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Beware-If flames are sent our floo powder is ready.
~~No Matter What Comes~~
It was late the following day before either woke and even then there was a reluctance to move from the bed. It was quickly decided that it was far too late for breakfast or lunch so they would start their own tradition.dinner in bed. Conjuring a mountain of favorite foods, the two ravenous lovers began to dine.
"Minerva you really must try this pudding. It's the most amazing thing I've tasted recently.well.the second most amazing thing!" Giving her a wink and a knowing smile, he placed a generous helping onto a spoon and attempted to feed her. Unfortunately, his aim had been no better than the first time he had tried to feed her; only this time he was the one that ended up wearing the dessert. Lowering her head to his bare chest now covered with a spattering of pudding, she teasingly ran her tongue across the area now covered in the delicious dessert and took her time in removing her lips from his body.
"Mmmmm, you're right. This does taste wonderful and it's awfully sweet. Wonder if that's the pudding or just you, my dear? I think I need another taste to be sure." With a wave of her hands, the dinner tray disappeared from sight as the two snuggled deep into the already rumpled sheets. Hours later they returned to the now cold food, but neither one seemed to mind. They were just grateful for something to satisfy their ravenous appetites, as the idea of food had been banished from their minds by much more pleasing things.
The rest of their week followed a similar pattern. Days were spent together taking long walks, sitting by the fire reading, frequent chess games, making plans for the new school term, and just enjoying the other's company. Now that they were engaged and had also taken the next step in their relationship, physically, they still had so much to learn about the other and they wanted to waste no time in discovering the little things that pleased and teased.
Nights were always spent together and they decided that to be fair, they would alternate between living quarters until the students returned. Then it would be back to their separate quarters until the summer break. New Year's Eve was only two days away and Albus wanted to make this holiday as memorable as their very first Christmas. He knew that nothing could ever compare with the gift he had received and the unending amount of love they shared that first night, but he still wanted to make it wonderful. Minerva had spent a great deal of time planning their first night together and the effects had been overwhelming and beautiful. Now, he felt the need to shower her with his own special brand of magic. So, in his spare time he began to make plans.all the while lavishing his bride-to-be with more love than she had ever dreamed possible.
"Albus, to what do I owe this pleasant surprise?" Headmaster Dippet stepped back as his transfiguration professor came through the door to his office.
"Sorry I haven't visited earlier but I have been a bit distracted. I take it that you noticed, along with our other colleagues, the ring on Minerva's hand?" Albus took the offered seat and looked around waiting for his friend's reply. He was a bit embarrassed at not having mentioned anything earlier. It was the day before New Year's Eve and he had been engaged for five days. It was still amazing to realize that soon he would be married. And the sooner the better in his mind.
"I had noticed and figured you would let me know on your own time. It isn't as if you have made a formal announcement yet." The Headmaster took the seat across from Albus and proceeded to drum his fingers on the arm of the chair.
Albus waited patiently while Armando collected his thoughts. Anytime he started to twitch, as he was doing now, he had something on his mind. Albus had never stopped to consider the position the Headmaster would be in having a married couple teaching at the school. He certainly never remembered the circumstance presenting itself before.
"It is like this, Albus. I don't mind having married couples at the school as long as a professional image is maintained while the students are in residence. I am sure that you and Minerva would be quite capable of that feat. I do however have a very real concern in regards to your relationship with Minerva." Raising his hand before Albus could start in on any arguments, he continued.
"I thought you two would make a fantastic couple ever since she started working here. I think I was the only one that saw past all the arguments and hateful words that poured out of each of you. When, after your weekend together, a relationship started to blossom, I was extremely happy for the both of you. Then the kidnapping occurred and I saw the emotional turmoil you were in. It really started to make me think. What if something like that was to happen again? I doubt you would ever forgive yourself if she were harmed. Albus, you are one of the most powerful wizards in the world and as such, you are bound to make enemies. None of whom would hesitate to use your family against you, similar to the horrific tactics of Grindelwald."
At the pained look on Albus' face, Dippet paused for a moment in his speech. "I am sorry to bring up such a painful subject, my friend."
Armando stood and walked to the window causing his expression to be hidden by the sun, which was dazzling around his form. "I only wish you and Minerva the best of happiness. Both of you very much deserve it. But I hope you will also think of the consequences of making your relationship a public spectacle."
Albus seemed to have slumped in his chair and his face seemed older than a few minutes prior. "You are of course right Armando. I have thought the same things myself. Even Harold considered this point-of-view and was not going to give me permission to ask for Minerva's hand in marriage. But you know how headstrong Minerva can be and I am afraid such talk would break her heart. I want more than anything to shout our engagement to the world."
Armando stepped away from the glaring light and Albus noticed a wise look in the elder gentleman's face. "But neither of you have. Perhaps she realizes as well that some things are best kept a secret. Talk to her. Whatever you decide, I will be content but I had to bring up what was on my mind. Forgive me if I have caused you any pain."
Albus walked over and clasped the other man's hand. "Armando, you are a very wise and great teacher. Without your advice and friendship, I am afraid my life would not only have been more fraught with avoidable disasters but it would also have lacked much laughter." Armando smiled at the compliment and nodded his head. Showing his colleague to the door, Armando sighed with relief that the meeting had gone so well.
Minerva paced in front of the fireplace. Albus had just left to tell the Headmaster of their impending nuptials and she was left to tell her parents. The fact that she waited so long would probably upset her mother and she still wasn't sure that they completely approved of him. And all of that ignored, she still had to face the fact that she was nervous about the upcoming announcement. She grabbed a handful of floo powder before closing her eyes and wishing for luck.
As she dusted the soot off of her freshly cleaned robes, Minerva's father lifted her in a huge bear hug. "Minerva, what a nice surprise. Did you get tired of that old professor then?"
Athena, who heard the commotion from the kitchen, swept in and swatted her husband on the arm. "Albus is a lovely wizard, Harold. I will not have you making disparaging remarks about your daughter's amore."
"Her what?"
"Very funny Harold. You know exactly what an amore is or do I need to find one of my own to show you." The look of outrage on Harold's face lasted only long enough for him to take a step toward his wife and kiss her soundly on the lips. When the kiss turned into something a little more sensual, Minerva cleared her throat.
Breaking apart, Athena gave her daughter a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "So, what news are you bringing to us?"
Minerva hung her head to gather her courage. When she looked back up, two sets of eyes were looking at her with curiosity. "Albus asked me to marry him."
Shock coursed through her system as the reactions of both her parents reached her awareness. Her father had shouted his joy and her mother had tears in her eyes as congratulations were pouring forth.
Noticing the look on her daughter's face, Athena shook her head with a smile. Placing a hand on her shoulder, she hushed her gregarious husband and turned to address Minerva. "Darling, did you think we wouldn't approve?"
Minerva had just started to become aware of the elation she was feeling and could only nod her head.
"I am sorry we did not make our approval more clear. We heartily approve of Albus and your father told him as much when we were visiting."
Minerva's eyes widened at the idea of her father talking alone with Albus. Harold was a formidable man and she hoped he had been kind. "You didn't harass him did you?"
Harold looked affronted and held his hand to his heart. "As if I would ever be cruel to a friend of yours. I think my heart is failing after such an accusation."
Minerva giggled as if she was still a child and put her arm around her father as they all went to take a seat in the living room. Several hours passed in laughter before Minerva realized the time. She had enjoyed showing off her ring and hearing what Albus had said to her parents when he had asked their permission to marry her. It caused her heart to warm thinking of how much he loved her. Her parents had even insisted on throwing an engagement party for the happy couple. They began to bombard her with suggestions on dates and locations but she was encouraged to talk with Albus and come to a decision together. With final good-byes, Minerva flooed back to her rooms and prepared to meet Albus for a late dinner. She decided to speak to him about the engagement party and then owl her mother and father soon with their answers.
As always, dinner at Hogwarts was a culinary masterpiece but Minerva sensed something troubling Albus. Making their way from the Great Hall to her chambers for a game of chess, she remarked that he had spoken very little during the meal and even now that they were alone he wasn't himself. "What's bothering you this evening? You've hardly spoken ten complete sentences since I returned. Did I do something to upset you?"
Abruptly, Albus stopped in his tracks and turned to face Minerva. "No, my dear. You have done absolutely nothing to upset me. However, something was brought to my attention today and I feel we need to discuss it. But I think it best if we continue this conversation privately." Motioning for her to say the password to her private quarters, they both entered and the door closed silently behind them. While Albus paced in front of the fire trying to collect his thoughts, Minerva took her usual seat on the small couch and waited for him to start.
"My dear, I need to ask a question and I need you to promise me that you will speak honestly and freely, whatever the answer may be. This is extremely important." Worry crept into her vibrant green eyes as she quietly pledged to abide by his wishes. "How many people have you informed about our engagement?"
"Well, let's see. I believe the only people I've told have been my parents. But then again, they already knew that we were to be engaged. Seems a certain someone had asked for my parents' permission." She gave him a broad smile that lit up her entire face as she spoke those last few words. "That was terribly romantic and it gave me yet another reason to fall hopelessly and madly in love with you all over again. But why do you ask such a question?"
The twinkle that normally lived inside his crystal blue eyes was strangely absent tonight and it didn't take Minerva long to realize that something serious was happening. When he spoke again, she was sure that his voice has been infected with worry.
"Was there a reason that you kept my proposal a secret from the other staff members and your friends outside of Hogwarts?" Noticing that he was not angry, Minerva became even more confused.
"Albus, I am not sure I understand what you're getting at with this line of questioning. I did not tell anyone else because I felt that my parents needed to be told first. I did not tell anyone here because I wanted us to make a formal announcement together, but only after our closest friends and families had been told. Was that wrong of me?"
Ahhh, there it was. The beloved twinkle was back in his eyes as he joined her on the couch and pulled her into a tender hug. Breaking away from his embrace to look him fully in the face, Minerva made no attempt to hide her bewilderment. She was even more puzzled than just moments before. "Albus, do stop playing games and tell me what is on your mind. I can tell that it has something to do with our engagement announcement but you're worrying me. If something is wrong, just tell me and we'll deal with it. together."
A deep breath or two later, he finally began to explain the meeting with Armando. She knew that Albus was to inform the Headmaster while she was away but he of all people should have been overjoyed at the new development. After all, had it not been for him, they would probably still be sparring in the staff lounge.
Moments later, he reached the critical point of his meeting with Armando. "He suggested that maybe you were a little hesitant about sharing our good news with our friends because of my status in the wizarding world. I had considered the probable dangers involved with our marriage but I assured your parents that I would give my life to ensure your safety for as long as I live. I am ashamed to say that I never considered how you might feel about announcing to the entire world that you are to be Mrs. Albus Dumbledore." Casting his eyes downward, he stared at his lap while he idly began to wring his hands.
"Is that what all of this has been about this evening," she asked as she reached over to raise his head with her hand. "Nothing would make me happier than to take out a full page ad in the Daily Prophet inviting the entire wizarding community to our nuptials but if that is not what you want, I will gladly abide by your wishes. As long as we are together, I do not care who attends our wedding. As long as you and I are there, that's really all that matters to me."
Again stressing the idea that she would gladly live in jeopardy or at least under the threat of danger for the rest of her life to be with him, he felt it was important that she understand his reasoning. Nothing would give him greater pleasure than to shout their love from the highest spire in all of the United Kingdom. However, his conscience and his heart could not allow such a display if there were any possibilities of endangering her. He had already seen what some of his enemies were capable of and that fact alone scared even the fearless Albus Dumbledore.
"My love, I cannot lie to you. I have been plagued by nightmares since Theres captured me and when I wake from them my first thoughts are of you. Ever since that first nightmare, when I came to your rooms, I have used the memory of your arms about me to lull myself back into a peaceful sleep. You see, Albus, no matter how bad things may become, I feel safe around you and I refuse to let the evil people in this world ruin my life with you based solely on what they could do to me. I am a very capable and strong witch. And you should know better than anyone here about my fierce temper. I dare say that I am not some weak little child that cannot defend herself. However, I understand your point of view and I will be happy to handle this situation in any way you think is appropriate."
"Minerva, have I told you today how very much I love you and how very luck I am to have you in my life?"
"No, I don't think you have and I was beginning to wonder if you'd fallen for someone else," she remarked with a teasing tone in her soothing voice. "As a matter of fact, I can't recall you showing me how much you love me either. Is our honeymoon over before it even started?"
Tracing the outline of her facial features with his soft hands, he slowly closed the gap between them and enveloped her in his arms while he placed feather light kisses about her face and neck. With one last lingering touch of their lips, both sighed and snuggled close as the firelight danced across their weary features.
Never moving her head from his chest, Minerva felt it was time to broach the topic she had been meaning to discuss with him since her return from parents home. "Albus, there is one more thing we need to discuss tonight but this should be easier now that the other matter is settled. My parents asked me today about the possibility of giving us an engagement party. However, since we have mutually agreed to let very few people know of our marriage, I will owl my parents tomorrow and briefly explain our decision."
He could not mistake the hint of sadness in her voice as she told him of the party. It pained him think of what she was giving up just to be with him and then he had an idea. "What do you think your parents would say if we asked for a small dinner party with a limited number of people, mainly our families and a few close friends, instead of the spectacular affair I'm sure we would have received?"
"Oh Albus! That is a brilliant idea! I'm sure they wouldn't mind, especially once I explain things to them. Are you sure that you're comfortable with this? If not, I'll." Placing a finger across her lips in an effort to silence her, he assured her that it was only the first of many compromises he intended to make during their lives together. Glee filled her heart as she wrapped her arms around his neck and planted a thousand tiny kisses all over his face as laughter rang throughout her rooms.
To Be Continued.
A/N: Hello All! We know that this chapter wasn't as action packed as some in the past but we promise that the story isn't quite over yet. We still have some 'situations' for our lovebirds to deal with-so just stick with us!
Jestana: Your lightning fast responses always make us smile. And you're very perceptive when it comes to our story line. Are you peeking at our computer screens??? ^_^
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Evilwoman: We cannot be held responsible for dentist bills but we're pleased that you found chapter 15 so sweet! And as for the torture-we can't stand pain so here's the latest chapter! ^_^
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Liz O'Brien: Thanks for the compliment. We are blushing! And wedding bells might be around the corner but we're not saying which chapter. Keep reading and reviewing-we have lots in store for the newly engaged pair!
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