Disclaimer: yeah its mine, and I've got Alan Rickman tied to my bed naked at this very moment . . . mmm naked Alan Rickman

Chapter 5 - Life and the Morning After

Minerva woke the next morning feeling warm, a smile still on her face. She felt two arms circled around her waist so she gently rolled onto her side. She turned her face, only to look into the peaceful face of Albus.

Minerva's smile grew bigger as she remembered what had occurred the night before. She and Albus had eventually moved to her rooms and had cuddled together on the couch and talked. Minerva did not remember what had happened next but assumed that she had fallen asleep and Albus had put her to bed, still in her robe. He himself must have been tired and just crept in beside her, too tired to go back to his own chambers.

Seeing that she still had a good hour before she had to wake Minerva laid her head down on Albus' shoulder before closing her eyes and quickly drifting into sleep.

The next time Minerva began to wake it was because of the warm lips, gently pressing against her forehead. Minerva sighed as she opened her eyes; the small kiss had caused feelings of love and amazement to well up inside of her.

Minerva whispered, "Good morning." Before sitting up and stretching, very much like a cat.

Albus quietly chuckled as he watched her, only stopping when Minerva stopped moving and stared at him. "I am sorry Minerva but you are so like your animagus form that it is uncanny."

"Oh Albus really," Minerva said.

He just started chuckling again as he began to climb out of her bed. "My dear, I must go back to my chambers to change my robes. It would not be a good idea for the Headmaster to show up at breakfast in the same robes he wore the day before."

Minerva blushed slightly at what Albus had suggested the students would believe had occurred. It was only when her eyes settled on her clock that she realised how late it was. "You had better hurry Albus. I do believe we have overslept."

Minerva stood and immediately headed towards her cupboard, rifling through her clothes, searching for a robe to wear. She let out a gasp of surprise as she felt arms encircle her waist, stopping her for a moment as he turned her around and gave her a soft kiss.

Minerva slid her arms up his arms and around his neck as she sighed. The feel of his lips on hers was amazing. Minerva could not help but be saddened at having missed out on years full of kisses just like this one.

As her train of thought continued Minerva again realized the time and pulled back sharply. "Albus! You must get dressed. No more kissing."

Albus' face seemed to fall as Minerva declared there would be no more kisses. Minerva noticed almost immediately and added in a low, sultry tone, "Not now anyway," before pushing him towards the door.

Albus smiled at her words, his eyes twinkling as he complied with her wishes. He left, but not before giving her a kiss in her hand, leaving her with a look of content on her face.

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Albus was knocking at Minerva's door just as she finished brushing her hair. She smiled, opened the door and gave him a quick kiss before slipping her arm through his and leading him to the Great Hall before he attempted to distract her. As they reached the steps leading to the Entrance Hall Minerva stopped and turned to Albus.

"Can we please keep this to ourselves for awhile Albus? I don't want to be scrutinised yet."

"Of course Minerva, whatever you wish," Albus agreed.

Minerva smiled at him, glad he had agreed without asking questions. They unlinked their arms and walked down the stairs and into the Great Hall. They continued up to the Head table but failed to notice the looks they received from both the students and staff.

As soon as they walked into the Hall students looked up and the staff shared confused looks. An aura seemed to surround them, one of power, happiness and love.

Rolonda Hooch didn't have to talk to Minerva to know that everything was all right. In fact Minerva looked better then she had in years.

The couple were truly oblivious to the looks they were receiving. They had just sat down at the Head table and Albus had started the meal however before Minerva began to eat she looked for the bushy haired Gryffindor. Seeing her, she nodded a smile on her face.

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During Minerva's classes the students could tell she had changed. She still had the aura surrounding her but it was less powerful but still obvious. More obvious though was the lack of point deductions and increase of homework for those who caused problems. Others were given small reprimands but not a single detention was handed out.

The piece de resistance however was that night after dinner. Minerva was in her office correcting essays as she waited for Hermione to arrive for her first animagi lesson. However what Minerva did not realise was she was humming, quite happily.

It was this cosy scene that Hermione came upon. She was reluctant to disturb the woman but was anxious to start her lessons. Before she could let Minerva know of her presence she was looking up and motioning for Hermione to come in.

Hermione entered the room, smiling. "I see you and Professor Dumbledore worked things out, Professor."

"Yes we did, thank you Hermione for listening to me last night," Minerva said, smiling thankfully.

"You're welcome Professor. I'm ready to start as soon as you are."

"Give me a few minutes to finish this essay and then we'll start," Minerva replied.

Hermione nodded as Minerva's concentration turned to the essay in front of her. She then began to move around the room, glancing at the paintings that adorned the walls. As her eyes roamed the walls they fell upon a framed poem.

Don't hold back your tears, let them fall
Don't be afraid, fear is living after all
Remember to say 'I love you', at any given chance
Don't sit and watch the others, don't be afraid to dance
Don't ever say goodbye, just say I'll see you soon
Listen to the rainfall, and look up at the moon
Don't let your friends become your enemies, you may never get them back
Think of what you have, and not of what you lack
Don't worry about tomorrow, or regret what's in the past
Remember life's about quality, not how long it will last
And life may end tomorrow, or next week, month or year
But try to make an impact, in the time that you are here
Enjoy the life you have, each opportunity each chance
For life may end tomorrow, so enjoy every slow dance

Hermione felt Minerva's hand on her shoulder, surprising her for she had not heard Minerva stand.

"My friend, who is a healer, gave that to me a few months ago, right after Voldemort was defeated, he advised me to follow it. So I have, I'm going to enjoy my life, I'm going to experience all the things I never thought I would."

"That explains why you have changed so much already this year," Hermione realised.

"Yes, but now is not the time to talk about that. Let's talk about how you will transform to become an animagi," Minerva said, taking control for the rest of the evening.

To be continued

Okay, the end of the chapter for now

It got posted today for many reasons, 1 I won money for Melbourne Cup so go me and 2 I am sick so I have had time for all the typing

By the way, check out this story I read, it is hilarious, the id number is 2082169

Thanks to those who reviewed, rogueinkerSmilingcowtigger2025643119Always Hopeful and ginger newts

Also this is not the end of the story; there have been some minor hints in this chapter about what will be happening in future chapters. Also I know the ending of this story but I am still working out how to get there.

IMPORTANT: Any suggestion for Christmas presents for the couple would be greatly appreciated because apart from a few things I am at a complete loss