Tell Him

[TartanLioness]

Hiya! Yes, I relalize that this is not one of my best stories ever but it's my first songfic and since ff.net decided that they'd close accouts with songfics I decided that it would be better to have them here... So I'll probably start posting here instead of just reading... at least it was good for something then...

Title: Tell Him
Author: Tartan Lioness
Classification: Romance
Set: Post OotP
Summary: Hermione needs advice. HGHP and implied ADMM. Well, that’s how I see it.
A/N: This is a response to the ‘Tell Him’ challenge. timeline doesn’t mesh with the books but as Freelancer put it: my fic, my rules! Read and Review, please

~o0Tartan Lioness0o~

It was late. Very late. A sleek tabby cat quickly ran along the halls of Hogwarts. No one else was out at this time of the night. As the cat reached her destination she turned into a human. Minerva McGonagall could not believe herself. She rarely left her bed at night but lately she seemed to do that a lot. She was, as usual, dressed in her tartan dressinggown, but her hair was not in it’s usual bun. She detested wearing it in a bun at night and her hair was in a loose ponytail. It made her seem so much softer and younger.

As Minerva entered the kitchen she heard not only the house elves but also an other sound. She couldn’t quite determine what it was until she crept closer, trying to keep out of sight. Someone was crying softly. A house elf tried to calm the person down. “There, there, miss. It can’t be that bad. Is it our fault, miss? Is we to blame, miss?”

Miss. That meant it was a student. The teachers were adressed as either sir, ma’am or madam. Minerva was furious. A student out of bed at this hour! It was a little past midnight! Oh how she hoped it wasn’t a Gryffindor.

Minerva jerked out of her thoughts as the student answered. “No, no, of course it isn’t your fault. It’s no one’s fault but my own.” Hermione Granger! Impossible! Minerva transfigured into a cat again and went around the corner she had been hiding behind. Yes, ideed, one Hermine Granger was sitting in a chair with a cup of what looked like tea. Crying.

Suddenly Hermione’s head jerked up. She looked straight into the eyes of a tabby cat. Of course she recognized her professor. “Professor McGonagall, I…” Minerva transfigured into herself again and silenced the 16-year-old girl with a raised hand.

“Miss Granger. What are you doing up at this hour of the night? I thought you knew better than that! It’s past midnight for Merlin’s sake!” in spite of her perhaps a little harsh words her tone was soft. She knew that there had to be a reason for the young woman to be out of bed.

“I… I couldn’t sleep, professor, and I thought maybe a cup of tea… It’s always seemed to calm me down, professor. I know that I shouldn’t be out of bed but… I don’t know, professor. I didn’t really care.” She said the last part so quietly Minerva almost didn’t hear. But she did and sat down beside Hermione. “What’s the matter, miss Granger? I heard you crying and your eyes are puffy and your cheeks pink.” Hermione looked at her teacher. She sniffed. She sniffed again. “It’s nothing. Professor.” Minerva eyed her sceptically. “Miss Gra… Hermione, I know you well enough to know that you don’t cry over nothing. You can talk to me.” Her tone was even softer than before, almost… motherly.

“It’s just… Harry, professor.” She finally said.
“Harry? What’s the matter with him?” Minerva thought she had a pretty good idea of where this was going. But she couldn’t quite believe it either. She saw herself in Hermione Granger in so many ways. The passion for Transfiguration, the hate of Divination, Minerva had been called a know-it-all when she was in school too. And she too had had those two really good friends. Rolanda Hooch and Poppy Pomfrey. But in one place thy seemed to be different. Minerva had never, EVER cried over a boy. Never a boy. One MAN she had cried over a couple of times. But never a boy.
“Well, professor. It’s a bit complicated. You know that Harry, Ron and I have been friends since our first year, right?” At Minerva’s nod she continued, “well, in our fourth year I kinda began to feel more than friendship. I don’t know, professor, I don’t want to ruin our friendship, but… I think I’m in love…” she whispered.

I’m scared
So afraid to show I care
Will he think me weak
If I tremble when I speak
Oooh - what if
There’s another one he’s thinking of
Maybe he’s in love
I’d feel like a fool
Life can be so cruel
I don’t know what to do

“I understand, Hermione. Being in love with your best friend is not funny. But listen to an old woman, with a bit of experience: I know it’s hard to tell him but you have to. If you’re sure that it isn’t just a passing fancy then do something. Trust me: nothing good will come out of waitning. I have a feeling that a certain mr. Potter is quite fond of you as well.” She didn’t mention that she had overheard Ginny and Ron Weasley talking about this a few days ago. Ginny was sure that Hermione was in love with Harry and Ron was sure Harry was with Hermione.

I’ve been there
With my heart out in my hand
But what you must understand
You can’t let the chance
To love him pass you by

Tell him
Tell him that the sun and moon
Rise in his eyes
Reach out to him
And whisper
Tender words so soft and sweet
Hold him close to feel his heart beat
Love will be the gift you give yourself

~~Flashback~~

17 year-old Minerva McGonagall looked into her transfigurations teacher’s bright blue eyes as they danced. Well… ex-transfigurations teacher. She had graduated the same day. She couldn’t believe herself. In love with her teacher! Head Girl in love with the Deputy Headmaster! Merlin if she ever told him that… Oh no… she didn’t want to think about what would happen.

25 year-old ex-auror Minerva McGonagall stepped through the Gate onto Hogwarts’ ground for the first time since she graduated. Almost ten years. Had it really been that long? She suddenly dropped her bags. There he was. Albus Dumbledore. Just like she remembered him. With his blue eyes, twinkling madly as he made his way down the path to her.

30 year-old transfigurations teacher, Deputy Headmistress and Head of Gryffindor House Minerva McGonagall realized that the crush she had had on her teacher as a 17 year-old had, indeed, not subsided over the years. If anything it had just grown stronger, into the love she now felt for the man, who had become her best friend.

49 year-old Minerva McGonagall left Harry Potter at the doorstep of his aunt and uncle’s house. That evening the two friends comforted each other through their pain and sorrow.

60 year-old Minerva Mcgonagall and Albus Dumbledore hurried down the halls of Hogwarts towards the third floor. Harry Potter was rescued and the Stone was destroyed. That night Albus gave her a very important lesson. He told her that when you have lived a life full of love, as Nicolas Flamel and Perenelle, ‘death is but the next great adventure’.

65 year-old Minerva McGonagall with a walking stick. That horrible Umbridge woman was gone for good! Thank God!! Albus was back where he belonged: as Headmaster of Hogwarts and her confident. She had talked with him a lot lately. He had been feeling very depressed over the summer. He believed it was his fault that Sirius Black had died. She had been his confident in this as she had been many other times over their many years of friendship. She was still very much in love with him. She just couldn’t tell him. She was afraid that it would ruin their friendship. Something she valued more than anything else in this world. And he would never love her back, she was sure of it. No, she’d rather have his friendship than not have him at all.

~~End Flashback~~

Yes, well… This was different. Minerva was certain Harry loved Hermione as much as Hermione loved Harry. She was also certain Albus did NOT love her.

“The point is, Hermione, that you have to tell him. It is not good for one to carry on a love like that for too long. If you have been in love with him since your fourth year I can certainly undestand why you seem so weakened. Two years is quite a long time.” ‘Not as long as me and Albus though.’ “I’m certain everything will go just fine.”

“But Professor, how should I tell him? And what makes you so sure? I mean… He is The-Boy-Who-Lived… He has so many admirerers. What makes you think he feels anything but friendship for me?”

Touch him
With the gentleness you feel inside
Your love can’t be denied
The truth will set you free
You’ll have what’s meant to be
All in time you’ll see

“I can be sure, Hermione, because I have worked with young students since I was 25. I ought to know how a teenager in love looks like.”

I love him
Of that much I can be sure
I don’t think I could endure
If I let him walk away
When I have so much to say

“I guess you’re right, Professor. It’s just easier said than done.”
“I know, Hermione, I know. But it doesn’t get easier if you wait. Trust me, it doesn’t.” Hermione scrutinized her teacher. Minerva seemed awfully down.

Love is light that surely glows
In the hearts of those who know
It’s a steady flame that grows
Feed the fire with all the passion you can show
Tonight love will assume it’s place
This memory time cannot erase
Your faith will lead love where it has to go

“Hermione, I won’t push you into telling him right now, but I have one advice though: Tell him as soon as possible, and never let him go.”

Never let him go

With those words she stood and left the kitchen. Hermione sat, stunned, as her teacher left. Professor Minerva ‘Stern’ McGonagall had actually let down her façade and spoken from the heart.

[TartanLioness]

Hermione got up to leave as a house elf stopped her. “You can use the fireplace, miss. That is how we house elves is getting around.”

As Hermione landed back in the Gryffindor Common room, Minerva lay in her bed. ‘I suppose I could have taken the chance years ago, at least then I was attractive. I’m not anymore and why should the great Albus Dumbledore ever love me? Oh Merlin! Minerva Caitriona McGonagall! Not that self pity AGAIN!!!’

The next morning was saturday. At ten o’clock Harry and Ron were worried. Hermione never slept past nine, not even on weekends. Of course none of them could go upstairs to wake her and Ginny was nowhere in sight. Neither were Lavender or Parvati, and the boys didn’t feel well about asking someone they didn’t know.

But Hermione was not sleeping. She was very much awake and pacing around her dorm. ‘Tell him as soon as possible and never let him go.’ Those words had kept her awake most of the night, thinking. Not only about Harry and her own situation, no, also about the wistful look on McGonagall’s face as she said it. ‘It doesn’t get easier if you wait. Trust me, it doesn’t.’ Yes, of course she trusted her. But why did she say it like she did? Almost with… regret. No. That could not be. But then again… Why not? Even Professor McGonagall must have been young once. Young and in love. Nobody knew if she was married. Well… at least none of the students knew.

Hermione looked at her watch. It was half past ten! She dressed quickly and went downstairs. As she entered the Common room two boys looked up. “Mione! Finally!” Harry exclaimed when he caught sight of her. “Where have you been?” Ron asked. “In my dorm, Ronald Weasley. Am I not allowed to be in my dorm?” Hermione was quite annoyed with Ron’s accusing tone and she went straight out of the portrait and down to the library.

In the farthest corner of the library sat a lonely figure with a huge book resting on her knees. Minerva looked through the pages filled with pictures. All were they pictures of her and Albus, through the years. At her graduation, when she came back to teach, from each and every Yule Ball they had attended, from some of their quiet evenings, playing chess or talking. So many memories. Memories that time would not erase. And there… there was the picture from Poppy’s wedding. Minerva had known Alastor since she became an Auror and she had been very happy for Poppy and him. Albus had been Alastor’s best man and Minerva Poppy’s Maid of Honor. The couple stood beside each other, Minerva on the other side of Poppy and Albus on the other side of Alastor. It seemed it was so many years ago, but actually it wasn’t. They married right after Voldemort’s first fall. 15 years was not that long time, they still had many years left. Oh, yes. So many wonderful memories. Her and Albus had been best friends since she came back. Since she was 25! And she had been in love with him for just as long time, if not longer.

Hermione felt sort of guilty. She didn’t mean to spy on a teacher. Especially not on McGonagall, but when she saw the tears that ran slowly down her cheeks she couldn’t help herself. She cared very much for Minerva, even though she was “only” a teacher. Hermione wondered what that book held that could make the strict, stern, uptight Professor McGonagall cry. Then she heard it, “Oh, Albus. If only…” It was said so softly she almost didn’t catch it. ‘Well. I don’t suppose that should be a surprise. She looked so wistful last night, when we were talking about loving your best friend. “It doesn’t get easier if you wait. Trust me, it doesn’t”, “Being in love with your best friend is not funny”, she said. Well, that does it. She helped me. I’m going to help her.’ But when she looked up again, Minerva was gone. ‘Oh well… too bad… Not gonna help her right now, then.’ Hermione thought and left the library.

When she came back to the Gryffindor Tower it was almost lunch time. Ginny sat in a chair near the fireplace. Ron and Harry played Wizards Chess and Hermione sat down to watch them. “Harry? Can I ask you a question?” she said. He looked up from the board. “Sure.” He smiled at her. “Umm… Truth or Dare?” He stared at her. Ron, who had looked up too, did exactly the same. “Since when are we playing Truth or Dare?” Harry asked, confused. “Well… I… er… since now, I g-guess,” she stuttered. “Oh… I see… well then, Truth I guess,” Harry answered. Hermione smiled at him. „Er.. Have you ever been in love? I mean with someone other than Cho.” He blushed, then nodded. Ron stared first at Harry, then he glanced towards Ginny, in the chair, nor that far away. “With whom?” Hermine asked nervously. “Oh, no! No you don’t! Only ONE question. My turn!” he said. “Ron! Truth or Dare?” “Dare.” Ron answered. No truth for him! Harry grinned. “Find Lavender and for goodness’sake tell her that you like her!” Ron blushed. “I… I… How did you know?” Harry’s grin widened. “The whole Tower knows about it, Ron.” Now all the blood drained from Ron’s face. “I’ll tell her… Just not right now,” he answered. Then it hit him. “Hermione. Truth or Dare?” If she said Truth he would ask her if she was in love with Harry and if she said Dare he would dare her to kiss him (Harry, not himself!). Yep, that was one airtight plan! “Um.. T-truth.” Ron smirked. “Just what I hoped for. How long have you been in love with Harry?” Hermione’s eyes widened and she looked shocked. Turning to look at Harry, so did he. “I… um… well... I mean… since our fourth year.” Hermione looked down at her hands. She heard Harry get up and leave but when she looked up he was sitting next to her with a goofy smile on his face. It was Ron, who had left them. “You’re in love with me?” he asked. She nodded. He cupped her cheek with his hand and drew her into a soft kiss. “I love you too, Hermione,” he whispered as they parted. From behind them they heard Ginny whisper, “Mission Accomplished.”

[TartanLioness]

As Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione sat down to dinner, Harry put his arm around Hermione. She smiled warmly at him and shot a glance towards the High Table.

Minerva was trying very hard not to smile as the two young students she had been waiting for entered the Great Hall with their friends. She couldn’t quite help herself when Harry and Hermione sat down and he put his arm around her. A little smile graced her features and as Hermione looked up and their eyes locked a full, warm smile appeared on her usually stern face. Hermione blushed when Minerva winked descreetly at her.

Later that evening as Minerva made her way to the Headmaster’s Office she ran into the two again, outside the library. “Well, well, well… What do we have here?” she smiled at them. Hermione blushed as Harry released her hand and once again put his arm around her. Then the young couple beamed at her. “We’ve been in the library, Professor. We’re on our way back to the Tower now,” Harry said, still smiling. “Good. Miss Granger, Mister Potter,” she nodded at each of them, “goodnight.” “Goodnight, Professor McGonagall.” Harry said, Hermione hesitated. “Umm… Professor? Could I talk to you… in private?” Minerva looked suspiciously at her, then decided that it couldn’t hurt. They left Harry in the halls and went into the library. Hermione seemed to hesitate again. “Ok, out with it before I die, Miss Granger!” She was convinced that whatever Hermione had to talk to her about couldn’t be good. “Well, Professor, I uhh… Last night I couldn’t help but notice how wistful you sounded when you said, ‘being in love with your best friend isn’t funny’. I don’t mean to pry, but … umm…,” she blushed. “How long have you been in love with Professor Dumbledore?” she blurted out. Minerva stood flabbergasted with eyes wide open. “H-how… How d-did you… Why do you think that I’m in love with him?” The last part was spoken sternly with a glare that could outrank a basilisk’s. But Hermione didn’t turn to stone. She merely watched the emotions roll over the face of her favorite teacher before she settled on the frown and the death-glare. Hermione simply looked at her and answered, “Because I could see it in your face. Because last night you let some guards down and let me see into your soul as you saw into mine. I saw the love for your best friend, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore!” Once again this brought forward a flabbergasted Minerva. She had never thought that her secret would be revealed and especially not by a student! “Perhaps it is time for you to follow your own advice, Minerva.” Hermione spoke her name easily and it somewhat helped her to understand what had actually happened. “No, Hermione. Our situations are different! I was sure Harry had feelings for you. I heard Ronald and Ginny Weasley talk about it just the day before! I have worked here since I was 25 and never once has he given any indication that he might actually feel the same!” Minerva was almost yelling at the end of the sentence. But Hermione still didn’t care. Oh no! This was not one she was gonna let go! “Well, perhaps he never thought you could ever love him and therefore has not let down HIS guards and let you see into his soul. Maybe he thought you would think him an old pervert! Maybe he was afraid you would never feel anything but friendship for him and he couldn’t tell you because he didn’t want to ruin your friendship!” Hermione was indeed yelling. Yes, Hermione Granger, number one in every class, afraid to do anything wrong but doing it anyway, was yelling at her favorite teacher. “Let me tell you something. You are without a doubt not worthy of calling yourself Professor, if you can’t see the look in that man’s eyes, whenever he looks at you. That is a man in love if I ever see one.” And with that she calmly turned and walked out of the library, leaving Minerva dumbstuck and flabbergasted behind.

[TartanLioness]

Minerva resumed her route to Albus’ office deep in thought. She had let a student yell at her. She had never done that before. NEVER! Not even when she was a student herself. And not only had she let Hermione yell at her, she had even let her yell at her for something so personal that not even Rolanda Hooch knew. Correction: not even Rolanda Hooch HAD BEEN TOLD. Minerva was sure Ro knew all about it. But a student! But Hermione had been right. She was in love with her best friend. With her employer Albus Dumbledore. And she hoped that Hermione was also right about the ‘look in his eyes’ thingy. She hoped. But she didn’t believe it. How could she? So many years of friendship, why would he be in love with her? But maybe, just maybe… At least she would look closer tonight.

As she knocked on the door to Albus’ office, Hermione was sitting in her Common Room with her boyfriend. “Mione? What was that yelling in the library about?” Harry had been wondering about this since it happened, about half an hour ago, and had finally reached the point where he had to ask her. She smiled at him. “That was just me telling Professor McGonagall to get a grib of herself and tell Dumbledore that she loves him,” she said, offhanded. Like it meant nothing. Like yelling at teachers was something she did every day. “You yelled at McGonagall? To make her tell Dumbledore that she loves him? When is your detention?” He was amazed at her, but then again, he was amazed at her even if she hadn’t yelled at McGonagall. “Oh stop it, silly! I didn’t get detention. You don’t seem too surprised at the whole ‘McGonagall loves Dumbledore’ thing.”
“Of course not! I mean have you seen the look in his eyes? And the way she always support him. I have only seen them fight once and that was because of Fudge.” Hermione looked puzzled. “Because of fudge?” (A/N: sorry guys, I couldn’t resist!) “Why would they be fighting over some fudge?” That she hadn’t for the life of her expected. Harry almost laughed at her expression. “Not fudge, Hermione, Fudge! As in the Minister of Magic!” he laughed. “Oh, right.”

“Well, my dear, I do believe that I, for the first time in almost twenty years, have finally beaten you. Checkmate.” Albus’ eyes twinkled madly as his chess piece moved across the board. Minerva sighed. She hadn’t really concentrated on the game. She had tried to catch his eyes the moment she stepped into the office and she had succeded even as she stepped in. Nothing. Only the usual twinkle. “Damn! I knew it! Damn you Miss Granger!” She hadn’t meant to speak out loud and she wasn’t answering Albus’ statement. She hadn’t heard him. “Minerva? What do you mean? What’s the matter with Miss Granger, and what does she have to do with our chessmatch?” She looked up. Then she looked at the board and realized that he had won. “Oh, sorry, Albus. I wasn’t paying attention. You were saying?”
“My dear, what’s with Miss Granger?” He was getting a bit worried now. Minerva seemed so absent-minded. “It’s nothing, Albus. Just something she told me earlier. She was wrong,” she sighed.
“About what, dear?” She wished he would stop calling her ‘dear’. It sounded to much of something a husband would call his wife, not something a friend should call his best friend, who was in love with him.
“Nothing, Albus. Just drop it.”
“No, I won’t, Min! Something’s wrong!”
“Don’t call me Min! And I’m fine! Everything is bloody fine so keep your bloody nose to yourself!” she snapped at him.
“Minerva Caitriona McGonagall! You are not fine! I can see it and hear it, and I’m sorry but I will under no circumstances keep my nose to my self, when someone I care about have problems!” his tone softened, “You can talk to me, Minerva. I hope you know that. I’ll always be here for you.”
Minerva’s eyes teared up. Why did he have to say that? “I know, Albus. You’re my best friend. That’s the problem.” The last sentence was muttered under her breath but Albus heard it anyway. “Why? Why is it a problem? Minerva? Why is it a problem that I’m your best friend?” She looked him straight in the eyes and as she let her guards down, his were even more in place. It was at times like these he had the greatest problems with keeping his feelings in check. Suddenly Minerva stood and fled from the office with a muttered “I have to go. Essays.”

[TartanLioness]

Albus stared at the door even half an hour after she had left.What had happened? Where had Minerva’s thoughs been all evening? Usually when something bothered her she would speak with him.

Minerva in her feline form ran as fast as her four legs could acrry her across the grounds of Hogwarts. She had to get as far away from Albus’ office as possible. Why did he have to be so bloody wonderful? Why did he have to be so concerned with her wellbeing? Why did he have to call her dear? Why could he not love her like she loved him? Why should he? He was so wondeful. Why did he have to be so bloody wondeful? These thoughts went in circles inside her head.

Midnight had long since passed as a tabby cat made her way up the stairs to the Entrance Hall. Minerva had calmed down and was now just very tired. All she wanted to do was sleep. But fate wanted something else. When she was almost at her Chambers she met… Hermione Granger.

“Miss Granger!” she said, after tturning back into her human self, “ This is the second time I find you out of bed past curfew. Last time I didn’t punish you but now I have to. 15 points off Gryffindor. And go back to bed!” Hermione had decency enough to look ashamed but did nonetheless stay where she was. “Well? Do you have something to say, Miss Granger?” Minerva inquiered. “Yes, Professor. I saw you run out from Professor Dumbledore’s office earlier and I just wanted to know if you were alright. Did you tell him?” Minerva couldn’t believe er own ears. See if she was alright? She had never expected that. “No, of course I didn’t. And wanting to see if I was alright is not an excuse, Miss Granger. You surprise me.” Hermione groaned. “Professor, I can’t force you to admit that you love him…” She was cut off by Minerva, “That’s right. You can’t force me to admit that I love him!” Hermione looked happy, which confused Minerva. “Oh, so you DO love him.” Minerva looked puzzled. “You mean you didn’t know?”
“No, I suspected, I didn’t know anything for certain, but as I was saying before you so rudely interupted me, I can’t force you to tell him that you love him, but if you don’t, then I will.” Minerva looked incredulously at her. “Are you threatning me, Miss Granger?.”
“Umm… I, er…” then, having gained some confidence, ”Yes, I am.”

And with that she turned away, swung an Invisibility Cloak, probably Harry’s, Minerva thought, around her shoulders and left. Minerva shook her head and walked up to her gargoyle, told them her password and entered her chambers, needing sleep more than ever. But as she entered her living-room she stopped abruptly. There, in her favorite chair, sat Albus Dumbledore himself, a book in his hands and his glasses on his nose as always. But his chin was resting on his chest and he was fast asleep. She smiled a little at the sight and then walked over to him. As she studied his features she became aware that he looked so much younger asleep than he did when he was awake. He had an almost boyish charm over him. His worrylines softened and he had a small smile playing on his lips. She reached down and skroke away a lock of hair that had made its way to the front of his face. Tugging it behind his ear she skroke his cheek. His smile widened as he leaned into her touch. “Oh, Minerva, why did you run away from me?” he mumbled in his sleep. “Because I’m scared, Albus. Because I’m afraid of loving you.” She walked away from him. Trying to collect herself she then walked right back to him and shook him softly to wake him up. “Albuuuus… You have to wake up now, Albus,” she softly said. He stirred. She shook him a bit rougher and he slowly opened his eyes. As he struggled to focus she pulled back slightly.

“What are you doing here, Albus?” she asked, turning to look out the window.
“I was worried about you, my dear,” he replied.
“Don’t call me that. Please don’t call me dear.” Albus looked confused and she couldn’t really blame him.
“Why not? I’ve called you dear for four decades and NOW you tell me not to.” She turned around to face him.
“Because I don’t deserve it. Please leave.” At her saddened tone he got up from the chair and walked to the door. He suddenly wasn’t so determined to get her to talk to him. She looked like her heart would break if she talked about whatever it was that was bothering her. Not wanting to cause her more pain he left with a soft, “I’ll be here, when you’re ready to talk.”

When he had left, Minerva threw herself on her bed and cried herself to sleep. Meanwhile Albus walked to his chambers, shoulders slumbed and head down. As he reaced his office the great clock struck 3. He sighed. He didn’t undestand what had happened to his best friend. Not call her dear? How could he not? It was the only thing he could allow himself to do. If he had it his way he would sweep her off her feet and kiss the living daylight out of her. But he couldn’t. So he used the only endearment he could think of that a friend could call his female friend: dear. It was what she was to him. Very dear. “Ojos Esmeraldas,” he spoke his personal password, one that hadn’t changed in thirtyeight years. No one else knew about it, not even Minerva.

He sat down in his chair behind his big desk and leaned back, deep in thought. After a minute though there was a knock on his door. He called for the person to enter in in stepped… no one. He stared. The door closed again and Hermione Granger appeared as she took off an Invisibility Cloak. He stared. A student out of bed he would undestand. After all he had done that hundreds of times when he was a student. But for the students to come to him in the middle of the night was unusual. So he stared. Until, “Albus, there’s a student in your office, and it’s after curfew.” Then he snorted. “Thank you, Phineas. Miss Granger,” he acknowledged, “What are you doing up at this ungodly hour? And how did you know my password?” Hermione wringed her hands nervously, before answering. “Umm… I heard you say it, just before. Did you know that it means Emerald Eyes in Spanish?” Damn! Of course he knew.”I did, but that doesn’t explain why you are out of bed, Miss Granger.”
“Have you talked to Professor McGonagall, Professor?”
“Yes, I have.” His voice saddened, so she assumed that she hadn’t told him. But she needed to be sure.
“Did she tell you?”
“Tell me what?”
“Okay, so she didn’t. Well then. I told her what I’d do…”
“What do you mean? Do you know anything about Minerva?”
“Yes, I know why she’s acting strange. I told her I’d tell you, if she didn’t.” Hermione smiled grimly. She didn’t look forward to this. Dumbledore probably wouldn’t believ her. And she DID think that he deserved to hear it from Minerva.

Just as she opened her mouth to speak the fire roared and the flames became green. Someone was flooing to his office. Minerva’s head appeared in the flames and she saw Hermione instantly.
“Miss Granger! Are you not in bed yet!”
“No, I’m not,” she calmly said, “I was just going to tell Professor Dumbledore what’s wrong with you.” Minerva paled as she turned her head to Albus. “But if you promise you’ll tell him, then I’ll leave. Prof… Minerva, like I pointed out earlier, you gave me advice. Now you need to follow it yourself.” And then she left.

[TartanLioness]

Both the adults turned their heads back at each other at the same time, after watching Hermione walk out the door. Then Minerva went all the way through the fire, so her entire body was in Albus’ office. “She’s right. I can’t stand this anymore.” And so she told him the entire story about her advice to Hermione. “And then, earlier, just before I came to you, I met her and Potter out side the library and she asked if she could talk to me alone. To make out long conversation short she said that I should tell you that I love you,” she finished, looking down at her hands. Albus only had one thing to say, “Do you?” It was not so much the words as the way he said them that made her look up, but she did and she saw a hopeful twinkle in his eyes.
“Yes.”
“But why did you then ask me not to call you ‘dear’?”
“Because it reminds me of something a husband would call his wife. That, and the fact that I wanted you to call me ‘love’, not ‘dear’.”
“Well, my love, I think that’s possible.” She looked into his eyes at his new endearment and was drawn into a gentle, sweet first kiss.

When they parted, Minerva was confused. “You love me?” He nodded. “But… you never gave any indication…”
“I thought you saw us as friends and just friends. I didn’t want to ruin what we had. I never imagined that you could actually love me.”
“Well, Miss Granger was right then. That’s exacty what she said, or rather yelled at me.” Albus cluckled at the mental image of Minerva being yelled at by a student. And this particular student nonetheless.
“I love you, Minerva Caitriona McGonagall.”
“And I love you, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.”

And in another place in the castle, namely Gryffindor Common Room:
“I’m glad it worked out for them. You’re brilliant, Mione. I love you.”
“I love you too, Harry.”


The End!


umm... wow... HPHG... it's been a while since I thought that they were perfect for each other... now I really don't care... at any rate, review!!!

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Very good, even though...*waves R/Hr flag* I think Ron should be in Harry's place...but still, loved it! And Lauren will worship you...she's an H/Hr freak!

Hugs,

Kaylee

[Herzele]

I love that song ... And you've turned it into an excellent songfic. Wonderful work !!!

[gingerkitten]

Perfect!!

[gryffindorprincess]

I loved it. It was so romantic!

[harmonydumbledore]

I liked. It was goood!

[mmadfabulous]

that was awesome!!!