"Poppy, can you help me?"

"Certainly, Headmaster. What is it?"

"I need you to help Minerva get a formal ball gown by Friday.

"Oh. Ah…I might need Rolanda's help for that."

"Just help Minerva. I want her to be with me."

"I promise, Professor."


"You're going to WHAT?"

"Help you choose a gown, Minerva."

"No…no no no! I can't…"

"You can, Minerva. And Rolanda is going to help."

Minerva's eyes narrowed as they found the hawk-like witch's eyes. Green stared into yellow as the tension grew.

"I'm not beautiful…and I would ruin any gown."

"Nonsense, Minerva! Albus would be very disappointed if you did not go with him." Rolanda patted Minerva's cheek and pulled her down to sit on the boudoir.

The gown whizzed out of Minerva's closet and she gasped. It was unexpectedly beautiful. The gown was made of cerulean blue silk, with a train that extended four feet behind her. Tiny silver beads edged her bodice and along the V-neckline. Minerva appraised her reflection and a tiny frown furrowed her forehead. She brought her hands to her collar.

"Poppy, Rolanda…this collar…is too…"

"Perfect, Minerva," Poppy reassured her. Minerva couldn't help but agree and a smile curved her lips. Poppy saw tears brimming her friend's eyes and she gave Minerva's shoulders a gentle squeeze.

"Now, dear, Rolanda made you something."

Minerva blinked rapidly and turned to see Rolanda smiling hopefully. A piece of silver thread dangled from Minerva's skirt. Rolanda snipped it off and waved her wand to transform the thread to a delicate silver chain with a silver carved rose with leaves. Minerva smiled tremblingly to see the beautiful necklace drop against her throat. Her pale skin brought out the silver perfection of both the gown and the necklace.

"Oh…Poppy, Rolanda! Thank you," she whispered.

"Go on, Minerva, and blow out the crowd," Rolanda said.

Albus waited anxiously from outside the door. It was the night of the ball, and Minerva had promised not to keep him waiting too long. His palms were sweating slightly as he paced the floor. He could hear the ladies' soothing voices comforting what sounded like Minerva's hysterical declarations. In spite of himself, Albus smiled.

Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open silently. Minerva stood on a pedestal, looking like a goddess.

Albus opened his mouth wordlessly and gaped at her. Minerva smiled at him hesitantly.

"D-do you like it, Albus?"

"Yes. I-I do. What…color is that?"

"Er..well, it's a very deep blue. Cerulean, that's what it is. You really do like it?"

Albus nodded. He came closer and looked up at Minerva. She placed her hands gently on his shoulders. Albus grinned at her and twirled her around. When they ended their embrace, he was kissing her.

"You're beautiful, my love."

Rolanda was smiling at the pair of them; Poppy was wiping tears of happiness her eyes.

"Headmaster…please. Minerva still needs to stay here for five minutes so I can remove her pins. It will be all. I will make sure you both aren't late."

"Thank you, Poppy. I appreciate it more than I can put into words."

Albus turned back to Minerva. He lifted her hand and kissed it gently. Minerva was blushing again.

"I'm going to…you need something more. Here."

Albus reached inside his robes and brought out a tiny box. Minerva looked at it with a slightly quizzical expression on her face. Albus smiled widely and opened the box to reveal silver raindrop earrings. Minerva gasped. Her fingers went to caress the delicate silver jewelry.

"It's beautiful, Al…I love them," she breathed. A radiant smile turned her lips upward.

"Put them on," he urged. "I want to see how they look on you."

Minerva obliged. Her transformation was complete. With a gentle pat of approval from Poppy, Minerva stepped down from the stool and took Albus' arm. Together, they swept toward the door.

Just before Minerva and Albus exited the door, Minerva had a small smirk on her face. She stopped Albus with a gentle touch on his arm. She turned to him and adjusted his tie. He flushed and smiled wider at her. Her fingers worked with an assurance; Albus took her chin in his hands and pecked her lips.

"How do I look, Minerva?"

"Dashingly handsome, Al. I love you so."

"A true pleasure to see you, Dumbledore, old boy," Fudge bubbled, twirling his bowling hat between his chubby hands. "And Minerva, my dear! You look simply stunning."

"Thank you, Cornelius," Albus replied gracefully. His fingers crept to Minerva's and gave her hand a gentle squeeze to remind her that no matter how tempting it would be to hex the Minister, it was strictly out of protocol.

Minerva breathed out through her nostrils and attempted to smile sweetly. "Minister, it is wonderful to see you too. Albus speaks most highly of you." She placed a tiny stress upon Albus' name.

Fudge nodded at her as Albus gave her a small smile for her poise.

"Albus, would you care to lead the dance? I believe it is starting soon."

"Delighted to do so, Minister," Albus replied smoothly.

As he led out Minerva, she giggled. Placing a gentle hand on his shoulder, she twirled carefully under his expert direction.

"You certainly put Cornelius in his place, Al. It was amusing to see him."

Albus dropped a quick kiss on her head. He countered: "Your wit puts everyone away. They must envy me for marrying such a clever witch."

Minerva smiled at the compliment and glided to her husband's steps. As they swayed to the beat of the music, their love blossomed like magical blooms. Nothing would ever keep them apart…

/-/-/

It was past midnight when Minerva and Albus trudged up to their little cottage. The darkness made their cottage seem smaller, but the miserable look dissipated as soon as Minerva lit a candle. She yawned quietly and removed her earrings with an expert hand. Albus covered her hands with his and brought them to his lips. Minerva watched him caress her soft skin with his even softer lips.

"Albus…oh Albus, thank you so much for convincing me to go to the ball tonight."

"Mmm, my dear, you were absolutely ravishing. I quite enjoyed it myself, having been the center of envy again."

Minerva blushed and smiled. "Flatterer," she admonished softly. She pressed her lips to his briefly and let go to unravel her long hair.

"It is late, my love. And tomorrow is…another day."