Chapter 8: The Walk

The halls were already bustling about with students when Albus woke up that morning. He had missed Christmas breakfast, and had missed Christmas lunch. He was terribly late getting up that morning, but his potion was right on time and would be ready later that day.

He put on his furry white robe, which happened to be six inches too short, but so was everything else he wore. Then, for the next six hours, he did what no man would ever do, he spent time getting ready for his date. He trimmed his beard and filed his nails. He whitened his teeth and other manly things. When dinner came, you could have sworn that Dumbledore had gone to the beauty parlor. The students gossiped and awed at his presence, which was so different from his everyday ensemble. He blushed and when he glanced up at the head table, he blushed even more..

Preul was sitting in her rightful seat, right next to Dumbledore and looked as stunning as ever, considering she hadn't spent any amount of time getting ready, for she still had classes.

The Christmas dinner was the best ever and they even shared a glass of eggnog. Desserts were brought out and Dumbledore got to cut the chocolate pumpkin red velvet pie. He offered Preul the first piece, but inquired she would rather share. The day had started off late, but was increasingly getting better.

The time was coming for the late-night walk. Albus left his room at 9:58, giving himself two minutes to get to the Grand Staircase. Waiting when he got there was Preul.

They clasped each other's hands and started out the main door. They did not, however, notice the few heads poking out from the Great Hall's doors.

The night air was calm and brisk with not a cloud in the sky. The moon shown brightly on the lake where the two were headed.

"Albus, I must ask you something. I know I shouldn't have, but I read that letter from Minerva, and I was wondering… am I the lady she does not want hurt as she was?" Preul looked into his sparkling eyes, and could see them water slightly, but no tears were shed.

"I figured you had read it. Yes, Minerva and I had dated once, before we became teacher's. I- I did something awful, that I regret completely," Dumbledore said staring down at his shoes. "Somehow, she found out, and we went our separate ways. But," he said looking up, " as you can see, we are now best of friends. But yes, you are that woman. I- you- ," he paused again, " I know you may not feel the same way about me. You are a young teacher, and I… an old Headmaster at least three times your age. But." He sighed and could not say anything more.

Preul continued his sentence, "But, I do feel for you Albus. It's true. When you hired me, I took this job partly because of my love for you. I know that may seem self- centered, but it's true."

He sighed a sign of relief and held her hand again. He led her down to the lake side and sat down under a tree.

They cuddled for a long time, having understood each other with out another word. The air got cold and Preul started to shiver. Dumbledore took off his long overcoat and placed it on her narrow shoulders. She immediately stopped and gazed up at him.

"Albus. I'm sure we both feel the same way, but there is no way we can make this relationship work without us both being fired. The students will find out and will spread untruthful rumors. It will be the end for both of us. What will we ever do?"

"I am aware that some students have already found out about our meeting tonight as I spotted them watching us from the Great Hall on our way out. The only thing we can do, it to try our hardest to keep this a secret. If anything gets out, deny it. That's all we can do."

She looked at her pocket watch and gasped at the time.

"Oh Albus, I must be off. I haven't finished grading the tests and the students will be wanting them back. I must go."

She stood up and handed the overcoat back to Dumbledore. She turned around and started walking back to castle when Dumbledore stopped her and turned her around. He had waited for this night since he hired Preul, and he was not about to let her get away.

He gently touched her lips with his own and she pressed back. Her lips were soft and moist and she had obviously had practice. His own lips were not as soft, but for an old man, he was not lacking skills. They stayed kissing like that for not more that 30 seconds, but neither would forget it.

She headed for the castle and Dumbledore waited a moment after she had entered and entered himself. The students had gone to their dormitories and the school was very quiet.

The next day, the two acted completely normal toward each other as if nothing had happened. But the students couldn't help noticing the smiles between the two during breakfast. They even approached Professor Plum in class.

"Professor, " Harry Potter asked, " um, I heard some rumors during breakfast this morning and well-"

"Well what? What were the rumors about? Come on, out with it."

He quickly replied, " I heard that you and Professor Dumbledore are now a couple. IS that true?"

He said it so quickly Hermione had to translate.

" Of course that is not true. All of you know that if there were to be an inter-teacher relationship, the teacher's would be taken out of Hogwarts immediately."

All the students seemed to believe her as they all politely nodded their heads.

"Now, let's please get back to our work."

Ron however, wasn't doing his classwork. He was doing private work. Writing a poem expressing his love for Professor Plum. When she walked by, he quickly covered the poem, but when she left, took it out again and started writing. He gave it to Harry to read…

Her long blonde hair

Is as perfect as a baby bear

Her soft little voice

And her lips so moist

I, Ronald Weasley, with my heart filled with love

Do, right now, declare you as my dove

Compassionate and sweet

She just can't be beat

So peaceful and caring

And ever so daring

Her heart filled with joy

I am a lucky boy

Harry smiled as he read it and said it was excellent. Hermione stole it and almost burst out laughing, but caught herself.

"Ron, you expect her to like this? This- this is just, ewww."

He sneered at her but placed it in an envelope and sealed it with a kiss. He stuck it in his bag and would take it to the owlery that very night.

Wow this took me a long time and sorry if this chapter is kind of weird, but they will be better. Keep reviewing please!