"Minerva, hurry up darling or we will be late." Minerva heard her mother's voice calling from downstairs and she huffed a bit as she closed the book she had been reading.
Hogwarts: A History was fascinating and it made her long for the day when she would become a student. Two years seemed like such a long time, even though her parents insisted that it would be here before she knew it. Minerva jumped off her bed and sped downstairs with her book tucked carefully in her arms.
She came to a halt at the bottom of the stairs and began to walk more gracefully as she neared her mother. She wasn't supposed to run in the house and she had to be very careful not to be caught.
"There you are! What in the Wizarding world were you doing up there? Oh, never mind, I am sure it more than likely had to do with the book under your arm." Minerva's mother hustled her over to the stairs where their luggage was waiting. Once all of the bags had been shrunk and placed into their various pockets, Minerva and her mother were transported by portkey to the vacation house they would be staying at for the next few weeks.
The International Wizarding Conference was being held in the south of France this year and Minerva's parents had rented a small house on the beach as a temporary residence. The conference lasted for only a week and the additional time was going to be used as a well-deserved vacation. Her parent's would be attending the lectures during the day for the first week and Minerva would be watched by one of the house elves since she wasn't old enough to watch herself just yet. She didn't really mind since Moxy was one of her best friends and had watched over her as long as she could remember.
As she settled into her temporary bedroom, she was horrified by all the frilly pink lace that seemed to sprout out of the walls themselves. It was obvious that the owner of this house did not have very good taste at all. With a wrinkled nose, Minerva called her father.
"Dad!"
Her father came walking into her room a few moments later and upon seeing the room his face split into a grin. "Kitten, whatever is the problem? Are you not fond of the room decorated especially for you?"
Minerva watched as her father tried to keep a straight face. She was not in the mood for teasing. After all, he was not the one being forced to spend the next few weeks in a pink palace. She crossed her arms over her chest and narrowed her eyes at him.
Her approach seemed to work because he laughed heartily and started to wave his wand, changing the decorations into something more to her liking. She gave him a beautiful smile and a hug before getting back to her unpacking. She thought about the nickname her Dad had given her a couple of years earlier. He had first called her by that name when she had announced at breakfast that she wanted to become a cat when she was older. It was shortly after the party where Mr. Dumbledore had talked to her about becoming an animagus that she had decided that is what she would become. She didn't mind the nickname when no one was around but she would need to have a talk with him about using it in public. She hadn't minded before but she was getting too old for such frivolous names and she wanted to let him know before she was embarrassed in front of someone important.
Minerva's first few days were spent reading in her room or on the porch while her parents were away. She was having a great time doing exactly what she wanted to do and had even finished Hogwarts: A History and had decided to start it again when her Mom and Dad announced a horrible decision.
"Really Minerva, going out will be good for you and I am sure you will enjoy the company of a girl your own age." Her father was looking very stern which was not a good sign at all. And when her mother spoke up, Minerva knew she was doomed.
"It was very nice of Mrs. Fontelle to offer to take you shopping in the wizarding village here and I should think you would be a bit grateful. Her daughter is very nice and I am positive that the two of you will get along wonderfully."
Minerva knew she was stuck spending the day with a woman and girl she didn't even know and would have to desert her books for Merlin only knew how many hours. With a sigh, she started to pick at her food and refused to look at either of her parents for the rest of dinner.
The morning came all too soon and she struggled trying to decide what to wear. It was very warm outside and her mother warned her not to wear any dark colors. She finally decided on a light blue summer robe, which had been purchased especially for this trip. Slipping on her shoes, she sat patiently while Moxy pulled her hair into a complex braid, which would stay neatly in place for the day. There was a knock at the front door and Moxy went to answer it while Minerva tried to stay focused on being nice to the lady she was about to meet.
Minerva took a deep breath as she left the room, glancing longingly one last time at her pile of books sitting on her dresser. She headed down the hallway, scuffling her feet a bit as she went. The sight that greeted her nearly made her turn around and run. Standing before her was the type of witch Minerva always hated to speak with at the dinner parties her parents would throw. And the daughter looked to be an exact replica. Both were dressed as if going to a party, rather than out shopping for a day and not a hair or ruffle was out of place. Both of them had fake smiles plastered on their faces as they greeted her. Before the day was out, Minerva was sure she would die of boredom from all the talk about hair, make-up and the latest gossip.
If Minerva had to visit one more clothing shop, she was going to scream. They had not stopped at one bookstore or any other shop of interest for that matter the whole morning. Lana, the daughter, wanted nothing to do with Minerva and continually ignored her presence. The mother, Mrs. Fontelle, was nice enough but she was not at all interested in the same things as Minerva and her family. She was grateful that it was finally lunchtime and she would get a brief respite from having to comment on the hundreds of outfits that were supposed to be popular this season.
They settled down at a small café and while Minerva ordered a sandwich and butterbeer, her companions ordered a light salad with sparkling water. As Minerva ate in silence, attempting to ignore the pointed glances she was getting, she noticed a rather interesting looking shop across the way.
Suddenly she decided she had put up with enough for one day. "Mrs. Fontelle, would you mind if I headed across the street after we finish with lunch? There is a shop I would like to look in."
A thoughtful frown covered Mrs. Fontelle's face as she contemplated the request. Deciding it would do no harm she gave her permission and told Minerva to meet her back at the café in one hour's time. Minerva needed no further encouragement and practically ran to the shop with the menagerie of magical devices sitting in the window.
She stepped inside and a bell at the door chimed. No one came up front to check on her so she headed into the store. It was much larger than she had first thought from looking at it from the outside. All sorts of magical objects were cluttering the shelves and whirling, buzzing and clicking noises filled the air in a sort of symphony of sound. Minerva came upon a case of old pocket watches and took one out to study. The outside was a bit plain but inside was a whole universe, literally, and she was awed to think that anyone could tell the time with such an object.
"What an interesting find. Simply fascinating! Do you mind if I take a look at it?" A distantly familiar voice broke into her head and distracted her from her study. Turning around, she was surprised to see Mr. Dumbledore standing there with a smile on his face. She doubted he would recognize her and handed him the item he had inquired about.
"Miss McGonagall, what a pleasant surprise. I don't know if you remember me but we shared a dance a couple of years ago at a party of your parents." A twinkle entered his eyes as he greeted her formally.
Minerva suddenly felt shy at having been remembered. He was not quite as tall as she recalled but he still had the auburn colored hair, which she had remarked on all those years ago. A blush crept into her cheeks as he took her hand and greeted her as if she were a lady. "I remember you, Mr. Dumbledore. You become a snowy owl for your animagus form. Ever since then, I have worked very hard at learning everything I can in order to become an animagus myself."
Minerva scolded herself when she saw the laughter in his eyes. She had said too much and he probably didn't care whether or not she was going to become an animagus in the first place. She could feel her cheeks as they warmed with a blush and tapped her foot in frustration.
"Well my dear, I am glad that I inspired you to study the subject further. If you are not too busy, would you care to join me across the street for an ice cream before I head back to the conference. I am afraid I must present a rather boring speech which may cause everyone there to fall asleep."
Minerva giggled before answering. She had forgotten how funny he could be. "I would love an ice cream."
As they headed back to the café she had left just minutes earlier, Minerva wondered what had made her say she would love an ice cream. She didn't care for sweets at all and particularly disliked ice cream, as it was so cold. However, on this warm day it might not be so bad and she decided that his company would be worth the effort.
At the counter, she chose plain vanilla, although Mr. Dumbledore encouraged her to be more adventurous. Mr. Dumbledore chose chocolate ice cream with chocolate syrup and a candy topping with whipped cream. All in all the thought of eating his large serving made Minerva sick to her stomach.
They went outside and took a seat at one of the last two empty tables and Minerva found herself getting more and more nervous in his presence. She started to fidget and had to mentally make herself calm down. They ate in silence for a few moments and then Mr. Dumbledore asked her a question that made Minerva forget all about being nervous.
"Are you looking forward to starting Hogwarts in a couple years?"
Minerva didn't hesitate with her answer. "Oh, I can't wait to start Hogwarts. I just finished reading Hogwarts: A History and have started the first chapter again. I am trying to learn everything I can before I go. I have asked my parents all sorts of questions. Did you enjoy going to Hogwarts Mr. Dumbledore?"
Minerva's eyes sparkled as she talked about her favorite subject and she waited patiently for Mr. Dumbledore to give her an answer. "My school years at Hogwarts were some of my best. I made many friends and had a great time. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that when I was offered a teaching position last year, I accepted. I am now the transfiguration professor so I will see you there in the near future."
Minerva began to contemplate Mr. Dumbledore as her teacher at Hogwarts but before she could tell him that she was very happy he had accepted the position, they were interrupted by her two companions for the day.
"Minerva, you shouldn't be bothering Mr. Dumbledore." Mrs. Fontelle strode up to the table and gave Minerva a critical look. "I am so sorry if she was bothering you. She said that she saw a shop she wished to visit across the way and I suppose I should not have left her to her own devices. Please forgive me."
Minerva had never been more furious. She had never been dismissed in such a manner before and was about to interrupt with some comments of her own but Mr. Dumbledore beat her to it.
"Ma'am, please, if anyone should be in trouble it is me." He took her proffered hand. "I don't believe I have had the pleasure of meeting you Mrs…"
"Oh, Mrs. Fontelle." Minerva rolled her eyes as the woman began to blush and stutter. "My husband works for the ministry."
"Oh yes, I don't believe I have ever met anyone of his caliber before." Mr. Dumbledore gave the odious woman a smile and when Mrs. Fontelle looked at her daughter, he winked at Minerva. "As I was saying, it is my fault entirely that Miss McGonagall was visiting with me. I saw her in the shop and asked her to join me for an ice cream. We are previous acquaintances."
Mrs. Fontelle seemed at a loss for words and Mr. Dumbledore continued. "Now, I am sorry to have to make my exit so soon but I have a speech to present shortly." Mr. Dumbledore turned to Minerva and gave her a smile. "Have a wonderful visit and I look forward to seeing you at Hogwarts in a couple years."
With his final statement, he apparated away and Minerva was left with Mrs. Fontelle and her daughter for the rest of the day.
Finally back at the vacation house, Minerva made her way upstairs and flopped onto her bed. She thought back over the day and how Mr. Dumbledore had spent some of his afternoon with her. A broad smile crept over her features when she remembered the looks on the faces of Mrs. Fontelle and her daughter upon hearing that he had asked her to join him. In some small way it made her feel important to him and somewhat vindicated since the snobbish woman had scolded her.
However, Minerva did not wish to think on her companions. She wanted to think on Mr. Dumbledore because she found him utterly fascinating. The more she learned about him, the more she wanted to know. And he was different from most adults. He actually seemed to treat her as a young lady instead of a child and that made all the difference. Not to mention the fact that he was handsome and extremely intelligent.
Picking up the book she had been reading, Minerva tried to digest the words on the page but she found herself thinking more and more about Hogwarts, in particular the transfiguration classes she would be allowed to take under the supervision of Mr. Dumbledore. She mused that he must be a wonderful professor and thoughts of him teaching her to become an animagus filled her head until she fell asleep.
The final day of the wizarding conference had arrived and Minerva couldn't have been more pleased. That meant she would be able to spend the rest of her time in France with her mother and father but first she had to get through this evening. Since her parents were both highly respected in the wizarding world, they were expected to attend the ball being held tonight. Minerva's mother thought it would be a treat for Minerva if she were to attend the party being held for the children of those in attendance while they put in an appearance at the grand ball. She had tried to make her mother and father understand that it would feel as if she were being watched in a daycare but they were adamant she attend. Not wanting to further upset her parents, she decided that she would just have to go and make the best of it. If she was sneaky enough, she could bring along her book and occupy her time reading until it was over.
Minerva had been correct in her assumption of the children's party. There were older witches and wizards who had offered their services in overseeing the smaller children while their parents mingled in a separate part of the convention hall. She had been pleased that neither her mother nor her father had seen the book tucked safely under her arm. Now all she needed to do was find a quiet corner and wait patiently for her parents to return.
The smaller children in the room made so much noise, Minerva found it increasingly harder to concentrate. She longed to be back in her own rooms reading but that was not an option at the moment. Instead, she decided to sneak outside to the beach and read by moonlight. When a couple of the younger children began to argue over some muggle toy, Minerva seized the opportunity to slip outside and breathe in the fresh air.
Some of Minerva's best memories had been made at the beach while she and her parents had been on vacation and therefore she always held a special place in her heart for the ocean. Standing at the water's edge, Minerva watched the waves crash on the shore and took special notice of how the full moon cast its' light upon the scene. No longer interested in reading, she slipped off her shoes and sat quietly on the beach watching the tide and listening to the strains of various pieces of music coming from the large ballroom decorated for the adults. Occasionally she could hear the high-pitched laughter of a witch or wizard and she wondered if all adult parties were loud and boring.
As she sat quietly on the shore and listened to the noise from inside, she found herself humming the tunes being played at the ball. When the band began to play her favorite piece of music, Minerva stood up and began to dance slowly to the tune as she imagined a handsome man with her. She giggled when she realized that the man she pictured looked a great deal like Mr. Dumbledore and that caused her to blush slightly. Still, she moved gracefully around the shore until someone nearby coughed and startled her.
"Miss McGonagall, I did not mean to surprise you with my presence. I do apologize." Raising a hand to her chest, she tried to catch her breath and think of something to say in return. When she failed, he spoke again.
"You see, I find myself bored with these types of social gatherings and so often people wish to occupy my time with small talk. It just became too much and I felt the need to break away for a moment of peace. And then I found you here. Why aren't you inside enjoying yourself?"
Once she found her voice, Minerva realized she was slightly embarrassed at having to tell him the truth. "Mr. Dumbledore, I'm not supposed to be out here. I am supposed to be at the children's gathering but I could not stand it any longer. Everyone there was so much younger than myself and I, too, slipped away for some air. I hope you won't tell my parents. They would be most displeased if they knew I was out all alone."
"Well, Miss McGonagall I assure you that I will not mention this to anyone. It will be our little secret, although I cannot imagine why your parents would not allow you to attend our party. You may not be old enough to enjoy all of it, but in some ways it would be better than spending an evening with the younger ones. Alas, it was not my decision so I really should not interfere." Offering her one of his biggest smiles, Minerva found herself staring back into his twinkling eyes and feeling a warming sensation in her cheeks.
"Thank you for such a nice compliment, Mr. Dumbledore. I suppose I should be heading back to the other party and you will probably be missed at your party. I'm sure there are dozens of witches who are just dying to dance with you." As soon as she uttered those words, she mentally kicked herself. She did not want him to know that she had been picturing him while dancing and she hoped that he was not offended. Casting her eyes down towards her bare feet, she felt flushed and certainly not willing to meet his crystal blue gaze. Turning to leave before she could further humiliate either of them, she felt a warm hand grasp her own.
"Miss McGonagall, I was hoping a young lady with pretty green eyes would honor me with a dance before she returns to her own ball." Instinctively she looked around for someone on the beach before the reality of the situation hit her. They were the only ones on the shore and he had meant her! "Of course, if you would rather return, I shall understand." Offering him her hand, Minerva felt a rush of excitement flow through her as they began to move to the music floating on the air from the ballroom.
As they moved in perfect time to the music, Minerva smiled up at him and when he returned her smile she looked away shyly. Thoughts of their first dance rushed into her mind and she desperately tried to control the nervous feelings stirring in her stomach. She had never felt this way before but it wasn't an entirely bad feeling. All too soon for her, their dance ended and he stepped slightly away from her, without releasing her hand.
"Miss McGonagall I wish to thank you for another lovely dance. You are growing up so fast and soon you may very well have to slip outside to get away from all of the potential suitors at a ball just like this one. Moonlit dances with old men such as myself will be long forgotten and…"
"Mr. Dumbledore I could never forget you! And I don't think of you as old. I think you are one of the most interesting people I've ever met and it is I who should thank you for the dance. You have made my evening eventful and I appreciate that."
The twinkling blue eyes of Albus Dumbledore met the emerald green ones of Minerva McGonagall and each smiled. "Well Miss McGonagall, I suggest we both get back to our respective parties. I will wait here until you are safely inside before making my way back to the boredom of my own affair. And again, thank you for the dance. I look forward to seeing you in my classes at Hogwarts. Until then, study hard and play even harder." Slowly bending forward, he brushed his lips softly against her knuckles in a gentlemanly manner and released her hand. Taking her sweet time, she made her way back to the doorway leading inside but before entering she turned to see if he was still watching. Noticing that his eyes were still trained on her, she waved one last goodbye before disappearing into the building.
Later that night, as she lay in her bed, Minerva replayed the dance with Mr. Dumbledore in her mind. For some reason, she couldn't think of anything except his eyes and how he smelled of lemon drops and chocolate. She had never been fond of such sweets but now it seemed that she could not get enough of that particular scent. When she remembered the way he had danced with her and then gently kissed her hand, she found herself feeling nervous and happy all at the same time. She wasn't sure why she felt that way but she did know one thing. She was most assuredly looking forward to starting Hogwarts and seeing more of the great Albus Dumbledore.
A/N: Wow! This story has received a fantastic response from you and we're thrilled. We have several more chapters to post, all of them written, so we hope you'll stay with us to the end.