Albus held his robes in his hand as he ran through the empty corridors to the Transfiguration professor s room. He stopped outside to catch his breath before gently tapping on the door. Minerva answered with a look of plain shock on her beautiful face.

Albus She mumbled.

Minerva, may I come in? Albus asked gently.

She didn t respond, but stepped away and opened the door more.

Why have you come? She finally asked.

I shouldn t have been so forward with you . I guess I guess I apologize for being so. Albus stuttered.

I shouldn t have overreacted so much, it was just a kiss. Minerva sighed.

But it meant so much more than that. Minerva, look me in my eyes and tell me you don t love me. Albus said.

Minerva looked up at him, and met his eyes, but she didn t say anything.

I can t, Albus, I love you too much. She finally admitted.

Exactly. He said, allowing himself to smile.

But we can t do this. She repeated her statement from his office.

Why ever not, Minerva? I love you, and you love me. Albus, the greatest wizard of his time, was dumbfounded.

Simply because you are Headmaster of Hogwarts, and not only am I head of Gryffindor, but also Transfiguration professor, and Deputy Headmistress! Minerva cried as she shook her head, her long black hair shaking with her.

Is that the only reason? Albus asked quietly.

Yes it s my only reason! Minerva cried, throwing her hands up in the air.

And why does it concern you so?

You make it sound like it doesn t. Minerva was beginning to feel as dumbfounded as Albus was.

You re right, it doesn t concern me, which is why I would like to know why it concerns you.

You re my superior, Albus. What would the Ministry say?

You have always abided by rules Minerva, allowed them to shape your life, if you will. Do something because you want to, do something out of love. Albus allowed his love for her to show through his eyes, and when theirs met, her eyes were also filled with love.

Perhaps it would be better if I resigned, then we could be together. Minerva began pacing around the room, muttering unintelligible things beneath her breath.

I know you, and your love for Hogwarts is as great as yours is for me. Both of us will stay here, and we ll stay here together. I love you, Minerva.

Perhaps we should test it out. If it doesn t work, I ll resign. With those words, Albus knew that Minerva McGonagall loved him more than she loved Hogwarts, and would be willing to give it up, all for him.

That won t happen, my dear, I won t let it. Albus smiled as he took a step closer to her.

I love you, Albus, so much. Minerva smiled as Albus walked closer, and finally put his arms around her.

Then be my wife, marry me!

Minerva paused for a moment with her head buried in his shoulder, before looking up at him, smiling, and nodding her head.

Yes. She replied, and then allowed Albus to kiss her.

They broke apart after a moment, and stood staring at each other, breathing heavily.

I love you. Minerva said, but her eyes kept glancing down at the blackened hand of her fianc e.