But he could, and he did. Minerva would have gladly taken Harry herself, but the truth was if Dumbledore thought that's where he belonged, he must have a good reason.
She and Elphinstone were taking a stroll about the lake together. It had become a habit really, but it was more than a habit. It was the most pleasant time of her day, and she loved her job, so that was really saying something.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" Elphinstone asked.
"Indeed," she answered.
"Made even more lovely by the fact that it's free air we breathe and all that nasty business is over."
"Absolutely." Until more evil rose up to take its place. And it would. It always did, but she would enjoy the peace and thank God for it as long as it lasted.
"Must be rather lonely with all the students on summer holiday."
"A bit, but I find ways to occupy my time with studies and writing articles."
"I have no doubt," he said with a chuckle. "Still, I imagine some companionship wouldn't be unwelcome."
"Pomona or Professor Dumbledore often comes by for talks and tea. And you know I often visit family or they visit me. And of course, these walks with you are always wonderful."
"I'm glad to hear you say that." He stopped and stood in front of her, halting their walk, and she knew what was coming.
"You were so brave during this whole ordeal. Not every witch or wizard would have spied for the cause as you did."
"We all did our parts."
"Maybe so, but even after all these years, I find myself admiring you more all the time."
"I hold you in high esteem as well." She wished she had the courage to say she loved him. He might not call her so brave if he knew how much talking about feelings scared her.
"I would get down on one knee if I thought I could get back up again. Minerva, you are the only woman I've ever loved, and I can't help holding out hope that with this whole mess over maybe you finally see things in a new light. Would you give me the great honor of becoming my wife?"
She didn't hesitate. "Yes."
"I find my hearing isn't all it used to be. Did you say yes?"
She smiled for he did look quite bewildered. Endearingly, attractively bewildered. "I did."
"My dear Minerva, you wouldn't toy with an old man, would you?"
She laughed for he knew as well as she did that she wouldn't. "Not that old. I feel if we are to be married there is something I must say."
"There's no need."
"But there is. I know you know of Dougal. I loved him for a long time. I think I always will."
He fiddled nervously with his tie. "That makes no difference to me, but I appreciate your honesty."
"I loved him with the fiery passion of youth. It happened so quickly, yet, it was abiding." He looked down at his shoes. "You were so doggedly persistent despite the fact I wasn't free to love. And certainly you and I are both past the age of spouting off romantic nonsense and exchanging affection under the moonlight."
"Quite right," he said though the way he looked at her said he wouldn't mind all that much if they exchanged a peck under the moonlight or spouted off a few sweet nothings.
"But I can promise you this: I feel no less for you than I did for him even so. I thought you should know."
He stared at her for a moment, trying to make full sense of her words.
"I'm saying I love you."
He grinned, looking very boyish. Love could do that to a person, she supposed. He took her hands in his. "Oh, Minerva, you don't know how many times I've longed to hear you say it. I love you, too."
It had been worth the struggle to see the joy it had brought him. And it made her feel just as light and happy to hear the words returned to her like she might float away if he didn't have her buoyed down with his handhold. She was so blessed to get a second chance at love.
She did something even bolder than her declaration of love. She reached up on tiptoes and gave him a brief but warm kiss, hoping he didn't only hear and see the truth of her love but felt it too.