Disclaimer: Harry Potter is not mine. Obviously.

The song ended and for a second they just stood, living on the moment.

"Thank you, professor." Minerva was acutely aware of the fact that they were still holding each other. Very, very closely. He was looking down at her with a friendly smile, and she felt the warmth of his affection wash over her in waves.

"You're welcome, Minerva."

There was a split second where neither of them moved, and then Minerva gave in to her impulsive side. She shifted her weight, leaned up, and kissed him. Softly at first, chaste. Exploring, and uncertain. A little to her shock, he didn't pull away. She took her hands from his and placed them on either side of his face, pulling him in. Adrenaline was coursing through her veins. Her heart was hammering. Then his hands were on her waist. He was moving in closer, opening his mouth… But wait. Something wasn't right. He was chuckling. Then he was pulling away.

Wait… no… Her mind was racing a mile a minute. He pulled away, still laughing. She had never felt so hurt.

"Professor, is something wrong?" She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks. He smiled kindly down at her, gently tucking a strand of raven hair that had come loose behind her ear.

"Oh Minerva. My clever, wonderful Minerva. I'm sorry but we would never work, and believe me when I say that it is no fault of yours."

She felt as if someone had punched her in the gut. Her fierce embarrassment made itself known by coloring her cheeks even deeper. "I'm sorry, sir, I should never have-"

"No," he chuckled again. She wondered how he could have the gall to laugh at a time like this, when she had bared her true feelings to him… "Minerva. Listen to me. It wouldn't have worked. Believe me, you are absolutely a desirable young woman, but I'm afraid you're not my type."

She started backing away. She had never been so embarrassed in her life. "Right," she said, "I understand-" he must have recognized the mortification in her eyes, because as she turned to flee he grabbed her arm. She felt like sobbing. All she wanted to do was leave, to escape this horrid situation.

"Minerva please listen to me. It's not you. I, how do I put this delicately… I play for the other team, so to speak."

She stopped, understanding beginning to dawn on her features. "…Sir?"

"Minerva," he paused and took a breath before continuing, "I'm gay."

She stepped back. Of course. Of course she had fallen for the gay professor. Because that's just how her life worked. Damnit Min hold it together. Don't do this. Not here, and certainly not now. She willed herself not to fall apart in front of him. "Of course sir, I understand. But I really must go…" It was only after she had turned and ran safely out of the courtyard that she allowed herself to release the hot, angry tears that had been welling up. She had taken off so fast that she didn't even hear him call after her.

AN: Curveball! Sorry, ADMM shippers. I just wasn't feeling it anymore. But stick with me! It'll be worth the while for some friendship goodness. Also I'm about to introduce a character with whom I have fallen in love. So yeah, stick around. xD Also, I'm sorry if this is awful. I haven't written in ages and it felt very strange getting back into the swing of things. And I have realized that I have no clue how to structure dialogue… sorry about that as well. Anyway, constructive criticism is much appreciated!