A/N: Darling readers, the last chapter of our tale has arrived. I want to thank everyone who has reviewed. It means so much to me that so many people are invested in my story. So without further ado, here's the last LONG chapter! Lots of loose ends to tie up, so here we go!

Chapter Fifteen

Albus and Minerva spent a year on a roller coaster of triumphs and tragedies. Tom Riddle hadn't bothered them again, either in person or in Minerva's mind, but they knew that he wouldn't be gone forever. They would, however, remain thankful for the time they had without him.

Minerva, with the help of Asta, the house-elf, planned Lord McGonagall's funeral. Nairna attended but was far from her usual gracious and sociable self, as she still had no recollection of who she once was. The guests attributed it to shock, thankfully, so neither Minerva nor her mother had to answer any awkward questions.

When all the other mourners had gone, Minerva said goodbye to her father in private. "Da, I'm so sorry I couldn't be what you wanted. You loved me the best you could, and I don't blame you for anything. You were a wonderful father and a wonderful teacher. I just wish I hadn't disappointed you so much. I hope that you would be proud of me now if you were still here. I'm taking care of Mother the best I can, and I got rid of the Riddle boy like you always wanted. I just didn't do it quick enough, and now you're gone, and it is all my fault. Mother misses you, but she doesn't know it. And that's my fault too. I've made a right mess of things. But I think we'll all be okay now. I've got Albus, thank Merlin. You'd have loved him, Da. The two of you would have spent hours in the library, I'm sure, discussing this and that. Anyway, I hope you know how much I love you and how sorry I am for everything. I should have tried harder and listened to you more and…oh I don't even know anymore." She broke down, shaking uncontrollably with her sobs.

Albus was watching from a ways away. He could hear snippets of what she was saying, and it made him sad. When he saw her collapse in tears, Albus quickly ran to collect her and take her home to Hogwarts. They sat on his sofa for a very long time, Minerva crying as Albus held her close.

When she finally calmed down, Minerva lifted her head and looked deep into Albus' sapphire eyes. "I hope you know how much I love you. No one has ever understood me the way you do. No one has ever even liked me, let alone as much as you do."

"That isn't true, Minerva. Your family loves you, and, in some small way, Tom Riddle loved you at one point."

She shook her head as she wiped the tear tracks from her cheeks. "You're wrong, Albus. My parents loved me because that's what parents do. But they certainly never really liked me. I was the Quidditch-playing, stubborn, quiet daughter my father got when what he wanted was an intellectually gifted, upstanding son. My mother has never been quiet about telling me about exactly what was wrong with me, whether it was my shyness, my relationship with Tom, my lack elegance, you name it. And of course Tom never really loved me at all. I suppose at one point he respected my magical skill, but in the end, it was just about the power he had over me. That much is very clear to me now. And here you are, my light in the darkness, my hero in my own personal hell, the love that I will never truly deserve. How did I ever get so lucky?"

"I love you for who you are, Minerva. I love you for your wit and your talent and your beauty and your strength. I've waited my whole life to find someone to make me feel the way you do, my darling. Others cannot see what I see simply because you were not meant for them. I believe that somehow the universe wanted me to wait for you to become mine."

Minerva's whole body tensed up. "Don't say that," she said quietly, her eyes wide in fear.

"Say what, my love?"

"That I'm yours. Tom used to call me 'his Minerva' and try to lovingly say that I was 'his.'"

Albus was taken aback. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean…"

She took his hand and squeezed it. "I know what you meant, Albus. And I agree, that I was meant for you and you for me. And I know that you would never possess me the way he did, but those words are still a bit sensitive."

He kissed her hand softly and smiled gently. "I understand. I'll be more aware of my word choice in the future."

In response, Minerva snuggled closer to Albus with a smile. She was perfectly comfortable and content with him. Having him near made her feel safe and loved like never before in her life.

In the weeks following the funeral, things began to improve. After much thought and effort on her part, Minerva was able to convince the Healers at St. Mungo's to release her mother. Her memory had not improved, but everyone involved eventually agreed that the hospital could do nothing more for Nairna. She instead went back to the McGonagall Estate under the care of Asta. The house-elf was overjoyed to go home and serve her mistress. Minerva apparated to the Estate every day to visit her mother. Their relationship had never been better. Nairna worked so hard to be a good mother to her daughter. Minerva had been through so much, and Nairna did her best not to add to the heartache. Asta was kind and patient with her mistress, but she worked harder than she could have ever imagined in order to improve Lady McGonagall's memory. And one day, it did.

Minerva came over around lunchtime as she did every day. She was eager to tell her mother the good news: Headmaster Dippet, most likely under Albus' advice, had offered her a position as a teaching assistant and tutor. Minerva was certainly qualified to aid students in any subject. She was given her own desk in the library to be available to any student who should require her services. In addition, she would serve as a substitute or aide whenever any professor should require it. Minerva was quite excited for school to start the following week.

But when Minerva arrived, her mother seemed different somehow. Nairna was in the dining room, flicking her wand this way and that, rearranging the frames on the walls.

"Mother?"

"Hello lass. Have a seat over there. Asta will have lunch out in a moment." She didn't even turn around as she sent the McGonagall family portrait soaring over to the opposite wall.

Minerva looked at her questioningly. "Are you sure you want the family portrait over there? Doesn't it look better beside the door?"

"Don't be silly, Minerva. The portrait's been there for decades. It's time for a change. I've been trying to get your father to let me move it for ages. He always said that tradition dictated where the family portrait should be, so I didn't do anything. But now I get to do what I want. And I want it over the fireplace. The coat of arms can go above it. See? Much better."

Minerva was dumbfounded. "What did you just say?"

"Don't ask stupid questions, Minerva. People will wonder if you were raised by heathens. I know I taught you better than that." Nairna turned to face her daughter, who was staring at her wide-eyed. "Yes, darling girl, I remember everything." She sat down at the table and explained, "Your father came to me in a dream last night. He wasn't very pleased with me, I must say. He said, 'Nairna, love, our girl needs you, and you haven't been much help, now, have you? You're stronger than this. You're the most talented witch I've ever met, as much as you liked to pretend not to be. It's time to use all that power. It's all in there. You just have to let it out.' And when I woke up this morning, my whole memory was back. I went out back to the grave and cried a bit, seeing as I didn't know what to grieve for at the funeral. And now I'm back to being me."

With a big smile, Minerva stood up to embrace her mother. "I'm so glad, Mother. I've missed you."

Nairna hugged her back briefly. "There now, that's plenty of sentiment for one day, don't you think?"

The McGonagall women spent their lunch chatting about Minerva's new position at Hogwarts. Both agreed that education was truly her calling, and anything that kept her close to Albus was a good thing for everyone. Nairna did not voice it, but she could tell that Albus was grooming Minerva to be his replacement as Transfiguration professor. And why shouldn't he? Minerva McGonagall was quite possibly the most talented witch Hogwarts had ever seen since the Founders themselves. Lady McGonagall was simply bursting with pride, and she thanked Merlin that she had recovered her memory in order to truly appreciate how well her daughter was doing.

Nairna's prediction of Minerva's intended future came true much sooner than anyone could have possibly imagined. Just after the New Year, only four months after Minerva began working a Hogwarts, Headmaster Dippet became unexpectedly ill, culminating in his untimely death.

For Minerva, it was another tragedy in the string that had occurred in her life over six terrible months. Albus was immediately named Headmaster, to absolutely no one's surprise. Minerva congratulated his promotion, despite the unfortunate circumstances that had led to it.

The day after Dippet's funeral, Albus had to spend hours in meetings with the Board of Governors. Minerva was left to her own devices. She tried to curl up with a good book, but she couldn't concentrate. What could be taking Albus so long? What was so complicated that he had to be in meetings all day? What was it that he hadn't told her? Minerva had spent far too long living with someone very secretive, and she got very cross when she believed someone was keeping something from her.

Her curiosity was quelled later that evening, however, when she was called into the Headmaster's study. Already the room had begun to resemble Albus. His mere presence made the office that Minerva had once found to be stuffy and intimidating into a room full of warmth and strength.

"Albus, you look exhausted. What have those Governors been doing to you all day?" she asked, trying to seem casual and not as though she was prying.

"Since I know you are far more interested than you are trying to sound, I will not draw out this process. After hours of reasoning and arguing and citing all sorts of bylaws, I have been able to come to the place where I can, with the proper authority and backing, ask you, Minerva McGonagall, if you would accept my former job."

She didn't quite follow. "Which job?"

"All of them. All of my duties at Hogwarts that I can no longer do now that I am Headmaster. I am asking, Minerva, if you would become Transfiguration professor, Head of Gryffindor, and Deputy Headmistress." Albus' eyes sparkled as he smiled at her.

Minerva was a bit shocked. "Albus! I'm not nearly qualified to do any of that, let alone all of it!"

"You are more qualified than anyone I have ever met. You are the most talented Transfiguration mistress Hogwarts has ever seen. And we both know that you are a very good teacher; you can tutor almost anyone in nearly any subject. You have everything it takes to be Head of Gryffindor: you are brave and strong and a quick-thinker in a crisis. You are responsible and inspire respect in people. And as for being my Deputy, I can honestly say that there is no one else I want by my side in the daunting position in which I now find myself. You are fiercely intelligent, mercifully organized, and you and I work together very well. So will you accept the positions? I do hope you will. Not least of all because I just spent all day convincing the Governors that you were in fact not too young or inexperienced to do any of this. I believe in you, Minerva."

That was enough for her. Albus thought she could do it. He was usually right about these things. "Very well, Albus. I'll do my best in all of this. I'll do whatever it takes to serve Hogwarts faithfully."

Albus walked around his desk to take her in his arms. "And you'll do wonderfully, my dear." He kissed her soundly.

They were interrupted by a loud scoffing. Albus and Minerva broke apart to hear an angry voice scold, "This is not how a Headmaster and Deputy should act! It's unprofessional and inappropriate and I don't want to see it!"

Minerva was scandalized, but Albus just chuckled. "Phineas, there is nothing wrong with a simple show of affection between two people who love each other. And no one is forcing you to stay awake for this."

The portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black stormed out of his frame in a huff. The rest of the former Headmasters and Mistresses didn't seem to mind. They were all fast asleep.

With a roll of his eyes, Albus returned to kissing Minerva. He was so glad that she would be beside him through whatever was to come. Barring any unforeseen events, Minerva would remain with him at Hogwarts where she belonged. They wouldn't have to be parted. Besides, he could already tell that she would rise to the occasion of all three of her new posts not only admirably, but magnificently.

Despite the joys and sorrows the outside world inflicted upon Albus and Minerva, they had their own troubles to overcome behind closed doors. It was during the first month of their romantic relationship that Albus began to notice that Minerva had a tendency to lose focus and shut down during intimate situations. The first time or two, it was curious but nothing to worry about, but after that, Albus became concerned and asked her about it.

On this particular occasion, Albus had been sensually kissing her neck. He lifted his head to look at her, expecting to see her face show some sort of pleasure. Instead, her eyes were staring off into space.

"Minerva, is something wrong?" he asked tentatively.

His voice shook her back to reality. "No, darling, nothing. Please continue," she said with a smile.

Albus knew better than that. He had anticipated problems in their physical relationship, and it seemed he might have been correct. "I can tell that there's something going on in that gorgeous head of yours. I don't wish to seem nosy, but if you have any reservations about becoming intimate with me, Minerva, I'd like to discuss them before our relationship gets hurt."

She sighed and realized how correct he was. Honesty in a relationship was not something she was altogether used to yet. She would have to learn better. "Alright, Albus. I do have reservations. But you've done nothing wrong, nor do I think you ever could. They are my problems and mine to overcome, but since you asked, I will tell you. You deserve to know anyway." Minerva took a deep breath and collected her thoughts before continuing, "As you may or may not know, Tom was the only man I have ever been intimate with before you. He was my first kiss, my first everything. And I'm just afraid that he's ruined me for you."

"Oh my dear," Albus said with a sad smile, "please do not ever believe you have been ruined."

"Nevertheless, there is no denying that the way he and I interacted was unlike two people in love should behave. I know what he expected of me, but he did not love me, and I know he didn't treat me as a man should. But that leaves me here with you, a man who does love me, and I don't quite know what to do." Minerva cast her gaze down at the floor. It was quite an awkward subject to discuss, but Albus did ask her what was wrong. She hated the fact that she was so naïve and inexperienced. It made her feel vulnerable and somewhat helpless. Now that Tom was out of her life, this was not a feeling Minerva ever wanted to become accustomed to ever again.

Albus took her hand and gave it an affectionate squeeze. "Minerva, I only ever expect you to be comfortable and happy when you and I are together. We can work out the details together. But we have to be honest and open with one another. Is that alright?"

She smiled. "Of course it is. I love you so very much, and I want nothing more than to be with you."

"I'm glad. I feel the same way, my love. Although, I must say I am mildly curious…you said you knew what Tom expected of you. What exactly did you mean?"

"Oh, well, nothing too terrible, I suppose. I was never really allowed to initiate any sort of intimacy. He got very cross if I did anything he wasn't in the mood for. But when he wanted…anything, really…I was expected to comply without complaint. Often he was gentle and, well, I guess you could call it loving. If I really was opposed to anything he did, what was I supposed to do? Any woman is lucky to be the object of a man's affection. Especially someone like Tom, or like you." Minerva smiled and chuckled slightly. "I suppose I have an attraction to powerful wizards. I am incredibly lucky to have your love, Albus."

Albus did not return her smile. He didn't know what he had expected her to say, but this was worse than what he had imagined. "Minerva, I want you to listen very closely. Tom Riddle, the vile man that he is, has you convinced that you are somehow unworthy of love, that you must be thankful for any show of affection, and that you are not entitled to your own pleasure unless it coincides with that of another. I can't even begin to say how wrong that is. You are the most worthy woman I've ever met, and love and affection and pleasure should be showered upon you at every moment. It is I who should be thankful for your love, not the other way around. But being in love is not about who is worthy or lucky or deserving. Please tell me you understand, Minerva."

Her brow was furrowed. She certainly did understand his words, but whether or not it would translate into her actions and reactions when they were together was yet unknown. But an idea suddenly struck her. "Albus," she said slowly, a sly smile forming on her lips, "I think the best way for me to really understand would be for you to show me." She took both his hands in hers. "Please show me how much you love me, Albus. Show me what I've been missing, what I've been waiting for my whole life."

And he did.

Minerva was overcome with sensation. Her whole body was on fire, her nerves pulsing and sparking with pleasure. The way he touched her, kissed her, loved her was more than she ever dreamed possible. Even the best time with Tom couldn't compare with what Albus made her feel. But Tom Riddle did not cross either of their minds even once. Both were consumed with desire and passion and adoration for each other.

A long while later, their bodies eventually broke apart, completely spent and sated. Minerva began to softly cry.

"Darling, what is it? What have I done?" Albus asked frantically.

She laughed as the tears fell. "That's exactly it: what you've done! Albus, I never imagined in my wildest fantasies that I could feel that way. I could feel your passion and your love and your magic flow through me, and it was so beautiful. Is this what real love feels like?"

Albus laughed with her and wiped her tears away, kissing her cheeks as he did so. "It must be, my darling. I will confess that I've never loved anyone as much as I love you, so I don't have much to go on in comparison. But I do know that this is our love, Minerva. Every time will just as wonderful, if not more so."

They fell asleep in each other's arms. All their problems were not solved, as Minerva did still have the occasional reminder of Tom, but Albus was always there to remind her how loved she was. They worked through things together because their love was strong and pure and somehow more right than anything else they had ever known.

And so their lives moved on. Minerva became a brilliant professor and a well-respected Head of Gryffindor and a beloved Deputy Headmistress. Albus very quickly proved to be the greatest Headmaster that Hogwarts had ever seen. Lady Nairna McGonagall resumed her active social life, hosting all sorts of parties and dinners and such. And although many men tried, she never did show any interest in a romance after the death of her husband. She told Minerva that there was no point in finding the next best thing when you've already had the best there could ever be. For the first time, Minerva understood. She had found the best there could ever be in Albus.

The lion within Minerva McGonagall's heart had triumphed over every single obstacle and tragedy in her way. She always felt indebted to Albus for saving her, but really, she had saved herself.

As for Tom Riddle, they all knew he was out there somewhere. No one wanted him to come back, and Tom Riddle would never come back. But Lord Voldemort was biding his time, carefully calculating his next move. The Dark Lord would return again one day.

The End

A/N2: So that's all, folks! Please review and let me know what you think. Also, I do not rule out the possibility of a sequel at some point.

I gotta be honest, I didn't think people would like this story. It's really angsty, which really isn't my usual style. But a reader asked me if I would ever write anything with Tom and Minerva, and slowly but surely, this idea got stuck in my head, and I just had to write it! It's been a very interesting ride for me. This was a very different way for me to look at Albus and Minerva, and I was a little shocked that I understood Tom Riddle so well. But then again, I do have a creepy dark side (it's the Slytherin in me, what can I say?). So in conclusion, thank you all so very much. Your support means more than you know.