A/N: Enjoy!

For the disclaimer, please see the prologue.

Chapter Thirty-Seven: December 1946

Minerva rolled over in the bed she shared with Aidan, groaning. Aidan had already lovingly brought her to orgasm four times that evening, but for some reason, the arousal resting heavily in her lower belly would not abate. She reached over and grasped his arm, trying to pull him closer. When he didn't budge, she sighed, "Aidan, please?"

"Min, I love you, but I need sleep," Aidan moaned, throwing a pillow over his face. "What's gotten into you?"

"Are you actually complaining about me wanting to have sex with you?" She flopped onto her side and propped her head in her hand. "I'll be sure to remember that."

"Min." He removed the pillow and chucked it off the bed so he could roll over and kiss her hard. "It's not that, and you know it. It's just been a long day with work—I didn't get home until half-past seven, and I'm expected to be there early again tomorrow." Aidan looked at the clock and groaned. "In six hours, in fact."

"You're right. I'm merely feeling...dissatisfied."

"That's not quite what I want to hear after the night we've had, for future reference."

"Not like that," Minerva sighed, lightly smacking his chest. "More like I could go for hours. I don't know what's going on with me."

"Did you read a particularly racy book lately? Or see something that you shouldn't have?"

"No, why?"

"I thought perhaps something had triggered this," Aidan said, shrugging. "It's like someone inhabited your body or something. Normally you prefer to keep our weeknights on the PG side."

Minerva shot up like a rocket. "That's it!"

"What, someone else has entered your body? I know there's Polyjuice Potion, but that sounds like you've been dabbling in some dark magic." Aidan took her chin in his hand and grasped it gently. "Are you feeling all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Minerva shook her head. Aidan's words made her remember that, in fact, there was someone to whom she was always connected. She felt like an idiot for not recognizing the signs of the bond before. Her face paled as she realized that Albus was most likely engaging in his own evening of sexual activities. In fact, Minerva was slightly embarrassed to think that Albus had, in some way or the other, felt every sexual encounter that had occurred between herself and Aidan. Now, her mind centered on one particular question: who was Albus seeing?

"Are you really okay? You look like you've walked through a ghost," Aidan frowned. "Do you have some sort of weird flu that makes you horny?"

Minerva allowed herself a light laugh. "No, dearest, I'm fine." She gave him a quick peck as if to prove it. "I'm sure I'll be fine in the morning."

If Albus could only exert some self-control, she thought.

"Next time, try to come down with this on a night where I don't have to fight evil the next morning, all right?" Aidan teased.

She whacked him over the head with her own pillow.

That weekend, Minerva was at Lucy and Callum's. Minerva's mother had taken the girls up north for a few hours, so Callum and Aidan had decided to take the opportunity to watch one of Ro's games. It left Minerva and Lucy a few quiet hours during which they could plan their Christmas party. After her realization about their bond, Minerva had a sudden interest in acquiring an invite for Albus.

"Now that we have the menu completed, we should concentrate on how many people will be eating it. Who exactly is coming to this Christmas dinner, anyway?" Minerva asked casually.

"Obviously, it will be us and the girls, you and Aidan, and Ro and Poppy. I actually wanted to ask you about the guest list," Lucy sighed. "I told Callum that we clearly have to invite Albus, given that we see him regularly—"

"I'm fine with that!"

"I know you are, Min," Lucy soothed. "But apparently, Albus wouldn't be coming alone. He has started seeing a woman named Violet, and would like to introduce her to us. To his credit, he realized it may be awkward, but he had already promised Violet he'd spend Christmas with her." Lucy gave Minerva a scrutinizing once-over. "Would you be okay with that, or would you prefer we give him the boot?"

"Yes, I'm fine with it," Minerva said definitively. She wanted to meet this woman, and if her curiosity turned out to be the death of her, so be it. "I'm happy with Aidan, and if Albus is happy, I'll be glad for him."

"And you don't just want to check out your replacement?"

"Of course I do," Minerva said honestly, rolling her eyes. "But he is still my friend, and it would be nice to show our support."

"All right, then," Lucy responded. "We'll welcome Albus and Violet here for our Christmas party. No funny business, Min."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that I don't want you interrogating Violet. Even when it's not your intention, you can come off a bit...blunt."

"Lucy, I can handle myself," Minerva bristled. "I will treat her the same way I would treat anyone else."

"I know, Min, but I want you to prepare yourself." Lucy looked into Minerva's eyes and smiled softly. "You may think it will be as easy as flying a broom to see Albus with someone new, but even if you're happy with Aidan, it may be a bit of a shock."

"What are you trying to say, Lucy? I'm not in the mood for subtlety."

"That you need to either tell Aidan about your history with Albus, or you need to have enough control of your emotions so that he won't piece it together. Aidan is intelligent, Min. He'll catch on if you act like the envious ex, and he won't appreciate being put in that position."

Minerva paused and considered her sister-in-law's words. "You think I should tell him?"

"Yes," Lucy responded gently. "Yes, because I think you need to officially close the door on your relationship with Albus. And Aidan, well..."

"Well what?"

"He really, truly loves you, Min," Lucy said hesitantly. "He deserves the truth. He can handle it, but it will hurt him more the longer you keep it hidden."

"I know," Minerva breathed. "It's merely...a lot to think about."

"Tell him before Christmas so he is prepared," Lucy advised. "I know it's hard, but if you and Aidan want to have a proper go at a future, you won't want this to be the rock that upsets your foundation."

"I should tell him tonight," Minerva murmured. "I think I'll head home and prepare myself. Perhaps I'll write a confession."

"Min," Lucy warned, "you don't need to take it quite that far."

"Can you tell Aidan to meet me at home as soon as they're back from the game?" Minerva asked, standing. "And, Luce?"

"Yes?"

"Please don't owl Albus until after I've spoken to Aidan."

"Of course, Min. I think that's a smart idea." Lucy nodded. She threw her arms around Minerva. "You're not doing this because I forced you into it, are you?"

"Well, yes," Minerva laughed lightly, "but also because I happen to think you're right."

"You should go before your mother gets back," Lucy suggested, walking with Minerva to the door. "Otherwise, you won't have an opportunity to calm your nerves."

"She'll make me lose my nerve, more like," Minerva muttered. "Thank you."

"Of course, hon. Owl me in the morning, and I'll deal with Albus accordingly. "

Minerva left, and two and a half hours later, Aidan returned to the flat he shared with Minerva and found her on the couch nursing one glass of her family's whisky. A second glass sat untouched on the table, evidently for him.

"Are you all right, Min?" Aidan asked, concerned. "Lucy told me I should come straight home."

"I'm fine." Minerva waved her hand dismissively. "Come and sit. Have a drink."

"Why would I need a drink?" Aidan sat beside her. "Merlin, Min, what's going on here?"

"I merely had my stupidity remarked upon today," she sighed. "I have been remiss in something, and I need to correct my mistake."

"You've never been stupid in your life."

"You say that now," Minerva murmured. "Before I tell you this, I want you to know how much I love you. You mean the world to me, Aidan."

"I know. I feel the same way." Aidan peered into her eyes. "What do you think would change that?"

"Do you remember what we talked about at the hospital?" Minerva continued anxiously, as though he hadn't spoken. "I want a future with you, and in order to do that, I need to be honest with you."

"What are you so worried about, Min?" It can't be that—"

"The identity of my mystery boyfriend," she blurted, "is Albus. I was dating Albus."

Aidan's face froze, then fell, and then contorted itself into a picture of confusion. "Please say that again, and confirm that you're not joking."

"I'm not joking when I tell you that Albus was my so-called mystery boyfriend," Minerva answered nervously.

"More, Minerva. I need more than that."

"What do you want to know?"

"I need details."

"Okay, um," Minerva paused, thinking. "Albus and I started dating shortly after you and I finished at Hogwarts."

"Finished as in graduated?" Aidan saw her eyes widen, and he sighed deeply. "One chance to tell me the truth, Min."

"We hadn't graduated yet," Minerva whispered, telling the truth for the first time since Lavinia Prewett had discovered her secret. She felt tears prickle at the edge of her eyes. "I had finished my exams, but it was before our actual graduation ceremony."

"If memory serves, that means you either began your relationship the night after Charlotte died, which would mean Albus took advantage of your grief, or...or you would have been with Albus when she died." Aidan met her gaze, and she felt a shiver run through her when she saw he was also tearing up.

"I was with Albus when Charlotte died," she sobbed, finally breaking down. "I truly was supposed to stay with him only so he could watch my magical core. I needed supervision for medical reasons; honestly, that's how it started. It was him or Slughorn, and then things developed..." She trailed off. "Please, Aidan, what are you thinking?"

"I'll never be able to forgive him for taking advantage of you." Aidan shook his head. "To think I idolized that man!"

"He didn't take advantage of me, Aidan. Whatever else you may believe, know that it was my idea that night."

"Even still, Min, he should have known better. How many times have we been on the field and had to make decisions that pitted our hearts against our ethics? Some of us abide by our moral code," Aidan spat. "What happened after that?"

"We dated during the war, and broke it off at the start of this summer. On the day of my graduation, to be precise." Minerva took one of his hands and gripped it between hers. "We broke it off—I broke it off. He didn't want me in the field—he didn't want me to do exactly what I'm doing now."

"Which is what?"

"My job, Aidan! He always wanted me to put him before anything else, and he wasn't willing to do the same for me. I knew I wasn't happy, but I didn't realize how happy I could be until we became us. What are you," she searched his face, "what are you thinking?"

"I'm wondering why you're telling me now," Aidan answered quietly. "You could have told me at any point in the last two years, and now you're having an attack of conscience?"

"He wouldn't let me tell anyone." Her voice was quiet. "He thought that if anyone knew, I would be at risk. He wasn't entirely wrong about that, either; however, that's his story to share, not mine."

"Does anyone else know?"

"Callum and Lucy," Minerva admitted. "Callum discovered us, and Albus felt after that that it would be best to tell Lucy. He didn't want Callum to be keeping a secret on his behalf."

"Okay, and again, Min: why now?" His voice was soft.

"Because it doesn't feel right to keep it from you anymore," Minerva said simply. "Not when I want to build our future together, especially."

"And what was the impetus? I know you, Min, something happened to make you realize this is what you wanted."

Minerva sighed, "Lucy informed me that Albus would be bringing his new girlfriend to the Christmas party, and I suppose I realized that you might pick up on any awkwardness."

"Well, thank you for telling me." Aidan wearily rubbed his forehead. "Merlin, what a mess. I suppose this is why you and Albus have been avoiding each other."

"Yes, it is," Minerva agreed. She searched his face and wasn't quite sure what she saw. After nearly a decade of knowing him, she still couldn't decipher his expression, and that scared her. "Are we...all right? You don't hate me or anything, do you?"

"I don't hate you, Min. I'm confused, and I think I'm angry, and I also think it's hilarious to think that you—our Head Girl—dated a professor," Aidan chuckled morosely. "I feel a lot right now."

"Hilarious." Minerva rolled her eyes. "Are you angry with me?"

"I'm angry at Albus. I'm confused as to why it took you so long to tell me once we started seeing each other. But," Aidan continued quickly, sensing that she wanted to jump in, "I appreciate that you did. I know how hard that must have been. It might just take me a couple of days to digest it all."

"I'm sorry, Aidan, truly."

"I know. But I'm glad you told me before we got married, or had five kids, or anything like that," Aidan laughed. "Is there anything else I need to know about?"

Minerva had thought earlier about the pros and cons of divulging to Aidan that she was soul-bonded to Albus, but she had decided against it. That, she had reasoned with herself, was a decision that she needed to make with Albus. "No, Aidan. That's everything."

"Good. I couldn't handle much more." He finally took a swig of his drink and looked at her carefully. "I'll be fine, don't worry. This is just...a lot."

"What should I tell Lucy about Christmas, Aidan?" Minerva asked hesitantly. "She needs to give Albus an answer."

"Oh, let him come," Aidan shrugged. "I don't see an issue with it, honestly. It may be awkward, but he has his own relationship now, and I have you. I'm presuming you are no longer in love with him?"

"Just as a friend, Aidan."

"Then that's settled. Tell Lucy to invite him, and we'll see if I end up punching that big nose of his when he arrives."

"Aidan!"

It had taken Aidan a few days to stop muttering about Albus under his breath, but all in all, Minerva thought that their conversation had gone relatively well. It was that thought that buoyed her spirits as they sat waiting for Albus and Violet to arrive for the party. Everyone else had already arrived, including Poppy and Ro.

"I can't believe Albus is bringing a date." Ro shook her head admiringly. "I can't believe he's still dating at that age, to be truthful."

"Ro!" Poppy admonished. "You can find love at any age."

"Yeah, but at some point, you'd reckon that he would have given up, cloistered away inside Hogwarts," Ro shrugged. "Do we know anything about this Violet character?"

"They met in London," Callum said. "I believe she is a born and raised Londoner. That's all I know."

"Well, we do know one more thing." Lucy looked nervously at Callum. "Tonight, we promised Albus we wouldn't mention anything magical at all. So no talking about work, all right?"

"Why?" Aidan looked at the couple. "That's ridiculous. Unless..."

"It turns out that Violet is a Muggle," Callum said finally.

"She's a Muggle?" Minerva asked, shocked.

"That's a hell of a thing for you both to know and leave out," Aidan chuckled. "That's quite the surprise."

"What's wrong with that?" Poppy shook her head. "It's a bit strange for a deputy headmaster of a magic school, though. Where the hell does she think he works?"

"That is a very good question," Minerva responded. "In fact, I have a lot of questions."

"Yeah, so do I," Ro chimed in. "For starters, what the hell am I supposed to tell her I do for a living? Run around on a broom?"

"I just...don't get it," Minerva wondered.

"What don't you get?" Aidan asked, somewhat tersely.

"He's one of the most powerful, well-known wizards in the world, and he can't tell his partner about any of that. That sounds odd, don't you think?" Minerva looked around at her friends and caught sight of Lucy's warning gaze. "I suppose if they're happy, though, that's all that matters."

A knock on the door precluded anyone else from adding commentary.

"I'll get it," Callum murmured, and they all sat in silence until Callum had gone to the door and returned with the remaining members of their party.

Minerva gave Violet a once-over and knew instantly that she was the exact opposite of herself. Violet wore a blonde bob that framed her face, her almond eyes showcasing her nerves. She looked to be in her early thirties, and Minerva could already tell that Violet was far more timid than herself.

"Hi, everyone. This is Violet. Violet, this is, well, everyone," Albus chuckled, and Minerva could hear a slight tremor of anxiety in his voice.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Lucy said warmly, shaking Violet's hand. "I'm Lucy McGonagall. You've already met my husband, Callum, and our daughters are sleeping in the nursery. You'll probably hear them cry later tonight."

"Oh, that's fine. I love children," Violet smiled. "I'm a nanny."

"Don't blame me if I ask for your services this evening," Callum joked. "This is Poppy and her partner, Ro, and finally, this is my sister Minerva and her partner, Aidan."

"It's lovely to have you here," Minerva said softly. "We've been looking forward to meeting you."

"I've been excited to meet all of you! Albus has told me so much about you. I love that he kept in touch with his former students. Not everyone takes such a personal interest in their students," Violet replied.

"And thank Merlin for that," Aidan muttered, earning an elbow to the ribs from Minerva.

"So, Albus told you that he's a teacher?" Ro asked, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "What has he told you about the school?"

"Ro!" Poppy hissed.

"It's a school for gifted children, up in the north of Scotland. He took me to see it; the architecture is stunning."

"You've seen it?" Callum asked bewilderedly, forgetting himself. "Really?"

"Of course I took her to see it," Albus intervened. "She saw the vines wrapped around the red brick walls and fell in love."

Minerva understood instantly. There was a small, mainly Muggle village a few kilometres away from Hogsmeade. Within it, there was the Kilgraston School for the Gifted, and it looked much like the school Albus had described.

"Well, of course she did. Kilgraston is beautiful," Minerva said, and Albus shot her a grateful look. "Shall we eat?"

The group enjoyed a somewhat stilted yet still enjoyable dinner of roast turkey, Yorkshire pudding and a rather expensive cabernet sauvignon that Albus and Violet had brought. They were discussing post-war Muggle politics when they were interrupted by Iolanthe.

"Mama?" The toddler whispered tiredly, rubbing her eyes.

"Oh, dear," Lucy smiled. "She'll need me to put her back to bed; excuse me for a moment."

"No!" Iolanthe cried as Lucy made to pick her up. "Minnie and Aw-bus!"

"Iolanthe, no. I will take you to bed."

"Minnie! Aw-bus!" She promptly burst into tears.

Albus and Minerva looked at each other awkwardly. She looked at Aidan, and when he nodded his blessing, Minerva said, "Don't worry, Luce. We can take her. Come, Mira, let's get you to bed, all right?"

Iolanthe took her aunt's hand and nodded. "Bed with Minnie!"

Minerva looked behind her towards Albus. "Coming, Albus?"

"Yes, of course," he murmured. Albus turned to Violet and added, "I'll be back in a tick."

The two walked silently to the girls' room, and Iolanthe jumped onto her bed. Minerva tucked her niece in softly and went to leave, but a little hand held hers tightly.

"Stay 'til I sleep," Iolanthe said firmly, closing her eyes. "Minnie and Aw-bus stay."

"We can do that, little one," Albus whispered. "We're here."

There was an awkward silence for a moment until Minerva said quietly, "I like Violet. She's very nice."

"Yes, she is. Smart, too, and she's quite sociable. I think even Aberforth has taken a liking to her."

"She met Aberforth," Minerva murmured, more to herself. She now understood what Lucy had meant; even though she was no longer in love with Albus, the thought of Albus bringing Violet to their room at the Hog's Head bothered her. "How did you get her into Hogsmeade?"

Albus raised an eyebrow. "I didn't. I took her to our family home, and Aberforth came for dinner."

"Oh," Minerva said, shaking her head at herself, "of course. Callum said you met in London?"

"Yes, at the cinema. She quite literally ran into me." Albus smiled at the memory. "I'm glad you like her."

"Of course. As long as she treats you well, you'll hear no argument from me," Minerva said firmly.

"I'm glad to hear it." Albus looked intently at Minerva. "We'll be all right, won't we? I sincerely hope that now that we're both happy, we can still be friends."

"You have always been my friend, Albus."

"Good. I know it can be awkward, what with our bond and all, but I believe we can make it work. I do my best to ignore whatever feelings come through—feelings of significant danger notwithstanding—and I don't intentionally invade on your private life."

Her face flushed. "So you are aware of the bond's...side effects."

"I've been aware ever since you started seeing Aidan," Albus sighed. "Truthfully, I was glad to remember that our bond was at work; otherwise, I would need to wonder why I wanted to kiss Armando."

"Oh, my," Minerva snorted. "Well, I'm glad you recognized it for what it was."

"I am as well. I want you to know that Nicolas and I are still researching soul bonds. We're attempting to find a way to mitigate our feelings. I think we'd both be more comfortable if we felt that our lives were truly our own. And," he added, "I know you're not keen on using our bond as a case study, so Perenelle and Nicolas have become our proverbial guinea pigs."

"Thank you. I appreciate that." Minerva looked down at her niece, who was finally drifting off. "Could I make one more request?"

"Of course."

"While this evening has been pleasant enough, I would like it if you took some time off from spending so much time with my family. I told Aidan about us, and while I believe he has come to terms with it, I want to give him the space he needs," Minerva said. "I want him to be able to be himself without feeling like you're always in the shadows. He hasn't asked me to ask you this, but it feels like the right thing to do."

"Perhaps it's better if I don't come to the New Year's Eve soirée, then." Albus looked at her with a sad but steely gaze. "You're right: I should take some time to separate my social life from that of your family. I should focus on Violet's family."

"That might be for the best," Minerva agreed quietly.

"I'm sorry we came tonight, Minerva."

Minerva shook her head. "Don't be. We are all your friends, and we wanted to meet her. Although," she raised an eyebrow, "I'm quite shocked you're involved with a Muggle."

"Why?"

"I would have thought that after witnessing my parents' marriage, you would understand the pitfalls of a relationship with a Muggle."

"I'm surprised at you. You know as well as I that I can tell Violet about the wizarding world anytime I choose."

"But you haven't—"

"Minerva, if our friendship is going to work, you need to stay out of my relationship."

"Of course," Minerva breathed. "Forgive me."

"Already done," Albus replied, a tinge of steel in his voice. "I'm truly sorry I brought her tonight."

"Albus, like I said, it's fine. And, for what it's worth, I take responsibility for my part in this. This is not your burden to bear alone."

"My dear?"

"You should probably not call me that anymore," Minerva murmured. "Truthfully, I knew about Violet, and I told Lucy I was comfortable with you both coming."

"Dare I ask why?"

"Part of me wanted to meet Violet, see who you were with," she admitted. "Another part of me wanted to be able to discuss our bond with you, and another, well...I wanted to prove to myself that we could both be happy in different relationships."

"I am happy," Albus responded softly. He certainly wasn't unhappy, and he didn't want his not-quite-happy-but-not-quite-unhappy truth to cast a shadow over Minerva. She was evidently glowing, and she deserved every bit of happiness she could get. If that's all Albus would be able to provide for her, he would do it.

Not happily, but not unhappily, either.

"I'm glad to hear that," Minerva said. "Now, it looks like this little one has finally drifted off. Shall we head back out?"

Later that night, when everyone had returned home and Aidan and Minerva were settled in their bed, Minerva pulled herself closer to him, burrowing herself into his chest.

"Min?" Aidan murmured.

"I love you, Aidan. That's all."

The New Year's Eve party was a smaller affair, only comprising of Lucy, Callum, Aidan, and Minerva. Ro and Poppy were attending a Harpies team party, which sounded positively dreadful to Minerva.

"Callum's running late," Lucy apologized as she opened the door to Minerva and Aidan.

"Where's he running from on New Year's Eve?" Aidan asked.

"Work," Lucy grimaced.

"We weren't told about a meeting or anything of the sort today," Minerva frowned, exchanging glances with Aidan. "What happened?"

"I don't know," Lucy sighed wearily. "All I know is he was supposed to be gone for an hour, and we're going on hour four now."

"Lucy! We could have come over earlier to help!" Minerva admonished. "Which niece of mine should I take?"

"Aoife is sleeping, but if you could occupy Iolanthe while I finish dinner, that would be wonderful," Lucy said.

"Of course," Minerva tutted. "Come here, darling Mira."

"Minnie!" Iolanthe yelled happily, toddling over to her aunt. "Minnie play!"

"All right, all right," Minerva laughed. She picked her niece up and spun her around. "Aidan, are you coming?"

"I think I'll help Lucy with dinner," Aidan said, heading into the kitchen. "I want to talk to her about something."

"All right, then," Minerva said, somewhat surprised. Her eyes narrowed. "What are you up to?"

"Nothing!" Aidan protested. "I just want to talk to Lucy!"

"Your godfather is acting very weird, Iolanthe," Minerva stage-whispered. "He's very, very weird."

Iolanthe merely giggled and pulled her aunt over to her toys.

Just as Lucy was about to announce that dinner was ready, Callum came through the door.

"Sorry I'm late, everyone," Callum apologized. "Work was insane." He looked at Lucy. "I think I may need to go in tomorrow, as well."

"Why haven't Aidan or I been called into these meetings?" Minerva asked, her arms crossed against her chest.

"They wanted one person from each crew," Callum explained. "Amelia is the most senior person on your team, Aidan, so she's been involved."

"Can you tell us anything?" Aidan looked at Minerva. "We respect it if you can't, but..."

"Before you three turn into work mode on me," Lucy interrupted, "take some champagne, will you? Let's toast to the new year."

"I'm worried that next year won't bring all laughter and cheer," Callum sighed, taking the proffered glass. "We now officially have evidence to believe that there's a group of dark wizards running amuck."

"What kind of group?" Aidan asked, leaning in. "What are we dealing with?"

"We don't know exactly," Callum answered. "All we know is that the attacks in Manchester have been linked to attacks in Bath and Glasgow. Given that the victims were all unsuspecting Muggles..."

"We can assume these wizards have decided to act on some of Grindelwald's manifesto," Minerva finished. "Merlin."

"Bad things are on the horizon," Callum said. "All we can do is our best to find those responsible, and catch them."

"What a cheery thought," Lucy muttered. "Well, to our safety and health, then." She raised her glass, and the others followed suit. "Min, we have a surprise for you out on the balcony."

"What kind of surprise?" Minerva raised an eyebrow. "Is this what you two were plotting?"

"Perhaps," Aidan laughed. "Think of it as a late Christmas present."

"All right, show me," Minerva said, allowing Aidan to take her hand and lead her outside.

The balcony was outfitted in beautiful white lights, with holly and green leaves woven around the railing. Minerva could see mistletoe hanging cheekily in the corner, and there was an ice sculpture in the corner that looked suspiciously familiar.

"Is that the same ice sculpture from our very first Slug Club Christmas party?" Minerva asked, laughing. "Actually, this entire balcony looks exactly like that party."

"I thought it would be nice to recreate our very first date," Aidan said, a smile playing across his lips.

"I seem to recall us firmly saying that it was not a date," Minerva chuckled. "What a wonderful surprise, Aidan. Thank you." She kissed him softly and wrapped herself in his arms, content.

"Do you remember when you broke up with Michael on New Year's Eve?" Aidan asked her quietly, ruining Minerva's silent bliss.

"Yes. Why on earth would you ask me that?" Minerva narrowed her eyes. "He's not here, is he?"

"No," Aidan laughed. "No, he's not. But I remember how sad you were that day, and I remember telling Charlotte that I'd have to make sure that the rest of your years started with a laugh and a smile."

"Is that so?" Minerva smirked. "And you just happened to think that we'd be together every December 31st for the rest of our lives?"

"I'd ask you to call me clairvoyant, but I know you hate divination," Aidan teased. His face softened. "But, perhaps, I always knew that you and I were meant to be together."

"That's a good line."

"It's not a line, Min." As if to prove it, he shocked her by releasing her from his hold and getting down on one knee. "I'm trying to be romantic here."

"Oh, holy shit," Minerva gasped as she realized what was happening. "Aidan..."

"Now, that's the surprised face I was looking for." He grinned up at her. "Minerva, you have been my very best friend since the moment we arrived at Hogwarts. We've seen the best and the worst of each other, we went to war, and we dated other people. We've finished school and started our careers, and despite all of the upheaval, the only constant in my world has been that you have been my very best friend.

"I know you were shocked when I asked you to that Ministry ball," Aidan grinned wryly, "but I was honestly more shocked that it had taken me that long to figure out that we should try being together. Although, I suppose I could wonder why you hadn't thought of us getting together. After all, I'm pretty spectacular."

"Aidan," Minerva laughed. "You're proposing to me, remember? Not the other way around."

"As with most things, you're right. And when I'm wrong, I love that it's you correcting me. So, what do you say, McG?"

"To what? You haven't exactly asked me anything, Scrimgeour." She tossed her head back and laughed. "You're not too great at this, dearest."

"Well, I'm not planning on doing this twice," Aidan grumbled. "All right, then Min: will you marry me?"

"Happily," Minerva answered.

"Really?"

"Yes," she laughed. "Did you think I'd say no?"

"No one ever really knows with you," Aidan shrugged. He held up his hand before she could retort. "Can I put this ring on your finger now?"

"Oh, go on, then." He slid it on her finger, and Minerva held her hand up, inspecting it. It was a simple gold band with a small diamond, and she had never loved anything more. "Aidan, it's perfect, truly."

Aidan stood and lifted Minerva into his arms, spinning her around. "I love you, Minerva."

"And I love you, Aidan." She poked his side so he would release her. "Shall we go share our good news with everyone?"

"If you wish," Aidan chuckled. He frowned for a moment. "You're not going to subject me to a large family wedding, are you?"

Minerva rose an eyebrow. "That would necessitate inviting your dear cousin Katrina. I think a small wedding would be more apropos."

"Merlin, I love you even more now," Aidan answered. He took her hand. "Are you ready, future ?"

"Ah." Minerva pulled him back. "I want to stay Minerva McGonagall. In homage to Lavinia Prewett."

"Who is Lavinia Prewett? Wait, like Madam Prewett? Is she married?"

"Yes, Madam Prewett, and yes, she is. Don't ask to whom, because I won't tell you," Minerva smirked. "Is that all right?"

"Is it all right if you stay my McG forever?" Aidan grinned and kissed her forehead. "I can't think of anything better."