New Year, New Start

A/N: This is the final chapter and I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks Ang!

Chapter Ten: To Wish Upon a Star

Albus made his way along the corridor. He was dressed in his best royal blue dress robes with silver details around the hem of the sleeves. He felt more nervous than ever before, which was silly because Minerva had agreed to dinner with him. But that didn't matter because he wanted to make sure she had a lovely evening.

He had booked a table at a romantic restaurant in Hogsmeade and he had reserved the table in the far corner of the place because he knew it was very private and away from prying eyes. He didn't want Minerva to feel uncomfortable, but at ease, so she could be herself and enjoy the evening. He knew that she rarely went out in the evenings and if she did, it would usually be because Poppy and Xiomara dragged her along with them.

He knocked at her door and he didn't have to wait long before the door swung open and revealed Minerva. She was wearing a deep forest green strapless dress with a matching stole around her shoulders. It fitted her perfectly and took Albus' breath away.

"Oh Minerva," he said, "You look stunning!"

"Thank you," she said with a blush as she closed her door behind her. "You look very handsome as well."

"In this old thing?" he said, dismissing the comment as he was convinced that nothing could match the beauty of the woman who stood before him. "Shall we go my dear."

"That would be nice," she replied. "Where are we going?"

"Ah, a surprise," he answered as he led her along the corridor.

They walked out into the cool night air but not before Albus cast strong warming charms on their winter cloaks that he summoned from their rooms as they neared the Entrance Hall. They took a slow walk into the village and they laughed and talked all the way to the restaurant. They were very comfortable in each other's company but that wasn't a surprise as they were always that way when they were together.

"Oh Albus," she said as she was led into the restaurant "I have never been in here before. I have always wanted to, but it's so expensive."

"Let me spoil you, Minerva," he told her. "You deserve it, so no arguing!"

"I hope you know you are the only person who can tell me that without the fear of being hexed," she replied as a waiter took their cloaks and led them over to the secluded table.

"I know," he answered with a cheeky grin, his eyes twinkling brightly as he looked at her. "Will this table do, my lady?"

"It will do just fine Albus," she answered as he pulled out her chair for her and waited for her to sit down before he seated himself.

The restaurant had a very romantic mood to it, with dimly lit candles on every table. Soft romantic music floated through the restaurant along with the muffled sound of people talking. A waiter brought over the house wine and poured them each a glass and handed them a menu. Albus watched as Minerva scanned the menu. He really hoped that she would enjoy tonight and he hoped that their relationship would blossom into something else. But, he didn't want to rush her into anything she may regret in the morning.

The waiter appeared five minutes later and took their orders. Minerva ordered chicken breasts in tarragon and wine sauce with winter vegetables and potatoes while Albus ordered pork dijonnaise for their main course. They had both decided that they wouldn't have a starter, but have a dessert instead and they both ordered chocolate cake with cherry sauce.

"So Albus," said Minerva looking across the table at him "what do you look for in a lover?"

Albus coughed on his wine. He hadn't expected her to ask a question like that.

"I believe you asked me a few nights ago so I am returning the question," she said with a smile. "I laid myself open to you."

"I believe that friends make the best lovers," he answered honestly, keeping eye contact with her all the time

"But what if you break up?" she said raising an important point. "You will not only lose a lover but also a friend!"

"Are you looking for ways to let me down gently my dear?" questioned Albus.

"No, I am not Albus," she answered honestly. "I just wanted to see what your response would be."

Albus didn't get the chance to respond because the waiter brought over their main meal. They slipped into comfortable conversation as they ate, discussing a number of things ranging from the rose he had given her to new quidditch brooms Madame Hooch was always going on about. They laughed about funny moments that they had shared over the course of their friendship and Minerva began to realize that she had been in love with the man opposite her for years without knowing it. It was only because she was looking back on past memories that it was clear.

They ate their dessert and Minerva had to reach across the table with a napkin and wipe some chocolate off his nose. She giggled softly and shook her head. Albus paid for the meal and then offered Minerva his arm. As they walked back out into the night air, they were met by a shooting star flying over their heads.

"Make a wish Minerva," he urged!

Minerva closed her eyes and wished upon the star. She hoped it would come true. She opened her eyes and caught Albus watching her intently. His eyes were bright, even in the darkness.

"Did you make a wish?" she whispered.

"I did, Minerva!" he answered.

"What was it?" she asked.

"You know I can't tell you," he said cupping her cheek. "But I can show you, if you like?"

"I like," she said with a nod of her head.

"I am glad you said that," he said as he leaned closer and brushed his lips against her cool but soft lips.

Albus pulled Minerva to him and she wrapped her arms around his neck as she gave herself over to the soft kiss that held so much emotion, so much love. She knew that she had found love at last and that the new year certainly gave her a new start to live her life as she had always wanted it.

THE END!