so that we wouldn’t have to cancel.”
Albus looked at Minerva and then back to Armando. “Of course, Headmaster. It is not a problem at all.”

“I am truly sorry I know you were both looking forward to your time away from Hogwarts.”

“Think nothing of it Headmaster.” Minerva said with a smile as the older man got up to take his leave. “Well so much for our get away.”

“Minerva. Hogsmeade with work just as well it is good to get out of the castle where we go doesn’t really matter to me. “

“I was looking forward to it just being the two of us that’s all. It’s getting late and I’m getting nowhere with this essay.” Minerva put done her quill and stacked the essays neatly. “I have to go check on the Ravenclaws in the morning. I’ll meet you at Three Broom Sticks for lunch and a firewhiskey “ Minerva collected her belongings and exited the staff room without another word.

Oh boy, I’m in trouble, Albus though as he watched her leave the room. I shall have to do something to improve her mood.

The following morning Albus didn’t see Minerva. She wasn’t at breakfast and even though they had planned to meet for lunch. Albus found himself wondering if she would show.

“Have you seen Minerva this morning Albus?” Dippet asked as he ate his breakfast.

“Not since she left the staff room in a state last night. I’m supposed to meet her for lunch but she was so upset I don’t know if she will oblige me.”

“I do apologize Albus. I did not realize that this would cause you grief with Minerva.”

“She was looking forward to spending some time away from the school and the obligations that go along with it. She was looking forward to spending some time alone away from rumors and prying eyes.”

“I understand. Albus I have a suggestion for you.” Dippet reached over, picked up the pitch and refilled his glass with pumpkin juice. “The students have to be back by four o’clock. Why don’t you take Minerva back to Hogsmeade after that and enjoy the night together. Perhaps a nice candlelight dinner at your cottage would do the trick.”

“I do not wish to send the wrong signals to Minerva, Armando.”

“Open your eyes my friend. She’s in love with you. If I may be so bold, I think you are in love with her as well; you have been for some time. As your friend Albus, I’m telling you to go with it there is nothing holding you back now.

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Albus didn’t see Minerva in the courtyard when he left with a group of fourth years. She would probably be along later with the third years. He decided to take Armando’s suggestion and made arrangements for the Gryffindors to be looked after this evening. When he reached Hogsmeade he decided to make his way to Honeydukes sweet shop to buy a gift for Minerva. She was partial to Ginger newts, but he had his heart set on some of Ambrosius Flume’s famous homemade filled chocolates.

He took great care in making selections he felt Minerva would enjoy and asked Ambrosius’s wife to wrap the brown box in the gold paper with a red bow. She smiled sweetly as she handed him the wrapped box. He thanked her and took his leave.

He arrived at the Three Broomsticks Early. He placed his order with the bartender and picked a secluded table to give He and Minerva as much Privacy as possible.

Minerva walked into the Three Broom Sticks and spotted Albus immediately. She felt absolutely dreadful about the way she acted last night and hoped he would understand and accept her apology.

Albus stood as he saw her approach. “Hello, Tabby.”

Minerva smiled at the use of her nickname that she had acquired in her seventh year. “Hello, Albus.” He pulled out her chair and she sat. “I ordered us drinks my dear.”

“Thank you.” Albus sat across from her; the box was placed in the middle of the table. “What is this?” Minerva asked picking up the box. She was positive it was from Honeydukes. She looked at Albus the trademark twinkle that had left his eyes last night, upon her departure last night was back, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“That my dear is a gift for you. An apology of sorts, I’m sorry this is not the weekend that we planned. You may open if you wish, but I have one request. The note attached to the bow should be read upon our return to Hogwarts this afternoon.

Minerva was puzzled by his request but nodded in agreement as she opened the package. He eyes lit up and she looked around the bar. “Oh, Albus these are my favorites. Thank you.” Minerva picked up one of the fudge filled candies and held it out for him. He took it with a smile and watched as she pick one out for herself and put in her month. She closed her eyes in pure bliss. Albus couldn’t help but chuckle. He quickly joined her in her bliss as he put the candy he was holding in his mouth. Minerva giggled at she watched his reaction.

[gem]

Title: The Note
Author: GEM
Date: 7-26-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Black

Minerva,

I’m sorry that I didn’t tell that I was leaving. I was unsure when I would have to and didn’t wish to worry you—although I fear as you read this you are—do not fear my dear I will be home soon.

I love you with all my heart and soul. Thinking of you will be what gets me through the next few days of my existence. I cannot tell you were I am or what I am doing, but know that I am safe. If you have any need to talk Armando assures me that you just need to say the word.

Yours,

Albus

Minerva stared at the parchment, the black ink of Albus’ words staring back at her. She sits heavily in chair and watches the ink smudge with the drop of a single tear. She is so caught up in her emotions that she doesn’t hear her office door open.

“Minerva?”

Minerva knows she should stand up in the presences of the Headmaster but she doesn’t have the strength

Armando Dippet walks around behind her desk and places his hands on her shoulders. He watches as the parchment in her hands begins to shake violently and fresh tears fall from her eyes. He squeezes her shoulder and without a word turns her chair so she is facing him.

“Minerva, I cannot tell you where he is. I can only tell you that he is safe and working with the ministry.”

A box of tissues appeared in midair in front of her. Minerva smiled and small smile through her tears and pulled some tissues from the box.

“Dry your eyes, my dear. He would wish for you to be this way.”

“I know. I don’t know what came over me.”

“It is love, Minerva. Love.” Armando patted her shoulder and stood up. “I shall take my leave, if you need anything all you need to do is ask.

“Thank you.” Minerva dabbed her eyes and smiled, as Armando smiled back and left her with her thoughts.

[gem]

Title: Perchance to Dream
Author: GEM
Date: 7-28-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ White

Minerva was exhausted by the time she made it back to her rooms. Albus had been called away again and his Gryffindors needed to be looked after, so natural she volunteered. She never realized the hell that she and her fellow housemates put him through when they were students until tonight. She needed a nice long bath.

Minerva walked slowly through the sitting room and into the master bedroom. She opened her wardrobe door and pulled out a fresh change of clothes. She made her way into the master bathroom. It had quickly become one of her favorite places to unwind.

The tile was light sea foam green with moving ocean waves on it. Nestled in the far corner of the room was a large round, oatmeal colored tub. The Tub, just like those in the prefect’s bathroom, had several faucets with different types of bubble bath to choose from.

Minerva waved her wand and a set of fluffy, crimson towels appeared on the shelf next to the tub. She sat on the edge and started the water, selecting the coconut bubble bath to relax in this evening. The sweet smell of coconut filled the air almost immediately. Minerva undressed and stepped in the tub moments later. The warm water washed over her body and the white bubbles with coconut scent complemented the charmed warm light sea breeze Minerva had swirling around her. She breathed in slowly, leaning back against the soft pillow at the back of the tub. She closed her eyes and saw Albus’ face she smiled and let the aroma and water wash her away into her dreams.

[gem]

Title: In the Middle of the Night
Author: GEM
Date: 7-28-09
Pairing: AD/MM
Rating: K
Word Prompt ~ Colorless


Albus Dumbledore rolled over in bed and put the pillow of his head. He did not hear knocking. He did not hear knock. It will go away. He tried to go back to sleep but the knocking on his door persisted. Albus sat up and swung his feet over the edge and onto the floor. He made his way out of the bedroom toward the door. Since he had gotten the knocking was getting weaker and as he got closer to the door he could have sworn he heard his name.

“Albus are you in there? Please be in there.” Minerva slid to the cod stone floor to weak to stand.”

Albus opened the door and found Minerva curled up in a ball on the cold, stone floor. “Minerva? Albus kneeled down next to her and put his hand against her forehead. She was running a fever and her skin was so pale it was almost colorless.

“Albus?”

“I’m here Minerva, love. I ‘m here.” He picked her up and carried her inside, kicking himself for not opening the door earlier. He placed her on the bed and placed a cooling charm in the room. He contacted the Hospital Wing in hopes that Poppy would be able to come see her.

“Poppy is on her way me dear.”

“I tried to get there but I…t..wea…”

“Don’t talk, Tabby. Just rest.” Albus conjured a cool cloth and wiped Minerva face.

“Oh, dear.” Poppy said as she entered the room. Poppy moved over to the bed and took in her friend’s condition. She waved her wand over her and the room was filled with the different colored lights of several diagnostic spells. She watched as Albus’ concern grew. “It’s as I though, Professor.”

“Minerva, Did you have the chicken this evening?”

Minerva nodded.” Poppy summoned a potion and it appeared seconds later. “It’s food poisoning. The hospital wing in filled with students and staff with the same symptoms. She needs to drink this and keep her close to the bathroom.” Poppy told Albus as he lifted Minerva head and watched Poppy pour the colorless liquid down her throat. Poppy stepped away and surveyed the scene “I would take her back with me but there is no more room in the wing. “ Poppy looked at Albus. “Could she stay here with you? She shouldn’t be alone and…”

“Poppy think nothing of it. Minerva is always welcome here.”

Poppy smiled and left two more bottles of potion on the bedside table. “She’ll need another dose in eight hours. The other one will help control the nausea when it hits.”

Albus stood up and walked Poppy to the door. “I’ll call if we a have problem.”

“Of course, professor. Good night.”

“Good Night Poppy.”

“Albus,” Poppy put her hand on his arm. “I know how you feel about her. Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. The shakes and fever will pass. It will all pass in time.”

“I know. I just don’t like to see the woman I love in pain, Poppy. I’ve never been good at that.”