This chapter is dedicated to Sasha for her constant nagging, without which it may never have materialised. I'd also like to credit the HPL POA timeline (http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/calendar_pa.html) for being an invaluable source of information throughout this fic.
Chapter Seven: Revelations
Boxing Day dawned unusually bright over Hogwarts. Remus Lupin left the Great Hall and started up the marble staircase only to find bright beams of sunlight falling through the tall windows. He had to blink furiously until his eyes accustomed to the sudden influx of light. Minerva had not accompanied him to breakfast: she'd still been asleep when he'd awakened and, knowing how tired she'd been lately, Remus had decided to leave her in peace. Now he carried a tray laden with all the things he knew she'd like: cereal with fresh honey and yoghurt, warm croissants from the bakery in Hogsmeade and a large glass of apple juice.
He'd sat next to Severus Snape at breakfast, now that the house tables had been put back in their usual place. He was determined not to be the cause of any further trouble that might jeopardise his relationship with Minerva and his job at Hogwarts. One or two of the staff had actually congratulated him for taking Severus down a few pegs but Remus had shrugged them off coolly, still regretting his reaction to the man's taunts. He was not a violent man, but violence was often - mistakenly - assumed to be a common character attribute amongst werewolves. Throughout his life he'd worked hard to overcome that prejudice, learning to control his temper and project an appearance of calm at all times. He still wasn't quite sure why he'd lost it so badly with Severus. He could only think it was because the man had unwittingly touched upon his deepest fear: that his being a werewolf would eventually drive Minerva to find someone more worthy, someone who deserved her love and understanding far better than Remus did. But Minerva had said nothing more about the incident and he knew she'd consigned it to history. Now he was doing his best to repair matters, and if that meant being polite, even pleasant to Severus Snape then so be it.
* * * * *
Half an hour later Remus sat in Minerva's living room reviewing his shopping list as he waited for her to get dressed. As soon as he'd mentioned their plans for the day at breakfast he'd faced an avalanche of requests from the rest of the staff. Minerva had warned him the previous night but he'd thought she'd been exaggerating. Now he wished he'd taken her advice.
"Ready?"
Minerva appeared from her bedroom wearing her warmest winter robes and cloak. She took a pinch of floo powder from the glass jar on the mantelpiece and stepped forward towards the flames.
Headmaster Heatherwick - predecessor to Armando Dippet - had been notoriously lazily and, after six years of traipsing the endless miles of corridors that criss crossed the school, had subsequently installed an internal floo system at Hogwarts. It had never been permanently connected to the main Floo Network for security reasons, the dark wizard Grindelwald having been at the peak of his powers during Heatherwick's reign as headmaster. Only a few select members of staff, Minerva included, knew the charms that would open the gateway and take them through it into the outside world.
"Diagon Alley!"
There was a brief flash of green and then she was gone. A moment later Remus followed her, spinning headfirst through the darkness until he felt his feet hit the ground with a thump. They had arrived in the Leaky Cauldron.
For the second time that day Remus found himself temporarily sightless at the sudden change in light. This time it was from the relative brightness of Minerva's living room to the perpetual grubby gloom of the Leaky Cauldron, the attraction of which he had never managed to discover. He suspected that it was the notoriety of the place as gateway between muggle and magical worlds that drew such a large crowd. He himself had spent much of the past decade in London but - on the rare occasions he socialised with his workmates - preferred the cleaner and more spacious bar of the Fountain, located at the far end of Diagon Alley and not that far from the Ministry itself. Nevertheless the Leaky Cauldron was packed as usual and Remus found himself nodding courteously to several old colleagues.
"Want a drink?" he asked Minerva, more out of politeness than actual thirst.
She shook her head and beckoned him to follow her through the throng by the bar and out into the courtyard.
Outside there was no sign of snow and a weak wintry sun shone in the pale sky above, making the air a little warmer than it had been at Hogwarts but still cold enough to make Remus glad of his new cloak and borrowed Gryffindor scarf. A tall wizard walking ahead of them had opened the archway to Diagon Alley and they slipped through quickly before it had time to close.
Diagon Alley though a hive of activity was not as busy as it had been during Remus' last visit in September when it seemed the whole of Hogwarts had been there to purchase their school things. There were a few children here and there, obviously keen to spend their Christmas money on the latest practical jokes and magic toys.
"Any preference?"
Immediately Minerva's face lit up.
"Flourish & Blotts!" she said excitedly.
Remus shrugged. "I should have known," he admitted.
Together they walked a short way down the alley until they reached the bookshop. As usual its windows contained a colourful display of the latest novels and textbooks, this month's theme being festive charms and curses.
Inside Minerva immediately disappeared, presumably in the direction of the transfiguration section. Remus had thought her collection of books and journals on the subject to be exhaustive but it appeared he was wrong. Still, he wasn't bothered about being left alone and instead he idly perused the shelves. He wasn't an avid reader. Minerva had a passion for words and would happily read anything she could find. Remus, on the other hand, had to be sufficiently interested in the content matter to be able to concentrate. He managed to locate one of the titles on show in the window - 'Wizard Christmas!' - which promised 'decorations and displays to amaze your family and astound your friends!'. He couldn't resist buying it for Filius Flitwick, whose love of festive decorations was renowned amongst the Hogwarts staff, if not the wizarding world as a whole. And then another book caught his attention and he was immediately engrossed.
It was twenty minutes before Minerva returned, this time accompanied by a rather unfortunate assistant whose arms were so laden with books that his face was barely visible.
"Ready?" she asked.
Remus raised an eyebrow at the sparkle in her eyes.
"Do you want me to leave you here and come back in a week or two?" he teased.
With a smile she turned and walked to the counter to pay for her purchases and arrange delivery to the school. Remus went over to join her and as he did his eye fell on a display of newly published work, in the centre of which sat a large, glossy hardback. "Tragical Me" claimed to reveal the shocking truth behind one of the wizarding world's most well known celebrities.
"Wasn't he the one who...?"
Minerva rolled her eyes in disgust and Remus knew better than finish his sentence.
"What have you got?" she asked.
He showed her the book for Filius and then the other title he'd selected: 'Full Moon: Living With Werewolfism'.
"An informative tour of the myths and facts surrounding this much feared condition," he read aloud. "Also includes recent discoveries such as the Wolfsbane Potion and how latest developments at the Institute for Magical Research mean a cure could finally be in sight."
He noticed the curious look on the assistant's face.
"Purely for research purposes, of course," he added loudly. "The third class have just finished covering werewolves. I'm sure it will be of interest to them."
They left the bookshop together and made their way along Diagon Alley. As they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies Remus' attention was caught briefly by the Firebolt still displayed in the window. He said nothing but a frown creased his forehead as he recalled the duplicate lying still on Minerva's desk. Was it really a deadly trap? It had looked ordinary enough - well as ordinary as a broomstick worth thousands of galleons could look - but he couldn't be sure. He was glad that Hermione had plucked up the courage to go to Minerva with her worries. Even if they proved to be unfounded it was best that they played it safe.
Further down the street they followed another passageway that lead off to the right, twisting and turning a few times until suddenly they emerged into Magenta Square. Dominated on two sides by the white marble towers of the Ministry of Magic, the remainder of the space was occupied by rather more exclusive stores and restaurants than those found in Diagon Alley. There were no goods stacked out in the square itself - only discreet and tasteful window displays that suggested in no uncertain terms that unless you had a fair few galleons to spend, you were shopping in the wrong part of London.
Minerva and Remus wandered slowly past McKenzie & Lowe, stopping momentarily to admire the gems on show. It was only a week since Remus had been there to collect Minerva's earrings and he smiled to himself as he remembered the moment when they'd finally become his. He'd saved most of his wages since their relationship had grown, knowing that he wanted to treat her to something special. It hadn't been hard: he was not an extravagant man, accustomed as he was to surviving on a relatively small income. Now that his bed and board were provided free of charge his monthly outgoings were even less. He only wished he'd been there to give them to her in person. Still, there was always her birthday.
He glanced around to find that Minerva was no longer with him but rather a little further along gazing wistfully into the window of Desiderata's Designer Robes.
"I loved this shop when I was younger," she said as Remus approached.
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. My father worked at the Ministry for a while - well, you know that. He'd sometimes bring me down to London in the holidays and let me explore Diagon Alley all day. I used to spend half the day just staring through the window imagining how glamorous I'd look wearing clothes like this."
She gestured at the beautiful, beaded creations on display.
"Let's go in," Remus said impulsively.
Minerva looked hesitant and for a moment he thought she was going to refuse. But just as she opened her mouth to form words of agreement another voice cut loudly across them.
"Why, if it isn't Professor McGonagall! How are you, my dear?"
Cornelius Fudge, proudly sporting a new bowler hat in a rather virulent shade of turquoise, beamed widely at Minerva as he crossed the square towards them. He did not appear to have noticed Remus.
"I'm fine, thank you Cornelius," Minerva said primly. "I trust you, too, are well?"
"Oh, struggling on!" he said jovially. "No rest for the wicked at the Ministry."
Minerva smiled coolly. Cornelius Fudge was constantly pestering Dumbledore for his advice and knowledge yet was quite happy to take the credit when things went well. Remus knew this was a sore spot with Minerva.
"So, I take it you're on Hogwarts business?"
"No, we're just enjoying a day off."
We? Remus could see Fudge's brow wrinkle in confusion. He seemed to see Remus for the first time. Despite the fact that they'd met on several occasions when Remus had worked at the Ministry, he appeared to be having a lot of trouble remembering his name.
"Mr, er..."
"Professor Remus Lupin," Minerva cut in. "My significant other."
"Your, er... your what?"
Minerva slipped her arm firmly through that of her lover and leant over to kiss his cheek.
"Remus bought me these earrings for Christmas," she said sweetly. "Do you like them?"
Remus remained silent. He could tell Minerva was having fun. Fudge's face was turning redder by the minute as he struggled to comprehend what he was being told.
"You and... er, you and... him?!" he muttered. "But-"
"Well, Minerva, we must be going," Remus interrupted smoothly. "Time for lunch, I think."
"Of course. Goodbye Cornelius. It was nice to see you."
As soon as they got around the corner Remus let out a deep sigh.
"I don't think he took that very well."
"Well, I hope you never need a job at the Ministry again," Minerva said. "I'm sorry, I should have kept my mouth shut. I just can't stand that man. He's not fit to be Minister for Magic!"
"Don't hold back, Minerva," Remus teased lightly. "Tell me what you really think."
They reached the entrance to the restaurant but just as Remus was about to lead the way in he felt Minerva tugging gently at his arm.
"Do we have to eat here?" she asked.
"What's wrong with here?"
He glanced briefly through the window. The large, open plan space was filled with diners, mostly senior Ministry staff. He thought he could see one or two of the school governors.
"I'd rather go somewhere that we can talk. Somewhere relaxed. Perhaps we could go back to the Leaky Cauldron?"
Remus thought for a moment.
"No, I know just the place."
* * * * *
The Witches' Sabbat was a small pub tucked just around the corner from the Ministry. In contrast to the shadowy interior of the Leaky Cauldron it was a warm, cheerful place with cream walls and oak beams stretching across the ceiling. A roaring fire crackled loudly in the grate and the smell of roasted pork and apple wafted from the kitchen. Remus led Minerva to a small table tucked discreetly into one corner.
Their meal was served promptly. As they ate, Remus told her a little more about the time he'd spent in the London. He'd enjoyed his job at the Ministry but nobody had really bothered with him. He'd only been there a few days when the truth had come out. The Ministry, owing to its highly public position, was forced to instigate an equal opportunities policy with regard to the staff it employed. That meant that Remus' knowledge and education had at last counted for something. But someone somewhere hadn't been at all happy about hiring a werewolf. Remus' condition was common knowledge before he'd even had time to learn his colleagues' names. Only those few with enough intelligence to see beyond the prejudice of others had been friendly.
Minerva listened with interest. He'd never really talked to her about this before and he could see the sympathy in her eyes. Fudge's reaction to her earlier revelation had been all the evidence she needed. Minerva, like him, had always despised the narrow-minded bigotry that was stealthily invading their world. When the waitress came to clear away their plates it was a welcome relief from the oppressive nature of their conversation.
"Dessert?"
"Yes please," Minerva said immediately.
Remus settled for fresh blackberry crumble and cream. When it arrived Minerva tucked in hungrily, much to his amusement. She'd eaten a full Sunday roast already and she wasn't exactly large. Where was she putting it all?
"So, you like this place?" he asked, determined to lighten the mood a little.
"It's lovely. Did you bring your other girlfriends here?"
Despite the teasing tone in her voice Remus could detect a whole lot of deeper meanings.
"Didn't have any," he grunted.
"What, no one at all?"
"No. Minerva, I've told you this before."
"Surely there must have been somebody? Are you seriously telling me that you never..?" Her words trailed off but she continued to gaze at him with keen interest. Eventually he gave in.
"All right, there were a few."
"I knew it!" There was a triumphant gleam in her eye.
"But they didn't mean anything, none of them. It was just mindless sex. That's all."
Minerva smiled.
"Mindless sex? Really? I bet that's what you'll say about me someday."
"I would never say that about you," he said vehemently. He knew she was joking but still her remark hit a nerve. Why would she think that he'd say that about her? Unless... maybe she wasn't expecting this to last.
"How about you?" he said abruptly.
Immediately her expression changed.
"I'd rather not talk about it," she said.
"That's not fair! You made me talk about it."
"I know. I don't want you to think I'm... well, strange."
"Minerva, I'm a werewolf. I'm not exactly the epitome of normality myself."
"I hardly think that's the same thing."
"Well, if you told me I could judge for myself."
"It's nothing really. It's just that I..."
She trailed off awkwardly.
"Are you seriously telling me that you never..?" he said, mimicking her earlier question as he leaned closer to her across the table.
Minerva's cheeks flushed a vivid shade of scarlet.
"Remus, I-"
"Coffee?"
The waitress's voice was like a sudden cold shower. Remus leapt back and hastily asked for the bill, wondering all the while if she really meant what he thought.
* * * * *
They left the restaurant and made their way back up towards Diagon Alley, stopping on the way to pick up Xiomara's broomstick polish, along with sherbet lemons for Dumbledore who was apparently unwilling to brave the snow that carpeted Hogsmeade to pick some up for himself. Remus soon began to regret mentioning their destination at breakfast as he garnered more and more packages: fennel and mugwort seeds for Professor Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey's monthly apothecary order and Hagrid's newly repaired pocket watch. The snow had thickened and turned into icy sleet that stung their faces as they walked. When at last they reached the Leaky Cauldron it was a welcome respite from the bitter weather outside. Remus ordered homemade peach brandy for them both, the only attraction he had ever discovered in the gloomy place.
They sat down together in a quiet corner of the pub, soaked through and shivering. Remus took a deep draught of the brandy, savouring its warmth as it spread from his stomach into his veins. Gradually the heat from the fire drew the dampness out of his clothes and he began to relax, content to watch the comings and goings of the rest of the pub's occupants. Minerva rested her head on his shoulder and before long her breathing grew slow as she drifted off to sleep. Idly he wondered if someone had been slipping a sleeping potion into her food lately. It seemed as if she was always tired. Perhaps he should have a word with Poppy when they got home? It was only when the sky began to darken that he noticed it was almost five o'clock: high time they were heading back to Hogwarts.
* * * * *
Ten minutes later - after Remus had nudged Minerva awake and purchased a full flagon of brandy from the bar - they arrived back in Minerva's living room. While Minerva disappeared into the bathroom, brandy glass in hand, Remus peeled off his sopping garments and sat at the bottom of the bed where he could catch the full warmth of the roaring fire. 'Full Moon: Living With Werewolfism' lay open on his lap but he was unable to concentrate on assimilating it's contents. Instead his thoughts kept wandering back to Minerva and their conversation at lunchtime. Did she really mean what it sounded like she meant? It was true that - to his knowledge - she'd never dated anyone when they were at school. But more than a dozen years spanned the gap between now and then and a dozen years was a long time to be alone. It had certainly been too long for him.
The bathroom door opened and Minerva emerged, still massaging her favourite moisturising cream into her hands. Her hair was dry now and tumbled loose like glossy waves of ebony over her shoulders whilst the alcohol had left a telltale red glow on her cheeks. Remus went to refill their glasses but found he could not take his eyes off her.
It wasn't long before she noticed. He saw the corners of her mouth twitch as she tried not to smile but she was too far under the influence and could not prevent the laughter from bubbling up.
"Professor McGonagall, are you are drunk?"
"No!" she protested hotly, but then revealed the truth with a sudden giggle, possibly the most un-Minerva like sound he had ever heard from her lips.
He raised an eyebrow at her, still feigning seriousness and she came to sit beside him, leaning over to kiss him before resting her head on his shoulder. The delicate fragrance of her perfume drifted into his nostrils and he inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent and the memories it evoked. Perhaps we'll add to them tonight, he considered. Perhaps I should just forget about what she was saying earlier and enjoy things as they are. Perhaps...
Aloud he said: "Thank you for sticking up for me."
Her face showed confusion, her usually sharp reactions hampered by the alcohol permeating her bloodstream.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, with Cornelius Fudge. You could have said we were just colleagues but you didn't. That means a lot to me."
"I only told him the truth."
"I know that but... Minerva, all my life people have been ashamed of me. Of what I am. They won't say I'm a werewolf. They talk about my condition, my illness."
She took hold of his hands with hers, gripping them firmly.
"Real, true love means loving someone so completely that you accept them for everything they are, through everything that might happen. That's what you are to me and I won't deny that to anyone. Least of all Cornelius Fudge," she added scornfully, disgust obvious in her tone. "He's an idiot, Remus. Who cares what he thinks?"
Remus sighed deeply, feeling the tension flow from his body like a tidal wave, feeling free of his burden at last. He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled his head gently against hers.
"Tell me what I did to deserve you," he whispered.
She smiled and he felt her arms slip around his waist. With his mouth he planted tender kisses along her jawbone and across her cheek. But when he went to draw her closer she pulled away reluctantly, the glass still in her hand.
"I must get dressed," she said.
Remus studied her for a moment. In his mind's eye he saw her as a teenager again, crying softly in the common room one night after the death of someone's parents, slain brutally by Voldemort whose reign of horror was just beginning. She'd thought she was alone - she'd been completely unaware of the presence of fifteen year old Remus watching her from the landing that overlooked where she sat. Watching her in her simple white nightgown, so innocent and untouched. Watching her and struggling to control powerful emotions so strange and yet so familiar to his teenage body. Half of him had wanted to comfort her, half of him had been too consumed by lust to even consider it. After a while he'd crept silently back upstairs. But since that night he'd never seen her in quite the same light.
I have to know, he thought. I want to know.
"Minerva? Was I... was I really your first?"
She gazed at him for a long moment, suddenly sombre. He noticed her hand gripping the brandy glass tightly. Was she afraid of what he'd think?
"Yes," she said simply, and turned and walked back into the bathroom.
Though he'd been half expecting her answer, Remus was still taken aback. Their affair had started spontaneously and Minerva had assured him she did not regret that first intimate encounter. But he'd had no idea at the time that it had been such a big step for her. A step that she'd not been afraid to take. Suddenly that evening and it's consequences became all the more poignant to Remus, and he wished for a moment that he'd known how important that night was to her beforehand. Could I have been gentler, he wondered. More understanding? Did I even give her a chance to tell me? And then he realised the truth: that had he known, he would not have allowed it to happen. Instead he would have turned and left, insisting that she took the time to be sure that it was really what she wanted. Probably they would still be skirting around each other now, neither one brave enough to take that first step.
When he looked up she was standing in the doorway.
"It was the best way," she said softly, as if she'd read his mind. "I didn't want it to be awkward."
Remus gazed at her with even more respect than ever.
"You are amazing," he said sincerely.
"You were worth waiting for."
She kissed him softly, her lips lingering on his, tasting the sweetness of the brandy still on his tongue.
"Minerva, make love to me..."
She drained the last of her brandy and placed the glass gently on top of her dressing table, then slowly, deliberately untied the sash of her dressing gown. A moment later it fell to the floor in a crumpled heap. Minerva stepped away from it and stood naked before him, shadows dancing tantalisingly across her body in the flickering firelight. The brandy had lifted her confidence and she waited patiently as Remus gazed unabashed at her, his eyes greedily drinking in the sight before him. Every curve, every plane, every inch of her beautiful body... he wanted to memorise it all. There was an intensity in her deep brown eyes that he'd rarely seen in the past, mixed with a desire that he knew only too well. He found himself filled with emotions so strong, so powerful that they was almost painful to bear. Would he ever be able to get enough of her? He didn't think so.
"I love you, Remus. Don't ever doubt that."
"Come here..." he whispered, his breath jagged, his voice hoarse. He could feel his heart beating fast, driving his blood through his veins. He wanted so desperately to make this last, to savour every glorious moment but a certain part of his anatomy clearly had other ideas.
"Promise me, Remus..."
She reached out to where his hands lay in his lap, gently entwining her fingers with his and stroking them slowly back and forth. After a moment she lifted each of his hands in hers and kissed them gently, then drew them up to her breasts. Remus let his fingers dance lightly down her side, over her hip.
He looked up and was shocked to see tears forming in her eyes.
"Promise me..." she whispered again.
"I promise."
With his fingertips he caressed her skin, his touch feather light. He felt her knees nudging against his, gently pushing his legs apart so that she could stand closer. He slipped his arms around her waist then buried his face against her neck as she rested her chin on top of his head, both breathing heavily. After a moment his eyes fell on the tub of moisturiser sitting on her dressing table and he guided her to lie down on the bed.
Reaching for the jar, he tipped some of the contents into the palm of his hand, gently warming the cream in his hands. Then he stepped forward, climbing carefully onto the bed, straddling her naked body. She sighed in response, the ragged, shaky sigh of a woman struggling to fight her growing arousal.
Remus started to massage the cream into Minerva's back, gliding his hands over her skin in long smooth strokes. With his fingertips he circled her shoulder blade then gently kneaded the muscles, easing away what tension they held.
"Where did you learn how to do that?" she murmured.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Remus worked his way slowly down her back then let his hands move lower still to gently stroke his lover's thighs, his touch feather light. He felt his arousal grow as he pressed closer against her, unable to resist any longer...
"Minerva?"
There was silence. Remus paused for a moment. Surely she couldn't be...?
But when he leaned forward he could see it was true.
She was already fast asleep.
With a sigh Remus got up from the bed, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Then he pulled the duvet over her sleeping form and surrendered to the only option that remained: a cold shower.
Chapter Seven: Revelations
Boxing Day dawned unusually bright over Hogwarts. Remus Lupin left the Great Hall and started up the marble staircase only to find bright beams of sunlight falling through the tall windows. He had to blink furiously until his eyes accustomed to the sudden influx of light. Minerva had not accompanied him to breakfast: she'd still been asleep when he'd awakened and, knowing how tired she'd been lately, Remus had decided to leave her in peace. Now he carried a tray laden with all the things he knew she'd like: cereal with fresh honey and yoghurt, warm croissants from the bakery in Hogsmeade and a large glass of apple juice.
He'd sat next to Severus Snape at breakfast, now that the house tables had been put back in their usual place. He was determined not to be the cause of any further trouble that might jeopardise his relationship with Minerva and his job at Hogwarts. One or two of the staff had actually congratulated him for taking Severus down a few pegs but Remus had shrugged them off coolly, still regretting his reaction to the man's taunts. He was not a violent man, but violence was often - mistakenly - assumed to be a common character attribute amongst werewolves. Throughout his life he'd worked hard to overcome that prejudice, learning to control his temper and project an appearance of calm at all times. He still wasn't quite sure why he'd lost it so badly with Severus. He could only think it was because the man had unwittingly touched upon his deepest fear: that his being a werewolf would eventually drive Minerva to find someone more worthy, someone who deserved her love and understanding far better than Remus did. But Minerva had said nothing more about the incident and he knew she'd consigned it to history. Now he was doing his best to repair matters, and if that meant being polite, even pleasant to Severus Snape then so be it.
* * * * *
Half an hour later Remus sat in Minerva's living room reviewing his shopping list as he waited for her to get dressed. As soon as he'd mentioned their plans for the day at breakfast he'd faced an avalanche of requests from the rest of the staff. Minerva had warned him the previous night but he'd thought she'd been exaggerating. Now he wished he'd taken her advice.
"Ready?"
Minerva appeared from her bedroom wearing her warmest winter robes and cloak. She took a pinch of floo powder from the glass jar on the mantelpiece and stepped forward towards the flames.
Headmaster Heatherwick - predecessor to Armando Dippet - had been notoriously lazily and, after six years of traipsing the endless miles of corridors that criss crossed the school, had subsequently installed an internal floo system at Hogwarts. It had never been permanently connected to the main Floo Network for security reasons, the dark wizard Grindelwald having been at the peak of his powers during Heatherwick's reign as headmaster. Only a few select members of staff, Minerva included, knew the charms that would open the gateway and take them through it into the outside world.
"Diagon Alley!"
There was a brief flash of green and then she was gone. A moment later Remus followed her, spinning headfirst through the darkness until he felt his feet hit the ground with a thump. They had arrived in the Leaky Cauldron.
For the second time that day Remus found himself temporarily sightless at the sudden change in light. This time it was from the relative brightness of Minerva's living room to the perpetual grubby gloom of the Leaky Cauldron, the attraction of which he had never managed to discover. He suspected that it was the notoriety of the place as gateway between muggle and magical worlds that drew such a large crowd. He himself had spent much of the past decade in London but - on the rare occasions he socialised with his workmates - preferred the cleaner and more spacious bar of the Fountain, located at the far end of Diagon Alley and not that far from the Ministry itself. Nevertheless the Leaky Cauldron was packed as usual and Remus found himself nodding courteously to several old colleagues.
"Want a drink?" he asked Minerva, more out of politeness than actual thirst.
She shook her head and beckoned him to follow her through the throng by the bar and out into the courtyard.
Outside there was no sign of snow and a weak wintry sun shone in the pale sky above, making the air a little warmer than it had been at Hogwarts but still cold enough to make Remus glad of his new cloak and borrowed Gryffindor scarf. A tall wizard walking ahead of them had opened the archway to Diagon Alley and they slipped through quickly before it had time to close.
Diagon Alley though a hive of activity was not as busy as it had been during Remus' last visit in September when it seemed the whole of Hogwarts had been there to purchase their school things. There were a few children here and there, obviously keen to spend their Christmas money on the latest practical jokes and magic toys.
"Any preference?"
Immediately Minerva's face lit up.
"Flourish & Blotts!" she said excitedly.
Remus shrugged. "I should have known," he admitted.
Together they walked a short way down the alley until they reached the bookshop. As usual its windows contained a colourful display of the latest novels and textbooks, this month's theme being festive charms and curses.
Inside Minerva immediately disappeared, presumably in the direction of the transfiguration section. Remus had thought her collection of books and journals on the subject to be exhaustive but it appeared he was wrong. Still, he wasn't bothered about being left alone and instead he idly perused the shelves. He wasn't an avid reader. Minerva had a passion for words and would happily read anything she could find. Remus, on the other hand, had to be sufficiently interested in the content matter to be able to concentrate. He managed to locate one of the titles on show in the window - 'Wizard Christmas!' - which promised 'decorations and displays to amaze your family and astound your friends!'. He couldn't resist buying it for Filius Flitwick, whose love of festive decorations was renowned amongst the Hogwarts staff, if not the wizarding world as a whole. And then another book caught his attention and he was immediately engrossed.
It was twenty minutes before Minerva returned, this time accompanied by a rather unfortunate assistant whose arms were so laden with books that his face was barely visible.
"Ready?" she asked.
Remus raised an eyebrow at the sparkle in her eyes.
"Do you want me to leave you here and come back in a week or two?" he teased.
With a smile she turned and walked to the counter to pay for her purchases and arrange delivery to the school. Remus went over to join her and as he did his eye fell on a display of newly published work, in the centre of which sat a large, glossy hardback. "Tragical Me" claimed to reveal the shocking truth behind one of the wizarding world's most well known celebrities.
"Wasn't he the one who...?"
Minerva rolled her eyes in disgust and Remus knew better than finish his sentence.
"What have you got?" she asked.
He showed her the book for Filius and then the other title he'd selected: 'Full Moon: Living With Werewolfism'.
"An informative tour of the myths and facts surrounding this much feared condition," he read aloud. "Also includes recent discoveries such as the Wolfsbane Potion and how latest developments at the Institute for Magical Research mean a cure could finally be in sight."
He noticed the curious look on the assistant's face.
"Purely for research purposes, of course," he added loudly. "The third class have just finished covering werewolves. I'm sure it will be of interest to them."
They left the bookshop together and made their way along Diagon Alley. As they passed Quality Quidditch Supplies Remus' attention was caught briefly by the Firebolt still displayed in the window. He said nothing but a frown creased his forehead as he recalled the duplicate lying still on Minerva's desk. Was it really a deadly trap? It had looked ordinary enough - well as ordinary as a broomstick worth thousands of galleons could look - but he couldn't be sure. He was glad that Hermione had plucked up the courage to go to Minerva with her worries. Even if they proved to be unfounded it was best that they played it safe.
Further down the street they followed another passageway that lead off to the right, twisting and turning a few times until suddenly they emerged into Magenta Square. Dominated on two sides by the white marble towers of the Ministry of Magic, the remainder of the space was occupied by rather more exclusive stores and restaurants than those found in Diagon Alley. There were no goods stacked out in the square itself - only discreet and tasteful window displays that suggested in no uncertain terms that unless you had a fair few galleons to spend, you were shopping in the wrong part of London.
Minerva and Remus wandered slowly past McKenzie & Lowe, stopping momentarily to admire the gems on show. It was only a week since Remus had been there to collect Minerva's earrings and he smiled to himself as he remembered the moment when they'd finally become his. He'd saved most of his wages since their relationship had grown, knowing that he wanted to treat her to something special. It hadn't been hard: he was not an extravagant man, accustomed as he was to surviving on a relatively small income. Now that his bed and board were provided free of charge his monthly outgoings were even less. He only wished he'd been there to give them to her in person. Still, there was always her birthday.
He glanced around to find that Minerva was no longer with him but rather a little further along gazing wistfully into the window of Desiderata's Designer Robes.
"I loved this shop when I was younger," she said as Remus approached.
"Really?"
"Oh, yes. My father worked at the Ministry for a while - well, you know that. He'd sometimes bring me down to London in the holidays and let me explore Diagon Alley all day. I used to spend half the day just staring through the window imagining how glamorous I'd look wearing clothes like this."
She gestured at the beautiful, beaded creations on display.
"Let's go in," Remus said impulsively.
Minerva looked hesitant and for a moment he thought she was going to refuse. But just as she opened her mouth to form words of agreement another voice cut loudly across them.
"Why, if it isn't Professor McGonagall! How are you, my dear?"
Cornelius Fudge, proudly sporting a new bowler hat in a rather virulent shade of turquoise, beamed widely at Minerva as he crossed the square towards them. He did not appear to have noticed Remus.
"I'm fine, thank you Cornelius," Minerva said primly. "I trust you, too, are well?"
"Oh, struggling on!" he said jovially. "No rest for the wicked at the Ministry."
Minerva smiled coolly. Cornelius Fudge was constantly pestering Dumbledore for his advice and knowledge yet was quite happy to take the credit when things went well. Remus knew this was a sore spot with Minerva.
"So, I take it you're on Hogwarts business?"
"No, we're just enjoying a day off."
We? Remus could see Fudge's brow wrinkle in confusion. He seemed to see Remus for the first time. Despite the fact that they'd met on several occasions when Remus had worked at the Ministry, he appeared to be having a lot of trouble remembering his name.
"Mr, er..."
"Professor Remus Lupin," Minerva cut in. "My significant other."
"Your, er... your what?"
Minerva slipped her arm firmly through that of her lover and leant over to kiss his cheek.
"Remus bought me these earrings for Christmas," she said sweetly. "Do you like them?"
Remus remained silent. He could tell Minerva was having fun. Fudge's face was turning redder by the minute as he struggled to comprehend what he was being told.
"You and... er, you and... him?!" he muttered. "But-"
"Well, Minerva, we must be going," Remus interrupted smoothly. "Time for lunch, I think."
"Of course. Goodbye Cornelius. It was nice to see you."
As soon as they got around the corner Remus let out a deep sigh.
"I don't think he took that very well."
"Well, I hope you never need a job at the Ministry again," Minerva said. "I'm sorry, I should have kept my mouth shut. I just can't stand that man. He's not fit to be Minister for Magic!"
"Don't hold back, Minerva," Remus teased lightly. "Tell me what you really think."
They reached the entrance to the restaurant but just as Remus was about to lead the way in he felt Minerva tugging gently at his arm.
"Do we have to eat here?" she asked.
"What's wrong with here?"
He glanced briefly through the window. The large, open plan space was filled with diners, mostly senior Ministry staff. He thought he could see one or two of the school governors.
"I'd rather go somewhere that we can talk. Somewhere relaxed. Perhaps we could go back to the Leaky Cauldron?"
Remus thought for a moment.
"No, I know just the place."
* * * * *
The Witches' Sabbat was a small pub tucked just around the corner from the Ministry. In contrast to the shadowy interior of the Leaky Cauldron it was a warm, cheerful place with cream walls and oak beams stretching across the ceiling. A roaring fire crackled loudly in the grate and the smell of roasted pork and apple wafted from the kitchen. Remus led Minerva to a small table tucked discreetly into one corner.
Their meal was served promptly. As they ate, Remus told her a little more about the time he'd spent in the London. He'd enjoyed his job at the Ministry but nobody had really bothered with him. He'd only been there a few days when the truth had come out. The Ministry, owing to its highly public position, was forced to instigate an equal opportunities policy with regard to the staff it employed. That meant that Remus' knowledge and education had at last counted for something. But someone somewhere hadn't been at all happy about hiring a werewolf. Remus' condition was common knowledge before he'd even had time to learn his colleagues' names. Only those few with enough intelligence to see beyond the prejudice of others had been friendly.
Minerva listened with interest. He'd never really talked to her about this before and he could see the sympathy in her eyes. Fudge's reaction to her earlier revelation had been all the evidence she needed. Minerva, like him, had always despised the narrow-minded bigotry that was stealthily invading their world. When the waitress came to clear away their plates it was a welcome relief from the oppressive nature of their conversation.
"Dessert?"
"Yes please," Minerva said immediately.
Remus settled for fresh blackberry crumble and cream. When it arrived Minerva tucked in hungrily, much to his amusement. She'd eaten a full Sunday roast already and she wasn't exactly large. Where was she putting it all?
"So, you like this place?" he asked, determined to lighten the mood a little.
"It's lovely. Did you bring your other girlfriends here?"
Despite the teasing tone in her voice Remus could detect a whole lot of deeper meanings.
"Didn't have any," he grunted.
"What, no one at all?"
"No. Minerva, I've told you this before."
"Surely there must have been somebody? Are you seriously telling me that you never..?" Her words trailed off but she continued to gaze at him with keen interest. Eventually he gave in.
"All right, there were a few."
"I knew it!" There was a triumphant gleam in her eye.
"But they didn't mean anything, none of them. It was just mindless sex. That's all."
Minerva smiled.
"Mindless sex? Really? I bet that's what you'll say about me someday."
"I would never say that about you," he said vehemently. He knew she was joking but still her remark hit a nerve. Why would she think that he'd say that about her? Unless... maybe she wasn't expecting this to last.
"How about you?" he said abruptly.
Immediately her expression changed.
"I'd rather not talk about it," she said.
"That's not fair! You made me talk about it."
"I know. I don't want you to think I'm... well, strange."
"Minerva, I'm a werewolf. I'm not exactly the epitome of normality myself."
"I hardly think that's the same thing."
"Well, if you told me I could judge for myself."
"It's nothing really. It's just that I..."
She trailed off awkwardly.
"Are you seriously telling me that you never..?" he said, mimicking her earlier question as he leaned closer to her across the table.
Minerva's cheeks flushed a vivid shade of scarlet.
"Remus, I-"
"Coffee?"
The waitress's voice was like a sudden cold shower. Remus leapt back and hastily asked for the bill, wondering all the while if she really meant what he thought.
* * * * *
They left the restaurant and made their way back up towards Diagon Alley, stopping on the way to pick up Xiomara's broomstick polish, along with sherbet lemons for Dumbledore who was apparently unwilling to brave the snow that carpeted Hogsmeade to pick some up for himself. Remus soon began to regret mentioning their destination at breakfast as he garnered more and more packages: fennel and mugwort seeds for Professor Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey's monthly apothecary order and Hagrid's newly repaired pocket watch. The snow had thickened and turned into icy sleet that stung their faces as they walked. When at last they reached the Leaky Cauldron it was a welcome respite from the bitter weather outside. Remus ordered homemade peach brandy for them both, the only attraction he had ever discovered in the gloomy place.
They sat down together in a quiet corner of the pub, soaked through and shivering. Remus took a deep draught of the brandy, savouring its warmth as it spread from his stomach into his veins. Gradually the heat from the fire drew the dampness out of his clothes and he began to relax, content to watch the comings and goings of the rest of the pub's occupants. Minerva rested her head on his shoulder and before long her breathing grew slow as she drifted off to sleep. Idly he wondered if someone had been slipping a sleeping potion into her food lately. It seemed as if she was always tired. Perhaps he should have a word with Poppy when they got home? It was only when the sky began to darken that he noticed it was almost five o'clock: high time they were heading back to Hogwarts.
* * * * *
Ten minutes later - after Remus had nudged Minerva awake and purchased a full flagon of brandy from the bar - they arrived back in Minerva's living room. While Minerva disappeared into the bathroom, brandy glass in hand, Remus peeled off his sopping garments and sat at the bottom of the bed where he could catch the full warmth of the roaring fire. 'Full Moon: Living With Werewolfism' lay open on his lap but he was unable to concentrate on assimilating it's contents. Instead his thoughts kept wandering back to Minerva and their conversation at lunchtime. Did she really mean what it sounded like she meant? It was true that - to his knowledge - she'd never dated anyone when they were at school. But more than a dozen years spanned the gap between now and then and a dozen years was a long time to be alone. It had certainly been too long for him.
The bathroom door opened and Minerva emerged, still massaging her favourite moisturising cream into her hands. Her hair was dry now and tumbled loose like glossy waves of ebony over her shoulders whilst the alcohol had left a telltale red glow on her cheeks. Remus went to refill their glasses but found he could not take his eyes off her.
It wasn't long before she noticed. He saw the corners of her mouth twitch as she tried not to smile but she was too far under the influence and could not prevent the laughter from bubbling up.
"Professor McGonagall, are you are drunk?"
"No!" she protested hotly, but then revealed the truth with a sudden giggle, possibly the most un-Minerva like sound he had ever heard from her lips.
He raised an eyebrow at her, still feigning seriousness and she came to sit beside him, leaning over to kiss him before resting her head on his shoulder. The delicate fragrance of her perfume drifted into his nostrils and he inhaled deeply, enjoying the scent and the memories it evoked. Perhaps we'll add to them tonight, he considered. Perhaps I should just forget about what she was saying earlier and enjoy things as they are. Perhaps...
Aloud he said: "Thank you for sticking up for me."
Her face showed confusion, her usually sharp reactions hampered by the alcohol permeating her bloodstream.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, with Cornelius Fudge. You could have said we were just colleagues but you didn't. That means a lot to me."
"I only told him the truth."
"I know that but... Minerva, all my life people have been ashamed of me. Of what I am. They won't say I'm a werewolf. They talk about my condition, my illness."
She took hold of his hands with hers, gripping them firmly.
"Real, true love means loving someone so completely that you accept them for everything they are, through everything that might happen. That's what you are to me and I won't deny that to anyone. Least of all Cornelius Fudge," she added scornfully, disgust obvious in her tone. "He's an idiot, Remus. Who cares what he thinks?"
Remus sighed deeply, feeling the tension flow from his body like a tidal wave, feeling free of his burden at last. He pulled her into his arms and nuzzled his head gently against hers.
"Tell me what I did to deserve you," he whispered.
She smiled and he felt her arms slip around his waist. With his mouth he planted tender kisses along her jawbone and across her cheek. But when he went to draw her closer she pulled away reluctantly, the glass still in her hand.
"I must get dressed," she said.
Remus studied her for a moment. In his mind's eye he saw her as a teenager again, crying softly in the common room one night after the death of someone's parents, slain brutally by Voldemort whose reign of horror was just beginning. She'd thought she was alone - she'd been completely unaware of the presence of fifteen year old Remus watching her from the landing that overlooked where she sat. Watching her in her simple white nightgown, so innocent and untouched. Watching her and struggling to control powerful emotions so strange and yet so familiar to his teenage body. Half of him had wanted to comfort her, half of him had been too consumed by lust to even consider it. After a while he'd crept silently back upstairs. But since that night he'd never seen her in quite the same light.
I have to know, he thought. I want to know.
"Minerva? Was I... was I really your first?"
She gazed at him for a long moment, suddenly sombre. He noticed her hand gripping the brandy glass tightly. Was she afraid of what he'd think?
"Yes," she said simply, and turned and walked back into the bathroom.
Though he'd been half expecting her answer, Remus was still taken aback. Their affair had started spontaneously and Minerva had assured him she did not regret that first intimate encounter. But he'd had no idea at the time that it had been such a big step for her. A step that she'd not been afraid to take. Suddenly that evening and it's consequences became all the more poignant to Remus, and he wished for a moment that he'd known how important that night was to her beforehand. Could I have been gentler, he wondered. More understanding? Did I even give her a chance to tell me? And then he realised the truth: that had he known, he would not have allowed it to happen. Instead he would have turned and left, insisting that she took the time to be sure that it was really what she wanted. Probably they would still be skirting around each other now, neither one brave enough to take that first step.
When he looked up she was standing in the doorway.
"It was the best way," she said softly, as if she'd read his mind. "I didn't want it to be awkward."
Remus gazed at her with even more respect than ever.
"You are amazing," he said sincerely.
"You were worth waiting for."
She kissed him softly, her lips lingering on his, tasting the sweetness of the brandy still on his tongue.
"Minerva, make love to me..."
She drained the last of her brandy and placed the glass gently on top of her dressing table, then slowly, deliberately untied the sash of her dressing gown. A moment later it fell to the floor in a crumpled heap. Minerva stepped away from it and stood naked before him, shadows dancing tantalisingly across her body in the flickering firelight. The brandy had lifted her confidence and she waited patiently as Remus gazed unabashed at her, his eyes greedily drinking in the sight before him. Every curve, every plane, every inch of her beautiful body... he wanted to memorise it all. There was an intensity in her deep brown eyes that he'd rarely seen in the past, mixed with a desire that he knew only too well. He found himself filled with emotions so strong, so powerful that they was almost painful to bear. Would he ever be able to get enough of her? He didn't think so.
"I love you, Remus. Don't ever doubt that."
"Come here..." he whispered, his breath jagged, his voice hoarse. He could feel his heart beating fast, driving his blood through his veins. He wanted so desperately to make this last, to savour every glorious moment but a certain part of his anatomy clearly had other ideas.
"Promise me, Remus..."
She reached out to where his hands lay in his lap, gently entwining her fingers with his and stroking them slowly back and forth. After a moment she lifted each of his hands in hers and kissed them gently, then drew them up to her breasts. Remus let his fingers dance lightly down her side, over her hip.
He looked up and was shocked to see tears forming in her eyes.
"Promise me..." she whispered again.
"I promise."
With his fingertips he caressed her skin, his touch feather light. He felt her knees nudging against his, gently pushing his legs apart so that she could stand closer. He slipped his arms around her waist then buried his face against her neck as she rested her chin on top of his head, both breathing heavily. After a moment his eyes fell on the tub of moisturiser sitting on her dressing table and he guided her to lie down on the bed.
Reaching for the jar, he tipped some of the contents into the palm of his hand, gently warming the cream in his hands. Then he stepped forward, climbing carefully onto the bed, straddling her naked body. She sighed in response, the ragged, shaky sigh of a woman struggling to fight her growing arousal.
Remus started to massage the cream into Minerva's back, gliding his hands over her skin in long smooth strokes. With his fingertips he circled her shoulder blade then gently kneaded the muscles, easing away what tension they held.
"Where did you learn how to do that?" she murmured.
"Wouldn't you like to know?"
Remus worked his way slowly down her back then let his hands move lower still to gently stroke his lover's thighs, his touch feather light. He felt his arousal grow as he pressed closer against her, unable to resist any longer...
"Minerva?"
There was silence. Remus paused for a moment. Surely she couldn't be...?
But when he leaned forward he could see it was true.
She was already fast asleep.
With a sigh Remus got up from the bed, unsure whether to laugh or cry. Then he pulled the duvet over her sleeping form and surrendered to the only option that remained: a cold shower.