Disclaimer: No, I don't before you ask. So shoo (Waves hands)

A/N: Hello, i'm back. I wasn't sure whether to post this as my beta's email is up the swany! But i decided to post it anyway, as i can alter any spelling or grammar mistakes later. It's just a silly little fic i thought up, so i hope you enjoy it and don't forget to review!

Bex

A brothers' Competition

Minerva McGonagall thanked Merlin that she had just finished her last essay of the day. Sitting straight up and stretching like a cat that had just awoken form lounging in the sun, she unceremoniously dropped her quill onto a little scrap of paper and put the lid on the inkbottle. While stifling a yawn, Minerva stared up at the clock on the wall. It was 11.45. She had been marking most of the homework and altering lesson plans for next term for four hours. 'I wonder if the headmaster is doing anything for lunch,' Minerva wondered, thinking that perhaps she join him and then they could continue their long lasting game of chess that had been going on since Christmas eve. 'Well technically since the start of the Christmas holidays because I moved once and we never got any further,' Minerva thought idly as she collected her walking stick from the side of the desk and pushed herself up from the chair. Walking slowly down the corridor, Minerva soon found herself out of breath. She stopped to balance herself and take a break at the stature of Tincy the Small.

"Minerva! Are you alright?" a voice came from around the corner. Minerva recognised it as the voice of Rolanda Hooch as she stood holding tightly and gasping for breath.

"Yes…I'm fine," Minerva replied weakly. "Just give me a minute."

Rolanda stood in front of Minerva, her arms folded.

"I think not. We had better get you to Poppy," she replied firmly.

"No, really I am fine. I'll just have to pace myself. Could you walk me to Albus's office please?" Minerva said, realising she would not get off lightly.

"Well, if you are sure. I don't want to be responsible for you passing out flat in the corridor or having a heart attack," Rolanda replied uncertainly.

"I am sure. Thank you, Rolanda. Please don't tell Poppy she will have my head," Minerva smiled.

"I won't tell her if you don't tell her why half the staff were sick on Saturday night," Rolanda countered slyly. The last Saturday, her and half the staff went out to celebrate because the school had its proper headmaster back and the silly Umbridge woman had gone. They had gone out and gotten absolutely silly, eventually staggering back into Hogwarts and passing out flat on the entrance hall floor. Or in the case of Filius Flitwick, toppling into a large flowerpot that Hagrid had emptied and left for the morning. Minerva had decided to go for a slow walk and when she found them all sprawled everywhere; she had levitated them into the nearest cupboard to let them save face against Poppy.

"Deal," said Minerva finally and Rolanda looped her arm into Minerva's and they set off for the headmasters office. When they got there, the staircase was already down so Rolanda helped Minerva up the stairs and knocked smartly on the door.

"Come in!" Albus called and they both went in.

"I'm telling you, my dear old boy, I won it last time!" Aberforth said standing behind Albus's desk while the man in question was currently standing on a ladder putting a few books away.

"But you cheated!" Albus answered back.

"I did not! You're just jealous I walked away with a beautiful prize, Anica I think her name was." Aberforth smiled serenely. Minerva sat down in a comfy armchair and got herself into position.

"I'm sorry ladies, my dear brother here," Albus apologised as he climbed down the ladder and gestured to Aberforth "Seems to think that he won our little competition on who can build the best sandcastle. I bested him long ago but the poor fool seems to think otherwise."

Rolanda and Minerva looked highly amused. After all, it's not everyday you see two powerful wizards arguing over who build the best sandcastle.

"Well, to settle it, why don't you have a final competition and then you won't have to argue over it?" suggested Rolanda as she stood with her arms folded across her chest.

"What and excellent idea!" Aberforth said and walked over to her. "Albus, you have splendid staff."

Rolanda blushed as he took her hand and kissed it gently.

"Aberforth," growled Albus. "Leave my flight instructor alone. I do apologise, Rolanda, for my brothers behaviour."

Rolanda took that as her queue to leave and dashed out the door as fast as she could.

"But Albus, she's lovely! Can't I keep her?"

"No you may not! Your five times her age! And besides, Severus is 'keeping' her as you put it. Why would she want an old man like you?"

"Experience?" suggested Aberforth and Minerva laughed out loud. Albus shook his head and sat down. "Anyway, about this competition. Where shall it be held?"

"Erm, Sunday it's the best time for me. Minerva, would you be so kind as to come and watch? That way you can ensure that Aberforth does not cheat." Albus asked Minerva, his eyes twinkling away.

"I do not cheat!" Aberforth replied indignantly.

"Of course, Albus. Although I think Poppy would want to come with me," Minerva smiled in amusement.

"What time?" asked Aberforth.

"Oh I think ten thirty? Is that suitable?" suggested Albus.

"Great, what's the prize?"

"If you win, I get to give up my plantation for the summer. If I win, you can supply my staff and me with free alcohol in your pub for the summer. Deal?"

Aberforth smiled mischievously.

"You bet," he replied. "See you later Minerva, Albus."

"Goodbye, Aberforth." Minerva said and waved him as he walked through the fire.

Albus turned to his guest.

"So, my dear. Would you care for lunch and a game of chess?" Albus inquired to Minerva.

"That would be lovely, Albus." Minerva replied and Albus helped her out of the armchair and over to the chess set by the window. Albus waved his wand and a tray of sandwiches and a pot of tea appeared.

"How are you today?" he said as he began to pour the tea into a cup.

"I have been better," Minerva admitted. "But then I have been trying to catch up with my homework pile."

"I told you to half it and give it to me." Albus scolded her gently.

"Nonsense, you have enough on you plate without worrying about marking homework. I'm not incapable, you know. I can cope if I pace myself," she replied crisply.

"I just don't want my best friend to over work herself. So long as you are coping, not struggling." Albus put his hand gently on hers. Minerva smiled gratefully.

"Thank you for being here for me Albus,"

"You're welcome. It's you're move, my dear." Albus gestured to the board and picked up a sandwich.

Please review! ;)