A/N: So, I know many of you have probably read this on and read it under HermionelvsRon. I can assure that it is me. Thanks and please enjoy!
Chapter One
What Could Have Been
Dumbledore stared into the contents of his Pensieve, slowly swirling the memories around. He was debating if he should put in his most secret memory. He looked back on his years as a teacher. They were, as he remembered it, carefree and full of lust. Albus thought about how he could tell her that he still loved her and thought about those wonderful years. Lost in his thoughts he almost didn't hear the knocking at the door.
"Enter," he called, and there walking in was the woman he still loved, who was always beautiful in his eyes, Minerva McGonagall.
"Professor, we have a situation, it's quite preposterous really, but these girls wish to speak to you," explained Professor McGonagall.
"Well, bring them in."
In walked a sobbing Lavender Brown and a disappointed looking Romilda Vane.
"Now, girls please explain what it is you are so upset about," urged McGonagall.
The girls each told their side of the story about Ron and the love potion and so on.
"Well, Miss Brown it seems to me that Mr. Weasley will be just fine. As for you Miss Vane, you will be having detention for sneaking in a Weasley's Wizard Wheezes, which as you know are against the rules. Now please return to your house common room. That is all."
The girls left but just as Minerva was turning to go Dumbledore asked her to stay.
"Professor McGonagall, I would like a word with you."
"Why yes, but please call me Minerva," she answered in a soft tone.
"I have bee straightforward with you for most of the time spent together, but now I am about to do something you may hate me for."
With that said Dumbledore put his wand to his head, pulled out his secret memory, put it in the Pensieve, took Minerva's hand and dipped in to the surface. Down they plunged, hand in hand. They landed right in front of Hogwarts. There was noise coming from the Quidditch pitch, but Albus lead Minerva towards the castle. They went inside and saw their younger selves. They were making their way up the stairs so the older couple followed.
"Albus we should really get back to the match," the young Minerva said worried.
"Nonsense, there is something I need to show you first," said the younger Dumbledore.
The two couples made their way up to Dumbledore's old office and living quarters.
"Oh Albus," gasped the older Minerva.
There in front of them was a candle filled bedroom. The young Albus grabbed Minerva's hand and pulled her towards the bed. Albus took off Minerva's hat and pulled her hairpin out. A waterfall of red hair cascaded down around her shoulders.
Older Minerva reached for Albus' hand and squeezed it. They looked into each other's eyes, tears streaming down Minerva's face. She smiled as Albus wiped them away. Minerva pressed her head in his hand and they turned their attention back to the scene.
Young Albus and Minerva were on the bed now kissing and touching. He reached under the pillow to pull out a small box. He opened it and smiled at Minerva's expression.
"Minerva, will you do me the honor of being my wife?"
"I . . . well I . . . I . . . I . . . I love you but I . . . can't," stammered Minerva.
Everything went black and Albus took Minerva's arm and pulled up.
"Albus, why did you show me this?"
"I wanted to show you that I still love you and always will, and I am renewing my offer," Albus said.
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the same little box handed it to Minerva. She took it and started to cry again. Albus started to kiss her tears away.
"Albus . . . . . . .."