Disclaimer: Not mine
Chapter Eight: Progress
When the two finally broke apart, Minerva chanced a look at her husband. There was no disgust in his eyes, to her relief; just the same love and understanding he had always shown.
"Thank you for trusting me enough to tell me." Albus said, so quietly it was almost a whisper.
Minerva nodded, not trusting herself to speak. When she had gathered her thoughts, she looked up.
"So, I believe you need to fill me in on all my new duties." she said.
"Are you certain you are feeling up to this right now?"
"I'm sure. I feel better than I have in days."
The two spent the rest of the day working together. It was not by any means completely normal, but it was a start.
Over the next couple of days, Minerva became more comfortable around her husband. She did not shirk from his touch on her hand or her back.
A week had soon past since Minerva told Albus what had happened to her that night. She knew he had to be getting restless with their lack of intimacy. The two normally made love at least once every other night, if not more. She knew that he would never cheat on her, but she didn't want him to suffer because of her. It was this thought that drove her to his arms one night.
He had been working in his office until late that evening. When he finally returned to the couple's quarters, Minerva was waiting for him.
"How was your evening, dear?" she asked.
"Busy. I do believe I have found a new Potion's teacher. He is coming for an interview tomorrow."
"That's a relief. I can't believe the board had such a hissy fit when they heard you had sacked Slughorn. It's none of their concern, as long as you replace him before the start of term.
"I am still in the testing phase, I think. Don't think on it. All will work itself out."
Minerva sat quietly with her husband for awhile. Both stared into the fire, lost in their own thoughts. Finally Minerva grabbed her husband's hand. She began rubbing soft circles on it, giving Albus chill bumps.
Next she kissed his cheek, trailing her lip over to his ear, where she nibbled gently.
"Minerva?" Albus questioned.
Minerva didn't respond. She didn't honestly even hear him. She was so lost in thought that she had tuned out all other things. This didn't feel right to her. She wasn't ready, but was determined to push herself to please her husband. He was such a strong, understanding man. He deserved a woman who could do this for him.
Minerva gently hooked her arms around his neck and lifted herself up. Sitting on his lap, she continued to kiss him.
"Minerva?" Albus asked again. He could feel his wife trembling, but not in the way she normally did when they did this.
As she shifted her weight, she felt his arousal dig into her hip. She whimpered, but it was a high-pitched, distressed sound.
"Minerva, stop." Albus commanded gently. He moved her off his lap and placed her next to him, taking her hand and kissing it.
"I want to be with you very much, but not like this. You are quite obviously not ready. Until you are, we are not doing this."
"But I-I want you to be satisfied. I know you can't be now." she whispered, ashamed that she could not fulfill her duties as his wife.
"You forcing yourself through this will not satisfy me, either. I want you to be a willing participate in our love making. You can not do that at this time, which is fine with me. I am willing to wait as long as necessary."
"You shouldn't have to wait. I'm your wife; I'm suppose to be able to do this."
"You will be, eventually. Don't worry about me. Being with you is such an incredible, beautiful experience. I want you to be able to give yourself to me fully at that time. Until then, do not berate yourself. You are not being negligent in your duties as my wife."
"But-"
"Indeed," Albus continued as though he had not been interrupted, "the unlimited support you have given me since Armando's death has been invaluable."
Minerva smiled at him, kissed his cheek, and leaned into him. Albus, in turn, wrapped his arms around her. The two cuddled by the fire for the rest of the evening.
As the days continued to pass, life began to return to normal. Minerva's nightmares eased and she was finally able to sleep.
One night while asleep, Minerva snuggled next to Albus. He awoke first the next morning, but stayed still. He missed holding her, and her warmth was very welcome. When she awoke and found herself against him, she did not jerk away.
"Are you uncomfortable, my dear?" he asked, prepared to leave the bed.
"No." she answered, smiling. "This is fine."
Two weeks later, Minerva awoke feeling horrible. She got out of bed, and went to the bathroom. Once there, she vomited everything she had eaten. This was not a lot, as food was one thing she still had a problem dealing with. Albus walked into the bathroom to be with her.
"Should I get Poppy?" he asked when she was finished.
"No. No, I'll go see her after breakfast if I am not feeling better."
Minerva never went to breakfast. She sat at her desk in the sitting room, a calendar in front of her.
"Oh Merlin, no." she whispered.
"What is it, my dear?" asked Albus from the door. She didn't even hear him come in.
"It can't be." she said.
Albus walked to his wife and glanced down. He knew what she was doing immediately.
"The potion couldn't have failed, could it?" Minerva asked.
"Let's go see Poppy." Albus answered, gently pulling her up.
As the couple entered the hospital wing, Poppy came out of her office.
"What brings you two here?" the mediwitch asked. She hadn't seen very much of Minerva the last couple of weeks. The young woman's nightmares had abated and Albus said she was recovering well. Poppy was still concerned about her eating habits, as Minerva was never seen in the Great Hall, but that was the only problem.
Minerva and Albus exchanged glances. Finally, Minerva spoke.
"How great of a chance is there that the potion I took wouldn't work?"
"Which potion?" Poppy asked. Minerva had taken so many potions recently, that the mediwitch had no clue which one she was referring to.
Minerva hesitated. "The one to prevent a pregnancy."
"WHAT?" shrieked the midiwitch, before regaining control of herself. "Oh, I do apologize. That was highly unprofessional. Now, why do you believe it may not have worked properly?"
"I've been vomiting, and I am late." Minerva answered.
"How late?"
"Two weeks."
This time Poppy was able to conceal her shock. "I see." she responded calmly, while inwardly screaming. "This can't be happening. It will destroy them." she thought.
"There could be another explanation." Poppy tried to be encouraging, but it was so hard. "If you like, I can perform the charm right now."
"Let's get it over with." Minerva answered.
"Lay down, please." Poppy ordered.
Minerva did so and Albus walked to her side and took her hand.
"Whatever happens, I am still here, my dear." he whispered.
Minerva nodded as Poppy performed the spell. Moments later, they heard her sigh in what they hoped was relief.
"Well?" Albus questioned.
"You're not pregnant, Minerva."
"Oh, thank Merlin." she said.
"That is wonderful news." Albus said, then continued. "If that is not what is causing her to be sick, what is?"
"I'm not certain. I will have to run some tests." Poppy answered. "Stress can sometimes effect a woman's cycle, and Merlin knows you have had plenty of that recently."
Poppy checked several things, before questioning Minerva.
"How much have you eaten recently?"
"I've been eating all right."
"No you haven't. You must start eating in the Great Hall again. Lack of food also has a tendency to interfere in a woman's natural cycle. I believe this is the reason you have not had a period in so long."
"What about the vomiting?" asked Albus, who was looking at Minerva with a very closed expression.
"Because she has not been eating, the acid in her stomach is eating away at the lining, making her sick." She turned to Minerva. "Why haven't you been eating?"
"It's not a conscious thing I have been doing. I just haven't made an effort. I got used to not stopping to eat over the first week after the-after I was raped." she said bravely.
Poppy looked sadly at her friend. "You have made progress, haven't you?"
"Yes." Minerva answered. "I'll try harder."
"If you can not, then I will have to give you a potion to stimulate your appetite. Albus, make sure she accompanies you to the hall for meals." Poppy said, then turned back to Minerva. "You really do need to gain a little weight to compensate for all you have last over the past month. Go with Albus to eat. You don't want to get sick now, do you? You've come so far."
"I'll eat. I promise." Minerva answered. "And thank you."
"You're very welcome." the mediwitch answered as Albus and Minerva walked out the doors.
A/N: I really appreciate all the reviews. Someone (bogus7, just looked it up) said that this was probably close to the end. There is only going to be only two more chapters. However, there is a sequel, of which the first chapter has been started. I will include the summary to it in the end notes next chapter. Thanks again and keep up the great reviews:)