The Last and Lost Testaments of one Albus Dumbledore
A/N: I know in canon, Albus is quite a bit older than Minerva, but in this one, the age difference is only about fifteen years. All names are assumed, and don't apply to canon. This story contains spoilers, so be warned!
Disclaimers: Yeah, Jo owns everything except for the silly names and plot. Those are mine.
Note: Starts out as a letter, and then there comes the flashback.
To the brave and adventurous soul who dares to pick up these lost and last testaments of one Albus Dumbledore,
She was quiet, reclusive, and yet alluring all at the same time. There was something so logical bordering on the lines of compulsive that just drew me in like butter to toast. That's exactly what I was...butter on warm toast. I held my form for as long as I could, and when I couldn't stand it any longer, I just melted away and found myself absorbed into the very essence of her...or so it seemed to me...
I could not figure out to what it was that I was so attracted. I felt so many emotions all at once, but I never quite put my finger on what those emotions were. Was that what intrigued me? Being in a state in which I didn't comprehend? Not being able to identify just what I was feeling? But I loved every minute I had these feelings, and loathed myself for them at the same time.
It seemed that I had become just the opposite of everything that was and is her. She thought, I felt. Every fiber of my being was dedicated to making decisions that were solely based on what my soul felt. She was my mind when my heart got in the way.
You may be wondering, just whoever you are, how in Merlin's silver beard an old codger such as myself stumbled across the likes of a maiden as fair as she. I must inform you that it was nothing short of a miracle, and yet I firmly believe that it was fate that allowed our paths to cross; and in more than one spot, mind you.
flashback
I scan the shelves for those tart little candies that I have become so partial to. 'Dash it all, that's what I get for looking in a wizard candy shop,' I think to myself as I shake my head in disappointment. As I back up to get a grander look on the shelves, I hear a faint yelp from behind me, followed by a juvenile female voice.
"Pardon me, sir, but it would seem that you have stepped upon my feet." Her voice was cordial and rang with a distinct innocent angelic tone that could only belong to a child.
That sound brings a slight smile to my face. "So it would seem," I say, turning to face the young girl.
She must've caught a glimpse of something in my ever twinkling eyes, because the next words she spoke were full of awe. "Did you know, your eyes are the bluest I think I've ever seen. They really are beautiful, so you should take good care of them."
I find myself shocked and pleasantly surprised at the caring and mature tone a small child like her possessed. But I can't help but chuckle at her word choice.
"Excuse me, sir, but why are you laughing? I don't believe I said anything to humor you." I see her eyes well up at the thought of being laughed at. She really is one of the most bold and brave little children I have ever met.
"No, my dear. I wasn't laughing at you. I was merely tickled and flattered that a young lady thought my eyes were attractive." I smile as big as I can to make sure that she believes me. "May I ask, little one, just what your name is?"
She folds her hands together and swishes slightly from side to side. "My mother told me not to tell strangers my name, sir."
"And quite an intelligent woman your mother must be," I say as I reach offer my hand for her to shake. "My name is Albus, Albus Dumbledore." She takes my hand and gives quite the firm handshake.
"I suppose now we are not such strangers," she says. "Well, my name is Minerva Gail McGonagall, and it is quite a pleasure to meet you, sir."
I can't help but to laugh. "Minerva, if you know my name, then why do you continue to call me sir?"
"Well, my mother also said that if you are a formal acquaintance, then you should use formal titles." She is also one of the most polite and brilliant children I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
My face adopts a rather serious look. "Well then, Miss McGonagall, I must argue that the pleasure is all mine, and thank you for being such a polite young lady. It is not often you hear such grace and maturity from someone of your size, or any age, for that matter."
She curtsies. "Thank you, Mister Dumbledore."
We both hear an older woman's voice from a few aisles over. "Minerva? Minerva Gail, if I can't find you by the count of ten, I'm going to leave you in this store!" Her voice sounds worried and playful at the same time.
'She must be a pleasant woman,' I think. "Well, Miss McGonagall, I do believe that someone is searching for you."
She grins mischievously. "Yes, but I always make them find me. It's so much more fun then just following their voices like a mindless drone."
'A true Gryffindor in every aspect.' Is the first thing that wanders into my mind when I hear this statement.
Her mother rounds the corner of our aisle, closely tailed by a man who I assume is her father, for his arms are full of today's purchases. When she spots her daughter, she puts both her hands on her hips and taps her high heeled shoe in quite an unnerving manner. It really is a rather interesting display. And Minerva is just the exact replica of her mother.
A soft, pale face, emerald green eyes, long legs, and I am almost certain that she will adopt her curves later on. But she has her father's hair color. Raven, and just a tint of red when the light catches it. It is currently tied back in a long braid that reaches mid-torso.
"There you are! Your father and I have searched this shop from ceiling to floor, and we just…" she stops for a reason I don't comprehend.
There is a throat clearing sound from behind Minerva's mother that comes from her father. "Who's your friend, dear?"
Minerva smiles broadly. "This is Mr.-…"
She is cut off by her mother, who has apparently relocated her voice. "Albus Dumbledore. It is an honor to meet you, sir."
I give an animated sigh. "Enough with the sir, I must say that it makes me feel older than I already am." I smile to assure them that it is a jest.
This gets a hearty chuckle from her father who gives quite the effort to offer his hand. His try, however, is in vain. Those packages weigh him down. "My name is Christopher McGonagall, owner and head manager of the Cosmic Cauldron factory."
"Nice to meet you, Christopher. And is it safe to assume that this lovely lady is your wife?"
I ask as she offers her hand that I chivalrously take and place a tender kiss upon her knuckles. Minerva scowls at the lack of attention she is receiving.
"Yes, I am Elena McGonagall, and I am also running late for an interview at Ollivander's." She gestures Minerva to come to her side, which she obliges.
I nod in approval. "It really was nice to make your acquaintance." I bend down to take Minerva's hand just as I had done to her mother. "And I hope to see you again soon. Possibly under the sorting hat in Hogwarts?" I ask and shortly after I place a kiss on her small hand as well.
She turns a faint shade of red. "Perhaps sooner than you think. I start next term."
I rise, gangly limbs and all. "Well then, I do believe I will see you on the first of September."
She curtsies once more and replies, "I am looking forward to it. I'm sure September will seem like an eternity away."
Her mother places a hand on her shoulder and urges her toward the exit side of the shop. "Sorry to be so abrupt, but I really am more than fashionably late," she says as her and Minerva take their leave.
As her father tags behind, he somehow manages to pull a business card from his pocket. "Just floo if the school ever needs some cauldrons."
"I'm sure I will. Thank you very much, and have a nice day, Christopher."
He nods and turns to leave. I shake my head as I go back to search for those sherbert lemons that I know won't be there.
A/N: I know that this may be a tad bit confusing right now, but it will unfold in future chapters. Reviews are always welcome, and critiques are just as helpful!!!
All my best wishes,
Artemis-san