Chapter Twelve

Of course we both did not want to let go of our own personal mystery- and yet autumns became winters and winters became springs, summers- and graduation day arrived sooner than I had ever thought possible.

It was the saddest day in my young existence, that one- even despite a feeling of pride and melancholic happiness at finally not being a schoolgirl anymore. I left much more behind, after all, than just my old school and a bunch of teachers and classmates whom I would remember with a certain fondness.

I was supposed to leave behind the only man I had ever loved behind. The one man on this whole goddamn earth, who had been both companion and lover to me for almost two years- the one I, always such an immensely private person, had shared everything with, and enjoyed it on top of it.

The night before I graduated, though, something happened that would change my entire life forever.

I had packed my trunk and everything- I was supposed to go home for holidays, then start Auror training in September. Part of me was glad because of that- because, being a girl, it had not been easy to convince the Ministry into accepting me- but another part of me was frightened. Frightened to lose what I had so dearly gained- frightened, too, despite everything, that Albus would forget about me when I couldn't visit him daily anymore.

One small glance at both him and his surroundings told me, though, never to doubt the affection of Albus- that wonderful man!- again. I stood utterly speechless and horribly ashamed as I could not but stare at the room- and most of all, at its decorations.

Albus had obviously taken pains to make my last night at Hogwarts a memorable one indeed. Candles were floating in the air everywhere- the ceiling had been enchanted just like the Great Hall's- and he had even bought roses.

"My Rós na h-Albann."

I wasn't surprised as I, all of a sudden, heard his whispering voice in my ear. Nor did I turn around as his arms enfolded me from behind, and it was only as he started softly kissing my neck that I turned around in his arms, pressing my mouth against his in a full, delicious, grateful kiss as I wrapped my arms around his shoulders in a tight embrace.

"Albus- my Albus- I'm so afraid to leave."

As I rested my head against his chest, I felt my own tears flowing and only as he tilted up my chin again did I smile. A rough, yet tender thumb gently wiped off my tears as he kissed the tip of my nose.

"You'll never truly leave, Minerva- not if you don't want to."

I raised my head a little so as to try to read in his eyes exactly what he meant by those words. I had a faint idea- but as he, all of a sudden, lowered himself to one knee, I could still hardly believe exactly what he was doing.

"Minerva, you're the only woman I love, the only woman I'll ever love. I can't ask for more than just to share my life with you. My Scottish rose, will you- please- marry me?"

I believe I might have fainted, had not his arms been there to catch me in time- and tears flooded for a second time that night.

"Yes."