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Beware-Our Parchment Has Been Charmed To Ward Off Flames.

~~A New Perspective~~

Not willing to let this personal attack go unnoticed, Albus chimed in with his own thoughts on the idea. "Surely, you will give me more credit Ollivander! How could you even entertain the notion that I would find Miss McGonagall appealing in any sense of the word? We are complete opposites and are only here at the request of Headmaster Dippet. Now if you would excuse me, I would like to see about getting a cone of ice cream before continuing with this horrifically long day!" Sensing a hornet's nest being stirred, Ollivander quickly made his excuses and ventured off even more confused than ever.

As Albus contemplated whether or not to get a scoop of pistachio peppermint ice cream, Ollivander's words kept ringing in his ears. Professor McGonagall may be beautiful and talented but she did not make it easy for a potential suitor to get to know her better. He had worked with her for years and almost every word they had spoken to each other had been in the heat of anger or through clinched teeth. Unfortunately, he was forced to spend several more hours with her and he knew that Minerva would probably be in a foul mood for the rest of the day.  In an attempt to soften the raging temper of his companion, he took a chance and bought her a cone of chocolate frog crunch ice cream. After all, who could resist a cone of ice cream on such a beautiful day?

When he returned with two cones instead of one, Minerva was left speechless. She was still mad but she also recognized his feeble attempt to make the day less stressful than it had been previously and decided to try and do the same. Over the sugary dessert they began to discuss life at Hogwarts and in particular, one Armando Dippet.

It had been Albus who had dared to broach the subject of their forced time together but never did he realize just how dangerous the topic of Armando Dippet could be when discussing him with Minerva. He had not considered that she might still be angry with both of them for feeling the need to oversee her progress during those first critical years of teaching.

It wasn't until Minerva spoke that Albus realized the error of his ways. "Honestly, how can the staff at Hogwarts continue to ignore the rumors about Armando Dippets' health? He certainly wasn't thinking clearly when he sentenced us to an entire day spent together. If he had any recollection at all of our history as colleagues, surely he would have noticed that you and I are not destined to become anything more than professors at the same school. Maybe he thought this would be an opportune time for you to teach me more of the finer points of teaching that he thinks I so desperately lack."

"Minerva, whatever gave you the idea that Armando feels that way? He certainly would not have hired you if he felt your skills were not up to the high Hogwarts' standards. Anyone who has seen your long list of accomplishments would have to agree that you are more than qualified and in more than one field. I even told him that I felt you would make an excellent addition to the faculty. Although, I never imagined that we would be on such strained terms."

"Albus Dumbledore! How can you sit there and honestly tell me that neither of you doubted my abilities as a teacher when I first arrived at Hogwarts? Did you or did you not reference a specific conversation during our meeting with the Headmaster in which my skills were under scrutiny and he suggested that you help me "fit in" at the school? Did either of you realize how that might make me feel? No…you didn't and as a result, both of you have managed to create an atmosphere of animosity and distrust between us." Pausing to let those words slam against his ears, she couldn't resist one last shot at the situation. "Maybe he was hoping we would spend a day together and realize how wrong we had been for all of these years and set aside our petty differences in a single day!"

Taking a small bite from the ice cream cone, she tried to offer a smile but it turned into more of a smirk when seen through his eyes. Maybe that was why Albus, once again, said more than he meant to in a harsh tone. Minerva had not meant for her words to provoke a scathing response but this time she was attacking the Headmaster and on matters that she knew little about.

"Minerva McGonagall, you should be ashamed of yourself! As a professional, you should realize that it is never appropriate to defame someone, even if you disagree with his methods. I am certain that Armando did what he thought was best, given our current situation. He only wants to ensure that we are able to conduct ourselves appropriately in front of the students and other staff members. Furthermore, it might be wise if you took the time to learn all of the facts before criticizing his actions." Settling back in his chair, Albus could tell that his temper had been raised to a level he did not wish to display in public. But when Minerva opened her mouth to speak again, he felt his anger slowly reach a boiling point as he listened to her rebuttal.

"You overbearing git! I was merely stating that his choice of punishment was a bit unconventional and not the wisest of decisions. After all, we have been at odds for several years and suddenly he believes that one afternoon will make all of those hurtful things we've said vanish into thin air. I was not attacking his personal character, merely his leadership skills in this matter. I believe he is a very intelligent wizard but let's face it. He is getting older and even you have to admit that his decisions are somewhat lacking at times." By now, Minerva's ice cream cone had started to melt and she was flustered with Albus. The combination of both had her nerves frazzled as she stormed away from the small table towards the trash bin located nearby.

A quick cleaning spell on her hands rid her of the sticky sensation as she returned to the table, hoping to change the topic to something less touchy in a vain attempt to squash Dumbledore's anger. Unfortunately, he was not ready to end this discussion so easily.

Once again, as he began to speak, his voice became softer as he struggled to keep a civil tongue in his head. He did not want to anger her further, nor did he want to simply drop the subject. Alas, it was time for a small confession on his part. One that he hoped would end the topic of conversation and put aside her feelings of their distrust once and for all.

"Professor McGonagall, perhaps I need to explain something to you. When Armando first showed me your resume, I was indeed impressed with the level of expertise you had obtained after graduation, especially at such a young age. I merely suggested that a teaching career is overwhelming for a witch or wizard of any age, but those first few years are especially difficult. My dear friend, Armando, wanted you to have someone upon whom you could rely day or night to answer any of those nagging first year questions…things they do not teach us in preparation for classes of our own. He had mentioned Professor Binns as a possible candidate, but with his duties as Deputy Headmaster and his advancing age, it was felt that someone with more time and energy would be best suited for you."

The more Albus spoke, the more Minerva began to realize what a complete mess she had made of things. She hated to admit it, but she had been wrong and now she was going to have to acknowledge that in front of the man she sparred with on a daily basis for years.

"You see Minerva, it was not that we did not think you were capable of handling the job. We merely wanted to assist you in any way possible to prevent you from wearing yourself down in your first few years. For some reason, though, the more I tried to be of assistance, the more you resented me for my efforts. I had only your best interests at heart but after so many nasty comments and displays on your part, I grew tired of trying to help you in a friendly manner. And I am embarrassed to say it, but I began to be less than gentlemanly when making my suggestions. For that, you have my sincere apologies."

Silence reigned down on them as Minerva contemplated what to say. She had never considered the possibility that they were only offering assistance to be nice. She had allowed her McGonagall temper and that domineering attitude to step in and take control. He was right. There were a lot of things not taught to first year professors. The little things that were merely learned by experience could have been so much easier if she had only had a knowledgeable mentor on her side. However, she had been so determined to show them her independence, she had overlooked a genuine offer of help.

A pale pink tint slowly graced the cheeks of Minerva as she searched for her ability to speak. When she spoke her voice was as strong as ever, but it did not contain that sarcastic nature nor the venomous bite that he had grown accustomed to over the years.

"I see now why you were always watching my every move. If you had only explained this to me when I first arrived, things could have been so different. Instead of alienating me and keeping me in the dark on this matter, I should have been given the opportunity to decide for myself if I needed an adviser. Surely, you will admit that had the roles been reversed, you might have drawn the same conclusions and felt the same way." The next few words were extremely hard for her to utter, as she rarely said them, but this was one time she felt she owed them to the wizard seated across from her. "I, too, am sorry. Had I not been so stubborn, I might have confronted you earlier and we might actually have grown to become friends." An awkward smile broke the stern facial features as silence once again descended upon the table. In an effort to give her time to regain her composure and thoughts, Albus went back inside to speak to an old friend he had seen enter the eatery moments earlier.

When he returned, Minerva tried to steer the conversation to anything and everything but school and lessons. They moved from family ties to favorite authors, music to mythology and soon discovered they shared a passion…a love for chess. "I would certainly look forward to an opportunity to play you in a game of chess. If you tend to be as fierce about chess as you are in other areas of your life, it would prove to be a most interesting game. I must say, though, that I have rarely been beaten and a new opponent would help keep me in practice." As the last syllable left his mouth a cool breeze blew around the couple and caused both to shiver. Minerva wasn't accustomed to losing at chess either and she gladly accepted the challenge with a promise to annihilate his men, just as she had stopped him in his tracks with her bubbles.

Wincing a bit at her last remark, Albus decided to do the chivalrous thing and just let it go. He didn't want to ruin the only chance he had of making friends with her so he chose the only other option he had. "I must admit, Professor McGonagall, I never expected you to hurl such a curse at me. Your choice of spells was very original and the precision with which you cast it was impeccable. I must say that our dear Professor Flitwick would have been very proud of you." Feeling her face warming with the compliment, Minerva could not believe the words that sprang from her lips. If she hadn't processed the thoughts in her own mind, she would have sworn that someone else had spoken them.

"Professor Dumbledore, I realize that we are different in many respects but please try to see my side of things. I acted rashly when I hexed your voice to take the form of bubbles but it was a culmination of years of frustration and annoyance with what I saw as your total disregard for my abilities. I apologize for causing you any harm, but I must admit, the look on your face when you tried to yell at me was priceless. And if I'm not mistaken, the students have been discussing our little display in the hallways. They've even started to take sides."

At Albus' confused look, she went on to explain. "Have you not heard the chatter between classes, or worse, even in the staff room? Oh yes, we have been the talk of the school for most of the last two days. When word spread of our impending outing, the debates grew in proportion. I had to stop a Gryffindor and Ravenclaw from coming to blows over which of us was in the right. After I deducted a few house points, I believe that they were both on your side."

A small chuckle escaped Albus' lips and an odd look entered his eyes, which seemed to be an extension of the smile on his face. "Is that what all the whispering has been about in the halls lately? I dare say that I must have the fewer number of students on my side, despite your deduction of house points. Even I would be willing to place a bet for the beautiful and talented Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher rather than the old codger in Transfiguration." An awkward silence met his words.

Minerva was moved by his sentiment and was surprised to find that she rather liked Albus when he wasn't being a know-it-all intruder. Perhaps today wasn't to be a total waste of time. "Listen, why don't we go ahead and stop by Gambol and Japes. It is getting to be rather late in the afternoon and I wanted to stop by Gringotts which is on the way."

"That, my dear colleague, sounds like an excellent idea." Albus was perplexed by Minerva's offer since only a few hours earlier she had been vehemently opposed to the idea. However, he certainly wasn't going to argue, they did enough of that already. After all, he needed some self-shuffling playing cards and wanted to pick up a gift for his student of the month. They walked in companionable silence to Gringotts and Albus waited while Minerva went inside to take care of her business.

When Minerva walked through the doors and out onto the ornate stairs leading to the street, she stopped dead in her tracks. Albus was talking with a very attractive witch and something she said caused him to laugh out loud. Minerva couldn't quite place what upset her about the scene until Albus' newest companion had waved goodbye and he had turned and saw her standing there. His demeanor changed completely. She had seen glimpses today of his carefree and fun personality but whenever she was around he seemed to become more authoritarian, more professional. Acting like everything was normal, she joined him once again and they finally arrived at the joke shop.

Albus quickly made his way to the shelf containing the cards he was looking to purchase. He then proceeded to wander around the store picking up certain items and completely discarding others. Minerva was becoming impatient. She had made a gesture of goodwill to come here but did not plan on spending hours wandering through a child's paradise. Finally Albus picked up one other item and made his way to the checkout where a lengthy conversation with the gentleman at the front ensued.

Minerva was nearly out of patience by the time they exited to the street and made their way back toward The Leaky Cauldron. Albus suggested a detour to Quality Quidditch Supplies as a concession to her earlier stop and she managed to make Albus as frustrated as she had been with her lengthy perusal of the store.

Unable to keep his thoughts to himself, Albus decided to share them with Minerva. "I hope you take my next comment in the manner it is intended. Bear in mind that it is merely my opinion, so please do not subject me to yet another round of bubbles or worse I fear." Minerva looked at him and braced herself for what would surely be an unpleasant observation. "I must say that I have never seen you as excited or energetic as you are about quidditch, not even in your classes."

Minerva felt her temper rise and then just as quickly give way to understanding. Perhaps this was another part of their misunderstanding. She couldn't resist and started to laugh out loud. She nearly doubled over on the street and Albus had to hold her up. Tears were streaming down her cheeks and the look on Albus' face didn't help matters. She couldn't decide whether he was angry or tickled and she figured that he couldn't decide either. Once the laughter had finally subsided and people had stopped staring, Minerva suggested that they return to Hogwarts where she would address his remark over dinner.

To Be Continued…

A/N: Thank you everyone for your reviews. They let us know how we are doing and whether or not to keep posting this fic.

Stee Parker: Glad the paragraph change allowed for easier reading :-) Thanks for the input!

Palanfanaiel: Thanks for the laughs! Chapter 3 is up days sooner because of your chanting! We're glad you like it so much.

petriebird18: How very perceptive of you…but we're not telling any secrets just yet! Give us a few more chapters and you'll have your answers.  ^_^

Jestana: Glad we could show you AD/MM in a different light…and that you like it.

We would also like to personally thank TartanTabby, uber grasshopper, mascarat, Isabelle3, Kemenran, PrincessWitch, chicken13, mavidian and H.M.T.