AN: I had started this chapter and just couldn't stop. I'm also unsure if I will be able to post anything tomorrow so I wanted to get another one in. The song that I have quoted a couple of line of lyrics is: O Children by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds. I hope you enjoy.
It was now late November and the fact that Minerva's final exams would be approaching quicker than she had expected was dawning on her. She had been spending more time in the library and had been having one to one lessons after school hours to bring herself up on subjects she wasn't fully confident in. She had been a little more than frustrated with her Divination and really needed to vent. She stormed her way to professor Dumbledore's office and knocked her usual three times, as she opened the door she felt a sense of relief fill her. "I'm sorry it's late professor but if I don't speak to somebody i'm going to explode" okay, perhaps the relief didn't last that long. "Miss McGonagall, please come in.." He opened the door to his private office. As she walked in she could feel her jaw drop slightly, it looked a magnificent place, it felt so warm and welcoming, she noticed a chess board had been set up "Oh i'm sorry for disturbing you, I can come back another time.." he shook his head softly "No need dear, now tell me what's got you so fiery" he quite liked to see her a little flustered, it showed her inner strength and dare he say it, he could see himself teasing her just to make her smile after. "Divination" was all she simply said, she had begun to pace around.. "It's just a waste of time, they expect you to look into tea leaves and see what the bloody queen is doing, well for all the good it would do anyway. He can't even predict a single thing. It's all a bunch of foddy doddy if you ask me". He laughed rather quite loudly at the last part, she looked at him furiously "this is no laughing matter Albus!", he was slightly taken aback by her use of his name, it sounded musical coming from her lips "you're right, i'm sorry dear.". She looked at him and and a smile crossed her lips, she didn't know if he called everyone 'dear' but it was nice when he called her it. "Now come, make an old man very happy by playing chess" she walked over to the chess board "Oh, actually I don't know how to play" she said sheepishly, "I shall teach you". And that is how they spent every other night.
It was the night of the Christmas ball and the whole castle was decked out in the decorations. Minerva loved how beautiful the great hall looked with the huge white tress and the candles just gave it a 'magical' feeling. After grabbing a bite to eat Minerva went up to her room, she had met Pomy on the way and they decided to get ready together. "I can't wait for Rupert to see me in this" Pomy said as she held her dress against her and gave Minerva a twirl "I'm sure he'll love it" she replied with a smile. "Have you got a date for the evening?. I have noticed you sneaking off most evenings." She gave her a playful look. "I don't need a date, i'm sure i'll enjoy myself anyway" there was no way Minerva would divulge her evenings with Albus with anybody. They were her escape.
"Come on Minerva" Pomy called through the bathroom door. Minerva reluctantly opened the door "Twit twoo.. You look great" Pomy smile, 'No date my ass' she though. Minerva had picked a emerald green velvet dress that came to her knees and came in at the waist, gathered material for her breasts and supporting straps, it fitted her beautifully. Half of her hair and been pinned up with a few curls coming out whilst the rest had loose ringlets in it. Her makeup was subtle but still very beautiful and the dangling pearl earrings just gave it the finished look. "You look very pretty too Pomy" Minerva wasn't really one for compliments but she had become rather close with her loyal friend. "Well come on, we can't stand round here all night".
The hall was full of students dancing and some professors, more than likely having had a little special pumpkin juice. Minerva had glance around the room, she was only looking for one person in particular, he wasn't there. "I'll be right back" Pomy announced and practically ran to Rupert. Minerva made her way to drinks table and to see if she could see anyone else she could at least have a conversation with. It had been half an hour and Pomy hadn't come back, Minerva felt like a right lemon. Lemon, sherbet lemon. She placed her drink down and made her way to the office she had become so familiar with.
Minerva had knocked twice already and with no answer she began to worry. She gently opened the door and slipped in "Professor?." she walked cautiously around. "Miss McGonagall" She jumped turning to see him "I'm sorry, I did knock. I would never just walk in.." She said at a pace that surprised herself. "Not to worry.". In all honesty he had been standing watching her for a few moments, taking in her new look. The dress looks amazing on her, it showed off her slender waist and her long legs. Her hair looked so fresh and glossy, he just wanted to run his finger through it. "Not attending the ball?" She asked, placing her hands on being her back, suddenly feeling a little exposed. "I didn't have a date.." he replied as he moved to the chair he had been sat at, the chess game on pause. "I bet you could have asked one of the professors, they would have gladly accepted." She smiled. "Won't your date be wondering where you are?" He asked as he gestured her to sit opposite him. "I haven't got a date.". "I'm sure there were plenty of boys wanting to ask you to the dance". She shook her head slightly. "I looked out for you, I wanted to see what colourful robes you might have worn" she quirked her brows. "There's nothing wrong with having a little colour in your life" was his response, he stood and went to his drinks cabinet "Would you care for a drink?" She looked over to him 'Perhaps a fire whisky?" she knew she was treading on thin ice, a professor giving her alcohol. He was impressed "Not many men can handle that drink, I assume it's the Sottish in you.." He clunked his glass with hers with a little 'cheers'.
After small chit chat and a few moves on the chess board Albus stood and walked over to his record player, Minerva eyed him curiously. As the soft tone began to play he walked over to her, extending his hand "May I have this dance Minerva?" She smiled at the use of her first name and took his hand happily. "With pleasure". His hand was on her waist and her hand on his shoulder, the other hand glassed together. They moved slowly with the music, they were pressed up together, perhaps closer than what they should have been. Her skin felt so soft and the scent of her perfume took over his senses. 'My dear, my darling one' the lyrics seemed to fit so perfectly, she gently placed her cheek against the side of his. /the warmth of the fire and the strength of his arms, she was in his arm. "You look very beautiful tonight Minerva", he whispered softly into her ear, her eyes closing as his breathe made contact with her skin, sending instant shivers all over her body "Thank you Albus. You always look handsome" he squeezed her waist lightly. He gently sang 'I once blind but now I see' the softness of his voice and the loving tone had her mind in turmoil. She was in love, she knew she was. She pulled her cheek away slightly and looked into his eyes, their movements never stopping. Even after the music had stopped they stayed in each others' arms.
Neither of them wanted the night to end, everything had felt so perfect, so natural. "Thank you for a lovely evening Albus" Minerva had said as she leant down and gave him a lingering soft kiss on his cheek. He anted nothing more than to turn his head and pull her back into his arms and kiss her like she should be kissed. Lovingly. "I hope one day we can do this again". He knew something had happened that night and for both of their sakes he didn't think it could happen again, not whilst she was still a student. "Goodnight Tabby" he said softly as she headed for the door. "Goodnight Albus".
He went to bed that night with a heavy heart and a longing for her.
P.S I apologise again if there are any mistakes it's 02.40 am but I couldn't stop!.