Minerva finished her delicate slice of chocolate cake and took a sip of smooth red wine. She smiled lovingly in Albus' direction and placed her cool palm in his. The night was quiet and in her sitting room, both of them were quite comfortable sitting before a gently crackling fire in each other's company. Albus caressed her cheek lightly with the back of his hand; his touch stimulated a deep burning flame of desire in her. As they both looked toward the golden mantle clock on her fireplace, they found the second hand ticking steadily toward the ten second mark.
Tick. Ten.
Albus brought his penetrating gaze to his Minerva's face, which was illuminated by the rosy glow of the fire.
Tick. Nine.
Minerva tore her eyes from the clock, which was also a past gift to her from him, and smiled a dazzling smile at him.
Tick. Eight.
Albus could see his reflection in her bright, enchanting emerald eyes.
Tick. Seven.
Minerva felt her heart constrict as she remembers years past when she hardly dared hope that he loved her. And now…
Tick. Six.
She had been Albus' student. Now she was a grown and lovely woman.
Tick. Five.
Minerva caressed the lines on her husband's face, the scars that made him look, if possible, even handsomer.
Tick. Four.
He is hers, forever. The feel of her soft hand in his elicits a sensation of electricity through his veins. Ah yes, didn't people say that falling in love was like getting struck by lightning?
Tick. Three.
Minerva's breath hitched in her throat. How close he was to her. His sensuous lips curved into a smile.
Tick. Two.
Time has frozen. Their love is tangible in the air.
Tick. One.
Simultaneously, they lean forward. Minerva closes her eyes and feels soft lips meet her own. Oh Merlin, could they just relive this moment forever?
"Happy Birthday, my beautiful Minerva."
"I love you my darling."
The castle clocks struck midnight as the golden mantle clock by the fireplace chimed.
As long as the sound reverberates in their souls, there is no meaning to time. There is only an endless, boundless, ceaseless now… and a burning desire to keep the flame going.