Author's note: Hey all! I usually don't do these but wanted to thank you all for sticking with the story and for reading this far. I always appreciate reviews and feedback. That being said, there's a way to do it without utterly demoralizing the author. After the latest guest review, I was a little taken aback, because they really highlighted the aims of my story. I live for 2000's era MMAD, back when we could plausibly believe it was canon, and this story is me just writing out all the tropes and fantasies of the two that I love. Additionally, I typically just follow what's written in the books. JKR has come out with a lot of backstories in the last few years, some of which I like more than others, and I find it more enjoyable to stick with the original world of HP. However, now the story is at a bit of a crossroads of where I want this story to go, I'd written out all the typical student-teacher MMAD plotlines, and now it will pivot into something more hopefully. Still, if you're writing and expecting me to change my entire plot and writing style because of a review calling me devoid of any original plot … that's probably not going to happen! Instead, I rec that you check out my new one-shot about Minerva after the death of Albus - it's a little more angsty, less cliche, but obviously not the canon some are looking for as I disregard Minerva's whole backstory with the romances and whatnot. Anyways, thanks again for reading!

Minerva woke up sweaty, confused, and tangled in Albus's arms as sunlight streamed through his rooms. Taking stock of her surroundings, memories of the night before flooded back into her memory. As amazing as it was, just as she had dreamed, today she had a raging headache from the copious amounts of alcohol at the Yule Ball and gods, she was incredibly sore from last night. Minerva cast a quick charm to check the time and cursed under her breath. Shite, it's already 10? She and Albus had missed breakfast. Granted, she was sure half the castle missed breakfast, but for the Head of House to be absent? For the Head Girl to be absent? These things were unheard of.

Minerva looked over at Albus, who seemed absolutely content mid slumber. For a moment, she regretted what she had to do, then quickly shook him awake. Albus jolted out of bed. "Gods, witch! What in heavens name could be so…" Albus drifted off as he remembered his circumstances. Dancing around the floor naked in front of his girlfriend was not the most impressive look right now. He rushed to put on some robes and maneuvered to the side of the bed to kiss Minerva on the cheek. "Good morning, dear. How are you feeling?" He asked with all sincerity.

Minerva mustered a smile. "I've been better. But I don't regret anything that occurred last night. I couldn't have asked for a better first time or with a better man."

Albus traced her face with his finger and gave her palm a quick squeeze. "I'm going to put on some tea for you dear, then I have to rush to meet Armando for our weekly Sunday meeting. Stay until I get back?"

Minerva knew her friends would be absolutely dying to hear from her, but she wanted to stay in his warm and cozy quarters all day, so she readily agreed.

"Happy Boxing Day, Albus! Do come in! May I ask where you were this morning?" Headmaster Dippet queried and with a wink said, "I'd noticed you and Horace swigging down the firewhisky but thought you left awful early last night to have slept through breakfast!"

"Aye, me and half the castle, Armando! I will endeavor to hold my liquor better in the future, this is too reminiscent of the time you caught me throwing up in the Gryffindor common room in my fifth year all those years ago!" Albus replied, relieved Armando hadn't brought up the exit with Minerva.

Oh, Minerva. What had he gotten himself into? Granted, their relationship was dangerous before, but he ultimately hadn't done anything too morally ambiguous. Taking his student's virginity, on the other hand, was a clear violation of moral and professional code. Albus felt conflicted. He was so to being the good guy, fighting Grindelwald as the savior of the wizarding world. But ultimately, Albus was a man, and a complicated one at that. Minerva had forgiven him for his earlier dalliances with the dark side, but he doubted anyone else would feel the same. And Minerva…. Well, if anyone was to find out about their relationship, he could say bye to his reputation. She really was only a girl- her gossipping with friends and youthful attempts to make him jealous with Tom cemented this - and yet he couldn't say no to her. It was love. He meant everything he told her last night. Albus supposed he'd have to live with the consequences of his decision, no matter what they may be.

After an hour of discussing plans for the next semester, Armando finally let Albus go. Normally, Albus loved his Sunday morning conversations with his mentor, discussing the Ministry, muggle politics, and complaining about the Board of Governors. But today, he just wanted to return to the witch in his bed. Albus returned to Minerva sprawled out over the crimson sheets, reading one of the muggle books from his library. He took a payse when he realized what it was.

"Lolita? That's a bit… mature for you, is it not?"

Minerva grinned. "Hmmm… considering what we did last night, Professor Dumbledore, I think not. Besides, I've been meaning to read this ever since it was banned from the library. You know how much of a prude Madam Pince is."

Albus didn't like her association of himself with the novel's protagonist. He sat down on the bed next to her. "Minerva, I need us to be on the same page here. You're an adult woman. I am your professor, but you made the decision to sleep with me on your own accord, correct?"

Her fiery Scottish temper shone through. "Gods, of course Albus! It was me who came on to you! I assure you, you have nothing to worry about from me. Our relationship will be secret as long as it needs to be. I love you, I want you." She sat up to kiss him on the lips. "How about we continue where we left off last night, then I really have to go back to the commons! All of Gryffindor must think I'm dead!"

Minerva made her way back to the common room. Well, hobbled her way, really, the girl was quite sore. Coming through the portrait opening, she was immediately ambushed by Pomona and Rolanda!

"MIN it is 2 in the AFTERNOON. Where have you been?"

"Girls, shhhh! You know where I've been!" she winked.

Pomona's eyes widened and she pulled her friend to the corner of the room where they could gossip undisturbed. She whispered, "How was it?"

Minerva was surprised. "Poppy, aren't you the expert at these things?"

Her friend was offended. "You think I've been sleeping around? I haven't even let Alastor put his hand up my jumper!" It was the 1940s after all.

Minerva realized she'd been quite the wanton girl compared to anyone else in her year, and she didn't know how to feel about it. It was true that Minerva had slightly more… liberal parents than most in the United Kingdom. Her mother taught her rudimentary sex ed. But the girl was still quite naive. Albus had been wonderful, and she told her friends that, checking to make sure Minerva felt alright, taking things slow with her. Minerva was a woman in every sense of the word now. She couldn't help to feel a bit guilty though, as she was always taught to wait until her wedding night. Would Albus want to marry her in the future? Minerva was a smart enough witch to know virginity shouldn't matter and was a construct designed to control women, but she was also traditional at heart. She wanted to wear white at her wedding. Oh well, she was in love. And she trusted Albus, didn't she?

"Earth to Minerva! Are you okay? We're asking how big his wand is!" Rolanda queried with a laugh.

Minerva laughed back, her smile not quite reaching her eyes as she worried about her future. "Oh girls! Cut it out!" They spent the holiday afternoon playing chess and chatting about their respective love lives and futures. Minerva couldn't help but secretly love being the center of attention and the envy of her friends. Dating an older man certainly had its perks.

Albus was sitting at his desk late that night, marking Transfigurations papers and dreaming about the night before when he was summoned, a raggedy old owl appearing at his window.

Albus, come quick - we need backup. A pocket of Grindlewald's supporters has been discovered camped out near the Niese river with a group of Nazis. We are heavily outnumbered and counting on you to win.

-James Shacklebolt

Auror Shacklebolt was a fine man, one of the best fighters of the resistance, and a brave one too, with a young son and wife at home. Albus wanted to make sure baby Kingsley grew up with a father, and quickly began to pack and prepare for battle. He wrote to Armando and quickly realized he needed to tell Minerva too. It was both wonderful and bittersweet to have a woman waiting for his return from battle. Albus decided he'd write her a quick message - he didn't know if he had the strength to tell her in person.

Minerva,

I've been summoned to battle in Germany. I expect I'll be back before the holidays finish. I will be thinking of you constantly.

Yours,

A.D.

Albus sent Fawkes to deliver the message to Minerva's dormitory. The phoenix usually looked down at being used in such a common way, but he understood his owner's urgency, and dutifully soared towards Minerva's window, stealthily enough to not draw the attention of the other girls.

Minerva knew something must be wrong for Albus to send Fawkes to her. She thanked the creature, feeding him a ginger newt, and quickly unraveled the note. Slightly furious that Albus wouldn't tell her in person but mostly concerned for her love, Minerva put some robes over her teddy and sprinted out of the common room down the hall to Albus's quarters, not even trying to hide herself. She banged on the door, praying she'd catch him before he left for Germany.

Albus answered, knowing it had to be Minerva. That's my firey Gryffindor witch, he thought. Albus had secretly hoped she'd show up. He pulled her inside and kissed her with an urgency. "Minerva, you know why I must go. You know why I didn't want to face you. It breaks my heart knowing that I'm leaving and there's always a chance I won't come back."

"You will, Albus. You most certainly will." Minerva pulled out the emerald ribbon she used to tie her hair back at nights and tied it around his arm. She giggled, "For my knight in shining armor!"

Albus smiled down at her, "M'lady McGonagall, who said chivalry is dead? In all seriousness, thank you my dear. I love you. I'll be home although I fear this battle may take the month. Do try to enjoy yourself here without me."

"Oh, you know that will be near impossible. And what's the official story of your absence?"

"I'm presenting a transfigurations paper in America. I hear it's lovely in New York City this time of year. I'll take you someday once this is all over."

"May the blessing of light be on you - light without and light within." Minerva prayed for him, still clinging close to his robes for their last minutes together.

"A Scottish blessing? How fitting my dear." She could've sworn Albus shed a quick tear, the most raw emotion she'd seen him muster. Albus was genuinely afraid. He kissed her one final time and bade her back into her rooms. Albus went to the Headmaster's quarters to inform Armando and then left in the cover of the night.