Minerva didn't know what swept her off her feet the most- the absolutely bone-melting kiss of the love of her life or the ear-deafening cheers of her students and colleagues. Or yes, she mentally corrected herself as Albus's gentle hands softly stroked her already flustered cheeks.

Or yes, actually she did know.

Merlin, kissing him was paradise, she realized as his arms crept around her waist and pulled her even closer. Her own hands were entwined in that wonderfully soft, white beard of his, and his sapphire blue eyes bore in hers, again and again and again, never to unlock, oh...

But the applause of her friends and pupils was a close second, too- that she had to admit. On the one hand they were cheering for "Minnie and the Tabbycats"- Ro and Sera were already handing out autographs- but on the other hand, oh that she knew, they were also applauding for their Headmaster, for their Deputy Headmistress who had finally, finally found each other. And, if their embrace was anything to go at, they weren't planning on letting go anytime soon.

Yet as all of a sudden, the music re-started and Rolanda's voice was heard echoing through the Hall again, Minerva did allow herself to turn around in her newly-found lover's arms. Her head resting aganst his chest, his chin leaning on her shoulder, she watched her friend's movements with a curious smile. And as Rolanda started to sing, she felt the deep, rumbling chuckle in Albus's chest and found it highly contagious indeed! It was "Fernando", by ABBA, which Rolanda sung.

But...

"Can you hear the cheers, Minerva?
I remember long ago another starry night like this
On a Hogwarts stage, Minerva.
You were sending threatening glares while I was strumming my guitar.
But I could see the distant glances,
thoughts of adoration coming from afar!"

She could feel Albus's smile, and she, too, smiled as he whispered

"She is right, you know, my dear. I thought myself a dirty old man for adoring you back then. In fact, I've thought myself a dirty old man for a long time..."

Minerva giggled as he tilted up her chin and pecked her softly on the lips.

"I love dirty old men, Albus. I worship them."

"He was closer then, Minerva.
Every look and every chuckle seemed to last eternally.
You were so stupid, Minerva!
You were young and full of life yet you were not prepared to smile.
And I'm not ashamed to say
That storm of hidden smiles and chuckles almost made me cry"

This thought brought tears to Minerva's emerald eyes. It was true. She had been young, ready for life, active, but still she hadn't been prepared to accept her own happiness. Yet in some way, Albus's cheek against hers comforted her. It was not too late. It never was.

"There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Minerva
They were shining there for him and you,
A love for two, Minerva.
Though I never thought you would refuse
There's no regret
But if you had to do the same again
Would you kiss him then, Minerva?"

Sera and Ro ended their question together, and Minerva thought it impossible to look them straight into the eye. There had been something in the air that night, so long ago. She could have become his lover back then- she could have married him, could have born him children. And no, she was technically not yet too old for that, but it was something... something... so unreal for her. She- a mummy- it almost made her laugh. She'd never even considered the possibility... Yet she smiled again as Albus nuzzled into her neck and muttered

"I do hope so..."

"Now we're old and grey, Minerva."

Old perhaps, Minerva pondered, but not yet grey, Sera, darling.

"And since many years I haven't seen much hope there in your heart.
Can you hear the cheers, Minerva?
Do you still recall the faithful night I said to you you had to start.

I can see it in your eyes
Too proud you were to see what's obvious for all."

Minerva knew they were right. She'd been too proud to risk everything, to dive head first into the unknown, to love him, just to love him and to not care about the rest of the world. But now her time was come- she had, unlike so many others, gotten her second chance and, she vowed, she'd grab it with both hands.

"'Cause there was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Minerva
They were shining there for him and you,
A love for two, Minerva.
Though I never thought you would refuse
There's no regret
But if you had to do the same again
Would you kiss him then, Minerva?

There was something in the air that night
The stars were bright, Minerva
They were shining there for him and you,
A love for two, Minerva.
Though I never thought you would refuse
There's no regret
But if you had to do the same again
Would you kiss him then, Minerva?"

And formidable Professor Minerva McGonagall leant back into her one, true love's welcoming arms, a smile on her lips and adoration in her eyes. He held her, just held her, and the cheers of the audience faded for their eyes as he, softly, stroked her cheek, their eyes never unlocking.

"Minerva, I love you- I love you more than anything. I've loved you for so long. So very long- my dear... Minerva, do you want to marry me?"

And a brilliant smile enfolded on Minerva's lips, her pale face more beautiful than ever before as she, softly, muttered the word that would bind them together forever after.

"Yes..."

And then, as his lips already covered hers, she allowed her eyes to wander one last time through the Hall, and Minerva softly whispered...

"Yes, if I had to do the same again
I would, my friends, Sera, Ro..."

The End