Here it is everyone, the final chapter. I hope everyone has enjoyed this as much as I did. I just want to say thanks to everyone who reviewed; you guys rock. Well here it is.
Chapter 7
Minerva slowly opened the door and entered Albus' office. She had always loved this room with all of his trinkets and books. It was exactly how she thought his office should be. Albus hurriedly stood up from behind his desk and made his way toward her. "Minerva, you're up already. I'm so glad to see you're alright. Come sit down; would you like some tea?"
Albus was moving around his office quickly toward the set of chairs near the fire, all the while avoiding Minerva's eyes. "Tea would be lovely Albus, thank you."
An uncomfortable silence descends on the couple as they sit, each lost in their own thoughts. Albus finally clears his throat and begins to speak. "I hope you're in the mood for a party Minerva. When I made the announcement of your recovery I could distinctly hear the Gryffindor table making arrangements. I do believe they missed you greatly."
Minerva allowed a smile to flicker across her face. "Yes, I do believe I am, but you should come with me. I hear I have you to thank for my recovery. Poppy told me to ask you what happened. She said there was nothing she could do, and than you came along and woke me up. So, what happened Albus."
She was looking at him with those eyes. He could never lie to her; but he couldn't tell her the truth. She would be disgusted and leave. No, this was Minerva; she may not return my feelings, but she wouldn't leave me for it. Why did she have to have those eyes?
He took a deep breath and dropped his eyes to his hands sitting in his lap. "Well, I was reading to you one evening and I came across an enchantment that sounded familiar. It turned out it was the same enchantment that had hit you." While Albus had been talking Minerva had reached out and grasped his hand in hers. Albus sat transfixed at the sight.
"Albus, what were you reading?" she asked softly, waiting for his answer.
"It was Sleeping Beauty. I know it was always one of your favorite stories." Albus could only hope she wouldn't ask anymore questions. He couldn't stand to explain the rest.
Minerva could see the fear sitting in Albus' eyes. He truly believed she didn't love him. Minerva left her chair and kneeled down in front of Albus. She reached forward and touched his arm lightly. She had to tell him. "It was the Briar Rose enchantment, wasn't it Albus?"
He looked up into her eyes, shock quite evident on his face. "How did you know? I haven't told anyone what happened." Minerva shook her head softly as she grasped his hand.
"Albus, I've studied most of the spells that fairy tales were related to. You know I've always found them interesting."
Albus stood from his chair and walked toward the window, turning his back to Minerva.
"I am so sorry Minerva. I never meant to impose myself on you in that manner, but I couldn't find any other way. I just wanted you back."
Albus tensed as he waited for her to leave or start yelling, but it never came. Instead he felt a hand come to rest in the middle of his back and it
began to rub small circles there. He could feel her warm breath on his neck as she began to speak. "Albus don't be sorry. The enchantment would never have worked if the feelings weren't mutual."
Minerva could feel his breath hitch under her hand as he turned toward her. What Albus saw made his heart take flight. All the love and devotion he had always dreamed for was present in her eyes, shining back at him. His hand shook as he reached out to cradle her face in his hands. "I never thought you felt the same way; I was so sure."
Minerva closed her eyes for a moment and leaned into his touch as his thumb began running across her cheek. "It seems we were both mistaking. Doesn't it?"
Albus smiled and stepped closer to her. "It would seem so. I love you Minerva, so much."
A tear made its way down her cheek as she brought a hand to rest on his chest. "And I love you Albus." Albus leaned down and they shared true love's first conscious kiss.
