A/N : Ladies and Gents,
May I present you the next chapter of our story! It's is a great pleasure to be in this ride with you!!! It's is a greater pleasure to receive all of your support! Unfortunately, , won't allow me to answer your reviews, and I don't know why. I just really want to thank all of you who took the time to support this fic! I won't deprive you any longer from it, so, let's move on with the story!
Severus stormed into Albus' office to find him and Minerva sighed on the couch.
"You should have protected him!" He accused in a loud voice.
"He is only 16 and yet he was more mature than you. He didn't put the fucking ring on!"
"Severus... Calm down." Minerva tried to talk sense into him.
"He could have died Albus... You could have died!"
"I know, Severus... I was foolish... When the thought of even hearing Ariana, after all those years, occurred to me, it was like my mind and logic vanished. I should have been the one protecting Harry than have Harry protect me." Albus stood and put his hand on Severus' shoulder.
"Do not. Touch. Me." The younger man felt disgusted at the touch but it also saddened him deeply to have to deny it. Albus took a surprised step back. Severus, even though he was always distant with everyone else, never, ever, in his life had denied Albus or Minerva a light touch.
The room went dead cold. Albus froze in his place and Minerva gaped at Severus.
"I'm disgusted. Disgusted, at the thought that you are willing to let a young boy die only to talk to your sister. He has lost his parents and yet didn't try to use the stone. I pity you." Severus sneered and left the office slamming the door behind him.
Albus collapsed on the couch, Minerva having to hold him, because he could easily have fallen to the floor.
He put his head in his arms. Minerva put her hand in his back trying to soothe his silent sobs.
"He will eventually come around Al... You know Severus. He is hot headed. He will understand." She whispered in his ear.
"If Severus thinks this awfully of me, then imagine what Harry could feel."
"Harry will know, once you've explained to him. He is the most forgiving person in the whole world. He will understand Al."
Albus leaned his head to Minerva's chest as she cupped it with her hands, giving him a small peck on the forehead.
Harry woke up at 7:30 in the afternoon. He yawned and stretched his arms. He got up gingerly from the bed and to Severus' lab, where he knew the Potions Master would be.
"Hello sir..."
"Potter. How are you feeling?"the man replied coldly. Harry could tell he was angry and he was thinking maybe, the anger was directed to him, and rightly so, in Harry's opinion.
"Just sore. I'm fine." The teen assured. "How's Albus? I felt the Horcrux being destroyed. Did he do it?"
"I don't care how that old fool is, but yes, he destroyed the damn thing." He growled.
"Great! Excellent news. But... What happened? Did you... have a fight?" Harry's eyebrows frowned. It was very strange of Snape to speak ill of the Headmaster.
"I don't think that my personal affairs with the Headmaster is any of your business Potter." Snape spat at him.
"There was a voice, a woman... She was calling out for him. Albus froze in place. Does he...Does he have a wife that died? Or maybe a daughter?" Harry asked a bit uncertainly, not knowing if Snape would answer him.
Even though the Potions Master was pretty angry at Albus, he wasn't going to betray his secret. That was his story to tell.
"If you are asking if that voice was familiar to the Headmaster, the answer is yes. And yes, I know who that voice belonged to, but I'm not willing to tell you. It is a private matter of his."
"Yeah, sure, I understand!" Harry rushed. "I'm... going to see how he's doing..." he was eager to leave the man alone.
"You should come back quickly. Tomorrow your training will continue. You have to be well rested."
"I will be sir." He assured the man.
"Potter! Wait..." Severus stopped Harry before he left. Harry understood what Severus would ask him, from the hesitation that he was showing. He gave him a sly smile.
"Don't worry, Professor. I'll tell you if the Headmaster is an emotional wreck because of you and if you've ruined his life at the extent he doesn't want to live anymore" Harry joked and left the room, before Snape could curse him in his foul mood.
"Insufferable brat..." he heard Severus say under his breath as he left and chuckled loudly.
"Harry!" Albus said surprised when Harry came in his office. He hugged the boy tightly.
"Thank Merlin! Oh, how sorry I am my boy!" The Headmaster managed in a weak voice.
"It's ok Albus...I'm fine... You?" Harry patted him in the back.
"Just fine! Better now that I see you are up. Please sit down."
"Thanks... So, your theory about the sword was correct after all. Professor Snape told me the Horcrux was indeed destroyed, as I felt it was."
"It seems so. How did you feel when the Horcrux was destroyed? Can you describe it?"
"It was a really strange sensation...Really strange...It felt like a sudden jolt of electricity passed by me and it was like a tingly sensation altogether. For a moment I could see through HIS eyes. Voldemort, I mean. I couldn't tell if he knew what happened though. I imagine he had to feel something similar."
"Hmm..." Albus stroked his beard. "My theory is that as we destroy more of the horcruxes he will feel the consequences more."
"That was my thought too. It felt like a burden had be lifted off me, when you... killed it? Destroyed it? I don't really know what to call it."
"I think destroyed is a sensible choice, Harry. They may carry Voldemort's soul, but they are nothing more than dark objects."
"I was thinking the same thing... What happened when you destroyed it?"
"A black cloud appeared, spreading through the room, and you... you screamed. Then, the cloud dissolved abruptly and you relaxed back in your bed. It was just a small chaos for just a moment and then, total quiet. Were you in pain?"
"No, not at all. I was feeling peaceful. I don't even remember screaming..."
Albus stroked his beard for a moment and started pacing around his office.
"I was wondering, if we could find a similar way to rid you of Voldemort's piece. Maybe, modify the sword's power. I have... connections with the goblins. They will be willing to help us."
"It didn't work, when the Basilisk bit me, though. I mean, the diary was destroyed by the same venom but my Horcrux wasn't. Maybe... it can't happen."
"We will try m' boy. It doesn't hurt to." Albus gave him a small encouraging smile. Harry couldn't tell if it was meant to encourage him, or Albus himself. He had made peace with his fate, but he heart warmed up every time Albus or Minerva, or even Snape, showed him, in their own way each, that they cared.
Harry smiled back, and thought that a change of topic would lighten the scene.
"To the other matter at hand, Al. Don't worry about Professor Snape, he'll come to his senses, eventually... Most of the time he does... I know he's angry at you for putting yourself in danger, but he does it only because he cares, and yes, I managed to put the words Snape and cares in one sentence."
"I know Harry. And I understand his anger, it is justified. But he isn't angry at me for risking my life, he is furious that I risked yours. And that, should tell you something about his change of behavior concerning you."
Harry managed to keep his mouth closed, as he looked at Albus surprised. After a moment he took to let Albus' words sink in, he spoke.
"I also asked him about the voice we heard. He didn't tell me anything though. He only said that it was someone you recognized."
Albus looked sad. He rubbed the bridge of his nose.
"It was indeed, someone I recognized , that is true. I'm afraid you don't know everything about my past, Harry. The truth is, very few people know about my past. I had two siblings, Aberforth and Ariana. Aberforth has the pub in Hogsmead, the Hog's Head."
Harry had thought that the barman looked familiar but it had never crossed his mind that someone as dirty looking and owning the most infamous pub in Hogsmeade was even a bit related to the great Albus Dumbledore. Even though Albus knew that Harry was surprised and ready to say something, he continued.
"Ariana, died in an unfortunate event in 1899. She was only fourteen at the time." Albus sighed as he struggled to keep himself composed.
"We heard her voice in the small cabin. Ariana, was attacked by muggle boys when she was only six. They attacked her because they saw her perform underage magic. From that point on, she was driven almost mad. Her magic was uncontrollable and my mother, Kendra, decided to hide her from the public. My father, Percival, went after the boys, found them and cursed them. He was then take by the Ministry in Azkaban. My mother, decided to take us from where we lived, to Godric's Hollow. That's where I spent my youth. I finished my school years with a sister I couldn't mention, with a father sentenced to Azkaban and known as a Muggle hater, with a brother that was jealous of me and even then, I managed to exceed and become one of the brightest students Hogwarts has ever seen. When I graduated, I was planning on a world trip with my dear friend Elphias Dodge. You see, Harry, I didn't like making a lot of friends, but Elphias was the only one who stood by me and put his trust in me. The day before we left, Ariana had an outburst. My mother was caught in it and died. I, of course, cancelled the trip, because as the older one, I had to take care of my family now. And in all this chaos, a young boy arrived at my neighborhood, same age as me, Gellert Grindelwald. I was amazed by his cleverness and wit and it didn't take long before we became very close friends."
"You were close with Grindelwald? But, didn't you fight him? He was the second worst after Voldemort!" Harry was both amazed and starting to get confused now. Albus' youth was much more grave and sad than he had ever imagined.
"At the beginning we were friends. Gellert had left his country and came to visit his aunt for a short period here. He talked to me about his ideas of greatness. Of achieving a magical enforcement over the world, over the Muggles. For the greater good, that was our vision. And through it, both of us would become great. In that dark period of my life I deeply embraced him and his ideas, only later finding out that I was a complete fool. The first one to shake me off my little parade was my brother. When Gellert and I decided to travel the world and make allies for our ideas, Aberforth came forward and confronted me, saying that I had abandoned what was left of our family for a complete fool. That I had abandoned my sister who was in great need. He got in a fight with Grindelwald and he used the Cruciatus on my brother. I tried to defend him, Ariana got in the duell too. A stray spell hit her and she...she died. Gellert fled and I was left to gather the pieces of me and my brother, pieces that I had scattered. No one knows whose spell it was that killed Ariana. It might as well have been my spell that killed her... Sometimes we're loyal to the wrong people, and then, we pay the price. It was her voice that made me try putting on the ring. I'm deeply sorry that you had to suffer for my mistakes like she did. I hope you can forgive me Harry." Albus buried his head in his hands in a moment of weakness. Harry put his hand on the older man's shoulder.
"Thank you for sharing this with me. I don't need to forgive you. I understand why you did what you did Pops..."
Albus shot up and looked at Harry with a little twinkle and a small smile.
"Pops?" He asked just to be sure he heard right.
"Yeah... Short for Grandpa, Grandpops, Pops."
"You...You mean it?" Albus' eyes were glistening with joy.
"Of course I do!"
Albus gave a small laugh as he embraced his grandson.
"We are lucky to have you Harry. I am lucky to have you."
"Hey! Easy with the hugs... My collarbone is a bit broken..." Harry jocked. Albus looked up at the emerald eyes.
"You don't have to remind me, young man...Would you like to accompany me tomorrow evening in a visit? I'm thinking it is a good opportunity to convince Horace that he should come back to Hogwarts."
"Yeah sure... Ehm... Al... I was wondering, could I bring some of my friends next week. It's my birthday on the 31st and I'd love to see them all again."
"Of course Harry m'boy! Anything for you. Do you want anything special for your special day?" Albus inquired.
"Just some things to eat that's all. Nothing more."
"That's the only easy thing to do... Don't worry I'll arrange everything. You just write to your friends."
"Thanks again pops. I'll see you later."
Albus smiled widely. Of course the three adults had already planned Harry's birthday party. Well, more correctly, Albus had arranged it with the elves and had Minerva agree and Severus just groan.
Late at night, after Harry had fallen asleep, Snape climbed the stairs to Albus' office and knocked on the door.
"Yes Severus come in." Albus' voice was heard. The Headmaster was sitting drinking brandy next to the fire.
"I'm sorry for the disruption Headmaster. I have received a letter from Narcissa Malfoy. It seems that she wants me for an urgent matter at my home in Spinners End. I will have to leave for a few days and stay there to brew some Potions for the Dark Lord. He is sending Warmtail to assist me."
"The time is closing in Severus." Albus looked at the young man with a knowing look.
"I told you I'm not doing it."
"If you don't do it, it seems like young Draco will have to."
"As much as I am angry for what you did today Albus , I can't... You ask me to...kill... the closest thing to a father I have! Do you know how much it will cost me?"
"It's the only way Severus. That's how you'll get to the inner circle. That's how Harry will survive and win the war."
"Harry will win the war more easily if you are by his side. There must be a way Albus!" Severus was exasperated.
"There might as well be one, but until we find it, you have to promise me."
Severus looked at him with a similar to hate feeling.
"What about me? What about Potter? And Minerva? What will happen to us?"
"You will survive Severus. All of you. That's why we train Harry. To be strong, to stand out, to beat Voldemort."
Albus looked through the window. The sun had set a long time ago. Now his window was filled with droplets of water as the humidity was settling. He could hear the light breeze outside, he could almost feel it stroking his beard and hair. He closed his eyes, took off his half moon shaped glasses and rubbed the bridge of his nose. He felt nothing. He felt only peace.
"Harry will soon have to leave on his journey. If you complete your task- Don't interrupt me Severus please- you will probably be appointed as Headmaster. That way you will be able to watch over the school and its students. I trust you with their safety Severus."
"And what about Minerva and Potter? They will hate me. They will think I betrayed them. How will I help Potter then? How will I work with Minerva to help the students?" Severus' voice was starting to break.
"Severus..." Albus moved closer and put his arms around the Potions Master .
"We will cross that bridge when we get to it. I just need your promise."
Albus looked Severus in the eyes.
"I promise..." Severus reluctantly gave in.
"Thank you m'boy,thank you." Albus patted him on the shoulder.
"I will be going to the dungeons then, to look after Harry. I will take him with me in my cottage, Minerva will be joining us too. When you return seek for us there." The Headmaster instructed.
Severus nodded and with a very small bow he went to leave. He couldn't understand how Albus could get on like nothing had happened. He couldn't. He was feeling an unbelievable weight dragging him down, he had to kill, promised to kill, his one and only true friend, his mentor, his father figure. Eyes fixated on the floor he tried to hold back his sadness, his anger. He would find a way to save Albus.
He stopped at the dungeons to pick up a few of his clothes and ingredients. He stopped outside Potter's room just to look at him, sleeping peacefully for once. How much he'd have to face, how much he had already faced, it made it seem like peacefulness was impossible. The flames flared and he heard Minerva's small and quick footsteps coming his way. She placed a hand in his shoulder and Severus turned to look at her trying not to betray his feelings.
"I will take good care of him. I won't let Albus feed him with sweets... I promise." She chuckled a bit. Minerva knew that Severus had started caring for the boy. It wouldn't be obvious to an outsider, but Minerva and Albus had seen the way Severus was treating him, that he sometimes would let out a chuckle after Harry had said something funny, how worried and angry he became when he had learned that he had been raped and now that he had been injured.
Severus gave her a small but genuine smile, just nodding. Potter stirred and opened his eyes slowly, catching a glimpse of the scene. But the grown ups heard him and turned around.
"You're leaving." He pointed out, even in the daze of sleep, he had emotions building up and slowly constricting his throat. His breath became sallow and his nostrils flared as he tried to hold back his tears. Yet another adult who couldn't stand him. The one adult that understood him like no one else, the one he trusted, the one who had finally started to really care about him. It seemed like Snape, didn't change after all. The man was still hating him. Harry had messed up the one good thing he had in his life again.
Severus took a few strides forward, standing next to Harry's bed, understanding what was going on in the teens head.
"I am indeed leaving but, I'll be back in a week or less. I am needed in Spinners End to take care of a few obligations. Minerva and Albus will be here with you, until I return. Behave yourself for them, and keep up with your studies." He instructed giving Harry a knowing look.
Harry just nodded, biting his lip. Phew... he thought. Severus wasn't leaving him after all but his "obligations" were undoubtedly Voldemort's doings.
"Voldemort wants your help?"
"Just to brew some potions. He is sending Wormtail to make sure I do my work. He still doesn't trust me." Severus explained.
"Be careful sir..."
"I will be. I must get going. I'll see you soon Potter. Go back to sleep." He ruffled the boy's hair and fixed his blankets. He picked up his bag of clothes and stopped only for Minerva to kiss his forehead, goodbye.
"I'll be in the couch, Harry, if you want me..." she said to the almost sleeping boy.
"Minnie... I know it's stupid... and childish... but... could you stay?"
Minerva was startled for a minute but then smiled at Harry and said in a soft voice:
"Of course,my dear..." she took a seat beside him in the bed and Harry put his head on her chest. She stroked his hair soothingly.
"He is safe, Harry."
No response came as Harry completely relaxed in her touch and fell asleep.
She didn't leave the boy's side until Albus arrived a good thirty minutes later.
He smiled lovingly at her, at the scene before him.
Minerva carefully, not to wake him, moved Harry's head on his pillow. She stretched her aching back and walked to Albus' direction.
"Let's go to the living room, we shouldn't wake him." She whispered at him. She took his hand and guided him to the couch. They sat next to each other, Albus putting his arm around her and Minerva leaned her head against his chest.
"He was worried about Severus."
"We all are..." his voice was soft. "I visited the cottage, and had the elves prepare it. I'm sure Severus wouldn't mind a few days of vocation. Just until Harry's birthday come around in a few days."
"I know I won't..." Minerva jocked.
"He called me Pops today... He said it was short for Grandpa. Grandpa, Grandpops, Pops..." Albus chuckled.
"Oh, Albus..." she offered him one of her sweetest smiles.
Just for a moment, his eyes fell on her lips. Her face was so close to his, a few inches and they could touch. He leaned forward, his brain not registering the move at first, but then restrained himself. Minerva looked up at him, almost disappointed.
"We should focus on Harry and Severus." He reminded her and took his arm from around her shoulders, moving further away.
Minerva, felt hurt and removed her head from where it rested, against his chest. She got up flustered and straitened her robes.
"You are absolutely right, Headmaster. Excuse me, I'm going to make some tea." She moved to Severus' kitchen, in an attempt to clear her head, try to put her thoughts straight. How could she have been such a fool? Why would he look at her? She was old and boring, widowed and just a Professor. He was great, Leader of the Light, Headmaster of the most powerful wizarding school. She rubbed her eyes, not allowing the tears to form.
Albus, stroked his beard. How much he longed to kiss her, lean down in a sweet brush of their lips, as he confessed his love for her, because he loved her. He had loved her for a long time now. But, that wouldn't be fair to her. He was going to die soon. If he revealed his love to her, and she to him, it was only going to make goodbye much more harder and complicated. He took a few deep breaths to calm himself.
Minerva walked in with tea, cream and two cups.
"Severus only had black tea, I'm afraid. I know you like earl grey but it wasn't an option." She smiled politely at him, trying to show that nothing had happened, but Albus couldn't be fooled.
"Minerva...I am terribly sorry... It just isn't the right time. We have a war ahead of us. Neither of us can afford the distraction."
"I understand Albus, you don't have to apologise. Maybe, it's for the better."
They drank their tea in awkward silence. Minerva never had felt awkward with Albus again. She was a fool for almost ruining their friendship.
They fell asleep, Albus on the couch, Minerva on Severus' armchair, until Harry woke around 6:30. He prepared his protein shake, as quietly as he could, but it seemed to have woken them. Albus rubbed his eyes, and sat up gingerly from his spot, the couch wasn't an ideal place to spend the night, with his old bones. Minerva seemed more comfortable with her armchair.
"Good morning! Sorry to wake you..." Harry greeted the pair.
"No worries Harry m' boy, we should go and prepare for our leave." Albus reassured the boy.
"The headmaster is right Harry, we have things to finish, before leaving for the cottage today." Minerva agreed with him. Albus felt a stab of pain when she continued the formalities of last night.
" What cottage?" Harry inquired confused.
"My cottage. We think, that it would be a nice distraction for all of us, to take a few days off. I have a cottage in Isle Aran, next to the beach, I think you will love it!"
"And...what about Professor Slughorn?"
"We can afford to visit Horace after we return. Right now, it would be advisable to grab the opportunity to rest, while we still can."
"Can you swim at the sea?" Harry asked apprehensively.
"Yes you can, dear boy!" Albus shared his enthusiasm.
"Great! Thank you Al!" He smiled brightly at the older man.
"Now, if you want to arrive early at the cottage, you should go to your practice, I will escort you." Minerva stood and with Harry, practically jumping from joy, the went to complete his morning routine.
Harry packed his things and toiletries, with a little help from Dobby, and got to the Entrance Hall, where both Minerva and Albus awaited him.
"All packed Harry?"
"Yes sir!"
"Don't worry, if you have forgotten anything, we can always come back to get it!" Albus patted him on the shoulder. They apparated from the gates, to Albus' cottage,
The first thing Harry noticed when he opened his eyes, was the smell of the ocean. He took a deep breath to savour it and looked around. The weather was perfect! Sunlight was filling all of the place, with the warmth it radiated, spreading through his body. They had landed in the yard of a big beach house, that was practically 100 feet from the sea. The yard was full of all kinds of magical flowers, of all colours. It had a stone path leading to the big house. He followed Albus and Minnie down the path and into the house. Albus, said a series of Latin words to unlock it and then pushed the large wooden door open.
"Welcome!" Albus exclaimed, stepping aside for Harry and Minerva to follow inside.
"It's beautiful Albus!" Harry observed the inside carefully. As you entered the cottage, there was a wide corridor with walls that were decorated with magical photographs. Harry's interest was picked as he looked at each of them. There was one of the old Order, his mother, father and Sirius waved at him and Harry almost choked. There was another with the new Order, a photo of Dumbledore receiving his Order of the Phoenix, another one with presumably his sister and brother, Harry recognised the owner of the pub and the girl that sat between the brothers had Dumbledore's eyes, that why Harry thought it was his sister. The most interesting of all though, were two particular ones. The first was of Albus, Minerva and Snape, here at the cottage, and it was weird, because Snape was actually smiling! The other one was of, a younger than now, Dumbledore holding a small baby in his arms, both chuckling, as it played with his long white beard. In the corner of the photo there was a hand written inscription with golden calligraphic hand writing.
"To Grandpa Al for his birthday, Harry"
Harry smiled at the photo.
"That was when you were one year old, in August. It is one of my favourite photos from this wall." Albus patted Harry in the shoulder and moved towards the stairs at the end of the corridor. In the end, besides the stairs, were four doors. Two, were right before the stairs one on the left and one on the right. The other two were behind the stairs.
" This is the kitchen." Albus pointed at the door on his right , " and here I'd the dining area." He said pointing at the room in his left. "The right door at the end is the living room and on the right is my study and the library. You'll have plenty of time to explore later, but first I want to show you your room." Albus and Minerva climbed the stairs and Harry followed them. So far, the house seems wonderful. The walls were painted white and it had magical instruments like in Dumbledore's office all around. The floor and the furniture were made from mahogany and sunlight was coming in, lighting the place, from the numerous windows all around the house. Upstairs, Harry spotted five doors.
"There are four bedrooms here. Mine is at the end of the corridor. Minerva dear, your usual?" Albus asked addressing his colleague.
"If you haven't got any other plans for that room..." Minerva answered to the Headmaster.
"No, of course not!"
"Excuse me then, as I go and settle down." McGonagall got to the room next to Albus'. Harry had noticed that the aura between these two was a bit heavy. Albus was very cautious as to how he regarded Minnie and she was very distant. Usually, they were very playful with each other. There was a bet between the Hogwarts students, and between the staff. It concerned their relationship, and when would they finally announce they were a couple, or maybe when would someone finally spot them in a tender moment. But with this behaviour they both had, Harry was really unsure about his 10 galleons on the reveal after the war.
"Now, Harry m'boy, next to Minerva's bedroom, will be the room that Severus will occupy when he joins us. That door, across Severus's room, is another library, but less often used, so you can use it for your studies and that, is you room." Albus opened the door and Harry was met with a bright room, with a simple four postered bed, a closet to put his clothes to. A small bedside table with a lamp was bedside his bed, and a door across it. Large windows were on one side of the room, allowing the sunlight to enter, and they had view to a field the size of three Quidditch fields!
"The door leads to your bathroom. Every room has its own. The field that you see is yarded as is the rest of the house, from here to that hill you see. I had the elves bring you your broom, I'm sure you'll enjoy flying around. I also bought you this..." Albus reached at the pocket of his robe and took out a small wrapped parcel. Harry lookers at the man with genuine amusement. He threw away the lemon decorated wrapper, to reveal a pair of swimming trunks, that were light blue and had sharks on them as a print.
"I wasn't sure if you had any, so I ordered you these. They will come in handy, I believe." Albus winked at the boy and harry smiled at him
"Thank you Al! For everything! This place is really great!"
"You can call the house elves if you need anything, their names are Diem and Esma. I suggest you unpack and get settled. We'll have tea in an hour, if that is convenient for you... Until then, do as you please. This place is completely secure, it was used as a safe house for the old Order and no one alive except from me, you, Minerva and Severus, knows about it. I do advise you though, to always inform any of us before you leave the house and to have an escort with you."
"Alright, sir. I guess, I'll see you in an hour." Harry still hadn't lost his grin from his face.
Albus' eyes twinkled and he left the boy alone to settle. On his way to his bedroom, he knocked on Minerva's door.
"Come in!" Albus pushed the door open quietly. Minerva was standing in the middle of the room while her robes and toiletries flew around the room, being neatly and precisely put in their places. Albus ducked from a hairbrush that was coming his way and avoided Minerva's robes as they made their way to the closet.
"I'm sorry for the disruption, Minerva. Maybe it would be better if I stopped by a little later."
"No disruption Albus. Do come in..." She pointed to the chair that was in the room, as the last pair of robes settled in the closet and it closed.
"Is there something I can help you with?" Who was she kidding? She knew why he had come. She was hoping he would come. She felt like an idiot for being so harsh on him. He had every right not to want to be with her, and that shouldn't be a reason to hold it against him.
"I was hoping we could talk, a bit privately that is, about last night.," he took the offered seat and put his hands on his knees, running them up and down in anxiety. Albus rarely felt anxious, but now he felt like a nerdy schoolboy asking the most popular girl to the Ball. She remained standing, the same uneasiness Albus felt, running through her body too.
"I need to apologise Albus. I know I was a bit harsh on you. I should have respected your decision."
"I am the one who needs to apologise Minnie. I gave you the wrong impression and I should not have done that. The fact is, I didn't know that you had...feelings... for me. If I did..." I would have confessed my love to you and I would take you to be mine forever, Albus thought "... I would have been more careful. I just don't want to ruin our friendship, because I consider you my truest and best friend. Could you please accept my apology?"
"Of course I do Albus! I don't want to ruin our friendship either!" a pink colour was beginning to make its way to her cheeks. She had made a complete fool of herself! She just had been rejected from the Greatest Wizard of the century. Albus noticed it of course and smiled politely at her. He stood up and brushed a strand of hair from her face. It was just irresistible.
The hell with you Albus! Why would you do that to me now, when you have clearly said that you don't have any feelings for me. You can't just toy around, like I am a game or something, she thought.
He was at least a head taller than her. His blues eyes could drift you in their depths. She could smell his aroma, consisted of sugary lemons and paper mint.
His hand remained on her cheek as he too got lost in her dark green eyes. He leaned down and gave her a small peck on the lips. She closed her eyes in longing. She couldn't believe it.
"We can wait until the end of the war. We have waited so many years already." He rested his forehead against hers, while her eyes remained closed. With another kiss on her forehead, he stormed out of the room and she practically collapsed on the bed, running a finger on her lips.
So, the Great Albus Dumbledore did have feelings for her after all. Minerva felt like her wish on a shooting star had been fulfilled.
That's it! I hope you liked the tension and passion of this chapter, I certainly enjoyed writing it. If you liked it, please follow and review. Even if I can't reply, I take great joy from reading them.
Until next time!!!!
Ellie ;)