Minerva and Albus
While You Were Away
She let out a sigh. The stars twinkled brightly and she smiled. The summer evenings made her happy. She felt at peace. The sounds of splashing water filled her ears. She looked over to see the giant squid floating around lazily. She leaned against the tree and closed her eyes. It was times like these that she enjoyed the most about school. And now it was her last night here. Tears welled up in her eyes and they stung her eyelids. She opened her eyes again and they fell. She thought about what was happening. Her only love left without a word to her. He left to fight the dark wizard, Grindelwald.
"Albus, why did you leave? I hate you for it."
She was angry with him. He didn't even tell her he was leaving. The day he left was torment for her. Minerva McGonagall's Scottish temper flared that day. She wouldn't talk to anyone. She just snapped at them or didn't say anything at all. She wanted to hex Albus into next year.
Luckily for her, she was Head Girl, and she wasn't going to get in trouble for being out late. Ever since Albus left, she came out here all of the time. This was the place that she had finally managed her Animagus. Albus sat and stroked her in her cat form. She loved that moment, and a smile formed on her lips. She curled into a ball and the next moment she was in her cat form. She closed her eyes and purred. Soon she was fast asleep.
She awoke to a soft stroking on her back. She let out a purr. She turned to the culprit. Her eyes widened in surprise and she dug her claws into the flesh of Albus Dumbledore. She jumped off of his lap and turned back into herself. He looked up at her, a small smile on his face.
"Minerva. Please come here."
She stared at him and then stepped cautiously over to him.
"This is a dream. It just has to be. You aren't here. You left me."
He stood up and took her hand.
"Minerva, it's me. I can assure you."
She looked down at his hand that held hers. She pulled it away and raised it. She swung it across his face. He looked at her with surprise. She raised her other hand and swung at him again. He staggered back and leaned against the tree.
"Albus, I hate you. You left me, you stupid bastard. You didn't even tell me."
She raised her hand again. She swung, but Albus caught her hand. She glared at him, fire flowing across her eyes.
"Let go of my hand, Albus."
"No, Minerva, you must listen to me. I didn't mean to leave you like that. I was called away in the middle of the night. I wanted to tell you. I really did, Minerva."
"I don't care. Now give me back my hand. I am going back to bed."
She wrenched her hand away from him and walked away from him. He walked after and grabbed her arm. She turned around and shot him a death glare.
"Minerva, I'm sorry."
He pulled her closer to him, and then started to stroke her hair. Tears streamed down her face. She opened her mouth to protest but Albus placed a finger on it. She let out a sob and crashed into his arms. She shook with sobs and clung to Albus.
"Shh, darling, it's fine. I'm here. Hush."
"I thought you'd never come back."
"I did, I'm here."
"I know it's only been three months but it felt like forever."
"I know, it felt awful for me too."
"Albus, there's something I need to tell you."
"What?"
"I'm. . . . . . .pregnant."
Albus looked at her. She started to cry again.
"I'm sorry, Albus."
A smile crept across his face.
"Don't be sorry, Minerva."
"W-what?"
"Don't be sorry, this is wonderful!"
He held Minerva to him and kissed her head. She let out a giggle.
"Albus, I thought you'd be angry."
"Minerva, it's our child growing inside of you. Why would I be angry?"
"I don't know, I just thought you might be."
"How long have you known?"
"About two months now, but I'm three months along. You can feel my stomach. It's not too big yet, but you can still feel it."
Albus placed his hand on her stomach and smiled. It was a rather large bump, but if anyone would have looked, they wouldn't have noticed.
"I love you, Minerva."
"I love you too, Albus."
"A baby. Our baby. Minerva, does anyone else know?"
"Only Madam Marchbanks. But she doesn't know who the father is. You are safe, Albus."
"Thank you, Minerva. It's your last night, Minerva, as a student. What do you wish to do?"
"Sleep, just sleep, with you. I haven't had a decent sleep in three months."
"Alright, let's go sleep."
"Thank you, Albus."
He picked her up and carried her back to the castle. She nestled against his chest and closed her eyes. The rhythmic movement of his steps made her drowsy. She slipped into a light sleep. She was awoken again, by being laid on a soft bed. She opened her eyes and looked around. She knew this room well.
"Just go to sleep, Minerva. I'll be in bed shortly."
Minerva smiled and curled under the blankets. She inhaled deeply and smelled lemon drops and cocoa. She closed her eyes and waited for the familiar weight of Albus to be next to her. When it didn't come in five minutes, she looked around. Albus was sitting at his desk writing.
"Albus, what are you doing?"
"Just thinking things out."
"Come to bed. Please, I can't sleep without you."
"Alright, I suppose this can wait until tomorrow."
"Thank you, Albus."
Albus walked over to the bed and removed his outer robes. He crawled under the covers and pulled Minerva to him.
"I'm sorry for leaving you and the baby."
"Let's not talk about it now. I'm exhausted."
She cuddled closer to him and then fell asleep. Albus stroked her small bump and whispered sweet nothings in her ear.