Morning found Minerva waiting outside Albus office door. Every few minutes she would raise her hand up to knock, only to allow it to fall back down and step back from the door. She was glad it was early morning and the students were still in bed, but she knew Albus was awake. It was a miracle if he ever slept!

Minerva once again raised her hand to knock, but just as she was about to lower it, the door opened and she came face to face with Albus.

Good morning, my dear. How long have you been out here? Did I not hear your knock? Albus smiled and laughed, kissing her gently.

I-we, need to talk, was all Minerva could say.

Privately, I assume.

Albus led the way back up to his office before turning around and giving Minerva his full attention.

After Fudge s visit last night, I realized something Or rather, I remembered something, Minerva took a deep breath, not wanting to say it, but knowing she had too.

We can t get married, can t be together. Albus, as long as we both work here, our relationship must be strictly professional, and that s all it can be. Albus noticed the letter in her hand.

Minerva, I cannot allow you to resign. You ve worked here for 40 years! This is your home. What else would you do?

I will find something. I can always go back to the Ministry.

You re the best Transfiguration teacher Hogwarts has ever seen. Please stay.

Albus, I want to be with you more than I want to remain a teacher here. If I could do both, well, Merlin s pants, I would! But that doesn t look like an option.

At least remain until the end of the school year.

Minerva gave in and ripped her letter in half while nodding her head.

Thank you, Minerva was glad Albus had been able to talk some sense into her.

I believe that to be proof.

Proof of what? the sudden conversation change confused her.

That we can be married, yet still behave professionally.

How?

I didn t say I wanted you to stay because I love you, I said I wanted you to stay because you were the best Transfiguration professor.

Minerva smiled as the thought took root in her head.

You have a point, Albus. Maybe, just maybe, we can make this work, Minerva paused. Without Fudge s approval.

Albus smiled as he grabbed Minerva around the waist and kissed her without hesitation, and with everything he had in him. She kissed him back with equal passion before slowly breaking away and staring up into his eyes.

Then let us get married, right now.

Minerva hesitated, her mind and heart arguing fiercely.

I want to, Albus, so badly, I do. But Not right now.

Albus wanted to give Minerva the time, but he didn t know the exact time when he would die, he didn t want to waste any of it.

Minerva, Fudge knows that we will get married anyways. The sooner we do it, the lesser the chance of him stopping us.

Minerva looked down at the ground between them and then up into Albus eyes.

Marriage sounds like a wonderful idea.

Albus pulled her against him and kissed down her neck before lifting her up with a strength that belied his age and carrying her further into his office. He sat her on the desk and then sat next to her, his arms still around her waist.

You sure?

I don t think I ve ever been surer of anything in my life.

Albus stood and stuck his head into his fireplace after declaring, Severus Snape s office . Minerva didn t hear the exchange, but when Albus returned, he held her hand and they disaparated, both smiling and laughing like a young couple.