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Beware-If flames are sent our floo powder is ready.

~~Back In My Arms~~

Albus spent the next two hours muttering to himself and Fawkes as he paced his office. He knew he loved Minerva beyond all measure but her father's words kept ringing in his ears. Albus, what makes you think that Minerva will want to continue a relationship with you now that she has seen a glimpse of what her future might hold? All he had wanted, since he first realized she was his entire world, was to make her feel happy, safe, and loved. Now, in less than two days he had seen that, in some ways, he might make her happy and loved but definitely not safe. Sighing, he knew what he must do and he slowly made his way to pay her a visit in the hospital wing.

Appearing once more at the door, the nervous wizard took a steadying breath before entering. He hoped that Harold and Athena had retired to their chambers and that he would be able to speak to Minerva privately. They had not had a chance to discuss anything since their return and he was concerned for her health. He needed to see her, to hold her, to tell her how truly sorry he felt for what had happened, and to get some answers for himself. However, before he reached her bedside, he was again delayed. This time, it was by Athena.

"Albus, I have spoken with Harold about your discussion in the hallway earlier. He was a bit shocked at your request but I was far from surprised. I must say that I've never seen Minerva behave in such a manner. When she speaks of you, her eyes light up and her entire demeanor changes. She has had relationships in the past but never have I seen her so in love. She has asked me several times where you were and expressed concerns about your injuries."

Smiling at her words, Albus felt comfortable enough to share his thoughts with her. "Athena, I can assure you that I have carefully considered all of Harold's remarks but there is one thing that continues to stay in the forefront of my mind. She is my first thought each morning and my last thought each night. All of our moments together during the day are precious to me and I want nothing more than to share the rest of our lives together. Now more than ever, I understand how much I love her and I promise to do everything possible to give her a life full of love and contentment. Anything she desires, she shall have, if it is within my power to give."

Athena returned his smile before she continued. "As I said earlier, we have briefly discussed your intentions where our daughter is concerned. Harold has reservations about your budding relationship both, concerning your age and, primarily, her safety."

She could feel the tension radiating from Albus' very skin so she quickly spoke her mind. "I, on the other hand, have spoken privately with Minerva and I honestly believe that she could be happy with none but you. Therefore, I grant you my blessing and permission to seek my daughter's hand in marriage. However, you will still need to speak with Harold once more before he grants his permission." Kissing Albus on the cheek, she motioned for Harold to join her and the two made their way to their private quarters…at least that was Athena's intention.

Quietly, Albus made his way to the bedside of his young love and peered down at the sleeping form. She looked so beautiful. It took all of his willpower to refrain from bending down and kissing her with every ounce of energy in his own body. Instead, he chose to sit by her side and hold her hand until she awoke. He had only been there for a few moments before the sparkling green eyes fluttered open and a loving smile greeted him.

"I wondered how long it would be until you were allowed to visit me." No longer able to control his emotions adequately, Albus began to struggle for words.

"Ah, my sleeping beauty, I am so thankful that you are awake. Are you feeling better?" Squeezing his hand, she assured him that she was fine but just a bit tired from the whole ordeal.

"Minerva, something has been troubling me and I have to ask you a question. You may not want to answer and I will try to understand and wait patiently until you are ready. When I found you, I noticed that your dress was torn and I couldn't help but see you flinch when I lightly touched your lips. My dear, did he…were you…" Clearing his throat, Albus tried once again to ask the question that had been on his mind since their return. "Minerva, did he abuse you?" As he raised his eyebrows in concern and question, Minerva grasped the full impact of what he was implying.

"Oh Love, No. I can honestly say that although he did torture me, he did not try to do what you are suggesting. I am sorry if I made you worry but I flinched because he had hit me several times. It was just a quick reaction, a learned behavior if you will. I am the one who tore at my robe and ripped it. Please believe me, he did terrible things but nothing like what you are implying."

Breathing a sigh of relief, Albus scooped her into his arms, planting light kisses on her face and neck as he gently rocked her as he would a crying child. "Albus, dear, it is okay! I assure you I'm fine. The medi-witch said that there are no lasting effects from my ordeal and my tense muscles just need some time to relax."

As if she had been summoned, the medi-witch appeared by Minerva's bedside and began to cast another healing charm. She soon noticed Albus' bruised and battered nose and turned her attentions to him. "Professor, you really should let me heal that for you. It's been hours since it was broken so there is no way that I can mend it properly. But at least I can help with the bruising and ease your discomfort."

Having known Albus Dumbledore for years, the healing witch could not help but add one last thing. "I should think living with a crooked nose is a small price to pay for both of you returning safely to us." Albus and Minerva could not help but chuckle at her frankness and after the simple spell had been cast, the medi-witch disappeared to her office, leaving them alone once more.

Turning his attention back towards the bed, Albus continued to talk with his love as he held her closely to him. "Minerva, I love you so very much! I have never been so scared or worried in my entire life. I'm so very sorry to have put you through this ordeal. Can you ever forgive me?" Pulling back to look into her eyes, he could tell that she was troubled and yet love was still shining back at him.

"My sweet, it was not your fault that a madman felt the need to exact revenge for something that happened years ago. I should've been more careful. I do not blame you for any of this and you should not blame yourself either. Now what is truly bothering you? I know there's something else there. Let me help you." As she brought her hand up to caress his cheek, he captured her hand with his and placed a delicate kiss into her palm.

"You know that I love you with all of my heart and soul. But I have something to say and it might not be something you want to hear." Pausing, he could feel a lump forming in his throat and he struggled to release the words from his lips. "As much as I want you to be in my life, I cannot ask you to spend the rest of your days worried that something like this may happen again. Also, it has been brought to my attention that I am considerably older than you and that I may be denying you long, loving years with someone closer to your own age."

A single tear trickled down his cheek and was lost among the graying strands that comprised his beard. He had to finish this now or he would never again find the courage. "I will, of course, understand if you wish to end our relationship due to these circumstances. I will abide by your wishes. All I want is for you to be safe and happy." He studied her face, while he waited anxiously to hear her response.

Minerva McGonagall was not one to be left speechless. However, she could not believe her ears. Struggling to find her voice and keep the tears at bay was taking all of her remaining strength. "Albus Dumbledore! I love you! It is as simple as that. I knew after our first official date that my life would not be complete without you and if that means having to stay on guard every minute of every day, then so be it. I have never known such love and compassion from another and I am not ready to give that up."

Her eyes held his gaze as she continued. "I am also aware of our age difference but that is not an issue for me. I have grown to love the man, not the wizard or the professor…but the man. I could not love you any more if you were my own age. Please, say something, anything. I do not want to lose you. I just can't. It took us so long to find each other; I refuse to give you up because of something like this!"

Words were inadequate to express the feelings of the couple in the hospital wing. So they allowed their eyes, hearts, and actions to complete the discussion. The loved that flowed between the touching of their lips seemed to make the last of the haunting images from recent days melt away along with the rest of the world. Neither noticed the shadow of Harold McGonagall in the corner of the room. Slipping quietly from the infirmary, he made his way upstairs to inform his wife that their daughter would be engaged within a few days…with his blessings.

Christmas Eve brought a well rested Athena and Harold to the infirmary early. So early, in fact, that they found Albus sleeping in a chair beside Minerva, still holding her hand. Nudging Albus' shoulder, Harold beckoned him into a private corner of the room to have a man-to-man talk about the latest developments while Athena helped Minerva prepare to leave the hospital wing.

"Albus, I must confess something to you. I am afraid that I lingered a bit after you spoke with Athena last night. I overheard the things you said to my daughter and her responses. I see now that she loves you as much as you love her and I cannot deny her a chance at true happiness. If you will promise to protect her for as long as you live, I will grant you my blessings for your marriage."

Fifty years younger! That's exactly how Albus Dumbledore felt at hearing his future father-in-law granting permission to marry his pride and joy. "Sir, I can assure you that as long as I draw a breath, Minerva will never want for anything. She will never feel unloved. I will never do anything to intentionally bring her pain and I will guard her life with my own. You have my word, both as a wizard and as the man who loves your daughter with everything he ever hopes to have or be."

As the two men made their way to join the objects of their affections, both women noticed the change of moods and the lightning of attitudes. Of course, Athena knew the reason for the change, but she had also sworn to Albus that neither she nor Harold would mention his intentions before he had an opportunity to speak with Minerva.

The rest of the day was spent quietly. The foursome shared lunch in Albus' brightly decorated living quarters while he answered their lingering questions about the kidnapping and rescue of their daughter. Minerva also recounted the details of her imprisonment and what had happened between the time she was taken until the arrival of Albus. She could not suppress a shudder as she told them about the well and its' rising waters. Sensing the fear in her voice, Albus slipped a comforting arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him.

In the evening, Harold tried to convince the others to accompany him to Hogsmeade for a look at the lights and decorations. He and Athena would be leaving early on Christmas Day to join the rest of his family at their ancestral home in Edinburgh for more holiday festivities. However, Minerva still was not feeling her best so she graciously declined the invitation but urged her parents to go without her. If the truth was told, though, she had an ulterior motive. She wanted to spend a few quiet hours alone with Albus.

The room was dark, except for the flickering firelight and a few strategically placed candles as Albus and Minerva sat cuddled together on the couch in his chambers. It had seemed like an eternity since they had been able to share a few moments of solitude and they were attempting to take every advantage of the quite time together. As the fire crackled and burned, the couple shared periods of deep discussions, sweet, gentle kisses, and warm embraces until Minerva found it increasingly harder to stifle her yawns. After escorting her to her own living quarters, Albus placed one last lingering kiss on her lips and promised to see her shortly after dawn.

Nightmares had never really been a problem for Minerva, even as a child. She seemed to possess an inner strength and the things that scared most children never seemed to bother her at all. However, this night was different. As she tossed and tumbled between her sheets, she saw various scenes from the past few days. In each segment of the horrid dreams, Albus was hurt or dead and she was utterly helpless while Theres laughed manically in the background of her thoughts.

Screaming herself awake, Minerva untangled her sweat drenched body from the sheets and struggled to regain a normal breathing pattern. The images had seemed so real. Albus lying dead on the floor in a pool of his own blood. Theres' laughter ringing through the air as she tried to tend his massive wounds. The awful pain she had felt. Not only in her body, but more importantly, in her heart as she realized that he would never hold her, kiss her, or speak loving words to her again. A sick feeling washed over Minerva as she fought hard to control her rampant emotions. Making up her mind, she pulled her favorite dressing gown over her nightgown and flooed to Albus' rooms.

As she stepped from the fireplace in his study, Minerva could hear the distant sounds of Albus' deep sleep. There were no lights to guide her steps as she made her way through the study, around his sitting area, and into his private bedchamber. Peering down at him she was amazed at how young he looked in sleep. As if he sensed her presence, he slowly opened his eyes.

"Minerva, my dearest. Is this a dream or are you really standing here?" As he reached out, he felt her trembling and her hands were cold from fear.

"I'm sorry to wake you. I had a nightmare and I just had to make sure that you were well. I couldn't sleep and when I did, Theres was there." Almost on the verge of tears, Minerva felt Albus pull her into his arms as he sat upright in the bed. She really didn't know why she had gone to his rooms. In her heart, she knew that he was probably sleeping, but she wanted to be near him…even if that meant just sitting in a chair watching him sleep.

"Minerva, I know this may sound presumptuous, but would you feel better if you stayed here for the remainder of the night." Gracing him with a slight smile and a simple nod of her head, Albus shifted to the cold side of his bed and allowed Minerva to occupy the spot he had just vacated. Snuggling into the warm sheets, she released a sigh as his arms folded around her. Placing a chaste kiss upon her cheek, the two exchanged "I love you's" before falling back into slumber, without the awful dreams.

To Be Continued…

A/N:

Jestana: Whew, we were nervous he would break things off as well. But we just couldn't do that to our perfect couple ;-) Thank you for the regular reviews and we hope you like this chapter as much as the others!

Liz O'Brien: Thank you for the compliment. We love writing Minerva's parents and they are great people. They are just typical parents and want to be sure their only child is safe and happy.

Kemenran: More, as requested. We hope you enjoyed it!

PrincessWitch: No pants on fire over here! We are so glad that you are accepting small cliffies…because we have another one in the next chapter…maybe ^_^ And I hope that the fluffiness of their meeting relieved any of your fears about their relationship ending! We just couldn't do it. We love them both too much. Thanks for the reviews!

Snickerdoodle: We hope you enjoyed our newest chapter. Thank you for saying we do an amazing job-that means a lot. We couldn't break Minerva's heart, it just wouldn't be fair.

LinZe: Thank you for all the reviews! Of course her parents say yes. Who wouldn't say yes to Albus ^_^

Evilwoman: Our newest chapter has no cliff hangers…but I can't promise anything on the next one ;-) Thanks for the reviews!

Minerva'sQuill: We hope this chapter is up fast enough and reassures you that they will stay together! The pretty please helped a lot ^_^ Thanks for the compliment and the reviews!

Punurple: We have always wanted to be Duchesses ^_^ No cliffie this time but beware on the next chapter. Please don't strangle Harold, he is really a great Dad-just stubborn. Hmmm, I wonder where Minerva gets it from ^_^ Thanks for all the regular reviews!!!

Pal, Smeagol and Gollum: The little hobbitsess say THANK YOU for an update on our 'review' story. And poor Gollum…being a football must be a rough life…but we thank him for keeping Moldie Voldie from using the killing curse on us! We've marked Feb 20 on our calendars, so be looking for something special…^_^ Tell the Albino Bumblebee and his Kitty we said HI…

Minni: Cosmic Questions Answered Here: Because we want you to keep reading and cliffies are sure things ^_^ But we decided to be nice and end on a sweet note (hopefully as sweet as your cookies) this time..no cliffies in sight…until next time! Thank you for the hilarious review!!

Stee Parker: Thank you for returning to us! We were beginning to wonder what happened!?! Thank you for the review and we hope to hear from you again…soon ^_^

Mascaret: Thank you for the review! We hope you enjoyed the new chapter…keep a look-out for our next cliff hanger!