Disclaimer: it's not mine

Chapter 8 - School and a Date

The holidays were soon over and Albus' worries about Minerva were forgotten. They had attempted to cook the Caramellicious Fudge recipe but once Minerva smelt the acrid, burnt smell she refused to teach him any longer, despite much cajoling on his part.

Minerva had enjoyed her holidays immensely but was relieved to be teaching again. A week after classes had recommenced Minerva had an evening lesson with Hermione. There were a few things Minerva wished to speak to Hermione about before the lesson so when she arrived Minerva offered her a seat.

"Hermione what is it you plan to do next year, after school?" Minerva asked.

Hermione looked thoughtful for a minute before replying. "I know I said I'd like to be an auror but now I think I'd prefer to work in research and maybe eventually teach. I've had enough of fighting."

Minerva nodded in agreement, looking deep in thought. "Would you like to work here at Hogwarts?"

"I would love too! However I know how hard it is to get a job here. Most teachers never leave."

Minerva nodded and after a moment of silence started the evening's lesson.

POP

Towards the end of January Minerva found herself late for an evening with Albus. They were to go out for the evening even though they had both eaten earlier in the Great Hall. Knowing she was late Minerva had quickly dressed in a light robe but thick cloak before rushing to the Entrance Hall. There she found Albus who had with him a picnic basket and rug.

Minerva stopped walking. "Isn't it a little cold for a picnic, Albus?"

Albus' deep laughter filled the Hall as he replied. "That's why I have a portkey Minerva." He held up the picnic basket.

Minerva's mouth opened in understanding as she moved to take his arm. "Where are we going?"

"That my dear is a secret," Albus replied before Minerva felt the familiar pull of the portkey.

Minerva had closed her eyes as she traveled, knowing she was going quite a distance because of the time being taken to travel there. When she felt ground underneath her feet again the first thing she heard was laughter. She snapped her eyes open and looked around in amazement.

Albus had taken her to a beautiful long growth forest. Everywhere she looked was green and it had an enchanting quality about it. As Minerva turned around her eyes lit upon a bird high in the trees. It appeared to be laughing which caused realization to hit Minerva.

"We're in Australia, aren't we Albus? That's a kookaburra!"

"Yes Minerva, you always were very quick. We're in Tasmania to be precise. I thought it might be nice to have a picnic lunch and to walk on the beach."

"Where is the beach though?" Minerva questioned.

"I'll show you," he replied as he began to take her cloak off. "We'll leave our things here. You only need a light robe and your shoes."

Once they were ready to leave they began to walk east, not talking, hands joined. Minerva could soon hear gentle crashing of the waves before they slid in to the beach. Before she knew it she could see the ocean in front of her.

"Oh Albus it's beautiful. Can we bathe?"

As an answer Albus began to remove his shoes, Minerva quickly followed. Before too long they were knee deep, robes held high and splashing each other like children.

The water was clear and cool and caused Minerva to scream each time she got splashed. And each time it splashed up it would sparkle in the bright sunshine.

Quite some time later they found themselves walking aimlessly along the golden sand, carrying their shoes, arm in arm. Albus saw a large rock and led Minerva to it, seating her on it before dropping his shoes and looking extremely anxious. He began to speak.

"Minerva I wanted this day to be really special for you. I wanted it to be something you will always cherish."

Realization had begun to dawn on Minerva, he was going to propose. She felt so many different emotions welling up inside of her. Love, hope, happiness, regret, sadness and even a little anger.

"Minerva, I love you with all my heart," Albus knelt down on one knee. "Will you marry me?"

Minerva sat, absolutely speechless however she did manage to choke out a yes.

Hearing her positive response Albus jumped up and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her all over her face, kissing away her tears as they ran down her face.

Albus released Minerva, his happiness evident as he began to search his robes. After much fumbling he pulled out a small jewellery box and opened it to retrieve the ring.

Minerva held out her left hand, it was shaking. She watched in amazement as he slipped the small diamond ring onto her finger. Once on she moved forward and held Albus' head between her hands, pulling him down for a tender kiss.

POP

An hour later found the couple back in the forest. Minerva was sitting against Albus as they ate sandwiches. Happiness radiated off them.

The sandwiches were quickly gone as the two were famished however there was always dessert. Albus opened the dessert container to reveal a French Vanilla Cheesecake.

Albus watched Minerva's face as a look of want appeared, he chuckled quietly, it was her favourite dessert. He carefully cut a piece fro her and gave it to her before getting his own piece. It was absolutely delicious and Minerva's eyes seemed to glaze over as she ate it.

They soon finished dessert as well and they lay back together, enjoying one another's quiet company. However Minerva's thoughts soon turned to their engagement. It was all she had ever wanted but she was angry at herself, out of all her reasons for never telling him she loved him, none were worthwhile. Was their relationship really going to be worthwhile now?

Yes. It would be worthwhile, it had to be I there was to be anything good after Voldemort. And even if there were obstacles in their path as long as their love for another held strong they would both be all right.

A/N: Well there's another chapter. I am so happy!!!!! School is finished for me for the next 2 months. Oh and Happy Thanksgiving, I know its sometimes soon

Thanks to Always Hopeful, Karlynne, ginger newts and Quill of Minerva for reviewing.

This chapter turned out a little differently to what I planned but meh. Also I am thinking of doing a companion piece which involves Minerva and Albus cooking so watch out for that.

I have never been to Tasmania; I am totally a Queensland girl so anything about it is pretty much made up or a guess.