Chapter 10

Albus closed his eyes as the shot of fire whisky burned down his throat, as Gertrude spoke. "How the devil did you not realize she was a child Albus?"

Albus felt his jaw clench, "You met her yourself, Minister. How did you not realize she was over 20 years younger than she appeared? Also, she had created a world where the two could co-exist and virtually no one would realize the persons were one and the same; as she had a friend often pose or drop off her articles as herself, using polyjuice potion, to the prophet while on a mission with my team. Oft times, I would receive a letter from her whilst in the field…" He shook his head as he remembered one evening he had received one of Minerva's letters while eating with her counter-part…

Albus' eyes peered over the rim of his glasses as the weary owl settled onto the edge of the table, lifting his leg. Albus thought gave the owl a bite of his biscuit, as he untied the small parcel. No sooner had the owl's leg been freed, and he spread his wings and was gone.

Albus' fingers held the small parcel, eyes focused upon his name…the distinct handwriting, it was from Minerva. Neither had written much to the other the past two months, after she had left the Ministry. Though, he had been quite relieved to discover she had not defied the Ministry's decree and had stayed in London. But…for him it had been a way of distancing himself from her…from becoming too attached. And now…his eyes swam over the package, wondering what lay within, he realized he had missed her quick intellect and young, sharp mind.

"Who is the parcel from?" Morgana asked, as she twirled a handful of noodles

onto her fork.

Albus shook himself from his momentary internal thoughts, and brought his eyes to the witch who had more than occupied his thoughts of late…for she embodied what he believed Minerva capable...and it was no wonder why he had been mildly attracted to the young witch…when the older one had completely enthralled him. "Your cousin, Minerva."

Morgana raised her brow, "Ohhh…" She nodded towards it, "Well…what did she send? Hopefully some lemon drops." She stated, reaching over to pick up her glass of wine, "You've been quite depressed since you ran out on Tuesday."

Albus chuckled as his fingers deftly untied the wrapped, a small parchment falling to the table as the box became apparent. He curtailed his curiosity for an additional moment as he lifted the parchment…scanning, the hastily written letter.

Albus,

Queen to D2, check and I do believe mate. Thanks for the lovely game. And sorry this is coming so late for your birthday.

Minerva

Albus' eyes darted to the board and watched as the Queen slid across the board…Morgana's eyes following suite. "You have been playing chess with Minerva?"

Albus nodded, "Yes, we have been mailing our moves back and forth for some time, now."

Morgana stood and walked over to the board, "I wondered who you played with." She stated, eyes sweeping over the all too familiar board. "Looks as though she has you."

Albus stood, setting the package down upon the table, remaining unopened and walked up behind, Morgana. His fingers gently resting on her shoulders, "And it seems as though I have you…"

Morgana turned around, green eyes sweeping over his face. "You truly care for her."

"Of course." He replied without hesitation, "She is going to become a brilliant witch one day, one I hope to be friends with."

Morgana narrowed her eyes, "And nothing more?"

Albus chuckled, blue eyes sparkling, "What would make you…"

Tenderly she placed her fingers across his lips, "Your face lights up when she writes to you, Albus. When you visit her in London, upon your return it is quite noticeable. It's as though, your weight has been lifted."

He swept his arms around the woman before him, "You are what lightens my day, my dear. When I see her, I picture a world of possibilities after the darkness has risen, enabling the young to live a life without fear."

"And when she declares her love for you?"

Albus blanched at her comment, "Surely not."

Morgana took a measured breath, "I do believe my cousin is in love with you Albus, and in your own way, I believe you love her too."

He stared deeply into her eyes…searching, before responding, "I do love her…but I am in love with you…" He replied before leaning forward, his lips meeting hers.

He felt something wet against his cheek, causing him to pull back…and the intensity of her emerald gaze swallowing him whole…and before he could ask or even discern the meaning of the heartfelt anguish and love, her words was ringing in his ears…

"Make love to me…"

Blue eyes swept over her…seeking affirmation as they had been intimate before, but…it had always been driven by need. A way to relieve their stress, affirm life. Yes, they had been courting…but this would be the first time…not punctuated by the eve of a battle or…after…

He found his body already responding to her simple proclamation…and at seeing his momentary hesitation, she continued. "I want to feel you inside me, Albus…" She moved her hips against his, "Feel your love…" She replied huskily as she leaned forward kissing his neck. "Not just the release of battle…"

He needed no further prompting…as he grasped her waist with his long fingers…pulling her against him as his lips found hers in a searing kiss. Tongues plunging against the other…as her fingers pulled his robes apart…and his brought her robes higher…

"I thought…" He broke the kiss as he suckled along her jaw, "You wanted to go sl…" His thoughts broke as her fingers wrapped around his length.

"I do…" She breathed, "I want you to…" His own fingers began dipping into her damp curls…causing her breath to catch… "Take me…slow…feel your length…" Her hand slowly stroked the length of him, "Slowly slide across me…"

His fingers dipped into cum…into her core…and back along her clit, eliciting a moan… "Like that…" He rasped.

"Yes…" She moaned as she spread her legs farther for him. "But…I…want 'you'…" She breathed…pulling his already hard aching member towards her center. "All night…making love…no calls…no distractions…no plans…" She wrapped her leg upwards…as she stretched upwards on her toes…bringing their hips together…

And she could feel his gorging length press across her clit…and into the tip of her core… "No missions."

He brought his hands to her waist and pulled her onto him…her head falling back as he groaned…their bodies joining together.

"Now…" Minerva moaned… "Let go…Albus." She breathed… "And make love to me…"

…

Albus blinked, bringing the bar back into focus as he allowed the memory to pass…and how he…both of them had let go that night, with abandon and solidifying their relationship in love.

Gertrude spun her glass about the old oak table, black eyes following the steady movement of her fingers. "Dare I ask how important she is to your team?"

Albus adjusted his weight in the chair as her question resonated through his body, and how it struck upon two fronts; their personal relationship and her professional one. He felt himself take a deep breath, as he poured another shot of fire whisky. He didn't have time to focus on the former, and as the Minister of Magic only needed to know of the latter. As much as he believed that Minerva's talent was irreplaceable, he found himself downplaying her role and abilities. "She is quite talented for her age, but replaceable."

Gertrude narrowed her eyes at her long time friend, "Are you certain? Thursday's mission must be successful if we are to learn the whereabouts of Grindlewald."

Albus nodded, "I concur, but I believe the Auror named Eric Wesson would be an adequate replacement."

"And if I were to say that I'd be willing to overlook Miss McGonagall's age discrepancy…"

"I don't know if that is wise, Gertrude."

"Really, Albus." She replied leaning closer as she placed more of her weight on the table, "You have my rapt attention."

Albus picked up the shot, fingering the light tumbler between his thumb and forefinger. His stomach twisting at the notion of willingly placing Minerva in danger. "She is not who I thought she was Gertrude," He honestly replied before taking a breath to knock the drink back. "And I would strongly prefer not to have her along in this mission."

"As much as I respect your opinion Albus, I must look past our personal wishes as not only the Wizarding world but the Muggle world hinges at the precipice of ruin. And as much as you have sacrificed Albus, I fear I will have to ask for more – even if it is the life of one of our young. No matter the cost, we cannot fail Albus, you know this as well as I."

Long minutes ticked by as Albus wrestled with Gertrude's proclamation. Finally he quietly raised his eyes, which had turned stone cold as he replied. "I can complete the mission without her."

Gertrude didn't pause in her rebuttal, "I am sure you can, but will you be alive to face Gellert?"

"Yes." His reply was steadfast.

Nodding, she leaned back, taking a sip of her dragon brandy. "I've read through your mission briefing for Thursday, and it is quite vague how Minerva was to obtain the information regarding the museum." She pursed her lips, "And I wonder if you would still be able to accomplish this feat with a different team member."

"Minerva was quite skilled in infiltrating secure areas."

"From your reports, I have no doubt in her skill. I do, however, have doubts in finding a replacement with her apparent knack for success." Gertrude reached up and tiredly pulled her glasses off, sighing as she gazed at Albus. "She is a very gifted young woman, some have said she is your protégé, who has not only managed to fool the Ministry, her friends, even you into believing she was another woman entirely, but also managing to continue on with her perceived life in London. She has written brilliant articles for Transfiguration Today and even a handful of columns in the Daily Prophet. She has also organized and rallied untold support for me to revoke the age law." The grey haired witch reached across the small table, her hand slipping atop of his. "I do not know nor am I going to surmise how you must feel to have found out that one of your previous students has been masquerading as a woman several years her senior. A woman whom I daresay you were able to view as an equal, only to discover she was your protégé." She felt Albus beginning to pull his hand back, but she tightened her grip. "I care for you Albus, and I shall never speak about this to another soul, but your personal feelings regarding Minerva are clouding your judgment. There is no one to replace her, is there?" She peered deeply into his eyes, trying to ascertain what he could possibly be protecting. Her mind quickly sorting through known facts about Minerva's course of study, areas of expertise… "She's an animagus." She stated, hand falling from Albus' as he closed his eyes, "An unregistered…"

At this, Albus' eyes snapped open cold fury pouring forth as his voice cut deep. "You have many speculations Gertrude."

"True…but she is an animagus. The truth was in your eyes, Albus." She drank the last of her brandy in an effort to ease her mind with the words she knew she would speak. "She stays on your team." As Albus opened her mouth to protest, she shook her head. "The decision is final. I leave it to you whether or not she continues as Minerva or Morgana, as her reports have all been signed as M. McGonagall. However, once the war is over, Minerva will need to register her animagus form."

"You are under the assumption that Minerva would like to continue in her war efforts."

Gertrude picked up her glasses, "She's been fighting for the past 2 years and she's a patriot. I have no doubt."

"Very well." He relented, "But her records are to be classified, and once the war is over, it shall be her choice to reveal her animagus form."

"Albus there are strict laws requiring…"

"And Britain owes her far more than it shall ever be aware of." He stated, eyes unwavering. "Your word Gertrude."

Gertrude drew out her wand, "You have it." She made a handful of arcing motions; a Latin symbol glowed in the air as she sealed her vow. Pushing back her chair, she stood. "I shall see you after Gellert falls. In the interim, reign in your emotions Albus, or it will be all of our undoing."

A/N: Hope you are still enjoying ;) Happy New Years!!