A/N: Gasp! An update? Really? – Yes, an update. Sorry to keep you all waiting for so long. As an apology of sorts, this chapter is pure, unadulterated fluff. So, protect your teeth, please. Also, the setting was inspired by one of my favorite movies: Billy Wilder's "Avanti" (where the song also comes from).
Finally, thanks to everyone reviewing "Honey on my Soul". You have warmed my heart.
Chapter 26 – Senza Fine
Minerva took a deep, steadying breath before she turned towards the mirror. She really hoped the result would be worth the effort, and she would look as stunning as she hoped to. After all, she wanted to look absolutely breathtaking for Albus.
Albus…simply thinking of the man next door made her serene smile deepen. Their vacation here in Italy had been more than she could have ever dreamed of. Whether it was playing tourist within the breathtaking sights and ruins of Rome, or now, relaxing in the thermal spas and on the beaches of Ischia – their private time together was simply marvellous.
And tonight would be a very special night, Minerva was sure of it. Albus was up to something – probably including a token of their love – for tonight and she wanted to make sure that her appearance matched his plans. Besides, she had been dreaming about dancing a night away in his arms, and tonight she might just get the chance.
Raising her gaze towards her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help the smug smile playing around her lips. Stunning, indeed. She looked almost like her namesake in those beautiful paintings they had seen in the art museums in Rome. Yes, she was certainly ready. And with a deep breath she opened the bathroom door.
Albus shot around, while his right hand hid something in the pocket of his dinner jacket. Minerva was about to question him about it, but the stunned look on his face made her pause.
"My Goddess. Are you real?"
He couldn't believe his eyes. Was this vision in the flowing white dress, with the luxurious mass of ebony hair piled loosely on top of her head really his Minerva? Suddenly, Albus couldn't find it in himself to speak. Even breathing seemed hard work.
Her smile was tender, but with a hint of mischievousness. When he didn't answer, her expression turned worried and a bit apprehensive. "Albus? Are you alright? Is something wrong?" Her face seemed to sadden a bit. "Don't you like this dress?"
Minerva's anxiety shook Albus out of his shock and with two quick steps he was close to her and pulled her in a fierce embrace. "My love, you are so beautiful. Whenever I think you couldn't look any more attractive, you go and prove me wrong again." He pulled back and cupped her cheek in his hand. "If it had been you in the beauty contest instead of the Goddess Athena, I am sure Troy would still exist. You look like a Goddess, my love." His smile grew even brighter seeing hers deepen. "No. You are a Goddess. My Goddess. And I love you so much."
The lips met in a sweet, tender kiss that quickly grew more heated. They reluctantly parted from the need to breathe, but kissed again. And again. And again.
Finally, with considerable effort, Minerva pulled back. "As much as I like what we are doing, didn't we have plans for tonight, dear?"
Albus grinned impishly. "Plans are merely a frame and they exist to be overthrown." A raised eyebrow was his answer. "Besides, who says that I can't go through with my plans here?"
Minerva grinned as well. "I say. Because my plans include dancing the night away down in the bar. But if you want to stay here, I'm certain I can find a gentleman downstairs."
The man pulled her closer with a possessive gesture. "Not on your life." The witch laughed in delight. "In that case, shall we?"
He laughed and tucked her hand into the crook of his arm. "We shall."
The evening in the hotel restaurant was delightful. Paradise couldn't really be any different from this balmy night air, the twinkling lights, the tasty Italian food or the wonderful songs performed by the little band. Albus and Minerva enjoyed themselves thoroughly watching the other guests dance, while nipping at their wine and holding hands on their table. And when they danced as well it was as if the world had stopped turning.
Minerva felt giddy. She couldn't remember a time when she had been this excited, yet peaceful. And there had never been a time when she had been this happy. Looking into Albus' eyes she could see the same feelings reflected there. It was only natural that the lips met in a tender kiss that was as perfect as this moment.
As time went on more and more guests retired for the night, but the English couple remained blissfully unaware of their surroundings, being caught up in the music and each other. Finally, in the early hours of the morning, the hotel staff started to clean up and more and more lights were dimmed.
"It seems like we are outgrowing our welcome here, my love." Minerva stated lazily, barely removing her lips far enough from Albus' to utter those words.
He smiled. "Then maybe we should leave, my dear."
She nodded. "Yes, we shall." Her smile became a bit mischievous. "Besides, in a more private place, you might be more inclined to give me my surprise." Albus chuckled.
Not breaking contact, the couple turned towards the exit.
A waiter stepped into their way and spoke in heavily accented English. "Signore, Signorina, I hope our work did not intrude on your enjoyment of the evening? The kitchen and the wine cellar are still open. And the band will be playing as long as you wish."
The witch blushed a bit. "We really don't want to prolong your work day unnecessarily."
The waiter eagerly replied. "But Madam, we would be delighted to serve you."
Albus shrugged. "Well, in that case…could you maybe give the band my request for a song? We would like to dance some more." He leaned over and whispered something into the man's ear. The waiter's smile widened even more and with a bow, he rushed over to the bandleader.
Albus lead Minerva to the dance floor and took her into his arms. Seconds later the soft strain of an Italian love song sounded through the air. Minerva couldn't help but smile brightly at the choice as she and the man she loved gently swayed to the tune. And with her head securely against Albus' chest, she started to whisper the words. "The moon is unimportant. The stars are unimportant. Your are the moon and the stars to me." [Non m'importa della luna, non m'importa delle stelle, Tu per me sei luna e stelle...]
The man felt a lump forming in his throat. Could life be anymore perfect?
"Senza Fine – Without End. A fitting title to a wonderful song, my love."
Minerva looked up with tears in her eyes. "Yes. A wonderful song. And a wonderful title."
He cupped her cheek and wiped the tear that was trickling down her face away with his thumb. "I hope it will be fitting for our love, my dear. Without end, it shall be. Minerva, I have loved you for so long and I will do so until the day I die." He leaned forward and their lips met in another kiss.
Minerva smiled under tears. "I love you too, Albus. So much. And I will do so as long as we live and beyond."
They embraced fiercely, while the band still played Italian love songs quietly in the background. The members of the band smiled understandingly at each other.
The couple broke their embrace, but only to kiss again. And again. And again.
Finally, Albus stopped their kisses and became serious. He cupped Minerva's cheek and looked deeply into her eyes. "My dear, I love you and I would like nothing more than to shout it from the roof. And I would love to marry you in a grand lavish production that would be barely fitting your beauty."
Minerva smiled.
"But we both know that it isn't possible at the moment." She nodded in understanding. "However, I think I have found something that would be highly fitting as a sign of our love." He reached into the pocket and produced a little velvet box out of its depths. Taking a deep breath, he opened the lid.
The woman gasped. "My, this is beautiful. Breathtaking."
He smiled pleased. "It is Minerva. A goddess for my Goddess. And a Goddess to have with me, when my Minerva can't be."
Albus took a little marble statue hanging from a delicate chain out of the box. The delicate Minerva statue was clad in a shimmering gold and blue gown, with gold threads and had a delicately painted face with blue eyes. He held it up and asked. "Will you accept this token from me, my love?"
Minerva nodded smiling. "Of course, I will, my love." Albus put the chain with the little statue around her neck. Minerva sighed. "This piece will always be with me as a memory of this night and symbol of our love. Just like this will be with you." With that she took a second little statue of Minerva, this one with a gold dress and dark eyes, out of the box and placed it around Albus' neck. Again their lips met in a sweet kiss.
Finally, Minerva muttered. "This will be more than just a simple stand-in for a wedding band. In those statues our love will have a place, a stronghold. As long as we have them, nothing can tear us apart."
Albus nodded. "Yes, love. Nothing." And again they kissed.
*
London 1996
Minerva McGonagall knelt next to the bed of her love, tears streaming down her face. In her hands she held two small marble statues of the Goddess Minerva. "Oh Albus. My love, what did happen to you?"
A velvety voice came from the dark. "Minerva!"
~~
Comments:
blind_bella(): As you can see, I am continuing this. Next chapters are also in the making. Thanks a bunch for your compliments.
Hogwarts Duo: Thank you so much. A dream…maybe, a memory…maybe, a flashback…maybe. Happier times for sure.
BloodSucker13: Interesting name, btw. I am keeping…
Jestana: But of course, there is something special about the McGonagall-women…otherwise, we had nothing write about…*g*
Hermione Gardiner: Did this answer your question?
Dicere: Can't have you shaking here. I hope, this chapter has alleviated the symptoms of your illness. However, nothing in here is similar to what happened to Barty Crouch, because I admit, the Crouch'es don't interest me in the least. So, if there are any similarities it is by pure chance.
Liz O'Brien: You didn't miss anything. I hope, this chapter answered your questions. Thanks for the compliments.
Child-of-the-Dawn: Out of it? Well, Albus is really not in the thick of things this time…but, I have the distinct feeling, this might change soon.
Freelancer: Great, I have you interested. As to what Melina is up…you'll have to wait. As patiently, as I wait for your take on the RR.
Finally, thanks to everybody, who has read this – shame on you for not reviewing. Please do so now.