I. Minerva's Confession

Minerva McGonagall had faced war. She had stood against Dark wizards, battled through grief, and held her own in a world that often underestimated her.

And yet—

Sitting in her office, surrounded by Pomona Sprout, Poppy Pomfrey, Rolanda Hooch, and Filius Flitwick, she felt something dangerously close to her nerves.

"I need to tell you all something."

Her friends exchanged glances, sensing the shift in her tone.

Pomona, ever patient, leaned forward. "Minerva, whatever it is, we're here."

Minerva hesitated for the briefest moment, then exhaled.

"Albus and I… are together."

Silence.

Then—

Rolanda let out a shout. "Finally!"

Minerva nearly choked.

Poppy gasped, slapping Pomona's arm. "You owe me five galleons, Pomona!"

Pomona grumbled something about unfair bets.

Filius, bless him, beamed. "Oh, my dear, I am so pleased for you both!"

Minerva blinked. This was… not the reaction she had braced for.

"You knew?" she accused.

Pomona snorted. "Minerva, we've all known. For years."

"You bet on it?"

Poppy smirked. "Of course we did."

Minerva groaned. "What in Merlin's name did I expect…"

Rolanda grinned. "Oh, don't be grumpy, Min! We're thrilled! Tell us everything."

Minerva buried her face in her hands. This was going to be a long afternoon.

--

II. Albus's Confession

Albus Dumbledore, for all his wisdom, had never feared war or battle. But telling his family about Minerva? That was an entirely different kind of courage.

He started with The Flamels.

Perenelle gasped, hands clasping together in delight. "Oh, my darling boy, we knew it would happen one day!"

Nicolas chuckled, sipping his tea. "You're lucky, Albus. She's been in love with you for years."

Albus nearly dropped his cup. "She—what?"

Perenelle waved a hand. "Oh, come now, did you truly not see it? We did."

Albus opened and closed his mouth.

Perenelle beamed. "She is the best thing to ever happen to you, my dear."

Albus cleared his throat. "Yes. Well. That I do know."

The Flamels grinned at each other.

Then came Aberforth.

Albus wasn't sure what to expect.

Aberforth, leaning against the bar of The Hog's Head, narrowed his eyes. "So, you've finally done something right."

Albus raised a brow. "I take it you approve?"

Aberforth scoffed. "You think I'd let you mess this up? She is the best thing about you, Albus."

Albus smiled softly. "That seems to be the consensus."

Aberforth grunted. "Don't cock it up."

Albus chuckled. "I'll do my best."

Aberforth smirked. "Good. Now get out of my pub."

Albus had never felt lighter.