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Chapter 50

Tom was due back from Mexico that day. He turned 30 while visiting his parents. Minerva hurried through the busy London streets and found him drinking some tea and chatting with a young woman.

"Good afternoon." She said as she sat by him. The blonde woman smiled tightly.

Tom's eyes lit up when he saw her. "Minnie, I've missed you." He pecked her lips gently. Minerva could not get him to stop doing that. It was more than five years since he came back and he was still kissing her and touching her whenever he could. Tom was anything if not sure of himself.

The woman kept her smile, "this is Louise. We met on the flight back from New York. She is visiting a cousin of hers for the new year."

"Nice to make your acquaintance." Minerva said. She was nothing but pleasant with the woman but she opted to leave pretty soon. Tom only had eyes for her.

Minerva would be a liar if she did not admit that she loved the attention Tom lavished her with. She was used to being his center of attention all the time. She knew he dated here and there but all those women were always secondary to her. All of his relationships failed when the women met Minerva. It was abundantly clear who would take priority then.

Tom and her were finally alone. "How are they?"

"Perfectly fine. Mum is tanned and dad looks happy. She keeps looking younger and Dad looks just like always, a thirty-eight-year-old man. Soon I'll be looking like his older brother. They've changed their names once more. They go by Blanche and Rupert Ridley. She's bloody good with the American accent. Dad can't even try. Mum is learning Spanish. Dad cannot be bothered." Tom said happily.

He always looked younger when he came back from his trips. It was the only time he allowed himself to be away from his precious ministry. Three weeks away.

"They send their love and would be so very happy if you visited as well." He said and kissed her hand.

Minerva patted it. "You know I couldn't. That is your time to see them, to be with them."

"Tell me about the sights." She said happily.

"It is all very beautiful Minnie. They are staying in Baja California." Tom explained what a beauty the town was, the exquisite food and the fun he had at the beach.

"It reminded me of when I was a little boy and they took me to France for a Holiday." Minerva listened and laughed when he told his stories. They finished their tea and went hand in hand and walked around.

"Tell me all about Hogwarts." She explained about her lessons. The children and the fact that Malcolm was in fact getting married that June.

"I am to be maid of honor. The poor girl is so mousy. She could not bring herself to ask me."

Tom chuckled. "I want you to come with me to a dinner party at the Ministry."

Minerva shook her head, "it is a small affair in February."

She arched an eyebrow. "Liar. It is a ball. Albus received the invitation this week."

He sighed, "the meddlesome old man. He always ruins my perfect plans."

She laughed, "as a matter of fact. I have to go as deputy headmistress."

Tom grinned and twirled her. "You got the promotion."

She giggled, "I did. Professor Slughorn decided to step aside. He wrote me a glowing recommendation letter."

Tom kissed her hand. "They would be utterly dim witted to not take you on. So you can be my date."

Minerva frowned, "I cannot, as I am going with Albus."

"The old fool wouldn't know what to do with you. Promise me a dance at least."

Minerva smiled, "perhaps."

"Remember, it is formal robes." Tom smiled.

She pecked him on the lips and apparated to Hogsmeade.

She had bought a set of green robes and a muggle dress, simple black. It fit her perfectly. She would also wear some light make up and let her hair away from her bun. Minerva wanted to look her best. It would be nice to have some fun.

Minerva forgot the last time she went out dancing. It must have been that summer when Tom left. She met Dougal. She smiled wistfully. She had been struck by him. It did not hurt to think of him anymore. Minerva remembered the muggle fondly.

He was her second lover. She was not lying when she told Tom that she was not in love with him. She knew love. Dougal was love. It had been immediate she knew that he was the one. Dougal had known it too, which was why he proposed. Minerva knew that it was doomed after the elation. He was too different. She would become her mother. Minerva would have to give up a part of herself. She would lose magic and that was a price she was not willing to pay.

Minerva had decided then. She would not get married or find anyone like Dougal and she made her peace with the notion.

She was attracted to Tom and loved him deeply but was not in love with him. She knew nothing would ever break their bond. She wanted to spare him the pain of knowing something was lacking in her, in them. She found it easy to handle the teasing and the unwavering attention he offered her. She had rejected his every move for five years and would continue to do so.

The evening arrived. She was ready to leave and found some boys gawking at her.

She walked to Albus' office. He wore blue and purple robes, they had a starry pattern to them. The stars were a dazzling white. She smiled to herself.

"Minerva, you look absolutely beautiful." The man said and offered his arm. She held on as he apparated them to the Ministry's Atrium.

She was not overly fond of these balls but she would make an effort for Albus. She greeted some of her former classmates and talked to a few old acquaintances she made during her time at the ministry. She did not spot Tom until an hour later. He had a redhead witch by his side.

He spotted her immediately, "Minnie. You are here. This is Seraphina."

"Lovely to make your acquaintance." The woman said with a warm smile. Minerva found herself liking her.

"Tom tells me that you are his oldest friend." The woman said.

"I am, in fact, I am his only friend." Minerva joked.

The woman smiled but it was tight. They talked for a bit more but then Tom was pulled in a hundred and eighty directions all at once. They all wanted to talk to him. Minerva chatted with other people and had her dinner with Albus. She kept an eye out for Tom and his date but could not find them.

There were some speeches and then the dance floor opened. Some witch began to sing enthusiastically. Albus offered his hand and she had to take it. They danced a couple of songs. She also danced with another ministry official and three of her classmates. Tom was nowhere in sight. He was probably talking to people and politicizing. The band changed and suddenly it was muggle music.

"Fly me to the moon." Began to play. She did not see him approach her.

"You owe me a dance." He said and offered his hand. Minerva was brave and took it. They danced for a while. Minerva has to say that she truly enjoyed herself. Tom gave her his undivided attention like he always did. He twirled her and sang close to her ear. She saw the camera lights flash by.

Minerva laughed openly when the song switched. "You have to remember this song." He said as he spun her until she laughed once more.

He was pulled away after a while. He needed to talk to some officials for something. "We will dance again professor." He said and kissed her hands. Minerva shook her head and went back to her table. Albus' eyes twinkled as he introduced her to other people who happened to want to consult with him about something.

"Our newest deputy Headmistress." He said. These were board members who were against her appointment. Minerva knew their names by heart. She smiled and made small conversation.

"You have friends in high places Ms. McGonagall." An older man said. That was Thadeus Rowle.

Minerva continued to smile. "He has risen quite quickly through the ministry ranks. I have sources that he will take a Wizengamot seat after Lestrange announces his retirement." It was Abraxas Malfoy this time.

"I heard that Lestrange was forced to announce his retirement. It is rumored that young Snape forced his hand." Rowle commented off handedly.

"Gentlemen, if you excuse us. I am dying to try my hand at dancing with professor McGonagall." Albus stood up and they moved to the dance floor.

Minerva did not say anything and was grateful that Albus removed her from the situation. Albus and her danced for another few minutes before Tom approached them.

"Headmaster, I believe Minnie owes me a few dances. You see, Minnie promised to always be my dance partner." Tom cut in.

The headmaster smiled and returned to their table.

Tom and her danced closely, "I don't remember such promise."

"I do." He said and brought her closer to him. "Come and Go room. We were naked and I remember you said, "I will always be there for you." Professor, I happen to always need you as a dance partner."

Minerva tried to hide some of her blush. Tom smirked at her.

"Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singing in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me"

Tom sang close to her ear. Minerva tried to not have it affect her so much, but he did. He knew he did.

"Say "Night-ie night" and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me"

She was sure the whole room stared as they danced. Tom practically serenaded her without a care in the world. Minerva felt uncomfortable. She would not make a scene in front of all these people. Tom had a bright future.

"Stars fading, but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me"

Minerva smiled lightly when he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. She did not tense but knew that this had to be the end. She would start feigning new responsibilities. They would still be friends, just not as close. Tom needed the distance.

"Stars fading, but I linger on, dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn, dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me."

They finished dancing and Tom placed a lingering kiss on her cheek, very close to her mouth. Minerva shivered in spite of her conviction to not give into Tom. "Wait for me. I want to take you back to the castle." He said and kissed her hands.

Minerva felt most eyes follow her. She decided to leave the room and go into the loo. She looked at herself in the mirror and shook her head. The witch saw Seraphina approach her. "That little display could affect his chances, however, there is still some hope." The woman said.

Minerva frowned and played dumb. "Whatever do you mean?"

The pureblood smile, "Tom cannot afford to be associated with you. Professor McGonagall, I have no illusions about my relationship with Tom. I am very aware that he cares for you deeply. I propose an arrangement. I will enter a marriage with him. You can be his lover. Tom and I would have no difficulties. I could produce a child if he so wishes and if you agree of course. I will be his wife." The blue eyed woman said with a smile.

Minerva blinked twice before replying, "I assure you, there is nothing between me and Tom."

Seraphina impatiently crossed her arms, "I am aware. I am smarter than people give me credit for. I did my research on you and him. He speaks highly of you. He has left a string of women behind him, all flings, muggles, muggleborns and a few pureblood witches. They all have failed to sustain his attention. They have not been you. Professor McGonagall, you are the only female companion that he has kept."

"I am not someone to be kept." Minerva replied. "Is Tom aware that this conversation is taking place."

"Certainly not. It would hurt his pride; I only aim to make his life easier." The woman said carefully.

"There will be no arrangement, as there is nothing and there will be no romantic attachments between me and Mr. Snape. Good evening." Minerva returned to Albus. She was keyed up.

"Headmaster, may I please retire?" She whispered as she sat by him.

Albus' piercing eyes appeared to understand. "I feel a bit tired as well. We should go back to Hogwarts." He stood up and offered his arm. Minerva graciously took it. They said their goodbyes softly and walked out of the atrium.

She saw Tom from the apparation spot. He frowned but they were gone. Minerva looked at the headmaster and bid him goodbye.

"Good night Minerva." He said, "Tom is a very smart man but he needs you. Don't forget that."

Minerva nodded and left the office.

She noticed the patronus near her door from the corridor. "Meet me, abandoned house Hogsmeade. I will visit the school if you are not there in twenty minutes." He would do it. Minerva recognized the tone of determination in his voice.