Post by Karlynne on Feb 8, 2005 11:00:00 GMT -5
To Say The Words
What would you do if I told you that I loved you? I don’t know when I fell in love, only that I have not spent a day without thinking of you, wanting to be by your side. For two knuts I would throw my arms around you and kiss you with abandon but I know my love is not what you need or desire. You and I will remain friends and never cross the line into romance.
Minerva glanced down at the words she had just scribbled on the parchment in front of her. She was supposed to write a report for the Board of Governors not a declaration of love. She had Valentine’s Day on her mind again.
Just once she wanted to candy and flowers and a card or two from an admirer. Of course, the only person she wanted to court her was Albus Dumbledore, her employer and friend.
She needed a brisk run outside in the snow to clear her mind and stop such foolish thoughts. Rising she left her office and transformed into a tabby.
Filius Flitwick walked the halls with a load of books twice his height floating in front of him. Minerva had agreed that the fourth grade curriculum needed overhauling. Several times she could not teach her class a spell because they had not learned the appropriate charm to counter it. Filius had offered the use of his lesson plans and books for her to compile a more complimentary lesson plan that aided them both.
He was surprised to find her office locked. She had specifically told him four o’clock and Minerva was hardly one to be late. He waited several minutes before deciding to just place the items on her desk and speak with her at dinner. He hadn’t minded waiting. He had filled his mind with Susan Thompson the DADA teacher. At four feet nine she was rather small for an adult but she was much closer to his own height and he had made several overtures towards her that had been received quite pleasantly. With Valentine’s Day approaching he planned to finally speak with her directly.
He unlocked Minerva’s office door and entered. Filius rarely failed to concentrate while performing a spell but his mind was on Susan and he failed to notice a desk out of formation. He bumped into the corner of the desk and took his eyes off his textbooks. They were hovering just above Minerva’s desk and landed with a thud. Several volumes fell to the floor.
With a swish and a flick he righted the books and noticed a letter on the floor. Not nosy by nature he wouldn’t ordinarily read anyone’s personal mail but Minerva had lovely handwriting and he loved the way her words were a work of art in itself. He read the few sentences and gasped. Minerva loved him! She had been afraid to meet with him and tell him what was on her mind so she left him a note instead.
Hurriedly putting the letter in the pockets of his robe, he rushed out of her office barely remembering to lock the door behind him. Minerva was a good friend. They had worked together many years but he never even considered the stern, upright woman would have feelings for him.
So lost in thought he wasn’t aware of someone approaching from around the corner. Madam Sprout carried a large blue plant and was on her way to the astronomy tower. Her poor plant needed a higher elevation in order to thrive and it was decided to try the tower. It wasn’t the highest point of the castle but no plant could thrive in the North Tower with Professor Trelawney. Filius barreled into her and she barely kept hold of the plant.
“So sorry, Sylvia. Let me help you with this.” Filius took out his wand and levitated the plant in front of her. “Where would you like to take it?”
The two of them headed towards the astronomy tower chatting about Herbology and Charms and whether there were any budding geniuses in the latest crop of students. He set the plant in the corner she chose and bid her a good day.
Such a sweet man Silvia thought as she changed the location of the plant. She wanted it to have midmorning sunlight whenever possible. She was about to move it to yet another spot when she noticed a letter on the floor by the plant. She picked it up intending to give it to Filius when the word love caught her eye. With a quick glance at the door she read every word. Did Filius leave this letter for her on purpose? She wondered what charm he used on the quill to make the writing so creative. There was an artistic flow to the letters and she smiled as she thought of the diminutive man. He was a dear but she had long had a crush on Henry Lake, the Muggle Studies professor. It wouldn’t do to encourage the poor man. Her heart was heavy as she left the tower. Filius was a good friend of long standing and she would not jeopardize their friendship. She would have to let him see that she was not the one for him.
She worried until she entered greenhouse number five and found Severus Snape waiting for her. He was there to complain about the last sample of herbs her fifth years had grown no doubt. Sure enough his tirade began with them and he spoke with strained civility about the need for the best quality when brewing. She had heard this rant from him each year since he began teaching so she only listened with half an ear while thinking about Filius with the other. She fingered the letter in her pocket. She would tuck it away for safekeeping. While nodding at Severus she tucked the letter into a book and removed six containers of herbs. She may train her students to pay attention but she did not take her job lightly. She personally grew each herb she asked of her students.
“Enough Severus, we do this every year. You know I personally grow a batch of herbs for you in the event the students aren’t up to par.” She placed the containers in his hands and motioned towards her crowded desk. “There are two books on red algae that my students need to know before we begin breeding. I will need you to discuss the potions made with it to give them a better understanding of the dangers. Do try to teach them.” She waved him on and surprisingly he went over to her desk and picked up a book. He searched a little longer and found another and headed off with a slight smile on his face.
She shook her head. Anyone else would just thank her for the herbs instead of this charade he pulled every year. Now what to do with Filius she thought.
Severus Snape reached the dungeon without anyone stopping him, not that it was usually a problem. He just disliked being delayed and he planned to spend the evening brewing. His class would have to use the inferior herbs while he worked with the far superior herbs Sylvia had grown.
He placed the containers in his lab and entered his office. He put both books on his desk and noticed a piece of parchment sticking out from the book. He sneered at Sylvia’s slovenly habit. Taking the sheet out he read the few lines and sat down hard in his chair. Holy Merlin, Sylvia was in love with him. He winced at the thought of the woman chasing after him or trying to sit by him at meals. Why must people feel the need to be so foolish? With a groan he put his head in his hands. How many meals could he miss without anyone noticing?
Minerva finished her run and changed back to human form before she entered the castle. She stood outside looking up and couldn’t help looking towards Albus’ office windows. She could just make out his shape and taking a deep breath she headed inside. Her run made her realize that he was her friend, her best friend and would never intentionally hurt her. If she confessed her feelings to him he would try his hardest to get them back on solid footing and she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of loving him in secret any longer.
She gave the password and went up the spiral staircase leading to his office. Her knock was answered immediately and she entered and walked over to him.
“Albus, I need to speak with you.” She willed herself not to wring her hands and placed them on his desk instead.
“I’m all ears, my dear.” He smiled cheerfully at her.
Minerva felt a trickle of apprehension but a note from Fawkes strengthened her resolve and she stiffened her spine.
“I love you, Albus. I have for a long time and whether you like it or not, I’ve said it. Now what do you intend to do?” She spoke without a trace of shame or anxiety and met his eyes without faltering.
What would you do if I told you that I loved you? I don’t know when I fell in love, only that I have not spent a day without thinking of you, wanting to be by your side. For two knuts I would throw my arms around you and kiss you with abandon but I know my love is not what you need or desire. You and I will remain friends and never cross the line into romance.
Minerva glanced down at the words she had just scribbled on the parchment in front of her. She was supposed to write a report for the Board of Governors not a declaration of love. She had Valentine’s Day on her mind again.
Just once she wanted to candy and flowers and a card or two from an admirer. Of course, the only person she wanted to court her was Albus Dumbledore, her employer and friend.
She needed a brisk run outside in the snow to clear her mind and stop such foolish thoughts. Rising she left her office and transformed into a tabby.
Filius Flitwick walked the halls with a load of books twice his height floating in front of him. Minerva had agreed that the fourth grade curriculum needed overhauling. Several times she could not teach her class a spell because they had not learned the appropriate charm to counter it. Filius had offered the use of his lesson plans and books for her to compile a more complimentary lesson plan that aided them both.
He was surprised to find her office locked. She had specifically told him four o’clock and Minerva was hardly one to be late. He waited several minutes before deciding to just place the items on her desk and speak with her at dinner. He hadn’t minded waiting. He had filled his mind with Susan Thompson the DADA teacher. At four feet nine she was rather small for an adult but she was much closer to his own height and he had made several overtures towards her that had been received quite pleasantly. With Valentine’s Day approaching he planned to finally speak with her directly.
He unlocked Minerva’s office door and entered. Filius rarely failed to concentrate while performing a spell but his mind was on Susan and he failed to notice a desk out of formation. He bumped into the corner of the desk and took his eyes off his textbooks. They were hovering just above Minerva’s desk and landed with a thud. Several volumes fell to the floor.
With a swish and a flick he righted the books and noticed a letter on the floor. Not nosy by nature he wouldn’t ordinarily read anyone’s personal mail but Minerva had lovely handwriting and he loved the way her words were a work of art in itself. He read the few sentences and gasped. Minerva loved him! She had been afraid to meet with him and tell him what was on her mind so she left him a note instead.
Hurriedly putting the letter in the pockets of his robe, he rushed out of her office barely remembering to lock the door behind him. Minerva was a good friend. They had worked together many years but he never even considered the stern, upright woman would have feelings for him.
So lost in thought he wasn’t aware of someone approaching from around the corner. Madam Sprout carried a large blue plant and was on her way to the astronomy tower. Her poor plant needed a higher elevation in order to thrive and it was decided to try the tower. It wasn’t the highest point of the castle but no plant could thrive in the North Tower with Professor Trelawney. Filius barreled into her and she barely kept hold of the plant.
“So sorry, Sylvia. Let me help you with this.” Filius took out his wand and levitated the plant in front of her. “Where would you like to take it?”
The two of them headed towards the astronomy tower chatting about Herbology and Charms and whether there were any budding geniuses in the latest crop of students. He set the plant in the corner she chose and bid her a good day.
Such a sweet man Silvia thought as she changed the location of the plant. She wanted it to have midmorning sunlight whenever possible. She was about to move it to yet another spot when she noticed a letter on the floor by the plant. She picked it up intending to give it to Filius when the word love caught her eye. With a quick glance at the door she read every word. Did Filius leave this letter for her on purpose? She wondered what charm he used on the quill to make the writing so creative. There was an artistic flow to the letters and she smiled as she thought of the diminutive man. He was a dear but she had long had a crush on Henry Lake, the Muggle Studies professor. It wouldn’t do to encourage the poor man. Her heart was heavy as she left the tower. Filius was a good friend of long standing and she would not jeopardize their friendship. She would have to let him see that she was not the one for him.
She worried until she entered greenhouse number five and found Severus Snape waiting for her. He was there to complain about the last sample of herbs her fifth years had grown no doubt. Sure enough his tirade began with them and he spoke with strained civility about the need for the best quality when brewing. She had heard this rant from him each year since he began teaching so she only listened with half an ear while thinking about Filius with the other. She fingered the letter in her pocket. She would tuck it away for safekeeping. While nodding at Severus she tucked the letter into a book and removed six containers of herbs. She may train her students to pay attention but she did not take her job lightly. She personally grew each herb she asked of her students.
“Enough Severus, we do this every year. You know I personally grow a batch of herbs for you in the event the students aren’t up to par.” She placed the containers in his hands and motioned towards her crowded desk. “There are two books on red algae that my students need to know before we begin breeding. I will need you to discuss the potions made with it to give them a better understanding of the dangers. Do try to teach them.” She waved him on and surprisingly he went over to her desk and picked up a book. He searched a little longer and found another and headed off with a slight smile on his face.
She shook her head. Anyone else would just thank her for the herbs instead of this charade he pulled every year. Now what to do with Filius she thought.
Severus Snape reached the dungeon without anyone stopping him, not that it was usually a problem. He just disliked being delayed and he planned to spend the evening brewing. His class would have to use the inferior herbs while he worked with the far superior herbs Sylvia had grown.
He placed the containers in his lab and entered his office. He put both books on his desk and noticed a piece of parchment sticking out from the book. He sneered at Sylvia’s slovenly habit. Taking the sheet out he read the few lines and sat down hard in his chair. Holy Merlin, Sylvia was in love with him. He winced at the thought of the woman chasing after him or trying to sit by him at meals. Why must people feel the need to be so foolish? With a groan he put his head in his hands. How many meals could he miss without anyone noticing?
Minerva finished her run and changed back to human form before she entered the castle. She stood outside looking up and couldn’t help looking towards Albus’ office windows. She could just make out his shape and taking a deep breath she headed inside. Her run made her realize that he was her friend, her best friend and would never intentionally hurt her. If she confessed her feelings to him he would try his hardest to get them back on solid footing and she wouldn’t have to carry the burden of loving him in secret any longer.
She gave the password and went up the spiral staircase leading to his office. Her knock was answered immediately and she entered and walked over to him.
“Albus, I need to speak with you.” She willed herself not to wring her hands and placed them on his desk instead.
“I’m all ears, my dear.” He smiled cheerfully at her.
Minerva felt a trickle of apprehension but a note from Fawkes strengthened her resolve and she stiffened her spine.
“I love you, Albus. I have for a long time and whether you like it or not, I’ve said it. Now what do you intend to do?” She spoke without a trace of shame or anxiety and met his eyes without faltering.
I can't believe you included Snape. Kandie
I really loved it. 
