warning members of fanfiction, indefinately long chapter...for me neways. butcha know? This chappie is my fave!
Thanx reviewers, notes to u are at the bottom!
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One day: Christmas Eve
Albus stared at the clock in his office...seven, time for dinner. He let out a sigh, feeling the anticipation welling up inside of him like the air in a balloon. He could make it through dinner, it wouldn't be hard. He only had to not eat, try not to get rid of what WAS in his system, and not break down the wall he'd created between his nerves and Minerva. He sighed, 'You'll be fine. She's only a woman,' he swallowed, 'a very attractive woman.'
He sat up with a shaky hand. How could he have gotten this nervous already? He walked steadily towards his office door, then down the corridor. He saw several students, who smiled at him, and wished him a happy Christmas. He could only forge a smile and a long nod. As he entered the Great Hall, there were many eyes on him, it almost seemed like too many; then he reminded himself it was Christmas Eve. The students were expecting a speech, and happy holiday wishes. He swallowed, 'How am I going to get through this?'
He walked slowly, when his eyes, though ever so slightly, caught the sight of Minerva, he half near froze. He brought his gaze away from her, and took in a deep breath. 'You still have a whole two hours to pull yourself together, pull up some of that Gryffindor courage.' He reluctantly looked back at Minerva, who was looking at him expectantly, though awkward. He and her gazes met for a few seconds, and he used whatever courage he did have at the time, walked over towards the staff table, and took a seat next to her.
She glanced at him, of course, he would be the one to notice, due to the fact that she was currently the only thing on his eye-cam. "Albus, are you alright?" she leaned in close to him.
"Yes...I'm...fine," he said slowly. Why was talking to hard? He'd been talking to this woman for years on end, and suddenly he can't even reply 'yes,' without feeling encumbered.
He stared out at the students for a very long while, for if he made himself talk, he may say, or do, something that he shouldn't...like get rid of his lunch. He took in deep breaths of air, it was as if he were hyperventilating, well, actually, maybe he WERE hyperventilating. The more he stared, the more the faces became blurred, the more the sound was blocked out. Then again, maybe he was just breathing hard, and daydreaming? He rolled his eyes, feeling dizzier and dizzier.
"Albus? Albus? Albus, are you feeling well?" For a few brief seconds, he felt Minerva's hand on him. It felt as if electricity were surging throughout his entire body. His head snapped up, though his breathing becoming more and more rugged. "Albus, what's wrong?" she asked quietly, a look of supreme concern on her face.
He blinked a few times, taking in what air would actually go through his lungs. "I'm...I'm fine Min. It's just a bit um. A bit stuffy in here, that's all. Don't worry."
"Are you sure you're alright?" she asked him softly. "You look pale."
He breathed in deep, his chest seeming to open up with the circulation. 'She's just a girl, and this is just a normal day, stop acting like and idiot. Make a joke, laugh, do something!'
He stared, 'Oh, what was it that she had just said?' "I'm sorry Min, but what did you just say?"
She leaned in closer to him, so close, he could smell her sweet sugary perfume. "Albus, you look pale. What's wrong? Are you sick?"
'Sick with myself, yes,' he thought quietly. "No, I'm fine. And as of when are you the one to call people pale? That white skin of yours ought to get some sunlight sometime soon."
She leaned back and smiled. Her look of concern left her face. All was well. "Are we about to start this bantering concept again, because you know, I am quite capable of acting cute right now. Actually, I could act cute infront of the entire school...if you catch my drift."
He swallowed, yes, he caught the drift. "As of when did you get so bold?"
"I don't know. I just feel like being brave for once," she smiled.
"I'm afraid we can save the Christmas festivities for tonight Min. The mistletoe, I'm sure will be somewhere near," he ALMOST was able to smile. He meant the sentence, but for some odd reason, he was unable to have any facial expressions whatsoever. He felt like a puppet, whose strings were no longer attached.
She looked at him for a few seconds, a sweet expression on her face. "Mistletoe sounds nice," she looked up at the giant clock, "Actually, a speech would be nice too. I think the students are expecting it. We wouldn't want to disappoint them, now would we?"
He shook his head. She was doing it again, looking at him that way. He felt his heart start to hammer in his chest. He'd never been afraid of speeches, or addressing the public, but somehow, this time, it meant something. She was sitting right there, smiling, worshipping him. What was worse...he had no idea what he was going to say. He'd spent the entire day panicking over what he was going to say to Minerva, not the students. He swallowed, for about the billionth time that day. He nodded, and she tapped her wine glass gently.
A loud 'tink, tink, tink' filled the Great Hall, and the students looked up at the staff table. Albus took one last glance at Minerva, and stood up infront of the rows of students. "Good Evening students. I suppose you all are having a er, nice holiday. As you all know, tonight is Christmas Eve, and it's time for me to make my annual, holiday speech. But um...I fear I haven't had time to think of one. There's been some crisis's among the staff, and I've had to deal with them. But, I shall leave you all with a few words. St. Nick is coming tonight, I wouldn't want to be seeing you making mischief past midnight, or else he may not come. And, if any of you are having parties in the common room...makesure and save a few cookies for the staff. Thank you."
Albus sat down, and the students all looked at him oddly. Towards the back, a few students began to clap, and soon the entire school were clapping for his rather unconventional Christmas speech. A swarm of relief filled his insides. 'Check one,' he thought quietly. 'Now all that's left is to ask her to...marry me.' He felt his eyes roll to the back of his head...'this proposing thing would be harder than people say it's supposed to be.' He breathed in deeply, feeling the color flush to his face.
He looked next to him at Minerva, who seemed plenty fulfilled with his speech. She didn't look at him awkwardly, actually, her lips were ascending slowly. Whether it were directly because of him and his stupidity, or the speech itself, he was very perplexed. He stared at her a few seconds, knowing once she spoke or made eye contact, he'd feel the mad rush again. He'd feel exasperated, and get annoyed with himself, but if he had to get used to the feeling, why not now?
She did eventually meet eyes with him, and smiled. It wasn't her same everyday smile, he noticed, this one was her more...sensual smile. The one she had on a day ago when she was in nothing but the towel. Like she knew what he was thinking, knew his thoughts were on somewhere other than her beautiful facial complexion. "Why are you so quiet Albus?" she whispered softly.
"Because I'm preparing to take the most beautiful woman in the world out to dinner. Is that a good enough reason?" he spoke gently.
"I suppose. Do you," she looked back at the students, "do you want to bring the presents there, or wait until we get back?"
"Bring them there. That way, when we get back to the rooms, we don't have to worry about distractions."
She giggled ever so slightly. "Who said that we were going anywhere after we go out?"
"I did. Unless, of course, you want to get rid of me already."
She shook her head, and leaned in close to him again. "I will never, ever want to get rid of you Albus. You need to understand the fact that I love you, and me leaving you just isn't going to happen. I've been inlove with you for far too long to just throw you into the dumpster."
"Well that's good. Because number one, your little legs aren't strong enough to hold yourself up if you were trying to throw me somewhere, and number two, I'll be the one throwing YOU on the bed."
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Minerva walked slowly towards her rooms. Just one more hour to get ready, and she'd be done for. Even at dinner she had been fighting the butterflies that had been swarming her stomach. How she overcame them, she still didn't know. She managed to go through the whole dinner without stuttering once. But she knew well enough, tonight was a special night. Christmas Eve. With her Albus. She smiled slightly, and opened the door to her quarters.
Her blue dress sat spread out on the bed, showing not a single crease upon the velvety material. She walked slowly towards it, and held it up to herself. 'Mother, for once in your life, please be right.' she sighed, and took the dress over towards the bathroom. When she came out, the dress was on, fitting every curve and length of her body. She smiled inspite of herself. She felt confident, she felt beautiful. She blinked her eyes, to get a good look at herself in the mirror. 'Maybe it's a good thing I've never worn this. Of course, I'm sure Albus will be expecting robes. Maybe I should put on some outer robes over it? Just for warmth I suppose.'
She strolled lightly over towards the white robes that she had thrown on the floor earlier that day, and placed it over the blue. Again, she approached the mirror, and stared at herself. 'I suppose blue and white is good enough. It's not exactly matching, but it's better than clashing with green and blue.' She nodded in her agreement, and took off the white again. She had to put her hair up, and besides, the white was merely taken as an overcoat.
She walked back into the bathroom, and grabbed the hair brush. She undid the bun that was stuck permanently on her head during school hours, and brushed out the long dark locks that she'd had since she was young. He hair lay elegantly down her back, and stared at herself. 'Leave it down?' she looked absent-mindedly into the mirror. 'Yes, I suppose so. This is for him, I ought not disappoint him.'
She continued to brush her hair, until it lay as smooth as silk, and just fine. She smiled, she felt lovely. She felt empowered. She felt...like this fairy tale of a love affair would never end. She swallowed, 'No, it won't end. Don't tell yourself it will. He loves you, and you love him.'
A smile twitched at the end of her lips. 'He loves me.'
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Albus paced back and forth, back and forth, over and over again through his quarters. "This is getting unbearable. I think I'll pop before I even get to see her tonight!" he hissed slowly to himself. He looked over at the clock, 8:48. He breathed in deeply, but of course, no amount of would be breaths was going to save him. The balloons were floating in and out of his stomach, just waiting to be deflated.
He paced a few more times, and grabbed the box with the ring. 'Everything will be alright. She's worth every little bit you own. Don't mess this up.' He took one last gaze at the mirror, to make sure his robes were on straight, and exited through the door. He walked slowly, thinking over and over again of what he was going to say. 'Min, I love you with everything that's inside of me, please, marry me. Be my wife. I can make you my world.' He swallowed, perhaps a little bit dramatic. 'I love you, please marry me.' No, just too...normal. 'Ever since I met you, I've been thinking of nothing but you. Now that I finally have gotten my Christmas wish, I was hoping you may be willing to take it a step further. Marry me.' No. Comes off as being too anxious. 'You're everything to me. You've always been, even before this week. Marry me, and you can be my entire life.' No. Wasn't it, some unwritten code of action to have the last words be MARRY ME? He threw his hands up in the air from frustration.
'I've got to have SOMETHING planned, or else I'll be sitting there, and I won't have anything to say, anything to go by. I'll just give her the ring, and all this stupidity will be over. But I've got to say something. What though? I love you, you're everything. My whole world revolves around yours. Please, marry me, and I'll love you forever.'
He stopped, the door was in sight. 'She's in there. I've got to do this tonight.' He took in a shuddering breath, and knocked at the door. She didn't answer quickly, it was some female secret to keep the male waiting. [just because he was a guy, wasn't a reason for him to be totally unobservant.] But when she did answer, he could have sworn there was a goddess infront of him.
"Albus," she whispered softly. For that one moment, he forgot to breathe. He stared at her full lips, then down her voluptuous figure. He'd never seen her wear something like that. It was...muggle? And blue...blue seemed to almost make her eyes look brighter than her green robes had. And her long, dark hair. It was down, the first time he'd seen it down while she would be in public eye. She looked angelic. He was lost, lost in heaven. He could feel his breathing speed up as he watch his angel inhale and exhale with a smile. "Are we ready, Albus?"
He snapped back up, and came into focus again. "Um...y-y-es. You look...beautiful."
She smiled. "Thank you. Shall we leave then?"
"Of course Min. Of course," he nodded. He reached out his hand.
"Oh, wait," she walked back inside, and grabbed two boxes. "I can't forget your presents."
A bolt of lightening shot through him. PRESENTS. She'd surely know that he had a very small present, she'd guess it within minutes! He only got her one thing, he didn't get anything to distract her. He felt the inevitable urge to kick himself for his stupidity. 'Well, let's see if a reasonable display of mistletoe pops up or something like that. I'm sure I can distract her with something as fundamental as mistletoe...let's hope.'
"Well, shall we go then Miss Minnie?"
She walked closer to him, the boxes on her right hand, and clasped his hand within hers. "Yes, let's go. Actually Albus, where ARE you taking me?" she looked at him, as if the thought had just crossed her mind.
"I hope you don't mind Italian," he glanced at her. She had that wretched smile on her face again, as if she knew how absolutely nervous he was, and she was just out to make it worse. As he stared, she glanced back up at him.
"What are we looking at?"
He swallowed, "Min, can you read my mind?"
"Not usually, why?"
"Because...I fear I might get too obvious soon."
"Obvious with what?"
"My staring at the most beautiful person I've ever met."
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The two of them walked hand in hand down the cold road. But it wasn't as cold as one would imagine, using the evidence that it was Christmas Eve in England. The wind did not blow, and the moon shown brightly, leaving glimmers of snow from the pale glow. It was indeed a, 'Silent Night'.
Minerva tried not to make eye contact with Albus, he had been staring at her for a very long time; nearly twenty minutes. She smiled to herself, though she couldn't see what was just so intriguing about her that he must stare all the time, it was nice to feel like the center of attention. Besides, she hadn't gotten dressed up for anything.
Albus was leading the way, she still had no clue as to where they were going. Not many shops were open now, actually, none of them were. A knot had been permanently placed in her stomach at the thought of him maybe slipping up. 'But Albus Dumbledore doesn't mess up! He's one of the most brilliant wizards of all time.' She knew he'd supposedly had many offers to work in the ministry, he'd had high enough scores on his exams, he'd be next in line for the Minister of Magic, she remember hearing once among the staff.
"Albus?"
"Yeah?"
"Yes," she amended, "you know where you're going, correct?"
"Of course. Don't worry."
She loooked up at him a few seconds. 'How can I not worry? We're wondering aimlessly down an empty street with no life whatsoever, even in the shops. All the bloody shops are closed. And it's cold out here...well,' she smiled, 'every part other than my hand.' She stared at his yet young face, 'He does look rather cute when he's frightened. Though not as cute as when we're alone in one of our bedrooms, but cute none the less.'
She felt the urge for some sentiment. This was such a beautiful night, and they'd been walking for nearly half an hour. Besides, they were two people out on a snow covered street on Christmas Eve during a date, like that wasn't enough reason in itself to say or do something heartwarming.
She stopped walking, and he walked a few steps, then looked back. "Min, what are you doing? We're almost there."
"Come here," she whispered, "please?"
She could see the grudging manner that he walked, while an apprehensive look was on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she smiled, and walked closer to him. She pressed herself against him gently, her arms went to his shoulders. She felt his hands, too, to find her waist, and he smiled at her. "I just wanted some warmth from my favorite person. Is a kiss completely out of order?"
"I thought I was nothing but a dirty old man.?" He pulled her closer, drawing little circles with his thumbs on her lower back. She could feel his warm breath on her.
"You are. But you know what, I'm inlove with this dirty man. So I say you kiss me and make believe that we haven't been walking non-stop for half an hour for nothing."
"I think we can arrange that."
Within seconds, she felt his warm, hot mouth enveloping hers. His forceful tongue seemed to find her most sensitive spots, and she melted in his arms, feeling an indefinite sense of warmth surround her entire body. He sucked her lips gently after a few moments, releasing the force he'd shown seconds before, showing rather obviously that he didn't wish to end it so soon. But alas, it did, and they looked at one another with impish smiles.
"This old man is in love with this beautiful woman," he whispered softly in her ear. And she looked up with a wide grin.
"Shall we get out of this cold weather then? The sooner we get dinner over, the sooner St. Nick gets to come and bring me my present."
"We wouldn't want him to get impatient, now would we?" He held her close, and kissed the side of her neck gently.
"I think he already is," she whispered softly, and leaned up to kiss him again.
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"Finally Albus, I thought we'd be stuck out in that snow for another hour!" she laughed.
"I'm sorry it's such a long walk. Tell you what, on the way back...I'll carry you," he kissed her softly on the forehead.
"You don't have to do that. That stop was enough to keep me going," she grinned.
He nodded, and walked towards the front of the room, where the waiter would normally wait; but much like he knew, there wasn't going to be a waiter. All there would be, was the two of them. Needless to say, a candle-lit dinner would be perfect for what he'd been thinking over and over about doing. He felt the knot in his stomach tighten...'What I HOPE I can do.' His eyes loomed at her genial structure, and he felt his heart begin to beat one thousand times a minute.
"Er, well Min, shall we go and take a seat."
"Albus," she looked around the restaurant, "nobody is here."
He reached out his hand, and clasped it tightly, "I know. There's not supposed to be."
She looked at him apprehensively. He leaned close to her, while they were standing still, "The surprise isn't over yet Min. There's more."
She blinked a few times, a smile crawling upon her lips. He took it as a note to move on, and pulled her slowly towards a table in the corner. There were candles already lit, and a couple strands of mistletoe that hung over the table. Her eyes widened as they sat down, she looked almost like a bug, her eyes were so big.
"You like?"
He pulled out a chair for her to sit in, and she moved slowly onto it. "Is this the surprise?" She sounded breathless, as if she'd run a whole mile without stopping.
"For now I suppose."
She looked at him with an inquisitive look. "You'll find out later. The surprise, I suppose comes along with the Christmas gifts."
"H-How did you get this place all to yourself? I mean, there's no one here, you would think there were people on a night like this. Couples? Waiters even. Where is everyone?"
"The restaurant is not open. A friend of mine owns this place, and I asked if I could use it to my advantage tonight. Naturally he agreed, and here we are, just the two of us alone on Christmas Eve."
"Must you include the alone part of it?"
"Yes. Because there is a number of mistletoe that is above our heads, and I was hoping you'd take the initiative to kiss me for it."
She leaned in closer to him. "I suppose it'd be better to get this done before dinner, rather than after," she smiled.
He nodded his head, and cupped her cheek gently. "Quite."
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"What's the name of the house elf that made this? It's wonderful," Minerva whispered as she stirred around her pasta.
"Twinkles. She's one that visits me often. The cutest one I've seen yet, and that's saying something," he smiled. He felt his head begin to pound, the date was almost over, and he wasn't able to pop the question. 'Get going you git,' he thought quietly, 'you won't have another reasonable chance.' His hand fell towards his coat, where the box was. He swallowed.
"You know, I've met several house elves that I thought were cute. They're usually sweet little darlings."
'That's your cue Albus. She used the word sweet, something to go by, USE it!' "I um...well, speaking of sweets, don't you think it's about time to open these gifts?"
"Are we getting anxious?" she smiled.
"Perhaps a little," he looked down and whispered in an undertone, "You don't know the half of it."
"Excuse me?"
"Hm?"
"What did you just say?"
"Oh, nothing. So shall we open then?"
"I suppose. Why don't you open yours first, just because you're so anxious, then I'll open mine. I want to see the look on your face."
He nodded. His breathing was quickening. He'd pushed himself into it, now it was time. She handed him his two packages, and he unwrapped them carefully. Naturally, as was guessable, she had given him sweets. The other one however...was that a de-pantsed snowman? A smile crept at the edges of his mouth, any other time, he'd be chuckling his brains out; now, he was just too horrified. He looked up at her, her smile had gone.
"It's wonderful Min. Absolutely wonderful. I'll leave it in my office."
She nodded, a serious look now on her face. She'd been expecting more of a response than that; he knew she obviously put at least a little bit of thought into this gift. "Can I get a hug?" he asked quietly.
A trace of a smile appeared on her face, and she leaned in towards him. "Now, it's my turn, Min, to give you your present."
She raised an eyebrow as if to say, 'where is it.'
'This is it Albus. Now or never.' He took in a deep, extra deep, breath, and reached inside his pocket. His heart began to pound in his ears, his breathing quicker than ever. "Minerva," he swallowed, "you're everything that I could ever want. You're beautiful, and brilliant, and the best person I've ever met," he pulled out the box, and opened it so the ring was in sight, "I was hoping, that you'd give me the honor of marrying you. Please, marry me." He let her have full view of the ring.
Her face was red, you could even see it through the pale candlelight. She brought her hand to her mouth, and her eyes seemed to expand a full two inches. Her mouth opened and closed again and again. He waited, the anticipation welling up inside of him.
"Yes," she whispered, and she nodded her head. A smile crossed her face, and Albus released the last rugged breath he'd have that night. He too, came to a smile. "Yes?"
"Yes," she said more loudly this time.
He took the box, and pulled the ring gently out of the box. She lent him her left hand, and he slid it on. 'Perfect fit,' he thought slowly, then looked up at her beautiful eyes. "I love you Min."
She nodded, a single tear beginning to run down her face. "I love you too."
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incredibly fluffly, incredibly dorky, but most definately a happy chapter! I said i would make the chapters longer because I'm on break, well I did! and no, I think I still have at least 1 more chapter before it's finished, and I shall give u the insight on the sequel!
Isabelle3()- Did I update soon enough? *~*~*
PrincessWitch- Well, me updating is what makes this so much fun! fourteen/fifteen chapters in 5 weeks, not bad, aye? Thanx for the compliment, glad u love this story so much!
chicken13()- Me thinks I shall keep on writing! if you're interested enough, sequels are coming!
Jestana - Hooch punch him in the mouth, now there's a thought :-P Alas, I see Greg in the future, not the very near future, but there. The little plot secrets are all around these last few chapters...if you'll look! FYI, bantering is fun to write...it's my fave thing to do W/ these two! I look forward to ur own fic w/ the bantering!
Palanfanaiel- Ahh, yes, the puzzle shall be solved! Glad you liked my humor, truly I am. Awww, I'm sorry. Hopefully the homework won't be too unbearable? :-)
ps...to all you great reviewers, you only have 1 or 2 more chapters! pssst, this chapter is no exception!
ps...happy christmas!
Thanx reviewers, notes to u are at the bottom!
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One day: Christmas Eve
Albus stared at the clock in his office...seven, time for dinner. He let out a sigh, feeling the anticipation welling up inside of him like the air in a balloon. He could make it through dinner, it wouldn't be hard. He only had to not eat, try not to get rid of what WAS in his system, and not break down the wall he'd created between his nerves and Minerva. He sighed, 'You'll be fine. She's only a woman,' he swallowed, 'a very attractive woman.'
He sat up with a shaky hand. How could he have gotten this nervous already? He walked steadily towards his office door, then down the corridor. He saw several students, who smiled at him, and wished him a happy Christmas. He could only forge a smile and a long nod. As he entered the Great Hall, there were many eyes on him, it almost seemed like too many; then he reminded himself it was Christmas Eve. The students were expecting a speech, and happy holiday wishes. He swallowed, 'How am I going to get through this?'
He walked slowly, when his eyes, though ever so slightly, caught the sight of Minerva, he half near froze. He brought his gaze away from her, and took in a deep breath. 'You still have a whole two hours to pull yourself together, pull up some of that Gryffindor courage.' He reluctantly looked back at Minerva, who was looking at him expectantly, though awkward. He and her gazes met for a few seconds, and he used whatever courage he did have at the time, walked over towards the staff table, and took a seat next to her.
She glanced at him, of course, he would be the one to notice, due to the fact that she was currently the only thing on his eye-cam. "Albus, are you alright?" she leaned in close to him.
"Yes...I'm...fine," he said slowly. Why was talking to hard? He'd been talking to this woman for years on end, and suddenly he can't even reply 'yes,' without feeling encumbered.
He stared out at the students for a very long while, for if he made himself talk, he may say, or do, something that he shouldn't...like get rid of his lunch. He took in deep breaths of air, it was as if he were hyperventilating, well, actually, maybe he WERE hyperventilating. The more he stared, the more the faces became blurred, the more the sound was blocked out. Then again, maybe he was just breathing hard, and daydreaming? He rolled his eyes, feeling dizzier and dizzier.
"Albus? Albus? Albus, are you feeling well?" For a few brief seconds, he felt Minerva's hand on him. It felt as if electricity were surging throughout his entire body. His head snapped up, though his breathing becoming more and more rugged. "Albus, what's wrong?" she asked quietly, a look of supreme concern on her face.
He blinked a few times, taking in what air would actually go through his lungs. "I'm...I'm fine Min. It's just a bit um. A bit stuffy in here, that's all. Don't worry."
"Are you sure you're alright?" she asked him softly. "You look pale."
He breathed in deep, his chest seeming to open up with the circulation. 'She's just a girl, and this is just a normal day, stop acting like and idiot. Make a joke, laugh, do something!'
He stared, 'Oh, what was it that she had just said?' "I'm sorry Min, but what did you just say?"
She leaned in closer to him, so close, he could smell her sweet sugary perfume. "Albus, you look pale. What's wrong? Are you sick?"
'Sick with myself, yes,' he thought quietly. "No, I'm fine. And as of when are you the one to call people pale? That white skin of yours ought to get some sunlight sometime soon."
She leaned back and smiled. Her look of concern left her face. All was well. "Are we about to start this bantering concept again, because you know, I am quite capable of acting cute right now. Actually, I could act cute infront of the entire school...if you catch my drift."
He swallowed, yes, he caught the drift. "As of when did you get so bold?"
"I don't know. I just feel like being brave for once," she smiled.
"I'm afraid we can save the Christmas festivities for tonight Min. The mistletoe, I'm sure will be somewhere near," he ALMOST was able to smile. He meant the sentence, but for some odd reason, he was unable to have any facial expressions whatsoever. He felt like a puppet, whose strings were no longer attached.
She looked at him for a few seconds, a sweet expression on her face. "Mistletoe sounds nice," she looked up at the giant clock, "Actually, a speech would be nice too. I think the students are expecting it. We wouldn't want to disappoint them, now would we?"
He shook his head. She was doing it again, looking at him that way. He felt his heart start to hammer in his chest. He'd never been afraid of speeches, or addressing the public, but somehow, this time, it meant something. She was sitting right there, smiling, worshipping him. What was worse...he had no idea what he was going to say. He'd spent the entire day panicking over what he was going to say to Minerva, not the students. He swallowed, for about the billionth time that day. He nodded, and she tapped her wine glass gently.
A loud 'tink, tink, tink' filled the Great Hall, and the students looked up at the staff table. Albus took one last glance at Minerva, and stood up infront of the rows of students. "Good Evening students. I suppose you all are having a er, nice holiday. As you all know, tonight is Christmas Eve, and it's time for me to make my annual, holiday speech. But um...I fear I haven't had time to think of one. There's been some crisis's among the staff, and I've had to deal with them. But, I shall leave you all with a few words. St. Nick is coming tonight, I wouldn't want to be seeing you making mischief past midnight, or else he may not come. And, if any of you are having parties in the common room...makesure and save a few cookies for the staff. Thank you."
Albus sat down, and the students all looked at him oddly. Towards the back, a few students began to clap, and soon the entire school were clapping for his rather unconventional Christmas speech. A swarm of relief filled his insides. 'Check one,' he thought quietly. 'Now all that's left is to ask her to...marry me.' He felt his eyes roll to the back of his head...'this proposing thing would be harder than people say it's supposed to be.' He breathed in deeply, feeling the color flush to his face.
He looked next to him at Minerva, who seemed plenty fulfilled with his speech. She didn't look at him awkwardly, actually, her lips were ascending slowly. Whether it were directly because of him and his stupidity, or the speech itself, he was very perplexed. He stared at her a few seconds, knowing once she spoke or made eye contact, he'd feel the mad rush again. He'd feel exasperated, and get annoyed with himself, but if he had to get used to the feeling, why not now?
She did eventually meet eyes with him, and smiled. It wasn't her same everyday smile, he noticed, this one was her more...sensual smile. The one she had on a day ago when she was in nothing but the towel. Like she knew what he was thinking, knew his thoughts were on somewhere other than her beautiful facial complexion. "Why are you so quiet Albus?" she whispered softly.
"Because I'm preparing to take the most beautiful woman in the world out to dinner. Is that a good enough reason?" he spoke gently.
"I suppose. Do you," she looked back at the students, "do you want to bring the presents there, or wait until we get back?"
"Bring them there. That way, when we get back to the rooms, we don't have to worry about distractions."
She giggled ever so slightly. "Who said that we were going anywhere after we go out?"
"I did. Unless, of course, you want to get rid of me already."
She shook her head, and leaned in close to him again. "I will never, ever want to get rid of you Albus. You need to understand the fact that I love you, and me leaving you just isn't going to happen. I've been inlove with you for far too long to just throw you into the dumpster."
"Well that's good. Because number one, your little legs aren't strong enough to hold yourself up if you were trying to throw me somewhere, and number two, I'll be the one throwing YOU on the bed."
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Minerva walked slowly towards her rooms. Just one more hour to get ready, and she'd be done for. Even at dinner she had been fighting the butterflies that had been swarming her stomach. How she overcame them, she still didn't know. She managed to go through the whole dinner without stuttering once. But she knew well enough, tonight was a special night. Christmas Eve. With her Albus. She smiled slightly, and opened the door to her quarters.
Her blue dress sat spread out on the bed, showing not a single crease upon the velvety material. She walked slowly towards it, and held it up to herself. 'Mother, for once in your life, please be right.' she sighed, and took the dress over towards the bathroom. When she came out, the dress was on, fitting every curve and length of her body. She smiled inspite of herself. She felt confident, she felt beautiful. She blinked her eyes, to get a good look at herself in the mirror. 'Maybe it's a good thing I've never worn this. Of course, I'm sure Albus will be expecting robes. Maybe I should put on some outer robes over it? Just for warmth I suppose.'
She strolled lightly over towards the white robes that she had thrown on the floor earlier that day, and placed it over the blue. Again, she approached the mirror, and stared at herself. 'I suppose blue and white is good enough. It's not exactly matching, but it's better than clashing with green and blue.' She nodded in her agreement, and took off the white again. She had to put her hair up, and besides, the white was merely taken as an overcoat.
She walked back into the bathroom, and grabbed the hair brush. She undid the bun that was stuck permanently on her head during school hours, and brushed out the long dark locks that she'd had since she was young. He hair lay elegantly down her back, and stared at herself. 'Leave it down?' she looked absent-mindedly into the mirror. 'Yes, I suppose so. This is for him, I ought not disappoint him.'
She continued to brush her hair, until it lay as smooth as silk, and just fine. She smiled, she felt lovely. She felt empowered. She felt...like this fairy tale of a love affair would never end. She swallowed, 'No, it won't end. Don't tell yourself it will. He loves you, and you love him.'
A smile twitched at the end of her lips. 'He loves me.'
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Albus paced back and forth, back and forth, over and over again through his quarters. "This is getting unbearable. I think I'll pop before I even get to see her tonight!" he hissed slowly to himself. He looked over at the clock, 8:48. He breathed in deeply, but of course, no amount of would be breaths was going to save him. The balloons were floating in and out of his stomach, just waiting to be deflated.
He paced a few more times, and grabbed the box with the ring. 'Everything will be alright. She's worth every little bit you own. Don't mess this up.' He took one last gaze at the mirror, to make sure his robes were on straight, and exited through the door. He walked slowly, thinking over and over again of what he was going to say. 'Min, I love you with everything that's inside of me, please, marry me. Be my wife. I can make you my world.' He swallowed, perhaps a little bit dramatic. 'I love you, please marry me.' No, just too...normal. 'Ever since I met you, I've been thinking of nothing but you. Now that I finally have gotten my Christmas wish, I was hoping you may be willing to take it a step further. Marry me.' No. Comes off as being too anxious. 'You're everything to me. You've always been, even before this week. Marry me, and you can be my entire life.' No. Wasn't it, some unwritten code of action to have the last words be MARRY ME? He threw his hands up in the air from frustration.
'I've got to have SOMETHING planned, or else I'll be sitting there, and I won't have anything to say, anything to go by. I'll just give her the ring, and all this stupidity will be over. But I've got to say something. What though? I love you, you're everything. My whole world revolves around yours. Please, marry me, and I'll love you forever.'
He stopped, the door was in sight. 'She's in there. I've got to do this tonight.' He took in a shuddering breath, and knocked at the door. She didn't answer quickly, it was some female secret to keep the male waiting. [just because he was a guy, wasn't a reason for him to be totally unobservant.] But when she did answer, he could have sworn there was a goddess infront of him.
"Albus," she whispered softly. For that one moment, he forgot to breathe. He stared at her full lips, then down her voluptuous figure. He'd never seen her wear something like that. It was...muggle? And blue...blue seemed to almost make her eyes look brighter than her green robes had. And her long, dark hair. It was down, the first time he'd seen it down while she would be in public eye. She looked angelic. He was lost, lost in heaven. He could feel his breathing speed up as he watch his angel inhale and exhale with a smile. "Are we ready, Albus?"
He snapped back up, and came into focus again. "Um...y-y-es. You look...beautiful."
She smiled. "Thank you. Shall we leave then?"
"Of course Min. Of course," he nodded. He reached out his hand.
"Oh, wait," she walked back inside, and grabbed two boxes. "I can't forget your presents."
A bolt of lightening shot through him. PRESENTS. She'd surely know that he had a very small present, she'd guess it within minutes! He only got her one thing, he didn't get anything to distract her. He felt the inevitable urge to kick himself for his stupidity. 'Well, let's see if a reasonable display of mistletoe pops up or something like that. I'm sure I can distract her with something as fundamental as mistletoe...let's hope.'
"Well, shall we go then Miss Minnie?"
She walked closer to him, the boxes on her right hand, and clasped his hand within hers. "Yes, let's go. Actually Albus, where ARE you taking me?" she looked at him, as if the thought had just crossed her mind.
"I hope you don't mind Italian," he glanced at her. She had that wretched smile on her face again, as if she knew how absolutely nervous he was, and she was just out to make it worse. As he stared, she glanced back up at him.
"What are we looking at?"
He swallowed, "Min, can you read my mind?"
"Not usually, why?"
"Because...I fear I might get too obvious soon."
"Obvious with what?"
"My staring at the most beautiful person I've ever met."
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The two of them walked hand in hand down the cold road. But it wasn't as cold as one would imagine, using the evidence that it was Christmas Eve in England. The wind did not blow, and the moon shown brightly, leaving glimmers of snow from the pale glow. It was indeed a, 'Silent Night'.
Minerva tried not to make eye contact with Albus, he had been staring at her for a very long time; nearly twenty minutes. She smiled to herself, though she couldn't see what was just so intriguing about her that he must stare all the time, it was nice to feel like the center of attention. Besides, she hadn't gotten dressed up for anything.
Albus was leading the way, she still had no clue as to where they were going. Not many shops were open now, actually, none of them were. A knot had been permanently placed in her stomach at the thought of him maybe slipping up. 'But Albus Dumbledore doesn't mess up! He's one of the most brilliant wizards of all time.' She knew he'd supposedly had many offers to work in the ministry, he'd had high enough scores on his exams, he'd be next in line for the Minister of Magic, she remember hearing once among the staff.
"Albus?"
"Yeah?"
"Yes," she amended, "you know where you're going, correct?"
"Of course. Don't worry."
She loooked up at him a few seconds. 'How can I not worry? We're wondering aimlessly down an empty street with no life whatsoever, even in the shops. All the bloody shops are closed. And it's cold out here...well,' she smiled, 'every part other than my hand.' She stared at his yet young face, 'He does look rather cute when he's frightened. Though not as cute as when we're alone in one of our bedrooms, but cute none the less.'
She felt the urge for some sentiment. This was such a beautiful night, and they'd been walking for nearly half an hour. Besides, they were two people out on a snow covered street on Christmas Eve during a date, like that wasn't enough reason in itself to say or do something heartwarming.
She stopped walking, and he walked a few steps, then looked back. "Min, what are you doing? We're almost there."
"Come here," she whispered, "please?"
She could see the grudging manner that he walked, while an apprehensive look was on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing," she smiled, and walked closer to him. She pressed herself against him gently, her arms went to his shoulders. She felt his hands, too, to find her waist, and he smiled at her. "I just wanted some warmth from my favorite person. Is a kiss completely out of order?"
"I thought I was nothing but a dirty old man.?" He pulled her closer, drawing little circles with his thumbs on her lower back. She could feel his warm breath on her.
"You are. But you know what, I'm inlove with this dirty man. So I say you kiss me and make believe that we haven't been walking non-stop for half an hour for nothing."
"I think we can arrange that."
Within seconds, she felt his warm, hot mouth enveloping hers. His forceful tongue seemed to find her most sensitive spots, and she melted in his arms, feeling an indefinite sense of warmth surround her entire body. He sucked her lips gently after a few moments, releasing the force he'd shown seconds before, showing rather obviously that he didn't wish to end it so soon. But alas, it did, and they looked at one another with impish smiles.
"This old man is in love with this beautiful woman," he whispered softly in her ear. And she looked up with a wide grin.
"Shall we get out of this cold weather then? The sooner we get dinner over, the sooner St. Nick gets to come and bring me my present."
"We wouldn't want him to get impatient, now would we?" He held her close, and kissed the side of her neck gently.
"I think he already is," she whispered softly, and leaned up to kiss him again.
************************************************
"Finally Albus, I thought we'd be stuck out in that snow for another hour!" she laughed.
"I'm sorry it's such a long walk. Tell you what, on the way back...I'll carry you," he kissed her softly on the forehead.
"You don't have to do that. That stop was enough to keep me going," she grinned.
He nodded, and walked towards the front of the room, where the waiter would normally wait; but much like he knew, there wasn't going to be a waiter. All there would be, was the two of them. Needless to say, a candle-lit dinner would be perfect for what he'd been thinking over and over about doing. He felt the knot in his stomach tighten...'What I HOPE I can do.' His eyes loomed at her genial structure, and he felt his heart begin to beat one thousand times a minute.
"Er, well Min, shall we go and take a seat."
"Albus," she looked around the restaurant, "nobody is here."
He reached out his hand, and clasped it tightly, "I know. There's not supposed to be."
She looked at him apprehensively. He leaned close to her, while they were standing still, "The surprise isn't over yet Min. There's more."
She blinked a few times, a smile crawling upon her lips. He took it as a note to move on, and pulled her slowly towards a table in the corner. There were candles already lit, and a couple strands of mistletoe that hung over the table. Her eyes widened as they sat down, she looked almost like a bug, her eyes were so big.
"You like?"
He pulled out a chair for her to sit in, and she moved slowly onto it. "Is this the surprise?" She sounded breathless, as if she'd run a whole mile without stopping.
"For now I suppose."
She looked at him with an inquisitive look. "You'll find out later. The surprise, I suppose comes along with the Christmas gifts."
"H-How did you get this place all to yourself? I mean, there's no one here, you would think there were people on a night like this. Couples? Waiters even. Where is everyone?"
"The restaurant is not open. A friend of mine owns this place, and I asked if I could use it to my advantage tonight. Naturally he agreed, and here we are, just the two of us alone on Christmas Eve."
"Must you include the alone part of it?"
"Yes. Because there is a number of mistletoe that is above our heads, and I was hoping you'd take the initiative to kiss me for it."
She leaned in closer to him. "I suppose it'd be better to get this done before dinner, rather than after," she smiled.
He nodded his head, and cupped her cheek gently. "Quite."
************************************************
"What's the name of the house elf that made this? It's wonderful," Minerva whispered as she stirred around her pasta.
"Twinkles. She's one that visits me often. The cutest one I've seen yet, and that's saying something," he smiled. He felt his head begin to pound, the date was almost over, and he wasn't able to pop the question. 'Get going you git,' he thought quietly, 'you won't have another reasonable chance.' His hand fell towards his coat, where the box was. He swallowed.
"You know, I've met several house elves that I thought were cute. They're usually sweet little darlings."
'That's your cue Albus. She used the word sweet, something to go by, USE it!' "I um...well, speaking of sweets, don't you think it's about time to open these gifts?"
"Are we getting anxious?" she smiled.
"Perhaps a little," he looked down and whispered in an undertone, "You don't know the half of it."
"Excuse me?"
"Hm?"
"What did you just say?"
"Oh, nothing. So shall we open then?"
"I suppose. Why don't you open yours first, just because you're so anxious, then I'll open mine. I want to see the look on your face."
He nodded. His breathing was quickening. He'd pushed himself into it, now it was time. She handed him his two packages, and he unwrapped them carefully. Naturally, as was guessable, she had given him sweets. The other one however...was that a de-pantsed snowman? A smile crept at the edges of his mouth, any other time, he'd be chuckling his brains out; now, he was just too horrified. He looked up at her, her smile had gone.
"It's wonderful Min. Absolutely wonderful. I'll leave it in my office."
She nodded, a serious look now on her face. She'd been expecting more of a response than that; he knew she obviously put at least a little bit of thought into this gift. "Can I get a hug?" he asked quietly.
A trace of a smile appeared on her face, and she leaned in towards him. "Now, it's my turn, Min, to give you your present."
She raised an eyebrow as if to say, 'where is it.'
'This is it Albus. Now or never.' He took in a deep, extra deep, breath, and reached inside his pocket. His heart began to pound in his ears, his breathing quicker than ever. "Minerva," he swallowed, "you're everything that I could ever want. You're beautiful, and brilliant, and the best person I've ever met," he pulled out the box, and opened it so the ring was in sight, "I was hoping, that you'd give me the honor of marrying you. Please, marry me." He let her have full view of the ring.
Her face was red, you could even see it through the pale candlelight. She brought her hand to her mouth, and her eyes seemed to expand a full two inches. Her mouth opened and closed again and again. He waited, the anticipation welling up inside of him.
"Yes," she whispered, and she nodded her head. A smile crossed her face, and Albus released the last rugged breath he'd have that night. He too, came to a smile. "Yes?"
"Yes," she said more loudly this time.
He took the box, and pulled the ring gently out of the box. She lent him her left hand, and he slid it on. 'Perfect fit,' he thought slowly, then looked up at her beautiful eyes. "I love you Min."
She nodded, a single tear beginning to run down her face. "I love you too."
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incredibly fluffly, incredibly dorky, but most definately a happy chapter! I said i would make the chapters longer because I'm on break, well I did! and no, I think I still have at least 1 more chapter before it's finished, and I shall give u the insight on the sequel!
Isabelle3()- Did I update soon enough? *~*~*
PrincessWitch- Well, me updating is what makes this so much fun! fourteen/fifteen chapters in 5 weeks, not bad, aye? Thanx for the compliment, glad u love this story so much!
chicken13()- Me thinks I shall keep on writing! if you're interested enough, sequels are coming!
Jestana - Hooch punch him in the mouth, now there's a thought :-P Alas, I see Greg in the future, not the very near future, but there. The little plot secrets are all around these last few chapters...if you'll look! FYI, bantering is fun to write...it's my fave thing to do W/ these two! I look forward to ur own fic w/ the bantering!
Palanfanaiel- Ahh, yes, the puzzle shall be solved! Glad you liked my humor, truly I am. Awww, I'm sorry. Hopefully the homework won't be too unbearable? :-)
ps...to all you great reviewers, you only have 1 or 2 more chapters! pssst, this chapter is no exception!
ps...happy christmas!