A/N: This is the longest chapter I've written so far and I'm exhausted. It's quite a bit of fluff, which I think Albus and Minerva are due for. Please review with any questions/comments/suggestions. Thanks to all the readers who have reviewed and too all those sticking with my story. Enjoy :)
Chapter 13: Happy Lovers
June 11th, 1956
The last two months of term was difficult for Albus. Firstly, he was getting a handle on everything that was involved with being Headmaster. Secondly, he was still preparing students for their exams and transitioning them for a new professor. And finally, he was far too busy with the aforementioned tasks to spend the time with Minerva that he really wanted to.
Albus had become increasingly frustrated with any demand on his time that took him away from Minerva. He spent weekends at the Wizangamot or with the Minister of Magic or in meetings with the School Governors, and his days were spent in classes. Albus and Minerva saw one another at meals, but they couldn't very well have a proper snog in front of the entire school. They were both adamant about keeping their relationship a secret, both being very private individuals, and not knowing the consequences if it were found out that the new Headmaster was in a relationship with the young woman he had just given a teaching position to.
But every evening when she locked up the library, Minerva would go down to see Albus for a few hours before bed. They would have a cup of tea or perhaps a quick chess game before Albus would walk her back to the third floor to her rooms. Recently, their chess games had been replaced by long kisses on the sofa or a sensual backrub for Albus after a particularly rough day. He would always reciprocate, despite Minerva's protests. He needed the pampering much more than she did, but she always welcomed his loving touch anyway. Their evenings always ended with Albus announcing that it was time for Minerva to get her beauty rest. He would escort her to Peter the Pensive and leave her with a single tender kiss goodnight.
One night on his sofa, Albus broke off a particularly heated kiss to take her to her rooms. Minerva was rather frustrated by the interruption.
"Albus Dumbledore, does my company bore you?" she exclaimed.
He raised his eyebrows at her in surprise at her outburst. "Of course not! Why would you ever ask such a question?"
Minerva put her head down, unable to meet his gaze. "You just seem to be in a bit of a hurry for me to leave." She knew it wasn't true and was ashamed that she would ever think such a thing of him, but he was always the one to decide that she should leave.
He gently lifted her chin to gaze into her eyes. "Minerva, I don't ever want you leave. Never. However, if you stay any longer, neither of us will get any sleep. And I can't imagine that I'd be much good to my students in the morning if I lost sleep in favor of a night of passion."
Minerva stood up. "You're right, of course. You have more important things to worry about than kissing me." She knew the words were a bit harsh, but she knew it was true. She was being selfish by distracting him from his duties. She smiled sweetly at him to show she wasn't really angry at him. She ran her fingers through his auburn beard. "I'm sorry to monopolize your time."
He took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. "You misunderstand me, my darling. I want nothing more than to spend all of my days and especially all my nights with you. But alas, I cannot. So I must take you back to your rooms. As soon as the students leave after graduation next week, I want to spend every waking moment with you. Your hands…" He stood up and kissed both her palms. "Your face…" He brushed his lips on each of her cheeks. "Your eyes…" He softly kissed her eyelids. "And all the rest of you as well." With that, he scooped her into his arms. She shrieked in surprise and placed a big kiss on his lips with a smile. They both laughed as he carried her out of the office. He put her down once they passed the gargoyle. They walked back up to her rooms arm in arm. He placed his usual loving kiss on her lips before going back down to his rooms.
On his way, he contemplated their relationship. He loved her. Sweet Merlin did he love her. But he was frustrated. He wanted so much to take her to his bedroom, lay her on the bed and make love to her like he had dreamed about so many times. But he was so busy. He wanted to take the time to please her like she deserved. He wanted to savor every inch of her incredible body.
But he also didn't want to rush her into anything she wasn't ready for. He sensed she wanted him as he wanted her, but she was so much younger than he. He did not know how experienced she was or what her expectations would be. He was fairly certain that she had never been with someone as old as he. Could he live up to what she wanted of him? He had lived like a monk for years. There hadn't been anyone he had wanted to bed in a very long time.
He worried all the way back to his own bed. But as he lay down to sleep, he knew that there had never been a woman he loved as much as Minerva, and loving each other as they did, he knew everything would work out just fine.
Up in her own room, carefully designed by the man she loved, Minerva worried as well. She loved Albus more than words could express, and in the last two months, she had grown to love him even more. She would sit in the library all day, a silly smile on her face as she thought about him and his soft caresses and loving words. And when she was alone, she would fantasize. While he was much older than she, he was by no means an old man. In their embraces, Minerva could tell that he had a strong muscular body. She longed to see beneath his robes, feel his skin on hers. Late that evening, she fell asleep imagining his body pressed up against her, loving her, body and soul.
Graduation came and went. All the students and their families went home. Most of the staff left a few days later to visit their own friends and families. Only Flitwick and Slughorn remained in the castle with Albus and Minerva by the middle of June. The four ate breakfast in the staff room.
Slughorn, as usual, dominated the conversation. Minerva tried her best to tune out his dronings, instead watching Albus across the table eating his toast and marmalade while feigning interest in whatever Horace was saying. He smiled brightly and Minerva perked up to listen to Slughorn.
"…So I told Abraxas that I would of course join him in Spain for a month or so. Since the rest of the staff is gone, I assumed you all wouldn't miss me."
"We would always miss you, Horace. But you should by all means join Mr. Malfoy. He has a young son, I believe?" Albus said, giving Minerva a subtle wink at the prospect of Slughorn leaving. One less person to worry about in the hallways.
"Ah yes. Young Lucius. About to be two, Abraxas said. Should be a great wizard, that boy. I'll be eager to teach a Malfoy." Slughorn continued in this manner for the rest of the meal.
Flitwick leaned over to speak to Minerva. "Are you visiting anyone glamorous this summer, Minerva?"
"Oh no, not me. I'll pop home to my family estate sometime in July, but I'll be here most of the summer. Albus is going to help me with the Transfiguration curriculum. And of course, I'll have to move into Gryffindor Tower as Head of House."
"You'll be wonderful, Minerva. You are certainly more than qualified. And Albus tells me you already have teaching experience?"
"Well, in a way. Albus was gone quite a lot during the war, so I tutored about fifty students each week in Transfiguration to get us all through exams."
"I'd say that's marvelous experience!" Flitwick exclaimed with a smile, as Albus rose from the table.
"I hate to interrupt you both, but Filius, we should probably go to my office to work out staffing for next term. Minerva, if you would like to join me after lunch, we can begin our discussion of the curriculums. Horace, in case I don't see you before you leave this afternoon, have a wonderful trip."
Minerva spent the morning packing the things she wouldn't urgently need into bags and boxes to be moved to Gryffindor tower. She made herself a cheese sandwich for lunch, and made her way down to Albus' office at one o'clock.
As she entered, she caught the end of Albus' words. "And with Madam Byrne leaving, we are now in need of a new matron." He beckoned her in as she knocked. "Ah, Minerva. Is it time already? Filius, I must end our meeting now. Have a lovely time in Ireland. We can work the rest of this out when you return next week."
Flitwick nodded and left the office. As soon as the door closed, Albus made his way to where Minerva stood, wrapping his arms around her waist. She put her arms around his neck and they both smiled.
"Hello, Headmaster."
"Hello, Professor."
They shared a long, sensual kiss before breaking apart.
"So Filius is leaving as well?"
"Yes, it seems we have four days with the castle all to ourselves before Galatea returns. It thought that perhaps you would like to share my rooms for these few days while we move your things to Gryffindor Tower?"
"Oh yes, that sounds wonderful." Minerva kissed him happily at the prospect.
Albus broke the kiss. "And as much as I would like to kiss you all day, we really must go over your curriculum."
"I suppose you're right, my love. But could we do it in the sitting room? That way we could snuggle up on the sofa," she added with a big smile.
"My dear Minerva McGonagall! I have never known you mix business with pleasure."
"Well for you, I thought I'd make an exception."
They did indeed snuggle on the sofa and were able to get through almost half the curriculums before dinner.
Albus called the house-elves to order a private dinner for the two of them. "We are the only ones here, so we might as well eat in comfort." They had a marvelous meal of fillet of sole and salade Nicoise with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.
After their plates were banished back to the kitchen, Minerva asked Albus about the topic she had on her mind. "Albus, I don't wish to pry, but did I overhear you say that Madam Byrne is leaving?"
"I hate to burden you with my staffing woes, but since you asked, yes. Madam Byrne is retiring. So this year I need to find a new nurse in addition to a new librarian. And I have just been informed that Professor Abbott intends to pursue other interests after next year so I also need to start thinking about a new Herbology professor," Albus sighed.
"Anyone you have in mind?"
"Not a one. But I know quite a few people at St. Mungo's who I'm sure could give good recommendations for the matron position. I suppose I'll have to put an ad in the Daily Prophet and have Filius interview the applicants. If you know of anyone, I'd be happy to hear your suggestions."
"Unfortunately, I don't know any librarians. But I do know a mediwitch who might like the position. Poppy Pomfrey. She was a few years behind me in school. She currently works in the children's ward at St. Mungo's, but I don't think she's very happy in London. I know she'd make a wonderful school matron."
"I will have Filius send her an owl as soon as he returns. I remember Miss Pomfrey, and I think that if she is properly qualified, she would do very well. Thank you, my dear."
They chatted about happier topics the rest of the evening until Albus attempted to stifle a yawn.
"Oh Albus, you're exhausted. Go to bed, darling. I'll see you tomorrow."
Albus frowned. "I thought you were going to stay?"
She kissed his cheek. "I'd like our first night together to be spent doing more than sleeping."
He smiled widely. "Quite right, my dear. Tomorrow we have the whole day to spend together. No working and no packing. So get plenty of rest. I don't want a tired woman on my hands."
She snorted with laughter. "And I want you to have all your strength. So straight to sleep with you. Breakfast in my room at eight. Don't keep me waiting."
"Never, my love." They kissed goodnight and she left the office.
Albus appeared the next morning at eight on the dot. Minerva opened the door for him, wearing a white apron over her green dress. He noticed that it was the same dress she wore to their lunch in London a few years before. It did wonderful things to her curvaceous form.
She kissed him on the cheek in greeting. "Good morning, Albus. Breakfast is nearly ready."
"You cooked breakfast?"
"Well you did give me a kitchenette. And I am a perfectly able cook. So I thought it would be a nice start to our day."
She led him to the table she had set. She put a large plate of toast down along with the eggs, bacon, haggis and Albus' favorite marmalade.
"A full English breakfast. You are a marvel, my dear."
"I hope you like it."
"Oh I know I shall," he told her as he pulled out her chair for her.
They ate the beautiful spread, both excited to spend the entire day together. When they finished eating, Minerva cleared the dishes and food with an elegant wave of her wand.
"How would you like a long walk on the grounds, my dear? It's a beautiful day," Albus asked.
"What a lovely idea. I'd be delighted," Minerva responded.
They walked all around the greenhouses, the Quidditch pitch, and the hills behind the lake. After a few hours, Minerva suggested they go back to the castle for lunch.
"No, I think I have a better idea, if you'll trust me to take care of this meal?"
"Of course. I would trust you with anything, Albus."
He smiled and kissed her forehead. "This way, please." He led them to a secluded grove in the hills, full of wildflowers. He waved his wand and a full picnic appeared on a large blanket.
They ate sandwiches and drank pumpkin juice. For dessert, Albus had packed a variety of biscuits. Minerva had two ginger newts, and Albus ate everything else.
Minerva laughed as he devoured the cookies. "You have such a sweet tooth!"
"Yes, and you don't, do you?"
"I like sweets, certainly. But there is a limit to the amount of sugar one can consume at a time," she replied.
"Really? I haven't found one." He popped a lemon drop in his mouth to emphasize his point.
Minerva laughed again. "So it seems. You even taste like sweets."
"I do?"
"Yes. When we kiss, you taste like lemon and chocolate. It is quite appetizing."
"You taste like warm peppermint tea. And you smell like lavender. I never really appreciated what a thoroughly intoxicating scent lavender is until I smelled it on you." Albus lay back on the blanket with a smile, his hands behind his head.
Minerva lay down beside him, her head on his chest and her arm draped over his stomach. She smiled contentedly. "I'm so glad we can have this time together. I love you very much."
"And I love you. I've been waiting for the proper time to take you here. I found it a few years ago and thought it was very romantic. So I immediately thought of you."
"You are sweet. Thank you. It is a beautiful spot. Very romantic, indeed." Minerva pushed herself up and kissed him. He sat up and kissed her back fervently. She carded her fingers in his long hair. His hands wandered her body. She moaned with desire and pushed him onto his back, resting her body on his. His hands moved to grasp her bum. She moved her legs to give him a better hold, but in the heat of their passion, she kicked over the pitcher of pumpkin juice. Minerva squealed and jumped up as the river of juice soaked the side of her dress. Albus waved his wand to clean the mess. All the picnic things disappeared to return to the castle as he stood. He cast a drying charm on her dress, but there was still a stain.
"Oh dear. I'm very sorry. That's one of my favorite dresses on you."
"It's quite alright. The elves will make it good as new. But it is a bit sticky," she told him, wrinkling her nose at the texture on her skin.
Albus grinned suggestively. "We had better return to the castle and get you out of that dress, then."
She laughed. "I think that's the best suggestion you've had all day."
They walked back to the castle hand in hand, pausing every so often for a kiss. When they finally reached the great oak doors, Albus swept her into his arms and carried her into the castle.
"You are not carrying me up the stairs."
"Of course I am!" he replied enthusiastically. He held her tight and raced up the flight of stairs, his long legs taking the steps two at a time. He finally put her down in front of the gargoyle protecting his office. He kissed her gently. "My beautiful Tabby."
The gargoyle jumped aside.
"Oh Albus, that cannot be your password!"
He chuckled. "Only for the few days when no one will be coming up except for us." They stepped onto the moving staircase, snogging the whole way up. They were walking as they kissed, but Minerva wasn't paying attention. Her entire focus was on Albus. She was rather surprised when they were miraculously in his bedroom. She didn't bother looking around. She had Albus and a bed, and that was all she wanted.
She began unbuttoning his robes, pushing them off his body until he was left in only his navy blue boxers. His body was fit and muscular and utterly perfect. She ran her hands down his chest, stopping just below his stomach. She could see his desire and it excited her.
He turned her around, unbuttoning the back of her dress, kissing the nape of her neck. The dress fell in a green pool at her feet. She turned back to face him, wearing only a black lace corset with matching knickers. She reached up to unpin her hair. It fell in silky waves around her shoulders. Albus smiled, his eyes dark with desire.
He muttered under his breath as he stared at her. Suddenly, both of their undergarments had been vanished. Albus' breath caught in his throat. "You're beautiful," he whispered, gazing at her flawless skin, perfect breasts and shapely form. She blushed a bit. He stepped closer to her. "You're the most perfect thing I've ever seen."
"I love you, Albus."
They shared a passionate kiss and fell onto the bed, proving their love until both, calling out each other's names in sheer ecstasy, fell back, completely sated beyond belief.
Minerva kissed her lover's chest softly as he nuzzled her hair.
"I hope I lived up to your expectations, Minerva."
"You have shattered any expectations I had, Albus. That was incredible. I hope I was able to please you as well."
"Oh yes, my darling. More than I ever imagined was possible." He kissed her hair again. "Why do you never wear your hair down? It is incredibly sexy."
She laughed softly and looked up at him. "I wear it up so that men like you will take me seriously and hopefully forget that I'm only a young woman while I'm working."
"I could never forget what a wonderful woman you are, especially now. Although, if you did start wearing your hair down, I don't think I'd be able to resist ravishing you in the corridors."
"As wonderful as that would be, we would both be sacked. So now my hair is only for you. You have me. My heart, my soul, and now my body and my hair."
Albus smiled. "Aren't I the luckiest wizard who ever lived? Now, how about a bath, my dear?"
"Perfect," she smiled. Minerva followed Albus into the bathroom and gasped. It was her own bathroom from her rooms on the third floor.
"I switched our bathrooms as we were leaving for our walk this morning. I designed this bathtub in the hopes that we could use it together. I thought now would be as good a time as any."
"Oh you are a wonderful wizard. Shall we?"
They took a long hot bath, filled with lavender-scented bubbles. Then they had simple dinner in the sitting room, Albus in his violet dressing gown, Minerva in a crimson one he transfigured for her.
"Red again?"
"I like you in red. Ever since your graduation in that incredible gown, I like to think of you as my scarlet goddess."
Minerva blushed and rolled her eyes. "You are impossible. But I'll keep your proclivity for this color in mind for the future."
They went to sleep that night wrapped in each other's arms, dreaming of their happy future together.