Dear Reader,

Yet again, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update. I'm going to stop making promises about when I'll be able to post. However, I will still try to update as often as possible. I've planned out the entire story (outline, no details), so that may help speed up the process. This chapter is not great but is a condensed version of about 3 chapters. Enjoy anyway!

-LunarLitLover

Preview for next time: Grindlewald will reveal his identity to the Ministry and make demands while his raids become more violent and widespread.

Recap: Minerva and Albus are outside the Great Hall during the ball and have just kissed.

Chapter 10: Discussion

Minerva let herself fall into the kiss completely. Albus pulled her closer to his body as her arms tightened around his neck. Minerva allowed her mouth to be enveloped by Albus's as her tongue ventured forward into the cavities of his mouth. After releasing each other for a moment, the pair was consumed by hunger again and allowed their lips to slide over each other's once more. As the kiss continued, it became deeper and much more passionate. Minerva thought of nothing except her dread of its end.

Yet when Albus and Minerva broke apart, panting for air, Minerva's rational thinking returned to her. When Albus tried to kiss her again, she panicked.

"Albus! No! Stop! I can't! We can't!" Albus put an end to his advance but continued to hold Minerva confidently by her waist.

"Bloody hell!" Minerva yelled, clutching her mouth in horror. "I just snogged a teacher!"

Albus simply stood there, his arms hanging loosely around Minerva.

She, however, pulled away. "Albus…Professor…Albus…I'm so sorry…I shouldn't have…I just can't do this…it's just not right…it's against the rules…I'm really sorry…I…"

Minerva's mumbling was cut off as a small green figure apparated right in front of her. The goblin smiled nastily and scurried off the small terrace. He rushed over to the corner of the castle where a distraught-looking Slughorn stood. Albus and Minerva heard Slughorn say, "Ah there you are! I've been looking all over for you! No more stalling! We need to work out an agreement…" The pair walked around the bend and were soon out of earshot.

Minerva looked at Albus questioningly before remembering the thread of conversation preceding the odd occurrence. "Albus, I'm just so sorry. We can't do this. I'm so sorry."

"Are you really, Minerva? Are you truly sorry?"

Minerva sighed, knowing the truth, "No, Albus, I'm not. But that doesn't change the fact that we can't have this type of relationship."

"Is that what you really believe, Minerva? That this is not possible?"

"Well, I reckon that it's very possible," she conceded. "But it's not right."

"Why not? What makes it wrong?"

"School policy! The Ministry! You know that as well as I do, Albus!"

"That doesn't make it wrong. Only against the rules."

Minerva gave him a scolding look as she put her hands on her hips.

"Plus," Albus continued. "The whole spirit of the rule is to avoid breeches in learning. We both know that a relationship won't change your status in my class. You will not be tempted to behave differently, nor will I provide you with unfair advantages."

"Well, that's true too," Minerva agreed. "But I'm not sure, Albus…it's just not right…"

Albus grabbed her by the shoulders. "Minerva, isn't this what you want? I know it is. It's what I want too. So why should such an insignificant rule stop us from being together?"

"Albus, there's a risk factor too, "Minerva stated honestly but calmly. "You know that. If anyone finds out…you could loose your job and any opportunities for future ones. I could be expelled or rejected from Auror training."

"Minerva, I truly don't think we'll be found out. And even if we are, our talent will save us. Both of us have too much to be let go of immediately." Minerva glared at him with a Aren't-You-Being-A-Bit-Cocky? look, but he continued, "They will warn us before doing any permanent damage."

"Albus, it's still a huge risk…" Minerva continued to stand her ground but her arguments were wearing thin.

Albus stared right into her eyes, "You once admitted that taking chances was the only way to truly live. You accomplished so much when you let go of your fear and the doubts you had. You need to do that now; you have to let go of your fear. Don't you still believe in that philosophy, Minerva? Won't you take this chance?"

Minerva stopped and pondered Albus's words. He's right. I never take risks. And I should when it allows me to experience more life. I really want this, and it might be my only chance. Oh, Merlin, help me!

"Alright"

"What?" Albus asked.

"I want to be with you, and I'll take this chance." Minerva smiled as Albus's eyes filled with joy and relief.

"But, Albus, we have to be careful!"

"Whatever you say, M'lady." Albus kissed her mouth gently before leading her back inside.