The summer holidays allowed for more relaxed meals for the Hogwarts Professors, and more often than not a person could hear the laughter before they reached the doors to Hogwarts itself. This lunch was no different, until Minerva McGonagall received an urgent owl. The hall fell silent as all eyes turned toward the Deputy Headmistress. Minerva opened the letter after a quick glance in Albus Dumbledore's direction.
Minerva,
Uncle Shamus died in the wee hours of the morning. The funeral will be in three days time, and your presence is needed immediately. The family is already gathering.
Cousin Sara
Minerva sighed, and placing the letter aside asked if she could speak with Albus privately. Once in the corridor Albus spoke, "Minerva, what is it?"
"My uncle passed away early this morning, and I am needed back in Scotland. Hopefully I won't be gone for more than a week."
"Oh, Minerva. I'm so sorry." Albus replied pulling his best friend into a hug.
"It's ok. We weren't that close. To be honest I dread going. My family, Albus, whenever I show up anywhere all they can talk about is how I should be married. The last clan meeting, ten eligible bachelors were brought!!"
"I take it they did not meet your standards," Albus asked chuckling.
Minerva pulled away and glared at him, "It isn't funny, Albus. Do you have any idea what it's like to be constantly badgered? I mean that is all they ask; it isn't how was your day or how is Hogwarts. It is always, aren't you married yet? Minerva, you should have settled a long time ago...can't anyone stand you long enough to be married to you? It gets old, real quick."
Albus looked at his deputy with sadness in his eyes, because he knew though she would never admit it that Minerva wanted to get married and he only wished it was to him. Wrapping his arms around her waist from behind he said, "I'm sorry, Minerva. I did not know it was that bad. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Without thinking Minerva spoke, "Come with me." Jerking her head up she removed herself from his arms. "I'm sorry, Albus. I don't know where that came from. I know you-"
"I would love to come with you Minerva."
"...are very busy."
"I could use a little vacation now that Voldemort is gone and little Harry is safely at his relatives."
"Little vacation, Albus what are you talking about," asked Minerva exasperated.
"I said I would love to come with you. When will we be leaving, and how long will we be staying?"
Minerva was shocked, and secretly delighted that he would want to spend time with her. "Um, well we would need to leave within the hour, if you could be ready, and the funeral is in three days so we will be gone four to seven days."
"Excellent, now I'll just head up to my rooms to pack. I'll come to your rooms in one hour."
If anyone had seen Minerva or Albus as they walked back to their rooms they would have wondered what put the goofy grins on both of their faces. Minerva couldn't believe that Albus had consented to come, and she was actually beginning to think maybe this wouldn't be that bad at all.
An hour and five minutes later Minerva was pacing in her sitting room waiting for Albus. She looked up quickly when she heard the door open, and was about to say something but he beat her to it, "I'm sorry, Minerva, but I couldn't decide on exactly which pair of socks to pack."
"Only you Albus Dumbledore would dare to keep me waiting for socks. Now, we are not flooing, because I know I will need the walk to the door to prepare myself. Let's go so we can apparate there."
Walking to the gates of the castle Albus noticed Minerva was slightly shaky. "My dear, don't worry it will all be ok." She just nodded, and stayed silent. A few minutes later they were standing on a dirt path, and Minerva indicated that they were to move to the left. They walked a few feet, but then Albus set their bags down and stopped. When Minerva turned toward him, he drew her into a hug.
"Minerva it will be ok, now I don't like it when you are this withdrawn."
"I'm sorry Albus. I just started to think that when I show up with you everybody is going to ask if we are, well...involved romantically," Minerva trailed off while a blush was making its way up her neck.
Albus had to admit he hadn't thought of that, but then an idea came to his mind. He only hoped Minerva would agree. "Minerva why don't we tell them that we are? I mean we could pretend for the weekend, and then maybe they will leave you alone."
Minerva looked up shocked. Silent for a few minutes she was thinking of what to say. Her pride wanted to say no, but then she thought she could pretend for the weekend that she was actually his girlfriend. Minerva set her pride aside, "Alright, but don't think that means we will be sharing a room!"
Albus chuckled knowing the last comment was in an effort to save her dignity, but she didn't really need to save it. "Ok, we won't be sharing rooms. Let's go."
As they continued the walk they discussed details they thought they should be clear on: how long they had been together, etc...
Before long they were standing in front of the door, Albus standing closer to Minerva since he couldn't hold her hand due to their bags, and Minerva knocked on the door...
