Re: Christmas Magic

[Hogwarts Duo]

Christmas Magic part 1

A fresh blanket of snow began to fall early on the morning of December 25, which added to the overall beauty of the day it was destined to become. It was just before daybreak when the first flakes began to drift lazily down towards the drifts that had already coated the earth in white fluffiness. Gray clouds heralding the arrival of Christmas snow now hid the moon and stars, which had shone so brightly and twinkled merrily the night before and a crisp breeze blew the snow about in a whirlwind of white. The frost on the windowpanes created an intricate design that only enhanced the beauty of the stately old castle known as Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Inside, the fires in the stone fireplaces blazed furiously attempting to keep the occupants of the large castle warm and toasty. Small crackles and pops were the only sounds to be heard in many of the rooms, as the occupants were still burrowing beneath mounds of blankets, dreaming of the riches that awaited them when they woke. Students and professors alike had opted to catch a few extra moments of slumber before the hectic day began but for one person, the day had already started. And none too soon for him.

Albus Dumbledore had risen early on Christmas morning. He wasn’t even sure he had ever drifted off to sleep but he had too many things on his mind. This happened to be his favorite day of the year. Watching the glowing faces of the children, hearing their excited laughter, and experiencing the overall joy and merriment that went along with gift giving always made him feel decades younger. He had to admit that he was still a big kid at heart, especially during the Christmas holidays.

He took one last look at the packages spread out on his desk and smiled. He had thought long and hard about what to purchase for each of his staff members and he was pleased with his choices. Each gift had been selected with the utmost care and he felt that each one truly reflected the person for whom it was intended. Adjusting the brightly colored bows that topped the packages, he tried to imagine their faces when the packages were opened, hoping each one would bring a little bit of joy into the life of another. Then, with a simple spell, the packages disappeared as he sent them to his staff.

Now that his desk was clear, Albus was able to retrieve his ink well, quill, and parchment from beneath the mounds of gifts that had been piled there only seconds before. He still had some last minute correspondence to attend to before he could leave the castle for what he hoped would be his best holiday celebration ever. But first, he had to inform the necessary people of his absence from the school. He carefully worded the note, stating that he had been invited to a special Christmas party and due to the circumstances he very much doubted his return to the school and official duties well into the following day. He hoped that would be enough information to stave off any unwarranted questions and rumors floating around the school. But then again, sometimes a little intrigue and mystery was a good thing.

Minerva McGonagall stretched beneath the bundles of blankets and yawned, trying hard not to open her eyes. She had never been a huge fan of this holiday but had grown to appreciate the way Albus always outdid himself year after year. A smile curled upon her lips as she wondered how long he had slept last night. His behavior reminded her of a small child, so filled with wonder and excitement that it was hard not to be happy around him on days like these. She stretched once again and decided it was time to get up and start the day. If she wasn’t downstairs at a reasonable time, Albus would come looking for her, just as he had done the Christmas she stayed in bed with the flu.

The second her arms reached from beneath the blankets, the cold air attacked her delicate skin, causing her to shiver from the ends of her hair to the tips of her toes. Casting a warming charm on her dressing gown, she quickly slipped into it and her placed the tartan slippers on her feet before darting across the room to enjoy more of the fire’s warmth. That was when she saw the pile of gifts under the tree Albus had insisted she decorate only last week.

It was not unusual for a popular professor to wake on Christmas morning to mounds of presents from students, both past and present, as well as colleagues, friends and family. But Minerva had never been the most popular teacher at Hogwarts. She was always seen as stern and rigid, although upon graduation her pupils often thanked her for making them work so hard and expressed a sincere gratitude for her nurturing ways as their Head of House. It has become an unspoken tradition for Albus and Minerva to exchange small gifts in the morning and then later in the evening, they would play a game of chess and present the other with a more meaningful gift, one that reflected yet another year of their friendship. So, it was not uncommon for her to find a few gifts in her room, but this year was different.

Staring at the lovely tree with the small blinking lights, Minerva couldn’t help but wonder who on earth had sent the packages. She expected one from Albus and one from her favorite aunt in Edinburgh and maybe one from Poppy or Xiomara Hooch but nothing like what she saw beneath her Christmas tree. Daring to move closer, she dropped to the cold floor near the packages and began to read the tags.

Sure enough, her aunt and friends had each sent one gift and there was even one from Albus but the rest were unsigned. However, each had a simple note of instruction in lieu of a name. Apparently, she was to open the gifts in a specific order and then follow the instructions inside each package. Her curiosity was now highly stimulated as she sorted the neatly wrapped gifts into the order in which they were to be received.

Back in his chambers, Albus smiled as he returned to his bedroom to find a package wrapped in the finest holiday paper with a simple yet elegant bow on top. It had magically appeared on his pillow sometime after he had left the warm bed and there was no doubt in his mind that it was from Minerva, and that meant she was finally awake. Tearing open the box, he was elated to see a large bag of sherbert lemons, a pair of warm woolen socks, and the brightly colored purple quill he had admired in Diagon Alley only weeks ago. He had started to purchase the quill but Minerva had managed to talk him out of it, saying it was highly overpriced and he had perfectly suitable quills in his desk drawers. Tucking the gifts safely into his overnight bag, he threw in the last remaining items and flooed to the party destination in the hopes of having company soon.

Surrounded by the boxes in all shapes and sizes, Minerva felt very much like a young girl again. She couldn’t remember a Christmas morning when she had felt happier and so intrigued by the mystery of the gift and the giver. Taking a deep breath, she decided to open Albus’ gift to her first, as was her tradition and then she would indulge her curiosity with the other packages. Hopefully, by the time she finished, Albus would be there and they could share a good laugh about the entire affair.

Opening Albus’ gifts were always thrilling. He managed to choose the most unusual gifts that always brought a smile to her face. This year was no exception, for inside the box decorated with snowman wrapping paper singing “Have a Holly Jolly Christmas” and a Christmas cracker on top, was a paperweight in the form of a cat. But it was no ordinary paperweight for it had been charmed to take on the appearance of a certain tabby cat. That would have been enough to make her cherish the gift but there was more. Circling above the cat’s head was a familiar red plumed phoenix and the noted how the cat was watching the bird with great interest. Minerva squealed with the cat managed to catch the phoenix between her front paws, turning the bird and cat into tiny replicas of Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall sharing a waltz across the pages they were meant to protect. She watched the scene play out several times as the happy dancers waved to her and then, at the end of each dance, turn back into their original states of bird and cat.

Finally setting aside the unique gift, Minerva turned to face the other parcels just begging to be opened. Taking the first one in her hand, she shook it gently, hoping to get some inclination of what was inside. Using the utmost care, she carefully slid her fingernail around the edges of the tape and unwrapped the package. Inside the wrapping paper was a beautiful silver brush, engraved with Minerva’s initials and another note.

Dear Minerva, Your beautiful hair reminds me of the finest silk so only the finest brush should touch your locks. Please, unwind your hair from the braid and allow my gift to work its’ magic. I promise you, you won’t be disappointed.

Minerva eyed the brush with a mixture of emotions. On the one hand, she was flattered that someone would go to so much trouble and so such an expense just for her. Then again, she couldn’t help but be a bit skeptical, for she was taught at an early age to never accept gifts from strangers. However, this one seemed to hold a fascination for her. So, giving in to her more curious nature, she did as the note requested, only to be thrilled with the results. As the soft bristled of the brush ran through her hair, she could feel something like tiny fingers massaging her scalp and threading through her long, luscious locks. If she closed her eyes, she could imagine that it was Albus’ fingers and hands treating her to such delights.

[Nerweniel]

Ohhh, Christmas fluff! You guys rock, seriously! Just what I needed- now continue soon ;D!

Love,

Lies

[Hogwarts Duo]

Part 2

Placing the brush aside, Minerva was thankful she was alone for her imagination had caused her mind to conjure up images of what she truly desired for Christmas…an evening spent with Albus that didn’t require papers, chess games, or anything else of a purely friendly nature. Taking the second package in hand, she was more eager to peek inside and hopefully find some clue as to who had gone to so much trouble just to make her holiday a little brighter.

This time, Minerva was not concerned about the wrapping paper and she opened it more quickly. The small package contained a beautiful perfume bottle filled with the most exotic scent she had ever smelled. It was absolute heaven in a bottle. The note around the bottle topper was simple yet very romantic. After one whiff of this perfume, I could not get you out of my mind…your graceful moves and your captivating presence keep me longing for even the briefest of glances from you to brighten my day.

Minerva could feel the heat radiating from her cheeks as she finished reading the note. No doubt, the secret gift giver had her undivided attention now and she couldn’t help but wonder who on earth had sent her these lovely things. With a giddy smile on her face, she dabbed the perfume on her pulse points and closed her eyes, trying to imagine what kind of man would send a woman such expensive gifts, especially when he wasn’t even sure she would return his feelings.

The last thought left Minerva with a small pang of guilt. The only man she would ever love was Albus and even though he had no idea how she felt, somehow she felt as if she was being untrue to him. She promised herself that she would tell him about the admirer and show him all of the gifts and then ask his advice on what she should do with them. With any luck, he’d show some sort of emotion, whether it be jealously or love, and she would know exactly where she stood in his heart.

One box remained unopened and after the first two, Minerva could not wait to see what was inside it. She ripped the paper from the third box and took the note in hand, noting how her hand was shaking slightly with excitement. Nervously, she finished opening the box, only to find the most expensive nightgown she had ever seen. It was made of pure silk and was in the deepest shade of red, Christmas red she presumed.

Pulling the soft material from the box, she stood up and admired the gift while holding it up to her body in front of her mirror. The gown was stunning and coupled with her long dark hair and her creamy complexion, she couldn’t help but feel very provocative and sensual as she imagined herself wearing it. The small straps would reveal her smooth shoulders, the dip in the front would reveal just enough cleavage to spark a man’s interest and the length was perfect. It fell to her mid calves but was slit up each side, well past her knees. She was sure that when she walked, she would be giving someone a glimpse at her long, shapely legs.

Racing back to the box, she rifled through the papers until she found the small note inside. A more beautiful goddess, I could not find if I searched for a lifetime. Your beauty transcends the heavens as you walk among us mere mortals. Perhaps one day we’ll reach for the stars together. Until then, I’ll try to imagine you wearing this small token of my love and devotion.

Minerva was stunned. Never had anyone made such flowery and heart warming statements about her and she couldn’t help wish that it had been Albus who had sent the lovely items. But, it couldn’t have been him for he had already sent her a lovely gift. Looking back at the paperweight she noticed that a bit of parchment had appeared beside the cat. She immediately assumed that it would be a note from Albus, no doubt inviting her to afternoon tea and perhaps a game of chess but as she picked up the rolled bit of parchment, she did not recognize the handwriting.

My Dearest Minerva,

I trust that all of the gifts have been to your liking. I chose them specifically for you in the hopes that they might bring you some amount of pleasure this Christmas. I do so wish that I could be there to have seen your face when you opened them, especially the last one. In fact, it would be the highest honor if you would at least try it on to ensure a proper fit. I have imagined how the silk might cling to your womanly figure and accentuate all the delicate features you keep so well hidden by your emerald green robes.

There is one more gift for you but it will need a little cooperation from you. Should you choose to try on the nightgown, please stand in front of your mirror and for once, look inside yourself and take note of the beautiful woman you try to hide from the rest of the world. Close your eyes and try to imagine yourself being loved beyond all measure in the arms of the man who holds your very heart within his hands and who would die before ever bringing you any pain. Reach out your hand to the mirror and embrace the love that is waiting for you.

Forever In Love,
A Mere Mortal

Minerva read the small letter at least three times before finding enough courage to honor the request made. She was nervous but she wasn’t entirely sure why. Someone wanted her to take a hard look at herself and that scared her just a bit. She had never been the type of woman so show off her figure, even though it was very shapely, and she never saw the beauty that lay within her. Not having many male admirers in her past had been part of the reason for her lack of self-confidence when it came to enticing men but really there had only been one that she wanted to notice her. And in some small ways he did notice her, but only as a friend. Sighing deeply, she decided to play along with the little charade and do as the note requested.

As the nightgown slid down over her body, Minerva closed her eyes and tried to picture what she might look like when she opened them again. As her eyes fluttered open, she saw the image of herself as she had never seen it before. Her hair was shining and flowing freely down her back in gentle curls and waves. The creamy complexion she had always been proud of seemed to hold a pink hue in her cheeks, no doubt from the embarrassment she felt at allowing herself to be caught up in this fantasy. The remainder of her skin had a healthy glow about it, as if she had softest skin but the real fascination was the gown.

Turning from side to side, Minerva stood proud and tall as she looked at her shape in the mirror. The red fabric covered the ample swell of her breasts but the top of the valley between them was just barely visible. She couldn’t remember a time when she had allowed herself to show cleavage. It just wasn’t something she felt comfortable with in the past. Skimming her hands along the bodice section, she realized just how thin her well rounded her figure seemed to be. Sure, she’d noticed herself naked in a mirror before, but never had she really surveyed what she saw. Now, for the first time she saw herself as a woman who was to be envied by others her age for she had not grown plump or let herself go as so many of her friends and family had done.

[Hogwarts Duo]

And the last installment...part 3

The last part of her instructions had been the hardest for Minerva to willingly accept. But, not quite sure what possessed her, she knew that she had no choice but to comply with the small request. Closing her eyes, she allowed herself to be whisked away into the fantasy world. In her mind, she saw Albus beaming at her as she stood before him instead of the mirror. The love in his eyes made her feel warm from head to toe and yet tiny shivers danced along her spine as he reached out to her. She smiled coyly at him from beneath her dark lashes as her heart raced faster than ever before. And as he took her in his arms, Minerva felt as if she would die from the overwhelming happiness that flooded her very soul. Without thinking of what she was doing, she reached out to touch Albus’ face and instead her fingers grazed the pane of glass in front of her.

That was when it all began. Instead of stopping when her fingers hit the glass, they seemed to go right through it and when she opened her eyes, the ends of her fingers had disappeared behind the reflection in the glass. Pushing a bit forward, she was now staring at her hand as it completely disappeared behind the mirror and she realized that the mirror that had been in her family for generations had been transformed into a portal of some sort. Then she felt a warm hand gripping hers and slowly pulling her towards the other side.

Within a matter of seconds, Minerva found herself standing in a brilliantly decorated room, filled with candles of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Exotic flowers were arranged in a brightly colored vase on a table in the corner of the room and there was the slightest hint of her perfume in the air. A roaring fire gave off a warmth and bathed the room in a romantic glow as she noticed a beautiful, plush white rug near the hearth. It gave the appearance of a fresh blanket of snow and she was sure if she touched it, it would be just as soft to her fingertips. But all of those things paled in comparison to the one thing that caught her eye the most.

Standing before her, with his hand still clasping hers, was none other than Albus Dumbledore, his bright blue eyes twinkling like diamonds and a smile playing about his lips.

“Merry Christmas, my dear. Might I be so bold as to say how wonderful you look this particular day,” he dared to comment as his eyes roamed over her like a cherished treasure. “The color suits you perfectly and I must confess that you look even more beautiful in person than you did when I imagined you wearing my gift.” He took a step forward as his hand let go of hers, letting his fingertips graze up her arm until it they rested gently on her shoulder.

“Albus, you…you did all of this…for me,” she questioned, hardly believing how quickly her fantasies had become her reality. “I sat there all morning trying to think of ways to tell you about all the gifts from a mystery man and…you…you’re him!”

“Yes, Minerva. I am he. I could think of no better time than Christmas morning to tell you my feelings and yet I was shy and nervous. I was hoping that maybe the gods would smile upon me and you’d grant me your attentions in return. Was that reaching for the stars or am I the luckiest man walking the earth?” His free hand had come to rest on her hip as his other hand traveled over her shoulder to rest on the small of her back.

“Are you real,” she asked, “or am I dreaming again. Never in my wildest thoughts this morning truly believe that this could all be from you. I’ve wanted this for so long,” she tried to say but suddenly her voice cracked and she saw his face inching closer to hers.

Briefly, his lips grazed hers as he released a soft sigh of pleasure. The feel of the silk and her body beneath his fingertips was almost more than his senses could bear as he drew her flush against him. Nibbling on her bottom lip, he was rewarded with her own sounds of approval as her lips parted to welcome him to explore even more of her mouth. With the skill of a very talented kisser, he eased his tongue inside and gently stroked hers with precision and love, tasting how incredibly delicious her kisses truly were.

As the need for air drove them apart, he leaned his forehead against hers and smiled. “I love you,” he whispered. “I love you and I want nothing more than to take you in my arms and make love to the goddess before me, from this day forward for as long as I draw breath.”

Minerva’s cheeks turned a bright shade of pink but it had nothing to do with embarrassment. His words had created a heat to rise within her and it set her body on fire. All thoughts of her cares and worries faded away as she processed his heartfelt words of love and devotion. Unsure of her voice, she answered him in the best way possible.

Taking his hands within hers, she led him over to the snow-white rug and lowered herself onto her knees. “I’ve loved you for years and this Christmas, I want to show you just how much,” she replied, in the sexiest voice Albus had ever heard. Dropping to his knees, he captured her lips in a searing kiss as his strong hands began to slowly explore her womanly shape.

Her bottom was just perfect for his hands as he first rubbed it and then kneaded it as she gave a little gasp of shock mingled with delight. Her sides were a bit ticklish as his fingertips traced across them on their way to her stomach, which was nervously twitching with excitement. As his hands traveled upward, Albus was amazed at how each breath she took, seemed to offer up her breasts to him and he longed to lavish them with special attention.

Minerva’s body was reacting to his touch in ways she had only dreamed of before now. Little gasps and moans seemed to escape her lips without permission but none of that mattered. His hands felt wonderful roaming over her and every inch of her begged for more as she leaned into him, feeling evidence of his passion for pressing against her leg. Allowing the sensual woman inside of her to shine, she brushed against him and ran her hands along his body, exciting him and causing him to lose control.

Using his lips and teeth, he pushed the small straps of the gown from her shoulders and nipped his way along the creamy flesh. His hands had settled over her breasts and were giving them each a massage like none she had ever experienced. As his lips carefully removed the strap from her other shoulder, the bright red fabric fell and pooled at her waist, granting him the most glorious view of her breasts bathed in the firelight.

Locking eyes with his, Minerva smiled as she leaned in for a soft kiss that turned into much more as his hands made contact with her perky breasts. Slowly, he lowered her to the rug and quickly shrugged off his own restrictive clothing before drawing the gown down her well-defined legs, giving him full access to her body. Reaching up to him, they shared a passionate kiss as they slowly began the journey to the stars.

Hours later, as they lay before the dying flames, Albus explained how he had organized every last detail and even how he had entered her rooms and cast a charm over her mirror as she slept on Christmas Eve. She, in turn, confessed that she had hoped the mystery gift giver was none other than he but had not allow herself really believe that her wishes could come true.

“Minerva, I love you so very much and if you’ll allow me, I want to spend all of my days and nights ensuring that every desire of your heart is fulfilled.”

“And how do you propose to do that when I have all I have ever wanted right here in my arms?” Feeling extremely confidant and more alive than ever before, Minerva rolled on top of him and stared into his twinkling blue eyes still filled with desire and love as she waited for his response.

“Then allow me to ensure that your dream never ends and by doing so, you’ll have given me everything I’ve ever wanted. Love me as you do no other and I promise that you will never regret a single moment of our lives together.”

Words failed her as his lips claimed hers. There was no need for words as their bodies responded to the unspoken demands and desires of the other, each taking as much as they were given. Two hearts bound together by the magic of Christmas found a new reason to celebrate as they took the first steps towards a lifetime together.

The End!

A/N: Happy Holidays to each and every one of you!

[Nerweniel]

Aaaaaaaaaaw... once more; you guys *rock*! Lemony Christmas fluff, oh god ;D! Cuteness galore, whee!!

Love,

Lies

[Jestana]

Daw! I love it! So cute and waffy! *happy sigh* Bravo!

[Isabelle]

Aww, this was so sweet. Quite a unique idea too! Bravo!

Happy Christmas to you too!!!

Liz

[griseldalafey]

Aw... so cute *silly grin* The Tabby catching the Phoenix was a nice touch Lovely story!

[Karlynne]

I'm so glad you shared this with us. It was fluffy and sweet with a touch of tang. I loved it.

[ginger newts]

Oh that was fantastic! I loved the gifts, especially that first one with the cat and phoenix, and that letter... *melts* This was a wonderfully fluffy, with just the right hint of lemoniness. Thanks so much for writing this, I needed it today.

[Miss Q]

Wonderful, simply wonderful!

Merry Christmas!

M

[angeldust]

wow! yay a bril crimbo fic god i do love ur christmas fics

Hope u both n everyone else has a fabby crimbo

[QuillofMinerva]

This is a fantastic Christmas story !

I loved the gifts he sent her and my favorite scene was when he pulled her through the mirror.

Simply Fantastic

Clayre xxx

[Sensiblyquirky]

I loved this fic!!! It was done so well, and it just made me smile. Great job, ladies.

Christy

[Kamdra]

I've been away from the board for a bit but what a wonderful story to return and find. I swear the two of you must be geniuses. I wish my mind could work half as well. Thanks for the story. Kammie

[dme0414]

Your story was amazing. You two are wonderful writers when you come together

[sonataeternal]

simply wonderful, this was a great idea and you pulled through it with finesse of the professionals.

[Mandy McGonagall-Dumbledore]

Ohhh gosh was that cute!!! *~*