Goodies! It's the real final chapter. Unless I think I'm missing something then there might be an additional chapter. But you never know.

"Are you sure it's a good idea if I come Minerva." Severus followed the elegant and masked Minerva McGonagall. She wore a lovely scarlet silk gown that flowed as she walked.

"Severus I told you that he didn't blame you." Minerva smiled and then frowned. She stopped and pulled him closer. She loosened his collar and straightened it up. He was wearing slick velvet robes. She fixed his mask. He didn't take her eyes off her. She looked up at him and smiled. She stood there and took a breath and she turned and continued speed walking down the streets. They would soon be at the Ministry.

"So what is Albus doing again?" Severus asked as he tried to keep up.

"He is going to make an announcement that he has already choose a woman and has invited several single men to join and basically turn the whole thing into a singles party."

"Well why should the men waste their time when the real beauty is taken." Severus smiled. Minerva looked at him for a moment.

"We're running late." Minerva shook away her thoughts about Severus and hurried her pace. "He might have already made the announcement."

"That's good. I won't have to stay long then."

"But you must stay. Who am I going to make fun of people with?"

"I'm starting to think you're using me and I am not your friend at all."

"Don't be silly." Minerva and Severus smiled. They had finally reached the Ministry and few people were walking in so they weren't the only ones late.

"Names?" A young masked man stood at the entrance and had a tablet with a quill.

"Minerva McGonagall and Severus Snape."

"Professor McGonagall?" He smiled. "It's me Gregory Filick."

"Oh , I just knew you'd work for the Ministry."

"Yeah. Are you and Professor Snape here as a couple."

"No, I'm here with Albus actually."

"Oh…" He seemed to be confused.

"Why do you ask?" Snape questioned.

"Well I thought you two would end up together. Both serious, hardworking, not to mention a professor that no one wants to cross." He shrugged. "I just assumed."

"But if we were a couple why would we come to a singles?" Minerva asked.

"Well you two are friends of Albus so I thought you came because he asked you to." He looked down at the tablet. "Have fun in there."

"That was odd." Minerva said when they were out of earshot.

"Yes. I thought all the rumors about me were that I was a vampire." Minerva giggled.

When they entered the room it was crowded with many masked wizards and witches. Classic music played as few danced but the majority was talking to others looking for someone. After all it was a Masquerade Ball, no one was suppose to know anyone. Minerva had no idea where Albus would be.

"Would you like some wine?" Severus asked.

"Yes please." Severus left her as she looked for Albus. Minerva moved past the crowds to find him but couldn't.

"Here you are." Severus came up behind her and gave her the glass.

"I can't find him." Minerva took a sip of her wine.

"Maybe he's in the men's room. I'll check." Once again Severus left her.

Minerva thought about Gregory. She watched as Severus disappeared behind a door. She bit her lip. Was she making the wrong decision? She was confused. Didn't she get what she wanted? If she did then why did she think of Severus more than a friend? Severus made her jump when he touched his shoulder.

"Are you alright Minerva?" Severus took her drink and placed it on the table.

"I'm fine." Minerva smiled.

"Would you like to dance while we wait for Albus?" Severus held out his hand and smiled.

"I'd love to."

They began to dance a simple waltz. "How did you learn to dance? You told me you couldn't dance two days ago."

"Pomona taught me last night." Minerva looked confused. "Did you know she won a dance-a-thon?"

"Wait you learned how to dance for this?"

"I learned it so I could dance with you." Severus said embarrassed.

"You learned how to dance for me?" Minerva smiled.

"Sort of."

"That was sweet of you."

"No big deal."

Minerva smiled as they swayed to the music. She leaned into his touch. It felt so right to be in his arms that it almost made her cry.

"Are you sure you're alright?" Severus lifted her head. She closed her eyes at his touch.

"I've never been better." Minerva gave a faint smile.

"Severus my boy!" A big hefty man came behind Severus. They stopped dancing.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Severus guessed as he noticed the emerald robes with a large walking stick with a silver snake with eyes of diamond, similar to Lucius Malfoy's cane.

"It's good to see you Severus. And who is this lovely lady?" He held his hand out for Minerva. Minerva smiled.

"Minerva McGonagall sir." She smiled.

"Oh? McGonagall is a wealthy family." He winked at Severus. "And a looker as well." Minerva smiled.

"Thank you." Minerva stood closer to Severus.

"Pardon me for asking but why are you here? I thought you were married."

"Yes but I'm here to catch my wife in the act. I think she is here and I won't leave until I find her. So I'm off. Stay in touch Severus. And if you need anything you let me now."

"I can help you look if you wish."

"If it's okay with Minerva."

"I'll be fine, you two go ahead." They left Minerva alone and she went to get herself another glass of wine.

Albus stood at the entrance doors. He watched as Minerva and Severus danced together. He noticed the bond between Severus and Minerva. He had noticed her confused behavior. He knew what she was thinking at that very moment when Severus had raised her head. He noticed her happiness when Mr. Malfoy had complimented them. He noticed how she seemed to be confused and happy being with Severus. Albus smiled and headed his way to Minerva.

Minerva took another sip from her wine. She then felt the sudden touch across her back. She turned around to see Albus. She pecked him on the lips. He smiled. He pulled her to the dance floor and vanished her glass. He spun her around and they began to dance. He leaned down so his lips almost touched her ear and whisper something. She looked at him in shock. He smiled and held her hands and kissed her softly on the lips. He left her in middle of the dance floor.

"Where is he going?" Severus asked walking up to her side.

"Would you like to dance?" Minerva smiled.

"I suppose." Severus took her hand and placed one hand on her waist. "What did he say?"

"That he loved me." Minerva looked down and smiled. "And that he wants me to be happy." She closed her eyes. "He knew that I wanted you all along." Severus was about to say something when Minerva pulled Severus closer and kissed him. It took a moment for Severus to react but he wrapped her arms around her and returned the kiss.

Albus stood next to Gregory. "I thought you wanted to be with her?"

"I do. But I think that she is happier with him any way. I can tell."

"So the great Albus is single?" A man wearing bright yellow robes smiled at Albus. He held out his hand. "Dave Starky." Albus looked at him.

"Why not?" Albus took the man hand and they began to dance.

Random yet lovely
I hope you liked it.