Disclaimer: Like everything else I've written, JKR owns Harry Potter and Nickelback owns "Far Away".
Note: This part contains some forms of religious beliefs, so if that offends you in any way then I ask you don't flame me on it.
Sorry it took me so long, this chapter was really hard for me to write.
This time, this place
Misused, Mistakes
Too long, too late
Who was I to make you wait
Minerva McGonagall turned in her sleep – or so she thought it was. Then the final impact of the last few hours hit her, she was dead. She had killed herself. But for some reason, she still felt the pain of Albus' rejection in her chest as she rose and looked around.
Just one chance
Just one breath
Just in case there's just one left
The room she was in was relatively small, compared to her former quarters at Hogwarts - about ten square feet. The bed took up most of the room but besides that, there wasn't much else in the room except a tattered book and a broken lamp. She sighed, for a split second, almost regretting her choice.
'Cause you know,
You know, you know
The door opened and a dark figure stepped into the room, and made it's way towards her. They placed a hand her arm and turned her face towards theirs. And in a voice so painstakingly familiar to her, they whispered the words she was dreading, and longing, to hear.
"I'm here Minerva, everything will be alright now."
That I love you
I have loved you all along
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
Albus wrapped his arms around her waist and held her as sobs shook her small frame. Her fingers dug into his back and her hot tears soaked his robes, "Minerva," he whispered quietly, "don't cry." But even as he spoke, he knew that she would ignore him completely. Her eyes, slightly red from tears, turned towards him, and when she spoke, her voice shook.
"Why Albus?"
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
And you'll never go
"I love you Minerva," Albus whispered, "I … I'm sorry – " he paused, brushing his lips against her cheek, "– for everything I've done." He held her hands in his and caressed her tear-stained cheeks with his thumb, "Please, forgive me."
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
"I … I don't know if I can," Minerva's voice trembled. Then she shook her head, "I mean I can, in my heart, but I don't know if I can say it, out loud, I mean." A few more tears slipped down her cheeks, creating new trails as more followed, "I love you more than anything else Albus, I just can't seem to find the right words."
On my knees, I'll ask
Last chance for one last dance
He nodded, "Same with me," Albus replied, ignoring the brief flash of annoyance in Minerva's green eyes. Trying to make it up to her, Albus sighed, "Well, I mean, I understand what you mean, and it's the same here."
'Cause with you, I'd withstand
All of hell to hold your hand
"I mean it Minerva," Albus whispered, "you ... what you did." He gazed at the floor, "I don't think I could have even done that."
I'd give it all
I'd give for us
"But you did," Minerva protested, causing Albus to look up at her, "You did." She repeated, albeit quieter, as if closing a promise.
Give anything but I won't give up
'Cause you know,
you know, you know
"I came for you," Albus whispered, "Just like I promised I would."
That I love you
I have loved you all along
"Yes," Minerva confirmed his words, "you promised me that. And you did, I could never have asked you to." Albus felt slightly embarrassed at what she was implying, but he looked into her eyes.
"I promised you," he whispered, "I could never break a promise like that."
And I miss you
Been far away for far too long
"But..." Minerva began to protest again, but Albus held up his hand. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he pulled her up besides him, resting his lips on her forehead. He ran his fingers through her hair, eyes closed, partly in thought, partly in relaxation.
I keep dreaming you'll be with me
And you'll never go
Minerva's arms found their way around Albus' neck and she rested her head on his shoulder, staring out of a small window by the door. She too, closed her eyes, relaxing, finally, in Albus' arms.
Stop breathing if
I don't see you anymore
She could remember, ever since she had begun her teaching career at Hogwarts, that each moment they had spent together as coworkers, friends or lovers - they was always tension in the air. But it was true, even when Albus had told her he loved her and would never let her go, she knew the expression he was giving her. Even late at night, when the two of them were alone, their expressions were always guarded, never showing their true feelings to their greatest extent.
So far away
Been far away for far too long
She missed his arms around her, and the way his beard would often tickle her neck when he kissed her. But now, it seemed like everything was wrong, everything was upside down.
So far away
Been far away for far too long
She looked up when he noticed the guarded expression in her eyes and sighed softly, closing her eyes.
"This feels so wrong." Minerva whispered, turning away from Albus and glancing towards the tattered book on the table.
But you know, you know, you know
"But why?" Albus asked, his fingers tracing her cheekbone softly.
I wanted
I wanted you to stay
"It's not right," Minerva began, ignoring Albus' confused look as she hurried on, "I mean, it's just ... this isn't what we wanted Albus. I never, in all my life, imagined being here with you now." Stepping from his arms, she sank onto the bed, "If only you could go back ... you shouldn't have had to suffer the same fate."
'Cause I needed
I need to hear you say
"There's no suffering involved my love," he responded, "just promise me that we'll always be here -- together."
That I love you
I have loved you all along
Pain flashed across Minerva's face and suddenly, she looked worn and tired, years of pent up emotions suddenly making themselves known. "Forgive me Albus ... for this."
And I forgive you
For being away for far too long
"How can I forgive you for something you did not do? I caused you this pain Minerva," Albus looked annoyed that she didn't understand what he thought.
So keep breathing
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
"I suppose I can..." Minerva smiled slowly, brushing her lips against Albus' cheek.
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
"I'll never leave you Minerva McGonagall," Albus promised, kissing her forehead.
'Cause I'm not leaving you anymore
Believe it
"And me to you Albus."
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
Albus pulled Minerva against his chest, and captured her lips in a searing kiss.
Hold on to me and, never let me go
Keep breathing
"I'll never let you go."
Hold on to me and, never let me go
AN: Listen to Memories is done. Thanks for reviewing!