Hehe, aren't you proud of me? I posted this a WEEK after my last chapter! Wowie! [nerdy, huh?] Actually, I hope to post most of these within a 2 week period. But I shall try and only update on the weekends, *~make note of that~*
Also, for any of you who have read my "coming of Christmas" stories, the sequel is on it's way! Promise. I think I will switch off between weekends if at all possible. And if you haven't read my Christmas story, YOUD BETTER! Jk, sorry, I'm not the violent type…ask my friends [halo above head, tail on toosh]
~*~*~*~*~*~The following people all received cookies. I shall be sending them by mail, do you like sugar, or sugar with frosting sprinkle? I personally like sugar because I think you all are sweet, but sugar sprinkle is good too. Do you know why? Because the sprinkles are my thanks! Actually…I guess your only choice is sugar, because my thanks are written beneath this, lol. Yummy, sugar!*~*~*~*~*~*
mellowyellow-85 hehe…I have an evil mind. Return of the nightgown! :-D This isn't the only time that slip will be seen…read betwixed the lines. Or…I guess you can just read it, [shrugs] you shall not be disappointed!
Liz O'Brien Oh yes! What sort of story would this be without touring? Hehe…the question is, what well, I suppose, WHO do they find? I shall let you ponder that thought. Of course, you all know what is to be coming! But then again…seeing eyes are everywhere!
Mara MG() Snapey? Hehe, he's a bit different I'll admit, but if you haven't noticed…Minerva doesn't think highly of him. I wonder if there is a reason? [evil laugh] And if there is…why he's doing this for her? [grins]
snickerdoodle() Update soon enough? [grins with sparkly white teeth] Hope you like the chapter!
Nerweniel() Ah yes! The update is now! w/out all u reviewers telling me to type, I'd be one bored child!
Evilwoman Confrontation is such a fun thing to write about. [Pensive look on face] What is to come? Let us see, just scroll down your screen, and PRESTO! The spell has been cast!
PrincessWitch Awww, shucks! I can do fluffiness. Little glimpses here and there in this chappie. Though…these things DO take time. I'll just try not to put you through SOOOO much torture, okeeday? Minerva didn't seem to happy at first about the room, did she? Lol. Ahh…and the end to your cliff hanger is below. Happy days princess!
rat queen Yes! I shall update now! Below is the answer to your future. Jk!
chicken13() This isn't the only mention of the dream…I think you can tell well enough by the title of this chapter! :-D Hehe…the dream be coming in all days of slumber and wake. (sorry, getting too philosophical)
Jestana I wonder who Timothy is too. I guess you shall find out. Naw, I'm just kidding, I'm not THAT cruel. (looks around room quickly) Glimpses of what was, and what is to come are all around! I look forward to your review!
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Chapter 5: Abstractions
"Perhaps I'm not a very trusting person when it comes to things like that."
"Perhaps I want to be trusted by you. You mean a lot to me, Minerva. There shouldn't be any secrets between us anymore."
"Why not?"
"Because that's what this trip is for. For you and I become closer; learn about the other, find our hopes and dreams, learn about what is to come."
"I don't intend on reliving what was in that picture; and you can't make me tell you, so I would suggest you drop it Albus Dumbledore. I know you're just suddenly interested in my life, but that gives no reason why I ought to tell you."
"The picture?" He stepped closer to her, close enough to feel her warm breathing, "The picture as is obvious is some reason for you to be hiding something. You don't have to tell me right now, Minerva, but I do hope that by the end of these ten days, you would have told me."
"Maybe," she stepped back, "but for the moment, I am not interested in what you have to say about my past."
"Very well then, since this is settled, would you mind coming down for lunch?"
She blinked at him, then walked towards the yet open door. "Yes, let us go. I haven't eaten a single thing today."
He nodded, and followed her out the door. She didn't make eye contact as they walked down the stairs, but Albus couldn't quite take his eyes off of her. She had always been strong when it came to emotion, perhaps being the reason why she tended to use her temper and strictness more than a genuine heart to heart conversation. But her will to keep everything a secret was intriguing him.
'She's in every way like her animagus form', he mused, 'sly, clever, sweet, lovable.' He'd yet to see the truly lovable side of her, but he'd seen her throw some affectionate looks when he supposedly wasn't looking. Besides, he knew all he needed to when he saw that picture earlier that day. The little girl in the picture hugged her father uncountable times, and the smile on her face seemed to speak for itself. 'I suppose it's best if I don't bring the subject up again anytime soon. I want to get to know the real Minerva McGonagall, not the closed off one that I've known for years.'
He looked down on her, and did something he would never have done any other time in his life; though he was feeling particularly daring at the time, he clutched her hand tightly.
Her head shot up, and looked at him with either a scared or surprised look; he couldn't tell which one it was exactly. "Albus, what are you doing?"
"I'm holding my roommates hand," he said with a slight grin on his face, "Someone as beautiful as yourself should not be in public without a partner."
"You're acting awfully strange. First you give me that awful speech about how I 'perplex' you, and now you're holding my hand. Albus, what is wrong with you?"
"I think the question is more, what is wrong with you? Can you not take some public affection?"
She opened her mouth as if she were going to retort, but closed it again. Her eyes met his, and their stroll slowly came to a stop. "Alright Albus, do you want to know the truth?"
"Yes, I would."
"I feel strongly about you, very strongly; but don't push me; I've lost everything I've ever wanted when people push me. Don't make me lose my temper, and lose this relationship we already have, okay?"
"Okay," he nodded his head, and let go of her hand. 'That's strike two,' he thought quietly to himself. 'Well, better push her, than leave her to her own time in coming to me. That'll take forever."
The lunch was quick, hardly filled with much of a conversation, though Albus had managed to make her laugh a few times. Her spirits were obviously lifted by the time they had returned to the room. They had both seemed to find out something about the other; perhaps Minerva's love of reading muggle novels, or Albus' love of waltzing. Yes waltzing, he smiled slowly at himself. He'd never told anyone that…except for perhaps the people he danced with.
Albus unlocked the door to the room, and they both walked in. "I suppose we ought to decide what we're doing about the sleeping arrangement?" Minerva said slowly, as she walked towards the settee.
"Uh…yes. Well, I suppose you get the master bedroom, and I get the couch, simple enough, is it not?"
"Well, what about unpacking? Should we just split the closet?"
"If you would not mind, splitting the closet would be fine. I do, after all, need someplace to hang my clothes."
"Yes, I suppose you do." Albus spotted a hint of a grin upon her face when she said it; he almost could have sworn she had some sort of mischievous look.
He walked past her, and towards his own bag. He began pulling out the tight wads of clothing he had stuck inside it, plus some other little devices of his own pleasure. Once it was all out of the way, he picked up all he could, and walked into the master bedroom, where Minerva was currently placing some of her clothes inside. He dropped it all infront of the large closet, and began placing his robes on the hangers. He finished a great deal quicker than her, owing to the fact that he didn't exactly care about neatness, and just wanted to get rid of the clutter.
Once he had finished, he went and sat on the bed. His eyes could not help but dart every now and then towards her and her well rounded figure. After a time, he decided it was best to divert his attention elsewhere; that place being her clothes. His eyes fell upon the group of dresses she had brought, many of which, he decided, would look extremely appealing on her. As she moved the pile and it became less and less, his eyes darted towards a white…nightgown?
It flashed before his eyes quicker, and to more nostalgia than ever before. There she was sitting there, her eyes looking clearer than ever before. "Make love to me," she said slowly, and Merlin! He kissed her deeply; feeling every sign of passion there was to feel. He could feel her heated skin beneath him, he could almost feel the drums beating behind their unavoidable love affair; they seemed to race through his veins as he heard the words faster, faster, then all at once, slower, slower! He looked into her dark blue eyes, then began to touch her, the warmth, the heat, the fire. Yes, his mind went blank, it was all fire. The smoke clogged up every sense there was, and yet, he was breathing, and moving quicker than he ever had before. Oh yes! He could hear her voice, making his ears ring with anticipation. And then…
"Albus? Albus, is there something wrong?"
He shook his head, and blinked a few times. "W-wrong? What could be wrong?"
"You…had a strange look on your face."
"Oh. I was just um…thinking of something."
"What sort of 'something'?"
"I was just recalling a, um, dream that I had a few nights ago. It's nothing. Forgive my idiotness. Do you need any help, Minerva?"
"No. But um, if we're not going anywhere, would it be alright if I were to take a bath? I think I need to soak for a while, this climate has my skin like a reptiles'!"
Albus chuckled, and then nodded. Minerva walked across the front room, and towards the bathing area. "Oh, and by the way Albus, idiotness, is not a word." He smiled to himself as he watched her go in, an almost dreamy expression upon his face. It would be so easy to just go in there, and pretend like he had forgotten something, and to just take a few long glimpses at her fine, fine figure. But he had better sense than that, she'd not only smack him into next week, but there was no way that he'd ever be able to talk to her on a personal level again.
He decided it would be best to go on a walk, and leave her to her thoughts.
*******
Minerva watched as the water ran down the golden tub. This whole place did infact remind her of the lifestyle of those used to that of the 'finer' life. She sighed deeply; it wasn't that long ago that she was part of such a place. She, Minerva McGonagall, could long have been in the world of gold and jewels; but she'd chosen another path. One far more suitable for her, though any person has regrets; hers' had begun to well up like the tub that lay before her.
Albus didn't know what that picture was; he had no clue. He didn't know that man and her family were the ruination of her life. He didn't know that man had asked her to marry him. Albus didn't know who she was, or who she could have been. He knew her as a colleague, a brilliant, sarcastic, easily amused colleague, who was all the while rather emotional. He didn't know the part of her that wanted so badly for love, and anything that any typical woman may want. He didn't know the part of her that wished more than anything to forget her past, and get on with the future.
She hated to be so closed off to him; truly she did. If there was any person that she could speak freely to, it was him. Perhaps this was the reason why he had taken the spot of dream catcher so many nights. He'd always been able to help her when she had a problem, no doubt the reason why she was so enamored with him.
A cold chill crawled up and down her back at the thought. She was in-love with Albus Dumbledore. She could never admit it, she was too closed off from the real world to truly say it aloud, but when she looked at him when he wasn't looking, she knew the sort of impish facial expressions she had on. It wasn't even so much his mind that she was infatuated with, like it had originally been. Ones first impression of Albus Dumbledore is not one of lust to any measure; it was originally his charisma that had drawn her to him, then his way to help one. Later followed a distinct love for the way, his red hair hung in disarray around his face when he is out late getting a cup of hot chocolate. Finally, came the love for his smile, and the way his blue eyes twinkled even in the gravest of times.
She began to sink lower and lower into the tub as the thoughts came to her head. He was always so wonderful to her; he didn't know the reason that she was so reclusive. Yet, he was the only person who had seemed to ever want to get past that. Even in her years a student, no one wanted to be near her, except perhaps the boys that had attempted to woo her in her most challenging point in life. Perhaps that was the reason Albus was so kind to her?
She couldn't pretend, and say that she'd never been told she was pretty, or beautiful, or as one man had put it 'abundant in physical attractiveness'. But was Albus really that shallow? No, someone as brilliant as he could not be set off for something as dumb as that. Though…she hoped with everything inside of her that Albus, maybe in some deep inner alcove of his heart, loved her the way that she loved him.
She watched as the mess of dark hair fell and floated before her, reminding her deeply of the way the moonlight seemed to spill upon her every evening. She was so lonely; so desperately lonely.
********
When Albus returned, he took note in knocking before he came in, incase she were one of the women that tended to enjoy immensely long baths. He received no answer, but was surprised to see the door to the bathroom still locked, with a crack of light beneath it. He felt a slight pounding sensation for a quick second, then it ceased, and he walked towards the fireplace. He stared at the ashes for a few seconds, and then decided it would be best to start a fire, the evening was upon them already.
He stared at the warmly crackling fire, feeling every sense possible at was fit for the time. So many thoughts surrounded him; so many different well…similarities between the hotel, and his constantly reoccurring dream. 'It isn't very well probable, to think that the dream could possibly be here, is it?' he thought quietly to himself. 'I mean, I understand that this is probably the best scenery one could ask for, BUT...' His eyes immediately looked towards the door, whose lock had just been unfastened with a short "Click". His breath caught for a brief second, and then he reprimanded himself for his insensitive behavior. She was a woman, his deputy, and the transfiguration teacher, what was he supposed to say when she caught him staring at whatever treasures she most definitely had? 'Oh damn,' he thought slowly, as he turned his head back towards the door while the slight sound of the hinges moving hit his ears.
He took a quick glance as she walked quickly through the door, but quickly turned his head, knowing it was totally and completely wrong for him to be acting that way. Minerva was sensible, and he knew she expected him to be sensible as well. 'Though,' he thought with a wicked grin, 'I do hope she'll be slightly more spontaneous by the end of this trip. Perhaps more open minded?'
He closed his eyes, and counted backwards for five. He'd been an idiot for ever thinking she was just another body to get close to. She had everything a man could want; not necessarily physically speaking. Naturally, first, she had attracted him with her smile, well rounded figure, and pretty eyes. Later he found her slightly more mysterious with the way she acted around people, as compared to him. She's never been extremely close to him, but close enough, no doubt, to learn her habits, to be mesmerized by the way her dark lips moved with every word; close enough to learn that she was closed off, but he knew she was or had been going through some things. Now, he only hoped she would share them. Then they could be better together, they could have a decent chance to fall in-love, just as he had done with her from the moment he saw her.
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Dinner came and passed, both of them eating with slightly more to say. Albus spoke to her about what he had found on the grounds, she spoke to him of some odd moments in her childhood; one in particular which included ice-cream, nuts, chocolate syrup, her father, her mother, and a broom, made him laugh harder than he thought he'd ever done in his life.
They both walked arm in arm up towards the room. She had allowed him to do this, only on the condition that he swore it was a friendly notion, and so they strolled along the newly painted grounds. The walk between the restaurant and room was quite a ways, the diner was on the west side, and their rooms were on the north. They walked in merry conversation.
"Honestly Albus, if the Ministers' mind was half as large as his stomach, he'd be ten times more capable than he is right now! I mean honestly! And have you seen that wife of his; total and complete rogue if I've ever seen one!"
"From what I've heard, she's supposed to be rather pretty."
"Yes, if your choice is a prostitute who's only out for money. Honestly, men are so gullible sometimes. A pretty girl bats her eyes just the right way, and if she shows enough cleavage, the male automatically thinks that she's head over heals for him. Honestly! With all this war business among the muggles, men have totally and completely gone off their block!"
"My, Minerva; you are quite opinionated tonight. More than I've seen you in a good few years."
"I happen to know this subject, and the tastes of wealthy men are nothing new to me. Of course, the taste of wealthy men is perhaps not much of a change for those of the lower class," she told with confidence, "not to sound prejudiced," she added quickly.
"So you, Minerva McGonagall, are saying that I'd be reckless enough to fall in-love with a pretty girl who batted her eyes, and showed a bit of skin, and be just enough of an idiot to go and marry her?"
"By the general consensus," she smiled, "yes."
"Of course," he slowed down his pace slowly, taking her with him, "I would have had to know the pretty girl long enough," he practically whispered as they came to a stop through the pale moonlight, "to marry her like that." He stared into her dark eyes, she looked so beautiful in the moonlight; not being the first time he had noticed.
"Actually," she stepped back, "I don't think you're dumb enough to do something as rash like that. You think too much…even if you were head-on tipsy, I think you'd still be smart enough to say no."
He took in a deep breath. It wasn't the place, or the time he knew. They'd only been there a few hours, and he was already starting to feel the heat etch into his brain. Of course, that earlier nostalgic dream was enough to have known from that moment it was in his mind. He couldn't leave that place without her, without her by his side.
"Ah…but I believe the drink tends to mess with ones mind. What if I was to have gotten you drunk, and married you?"
She stepped back, and looked at him as if he were crazy. He felt a smile linger at his lips; he needed surprise questions, if she were ever going to make her trust him. Find the inside of her mind, find out how it works, then say all that had ever been on his mind as a silent treaty.
"Well…I suppose if I were drunk as you call it, it wouldn't be much of a question. I would probably say yes."
"And what if you were sober?"
"Are you flirting with me Albus?"
"I've been flirting with you for the past few minutes," he smiled, "answer the question."
"I suppose…I suppose I'd um…I'd probably- Wait, would you be tipsy?"
"No, I'd be sober."
"I suppose, it depends on the situation. Generally, the answer, I think, would be no."
He nodded his head, and stuck his arm out back again. They didn't speak again until they were back at the room, and both ready to go to sleep. Minerva stuck her head out of her room to peek at Albus. "Goodnight Albus." He nodded his head, and replied back. Once she had shut the door, and the lights that surrounded him were out, he smiled wistfully at himself, "I hope that changes," he whispered, and drifted slowly off to sleep.
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I am taking a point right now to say that NO, Cornelius fudge is NOT the minister of magic at this point in time. I figured that it is way too early, and I mean WAYYYY too early for him to be in the ministry. Due to the fact that I haven't any idea of how old Cornelius Fudge really is, I don't suppose I'd be altering everything THAT much? But no…Cornelius be not in this story…well…not as a minister anyway! [Hysterically evil laugh]
Cute chapter? Funny chapter? Horrible chapter?
Reviews would be wonderful! Oh please? Please? Pretty please? I'm getting a familiar feeling, like I've done this before. Please review, it would be wonderful. OH, if you are reading this, and haven't reviewed, then I beg you for your consent! It makes me feel all warm inside; like roasted marshmallows. Of course, that's without burning my tongue, I mean.
Also, for any of you who have read my "coming of Christmas" stories, the sequel is on it's way! Promise. I think I will switch off between weekends if at all possible. And if you haven't read my Christmas story, YOUD BETTER! Jk, sorry, I'm not the violent type…ask my friends [halo above head, tail on toosh]
~*~*~*~*~*~The following people all received cookies. I shall be sending them by mail, do you like sugar, or sugar with frosting sprinkle? I personally like sugar because I think you all are sweet, but sugar sprinkle is good too. Do you know why? Because the sprinkles are my thanks! Actually…I guess your only choice is sugar, because my thanks are written beneath this, lol. Yummy, sugar!*~*~*~*~*~*
mellowyellow-85 hehe…I have an evil mind. Return of the nightgown! :-D This isn't the only time that slip will be seen…read betwixed the lines. Or…I guess you can just read it, [shrugs] you shall not be disappointed!
Liz O'Brien Oh yes! What sort of story would this be without touring? Hehe…the question is, what well, I suppose, WHO do they find? I shall let you ponder that thought. Of course, you all know what is to be coming! But then again…seeing eyes are everywhere!
Mara MG() Snapey? Hehe, he's a bit different I'll admit, but if you haven't noticed…Minerva doesn't think highly of him. I wonder if there is a reason? [evil laugh] And if there is…why he's doing this for her? [grins]
snickerdoodle() Update soon enough? [grins with sparkly white teeth] Hope you like the chapter!
Nerweniel() Ah yes! The update is now! w/out all u reviewers telling me to type, I'd be one bored child!
Evilwoman Confrontation is such a fun thing to write about. [Pensive look on face] What is to come? Let us see, just scroll down your screen, and PRESTO! The spell has been cast!
PrincessWitch Awww, shucks! I can do fluffiness. Little glimpses here and there in this chappie. Though…these things DO take time. I'll just try not to put you through SOOOO much torture, okeeday? Minerva didn't seem to happy at first about the room, did she? Lol. Ahh…and the end to your cliff hanger is below. Happy days princess!
rat queen Yes! I shall update now! Below is the answer to your future. Jk!
chicken13() This isn't the only mention of the dream…I think you can tell well enough by the title of this chapter! :-D Hehe…the dream be coming in all days of slumber and wake. (sorry, getting too philosophical)
Jestana I wonder who Timothy is too. I guess you shall find out. Naw, I'm just kidding, I'm not THAT cruel. (looks around room quickly) Glimpses of what was, and what is to come are all around! I look forward to your review!
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Chapter 5: Abstractions
"Perhaps I'm not a very trusting person when it comes to things like that."
"Perhaps I want to be trusted by you. You mean a lot to me, Minerva. There shouldn't be any secrets between us anymore."
"Why not?"
"Because that's what this trip is for. For you and I become closer; learn about the other, find our hopes and dreams, learn about what is to come."
"I don't intend on reliving what was in that picture; and you can't make me tell you, so I would suggest you drop it Albus Dumbledore. I know you're just suddenly interested in my life, but that gives no reason why I ought to tell you."
"The picture?" He stepped closer to her, close enough to feel her warm breathing, "The picture as is obvious is some reason for you to be hiding something. You don't have to tell me right now, Minerva, but I do hope that by the end of these ten days, you would have told me."
"Maybe," she stepped back, "but for the moment, I am not interested in what you have to say about my past."
"Very well then, since this is settled, would you mind coming down for lunch?"
She blinked at him, then walked towards the yet open door. "Yes, let us go. I haven't eaten a single thing today."
He nodded, and followed her out the door. She didn't make eye contact as they walked down the stairs, but Albus couldn't quite take his eyes off of her. She had always been strong when it came to emotion, perhaps being the reason why she tended to use her temper and strictness more than a genuine heart to heart conversation. But her will to keep everything a secret was intriguing him.
'She's in every way like her animagus form', he mused, 'sly, clever, sweet, lovable.' He'd yet to see the truly lovable side of her, but he'd seen her throw some affectionate looks when he supposedly wasn't looking. Besides, he knew all he needed to when he saw that picture earlier that day. The little girl in the picture hugged her father uncountable times, and the smile on her face seemed to speak for itself. 'I suppose it's best if I don't bring the subject up again anytime soon. I want to get to know the real Minerva McGonagall, not the closed off one that I've known for years.'
He looked down on her, and did something he would never have done any other time in his life; though he was feeling particularly daring at the time, he clutched her hand tightly.
Her head shot up, and looked at him with either a scared or surprised look; he couldn't tell which one it was exactly. "Albus, what are you doing?"
"I'm holding my roommates hand," he said with a slight grin on his face, "Someone as beautiful as yourself should not be in public without a partner."
"You're acting awfully strange. First you give me that awful speech about how I 'perplex' you, and now you're holding my hand. Albus, what is wrong with you?"
"I think the question is more, what is wrong with you? Can you not take some public affection?"
She opened her mouth as if she were going to retort, but closed it again. Her eyes met his, and their stroll slowly came to a stop. "Alright Albus, do you want to know the truth?"
"Yes, I would."
"I feel strongly about you, very strongly; but don't push me; I've lost everything I've ever wanted when people push me. Don't make me lose my temper, and lose this relationship we already have, okay?"
"Okay," he nodded his head, and let go of her hand. 'That's strike two,' he thought quietly to himself. 'Well, better push her, than leave her to her own time in coming to me. That'll take forever."
The lunch was quick, hardly filled with much of a conversation, though Albus had managed to make her laugh a few times. Her spirits were obviously lifted by the time they had returned to the room. They had both seemed to find out something about the other; perhaps Minerva's love of reading muggle novels, or Albus' love of waltzing. Yes waltzing, he smiled slowly at himself. He'd never told anyone that…except for perhaps the people he danced with.
Albus unlocked the door to the room, and they both walked in. "I suppose we ought to decide what we're doing about the sleeping arrangement?" Minerva said slowly, as she walked towards the settee.
"Uh…yes. Well, I suppose you get the master bedroom, and I get the couch, simple enough, is it not?"
"Well, what about unpacking? Should we just split the closet?"
"If you would not mind, splitting the closet would be fine. I do, after all, need someplace to hang my clothes."
"Yes, I suppose you do." Albus spotted a hint of a grin upon her face when she said it; he almost could have sworn she had some sort of mischievous look.
He walked past her, and towards his own bag. He began pulling out the tight wads of clothing he had stuck inside it, plus some other little devices of his own pleasure. Once it was all out of the way, he picked up all he could, and walked into the master bedroom, where Minerva was currently placing some of her clothes inside. He dropped it all infront of the large closet, and began placing his robes on the hangers. He finished a great deal quicker than her, owing to the fact that he didn't exactly care about neatness, and just wanted to get rid of the clutter.
Once he had finished, he went and sat on the bed. His eyes could not help but dart every now and then towards her and her well rounded figure. After a time, he decided it was best to divert his attention elsewhere; that place being her clothes. His eyes fell upon the group of dresses she had brought, many of which, he decided, would look extremely appealing on her. As she moved the pile and it became less and less, his eyes darted towards a white…nightgown?
It flashed before his eyes quicker, and to more nostalgia than ever before. There she was sitting there, her eyes looking clearer than ever before. "Make love to me," she said slowly, and Merlin! He kissed her deeply; feeling every sign of passion there was to feel. He could feel her heated skin beneath him, he could almost feel the drums beating behind their unavoidable love affair; they seemed to race through his veins as he heard the words faster, faster, then all at once, slower, slower! He looked into her dark blue eyes, then began to touch her, the warmth, the heat, the fire. Yes, his mind went blank, it was all fire. The smoke clogged up every sense there was, and yet, he was breathing, and moving quicker than he ever had before. Oh yes! He could hear her voice, making his ears ring with anticipation. And then…
"Albus? Albus, is there something wrong?"
He shook his head, and blinked a few times. "W-wrong? What could be wrong?"
"You…had a strange look on your face."
"Oh. I was just um…thinking of something."
"What sort of 'something'?"
"I was just recalling a, um, dream that I had a few nights ago. It's nothing. Forgive my idiotness. Do you need any help, Minerva?"
"No. But um, if we're not going anywhere, would it be alright if I were to take a bath? I think I need to soak for a while, this climate has my skin like a reptiles'!"
Albus chuckled, and then nodded. Minerva walked across the front room, and towards the bathing area. "Oh, and by the way Albus, idiotness, is not a word." He smiled to himself as he watched her go in, an almost dreamy expression upon his face. It would be so easy to just go in there, and pretend like he had forgotten something, and to just take a few long glimpses at her fine, fine figure. But he had better sense than that, she'd not only smack him into next week, but there was no way that he'd ever be able to talk to her on a personal level again.
He decided it would be best to go on a walk, and leave her to her thoughts.
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Minerva watched as the water ran down the golden tub. This whole place did infact remind her of the lifestyle of those used to that of the 'finer' life. She sighed deeply; it wasn't that long ago that she was part of such a place. She, Minerva McGonagall, could long have been in the world of gold and jewels; but she'd chosen another path. One far more suitable for her, though any person has regrets; hers' had begun to well up like the tub that lay before her.
Albus didn't know what that picture was; he had no clue. He didn't know that man and her family were the ruination of her life. He didn't know that man had asked her to marry him. Albus didn't know who she was, or who she could have been. He knew her as a colleague, a brilliant, sarcastic, easily amused colleague, who was all the while rather emotional. He didn't know the part of her that wanted so badly for love, and anything that any typical woman may want. He didn't know the part of her that wished more than anything to forget her past, and get on with the future.
She hated to be so closed off to him; truly she did. If there was any person that she could speak freely to, it was him. Perhaps this was the reason why he had taken the spot of dream catcher so many nights. He'd always been able to help her when she had a problem, no doubt the reason why she was so enamored with him.
A cold chill crawled up and down her back at the thought. She was in-love with Albus Dumbledore. She could never admit it, she was too closed off from the real world to truly say it aloud, but when she looked at him when he wasn't looking, she knew the sort of impish facial expressions she had on. It wasn't even so much his mind that she was infatuated with, like it had originally been. Ones first impression of Albus Dumbledore is not one of lust to any measure; it was originally his charisma that had drawn her to him, then his way to help one. Later followed a distinct love for the way, his red hair hung in disarray around his face when he is out late getting a cup of hot chocolate. Finally, came the love for his smile, and the way his blue eyes twinkled even in the gravest of times.
She began to sink lower and lower into the tub as the thoughts came to her head. He was always so wonderful to her; he didn't know the reason that she was so reclusive. Yet, he was the only person who had seemed to ever want to get past that. Even in her years a student, no one wanted to be near her, except perhaps the boys that had attempted to woo her in her most challenging point in life. Perhaps that was the reason Albus was so kind to her?
She couldn't pretend, and say that she'd never been told she was pretty, or beautiful, or as one man had put it 'abundant in physical attractiveness'. But was Albus really that shallow? No, someone as brilliant as he could not be set off for something as dumb as that. Though…she hoped with everything inside of her that Albus, maybe in some deep inner alcove of his heart, loved her the way that she loved him.
She watched as the mess of dark hair fell and floated before her, reminding her deeply of the way the moonlight seemed to spill upon her every evening. She was so lonely; so desperately lonely.
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When Albus returned, he took note in knocking before he came in, incase she were one of the women that tended to enjoy immensely long baths. He received no answer, but was surprised to see the door to the bathroom still locked, with a crack of light beneath it. He felt a slight pounding sensation for a quick second, then it ceased, and he walked towards the fireplace. He stared at the ashes for a few seconds, and then decided it would be best to start a fire, the evening was upon them already.
He stared at the warmly crackling fire, feeling every sense possible at was fit for the time. So many thoughts surrounded him; so many different well…similarities between the hotel, and his constantly reoccurring dream. 'It isn't very well probable, to think that the dream could possibly be here, is it?' he thought quietly to himself. 'I mean, I understand that this is probably the best scenery one could ask for, BUT...' His eyes immediately looked towards the door, whose lock had just been unfastened with a short "Click". His breath caught for a brief second, and then he reprimanded himself for his insensitive behavior. She was a woman, his deputy, and the transfiguration teacher, what was he supposed to say when she caught him staring at whatever treasures she most definitely had? 'Oh damn,' he thought slowly, as he turned his head back towards the door while the slight sound of the hinges moving hit his ears.
He took a quick glance as she walked quickly through the door, but quickly turned his head, knowing it was totally and completely wrong for him to be acting that way. Minerva was sensible, and he knew she expected him to be sensible as well. 'Though,' he thought with a wicked grin, 'I do hope she'll be slightly more spontaneous by the end of this trip. Perhaps more open minded?'
He closed his eyes, and counted backwards for five. He'd been an idiot for ever thinking she was just another body to get close to. She had everything a man could want; not necessarily physically speaking. Naturally, first, she had attracted him with her smile, well rounded figure, and pretty eyes. Later he found her slightly more mysterious with the way she acted around people, as compared to him. She's never been extremely close to him, but close enough, no doubt, to learn her habits, to be mesmerized by the way her dark lips moved with every word; close enough to learn that she was closed off, but he knew she was or had been going through some things. Now, he only hoped she would share them. Then they could be better together, they could have a decent chance to fall in-love, just as he had done with her from the moment he saw her.
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Dinner came and passed, both of them eating with slightly more to say. Albus spoke to her about what he had found on the grounds, she spoke to him of some odd moments in her childhood; one in particular which included ice-cream, nuts, chocolate syrup, her father, her mother, and a broom, made him laugh harder than he thought he'd ever done in his life.
They both walked arm in arm up towards the room. She had allowed him to do this, only on the condition that he swore it was a friendly notion, and so they strolled along the newly painted grounds. The walk between the restaurant and room was quite a ways, the diner was on the west side, and their rooms were on the north. They walked in merry conversation.
"Honestly Albus, if the Ministers' mind was half as large as his stomach, he'd be ten times more capable than he is right now! I mean honestly! And have you seen that wife of his; total and complete rogue if I've ever seen one!"
"From what I've heard, she's supposed to be rather pretty."
"Yes, if your choice is a prostitute who's only out for money. Honestly, men are so gullible sometimes. A pretty girl bats her eyes just the right way, and if she shows enough cleavage, the male automatically thinks that she's head over heals for him. Honestly! With all this war business among the muggles, men have totally and completely gone off their block!"
"My, Minerva; you are quite opinionated tonight. More than I've seen you in a good few years."
"I happen to know this subject, and the tastes of wealthy men are nothing new to me. Of course, the taste of wealthy men is perhaps not much of a change for those of the lower class," she told with confidence, "not to sound prejudiced," she added quickly.
"So you, Minerva McGonagall, are saying that I'd be reckless enough to fall in-love with a pretty girl who batted her eyes, and showed a bit of skin, and be just enough of an idiot to go and marry her?"
"By the general consensus," she smiled, "yes."
"Of course," he slowed down his pace slowly, taking her with him, "I would have had to know the pretty girl long enough," he practically whispered as they came to a stop through the pale moonlight, "to marry her like that." He stared into her dark eyes, she looked so beautiful in the moonlight; not being the first time he had noticed.
"Actually," she stepped back, "I don't think you're dumb enough to do something as rash like that. You think too much…even if you were head-on tipsy, I think you'd still be smart enough to say no."
He took in a deep breath. It wasn't the place, or the time he knew. They'd only been there a few hours, and he was already starting to feel the heat etch into his brain. Of course, that earlier nostalgic dream was enough to have known from that moment it was in his mind. He couldn't leave that place without her, without her by his side.
"Ah…but I believe the drink tends to mess with ones mind. What if I was to have gotten you drunk, and married you?"
She stepped back, and looked at him as if he were crazy. He felt a smile linger at his lips; he needed surprise questions, if she were ever going to make her trust him. Find the inside of her mind, find out how it works, then say all that had ever been on his mind as a silent treaty.
"Well…I suppose if I were drunk as you call it, it wouldn't be much of a question. I would probably say yes."
"And what if you were sober?"
"Are you flirting with me Albus?"
"I've been flirting with you for the past few minutes," he smiled, "answer the question."
"I suppose…I suppose I'd um…I'd probably- Wait, would you be tipsy?"
"No, I'd be sober."
"I suppose, it depends on the situation. Generally, the answer, I think, would be no."
He nodded his head, and stuck his arm out back again. They didn't speak again until they were back at the room, and both ready to go to sleep. Minerva stuck her head out of her room to peek at Albus. "Goodnight Albus." He nodded his head, and replied back. Once she had shut the door, and the lights that surrounded him were out, he smiled wistfully at himself, "I hope that changes," he whispered, and drifted slowly off to sleep.
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I am taking a point right now to say that NO, Cornelius fudge is NOT the minister of magic at this point in time. I figured that it is way too early, and I mean WAYYYY too early for him to be in the ministry. Due to the fact that I haven't any idea of how old Cornelius Fudge really is, I don't suppose I'd be altering everything THAT much? But no…Cornelius be not in this story…well…not as a minister anyway! [Hysterically evil laugh]
Cute chapter? Funny chapter? Horrible chapter?
Reviews would be wonderful! Oh please? Please? Pretty please? I'm getting a familiar feeling, like I've done this before. Please review, it would be wonderful. OH, if you are reading this, and haven't reviewed, then I beg you for your consent! It makes me feel all warm inside; like roasted marshmallows. Of course, that's without burning my tongue, I mean.