An Answer To My Dreams

Summary: Armando Dippet's retiring and it falls to Albus to find a new Transfiguration Professor. But, as Fate would have it, he finds more than his replacement and dreams come true. ADMM

Rated: M for a later chapter

Raindrops pelted the windowpane and slipped gracefully down the glass until they joined the millions of other raindrops in a puddle outside the window. The rain was coming down steadily, harder at times than others, but a constant shower from the dark skies above.

Minerva rolled over in bed and opened one bleary eye then the other, half expecting the rain to fade once she looked out the window. But unlike in the dream she was having before the rain invaded her consciousness, the skies were a dull gray and weeping. Drawing the sheet around her a little tighter, she stared outdoors but her spirits weren't dampened as the earth outside. Today was going to be a wonderful day. She could feel it.

She stretched her entire body, feeling and hearing the vertebrae in her back popping slightly, giving her a refreshing sensation. A smile began to curl about her lips as she closed her eyes and remembered her dream.

She had been lying in her bed but the sun was shining through her now damp windows. It was a beautiful Spring day and birds were singing outside. There was a faint smell of flowers, no doubt from the nearby bouquet on the nightstand near her bed. But there was something even better about the dream than the flowers, the sunshine, or the bluebird's lark. There was someone there with her. For once, she was not alone when she woke and it felt delightful.

The man in her dream had been faceless—well, to a certain extent. She could easily tell that he had soft pink lips, slightly parted since in her dream he was still asleep. And a beard. Oh, yes, that beard which had so aroused her in this dream. She could still feel the tiny hairs tickling her, heightening her senses, all along her bare chest, arms, even her stomach as the tip of his beard danced along her naval.

With her eyes closed, Minerva concentrated on trying to remember more about her mystery man. She'd seen him on more than one occasion in her dreams, more often of late, but he was always unrecognizable. This was, in fact, the most she had ever been able to remember about him. Slowly, she was beginning to put the pieces of the puzzle in place, desperately hoping to get a look at her dream lover's face before long. Long ago, she had begun to take the time to memorize every other detail about him through various dreams. Even down to the peculiar-shaped scar on one of his knees.

Her mind drifted back through the memories of her dreams. She could almost feel his ghost like touch on her skin and the way his hot breath caressed her ear as he nibbled a path along the outer shell. He had large hands, but strong ones, gentle too. The way they had massaged and teased her into such frenzied states of passion and arousal was beyond anything she'd ever experienced in waking life.

After reveling in the memories of her dreams for longer than she probably should, Minerva stretched once more and slipped from her bed, making her way to her kitchen. She was thankful that her meeting wasn't until later in the afternoon. She didn't feel the need to rush about and the sound of the rain didn't inspire her to hurry through her morning routine, either.

With a cup of tea in one hand and a slice of wheat toast in the other, Minerva returned to her bedroom and perched on the end of her bed, staring into her open wardrobe. Using a bit of wandless magic, Minerva pulled set after set of robes from the wardrobe, trying desperately to decide which would be the best for her meeting today. She wanted to make a good impression, though she didn't wish to dress too lavishly. People at Hogwarts weren't like those at the Ministry or even at the other wizarding schools. No, Albus Dumbledore was different. He looked at a person's intentions, listened carefully to his or her words, assessed their magical talents, then and only then did he make his decisions.

As she levitated a set of maroon robes to the bed beside her, her thoughts turned to the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts. She hadn't seen him in years, though the Daily Prophet loved to run stories and photographs of him. Based on the contents of those articles and photos, she had to doubt their veracity and the newspapers supposed sources. Still, it would be nice to see him again, even if she didn't get the job.

With her thoughts focused on her attire and her upcoming meeting, Minerva never noticed that the rain had stopped and that a faint rainbow had formed outside her window in the distant sky. Yes, with any luck and a touch of destiny, this was going to be a wonderful day, indeed.

Albus Dumbledore, Deputy of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and Transfiguration Professor, rubbed the back of his neck as he headed down the hall toward the entrance to the Headmaster's office. He greeted each student he met by name, his voice never wavering in its cheery tone, though his thoughts were already cataloging the results of his students' work from the double Hufflepuff and Gryffindor class he had just dismissed. Each student's progress was updated in his mind and would find its way to his individual class notes at a later time. He had much left to do this day and though his body was weary from the late nights and early mornings. in which he had been indulging, his mind was as sharp as ever and moved between subjects and tasks that needed to be completed with ease. He still had more classes to teach, letters to respond to, a staff meeting to attend, a detention which he would need to delegate, two interviews to conduct, assignments to grade, a test to write and he really needed to get to work on the paper he agreed to write for Transfiguration Today.

Since Armando Dippet had fallen sick at the beginning of the term, Albus' duties seemed to increase weekly. As it stood, Albus was performing the duties of the Headmaster in addition to those as deputy and still teaching classes. Anyone else might have been overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities, which were thrust upon Albus, but the wizard in question was not typical and his mind was more than capable of organizing all that needed completion each and every day. And though he would not readily admit it, a few twists of his Time-Turner had also been helpful when normal waking hours had conspired against him.

However, he could not keep it up forever and since it was well known that Armando would officially retire at the end of the school year, and Albus, though it would not be voted on for another fortnight, was confident he would be named Headmaster in his stead, had decided to approach Headmaster Dippet with the request that they hire a replacement for him by Christmas, if possible. Of course Armando had agreed and they had sent out several advertisements within a week, requesting curriculum vitae be forwarded to Hogwarts by owl for those interested and qualified. Dozens had arrived within the first week and now that they were into the third week Albus doubted anyone truly knew the number of parchments that had been piled on his desk daily. Luckily, with the help of the other Heads of House, they had narrowed down their search to those truly qualified.

Albus had moved quickly and sent out several requests to meet with the various individuals the day after the decision had been made with Armando on who to bring in. He had interviewed two of the finalists by Floo yesterday since they were unable to make the trip, he had two coming in today, and one more tomorrow, with four more as possibilities next week if none of those from this week worked out. However, he had a feeling that today was the day he would meet the person who was to take over his Transfiguration classes. He couldn't say why and he was certainly no seer but something in the hum of magic in the air had him confident of his prediction.

With that thought putting an extra bounce in his step, Albus turned down the corridor that housed the stone gargoyle that guarded the entrance to the Headmaster's office. "Waffling," he said to the creature, which immediately jumped aside to reveal the spiral staircase.

Albus smiled to himself as he rode the stairs up to Armando's office, which had become more like his own over the last month as the Headmaster had basically taken up residence in his rooms which were now connected to the Hospital Wing. He hadn't given much thought to what he would use as his passwords to enter the office when it was his. Armando's system seemed to work well. He had decided at the beginning of his time as Headmaster to use the names of authors, specifically wizarding ones, this week's being the magical theoretician whose work also happened to be the first year's Charms text.

Albus needed something that worked as well, a subject or group of items which held many options from which he could choose. Perhaps magical beasts, he thought as he entered Armando's office and moved to his desk. He immediately picked up a sherbet lemon from the dish on the corner and popped it into his mouth before settling down to tackle the letters which had arrived in his absence. Phoenix would be his first choice of course, his thoughts turning to Fawkes for a moment. Still, he might be limiting himself in the long run if he were to stay Headmaster for many years, which of course was his plan.

Albus picked up the blue quill that was beside some blank parchment and dipped it in the ink well. He had work to do and could later dwell on passwords and other such tasks that came along with being Headmaster. If he was fortunate, he could finish with the correspondence and have a few minutes to spare to speak with Armando before the first applicant of the afternoon arrived. Hopefully the Headmaster was having a good day and would be up to discussing official business. As he set about his task, Albus began to whistle a jaunty tune from his childhood; it was a habit so long ingrained, and one he only did on those days he felt most fulfilled, he never even realized he was doing it.

At five minutes to two in the afternoon, a carriage pulled up in front of the main entranceway to Hogwarts, a flustered witch inside. She had been most adamant about arriving on time but she had been delayed, first by some silly bloke in Hogsmeade claiming he knew her from somewhere else and then once more by the oaf of a groundskeeper who thought she might enjoy the walk up to the castle.

With a huff and a look of sheer annoyance crossing her face, she stepped from the carriage and slammed the door. This was certainly not the impression she had intended to make on the Deputy Headmaster of Hogwarts. Though, she had not expected him to greet her outside the castle, either. Feeling rather confident in her ability, charm, and station in life, she walked gracefully up the stone steps and extended her hand in greeting.

"Good Afternoon, Professor Dumbledore, I presume. I do apologize for my rather hasty arrival but your groundskeeper nearly refused me a carriage ride, thinking I might opt for a leisurely stroll about the place. One might want to have a word with him about that in order to spare future guests," she admonished lightly. "It's one thing to make such an assumption if one has a previous acquaintance with another but never when one is meeting for the first time." Her upper lip twitched in a rather awkward smile, one Albus was sure she didn't wear often. "I assume you know who I am and why I'm here?"

Albus looked the woman up and down, hardly managing to suppress the shudder that danced along his spine as he gallantly leaned forward to kiss the back of her hand. "Indeed I am and it is a pleasure to meet you. If you'll accompany me to the office, we can get started with the interview and have you on your way in no time at all."

Keelia Wynne paused in mid step and quirked her head to the side, a questioning look in her eyes. "I assumed you had looked over my credentials and that this was merely a formality. I came here with the belief that I was the most qualified person applying and that we would merely need to discuss salary requirements and living arrangements," she announced rather facetiously.

"Ah, then I am sorry to disappoint you, Miss Wynne. We are still in the interviewing process at the moment. In fact, I have one more this afternoon. One can't be too hasty in making decisions which will affect the lives of hundreds of students. I am doing my best to ensure that that is exactly what they get since they deserve no less." He turned and faced her, his face expressionless. "If you'd rather not interview for the position, I will, of course, understand. But I am rather sorry if you feel you have been misled. I do believe my letter stated that this would be an interview process for both of us."

"Since I am confidant that I am the applicant for the position, I have no fears or reservations about submitting to a formal interview. It might be best for both of us since someone can't say that I didn't go through all the formalities." Once again, that awkward smile appeared and despite his instincts warning him that she was not the one for the job, Albus escorted Miss Keelia Wynne to the Headmaster's office to conduct the formal interview.

Nearly an hour later, Albus closed the door to the carriage after bidding the rather pretentious witch a very pleasant journey home. He watched as the carriage took her back towards the gates and he shivered slightly, despite the warmth of the afternoon sun. He certainly hoped his next applicant was less arrogant and perhaps even prettier. Popping a lemon sherbet into his mouth, he glanced at his watch. He still had over an hour before Miss McGonagall was due to arrive. Just enough time for a cup of cocoa and perhaps a slice of last night's chocolate cake, he mused as he set off towards the kitchen.

Minerva took one last look at herself in the mirror and smiled happily. She had a rather good feeling about the interview today and, if nothing else, she'd be able to see her old school and Professor Dumbledore. She wondered if he'd remember her, though she had her doubts. She felt she was nothing really spectacular and surely just another faceless name among countless others that had graduated from Hogwarts. Still, it would be nice to step back in time for just a little while. Glancing at the wall clock, Minerva made sure she had everything she needed then Apparated to Hogsmeade. From there, she could walk to the school and then if she timed things just so, she would even have ample time for a brisk walk up to the school on such a lovely afternoon. The ground might be a bit soggy from the morning rain, but she was a talented witch and could cast a few charms on her shoes and robes to keep them looking their best.

"Ah, Hagrid! What a pleasant surprise. I hadn't expected you to meet me at the gates, though I suppose you'd have to or else I'd have to ring the bell for admittance. Thank you." Minerva reached out and shook Hagrid's hand and grinned.

"Minerva McGonagall. I haven't seen ye in ages. Hope yer here to be applyin' for the new job to take Dumbledore's place. Ye'd make a fine one…teacher that is,' he said, his cheeks flushing slightly.

"I am here for just that reason, though I'm not sure how much of a chance I have. I am sure there have been dozens of applicants and I don't have a lot of experience. But it can't hurt to try, I suppose."

"From what I've seen comin' through these gates, yer perfect for the job. Why jus' this mornin' we had a right rude witch, thought she was the phoenix's feather, she did." He crinkled his nose in disgust as he remembered the way the woman had spoken to him. "Anyway, don't mean to be keepin' yah. Good luck."

Minerva thanked him and glanced at her small watch. She was still doing well on time so she could indulge in that stroll up to the castle, which was looming larger than life in front of her. As she drank in the familiar sights and sounds, she felt a peace steel her nerves. Despite, what she had said to Hagrid, Minerva had a rather good feeling about this interview today. And whether or not she was offered the job, it would still be a learning experience.

Minerva walked up the steps and pushed on the large oak doors, stepping just inside the entrance hallway. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply, a smile curling about her lips as memories flooded her mind of her days spent here as a student. She was so lost in her thoughts that she failed to hear or see Albus Dumbledore rounding the corner in a rather rushed gait.

Albus came to a screeching halt as he stood motionless, watching Minerva. He smiled as he finally was able to put a face with her name and he fondly remembered seeing her graduate with honors. Not a student yet had matched her NEWT's and he'd even read a few of her articles in Transfiguration Today. He had especially enjoyed her rather spirited letters to the editor on common misconceptions of the art of Transfiguration.

"Miss Minerva McGonagall?" he asked softly, hoping not to startle her.

Minerva jumped then smiled. "Professor Dumbledore. It's a great honor to see you again and I want to thank you for interviewing me this afternoon." Just as her predecessor, Minerva extended her hand but this time Albus did not hesitate to reach out and brush his lips against her knuckles briefly, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I trust you had no problems with the carriage ride up to the castle?" he asked curiously.

"Oh, no. Well, that is to say that I didn't use the carriage. I made sure I had enough time to enjoy the walk from Hogsmeade and then across the grounds. It was nice to see Hagrid at the gates, though. He did offer me the carriage ride," she added quickly, in case he might get into some sort of trouble.

For the first time since his arrival in the hallway, Minerva surveyed Albus' appearance and had to fight to keep from laughing. "By chance, did the house elves serve chocolate for dinner last night or lunch this afternoon?"

Albus raised an eyebrow and his eyes danced with mischievous curiosity. "However did you manage to deduce that?" he asked with a chuckle.

Minerva felt her cheeks growing warmer. "Well, you have a bit of chocolate icing caught in your moustache. Just here," she said, tapping the left side of her own upper lip. "Happens to the best of us from time to time," she added. "I personally have to watch for small crumbs from the ginger newts I eat frequently. Wonderful little biscuits but they can be rather…well…crummy." For a second they locked eyes, each analyzing the situation before bursting into gales of laughter as they set off for the Headmaster's Office for her official interview. But from the moment Albus had seen her and he mentally went over her resume, he had decided that she would be a perfect addition to the school.

A/N: We hope you've enjoyed this first chapter. We are happy to say that the story is completed and there are approximately 11 chapters total. We sincerely hope you'll stick with us to the end.
Thx,
Ang & Lisa