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Story Name: Untitled, currently known as The Tale of Tom & Minnie
Author: Me, Mariposa85, aka R.S.McDonald
Rating: Thus far, PG-14. As it goes on, it will become NC-17, possibly 18+ for strong language, sexual content (these parts will be linked to fanfiction.net, so as not to break Gaia's ToS)
Synopsis: Tom Riddle and Minerva McGonagall have a strong friendship that has lasted all seven years of their magical education. They admit they have feelings for one another, turmoil follows.
Replies: In the discussion thread in the main forum, or via PM please.
Disclaimer: Certain parts of this story are direct excerpts from the Harry Potter novels, specifically, Harry Potter & The Half Blood Prince. I own no part of Harry Potter or it's characters. Original characters are of my own creation, and I welcome others to use them in their own stories (with permission and credit, of course)
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Chapter 1: The Hogwarts Express

It was a chilly autumn morning in London as the students of Hogwarts began boarding The Hogwarts Express. Minerva, or Minnie, as her friends and family called her, was going into her seventh year. She’d already planned out what she was to do after she graduated from Hogwarts - she was going to play Quidditch for the all female team, The Holyhead Harpies. Quidditch was the only thing outside studies that Minnie enjoyed.

Minnie kissed her mother and father goodbye and she got onto the train. Never being much of a social butterfly, she had a few close friends, and one boy whom she liked very much, in a romantic sense.

As she walked down the corridors of the train, she stiffly greeted some of the students she knew from other houses. There was Augusta Longbottom, a Ravenclaw fifth year. Nice girl, but she was a little brash. She greeted many other students. Minnie was well known among her classmates. She was “The Brightest Witch Of Her Age”. Gryffindor led in house points because Minnie knew the answers to any question the Professors asked, she could perform any spell and make any potion. She was the girl every boy wanted to date and every girl hated. She was smart, pretty, and kind, yet she was stiff. Minnie firmly believed that there was a time and place for everything, and school was the time and place for study and structure. But she did indulge in one activity she found brightly fun. She played Quidditch for her house, as a keeper. And she was brilliant. Since she joined the team in her second year, Gryffindor had not lost a single match, nor had any other house scored a point on her.

Minnie found herself an empty compartment and she stowed her belongings in the overhead. Before piling her trunk up, she took out her journal, for she was an avid writer. One day, she would be a published author on “The Magical Art of Transfiguration“. Attempting to lift her trunk into the overhead, she dropped it and it knocked her over, landing on her legs.

“Minnie! Are you alright?” A handsome young man had seen the trunk fall and rushed in to help. He pulled out his wand, and with a swish and a flick, “Wingardium Leviosa!” the trunk lifted from Minnie’s legs.

‘I think so, Tom. But you know I am fully capable of performing a first year charm.” She replied with a tone of irritation. Minnie could never look Tom in the eye. He was so handsome, and kind when he wanted to be. But he seemed to be able to look into a person’s soul.

“Don’t move, Minnie, I’m going to make sure nothing is broken.” Tom was a very talented wizard. He was capable of very great things, he had been told from very early on. No one really knew, just how great, however. Tom moved his hands over Minnie’s legs firmly. “Does this hurt?”

“No. Can I get up now, Dr. Riddle?” She asked with a note of severe sarcasm. He promptly removed his hands, extending one to help her up. She took his hand, and once standing, realized that she had delayed in letting go. Quickly, she released her grip. “Ahem, thank you, Tom.”

“My pleasure, Minnie.” He gave the warm, flirtatious smile that all the girls in school fell in love with. Minnie blushed. He again gave his wand a flick and the trunk stowed itself in the overhead. He took a seat in the compartment with her. “Have a good summer?

“I suppose so. I did some volunteer work at St. Mungo’s. Been a lot of magical attacks on muggles this year, I worked with a few, repairing their memories.” She didn’t notice Tom looked away when she said this.

“Interesting. No Quidditch?”

“Well. I didn’t want to tell anyone. But as long as you promise to keep it a secret.” Minnie had looked Tom in the eyes. She hadn’t done that before. He had such a handsome face. His eyes were so deep, like the ocean.
“Would you like to make an unbreakable vow, Minnie? I can go get us a bonder.” He said jokingly.

“Not necessary. You’re word is good enough.” She replied with a smile. He raised his right hand.

“Minerva McGonagall, I solemnly swear to keep your secret until the day I die.”

“Alright then.” She sighed and pointed her wand at the door. “Muffliato! I’m going to be on the reserve team for the Holyhead Harpies next year. Keeper.”

“Congratulations! That’s great! I expect they’ll have you on the starting line before long. Just think, I’ll be able to say, ‘Hey, that’s Minnie McGonagall! I went to school with her!”

Minnie turned a bright shade of red. Tom had been the first person to show true enthusiasm about her joining the team. Her parents had been rather unimpressed, telling her that brains were a better quality and she should look into teaching or healing.

“Of course, the great Tom Riddle needs another reason to brag!” She tormented. She let her long reddish-brown hair down from the tight bun she always wore. Inadvertently, she had been flirting with Tom. She gave a smile.

The train suddenly jerked to a stop. They had arrived at Hogwarts. The only time Minnie and Tom really got to spend time together was in Hogsmeade or on the train, as he was a Slytherin and she a Gryffindor. It was very taboo for them to be friendly.

“Oh, we’re here already.” Minnie stood up and extended her hand. “Lovely talking to you, Mr. Riddle. Have a wonderful year.”

“Same to you, Ms. McGonagall.” Tom took her hand and kissed it. He grinned and she blushed.

Never had she though she would have a crush on the arrogant Tom Riddle. But it was impossible not to. He exuded confidence, he was handsome, and sweet when he meant to be. He took this moment to be a gentleman, and he brought her things down from the overhead and placed them on a trolley for her.

Minnie turned to leave the compartment, but before she could make it to the door, the compartment had gone dark and she felt Tom grab her arm, turn her and kiss her passionately. She returned the kiss for a moment, and then broke it. She had the instinct to slap him, but she had enjoyed the kiss.

“Tom! How dare you!” She exclaimed, trying to pull away. Tom knew they had several moments before the Peruvian Darkness Powder lost its effect and he pulled her in again, he whispered, “Minnie, let loose. Enjoy it. No one will know.”

Tom began to kiss Minnie again. This time, she decided to return the kiss, just as passionately as he had been giving it. It felt so good, to have his arms around her, his lips pressed against hers. She didn’t want it to end. After what felt like an eternity of passion, Tom released her.

“The powder is almost gone.” He listened closely for a moment. All was quiet. “Most of the students are off the train. They won’t know it was us in here.”

The compartment lightened up again. They looked through the window and it seemed as though all the students had gotten off the train and were loading the carriages and boats to take them to the castle. Minnie and Tom left the compartment together. Minnie couldn’t look at Tom. She couldn’t speak. All she could do was look either at the ground or straight ahead. She and Tom rushed off the train with their belongings and they boarded the last carriage.

Chapter 3: Meant To Be

Minnie rushed into the Great Hall and sat at the Gryffindor table next to her best friend, Beth Parsons. Beth had been Minnie’s best friend since before they started school. Their families were neighbours, and Mrs. Parson and Mrs. McGonagall were very good friends. The girls, being the same age, naturally became close. Beth was actually the first person to call Minerva “Minnie”. And the name stuck.

“What took you so long? I couldn’t find you on the train. I thought you’d missed it.” Beth whispered as the headmaster, Armando Dippet, gave his start of term speech.

“Long story. Tell you later.” Minnie whispered in reply with a smile. Tom had come sauntering into the Great Hall, very late. Minnie watched him as he took his seat at the Slytherin table. She had to make a serious effort to divert her attention from the good-looking young man who was so obviously enthralled with her.

Minnie focused her attention to the Headmaster, then on the sorting. Finally, the meal began. As Minnie served herself her dinner and began to eat, Beth stared at her.

“What?” Minnie asked, obviously irritated.

“Why did you and Tom both come in late?” Beth asked. “You two were snogging, weren’t you?”
“Good Lord, Beth, if you’re going to make such accusations, have them founded first!” Minnie turned a shade of scarlet. “Muffliato!”

She chose to cast this spell so the other Gryffindors wouldn’t hear. She looked at her best friend, with a very annoyed expression upon her face.

“Yes, he kissed me.” Minnie said. And she told Beth the whole story of how Tom had come to help her after her trunk had fallen. “So I don’t know what to think. He’s so handsome. And a gentleman.”

“Minnie, he can’t be too much of a gentleman if he threw down Peruvian Darkness Powder just to kiss you.” Beth told her.

“Ugh. You don’t get it. He came to help a lady in need -”

“Since when have you ever been a lady?” Beth said with a laugh. Minnie shot her a dirty look.

“Back to the point. He helped me when I needed it. He kissed my hand. He spoke to me with such respect and kindness. And after the fact, he shied away.” She sighed dreamily. “I wouldn’t mind dating him…but he’s a Slytherin. What would Mum and Dad say?”

“Minnie, if you care about Tom, and he cares about you, who cares what Mum and Dad say?” Beth was always rather defiant. She never paid much mind to what others might say.

The girls finished their meal, and Minnie lifted the spell she cast. They began towards the Gryffindor common room, but then remembered she had to get her things from Professor Slughorn.

“Oh shoot. Beth, I’ll be back, Professor Slughorn has my trolley. See you in a bit.” Minnie said as she left her best friend’s side and headed towards the dungeon.

After a long battle with the switching staircases, Minnie finally made it to the dungeon and she politely knocked on the door to Professor Slughorn’s office.

“Come in!” said the ever so jovial Slughorn. Minnie entered the office to see the object of her affection sitting across the desk from the Professor.

“Hello, Professor. I’ve come to retrieve my things. Hello, Tom.” She looked at her feet when she addressed Tom.

“Of course, Minerva.” Slughorn walked around his desk, stood next to Minnie and pulled out his wand, “Accio, Minerva’s trolley!”

The trolley came forward and stopped just short of bumping into the two.

“I was just having tea with Mr. Riddle. We were discussing his plans for post-graduation. Care to join us?” Slughorn had always taken a liking to talented students. He favoured them.

“Oh…um, well Sir, I do have to go get settled in my dormitory.” She said.

“Nonsense, Nonsense, sit down, have a cup of tea with us.” He insisted and summoned another chair to sit next to Tom. Minnie took a seat and Slughorn made her some tea.

“Tom was just telling me he plans to travel a bit after he finishes school. Maybe play a bit of quid ditch, and find out about his family. Of course, you know Tom was raised in an orphanage”

“Actually I didn’t, Professor” Minnie replied. She noticed Tom look down and turn a shade of red. He was obviously ashamed of not knowing his heritage. She smiled at him. “Not that it makes much difference. Tom is still a brilliant wizard.”

“Of course, of course. What are you plans for the end of the year?” Slughorn was being nosy. He prided himself on knowing higher-ups, bragging rights.

“Oh…well, I’ve been planning to travel and play a bit of Quidditch myself. Mum says I should be straight off to post-secondary to become a teacher or a healer, but I’d like to have some fun before I buckle down.” Minnie explained. She took a sip of her tea.

“Minerva have you considered professional Quidditch? Dare I say, you do have the talent.” Slughorn was buttering her up for something.

“Actually, I’ve been offered a position on the reserve team for the Holyhead Harpies.” She just wanted to leave. Slughorn was not her favorite person at Hogwarts.

“Wonderful! Congratulations, Minerva! Isn’t that wonderful, Tom?” Slughorn seemed to be overjoyed at the idea of being able to brag that he had taught a member of the Holyhead Harpies.

“Yes, it is, Professor. I’ll be very proud to say that I was once good friends with their star keeper.” Tom gave Minnie a sly smile. “She won’t be reserve for long, she’s far too talented.”

“Yes, yes, right you are, Tom.” Slughorn leaned back in his chair, his great belly protruding forth. His shirt looked as though each button was about to pop off. “Let’s get to the point here. I’ve asked you here because some of my O.W.L students didn’t do so well last year and need some extra tutoring. You two are my strongest seventh year students, and you’re Head Boy and Head Girl. A wonderful thing to add to your resume.”

Tom and Minnie looked at Slughorn. It was obvious that he had some sort of ulterior motive. Slughorn always did. Tom spoke first.

“Well, Professor, when is this tutoring taking place? I’d hate to give up my trips to Hogsmeade.”

“Dear Tom, I wouldn’t dream of depriving you of the opportunity to freely fraternize with girls your age!” Slughorn looked at Minnie when he said this. She got the distinct feeling he knew something. “Our sessions are on Monday eve’s, from 3:30 until dinner. This doesn’t interrupt your Quidditch practice, does it, Minerva?”

“No sir, it doesn’t. I’d be happy to help with your students.” She said. She felt a little nervous about spending so much time with Tom. The previous year, they had only associated on the train and at Hogsmeade.

“Wonderful! I’ll see you both Monday after class then. You can meet me here and we’ll head off together.” Slughorn clapped his hands. He was obviously trying to set something up that he wasn’t sharing, but Tom and Minnie took his words at face value.

They got up together and gathered their things. Minnie started to go to the Gryffindor common room, when she heard Tom speak.

“If you wait a moment, I’ll bring your trolley up for you. Just let me drop mine off.” he said. Such a gentleman, Minnie didn’t care what Beth said about him.

“Oh. Sure then, I’ll wait,” Minnie said. She stood outside Slughorn’s office and waited for Tom. It felt like forever, but when he came back, he promptly took her trolley and they sauntered up to Gryffindor tower. It was late, and the corridors were empty. It seemed as though even the ghosts were asleep. Being head boy and girl, they were permitted out of bed after hours. They quietly chatted about anything and everything during their long walk. Finally, Tom looked at Minnie, and she couldn’t avoid his eyes this time.

“Minnie,” he whispered, “we’ve known each other since our first year. We’re exact opposites in spirit. Why am I so drawn to you? We’ve been friends for such a long time…”

“Yes, Tom, we have.” she replied. “Why didn’t you tell me you’ve been living in an orphanage? I would have asked Mum long ago if you could spend summers and holidays with us. I could have helped. This year, we’re done school and I’m afraid I won’t see you anymore.”

“I didn’t tell you because I’m ashamed. I don’t know where I come from. Am I pureblood? Mud blood -” Minnie cut him off.

“Tom! Don’t ever use that word! It’s so profane!” she scolded him.

“Fine then, muggle born. Why was I placed in Slytherin? I just don’t want anyone to know where I come from. It’s too questionable, people will make fun.” He said. He looked as though he might cry.

“I don’t think so. You’re a very talented wizard. I don’t think anyone would make fun because you don’t know where your talent stems from,” Minnie took Tom’s hand and she smiled. “If it matters, I don’t care where you come from. You’re still handsome, sweet Tom Riddle.”

“Thanks.” He said. “Promise me you’ll keep it secret?”

“I solemnly swear to keep your secret,” She raised her right hand and laughed. “Tom…”

“Minnie,” he replied.

“Why did you kiss me earlier?” she asked “Not that I didn’t enjoy it. I’ve never been kissed before today, and I thought it would stay that way. But you…you did it. Why?”

“Because you’re you.” he grinned. “Good enough?”

“No!” she firmly stated. “I want a real reason!”

“Fine then,” he stopped in his tracks and looked at her. “Because, Minerva McGonagall, you’re everything any man could want in a woman. You’re smart, you’re beautiful, you’re determined, you’re kind, you’re athletic, you’re a talented witch, you’re a wonderful person.”

He paused. Minnie was looking at the ground. Tom used a single finger placed under her chin and lifted her head.

“Good enough reasons? I find you utterly irresistible.” he smiled and gave her a gentle kiss. “I would gladly spend the rest of eternity with you.”

Minnie didn’t know that Tom literally meant eternity. She’d find out soon enough though.

“I suppose that will do.” Minnie had never felt this way before. Tom made her heart beat faster and she felt like she was floating when he touched her. They had reached Gryffindor tower. Standing outside the Fat Lady’s portrait, who happened to be snoring very loudly, Tom had a look on his face that told Minnie he wished to say something. “What is it, Tom?”
“Huh?” He had been in a daze, since his speech about why he had kissed Minnie. “Oh. I was just thinking about how nice it’ll be to spend more time with you this year.”

“Don’t lie to me, Tom Riddle.” Minnie told him. “Something is bothering you.”

“Yes…but I’d rather not share,” he said quietly.

“You’d rather not share your feelings with the girl you say you’d gladly spend eternity with? Well, I daresay, Tom, that will make for a very long eternity.” She did have a point. “Haven’t you learned yet? You’re my friend. That means, through thick and thin, I’m here for you. What is it?”

“Let me dwell on it for the night and I’ll owl you tomorrow morning.” Tom told her. He had been thinking about his research on Horcuxes. If he could convince Minnie to make them too, then they could truly spend eternity together. Of course, he wouldn’t tell her that yet. He knew how Minnie felt about dark magic, she despised it. No, he would write her something tomorrow and once he knew that she loved him back, he would bring up that idea.

“Thank you, Tom,” Minnie looked at him. “For helping me today…with my trunks and the trolley and all.”

“Anything for you,” he gave her the warm smile, and kissed her once again. “Good night.”

“Good night. Sweet dreams”

“Only if they’re of you.”

‘That Tom Riddle’ Minnie thought, ‘Such a flirt.’

“Banana Pancakes.” Minnie said aloud, it was the password for the Fat Lady to open the door.

“Ms. McGonagall! How dare you wake me!” The portrait said shrilly.

“You weren’t sleeping, you were eavesdropping on Tom and I.” Minnie told the portrait.

‘Oh, alright then,” and the portrait swung open. Minnie walked through the hole and headed up into her dormitory.

She climbed the stairs and quietly made her way to the room she shared with Beth and two other seventh year girls. Beth was sitting in her bed, reading a book with her wand glowing.

“Minnie! It’s about time you got here! It’s been hours!!” Beth was obviously annoyed. “Been off with Mr. Riddle again haven’t you?”

Minnie gave a telling-grin. She placed her things at her bed and sat down with Beth. She shared the whole story of how Slughorn held her captive for hours, and her walk with Tom.

“Wow,” Beth said after Minnie had finished the story. “You and Tom were meant to be.”

It was now the middle of October. Minnie and Tom hadn’t spent much time together, outside of helping Professor Slughorn tutor his O.W.L students and the odd afternoon together next to the lake. Tom sent Minnie an owl every night, and Minnie sent one back. But outside of this, their contact was very limited.
The night before the trip to Hogsmeade, Tom sent an owl to Minnie. It read:

Minnie,
Hogsmeade tomorrow. I hope you’re going. I’m not supposed to because there’s no one to sign my permission form, but Professor Dumbledore talked Professor Dippet into letting me go. I need to see you, I miss you very much. More than I can explain.

Will you meet me outside the Shrieking Shack? No one goes near there. I’ll wait for you just outside the gate.

Missing you,
Tom
The owl landed on Minnie’s window sill. She untied the letter from its leg and stroked the top of it’s head. She read it, and immediately she was overcome with excitement. She had been hoping Tom would ask her to meet him. She replied immediately.

Tom,

Of course, I’d love to meet with you. I’ve missed you too. I love Beth like my sister, but I just don’t feel as though I can speak to her as freely as I can you. I really hate having to hide our friendship. Why can’t we be open about it? Who cares if we’re in rival houses! Regardless, I look forward to seeing you.

With love,
Minnie

“Take this to Tom,“ she whispered as she tied the letter to the owl’s leg. She picked him up and extended her arms outside the window. She released her hands, and the owl took off.

Minnie collapsed onto her bed. It had been a long day, with homework and Quidditch practice. Gryffindor had an upcoming game against Ravenclaw, who’s team was comparable with their own. It seemed as though Minnie’s teachers were cramming an extra two years of information into their students in one.
She curled up under the covers, and her thoughts drifted to her upcoming meeting with Tom. She wondered if he would kiss her again, like he had on the train. She wondered what he had been up to, so many afternoons when he said he’d be unavailable to see her. She was sure he’d explain it all the next day. As she drifted off to sleep, she dreamed of Tom. She dreamed of being together, as more than friends. Minnie was sure Tom would make a wonderful husband.

When Minnie awoke, the sun was shining. It felt rather warm for mid-October morning. Together, Minnie and Beth made their way to the Great Hall for breakfast. Tom was at the Slytherin table, chatting away with his faithful followers, two great lumps Tom only referred to by surname. Avery and Lestrange. Dark fellows, they were. He spotted Minnie and gave her a nod and a wink. She smiled at him.

Beth and Minnie took their seats at Gryffindor table and began their breakfast. Beth was chattering away happily to everyone and anyone who would listen. Minnie was characteristically quiet, but today her mind wasn’t on homework, or classes, or even Quidditch. She thought about nothing besides Tom. Right after breakfast, she would have Professor Dumbledore see her signed permission form, and she would go to Hogsmeade and see Tom.

It was very warm outside, on this October day. Minnie didn’t wear any outdoor clothes. She decided it would be nice to get a little dressed up today, for Tom. She wore a long black skirt, a pair of heeled shoes (they were barely high, however), and a red short sleeve blouse. She left her hair down, Tom seemed to like it when she did so.

After she went to see Professor Dumbledore, she rushed out of the school and down to Hogsmeade. She had never walked so fast. After what felt like hours, but in reality was only minutes, she could see Tom waiting at the gate to the Shrieking Shack. Minnie broke into a run, and when she finally reached him, he embraced her in a tight hug.

“Oh, I’ve missed you.” Tom sighed. “You were your hair down. You never do that.”

“Well, after you said I should because I have pretty hair, I thought I’d show it off a bit.” She said, half joking, half serious.

Tom pulled out his wand and conjured a blanket. He laid it upon the grass, and invited Minnie to sit down.

“I hope you don’t mind, I thought we’d spend the afternoon here.” he said.

“I wouldn’t have wanted anything but,” she replied. She took a seat on the blanket, and Tom sat next to her. He stretched his legs out, leaning back on his hands. Minnie sat with her knees tucked against her chest.

“How was Quidditch yesterday?” Tom asked her. He was always so genuinely interested in what Minnie was up to.

“Not bad. We’ve got some new players, hard getting used to them. Seems I’ve got more work to do, they’re not very good at keeping the quaffle out of our zone.” Minnie explained. She stared up at the sky, trying to find images in the clouds.

“Ravenclaw is the next match, right?”

“Yes, it is. They match us easily, right now. It’s going to be a tough one.” Minnie continued to chatter on about Quidditch and the upcoming match. She was worried they would lose. Minnie hated to be anything but the best.

After about an hour of casual conversation, consisting of everything from classes to Quidditch, Minnie’s home life to Tom’s past, the two went silent. Tom sighed. He had laid down on the conjured blanket, hands behind his head. He stared at the clouds. Minnie was sitting as Tom had before, her legs stretched out and leaning back on her hands.

Tom reached up and rested his hand for a moment on Minnie’s shoulder. He gave a quick but gentle squeeze before sliding his hand down her back. He stopped just before her hair did and he played with a few strands, twirling them around his fingers.

“Minnie,” he whispered.

“Yes, Tom?” she desperately hoped he would profess his love and they would finally be together, although she knew Tom very well and knew that it would not be like him at all.

“What do you know of Horcruxes?” At the word ‘horcruxes’, Minnie jerked away from Tom.

“What do you care?” she asked angrily. There had been gossip of Tom messing around in the Dark Arts.

“I’m curious. Avery and Lestrange talking about them.” He tried too hard to sound innocent. Minnie was not a stupid girl and she caught on right away. She knew that Avery and Lestrange were too stupid to even pronounce the word, let alone discuss them to any great length.

“Don’t lie to me, Tom Riddle!” Minnie stood up and stormed off, back towards the castle. Tom chased after her. “Avery and Lestrange are direct descendants of trolls, and you’re trying to tell me they were discussing complex dark magic?”

Tom grabbed Minnie’s arm. She pulled away and began her trek back to the castle. At the moment, she wanted nothing to do with Tom.

“Minnie, I’ll tell you the truth, just calm down.” Tom was trying to get her to come back. He had rather been enjoying this afternoon together, why had he gone and started talking about horcruxes? He knew this hadn’t been the right time. Minnie turned and faced Tom once more.

“Go on with it, then!” She barked at him.

“Well, I’ve been thinking a lot about dying and being apart from you…and that’s not something I want. And a horcrux, well horcruxes will help keep me achieve immortality. Think, Minnie, together we could be the greatest witch and wizard ever!”

“Do you have any idea what it takes to make a horcrux, Tom? You’re telling me that not only are you prepared to commit horrendous acts against others and tear your soul into pieces, but you want to drag me down with you? I think not.” Minnie had known about Horcruxes for quite some time. She thought they were the worst kind of magic ever created and any book that talked about them should be burned. A distant relative of hers had attempted immortality in the same fashion. He achieved it for many years, but he was not human. He wasn’t whole. “Tom, I think you should drop the whole subject. We’re young. We have many, many years ahead of us. I’m going back to the school. When you’ve decided to drop the horcrux idea, you can send me an owl. Until then, I bid you farewell, Tom Riddle.”

Minnie walked away, leaving Tom standing in the field near the Shrieking Shack. He had a very important decision to make now.

Chapter 7: Professor Slughorn

The next day, Tom secretly ventured to Hogsmeade via the hidden corridors spread through out Hogwarts. He immediately went to Honeydukes and purchased a box of crystallised pineapple - Professor Slughorn’s favorite treat.

Later, he lingered behind Potions class. Avery and Lestrange were with him, along with four or five other boys. First, he passed the box over to Slughorn.

“Merry Christmas, Professor. I hope you enjoy it. I‘ve been told it‘s your favorite.” Tom said with a sly grin. “Professor, I was wondering if I could have a word with you?”

“Of course, dear boy!” Professor Slughorn replied jovially.

“Is it true that Professor Merrythought is retiring?”

“Tom, Tom., if I knew I couldn’t tell you.” Slughorn said, wagging his finger reprovingly, and winking simultaneously. “I must say, I’d like to know where you get your information, boy; more knowledgeable than half the staff, you are.”

Tom gave a smile and his followers laughed. Avery and Lestrange stared at Tom admiringly.

“What with your uncanny ability to know things you shouldn’t and your careful flattery of the people that matter - thank you for the pineapple, by the way. You’re quite right, it is my favorite -” Several of the boys tittered again.

“- I confidently expect you to rise to Minister for Magic within twenty years. Fifteen, if you keep sending me pineapple! I have excellent contacts within the Ministry, you know.” Slughorn gushed.

Tom smiled. The others laughed again. Tom was by no means the eldest of the group - Crabbe and Goyle must have been twenty, if a day, for they were so dumb they must have failed several times. But Tom was definitely their leader.

“I don’t know that politics would suit me, sir.” he said after the laughter faded. “I don’t have the right kind of background, for one thing.”

Some of the boys smirked as though they were enjoying a private joke.

“Nonsense!” Slughorn exclaimed rather briskly. “It couldn’t be plainer that you come from decent wizarding stock, abilities like yours. No, you’ll go far, Tom. I’ve never been wrong about a student yet.”

The clock, small and golden, chimed behind Slughorn’s desk. He glanced at it and turned back to the group of boys.

“Good gracious! Eleven o’clock already. You boys had better get off to your beds before we all get into trouble! Avery, Lestrange - I want your essays tomorrow or it’ll be detention.” The boys filed out of the office. He had gotten up to refill his glass, when a sudden movement made him turn. Tom hadn’t left.

“Look sharp, Tom, you don’t want to be caught out of bed out of hours, and you a prefect…” Slughorn warned.

“Sir, I wanted to ask you something.”

“Ask away, then, m’boy, ask away…”

“Sir, I wondered what you know about…..about Horcruxes?”

Slughorn stared at him, his thick fingers absent-mindedly caressing the stem of his wine glass.

“Project for Defence Against The Dark Arts, is it?” Slughorn said, although he knew perfectly well it was not.

“Not exactly, sir.” Tom said. “I came across the term while reading and I didn’t fully understand it.”

“No….well….you’d be hard pressed to find a book at Hogwarts that’ll give you the details on Horcruxes, Tom. That’s very Dark stuff, very Dark indeed.”

“But you obviously know all about them, sir? I mean, a wizard like you - sorry, I mean if you can’t tell me, obviously - I just knew if anyone could tell me, you could - so I just thought I’d ask.” Tom had succeeded in making the round Professor blush. He was a sucker for flattery.

“Well,” Slughorn said, fiddling with the ribbon on his box of pineapple. “I suppose an overview won’t hurt any. Just so you understand the term. A Horcrux is the word used for an object in which a person has concealed part of their soul.”

“I don’t quite understand how that works, though, sir.”

“Well, you split your soul, you see,” Slughorn explained. “and hide part of it in an object outside the body. Then, even if one’s body is attacked or destroyed, one cannot die, for part of the soul remains earthbound and undamaged. But, of course, existence in such a form….few would want it, Tom, very few. Death would be preferable.”

“How do you split your soul?” Tom was getting more and more excited. He was finding the information he needed to obtain immortality! Slughorn was starting to look rather worried and uncomfortable.

“Well,” he said “you must understand that the soul is meant to remain intact and whole. Splitting it is an act of violation, against nature.”

“But how do you do it?” Tom asked again.

“By an act of evil - the supreme act of evil. By committing murder. Killing rips the soul apart. The wizard intent upon creating a horcrux would use the damage to his advantage: he would encase the torn portion -”

“Encase? But how -?” Tom interrupted.

“There is a spell, do not ask me, I don’t know!” Slughorn was shaking his head like an elephant bothered by mosquitoes. “Do I look as though I have tried it? Do I look like a killer?”

“No, sir, of course not.” Tom said apologetically “I’m sorry….I didn’t mean to offend…”

“Not at all, not at all, not offended.” said Slughorn gruffly. “It’s natural to feel some curiosity about these things…wizards of a certain calibre have always been drawn to that aspect of magic…”

“Yes, sir,” Tom agreed. He really knew how to get information when he wanted it. “What I don’t understand, though - just out of curiosity - I mean, would one horcrux be much use? Can you split your soul once? Wouldn’t it be better, make you stronger, to have your soul in more pieces? I mean, for instance, isn’t seven the most powerfully magical number, wouldn’t seven -?”

“Merlin’s beard, Tom!” Slughorn yelped. “Seven! Isn’t if bad enough to think of killing one person? And in any case…bad enough to divide the soul….but to rip it into seven pieces…”

The Professor looked deeply troubled. Tom sensed that Slughorn knew what he was up to, but Tom kept pushing for more information.

“Of course,” he muttered, more to himself than Tom. “this is all hypothetical, what we’re discussing, isn’t it? All academic…”

“Yes, sir, of course,” Tom quickly agreed.

“But all the same, Tom….keep it quiet, what I’ve told - that’s to say, what we’ve discussed. People wouldn’t like to think we’ve been chatting about horcruxes. It’s a banned subject at Hogwarts, you know….Dumbledore’s particularly fierce about it…”

“I won’t say a word, sir” Tom said. He bid the potions master farewell and ventured back to the Slytherin dormitories, thinking over everything that he had just learned. Now all that remained was the spell….

Chapter 9: Mr. & Mrs. McGonagall

After a few hours of conversation with Lestrange, Tom made an excuse as to why he had to leave and went to wake Minnie. Of course, he would never let one of his faithful followers know he had feelings of love, lust or passion for another person. He wasn’t sure which it was, but he definitely felt one of these feelings for Minnie.

They would be pulling into Kings Cross very soon. Tom touched Minnie’s cheek and said her name.

“Minnie, wake up.” Tom said. Minnie stirred slightly. She sighed in her sleep. “Minnie.”

“What,” she replied, very groggily. Her eyes weren’t open, and the word was almost a grunt. Tom was sure she was still sleeping. He kissed her forehead, then her cheek, then the tip of her nose, and then her lips. By the time he was done, she had opened her eyes, very slightly.

“Morning, sunshine,” He grinned at her as he pulled their things down from the overhead. “We’ll be at the station soon. You’ve been out for quite some time. Have you been feeling alright?”

Minnie smiled at Tom. It was rather nice to wake up to his kisses and his voice. She stretched and stood up.

“I don’t know, Tom. I’ve just been feeling really tired lately. Rather frustrating, considering all the things I’ve got to contend with at the moment - school work, Quidditch, tutoring for Slughorn, all on top of my duties as Head Girl.” Minnie yawned. This wasn’t entirely true. She had also been feeling weak and frail. A headache had plagued her since her argument with Tom in Hogsmeade.

The train soon halted to a stop. Tom didn‘t allow Minnie to touch a single item. He loaded it all onto a trolley and took it off the train. Minnie walked along side him. Standing on the platform, Minnie searched the crowd for her parents. Finally, she saw them.

“Mum! Dad!” She rushed over to them and gave them each a hug. Tom had followed her over. “This is Tom.”

Mr. McGonagall was a burly man of medium height. Tom held a few inches on him. He had brown hair, which was starting to go grey. He had a beard and mustache and a very firm handshake. He wore a grey suit and a black travelling cloak. Tom shook his hand. Mr. McGonagall had a very firm shake.

“Pleased to meet you, Tom.” Mr. McGonagall said. “Minerva has told us very much about you.”

“Same to you, sir.” Tom nodded.

Mrs. McGonagall was a tall woman. Almost the same height as Tom. She was very thin and her hair was already silver. She had a very stern look about her and dressed very proper. She wore a long black skirt and a tidy white blouse under her travelling cloak. Her hair was tied back into a tight bun and she wore glasses with square frame. Tom took her hand.

“Enchante, Madam,” he said as he kissed the top of her hand. One might not picture Mrs. McGonagall blushing easily, but Tom managed.

Minnie smiled. She could tell by the looks on her parents’ faces that Tom had made a good first impression. The group left the platform, Minnie babbling on about all that had happened thus far in the school year, omitting of course, her rendezvous with Tom.

They would be travelling via Side Along apparition, as Tom and Minnie had yet to receive their apparition licenses. Newly instated by the Ministry, they would be taking their courses and getting their licenses in the spring.

They left Kings Cross and made their way to a quiet little pub a few blocks down the road. Muggles never ventured in, for it was Fidellused. Run by Joseph Fletcher, an old man with long white hair, dirty fingernails and a greasy face, it was mainly only used as a greeting place or an apparition spot. The group walked in. Mr. McGonagall walked over to speak to Fletcher quickly. While waiting for the patriarch of the group, Mrs. McGonagall, Tom and Minnie stood and chatted.

“So, Tom,” Mrs. McGonagall began, “Please, tell me, what do you do at Hogwarts, besides classes? Play any Quidditch?”

“Well…I tutor alongside Minnie - I mean, Minerva - for Professor Slughorn. He has us helping his OWL students who didn’t do so well on their exams last year. He didn’t have the heart to fail them all, so he passed them and made them do extra work.” Tom explained. He had noticed Mrs. McGonagall smile when he called her daughter “Minnie”.

“That’s wonderful. Minerva has told us about your sessions helping these students. Very kind of you.” Mrs. McGonagall smirked. She was indeed impressed that a young man like Tom would give up his free time to help his fellow students. “Anything else?”

“I read a lot. I’ve been studying to become a teacher once I leave Hogwarts. I’d like to return and teach Defence Against The Dark Arts.” he looked at the ground when he said this. He knew what Minnie would be thinking. Mr. McGonagall had ventured back over to them.
“Constantly, constantly…” he muttered. His daughter gave him a bewildered look. “I have to constantly check up on Fletcher…the old man’s starting to lose his marbles. We’re looking to admit him long term as soon as we can. Quite the danger to the community if he has a relapse.”

“Relapse of what, Daddy?” Minerva asked.

“The poor old fella has been struck with some muggle illness….Old Timer’s I think it’s called? He forgets what he’s doing or where he’s going and ends up wandering about. He gets scared and casts spells, or he does magic accidentally because he’s forgotten altogether that he’s a wizard! Quite dangerous, we really want to get him in as soon as we can. Hasn’t had a relapse in a month now. The next one ought to be bad.” Mr. McGonagall explained the situation, and stopped abruptly. “Are we ready now? Right then. Tom have you ever side-alonged before?”

“Once, sir,” Tom said, “When Professor Dumbledore collected me to go to Hogwarts. Wasn’t too fond of it.”

“Ahh, it takes some getting used to. Well then, you’ll hold my arm, tightly now, and don’t let go!”

Tom did as he was told, and after a rather uncomfortable feeling of someone attempting to squeeze him to death, he found himself inside a rather cosy living room.

“Welcome,” Mr. McGonagall said cheerfully as he extended his arms to present his home. “To our humble abode.”

The four spent the afternoon getting acquainted. Tom tried very hard to avoid the subject of his upbringing and Minnie attempted to steer her parents away from the subject.

“Minerva, would you please help me prepare dinner,” Mrs. McGonagall requested.

“Of course, Mum,” Minnie stood up and headed out to the kitchen with her mother, where they began peeling potatoes and carrots. Mrs. McGonagall had purchased a beautiful ham, which she glazed with honey.

“Dear, what of you and this young man?” Her mother asked. She had sensed that Minerva felt more for Tom than she let on.

“I’m not sure, Mum.” Minnie wouldn’t look at her mother, just looked into the sink and proceeded with washing vegetables. “I like him a lot. He’s a great friend.”

“Be careful, young men are aiming for only one thing.” her mother warned.

“I know, Mum. But Tom is different.” Minnie and her mother continued to talk, about Tom, school, Quidditch and many other topics. All the meanwhile, Tom was becoming very well acquainted with Mr. McGonagall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tom was sitting on the sofa in the living room, and Mr. McGonagall in his comfy armchair.

“Well, Tom,” Mr. McGonagall began. “My daughter has taken quite the fancy to you.”

“And I her, sir,” Tom replied. “Minnie is a wonderful young lady. She’s so full of life and spirit. It makes me extremely happy to be her friend.”

“Would you like a butterbeer or a fire whisky, son?” Mr. McGonagall got up to fix himself a drink.

“Pumpkin juice would be fine for me, if you have any,” Tom replied. “I don’t drink much outside pumpkin juice or water.”

“Right-o. Pumpkin juice it is,” Mr. McGonagall shouted out to his wife, “Oi! Juno! Bring me some pumpkin juice, would ya?”

Mrs. McGonagall came storming out of the kitchen like a bat from hell.

“HOW DARE YOU COMMAND ME LIKE YOU OWN ME?” She hollered. Tom could hear Minnie snickering in the kitchen. Her father often did things like this to get a rise from her mother. “I AM NOT YOUR SLAVE, NOR YOUR MAID, YOU UNGRATEFUL GIT!”

Mrs. McGonagall continued to yell at her husband as she flicked her wand, charming various items around the room to zoom towards his head. She finally stopped when a delicate crystal piece smashed into his forehead, while he was trying to avoid her slapping him. He was laughing so hard, tears were pouring from his face. She turned and stormed back into the kitchen, where she promptly began yelling at Minnie for laughing. She lectured her daughter on demanding respect, or she’d never get any at all. Soon, a pitcher of pumpkin juice came flying out, right into Mr. McGonagall’s gut.

“Oooph!” He gasped. The pitcher had knocked the wind out of him. He grabbed it and promptly poured Tom a glass. “Just a forerunner of the temper that runs in Minerva’s blood, you know.”

Mr. McGonagall strode back over to his chair and handed Tom his pumpkin juice.

“Thank you, sir” Tom said politely. He raised his glass. “Cheers.”

“Cheers,” Mr. McGonagall replied. “Please, Tom, call me Bacchus. I’m not near as formal as my wife. Named after the God of Wine, I am! I suppose my personality is well suited to my name. Supposedly he was a very jolly old fella. I suppose that would be me now.”

“Jolly, indeed. I’d hardly say you were old, however.” Tom was manipulating the situation to his favor. If he were to have Minnie, as he hoped after they left Hogwarts, her parents must favour him.

“Mind you, dear boy, don’t call the old lady by her name until she says otherwise,” Bacchus whispered. “Not unless you’re keen for some abuse.”

“Sir, I should point out, you’re bleeding a bit,” Tom gestured to the man’s forehead.

“Merlin’s beard, I am!” Bacchus touched his forehead and looked at his fingers. They were red with blood. “That woman has some unbelievable charms.”

He took a long drink from his fire whisky, exhaling loudly after he swallowed, “Aaaaahhh.” He stood and walked over to the mirror above the mantle. Pulling out his wand, he pointed the tip at the wound.

“Episkey,” He mumbled. The wound closed. With a handkerchief he kept in his pocket, he dabbed the blood away and went back to his seat.

Tom and Mr. McGonagall spent a fair bit of time chatting and they became rather friendly in a short period of time. Minnie’s father thought Tom was a wonderful young man.

“DINNER!” A call came from the kitchen. The two got up from the living room and Mr. McGonagall led the way to the dining room.

Chapter 11: Those Three Little Words

It was soon time to go to bed. Tom was set to sleep in the spare bedroom, next to Minnie’s room. Everyone settled in for the night, Minnie laid in her bed reading a book Caelus had brought her, called Aesop’s Fairy Tales. After reading several tales, there was a gentle knock on her door and a piece of parchment slid underneath it.

Can’t sleep. Going to sit outside for a bit. Care to join?

Tom

Minnie got up, wrapping herself in her thick woollen housecoat. She left her room and met Tom at the top of the stair case.

“Sorry,” he whispered. “I’m having trouble sleeping.”

Minnie didn’t say a word, but led the way outdoors, quietly closing doors behind her. She sat down on the front porch, shivering. Tom took a seat next to her, and by instinct, she cuddled into his body. He put his arm over her shoulders, pulling her in close. Her head rested on his shoulder.

A light layer of snow covered the ground and the stars twinkled brightly in the sky. The moon was full, offering a very romantic setting.

“Your family is great,” Tom said quietly.

“They are. I love them very much,” Minnie replied. “We’ve missed Caelus a lot. He’s been gone for the better part of four years, working in Japan. We don’t hear from him much.”

After quite some time, conversing about random topics, Tom finally pulled a slender, rectangular box from the pocket of his housecoat.

“I’ve bought you a Christmas gift. Some of the guys were good enough to lend me some money…I told them I was travelling over the holidays and needed a loan.” he handed the box to Minnie. “I didn’t want to give it you in front of everyone else…in case you found it to be inappropriate.”

Minnie was speechless. Of course, she had bought Tom a gift, but she hadn’t expected one in return. She opened the box to find a glittering gold bracelet with several small golden charms hanging from it. Among them was the Gryffindor symbol, the Slytherin symbol, a heart, a cloud, and a four leaf clover. All Minnie could do was smile as she looked at it.

“Do you like it?” Tom asked, a note of eagerness in his voice. “If you don’t, I won’t be offended.”

“No, Tom! I love it!” Minnie had finally found her voice. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly. “It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen! Help me put it on.”

Tom took the delicate bracelet and opened the clasp. He wrapped it around Minnie’s left wrist and fastened it. She modelled it for a moment, admiring it’s beauty. She had not stopped smiling since Tom had handed her the long, slender box wrapped in gold and scarlet paper.

Together, the two sat on the front step in silence for most of the night. They said very little, but enjoyed the time spent away from the prying eyes and listening ears. Being in a muggle town, they were free to act as they chose in the company of one another.

It was closing in on daybreak. The purple and orange of the sun could be seen on the horizon. Tom had dark circles outlining his eyes, and a deep yawn interrupted the silence. Minnie looked as though sleep would be a welcome relief at the moment.

“I have something,” he yawned. “I need to tell you, Minnie.”

“What is it?” she asked curiously. Sure enough, just as Tom opened his mouth to begin his statement, Minnie’s mother stormed out onto the front porch.

“And what in the name of Merlin do you two think you’re up to? Have you even been to bed? Up! Get in the house.” Juno began to lecture them on the dangers of being out all night, of staying out in the cold in nothing but their bed clothes.

“Juno, is it really necessary?” Minnie’s father asked. He was sitting in his armchair sipping a steaming cup of tea. “Really. Minnie and Tom are both of age. If they choose to catch pneumonia, that’s their own daring.”

There was a note of finality in his voice that his wife did not challenge. She marched into the kitchen muttering under her breath, pots and pans clanging about.

“I’ll eat a thestral if those two think they’re going to sleep the day away!” a yell came from the kitchen as Tom and Minnie had begun to ascend the stairs.

“Juno! Let them be!” Mr. McGonagall yelled to his wife as he picked up the day’s edition of The Daily Prophet from the porch and paid the delivery owl. Tom and Minnie continued the ascent to the top of the stairs.

Tom smiled at Minnie and went into the guest bedroom, closing the door behind him. He felt exhausted, but desired no sleep. He was overjoyed that Minnie had liked his gift so much. He had gone to great lengths to find it, and Mr. Borgin was not keen to sell it at such a low price. But Tom prevailed, with the help of his natural charm. As always.

Simultaneously, Minnie entered her own room. She sat on the edge of her bed, debating to herself as to whether she should sleep or join her family. She stared at her new bracelet. It was indeed the most beautiful gift she had ever received. She stood and dressed in her muggle clothing - a long skirt and a woollen sweater. Quickly, she brushed her hair and tied it back. She opened the top drawer of her bureau and pulled out a large package wrapped in silver paper - Tom’s gift. Quietly, she left the room and knocked gently upon the door to the room Tom was in.

“Come in.” his sleepy voice called. Minnie opened the door and stepped inside.

“Hi,” she said as she closed the door. “I wanted to give you your gift.”

Minnie made her way to the bed he lay on and sat at the edge. She handed him the package, a broad smile on her face. She was hoping he would like it as much as she liked what he had given her. She watched Tom as he sat up and took package from her. His crystal blue eyes shone with happiness and a genuine smile crossed his lips as he tore the package open.

“I knew you were having a hard time finding out about your family. This might help.” Minnie smiled as Tom stared at the cover of the book. The Purest of The Pure: A Wizarding Genealogy was embossed upon the cover. “Seeing as you’re a Slytherin and all, and they value pure blood above anything else, I figured you have to be at least half blood.”

Tom gave a shudder at hearing the word ‘half-blood’. He hated the thought that he may be anything less than a pure blooded wizard. Could a half-blood, or worse, muggle-born, truly possess the power he had been gifted with? He thought not.

“Thank you, Minnie. I love it.” He kissed her cheek and lingered for a moment before his lips found hers. Indeed, it had been the best Christmas in his memory, and it was not even Christmas day yet. And he owed it to Minnie. “I love you.”

Chapter 13: The Arrival

Minnie ran down the stairs, tripping over the bottom step and landing on the floor face down. Without a second’s hesitation, she was back on her feet and looking around the living room. Her father was standing there, laughing as though nothing had happened. Her mother had a look upon her face that may have turned Medusa herself into stone. The picture window that looked out onto the quiet street of this quiet muggle town had been smashed to bits. Four witches and wizards stood in the living room, their brooms lay all over the floor as they brushed the glass off of their robes.

“No consideration whatsoever!” Another older witch had just apparated into the kitchen. “I told them, land in the field, I said. But no, don’t listen to Mum! ‘We’ll make a quiet landing, Mum!’ they say! And now look at the mess. The Ministry is going to have our heads for this, you know!”

“But, Mum, we did make a quiet landing. It was the window smashing that was loud.” One of the witches said.

“Clean this mess up! Now!” barked the older witch. “Your Auntie Juno should not have to pick up after you fools because of your immaturity and inability to follow instructions!”

Minnie stood at the bottom of the stairs with a wide grin. She had not seen her aunt nor her cousins since before she had started at Hogwarts. Tom had appeared at her side, but Caelus pushed him out of the way.

“Brother!” Caelus exclaimed as he embraced the oldest of the wizards responsible for the mess. “What’ve you been up to, Gilly-weed?”

“Caelus!” Gilbert and Caelus had always been very close, perhaps to the fact that Gilbert often spent summers and holidays with Minnie’s family and that he was only 2 days older than his cousin. The two ventured off immediately, sharing tales of recent adventures.

The remaining two witches and the very young wizard cleaned the mess in front of them by use of their wands. Tom and Minnie joined to help while her father, mother and aunt left the room for a holiday drink.

“Forgive me, Tom, I’ve lost my manners. This is Molly, Lizzie, and Shane, my cousins.” She gestured to each one as she said their name. “They don’t go to Hogwarts, but a school in Italy. Auntie Pat is strange about Hogwarts…thinks Professor Dippet is a right old fool.”

“Would she be wrong?” Tom said with a note of joking in his voice. Minnie noticed her cousins eying Tom closely. Molly and Lizzie were twins, the same age as Minnie. The three looked alike, but that was as far as similarities went. Molly and Lizzie were troublesome jokers. Shane was quite a bit younger - only eleven, but he held a similar personality to Minnie. He was a no-nonsense child from the get go, never showing much interest in play.

“Fine lookin’ one ya caught, Min.” Lizzie grinned. Tom looked as though he had no idea how to respond to such a comment.

“Aye, he is, Liz. Shall we take him home?” Molly had an equally diabolic grin on her face.

“No you shan’t!” Minnie retorted. “Tom is my friend and you won’t corrupt him with your evil pranks!”

“Girls!” Minnie’s mother yelled from the kitchen. “Give it a rest!”

Aunt Pat could be heard in the kitchen grumbling away over Molly and Lizzie. “Those two…nutters, I swear it. Don’t know where they got it. I blame it on you, Bacchus, bad genes you know. Contaminating the McGonagall blood pool. Ought to have them sent off to St. Mungo’s.”

“Really, Pat? How’d my two turn out so great?” Minnie cracked a smile at her father’s retort.

While the adults carried on in the kitchen, Molly and Lizzie wreaking havoc in any way they could think of, Caelus and Gilbert in the yard, Tom and Minnie adopted Shane for the day. The three spent the day in the basement, Minnie helping Shane with beginners transfiguration and Tom teaching him tricks to remembering potions. It was like they were tutoring together, as they had done for Professor Slughorn. None of Shane’s family had shown a great aptitude for formal education, so Minnie took it upon herself to send him letters of guidance.

The day passed without further event. The window looked as though nothing had happened at all, and luckily, none of the muggle neighbours had noticed four people zooming into the McGonagall’s living room on brooms. Finally, after dinner, Aunt Pat and her children left. They were going to visit their father who was on mission in Albania.

Tom and Minnie were exhausted. They hadn’t slept since their arrival, and now that Christmas eve was here, they weren’t in a hurry to welcome it. Minnie’s father sat in his chair, sipping away at his Firewhisky while her mother busied herself preparing the next day’s feast. Minnie lay idly on the floor near the Christmas tree, inspecting the wrapped gifts that had arrived through the day by owl. She refrained from touching any of them at her father’s order. Tom was perusing the book Minnie had given him, looking for any name related to that of his own. Caelus was reading The Prophet and taking notes on a certain article. Something Minnie assumed he must be planning to bring back to Japan with him.

“Well, children.” Mrs. McGonagall said as she exited the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron. “It’s off to bed for the evening. If you have any gifts to place under our tree, please do it now.”

Obediently, all three rose and made their way upstairs. Minnie had been collecting Christmas gifts since last summer and had hidden them in a hole in the wall of her closet, which was conveniently hidden by her summer clothes. She had a package each for her mother, father, brother and another for Tom. She had planned on giving him the book before Christmas, but felt it would be wrong for him not to have at least one gift to open on Christmas morning.

In the next room, Tom had brought gifts for each member of the McGonagall household. They were small, token gifts, as he had spent most of money on Minnie’s bracelet. But he thought it would be inappropriate of him not to show his appreciation of their hospitality. He, like Minnie, felt that he should have something for her to open come Christmas morning as well.

The three met again in the hall, each carrying an armload of gifts. Caelus had the larger set, but of course, he had been shopping in Japan and could get much more for a galleon there than in Scotland. Together, they silently descended the stairs.

“Looks like a good haul from the kids, Juno.” Mr. McGonagall gave a wide smile. He loved Christmas more than any other time of year. He caught glimpse of his wife’s glare. “Right then. Put your gifts away and then to bed!”

“Minerva, I expect that you shall spend tonight asleep and not on the front porch.” her mother scolded.

“Yes, Mum. Good night.” she kissed her mother on the cheek. “Night, Daddy.”

She quickly kissed her father good night, as did Caelus. Tom bade the family a good night and the three made their way to the top of the stairs once more. Minnie felt her eye lids getting heavier with each step. She had wanted to stay up and spend the time with Tom, but she supposed they could take a trip to Glasgow together after the holiday.

“No silly stuff tonight, children,” Caelus winked at them as he walked into his bedroom.

“Good night, Caelus.” Tom and Minnie said simultaneously, which brought about a fit of laughter between them.

“BED!” Mrs. McGonagall yelled from the bottom of the stairs. Immediately, Tom and Minnie stifled their voices and made their way down the hall. Minnie’s parents could be heard talking in the living room, so Tom assumed it would be safe to have a moment with Minnie. They stopped before Tom’s room.

“You did like your gift, right?” Tom asked her. He had been nervous about it, thinking that he may have jumped the gun. Of course, Minnie was never one for jewellery, but she had yet to remove the bracelet.

“I love it, Tom. When have you ever seen me wear jewellery? But I haven’t taken this off. It’ll never come off.” she looked at the bracelet once more with a large grin. “It really is the nicest gift I’ve ever received.”

“Good.” he took a step forward. “Thanks for the book. I haven’t found anything on my family yet, but I have found loads of interesting stuff about pure-blood families.”

“Good. I hope you find something soon.” Minnie looked up into Tom’s crystal-like blue eyes. They seemed to glow in the dim light. “I was wondering something…did you want to come to Glasgow after the holiday? We can spend the day together away from everyone.”

“I’d love it.” Tom’s smile was broad. He leaned forward and gently kissed her lips. “Good night.”

He stepped toward his room, but before her could turn the doorknob, Minnie took his hand. She led him into her own room. She hadn’t had any goal in mind when she did this, she just wanted to be with Tom.

“Minnie, your parents….” his sentence was cut off when Minnie had shut the door and found his lips once again.

“My parents won’t be hurt by what they don’t know.” she stopped kissing him long enough to speak these words. Maybe it was her exhaustion, or perhaps the love that Christmas spreads through people. Whatever it was, Minnie found Tom to be perfect tonight.

They had made their way to Minnie’s bed, kissing each other with more passion than either had ever experienced. It felt like just seconds before Tom broke the kiss once more. “You said something to me earlier just before your cousins and aunt arrived. Before you return my love, you want me to do what?”

Tom wouldn’t allow the kiss to continue. Minnie was disappointed. She didn’t want to discuss this at the moment, but enjoy the passion. He resisted her efforts, and finally stood up.

“Minnie.” he said with a very serious tone. “It’s important to me. I love you, and I want you to love me. What do I need to do?”

“Tom, before I can return those words, you need to show me that you’re not going to be messing in Dark Magic anymore. Horcruxes and things of the like.” she didn’t look at him when she said this. “I can’t let myself fall in love with a dark wizard, Tom. I need to know that’s not you.”