Chapter 2
Minerva was curled up in Albus' chair once again as she graded the latest assignment for her fifth year classes. Albus had gone to the kitchens to procure dinner and had promised to bring her back some of her favorite dishes. Knowing him as she did, she was sure that he would also present her with her choice of every dessert which had been offered that night at the head table as well. She only hoped that there would be something to suit her palate, as she didn't care for the level of sweetness that he seemed to desire.
Her stomach growled unbecomingly as the smell of a savory roast spread through the room. "I see I arrived just in time."
Minerva turned with a smile on her face. "I am famished! And everything looks wonderful. Thank you for bringing dinner."
"It was my pleasure." Within a few moments, Albus had created a small table and had spread a selection of delicious looking food across the top. With a flick of his wrist, the table crawled in front of Minerva and settled itself.
Minerva looked at her place setting and noticed a small tumbler sitting off to the side. "Firewhisky?"
"I thought you might care for a drink tonight. I hope I didn't overstep myself." Albus' eyes twinkled merrily as he started to serve himself from the dishes.
"Not at all. It will help me relax and should provide a nice after dinner treat." Minerva sighed in pleasure as the first bite of food melted in her mouth.
Albus waved his fork toward the desk in his sitting area. "After dinner, I have a few minor items to take care of before retiring for the night but if you are up to it, perhaps we can play a game of chess when I am done. It has been a while since our last round and I believe that I owe you for the defeat of my men."
"I wouldn't dream of turning down such an enticing offer."
The time they spent over dinner was as enjoyable as it could be under the circumstances. Minerva was still slightly worried about having to face Armando and Michael tomorrow but with the assurances from Albus about her job and knowing that he would be beside her, things didn't seem as bleak as they had when she had first spoken with him.
Once the papers were graded and Albus' paperwork had been completed and sent off by owls, they collapsed on the floor with a small table between them which contained a well worn chessboard. They had spent many pleasurable hours in years past sitting just like this, challenging the other's playing skills and learning new moves every time. The hours seemed to melt away and before long, they each came to the conclusion that it was time to retire to bed. It had been a long day and tomorrow would be more of the same.
"I will take the couch, Minerva, and give you my bed and I'll not hear any arguments from you. I want you well rested and looking your best tomorrow. Michael has no need to know exactly how hard this has been on you and he needs to be shown that you are stronger than he once believed."
"Albus Dumbledore, you are too good for your own safety but thank you for it. I'm not happy about kicking you out of your own bed but I'm so exhausted, I could make a bed on the floor right here and sleep just as well."
"Be that as it may, I'll not have you sleeping on my floor. Come on and I'll make sure you're comfortable before retiring myself. Besides, I need to get a few things from my bedroom anyway," he said leading her into his most private room.
Minerva couldn't help but be surprised as she surveyed the area where she would be sleeping. She hadn't known what to expect but this was most certainly not it. As she stood stunned, Albus had started moving about the room seemingly oblivious to her astonishment.
"I hope you will find my accommodations comfortable." Albus had opened his armoire and was pulling out some articles of clothing.
"I have no doubts that I will."
Minerva watched as his twinkling eyes focused on her. "I will leave you to get ready. Sleep well, Minerva."
"And you Albus."
After the door had firmly shut, Minerva walked over to a nearby chair and sat down. She took her time as she really looked around. Directly behind her was a large arched picture window with a view of the forest, graced by two bookcases, which rose to the ceiling on either side. She was seated in one of two plush chairs which resided in front of it, a small table between them and above her head were several floating candles that provided a soft light by which to read.
Against the far wall, the bed rested. It was magnificent and made of solid mahogany. Pictures of various magical beasts with the stories of their origins looked to be hand carved in the wood. It was covered in luxurious fabrics and pillows. A simple armoire and writing desk, both made of mahogany as well rested against the wall to her left and a very large tapestry hung against the wall on her right depicting the castle, complete with trees swaying in the breeze and small ripples in the lake.
What drew most of her attention was the fireplace. It appeared to be a pit dug into the middle of the room. But upon closer inspection, she found that the hole was lined with various precious metals and jewels that reflected the firelight beautifully.
The room was gorgeous. And tasteful, with subdued colors and none of the gadgets and eccentricities she had always associated with her mentor and friend. She stood to get ready and was surprised when a burst of flames announced the arrival of Fawkes.
Minerva nearly jumped out of her skin as the brightly colored familiar made his dramatic entrance into the room. Just barely stifling a scream, which surely would have caused Albus to reenter the room, she sank back into the chair to catch her breath. The bird, on the other hand, hopped over to the chair she occupied and jumped up on the arm, bumping his head against hers as a sign of apology.
"You certainly gave my heart a start, Fawkes. At least you are something I recognize from Albus' daily life," she giggled. "I'm sorry I don't have any treats to give you. I'm not sure where Albus keeps your snacks." She looked around the room and when Fawkes flew over to the desk and used his beak to indicate on particular drawer near the top. "Oh, I see. Is that where our dear Deputy Headmaster keeps his stash of sweets for you?" Minerva walked over to the desk and opened the drawer to find a bag of sherbert lemons. Pulling three from the bag, she placed them in her palm and watched as Fawkes greedily downed the tiny yellow orbs.
Before she could close the drawer Minerva's eyes caught on something she hadn't seen in ages. It had obviously been read many times, for the creases on the page were well defined and her heart skipped a beat as she fingered the long forgotten bit of parchment. The handwriting on the outside was a brilliant shade of green, similar to the shade she still used, yet the handwriting was still somewhat disguised, a testament to her charms ability. Opening the folded heart Minerva smiled, realizing Albus had kept this one item for so many years.
In their seventh year, Minerva's friends had dared her to send her favorite professor a Valentine. After much ribbing and teasing, she finally had enough when they called into question her Gryffindor courage. Without giving it another thought, she wrote a small poem on a red heart, folded it in half, and with a charm to disguise her handwriting, she sent it to him in the Great Hall over breakfast.
She had watched his face that particular morning as he opened the heart and the smile that engulfed his face was something she would remember forever. Tucking the bit of mail into his robes, Minerva felt giddy that it had not been handled with the same care as all his other valentines. Apparently, he had found something within the note to indicate the sender and it was more special than the rest. Unfortunately for both of them, she never revealed her identity to him, even to this very day.
Replacing the note and closing the drawer, Minerva shrugged those thoughts from her mind as she heard a knock sounding on the door. Hastily moving from the desk towards the center of the room she called for Albus to enter.
"I'm sorry to intrude but I forgot my pillow," he chuckled. "I was so busy making sure you had everything you could possibly want and were comfortable, that I neglected my own needs," he finished with a wink. Retrieving his favorite pillow from the bed, he once again, bid Minerva a goodnight before coaxing Fawkes from the room in order to give Minerva more privacy for her sleep.
As Minerva curled under the silky sheets after getting ready for the night, she found her mind wandering to the room she found herself in and the man who usually slept here. She had known Albus for many years but perhaps she did not know him as well as she had thought, especially if his rooms were any indication. And he had kept her valentine for all these years, what did that mean? Did he know that it had been from her? She had a feeling that he did and maybe she wasn't looking deep enough. Her eyes drifted shut as her mind whirled with thoughts about this evening's events.
Minerva found herself standing in the middle of the Great Hall. She was alone and it seemed to be early evening, if the enchanted ceiling was any indication. She looked around and realized that the usual long house tables were absent and instead there were a few smaller tables scattered against the walls, which were laden with various treats. Hearts of every variety hung suspended in the air and cupids were darting about shooting arrows which turned into mist whenever they hit something. It seemed that a party was about to start but if she recalled correctly the Valentine party was still a month away.
As she looked around, she realized that something wasn't right. She felt a chill of trepidation prickle up her spine. And then it hit her. It was the little things in the room. There were pictures of past Headmasters hanging on the walls, something they had not been done since before she had started Hogwarts as a student. And the Head Table had a different design than the one they currently used. The chairs of the professors were ornate to the point of extravagance. It was as if she had stepped into the past and was seeing things as they had once been.
As she stood in the middle of the floor, turning in circles as she took in all of the details around her, the main doors opened and a single witch and wizard entered. Minerva started to introduce herself but it was as if she wasn't even there. They did not acknowledge her presence and went about their business as if they were alone. And looking down at her clothing, she realized that it was perhaps a good thing. She was clad only in a simple dressing gown which reached to mid-calf and was made of a silky material, which did nothing to hide that fact that she wore nothing underneath. She recognized it as a present from her mother the previous year but she had hardly worn it.
The woman, who was on the petite side, referred to the wizard with her as Headmaster. And Minerva moved closer so she could here what they were saying.
"The students should be here shortly along with the rest of the staff. I do believe we have outdone ourselves this year. The decorations are superb if a bit outlandish."
The woman smiled up at the Headmaster. "I suppose this is what happens when Mr. Dumbledore is put in charge of organizing the details. I do believe he is one of the best Head Boy's we have had to date."
"I would agree. Now, I believe you were planning on casting a spell on the punch so there are no unfortunate accidents this year. Having half of the student population tipsy after Halloween was most unfortunate."
"Oh yes, I have already taken care of that. I went down to the kitchens earlier just in case one of the students decided to try and sneak into the hall."
"Good thinking!"
Minerva walked over to a chair which was close by and sat down. Albus was Head Boy. She was lost in thought over the latest development as people started to arrive. No one paid her any attention and she figured she would be invisible to everyone. Not a bad thing since she had no idea how to explain her presence and didn't relish having to do it in front of a huge crowd. A commotion at the front of the hall had Minerva on her feet.
"Albus, I see you came alone again. Couldn't find one that would say yes?"
The crowd parted just enough for Minerva to get a look at the younger Albus. An attractive and confident boy with short auburn hair and the same twinkling blue eyes she was so fond of stood in the center. He was tall and had a medium, muscular build. He seemed different somehow. She determined that it was in the way he held himself, almost cocky. He reminded her of those boys in Gryffindor who were overly confident in themselves and had irritated her to the extreme.
Albus looked over to the boy who had spoken. "I am afraid I had quite the opposite problem, too many to choose from. I didn't want to disappoint a single one by having a commitment." As he finished his sentence, he looked up and Minerva felt her knees go weak as their eyes connected.
A rush of warmth flushed her cheeks as Minerva realized the younger Albus could see her while the others could not. She took a step backwards, careful not to collide with anyone around her and she noticed that he took a step forward, matching her step for step. Soon, she had backed all the way to the doors leading out to a balcony hidden behind rich velvety drapes. She practically floated through the cloth as she took that first tentative step into the night air.
"You can see me?" she asked nervously.
"Indeed I can but I'm not sure you're real. My friends must be playing a prank but I will confess it's a grand one. Not many wizards are capable of conjuring a muse out of thin air, must less one as pretty as you."
The blush on Minerva's cheeks deepened as he reached out a hand to touch her cheek. "I'm real but you don't know me."
"Don't know you? Don't be silly. I've dreamed of you every night since I first became interested in girls. But I never believed you existed until now." His warm hand cupped her cheek and his thumb brushed across her soft lips as his face neared hers.
"Albus, please. I'm not part of your world yet," she heard herself telling him, yet not wanting the dream Minerva to interfere with the obvious step the younger Albus was about to take.
"Then I will wait until you are," he said before kissing her cheek softly and hugging her to him afterwards.
Minerva's eyes fluttered open and she found she had kicked off the sheet covering her body and was hugging one of Albus' pillows to her tightly. In the haze between dream and awake, Minerva felt a tingling sensation on her cheek and felt a pair of strong arms wrapped around her. Never before had she felt so safe and secure but it was definitely a feeling she wanted to explore and with Albus Dumbledore.
It seemed only seconds later when there was a knock at her door. Looking out the large window, she could see that it was much later than when she had first awakened. She must have drifted back off. The dream from the night before came back full force and she felt herself blushing as she remembered Albus' arms about her and his soft kiss upon her cheek. Of course that hadn't been the real Albus, she scolded herself. It was only her subconscious acting up.
"Minerva, is everything alright?" Albus' voice was muffled through the thick wooden door.
Jumping out of bed guiltily, Minerva's response sounded shrill even to her own ears. "Yes, everything is fine. I will be out in a moment."
"No rush, I was just worried when you didn't respond. We have an appointment with the Headmaster in one hour and I was about to order breakfast. Is there anything particular you would like?"
Minerva relaxed herself by taking a deep breath. She was being silly. He could not know what she was thinking or what she had been dreaming the night before. "Just the usual please. Thank you for asking."
Sitting in the uncomfortable chair in front of Armando Dippet's desk, Minerva clasped her hands tightly in her lap as waves of nausea and butterflies collided in her stomach. It was only when Albus reached over and gripped her hands in one of his and smiled warmly at her that she felt that all was not lost.
"He assured me that he was not going to let you go, Minerva, and I believe him. And whatever else he has in mind, I'm sure we can handle."
"Albus, what if he brings in Michael and I can't control my temper again? I might be ready to deal with this from a professional standpoint but I'm not at a point where I can even begin to speak civilly to that cad!"
"And by 'cad', I hope you're referring to someone other than me, Minerva!" Armando's voice sounded from behind them.
Both Albus and Minerva whirled around in their seats to see the short balding man walking towards them. His face was unreadable and yet Albus sensed a calmness about his friend and colleague. "Please, relax, Minerva. I had better sense than to put you and Professor Grady in the same room this early. As a matter of fact, I am meeting with him this afternoon to inform him of what happens during this meeting."
"Before you start, Armando, I feel there's something you should know about Michael. He felt it would serve his best interests if he accosted me in the hallway after I left the staff meeting yesterday. He made certain threats to my well-being and it was only in reminding him of my position here at the school and his lack of job security that he allowed me to continue on my way."
Armando's shock at the news was covered quickly. He did not say anything as he made his way to the large ornate chair behind his desk. "Albus, please relate the details of the experience."
Armando nodded his head occasionally as Albus told of his experience in the hall. Minerva could not read the expression on the Headmaster's face and although he had told her not to worry, Minerva could not help but dwell on her actions the previous day. She had let her temper get the better of her, not something she usually allowed to happen. And while she knew she would not be fired, she cringed to know that a reprimand might be part of her permanent file. And something so simple could keep her from moving up the ranks of the staff. She had dared to dream that someday she may be the Head of House for Gryffindor and to think it might be permanently out of reach in only a few minutes time had her stomach doing flips.
"Well, it seems we have more of an issue than I originally believed. Minerva, please tell me what transpired yesterday which caused a duel to break out in the halls of Hogwarts."
Minerva jumped a bit in her seat at the direct request. She had been so wrapped up in her thoughts that she had not realized Albus was done with his tale. Looking to her companion, Minerva was calmed by the warm look in Albus' eyes. He always seemed to have that effect on her and she was never more grateful for his presence than she was at this moment. Minerva settled back and started her side of the story from the moment she had walked into their shared quarters.
The Headmaster listened intently to every word from Minerva's mouth as she shared the painful details of her private life with her employer. Being a woman who prided herself on keeping her personal affairs as quiet as possible, it was difficult to divulge the intimate details of her relationship with Professor Grady to someone whom she did not consider a close personal friend. It had been hard enough telling Albus what had happened, but then again, he was more than a colleague to her. So much more if she dared to follow her instincts.
"I see and what happened to the woman he was with at the time? Was she harmed in any way during this duel of yours?
Minerva shifted uncomfortably and locked eyes with Headmaster Dippet. "No, she escaped unharmed. I was more interested in Michael's part in the whole ordeal, which gave the little…umm…woman, shall we say, a chance to gather a few meager articles of clothing before she dashed from the rooms. I believe she ran streaking across the lawn to the apparition point and disappeared from there." Minerva looked at Albus, who was struggling to retain his composure at hearing Minerva describe the other woman. "I can assure you I focused my attention solely on Michael and no one else."
"Be that as it may, Minerva, what you have done is serious. Had it not been for my quick thinking, the halls of Hogwarts would still be buzzing about your antics. Fortunately, the rumors have died down since the incident and my subsequent announcement of a dueling club. Therefore, since it was your actions which inspired the addition to the extracurricular activities, I feel it only fitting that you should be in charge of said club."
"Sir…"
"I am not finished Minerva. In addition to this added responsibility, I would also request that you find some way of controlling your temper, whether by your own efforts or with a professional. I cannot allow another incident such as this to occur. In one month's time, we will meet again and I will evaluate your progress. Should your efforts be acceptable, then I shall not put a written reprimand in your file. You have more promise than most of the professors I have hired over the years and I do not wish to stilt your potential unless I truly have no other options.
And just so you are aware, Professor Grady has been given a similar warning. You each have been assigned new rooms and the house elves have already moved your personal things. I realize this must be a difficult time for you and I do not wish to add any additional burden. However, Hogwarts and its' inhabitants are my responsibility and I do not wish to see a repeat performance in our halls. Should you and Professor Grady wish to resume your relationship, you will still be required to keep separate rooms. But since neither of you is a Head of House, you may choose to live off the grounds at a home in Hogsmeade. That is all for now."
Armando stood as the two rose to take their leave. "Albus, please stay for a few minutes as I have a matter to discuss with you."
After Minerva had closed the heavy wooden door behind her, Albus turned to Armando. "Thank you for your decision, although the delivery could have been a bit warmer."
Albus watched his friend of several decades fall back into his chair with a sigh. "Albus, I had to be harsh. Do you realize what could have happened if a stray hex had hit the crowd of onlookers? Thank Merlin that nothing unforeseen occurred but I have to impress upon them both the seriousness of what happened. I am their boss, not their friend and no matter my personal feelings, I must do what is best for the school."
"I understand." Albus walked over to the window which looked out on the front lawns. "What is it you wished to discuss with me?"
Armando straightened some papers on his desk and Albus knew that it was not good news. "I would like you to keep an eye of Michael. When I spoke with him, he was still in a vengeful frame of mind. I think he feels the fool and it doesn't help that everyone knows it. I believe that Minerva is more than capable of taking care of herself but an extra pair of eyes would not hurt."
"If you believe that Minerva is in danger then perhaps letting Professor Grady go would be the best course of action." Albus' voice was forceful and Armando saw a hint of frustration in his normally cheerful eyes.
"I still have some decisions to make where Michael is concerned. I do not feel there is enough evidence to fire him at this point and I cannot tell whether he is truly dangerous of if it is just hurt pride playing itself out. If you should see or hear anything, please let me know immediately."
Albus was nearly out the door when Armando's last comment made him pause. "And Albus, do not allow your personal feelings for Professor McGonagall cloud your judgment."
His response was curt. "Yes, sir."
Albus had only made it a few feet beyond Armando's office door when a figure lurking in the shadows stepped out behind him. Sensing the sudden movement and with Armando's words about Michael still ringing in his ears, Albus whirled around with his hand extended, ready to face any danger head on. He was stunned to find Minerva at the end of his wand, her eyes wide in shock.
"Oh Minerva, I'm sorry!" he answered quickly. "I thought you were someone else. You gave me quite a start," he finished as he tried to steady his nerves once more.
"You thought I was Michael, didn't you?" she asked bluntly. "You don't need to answer because after what you said yesterday, I can only imagine how angry he is at the moment." Minerva reached out and squeezed Albus' upper arm. "I'm sorry to have put you in this position, Albus. I will understand if you wish to distance yourself from me."
"Minerva, that would not make me happy at all, nor would it make you any safer." Albus looped her arm though his as they continued down the hallway to his rooms. Once safely within the confines of his inner sanctuary, Albus led her to a chair and knelt before her. "Armando informs me that Professor Grady is still quite unsettled and that we should both be on guard. That's why I turned on you when you startled me. I was thinking of my first unpleasant encounter with him and I can tell you this, the rage in his eyes was something I have not encountered in years."
Minerva dropped her eyes to her lap and tried not to let Albus see the pain in her usually calm face. "I will not live in fear nor will I allow him to dictate my movements based solely on his temper. I let mine get the better of me in a moment of rash thinking and it almost cost me my career. But I have learned my mistake and if you'll help me, I'm sure I can meet Headmaster Dippet's guidelines with flying colors."
"You know I will do everything in my power to help you." Taking a seat next to her, Albus brought up a subject which had been on his mind. "Perhaps it is time that we spoke of your feelings for Michael. You two were very close and had made the decision to spend the rest of your lives together. If it is not too bold of a question, what happened to change things?"
"I don't honestly know Albus. I thought I loved him but after yesterday, I find it hard to recall why I was with him in the first place. We had all the usual fights that accompany a relationship. I never realized he was so dissatisfied with me. Albus he took another woman to our bed and do you want to know something, something I haven't told anyone? I don't care. I lost my temper with him because he broke our promises to each other and humiliated me. But I was not jealous of his lover, she was just an excuse."
Albus reached out and took Minerva' hands in his own as a few tears escaped her eyes and trailed down her cheeks. "Minerva, whatever happened between the two of you was not the result of your actions or feelings. If he was unhappy, he should have come to you to work things out. Do not allow him to hurt you further by taking the blame for what has happened."
"But don't you see, Albus? It now falls to me to inform my family of our situation and to make matters worse he is strutting around the halls as if he was the injured party. He is the one who wasn't man enough to tell me that he wanted to look elsewhere for his happiness and satisfaction yet when I find him with another woman it suddenly becomes all my fault for not realizing his state of mind. Albus, you're the only one who hasn't cast a dirty look my way or even paused to give him the benefit of the doubt."
"That's because I do not think you did anything wrong. In fact I think you are to be commended for handling the situation as well as you did. If truths were told, I'm glad it was you who stumbled upon that scene instead of me. Otherwise, I'm afraid Michael would not have fared as well as he did. He took the cowards way out, Minerva, and he's trying to place the fault at your doorstep and I will not allow your good name to be tarnished."
"I see what you're saying but it's all so hard to explain. How am I to play the bitter, jilted fiancée, when in my heart, I am relieved to be rid of him? I have to betray the true desires of my heart to satisfy my colleagues, family and friends."
"You told me the truth and I didn't turn away, dear, and I'm sure none of your other friends, if they are real friends indeed, will feel that way either. But regardless of what others around us believe, you will always have to look no further than right beside you to find me," he finished with a warm smile.
Minerva felt her heart warm with Albus' sentiment. And her dream from last night came back to her. She could suddenly see the young boy standing before her, telling her that he would wait for her. She shook her head. Her emotions were out of control if she was fantasizing about a dream. In an attempt to gain control, she smiled warmly into Albus' twinkling blue eyes and set about trying to convince him that he was the ideal partner for her in the new dueling club.
A/N: Thanks for all the wonderful reviews. We're happy that you're all interested to see how this story goes so just hang in there. We have several more chapters to post.