At that Albus didn't waste another second. He stepped right up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and gently kissed her lips. It was only a short kiss but when he pulled back he had lost his breath. Minerva's eyes were closed and she softly sighed. He kissed her again and this time he didn't pull back immediately. His tongue begged for entrance to her warm mouth and she granted it willingly. She snaked her arms around his neck, pulling him closer to her, battling his tongue with her own. Albus gently nibbled on her lower lip and proceded to place kisses all the way up her lawline. Finally, with a last kiss on her lips, he pulled back again, leaving Minerva with closed eyes and a contended smile.

"Well," she said after a while, "I can't determine whether or not 'I wish I hadn't' feels better than 'if only I had…'"

"No?"

"No. Because this is definitely not something I regret. Thank you for putting my mind at ease, Albus." She turned to leave, pretty sure that Albus would like to go to bed.

"Don't." She turned back.

"Why not?"

"Minerva… ever since that almost kiss I have wondered about it too. I have seen you at your worst… at your best… at your bravest… at your weakest… I've seen all of you and…" He stopped.

"And?" Minerva prompted when he didn't look like he'd continue.

"And… and I fell for you. I fell in love with you. I fell in love with the vulnerable, strong, funny, serious, brave, crying, laughing, frowning, screaming, amazingly beautiful Minerva McGonagall… And I feel guilty about it." Minerva looked shocked.

"Why?"

"I don't know, Minerva. But I did fall… hard and fast… and I know that you…"

"No, Albus," she interupted. "Why do you feel guilty about it?"

"I am many years your senior… I was your teacher… I was your parents' friend…"

"You're a child in spirit… you're the one I trusted the most when I was in my seventh year and up until now… You cared for me even when I was born… I'm sorry… I don't see your point. And besides, don't you think it's my choice whether or not you're too old? Because I have never in any way looked at you and seen an old man. Should I also feel guilty for loving you? I'm many years your junior… I was your student… we're friends… No, I never felt guilty for loving you… but I never believed that you'd love me too," she ended with a smile. Albus was gaping at her.

"You… love me too? Did you just say that or was I dreaming?" She smiled even wider.

"I said it…" She stepped into his arms again.

"Minerva… I put your mind at ease… would you put mine at ease about something?"

"Certainly."

"I was wondering how it would feel to be kissed by you," he teasingly said. Minerva laughed softly and then pressed her lips against his.

THE END!