New Year, New Start

[QuillofMinerva]

New Year, new start!

A/N: Many thanks to my beta reader, Ang. This will be a chapter fic, though I don’t know how many chapters there will be. I will try and update asap and please read and review. Thanks ;D

The old dark mahogany grandfather clock struck midnight and brought in the New Year with it as well. Twelve long chimes sounded as the two hands pointed to the large number twelve surrounded by small brightly shinning stars. The grandfather clock had been passed down through the many generations of Head teachers of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and stood noble and proud in the left hand corner of the Head teachers office.

The current white-haired Headmaster looked from his large mug of hot chocolate and sighed to himself and his only other companion, a brightly coloured phoenix who went by the name, Fawkes. Another year had passed and again it had been eventful…full of joy, sorrow and regret in equal measures. What did the New Year have in store for them?

Albus Dumbledore, regarded as the most powerful wizard in recent times, sat alone at his desk reflecting on the previous year and thinking what could he have done to prevent some of the things that had happened. He should have taught Harry occlumency himself rather than passing the task on to someone else. If he had done that then made the incident at the Department of Mysteries could have been prevented. If only he had arrived at the Ministry sooner then he could have prevented the death of the closest person that Harry could call family, his godfather Sirius Black. He wouldn’t have let Dolores Umbridge anywhere near his precious school. That woman had nearly destroyed Hogwarts single handily and he would never forget that she attacked his Deputy out of bitterness and cowardice.

Albus shook his head as he remembered the night that word had reached him, telling him of the cowardly attack on his Deputy Headmistress and best friend, Minerva McGonagall. He remembered sitting by the fireplace, still as can be. The news had paralysed him and he didn’t know what to do. In the first time of his long life, Albus Dumbledore felt powerless. He couldn’t even go and see her, to check her condition because the Ministry of Magic wanted him. He had wanted to rush to her side and make sure that everything was being done for her that should be and more if possible. His brother, Aberforth had tried to ease the pain by reassuring him that she would be okay but his kind words fell on deaf ears. It was at that precise moment in time that Albus realized something for the first time. He loved Minerva.

He was in love with his best friend and he hadn’t even realized it. He tried to pinpoint the specific time that he had fallen in love with her and came to the conclusion that he had loved her forever. She was his equal in many ways. She was intelligent, witty, charming, beautiful and totally loveable. He cursed himself for being so stupid. He should have noticed it sooner and not at the point when he might lose her forever.

He had remained by the fire in the Hogs Head, not daring to leave just in case someone flooed by with news about her. He barely ate the food that his brother made for him. He simply picked at it as he waited. He longed to visit her and see her open her beautiful emerald green eyes. They were mesmerizing and he had often found himself dazed by them. He realized then that everything about her dazed him because he had been in love with her. His heart had skipped a beat when he finally received word that she was awake and well on the road to recovery. He laughed out loud when he heard that she had been giving the medi-witches grief about keeping her in bed and making her use a walking stick.

The soft cooing from Fawkes broke into the Headmaster’s reflective thoughts and Albus turned to look at his majestic looking familiar. Fawkes had been with him since before he could even remember and had proven himself a loyal friend and confidant. The clever phoenix had known of the Headmasters feelings for his best friend even before the Headmaster himself had. But, all Fawkes could do was watch and sigh.

“A sherbet lemon my dear friend?” asked Albus as he rooted around in his sweets draw for his favourite muggle candy.

Fawkes cooed in delight and opened his beak readily for the sweet to be given to him. He leaned further towards Albus and at one point looked like he was going to tumble off his perch. Albus placed the yellow muggle sweet into Fawkes’ mouth and helped himself to one. He sucked on it and savoured the taste as he thought to himself.

“I believe that this year will be different,” he mused out loud.

Fawkes simply stared back at him before nudging his master’s hand, indicating that he wanted another sherbet lemon.

“In order for this year to be different,” continued Albus as he played with his beard, “I need to change the way I do things. Don’t you agree?”

Fawkes squawked with encouragement as he hopped down onto Albus’ messy desk and helped himself to another sherbet lemon.

“You will have a round tummy like me, if you continue to eat my sweets,” said Albus as he shut the desk draw and got to his feet.

Albus walked over to the window and peered out into the darkness of the night. The stars were barely visible and he wasn’t aware of the moon from where his office was situated. Christmas hadn’t felt like Christmas this year. He had been planning with the Order as well as being at the school with the children who had stayed at Hogwarts for the festive season for one reason or another. The professors had decided that they wouldn’t celebrate the New Year because they didn’t know what the future held. Although, Sybil Trelawaney was predicting doom and gloom as usual.

“A new year should mean a new start,” declared Albus as he drew the curtain across the window. “Fawkes, will you get your beak out of my sweet drawer? I am trying to talk to you!”

The phoenix quickly looked up from what he was mischievously doing and flew back to his perch. He had a sherbet lemon in his mouth and one hidden in his claw. Albus walked past his desk and locked the draw to prevent his sweetie collection from going down further that night, all the time looking at his phoenix sternly. He walked in front of the roaring fire and placed a hand on the shelf above the shelf. A picture of the current Order members caught his eyes and he picked it up. His long fingers danced across the small, well-defined face of the woman that held his heart and he smiled.

“It is time that I told her!” he said as he looked at the picture. “I am going to make my first ever New Years resolution Fawkes. I am going to tell Minerva that I love her.”

To Be Continued!

[Karlynne]

Oh, I can't wait for the next installment. I sure hope this will be a happy fic

[Lay]

Hey this is great! I cant believe that this hasnt recieved more reviews. I am looking forward to you updating this soon so please hurry up.

I am not a member of the group but I do pop by and read the stories now and then

Lay

[Kandice]

Will Minerva already love him back? I really would like to read a fic where she doesn't yet or at least isn't aware of it. Not that I won't like whatever you have planned

[Miss Q]

I am joining the chourus... can't wait for the next chapter!

Loved the story!

M

[bogus]

Oooooooh nnice start. I'll have to see more to further my analysis...

[griseldalafey]

Oh just bloody tell her!!! I feel so sorry for Fawkes.
Wonderful new story from you

[Sensiblyquirky]

I was happy to find this here since my reviewing at ff.net is even worse than it is here. I'm most looking forward to the next bit!

Christy

[Rikki]

Hi Clayre,

told you I'd read your new story. Loved it - as always. Where's the update? ;D

Hugs, Rikki

[QuillofMinerva]

CHAPTER TWO : Seeking Advice on Wooing.

Albus had discovered that making a New Years resolution was the easy part. Actually keeping it was the difficulty, especially since he had no idea how to actually tell her his feelings. It had been more years than he cared to remember since he had courted a woman and was very out of practice when it came to wooing. He had to admit that in the past, he hadn’t needed to woo because his name would do that for him though he did find that uncomfortable at times. But it was different with Minerva. She already knew him and the mere mention of his name would not make her offer herself to him. He wouldn’t want it to be that way anyhow.

He played with the end of his beard as he tried to think about possible ideas to woo her. After half an hour he was still no further to finding the perfect way to tell her his heart. It had to be something special, something romantic and something to do her justice. He decided that a man-to-man talk would be of use and decided to head down to Hogsmeade to speak with his brother. Aberforth Dumbledore was a man of the world or so he liked to tell his brother and any other person who bothered to listen. Albus was sure that he would have some useful advice to give him but he was never sure with his dear brother.

Albus made his way into Hogsmeade a little while later and was greeted by many people wishing him a happy new year, Albus silently hoped that the upcoming year would be happy but he wasn’t so sure about that. He made his way to the Hog’s Head. His beloved younger brother owned the run down pub and split his time between it and his goats.

Albus entered the pub and saw that it was empty, which was usual for this time of day as most of Aberforth’s regulars came in after dark to drink and conduct their business. Aberforth Dumbledore was stood behind the bar, shining his prized pictures of Bubbles, his favourite goat.

“Abe,” greeted Albus as he took a seat at the bar “are you busy?”

“As you can see dear brother,” answered Aberforth, not even glancing up from what he was doing “I am trying to run a over packed bar, single handily.”

“Ah I did notice that,” Albus replied with a chuckle as he glanced around the empty bar. “I see you have a bar full of wizards under invisibility cloaks!”

Aberforth roared in laughter and playfully punched Albus on the arm. He set down his prized picture of Bubbles and set about to pouring his brother and himself a drink.

"So what brings you into my dark and dirty world?” asked Aberforth as he handed Albus a dirty glass filled with firewhiskey.

“I came to see you!” answered Albus as he examined the dirt on the glass.

“A bit of dirt didn’t kill anyone!” announced Aberforth as he watched his older brother examine the glass. “So tell me, why are you here?”

Albus placed his glass down and looked at his brother as he tried to find the words to say. In the end he decided to just get to the point.

“I need advice on wooing,” he declared.

“Oh my big brother is growing up,” teased Aberforth. “And he’s asking me for advice. Mother would be so proud!”

“Yes, yes shut up now,” replied Albus. “So are you going to be any help at all?”

“Ask me anything!” said Aberforth. “I am a fountain of knowledge.”

Albus rolled his eyes and sighed. How was he supposed to have a grown up conversation when Aberforth was already messing about? Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to ask him for advice but he was here now and what did he have to lose?

“Wooing?” answered Albus.

“I don’t know much about the language of owls Albus,” Aberforth answered as he looked over at his older brother.

“Abe, you know I am not talking about owls,” said Albus with a sigh. “I want to ask someone out on a date. What should I do?”

As the words fell out of his mouth, he wished that they hadn’t. His brother was looking at him with wide eyes and a twinkle to rival his own. What in the name of Merlin had made him seek advice from his younger brother?

“Well to be honest, I usually give her some hay and a nice place to live,” replied Aberforth with a smile.

Albus knew that he shouldn’t have wasted his time going to ask his slightly odd brother about women. He should have realized that nothing sensible ever came out of his brother’s mouth. Albus wanted to talk about women but his brother had goats on the brain, like usual.

“Thank you for your wise words dear brother,” said Albus rising to his feet. “But I am talking about Minerva McGonagall here and not a goat!”

Before Aberforth had chance to reply, Albus had made his way quickly out of the pub and was making his way back to Hogwarts. As he walked along the street, he noticed Arthur Weasley and thanked the gods. Arthur would know something about wooing, for he was married with children.

“Arthur!” Albus called out as he made his way across the street to the younger wizard.

“Albus,” replied Arthur with a wide welcoming smile. “Nice to see you out and about.”

“It is a lovely day,” said Albus stepping closer to Arthur and lowered his head so that he could speak in a hushed tone. “I will come straight to the point. How did you woo Molly?”

Arthur Weasley pulled back with surprise. Of all the things he thought Albus Dumbledore was going to say, that had certainly not been one of them. He looked up at the wizard who he admired greatly and looked up to with flushed red cheeks.

“I offered her some Bertie Botts Beans,” he finally said. “I was fifteen at the time, Albus, and things were different.”

Albus nodded and sighed. He should have remembered that Arthur and Molly had been childhood sweethearts and that wooing hadn’t been called for as Hogwarts offered balls, quidditch games and Hogsmeade trips that counted as dates to the student population.
He could hardly offer Minerva a Bertie Botts bean. She would hex him into the next decade if she got a foul tasting one and Albus didn’t like the beans himself so there was no way he would inflict them on anyone else. Albus thanked a dazed Arthur Weasley and continued on his way up to the school. As he walked along the stony path, an idea popped into his head. To find out how to woo Minerva, he would simply ask her. But he had to be subtle enough not to raise suspicion in her mind. He had to make her think he was simply curious. All he had to do now was talk to Minerva. How hard could that be?

To Be Continued.

[McGonagallsGirl]

heeheehee...how hard could that be? ;D ;D

[griseldalafey]

He's really making things so difficult for himself. Loved Aberforth and Arthur's responses though, great update

[Karlynne]

I can relate to the frustration Albus felt trying to talk with a sibling. I hope he decides to follow his heart instead of seeking advice from others

[Kassandra]

I liked Aberforth. I always wanted to know more about Albus' family. I hope he figures out how to tell Minerva

[Nerweniel]

Ohhh I just love the advice of Aberforth and Arthur... what useful friends Albus has *grin*... haha, hope to see the next chapter soon ;D!

Love,

Lies

[Krystal]

I could have told Albus that the last person to get advice about romance is from your family. Poor guy.

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter 3: Finding out about Minerva

It was the Thursday after the start of the New Year and time for Albus and Minerva’s weekly chess game. Albus had set the board out and now waited for her arrival. He intended to quiz Minerva about what she liked as they played a friendly game of chess. He hoped it wouldn’t raise suspicions in her mind. He knew that she would be curious about the questions if he asked her out right so he had to try and fit them into the conversation as he went along.

The familiar soft knocking at his office door told him that his guest had arrived and he quickly swept over to the door and opened it. He smiled as he invited her into the warm and welcoming room. As well as setting out the chessboard, he has also arranged some snacks for them to eat while they played and talked. He had bought a new tin of ginger newts and had hidden the box out of view. He didn’t want Minerva to know that he had especially brought them for her and not just grabbed them from the kitchens. They were set out beside the teapot that contained Minerva’s favorite tea…Earl Grey.

“Expecting someone special?” Minerva teased as she looked around the room with a smile.

“Well I was but then she cancelled and I had to make do with you,” he teased back. He was quite relieved that she hadn’t been looking directly at him as she had spoken because she would have seen the blush that had appeared on his cheeks. And his beard would not have helped hide it.

“Glad I am useful for something,” she said as she sat down and noticed the plate of ginger newts. “Oh yummy!”

Albus sat down opposite her and watched intently as Minerva reached for a ginger newt and brought it to her soft lips to take a bit. He found himself mesmerized by her soft, juicy looking lips and he found himself wondering what they would feel like to kiss. He had wondered that numerous times as the years had flown by and he still had no idea. He imagined them to taste of honey and ginger. He didn’t know why he thought they would but maybe it had to do with her love of ginger newts.

He looked up from her lips to her eyes and found that they were staring at him with amusement. He quickly straightened up in his chair and mumbled something about a possible crack in the chessboard. Minerva looked at him at strangely but finally accepted his feeble excuse because it was obvious that he didn’t want to discuss it.

“I believe it is my turn to beat you!” he said, moments later as he set up his chess pieces.

“You said that last time,” she pointed out “and the time before.”

Albus smiled. It had been several months since he had beaten her at chess and she thoroughly enjoyed beating him. Not many people knew that Minerva McGonagall could gloat to the point where it nearly became unattractive. She would always gloat after every game she won. Albus was sure that he was the only person who saw this side of the usually calm and dignified Deputy Headmistress. Though he was as equally sure that Severus Snape might have seen a watered down version when Gryffindor won the House and Quidditch cups again.

“I am merely trying to lure you into a false sense of security,” Albus said trying to explain his losing streak. “And then I will deliver a victory, one after the other, for years.”

“If you say so,” she said with a smile as she waited for him to make the first move. “I’ll let you make the first move.”

“Minerva, I play with the white pieces so I always start!” Albus reminded Minerva with a gleam in his blue eyes.

Albus moved his pawn with confidence. This part of the game was easy but as it progressed it became harder to outsmart the cunning Transfiguration Professor. And to add insult to injury, he had been the person who had taught her the game in the first place. Minerva had often remarked that he had hexed himself on his own foot when he had encouraged her to take up the fine and noble game of chess. Minerva matched his own move with one of her own and then relaxed in the overstuffed chair that was always hers when she came to his rooms.

Albus decided that it was now to time to start questioning her subtly about how she would like to be wooed. He decided to bring up his meeting with Arthur Weasley and elaborate on some things while not telling her others.

“I saw Arthur yesterday,” he said as he ordered another pawn to move. “How long have he and Molly been married?”

“They married a month after graduating,” she said as she surveyed the board and then ordered her move. “So a long time, why do you ask?”

“Well I think it is rather sweet that they found each other so early on,” he said with a wistful sigh. “Some people search all their lives and still never find that one person. Some make do while others live in denial.”

“Albus, are you trying to throw my concentration?” she asked, as she looked up at him. “You know it won’t work.”

Deciding that talking about Arthur and Molly was not going to help him find out what made Minerva tick. He decided to mention something else which should give him a better insight. He remembered an article in the Daily Prophet that was about a high up Ministry official in France and his over the top wedding to an influential witch, who came from a well-respected wizarding family.

“Did you read the Daily Prophet?” he asked before ordering another command.

“I did,” she said not looking up from the board. “All that over the top nonsense about Monsieur Du Maurier marrying that pretty little witch. The way they go on about it, makes out he is Merlin or someone important.”

“You don’t like over the top weddings then?” he asked with interest.

“Merlin, no! I despise them.” Minerva answered as she looked up from the board. “It is being too much of a show off and love isn’t about that. Big things like grand weddings, huge rocks on engagement fingers don’t make the sentiment any bigger.”

“So what would you find acceptable?” he asked, as he congratulated himself on a great idea.

“Well I don’t know! Why we are taking about this?” she said as she leaned back in her chair and absentmindedly played with a loose lock of her own hair. “I would say small gestures. The usual flowers and chocolates are always pleasant but I like to know that some thought had gone into it. For instance, little notes left in a book that I’m reading or a single rose placed on my pillow. I also like the simple gestures like holding the chair out for me to sit on, the silly small things…that is what I like.”

Albus looked at Minerva and felt his heart miss a beat. She had captured his heart all over again and he now knew what he could do to try and win her heart like she had done with his, though she still wasn’t aware of that.

“I think we should get back to game,” said Minerva with a faint blush apparent on her creamy cheeks. “And I still intend on beating you!”

to be continued

[Sensiblyquirky]

Yay and update! I loved Minerva's response, and I can't wait to see what Albus has in store for her.

Christy

[griseldalafey]

Trying to wriggle information out of her while she's concentrating on a chessgame *grin* He doesn't make it easy for himself.
But wonderful update, I can't wait to see Albus start courting her and I wish him all the luck in the world. (Muggle & Magical)

[Kamdra]

I can't sit still. I'm waiting to read the next installment. I love this.

[Kandice]

Oh I like this. Did Albus lose again?

[Kassandra]

I am enjoying this story very much and can't wait for an update. I know you just gave one but I'm greedy.

[Karlynne]

Oh goody an update. I was last in line to read this time but it was worth the wait. Karlie

[QuillofMinerva]

Chapter Four: Handmade Chocolate

Albus had stayed up most of the night thinking about what he could do for Minerva. The idea had hit him at about four in the morning and he had quickly scribbled the idea down on a piece of parchment so he wouldn’t forget it by the morning. He had been surprised that Minerva had been so open with him during their chess game. He had expected to be told to mind his own business and get on with playing the game, which he’d once again lost, much to Minerva’s amusement.

He had thought about placing a single rose on her pillow for when she woke up in the morning but he reasoned that she would know it was from him. And he wasn’t sure he wanted her to know that just yet. He wanted to woo her secretly and see if she could work out who it was. He was sure that she would mention the gifts to him and he wanted to know what she thought about them.

He didn’t actually get any sleep that night. His head was full of ideas about her surprise. He had decided to make her some handmade chocolates with little notes inside, quoting love sonnets. He had already thought of some quotes and decided which chocolates to put them into. He couldn’t wait to get started.

The morning came quickly and Albus hurriedly made his way down to the kitchens. He spoke to the willing house elves, which gave him everything he needed to make his own chocolates. They asked no questions as to why he needed them but they did ask to help. Albus had to politely decline their offer, which didn’t go down to well. Albus made his way back to his rooms, hoping not to be caught by anyone, especially Minerva.

Fawkes greeted him as he walked back into his office and set the ingredients out on the desk. He would have to melt the chocolate and flavor it then pour it in molds and decorate them. Later, he would wrap the notes around the chocolate and cover them up in gold paper.
Albus looked around for something to melt the chocolate in and found nothing. He walked over to his store cupboard and pulled out a small silver cauldron, which had been a gift from someone years ago. It had never been used and Albus didn’t even remember who had given it to him. He broke the chocolate up and placed it into the cauldron before putting it over the heat. He stirred it for a while and then wrinkled up his nose at the smell. The chocolate was burning and creating a foul smell and Albus quickly took the cauldron off the fire and peered inside. The chocolate was all black and ruined.

“I don’t think that is supposed to happen!” Albus said out loud.

“Of course it isn’t,” came a voice from the wall. “Whoever heard of putting chocolate in a cauldron?”

“Yes, thank you for input Armando,” replied Albus looking up at the portrait of the former Headmaster of Hogwarts. “Well, what do you suggest?”

“Albus, for an intelligent man you have no common sense,” Armando told him. “You are a wizard, for Merlin’s sake! Use your wand.”

“I want them to be handmade,” pointed out Albus.

“Oh they will be,” replied Armando. “You need to use your hand to flick your wand.”

Albus sighed inwardly. That wasn’t what he had meant but he had to finally admit defeat. He didn’t have the right implements, time or the patience to make them completely from scratch. But he had put a lot of effort into the notes and the box the chocolates were to go inside.

Albus mumbled a few charms under his breath and a new batch of properly melted chocolate appeared beside him. He looked down at it and smiled…the perfect consistency. He poured the thick, brown creamy liquid into the heart molds he had found in the kitchen. While he waited for them set he set about writing the little notes.

A while later he blew gently on the ink before setting the little piece of parchment down. He was very pleased with his efforts. He touched the chocolates to see if they were set and smiled when he found that they were ready to wrap. He pulled the ten small heart shaped chocolates out of their moulds and places them individually on the gold paper.

The first note he placed on one of the chocolates was one of his favorite quotes. It seemed the perfect one to start off with. ‘Age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety’

The second note made him smile as he wrapped it around the chocolate. ‘Anytime not spent with you is time wasted.’

He wrapped up three more chocolates and placed them in the dark blue velvet box with red silk cushioning the chocolates. He had been tempted to try one himself but he had mentally scolded himself for thinking such things and helped himself to one of his sherbet lemons instead.

He read the next note and smiled as he read it out loud. “Last night I looked up and matched each star with a reason why I love you; I was doing great, until I ran out of stars.” He looked over at Fawkes who had his head under his wing and chuckled. “I know it’s soppy Fawkes, old chap, but it is how I feel.”

He finished wrapping all the chocolates up and placed them all into the box before shutting the lid. He decided he would use a school owl to take them to her and he had already chosen the one he wanted. All he had to do was go down to the school owlery and send them to her.

TO BE CONTINUED!

A/N2: These are the quotes again and who wrote them…
Anytime not spent with you is time wasted. By Torquato Tasso
Last night I looked up and matched each star with a reason why I love you; I was doing great, until I ran out of stars. By Unknown
Age cannot wither her nor custom stale her infinite variety.... Anthony and Cleopatra (William Shakesphere)

[Karlynne]

Okay I'm going to have to have a word with my husband. Albus is so romantic and I loved the quotes especially the soppy one about running out of stars. Thanks for the update Karlie

[Kandice]

I hope Minerva enjoys the chocolates and doesn't think they are from someone other than Albus. He would be crushed.

[Kamdra]

Somehow I think its going to take more than chocolates and notes to woo Minerva although its a very good start.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Good start, and I liked the quotes. It will be interesting to see Minerva's reaction, and the rest of Albus' plans.

Christy

[griseldalafey]

That was so romantic *big sigh* The quotes were wonderful... now I just hope Minerva won't jump to the wrong conclusions...

[Kassandra]

Beautiful. I can hardly wait to find out her response