The plot goes on... What exactly is ARtemis and Roderick planning? You must read and review to find out!

Chapter 3: Visitors

Minerva woke up the next morning feeling happier than she ever felt. She turned onto her side and saw the very man that had put the smile on her face. Her husband…yes her husband Albus.

Albus slowly opened his eyes and smiled at his wife…his beautiful wife Minerva.

"Good morning Mr. Dumbledore," Minerva whispered.

"Good morning Mrs. Dumbledore," Albus grinned. "Do you sleep well?"

Minerva nodded and kissed his nose. "I did and I think I know what the fairy children were riddling about," she said.

"About what?" he asked raising an eyebrow.

"The key is among us…I think it's the bracelet on your wrist," she said running her fingers over the gold.

"But I can't take it off," Albus said already having tried it.

"I don't think you have too," she replied sitting up, "Shall we try it?"

"I have a better idea," he grinned pulling her back down, "there is a small matter of me getting you pregnant before our visitors arrive. And after all…" he added kissing her neck in a spot he found last night made her moan in pleasure, "Practice makes perfect."

The chest and its contents were quickly forgotten y the newlyweds.

&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&

A little after lunch that day; the Dumbledores sat on their couch looking at the golden chest on the coffee table.

"Now how do you propose we do this?" Albus asked looking at the chest.

"Try sweeping your hand over it," Minerva suggested.

Albus shrugged and obliged her blinking in awe as the chest unlocked and the lid flew open. Smiling at him Minerva looked into the chest and pulled out two charms and a black leather bound diary with a red inscription that read: Yrots ruO.

The charms were each on a golden chain. One was made of a flaming gem in the shape of a Phoenix with sapphire eyes. The other was a blue silver gem and was an Ice Phoenix with emerald eyes.

"I've never seen stones like this Albus," Minerva replied admiring the gem charms.

"I'm sure they must be some of the Fairies personal kind," Albus said as he took the diary from her.

"Our Story," he mused allowed reading the title like the Mirror of Erised.

Albus opened the book to the fist page and found a note in some of the most elegant script imaginable. He read it allowed to Minerva while she held the charms.

To the Dumbledores;

In this chest is our gift to you. The Ice is for your wife and the flame for you Albus. For though you are both very similar in the end you are two different breeds of creature. They will protect you in the days to come.

This diary we give to you as a means to record your life together. Roderick and I have great hopes for you …our most beloved mortal children. We have taken a special liking to you and wish to discuss your future for it is indeed bright.

Many Blessings on your marriage for years and years to come. It is the greatest hope for the world. Do not fail.

Queen Artemis
The Ice of the Powers that Be

"No pressure then," Albus chuckled looking at his wife and finding her frowning, "what is it love?"

"I…I…Albus what if they're wrong? What if we aren't worthy to be chosen by the Powers that Be? I mean Albus…neither of us as a very nice past," she said biting her lip.

"Minerva love they don't make mistakes. If they chose us then there is something in us that they believe in and if they do then we should," Albus said softly kissing her lips gently.

"It will all work out," he smiled, "Now come on all that morning exercise has me famished," he said rising and pulling her out of the rooms to the kitchen. Minerva laughed and shook her head as she followed him.


The days and weeks seemed to fly by for Minerva and Albus and soon they found themselves waiting in their sitting room for the King and Queen of the Fairies and unofficially the world. They didn't know when they would come and decided to stay in their rooms all day. It was just as well considering the storm raging outside.

Albus paced tirelessly in front of the mantle while Minerva read a book. After his twelve turn Minerva looked up and sighed.

"Albus you're wearing a path in the floor just calm down," she replied.

"Calm!? Minerva, Poppy went on vacation and we've been busy with the castle wards so we haven't been to a healer. And if you aren't pregnant ….I can't even think about it. How the bloody hell am I supposed to be calm!" he shouted.

Minerva was just about to say something when a bold of lightening shot through the window shattering it and hit the floor. The two jumped at the sound and sight as Artemis and a tall and well built man with black hair, red eyes, and green skin stood on the scorch mark on the floor. He had strong masculine features and pointed ears with a large golden crown on his head. He was wearing a royal blue outfit and cape. Artemis was wearing emerald green.

"Terribly sorry about the mess," the man replied waving his hand casually as the window and floor was cleaned and looked like new.

"Milord, milady," Albus bowed respectfully. Minerva just stood there blinking while clutching her book to her chest.

Artemis and her husband looked at one another.

"Minerva it's rude not to bow to them," Albus hissed.

"Oh I…" Minerva hurriedly bowed her cheeks growing red.

"It's quite all right Minerva. You two can stand back up," the man chuckled. He and his wife came more in the room and stood before the couple.

There were a few moments of tense silence as the King and Queen looked the couple over before they smiled to each other and warmly hugged the professors. Albus and Minerva were slightly shocked by this and returned the hugs awkwardly.

When the royal couple stepped back they smiled at the professors and smiled.

"I had my doubts about you Albus. But as always by beautiful bride seems to be right," Roderick chuckled.

"Right about what?" Albus asked.

"She told me that having the Headmaster and Deputy together was a good combination. I'm forced to agree. You sir already are expecting twins! It took me a few years to do that," Roderick laughed heartily and the castle seemed to shake.

"Roderick dear please use some decorum. We're supposed to be royalty after all," Artemis chastised as Minerva but a hand on her flat stomach in shock.

"Minerva dear, Albus we feel a need to speak with you more about the welfare of your family," Artemis said gently gesturing for them to sit.

The professors did so with apprehension and looked up at the Fairies.

"You have fulfilled my covenant admirably Albus. Now Roderick ask to make another…this one together," Artemis replied.

Minerva and Albus looked at each other surprised. A covenant made with a fairy was one thing…a covenant made by the king and queen in agreement happened maybe once every four hundred years. The two never agreed on how a mortal should live.

"Can we ask what it is you want?" Minerva asked meekly.

"We ask that you and Albus become the strongest pillars of light there is. You do this by never backing down from anything you believe in even if it causes tension between you both. Even after young Harry defeats Voldemort…and yes he will…but even after this war the world will need some tangible form of hope. We know you two are that hope in its purest form based on your triumph over you past…even if they still haunt you," Artemis said with pointed looks to both.

"What do you get out of this?" Albus asked.

"Your youngest son when he is eighteen. Before he is even conceived we decree he is betrothed to our Rhea," Roderick replied.

"A mortal marry and Immortal? That….why do you want our child? Will we ever see him again?" Minerva asked tears in her eyes for the child yet even conceived.

"The world is changing. Soon a band of witches and wizards more powerful than any other dark lord before will rise to try and take our thrones. Your children…all of them but especially the youngest son will be what keeps us on the throne or not. Whether you and yours betray us or not we want you close," Roderick explained.

"We wouldn't betray you. Not after all you've done," Minerva said.

"Choices my dear child. We in fact give roads for mortals to choose. If they choose the wrong path that is their destiny. As none of your numerous children are yet to be born no one can say what their path is. It is for them to decide," Roderick said softly.

"Do we have a covenant?" Artemis asked. Minerva and Albus looked at each other and nodded.

"Yes," the replied holding hands. Artemis and Roderick bent down and took their hands as silver bracelets with blue sapphires appeared on the professor's wrist. Albus' gold one disappeared.

"Artemis will assist in your transfiguration from September on to watch over the babies. She'll take on a mortal look and arrive promptly on the 31st to settle in. Do not draw attention to her true identity treat her as any mortal," Roderick replied. "Y-yes of course. We look forward to seeing you again," Albus nodded. The king and queen nodded and disappeared.

"Now I believe this will be the most interesting year we've had," Albus chuckled.

"You're insane Albus," Minerva laughed as the two met in a kiss.