Chapter 4
Minerva McGonagall woke for the morning as the sun was just beginning to rise over the trees. She slid out of bed and wrapped herself in her favorite silk robe. Crossing to the window, she sat upon the ledge and looked out over the landscape, which had been her home for the past seven years. Today she would graduate from Hogwarts and start a new part of her life. However, even with her exams completed and her future looking so very promising, her heart ached.
There were many things which she could blame for her pain. She would miss the school and all that it had come to mean to her. Her years there were more than she had ever hoped or dreamed they would be. She would miss her friends. She realized that once they left this place, their friendships would never be the same. It would be hard to retain the same closeness when you lived so far apart and were pursuing different dreams. And lastly, with the war against Grindelwald reaching new levels, she knew it was a dangerous time. So many lives had been lost and she and her friends were about to be thrust into the thick of it with little to no knowledge of all that had been happening.
The students were for the most part shielded from the atrocities of what went on in the outside world. A decision she had fought against during her tenure as Head Girl. However, the Board of Governors and Headmaster had been adamant that war had no place in a school. So now the graduating class would find themselves entering a world which was very different from the one they imagined and she could only hope that they would all survive it.
And even though those reasons alone could easily account for her melancholy mood, Minerva knew that what was truly at the heart of her sadness was the fact that Professor Dumbledore was absent from the school.
In the last couple of years, Professor Dumbledore had been taking leave from his duties more and more often. Minerva knew it was due to the war and that he was a leader in the movement against Grindelwald. However, she had always pictured him standing at the front of the Great Hall while she received her diploma, his blue eyes twinkling with pride. She admitted to herself that it was very selfish to want him here just for her when the war was more important. But she could not help the feelings in her heart. She was in love, or as Xia put it, in full crush mode, for her professor and even though she would never acknowledge it to anyone, save her best friend, she felt like she had been left standing at the altar. Or at the very least, as if her date for the Yule Ball had stood her up.
The young witch was snapped from her thoughts by the banging of the large oak door that permitted entrance into her room. Instantly, she was greeted by the constant chattering of her best friend.
"You will never believe what I just found out from Eddie!" Xia bounced onto Minerva's bed giving her a joyful smile.
Trying to hide her solemn mood from the insightful witch, Minerva forced a smile of her own. "And what gossip could Eddie possibly have heard? Are you sure he didn't make it up?"
"Very funny Minerva. He may not be the most reliable source but he heard this from his sixth year Ravenclaw girlfriend, you remember Mary from the last Hogsmeade weekend. Well she is very reliable. In fact lots of my information has come by way of her of late."
Exasperated beyond words at the interruption, especially one that Minerva had already deemed as completely without merit, she interrupted Xia before she could get any more off track. "The rumor Xia? I do have to get ready soon."
"Sorry Min." Xia gave her a curious look but continued without further prompting. "Eddie heard from Mary who heard from Penny who was with her boyfriend at the time, hidden in an alcove I might add, that Professor Dumbledore returned to the school just this morning."
Xia smiled to herself happily at the announcement of the news while Minerva tried to control her now racing pulse. Her heart had started pounding at the mention of her professor's name. Dare she believe it to be true? Rumors were very common at Hogwarts with most of them being exaggerated versions of the truth or complete and outright lies.
"Well don't you have anything to say?"
Minerva gulped and tried to clear her head of all the emotions swirling around. "What if it isn't true?"
Xia got up and came to sit beside Minerva on the ledge. She felt her best friends arms wrap around her. "Of course it is true Min. Professor Dumbledore would never miss your graduation. You are his prized student and I think…well, you know what I think."
Minerva felt her heart warm at the witch's words. She knew Xia believed Professor Dumbledore thought of her as more than just a student. A completely unjustified view and one Minerva thought Xia maintained just to give her hope. And she loved her for it.
After several spirited moments more of random gossip, Xia remembered something she had promised the flying instructor that she would do before graduation. Running off to take care of the task, she told Minerva that she'd meet her later for breakfast in the Great Hall. As the door closed a little too loudly, Minerva started to genuinely smile for the first time that day. Suddenly, with the spark of hope given to her by her best friend, her graduation didn't seem so bad after all.
After hurrying through her morning routine and checking one last time to make sure every single hair was in place and that she looked her utmost best, Minerva dashed down the stairs as if Gryffindor Tower was on fire. Xiomara was just returning to the castle as Minerva flew down the last flight of stairs and practically bumped right into her best friend. Luckily, Xiomara saw Minerva's focus was not on those around her but on the doors leading to the Great Hall so she easily sidestepped any collision which might have been rather embarrassing for both of them.
"Settle down, Min. He came back just for you so I doubt he's going anywhere soon," Xia teased.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I'm merely in a hurry to get to breakfast. I'm starving and today is a big day. I don't have time to dawdle." Minerva knew better than to try and fool the one person besides Albus Dumbledore who knew her better but she had to try. Feeling particularly brave, she dared to look her hawk-eyed friend squarely in the eyes and without another word being shared between them, they both burst into laughter.
Locking arms together, they walked to the entrance to the Great Hall, each lost deep in thought. They stood there for a solid moment, trying to memorize the way the hall looked, the smell of the food, even the mindless chatter of hundreds of their classmates. But for Minerva there was really only one thing she wanted to remember perfectly. She glanced up at the Head Table. There he sat and her heart jumped into her throat.
"I told you he was back. My sources never lie," Xia chided as she ushered Minerva towards the table. As only her best friend would think to do, Xiomara made sure Minerva had an unobstructed view of the Head Table, and in particular, one Albus Dumbledore. "Consider it my gift to you this morning," she winked, watching Minerva's eyes dart back and forth from the food on the table to her professor so close but so far away.
The morning activities for the graduates occupied most of Minerva's time. She had hoped to steal a few moments for herself and perhaps seek out her professor but there simply wasn't time. Her heart felt lighter than it had in weeks, just seeing him and knowing that he was alive and well but she longed for just one more quiet moment, one more softly spoken word. She would just have to make sure she saw him before the train departed, taking her away for the last time when it left.
The graduation ceremony itself was something to rival any fancy political gathering, in Minerva's mind. The Great Hall had been decorated to perfection and with the tables removed it seemed much larger than usual, even larger than the nights when they held special balls or other social events.
A tremendous burst of trumpets sounded from somewhere out of the blue, causing Minerva to jump in her seat. Her heart began to race wildly, thinking that this was it. The moment she had worked so hard towards for seven years was finally here and within the hour, she would be a graduate of Hogwarts, not a student any longer. Two by two the faculty and staff of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry filed past the graduates. But for Minerva, there was only one man that interested her.
Albus Dumbledore marched alongside Headmaster Dippet, leading the procession of distinguished teachers. Silver celestial bodies moved brilliantly across the lapis blue fabric of his robes, which contrasted beautifully with his auburn hair. Her heart beat slightly faster as she imagined how his eyes would reflect the blue of his robes. She could easily lose her soul in those eyes and never once regret it for a second. Just then, as he neared her, Albus turned his head, locking eyes with her for a brief instance. He smiled, showing just the hint of his pearly white teeth and if she had blinked she might have missed the surreptitious wink he sent in her direction.
Minerva's cheeks burned warmly and she felt her lips curling into a smile as he passed. From that moment on, her eyes were locked on him; never once wavering for fear she might miss another furtive glance directed at her. She was so caught up in her mission to memorize every single line on his face that she almost missed her name being called to receive several awards for her achievements. A quick nudge by her best friend was the only thing that saved her from total embarrassment.
When Minerva stepped up onto the raised dais towards the podium in the shape of a magnificent bird in flight, she discovered how overwhelming it felt to stand behind the amazing creation. No matter how many times she had seen the platform used in the various ceremonies at Hogwarts she always likened the bird to Albus' familiar, Fawkes. On several occasions, she tried to picture what Albus would look like standing behind the podium as Headmaster. No doubt he would make a striking figure, easy on the eyes and the soft timbre to accompany it.
A familiar hand touched her shoulder and she needed no one to tell her to whom the hand belonged. She could feel the warmth of his strong hand seeping through her robes, causing her to shiver with delight. No matter how many times she managed to brush past him or have him pat her on the back in a friendly manner, it never ceased to amaze her as to how quickly her heart would change beat, her breath would accelerate and her insides would turn to jelly. Tilting her head slightly backwards, she stared right into his blue eyes and confirmed her earlier thoughts. Those robes did wonders for bringing out the blue in those twinkling eyes that were always so mesmerizing.
The remainder of the ceremony passed much in a blur as one by one Minerva and her classmates accepted their graduation scrolls. When it was her turn, she walked confidently towards Albus Dumbledore and as he handed her the scroll, his fingertips and hers touched briefly, sending jolts of excitement through her. She beamed with pride as he whispered a sincere Congratulations my dear so that only she could hear.
As was customary at Hogwarts, a festive dance followed the graduation service and for once in her life, Minerva was looking forward to it. She had daydreamed for weeks about this part of the day, assuming of course that her professor had returned by graduation day. Before things had looked bleak for his return she had practiced what to say in front of her mirror and even once or twice with Xiomara. And he hadn't let her down. He had returned, just like her best friend assured her he would, and he had even seen to it that he was the one who presented her with her special awards. Now, all she had to do was find the courage to ask him to dance with her, possibly for the last time.
The ball was in full swing and Minerva scanned the crowd desperately for her professor. She had already turned down three offers from her classmates to take a spin on the floor, wanting to reserve her first and last dance for him. Not wanting to seem desperate or impatient, she quickly decided against asking the other teachers if they had seen him and resigned herself to playing the waiting game, something she was never very good at to begin with.
With each passing minute and another dance gone by, Minerva was about to give up hope. She had come to the conclusion that her professor had skipped the graduation party, no doubt to attend to matters of war and for that she couldn't be angry. With her hopes dashed and a sullen look on her face, Minerva sank into a chair in the corner of the room, envious of all the young couples who seemed to be enjoying the dance. It seemed that she had missed her one opportunity to share a twirl around the floor with the man who dominated much of her thoughts.
"You're not planning to spend all evening hidden away in the shadows are you Minerva? That would be such a pity and a waste of a lovely gown." That silky voice radiated in her ears and down her spine until her very toes tingled. It was soft and so very alluring, like a moth to a flame. Before she had a chance to speak, his soft hand landed on her shoulder, turning her to face him and his brilliant smile. "I was hoping a young lady with pretty green eyes would honor me with a dance. After all, this may be the last time I see you for quite some time and I'd hate to miss the opportunity to dance with you, my dear."
Minerva's heart leapt into her throat as he took her hand and led her to the dance floor. He bowed lowly to her and in turn she gave a polite curtsey, just as she had been taught to do ages ago by her mother. Their eyes locked and Minerva was certain she didn't blink even once for fear of missing something in those amazing blue eyes. His hand rested gently upon her waist while he clasped her other hand easily. The music started up again and she was more than thrilled when the band began a slow tune.
The lights overhead dimmed just a little when the music began, no doubt trying to set the mood for the young couples that would be parting in a few short hours. Emboldened by her new status as a former student of his, Minerva took a step closer to Albus and his hand slid further around her waist, resting in the center of her back.
"Do you remember the first dance we ever shared, Minerva?" he asked softly. Minerva had suddenly lost her voice and all she could do was give a subtle nod of reassurance. "It seems like ages ago and then again it seems like only yesterday."
"I remember every dance we've ever shared, Professor. They are among my favorite memories," she said before her mind could tell her not to reveal all her womanly secrets.
"I'm sure you'll soon replace those memories with happier ones once you go out into the world and make a name and a home for yourself." She thought she detected a hint of sadness in his voice for a brief moment but it was gone just as quickly as it had appeared.
"I was worried about you while you were away. I was afraid you'd been hurt and…"
"Afraid I'd miss your graduation too." Again she nodded her head, slightly embarrassed to be admitting something so petty when he had more important things to be worrying about. "Ah, I wouldn't have missed this day for the world, Minerva. Wild hippogriffs couldn't have kept me from seeing you walk across that stage and taking top honors as well. I'm extremely proud of you."
"Thank you. It meant a lot to me to have you give me those awards. You've taught me so much and helped me in so many ways," she said her eyes beginning to fill with tears at the thought of leaving him.
"I'd do anything for you Minerva. You're very special to me and if there's ever anything I can do to help you in life, all you need do is ask. My doors will always be open to you and I do hope we meet again."
It was as if he timed his words to fit perfectly with the ending of the song for no sooner had he finished his sentence, the song ended. Minerva fully expected him to do as he had done in the past and kiss the back of her hand as a way of thanking her for the dance but there was something else hidden in his eyes and she could see it. Gripping her arms loosely, he leaned forward and kissed each of her cheeks softly, brushing his lips ever so gently across her smooth skin as they flushed crimson beneath his lips.
Minerva was certain she stopped breathing. Her heart was pounding so hard she could hear it in her head and was certain he could hear it too. Her mind was reeling with thoughts and emotions too numerous to process or even count and before she knew it, she had thrown her arms around his neck and returned a kiss to each of his cheeks before hugging him tightly.
A cough somewhere behind Albus drew Minerva back to her senses. It was the Headmaster telling Albus he had an urgent owl from the Ministry and apparently it wasn't good news. He took Minerva's hands in his and kissed the back of each one softly, then rubbed his thumb across the spot. "Remember, I'll always be here for you, my dear." He squeezed her hands and let them drop from his before turning to see to his important work for the Ministry and the war effort, leaving Minerva stunned in the center of the dance floor.
She stood rooted to the spot for a moment, until his lapis blue robes with the silver designs were no longer visible. She might have stayed there, lost in her thoughts if it hadn't been for Xiomara. "You owe me, Minerva McGonagall! You owe me big time and I expect payment in full."
"Did you see that? He kissed my cheeks, Xia. And in front of everybody here," she said dreamily. "And that dance…oh it was wonderful."
"Yes and you have me to thank for it. And don't think I'm going to let you forget it anytime soon." Minerva snapped out of her trance to cast a questioning look at her friend and confidante. "The band was supposed to play a fast number and I had to practically beg and bribe them to play the slowest, softest tune they know just for you. If it wasn't for me, you'd have been doing the Charleston with your dear professor and no doubt none of the rest of it would have happened either!" She smiled mischievously at her friend, still lost in the recent memory. "I don't think many of us saw the little exchange between the two of you but I was watching. I saw it all, Mervie!"
Minerva raised a trembling hand to her cheek to touch the spot where his lips had brushed lightly. "Have I told you today how lucky I am to have you as my best friend, Xiomara Hooch?" Before she had a chance to respond, Hooch found herself being pulled into a tight hug as Minerva's face lit up with excitement and happiness. "Thank you so much. That's the best graduation gift you could have given me and I'll never, ever forget it."
TBC...