hmmmm...i see some of you haven't been reading my notes up at the top of
this page. But for those who hopefully will seek there answers upon the
top, here they are. Greg, (professor Talaris) is the DADA teacher, and
head of ravenclaw. This story takes place probably around 5 or 6 years
after Minerva starts teaching, and yes, the marauders are present. I
haven't decided what year they're in...probably one of the later ones, but
I ask, does it TRULY matter?
*****************************************
six days:
"Albus, I'm sorry, but I can't be your wife. I'm hopelessly inlove with Greg, I'm sorry if I ever led you on, but you just looked like fun to tease. Please forgive me?" she stared at him, a smile on her face. She had that smile again, a teasing one, as he had finally figured out. "Please?" she draped her arms lightly around his neck, just showing enough of her dazzling eyes to keep him wanting.
"Minerva...I, I can't let you. I need you."
"We all need things. You make me happy when I'm near. Greg makes me feel wanted. We all have our strengths, I choose the man with more of it," she whispered even softer this time. "It was fun, but it wasn't what I needed."
Right there, that moment, for the first time in his life, he began to cry. Right infront of her, just waiting for some sympathetic reaction. He had nothing left.
All of a sudden a horrid, almost inhuman sound hit his ears. He no longer lay on the ground crying, he lay on the ground panting, searching for a way to escape the sound. All at once he saw Minerva, then nothing but darkness. Albus started to come into focus...
"Fawkes," he whispered.
The bird walked along Albus's shoulders, then sat next to his head, and wiped the tears off of Albus's cheek with his own head. He let out a small squawk, and sat, eyes wide open staring at his master.
"Good Lord, I was crying," Albus began to speak in an undertone voice, "Why had that seemed so real? That, that was only a dream, right Fawkes?" He asked, only to set his troubled thoughts at ease.
He cooed gently as a response.
"I'm going berserk over her. It...oh Fawkes! It's hopeless. I saw them together, it's just...I thought I was starting to get close. I thought...," Albus stopped mid-sentence, and lightning seemed to come across his eyes, "that dirty double crosser."
******************************************
Minerva didn't have much of a time sleeping. She woke up time and time again that evening. Finally deciding to get up by the tenth time, also known as four o'clock, she marched quietly through the halls to get some grading done in her office. She ran across the ghosts, Peeves more than once. On the sixth time, she finally decided to tell him to buzz off.
"Peeves, could you please leave me alone? You know, I could get you thrown out of this dump faster than you can set off a pack of stink bombs."
"That may be so, but rumor at the castle is that you're in a whole lot of trouble."
"Tell me Peeves," she stopped to eye him with a skeptical look, "why would I be getting into trouble?"
"Word is that you're pulling too men around, with one leash. Very naughty, Miss McGonagall...or is it Mrs. Dumbledore? Or maybe Mrs. Talaris yet?"
She stared at him, quickly becoming angry. She held her restraint, which was awfully hard for one who got less than five hours of sleep in one night. "First of all Peeves, you will call me PROFESSOR, and secod of all, who in this God forsaken place told you ANY of that?!"
"Finders keepers, losers weepers," he cackled, as he flew away for the final time.
"Peeves get your ghostly self back here before I...I...I..." she stopped mid-sentence, the screaming was getting too much for her...this whole scenario was getting to be too much for her, already, and it had only been a day!
She piled into her office, wanting nothing more than to transfigure a punching bag, and beat the stuffing out of it. Of course...she didn't happen to be the only one to see Peeves that morning. What with certain students up and about on days like that.
********************************************
Greg woke up happily that morning, feeling happier than he had in a long time. He smiled at the thought of her sweet skin, just lying there like an open book. "Ahhh...he sighed," she may not be wanting me now, but by the time Christmas is over...she will," he whispered softly, "she will."
*******************************************
Minerva sat quietly at the staff table, feeling the headache throbbing through her brain. She clasped her hand to her head, begging to stay focussed. She waited impatiently as the mail arrived. Not that she usually got any, it just gave her something to look forward to, something to think about.
A tawny owl came and dropped a letter right infront of her. She jumped back from her chair at the surprise, being the most enthusiastic thing she had done all morning. She stared at the seal on the letter. It had the Hogwarts symbol on it, obviously from one of the teachers. She let out a groan, and slipped her fingers between the folds. The letter was on pink partchment, or was it red? She couldn't quite tell between her headache, and the unusual colors. The letter slipped out, and she read it,
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?
FOREVER YOURS,
GREG
She looked next to her, and saw him smiling. She rolled her eyes, and turned to him. "Number one, we're not supposed to ask people that we drew, and number two, I'm not supposed to know that you even have me."
"I know. I didn't draw you. I want to know so I can get it for you. Much better than whatever Dumbledore's going to get you."
"Dumbledore? You mean Albus?"
"Yeah," he saw Minerva twinge at the language, "he drew you. He's the one who's stressing over it, of course, he doesn't have a clue what to get you. So I thought I may do the charitable thing this Christmas and give you a special present."
"And what pray-tell would that be?"
"Whatever you want," he raised an eyebrow, and his smile looked adorably wonderful with his unshaved chin.
"I'm afraid I don't need anything."
"That's not what I asked," he said, as he moved in closer to Minerva. His hand came gently on her thigh, which sent unwanted tingles up and down her spine, "I asked what do you WANT."
She stared at him, feeling shivers run all across her body. Lord, she didn't want to feel attracted to him. She didn't want to feel his hands on her...but she couldn't help but feel the way she did. She needed someone, plain as that. No one wanted to be alone on Christmas. 'Think of something else, Minerva. You don't have to let him treat you like this.' she took in a deep breath, and glared. "I don't want anything, nor do I need anything from you. Let me be."
"Fine," he whispered.
Oh how she wished he wouldn't do that. It reminded her of things that she hadn't thought of in years...well, not seriously anyhow. Visions danced through her mind, simple ones, though perhaps slightly erotic. Just a flash of linen, then bare skin, then the fire. She found herself staring into his dreamy eyes. Feeling her breath quicken with every word. 'It's the headache Minerva, remember that...THE HEADACHE. Don't let him twist your thoughts.'
"Please, don't talk to me again about Christmas or anything related, alright?"
"Why not? Is Minerva trying to hide from the truth?"
She knew she shouldn't answer, just ignore him. Just stay away from his thoughts that were quickly invading her own private world. But it wasn't that simple, she knew, and he knew. But she had to answer. "What is the truth, might I ask?"
"You're attracted to me. You try to hold it off, but you know, very deep down that you want nothing more than a nice, strong body by you at night. This is where the beauty of it is you see, I am attracted to you. And I want nothing more than a warm," he stopped, obviously trying to find the right word, "pleasurable woman next to me at night."
"You don't know what I want Greg. What I want, is someone that will stand by me, not play with my emotions everyday and every waking hour," she said with a newfound courage.
"I'm not playing with your emotions, I'm merely pointing out your options."
"Perhaps," she said in a low tone, "if they are options as you call them, then give me time to choose what I want."
"Fair enough."
She could see the smile twitching at his lips. She knew she was giving in, abiding time...she knew that he knew what she was doing. It didn't seem to work out like she had planned; or rather, didn't plan.
She nodded curtly, and left the staff table to go to her classroom so she could correct some of the students winter essays...she had no other defense than to hide, to PLAN.
There in the lighted room she felt safe, she felt secure. If there was one thing she knew how to be, it was cast out from the world. She wasn't a recluse or anything of the sort, she just simply enjoyed having her privacy, simple as that. Perhaps that was why she chose to be a teacher, and avoid all the rumors that seemed to pass through the ministry...at least at the castle, the rumors stayed within the walls. Where as at the ministry, well, they only got to be more amply fitted to the receptionists beliefs, and from there it set off.
She rolled her eyes in frustration. She didn't know what to do anymore. Greg was getting too close for his own good, and Albus walked in on that horrid display. And now Peeves seemed to know something about it. And God only knows what else what was instore for the winter holidays.
"Minerva," a low voice said.
She knew who it was, how could one mistake that deep voice of one Albus Dumbledore? "Albus," she whispered, a faint breath of air, "I...I didn't think you'd want to...I didn't think you'd talk to me."
"I always want to talk to you. You make my days better by laughing. Have you not learned that by now?" he asked.
Minerva stared at him. There was something...different about him. His same blue eyes were there, just beckoning her, but they seemed to have lost their sparkle. Then she took notice of his clamped hands, as if he were pining to kill something. She looked up at him innocecently, and felt the temperature go down about ten degrees.
"I...I think I need to tell you what happened yesterday," she whispered, knowing that she had to confide in someone.
"You don't have to."
"Albus...it wasn't what it looked like. Honestly. I was getting ready for a bath, and then he came over and OH! He just started messing with my mind and making me react to things. I couldn't help it," she said desperatly, trying not to sound too anxious.
"Perhaps something is telling you to be with him then?"
"No," she shook her head dramaticallly, "I don't; I can't be with him."
"Why not? There obviously is some physical attraction."
"Albus," she stared at him. He wasn't being the caring man she knew he was. There was something in the simple way he held himself that suggested it. He couldn't help her. He only wanted to end that fiasco, and get on with life. "...I guess you're right."
He nodded, and made a smile. Again, it wasn't like his usual smile. It almost looked as if he had forced himself to make it. But why on Earth would he be doing that? "Anything you need Minerva?"
"No," she whispered.
He began to turn around and leave the room. For some odd reason, she felt an awkward wave of sadness at his leave. He hadn't seemd at all enthusiastic about her situation. Not that he really had a reason to act eager at the story, but he always at least took on the task of ACTING it. She stared as he left, feeling the warmth of their relationship slowly die towards a small glow.
************************************
'That's it old boy, she's taken. If would have just done something yesterday, ANYTHING! And she would have at least thought about it! Kissed her, held her hand, embraced her. Any of the following may have worked, but what did I do? "I'll save you a seat at dinner" Well, no more. I screwed up, and what happens for the billionth time in my life? It's taken away.'
Albus paced up towards his office, yelling out the password. "CHOCOLATE KISS!", and then slammed the door. "I'm such and IDIOT!"
"Quite right, but to add to the list, you've got the title of loser too."
Albus spun around, and stared by his fireplace. A dark figure was there, obviously waiting for him. "You, uh...sent me a very interesting letter Dumbledore. So I broke the rules and beat you...get over it."
"We had a deal Greg. You weren't supposed to go galavanting around her rooms and snog her to death. She's supposed to be my chance."
"Well you out beat it, didn't you? Just barely tripping over the finish line, giving me time to take the grand prize."
"I see you've become more philosophical since I last saw you Greg. But what in the hell do you think you're doing! NEW YEAR. You said you would not lay a hand on her until the new year! What is wrong with you!?"
"Nothing is wrong with me. Actually, my eyes are wide open. You're not good enough for her, so I merely took my chance."
"You backstabbing liar," he hissed.
"Backstabbing perhaps. But liar? Well, I guess that may be true. Perhaps I should have been in Slytherin? I'm not good enough for you Griffindor courage holders. But of course...I make my own rules when it comes to women."
"She isn't just any woman. She's...she's the greatest person I've ever met."
"That may be so. But she's still a woman...a very attractive woman, I might add."
"Shut up. If you dare hurt her, I swear I'll kill you."
"Not if I kill you first."
**************************************************************************** ******************************
you know what? I think I'm having too much fun with this story, is that possible? Neways, :-), Me thinks I shall end up with more chapters than I bargained for, but I shall try my best to get this done in the appropriate amount of time. I am very capable of fast typing, and fast thinking, therefor, if I do not finish this by Christmas...then you all have a right to hate me. Unfortunately, i can't promise anything more.
You ask which student heard Minerva and Peeves? Well, BWAHAHAHAHA, finders keepers. [naw, it'll be revealed hopefully in the next chapter.]
Well, now Albus has more of a problem than HE was hoping for now doesnt he? Death threats and all seems to be lost on the brink of Christmas?
And Minerva? Well...dilemmas are so fun to cope with. It will all turn out alright in the end...but due stay tuned until next time.
*****************************************
six days:
"Albus, I'm sorry, but I can't be your wife. I'm hopelessly inlove with Greg, I'm sorry if I ever led you on, but you just looked like fun to tease. Please forgive me?" she stared at him, a smile on her face. She had that smile again, a teasing one, as he had finally figured out. "Please?" she draped her arms lightly around his neck, just showing enough of her dazzling eyes to keep him wanting.
"Minerva...I, I can't let you. I need you."
"We all need things. You make me happy when I'm near. Greg makes me feel wanted. We all have our strengths, I choose the man with more of it," she whispered even softer this time. "It was fun, but it wasn't what I needed."
Right there, that moment, for the first time in his life, he began to cry. Right infront of her, just waiting for some sympathetic reaction. He had nothing left.
All of a sudden a horrid, almost inhuman sound hit his ears. He no longer lay on the ground crying, he lay on the ground panting, searching for a way to escape the sound. All at once he saw Minerva, then nothing but darkness. Albus started to come into focus...
"Fawkes," he whispered.
The bird walked along Albus's shoulders, then sat next to his head, and wiped the tears off of Albus's cheek with his own head. He let out a small squawk, and sat, eyes wide open staring at his master.
"Good Lord, I was crying," Albus began to speak in an undertone voice, "Why had that seemed so real? That, that was only a dream, right Fawkes?" He asked, only to set his troubled thoughts at ease.
He cooed gently as a response.
"I'm going berserk over her. It...oh Fawkes! It's hopeless. I saw them together, it's just...I thought I was starting to get close. I thought...," Albus stopped mid-sentence, and lightning seemed to come across his eyes, "that dirty double crosser."
******************************************
Minerva didn't have much of a time sleeping. She woke up time and time again that evening. Finally deciding to get up by the tenth time, also known as four o'clock, she marched quietly through the halls to get some grading done in her office. She ran across the ghosts, Peeves more than once. On the sixth time, she finally decided to tell him to buzz off.
"Peeves, could you please leave me alone? You know, I could get you thrown out of this dump faster than you can set off a pack of stink bombs."
"That may be so, but rumor at the castle is that you're in a whole lot of trouble."
"Tell me Peeves," she stopped to eye him with a skeptical look, "why would I be getting into trouble?"
"Word is that you're pulling too men around, with one leash. Very naughty, Miss McGonagall...or is it Mrs. Dumbledore? Or maybe Mrs. Talaris yet?"
She stared at him, quickly becoming angry. She held her restraint, which was awfully hard for one who got less than five hours of sleep in one night. "First of all Peeves, you will call me PROFESSOR, and secod of all, who in this God forsaken place told you ANY of that?!"
"Finders keepers, losers weepers," he cackled, as he flew away for the final time.
"Peeves get your ghostly self back here before I...I...I..." she stopped mid-sentence, the screaming was getting too much for her...this whole scenario was getting to be too much for her, already, and it had only been a day!
She piled into her office, wanting nothing more than to transfigure a punching bag, and beat the stuffing out of it. Of course...she didn't happen to be the only one to see Peeves that morning. What with certain students up and about on days like that.
********************************************
Greg woke up happily that morning, feeling happier than he had in a long time. He smiled at the thought of her sweet skin, just lying there like an open book. "Ahhh...he sighed," she may not be wanting me now, but by the time Christmas is over...she will," he whispered softly, "she will."
*******************************************
Minerva sat quietly at the staff table, feeling the headache throbbing through her brain. She clasped her hand to her head, begging to stay focussed. She waited impatiently as the mail arrived. Not that she usually got any, it just gave her something to look forward to, something to think about.
A tawny owl came and dropped a letter right infront of her. She jumped back from her chair at the surprise, being the most enthusiastic thing she had done all morning. She stared at the seal on the letter. It had the Hogwarts symbol on it, obviously from one of the teachers. She let out a groan, and slipped her fingers between the folds. The letter was on pink partchment, or was it red? She couldn't quite tell between her headache, and the unusual colors. The letter slipped out, and she read it,
WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS?
FOREVER YOURS,
GREG
She looked next to her, and saw him smiling. She rolled her eyes, and turned to him. "Number one, we're not supposed to ask people that we drew, and number two, I'm not supposed to know that you even have me."
"I know. I didn't draw you. I want to know so I can get it for you. Much better than whatever Dumbledore's going to get you."
"Dumbledore? You mean Albus?"
"Yeah," he saw Minerva twinge at the language, "he drew you. He's the one who's stressing over it, of course, he doesn't have a clue what to get you. So I thought I may do the charitable thing this Christmas and give you a special present."
"And what pray-tell would that be?"
"Whatever you want," he raised an eyebrow, and his smile looked adorably wonderful with his unshaved chin.
"I'm afraid I don't need anything."
"That's not what I asked," he said, as he moved in closer to Minerva. His hand came gently on her thigh, which sent unwanted tingles up and down her spine, "I asked what do you WANT."
She stared at him, feeling shivers run all across her body. Lord, she didn't want to feel attracted to him. She didn't want to feel his hands on her...but she couldn't help but feel the way she did. She needed someone, plain as that. No one wanted to be alone on Christmas. 'Think of something else, Minerva. You don't have to let him treat you like this.' she took in a deep breath, and glared. "I don't want anything, nor do I need anything from you. Let me be."
"Fine," he whispered.
Oh how she wished he wouldn't do that. It reminded her of things that she hadn't thought of in years...well, not seriously anyhow. Visions danced through her mind, simple ones, though perhaps slightly erotic. Just a flash of linen, then bare skin, then the fire. She found herself staring into his dreamy eyes. Feeling her breath quicken with every word. 'It's the headache Minerva, remember that...THE HEADACHE. Don't let him twist your thoughts.'
"Please, don't talk to me again about Christmas or anything related, alright?"
"Why not? Is Minerva trying to hide from the truth?"
She knew she shouldn't answer, just ignore him. Just stay away from his thoughts that were quickly invading her own private world. But it wasn't that simple, she knew, and he knew. But she had to answer. "What is the truth, might I ask?"
"You're attracted to me. You try to hold it off, but you know, very deep down that you want nothing more than a nice, strong body by you at night. This is where the beauty of it is you see, I am attracted to you. And I want nothing more than a warm," he stopped, obviously trying to find the right word, "pleasurable woman next to me at night."
"You don't know what I want Greg. What I want, is someone that will stand by me, not play with my emotions everyday and every waking hour," she said with a newfound courage.
"I'm not playing with your emotions, I'm merely pointing out your options."
"Perhaps," she said in a low tone, "if they are options as you call them, then give me time to choose what I want."
"Fair enough."
She could see the smile twitching at his lips. She knew she was giving in, abiding time...she knew that he knew what she was doing. It didn't seem to work out like she had planned; or rather, didn't plan.
She nodded curtly, and left the staff table to go to her classroom so she could correct some of the students winter essays...she had no other defense than to hide, to PLAN.
There in the lighted room she felt safe, she felt secure. If there was one thing she knew how to be, it was cast out from the world. She wasn't a recluse or anything of the sort, she just simply enjoyed having her privacy, simple as that. Perhaps that was why she chose to be a teacher, and avoid all the rumors that seemed to pass through the ministry...at least at the castle, the rumors stayed within the walls. Where as at the ministry, well, they only got to be more amply fitted to the receptionists beliefs, and from there it set off.
She rolled her eyes in frustration. She didn't know what to do anymore. Greg was getting too close for his own good, and Albus walked in on that horrid display. And now Peeves seemed to know something about it. And God only knows what else what was instore for the winter holidays.
"Minerva," a low voice said.
She knew who it was, how could one mistake that deep voice of one Albus Dumbledore? "Albus," she whispered, a faint breath of air, "I...I didn't think you'd want to...I didn't think you'd talk to me."
"I always want to talk to you. You make my days better by laughing. Have you not learned that by now?" he asked.
Minerva stared at him. There was something...different about him. His same blue eyes were there, just beckoning her, but they seemed to have lost their sparkle. Then she took notice of his clamped hands, as if he were pining to kill something. She looked up at him innocecently, and felt the temperature go down about ten degrees.
"I...I think I need to tell you what happened yesterday," she whispered, knowing that she had to confide in someone.
"You don't have to."
"Albus...it wasn't what it looked like. Honestly. I was getting ready for a bath, and then he came over and OH! He just started messing with my mind and making me react to things. I couldn't help it," she said desperatly, trying not to sound too anxious.
"Perhaps something is telling you to be with him then?"
"No," she shook her head dramaticallly, "I don't; I can't be with him."
"Why not? There obviously is some physical attraction."
"Albus," she stared at him. He wasn't being the caring man she knew he was. There was something in the simple way he held himself that suggested it. He couldn't help her. He only wanted to end that fiasco, and get on with life. "...I guess you're right."
He nodded, and made a smile. Again, it wasn't like his usual smile. It almost looked as if he had forced himself to make it. But why on Earth would he be doing that? "Anything you need Minerva?"
"No," she whispered.
He began to turn around and leave the room. For some odd reason, she felt an awkward wave of sadness at his leave. He hadn't seemd at all enthusiastic about her situation. Not that he really had a reason to act eager at the story, but he always at least took on the task of ACTING it. She stared as he left, feeling the warmth of their relationship slowly die towards a small glow.
************************************
'That's it old boy, she's taken. If would have just done something yesterday, ANYTHING! And she would have at least thought about it! Kissed her, held her hand, embraced her. Any of the following may have worked, but what did I do? "I'll save you a seat at dinner" Well, no more. I screwed up, and what happens for the billionth time in my life? It's taken away.'
Albus paced up towards his office, yelling out the password. "CHOCOLATE KISS!", and then slammed the door. "I'm such and IDIOT!"
"Quite right, but to add to the list, you've got the title of loser too."
Albus spun around, and stared by his fireplace. A dark figure was there, obviously waiting for him. "You, uh...sent me a very interesting letter Dumbledore. So I broke the rules and beat you...get over it."
"We had a deal Greg. You weren't supposed to go galavanting around her rooms and snog her to death. She's supposed to be my chance."
"Well you out beat it, didn't you? Just barely tripping over the finish line, giving me time to take the grand prize."
"I see you've become more philosophical since I last saw you Greg. But what in the hell do you think you're doing! NEW YEAR. You said you would not lay a hand on her until the new year! What is wrong with you!?"
"Nothing is wrong with me. Actually, my eyes are wide open. You're not good enough for her, so I merely took my chance."
"You backstabbing liar," he hissed.
"Backstabbing perhaps. But liar? Well, I guess that may be true. Perhaps I should have been in Slytherin? I'm not good enough for you Griffindor courage holders. But of course...I make my own rules when it comes to women."
"She isn't just any woman. She's...she's the greatest person I've ever met."
"That may be so. But she's still a woman...a very attractive woman, I might add."
"Shut up. If you dare hurt her, I swear I'll kill you."
"Not if I kill you first."
**************************************************************************** ******************************
you know what? I think I'm having too much fun with this story, is that possible? Neways, :-), Me thinks I shall end up with more chapters than I bargained for, but I shall try my best to get this done in the appropriate amount of time. I am very capable of fast typing, and fast thinking, therefor, if I do not finish this by Christmas...then you all have a right to hate me. Unfortunately, i can't promise anything more.
You ask which student heard Minerva and Peeves? Well, BWAHAHAHAHA, finders keepers. [naw, it'll be revealed hopefully in the next chapter.]
Well, now Albus has more of a problem than HE was hoping for now doesnt he? Death threats and all seems to be lost on the brink of Christmas?
And Minerva? Well...dilemmas are so fun to cope with. It will all turn out alright in the end...but due stay tuned until next time.