CHAPTER 2
Albus sighed and closed his eyes while his fingers rubbed at his temples. He wished, as he had many times since Francois had contacted him, that the Headmaster of Beauxbatons had not become ill. However, it did little good, as he was committed now, and while he knew Minerva understood, he also knew she didn't have to like it. A sentiment she was expressing quite loudly, though she had not said a word against it. And now with Aurelia owling that she would be attending…well, things couldn't get much worse.
He knew Minerva would need time to herself to work through her feelings before she would be able to speak with him on the matter. If he went after her now, they would have a terrible row. Or maybe his staying seated was more for his own benefit. He had no wish to be hexed into the next week. Though on second thought, it would solve his current dilemma. A strained laugh escaped his throat at his own bad humor.
Opening his eyes, Albus looked at the two cups of cooling tea. He picked up the one which was meant for him and took several sips of the lukewarm beverage before allowing his brain to once again contemplate his situation. He would need to make this up to her, but for some reason he didn't think flowers, chocolate or dinner out would placate her anger at his latest work-related crisis.
Beyond that, he had to admit that he was a bit surprised by Minerva's reaction to Aurelia's letter. He knew his wife was not fond of the other witch by the way she had reacted the few times they had all gotten together for drinks or dinner. However, until today, he never realized to what extent Minerva disliked Aurelia.
Minerva had made a few comments on how lovely Aurelia was, with a warm, intimate nature about her. And Albus knew sarcasm when he heard it, especially when it came from Minerva. And perhaps Aurelia was a bit touchy on occasion, but he had always chalked it up to familiarity from their shared history together. After all, the two of them had been friends since they were very young. At this point in their lives, however, he was at best a passing acquaintance. However, as with all childhood friends, some form of attachment was always present that made it seem like only yesterday that you were spending whole days together as the best of friends getting into untold amounts of mischief.
Aurelia's family had moved into a manor near theirs when her father had been hired by the Ministry. A fast friendship between their parents had developed, particularly between the two young mothers, to the point where one or the other would spend whole days at the other's house as company. They were even known to vacation together on occasion.
When Aurelia was young, Albus had found her little more than an irritant. He had been a couple years older than she and found his own company, and those of his books, to be far superior to that of the little witch. But as time passed, he had found her to be more and more intriguing, and when he left for Hogwarts that first year, he found himself missing her company more than he would have imagined.
She started at Hogwarts shortly after he did, and their friendship continued, though they were sorted into different houses. His Gryffindor friends would tease him mercilessly about his fond attachment to the younger Hufflepuff. And her friends would giggle and blush whenever he came around, at least for the first couple of years. But friends they remained, never even going on Hogsmeade weekends alone, until after they had both graduated.
It had taken Albus years to realize he loved Aurelia, and when he asked her out that first time, his heart had been dangerously close to stopping as he waited for her answer. When she had responded with an enthusiastic "yes," he could have danced with joy. They began to date casually, and then much more seriously, to the immense satisfaction of their families, who still remained as close as ever.
Their careers started to pull them down different paths, but both made sure to leave room for the other. Albus proposed on a warm spring night in the presence of family and friends, and she had accepted with tears in her eyes. Neither knew that from that point on, everything would conspire to pull them apart. First it was her promotion that required long hours, then it was his opportunity to do research which took him out of the country. Albus never lost his feelings for Aurelia, but Aurelia had found a new source of affection for hers.
When she broke things off between them, Albus thought his life would not go on. Of course it did, and after some of the pain had faded, they had even become friends once again. Looking back, Albus thought it was fate that had torn them apart. Had he married Aurelia, he never would have met the true love of his life – Minerva.
Minerva was the very reason for his existence, and he had often told her so. These statements would elicit everything from a blush to a smack at his arm depending on her mood. But he could tell she was always pleased to hear him say so. And for him, he was really only speaking the truth. He could not imagine his life without her. She held his heart in her hands and always would.
Pulling himself from his ruminations, a corner of parchment caught Albus' eye as he took another sip of his now cool tea. He bent over and picked up the letter of invitation from where it had fluttered to the floor. He wasn't sure what to tell Aurelia. He would like to catch up with her, but he also did not wish for Minerva to be upset with him. Perhaps he should hold off on making a decision either way until he spoke with Minerva before he left.
While Albus was wrapped up in his thoughts, Minerva was fuming in their bedroom. She had stormed into their rooms after abandoning the tea and her husband. Of all the times for the overbearing witch to enter the picture, this seminar, taking place during what was supposed to be their vacation, was too much for Minerva to bear. She wanted to hex something or rather someone, either Aurelia or Albus would do at this point. But as she had been doing since she had found out the news that Albus was canceling their time together, again, she restrained herself and instead set about wearing a path in her favorite rug.
Aurelia was the last person Minerva would want Albus to see at this conference, or at any other conference for that matter. Minerva remembered the first time she had heard Aurelia's name. Albus had just returned from a seminar shortly after they had begun dating and had mentioned having dinner with the witch and a few of his colleagues in passing. His description of her specifically was that they had been childhood friends and then sweethearts, and he had said it so casually that Minerva had never given it a second thought.
It was over two years later when they were in the final stages of planning their wedding that Minerva found out the whole story. Aberforth had arrived at the castle with their wedding gifts, since all of them were being sent to the manor, and mentioned to Albus that Aurelia had sent a card and present. Curious, Minerva remarked on it since she did not recall sending her an invitation. It was then that the entire tale had spilled forth.
Her first emotion had been hurt. She considered it a pretty significant event in Albus' life for him not to not have mentioned it earlier, especially since the opportunity had presented itself when Aurelia's name had been brought up when he had gone to dinner with her. However she pushed it aside as the tale progressed, and much to her displeasure, she found herself curious and a bit jealous of the witch who had broken Albus' heart. However, with gifts to open and Aberforth as entertainment, Aurelia was forgotten for the time being.
It wasn't until later when she had was lying next to Albus in his bed, with him sleeping soundly next to her, that she began to wonder if Albus still had feelings for the witch. She knew she was being silly, after all it had taken place a long time ago, and Albus had spoken as if the events had happened to someone else. It was only Aberforth's personal interjections and funny stories which had given life to the relationship and eventual break up. Still, first love was a strong emotion, and Minerva could never dismiss the unease she felt anytime Aurelia's name was mentioned, even though it was a scarce event.
So it was with great curiosity and a bit of trepidation that Minerva agreed to meet the woman at dinner during their third year of marriage. The evening had been a disaster by her account. Aurelia had been friendly in the extreme and so touchy with Albus that Minerva had resorted to behaving in a frosty manner toward the witch. Albus, on the other hand, seemed to think nothing of it, which infuriated Minerva all the more.
Huffing in remembrance, Minerva's eyes alighted upon Albus' open bags. In a fit of pique, she changed the purple material to a muddy brown, one of her husband's least favorite colors since he complained it did not have much personality. Realizing her actions were not of the most mature variety, she nearly relented. However her hurt feelings and recent unpleasant memories caused her to turn away from the offending items instead. Minerva had months if not years of pent up frustration to deal with and it was all coming out as a result of their spoiled vacation.
Minerva considered herself to be an understanding wife. She had played second fiddle to Albus' career, both as the Hogwarts Headmaster and as a member of the Wizengamot, and to his academic hobbies, since they had dated. That is not to say that Minerva was unaware that Albus cared for her above all else. Albus often remarked on how she was his one and only. However, his words and actions had been at cross-purposes of late, and it was infuriating her to no end. She had even begun to wonder if he really did love her as much as he confessed.
Even thinking the words caused Minerva's heart to contract painfully. She didn't know what she would do if Albus ever told her that he no longer loved her. Realizing she was being morose, Minerva retired to a plush chair by the window and curled into it. She lost herself for a while in feeling very sorry for herself. She couldn't remember the last time they had been on a planned vacation, nor the last time they had even spent an entire day together with no interruptions. She supposed today could have been one of those days, but it had been ruined by the previous day's events and the work involved with preparing for the conference. And most importantly, it had now been forever tarnished by Aurelia.
Hearing Albus moving around in the adjoining room had Minerva on her feet in an instant. His packing was not yet complete, but she had no wish to deal with him at the moment. Instead, she made her way to their bathroom. She locked the door behind her, something she was not in the habit of doing. However, she wanted to make it clear to her husband that she was not to be interrupted.
The tub looked inviting, and Minerva decided soaking in some sweet smelling, warm water was just what she needed. She tapped the faucets she wished to activate, and the tub filled quickly as she removed her robes and undergarments. As she sunk into the inviting warmth, she decided to let go of her anger for the time being. As much as she wished to hex some sense into Albus, it would do them no good whatsoever. Well, Minerva might feel better but it would only widen the chasm between them. Perhaps something could be salvaged before he left in the morning. Minerva would give Albus the chance to apologize, though she felt in her heart that she could never forgive him completely.
It was quite a bit later than she had intended when she finally emerged from the bathroom. Minerva had spent her time indulging herself and felt not the least ounce guilty for it. It was quiet in their rooms as she dressed in a light robe but the smells from a delicious dinner had permeated the air causing her stomach to rumble. With a hint of a smile on her face, probably for the first time since Albus' announcement, she made her way toward the inviting scents.
The scene which met her eyes when she finally found dinner and her husband caused her to stiffen. For the second time in as many days, Albus had set a romantic scene for their meal. However, it was the last thing Minerva wanted to see. She wasn't feeling the least bit romantic and certainly was in no mood to be wooed. She felt angry, and justifiably so, at the situation, and she did not want Albus to smooth things over in his traditional way.
Albus' smiling face made her even more upset. He should not be standing there looking for all the world like nothing was at all wrong. He should be as miserable as she felt, not standing by a candlelit table with flowers in his hand. Her feelings must have expressed themselves clearly on her face, for Albus' mouth turned down and his eyes clouded a little. A feeling of triumph raced through her, and Minerva instantly felt horribly guilty. She should not be so uncharitable, especially after deciding to try and work things out.
Minerva forced a smile and moved toward Albus. "Thank you for the beautiful flowers," she murmured as he pulled out her seat.
"I thought they might bring you some joy. I know my responsibilities weigh heavily on you, even more so than they do on me, I believe. I love you, Minerva, and I would never intentionally hurt you."
Minerva felt tears spring to her eyes, but they were not in sorrow or sadness, but rather in anger. How dare he make her feelings seem so small? What about his responsibility to her? She wanted him to tell her she was angry with good reason, that he had been neglecting her and even that he would cancel the trip immediately so that they could spend the weekend together as planned, even though she knew it was fantasy. Wiping at her cheeks while he took his seat and wouldn't notice, Minerva managed to say something appropriate to his words.
Dinner was a stilted affair, but Minerva gradually relaxed as the two began to discuss familiar topics. They talked about some concerns with the staff and about the families of some of the students who would be starting in the fall. The newest transfiguration journal had an article which they both ridiculed with relish. Albus even encouraged Minerva to write a rebuttal of it and submit it.
Minerva's heart lightened, and by dessert she felt some of her anger at her husband and the situation diffuse. She was on the verge of inviting him back to their bedroom, where she intended to make good use of their last night together and to discuss her feelings with him a bit more when Albus asked a question. It took a while for his words to really sink in. And even after she understood what it was he asked her, she wished she had not. Surely he would not bring Aurelia back into their world at this point, not after everything they had been through that day.
"Minerva, did you hear me?" Albus questioned gently. "I just wanted to know for certain how you felt about me having dinner with Aurelia. I know you said to do what I wished, but you were obviously not happy with her contacting me."
"I can't do this again today," Minerva said as her heart broke yet again.
"I don't want to fight," Albus declared. "Just forget I said anything."
Albus looked concerned as Minerva moved shakily to her feet. "But that's just it," she said brokenly, "I can't forget."
Not giving him any time to detain her further, Minerva swept from the room before tears spilled down her cheeks. The faster she could get out of the school and away from her husband and his romancing ways, the better she'd feel and the easier she'd breathe. In the span of one afternoon he had taken her happiness and crushed it into a fine powder before letting it sift through the wind like a vapor. But what angered her most wasn't the convention, for she knew he'd do anything to help a friend or colleague. And it wasn't even really the fact of Aurelia spending time with him, though that did bother her as well. No, what really irritated and pained her the most was that he didn't seem to give a damn that all her hard work and planning for their small holiday, the first in quite some time, had seemingly been for nothing. It seemed just a bit too easy for him to simply walk away from their plans and her for that matter.
Stepping out into the cool night air, Minerva cast her eyes skyward and noticed the blurry points of light now clouded by tears. This was supposed to be a happy night for them, sharing the starlight as they sipped wine and cuddled after a long day of exhausting work, not the tension filled evening that now surrounded them. Her steps grew slower as she walked aimlessly across the grounds, not even sure where she was going only that she needed to get away. No matter what Albus said or did tonight, she was sure it would only serve to make her even more upset. It was clear from his meal preparations and even the flowers that on some level he realized that he needed to apologize. And that was all well and good. But to punctuate their fragile happiness of the moment by another mentioning of Aurelia was simply too much to bear. It was hard enough knowing her husband so easily gave up time alone with her to attend a conference, but to know that his former lover would also be in attendance…right across the hall…sharing an intimate dinner for two…no, it was just too much.
On her third trip around the grounds and several tear filled hours later, Minerva decided she should probably return to the castle. She paused and looked up at the Headmaster's chambers, seeing a small light still flickering in the window. Anger and determination gripped her heart, mingled with a hint of sadness. She silently wondered if Albus was sitting up waiting for her and if he'd planned yet some new attempt to seek her forgiveness for something she wasn't even sure he understood.
She stood beneath the window, staring up at the dancing light and contemplating her next move. If she went back to their rooms, no doubt Albus would try to explain things away or to ignore the situation entirely. Neither option sounded particularly pleasant to Minerva at the moment. What would be worse could only be if he attempted once more to restore her happier mood, the one she had so begrudgingly given up in lieu of the one that currently filled her heart. Bitterly, she thought how easily she had slipped from extreme happiness to extreme sorrow, and suddenly her mind was made up in that moment.
Minerva stepped into the dark and cold rooms with little trepidation. She had the layout of the rooms memorized from years of living in them. Granted, it had been several years since she'd had to occupy them, but honestly, she saw no alternative. Perhaps a night apart would do wonders for her mood and hopefully give Albus some time to reflect on what had happened between them. With any luck, in the fresh light of day things would have improved, and at least he could leave while they were on more agreeable terms. The thought of him leaving while they were still at odds caused a dark cloud to settle over her heart and a cold chill to sweep through her.
For the first few hours after Minerva's sudden departure, Albus paced back and forth. He realized that going after her while she was obviously so distressed would have been his fatal mistake and all hopes he had of mending their current status would be dashed rather quickly. Over and over again, he replayed the events from the time the Headmaster from Beaubaxtons contacted him until Minerva's outburst and the quiet clicking of the door as she left.
Part of him understood her reasons for being angry. He had promised to take a holiday with her. No, it wasn't a holiday with her. It was a holiday for them. Their hectic schedules, no make that his horrendous schedule, kept them apart more than he cared to admit. But what was he supposed to do? A friend, his colleague, needed his help on a matter of great importance. And how was he to know that Aurelia would be in attendance, much less directly across the hall at the hotel…while he was staying in the room reserved for Francois? That surely was a coincidence. Getting together with an old friend should not cause such a volatile reaction from Minerva, no matter their gender or former place in his life. Granted he wouldn't be overly keen on her meeting with a former lover but he trusted her explicitly and he was secure in her love for him.
As the evening began to wane, he began to grow worried. Minerva hadn't returned, nor had she sent him any sort of note to say she had stopped by Xiomara's or Poppy's for a cup of tea or for a friendly ear. He thought of sending Fawkes, just to make certain nothing had happened to her, but when she was in this sort of mood, which had been rare in their marriage, he learned that the best thing he could give her was time. Unfortunately, he had to Portkey away in a few hours time, leaving her behind and, no doubt, unhappy.
With his thoughts still centered on her and their current predicament, Albus paced until he grew weary, then collapsed into Minerva's favorite chair in their sitting room. He desperately tried to stay awake so he could speak with her as soon as she returned but he quickly found his eyes drooping heavily as his mind whirled with thoughts and emotions. Slipping into an uneasy and nightmarish sleep, he spent the remainder of the night, waiting for his beloved to return while running from the demons in his dreams without ever leaving the chair that still held a hint of her perfume.
It was to the very unpleasant sound of a house elf bringing their standard morning order of tea and the paper that Albus woke. He winced from the pain in his neck as he jumped, thinking that perhaps Minerva had returned. Seeing the silver tray and the two cups of tea and no Minerva to share them with, his heart sank. He sighed heavily and pulled himself from the chair after glancing at the nearby clock. Time wasn't on his side today, and he had very little of it left to shower, look over the things Minerva had packed for him, add anything additional and perhaps, he hoped, to see her, before he had to leave.
Minerva looked at her haggard appearance in the mirror and laughed bitterly. How she ever thought she could compete with the likes of Aurelia, especially on a morning like this, was beyond her. No doubt one look at Minerva's dark circles beneath her eyes, rumpled clothing and pale complexion, and he would have no reason not to run back into Aurelia's arms. Still, she had never let him leave the castle without at least some sort of goodbye, and her conscience would not let her commit that grievous error. Casting a few glamour charms on her appearance, Minerva felt somewhat better about her looks, but still dreaded seeing her husband off for the trip. She wanted to remain angry at him for hurting her feelings so, but quite honestly, she didn't have the energy to fight him on this any longer.
"Ready to leave, I see." Her cool tone belied the nerves in her stomach and the dreadful ache in her heart as she stepped into the bedroom where Albus was just closing his traveling bag.
Albus whirled around at the sound of her soft voice, just as he had given up hope of seeing her before he left. Now his mind was at war with his heart. He wanted more than anything to run to her side and scoop her into his arms. However, his head made it perfectly clear that she was still most likely upset and that could lead to another argument or worse…a hexing for him depending on the level of anger still surging within her. He opted for a small smile and a nod of his head.
"Then, have a safe trip and I will, as always, be here when you return." She felt the tears beginning to form in her eyes but with a tightening of her jaw and a raising of her eyebrows, she managed to keep them at bay.
"When I get back we can…" Albus was stopped mid sentence by her slender but almost unnoticeable shaking hand, held up in protest.
"Don't. Don't make me promises. Go and enjoy your conference. I hope you have much success in your presentation and that you're able to catch up with…old friends," she added cynically. "No doubt you'll be the toast of the party, as always," she threw in quietly for effect.
Once again, Albus started to say something but he couldn't think of a single thing to say other than "I love you and will see you soon, then. I will be back early Monday morning, I promise," he answered then winced at the word promise.
"As I said, I'll see you later. Now, I have to be off. I have a few things to do this morning that I had planned on doing when we returned from our trip. Suppose I shouldn't waste my time with frivolity, eh?" And with that, Minerva turned and left, just as she lost her battle with the flood of tears now spilling down her cheeks.
Minerva only made it to an unused classroom just down the hall from their rooms before she collapsed. She slid down the back of the closed door as all of her emotions overwhelmed her. She cried for herself, for their relationship, and for their seeming inability to fix it. She didn't know how long she had been crying but when she finally pushed herself up off of the floor her back ached and her neck felt stiff. All of this crying and emotional energy was draining her to the point of exhaustion. What she needed was a good meal, some hot tea and someone to talk to.
Minerva dreaded going back to their rooms. She didn't want to face the emptiness she knew awaited her. However, her Gryffindor courage made her put one foot in front of the other even as her heart protested. Albus would be gone now, gone for three days. She knew she would think of him every moment of that time, while he was able to distract himself with his presentations, colleagues, and Her.
The rooms were as quiet as she feared, and she called a house elf quickly to bring her some sustenance and tea. It was nearing lunch, so some light sandwiches and perhaps fruit would have to do. She walked into the bathroom to freshen up while she waited. She looked even worse than she had earlier. She splashed some cold water on her face and applied some cream to help with the swelling around her eyes. She noticed Albus' personal effects were missing, but did not dwell on it. Instead she moved to the fireplace and threw in some floo powder in order to call both Poppy and Xiomara, hopefully one would be able to come and visit.
A/N: Thanks to everyone who took the time to read the first chapter and to those who decided to leave us a review as well. We hope this second chapter sparked your interests and you're curious to know what happens next. In Chapter 3, we will see the girls (Poppy and Xiomara) chatting with Minerva…then Xiomara Hooch has a plan…dun dun dun.