This may or may not have happened. But apparently, in some Scottish boarding schools, they will allow overage students one or two drinks during parties. So I thought it would be fun to write it in.

Anyway, thanks for the reviews and I hope you enjoy this chapter. Sorry again for the late update - only just got back from work!

25 December 1994

"One is perfectly enough, Jordan," Minerva said sternly. She reached out and picked the extra drink the Gryffindor had tried to sneak past her. She knew he was only bringing it back to Fred and George on the other side of the hall. Indeed, Minerva knew that those boys had already had their fair share of the drinks provided - she had been watching them for the last 10 minutes.

Goodness, knew why Bagman thought it appropriate to allow alcoholic drinks at this party. Minerva had spent most of the evening just trying to make sure nobody took too many, and that no underage students tried anything they shouldn't.

Severus, she knew, was not having the pleasantest of times either. Not only had he been forced to attend the ball as well, something Minerva knew he was not happy about, but he had also been tasked with supervising the hallways and the courtyard. Something he was equally unhappy about.

"Manning the fort, my dear?"

Minerva folded her arms as Albus came to stand beside her.

He chuckled, his eyes twinkling in their usual, familiar way. "I believe we teachers are allowed one night to relax," he said lightly.

"Are we?" Minerva asked mildly, her eyes still scanning the room full of dancing, twirling couples. "You might try telling the sixth and seventh years that."

He raised his eyebrow at her and Minerva tutted, folding her arms too.

"It is your fault that I am not relaxing anyway, Dumbledore," she said, though her expression was softening. "I shouldn't even be here."

"I thought you had forgiven me."

"I lied," she replied bluntly.

He caught her eye and raised his eyebrows. Minerva sniffed and rolled her eyes; though she could not help a small smile tug at her lips. She let her crossed arms loosen, and ended up folding her hands in front of her body as both she and Albus continued to watch the slow dancing in front of them.

Despite the persistent groaning and complaining of her Gryffindors about the dancing, Minerva noticed now that most were on the floor looking much happier than they had said they were going to be.

The current song playing slowly came to end. Some partners left the floor to be replaced by new couples.

"Care to dance, Minerva?" came the familiar voice of Ludo Bagman.

Minerva and Albus turned to see Ludo behind them with his hand outstretched.

"Erm–"

"I think we deserve one moment of peace," Ludo said cheerfully and before Minerva could do anything else apart from giving Albus a semi-pleading look, Ludo had already taken her hand and swept her onto the dance floor.

The dance lasted 5 minutes, and for Minerva that was 5 minutes too long. Not that Ludo was unpleasant, but mainly she was not in the mood to hear him talk about the Tournament. He was also much too enthusiastic for her liking. Currently, Minerva was tired and really was only thinking of Helen and Malcolm's small living room in Caithness where the rest of her family would be sitting by now.

"Bloody magnificent dive Potter made, if I say so myself," Ludo continued. "That dragon stood no chance. I'm sure Hogwarts will be bringing home the cup this year..."

"Is that so?" Minerva replied distractedly.

Ludo said something Minerva could not quite catch - not that she was making much of an effort anyway. Indeed, Ludo was so engrossed in whatever it was that he was talking about, that he did not seem to be paying much attention to whether his dance partner was interested or not.

The song began to end and slowly their waltz slowed. Finally, they came to a stop however Ludo did not let go of her hands.

"Another one?" he asked.

Minerva swallowed. "I really don't think—"

"Just one more—"

"Ah, Professor McGonagall," said Albus, coming to stand beside Minerva and Ludo, who had finally dropped her hands. "I was hoping I could have this dance?" he asked pleasantly, though his eyes were twinkling as he gave her a quick side-look.

"Ah, I see that you are in high demand, Minerva," Ludo said. He smiled and Minerva answered it tightly as he kissed her hand. "Until next time."

Minerva nodded, not quite knowing how to respond. She was saved further comment by Albus who took her hands and brought her back onto the dance floor.

"You gave me your word," Minerva reminded him, to which Albus smiled but did not reply. "Are you not meant to be meeting Sirius now?"

"I will be leaving soon," Albus answered. "But I thought you could do with some help."

Minerva gave him a look, though the usual sternness was not present as much. "I can handle myself," she told him, as they continued to waltz slowly across the floor. "Where will you be meeting him?"

"Sirius?" Albus said, to which Minerva nodded. "The Forbidden Forest."

He spun her gently around. "Will you be using thestrals?" she asked.

He nodded. "I find that they are much easier to travel with."

"I'm not sure I quite agree," Minerva admitted.

He smiled gently. "Yes, I know that you have always preferred brooms," he commented lightly.

Minerva nodded too, though her smile had disappeared somewhat. "Be careful, won't you?" she said seriously. "Just, watch out for yourselves," she added, the worry she was feeling infiltrating her voice.

"Of course, my dear," he assured her. "I will let you know when I return," he added.

"Do," Minerva said, as the song came to an end. They both stopped dancing and Albus dropped his hands, though swiftly lifted his left hand again to give Minera's arm a reassuring squeeze.

"All will be well, Minerva," he said. "Severus is outside and Alastor will be supervising the Great Hall," he added. "I will be back as soon as I am able."

He then smiled and patted her arm gently, before making his way through the crowd and out of the Great Hall. Minerva watched him go just as another song began — a slow dance this time. Noticing Ludo's eyes on her, Minerva cleared her throat and made her way briskly towards Pomona and Filius.