Disclaimer: I do not own anything dealing with Harry Potter. Doi! Oh yeah, and the song "Stormy Weather" is sung by Michael Crawford.
A/N: I am so sorry that it has taken me this long to update this story, but I have been incredibly busy with school and everything else so please forgive me.
Albus rested his weary head in his left hand and sighed. His eyelids were heavy from his endless search of the stars above. Numerous questions swarm through his head, each more terrifying than the last. Is she okay? Is she hurt? Is she ill? Is she alive?
The last question frightened him even more than anything else in the world. He, Albus Dumbledore, the wizard who defeated Grindlewald... the man whose many years on this Earth has earned him love and respect from all those good.... This man was scared. The one woman he's loved in his entire life was no longer by his side. He had lost her before he had even had her.
The one condolence he had was that Harry Potter, bless his soul, had agreed to join him and fight Voldemort. Neville Longbottom had died in the summer between their sixth and seventh year in a car crash, so everyone who knew about the prophecy knew that Harry had to be the one to fulfill it.
But other than that, Albus had no idea what he was to do. Fudge was being absolutely horrid and stubborn, as usual, and now, Albus had the nagging feeling that he was being watched. He couldn't put his finger on it, but something in his gut told him that if he wasn't careful, he might be attacked at any moment. So his guard was always up, even when he was asleep.
Even the small Lemon Drop that he popped into his mouth didn't comfort him. This fact alone would scare the staff, should they find that fact out. Sighing heavily, he turned from his window and walked over to his chess table. He smiled at the now sleeping figures. There had been many fond memories of him and Minerva at this table. Now, he did not know where she was or if they would ever have the ability to do so again.
Shaking his head furiously in an attempt to block out any and all horrible thoughts, Albus walked over to where he kept a small, portable muggle contraption. It was what his brother Aberforth had called a 'radio'. Making sure the batteries were in properly, Albus turned it on. It was already set on an oldies station, because that was his preference. As the last song ended, a new one began. It was one he had never heard before, but one in which he thought described his emotions quite well.
Don't know why
There's no sun out in the sky
Stormy weather
Since my gal and I ain't together
I'm weary all the time
Life is bad
No man misery everywhere
Stormy weather
Just can't get my poor self together
I'm weary all the time
The time
So weary all the time
When she went away
The blues walked in and met me
If she stays away
Old rockin' chair will get me
All I do is pray
The Lord above will let me
Walk in the sun once more
Can't go on
Everything I had is gone
Stormy weather
Since my gal and I ain't together
Keeps raining all the time
Keeps raining all the time
Love, love
Love, love
This misery is just too much for me
Can't go on
Everything I had is gone
Stormy weather
Since my gal and I ain't together
Keeps raining all the time
Keeps raining all the time
As the song ended, tears were running down Albus' face. This song affected him so greatly because it fit his feelings so perfectly. He was in love with this woman and had been for so many decades. Her smile, her laughter, her voice... Everything about her brought him hope, even if she were not solely his.
The fact that he had no idea where she was infuriated him. He went to his bed and lay down. It took him only moments to succumb to his exhaustion. That night, he dreamt she was his wife and with child. He held her close and kissed her lips as they discussed baby names.
But when he awoke the next morning, he was greatly disappointed to discover that it was just that.... A dream.
"You clean up wonderfully, my dear," smiled Voldemort. Minerva did not reply to this as she entered his private chambers, sat down at his desk as straight as a pin, and looked at him. "You don't seem so happy to see me, my love. Where's that smile I love so much?"
"I, erm, don't feel so well," she muttered. She set down the parchment on the desk and poised her quill to write.
"Pity," smirked Voldemort.
"So, what is it you wished for me to write?" Minerva asked. "I was a bit perturbed that you called me to your quarters so early in the morning."
"Sorry for the early wake up call, darling," he smiled, kneeling next to her. "But if we are to be married, we'll want to let our loved ones to know, right?" He kissed Minerva's left hand (for she was right handed and was still holding the quill in it). "And who better to tell first than that fine man who brought us together?" Minerva stared at him, confused at first, then her eyes widened.
"You want me to write a letter-"
"Invitation," corrected Voldemort.
"-invitation to Albus to come to our wedding?" finished Minerva.
"Of course," smiled Voldemort. "Be sure to include this letter from me, personally thanking him for keeping you safe for me until such time I could retrieve you." He handed her a letter, kissed her on top of the head, and left the room. Minerva was left feeling bewildered. She attempted to open the letter, but ailed miserably. Apparently, it would only open for Albus. So, she did the only thing she could do. She wrote two letters. The first was a wedding invitation, which she would show to Voldemort. The second was a detailed letter to Albus, one which detailed her stressful circumstances. She wanted him to know exactly what had happened. This she would slip in, unknown to Voldemort.
"She quickly and carefully wrote out both letters. She had just successfully hidden the second letter when Voldemort walked back in.
"Are you done, my dear?" he asked, looking over her shoulder to stare at the invitation. He quickly read over it and smiled. "Excellent. You have done well. Now, I grant you permission to owl them. My owlrey is indoors, with but a small opening in the top for the owls to come and go." Minerva stood and left, happy for the chance to send some word to the others... especially Albus.
A/N2: There, I am done for a while now. I doubt I'll have much time to update this story again for a while, so I hope this will last for a while.