Disclaimer: As usual . . . nothing belongs to me *sigh*
Note: Sorry, sorry, sorry for the long waiting! My beta-reader has been terrible busy and I didn't wanted to push her. I hope you like the second chapter. Chapter three is coming very soon, maybe I'm going to post it next weekend, because I'm going to go on a trip to Prague Monday morning till Friday night.
A very special thanks to my beta Pet!!! Luv
The Endlessness Of Time
Chapter 2
It was shortly before Minerva's graduation and she was stern and demanding of herself. It was hard for her to understand the carefree attitudes of her class-mates and they could not understand her stern and motivated attitude.
Nobody knew that her parents died at the beginning of her sixth year at Hogwarts and ever since she was determined that she wouldn't feel anything for anyone.
Even then Albus has noticed the beautiful black-haired woman with indescribable green eyes. The transfiguration teacher had always wondered why Minerva never laughed or joined the chats of her classmates. He tried several times to talk to her, but she left his classroom before he was able to catch her.
* * *
Couple of weeks later the deputy headmaster walked the head of Gryffindor to his tranfiguration classroom to prepare his next morning lesson. It was already dark and the long corridors were silent, all students were in their houses.
Albus enjoyed himself on his walk until he arrived his destination. He entered the room. Suddenly he saw gentle candle light and then the dark profile of a woman. It seems that she has not noticed his presence and to Albus's surprise she changed herself in a gray striped tabby.
She faced Dumbledore and changed herself back into her human form.
"Miss McGonagall." Albus greeted.
"Professor Dumbledore! . . . I'm sorry, I shouldn't be here."
Minerva took her books and hurried to leave the room.
"Miss McGonagall, please wait for a moment." He said with a gentle voice.
She stopped walking.
"For how long have you been an animagus? The professor asked.
"Almost six years, Professor Dumbledore. However it's far from perfect, because I don't have always the conentration to remain long in this shape." She sighed.
Albus was more than impressed. 'By Merlins beard! She has been an animagus since she was eleven!' The Professor thought.
He was sure that Minerva figured it out by herself and she would not give up until her tranformation was perfect, because she had the power and talent to do this and much more. Despite eveything he felt the impulse to help her.
"Well, it has been a while, but I could help you to learn use the right concentration. Not many witches and wizards have the determination to be an animagus." He said.
Albus would never forget how she looked at him after he offered her his help. First she was surprised and then she smiled nervous. 'So she actually can smile'Albus thought.
Never had Minerva thought that the great powerful Albus Dumbledore would help her. Why did he want to do this? She knew that he was a very busy man. A teacher and deputy headmaster on the one hand and on the other hand the work for the Minestery of Magic. She looked to him questioningly.
"Would tomorrow evening seven o'clock suit you, Miss McGonagall?
Minerva nodded and went in direction to the old wooden door. She turned back to him when she reached the door.
"Professor?"
"Yes, Minerva."
"Which animal is your animagus shape?"
His eyes twinkled merrily before he answered:
"A white wolf."
"Thank you. Good night Professor."
"Good night."
Minvera left the classroom and smiled unconsciously while she went back to the Gryffindor tower.
* * *
Months have passed since Minerva and Albus started their lessons. Neither the professor nor the black haired witch could have expected that these regular meetings would come to mean so much.
Minerva was able to remain in her animagus form for longer periods. Albus was fascinated by her talent, intelligence and way to see the world and people who live on it. Often, when they finished their lessons, Gryffindor stayed for long discussions.
Shivers ran down Albus back if Minerva looked at him with those indescribable dark green eyes. She was old for her age, too serious and stern.
'What has changed her so much, that she shows this behaviour?' He wondered.
When Albus Dumbledore arrived for their meeting Minerva was already in his classroom. Nobody knew about these meetings till now and sometimes Albus thought it was wrong to spend that much time with a student. However something about her seemed to have caught him.
Minerva stood in front of the window. Her hand on the cold glass, she looked into the dark. The Scotland hills were barely visible, shadows of clouds covered the sky and sometimes screams of owls broke the silence.
Albus stood in the doorway and watched her. She wore her long raven hair in a braid. Her tall and slim figure had an almost unapproachable elegance The professor was frightened that he noticed that he looked at Minerva McGonagall as a woman rather than a student.
Because she has, he had no chance to think about it as she noticed his presence and turned around. An inconspicuous smile surrounded her mouth 'She smiles more often' He tought to himself.
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore." She said.
"A good evening to you as well Minvera. What was our topic last time? He asked with twinkling eyes.
"Uhm, I think the unnoticed behaviour of an Animagus in the world of Muggles." She answered and set down next to Albus chair.
* * *
The final examinations were going as expected Minerva passed her N.E.W.T's with honors. Now she was a graduate of Hogwarts and signed Animagus the whole world was open for her. She felt lonely, not like her classmates, who were happy leaving school to explore the world or simply get back to their familys, because her family was dead there was no place to go. Her home was Hogwarts and Minerva was sure that no place in the world that could give her the feeling of being home.
Her heart belongs to Hogwarts, although she always wanted to avoid, letting anything or anyone mean anything to her. But she failed in avoiding both.
* * *
The last evening had finally arrived. The great hall was filled with happy voices and music. It was the last evening for all graduates at Hogwarts. The teachers were enjoying the feast as well. However Headmaster Dippet rose from his chair to speak to the students:
"My dear students." The hall slowly became silent "I'm afraid, I must end this wonderful ceremony." Disappointed murmuring filled the surroundings and Dippet smiled knowingly. "This doesn't mean that celebrating in your houses is forbidden, I hope you don't mind the presence of your teachers. All in all dear graduates I wish you all the best for your future and I hope you will do well."
After Armando Dippets speech and the applause the students left the great hall and went to their houses.
Despite the joy of graduation Minerva couldn't share the happiness with her classmates. She had to leave Hogwarts in the morning to start her training in the ministery of magic. She didn't tell anyone not even Professor Dumbledore knew about her to become an Auror.
After a few hours Minerva couldn't bear the happy atomosphere any more, and she quickly retired to her room. Anyway she couldn't stay long in the weakly illuminated room. Her packed suitcase stood next to her bed, waiting to be picked up.
A knot twisted in her stomach and threatened to crush Mineva. 'I must get out of here' Minerva thought and changed into her animagus shape so that she could leave the common room unnoticed. She was sure that no one would notice a cat.
However Minerva was wrong Albus, who was talking to a few of his students, saw the little, familiar cat immediately. His blue eyes followed her as she crossed the overcrowded room, as he saw her dissapear through the portait hole.
* * *
Albus had watched Minerva the whole evening, she had sat with a couple of classmates. Although the beautiful woman was asked to dance a few times, she had refused. What if he had asked her for a dance? Once he had been very close to ask her as she seemed lost in thoughts watching the dancing couples. If she wanted to dance why didn't she accept the offers of her classmates?
He missed the meetings with Minerva, but both had been too busy the last weeks and she didn't need his help any more. He missed their conversations, nor had she mentioned the tragic death of her parents more then just the one time.
He had known about Elaine and Thomas McGonagalls death and their order of the ministery in Ireland. They had been killed by Grindelwalds men. Was this the reason that Minerva was so distant in front of people?
Often he had watched her inner turmoil when she opened herself in front of him. Usually she withdrew into herself after such a fight. 'She has such a wonderful smile. But she uses it too little, how beautiful she would look if she laughed whole heartedly' Albus thought. Minerva was too adult, too selfcontrolled and too lonely. He decided to follow her.
The professor excused himself on the pretext going to sleep.
Then he was in the corridor in front of the portrait. He turned around to the Fat Lady and spoke: "Please excuse the intrusion, my lady. Have you seen a gray striped cat?"
He knew that the fat lady disliked interruptions and smiled apologeticly to her. His smile had the desired effect and the lady was rather friendly to the very good looking wizard.
"Yes, I have seen the cat, this animal escaped permanently! But don't ask me how this could happen, Professor Dumbledore. The person to whom this animal belongs should pay more attention! It turned right at the corridors end. Probably catching a mouse outside the grounds." Said the fat lady disgusted.
"Thank you, I will tell that to the cats owner." Blinked the professor and continued his search.
* * *
It didn't take long for Albus to find Minerva. She sat on the bench on the hilltop, her legs pressed to her body and her arms wrapped around her knees. Her chin rested on her knees. The darkness wrapped her completely as she sat there motionless.
"Minerva?" She didn't answer him.
Albus walked closer to her and set beside Minerva. He could see and feel that she was fighting with her emotions again.
"It is not easy for you to leave Hogwarts, isn't it? He asked softly.
"No." She answered after a break.
Then he saw something, he had not seen in her before. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she would not cry.
"I have heard that you are going to work for the Ministery of Magic." The professor changed the topic. He wanted to hug her, comforting her, he knew this wasn't allowed.
Minerva took a deep breath and answered his question: "This is true. My training starts in one month."
Interested Albus looked to the young woman.
"May I ask in which department you are going to work?
"Oh." She said.
Dumbledore saw her thought whether she should tell him.
"Well . . . I'm going to become an Auror." Finally she replied to him.
Obviously her Professor was surprised.
'What is he thinking? I should go. He means already too much to me. Minerva he is your teacher! No, he is not any longer. In addition, he is much older than you! Damnit, what does his look mean?' She thought while her eyes met his.
* * *
'An Auror! She wants to become an Auror. Of course she meets all prerequisites. An extremely great talent and primarily strength. However has she thought of all dangers?'
Many Aurors lost their lives in fights against the dark side. He didn't want that happen to Minerva – He looked into her eyes.
'Merlins beard, her eyes! Does she know what she does, when she looks at me like this? She gets under my skin!"
* * *
A single tear runs down her face, but Minerva made no move to dry. It suddenly the Professor reached up with his left hand and wiped the tear off her cheek. She shuddered under this gentle touch. She felt the impulse of flight and wanted to get up, forget her feelings. Albus noticed her longing to run away and placed her hand in his free right hand.
Dumbledore softly stroked his thumb over her soft cheek. Her eyes sparkled and her pulse started to pound heavy. This moment seemed right to her as all thoughts of running away had left. A suppressed feeling reached her heart, suddenly – She was in love with Albus Dumbledore!
His thin face with crooked nose. His short dark hair and the neatly trimmed beard. Even if the color, length of his hair and beared changed after years. The look of his blue eyes had lost none of their intensity.
* * *
'Albus this is wrong! this must end . . . Oh, damn!' He thought.
He bowed his head to put his lips gently on hers. He was surprised by the softness and intensity around Minerva. Her eyes opened hesitantly when Albus ended the kiss. He had expected that Minvera would reject him. Instead She did the opposite – she smiled at him – Suddenly Dumbledore felt everything between him and Minerva was right.
They renewed their kiss and when they seperated again, he smiled as well and moved Minerva into his arms.
"Is this right?" He mumbled.
Minerva McGonagall sighed before she spoke:
"The says no, but my heart yes. However I don't want to listen at my mind this time."
He watched her for a minute and kissed her head. Tomorrow she will go, start a life far away from Hogwarts and him. But she had to do this for her future - even if this did hurt.
"Albus, I don't want to go."
"Shh . . . I know, it will be hard for you . . . for me – you have an excellent education in front of you. You can't give up this. Only a few have the priority to be an Auror."
Minerva thought about Dumbledores words and he was right, but she had to admit this did hurt.
It became time for Albus and Minerva to get back into the castle. Everything slept around them, both enjoyed the sound of the night while they walked to the castle. They stopped in front of the gate, knowing it was time to say good bye.
They hugged for the last time, Albus nor Minerva spoke a word, because they weren't necessary. They would meet again when it is time.
* * *
Neither of them had actually thought that they would meet again after eighteen years.
To be continued . . .
AN.: So what do you think? This is a fluffy chapter, but the next one will be different :-) Please R&R
Note: Sorry, sorry, sorry for the long waiting! My beta-reader has been terrible busy and I didn't wanted to push her. I hope you like the second chapter. Chapter three is coming very soon, maybe I'm going to post it next weekend, because I'm going to go on a trip to Prague Monday morning till Friday night.
A very special thanks to my beta Pet!!! Luv
The Endlessness Of Time
Chapter 2
It was shortly before Minerva's graduation and she was stern and demanding of herself. It was hard for her to understand the carefree attitudes of her class-mates and they could not understand her stern and motivated attitude.
Nobody knew that her parents died at the beginning of her sixth year at Hogwarts and ever since she was determined that she wouldn't feel anything for anyone.
Even then Albus has noticed the beautiful black-haired woman with indescribable green eyes. The transfiguration teacher had always wondered why Minerva never laughed or joined the chats of her classmates. He tried several times to talk to her, but she left his classroom before he was able to catch her.
* * *
Couple of weeks later the deputy headmaster walked the head of Gryffindor to his tranfiguration classroom to prepare his next morning lesson. It was already dark and the long corridors were silent, all students were in their houses.
Albus enjoyed himself on his walk until he arrived his destination. He entered the room. Suddenly he saw gentle candle light and then the dark profile of a woman. It seems that she has not noticed his presence and to Albus's surprise she changed herself in a gray striped tabby.
She faced Dumbledore and changed herself back into her human form.
"Miss McGonagall." Albus greeted.
"Professor Dumbledore! . . . I'm sorry, I shouldn't be here."
Minerva took her books and hurried to leave the room.
"Miss McGonagall, please wait for a moment." He said with a gentle voice.
She stopped walking.
"For how long have you been an animagus? The professor asked.
"Almost six years, Professor Dumbledore. However it's far from perfect, because I don't have always the conentration to remain long in this shape." She sighed.
Albus was more than impressed. 'By Merlins beard! She has been an animagus since she was eleven!' The Professor thought.
He was sure that Minerva figured it out by herself and she would not give up until her tranformation was perfect, because she had the power and talent to do this and much more. Despite eveything he felt the impulse to help her.
"Well, it has been a while, but I could help you to learn use the right concentration. Not many witches and wizards have the determination to be an animagus." He said.
Albus would never forget how she looked at him after he offered her his help. First she was surprised and then she smiled nervous. 'So she actually can smile'Albus thought.
Never had Minerva thought that the great powerful Albus Dumbledore would help her. Why did he want to do this? She knew that he was a very busy man. A teacher and deputy headmaster on the one hand and on the other hand the work for the Minestery of Magic. She looked to him questioningly.
"Would tomorrow evening seven o'clock suit you, Miss McGonagall?
Minerva nodded and went in direction to the old wooden door. She turned back to him when she reached the door.
"Professor?"
"Yes, Minerva."
"Which animal is your animagus shape?"
His eyes twinkled merrily before he answered:
"A white wolf."
"Thank you. Good night Professor."
"Good night."
Minvera left the classroom and smiled unconsciously while she went back to the Gryffindor tower.
* * *
Months have passed since Minerva and Albus started their lessons. Neither the professor nor the black haired witch could have expected that these regular meetings would come to mean so much.
Minerva was able to remain in her animagus form for longer periods. Albus was fascinated by her talent, intelligence and way to see the world and people who live on it. Often, when they finished their lessons, Gryffindor stayed for long discussions.
Shivers ran down Albus back if Minerva looked at him with those indescribable dark green eyes. She was old for her age, too serious and stern.
'What has changed her so much, that she shows this behaviour?' He wondered.
When Albus Dumbledore arrived for their meeting Minerva was already in his classroom. Nobody knew about these meetings till now and sometimes Albus thought it was wrong to spend that much time with a student. However something about her seemed to have caught him.
Minerva stood in front of the window. Her hand on the cold glass, she looked into the dark. The Scotland hills were barely visible, shadows of clouds covered the sky and sometimes screams of owls broke the silence.
Albus stood in the doorway and watched her. She wore her long raven hair in a braid. Her tall and slim figure had an almost unapproachable elegance The professor was frightened that he noticed that he looked at Minerva McGonagall as a woman rather than a student.
Because she has, he had no chance to think about it as she noticed his presence and turned around. An inconspicuous smile surrounded her mouth 'She smiles more often' He tought to himself.
"Good evening Professor Dumbledore." She said.
"A good evening to you as well Minvera. What was our topic last time? He asked with twinkling eyes.
"Uhm, I think the unnoticed behaviour of an Animagus in the world of Muggles." She answered and set down next to Albus chair.
* * *
The final examinations were going as expected Minerva passed her N.E.W.T's with honors. Now she was a graduate of Hogwarts and signed Animagus the whole world was open for her. She felt lonely, not like her classmates, who were happy leaving school to explore the world or simply get back to their familys, because her family was dead there was no place to go. Her home was Hogwarts and Minerva was sure that no place in the world that could give her the feeling of being home.
Her heart belongs to Hogwarts, although she always wanted to avoid, letting anything or anyone mean anything to her. But she failed in avoiding both.
* * *
The last evening had finally arrived. The great hall was filled with happy voices and music. It was the last evening for all graduates at Hogwarts. The teachers were enjoying the feast as well. However Headmaster Dippet rose from his chair to speak to the students:
"My dear students." The hall slowly became silent "I'm afraid, I must end this wonderful ceremony." Disappointed murmuring filled the surroundings and Dippet smiled knowingly. "This doesn't mean that celebrating in your houses is forbidden, I hope you don't mind the presence of your teachers. All in all dear graduates I wish you all the best for your future and I hope you will do well."
After Armando Dippets speech and the applause the students left the great hall and went to their houses.
Despite the joy of graduation Minerva couldn't share the happiness with her classmates. She had to leave Hogwarts in the morning to start her training in the ministery of magic. She didn't tell anyone not even Professor Dumbledore knew about her to become an Auror.
After a few hours Minerva couldn't bear the happy atomosphere any more, and she quickly retired to her room. Anyway she couldn't stay long in the weakly illuminated room. Her packed suitcase stood next to her bed, waiting to be picked up.
A knot twisted in her stomach and threatened to crush Mineva. 'I must get out of here' Minerva thought and changed into her animagus shape so that she could leave the common room unnoticed. She was sure that no one would notice a cat.
However Minerva was wrong Albus, who was talking to a few of his students, saw the little, familiar cat immediately. His blue eyes followed her as she crossed the overcrowded room, as he saw her dissapear through the portait hole.
* * *
Albus had watched Minerva the whole evening, she had sat with a couple of classmates. Although the beautiful woman was asked to dance a few times, she had refused. What if he had asked her for a dance? Once he had been very close to ask her as she seemed lost in thoughts watching the dancing couples. If she wanted to dance why didn't she accept the offers of her classmates?
He missed the meetings with Minerva, but both had been too busy the last weeks and she didn't need his help any more. He missed their conversations, nor had she mentioned the tragic death of her parents more then just the one time.
He had known about Elaine and Thomas McGonagalls death and their order of the ministery in Ireland. They had been killed by Grindelwalds men. Was this the reason that Minerva was so distant in front of people?
Often he had watched her inner turmoil when she opened herself in front of him. Usually she withdrew into herself after such a fight. 'She has such a wonderful smile. But she uses it too little, how beautiful she would look if she laughed whole heartedly' Albus thought. Minerva was too adult, too selfcontrolled and too lonely. He decided to follow her.
The professor excused himself on the pretext going to sleep.
Then he was in the corridor in front of the portrait. He turned around to the Fat Lady and spoke: "Please excuse the intrusion, my lady. Have you seen a gray striped cat?"
He knew that the fat lady disliked interruptions and smiled apologeticly to her. His smile had the desired effect and the lady was rather friendly to the very good looking wizard.
"Yes, I have seen the cat, this animal escaped permanently! But don't ask me how this could happen, Professor Dumbledore. The person to whom this animal belongs should pay more attention! It turned right at the corridors end. Probably catching a mouse outside the grounds." Said the fat lady disgusted.
"Thank you, I will tell that to the cats owner." Blinked the professor and continued his search.
* * *
It didn't take long for Albus to find Minerva. She sat on the bench on the hilltop, her legs pressed to her body and her arms wrapped around her knees. Her chin rested on her knees. The darkness wrapped her completely as she sat there motionless.
"Minerva?" She didn't answer him.
Albus walked closer to her and set beside Minerva. He could see and feel that she was fighting with her emotions again.
"It is not easy for you to leave Hogwarts, isn't it? He asked softly.
"No." She answered after a break.
Then he saw something, he had not seen in her before. Tears shimmered in her eyes, but she would not cry.
"I have heard that you are going to work for the Ministery of Magic." The professor changed the topic. He wanted to hug her, comforting her, he knew this wasn't allowed.
Minerva took a deep breath and answered his question: "This is true. My training starts in one month."
Interested Albus looked to the young woman.
"May I ask in which department you are going to work?
"Oh." She said.
Dumbledore saw her thought whether she should tell him.
"Well . . . I'm going to become an Auror." Finally she replied to him.
Obviously her Professor was surprised.
'What is he thinking? I should go. He means already too much to me. Minerva he is your teacher! No, he is not any longer. In addition, he is much older than you! Damnit, what does his look mean?' She thought while her eyes met his.
* * *
'An Auror! She wants to become an Auror. Of course she meets all prerequisites. An extremely great talent and primarily strength. However has she thought of all dangers?'
Many Aurors lost their lives in fights against the dark side. He didn't want that happen to Minerva – He looked into her eyes.
'Merlins beard, her eyes! Does she know what she does, when she looks at me like this? She gets under my skin!"
* * *
A single tear runs down her face, but Minerva made no move to dry. It suddenly the Professor reached up with his left hand and wiped the tear off her cheek. She shuddered under this gentle touch. She felt the impulse of flight and wanted to get up, forget her feelings. Albus noticed her longing to run away and placed her hand in his free right hand.
Dumbledore softly stroked his thumb over her soft cheek. Her eyes sparkled and her pulse started to pound heavy. This moment seemed right to her as all thoughts of running away had left. A suppressed feeling reached her heart, suddenly – She was in love with Albus Dumbledore!
His thin face with crooked nose. His short dark hair and the neatly trimmed beard. Even if the color, length of his hair and beared changed after years. The look of his blue eyes had lost none of their intensity.
* * *
'Albus this is wrong! this must end . . . Oh, damn!' He thought.
He bowed his head to put his lips gently on hers. He was surprised by the softness and intensity around Minerva. Her eyes opened hesitantly when Albus ended the kiss. He had expected that Minvera would reject him. Instead She did the opposite – she smiled at him – Suddenly Dumbledore felt everything between him and Minerva was right.
They renewed their kiss and when they seperated again, he smiled as well and moved Minerva into his arms.
"Is this right?" He mumbled.
Minerva McGonagall sighed before she spoke:
"The says no, but my heart yes. However I don't want to listen at my mind this time."
He watched her for a minute and kissed her head. Tomorrow she will go, start a life far away from Hogwarts and him. But she had to do this for her future - even if this did hurt.
"Albus, I don't want to go."
"Shh . . . I know, it will be hard for you . . . for me – you have an excellent education in front of you. You can't give up this. Only a few have the priority to be an Auror."
Minerva thought about Dumbledores words and he was right, but she had to admit this did hurt.
It became time for Albus and Minerva to get back into the castle. Everything slept around them, both enjoyed the sound of the night while they walked to the castle. They stopped in front of the gate, knowing it was time to say good bye.
They hugged for the last time, Albus nor Minerva spoke a word, because they weren't necessary. They would meet again when it is time.
* * *
Neither of them had actually thought that they would meet again after eighteen years.
To be continued . . .
AN.: So what do you think? This is a fluffy chapter, but the next one will be different :-) Please R&R