I am on time! Yay! ...unfortunately, I still don't have any updates to "the coming of september" I'm afraid the inspiration came for this story, and not the other…hopefully this will be an alright compensation?
more from LLes- were you a little high on sugar? Haha, well I thank thee for your outrageously funny review. Alas, the secret of Aron shall not be carried for long…but you shall be interested I can promise you! =)
snickerdoodle10201- New chapter delivered! YAAAAAAAY. (mind the language. Lol)
Emutet- Wooohooo! An update! :'( Fight scene done me dear, I can assure you that! All we got in the future is lots and lots and lots of fluff…and interesting closeness scene…to put it nicely. I am enjoying this. I think…this is the longest chapter I have written I my life! Oh My! Hehe, enjoy!
Blood Sucker13- Two weeks is up! Yay! The end of your turmoil has come! Haha, naw, probably doesn't really matter to you, does it? I hope you like the chappie!
Child-of-the-Dawn – Shot! Ugh! The end is near…well…maybe not. Oh golly I love this chapter! I hope you like it too…sweet lovin and smooching coming up!
SevyHero- I wasn't expecting you to read everyone elses comments. Lol. Yeah websta, here be your update…and you know perfectly well who I was referring to! Haha, hotness I can do…hotness I LOVE to do. Lol. Read and review dear friend
Hogwarts Duo- OH lordy I love seduction, it's so much fun to write! We'll have fun this chappie, I can promise you that. The ending is a kicker. Lol…naw, just trying to get you to read it! Lol. R&r please.
Evilwoman- Ah, the angst!...has left the building…for a while. You know, that whole "goldfish thing" led to a fun little joke in here. You gave me inspiration without even knowing it! Man I love writing about these two!
Liz O'Brien- Aron! Aron! Everybody, scream out his name, Aron! Okay…so maybe it's not that important…but it's fun to think about. Yeah, you're right, boys are creeps! All of em…ugly creeps. I have decided…that we are going into the straight forward approach. Now exiting cautious-ville.
Jestana- Aww…thanks. Me likies cuteness, I would take it you do too? Gee, I love this. "I didn't know you had so many freckles my dear?" I'm sorry…but I just don't know about that one. But me thinks…I can work it in. lol.
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Chapter ten: On the Verge
"Damn it," Albus whispered, "why did I have to do that? She's just said that she loves you, and wants to take it to the next level, and what is my response?" He angrily stared at the mirror as his lips did the goldfish look. "Such a bloody idiot! She's not even going to come back, and if by some awful chance she does, then what?!"
"You sweep me off my feet."
Albus turned quickly with bewilderment. She looked like she'd been crying, her eyes were red, even her pale cheeks were pink; not from blushing this time, that was certain. She'd probably just heard his entire speech, and now looking at him with a smile. He just couldn't figure her out anymore!
"M-Minerva. I um…I'm sorry."
"You had a right to react like you did. I just…didn't expect it." A rather sad expression crossed her face, "Would you want to talk about it; or anything else for that matter?"
"If you don't mind."
She nodded. He followed her through the living room, but was surprised to be taken not into the main room, but Minerva's quarters. Again he took notice of the tidiness of the area. There was only a nightgown left outside of the wardrobe and nothing more, though he couldn't help but hide his suspicion at the light blue hue of the gown.
The two of them sat across from eachother, Minerva was only about half a meter away. They stared at eachother, waiting for one of them to say something. 'She looks different today,' Albus mused, 'her eyes look…softer.' Then the thought came back to him, why was he being so enamored with her, when she'd been dreaming about someone else? He felt anger rush to his face. Aron.
"Well…I suppose this is an interesting predicament," Minerva whispered slowly.
"How might that be?"
"I believe the uh…cats out of the bag so to speak. I know I've been entirely secretive with you, more so than I really should have given how long we've known eachother."
"Is this some sort of confession?"
"I suppose," she blinked, "you…don't have any uh…questions, do you?"
He stared. Yes! Who the bloody hell is Aron? But he merely shrugged. "You mean about the virginity thing?"
"Yes." Silence. Minerva spoke again softly, "I'm not old fashioned Albus. I've just never found the right person. Like I said…I've had very few real relationships. No one I've ever really cared about has come across."
"And I suppose you would like to keep it throughout this trip?"
"I want whatever you want."
Hostility was never something the great Albus Dumbledore was good at, he hardly could do it with this interesting sentiment; quite honestly he didn't have the heart. "You don't need to worry about anything…after all you are my deputy."
"I'm sure you've made love to lots of women," she sighed. It was really a question he knew, but he wouldn't dare tell her what he'd been thinking since the moment he asked her to go on the trip. He wouldn't dare tell her she'd been on his mind in the world of sheets and fires for the past three years. Yet, he wouldn't dare tell her the truth. Minerva was…well, not the first.
"I understand if it's important to you Min. Really, you don't need to worry about it. Last night is as close as it's going to get."
"Albus," she shook her head, "forgive me, but…I don't care about it. I would have lost it long ago had I ever found someone who was in it for what I was in it for."
"And what exactly are you in it for?"
"Love."
Again silence came, this time, it was almost comforting had it not been for the voices in Albus's head. Love…she wants it, or not? No man. You can't do it, she's been holding onto it, she wouldn't just start on you like you've imagined. And who in the hell is Aron then if it wasn't a bloody boyfriend?
"Who is Aron?"
"Aron?" She looked confused for a few seconds, then spoke. "When have I ever mentioned the name Aron?"
"While you were sleeping this morning, you said something to someone named Aron."
"Albus," she smiled, realization was easily seen in her eyes, "the only Aron I know is the dog I had when I was ten."
"Excuse me?"
She started giggling. Imagine. "What did I say?"
"I don't even remember anymore," he let out a sigh of relief. "Aron is a…dog?"
"Unless I was dreaming of someone that I've never met, I believe he is, or was, depending on which you prefer."
"I thought, for a moment earlier, that he was a—"
"Boyfriend?" She raised an eyebrow.
I think I'm spending too much time with this woman, she's beginning to read my mind. Then again…stop it! No more dreams about her, none whatsoever. "Yes, a boyfriend."
"Afraid not Albus dear; I'm not even sure if my mother kept him around anymore. I haven't seen that dog for ten years. He's probably long since dead by now."
"I'm sorry," and he did sound apologetic. Losing a friend, no matter who or what it was, was always a hard thing to have happen. He'd seen it happen before, not directly to him. She didn't seem entirely hurt, she'd obviously come to grips with whatever had happened in the past.
"It's alright. I left him along with the rest of my childhood life."
Minerva smiled at him, and had he been standing up, he knew he would have collapsed. Minerva was already changed from who she had been when she came to Egypt. She'd told him so many things he never knew, so many things that he should have known to begin with. He was head over heals for her. It was a plain as day. She loved him as well, she wouldn't be telling just anyone this; he'd figured that out by now. There was a long silence, but it was companionable.
"So where is it that you came up with the name Lottie?"
"Reading," she smiled, "what else is there to choose from?"
"I like that name. It's reasonably original," he grinned back.
"You wouldn't…want to go on a walk with me, would you?" she whispered softly.
*~
Minerva and Albus strolled side by side down the bank of the flowing river that is yet known as the Nile. For some reason, Minerva simply couldn't stop glancing at him. He was exactly what she had hoped he would be; understanding, companionable, humorous…handsome. She smiled childishly. She knew what she was doing; she knew what she was getting herself into, but so help her, she was in-love. Not just in-love with anyone mind you, but it was with her boss, her friend; her best friend. After all, what else could have possessed her to even utter the words, "I might just be willing to give up my virginity to you."?
Taking it slow wasn't an option anymore, she knew this now. She couldn't keep herself to take it slow, it had to move, it had to be what she knew it was, and could be for that matter. There was a connection between them, something that had happened over the past few days, though she couldn't quite put her finger on it. The best explanation she could honestly come up with was either honesty, or love…maybe both?
She'd never been able to say anything like this to anyone. She felt closer and closer to finally telling him what had happened in her nineteenth year. God she loved him, she'd always done so.
She looked beside herself as Albus walked slowly. Gently, she reached out her hand, and laced his fingers through hers. A look of shock cascaded through his eyes, and he opened his mouth as if to speak, but closed it again as they walked in silence along the riverbed.
She wanted to talk to him; not because the silence was dry, but because she needed to find out about him. Knowing that he was in the boys choir wasn't enough, knowing that his parents loved eachother wasn't enough. She needed to know everything about him. She'd missed years of love, mainly because of fear. She wasn't fearful anymore. She was secretive perhaps, but fear no longer was a part of her.
"Tell me something about yourself."
He looked down on her, and squeezed her hand gently. "What sort of thing, Min?"
"I don't know. What did your family do for the holidays? Or what does your family do for the holidays for that matter?"
"Well," a gleam in his blue eyes showed, "on Easter we used to have an Easter egg hunt. My parents wouldn't ever let us go inside until we found the last egg…which was usually levitated somewhere and was painted blue," he grinned. "On Christmas we open presents just like any other family. Oh, Aberforth and I used to have loads of fun in putting frogs in mom's and dad's bed in the hopes that they'd get warts."
Minerva giggled slightly at the thought. She could very well see the eight year old Albus moving slowly into a room and putting an eight ounce toad in his parents' bedroom. Somehow, the thought came too quickly in her mind. She looked beside her at Albus who was smiling as well. Quickly she shut her mouth, and nodded.
"You didn't have to stop laughing." They stopped walking and stared, Albus spoke softly. "I love it when you laugh. I don't get to hear it that often."
She felt a blush creep up to her face. She smiled as if she were a school girl. "Well perhaps there will be more things to smile about in the future."
"Things haven't been easy for you, have they Min?"
"Not as easy as some people think." She began walking again down the silted sand, letting what waves there were from tour boats to wash along her sandaled feet. It was so beautiful there. Things were hot, and humid, but things were different than it was where she lived. Things were brown, not green. Things were simple, not complicated. Now that she thought about it, things were simple when it came to certain things. A week ago, she wouldn't have been able to admit that she liked her leader of the school, now she was ready to scream it at the top of her lungs, "I love you Albus Dumbledore!" Alas, she did not say it though. Now was a time to be quiet, learn, and listen.
"What did your family do during the holidays?"
"Well," she sighed, "unlike you, I was an only child. My parents were…out a lot. I didn't have someone to really share Christmas with," she glanced at Albus who was staring at her closely, "I had my father for a few years, and my mother. By the time daddy had died, my mother just spent more and more time out of the house. I didn't even take the time to remind her that Christmas was coming by then, let alone that we were a family. Usually I got one gift from each parent. My father got me whatever I wanted, a good broom, candy, anything; what the difference was between the two of them though was the fact that my father stayed with me every Christmas. My mother, well," she paused, "she got me anything…besides a mother I suppose. While my father was alive, she had Christmas with us, when he was gone, she was gone."
"Where was she? What could she have to do besides have Christmas with her girl?"
"Have Christmas with anyone else that mattered to her," she felt tears slowly well up in her eyes. "It changed from year to year I suppose. One year it would be some man that I had never heard of, the next it would be a friend she went to school with. One thing that I could count on though," she took in a deep breath, "was that it wouldn't ever be me."
Hot tears stung her eyes; ones she thought she was devoid of by now. She hated her mother. She hated her, absolutely hated her. Years had passed since a civil word had been spoken between the two of them, yet it still hurt to think about it. As a girl…not having the mom that everyone else had was simply too much. Her seven years at Hogwarts had been hell during Christmas. Never was anything more than a gift sent to her, least of all an invitation home. Quickly she rubbed her eyes before the tears became obvious.
"What about when your father was alive?"
Minerva swallowed, hard. She tried her best to keep a straight head. "Things were great. My Christmases were good, entertaining even. My mom and I were much closer too but alas tragedy does many things to people."
"If it's not too much by my asking, how did they die?"
Minerva looked up, and then back into the black sand. "My father died after some freak accident at the ministry of magic. Someone put one too many ingredients into a potion…my father's lab was next to it."
"And your mother?"
Minerva sighed. The words that she'd spoken on their first days rang through her head; they're both dead to me. How could she bring herself to tell Albus that her mother was alive and well, let alone married again? Merlin she hated herself sometimes. "My mother and I haven't spoken a word in years," she whispered meekly, "she's not dead; merely gone for good to me."
"How long has it been?"
"Eleven years," she breathed, "Eleven blissful years. What about you and your parents?"
He didn't respond right away, some hint that the conversation wouldn't end there. "They're still alive and well. They're a bit active for their age, but whatever keeps them going I'm sure is fine. After all, how many one hundred year olds can row a boat twenty miles?"
"Not many I would assume," she smiled. "Obviously you take after your parents in the athletic department. You played quidditch when you were going to school?"
"Yes, a beater to be exact. I wasn't anything compared to you though," he spoke quietly, seductively, "even as a student your talent was far more than mine."
She smiled. What a compliment; there was never a time that she were better than Albus Dumbledore at anything. "Honestly Albus, you don't have to compliment me all the time. It's fine, you've won," she shook her head with a smile, "I have fallen in-love. You don't need to flatter me any more than you already have."
He stopped walking, Minerva did too. Gently he took her hands in his, and rubbed them softly, his eyes twinkled merrily. Silence drifted between them as they stared at one another. "You're very beautiful," he said softly in her ear. She nearly giggled as the tickling sensation rushed from her head down towards her spine. "I think," He whispered, "I would wait an eternity just to get to know a person like you."
She hated manipulation, she never could overcome it. Albus was her manipulator. Had they not been out in the sun, had they not been beside the riverbed hearing the waves wash along the shore, had they not been together…she never would have let go. Gently, she pulled him closer and locked their lips together. His lips were so warm; they sent a heating sensation from her lips, down to her thighs. They were so close, so desperately close. All she had to do was say the word, and years of being alone would leave, she wouldn't be alone anymore, she'd be together…she'd be loved. Merlin she wanted to do it, whisper that she was ready, beg for love, but she owed him a few certain things first. Slowly, they departed, and stared at eachother with wide smiles.
"You're beautiful," was all Albus whispered.
She took in a deep breath. "Why do you always have to say the right thing? I can't say no to you anymore, I hope you know that. Not after this morning."
"I want nothing more than to get to know you."
She smiled, he was manipulating her again. He was doing it all too well for that matter. "I want you. That's all I've ever wanted," she confessed slowly.
He leaned down; she could feel his hot breath along her neck. "We don't need to rush into anything. It's all your choice."
*~
Albus stood at the edge of the room, while his deputy looked outside into the abyss of land that was Egypt. She was so different. It was surprising him more and more by the hour. She'd say things that he'd never thought she'd say to him, let alone the words 'I love you.' Though he couldn't quite connect everything to what she had said, and was now saying, especially things regarding her family. Only a few days ago, she'd shared a few select stories with him about her parents, happy ones. Now, he noticed how blind it seems things were. Her mother seemed to be a bit more…well selfish than he had envisioned. She'd said that mermaid story had come from her mother, yet there were no good words for her to speak of. And her whole perception on Christmas was enough to make anyone's heart break.
He no longer was as surprised as he had originally been by her keeping things from him. Now, she seemed as if there was a reason. The title 'daddy's girl' hung in his memory. Obviously she had been a daddy's girl, how else could she have become the way she was? How else could she have become so emotionless over the years? She'd always hidden things, now that he thought of it. They'd only met in her seventh year, and that was once. Even then, he couldn't forget the look that was on her face. He knew pain, she'd had it; too much of it as it would seem.
As he stared at the dark haired beauty, he couldn't make a connection. This woman that stood before him, this was that little girl in the picture on her mantel. It was the childish thing that kept turning around and kissing her father on the cheek. This woman had no other pictures of her and her parents anywhere. There were one of her father, or mother; none in her bedroom, none in her living room. This woman was alone every Christmas. This woman…had virtually no family.
Why she even kept the picture on the mantel he couldn't quite decide either. If it hurt her so much to think of her family, then why did she keep it up? Had he not seen the tears in her eyes earlier, he wouldn't have questioned it as much, but he knew. He wished he had said something more to her over the years. Oh yes, they'd made jokes, laughed at one another; but never was it on a personal basis, not like this. It was as if he were meeting her for the first time. In a manner of speaking, he was; he was meeting what should have been the real Minerva McGonagall for the first time.
"Albus?"
He blinked his eyes dramatically, and came into focus. She was standing no more than a meter away from him, and staring at him awkwardly. "Hmm?" He tried to sound casual, as if he'd been thinking about something normal, but she knew him better than that.
"What are you staring off into space for?"
"I was thinking about my deputy, if that's alright with you. She looked a bit too pretty staring out of the window."
"Ah," she smiled, "are you ready then?"
"Uh, yes. Let us eat."
Hand in hand the two of them walked down the stairs and into the restaurant. They both were immediately seated, and took a long glance at the spacious room. Neither of them had been here yet, and was ever so slightly interested at the sight of a dance floor in the west end of the area. They smiled shyly at eachother, and then took looks at the menu. Minerva, being the skinny imp that she was, only wanted a salad. Albus also took a salad, and a plate of spaghetti. The waiter took their order, and Minerva's eyes burned holes into the floor.
A soft song played on the recorder, just simple violin music. He stood up, and asked her to come along with him and 'dance the waiting away' (which made her laugh). The two of them walked out onto the floor where they would be the only couple dancing. He placed one hand on her hips, and the other held her delicate hand. Slowly they began moving to the soft rhythm, leaving Albus to fall helplessly in-love with her for the thousandth time during the trip.
For a few minutes there was silence, they stared into the other's eyes. He couldn't help himself but think back towards what had happened that morning. She'd told him she'd never been touched, never known real love. He was wondering himself what part he would play in this wonderful commencement of time. He'd known he was in-love for years, now it became just too apparent how much he really did love her. He'd always found her beauty desirable, and her brains were outstanding from the beginning. All that was left was to find history. Yet it was so hard to do so, when all he could think about was the future.
Standing there, looking into her eyes, he knew he'd do anything for her if she asked. He'd wait if it mattered to her, his lust was not going to be a matter in this relationship. His dreams could wait; he wouldn't force anything upon his love. He stopped to think quietly. My love. It was too good to be true, now that he thought about it. He'd had relationships before, hell, he'd had meaningless flings with people before, but nothing meant as much as this. He wanted to see her tomorrow, and the next day. He wanted to be by her side whenever he could.
"You're a wonderful dancer my dear," he said softly. An easily seen blush came upon her face, and her usually dead eyes looked so alive.
"I'm sure I'm nothing compared to the others, what with all the parties that you go to."
"Perhaps I could take you to one sometime? They're not that fun most of the time, but I think if you were there, we'd have a ball. Get it," he chuckled, "have a ball?"
"Very funny," she smiled cynically. "Are you sure that would be a good idea? I mean…I'd look so out of place somewhere like that."
"No," he shook his head, "you'd be the most radiant creature there. They'd all be asking if you have a sister, or brother for that matter."
"Well you can tell them ahead of time that not only do I not have a sibling, but I want no one else but you."
He grinned, and kissed her gently on the cheek. She was just full of surprises today. "Yet you say that I flatter you too much? You're the one giving me compliments left and right, ones that are more or less spoken by people who have been together a lot longer than we have."
"Is it a crime to speak my mind?"
"No, there is no crime that love has no part in."
"You philosophical git," she smiled and shook her head.
"I can't help myself dear. I tell you what comes into my head. It is that simple."
"And what just comes into your head?" she smiled shrewdly, "Pixie wing?"
He smiled; his opening line in their first game of twenty questions. She never missed anything, that woman. "I needed something to say! What did you expect me to do? Just sit there like a fish and blow bubbles? Wait, what am I saying? You're a cat, that wouldn't be a good combination."
"I wouldn't hurt you," she grinned, "not right away anyhow."
Albus was just about to retort when a tap was felt on his shoulder. He let go of Minerva and stared at the visitor. It wasn't a surprise who it was, he knew she was there, she knew he was there, and with Minerva none the less. "Poppy!" Minerva hugged her best friend, and then looked at Albus with a grin. "Hello Poppy," Albus nodded.
"Getting it on are you two?" She giggled, and looked at Minerva. She didn't think Albus saw, but he caught what little glimpse he could of a wink. The both of them were nothing but smiles.
"Well," Minerva looked over at Albus and took his hand, "we're doing better to say the least."
"I'm glad to hear it." Poppy smiled at Albus. She looked happy, happier than he'd seen in a while; what the reason was, he did not know.
"So where is this man who you're here with?" Minerva grinned, "This is the second time I've seen you, and there is yet to be a sign of him."
"He's up in the room. I only came down to get something to eat real quick." Albus's heart gave a jolt. Surely Minerva knew that her best friend was dating Severus Snape. Of course, the only reason he really knew was running into them, but they had yet to actually approach him. Minerva was Poppy's best friend, why wouldn't she tell. But as it stood, it was obvious that they hadn't told.
"So I would take it you won't be able to stay long enough for a drink?" Minerva sighed.
She frowned, and looked at Albus. Albus nodded, "One drink wouldn't hurt, would it?"
"Oh no, no. He's waiting for me. He's not a very patient man. Then again he's not a very patient lover either," she smiled, "we should all meet in a day or two. Right now, I need to get back to him." She turned towards Minerva, and hugged her again, "I'm sure we'll see eachother sooner or later." The two let go, and she faced Albus. "Take good care of my friend, okay?"
"You can bet I will. She's something special."
*~
Dinner went as well as it could have been with many extra dances, and brilliant, dazzling smiles. They were in-love, it was as simple as that. Minerva walked around the increasingly inviting room. She could put it on, she could tempt him and pray that she was doing it the right way, but there was so much that she should tell him. So much that she couldn't bring herself to say just yet. It wasn't as big as she made it, she knew, but it hurt to think of everything. Perhaps that was why she was a teacher perhaps that was why she was so lonely sometimes.
She wasn't lonely anymore though, no. She'd never been lonely in Albus's presence; not ever. As he came out of the bathroom wearing his nightshirt and pants she couldn't help but smile. He was looking better and better by the day. She wanted to kiss him; touch him; know him. Who was she to be thinking these things? God she was tired of being a virgin, tired of thinking that she wasn't able to do anything, tired of wishing. She'd made up her mind long ago just who Albus was to her, now, her chance was getting closer and closer.
With every touch, every sense of love that he gave her she felt more and more up to just shoving herself up to him and begging for him to say the things to her that she never thought she'd hear…to do things she'd never thought would come.
Albus swept across the room, and wrapped his arms around her waist gently. "Something wrong Min?" She could feel the heat from him, radiating like the light of a candle. He was so perfect, so genuinely perfect.
"No, nothing is wrong," she whispered, she waited a few minutes while staring into his eyes before speaking again, "I um…I think I'll just go and get my nightgown on." Quickly, she walked into her bedroom, and took one excruciatingly long glance at her white negligee, but went to the bureau and dressed herself with a nice, sensible red one. Though, she decided, sensible wasn't exactly the right word, it wasn't by any means revealing, more like…loose. She put on a satin robe, and walked slowly back outside towards Albus, who stared at her the minute she walked out.
"Albus," she whispered softly.
"I don't think I've seen you in your night wear since that night we met up during the school year. I've always imagined you as a night person."
She smiled. "Why might that be?"
"I thought that perhaps night was when you dropped your 'I have everything to hide' act, and became yourself. But as you've done so many times lately, you have proven me wrong," he whispered in awe. Slowly, he walked towards her and took her hand. "I'm glad I took you with me."
"Me too," she nodded. "I don't think I've ever had this much fun."
"I don't think I've ever fallen in-love like I have."
"Love has nothing to lose, but all to give." She sighed. "Goodnight Albus. I'll see you in the morning."
"Night," he kissed her on the forehead, then a quick peck on the lips. "Night Min."
She walked into her bedroom with a smile on her face. She was in-love. He was in-love with her. It was a beautiful match. For the first time in years, she fell asleep without irritation, only dreaming of her beloved Albus and what was to come of their fifth day in the land of Egypt.
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I had fun writing this chapter, maybe you could give me something for my hard work? Maybe a review? I'll beg if you want me to. Please? Please? Please? Okay, maybe this is a little sad. Review please, if you've gotten this far?
*~minni