Chapter 5

Albus had spent the last three days pouring over every book he could find on old

enchantments, but to no avail. Harry and his friends had also had no luck, much to young

Hermione's dismay. He had been busy with Minister Fudge all day and hadn't had time to visit

Minerva since that Saturday. He sighed and closed the book he was looking over. Hermione

had dropped it off just after classes. She apparently hadn't had time to review it, but she thought

it held some promise and brought it to his attention. He looked up at the clock on his desk.

Eight o' clock; he had missed dinner again, but it didn't matter; he didn't seem to have much of

an appetite as of late. He knew the others were worried about him. Every time he entered a

room, discussions would stop, and they all watched him to make sure a strong gust didn't knock

him over.

Albus gathered up the book in front of him and, after petting Fawkes, walked toward the

Hospital wing again. The portraits along the way would inquire as to the search. Minerva had

always been a favorite of the artwork. Even as a student, she would take the time out of her day

to chat with them. He arrived a few moments later, and, after receiving word of no change from

Madam Pomfrey, took up his customary seat beside her. He looked around for a moment.

Several cards and flowers from her Gryffindors, and others, surrounded her bed. Albus couldn't

help but smile. She seemed so strict, but they all knew she cared, and loved her in spite of it.

Albus took her hand in his and opened the book he brought once again. He had only

been sitting for twenty minutes or so when his eyes widened. His heart began to race as he read

the inscription once again. He had found it; it did exist. His eyes scanned the details once again

as he squeezed Minerva's hand in anticipation.

Briar Rose enchantment:

Derived in the 12th century by Richard Titus; it was designed to protect his true love from a

greedy Baron attempting to steal her for himself. The enchantment manifests its self as a red

beam of light that, when it contacts a person, renders them magically unconscious. The

enchantment acts as a time bubble. The enchanted person will remain as they were until the

enchantment is broken. The only known way to break this spell is with true love's first kiss.

The one side effect of the enchantment is it draws its power from the will of the enchanted. If

they're awoken they will require several hours of restful sleep before they are fully recovered.

The last known use of this enchantment was in the 17th century by a witch in the French court.

She used it to protect a princess who had been cursed by a rival. It was later written as a

story by the muggles who had witnessed the event.

Albus just looked up at Minerva. He knew this was his chance, nothing else seemed like

it could work. "Well Minerva what do you think? Will it work. I know you don't love me, but

oh, how I long for you." Albus reasoned with himself. "It doesn't say the feeling had to be

mutual, and she certainly is my true love," he thought as he stared at her for a moment longer. "I

suppose it couldn't hurt right. The worst that could happen is you don't wake up." He reached

out and brushed a loose tendril of hair away from her face. "Here goes nothing," he whispered

as he lowered himself toward her.

He kissed her warmly, just as he always wanted to. Her lips were so soft, and Albus

could feel a pulse shoot through his body as their lips touched; whether this was from the spell

or just her touch he couldn't tell. He lingered for a moment longer than was necessary, and then

reluctantly pulled away. As he sat up Albus watched with hope for any change. He wouldn't be

disappointed.

As his eyes fell on her, he noticed her cheeks started to regain some of their color. Her

hand, which he had never released, began to warm and he felt a slight squeeze. Albus absently

began to stroke her hand with his thumb as he leaned forward, calling her name. "Minerva,

Minerva please wake up." Minerva emitted a slight groan as her eyes began to flutter open, and

her other hand came up to her head. The first thing she saw when her eyes opened was a pair of

brilliant blue eyes, staring straight back at her with a look of concern. She would know those

eyes anywhere; she had looked into them everyday for the last fifty years. She could feel the

relief swell inside of her at the sight. "Albus..what happened?"

A smile broke out on Albus' face as she looked at him. "She's going to be alright," he

thought as she squeezed his hand. "Shh now Minerva. Rest. We can discuss this after you've

rested." Minerva hadn't realized just how tired she was until he said that. She just nodded and

soon was asleep again.

Albus watched her sleep for a moment more. "I'm so glad you're safe my love; sleep

well Minerva." Albus stroked her cheek once more, and got up from the chair. He moved

toward the door and, with one lingering look back, he headed to the Great hall to make the

announcement of Minerva's recovery. Albus never noticed Poppy standing in the shadows. "Oh

Minerva, you've got to open your eyes and see what is right in front of you. He loves you so."