AN/- Very...very mild MMAD action in this chapter.

Chapter 22

Apologies

A week had passed in a blur, with Lyra and Sara relentlessly laboring to revive Aries Shorthorn. His once-petrified body had transformed into a state of fluidity, leaving only one final hurdle: for him to open his eyes and respond verbally. Lyra suggested a daily visitation plan involving Zeus, hoping that the sound of his brother's voice would jolt Aries from his comatose state and reassure him that his life was no longer in jeopardy.

Zeus dutifully followed their plan, faithfully coming by each day to have a one-sided conversation with his slumbering sibling. On this particular day, the Janus Thicke ward was unusually quiet. No new patients had fallen victim to foolishness, and thus, there was little work to attend to. Zeus casually strolled into the calm ward, passing the two vigilant aurors stationed outside the doors at Healer Myers' insistence, following his shock upon learning of recent events. Myers had been horrified by the situation and had initially demanded personal security for Lyra and Sarah from the Ministry. However, the request was swiftly withdrawn, as he understood the reason behind his healers refusal – they were, after all, covert supporters of the Order, and they didn't wish to put their lives at further risk. Myer's knew this, since he too was a silent campaigner.

Zeus settled into the chair next to Aries' bedside, gently holding his brother's hand as he began his one-sided conversation.

"Aries...how are you today? I've come to see you again..." Zeus started his daily monologue, his voice filled with a mix of hope and melancholy.

"Do you plan on waking up sometime and saying something back, brother? I suppose not..." He continued, his voice tinged with sadness and regret.

"Well...did I tell you? I am dating the beautiful girl who is bringing you back to me. She's an amazing woman. I can't wait for you to meet her."

Zeus' gaze shifted towards Sarah, who was busy tending to a patient being discharged.

"She's risking her life to bring you back to me, and I was a complete and utter arsehole to her!" Zeus confessed, his emotions bubbling to the surface.

"I think I've lost the love of my life, for good, Aries. I don't know what to do..."

Tears welled up in Zeus' eyes, and he softly cried into his hands, hoping no one would notice his vulnerability.

"Apolo...gize..." came a raspy voice from Aries. Zeus looked up in astonishment and quickly cleared his eyes.

"Sarah!" He called out, his voice trembling with shock.

There, before them, was Aries Shorthorn, opening his eyes. Sarah rushed over to confirm the miracle, and Lyra was alerted.

The trio gathered around the bed, with Sarah and Lyra immediately checking Aries' vitals.

"Mr. Shorthorn, my name is Lyra Marks. I'm the head of this ward at St. Mungo's. You're in the hospital right now, and you are safe. I just need to check your vitals. Please, stay still..." Lyra urgently reassured him, waving her wand over his body. Aries slowly nodded, absorbing every word as if it were a lifeline.

"Everything seems to be in top shape. Welcome back to the land of the living, Mr. Shorthorn!" Lyra said, her smile radiating warmth and relief. In response, Aries offered her the most heartfelt smile of gratitude.

"This is my apprentice, Sarah. She'll be looking after you today. Hopefully, you can return home with your brother soon. Zeus, he's awake now. I suggest the two of you sit down and gradually fill him in on the years he's missed. Take it slow, though; we don't want to overwhelm him."

Zeus and Sarah took their seats beside the bed, their voices filled with excitement as they eagerly shared every detail they could recall with Aries, who had, against all odds, returned to the world of the living.

Albus entered the headquarters late that night, fully aware of an early morning meeting that awaited him. Deciding to spend the night there to avoid the hassle of commuting, he quietly made his way through the dimly lit hallway.

As he moved past the staircase, he was greeted by an unexpected yet heartwarming sight. Zeus and Sarah, previously at odds, were locked in a tender moment, sharing a kiss that signified their reconciliation. It was a relief to witness love prevailing amidst the turbulent times they lived in.

With a smile of approval, Albus continued on his way, heading for the kitchen. He held a secret stash of sweets hidden there, fervently hoping that the mischievous Weasley twins hadn't discovered his cherished hoard. As he stepped into the kitchen, however, he was momentarily enamored by what he encountered.

The kitchen was softly illuminated, casting a warm glow across the room, and at the dining table sat Minerva. Her raven hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her face as she sat engrossed in a book. Her lips curled into a subtle smile, hinting that she was engaged in something particularly intriguing. Albus stood in the doorway, simply admiring her presence.

Despite the passage of time and the inevitable effects of aging, Albus found Minerva just as captivating and attractive as the day they had first met. The memories flooded back, etched in his mind like vivid snapshots. It was Alastor Moody who had brought her to their headquarters during the tumultuous days of the resistance against Grindelwald. Moody had introduced her as a junior auror, freshly graduated and already leading the most formidable squad, alongside none other than Theseus Scamander. It was a testament to her exceptional skills. While she was a couple of years younger than Albus, he had no recollection of her from their Hogwarts days. However, he was well-acquainted with her sisters, Margery and Athena, who had at Hogwarts with him.

Her first words to him had left a lasting impression. "I want to join the good fight." She had declared. Albus was instantly captivated by her unwavering determination and ambition. In no time, they found themselves working closely together to fortify the resistance. She proved to be an invaluable asset, supporting him in various missions and contributing with her masterful strategies, often leading many herself to successful outcomes.

Albus recalled the night when they had unexpectedly confessed their feelings for each other. It had been an accident, with Minerva returning slightly injured from a mission. Albus had unintentionally walked in on her, partially unclothed. Their embarrassed exchange had given way to a moment of vulnerability, with Minerva requesting his help to apply healing salve to her back. Albus had tried to be a gentleman, resisting the urge to let his gaze wander, but the rapid beating of his heart had betrayed him. He couldn't help but admire her beauty, and his eyes had involuntarily explored every inch of her bare skin.

"That should do it. Thank you for your help, Albus." She had said, turning to take the salve from his hand.

He took a deep, steadying breath and offered her a polite smile. In that shared moment, an indelible connection passed between them, a look that etched itself into his memory forever. Time seemed to stand still as he felt an irresistible pull toward her. Fortunately, she shared the same sentiment, and as if guided by an unseen force, their lips drew closer until they met, sealing their destinies together for the next three years.

Albus loved her with a depth he had never known before. Minerva had always been a fierce witch, so her love was equally fierce. Her passion and unwavering devotion to him were unparalleled. Their love was a force of nature, until the tranquility was shattered by a frivolous tabloid magazine's cover story, alleging a torrid affair between Albus and one of the McGonagall family's daughters.

From the day that scandalous article had been published, Albus's worry had grown into an overwhelming fear. He trembled at the thought that Grindelwald, had likely read that damaging piece. Albus could only imagine the lengths to which Grindelwald might go to locate Minerva and enact unthinkable horrors upon her. The mere prospect of losing her was a fear he couldn't bear.

In light of this dire circumstance, Albus made a heart-wrenching decision, one that he believed was for the greater good. He tried every tactic imaginable, from picking pointless fights to becoming emotionally and physically distant. Yet, Minerva remained steadfast, unwavering in her commitment to their relationship. Each time he had approached her, attempting to end their engagement, she responded with optimism, assuring him that every couple faced challenges, and they would overcome them. Her hopeful and loving smiles had the power to melt him everytime.

But Albus had reached his breaking point. He understood that by remaining with him, Minerva was placed in grave danger. The thought of being responsible for her suffering or harm was unbearable. That fateful night when he returned home to her, she greeted him with joyful anticipation, promising a surprise. In that moment, he contemplated putting his difficult decision on hold for just one more night. He believed that his presence would protect her, ensuring that no harm would befall her as long as he was by her side.

Albus had made up his mind, stubborn as ever. He had crafted a convincing lie, complete with false memories and meticulously planned details that he delivered with a cold and calculated demeanor. The time he spent apart from her had made the lie seem plausible to Minerva. He claimed that he had been unfaithful, that she was no longer enough for him, and that his heart had been won over by another. Minerva's reaction had been a rollercoaster of emotions – from shock to tears to a furious rampage that left their shared home in disarray. Witnessing her cry shattered Albus's heart; he had never wanted to be the cause of her pain.

In the end, he left her, a coward who turned his back and fled, abandoning her to her anguish. He never saw her again after that night, not even when the war had ended. He had searched tirelessly, desperate to tell her the truth, to beg for forgiveness, to fall at her feet if it meant she would take him back, or simply to make her understand that he had acted out of love, albeit selfishly.

Minerva only resurfaced nearly six years later when Armando Dippet introduced her as the new Transfiguration professor at Hogwarts. Albus was overjoyed to see her, but she made it clear that she wanted nothing to do with him. Over time, their discomfort waned, and they grew accustomed to each other's presence. Yet, the comfort they once shared was conspicuously absent. Minerva avoided being alone with him, and although they developed some semblance of a friendship, there were things left unspoken – both were afraid to resurrect their haunting pasts, fearing it would undo what little they had rebuilt.

Albus stood there, silently watching Minerva turn page after page, occasionally emitting a soft chuckle or raising her teacup to her lips. He had stolen countless secret glances at her over the years, his heart always urging him to speak about their past. However, he had never mustered the courage to apologize to her, and she had never given him the opportunity.

He berated himself for his heartlessness and cursed the young couple upstairs who had reconciled. He cursed Lyra Marks for planting the idea in his mind during their private chat on the stairs. The thought had been gnawing at him ever since.

"Albus? What are you doing?" Minerva's voice broke his thoughts, prompting him to feel awkward and caught.

"I..." He began hesitantly, and she raised an eyebrow, closing her book, making him feel like a mischievous schoolboy caught in the act.

"Albus? Did you need something?" She inquired, her confusion evident. He finally entered the kitchen, her eyes following his movements.

"Why are you still awake, Minerva?" He asked, letting out a sigh. She frowned at his unusual question.

"I have the night shift..." She replied matter-of-factly, closing her book.

"Alone?" He queried, his puzzlement apparent. Usually, members would take shifts in pairs, but more often than not, they would both stay awake to keep each other company.

"With Lyra. I believe she was delayed at work, but she should be home soon. Severus should be back as well soon. He came looking for you and stepped out a few minutes ago for a walk, saying he had some business to discuss with you..." She answered casually, conveying Snape's message.

"You truly care about her, don't you?" Albus asked with a gentle smile. Minerva appeared slightly taken aback by his probing, and she began tying her hair into her customary bun.

"Leave it down..." He blurted out, surprising himself and her. She paused, letting her hair flow freely, her lips parting in mild surprise.

He moved closer to her, driven by a surge of unexpected bravery that seemed to come out of nowhere. His fingers brushed gently through her hair, and Minerva remained still, both of them caught in a moment of quiet reflection, reminiscent of their past.

"Minerva..." He began softly, his hand lingering in her hair. She showed no immediate reaction, but her defensive instincts soon kicked in, and she pulled away, swiftly tying her hair back up while gathering her book and empty teacup. Albus blocked her path, determined to have this conversation.

"Albus...I can't..." She began, her voice filled with helplessness. She knew what this encounter could entail, but he had never ambushed her like this before. Why was he doing it now, after all these years?

"I just want to talk..." He said gently, and she looked away, biting her lower lip. She understood that this conversation wouldn't be casual, nor would it be easy. She had evaded it for years, and if she could help it, she would continue to do so. Minerva knew that if he was guilty of secrets and lies, she was too.

He moved closer once again, gently shifting her face with his finger so she would look at him. He needed her to meet his gaze as he revealed the truth.

"I wanted to apologize. What I did...it was unforgivable. But you should know, it was also a lie, Minerva." He confessed softly, his voice heavy with shame. Why had he waited so long to tell her?

Her eyes bore into his with a mix of anger and unshed tears.

"I know! I am not as foolish as I was many years ago!" She retorted sharply, pulling away from his touch this time.

Albus was taken aback by her response. She knew all along, and all this time she had said nothing? She had ignored him while he lived in misery with his feelings for her?

"Alastor came to me when I joined Hogwarts. He was angry that I severed ties with him because of you. Then he told me what you did, Albus. How you pushed me away and lied about cheating on me!" She snapped.

"I had no choice, Minerva!" Albus tried to explain, but she scoffed, clearing her tears.

"You had a choice, Albus! You just selfishly chose to ruin both our lives!" She shot back, once again attempting to leave. He blocked her path.

"Yes, yes, I did it. Because if I hadn't...if I hadn't, Grindelwald would have come after you! I didn't want anything to happen to you, Minerva. I couldn't live with myself if he'd...if something happened to you because of me. I didn't want to lose you. I...I...I loved you!" He stated, his voice filled with desperation. She froze when he said those words.

In silence, they stood there, locked in a tense gaze. Her anger was evident, and her fury couldn't be contained.

"But you lost me anyway...and I never needed your protection! I was good enough to defend myself!" She retorted bitterly, her tone laced with heartbreak and anger. Albus had no words to add; she was right, and nothing he could say would change that.

Minerva sighed, rubbing her temples.

"Why do this now, Albus? We were moving on with our lives..." She muttered wearily.

"If this is what you call moving forward, Minerva, then I want nothing to do with it." He said softly. She rolled her eyes, about to respond, but he interrupted.

"I tried to speak to you, Minerva, but you refused to even acknowledge my presence. I searched everywhere for you after the war, to explain, to beg for your forgiveness, hoping that you'd understand...that one day you'd give me another chance."

"Do you think you deserved it?" She snapped, questioning him with anger in her eyes. Her rage was overwhelming, but Albus didn't back down. He continued blocking her path. She was trying to escape from this conversation, just like she always did, but he was determined to make her listen. She needed to hear him out.

"Do you still think you deserve it?" She asked softly, her eyes locked onto his.

She sought an answer, wondering if his arrogant self would dare to provide one.

Albus remained silent, their argument having grown increasingly heated.

"You waited years and now, for some reason, you're apologizing? Why now, Albus? What's the point of this?" Minerva asked, shaking her head with an air of exasperation.

Years of bottled-up feelings and the anguish of not having this conversation made Albus incredibly vulnerable. He didn't want to repeat his mistakes. After all, if he couldn't be vulnerable with her, then with whom could he be?

"Do you really not know the reason, Minerva?" His response was curt, challenging her to see beyond his words, to understand the sincerity in his blue eyes. She met his gaze with defiant resolve, waiting for him to reveal his true intentions, half-expecting him to retreat as he had done in the past. But this time, he surprised her. He remained, determined to provide an explanation, refusing to give up on her. Minerva knew deep down that he had never truly abandoned her; it was her own fear and anger that had kept them apart for so long.

As he laid bare the old wound, he deserved to feel the pain it had caused her. Her face softened, realizing that it wasn't just her pain; he had always shared in it, though she had been too stubborn to see it that way. The truth cut both ways, and perhaps, her guilt was just as heavy as his. There had been countless moments when he had attempted to initiate this conversation, moments when it had torn her heart to stay away from him. She had yearned to return to him, to storm into his life, to scream and shout until he begged for her forgiveness. But neither of them had found the courage back then, neither him nor her.

Now, after all these years, she was receiving what she deserved – a chance to make amends. He wanted to apologize, he claimed to have loved her, and he had hurt her deeply. The pain still lingered, but perhaps it was time to change the course of their lives, to find a way forward. Yet, her secrets were her own heavy burden, perhaps even worse than his, and she couldn't reveal them, not now, and perhaps never.

"I don't expect you to forgive me, Minerva..." He continued, exhaustion lacing his voice.

"But I'm tired. Tired of lurking in corners, just to catch a glimpse of you. Tired of crafting schemes and manipulating situations, just to have a conversation with you. Tired of hiding behind this pretentious façade of normalcy. I don't expect anything from you. And if you wish to continue this...this charade of friendship, I'm content to do so. But I needed you to know, Minerva. I can't live with myself, knowing that I hadn't apologized for making the biggest mistake of my life."

He took a step towards her, his hands gripping her shoulders, pulling her closer until their faces almost touched. His words radiated his powerful feelings.

"And if you still want a reason, Minerva, it's because I love you! I never stopped, and I never will! Even if your feelings for me may have faded, mine never will, Min..." He concluded, his voice laden with raw emotion.

For a moment, neither of them spoke, the tension between them intense. It was unclear who initiated the next move – perhaps it was a shared vulnerability, and the culmination of time's healing touch. Without hesitation, they kissed, their fervor unburdened by concerns of circumstance or consequences.

Minerva allowed her hair to fall freely as he ran his hands through it, their lips locked in an impassioned dance. Their separation of years seemed irrelevant; this felt like a natural extension of their connection. He pushed her up on the dinning table, gently undoing her bun, his lips trailing toward her neck as she arched it, welcoming his touch. Even after all these years apart, their intimacy felt just as familiar, and neither of them was willing to dissect what it meant.

Her hands skillfully undid the buttons on his shirt beneath the muggle jacket, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest. He responded by deepening their kiss, reaffirming his presence and his commitment to never leave her again. Their kisses communicated their love and longing, as they held onto each other, never wanting to part.

Their passionate moment was only interrupted when the front door creaked open, and Mrs. Black's portrait erupted in a flurry of profanities directed at the intruders who had disturbed her slumber. Their lips reluctantly parted, their faces flushed with desire and urgency. Albus drew away, their ragged breaths filling the space, as the voices outside drew nearer. But she kept pulling him back in, and he refused to deny her advances, greedily accepting anything that she threw his way. His lips still stole soft pecks, both panting and red faced from their passionate encounter. He pulled away finally, when the voices grew closer.

In that moment, it was clear that they still loved each other with the same intensity as before, and they were determined not to repeat the mistakes of the past.

"No, Marks!"

"Why not?"

"You can't just go around burning things down! Are you completely dense?"

"Better...than doing nothing...Snape!"

"Silencio!"

"I know, sending fireballs is your new pastime. But, I think we'd all prefer it if you didn't incinerate this wretched house with us in it!"

"Oh, shut up...before I set your ass on fire!"

Snape and Lyra, engaged in a heated argument, marched toward the kitchen, their voices raised in discord.

"Just because you believe something is right...doesn't make it so!" Snape snarled as he and Lyra entered the kitchen together.

"And just because you can't do it...doesn't make you right either! Besides, who goes for a walk at two in the fucking morning?" Lyra snapped back at him.

"Remind me, who exactly made you the keeper of my time?" He sneered.

With an exasperated huff, Snape forcefully swung open the kitchen door. Lyra continued to smirk; she took great pleasure in teasing him, knowing that it stirred his temper easily.

Their heated exchange came to an abrupt halt when they spotted Albus and Minerva standing in the kitchen together. An uncomfortable silence settled over the room, with Lyra raising an eyebrow, silently questioning why the atmosphere appeared so tense. Snape, on the other hand, felt extremely awkward, not having seen Professor McGonagall without her bun before.

Minerva was the first to break the tension.

"Good, you're both back! Lyra, I hope you don't mind taking this shift alone. I think I will retire to my room. I have an early start tomorrow..." Minerva said, addressing Lyra directly. Lyra frowned, sensing that Minerva was behaving strangely. It was clear that she and Snape had walked in on a situation that was more intimate than they had anticipated. Lyra nodded quietly, not wanting to make it any more awkward. She couldn't help but notice Albus Dumbledore's disheveled appearance, his shirt buttons askew. Lyra smirked, thinking that perhaps Albus had taken her earlier advice a little too seriously. She glanced at him, trying to suppress a smile, but he lacked the courage to meet her gaze. Instead, he focused on adjusting his rumpled beard.

Snape, who seemed oblivious to the previous events, picked something up off the floor. Minerva walked past them toward the door, and Snape called out to her.

"Minerva…" Severus began, holding up a hair tie.

"I think you dropped this..." He said unwittingly.

A deep blush colored Minerva's generally stoic face as she quickly snatched the hair tie from his hand and left the room.

"Albus…I was wondering if we could discuss the agenda for the meeting in the morning?" Snape asked, looking away from Minerva's retreating form. Albus appeared slightly disoriented but eventually nodded.

"You're an idiot!" Lyra hissed at Snape, shaking her head. He glared at her vehemently, a hint of confusion in his expression.

"If any of you need me, I'll be in the living room. And Albus…before you manage to pull your beard off…you might want to fix your shirt buttons." She said, smirking at him.

Albus mouthed something in response, but she winked at him and sauntered out of the kitchen.

AN/- Thanks for reading everyone! Hope you're enjoying the story, just as much as I enjoyed writing it.