She Knew: You're Wrong, Albus

Not a sequel, just an alternate ending.

Happy Victory Day, everyone!

Disclaimer: I don't own HP

Minerva had noticed the way Albus looked at her. She saw an emotion in his sparkling blue eyes that she had never seen in any other man's. She knew he loved her. But, she didn't tell him so. Minerva wanted Albus to tell her when he was ready, and not push him. After all, she was patient enough to wait for the man she loved in return.

She noticed the instances when it seemed he was on the verge of telling her, but had lost his courage at the last moment. Minerva knew that at these times, he was not ready. As she thought about these instances, though, she wondered if she should have given him a little push forward – just a tiny one. Maybe a hint or suggestion would have been appropriate, just to let him know that he had a chance. She finally decided that when the next moment came, she would give him a push forward.

Minerva paid very close attention. Her moment came one evening at the end of a chess game between the two. Albus had moved over to the window, just staring out at the stars before turning around to look at her. She was leaning against a wall with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised.

"Minerva?" he asked.

"Yes?" She walked over to stand beside him. He turned to look back out the window, and so did she.

"I feel so lonely sometimes," he sighed.

"Why is that?" Minerva asked.

Albus hesitated, and this was when Minerva realized that this was her chance. She waited for him to speak, "I'm in love with a woman."

"You are, are you?" she asked casually. "How could that make you feel lonely?"

Albus sighed in frustration, "She doesn't know how I feel!" Albus longed to tell Minerva he was thinking about her.

Minerva wondered if she should just come right out and tell him that she knew, or only hint at it. She made her decision and reached out her hand and placed it under his chin, gently making him look at her. She captured his lips in hers in a soft kiss before pulling away, "You're wrong, Albus." Her hands dropped to his chest and she looked up the few inches that were necessary because of their small height difference.

Albus's mouth was open slightly in surprise. He managed to say, "How?"

"I'm observant," she shrugged, smiling slightly. "I have known for a while, but I wanted you to tell me when you were ready. This is the closest you've come, since you've never actually told me you loved someone, and I decided to help."

Albus, apparently wanting to make sure he told her, said, "I love you."

Minerva smiled, "I love you too."