Who Wants to Live Forever

Who Wants to Live Forever

A Series of Vignettes

#5: Love is More Than

by: pandorabox82

Flying was in her genes, but Minerva was in her blood, she had been ever since their first Quidditch match together. Today, she had caught a glimpse of the Minerva she'd once know and loved, the one buried in an ice too thick to melt, afraid of so many things. Today, Minerva had told her that a first year was going to be on the Gryffindor Quidditch team, even though no first year could bring a broom to Hogwarts. She'd been so tempted to hug Minerva, and it was almost as if Minerva could sense the burgeoning feelings, for she quickly clamped herself off and became unreachable again.

Xiomara'smind flew back over the years, to the day they had first kissed...

"Gryffindor leads - 80 to 20, with Jacobi Flint in possession of the Quafflefor Slytherin. No, wait, Minerva Gordon has stolen the Quaffle, and is racing towards the goal. And she scores! Gryffindor leads 90 to 20. And there goes XiomaraHooch, with Collum Nott hot at her heels. Will he catch up to her in time? Of course not! And she has the Golden Snitch! Gryffindor wins!"

The Gryffindor team landed, all trying to crowd around Xiomara. All, that is, except for Minerva. She was pushed out to the perimeter of the group, and was smiling bemusedly at Xiomara. So Xiomara pushed her was out of the circle around her, and grabbed Minerva's hand. "I don't know about you boys, but we're sweaty and don't smell so nice. We can talk about our win after we shower. C'mon Minerva." Xiomara pulled her into the girls shower room. She missed the looks her male team-mates exchanged, but the ever-observant Minerva didn't, and she glared at them, before slamming the door closed and locking it.

"I swear,those boys have the rudest thoughts sometimes."

"Why do you say that, Minerva?"

"Did you see the looks they gave us before we came in here? I'm sure they would love to be flies on the wall right now, seeing if we were snogging."

"Have you ever wondered what it would be like, to kiss another girl?"

"Maybe, but only one."

"Who?"

"You." Minerva leaned over and placed a soft kiss on Xiomara's lips.

"Madam Hooch, did ye hear the news about the Seeker?" Her thoughts were interrupted by Oliver Wood, who'd run in to find her the minute he'd heard the news.

"Yes, isn't it lovely? I'm certain he'll make a wonderful Seeker."

"Madam Hooch, may I ask you something?"

"What is it, Oliver?"

"Is the reason you never got married because you loved Quidditch too much?"

"I swear Minerva, you love studying more than me!"

"No more than you love Quidditch, Xiomara, dear." They were on the pitch, practising manoeuvres and talking about life in general.

"TouchÈ, Minerva. Really, though, we haven't been spending too much time together lately. Have I done something?"

"Oh no, love, don't think that. It's just that I've been busy preparing for the N.E.W.T.s, and all that wonderful stuff. I promise, we'll spend time together after the game tomorrow." She looked down and saw Arthur Weasleywatching them practise. "Look, there's Arthur! Let's see if he has any pointers for us. His father was once on a professional team."

"You go on, Minerva. I'm getting tired."

"All right. I'll see you back in the Common Room?"

"Of course." Xiomara watched her lover descend and approach Arthur, a dazzling smile on her lips. Xiomara's heart clenched fiercely, and she forcefully landed and stalked off to the showers, desperate to get the film of jealousy off her skin.

"No, Oliver. There was someone I loved greatly once, I thought we would be together until the end of time. But other things in life, besides Quidditch, got in the way, and we eventually went our separate ways."

"How did you know your love was the one?"

"Why? Is there some Quidditch cutie you've got your eye on?"

"Maybe. I just want to know if you can ever tell for sure it's real."

"With love, you just know."

"Minerva, why are you pulling away from me?"

"I'm not! It's just...."

"Yes?"

"My family's arranged for me to marry an old family friend's son. There's nothing I can do. I'm sorry."

"There's always something. Run away with me - we can live together in Boston. I've heard good things about our lifestyle coming from there."

"But I can't leave my family. I'd miss them so much!"

"You think I wouldn't miss mine? I love you, Minerva. I want to be with you until the end of time."

"I love you, Xiomara, but I can't defy my family. They mean too much."

"That's bullocks, Minerva! If you told them, they'd support you!"

"No, they wouldn't! Why do you think they want me to marry the McGonagall? They know about us and want to "fix" me!" Minerva burst into tears, and Xiomara put her arms around her. "They threatened to pull me out of Hogwarts if I didn't agree. We're to be married June 17^th, and Mama wants you to be the maid of honour. I can't escape this, Mara, but I want you by my side if I must go through with it. Please, say you'll always love me."

"Maybe it's for the best, love. At least you'll be secure with him, and you'll have finished you precious schooling." Xiomara's voice dripped sarcasm, her eyes unnaturally bright.

"What are you saying? The only thing that's gotten me to this place is knowing you'd be at my side. Love is more than..."

"Than what, Minerva? Schooling, family, money? Which of these is love more than, and then tell me why you aren't willing to give them up for our love."

"How can you say that, Xiomara?"

"My love has told me she's marrying a man because he'll be the only path to her finishing school, and she has the audacity to ask me why I might be upset?"

Minerva's own temper was beginning to kick in. "Fine, if you want to play by rules of your own making, push me away, into the McGonagall's arms. At least he offers me a stability I'd never have with you, and your emotions. Take your love back - I don't want it anymore!"

As soon as she'd said those words, Minerva regretted them. It was too late to call them back, however, and she watched as Xiomara'sface drained of all blood, leaving her as pale as the Grey Lady. "Love, I'm sorry, I didn't..."

"Yes, you did. Please leave now. If you don't, my heart will shatter and you can't pick up the pieces this time."

Minerva turned and fled, leaving Xiomara with just a faint whiff of lilac.

"Madam Hooch, if I do love her, and I do tell her, do you have any advice?"

"Yes. Always remember - 'Love is more than enough, but sometimes it is too much'."