TartanPhoenix: Oh thanks! You are right...my...I mean Minerva's dear Albie is a romantic and hopefully a rather convincing one at that? () Thanks for the props on the bath scene...I am pathetic and very into those kind of proposals. Then again, you probably kinda noticed my style. lol. thanks for the review. Hope you stay with me for this chapter, and the next. that's all that's left. :'(
SevyHero: Awww gee webby, you made me blush! lol. glad u liked the bath scene, it was what I told you it was, no? =) Oh wow! what a compliment (from you)..."very very clever" tehe, thanx websta! And no...snapey is not a "bloody" agent he is a hot agent who doesn't happen to be as hot as my dumblydore! :-P bw. Here's ur update. er...and sorry I didn't call u.
Liz O'Brien: Quite honestly, pairing pp/ss wasn't a planned thing for me...I just kinda figured, why not? besides, snapey deserves to be happy...maybe then he would be nicer to the students. :)(then again maybe not) and yes, I am a firm believer in happy endings! This is the final chapter in the regular story, and I have an epilogue thought up for the next chapter. I hope you'll stick with me. I'm setting you guys up for my sequel.
Griselda La Fey: I lovey sweetieness! (obviously you can tell) Final chapter coming next...[sob] stay tuned if you would.
Angeldust aka Evilwoman: Moving? My writing is moving? Gee, that's WAAAAAAAY up at the "praise" list. Loving the fact that you love my story. here is your update, have a great time reading!
adnarel: Now you are someone that I DEFINITELY wanted to write back to! You mentioned much that i wanted to reply to. First off...you asked if I was in love...the answer is no...I don't think so. There's this guy that I have been majorly crushing on for the LOOOONGEST time...but it's not gonna work out. I just spend lotsa time imagining a younger, very cute dumbledore and me as Minerva. don't ask. lol. A friend and I had some role playing game going at one point...it helped me get very in-tune w/ ad/mm and their er...fabulous relationship. (in my opinion anyway) I fail to conceive what draws people to angsty stuff (no offense please) it always seems to get me depressed :- I went through about a year of it...people didn't like me much then. And my final note to you is, THANK YOU! for that praise on the way I wrote my story. I spend lotsa time doing it, eventually it just started coming to me in big blasts of imagination! When I do fall in love...maybe it'll be even more believable. thanks. you've been great!
Hogwarts Duo: so it met your fluffiness requirements? lol. this chapter turns out slightly more than fluffy, and the final chapter (I shudder to think) shall be very fluffy as well. And yes, I do have more stories in the works. One, I think, is the sequel to this story. and another is going to be a mystery story. (yes ad/mm center of the story) I've already started my pre-writing for both stories, and am hoping to get them going soon. The mystery would more than likely be later though...I don't usually like to write 2 stories at once. I don't always have the time. we'll see what happens.
Athena Dumbledore: aww gee, another "wow" from you and I'll have to stop believing you! thanxerz.
Jestana: Thanks! "beautiful, sweet, and a 'loff'" lol. Glad you liked the proposal scene, it took much thought and time. =) r&r please
Morgana-Alex: well it has been a while, hasn't it? sorry if I sounded too er...cocky last time we talked. Anywayz, back to business. Oh yes yes yes! Very happy ending ahoy, along with a rather interesting sequel! yes, that's what I said, sequel! lol. And yes, I could have had Minerva get mad at Poppy, but then I thought, "what's the point?" So she took it well...and understood...and fell in love all over again. Your wedding shall be in the next story, and a epilogue in the following one. I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this story.
Chapter Sixteen: Home
Minerva dreamed of sweet, sweet innocent dreams over the course of the evening. There was no such thing as evil or hate or pain, there was only one perfect dreamland that could never possibly end. She dreamed of children, ones that belonged to her and Albus, and taking them to school, teaching them. She dreamed of a wedding, one small, lovely, special wedding. Never had she dreamed like she did that night.
Albus too dreamed of the utmost fantastic things. His dreams revolved around one single person, the one that he was to spend the rest of his life with. When he awoke in the morning, he held that very same person in his arms who was as bare as she day she was born, but none the more ugly, nor pretty, she simply was. She was what he wanted.
He dragged his finger softly along her jaw line where a sleeping hand drifted over and pulled down towards her stomach. He chuckled slightly; he would need to remember to call her sleeping beauty one day. At his very movement however, the bed shook, and her eyes buzzed open. Her first conscious thought, that he noticed, was when she looked down at her idle left hand. A warm smile crossed her face, and she met eyes with him slowly.
"Good morning," she grinned. "Nice to see you again."
He kissed her softly on the forehead. "You'll be seeing me for quite a while my dear Professor McGonagall. We'll be seeing a lot of each other or so I hear."
"Mmmmm," she moved in closer to him, and rested her head in between the crook of his neck and head. He could feel her hot breath on his neck; a sensation that sent hot tingles up and down his body. "I hope I have the pleasure of seeing you quite often from now on. In or out of the office," she whispered seductively.
"You know Min, that's something I always wanted to do." He closed his eyes, and fantasized for a quick moment. "It would be interesting to get creative in the office, if you catch the notion."
"I will do anything for you m' dear, you know that, however I am not going to lose my job just because you felt the need to get creative, as you call it, in between classes."
"Why not?" He frowned. He was having such a wonderful time imagining this woman strolling slowly up to his office, slipping in past his gaze, and then sliding her body in front of him to take perfect, slow, moments into his mind. She would do it too, though she said not now. He knew her better, the moment she had a bad day, she'd be there, and he'd make her feel better. Of course…talking was always a choice as apposed to sex to counter-act the bad day that she was going to have sooner or later. It depended on the day; that was what he decided slowly.
Somewhere off in the distance she was replying to whatever it was that he had said. He didn't hear anything that she spoke in her defense, but he didn't think it mattered at the moment. Whatever she had to say was pointless, it would happen sooner or later. All that he could make out, and those were her concluding words, was, "…and then where would we be?"
He said the first words that came into his mind. "How does my observatory sound?"
She lifted up her head and frowned. "You didn't hear a word I said, did you?"
"No," he shook his head truthfully, "I was fantasizing again. How can I not? You're beautiful."
"Damn you," she shook her head slowly, "you'll be the death of me, you know."
"What a pity that would be." He took her left hand, and held it up while staring at the ring upon her finger. "You know, you brought me to life, it would be a shame for you to die because of me."
She stared at him, with her moonlike eyes and slowly blinked. He could see her mentally give in. There was nothing that she could possibly say to his words, and he knew. Therefore he would have the last word. She gave in by shaking her head and put her head back between his shoulder and head. Her hand drew comfortably across his waist as the silence set in. "Last night wasn't a dream, was it?" She whispered softly into his ear.
"No," he closed his eyes as a lazy smile crossed his lips, "you, I believe, said that you would marry me last night."
"I couldn't have possibly said no, not to you."
"That's good." He nodded. "If you had said no I daresay my life would have been over."
He could hear her make a soft chuckle. Slowly Minerva looked back up at him and kissed him softly, perhaps lingering a wee bit too long for what it was. Then again, a kiss wasn't just a kiss to either of them anymore; it was a promise. "I love you, Albus."
"How can anyone help but love you?" He sighed. "You're everything that a man could want."
"I don't care what every man wants." She licked his ear affectionately while heaving a heavy sigh. "I only care about what you want."
"And I, you, Minerva; I, you."
Silence set in again as he held her close to him. Her hands traced up and down his body, possibly scheming her next move for the time being.
Just as a thought, Albus looked over at the clock. He moaned sadly. "We've got to be out of this room in an hour."
"All packed?"
Minerva looked at her things that were magically crammed into a single bag. She had checked under her bed, the bathroom, Albus's bed, and the balcony as well. She had dropped nothing and everything was in her bag. She didn't want to leave this paradise; it was as simple as that.
She nodded her head sadly up at Albus, the ultimate love of her life. "I've got everything."
"Good. Well, then," he sighed, "we had better leave." He didn't want to leave either. She could tell by simply looking at him. He kept on looking from place to place, most likely looking for a memory that had seemed to make its' way into his mind.
She couldn't blame him, she'd done the exact same thing, and she still had the instinct to do so. However, she took her bag in her arm, and Albus's hand with her free one, and they walked down the corridor together.
Everything was empty, dead even. The only person in sight was the clerk who was going to 'officially' check them out of the hotel. Albus took care of it by talking to the man, and then they were off to Minerva's home.
"Your cottage?" He asked slowly.
Minerva looked at her surroundings, feeling a sad sense of nostalgia. She shook her head, "Can we…walk around a bit, before we go?"
He looked down at her, then his hand that held a rather large bag. "We've got to get back."
She whispered softly with a certain pouty face. "Please?"
He dropped his bag with a sigh. "We can't take long. There's a ministry meeting this evening that I've got to go to."
Happiness flooded through her. With a nod and a kiss the two of them started walking hand in hand back to see their last glimpse of the world of Egypt.
They walked slowly past the pool and stood at a halt there. It still looked clean, much like their very first day. The reflection of the sun could be seen from far away. It seemed like a pool of gold; magical in its showcase.
"That's where we snogged our first time." Albus pointed out. It was only a little over a week ago that they'd splashed in the pool together. And she'd gotten her first real idea of just what her dream man looked like. She had to admit even then, he was a find; a very wonderful find. Which would explain why it didn't take long for it to get slightly out of hand.
Somehow the water just made it better. She wasn't sure if it was how it made the wet clothes cling onto the body, or just the flattery of something cold and hot touching her skin. Whatever the reason was though, it was unlike any other sensation she had felt at the time.
A queer smile crossed her face. While she was feeling those sensations, none other than her best friend had been watching her. "Poppy saw us. She said we looked cute." She smiled.
Albus looked at her curiously. But he shook his head and kept on grinning. "You know, I saw the two of them a few days ago walking down the hall hand in hand. I knew right away what was happening between them."
She raised an eyebrow while folding her arms over her chest. "And you didn't tell me?"
He shrugged with an innocent face. "Couldn't. You were going to find out sooner or later. Besides, my speculations weren't enough to confirm anything."
"You still could have told me." She blinked. "I suppose it's too late now anyhow though, isn't it?"
He nodded, and clasped her hand as they treaded towards the café. The two were right beside each other. They scarcely had to walk at all to see the breakfast room.
"Our first argument." Minerva smiled. She remembered it so well, as if it were yesterday. She hadn't wanted to go to the pyramids and he hadn't wanted to go on a riverboat ride. Naturally she had won, and of course that river ride had led to their first real conversation. She'd found out just how badly she was in need of him. He had found out what she wanted in her future.
"I found out there is no possible way that I can say no to you and batting your eyes."
She smiled up at him. Obviously he enjoyed invading her thoughts. She didn't mind though; it was part of his charm. "I do have my good points," she blushed, "But you know just as well as I do that I have a hard time saying no to your eyes when they twinkle."
He crossed his arms slowly as if to mimic her. (Minerva rolled her eyes) "So that is what we know about each other? We both have good eyes."
She shook her head playfully. "If it's any help to you Albus, I always knew that you had good eyes. I know a lot more than that though."
He moved in closer to her, and whispered into her ear. She felt the tickling sensation flood through her body. Her shoulder was brought up to her head as a reaction. "Really, like what?" His voice echoed through her mind.
Minerva felt her cheeks go pink. Oh where to begin! She could start with his favorite position. That might be interesting. Then again she could always go towards his favorite hobby when with a girl. (dancing) She decided to go more subtle. "I know how many hours you can go without sleep." She winked.
He took her hand, and led her towards the other side of the resort. "Well my dear," he chuckled, "I know where and when you like it."
Her jaw dropped slowly. "Albus!"
"Of course that's under personal discretion," he whispered in her ear with a seductive chuckle.
"It had better be," she gave her best grimacing face towards him; she knew she failed at it however when he began laughing aloud.
"That face doesn't suit you my dear, you seem far too mean." He placed his hand around her hip, and led her towards an oddly shadowed place. "Which we both know you're not." He pressed her softly against the building, both hands around her waist.
"Now this isn't fair at all," she shook her head helplessly.
His head came closer to hers; she waited patiently for him to kiss her. His lips were only a few milliseconds away from touching hers before he pulled away a few inches, and grinned at her. He was teasing her!
"Albus," she whined.
"Yes, Minerva?" he grinned impishly.
She stood a few minutes. He knew perfectly well what she wanted, he was close enough to feel it if he had wanted to. He kept on looking at her, awaiting her to say something.
Minerva swallowed, and looked up at him knowing full well that she had to tell him if she wanted him to do it. "Kiss me."
"Are you sure? I'm not sure if I want to." He shook his head playfully.
"Well I want you to, you git. Now kiss me."
He shrugged his shoulders. "If you insist." He leaned in and covered her mouth with his own. He pushed himself closer towards her; she could feel every inch of him coincide with what she was beginning to feel. She wrapped her arms around him as he pushed deeper, moaning in the process.
After wonderful minutes passed, he let off, and stood in front of her, taking in slow breaths.
She needed him again. God she needed him. There was only so much intimidation she could stand. She wrapped her arms around him tighter, letting her lips taste the side of his neck. "Let's go home, Albus," she whispered soothingly.
He nodded. He knew perfectly well what was on her mind, and she didn't need to know how to read his mind to do it. The sooner they got to her home, the sooner they could really be together.
He pulled off of her completely, and took her hand in his as they walked back towards the lobby of the hotel. They were reasonably silent, but walked reasonably fast as well towards the building. They went by the remaining landmarks of their courting, but said nothing, it was all in their heads as it was. They didn't need to speak of it aloud.
When they reached the lobby, they both picked up their bags that had been dropped. "No one's around." Albus whispered. "Quick, to your cottage."
Minerva nodded. She closed her eyes, imagined her house, and in a manner of seconds she was on her own estate where her green grass grew and her home stood. Albus popped up beside her. With a smile, she walked up the gravel walkway; he followed behind her.
She took one long, everlasting look at the house. It looked just as she had left it before; handsome in its' appearance, though utterly alone more than three fourths of the year. It was white, and with several green shutters where the windows stood. The house wasn't meant for one person, it never was. Up to that point, it had belonged to her, now it wouldn't be just hers, she'd have someone to share it with finally. She would have a love to use it with. Perhaps children would be running up and down the stairs one day.
She took out her key with hopeful thoughts, opened the door slowly, and walked into the house. Albus stood outside by the porch, perhaps taking a better glance at what would more than likely be his home. She waited a few seconds, but didn't hear him come in. Minerva turned around. He was looking in at her.
"Min? There's the uh, Prophet out here, do you want me to bring it in?"
She frowned. She didn't subscribe. "Are you sure it's the Prophet?" Minerva walked up towards the doorway where he stood.
"Of course it is."
She looked at the odd sight of the paper out on her porch. She nodded after a few seconds. "Yes, bring it in."
He walked in, with the 'Daily Prophet' in one hand and his bag in the other.
"Just drop your luggage. We can take care of it later."
Albus dropped his bag, and took the newspaper over towards Minerva. She took it in her hand, but didn't open it. The paper was the last thing on her mind right then. Instead she threw it over on the floor, and walked over towards her fiancé. She wrapped her arms around him, as he did to her.
"I love you."
His eyes gave in the slightest hint of a twinkle. "I love you too m' dear." Albus lowered himself slowly, and sucked her lips for a quick second. He looked at her carefully; as if he were looking so deep inside of her that there were no other place to turn. He searched her soul, her heart, her body. He knew what he wanted and he knew what she wanted. His very spirit met with hers as they stared at one another. His twinkling blue eyes met with her moonlike, bluish gray eyes.
"Upstairs or downstairs?" She whispered slowly, not letting herself stop looking at him. She didn't ever want to forget his face or the way he made her act the way she did. He would always have that effect on her. She just couldn't forget this one last moment; the first time they made love in what would grow to be their home.
He nodded his head slowly; he too didn't take his eyes away from her. However he did trace his hand lower down to the fleshy part of the legs. "Down." He smiled seductively.
Minerva smiled, slightly flattered. She looked over towards her left. "The settee is right there, if you care to have a go."
He looked over towards the couch for a quick moment, then back to her. Slowly he nodded and captured her lips with his, pulling her to him yet again. She didn't seem to notice until she lay flat on the couch that they had moved at all.
He kissed her lips, then her ear, and finally her neck. Minerva moaned appreciatively; it hadn't taken him long at all to find out where her weak spot was. His warm hands slipped underneath her dress with such dexterity, she wondered dearly why it had taken her so long to fall into his grasp. She'd always wanted it. He'd always wanted her.
It was no exception this time either. He pushed her dress up and over her head. Next, he stood, and stared at her for a few menacing moments. And then he came back down, while covering her body with his, caving her mouth with his own. She pressed up from underneath the weight.
When his lips disconnected with hers, he grinned, knowing well what he was doing to her, even before anything had really happened. He pressed harder, and she could feel his blistering breath on her neck. "Too hot for you, Min?"
She shut her eyes while attempting to breathe accordingly. "I can handle it."
"Good." His hand slid behind her back, and undid the only thing that was keeping her breasts covered. "Now," he whispered while sliding it away from her skin, "What do you say we make you a daughter?"
She pressed closer to him, and wrapped her arms around his back. She flung her head back, and gave into breathing how her body wanted her to breathe. "Yes Albus," she groaned, "yes."
It was several hours later however, that the meaning of that one sentence was thought of. Indeed they would have children, a life, and a love that would never end.
It was all because of one long trip under the influence of the torrid sun.
attention readers, two things to tell you (if you did not review and I did not reply to your questions)
1) epilogue next chapter. please stay around for it. It'll make me feel all warm inside. =)
2) sequel in progress. I have made the plot line, and all that needs to be done is the writing. If you liked this story, the next one should be far more interesting in the sense of (a-hem) family.
minni