Cure for Insomnia 03

A/N-The thing that you have all been waiting for, or at least I like to think you've been waiting for it. I've FINALLY finished this darn story. I didn't like the way it was going so I finished it up quickly. Yes, I know, bad me.

I'd like to thank my Beta Brittany for reading this piece of trash. Thanks sweetie!!!

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"Come in Minerva." Albus' office door opened and Minerva McGonagall poked her head around it. Her glasses slipped slightly down her nose. She pushed them back up and stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She was wearing her green tartan teaching robes, black boots, and a black dress.

"Hello, Albus. How did you know it was me?" Her voice sounded slightly unsteady, like a student afraid of a teacher's reaction.

"I sensed you were coming by reading your mind." Her eyebrows raised and she began to reply before he cut her off.

"Just kidding." His eyes were twinkling.

The left corner of her mouth tugged upwards. "Very funny…" With nothing else to say, silence hung between the two of them.

Fawkes cooed tiredly from his golden perch and the fire cracked in the background. Albus finally broke the silence by remembering his manners. "Would you like to sit so we may begin our game?"

Minerva nodded. "Of course."

They sat down at the chessboard before the fire. It had been a gift from Armando Dippet when Albus had become his Deputy Headmaster. Although his job was different now, the board still served its purpose. "Would you like any tea, Minerva?" Albus asked as he conjured a teapot and two cups with his wand.

"Yes, please."

He poured the tea and they began to play. Minerva was, of course, the white player and moved first. They each played their pieces carefully, yet confidently. Their conversation as they played consisted of only short sentences. Finally, Minerva's white queen captured Albus' black king. The game was over and it was late, so they both stood.

Albus looked up at her and smiled. "Once again, you have defeated me. Bravo."

Minerva smiled back. "I try. Someone has to put you in your place."

"I have you to watch over me." His tone was suddenly serious and the twinkling that was ever present wasn't.

"Yes, you have me-"

It was now or never. Albus stepped closer to her. "Do I?"

He was invading her space, but she didn't dare back away. That would show weakness and Gryffindors were never weak. Her entire body was screaming at her, "Touch him! Touch him!" but she was too nervous to do anything. "Do you what?"

"Have you?" The look from the night before had returned, but Albus didn't conceal it from her this time. He stepped even closer, until their noses were practically touching.

Minerva was beginning to breathe faster. "How?"

He grasped her shoulders and made her look at him. "As a friend. As a colleague. As a woman who loves me as I love her." Her eyes widened and she had the look of a deer caught in headlights. It would have been comical had she not been in such a situation. She refused to answer him and avoided his eyes. He says he loves me, but is it true? Albus cupped her chin and forced her eyes to meet his. "Don't play game with me, Min. Answer me, please!" He sounded angry, but he was more scared than anything else. He was scared she would reject him.

She bowed her head and whispered, "Yes."

He leaned closer and asked, "What?"

Minerva looked up at him and answered in a stronger, more confident voice, "Yes, you have all of me in all of those ways."

Albus' eyes softened and so did his voice. "Minerva, I love you so much."

Her bottom lip trembled slightly. "Why?" She croaked out. "Why would you love me when I am so much younger than you?"

He smiled gently. "Age does not matter, my dear. You are what matters. You guide me through the day and make sure I don't make a foul of myself. You are there to laugh with me and to cry with me and too curse the Ministry with me. You are always by my side and never question anything I ask of you. You make me feel happy and loved. With all of these things and more, how can I not love you, Minerva?"

By the time he was finished tears were streaking down her face but she was smiling. "Albus, I love you." He opened his arms to her and she flew into them. They stood there for several minutes thinking of how foolish they were to wait so long to tell each other how they felt. Minerva finally pulled out of the embrace and smiled at Albus gently. He smiled and leaned towards her. Softly, they kissed and then began to slowly move their mouths against the others. They pulled apart after a few moments. Albus tucked an errant strand of hair behind her right ear.

His eyes twinkled mischievously. "Is that offer to share your bed still available?"

Minerva chuckled. "I guess neither one of us will have any trouble sleeping now."

Albus laughed with her.

"Not with me around to make my hot chocolate whenever we need it."

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