A/N: I wrote this about a week ago but only just got around to typing and posting it. I hope you enjoy! Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: Not mine!


Fanfic100 Challenge Prompt #26

Teammates

As he poured, Minerva sat in an armchair across from his trying to decide what Albus wanted from her. The last time he had asked her to stay behind a staff meeting he had convinced her to help him teach her students to dance. Just thinking about that fateful afternoon was enough to make her cringe. She wondered, not for the first time, what it was about this man that would not let her say no. Though saying yes had come with rewards of course, her animagus training, time as an auror, and current positions being just a few of the examples.

"Knut for your thoughts, my dear?"

She glanced at him, surprised out of her musings. "Oh, I believe that would be a bad trade. I was thinking of the afternoon we spent teaching Gryffindor to dance."

"Yes, that was a splendid time. Your young charges did us proud, wouldn't you say?"

Minerva raised an eyebrow at him before joining in his laughter.

"Actually Albus, I believe I should be asking you about your thoughts. What did you wish to speak to me about?"

"Must I have a reason for wishing to have a fireside chat and tea with the finest of company?"

Her eyebrows rose nearly to her hairline as she stuttered, trying to think of something to say. "I…"

As she began to speak, Minerva realized Albus was laughing to himself. She had been silly to think he might wish to spend time with her, to believe that he might she her as something other than his Head of Gryffindor and Transfiguration Mistress. She was just one of his staff. Holding back sudden tears, Minerva slipped behind the façade of Professor McGonagall.

"Is there anything else, Headmaster?"

She watched Albus' facial expression change from amusement to bewilderment.

"Yes, actually there is, Minerva." He emphasized her given name, chastising her for the use of his title. "As you know, I have worked this year without a Deputy Head and I was wondering if you would be willing to fill the spot." He took a sip of tea.

From the look of Albus, one would think he had just asked her the time of day. He was completely relaxed and absorbed in his task of adding sugar to his tea. No one would have ever known he had just offered her the chance of a lifetime, her dream job.

"You want me? Oh Albus, this means so much. Are you sure? But I am the newest member of your staff! The youngest as well! Oh, the board would never accept me, Albus." At some point, she had stood and begun to pace, almost without realizing it. "Remember the fight you had to appoint me Head of Gryffindor?"

"A role you fill admirably, my dear."

"Thank you, Albus, but Deputy Head?" She turned suddenly, standing directly in front of him. "Are you sure, Albus?"

He stood then and took her hands. "I'm sure, Minerva. It's my wish to run Hogwarts with you. There is no one I would trust more than you with something as close to my heart as this school."

She blushed at his words. "Oh, I wouldn't be running the school, Albus. I would just be your back up, in case you needed anything."

Albus looked into her eyes. "It is my wish, no my dream for you and I to be partners," and then, almost as an afterthought, he added," in running Hogwarts."

Minerva glanced at their still clasped hands as she willed herself not to read anything more into his words. It was nearly impossible. Looking into his sparkling blue eyes, she softly bit her lower lip before speaking only one word. "Partners?"

She saw the hesitation in his eyes. It seemed there was something more there, but then the moment passed. "Or teammates if you prefer. It'll be us against them at times, I'm sure." He smiled brightly.

"Teammates?" She tested the word, and then with confidence, "Well, Albus, I'm willing to play if you are."

"Always, my dear. Always."