Well as you can see, I did decide to continue this story. I think I have one more chapter in mind, but things could change. Thanks for all the confidence building reviews, sevy MMAD, greenispretty, JericaMMADfan, HinataN, TJ, Deia Silva, and Guest. I really appreciate the reviews and hope you enjoy this.

Although Minerva dreaded going to breakfast the next day, she went anyway. She was still confused about her own thoughts and actions the night before and was nervous about seeing him again in such a formal setting. Not sure what she would say to him if they were alone, she took the longer route to the great hall, staying as far from his office and rooms as possible. Although there were no students here yet, there were a few other teachers she could count on to be at breakfast, so she knew they wouldn't be alones there and was somewhat relieved. She was not looking forward to the awkwardness she was sure would interfere in their friendship.

Albus felt a little hurt after the previous night's events. He knew now that he loved her, but was disappointed that she didn't seem to have those same feelings for him. He tried not to get his hopes up that she would return his love, but nevertheless was hurt when she left so abruptly. He felt as though he had been used, even though he had been the one to suggest it in the first place. However he felt about her actions, he knew that she would expect him to act professionally like a gentleman and continue as usual. So that's what he would do, go on as though nothing had changed.

"Good morning Minerva." He said as she came to sit beside him at the breakfast table.

"Good morning." She replied, relieved to see that he intended to continue on as if nothing had happened.

They made it through breakfast, talking about the schedules she had been working on, and other school business, until he excused himself explaining that he would have to leave soon to arrive at the ministry on time. Somehow their easy conversation had reassured them that at least their collegial relationship wouldn't be affected. It was a start.

Dinner went by in much the same way as Breakfast. Albus had returned from the ministry and Minerva had spent the day making sure all the schedules were perfect, checking and rechecking until she was satisfied. They chatted about this and that as they normally did. Afterwards, Albus invited Minerva to play a game of chess as he always did on Friday evenings. She was a little apprehensive, but agreed all the same.

They walked in silence to his office. The chess set was already set up, so they sat down to play. Before they knew it they were laughing and joking. Minerva won in the end and they said goodnight as they parted at his office door, she lingered noticeably longer than she should have just gazing into his twinkling blue eyes before forcing herself to descend the stairs and go back to her own quarters.

Albus felt relieved and disappointed that they should hot even mention what had occurred between them the previous night. Minerva had similar thoughts. They would try to be content with what the other would offer.

Days went by and Albus and Minerva went back to their easy friendship they had come to cherish. They never did openly discuss anything even remotely related to that night. The school year had started and the end of the term was upon them before they knew it. Business as usual kept the staff busy, and everyone was anxious for the train that would take the students away for the holiday.

Most of the staff stayed at Hogwarts during the Christmas holiday except for maybe Christmas day that is. House elves had put mistletoe everywhere and the staff had quite a time trying to avoid it.

Minerva took advantage of the secret passages to avoid the majority of the mistletoe, but of course she forgot all about it when peeves started causing trouble. She ran off to sort it out, when Albus Dumbledore came around a corner and almost ran right into her.

"Oh, Minerva." He was surprised to see her almost running down the corridor. "What is so urgent to require such haste?"

"Peeves, and if you will excuse me I will go see to the mess I'm sure he was so kind to leave for us" She started to walk away, but found that she couldn't move. With a confused look, she said, "I can't seem to leave, Albus what is going on here?"

"Ah, the cause appears to be this magical mistletoe that we seem to be standing under." His eyes were twinkling as much as even and she just got even more frustrated at his supposedly good mood.

"Well, I suppose you know what to do." She winked at him and he seemed a little shocked by her, um flirting. He quickly recovered and leaned in for a quick chaste kiss. When he pulled back he could see the passion in her eyes, and he knew his would show that same passion he felt. Another moment and they were in each other's arms, trying to convey all the feelings they had been holding back in just one kiss.

They pulled apart for need of air, and Albus asked, "Should we…" She knew what he was asking, but didn't want to wait until they reached the security of their rooms, so she took his hand and led him to the nearest door, which happened to be an abandoned classroom. As soon as they were both inside and the door clicked closed, he picked up where they had left of in the corridor. They both knew that heated kisses wouldn't be enough.

As he trailed kisses down her neck, she unclasped his outer robe and let it fall to the floor. He gathered her skirts up around her waist as he slid his hand up her thigh to find her knickers. He quickly removed them as she unfastened his trousers and with her backed up to the wall, he slowly entered her. She encouraged him to continue and soon they were nearing their peaks. He moved one hand from her hip and reached between them to touch her sensitive nub, and that's all it took. As her orgasm took her, she again called his name, which sent him over the edge.

There was complete silence as they straightened their clothes. He looked at her briefly then left without a word. He so desperately wanted to confess his love, but with every bit of willpower he possessed, he left before he could make things even worse between them.

Minerva was just trying not to cry. She was normally such a strict, composed person that tears were never allowed, but now she couldn't help it, she sat down at a desk, and just let go. All those feelings, nameless and named, overwhelmed her. Eventually her tears dried, and she decided she would try to follow his lead, if he wanted to go back to what they had before, than she would try to hold herself together.

The rest of the holiday they worked to return to the way things were. Soon the students were back and the term had begun. They each had school business to attend to, which gave them something to do rather than dwell on events of the past.

If you made it this far, thanks for reading and there should be another chapter soon.