Chapter Eight

To my dearly beloved sister, Meredith, who, despite not exactly wanting to read my angstfics, still rocks ;). As you see, you do get a bit of fluff :p.

Minerva McGonagall heard her own heels clacking against the uneven pavement, and with a suppressed, sleepy yawn, she wiped her eyes with the back of her hand as she, briskly, walked on.

It was five in the morning, and the new Auror-in-Training of the Ministry of Magic felt slightly guilty about not having gone to sleep at a decent time the previous night- but then again, she inwardly defended herself with a smirk on her lips, at least she had gone to bed early. The only problem, which wasn't really a problem, was; so had Albus.

She smirked again, then pulled her long, tartan cloak just a little tighter around her thin shoulders, then walked on.

Granted, five o'clock was a rather bizarre time to start the first day of her three years of Auror training- but then again, these were bizarre times to start training, too. Minerva didn't really care, anyway- all she wanted, had always wanted, ever since her family had disappeared, was to fight for her people- and getting up at half past four was really the least of sacrifices, in that case.

Albus had not objected to her enrolling, in the end- not that he had expected him to. He knew her well enough, after all, to realize that, young as she was, she was a very free woman indeed, and as much as she loved him, she was not willing to let that freedom of choice go. He wanted to keep her safe, true- but just as well did he know that he could not keep the possibility to fight from her.

They hadn't bothered to keep their relationship a secret after her graduation, even though they hadn't exactly yelled it from the rooftops either. He was old enough to be her grandfather, after all- and especially Albus was painfully aware of the negative reactions that could possibly follow. Their closest friends knew, though- and were happy for the couple, too, because quite frankly, Minerva thought with a smile, Albus and her were made for each other- and they knew it.

Headmaster Dippet, one of her lover's closest friends, had been one of the first to actually rejoice in the match- a wise old Ravenclaw, the Headmaster was open-minded enough to see how happy they were, and he had given Albus permission to share his rooms in Hogwarts with Minerva- as long as she managed not to be seen by any of the students. Her Animagus form- which she had acquired through very intensive training throughout the summer- did come in handy, there, and so far, they had managed quite well.

And now here she stood- in front of her future.

Taking a very deep breath, Minerva nodded. This was what she wanted- and this was what she would do. She was sure.

And even Albus, she added with a soft smile, even Albus…

"You know what, Minerva?" the auburn-haired wizard muttered, as he traced the features of the young woman in his arms with a tentative finger.

Said witch, black, thick hairs all spread out over the bed sheets, merely, lazily smiled, taking her hand in his and gently kissing it.

"Mmhm?"

"You would make a wonderful Auror, after all."

Minerva smiled- then mockingly frowned and lightly gave the man a pat on the chest, green eyes looking genuinely surprised. Though he had agreed with her decision in the end, he still didn't feel too happy with it, she knew- and this sudden remark surprised her.

It was with an impish smile that he explained- and the young woman rolled her eyes with a grin.

"I know first hand what happens when good tabbies go bad…"

As he started nuzzling her neck, Minerva contentedly sighed- yet at the same time shook her head and grinned.

"I'd only get this bad with you, Albus Dumbledore… you deserve it…"

As he gently kissed her lips again, she felt the warmth inside of her chest grow- and knew he'd recognized it as what it was.

A compliment.