CXXXI: Realising Love

CXXXI: Realising Love

Minerva sat up and kissed Albus's cool, wind-reddened cheek.

"This has been a lovely afternoon, Minerva," Albus said, putting an arm around her. "I am glad I agreed to accept the invitation. I do hope it wasn't the calm before the storm, however, and that it doesn't take a turn for the worse at dinner."

"Albus Dumbledore! Where does this come from? Are you normally a closet pessimist and I just never knew it?" Minerva asked, but she didn't wait for an answer, instead, gesturing out toward the sea and adding, "There is a storm brewing, though. I think we ought to get back now."

The sky was iron grey, the winds were stirring the waves, and the sound of the sea slapping the rocks below was louder than it had been.

Albus nodded. "Yes, we should get back to the house." He stood, pulling Minerva to her feet and kissing the top of her head. "Shall we Apparate? I don't care for the idea of being caught in a storm up here."

"That's a good idea. There is a small cave a little ways away, just off the path we followed up here. I had to duck in there one summer when I was a child, before I could Apparate, when I hadn't realised how close the storm was. Mother and Dad were rather frantic at the thought of me out here in the storm. I didn't like the cave very much – you know me and closed, dark spaces. I didn't have my wand with me, either, since I was still underage, and so I couldn't have any light," Minerva said. "It was dark, cold, and damp. I was pretty miserable. The rain didn't let up until almost midnight, and I remember that I decided to start for home even though it was still raining – that soft, pervasive, misting rain we get up here sometimes. The stones were slippery, and I fell several times. It was the only time that I was actually afraid that I might fall over the edge. But Mother had Apparated to find Malcolm as soon as the lightning subsided, and about halfway back to the house, I saw a light and a figure on the path. It was Malcolm, calling out for me, his wand held up in a Lumos. I was so grateful to see him. I was soaked to the bone, shivering with cold. He put his warm, heavy, wonderfully dry wool cloak around me, then he picked me up and Apparated me home. It was one of the few times anyone Apparated me that I didn't become sick, but that could just be because I already felt so sick and scared. Malcolm was a good big brother, in his own way."

Albus kissed the side of her head. "I am glad to hear that. It's good to know that he can be reliable when needed."

Minerva sighed and leaned against him. "I suppose we should go, or we'll have to camp out in that little cave. Even with you here with me, and my wand at hand, I wouldn't want to have to do that."

"I'll Apparate us both, if that is agreeable to you," Albus said.

"Very." She looked up at him. "You are extremely attractive at the moment, though, with the wind in your hair like it is. . . . You don't suppose . . ."

"What?"

"Can you, well, perhaps not . . . I was just wondering how it would feel to kiss you when you Apparate."

Albus's eyes sparkled, and he put his arms around Minerva, holding her closely. He gently kissed Minerva's lips, then as he deepened the kiss and pulled her against him, Minerva felt a shimmer of his magic, and when Albus broke the kiss and she opened her eyes, she saw that they were in front of the house.

Minerva smiled. "You are very talented, Albus."

Albus grinned and winked at her. "I do like to try something new occasionally."

Cold, fat drops of rain began to fall, and the two hurried into the house. Merwyn stuck his head out of the library and offered them each a warming Scotch. Albus accepted, but Minerva demurred, saying she would prefer either a sherry or a Gillywater. A few minutes later, Minerva and Albus were sitting on the sofa, sipping a sherry and a whisky, respectively, and Merwyn adding another splash of whisky to his own glass.

Egeria came in and said, "I'll have a whisky, too, Merwyn. Then why don't we go into the sitting room? We do have one."

"I think we're all comfortably settled here, dearest," Merwyn said, giving her a bus on the cheek as he handed her her glass.

"But there are more windows. We can watch the storm from there," Egeria said, still standing near the door.

"Mm, I think you have an unnatural appreciation of precipitation," Merwyn said, but he turned and said to Albus and Minerva, "Would you care to join us in the sitting room and watch the rain? It is most entertaining. Or so I have been told." Egeria elbowed him lightly in the ribs and he grinned.

Albus said that he wanted to change before dinner, and Minerva agreed. It didn't take them long, and they soon rejoined Merwyn and Egeria in the sitting room. The settled down comfortably, a fire blazing in the fireplace, and watched the rain come down in hard sheets, pounding on the windows, the wind whipping the branches of the bushes and flattening some of the more delicate flowering plants.

"I am glad that Johannes helped me in the gardens," Egeria said. "Even with the ordinary charms, these storms used to be hard on my poor plants. But these new charms he placed, and the microclimate charms he helped me to recast, they are very robust. The gardens have been holding up very well. He is a gem. I am sure he will do quite well in business for himself."

Conversation turned to Hogwarts and the various staffing changes coming in the next year. At twenty-five past seven, Orents popped into the sitting room and announced that dinner would be served in five minutes. Egeria excused herself to see if Fwisky needed her in the kitchens, and a sudden awkward silence fell over the remaining three, seeming to emanate from Albus and radiate outward to encompass the other two.

Merwyn took the last swallow of his whisky, then said, "So, Albus, have you had a holiday at all this summer? From everything I've heard, it's been nothing but work for you."

"I took a couple of days and went to visit Thea and Robert," Albus replied, "and I stopped at my cottage to take care of a few maintenance tasks."

Merwyn smiled. "Thea was looking quite well the last time we saw her. Egeria went again on Monday, just for the afternoon, and she said that Thea is not showing the slightest sign of illness, and the baby is growing very well. She believes her to be past the danger point and that she will give birth to a healthy baby girl in late October."

"I am sure that Gertrude will be very pleased," Minerva said. "I assume that she knows already, though. But I know that it had bothered her terribly, and I am certain she will enjoy having a grandchild."

Merwyn smiled softly. "I remember when Melina was born. Alessandrina was so happy, and Murdoch was beside himself. I don't think he knew which way was up. Such a pretty baby, she was."

"All babies are pretty, Dad."

Merwyn shook his head. "Some are downright ugly, although fortunately most outgrow that quickly. But all babies are adorable and lovable. And according to Egeria, they all smell wonderful."

"They do . . . there's just something about a baby. Baby head, especially. You just want to pick them up and cuddle them and smell their sweet little heads," Minerva said, a silly smile on her face.

"Mmm, until they need their nappies changing," Merwyn said. "Then they don't smell so sweet. But I'm glad that Melina and Brennan have decided to wait a few years before starting a family. Although Brennan doesn't want to wait too long. He says he doesn't want to be an old man raising his kids, ready to retire and still with children to support." Suddenly Merwyn seemed flustered, almost taking a drink from his empty glass. "Of course, Brennan is a Muggle. Things are different for Muggles. And it's time now for dinner. Better go in."

Merwyn stood and started out of the sitting room back toward the dining room. Minerva reached for Albus's hand, but he seemed not to notice, and he followed her father out into the hall. Minerva furrowed her brow then sighed. Albus had seemed uncomfortable even before they had begun to talk about babies, and then her father mentioned Brennan and his age . . . probably the best way to repair the awkwardness in this instance was simply to move on past it and not create a bigger issue of it.

Dinner was, fortunately, much more relaxed, with Egeria adroitly steering the conversation. Minerva had to admire her mother and her ability to keep the discussion interesting but away from anything that might tend to lead Albus to feel uncomfortable. By the end of the meal as they were eating their Stilton and pears, everyone was relaxed and Albus seemed to have forgotten his earlier moment of discomfort. All moved on to the library, where Egeria poured them each a glass of Drambuie and Merwyn invited Albus for a game of chess.

Albus looked over at Minerva questioningly. Minerva grinned. "Go ahead! I'd like to see you two play a game. I might learn a thing or two that I could use against you – and it will be much easier to pay attention than when Dad plays with Malcolm."

As Merwyn set up the chessboard, Albus asked, "Why is that?"

"Malcolm gets his pieces to play in a violent and almost bloodthirsty way. I have never seen anything quite like it. They howl and clash their armour and behave like little barbarians," Minerva said.

Merwyn grinned. "I occasionally consider playing with the Muggle set with him, but it's funny to see him go through his antics and then his disappointment when he still loses."

Albus chuckled and the two men sat down on either side of the board, Merwyn offering Albus white.

As Albus moved out his queen's pawn, he said, "That is actually helpful for me to know for Saturday. He will probably try something similar to throw me off." Albus grinned. "I look forward to that!"

"He was asking me about the wards and whether you would have an advantage over him and whether there would be any restrictions on him because of them," Minerva said. "I didn't know what to tell him."

Albus shook his head. "Theoretically, I could have an advantage because we will be at Hogwarts, but I won't use that in this instance. I have a sufficient natural advantage over him."

"I wouldn't be complacent, though, Albus," Minerva said. "He may not have your skill or power, but he might still have some tricks up his sleeves."

"I am counting on that. Malcolm strikes me as a resourceful and inventive wizard. I hope this will be at least somewhat taxing for me. I haven't many opportunities to exercise these skills of late, and I do not want to fall out of practice."

"Would that be such a bad thing?" Minerva asked.

Albus nodded. "It would. But it is not a topic for a night such as this, relaxing with friends."

"No, it isn't – let me get on with beating him," Merwyn said, grinning.

The two men played as Minerva looked on and Egeria read the journal, Modern British Healcraft. Finally, Merwyn sat back in his seat and watched as Albus made a final move, placing him in checkmate.

"So, are you two staying the night?" Egeria asked. "You needn't of course, but you might prefer to leave in the morning after breakfast. The weather is still fairly nasty. Whether you Apparated or Flooed, you would still have a rather wet walk up to the castle."

Albus looked at Minerva. "If Minerva would like to stay, that would be fine with me. We could leave in the morning, as you say, Egeria."

Minerva nodded. "Yes, that would be nice. Thank you, Mother."

"Nonsense – it is your home. No thanks needed. Nor from you, Albus. You must feel right at home here, as well. In fact, we will add you to the family wards, won't we, Merwyn? That way, you can Apparate directly into the house or Floo through without calling ahead. No standing on ceremony." At Albus's half-formed protest, Egeria added, "Whether you take advantage of it or not, is up to you, but we will add you in the morning before you leave. And I do hope you will avail yourself of the convenience."

Albus, seeing that protest was futile, said, "Thank you, Egeria, that is very gracious of you. I do appreciate it. Thank you both for a very lovely evening."

"Now, if you will excuse us, I believe that we will retire for the night," Egeria said, placing a hand on her husband's shoulder. "But you two feel free to play chess or do whatever you like. We will see you in the morning."

As the two left, bidding Minerva and Albus good-night, Albus could have sworn he saw Merwyn pat Egeria on the bottom as they went out the door.

"Would you like to play a game of chess, my dear?" Albus asked, turning to Minerva.

"Not really. I'm actually quite tired. It's been quite a day, between practice with Malcolm this morning and our walk this evening. Why don't we just sit a while and enjoy the fire, then we can go up to bed?"

Albus joined Minerva on the sofa, putting his arm around her as she settled her head on his shoulder.

"It was a very nice day, Minerva," Albus said, turning his head and giving her a light kiss. "I am glad I agreed to come. Your parents were . . . well, they were themselves."

"I didn't expect anything else of them," Minerva said. "I was a little worried that one or the other might give you a bit too much of a welcome, with long speeches about how they thought our relationship was good and they wish us well, and so forth – which could be uncomfortable for you – but they didn't. It was good of Mother to want to include you in the family wards, though I did get the sense from you that you weren't very happy with the idea."

"I don't mind, really. I was simply surprised that they would want to extend them to me," Albus replied.

"You aren't precisely a stranger, Albus, and you have been a visitor here in the past. It would be quite convenient if I am ever here and you come out to join me later," Minerva said. "But you can still Apparate to the front garden, if you prefer, and knock on the door. Feeling at home, though, would be much more convenient."

Albus chuckled. "I suppose it would be."

"I'm sorry, Albus, but my eyes are just closing of their own accord here. Why don't we go up and get ready for bed, hmm?" Minerva suggested.

The two went upstairs, Minerva again going down the hall to use the bathroom at the other end of the house. She pondered taking a shower, then decided that would wake her up, so she just washed then changed into her nightgown and pulled on her dressing gown. She returned to her bedroom just as Albus was stepping out of the bathroom dressed in his nightshirt, his robes over one arm and his boots and socks in his other hand.

"Even though I brought a nightshirt, I didn't really anticipate staying," Albus said awkwardly. "I didn't bring a dressing gown or slippers."

"Oh, well, I can help you with that. I'll just be a minute!"

"You needn't bother, I – "

"It's no bother. Be right back!" Minerva said cheerfully.

She turned and ran back up toward Malcolm's room, where she opened the wardrobe and found an old dressing gown of green and blue tartan wool. She could just give him some of her socks to Transfigure into a pair of slippers. Minerva hurried back down the hall and rapped on Albus's partially open door.

"Come in," Albus called.

"Here – it's something old of Malcolm's. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I was going to get you something to Transfigure into slippers, but I see you've managed," Minerva said, noticing the fluffy grey slippers on his feet.

"Yes, I Transfigured the woolen socks I wore on our walk," Albus explained as he stood from his perch at the foot of the bed and took the dressing gown from Minerva. "Thank you, my dear. I don't know as I will need it, but it is nice to have."

"I thought we might have some tea before bed. I can call Orents, but I usually just go down to the kitchen and fix it myself. Would you like to join me?" Minerva asked.

Albus nodded and shrugged on the dressing gown and tied the sash about him. He followed Minerva down to the kitchen, where Orents and Quimpy were sitting at the house-elves' small table drinking butterbeer together.

"Don't get up," Minerva said. "We're just down to get ourselves a cup of tea. How are you, Quimpy?"

"Just dandy, Miss Minerva, but busy busy with Miss Melina's wedding coming and setting up her new house," Quimpy replied.

"Well, I'm happy you could drop by and visit your brother. Did you see Fwisky, too?" Minerva asked.

"Yes, but she went to bed. She gets tired more now," Quimpy said sadly.

Orents added, more brightly, "But she feels better during the day."

"Good, I'm glad," Minerva replied. Turning to Albus, she explained, "Tchierie, Fwisky's mate, died in June."

"Ah, my condolences," Albus said, addressing Orents and Quimpy, who bobbed their heads in response.

Minerva made them tea, a blend of different mints and catnip, and Albus Levitated the tray for her.

"I thought we could have it in your room," Minerva said. "It has that nice little table and chairs. My room just has the desk, a straight-back chair, and a rocking chair."

Albus nodded in agreement and followed her up the stairs, the tray floating smoothly in front of him. When they reached the bedroom, he set the tray down on the table. Minerva began to pour their tea, adding a little honey to Albus's.

"Are you going to sit down, Albus?"

"Oh, yes, of course." Albus sat in the other little chair across from her.

"I should have asked whether you wanted a book or something to read before bed," Minerva said before taking a sip of her tea. "I have a few in my room, or you could go back and borrow something from the library."

"I am rather tired, but perhaps something light," Albus replied.

"That's about all that is left in my room. I brought most of my books with me, so there are only a few novels and some books that I enjoyed as a child," Minerva replied.

"Oh? What children's books?" Albus asked, his interest suddenly piqued.

"Well, I think there's still a copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, some Sir Walter Scott, of course, a rather luridly illustrated copy of Spenser's Faerie Queene, and Emil und die Detective – Dad's idea of an educational book. He didn't give up hope for years that I would follow in his footsteps. But he was happy to see me strike off into Transfiguration," Minerva said. "And there's fairy tales, both the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. The Hans Christian Andersen stories always made me cry, so I didn't read them as much."

"I read those fairy tales when I was a boy, too. Some of the Grimm stories were quite grisly," Albus said. "The Andersen tales were sad, but they were beautiful, and I preferred them. My mother liked poetry, so I also read quite a bit of poetry growing up. It was how I learned to read, actually. And I know of the Alice stories, of course, and have read Alice in Wonderland, but I never read Through the Looking-Glass."

"No? Well, why don't you borrow that tonight, then, and you can bring it with you. We'll bring the set of Lewis Carroll with us. There's another volume with some of his poems. The drawings in all of them are nice."

They finished their tea and Minerva stood. She looked at Albus. "Are you coming?" When Albus looked at her blankly, she said, "To fetch the book. Unless you're too tired. You seem sleepy."

Albus smiled. "I am a little sleepy, but it would be pleasant to have something light to read."

Minerva led him into her bedroom and showed him the few books on the shelves. "Here's Through the Looking-Glass, but if you'd like any of the others instead, help yourself."

"Oh, Rob Roy!" Albus exclaimed. "I enjoyed that as a boy. My Uncle Christopher gave it to me for my tenth birthday. I don't know whatever happened to it."

"Here, it's yours, then, Albus," Minerva said, handing it to him, "if you ever want to reread it. And there's Ivanhoe and St. Ronan's Well, too."

"Oh, I can't take your book, Minerva – "

"Don't be absurd, Albus. Of course you can," she said with a laugh.

Albus grinned at her. "I'll relive my childhood, then, rereading it. But I'll start with the Lewis Carroll tonight, I think," he said, picking up the Scott and Through the Looking-Glass.

"Sleep well, Albus," Minerva said. "I'll wake you in the morning, if you're not up."

"Thank you, my dear," Albus replied. "It has been a lovely day."

"It has been – but don't leave just yet," Minerva said with a smile, placing her hands on his shoulders. "I need another proper kiss – and we also need to ensure that doppelganger-Albus doesn't make a surprise reappearance!"

Albus set the books down on the bed. Minerva's hair was down and gathered loosely behind her head. She was completely appealing and attractive at that moment. He caressed her cheek, then placed a finger beneath her chin to tilt her face toward him, but he didn't kiss her yet. He looked into her eyes as he slowly approached her, then he paused and let out a sigh.

"You are too beautiful for words, Minerva, so wonderful," he said softly, "and so very, very attractive. You were worth waiting a lifetime for."

Albus brought his lips to hers and kissed her gently, then kissed her once more softly. "Good night, sweet dreams, my dear."

Minerva smiled and drew her hands down his chest. "Good night, Albus. I will see you in the morning."

Minerva watched as Albus stepped out her door with his books, giving her a last little wave. It was hard to see him go, return to his room and his separate bed, but hopefully, if she were patient, he would lose his final reservations and they could spend some nights together before school started and that became nearly impossible. She closed her door most of the way, but didn't latch it, and then opened her window and got into bed.

The thought of the beginning of the school year depressed her. She and Albus would have so many duties, there would be so many people around, the full staff would be there, all meals would be taken in the Great Hall with the students . . . how would they ever have any privacy or any time alone together, she wondered. They would simply have to be inventive, use their time wisely.

Minerva extinguished her lights and rolled over. She could see that Albus's light was still on, and feeling some comfort in the knowledge that Albus was close by, just in the next room, lying in bed with one of her favourite childhood books, Minerva gazed at the light seeping in through her door, her eyelids growing heavier, until, finally, she fell asleep.

Minerva woke a little before six, the pale early morning light waking her gently. She rose quietly and went down the hall to take a quick shower and dress. Fifteen minutes later, she was showered, dressed, and ready to start her day.

Albus had closed his door in the night, and Minerva tapped on it softly, not wanting to jolt him from his sleep. Slowly and quietly, she opened the door. Albus was lying on his side, sound asleep. It was early still. He had said that he had an appointment at eleven, although he did have work to do that day. Still, it seemed a pity to disturb his sleep. Minerva stood in the doorway for a moment, torn between waking him, closing the door and letting him sleep longer, and shedding her robes and joining him. In the end, she did none of those things, instead, transforming with a small pop, padding across the room, and jumping lightly up onto the foot of the bed.

She walked gingerly up toward the head of the bed, then looked down into Albus's face. Albus turned slightly in his sleep. Minerva lay down next to him, resting her paws and head on his chest, enjoying his warmth, and gradually drifted into a light sleep.

An hour later, Minerva began to purr as she woke to someone petting her.

"Minerva, Minerva, Minerva," Albus said, and she could hear the smile in his voice. "Whatever shall I do with you, my dear?"

Minerva just purred more loudly and snuggled closer to him. Albus rolled onto his back, slid a hand beneath her, and lifted her fully onto his chest. Minerva didn't even open her eyes, simply curling up and settling back into a light sleep as Albus stroked her fur. Finally, Albus put an arm around her and sat up, cradling her against him. Minerva opened her eyes and blinked at him.

"Good morning, my dear! I do believe it is time for me to get up now."

Minerva bumped his chin with her head, then leapt to the floor as Albus released her. With a slight snap, she was back in her ordinary form.

"Good morning, Albus! I hope you don't mind me joining you as I did. It simply seemed a pity to wake you when you were sleeping so nicely, and you looked so warm and cozy, I couldn't help but join you," Minerva said with a smile.

Albus chuckled. "It was rather a nice way to wake up, actually. But now, I need to get up and dress. Is breakfast at any particular time?"

"No, but – " Minerva paused and cast a Tempus. Seven-fifteen. " – Mother is likely drinking her second cup of tea now, and eating her breakfast, so we could join her, if you like. Or we could call Orents and have him bring us breakfast here, whichever you prefer."

"I think it would be nice to join your mother. I won't be long."

Minerva bent and gave him a kiss on the cheek then left him to change. "I'll just go on down now, unless you'd rather I wait for you. We breakfast in the morning room, where we had our tea yesterday."

Albus told her to go down and he would be along shortly.

After breakfast, Minerva asked Albus whether he had time for a walk before they left for Hogwarts.

"I'm sorry, my dear, but I have so many things to do today, especially as we will be gone tomorrow, as well, that I need to get back. And I do want to be free this evening. But please don't let that keep you from staying and enjoying the morning with your parents," Albus replied.

"It was just a thought. Perhaps next time," Minerva said. "I will Apparate back with you."

Egeria and Merwyn said good-bye to the two in the front hall, and Merwyn cast the few spells necessary to add Albus to the family wards so that he could Apparate or Floo directly into the house. Moments later, Albus and Minerva were at the Hogwarts gates. As they walked back up to the castle, Albus remarked that he believed that he would be hiring the new Care of Magical Creatures teacher that morning, Kettleburn, whom Wilhelmina had spoken with the day before.

"That only leaves Flying and Quidditch. I thought I might ask your brother if he would mind taking those on, at least until we find someone else to do it," Albus said. "I assume he knows enough about Quidditch to be able to referee – was he on the Quidditch team in school?"

"Yes, he was a Beater, actually," Minerva replied. "He didn't really have the build for it, but he made up for it in aggressiveness, from what I understand. I don't know if he's played since then, though."

"If he can Apparate-by-Broom – which we shall see tomorrow – he can manage Flying and Quidditch, then, I'm sure," Albus said with a nod.

They reached the second floor, and they parted company until lunch, making tentative plans to meet after dinner. Kettleburn would be staying for lunch, and Albus doubted he would have any free time in the afternoon.

Minerva's day went quickly. She spent most of it on Hogwarts business, as she really had little to do to prepare for the wedding the next day. If the weather was fine, she would wear her saffron and raspberry robes, and if it wasn't, she would grit her teeth and wear her Muggle suit. The day before, she had confirmed with her mother that her wedding present to Melina and Brennan had arrived at the house. Her mother had picked it up for her when she went shopping in Muggle Edinburgh. Minerva thought it a very dull wedding present, but Melina had said she wanted a Muggle electric iron, so that is what Minerva got her. Her mother had bought her a Hoover and some electric lamps for their sitting room. Although Brennan had some Muggle appliances and lamps, the house was a large one to furnish, and Melina wanted new appliances rather than the old ones from Brennan's flat. It was going to be a small, quiet affair, which was just as well, as it was in the registry office. The wedding was at nine o'clock, and the wedding breakfast was to be held in a nearby Muggle restaurant. Other than Murdoch's immediate family, Melina had only invited Uncle Perseus and Aunt Helen, and, of course, Jenny, Albus, Quin, Poppy, and Gertrude. Brennan's mother was not up to the trip, so they were planning on visiting her at the end of their honeymoon, but his brother, his wife, and a handful of Melina and Brennan's mutual Muggle friends were coming.

At lunch, Minerva met Kettleburn, who had accepted Albus's offer and would arrive on the first of December, overlapping with Wilhelmina by a few weeks so that she could show him around and introduce him to the students. Kettleburn was an amusing, middle-aged wizard, lean and wiry, missing a few "minor appendages," as he put it, with a slight limp caused by some missing flesh in one leg, where a beast had taken a chomp out of him. Minerva had to keep herself from spitting out her soup when Malcolm leaned over and asked her, in a whisper, whether she thought that Kettleburn planned on being eaten a little at a time or whether he might make a full meal for some creature before that happened.

Minerva's afternoon was as quiet as her morning had been, and she took a walk before dinner, catching sight of Malcolm on his broom, high above the castle. She watched him for a while, her heart in her throat when, leaning close to the handle, he did loops and hair-pin turns, but he remained in complete control of his broom and the broom's charms appeared to keep him well-seated. Finally, deciding that he was not going to be landing any time soon, Minerva returned to the castle and to her office until dinner.

There were more staff at dinner than there had been in weeks. Both Pringle and Ogg had returned early to assess their areas of responsibility and get any maintenance done before classes began, and Madam Perlecta had also returned early. If they were curious about Malcolm's presence at the table, they said nothing, and Albus announced that lunch and dinner would be served in the Great Hall beginning with Saturday's lunch.

After eating his custard, but not taking any biscuits, Minerva noticed, Albus stood and asked her if she would care to join him for a game of chess. Minerva nodded, and the two walked up to the gargoyle together, chatting about their day. As soon as the gargoyle closed the entrance behind them, Minerva threw her arms around Albus and kissed him.

"Oh, I thought I would burst, waiting for this," she said, kissing him again.

Albus chuckled and returned her kiss. "I missed you, too, Minerva. Somehow, despite being busy all day, I felt that it was taking far too long for the dinner hour to arrive." He kissed her again, and they reached the top of the stairs.

"What did you think of Kettleburn?" Albus asked.

"He seemed nice. A bit eccentric and, um, blasé about the loss of his fingers, toes, and other miscellaneous chunks of himself, but nice. And well-qualified, I thought," Minerva responded.

Albus grinned. "He does seem a bit unconcerned about the gradual loss of limb by attrition, doesn't he? But he seems very knowledgeable, and hopefully he will not be losing many more pieces of himself in the near-future."

The two went upstairs and Albus set up the chessboard for them.

"We're really playing chess?" Minerva asked.

Albus looked up, surprised. "I thought you wanted to – if you don't, we don't have to, naturally."

"No, we can play chess. I just thought that we might spend time just getting to know each other better," Minerva said.

Albus looked puzzled. "Getting to know each other better? I think we are past the favourite colours, favourite foods, favourite seasons conversations."

Minerva laughed. "I meant in the ways that we don't know each other as well, Albus. You are such a dear!" She leaned over and kissed his cheek before sitting in the chair opposite him. "I won last time, so I'll play white this game."

"Ah, I see . . ." Albus's cheeks went pink as he realised what Minerva was saying. "Well, we have had a busy few days, and we need to be in Edinburgh early tomorrow for your niece's wedding, so I thought a relaxing game or two of chess might be nice," Albus said.

Minerva won the first game and lost the second, then Albus called for tea and they curled up together on the sofa, and Minerva drank in his kisses, ignoring her tea altogether. Finally, Albus declared that he would walk her back to her rooms. They could take the backstairs which were so handy to Gryffindor Tower. Minerva stifled a sigh, but agreed. She didn't think that she could bear being so close to him only to be parted from him again. At least they had come to an agreeable compromise about their holiday, and that was one less area of tension between them. The sexual tension between them, however, simply seemed to be growing, from Minerva's point-of-view, anyway. And she didn't think that it was becoming any easier for Albus either. But they were headed for his backstairs and her rooms, where he clearly planned to bid her good-night to return to his own suite.

Minerva stopped before Albus reached the final step. Sensing this, Albus turned slightly, looking up at her in the flickering torchlight.

"All right, there, Minerva? It's only a few more steps, my dear," he said, concerned that her claustrophobia was bothering her despite the fact that he had led her down this narrow stone stairway many times.

"No," Minerva said softly. "I'm not all right."

When they had passed through Albus's bedroom on the way to his backstairs, Minerva wished they were at their final destination. She understood his desire to court her properly, but she didn't think she could bear being properly courted much longer. When he turned further toward her, she placed a hand on each shoulder and stepped down one more step so that she was pressed against him.

"Hold me, please, Albus," she whispered, putting one hand behind his neck, threaded through his hair, sliding the other one down his side, and laying her head on his shoulder.

Albus did as she asked, and said, "It's all right, my dear. I have you. It's just a short ways further – Minerva?"

She had moved her hand to the small of his back, and now it crept lower as she felt the curve of his buttocks beneath his robes, and she wished he weren't wearing two layers. She felt him gasp as her fingers explored his cleft through the fabric and her lips found his neck. She nuzzled him, moving his hair and beard aside, baring the side of his neck to the tip of an exploring tongue.

"Minerva – um – " Minerva felt Albus swallow. "You . . . I . . ."

Minerva just said, "Mmm," and pressed against him harder, forcing him to take a step down, and she stepped down with him, deliberately moving her hips to provide him a brief massage. She kissed his neck, then sucked it, nipping slightly. Only mildly concerned that he might pull away, she moved her hand from the back of his head down to his hips, then reached between them. Albus took the final step down, and Minerva followed, backing him into the door. Then she stopped, placed both hands lightly on his chest, and looked up at him.

"Don't you . . . don't you want me, Albus?" she asked softly, drawing her hands down, parting his outer robe, then lightly caressing his chest. "Is there something I can do . . . so that you want me? Something that would make me more desirable?"

"Of course I want you, Minerva," he said, his voice coming out hoarsely. He swallowed. "You know that I do . . . I just . . . I don't want you ever to feel . . . used or as though that's all that I want from you."

"I could use a Glamour, if you like. If you want something . . . different," Minerva offered softly, knowing full well that he did not want anything different. She looked down. "If I'm not attractive enough for you, if that's the problem – "

"No, no, that's not it. It's not. Truly," Albus said urgently, running his hands up and down her arms. "There is no witch, no woman, on earth who is more attractive than you are to me. You must know how much I desire you."

Minerva looked up at him, letting a breath out slowly, lips parted. She moved one hand around beneath his outer robe so that it was under his arm, then moved the other one slowly downward, watching his reaction as she did so. She stopped as she caressed his lower abdomen then placed her hand on his hip. She stood on her toes and kissed his mouth lightly but lingeringly, followed by sensuously pulling his lower lip between hers and flicking it with the tip of her tongue as she sucked it gently.

Barely breaking the kiss, she whispered, "Then show me. Show me your desire, Albus. Show me . . . please."

When their lips met again, he responded, pulling her closer and pressing his hips forward. He broke the kiss and gasped into her ear, his hand squeezing her buttocks and pulling her tightly against him. "You can feel that, you can feel my desire, my desire for you."

"And what do you desire? Show me what you desire, please, Albus!"

"Oh, my love, my dearest," he said, trying to disengage from her embrace, "we should wait . . . at least not here," he added when he felt her sag in disappointment.

"Now, Albus, please . . . I need you now, not, not later . . . later, too, but now, please," she said, kissing his chest as she spoke. "You know how much I want you . . . I demonstrated that quite clearly on Tuesday, I think, and it was lovely . . . but I can't last. I can't wait any longer for you . . . for you to want me, for you to take me, for you to make love to me. I need you, Albus." Minerva looked up at him. Her heart was pounding. "I know you love me, now please show me how much you want me, that you need me, too, please," she finished softly, looking back down, "please, I want you to . . . to take me, please. I will beg – "

"No," Albus said gruffly. "Do not. Never."

He kissed her forehead, then her eyes, then her cheeks, and as he began to kiss her mouth, his hands went to her waist and he turned her to his left, pushing her gently to the stone wall.

"I want you, Minerva. I want you . . . I want you . . . I want you so much, and I so want to be romantic, to show you all my love and adoration," Albus said, kissing her mouth and throat, bringing his hands to her breasts then back down again. "I could take you now, and, oh, how I have wanted to make love to you, but you deserve something special. Not here, now." He pulled at a lace on her bodice, and her robes loosened to his touch. "You do . . . deserve something special," he said between gasps and kisses as he sucked at her throat, and, one hand still at her waist, he moved aside her robe, baring a breast until he covered it with his hand. "I can't just . . . not here."

"Yes . . . oh, gods, Albus, please . . . you drive me mad," Minerva said, trying to shrug off her gown. "Please . . ."

"Oh, Minerva . . ."

Albus rested his forehead on her shoulder and let out a shuddering breath, but his hand, seemingly of its own accord, fondled her breast, then cupped it, a thumb teasing her nipple, before moving her robe further aside, down off her shoulder. He turned his head and kissed her throat as his other hand rose and shoved her robe down from her other shoulder. Minerva could feel lips caressing her collar bone as his hands played with her, teasing her nipples. She attempted to move her arms to pull him closer, but the robe constricted her movements, and his hands pressed against her breasts, the stone wall cold against her back and his breath hot against her throat.

Minerva moaned softly as Albus gently nipped and sucked at the tender skin near her pulse point and one of his hands groped downward, moving her robes lower, bunching them about her waist and her wrists. His fingers played softly across the sensitive skin below her navel, dancing their way lower. No longer protesting, Albus's voice now murmured half-intelligible endearments as he continued finding new places on her neck and shoulders to kiss her, sucking, nipping, licking, and his left hand adored her right breast as his right hand slipped still lower, insinuating itself between her clothing and her skin, finding where her feminine thatch of hair began. Albus moaned in longing and frustration as the robes, fallen snug about Minerva's hips, denied him any further access to her hidden crux.

He withdrew his hand, bringing it back to her breasts, then he lowered his head more, kissing the valley between them as his fingertips teased the nipples. Albus moved his hands to her arms, grasping them and bracing himself as he slowly kissed his way down her body to her stomach, then took a return path that brought his lips to a peaked nipple, where he suckled first lightly, then taking more of her breast in his mouth, he gently drew his teeth over her skin, flush in the torchlight, to her nipple, flicking his tongue over it as he moaned lowly, and Minerva feeling the vibration of his voice all the way to her throbbing clitoris. She wriggled, begging him with her body, but he suckled the nipple then moved to the other breast, again nipping, flicking and suckling, before he moved further down, sliding his hands to her wrists as he knelt before her and kissed her stomach, tantalising, feather-light kisses followed by occasional quick flicks of his tongue.

"Oh, gods, Albus, I cannot bear it," Minerva cried, gasping and rocking her hips out from the wall, her desire inflamed by his touch, but Albus only pressed her wrists to the wall and nuzzled her where her robes gathered at her hips.

"You wanted me to show you my desire, Minerva, my desire is you and this is what I desire, and how I desire you, my love," Albus answered, his voice low and deep. "This is how I desire you, how I make love to you, how I take you, if you will have me do so here, now, in this place." His breath was a warm, tickling breeze over her skin. "Unless you would have me stop."

"Don't stop, Albus, please, yes . . . don't stop," Minerva moaned.

A whispered spell raised her skirts, and Albus trembled, a shuddering breath issuing from between parted lips as he looked at her thighs then slowly began kissing them gently, moving from the inside of one leg to the other.

Minerva threw back her head and cried out. "Oh, gods, Albus." Her breathing quickened. He had not yet even touched her throbbing heat and she believed she would come that very moment. "Please . . . please . . ." she moaned, not even sure what she begged for, but knowing that Albus held it.

Albus whispered another spell and Minerva's robes rose higher about her waist. Swallowing, he approached her and nuzzled her through her knickers, then, without moving away, Albus whispered another spell, and with his breath on her crux, her knickers were banished and his mouth was at her source of heat.

As Albus nuzzled her, then flicked his tongue out experimentally, finding her clitoris briefly, Minerva thought she would die right there. She seemed unable to do anything but breath in, and when his tongue began to pleasure her, she finally let her breath out in a gasping cry and gripped his shoulders tightly, bunching his robes in her fists. His fingers began to gently stroke Minerva's inner thighs as his tongue flicked over her nub, then his mouth moved higher, kissing as it went, and one hand went to her wet heat, rubbing and thrusting alternately. His head moved above the bunched robes again, and Albus began to kiss and lick her stomach, not with the tantalisingly light, teasing kisses of before, but with equally arousing gentle nips, until finally he rose from his knees, placed his left hand at her shoulder, pressing her to the wall, his fingers still at play at her clitoris and vagina, bringing her close to release but never allowing her to come. Minerva was certain she would expire before she came, but Albus then kissed her mouth, drawing her tongue into his own mouth, closing his lips around it, sucking her tongue in rhythm with his thrusting hand, and she came in waves of pleasure, moaning into his mouth as he suckled her tongue, her hands grasping at his waist, arms still restrained by her robes.

Minerva didn't think she could feel any passion greater than she did in that moment, but then his robes were open and his penis was pressed, large and warm, against her stomach, and even as she still came around his fingers, she wanted him in her, and she lifted a leg, putting it around his hips, trying to mount him, to impale herself on his hard erection. Albus pulled back from the kiss, his breath coming in gasps, and he looked into her eyes as he reached behind her and lifted her up. Still watching her face, he moved his hips until she could feel the head of his penis poised at her entrance. He bent his head and kissed her lightly, softly, gently as he thrust upward and entered her. At his entrance, Minerva gasped, pulling his breath into her own.

Albus kissed her once more as he thrust, then he breathed into her ear, panting, and saying, "I love you, Minerva, I love you . . . Minerva, my dearest Minerva, my love, my sweet, sweet love, you above all, you . . . you . . . you, Minerva, my love . . ."

He drew back, looking at her in the flickering torchlight, watching her as he thrust, and as she came again, Albus's eyes filled with tears and he said, "You, Minerva, you, my love, Minerva, Minerva, Minerva, my love. . . ."

Minerva was filled with wave upon wave of pleasure. She could no longer see Albus's face, but only hear his voice as she came around him, her vision filled with stars and her limbs insensible, feeling only the explosion at her core, then intense pleasure rushing through her, like fire, like water, like air, like life, and Albus's magic surrounded her, lifting her, and her own breath seemed to escape her as she felt the pulse of his life and his energy in and around her. Minerva heard his voice still, speaking of his love, speaking her name, calling her to him, and she collapsed forward against him, held by his strength and supported by his love.

As Minerva tried to regain control of her panting breath, her head limp on his shoulder, feeling his kisses in her hair, she became aware that he was still holding her, and he was still inside her, still large and hard. Swallowing and trying to draw some moisture into her parched mouth, she finally whispered his name.

"Yes, my dear?" Albus said softly, barely ceasing his kisses, and stroking her back with one hand.

"Albus . . . you're still . . . that is . . . are you. . . ." She swallowed again. Her passion had exploded in a way she had never experienced before, but perhaps he had been dissatisfied. "I mean to say, it feels as though . . . you did not . . ." Despite having abandoned herself to her passion, she could not find the words to ask him her question.

"I will admit it was surpassingly difficult, my love," Albus whispered, "but if you are asking what I believe you are . . . I am holding that in reserve, with the assistance of a bit of a charm, until we can make it back to my bedroom, where I can continue to make love to you and finish demonstrating to you how very, very much I love you, desire you, need you, adore you."