CXXX: The McGonagall Cliffs

CXXX: The McGonagall Cliffs

The two men walked rapidly back to the castle. It was a few minutes after two, and Albus was remembering quite acutely both Minerva's displeasure earlier in the summer at his constant tardiness and her request that morning that he not let Malcolm distract him that afternoon. Still, it had been a good opportunity to come to know Malcolm better, and it had also made him more comfortable with the younger wizard's attitude toward his relationship with his sister.

Albus went up to Gertrude's room with Malcolm and learned that Minerva had left forty-five minutes before. Albus used Gertrude's Floo to Floo to his office, then he took a pinch of Floo-Powder and called through to Minerva's sitting room. Minerva appeared before him in just a few moments.

"I am very sorry, my dear, I just returned to the castle. I need to get something from my rooms, then I will be ready to leave,"Albus said. "You look very nice, by the way." Despite the green haze he was speaking through, he did think that Minerva looked quite lovely. Perhaps he should change robes. He was wearing his taupe robes with maroon and pewter trim, which were fine, but fairly sedate.

"That's fine. I could meet you in the front hall, if you like," Minerva replied.

"Should I change?" Albus asked. "I think I should change."

"Very well," Minerva said with a nod. "I'll meet you in the front hall in twenty minutes. You might want to wear or bring some stout boots. I thought we would go for a walk this afternoon."

"It's getting a bit warm on this end, Minerva, so I'll just go now and get ready. I'll be as quick as I can," Albus said.

"See you then," Minerva answered.

Albus pulled his head from the fireplace. He never used quite enough Floo-Powder when making Floo-Calls, he thought. One day, he was sure to singe his beard. He started up the brass stairs, trying to think of what he could wear that would be respectable but more attractive than his current robes.

"Wear something nice," he heard a voice call out behind him, "something that she'll like to see you in. Make her proud to be with you."

Albus looked up at the portrait of Dilys. "Pardon?" he asked, though he had heard every word she had said.

"When you go to your lady's home for the first time when you are courting her, you should wear something particularly nice. And you will feel more confident, as well," Dilys said, looking up from her crocheting. She was now working on an afghan for Healer Bothwick's portrait. He claimed that his library was draughty. Dilys said that that was only because the original Healer Bothwick had always complained of draughts in the library when he was alive, but she had decided to crochet him an afghan anyway. It did help pass the time.

"Ah, yes. Thank you," Albus said politely and continued up the stairs.

As absurd as it seemed, to be taking advice from a portrait about his choice of dress, it did sound like good advice, Albus thought, and he went to find some robes that Minerva would be pleased to see him in and that would make him feel more confident, as well. He put his nervousness out of his mind and focussed on that task.

"Hold still, Merwyn! Your collar is all askew here," Egeria said with slight impatience.

"Don't see why we have to get all dressed up," Merwyn grumbled. "I thought what I was wearing this morning was perfectly acceptable."

"Those old brown robes make you look like Friar Tuck," Egeria grumbled back.

"They do not! Besides, I thought you liked my brown robes. That's what you said the last time I wore them!"

"No, it isn't. I said I liked taking them off of you. There is a difference," Egeria said with a smile. She patted his tummy and added, "And you are right, you don't look like Friar Tuck. You have a much nicer figure – though heaven only knows why, when you sit behind your desk all day or in the library with your feet up."

"All due to you and your loving care, I am certain, love," Merwyn said with a smile, catching the side of his wife's head with as kiss as she turned away to look at herself in the mirror.

Egeria was trying to look "presentable," as she put it, but not entirely impractical. She did want to get Minerva out in the gardens with her on the pretence of picking some herbs and vegetables for their dinner, and it wouldn't do to be wearing anything too fine for that. She also didn't want Albus to feel surrounded by formality, either. They were old friends, in a way, and she wanted him to feel comfortable. She was certain, as well, that Albus was nervous about seeing them now that he had embarked on a relationship with their youngest child. Egeria shook her head. No doubt, they would both encounter difficulties in their relationship, and she didn't envy her daughter the ones that would probably arise because of Albus's age, whether they were real or only perceived, and she certainly didn't want to add to those difficulties.

"Now, do you remember the rules for the day, dearest?" Egeria asked, turning back to Merwyn.

"Yes, um, mention his advanced years at every opportunity, accuse him of stealing my baby away – ouch!" Merwyn cried in mock distress when Egeria tapped his arm with her open hand.

"Be serious, Merwyn! No teasing him, please. Especially not where Minerva could hear," Egeria said, restraining a sigh. Malcolm and Murdoch certainly took after their father with their teasing and jokes, or what they thought were jokes. Morgan, on the other hand, could do with some lightening up. A perfectly sweet son, Morgan, and quite cheerful, both man and boy, but too serious most of the time.

"All right, all right. No calling Minerva 'Minnie-girl' or 'Minnie-lass,' no discussion of her time as Albus's student unless one of them brings it up, no mention of his time as a student with our parents . . . what am I missing?" Merwyn asked. Then he grinned and said, "Oh, yes, no calling Albus 'sonny-boy.'"

"Just be sensitive to their relative ages and positions, and you'll be fine," Egeria said with a slightly exasperated shake of her head. "And try . . . try to let Albus know that you are fine with their relationship but without being explicit and making him uncomfortable."

"You don't ask much of a man, do you, love?" Merwyn said, but he grinned and kissed her strongly, holding her tightly and massaging her buttocks, then he whispered, "Perhaps if we were to do this and then tell them that we're going off for our afternoon 'nap,' they will be so distracted by their discomfort with that, they will forget to be uncomfortable about anything else."

"No afternoon nap today, Merwyn," Egeria said, giving him a light kiss. "But I will look forward to making up for lost sleep later tonight."

Merwyn chuckled and kissed her again.

Albus, despite his usual aversion to using the internal Floo-Network, Flooed directly from his office to the staff room on the ground floor. He hoped that what he was wearing was appropriate. Dilys had told him he looked quite smart, but she was a portrait.

Minerva turned when she heard Albus come through the staff room door. Her face lit up in a smile. "You look very nice, Albus." She wanted to greet him with a kiss, but she just took his arm. "Let's be on our way! Mother said tea will be at four and dinner at seven-thirty. I see you have a bag with you."

"Yes, you said we might go for a walk, and so I brought some clothing more appropriate for that, and my boots, as you suggested, and I also have a little Mitbringsel for your parents," Albus said, using the German word for a sort of small gift.

"That wasn't necessary, but very nice of you, nonetheless," Minerva said, giving his arm a squeeze as they walked out the great front doors. She leaned a little closer to him and added, "And you look very, very handsome in those robes."

Albus couldn't help the blush of pleasure that rose in his cheeks. He still couldn't quite get used to the fact that Minerva, beautiful, wonderful, vibrant, young Minerva, found him attractive. "Thank you. I hoped you would find them . . . suitable." He had chosen his copper- and turquoise-coloured robes.

"Did you have a nice lunch with Malcolm?" Minerva asked.

"Yes, indeed. I like your brother very much. He is an interesting and amusing wizard, and good-hearted, as well. I am glad that he and Gertrude have hit it off as they have," Albus replied.

"Oh, good, then," Minerva said. "I was slightly worried. Malcolm is good-hearted, as you say, but sometimes he is not the most tactful person."

Albus chuckled. "I understand that he was rather untactful in something he said yesterday and he raised your ire."

"He told you about that?" Minerva let out a small groan. "I asked him not to say anything to anyone! Please believe me, Albus, I normally do not go about doing violence to others. Even to annoying relatives."

Albus said, smiling, "I never believed you did, my dear. You are usually the very picture of restraint, decorum, and noble pacifism."

"Yes, well, it's nothing I am proud of. The violent part of it, anyway. It was rather nice to see the surprise on Malcolm's face that I could be that fast," Minerva admitted with a grin.

"I see you have a bag, as well. Had you decided to stay overnight, then?" Albus asked, looking at the carpet bag bobbing along behind Minerva. "I wouldn't mind if you did, naturally. That's your choice. But even if you stay, I may not – although I did pack a nightshirt, just to be prepared. I do have a heavy schedule tomorrow, and I want to make some time for us in the evening."

"I haven't made plans one way or the other. The bag is actually almost empty, although I did pack my favourite walking boots. It's just that I left a few things at the house when I left on Friday, and I also want to return the old green robes that I wore that evening. They aren't anything that I normally wear, but they are convenient to have there," Minerva explained. "And if you don't stay, I rather doubt that I will. Although I may. We can just see, hmm?" She slipped her hand down his arm and gave his hand a squeeze. They had reached the gates.

Minerva grinned up at Albus. "So, would you like a Side-Along from the second McGonagall in one day?"

Albus smiled down at her. "No, although I would certainly trust you to do so quite competently. I do feel most comfortable transporting myself, if you don't mind."

Minerva laughed. "I was only joking . . . although . . . would it be terribly decadent of me to request one from you?"

Albus's smile grew. "Oh, very decadent, indeed, and so early in the day, too! But I will be happy to oblige you, my dear!"

They both took their bags in their hands, Minerva stepped a bit closer to Albus, and he put his arm around her and pulled her closer. "Hold on, Minerva," he said softly. "Hold on tightly."

A moment later, they were on the McGonagall property, several yards from the house. Albus dropped his bag to the ground and put his other arm around her. He kissed the top of her head, then he whispered, "I did say to hold on tightly. Don't let go. Don't let go. . . ."

Minerva let her bag go and returned his embrace. "Is something the matter, Albus?" she asked gently.

"No . . . not really," Albus said hesitantly. "But I don't want you to let go. I was thinking that as I was changing my robes earlier. I want to be able to get used to having you in my life. Not to take you for granted, but to know that you will be there," he said softly. "But I won't ever hold too tightly to you; if you ever wish to go, you may. So I ask that you hold me tightly. It doesn't make very much sense, does it?"

Minerva moved her head against him, perhaps in agreement, perhaps not, and she said, "It doesn't matter whether it makes sense or not. I love you. I won't let you go." She looked up at him seriously. "I promise. Never. And you needn't worry about holding me too tightly."

Albus kissed her forehead, then he closed his eyes and rested his head on hers. "If your parents . . . if they are unhappy, will you still . . ."

"They won't be unhappy. But if, by some bizarre chance, they are, I will hold on even more tightly. I won't allow anyone to take you away now, or to come between us," Minerva said. "Not unless you change your mind on your own, and I can assure you that, unlike you, I most certainly would not quietly allow you to go. I know we belong together. I love you, Albus. I love you more than I can possibly express."

"Good. That is good. I am very glad to hear you say that. I do need you, you know, Minerva," Albus whispered. "I do."

"It is good to know that, to hear you say it, because I certainly need you," Minerva said. "And don't worry. They like you. And Mother is looking forward to seeing us." She drew back and rubbed his arm. "Let's go in now."

Albus nodded. "Allow me to get your bag." He waved his hand and Levitated their bags, which then followed them down to the house.

Minerva opened the front door and reached behind her for Albus's hand, pulling him in after her. Orents appeared with a pop. Minerva smiled at him.

"Hello, Orents! You know Professor Dumbledore. Could you run and let Mother know we're here?"

"No need for that!" Egeria's voice came from above. "Orents, be a dear and find Merwyn. Tell him Minerva and Albus are home." Egeria came down the stairs, smiling at the two. "I'm happy to see you two! Now, come. Would you like to go out to the gazebo, have some lemonade with me?"

Egeria gave her daughter a kiss on the cheek and a quick squeeze, then she turned to Albus and took his hand, smiling. "It is good to see you again, Albus! You are looking well. Will lemonade suit, or would you prefer something stronger? I sometimes have a gin and tonic in the afternoon."

"Lemonade would be fine, Egeria, thank you," Albus said.

"Good, then. Just leave the bags there. Orents will take care of them later – if that's all right with you, Albus?" Egeria said.

"Um, fine, except, just a minute here," Albus said, opening the clasp on his bag as it floated in front of him. "Ah, here it is." He held out a dark bottle. "For you, Egeria, and for Merwyn. A little something I thought you might enjoy, as you don't seem opposed to Muggle drinks."

"Drambuie! Oh, that is a nice treat," Egeria said with a delighted smile. "We shall have that after dinner this evening. Thank you very much, Albus. Minerva, would you be a dear and bring this into the library. Just put it with your father's Scotch. I'll bring Albus down to the gazebo. If you see your errant father, you can tell him where we are." Egeria took Albus's arm and began to lead him through the house to the French doors out to the garden.

Albus was relieved at Egeria's warm welcome, although, to his immense surprise, somewhat discomfited to be separated from Minerva, even if only for a few minutes. He remembered what Malcolm had said that day about his achievements, and he dismissed his slight nervousness. Egeria was telling him something about a new potion she had read about recently, and he tried to listen attentively.

"So I thought I might try brewing it myself," Egeria was saying. "I do brew some of my own potions, though far fewer than I used to. I usually just get them from Murdoch these days, but I have more time on my hands now, and I thought that this one seemed easy enough, but I have a feeling that they left some of the directions out. Perhaps you could take a look at the formula for me, give me a hint as to what they might have omitted. I can ask Murdoch, of course, but since you are here . . ."

"I would be most happy to," Albus replied. "It is quite likely that there are some directions either missing or slightly distorted. As you are no doubt aware, Potions masters do like to have their little secrets. They know that other Potions masters, any worth their salt, anyway, would recognise the deletions or the little code words that indicate the next step in a process."

"Good, perhaps after dinner, then. And here comes Minerva," Egeria said, just as they reached the gazebo. "I didn't think that it would take her long. Thank you for the Drambuie. I haven't had it in a while. I am looking forward to it."

"You're very welcome," Albus said, smiling, grateful and relieved when Minerva came up and put her hand on his arm.

The three sat in the gazebo, which had been nicely charmed to keep any winds down to a pleasant breeze as they passed through. Minerva sat on a cushioned two-person settee and Albus sat beside her.

"Dad said he'd be down in a minute, but he's looking for something he can't find."

"Whatever is he looking for now?" Egeria asked. "I did ask him to be ready for your arrival."

"I don't know. He didn't say. He's in his study. I poked my head in to reinforce the fact that we were actually here."

Egeria stood. "I hope you will forgive me, Albus, but I will go sort out my husband. You two enjoy yourselves. Minerva can call for lemonade. Have Orents bring a pitcher," Egeria said, turning toward Minerva. "I won't be long!"

Egeria disappeared, walking rapidly down the path back to the house, and Minerva took Albus's hand.

"So, you see, Albus, nothing to be nervous about at all," Minerva said. "She was happy to see you, and your gift made a good impression."

Albus nodded. "Yes, she is trying to set me at my ease, I believe. But kindly so, and I am relieved. Of course, I haven't seen your father yet. I can easily imagine that he might have more of a difficulty with this . . . situation than your mother. Fathers do, in general, anyway, I understand. Are you sure he was looking for something and not trying to avoid seeing us?"

Minerva giggled. "He's just being his usual self. I think Mother will have seven kinds of fits when she sees him, actually. He had taken off his over-robe, and it must have fallen from the pile of books he set it on, because it was in a heap on the floor, and he was on his hands and knees, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows, rummaging around, looking for something in some dusty old boxes. Said something about delicacy when I asked why he didn't simply Summon whatever it was."

"Oh, that's all right, then. I can understand that," Albus said with a nod.

Minerva leaned against him. "I hope they're a while."

"Why? And, um, aren't we supposed to be hailing a house-elf for some lemonade?" Albus asked, looking toward the house and hoping that neither Egeria nor Merwyn were on their way back down the path.

"Mmm, yes," Minerva said with a slight sigh. She called Orents and requested a large pitcher of lemonade and four glasses. As soon as Orents had Disapparated, she turned to Albus and said, "You know, I am beginning to have an appreciation for gliders. I keep wanting to swing."

"You do, do you?" Albus smiled at her, amused. "You are a Transfiguration mistress, you know." But he indulged her by pulling his wand from his pocket and waving it. "Not a glider this time, however."

Chains with multicoloured links now held their seat suspended from the gazebo ceiling. Minerva pushed off with one foot and curled the other one under her, leaning further against Albus.

"Thank you," Minerva said, and she pulled his head down and kissed him lightly. "Perhaps we can spend some time out here on the swing when we know we won't be interrupted."

Albus swallowed. "Well, I don't think that we can ever know that, my dear. Someone could always come down from the house."

"Mmm. I suppose. But I can just tell them that we would like a little time to ourselves," Minerva answered, running a finger down his cheek to his beard.

"No, don't do that. I mean to say, not this time. It's . . . I don't want them to think . . . that is . . ." Albus blushed.

Minerva smiled up at him. "All right. You indulged me, I will indulge you." She sat up a bit more, and she could feel Albus relax. "You really are nervous," she said, somewhat surprised.

"I'm sure you think it foolish of me, but yes, I am nervous," Albus admitted. "Aren't you?"

"A little bit, I suppose. But I really do think that they are probably pleased for me. And if they have known for a long time how I felt about you, they have had time to get used to the idea, even if they ever did have any reservations about it."

"That may be, but . . . they may not only have reservations about it. Their reaction might be more visceral than that. Even if they have come to accept it intellectually, the reality of it might upset them. They might find the thought of their young daughter with an older man – a much older man – disturbing, disgusting, even."

"I suppose that if you were just any old man, then they might, but they know you and they like you, and they know that I have known you for a long time," Minerva replied. "Look, here they come now." Minerva moved slightly further away from Albus, but kept her hand in his. She looked up at Albus and gazed into his eyes. Minerva whispered, "I won't let go of you, though. I will hold on. I will hold on tightly."

Albus smiled softly at that and gave her hand a squeeze. "That's fine, my dear. Thank you."

Minerva smiled brightly at him, then turned her head at her father's voice greeting them.

"Pull a few radishes, too," Egeria directed Minerva.

Minerva flicked her wand and several round, red radishes pulled out of the soil and were deposited in her basket.

Egeria shook her head and sighed. "You need to get down on your knees, Minerva, and look at them, even pull them by hand, preferably. But let's go over to get the herbs now." Egeria stood and waved her wand to clean a bit of soil from the front of her green and rust robes.

"I do hope that Dad isn't saying anything to Albus that will make him uncomfortable," Minerva said with a worried glance at the house, where the two wizards had disappeared a few minutes ago.

The four had sat in the gazebo for a while, and Albus mentioned that he had had lunch with Malcolm, and most of the subsequent conversation had focussed on Minerva's oldest brother, the unusual fact that he had applied for a job at Hogwarts, the even more surprising fact that it seemed he had found a special witch, which everyone agreed was a good thing, and about Malcolm's upcoming "practical interview," as Albus liked to call it. Then Egeria had announced that she required Minerva's help in the garden choosing the vegetables for dinner, and Merwyn said that was excellent, as it gave him the opportunity to ask Albus about something. Merwyn had brought Albus up to the house, and Egeria had dragged Minerva up to the kitchen gardens.

"He isn't having a fatherly conversation with Albus, is he?" Minerva asked. "I should have had Albus come with us. I will not be happy if Dad is saying anything to put Albus off."

"Shh, no, he isn't. He is very happy for you. He may make a blunder or two – though he oughtn't – but he likes Albus. This was my idea, actually. I wanted to be able to speak with you." Egeria looked at her daughter appraisingly. "You look very happy. You feel happy. I am glad that everything worked out. I had been surprised, actually, when you came home last week and said that there was no hope for you and Albus. I had begun to get the feeling that he did care for you, too." Egeria smiled and corrected herself, "Actually, I had begun to sense that he was utterly smitten with you."

Minerva couldn't help but return her mother's smile. "I think he is, Mother. And I am very happy. I think I feel truly happy for the first time in many years. Even when I'm upset about something, or have a problem, it's sitting on top of a bed of complete happiness, if that makes any sense at all."

"It does, sweetness, it does. You didn't ever say whether you two were staying the night, but you brought bags, so I assume – "

"We aren't sure of our plans, yet, Mother. I wanted to bring a bag with me so that I could take the few things I accidentally left last time, including my favourite shoes. Albus brought a different set of robes and some stout boots so that we can go on a walk," Minerva explained. "But we may stay."

"Whatever suits you, Minerva. But I had Orents fix the end bedroom for Albus, the large yellow one next to yours. But if you only wish to use one room, either one . . ."

Minerva blushed. "If we stay, we'll use two rooms, Mother."

"Of course. But I just wanted to let you know – you aren't a child, Minerva. Make your own decisions. I would, of course, prefer not to walk into the library and discover the two of you in flagrante, but your wing of the house is quite private, and – "

"Mother, please. I do appreciate it. But I would really rather not discuss it. And, well, we aren't precisely at the 'flagrante' stage. He wants to court me properly, he says," Minerva said.

"Ah, well, it's best not to rush things. Enjoy it, Minerva, savour it. He's likely nervous, as well. The age difference is probably causing him far more concern than it is you. His perspective is different from yours, and as I said when you were here on Friday, he is from a different time and place. He also has had experiences in his life that you and I, fortunately, have been spared, and that I can only dimly imagine."

Minerva nodded. "I know. And I am trying to be patient and understanding. But sometimes . . . it can be frustrating. Basically, though, everything is truly wonderful. I know he loves me, Mother. He really does."

"That is very good, my sweetheart," Egeria said, putting an arm around her and leading Minerva over to a bench. "And I assume that he is sure of your love for him."

"Yes, I think he is. He is becoming more sure of it. But he is surprisingly insecure about it, I find," Minerva admitted to her mother.

"I am glad of that, Minerva. Very glad. And his sense of security is bound to increase." Egeria looked out over the herb garden, seeming lost in thought as she watched the bees and the butterflies feast on the small blossoms that abounded in her garden. "You know, people sometimes do things, especially when they are young, in response to stress, to emotional devastation, that they never dreamed they would do, and would never do again. As I said, Albus has undergone trials that none of us could imagine." Egeria looked at her daughter and took her hand. "You know that as a midwife, I have travelled much, spoken with many people, been privy to many secrets and more gossip than I could possibly ever repeat even were I so inclined. But when I was a young Healer, just beginning my midwife training, I learned something about Albus Dumbledore. He was becoming well-known for his work in Alchemy and Potions, and for his ability to deal with difficulties people found themselves in – a little like Malcolm, in fact. This was, oh, ninety-six, ninety-seven, sometime around then. I mentioned an article by Dumbledore to the Healer-Midwife I was training under. She was an older witch, and she was a bit of a gossip, but she told me something about this Dumbledore, this old school friend of my parents, that I hadn't heard before and that I found surprising, although I did later hear other similar stories."

"Mother, I don't want to hear this." Minerva withdrew her hand from her mother's and began to stand.

"Please, Minerva, listen," Egeria said gently. "Your Albus is a wonderful wizard, an admirable man, and I am very, very happy that you and he are together as you are. And I think you need to hear what I have to say."

Minerva sat reluctantly and nodded. "I think I already know some of what you are about to tell me, but go ahead."

Egeria smiled and patted Minerva's leg. "Healer White told me that when her sister was living in Prague in the sixties, there was a young, auburn-haired wizard named Albus who 'entertained' the witches. Apparently this young man was also something of a drinker and . . . well, one of the witches whom this young wizard entertained was the Healer's sister." Egeria noticed that her daughter had closed her eyes, but she continued with her story. "He was sometimes recommended as offering a very good time, but, according to Healer White, he began to go downhill and became unpleasant company. I later heard from others who said that this young wizard had sunk into a life of drink and potions, and he'd even been thought dead for a long time, until he turned up in Britain again a few years later, scarcely recognisable as the young man who had gone so badly to seed, but also quite unlike the wizard who had first left Britain a decade before, when his wife had died. Many people doubted the truth of the stories, others enjoyed them, taking some pleasure in the notion that a seemingly respectable wizard was not so respectable underneath it all, but the stories died away. They are not often heard any longer, except by oblique reference. But I needed to tell you, because you might hear something from some uncharitable person, or from someone bitter who bears Albus a grudge. But know that from what I have heard and what I believe, Albus went through a very difficult period in his youth. First his wife died, then there was an incident with a wizard when he was trying to defend a friend, and then a few years later, he comes home, pulls his mother back from the brink of death, he believes, only to have her die just as she appears to be achieving a full recovery.

"Albus is a powerful wizard, as you know, Minerva, and quite probably the greatest genius of the wizarding world in several generations. That can put pressure on a young man, especially one who has grown up without his father, wanting to live up to an impossible standard, wanting to please a person who isn't there to notice. My parents never lost their respect for him, though, and they knew him far better than any of the gossip-mongers could. And we have all seen the sacrifices Albus has been willing to make for the wizarding world. He is a good, kind, loving man, and I think that you, my sweet, young daughter, are going to be very good for him. And he for you, too. And you must not listen to anyone, even Albus, who implies anything different."

The two witches sat in the garden for a while, listening to the buzzing of the bees and feeling the cool breeze come in off the unseen ocean.

"I think I knew most of what you told me, Mother," Minerva finally said softly. "He told me some of it, including about his behaviour. It was just a few weeks ago. I don't know why he felt he had to tell me then, when he had scarcely told me anything of his past before, but I think that he believed that I might not care for him any longer, that my opinion of him would suffer for knowing it, but it didn't. Albus endured a great deal of pain and distress, and he survived it and became a better human being. He was reborn, in a way, he says. But thank you for telling me what you know and how you know it. And that you have always known, but you have always trusted him nonetheless."

"Always, Minerva. Your father, I believe, is ignorant of this history – though I doubt very much that Siofre is – but I know that Merwyn trusts Albus, too. That isn't the only reason that I brought this up, though, sweetheart," Egeria said. "Nor was it to warn you of the nasty gossips in the world and what they might say. But you know, especially since Albus knows that you are fully aware of his past – since he himself informed you of it – he might fear that you would see his physical affection and remember his behaviour all those years ago, in a different lifetime, and that you would feel repulsed."

"It's worse than that, Mother," Minerva said, finding it odd to be speaking to her mother about this topic, but at the same time, relieved that there was someone she could trust to talk to. "He was seeing Valerianna Yaxley a few years ago –"

"Yes, I'd heard about that. But Albus stopped seeing her. I understand that he is the one who ended it."

Minerva nodded. "He ended it because he caught her in bed with another wizard."

"Oh, for – !" Egeria exclaimed, aghast. "Well, I'm glad for your sake that he did, but what a terrible thing for poor Albus!"

"Yes, and when he caught her at it, she told him that he was disgusting and unattractive, all manner of dreadful things. She was very angry when she said it, and she convinced him that what she said was true. So not only did she injure him by having sex with a wizard under Albus's own roof – yes, Mother, in his own bed – but then her words affected him for all this time after. He was certain I would find his touch disgusting and him – I can't even say it. It makes me absolutely sick. Valerianna Yaxley makes me ill." Angry tears rose in her eyes, thinking about it.

"Well, you simply need to not only convince him that you most certainly do find him attractive, but that it can be fun. That you can enjoy each other," Egeria said. "I am sure that you two will work it out. He certainly always seemed quite robust to me. I think that between the two of you, you will overcome whatever insecurities he may still have."

"It does make me slightly concerned that he might believe that I am using him as those other witches did so long ago, but I think that he knows me well enough and knows that I love him, so that he would see that there are very essential differences. I hope so, anyway," Minerva said. She smiled at her mother. "Thank you, Mother. I never would have dreamed of discussing any of this with you. It seems too embarrassing. But it was a relief, actually."

"Good, I am glad, sweetness. And if you need any tips about birth control or any other spells –"

"If I do, I will likely ask someone else. I haven't forgotten the contraceptive charms you taught me before, after all," Minerva said. "And as for the other spells, I'm sorry, Mother, but there really is a limit to what I feel comfortable discussing with my own mother!"

Egeria laughed. "Very well, but if you ever want a friendly ear, I'm here for that, as well."

"I will remember that," Minerva replied.

"Now, why don't you go see if Albus requires rescuing. Tea will be in about a half hour. It will just be something light today, tea and scones, unless you'd like something more."

"Actually, Mother, I'm starving. I ate a good lunch, but practising with Malcolm really seemed to take a lot of energy, and I'm hungry again."

"All right," Egeria said, standing. "I'll go speak with Fwisky about making some sandwiches, too."

Minerva found her father and Albus in the library looking at something written in Pali. Merwyn had unbuttoned his over-robe and was making notes on a small scrap of parchment.

Albus looked up and smiled brightly when he saw Minerva. "Hello, my dear! Your father was just showing me some rather puzzling text. Are you through assisting your mother? Can you join us?"

"I can join you, but I can't read Pali or Sanskrit or whatever that is," Minerva said, hoping that wasn't something else that Albus assumed that she could do. "Tea will be in twenty minutes or so."

"We were just about finished with this, anyway, Min," Merwyn said. He looked over at Albus. "Do you mind if I go see what Egeria's up to?"

"No, not at all," Albus replied. "This was quite enjoyable, though."

"I believe Mother is in the kitchen with Fwisky," Minerva said.

Her father closed the door behind him when he left the library, and Minerva reached out and took Albus's hand. Albus stepped closer and put his arms around her, sighing. Minerva gladly returned his embrace.

"Did you really enjoy yourself, Albus?" Minerva asked. "Or were you just being polite?"

"I did, and," Albus said, "I was quite relieved that we only discussed this Pali text he'd been having difficulty with. I think it was because the concepts in it were not very familiar to him. But I had been concerned he had brought me up here to, well, to discuss you. And our relationship. But other than saying that he was glad that you were able to convince me to come, he didn't mention it at all."

Minerva nodded. "I thought they would be pleased, and I know Mother is. She told me that just now. I don't think she has any reservations at all, if she ever had any."

"That is a relief, then," Albus said. "Not that it would have been determinative of anything, but it would be hard on you, and I would have been uncomfortable."

Minerva raised her face to him and said, "Kiss me, Albus, please. It's been hours since our last proper kiss."

Albus grinned at her. "Hours? Has it been hours? And you would like a proper kiss? Let me see if I can manage a proper kiss."

Albus raised one hand to cradle the back of her head, then he very slowly approached her, his lips coming a breath away from hers. "Minerva," he said in a low voice, his lips just brushing hers as he said her name. "Minerva."

His lips brushed hers again, just for a moment, then he softly kissed her. He repeated his soft kiss, this time taking her lower lip between his and simply holding it between them before he kissed her full on the mouth again. Then Albus gently sucked her lower lip before stroking it with a feathery touch of his tongue. Minerva moaned, and Albus moved his lips over hers, softly and sensuously, then he deepened the kiss, pulling her toward him, and Minerva's embrace tightened. Finally, he ended the kiss much as he had begun it, with soft brushes of lip on lip.

Albus looked down at her and said in a warm voice, "Was that a proper kiss, my dear?"

Minerva opened her eyes. "Mmm." She could barely think, but she said, "If a proper kiss makes you melt, that was a proper kiss." Minerva let out a breath and lay her head against him. "I love you, Albus."

"And I, you, my dearest Minerva," Albus said softly.

They stood there like that for a few minutes, just savouring the embrace, then a sharp crack interrupted their moment of calm. Albus started to let go of Minerva, but she held onto him.

"Madam Egeria says that you should show the Professor where he may freshen up for tea," Orents said. "It will be served in the morning room in fifteen minutes."

"Thank you, Orents," Minerva said.

The house-elf bobbed his head at her cheerfully, then with another crack, he was gone.

Minerva led Albus upstairs to the first floor. "I told Mother we still hadn't decided whether we would stay the night or not, and she was fine with whatever we choose to do," she told him.

She brought him to the large, bright room at the end of the west wing of the house. "This room is for your use, whether we stay or not." Minerva hesitated, then she decided that she shouldn't mention to Albus that her mother had said she didn't care whether they used one room or two. "There's a bath and a loo here," she said, gesturing at two closed doors, "and my room is right here, next to yours. If you need to use the loo or bath and these are in use, there's another down near Malcolm's old room, as well. To the left of the stairs we just came up. Mother and Dad are on the second floor, so you can't disturb them."

Albus nodded. His bag was at the foot of the large bed, and clean towels had been set beside it.

"I'm just going to run down the hall and use the other loo. I'll be back in just a few minutes and we can go down together, all right?" Minerva said.

Albus nodded again. "Thank you, my dear."

Ten minutes later, they walked down the stairs together.

"It is odd to be in this house like this again. I used to come here occasionally before . . . before I went away, before Collum died. Dervilia and I actually stayed here once for a few days just after we were married. Aberforth, too. We were in the other side of the house, where you say Malcolm's room is now, I remember. It is very much the same, and yet changed. Everything is . . . peculiar. It's somewhat unsettling, if I may admit that to you," Albus said. "I had actually almost forgotten that until we started up the stairs, then I remembered with almost a sense of déjà vu."

Minerva stopped on the landing. "I'm sorry, Albus. Has this been terribly uncomfortable for you?" she asked with genuine concern.

"No, simply . . . odd, disorienting, I suppose," Albus replied, though Minerva thought that he did look tired and drawn. "It was so long ago, it is almost like remembering a dream. Collum was actually almost five years younger than I, in Aberforth's year, but he was in my House, and I was also good friends with Perseus. Perseus and Crispinian were cousins of some sort, and Crispy was great friends with Collum, who was only a couple years younger than he. Anyway, for some reason – I don't remember why, now – we were all here for a few days that summer after my NEWTs. I had just married, and I remember that Dervilia persuaded me that we should accept the invitation because I would be beginning my apprenticeship soon and would have much less time for my friends. I hadn't been inclined to, wanting to spend the time with her, and feeling that they were all still children while I was a married man – at all of eighteen! But we actually had a good time. I remember that the girls – Siofre and Gwyn – visited once for the day and gave Dervilia some relief from our masculine company."

Now Minerva was beginning to feel peculiar. Gwynllian and Siofre, the "girls," were her grandmothers. Perseus was Gwynllian's brother, and Crispinian was her other grandfather. For a dizzying moment, Minerva felt as though she had stepped back in time, to a point when her Great-uncle Perseus was just a boy, friends with Crispinian, not knowing that Crispinian would marry his sister, Gwyn, nor that Collum would marry Siofre and die in an accident when his son, Merwyn, was just a baby. And Albus and Dervilia . . . that their happiness would be very short-lived.

Minerva shook herself internally. She looked up at Albus with a smile and said, "Let's go have our tea, shall we?"

Albus smiled. "Excellent idea, my dear."

Minerva took Albus's arm and they walked together to the east-facing morning room for their tea.

By the time they had finished their tea, Minerva felt fully returned to the present, and she was pleased to see that Albus seemed to be restored, as well. Conversation had ranged from the coming school year and Minerva's first year as Head of Gryffindor, to Robert Pretnick's sad demise, to advances in Potions, to Thea's health and that of her baby, due in October.

"Now, Minerva, you said that you and Albus wished to take a walk. Why don't you do that now? You have quite a bit of time before dinner. It's windy, but still fine." Egeria turned to Albus. "Do you need anything? I am sure that we can find something for you if you do."

"I believe I have what I need, but I shall certainly let you know if I don't," Albus replied with a smile.

The two went back upstairs, Minerva saying that she was going to change for their walk, as well. As Minerva found some appropriate robes in the wardrobe in her room, she thought again of Albus, changing clothes in the room next to hers. Wondering when he would finally make love to her, and whether he would always be shy around her, she wished she could join him as he disrobed, and that they could delay their walk . . . Minerva rather doubted he would remain shy, but she knew that he still wanted to go slowly and romance her, despite their lovely experience on her couch the previous day. But now that they had accomplished that, broken that barrier, perhaps he would make love to her soon. She had the impression, though, that he wanted to wait until they were on holiday. Minerva didn't want to wait that long, but she would be patient for him. After what he had said about having suddenly remembered being here as a young man with the teenagers who were to become her grandparents, Minerva could understand better some of Albus's general discomfort. But they had overcome his Valerianna-induced insecurities, they could surely overcome any brought on by the difference in their ages.

Minerva dressed in some old long-sleeved, rust-coloured robes with a plaid bodice, shortening the skirts a few inches, and pulled on her walking boots. She considered bringing a short jacket or cloak, but decided that the sun was bright, and with a few warming charms, her robes would be sufficient. Rummaging through her bag, she located the folded parchments she had brought with her. Smiling, she placed them in her deep pocket, casting a charm to keep them safe.

There was a soft rap at her door, and Minerva opened it to find Albus waiting for her, wearing the same robes he had worn the day he had brought her on a picnic on the mountain across from Hogwarts.

Minerva smiled and said, "You look very handsome, as always!"

"Except when I wear those grey robes?" Albus asked with a twinkle.

She laughed. "You still look handsome from the neck up in those, but the robes themselves!" Minerva gave a mock shudder. "I do hope you weren't terribly offended," she said as she closed the door and they started down the hall.

"No, particularly not once I took a good look at them myself. Wilspy said they weren't even suitable for rags, so I simply disintegrated them," Albus said.

The two left the house and Minerva led him to her favourite path along the edge of the cliff. The path, such as it was, eventually disappeared as the ground became rockier and steeper. The wind grew sharper, and Minerva paused to cast a warming charm, offering one to Albus, who declined, saying he found the exertion and her company warming enough. Minerva couldn't help but smile at him.

"How is it that you can make me so happy just by saying something like that?" she asked, pausing to turn and hold his hands, which, despite his declaration that he was warm, seemed somewhat cold to her.

"I am a fortunate wizard," Albus replied, his eyes sparkling. He leaned forward slightly and kissed her forehead. "Do you have a destination in mind?"

"There is a spot, one of the highest on the property, that I like. It is a bit tricky to get to. If you don't feel comfortable with the climb, we can Apparate. I could go ahead of you so you could easily see where you were going, whether we go by foot or Apparate," Minerva said, "or I could give you a Side-Along."

"I am game for the climb, I believe," Albus said.

"It's only another quarter mile, but it's quite steep. We'll have a nice appetite for dinner."

The two made their way up the rocky slope.

"You actually do this frequently?" Albus asked.

"As often as practical, given that I don't live here. This is only one of the walks I enjoy, though. I also enjoy walking east into the wood, or down to the sea," Minerva replied. She drew her wand and cast a gloving spell on her hands. "You might want to protect your hands. The last bit is quite sheer. You will need to be able to grab on occasionally." She cast one more charm to shorten her skirts another few inches.

Albus looked to his left, down the cliff side. The sound of the sea was closer, and he could hear the waves on the rocks below. "I hope you are careful, Minerva. We are very near the edge, and it is a very long way down."

Minerva nodded. "I am always careful," she said. She looked back and smiled at him. "Don't like heights? I would think with your Animagus form, this would seem like nothing to you."

"I haven't wings at the moment, though, Minerva, and you never have any. I must admit that I dislike the thought of you clambering around on these rocks alone," Albus admitted, "with no one here to stop your fall. And you have never learned to fly without a broom. I just worry that you might injure yourself, or worse."

Minerva laughed. "Fly without a broom? No, haven't mastered that, wouldn't try. It's not possible."

It was Albus's turn to laugh. "Not impossible, merely very rare in this part of the world. And the Ministry would like to keep it that way. Hard to regulate that sort of thing. Most witches and wizards couldn't accomplish it, anyway."

Minerva stopped and looked back at him. "You are joking, aren't you?"

"Not at all. I rarely do it, myself, although when I was with Master Nyima, I became quite adept. I would sometimes fly with Mother Dragon. I think that is one reason she took a liking for me, actually."

Minerva looked at him a moment, digesting this information, then she shook her head and continued the climb. Well, she hadn't believed it was possible to become as completely invisible as Albus could, either. In fact, at the time, she had actually thought that she had always believed becoming invisible was as impossible as flight without a Charmed object. Apparently, it was, though not the way that she had believed. She should never underestimate Albus Dumbledore.

A few minutes later, Minerva paused again and pointed. "There, Albus. Do you see that large rock? On the other side of that, there is a lovely smooth, flat spot with another rock on the opposite side, as well. It's fairly sheltered from the wind on three sides, and there's a natural sort of bench there. I have occasionally thought of Transfiguring it, doing something to make it more comfortable, but I like it as it is, actually. There's room for two, though," she added with a smile. "So, would you prefer me to go on ahead so you can Apparate up to me, or would you like to climb?"

"You know, ever since we spoke of it, I've had a desire to fly. Would you feel abandoned if I were to transform and fly up there?" Albus asked.

"Not at all," Minerva said with a smile. "I'm glad to know you want to exercise your Animagus form."

"All right. But wait to climb up until I'm there, so I can catch you if you fall," Albus said.

Minerva shook her head. "I won't fall. I'd rather just keep moving. And you can always swoop down and catch me in your phoenix form," she said with a smile.

Albus, somewhat reluctantly, agreed. He Transfigured into a phoenix and immediately shot up into the sky. Minerva watched him a moment, exhilarated. She couldn't imagine any other wizard ever taking a phoenix form. It was rare enough for an Animagus to take on the form of a magical creature, but a phoenix – Albus must be unique in that, she thought, just as he was unique in so many other ways.

Minerva began to climb again, her arms and legs growing sore. Despite her daily regimen of walks and taking the many flights of stairs at Hogwarts, she was tired now, and would be very glad to reach her destination and sit on the warm rocks with Albus. Albus flew up, down, and around her, never coming too close to Minerva and startling her, but remaining reassuringly nearby. Finally Minerva pulled herself up the last few feet, and Albus settled on top of the rock just above her head and sang happily.

Minerva looked up at Albus and smiled, and his blue phoenix eyes twinkled down at her. "Yes, Albus, it is very beautiful here, isn't it?" She stood and looked out over the ocean below for a while, listening to Albus's song. The sun was lower in the sky, but it still shone warmly, and Minerva let out a sigh of perfect happiness and contentment.

Albus finished his song and hopped down onto the ledge that formed a natural bench behind her. With an impressive flash of fire, he transformed back into his ordinary form. He stepped down and put his arms around Minerva, pulling her back against his chest and kissing the top of her head.

"It is very beautiful, my dear, but its beauty cannot match yours," Albus murmured.

Minerva turned in his arms and kissed him. "I love you, Albus. I love you, I love you, I love you." She grinned. "It is so wonderful to be able to say that and know you won't pat me on the back and tell me that you are 'fond' of me, too."

"Ah – yes, that." Albus looked out over her head. "My birthday," he said. "You told me you loved me."

Minerva nodded and held him more closely.

"I was so startled . . . I actually had wished that you loved me, as you know. I was fearful that somehow, my wish had caused you to say that. Obviously, I realised the absurdity of that fear immediately, but I still was at a loss for what to say. I was sure that if I told you I loved you, I wouldn't be able to stop with that and that you would learn precisely how strongly I felt about you. That thought terrified me. I was so certain that you would be appalled, that you would feel sorry for me, pity me."

"I pity both of us, that we were unable to admit our feelings to each other for so long," Minerva said. "But that's all over, now. Let's sit a while."

Albus agreed by backing up slightly, then letting go of Minerva to wave his hand and clear dirt and debris from the ledge. They sat, and Albus put his arms around her.

"Mmm, this is the nicest part of the climb," Minerva said, leaning against him. She scootched even closer and lay across him.

The sun was warm and the breeze, brisk. Minerva looked up at him, smiling. Albus kissed her forehead and touched her cheek as she reached up to caress his face. She kissed his lips lightly, then once more as Albus closed his eyes, savouring the moment, the warmth of the sun, the cool wind, Minerva, soft in his arms.

Albus opened his eyes as Minerva smiled up at him. "Minerva, Minerva . . . you are really here, my dearest."

"Yes, I am really here," she replied, laying her palm against his cheek, cool and pink from the wind and his exertion.

"I had a dream . . . it seemed hardly a dream, it was so real. And this, it was just like this, Minerva," he said softly. "And when I woke from the dream, you were there, waking me, and I was very confused. And now, you are here, but it is not a dream."

"No, not a dream," Minerva said, and she reached up to kiss him again. "Much nicer than any dream," she added before kissing him again.

They sat for a while like that, kissing and speaking of nothing in particular. Finally, Albus suggested that perhaps they ought to be getting back to the house.

"Not yet, Albus. Let's stay longer. We can Apparate back. Or you could fly – in your phoenix form – and give me a lift! You used to threaten me with that, remember?" She asked with a grin.

Albus smiled. "Yes, that was a long time ago. I never would have done, you know. But it bothered me, the way you would wander about in your Tabby form, seemingly oblivious to the dangers around you. You still seem not to be completely aware of how vulnerable you are in your Animagus form," Albus said.

"I am. I am normally quite cautious. Not as cautious as some would have me be, but where would be the fun in that? And as a student, I never went into the Forest in my Animagus form. You just were worried because of that time when the dog chased me and I forgot that I could transform. I was very embarrassed. I don't know which embarrassed me more, having let the dog chase me all the way back from Hogsmeade, or having you see me in tears when I finally reached the gates and returned to my ordinary form," Minerva said with a laugh. "But I would trust you to carry me, you know."

"Mm, we will see," Albus said before kissing her on the forehead again. "But we can stay longer. It is nice here."

"It is. Very romantic, I think. Though not as romantic as your rooftop the other night. That was wonderful," Minerva said with a sigh.

"And you were wonderful – and very, very warm." Albus kissed her lips. "Very warm," he murmured.

Minerva reached up and put her arms around his neck. She moaned softly as Albus caressed her from her breast to her hip and back again.

"I would like to see you that warm again, my dear, but somewhere more . . . secure than this," Albus said, pulling her into his embrace.

"I think you could make me very warm, very easily," Minerva said softly.

"Yes, but . . . I believe that the next time, I would like to make you even . . . warmer. As you were last night," Albus whispered. "That was very stimulating. You were irrepressible. I had quite nice dreams last night. And I didn't wake myself from them."

"Well, I'm glad of that!" Minerva said looking at him, puzzlement in her eyes. "Why ever would you wake yourself from them?"

"Oh, various reasons," Albus said. "Not wanting to imagine things that I could never have, not wanting to tempt myself into imprudence, but chiefly out of respect for you, my dear."

Minerva caressed his face, thinking about what he said. "Feel free to dream or imagine whatever you wish, Albus. Perhaps you might even be inspired," Minerva said, a sparkle in her eyes.

"I will certainly let you know if I am," Albus replied with a soft kiss on her cheek.

"You know, speaking of inspiration, I love the poem you wrote for me."

"I am glad. I know it doesn't scan and its metre and rhythm are very far from perfect – "

"Shh." Minerva stopped him, bringing her fingertips to his lips, and said, "It was perfect to me, Albus. It is beautiful. I have read it a few times since, but I would love to hear you read it to me. Would you, Albus?"

"Oh, if you would like, I will sometime," Albus said.

"Now?" Minerva asked, shifting, then feeling around her deep pocket to find the parchment she had placed there before their walk. She pulled it out. "Read it to me now, Albus, please?"

Albus looked at her hesitantly, wanting to decline, but not wanting to refuse her. "Yes, all right, I will."

"Cast a charm first – I don't want the wind taking the parchment from your hand and lose it forever. I would be very unhappy if I were to lose it," Minerva said.

Albus cast the spell, pocketed his wand again, then took the folded letter from Minerva's hand. He brought the second page forward and blinked at it.

"I need my glasses, my dear. They're in an inner pocket of my over-robe. You'll need to sit up a bit." Albus put his glasses on and Minerva settled back against him.

"Read the entire poem, Albus, even the first lines. They were sweet and amusing," Minerva said.

Albus read over the poem and the words that followed it. He did feel strongly for Minerva, and the verses did catch some bit of his love for her. He kissed Minerva's temple, then he began to read the words that he had written weeks before, beginning softly, and his voice growing slightly hoarse with emotion as he remembered how he had missed Minerva when he wrote it and how desperate he had been when he had finally sent it to her with the letter admitting his love for her.

How do I respect thee? May I count the ways?

My life, my hope, my dearest one.

"You are my life and my hope, Albus," Minerva said as he finished. There were tears in her eyes. "My life and my hope. And I will love you forever."