Chapter 44

On Christmas morning the sun rose to find Hogwarts covered in a white blanket. The new, untouched snow glistened under the sun's early rays. As students and faculty rose from their beds, a tranquil air settled about them. All of the worries of the world were forgotten as the joy and peace of the holiday drifted through the castle.

Minerva woke early and lay in bed for a moment. She breathed in the crisp air that trickled in through the windows and could smell the fresh snow. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought about what day it was and fantasized about what Albus' reaction would be when he saw her.

Christmas always held a special spot in Minerva's heart. There was something about the joy that this season spread. She always felt that there was a clean, new feeling about Christmas day that could not be felt on any other day of the year. Over the years, she became ever fonder of the holiday as it meant that she and Albus would share the day in a way unlike any other. They would attend Christmas brunch with the staff and remaining students. Then they would return to either of their chambers to exchange gifts and have morning tea. Afterwards, they would stroll the grounds and roam the castle, making it a point to stop in and see each of the professors and exchange greetings with the students in the halls. They would then attend dinner and end their day late into the night by simply enjoying each other's company. Sometimes they would play a game of chess or just sit in front of the fire and read. Other times they would exchange tales of years-gone-by. And sometimes they just sat in silence allowing themselves to enjoy their own thoughts while in each others company.

Minerva took one last deep breath of cool air before braving the chilly room. A shiver raced over her skin as her feet touched the cold stone floor. She grabbed her robe from the bottom of her bed and wrapped it tightly around herself while she walked into the bathroom and started a hot bath. Waiting for it to fill, she stoked the fire to warm the room. She went to her wardrobe and pulled out the new robes she planned to wear that day. She and Loraine had made a special trip to Paris so that she could find just the right thing. She pulled the robes from the wardrobe and hung them on the door. She ran her hands over the exquisite material. The firelight sent a mesmerizing dance over the shimmery material.

She pulled herself away and went back into the bathroom. The bath was nearly ready, so she disrobed and sank into the steamy water. Breathing in the scented water, she laid her head back and closed her eyes. After a few precious solitary moments, she quickly cleaned herself up and climbed out of the cooling water. Grabbing her towels from the nearby rack, she wrapped her long hair into one and wrapped the other around her body, tucking the corner in securely so it would stay in place.

She carefully prepared herself, paying extra special attention to her hair. She wanted everything to be just right so she would make a lasting impression.

When her hair and makeup were finally done, she stepped back into her bedroom and donned her robes. Pulling the undergarments on first, she checked their fit in the mirror. They were more form fitting then her daily robes and she felt self conscious in them. If it wasn't for Loraine and the shop keeper's insistence that that was how it was supposed to fit, she probably wouldn't have purchased the set.

After double checking to make sure all of the folds were lying flat, she pulled the outer garment from its hanger. The material slid through her hands like liquid. Slipping the material on and straightening it out, she admired the look in the full length mirror. An unusual sense of giddiness came over her as she swished the long skirts and watched the light play over them.

She glanced quickly at the grandfather clock and noticed that she was running short on time. She went to her jewelry chest and quickly put on the new pieces that she had chosen for this particular outfit. With one last glance in the mirror as ths walked by, she headed out the portrait hole.

Albus waited at the top of the moving staircase for Minerva to join him. He looked down at his robes to ensure everything was in order. He had taken extra time this morning to choose just the right set of robes. He finally selected a deep red set with delicate silver snow flakes cascading down them and a cap to match. He bound his beard together with a thin leather thong that jingled merrily as bells danced at the end. Satisfied, he watched as students trickled into the Great Hall two stories below.

He was humming Jingle Bells to himself when his stray thoughts were interrupted by a melodious voice, "Happy Christmas, Albus."

Albus turned toward the voice and had to make a conscious effort to keep his jaw from dropping and making a fool of himself.

Minerva McGonagall walked toward him. She seemingly floated down the hall. Her tall slim figure was adorned in robes that he had never seen, for he would certainly have remembered them if he had. The undergarment was the purest color of green that hugged her waist and modestly accentuated her curves. The square cut on the front was worn lower then she normally wore her robes. The outer garment was a soft flowing material that shimmered as she passed through each shaft of light coming through the windows lining the hall. The sleeves formed a large bell as they slid down her slim arms and the cuffs and hem bore delicate silver Celtic designs. The whole effect caused a glowing halo around her body. Her hair was pulled half way up and the long black tresses hung in spirals down her back.

Albus couldn't help but stare as this angelic woman came down the hall toward him.

As she got close, Albus reached out a hand and Minerva placed one of hers in it.

"My dear, you look absolutely…stunning," he said guiding Minerva into a twirl.

A slight blush crept up Minerva's cheeks. "Pish posh," she said with an embarrassed smile.

"Darling," Albus said as his voice gained weight with emotion, "try as it may, even the sun shall be humbled for every room will be aglow with the enchanting beauty that stands before me now." He finished by bowing over her hand and placing a gentle kiss upon its back.

Minerva's blush deepened and her smile grew. "Thank you," she said casting her eyes down in embarrassment.

"You are very welcome. Now," he released her hand and straightened up, "may I have the honor of escorting you to Christmas brunch?" With twinkling eyes, Albus turned to face the stairs and offered his left elbow.

"It would be my greatest pleasure," Minerva played back while accepting his offered arm.

They chatted quietly as they descended the stairs. Bending to the will of the two, each set of moving stairs fell into place with precise timing to allow the witch and wizard an uninterrupted descent to the Great Hall.

Upon reaching the oversize oak doors, they both swung open. Minerva and Albus swept down the center aisle together.