Disclaimer: I do not own anything dealing with Harry Potter. A der!
A/N: Just in case you did not read my one shot, I just wanted to say that I won a silver medal in essay writing for my Academic Decathlon team on Wednesday the 9th. WOOT!
Thanks to the following for reviewing:
Mollisk: Yeah, Snape having a family is a bit weird. But I figured I should make him slightly more human than most see him.
Girl from Iceland: Thank you for calling me smart. And I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Saiyanwizardgurl: Thank you so much for your great review. You're welcome for my reviews, and I will try to read your other story, if I can. I'm running short on time for other fics.
ADandMMforever: It's a deal. Don't worry, I was planning on letting them have time together before she tears up passes on. Cries
Augusta: Yes, as you can see, there is more. And don't worry about sounding like a soap narrator. I've done it before. LOL XD!
Quill of Minerva: I feel bad for them as well. Well, if you found out someone you loved had cancer, you'd want to fight it, right?
TartanLioness: Thank you so so so much. I wasn't sure to be happy or sad either.
Bigkihap: sob
Chapter Six: Minerva's Birthday
It had been nearly a week since Albus and Minerva had expressed their love for each other and it was obvious to the remaining teachers that there was something different. Both of them seemed happier and had that extra bounce in their steps. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out the reason for the change in their demeanor, though no one said anything until Albus announced they were a couple on day over breakfast.
"Hot dog, I knew it," said Sylvia, clapping her hands. She smiled at Minerva and Albus. "Congratulations you two." Her exclamation made Minerva to chuckle. She hadn't heard Sylvia use the phrase 'hot dog' since they themselves were attending Hogwarts.
Now, Minerva was in her private quarters, sitting in her favorite chair by the fire, quietly reading one of her favorite books, her feet tucked underneath. It was a book on Transfiguration, one she had picked up in Hogsmede the day before. She smiled when she felt two hands begin to massage her shoulders.
"Hello, Albus," she said.
"Hello, darling," smiled Albus, leaning over the back of the chair to kiss her just behind the ear. Minerva closed her book and placed her hand on his cheek.
"Is there something I can do for you?" she asked. Albus straightened and came around to stand in front of her.
"Yes, you can tell me what you would like me to get you for your birthday," replied Albus. Minerva just looked up at him.
"Nothing," she replied, standing up and placing her arms around his neck.
"Nothing?" inquired Albus, his eyebrows raised. Minerva kissed him on the nose.
"Exactly," she smiled.
"Surely there is something that you want," said Albus, resting his forehead against hers. Minerva sighed and just stared in his eyes.
"What does it matter, anyway?" she inquired. "My birthday is tomorrow and you have no time to get me anything." Albus chuckled, playing with a lose strand of her hair.
"You'd be surprised at what I can and will do for you, my dear," he smiled. Minerva looked thoughtful for a moment.
"Well, then I know what it is that I want," she said. Albus looked at her expectantly. She stood on her tiptoes and whispered in his ear. "I want you." Albus looked down at her, more than a little shocked.
"A-Are you sure, Minerva?" he asked. Minerva nodded. "I don't want you to tire yourself out or anything." Minerva rolled her eyes.
"Did you just call me old?" she laughed playfully, swatting his arm. "I'm a grown woman; I know what my limits are." She gave Albus a nod. He smiled and picked her up.
"Very well then," he smiled.
Ooooooooooo
The next morning, Minerva woke up to find Albus was no longer there. This confused and saddened her at the same time. On his pillow laid a single long stem red rose. She smiled, sat up in bed, and picked it up. Smelling it, she read the note that was attached to it.
Minerva,
Do not be surprised if you should not see me at breakfast this morning. That fool of a minister sent me a letter this morning and I needed to leave very early. Please explain my absence to the rest of the staff. I shall be back this evening. Be prepared for a wonderful birthday surprise. Happy birthday darling.
Love always,
Albus."
Minerva smiled as she read the note. Albus was so thoughtful. Getting up, she got dressed; all the time wondering what it was that Albus had planned for them for that evening. But she didn't have long to think about it because she needed to get a few things done. Although she didn't have long to lie, she knew she would have long enough to teach this next year. And she liked to get things done as early as possible, so she could have as much of her summer holiday let to spend doing whatever she wanted to do.
Oooooooooooooooo
That night, Minerva got back to her rooms, much more exhausted than she would have been any other time. Normally, the things she did wouldn't have been so energy draining, but she knew from what Poppy had told her that she was going to get tired more easily than she normally would have.
When she entered her bedroom, she was more than surprised to see candles floating everywhere, and soft music playing. In the middle of her room was a small table set for two, and Albus, sitting there waiting for her, a big goofy grin on his face.
"Happy birthday, darling," he said, standing up and walking to her. He wrapped his arms around her waist and she rested her arms around his neck.
"Thank you, Albus," she smiled. "This is undoubtedly one of the best birthdays I've ever had." Albus smiled.
"Well, it just started, Minerva," he said. "It's about to get better." I hope, he thought to himself.
They spent the next hour just eating and talking comfortably about anything and everything that came to mind. Minerva was delighted when the house elves served all of her favorite foods, which included chicken alfrado and white wine, followed by a dessert of strawberry cheesecake. After dinner, they simply sat across from each other, finishing their conversation.
"You know, Albus, I believe I was right earlier," said Minerva after Albus banished the dirty dishes to the kitchen. "This really has been my best birthday in so long. And I have you to thank for that." She reached her hand across the table and held Albus' hand. Albus kissed the back of her delicate hand and then covered it with his other one.
"Oh, Minerva," he smiled. "You mean the world to me. I can't even remember a time when you weren't in my life, and I don't want to." He lifted his left hand and dug around in his pocket for a few seconds before producing a small black velvet box. He opened it and asked, "Minerva, will you marry me?"
Minerva gasped when she saw the ring in the box. It was a gold band with a diamond in the middle and an emerald on either side. She took the box in her hands and just looked at it, tears of joy falling from her eyes. She looked up at Albus.
"Yes, of coarse I will, Albus," she breathed. Two seconds later, she was enveloped in his arms, enjoying being there.
Ooooooooooo
A/N2: Well, there it is. I hope you all like it. WOOT! Always Hopeful
