Disclaimer: Characters and ideas from the Harry Potter franchise are not my own.

Not Alone

Epilogue

The Hogwarts Express gleamed in the sunlight at Hogsmeade Station, waiting to depart and carry away the students for the summer. For some, it would be their last ride on this particular train as they embarked on their post-school plans. Several of the Hogwarts professors lined the platform to say their goodbyes and well wishes. Three of the Heads of House—Professors Flitwick, McGonagall, and Sprout—stood beside each other, joined by Madam Fawcett.

A familiar pair of seventh years—now graduates of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry—approached Professors McGonagall and Sprout. Not needing to ask, the year's Head Girl threw her arms around the Hufflepuff House Head, who happily returned the hug.

"You were an exceptional student and an asset to our House, Miss Claymore," Pomona said. "Best of luck in Healer training."

"Thank you, Professor. I hope you don't mind if I owl you sometimes," Catherine Claymore said.

"Of course not! Stay in touch, dearie—I always love to hear from former students."

The younger witch smiled broadly as the two Hufflepuffs lingered longer in the friendly hug.

"Would you like a hug, too, Miss MacDonald?" Minerva asked the young Gryffindor, who seemed to want to ask but knew her professor was relatively reserved.

"If that's okay," Mackenzie MacDonald said.

"Come here." Minerva opened her arms and was somehow still slightly startled when her student glommed onto her. "It's been a pleasure to be your teacher and Head of House. I am sure you and Miss Claymore will become excellent Healers."

"That means a lot coming from you, Professor McGonagall. Thank you."

"You're welcome. You did help me when I fell ill in class, didn't you?" she added in a low voice. "I do not like to think about that day, but in retrospect, I appreciate what you did for me. I expect you will have many future patients who will appreciate your care, too."

"Thank you again, Professor." Mackenzie pulled back. "May I owl you sometimes, too?"

"Of course. Take care, both of you."

Mackenzie and Catherine waved goodbye and ran toward the train.

"They're a bit like you two, don't you think?" Filius Flitwick chimed in.

"Like Pomona and me? We weren't in the same year."

Phoebe Fawcett nodded in agreement with her fellow Ravenclaw. "That aside, I see it, too. A Hufflepuff and Gryffindor become close friends at school, then grow up to become professors together at the same school. Now, those two are going into the same Healer training program, right? They just might become Healers together at the same hospital."

"Well, if we're going to be compared to students, I don't think we can complain too much about it being those two. What say you, Min?"

Minerva rolled her eyes. "Sure, Pomona." She decided to change the subject. "What are your plans, Phoebe? I'm sorry that Beauxbatons and Zauberschloss didn't work out."

"It's okay; I imagine they would have preferred to hire someone fluent in French and German, respectively. I plan to continue applying for teaching posts as I see them. I'm not sure what I'll do after the summer, but for now, my Mastery mentor has agreed to hire me as a research assistant."

"I expect you'll be a much stronger candidate for teaching jobs after your experience this year," Filius said. "Holding a long-term substitute position at Hogwarts is nothing to scoff at."

"Thank you, Filius. I've really enjoyed this opportunity. Now I'm even more sure that I'd like to make a career of teaching."

Minerva exchanged a glance with Pomona, who smiled reassuringly. "Thank you for all of your hard work this year, Phoebe. I am certain that our rising second- and third-year students are well prepared to have me as their teacher again," she said. "Not that I didn't write you a supportive letter for your applications this year, but I would be quite happy to provide an even stronger reference letter for you as you continue to search for a teaching position."

"I'd appreciate that. I like to think that I'm a much more confident and competent teacher now. All your advice and our regular chats about teaching and lesson planning have been so helpful. It's been an honor to fill in for you, Minerva."

"Just as it's been a privilege to witness you grow into a fine teacher."

"We do quite like to see our former students grow up into their own as adult witches and wizards," Filius added. "You make me proud to have been your Head of House, Phoebe. Now, if only you'd chosen to pursue Charms!" He chuckled lightly.

"Hey, I did get 'Outstanding' in my NEWTS for both subjects," Phoebe replied. "What can I say? As a young witch deciding upon a career path, I thought Professor McGonagall was a wonderful role model. No offense, Pomona."

"None taken," the Herbology professor replied. "I look up to Minerva, too."

"Do you mean that literally or figuratively, Pomona?" Filius asked.

"Are you taking a barb at my height? You literally look up to everyone!" Pomona countered. "But to answer your question: I look up to Min literally, obviously, but I also admire her greatly. I have since I met her, and I am continually inspired to this day. You're a lovely friend and colleague." She linked an arm with Minerva's and cast her an earnest look.

"You all flatter me," Minerva muttered, turning as scarlet as the steam engine that began to pull away from the station. She and the remaining adults on the platform waved as the train departed.

"Well! Another school year in the books!" Filius cheered. "Shall we celebrate at The Three Broomsticks?"

"I'm in," Phoebe said.

"Thanks, but no thanks, Filius. I think I fancy a walk back in the gorgeous weather we have today," Pomona said. "Care to join me, Min?"

"Delighted," Minerva replied.

"Keep an eye on him, Phoebe. Or don't—then we might need to hire a new Charms teacher for next year," Pomona quipped.

"Hey! I learned my lesson!" The Charms Master protested. "Admittedly, I am wont to forget my lesson—just not this soon after learning it. It's probably for the best you didn't stay too long at my party, Phoebe, based on what others have told me…"

"It sounds like I should keep an eye on you, Filius," the youngest instructor said, trying not to laugh.

Filius scrunched up his face. "Why have you two thus far refused to tell me your version of what happened at the party? I know you took me to the Hospital Wing, Pomona, but—"

"Oh, look at the time," Pomona interrupted, looking at her bare wrist as if it bore a watch. "Let's go, Min." She grabbed her friend's hand and abruptly dragged her along as she ran away from the platform. "Bye, Filius and Phoebe!"

The two continued to run hand-in-hand until they were out of sight from the station. Breathlessly—Pomona more so than Minerva, who'd gained endurance from her regular morning workouts with Rolanda—they paused by the High Street before resuming their trek back to the castle.

"Thank you for that. I wasn't quite prepared to make up an excuse," Minerva said.

"I am not particularly interested in day drinking today, anyway, and I also have a duty as your friend to help you keep your head on straight."

"Your friendship and loyalty inspire me, too, Pomona. Speaking of loyalty, Rolanda once told me there's a story I should ask you about—something about threatening the headmaster?"

The Hufflepuff grinned broadly. "Ah, that. I told him that if he had anything less than honorable intentions, that if he led you on, broke your heart, or otherwise hurt you, then his next date would be with Devil's Snare. It's possible that I had my wand to his throat when I said this."

"Pomona! You could have been fired!"

"Only if he didn't care about you at all. Under the circumstances, he wouldn't take one of your best friends away from you."

Minerva smiled and put her arm around her shorter friend's shoulders. "You are the best."

"I remembered how sad you were after he told you that 'nothing is there' between you. If that were how he really felt, but still he decided that bedding you after you nearly died was an appropriate action, then I would have had to get my revenge for you."

"Did you—did you just describe our relationship as him 'bedding' me?"

"Well, if he didn't love you, then that's how I'd see it. He'd deserve the Devil's Snare if he just used you for his ego. Don't underestimate me; I'd do it."

"You're making me blush, Pomona!"

"We're not teenagers, Min. There's nothing scandalous about it. You're adults in a committed relationship."

"Not 'scandalous'? Have you forgotten that he's my boss? And he was my teacher?"

"You've worked here for about thirty years, Min, and you only just started seeing each other. I think it's fine."

"That sounds almost exactly like what I said when I had to clarify our relationship to Healer Loughlin. He said that he did not assume we had done anything improper. Then again, he's a professional; his job is not to judge me."

"As he shouldn't—there's no reason to make that assumption at this point. Now, if you were twenty-one and bearing his child, then maybe there'd be a scandal."

"For heaven's sake, Pomona, I'm never going to stop blushing at this rate."

"Sorry, Min. Of course, it's perfectly reasonable to want to keep your relationship private, but is this something you're worried about? What people would think if they found out you're a couple?"

"I mean, a bit, yes."

"Do you want to keep it a secret forever?"

Minerva shrugged. "I don't know. 'Forever' is an odd concept when you've recently been suicidal. Is 'forever' a few months or a few centuries? Despite the annoyances associated with hiding us, I think I could tolerate it for months or even years if it meant we get to enjoy our privacy without outside interest in who the 'Greatest Wizard of the Age' is seeing. But if we both make it for several more decades or longer, then I suppose I would get sick of pretending we're only colleagues in public."

Pomona pulled her friend in by the waist, while still being held around the shoulders. "I hope you 'make it' a long time. Both in terms of your staying alive and being in a loving relationship."

"Me, too."

As they passed by the Whomping Willow, the two witches unhooked themselves from each other. "Well, I think I'll spend some time in the greenhouses. Do you want to come with me and continue chatting, or have you other plans?"

"I'll walk with you to the greenhouses, but then I'll turn around and go into the castle. Will we continue our 'before breakfast dates' during summer?" Minerva asked.

"If you'd like, Min. I do wake up early for the plants, whether or not school is in session, and I've enjoyed your company," Pomona said. "What are you going to do over the summer? I confess that I worry a bit about your mind wandering where it shouldn't when you won't have teaching to occupy so much of your time."

"That's a fair concern, I suppose. Most of August is spent preparing for the new school year and arrival of the students, and I'll visit my Malcolm and my nieces and nephews at some point. He usually has me stay over for a few days, at least.

"Otherwise, I'm not sure. A while back, Albus mentioned that there's something he'd like to do with me, but he hasn't told me what that 'something' is. Granted, I haven't asked. He said he needed his brother to do a favor for him first, so perhaps Aberforth hasn't come through yet."

They arrived at Greenhouse Three, where Pomona planned to tidy up the student workbenches for the summer. Pausing outside the door, she said, "What do you think he's got in mind? Another romantic date night?"

Minerva shrugged. "I don't know. He said that he hoped to surpass what he did for me on Valentine's Day, so I'm a bit concerned that he's got something elaborate planned. Now that I'm thinking about it, what could he have asked Aberforth to do? And why did he need to do the favor before Albus would tell me what he's thinking?"

"Perhaps you should ask him about it. It is summer now."

"I think I will. He's probably waiting for me in his office as we speak."

Pomona grinned. "Go find your man!" She gave her friend a quick hug before sending her on her way.

Minerva headed toward the main entrance of the castle, and to her pleasant surprise, she found Albus waiting for her on the front steps.

"Hello, my dear," he said, customary twinkle in his blue eyes.

"Albus." She smiled and joined him the steps. "Have you been waiting long?"

"Just a few minutes. You were walking by with Pomona when I neared the front door."

"Have you plans for us?"

"For now, I thought I'd go with you to your rooms."

"My rooms? Not yours?"

"Is it presumptuous of me to assume you'll be spending fewer nights in your bedroom over summer?"

"Are you asking for more frequent 'sleepovers'? I suppose we don't need to limit them to the weekends, do we?"

"No, my dear, we do not. I imagined that we'd spend, well, every night together if you're willing. I've found the bed feels barren without you."

"Oh, every night, Albus? Now that is presumptuous," Minerva said, raising an eyebrow. "Well, if you think I'd like to spend all my nights with you, then you've presumed correctly." Her smile broadened. "Your rooms feel more like home than my own."

Albus stepped down a stair to equalize his height with Minerva's. He leaned in close to her face and whispered, "Would you like to move in with me? For the summer?" He added the last part quickly.

"Have you asked to go to my rooms now so that I can pack a bag?"

"That's my hope."

"Then let's wait no longer. Come on, dear." Minerva bounded up the last few steps into the Entrance Hall.

"Coming!" He followed his partner inside.

As they headed toward Minerva's personal chambers, she decided to ask about the favor he'd requested of Aberforth.

"Did Aberforth ever do that favor for you?"

"Yes. Yes, he did."

"Does that mean you'll tell me what you've been planning?"

"Soon, my dear." Albus reached into his pockets as if to check that he hadn't forgotten something. "Very soon."

"You enjoy keeping me in suspense, don't you?"

"Sometimes."

Minerva rolled her eyes. "This is what I get for choosing a romantic, isn't it?"

"It certainly seems that way. Is that okay?"

"Sometimes."

Albus chuckled and laced his fingers with hers.

"Albus! We're in the corridors!"

"We're alone in the corridors," he pointed out. "Much of the staff have already left for summer, and the remaining are either drinking at The Three Broomsticks—I suspect—or already know about us, love."

"What about Severus? I didn't see him at the platform."

"Minerva, do you really think he'll come up from the dungeons if he doesn't have to?"

"I suppose not. He'd be risking a suntan."

Albus roared with laughter. "Oh, I love your humor, Min." He craned his neck to kiss her temple. "And I love you."

"Just the temple? I thought we were alone." They'd reached her door. She stopped, turned in front of him, and took his other hand. Standing on her toes, she brought her lips to his. "That's better. I love you, too."

"You're right; it is better." He looked up at the portrait behind Minerva and muttered the password. "It's still a secret, Godric."

"I shan't tell a soul," the painted Founder said and allowed them access to the Gryffindor Head's quarters.

"Thank you, Godric," Minerva said as they crossed through the portrait hole. As soon as the portal shut, she threw her arms around Albus. "We made it. I mean, I knew you would, but I—I didn't know if I'd make it through the school year. Yet here we are."

"Here we are: alive and together. It's certainly been a difficult school year, but I can't complain about all I've learned and gained."

"All you've learned? I thought we were the teachers."

"You know very well that we learn at least as much as teachers as we do as students," Albus said. "You have taught me, my love. You've challenged me, and you've humbled me. With you, I have learned to love generously, selflessly, unconditionally."

"I am sure I've challenged you, but otherwise, I think you give me too much credit."

"Well, I disagree. Aberforth wasn't wrong when he called me a 'selfish, pompous know-it all.' I did think I knew it all—that I always knew best way to do something, that I alone needed to be the one to lead the way. Had it not been for your close call, had you not let me try to support you in your recovery, then I might not have learned to accept that the 'Greatest Wizard of the Age' is indeed not great at everything."

"When you put it that way, it still is a bit pompous to refer to yourself as the 'Greatest Wizard of the Age,' no matter how many others might say it about you."

"I deserved that. Please continue to keep me humble, my dear. I don't ever want my ego to endanger those I love again."

"I'll do my best. You've helped me learn, too, of course. Thank you for teaching me that it's okay to ask for help. Thank you helping me learn to trust the ones I love, to believe that I can and deserve to be loved."

"Minerva, you don't know how glad I am to hear you say that. I am so happy and relieved that you've been feeling better. You deserve all the joy and love in the world, my dear."

"Such romantic hyperbole, Albus."

"There's more where that came from, but I'd argue that it's not hyperbole."

"Whatever you say." Minerva pulled back but kept her hands on Albus's arms; his were around her waist. "But speaking of Aberforth, will you tell me what you've got in store for me now?"

"Very, very soon. Go pack your things, and then I'll show you."

"'Show' me? Are you taking me somewhere? I thought you said you were going to propose what you wanted us to do first, and I could decline if I wanted!"

"Perhaps what I needed Aberforth to get for me is part of the 'proposal'; I'm not taking you anywhere right now. Have patience, my love."

Minerva squinted her eyes. "Fine. I'll just be a minute." She retreated to the bedroom.

Albus let out a breath and began to pace, his hands back in his pockets, his fingers fidgeting with the item he'd collected from his younger brother. Although he was sure he dropped quite a few hints, he really wanted some element of surprise, which was why he'd asked his brother to help him. As strained as his relationship was with Aberforth, he knew that he could trust him when it was important.

Sure, he'd previously enlisted Poppy's help for his Valentine's Day surprise, but that secret only needed to be kept for a week. Albus knew he ought to wait for the term to end, so someone needed to keep his plans under wraps for at least a month. While he also trusted Poppy, Pomona, and Rolanda, they regularly spent so much time with Minerva. There simply were more opportunities for them to slip.

Meanwhile, Minerva had opened her wardrobe and bureau, and she used her wand to send various articles of clothing into a travel bag. She gathered some things from the bathroom to toss in the bag, which could fit much more than its exterior size suggested. Looking around the room, she Summoned her Cleansweep Five, which was the last of her belongings to pack away.

"All right, I'm ready, Albus. I hope you are ready to wake up next to me every day for a whole summer."

"My dear, I am ready to wake up next to you every day for the rest of my life."

"Again with the romantic hyperbole, Albus?" she said as she shut her bag, cast a Featherweight Charm on it, and shrunk it to fit inside her robes pocket.

"It's not hyperbole."

Minerva rolled her eyes and walked into her sitting room, where she immediately stopped in her tracks. Before her knelt Albus, a small velvet box in hand, gazing up at her from one knee. His eyes shone brighter than she'd ever seen them, sparkling with hope, humility, and love.

"Minerva, my love, will you marry me?"

Author's Note: Thank you for reading, with many extra thanks to everyone who's reviewed, followed, or favorited this story. I left it alone for a long time, not sure where to go with it, and in the meantime, I did a lot of things in my life. I hope that you've enjoyed the ride, and as you might be able to tell, I am in the mood to write something a bit brighter. I've outlined the sequel to this story, and now it is a matter of getting it started. (I have pieces here and there written that are likely to appear in the middle, but I have to start you all off at the beginning, of course!)