I Could Have Danced All Night
As you might guess "My Fair Lady" was my inspiration for this story. Hope you like it. Thank you all for the lovely reviews!!
Minerva was furious. The staff meeting had just ended, and Albus had come up with one of his brilliant ideas. Without letting her know in advance. But as always he had expected her to back him up which she had, of course. But she had quite a hard time to resist the urge to kick him under the table.
Since the war with Voldemort had reached another peak Albus felt that students as well as staff needed a well-deserved break and some fun. So he had come up with the idea of a dancing competition. Well, the actual problem was that the teachers were supposed to take part in the competition while a jury of teachers and students would judge them.
Of course the students would have fun. And if Minerva was honest she agreed with Albus. Times had become very serious. The last time everyone at Hogwarts had had fun had been at their wedding. Smiling she thought back at the happiest day in her life...
3 months earlier
Minerva stood in front of a large mirror. Hermione and Rolanda Hooch adjusted her robes and her hair one last time. It was her wedding day. Minerva couldn't believe it. But when she looked in the mirror she saw herself in an absolutely stunning wedding dress. Hermione had drawn the sketches for her. It was cream white embroidered with gold along the sleeves. The dress beneath the robe was more fitting than her usual outfits, but it clung to her curves in all the right places while the long skirt was wide and floating. The robes which completed her wedding outfit were of the same colour.
Rolanda had taken care of Minerva's hair, making sure she wouldn't dare to wear her usual bun for her wedding. So the flying instructor had washed and combed the long raven hair and just pulled some strands loosely together at the back of her head while most of the beautiful curls fell down Minerva's back.
Then it was time to go. The wedding ceremony would take place in Hogwarts' Great Hall. Minerva smiled at Hermione and Rolanda on last time and left the room. She took a deep breath before entering the Great Hall. Soft music could be heard, the complete hall was lit with thousands of candles and the walls were covered with flower arrangements. All students and staff members as well as members of the Order were there, looking at her with joy and pride. Her students were proud of her. She looked so radiant today that she seemed to float all the way down to the end of the hall were Albus waited for her.
Albus looked rather impressive himself, having opted for some midnight blue robes with sparkling stars embroidered on the sleeves. His long beard shone brightly, and his eyes sparkled with love and happiness when he saw his beautiful bride.
After they took their vows the druid declared them husband and wife. Albus didn't wait for the official 'You may kiss the bride' but pulled her in a loving embrace and kissed her most thoroughly in front of the assembled crowd. Everyone cheered at the newlywed couple.
The party had been one of the longest in the history of Hogwarts – including the uncountable parties which took place illegally in the common rooms after won quidditch matches and similar occasions.
Albus and Minerva had danced nearly all night and were quite exhausted when they finally approached their chambers. Since they were married now they could as well share rooms. Following the tradition Albus picked Minerva up and carried her across the threshold into the large living room. There he didn't let her down but started kissing her gently but passionately. She responded eagerly wrapping her arms around his neck and moaning slightly when he started nibbling her lower lip.
That night neither of them got much sleep but then again it was their wedding night after all. The next morning came all too soon but fortunately it was Saturday. Albus regretted deeply that they wouldn't be able to go on a honeymoon but he had promised himself to make it up to Minerva. She didn't seem to mind that much as long as she could be with him.
They spent nearly the whole morning in bed, talking quietly or making love. Suddenly there was a loud knock on the door. Minerva sighed while Albus got up to see who disturbed their peace. It turned out to be Severus.
"Good morning, headmaster. I'm sorry to disturb you but ... Lucius Malfoy is here."
Albus could tell from the look on Snape's face that the potions master was truly sorry and a little worried. What could Malfoy want?
"Thank you, Severus. I'll meet him in my office in five minutes." Albus closed the door and leaned against it heavily. He had dreaded the moment when he would have to face the father of Draco – the boy who had tried to hurt Minerva.
"What is it, love?" Minerva emerged from their bedroom, still only dressed in her nighty.
"Lucius Malfoy wishes to see me." Albus stated calmly. He knew he had to be strong for Minerva now. She paled a little.
"What do you reckon he wants? His son has been expelled weeks ago – and it was approved by the ministry." Wrapping her arms around herself Minerva sat down on the couch. Albus went to sit beside her.
"I know but nonetheless I believe he wants revenge." Kissing her forehead lightly he got up again to get dressed. It wouldn't do any good to keep the man waiting and postponing the inevitable.
Minerva sighed. Somehow she had known that the hearing after Draco's expulsion hadn't been the last they had seen of that awful family. But she had never expected that Lucius Malfoy would dare to come to Hogwarts.
"I'll be back as soon as I can. Keep my bed warm, darling." Albus' eyes twinkled. Minerva smiled. Albus always succeeded in making her feel better.
"I most certainly will." She stood to kiss him passionately.
"And there's more where that came from." Smiling seductively she went back towards the bedroom.
Two hours later Albus came back, looking exhausted. Lucius had indeed insisted that his son would be allowed back. When Albus had refused Malfoy had tried to threaten him. When that didn't work either, he had shouted and then left with the words that Albus and all foolish enough to follow his lead would pay for everything in the end.
Minerva cradled him in her arms and stroked his back gently while she whispered softly to him. After some time he relaxed and fell asleep in her loving embrace.
That had been three months ago. Ever since then Lucius Malfoy hadn't missed a chance to offend the headmaster and his wife and to threaten them. But everyone had stood up to him, and since Harry had named him among the death eaters who had attacked the students during that night in the Department of Mysteries Draco's father had been under close supervision by the ministry. Fortunately he had been arrested a couple of days ago and was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in Azkaban.
Involuntarily Minerva shuddered when she thought about that man. But on the other hand she was glad that she wouldn't have to worry about him anymore.
But now Albus had come up with the ridiculous idea of a dancing competition. He felt that students as well as staff needed to lighten up so a feast was planned. For the general entertainment he had suggested to hold a dancing competition. To make the whole thing even more embarrassing staff members were supposed to participate.
When the last of her colleagues had left Albus' office Minerva turned to face him. She was furious. Something in his demeanour told her that he intended to take part in that absurd plan of his – and that she would have to be at his side.
"Why didn't you tell me in advance?" she demanded angrily.
"Well, my dear. I just thought you would like my plan." Chuckling quietly Albus got up from his seat and offered his hand to his wife.
She growled a little. He knew that she would support him, no matter what. But dancing? Of course she enjoyed dancing with him, but in the privacy of their quarters, with no prying eyes around.
"So, what do you have in mind for us?" Minerva decided to abandon their current discussion. It wouldn't do any good anyway since everything was settled now.
While she followed him back to their quarters he told her about his plans for their contribution to the contest. Rules said that every couple would show one dance of their choice. A jury consisting of some teachers as well as some students would decide who was best. Criteria for the judgement would be the general impression of the couple, the expressiveness and the technique.
When Albus told her what dance he had in mind for them Minerva stopped dead in her tracks.
"You must be kidding. You just can't be serious about that." Shaking her head she looked at his amused expression.
"My love, I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I will. And you will be just great. I know it." Taking her hand into his Albus pulled her close and kissed her lightly on the lips.
Minerva sighed in defeat and followed him. She knew when she had lost, and Albus was definitely not going to change his mind about that.
The competition would be held in two weeks as to give everyone enough time to practice. Since most of the teachers were supposed to take part there was some struggle about who would dance with whom. Severus refused to do it at all but ended up with Rolanda Hooch. Professors Flitwick and Sprout would be another couple. Madam Pomfrey and Hagrid would be part of the jury so they didn't have to worry about picking a partner.
Minerva was quite surprised when she read the list of students who would participate. Hermione and Ron had paired up, and Harry was going to come with Angelina Johnson. There were several more student couples from the higher classes so that there would be ten couples all in all.
In the evenings many of the classrooms were used for training sessions by the different couples. Albus and Minerva would usually use their quarters. He made her practice nearly every evening and as the contest drew nearer Minerva started to wish she had never agreed to the plan. But then again she had to admit that it was fun once she had gotten the hang of it.
Albus had chosen a dance from a muggle movie he was quite fond of. After they had watched it together Minerva had once more declared her husband completely insane but he just said that he knew she could do it. So they had started practicing. And actually they were quite good. The original dance planned that Albus would have to lift Minerva but she had refused to let him do that.
So they had practiced just the normal moves. Today Albus would present her the dress she would be wearing during the contest, and Minerva had the slight suspicion it would be just like the one in the movie.
At the moment Albus was in their bedroom getting the dress ready while Minerva sat in the living room, slightly nervous.
"Minerva? This is your dress." Proudly Albus held a light blue dress in front of her nose, beaming.
"Try it on." Tucking it into her hands he sat down and motioned for her to change. Looking at the dress she sighed and went to the bedroom to change. She couldn't believe it. He had just confirmed her suspicions. The dress was actually very pretty with short sleeves and a bit of cleavage but was just about knee-length which Minerva considered way too short for herself. After all she wasn't a young girl anymore.
When she returned to the living room Albus eyes brightened.
"You look gorgeous."
Minerva rolled her eyes.
"Albus Dumbledore. You know very well that I do not show my legs in public. The kids have already suffered enough without having to see my legs!" She tried to stare him down with her best McGonagall-glare but it didn't work.
"Oh nonsense. Your legs are beautiful. And so are you." He stepped forward and kissed her lightly on the tip of her nose. She relaxed a little.
"And if you wear your hair down and a little shorter the children won't see their stern Transfiguration professor but the beautiful woman you are." His right arm encircled her waist while he waved his wand with his left. Instantly soft music began to play and together they moved graciously around the room.
Minerva had to admit that the dress was lovely indeed. And it was quite comfortable for dancing. But what was that about her hair?
"Don't you think I'll cut my hair just for that contest!"
Albus chuckled.
"Well, I wouldn't want you to cut it. Merely some magical adjustments to the length. I'll have to do the same with my hair and beard. Otherwise it might look quite ... funny."
Minerva had to smile at the picture forming in her head. Indeed Albus long beard would be more than impractical for that kind of activity.
On the evening of the competition the whole school was buzzing with activity. The participants would do some last-minute practicing while everyone else tried to get the best seats in the Great Hall. The jury members (Hagrid, Madam Pomfrey, Dean Thomas, Parvati and Padma Patil as well as Lee Jordan for the comments) were questioned all through dinner if they knew anything about the dances the couples had chosen.
Finally all staff members helped rearranging the Hall in order to make room for the dance floor. The jury would sit at the High Table while the audience would have seats around the dance floor which was in the middle of the Hall.
When everyone was seated Lee Jordan opened the festivities.
"Welcome to the first Hogwarts Dancing Competition. We are proud to present you some of the most talented dancers in and around Hogwarts. Each couple will present you a dance of their choice. After the last performance our honourable judges will take some time to come to a conclusion and then announce the winners."
Thundering applause followed. Everyone was curious about their teachers. Dancing was something staff members rarely did and if they did not necessarily in front of their students.
After the applause had died down Lee Jordan announced the first couple.
"And here are our first participants. Harry Potter and Angelina Johnson. Give them a hearty applause."
The two Gryffindors entered and the music set in. They had decided for a waltz, and actually they were quite good. They did some rather complicated looking steps. Even though both had looked rather nervous when they entered the room they grew more and more confident.
When they finished their dance everyone in the room cheered. Harry and Angelina looked really relieved.
They performance was followed by Professor Snape and Madam Hooch who had chosen a tango. No one at Hogwarts had ever seen their potions professor dance, let alone such a passionate dance. But he was really good.
"Wow, ladies and gentlemen, I really do believe there are some hidden qualities in our dear Professor Snape." Lee grinned. Fortunately Severus was much too preoccupied with his dance so he didn't hear that last comment.
In the meantime Albus and Minerva waited outside the Great Hall. They were the last couple to perform. Albus sat in a large armchair while Minerva paced up and down the room, straightening her dress every once in a while.
"Calm down, sweetheart. They'll just love you." Albus smiled at her reassuringly. It was truly amazing how unsure the usually so self-confident Professor McGonagall could get when it came down to something not related to school business but to fun.
She cast him a look that could mean everything from a simple 'thanks' to 'I'll kill you'. But then she smiled back.
Finally they were announced and entered the Great Hall.
"And here they are, our beloved leaders. Albus Dumbledore and the – tonight absolutely cute – Minerva McGonagall. And they have decided for a mambo." Lee clearly abused the freedom of speech he had now that Minerva wasn't sitting next to him. She had to confine herself to glare at him from a distance even though she felt a small blush creep up her cheeks on his compliment.
Then the first notes of the song could be heard.
"Now I've had the time of my life
No I've never felt like this before..."
Albus and Minerva stood close to each other, with her in front of him, her back to his front and her left arm around his neck. His left hand trailed slowly down her arm and the side of her breast and chest. During their practices Minerva had really had a hard time not to giggle when he did that but now everything worked just fine.
When they started moving to the rhythm of the music their students started to cheer. Minerva swirled around the room and Albus, and tonight their dancing was just perfect. Some minutes later they stood panting in the middle of the dance floor with a cheering and clapping crowd around them. Albus grinned at Minerva and gave her hand a quick squeeze.
"Now that was certainly an outstanding performance. And who would have guessed that a certain green robe hid such a lovely pair of legs." Some of the male seventh years clapped and whistled at Lee's comment.
"Jordan!" Minerva yelled.
"What Professor? Only complimenting you." Lee grinned at her. He could see the twinkle in her eyes and then she smiled back at him. Shaking her head she followed Albus out of the room to wait for the results of the contest.
A couple of minutes later Hagrid came to bring all the participants back to the great hall for the announcements.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have the winners. It wasn't easy for our judges, especially with those legs of a certain lady to take into consideration – sorry Professor – but they've come to a conclusion." Lee cleared his throat and took a peace of parchment.
"The third prize goes to ... Harry Potter and Angelina Johnson." Loud clapping accompanied the couple when they went to the High Table to accept their prize.
"The second prize is for ... Professor Snape and Madam Hooch." The Slytherins cheered for their head of house and his partner as they picked up their prize.
"And ... finally ... the first Hogwarts dance champions are ... can these legs be considered cheating? – Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall!" Lee exclaimed.
The audience burst into applause and cheers. Minerva blushed again when they stepped forward to accept the trophy.
"And since we probably won't get a chance to see them dancing again any time soon – here we go again." Grinning wickedly Lee motioned for Albus and Minerva to go back to the dance floor as the music started again.
Smiling and with new vigour Albus led Minerva around. When the dance was over he kissed her tenderly, having forgotten about the crowd around them.
"Thank you so much, my love." He whispered in her ear.
Realizing that their students were watching them Albus let go of Minerva. They bowed to their audience and then left the Great Hall to change for the following activities.
When they returned the students had taken over the dance floor. Smiling Albus led his wife to the High Table where they took their usual seats.
"Quite a nice show, headmaster." Severus commented smiling.
"Thank you, Severus. But you didn't do too bad yourself." Albus smiled when his younger colleague rolled his eyes.
"And thank you, my love. If it weren't for the students I could have danced all night with you like that." Albus had turned towards his wife who smiled at him. She had enjoyed the evening tremendously, despite her earlier doubts about the whole plan.
"Me too, sweetheart. But that doesn't mean that we can't continue our dance practices." She flashed him one of those little smiles that made his knees go all weak before her eyes began to wander around the room – a habit she had taken on when she had become a teacher, never take your eyes off them. You don't know what they're up to.
"Oh, Albus, excuse me for a minute. I think I need to have a word with Mr. Jordan." Minerva looked at her young Gryffindor who was talking animatedly with some fellow students.
"No, honey. Let the boy. And unless I'm much mistaken he was quite serious." There was a distinct twinkle in his eyes, and after a half-hearted attempt to leave the table Minerva gave up. Instead she enjoyed Albus' attention who had started caressing her knee under the table while he talked to Severus. She covered his hand with hers and squeezed it lightly.
Since they were married now they shared some caresses in public from time to time even though they avoided being seen by their students. But today Albus didn't seem to care that much. When Severus left the table he started kissing his wife gently.
"Oh please, get a room." Severus had returned without them noticing him. Even though he sounded quite disgusted at their behaviour Albus could tell that he was only joking.
"Well, Severus. Actually, that's just what I had in mind." Grinning at the potions master's baffled expression Albus took his wife's hand and nodded at Severus.
"Good night, Severus. I take it I can leave the supervision of tonight's events in your capable hands."
Minerva looked at her husband slightly taken aback but she couldn't suppress a smile. When they approached their quarters she giggled.
"Now that was certainly interesting. Severus' face when we left..." Laughing she stepped inside the cosy living room.
Pulling her into an embrace Albus looked at her.
"And what about the expression on my face?" He locked his eyes with hers.
"Hm, I think I really do like that expression, mister." Minerva was nearly purring while she moved seductively against his body.
Scooping her up in his arms Albus carried her to the bedroom. Minerva's laugh which was followed by a moan were the last sounds that could be heard before the door was closed.