New Years
Minerva sat by herself in a far corner of the room, her glass of champagne hardly touched and hanging rather loosely from her fingers. It was well into the New Year and her fellow professors were celebrating around her. She could hear the cacophony of noise they created, the laughter and shouts echoing around the room, and even the quiet conversation nearby between Poppy and Filius. However, it all seemed so far away, as if she was hearing everything through a tunnel. Her focus was not on the staff members, who were celebrating the holiday together, away from the few students who remained at Hogwarts, but rather on the kiss she had been given at midnight.
Her lips were still tingling. Well, truthfully, her whole body was still tingling from the brief contact. It had been a mistake, but that mistake had etched itself into her mind completely. Every sensation was replaying itself over and over again. His soft lips, gently but firmly pressing against hers, the way they parted slightly when he realized what had happened. Hers had done the same and she could still taste his minty breath, if such a thing were possible. He had started to pull away then, and Minerva was still living with the physical pain it had caused her to not pull him back into her arms.
Her cheeks flushed hotly, a response to her thoughts of pulling him closer. Such a thing was not possible, and certainly not decent. The apology had been awkward and the parting had been quick, though she thought that perhaps he had wished to linger longer. She knew she wished that he had, and wished that perhaps she had been given the courage to ask him to stay, if only to mend the sudden chasm that seemed to separate them.
It was then she had thought of what the others in the room might say. She had looked around as he walked away, and breathed a sigh of relief that no one had seen what had happened. They were all too busy giving well wishes of their own. She had continued to watch the crowd and respond to others who had come to wish her well for the New Year. She had even caught his eye a couple of times, but had turned away for fear that he would read her emotions too easily. He had always been able to see what she was feeling, to know her thoughts, sometimes before she knew them herself.
He was dear to her. She knew he was, even before the kiss. Somehow, the kiss had made it more real, more poignant, because she felt her heart aching in ways it had not ached for a very long time. It was silly to feel this way after a short kiss, one that was an accident, one which would never have happened if either one had turned their head in a slightly different direction.
Her eyes searched for him without her realizing it. But she knew when she caught sight of his blue robes, just what she was doing. Her fingers reached up and touched her lips softly, a pale imitation of their kiss from earlier. However, her body wanted to relive the moment so the touch sent another cascade of fire across her nerve endings until she thrummed with need.
She had started to close her eyes when he turned and their gazes locked. She felt her breath catch in her throat as he looked at her as she had never seen him look at her before. His eyes drifted lower to her lips and she realized her fingers were still resting there, soft and warm. She snatched them away as if they burned and felt the heat rising in her cheeks again. She looked away before she saw his eyes. She didn't want to know what he felt, for she couldn't live with herself if there was anything other than her own emotions reflected back.
Her glass of champagne was still dangling from her fingers and she took a sip, a fortification she desperately needed.
"Minerva, are you okay?"
Poppy's voice broke rather worriedly into Minerva's thoughts. She looked up to see her very dear friend eyeing her with concern. Poppy was the school's mediwitch and a recent addition to the staff. Though they had not known each other long, they had become great friends instantly.
"Yes, I'm fine." Minerva's voice had a hesitant tone to it as she answered. "I just felt the need to be alone for a few minutes. This evening has drained me, and I find that I'm getting rather tired."
Poppy smiled and took the seat next to hers. "You've really been working too hard lately. You need to rest before you get sick. The beds are comfortable in the infirmary, but I promise you would not like me fretting over you. It would be even worse than it is now."
Minerva's spirits lifted with their familiar conversation. Poppy had been giving her a similar lecture for at least the last week. "Yes, I don't think I could handle anymore fretting than I already get on a daily basis."
The two friends smiled at each other fondly. "Truly, Minerva, you do need to take care of yourself. I think it is good that Donovan is returning tomorrow. Then you'll only have your cubs to worry over – and your classes, and the consulting job with the Ministry, and that paper you're writing which you haven't touched since committing to it."
Minerva broke into Poppy's list with a chuckle. "You really know how to make a witch feel better."
Minerva was well known for keeping herself busy, too busy most of the time. She had a rather hard time saying no to her friends, and to opportunities she felt were too good to pass up. This time she had probably gotten herself in a little over her head.
Donovan Kiernan, Deputy Headmaster and Herbology Professor at Hogwarts, was currently away on a well deserved vacation during the holidays so he could spend some time with his ailing mother. When he had approached Minerva to take over his Deputy duties during his absence, she had immediately agreed. He was a good friend, and she had been very pleased that he had asked her first, especially since she was not the most senior staff member. He had flattered her unabashedly after she had accepted, probably to keep her from changing her mind, but it hadn't been necessary. She would have taken on the task regardless of her friendship with him, or because of his outlandish compliments, for one reason, or rather one person.
Albus Dumbledore.
As if reading her mind, Poppy chimed in. "I'm sure Albus really appreciates all you've done for him in Donovan's absence. Donovan is wonderful, but you are much more organized and have really accomplished a lot while he's been away."
Minerva's heart seemed to be beating quite irregularly while she tried to figure out what to say. "Yes, Albus has been very kind in his praise. But really, Poppy, I'm only doing my job, or rather the job of the Deputy."
Poppy started going on about Minerva's wonderful traits, and while she truly appreciated the support, Minerva couldn't concentrate on her words. Since he had entered her mind after Poppy had distracted her, Minerva couldn't help but focus all of her attention on him, on Albus. She looked for him in the room and finally found him talking to Apollyon Pringle, the Hogwarts caretaker, in the corner. Only his profile was visible but that was enough for Minerva.
Her eyes traveled to his lips. She watched the way they moved as he spoke, and imagined again how they had felt when they had been pressed against her own only a short time ago. She wasn't sure how the two of them would move forward from this incident. She was feeling things she shouldn't, and she was sure that their interaction would be awkward when next they spoke.
"Minerva, maybe you should go to your rooms." Poppy's hand on her arm brought Minerva out of her reverie.
She met Poppy's gaze and knew her friend was once again concerned. "Really, I'm fine. But you're right. I should probably start towards bed. At least I won't be the first to leave."
Another glance around proved Minerva correct in her observation. Several of the staff had already retired and some seemed to be making their excuses. Minerva should do the same. It had been a long and eventful night. Poppy stood and looked down at Minerva expectantly.
"Are you meeting Albus after breakfast for the chess match?"
Minerva's heart jumped into her throat when Poppy reminded her of her annual tradition with the Headmaster. "Yes, I'm supposed to. We confirmed the game earlier today."
"That will be good for you. You need a break and I know how much you love chess, particularly with Albus." Minerva looked at her friend sharply, but Poppy seemed to think nothing of it and continued to speak. "He's probably the only one on staff who can best you."
Minerva gave a nervous laugh. "Well, I wouldn't place any bets on him for tomorrow."
"Oh, don't worry. I placed my bet for you. The pot is big, supposedly the biggest ever, so you simply have to win."
Minerva shook her head. She knew the staff bet on this particular game that she played with Albus; they had been for years. When you were confined to a school for most of the year, you had to find your fun in small things.
"Maybe you could use your womanly wiles on him to give you an edge," Poppy said in a quiet whisper as they crossed the room. Minerva didn't notice the mischievous look in the mediwitch's eyes because she was much too busy controlling the sudden bout of nerves that was making her nauseous.
"Poppy Pomfrey! What in the world are you thinking," Minerva whispered back, fiercely. "That is completely inappropriate and I would never do such a thing. Not to mention I'm not his type."
Poppy looked at her with wide, surprised eyes, but then they narrowed knowingly. "I was only joking, Minerva. And I guarantee you that you're his type." It was said casually, and before Minerva could respond she spoke again. "Now you are probably not Donovan's type. I heard recently that he has a history with Apollo."
It was Minerva's turn to look shocked. She followed Poppy's gaze to the corner where Albus was talking with the caretaker. Apollyon had probably been a very handsome man in his youth; however, laziness and a bit of a mean streak had not aged him well. He was now stooped and had a rather sizable paunch. He frowned most of the time and the unpleasant expression did not sit well on his features. The nickname of Apollo had been with him for years, before Minerva had known him, and Minerva wasn't quite sure where it had originated, but she was almost positive it had a lot to do with his persistent nature around an attractive female. Poppy had already hexed him … twice.
"I don't believe it. Besides, we shouldn't be discussing such a thing, at least not in the staff room where we can be overheard."
Poppy's laughter was soothing and caused Minerva to relax. "You are truly a proper witch, Minerva."
They had reached the door and both bid a good evening, or rather morning, to the room in general. Albus turned as Poppy had wished a good year to everyone and Minerva's wishes had soon followed, though her eyes had lingered on him. He was still watching her with that same odd expression, but she found that she didn't mind it so much. He smiled and Minerva smiled back. She opened the door for Poppy to step through, and before she followed, her eyes still on Albus, he did the oddest thing – he gave her a little bow, just enough for her to notice. With a much lighter heart and a smile lighting her features, Minerva made her way through the door after Poppy and headed to bed.
Albus stayed in the staff room until the last person left, making sure everything was in order before taking his leave for the comforts of his rooms. His mind had been in a fog since the first stroke of midnight and he needed some time alone to think.
The party had been a success, just as it was every year. The students still at school were tucked away in bed, or at least in their dormitories, and being monitored by the house ghosts as well as portraits and the occasional visit by a staff member. And as in previous years, the staff gathered for some light refreshments, some lovely music provided by Filius and some rather innovative charms, and several bottles of champagne for the midnight toast. But this year, well, the New Year, to be more precise, was already proving to be exciting and unnerving, all at the same time.
He had been chatting with Minerva about Aberforth and the goat he'd purchased over the Christmas holidays when the countdown to midnight began. As the excitement mounted and the seconds dwindled rapidly in number, signaling the start of a bright new year, Albus felt his heart begin to race. It was a feeling unlike any other he'd experienced. Something seemed to come alive within him, and at the very stroke of midnight, he suddenly found his arm slipping around Minerva's waist and his lips pressing ever so lightly against hers. As soon as the kiss began, he found himself pulling away, fearful of her reaction and wondering what had caused him to take such a liberty with her.
Once in his rooms, Albus collapsed in his favorite chintz chair by the fireplace, mindlessly casting a wandless spell at the dying embers causing them to spark to life again. He closed his eyes and indulged his desire to relive the kiss and the moments afterwards.
Her lips had been incredibly soft and pliant beneath his and he could still smell the sweet scent of her delicate perfume. Without a doubt, she had been eating berries with her champagne, for that is how her kiss tasted. Sweet but not overpowering, and warm, definitely warm. It was intoxicating and breathtaking all at once, not to mention incredibly addictive. What he wouldn't have given at that particular moment to have the rest of the world disappear, leaving only himself and Minerva in that one moment. To be able to deepen the kiss and to feel her body pressed against his in a moment of passion and love would have felt wonderful. But it would also have created a problem, for even in that one brief moment, his body had started to respond to hers.
Just as he had seen Minerva doing at the party, his fingertips instinctively danced across his lips, wishing it were her fingertips on his lips or even better, her lips on his. He mentally shook himself back to reality before his mind had a chance to delve deeper into his world of fantasy.
How in the world could he believe, even for a moment, that she could view him as something other than a colleague and a boss? Yes, they were friends and enjoyed spending time together, well as much as was permissible by their schedules and work, but he couldn't deny the feelings he'd been having about her lately. The way her hair seemed to catch the sunlight as it streamed through the large windows in the Great Hall, the way her robes seemed to accentuate her curves, how her Scottish burr slipped into her speech when she was especially happy or irritated, even the dainty way she held a teacup or how effortlessly she held her champagne glass … they all seemed to intrigue him in ways he'd thought were a part of his past, instead of his future.
Then again, he remembered catching glimpses of Minerva after their kiss and how she seemed to be in a similar fog. Though unable to tell if this was a good or a bad thing, he knew she wasn't terribly angry with him since he was still in his human form. The thought of her turning him into a mouse or perhaps something more grotesque and hideous, no matter how briefly, caused him to chuckle. No, Minerva would never do such a thing, regardless of how upset she may or may not have been with him. She would most likely prefer to scold him in private or withdraw from him altogether.
The very idea of having Minerva upset with him caused Albus' stomach to bunch up in knots and his heart to begin pounding in his chest, though not in the way it had when he'd kissed her. A cold wave of fear swept over him as he contemplated the seriousness of what he had done. But he found himself looking on the bright side of the situation once again. During the remainder of the evening, he had managed to steal a few glances in Minerva's direction and, at one point, he saw her dainty fingertips dancing lightly across her lips. Her eyes held a sparkle and her cheeks were flushed, though she would surely deny it if asked, or attribute it to the glasses of champagne, and he got the distinct feeling that she was just as much affected by the spontaneous kiss as he had been.
A quick glance at the clock reminded Albus why he felt so sleepy. The champagne combined with the lateness of the hour and the emotions swirling about his head were proving to be an intense sedative. Foregoing his usual routine of a nightly shower, he tossed his robes into the laundry bin and climbed beneath the sheets, shivering slightly as the cool sheets threatened to steal the warmth he still felt from Minerva's kiss. Regardless of the impulsiveness of the kiss, he couldn't deny how it made him feel more alive. He replayed those brief seconds over and over in his mind as he began to drift off to sleep.
Despite his fatigue, both mental and physical, Albus found sleep to be very elusive and restless. When he did manage to doze, his mind refused to let go of his waking thoughts of Minerva and the fleeting kiss they shared. His dreams ranged from an irate Minerva hexing him for being so impulsive and impertinent to Minerva waking up in his arms after a night of passion. Looking at the bedside clock and noting the hour, Albus decided to call for a pot of fresh cocoa as he pulled on a dressing gown and made his way to the large windows where he could sip the soothing drink and watch the first sunrise of the year.
By the time the sun was peeking over the mountains, Albus had finished the pot of cocoa and was feeling rather ill. He should have asked for at least a bit of toast with some jam, but it was too late to remedy the situation. Deciding that he needed to be at his best when he saw Minerva for their chess match---assuming of course she still wanted to spend time alone with him---he called his house-elf and requested some breakfast before he showered. With any luck, he would have time for a very short nap afterwards. He needed a clear mind and the ability to focus, both for the match and seeing Minerva after the previous night.
In another part of the castle, a raven-haired witch stretched between her warm sheets, taking a moment before opening her eyes to the sunlight streaming through the windows of her bedroom. Last night hadn't been just a dream, and Albus Dumbledore had kissed her. A smile spread across her face as she remembered the way it felt, and the way it made her feel. But then, she recalled how he had quickly pulled away, though she did find some small amount of hope in the bow he had given her.
With excitement and butterflies filling her stomach, Minerva made her way to the bathroom for a long soak in the tub while sipping a cup of her favorite blend of breakfast tea. It was going to be a very interesting day, especially when she met Albus for their chess match.
Minerva was nearly finished brushing out her hair when a little house-elf popped into her room quite unannounced. She was a young elf, by house-elf standards, and Minerva couldn't remember having ever seen her before. She smiled and timidly approached Minerva, a silver tray holding a folded bit of parchment resting gently in her palm. Immediately, Minerva recognized the wax seal, and her heart leapt into her throat.
"Thank you for bringing this to me. Am I to assume it is from the Headmaster?" Minerva had to strain to hear the shy elf's reply.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall. The Headmaster, he asks me to bring this to you, and he says to me it's very important, to take good care of the letter."
Minerva smiled and reached down to accept the letter from the tray. "You have done an excellent job. Would you mind waiting for just a moment, in case I need to send a reply?" The little elf nodded and stood very still while she waited for Minerva to read the contents of the letter.
My Dear Minerva,
I trust you slept well last evening and that your day has started out well. I always believe it's a good sign for the upcoming year if the first day is a pleasant one. And it is with that thought in mind that I write to you this morning.
As is our usual custom, we meet in my office for a game of chess. I've heard several of our colleagues have sizeable wagers placed this year on the outcome. I do hope you are still planning to give me the chance to even the score. After recent events, namely last night, I wasn't sure if you were still agreeable to meeting with me.
Also, if it suits, I would like to request that we have a change of venue. Would you mind meeting me in my private sitting room instead of the office? I believe we need to speak about last night, and I owe you my sincerest apologies.
If you are agreeable, please send Daisy back to me with a short note. Bless her heart, she is new and very eager to be of some assistance.
Hoping to hear from you soon …
Yours,
Albus
Minerva read the letter once again, quickly, and summoned a self-inking quill. Her note was short and simple, though she did try to be warm in her reply.
Albus,
You are not getting out of this chess match so easily. I won the right to a rematch last year and I fully intend to take it. Besides, I can't let my supporters down, nor can you. I will meet you in your sitting room at our usual time. Oh, and please remind the chess pieces that I do not enjoy, nor will I tolerate, the cat jokes. I do not believe I have ever been referred to as a … what was it ... oh yes, a tigress on the prowl!
See you soon,
Minerva
Once Daisy had left with the note, Minerva sat heavily on her bed. She hoped her reply would be taken well by Albus, signaling to him that there was nothing to forgive. She'd tried to be her usual self with him, though her stomach was still filled with butterflies and they were making her rather sick. She didn't think she could manage to eat any breakfast at this point. She was glad she was not expected in the Great Hall this morning to supervise the meal. She would need the remaining time before seeing Albus to compose herself.
Minerva walked over to her mirror and looked at herself. She was perhaps a little pale, but all in all she thought she looked decent. There was no hint of the turmoil going on inside. "You can do this," she said to her reflected image.
"Of course you can, dearie. You look right chipper with your new blue dress. It's much nicer than your usual somber colors, though green does suit you well."
"Thank you Mirror," Minerva cut in hastily.
"You're welcome Professor McGonagall. You know I like to be of service when I can."
"Yes, I know."
Minerva sighed and turned away. She wasn't looking for encouragement from a mirror and she should have known better than to speak in front of it. Luckily for her, her mirror tended to be silent unless spoken to. She had known others whose mirror talked whenever they walked in front of it. Of course, hers tended to go on a bit when it did speak, but it also gave good advice. As far as today, she wasn't really sure that chipper was what she wished to be, for she certainly didn't feel chipper, more like nauseous. She supposed it was good that it wasn't showing on the outside. She didn't want Albus to know how very nervous she was when she arrived at his rooms. The contents of his note flashed through her mind, and one part stood out from all the others.
He wanted to discuss and apologize for last night's kiss.
Minerva moved to her sitting room as she pondered what the conversation would be like. She knew trying to avoid the talk, or trying to dismiss it, would never work. When Albus had his mind set he was a very hard wizard to budge. The fact that he felt they had done something wrong and therefore he needed to apologize was heartbreaking for Minerva, for she wanted the very opposite of an apology. She would much rather he kiss her again, than to, in essence, take back what had happened.
What was she going to say to him when he brought up the kiss? Should she say they needed to forget it happened and move forward, something she was viscerally against? Her heart ached when she thought of the results of that action. Should she instead confess that she didn't mind the kiss at all, mistake though it was, and that in fact she would welcome another? Again, it wasn't an action she thought she could take. He was her boss, and any sort of relationship with him was a fantasy.
A glance at her clock reminded her that it was getting late and she would need to start in the direction of Albus' rooms. Her legs felt weak as she stood. She wasn't sure she would make it through the next several hours. For in addition to their talk, they had to play a game of chess. A game Minerva had intended to win. Now, she wasn't sure she could give it enough concentration to make it more than a few moves before Albus bested her.
Minerva took a deep breath to help calm herself and walked to the door. Her legs felt steadier with each step. She could do this. She could talk to Albus, mend any chasm between them that had occurred because of a simple kiss, and beat him at their game. She just wasn't sure she could ever look at him as just a boss, friend, and mentor, not now that she had kissed him and had her heart ache for more.
Minerva's short return note to Albus lay on the table beside him. He was currently reclining in his favorite chair, in front of a warming fire. The castle could be drafty, especially in the tower rooms. Though there were spells to help keep such a thing from happening, they were hardly infallible, as the odd draft still seemed to get through, and the charms tended to fade over time.
His eyes wandered over his many belongings. He had collectible treasurers and unusual, but worthless, objects mixed together on most of the available surfaces. A collection made by a long life that had been filled with many adventures and travels.
Yet all of the experiences in his life had not prepared him to deal with today, with the conversation he was about to have with Minerva. Albus was not a man who made many mistakes. He did not act in ways that would put him in an awkward position, not unless he had purposely done so. Yet, here he was about to apologize to a friend whom he had kissed on impulse. One he had a newfound attraction to. One he did not wish to apologize to, unless it was because he had only stopped at one kiss, and had not continued to hold her as he had wanted.
The thing that bothered Albus the most at this moment was that he was unsure of how she was feeling. He glanced at Minerva's note. It held very few clues. It had been short, yet pleasant. It was exactly like a note she would write on any other day to him, and that was the part that had given him pause. Either she was choosing to ignore what had happened, which he found hard to believe, or she had forgiven him. If she was angry, he had no doubt that he would have known based on the tone of the letter, but this had been friendly and teasing.
With his stomach still in knots, Albus had not touched the tray of foods that sat nearby. Luckily, it was charmed to stay fresh until he was ready to eat. He was also still very tired, as his idea of a nap had not been brought to fruition. His nerves and ill stomach had not allowed him to rest. He had managed to send out a few letters, work-related items which could not wait, and he had set up the chess board for his match with Minerva. He took out his pocket watch and looked at the time. Minerva would arrive at any moment. As if on cue, there was a knock at his door.
Albus pushed himself out of his chair and crossed the room. His heart had jumped into his throat and was beating much faster than it ought to. He was sure he would not be able to speak when he opened the door. Luckily there was no need, for as soon as it swung open Minerva greeted him.
"Happy New Year, Albus," Minerva stated as she stepped into the room.
Albus watched her take a look around. She had been in his personal rooms on a few occasions, enough to know its general appearance. However, she always seemed to take it in as if it was her first time. Her eyes lingered on various objects and she always remarked on …
"This oil is simply breathtaking," Minerva commented as she stepped up to Albus' prize piece of art. It was an impressionist landscape of a sunset with bursts of color over a field of flowers.
"It is my favorite," he replied.
Albus always said the same thing; and therefore, it came out easily. His heart, while still beating irregularly, seemed to be calmer now. It was at least back in the right place and no longer keeping him from speaking. Minerva turned toward him with a smile on her face. Albus relaxed even more.
"Would you care for a cup of tea, or perhaps a bite of breakfast?" Albus asked as he moved toward the chairs by the fire. "I haven't gotten around to eating this morning and would enjoy the company."
"Please, I'm afraid I was unable to eat as well."
They looked at each other. Each seeming to know what the other was thinking. Albus was undecided on how to proceed. Should he bring up the kiss now, or wait until they had settled. Minerva decided on the course of action for him.
"About the kiss …"
"Let me apologize," Albus interrupted. He suddenly found himself unable to hear any platitudes about how mistakes happen, or worse, her dismissal of it entirely. "I should never have acted on impulse."
"Impulse?"
"I don't know what happened. I suppose I was caught up in the moment, what with the New Year seconds away."
"The kiss wasn't an accident?"
Albus paused and actually took in what Minerva said. "What do you mean?" he questioned.
"The kiss," Minerva said quietly. "It wasn't an accident. I thought you went to give me a hug and somehow we ended up in a kiss. I mean … we usually kiss on the cheek, and I just presumed that we had somehow missed."
Albus felt as if his body had gone numb. Minerva had thought it was an accident, and he had just disabused her of the notion by admitting it was purposeful, at least somewhat. Suddenly, a cold wave of intense emotion, something he couldn't give a name to, washed over him. He must have looked rather funny, frozen as he was, unable to answer her.
"Is that true, Albus? Did I hear you correctly?" Minerva asked. Her eyes, the true doors to her thoughts and emotions, more shuttered than he had ever seen them.
"Yes, Minerva. It is true. I do sincerely apologize." Albus choked out an answer, his voice sounding oddly normal to his own ears.
He wanted to reach out to her but he was still frozen. He watched helplessly as Minerva bowed her head. The emotion he had felt seconds ago took a firmer grip on him. He knew now that it was fear, icy cold fear, which was ferociously gripping his heart now. He could easily see why she had not been upset earlier, at least not as upset as he had thought she would be. She had thought it was a mistake, born out of clumsiness, not out of intentions on his behalf. Now … now she knew the truth.
"I just have one question, Albus," Minerva said firmly. Her eyes had come up to meet his and Albus was torn by what he saw in them. "What are you apologizing for?"
Albus wasn't sure what to say. And her eyes were distracting him from forming an answer. Her beautiful green eyes clearly showed that she was having as many mixed emotions as he was currently experiencing. They showed fear, anguish, and hope – it was the hope that had him at a loss. What was she hopeful for?
"Albus?"
Minerva's voice penetrated his distracted mind and he answered without thinking, a trait he tried to studiously avoid. "I'm apologizing for the kiss. For taking advantage of you and betraying your trust. I should never have acted on my feelings. You are not only a colleague, but also one of my dearest friends. I would never purposely endanger that. Please forgive me."
Albus did move now. He walked toward Minerva, though he wasn't sure what he would do when he got there. For all he knew, he was just making himself a larger target to hex. But his heart was leading him now, and he knew he needed to be near her, to erase the anguish he had seen in her eyes. He looked more closely at her, as he neared, and saw that her eyes were bright, and the hope he had seen was clearly written upon her face.
"I can't accept your apology."
Her voice was loud to his ears and it made him stop mid-step. How could he have read her so wrong? His breath was labored and he hurt, an all-over hurt that he knew wouldn't go away for a long time.
"I can't accept your apology for there is nothing to apologize for." Minerva moved toward him until only a couple feet of space separated them. "You did not take advantage of me. And you most certainly did not betray my trust. I'll admit that I was a bit surprised at first." Minerva laughed and Albus found himself beginning to smile at the wonderful sound. "However, I found that I didn't mind the kiss nearly as much as I should have. In fact, I rather enjoyed it."
The icy fear that had gripped his heart suddenly melted and his entire being seemed to tingle with anticipation and excitement. He took another step closer to Minerva, his eyes never leaving his. "I enjoyed it, too. It's all I've been able to think about since last night," he admitted freely, his voice soft like a whisper. "I was so afraid you would hate me or think me rude and impertinent."
Minerva's smile grew, relieved to know that for the last few hours it seemed he had been going through a similar set of emotions. "Not at all. I was more worried that you hadn't meant to kiss me and that you would regret it in the fresh light of day." She boldly reached out and cupped his cheek in her hand, her thumb brushing lightly across his lips.
Albus took her actions as a sign of consent, and he closed the remaining distance between them. His arm easily slipped around her waist, as it had done the previous night, and soon his lips were a mere breath away from hers. "Minerva, may I kiss you?" He paused and waited for her nod of approval before closing the remaining distance.
Unlike the evening before, there were no rushed movements, only a soft, gentle brushing of his lips against hers. Minerva's arms slipped around his neck, as if it was out of habit, and drew him closer to her. Her body pressed against his as Albus deepened the kiss, running his tongue across her lips in a silent request for entry.
Time seemed to stop for Albus and Minerva as they took their time and enjoyed their first real kiss. It was only when the need for air became too great that they parted, their foreheads pressed together. A moment passed before Albus found his voice.
"That was what I wanted to do last night. I wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you soundly, showing you all my love. I suppose I panicked and pulled away before I gave us a chance."
Minerva placed a quick kiss to his lips and grinned. "But if you'd kissed me like that last night, there's no telling what the Hogwarts rumor mill would be saying about us today. I quite like that our first kiss was in private and uninhibited." Before he could respond, Minerva drew his head down to hers once more for a more passionate kiss.
Albus gently guided Minerva to the sofa by the fireplace and helped her take a seat before settling down beside her and drawing her into his arms. "I could spend the entire rest of the day just like this." His voice was soft yet Minerva could hear the desire and happiness hidden in his words.
"What's stopping us? I don't have anywhere to be today, and I can't think of anywhere else I'd rather be than right here in your arms."
"And what of our game? You know wagers have been placed, and there has to be a winner," he suggested, all the while removing the pins from her hair and watching in awe as ringlets of dark curls cascaded over her shoulders.
"I say we toss a coin. Heads you won the game, tails I won. After all, these games can go on for hours and I'd much rather spend the first day of the new year curled up in your arms instead of sitting across the chess board."
Albus chuckled and summoned a coin from his bedroom. After flipping the coin and seeing the result, he called for a house-elf to arrange for a small picnic basket filled with cheese, fruits, wine, and bread. "There, that should keep us from getting hungry later, and we shouldn't be disturbed."
Minerva snuggled into his side and took both his hands in hers, giving them a squeeze. "You may have guessed by now, but there's something I need to say." He looked into her eyes, unsure of what she might say from the serious tone of voice. "Albus, I love you." She felt a few tears prickling at the backs of her eyes as a weight was lifted from her mind and heart with the spoken words.
His strong, gentle hand caressed her cheek. "I have never heard more beautiful words spoken to me," he replied as his voice cracked with emotion. "I love you, too, and it would be my honor and pleasure if you would allow me to court you properly, starting today, right now."
Minerva closed the remaining distance between them and gave him his answer, using actions instead of mere words. They spent the remainder of the day curled up in front of his fireplace, their shoes and outer robes tossed aside for comfort. Periods of softly spoken words of love were broken by even longer periods of soft, sensual kisses and touches.
After sharing a candlelight meal by the fire and a brandy afterwards, it was time for Minerva to return to her own rooms. "This has been the best day of my life."
"Ah, but this is only the beginning, my dear. Now that you know how I feel and I know you return my feelings, things are going to change. They already have, in fact."
"When will you make the announcement to the staff about the chess match?"
He looped her arm through his as he escorted her to her own chamber doors. "I'll do that at breakfast tomorrow. I'm sure they're all eager to hear how the game went, though I have to admit, I had much more fun not playing the game this year." His blue eyes twinkled and his laughter was infectious.
"So did I, but you do realize that Poppy is going to hex me for losing to you this year," she added with a small hint of seriousness in her voice.
"Minerva, my dear, you have nothing to fear. I will protect you with my life and if all else fails, I will simply tell Miss Pomfrey that I used all my manly wiles on you and it gave me an advantage," he winked.
As they reached her outer door and Minerva gave her password, they stood in the corridor holding hands and simply sharing a quiet moment. "Sleep well, my dear. Shall I call for you in the morning to escort you to breakfast?"
"That would be lovely. Thank you. I will be ready at half past seven." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. "Sweet dreams, Albus."
"All my dreams will be sweet, now, because of you." With one last lingering kiss and a warm embrace, Albus reluctantly pulled away and returned to his own rooms. He would have to make it a point to go to the greenhouses very early in the morning and cut a few flowers for Minerva as a surprise before meeting her. But for now, he would return to his own rooms and begin planning his courtship of Minerva. His eyes sparkled as he realized that the next holiday in their future would be Valentine's Day.
A/N: If you've made it this far, thank you very much for reading. We hope you'll feel inspired to leave a little review, too. We have already written the story so the updates should be in a timely manner so no worries there. Most importantly, we hope you will join us on the journey through the year with Albus and Minerva. NOTE: The rating of "M" is for future chapters!