A/N: You think, I was evil until now? Heheee…you had no idea what was coming. But I hope, you still like it…and me *puppy dog eyes*. Anyway, about the prophecy/oracle-thingy – I'm not exactly sure, what it is, so I use both terms until I have decided. Oh, and to ease up the confusion, I put in a little stage information. And now, I give you…
Chapter 25 – One man, One Woman
"Melina! What, in Merlin's name are you doing here?"
Severus Snape could do nothing to hide his surprise as he grabbed the woman to steady her. Of all the odd things that had happened this night already, this was certainly the most unexpected. What was she doing here? It wasn't like she could just march in and out of this building unharmed.
He kept staring at her. She was in his thoughts more than could be good. Lately, even in his dreams that had taken a turn to the … well… erotic side. Despite this, Severus had deemed himself successful in pushing the conscious thought of her aside, but now, with his hands gripping her upper arms and his gaze riveted on her face, he had to admit defeat.
Melina didn't fare much better. She was still trying to squeeze out a coherent sentence, but didn't even manage a sound. Her heart was beating like a trip hammer, and though she mainly put it to the nervousness of the whole situation, she knew it wasn't entirely true.
Why was he staring at her like this? And why did his lips have to look so soft and kissable at this short distance. And what in Merlin's name possessed her to think that in this situation?
They stared at each other for another while, until finally Severus managed to ask: "What are you doing here, Melina?"
"Looking for you."
He could not have been more taken aback. "Why?"
Melina looked around to make sure that nobody could see or overhear them. Still, she lowered her voice, so that the man had to strain to understand her words. "I need your help. Only you can get aunt Min out of here."
Severus only barely managed to conceal his shock. "What is Minerva doing here?"
"We wanted to get her oracle out of the Department of Mysteries, but she disappeared to go on her own errand."
"She disapparated?"
The woman raised an indulgent eyebrow. "You can't apparate or disapparate inside the Ministry, Snape. Even you should know that."
He opened his mouth for a sharp reply, but thought better of it. "Where did she go?" Melina looked at him pointedly and realization hit. "What do you want me to do?"
"Go and get her. She knows where she can slip out, but you need to make her go. We'll snatch the oracle and leave, but it's all in vain if she is captured."
He nodded. "Very well."
"Thanks, Sev." Melina's relief was audible. She turned to run to the Department.
Severus caught her arm. "Be careful, Melina. It won't help if you are captured either."
She turned and looked at him for a long moment. Suddenly, she leaned close and pressed a tender kiss on his lips. "You too."
Within a second, she had disappeared from sight.
*
Ischia – Summer 1972
The sinking sun was still warm on his body, as it disappeared slowly into the horizon. But the warmth Albus felt was only partially due to the last rays of sunlight. Mostly the warmth came from the contentment he felt. Actually, he was deliriously happy with the last sun on his skin, the sound of the surf in his ears and the woman in his arms.
Albus lazily opened his eyes and let them travel over the form of his companion. There were still moments when he couldn't believe that she was really his. Just like this morning, when she had come down to the beach and had dropped her sundress.
He had stood right there and stared at her, disbelief and desire warring in his mind, in his eyes and definitely in his body. Only a fast run into the cold water had saved him from creating a public scene. Her triumphant grin still made him smile as well.
Of course, Albus had always known that Minerva was beautiful and desirable, after all, their relationship was not a chaste one, but he had never imagined her dressing so … well sexy, in public. The simple bikini, in tartan no less, was rather skimpy and did nothing to hide her slim yet curvaceous body. She had turned more than one head on this Italian beach today, and Albus had felt an incredible possessive pride.
The coolness of the evening breeze won over the warmth of the sun, creating goosebumps on Minerva's skin and making her snuggle deeper into Albus' embrace. Smiling, he tightened his hold on her. "My dear, wake up," he whispered tenderly into her ear.
"Mhmmm," came the muffled reply.
Albus chuckled. "Come on, dear. Don't forget our plans."
The woman reluctantly opened first one eye, then the second. Her expression was clearly a pout.
Dumbledore laughed. "Oh Minerva. My dear, sweet Minerva."
She mock-scowled. "Would you stop laughing at me? I am moving, okay? " He raised an eyebrow while he got up into a kneeling position beside her. A second later, his other eyebrow rose as well, as she traced a long, slender finger over his chest. "Will you give me my surprise then?"
Albus caught the finger travelling south. "You will get your surprise, my dear. If you are good."
She grinned coyly. "I am always good."
Dumbledore only swallowed at the double meaning. But Minerva was already standing and gathering their things. Albus remained kneeling, admiring her smooth movements. Regretfully, he also saw her don her sundress.
"Now, are you going to come or do you want to stay here?"
Albus looked uncomprehendingly at her outstretched hand, then at her smiling face. He mentally shook himself. "Not so fast, if you please." He joked.
Her smile was teasing. "The old man needs more time?"
Dumbledore rose quickly and pulled her into his arms. "I'll show you 'old man'."
He bent down an kissed her. Minerva responded immediately, pressing closer and snaking her arms around his neck. When they broke the kiss, they were both dazed and breathless.
Still, she had to have the last word. "Old man, indeed." Albus chuckled.
They gathered their things and with their arms around each other went up to their hotel.
Albus Dumbledore shifted somewhat uncomfortably in his crisp dress shirt. The top button was entirely too tight for his comfort. He would just leave it open. After all, some of the other guests wore turtlenecks under their dinner jackets. Albus grinned to himself. 'Turtleneck', what an odd name for a piece of clothing.
He went to the bathroom door, behind which Minerva had been hiding out for the last half an hour. "Are you ready, dear?" He called.
"Not yet, Albus."
"You are taking a rather long time in there, my dear."
"I am sure the result will be worth the wait."
He raised an eyebrow again, at the promise behind those words.
Quickly, Albus crossed over to the closet and took his suitcase out. He retrieved a square, dark blue jewellery box. Opening the lid, he fondly gazed at the objects inside. When he had seen them at this street vendor's table in Rome, he had known right away that Minerva would love them. It was just perfect for her.
Hearing the lock of the bathroom door click, Albus quickly shoved the box into the pocket of his dinner jacket, turned and gasped.
"My Goddess, are you real?"
~~~
Comments:
LinZE: My dear niece, who said love is always good? But Alastor and this coaster? Heheee
Hermione Gardiner: Your wish is my command.
Jestana: Min is such a genius, she had to transform. As for the other thingy…you have to wait and see.
Child-of-the-Dawn: Naughty authoress? Me? Ah well, we likes it too.
Dicere: I hope, your shaking could be stopped for a time. Thanks for the piece of advice, btw. I'm trying to fight that balrog. But, my final teaching exam keeps me occupied…but another 3 weeks and I'm through….and then! Yes, then!
Hogwarts_Duo: Are you guys still alive? I dearly hope so, cuz I need your stories for the website…heheee.
Liz O'Brien: Albus seeing his mistake? Uhmmm…hmmm…
Chicken13: You are going to see more of Snapey, soon. I start to like that guy.
Selene: I thank you, the idea of "The little Mermaid" is really sad…
Finally, thanks to all of you, who read it…but didn't review (Shame on you!) – please do so.