Disclaimer: We would like this to stay a splinch-free zone so please remember that the world, life and characters of Harry Potter belong solely to JKR. We are merely borrowing them to satisfy the muse that guides us.

Beware-If flames are sent our floo powder is ready.

~~A Strategic Move~~

She could feel her heart pounding in her throat as she waited for his response to her proposal. However, nothing could have prepared her for the next few moments of her life. Closing the gap between them, Albus' strong arms wound themselves around Minerva's slender waist as he pulled her close. She noticed a faint scent of chocolate and suddenly she wondered if he would taste like the dessert. Without realizing it, she began to stare at his lips...and they looked so inviting.

In his own mind, a similar exploration was taking place. Albus had wondered what it would be like to hold her but nothing had prepared him for the feel of her slender frame so close to his own. As she gripped the upper sections of his arms, she nervously inched closer to him and smiled. That look from her was all the assurance he needed. As his head slowly lowered towards hers, she closed her eyes in anticipation.

Suddenly, the world stopped turning and everyone else slipped away from thoughts and memory. She could feel his warm breath on her face and then the most seductive touch of his mouth on hers convinced her this was not a fantasy. The softness of his lips and his intoxicating scent caused Minerva to go weak in the knees. Minerva sighed as they parted company and she dreamily opened her eyes just in time to see him taste his lips.

Without a moment's hesitation, she placed a light peck on his neck and then his cheek before seeking his mouth with her own. As she leaned farther into his warm arms, she sensed his breathing pattern change and he parted her lips with pressure from his own.  His tongue made a slow exploration of her mouth and Minerva felt her body start to melt in response. Winding her arms around his neck, she relished the feel of his silky hair in her hands and melted as his nimble fingers caressed the flowing locks that tumbled down her back. All too soon, the lingering kiss had ended leaving both feeling faint as they snuggled into a tight embrace in the corridor just outside her rooms.

Albus' breathy voice softly filtered into the surreal scene. Minerva could barely hear him but she had no problem feeling every word he spoke as her head rested on his chest. "My dear, I would be most honored to escort you anywhere, at anytime. All you have to do is name your day and I am there. I, too, had a wonderful evening." Brushing the back of his hand tenderly across her cheek and letting it rest at the nape of her neck, he placed a delicious kiss gently on her lips while his hands began to move slowly up and down her back, creating the most wonderful sensations. Desire smoldered on the surface as their eyes locked. With one last prolonged kiss…and then another…he whispered "goodnight" into her ear, then departed to his own chambers.

Minerva watched Albus disappear down the long corridor and then stepped insider her chamber door. Leaning against the cool wood, her fingers gently pressed against her swollen lips, as she relived the emotions of her last moments with Albus. A tingling sensation had cascaded over her body and waves of longing now filled her mind. This had been a perfect evening, one she would not soon forget.

Several blissful weeks passed and the two professors found themselves spending more and more time together. As the days slowly turned into weeks, Albus and Minerva began to focus their attentions on learning more about each other. Most nights, they would sit by the fire and play chess or just simply cuddle on a sofa while watching the fire slowly fade. Weekends were usually occupied too…with picnics, shopping excursions, and dining away from the school. In fact, it had become a rarity to see one professor without the other and when they were both absent, they were usually together.

For the past several days, Albus had promised Minerva they would play a game of chess but for some reason or another, they had been unable to schedule a game. They had been keeping a tally of wins and losses and Minerva was in the lead, by a slight margin. And that was something Albus was looking forward to correcting. Minerva, tired of the various reasons they both gave, was determined to tear him away from his work this evening…even if it meant using all of her powers of persuasion.

Albus was sitting in his office grading papers after a hectic day when Minerva stopped by to see how things were progressing. She watched him for a while before making her presence known. A knock on his open office door caused Albus to look up and his mouth curled into a smile.  "Minerva, sorry I missed dinner but I had a lot of work to catch up on. I should have told you I wouldn't be there."

"Well I am afraid that I am in the same situation. I was coming to apologize for missing dinner as well."

Albus beckoned her to come inside. "I hope you did not think I had forgotten about our chess game scheduled for tonight." He transfigured a more comfortable chair for her in front of his desk.

She crossed and gratefully sank into it. "Of course I didn't think you had forgotten. I know you are looking forward to a rematch."  Her smile held a hint of challenge as she looked into his eyes. "I am afraid you will be quite disappointed when I crush you once again if other responsibilities haven't come up which would prevent your participation."

"Well I am sorry to have to inform you that not only will I be readily available but I will not lose. I have a plan which involves some of my famous hot chocolate and distracting my opponent." He wiggled his eyebrows at her, which caused a burst of laughter to issue forth from both of them.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are impossible. Now prepare yourself and your men to be defeated." After walking to his sitting room, Albus arranged the game board while Minerva conjured a plate of sandwiches, since they had both missed the evening meal. They played until the wee hours of the morning when Minerva was forced to head to her rooms in an attempt to catch a few hours of sleep before classes the next day. The game was very close and neither one was sure which way it would end. They did agree that because of the level of skill and hours involved that perhaps it would be best to limit their games to once a week.

Neither professor had any trouble falling asleep that night but getting up and motivated the next day was another matter. Albus waited as long as he could before starting to eat breakfast. He had just finished filling his plate when Minerva made her entrance to the Great Hall, looking a bit tired. As she took her new seat beside him at the head table, he began to prepare her plate with all sorts of food as she conjured a cup of tea to jumpstart her day. The other professors had discussed the matter and agreed to make the seating changes between Albus and Minerva permanent. Seems they were weary of having to lean out of the way and having to translate messages due to the distance between the new friends at the table. This way, the two could converse leisurely and quietly without affecting the entire table.

"Well Minerva, I must say I had almost given up on seeing you at breakfast this morning. I trust you slept well?" Albus noticed a sleepy smile cross her face as she thanked him for preparing her plate and for inquiring about her night. Assuring him that she had, indeed, slept well…just not long enough, she reminded him about their unfinished chess game. "Minerva, I had thought we might finish the game this weekend, unless you cannot wait for me to narrow your winning margin with my victory over your men."

"My dear Albus, I assure you I have no intention of losing this game. So, if it's all the same, I would very much like to continue tonight. Maybe if we end the game quickly, that will leave us time for a moonlight stroll around the grounds. So, are you ready for yet another defeat?" Shaking his head in defiance he promised to take up her challenge at their appointed time and sat patiently while she hurriedly ate breakfast. After escorting her to her own class, he strolled off in the opposite direction to his office in an attempt to finish some last minute grading before his own class began.

The day seemed to fly by and before long it was time for dinner. Minerva was exhausted. She wasn't mentally tired but her feet ached. Weeks earlier, while attempting to mimic Albus' teaching style per Armando Dippet's instructions, Minerva had gained a new respect for his methods. As she eagerly tried to incorporate some of them into her own teaching style, it became clear the she was not accustomed to mingling with the students. That issue must be resolved… if not for her own sanity, at least for the comfort of her poor feet. Forgetting her tired appendages, she realized the hour was growing late and hurried to the Great Hall.

After missing the evening meal the day before, both Albus and Minerva felt obliged to be present for dinner that night. When Albus had devoured the last bit of his pumpkin pie with an obscene amount of whipped cream and cinnamon on top, he gallantly helped Minerva from her chair. Reaching over, he looped her arm through his own as they made their way to his private sitting room.

Two hours had passed and the game was still not over so Albus decided it was time to make an attempt at distracting his opponent. Propping his elbows on the table and cradling his head within his entwined hands, he began to stare at Minerva with a slight twinkle in his crystal blue eyes. Minutes passed and she finally realized he was staring at her and not the chessboard. Questioning him, his only response was to pop a lemon drop into his mouth as he made an unusual noise of satisfaction at the sugary treat. Immediately, he went back to his original staring pose and waited for another response from her. Flustered and a bit nervous, Minerva made her move and promptly lost a bishop to Albus.

Still a bit confused as to what was really happening, Minerva watched as Albus quickly made his next move and again resumed his gaze at her lovely, yet bewildered face. He continued to stare at her with a mischievous expression while ushering lemon drops into his mouth. With each new treat he made noises…some smacking of delicious tartness, some of the satisfaction of having the treat, and some that she wasn't sure about. Frustrated she chastised him for attempting to break her concentration.

He was ready with a quick response. "My dear Minerva, I have no idea what you're talking about. I would never attempt to interfere with the game in such a manner. Besides, I don't need to distract you in order to beat you."

Finally it all made sense! So that's his game. Well, my love, two can play at that game, she mused to herself, and without giving it another thought, she began her attempt at distracting him. Silently she released her foot from the green tartan slippers she had transfigured for herself earlier in the evening

As Albus contemplated his next move, Minerva quietly extended her foot and let it gently brush against the calf of Albus' leg. Peering at her over the top of his spectacles, she emitted a look of pure innocence and he was sure it had been an accident. Inwardly bursting with laughter, Minerva knew that she had stumbled across the perfect payback plan. She waited for a minute or two and then stretched her leg so that her foot again made contact with the lower part of his leg, only this time she allowed her foot to trace a path from his ankle to his knee. Shifting uncomfortably in his chair, Albus cleared his throat and popped another lemon drop into his mouth as he directed his rook into a new spot on the board.

Minerva wasted no time in studying the new position of his rook and before he even had a chance to make an attempt at breaking her concentration, she had directed her queen into a new spot and was smiling as she leaned back into the comfortable chair. Dumbfounded at the speed with which she had exercised her turn, he again contemplated his next move. This time, Minerva waited until he was deep in thought before striking a blow at his concentration. Instead of one foot making contact with his leg, this time she allowed both feet to travel slowly from his ankle to his knee and back down again. This time Albus directed his rook into harms way.

"Albus, I do believe you're skills are slipping." Moving her queen to take his rook a gleam was shining in her eyes. "I believe it's your turn again. You know, this game began with the promise of a challenge but suddenly it's getting easier to predict your chess moves.

A bit embarrassed at the loss of his rook to her queen, Albus studied the board once again. Giving him time enough to delve deep into thoughts, his opponent continued her strategy of distraction. This time, as she lightly yet playfully touched his leg with her bare foot, he reached out and took hold of her ankle. Gasping at his sudden move, she knew that he had caught onto her game and some fast-talking was in order.

"Albus, I beg of you, please don't! I am very ticklish!" A broad smile coupled with a pleading look covered her face as she begged for mercy.

"I'm sorry, Minerva. You brought this on yourself. Give me one good reason why I should release your foot." Enjoying having the upper hand in the situation, he waited for her response, all the while relishing the feel of her soft skin in his hands.

"Honestly Albus, I thought I was touching the support leg for the table. I had no idea that was you." Attempting to look innocent, Minerva failed miserably. She knew she had been caught but she was unsure of her punishment.

He waited for almost an entire minute, still holding her leg in his firm grip, but not too tightly as to cause her pain. She was almost sure he was going to release her foot but then it happened. In one swift movement and with a sparkle in his eyes, he began to tickle the bottom of her foot as she squirmed in her chair and tried to free it from his gentle hands. In a fit of laughter and wriggling, her knee accidentally hit the table and the chess pieces, along with the board, crashed onto the floor. Game over!

Stopping his punishment, they both froze. Her foot was still in his hands as they peered around the table to see the pieces scattered and the game ruined. From the comments made by the game pieces, they were just as unhappy about being knocked to the floor. "Albus, I am so sorry. I did not mean for that to happen. Now I have spoiled the game. I sincerely apologize!"

"My dear, it was just a game. Now we can start a new one, only this time we must keep our hands…and our feet to ourselves. Agreed?" She gave him a hearty laugh and agreed.

"You must admit I was able to aptly distract you into losing an important piece. Why don't we plan to start another game this weekend?" Minerva looked at his face with a hopeful expression as he released her ankle and stood to help her from her own chair.

"I would very much like that. If we start early enough on Friday night or Saturday morning, maybe we can actually finish the new game. But for now, would you care to join me for a cup of hot chocolate? I believe I promised to make you a cup during our game."

Nodding that she would enjoy a cup of his delicious drink, he escorted her to the comfortable sofa. This particular part of the room definitely reflected his own tastes in design and decoration. A large purple couch sat in front of a fireplace, books lined the walls, and odd shimmering objects adorned a large mahogany case. Offering her a seat, he busied himself in conjuring the cups of chocolate. As she settled into the unique surroundings, she realized there were so many things about him that she still didn't know even after their endless conversations.

Handing her the steaming mug, Albus sat down beside her and broke the silence. "Minerva, if you don't mind, I think now would be the perfect opportunity to discuss some things about our relationship."

Minerva nodded while sipping the dark chocolate and Albus continued to speak. "We have been together for several weeks now but never once have we discussed our future together." Taking a deep breath to steady his nerves, Albus took one of her delicate hands in his own. "I have been happier than I can ever remember since you first agreed to join me for dinner. Never have I looked more forward to my days and the time I would see you."

Albus paused to gather his thoughts and Minerva jumped into the discussion surprising them both. "Albus, there is something I need to tell you as well. I know I always avoided your questions about my remembrall but I didn't know what to say. I want to tell you that it had a spell cast on it that caused it to glow whenever I was unhappy and not having fun. The why and who are not important now but I want you to know that it glowed nearly constantly since I had started this term. When I spent that weekend with you, it never glowed once.

"You have given me back something I thought I had lost. You have put happiness and fun back into my life. Without your caring and all the special things you do for me, who knows how long I would have lived my life under that dark cloud."

Minerva paused and looked Albus in the eyes. "What I am trying to say is…"

"I love you." It took a moment for both of them to realize that they had each spoken the same words at the same time. With their declarations shining in their eyes, Albus pulled Minerva into an embrace. His lips met hers and nothing else needed to be said as they expressed their emotions with soft kisses and gentle caresses.

To Be Continued…

A/N:

 Jestana: Hopefully we didn't make you wait too long to see if the perfect couple get to actually share a kiss. Glad you loved chapter 7 and if you make the "Death by Chocolate" dessert…let us know how it is… ^_^

Palanfanaiel: Well precioussssss, we're so happy to see your review and that you like our writing. We missed the full moon by a couple of days but maybe we can see about a full moon update next month…keep those awesome reviews coming…we enjoy them immensely!

Punurple: Oh don't fall over and die on us! We need your feedback! And careful with those anchovies, they're vicious. Hope you didn't die from the suspense and that it was worth the wait!

LinZe: Well since you put it that way…we thought we'd update again soon…hope you enjoyed it!

Chicken13: As per your request , we sent the next addition asap…hope the update is just as sweet as the last one

Kemenran: Thanks for reviewing. We hope to have the next chapter up soon. Keep up the reviews.

PrincessWitch: Since you herded us to the quills and parchment, we posted this chapter, complete with a kiss scene asap. Sorry about the cliffhanger, but it was just too good of an opportunity to pass up…forgive us???

Liz O'Brien: Posting again…We're so thankful you like our story and for your review. Enjoy!

Snickerdoodle: Putting you out of your suspenseful misery….glad you love the story. We're having so much fun with it!   ^_^