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~~A Wizard's Good Fortune~~

Another round of congratulations was made and soon, one by one, the guests began to leave until it was just Albus, Minerva, Athena, and Harold left in the quiet sitting room. Harold noticed the way his daughter and the man she loved snuggled together on the small sofa and he was pleased. Sitting quietly in his favorite chair, he reflected on her life and how blessed he was to have Athena and Minerva in it. Now their small family would be growing by one, for now.

Minerva's father had enjoyed seeing his beautiful young daughter practically glowing with pride and joy this evening and it gave his heart a warm feeling to be able to share that with her. He knew how much she adored Albus and over the last few months, he had grown to respect the man who would soon be like a son, despite their age differences. It had taken him some time to get comfortable with the idea that his little girl had fallen in love with a much older man, but who was he to argue with his daughter's choice and the forces of love? As long as Albus lavished her with an unending amount of affection… that was all any father could ask.

"Minerva, your mother and I are so very pleased for you.  Albus, you have made our daughter so happy and for that we are grateful. In the years to come, there will be difficult days and you must learn to lean on each other and trust your love, first and foremost. Some days will be more stressful than others, but never let that come between you. Cherish the moments you spend together and always remember to show your affection towards the other. That is the secret to a long, happy, and successful marriage." Hugging them both tightly, Harold finished by telling Albus that he was now considered an integral part of their family and all of his previous doubts and concerns about their relationship had been erased.

"Albus, my dear, am I correct in assuming that you will be staying the night with us?" Athena could not help the smile that crept over her features. She was looking forward to making a large breakfast for everyone to enjoy in the morning. It would give them a chance to spend a little more time together in a much more intimate setting than the dinner party.

"Yes, Athena, I will be spending the night. Assuming, of course, that it is acceptable to you and Harold." After being assured that neither parent had any objections, Albus continued. "Minerva had asked me before we left Hogwarts and we made tentative arrangements with Headmaster Dippet to supervise my Gryffindor charges until I return tomorrow. Had there been any objections, we decided that I would return to school and Minerva would remain for the evening."

"Well then Albus, my son, I will leave you and Minerva to finish your evening. Minerva, please show Albus to the guest room upstairs…the one on the east end of the hallway. Goodnight you two. Have pleasant dreams." And with that, Athena and Harold ascended the large staircase, leaving them alone for the first time all evening.

Falling into his arms and breathing a sigh of relief that the evening was over, Minerva made a wonderful suggestion. "Let's go change into our pajamas. I'll meet you back here in a few minutes where we can enjoy cups of hot cocoa while we play exploding snap." Albus eagerly agreed and before long, the two were sitting before the warming fire, sipping cocoa, discussing the evening, and playing one of Albus' favorite games.

After defeating Minerva at the game, they decided it was time to head to bed. Standing in front of the bedroom door, Minerva and Albus shared a tender kiss and he entered the room alone. It didn't take long for sleep to claim him, but Minerva was not so fortunate.

Sitting all alone in her bed, Minerva couldn't help but think of Albus just down the hall. Then she was struck by a playful idea. She was almost certain that Albus had gone to sleep by now so she silently tiptoed down the hallway and crept inside his room. Peering down at the sleeping form of the man she loved, she wasted no time in slipping between the sheets and snuggling close to him. Placing feather light kisses about his neck and face, Albus began to stir and was suddenly surprised to find the woman of his dreams in his bed.

"Minerva, what are you doing in here?"

Minerva explained that she had been sitting in her room thinking of him being all alone in a strange house and a strange bed, with no one to turn to in the middle of the night. "And it's hard for us to spend our nights together during the school term and I didn't want to waste this opportunity to have you hold me all night. If you are worried about my parents, they will never have to know. I am certain that they would understand. After all, they are adults and definitely not naïve." Attempting to give him a look of wounded pride and hurt, she could not conceal the mirth in her eyes and dramatically finished her thought.  "But I understand if you would rather sleep alone in a cold bed. I will just return to my own rooms and leave you alone."

Rising quickly from the bed and making her way to the doorway, Albus leapt from the warm sheets and had reached her side within two good strides. "My dear, I was not complaining, but this is your parents' home and we are not married yet."

"Yes, I can see the dilemma. I would hate to put you in such a compromising position, so I shall leave you now. Goodnight, Professor Dumbledore." Minerva's tone of voice was optimistic and a strong contrast to her choice of words. Albus had learned to read her voice patterns and her sparkling eyes and he could tell that she was teasing him. His only hope now was to go along with the game and beg for forgiveness.

Dropping to his knees as he took hold of both of her hands he began his speech. "Oh my love! I don't think I could stand to see you walk through the door into the dark corridor. I need you to stay with me tonight. What if I wake up and I can't remember where I am or I have a nightmare and you're not here to soothe my fears? I beg you, please don't leave me tonight." The twinkle had appeared in his eyes as he spoke and Minerva was enjoying the attention he was giving her. She was desperately trying to hold out but she wasn't sure how much longer she could resist.

"I would certainly feel terrible if you were to wake up all alone. But that does not excuse the horrible way you reacted to my offer. I had your best interests at heart and this is how you repay me. I am wounded, Albus Dumbledore." Removing one on her hands from his clasp, she clutched at her heart in an attempt at mock heartache.

"I was foolish to turn down the suggestions of such a beautiful woman! I must have been half asleep when I said those words. What man wouldn't love to wake up with you in his arms?" Seeing her struggle to contain her laughter, Albus scooped her into his arms and carried her to the bed. Unceremoniously, he tossed her on top of the sheets and lowered his head to hers. After a prolonged but sensual kiss, the game ended. Pulling her closer to him, Minerva couldn't deny the feelings of desire he had ignited beneath her skin. Instinctively, she deepened the kiss and to her delight, Albus took her subtle hints. Hours later, the exhausted couple drifted off to a peaceful sleep, still clinging tightly to the other.

Athena woke early the next morning in anticipation of making a large breakfast for four. Unfortunately, she was unsure of Albus' culinary tastes and she needed some advice. Lightly knocking on Minerva's bedroom door, she had hoped her daughter would be able to help with the menu choices. When there was no response from inside the room, Athena eased open the door to see an empty bed. It appeared that it had not been slept in at all and a quiet giggle escaped her lips. Making her way towards the room assigned to Albus, Athena stopped and listened outside the door. From the other side, she was able to hear the murmurs of the young lovers and an occasional fit of laughter from Minerva. Hearing her daughter's happiness, Athena made her way downstairs to arrange a small surprise, feeling more light-hearted than she had in years.

Half an hour later, Athena still had not seen or heard from Albus or Minerva. But, Harold had made his way downstairs and had started to question her about his daughter and her fiancée.

"I thought Albus and Minerva would be down here by now. Should I go up and see if Minerva is awake?"

"Certainly not Harold. I am sure that they will come downstairs when they are ready. And I am not sure that you would be able to find her in her own rooms anyway. From what I heard this morning, they were taking advantage of being away from the school." A pink hue had crept into her cheeks as she tried to vaguely inform Harold that their daughter was no longer a little girl.

"You mean...they...certainly you're mistaken. I mean...she..he..." At a complete loss for words, Harold dropped into his usual place at the table and looked up at his wife.

"Dearest, surely you are not surprised. She is so beautiful and he has captured her heart. Remember when we were younger, the feelings we shared..."

"And still do, my dear..." Gently pulling Athena to him, he lightly kissed her. As she pulled back a bit, she informed him of her breakfast plan but he was still upset about the morning revelations.

"Athena, how can you be so calm and collected about this idea? I mean, our little girl has just spent the night with someone, who is not her husband yet, and under our own roof?" Harold's tone of voice was not overly harsh, but Athena could tell that he was less than enthused.

"My dear, she is a grown woman and whether or not they choose to do certain things now or wait until later is none of our business. We should be grateful that she has finally found someone who apparently makes her happier than she has ever been. I know we are both old-fashioned and I believe that in most things, Albus is too. However, can you honestly believe that if you were younger and unmarried and an attractive woman wanted you to …well…anyway…would you turn her down? Besides Harold, our daughter is nearly forty and capable of making her own decisions." By the look on his face, Athena knew she had made some dent in his reservations.

"Athena, I am not entirely happy about it but I see your point. It is just hard for me to come to terms with the fact that she's no longer 'daddy's little girl'. I could not be happier for her, so I suppose I need to just swallow my pride and help you with breakfast. I can deal with this after they are back at school."

As the sunlight streamed through the windows, Albus and Minerva were lying together in his bed. Light discussions were broken by occasional kisses and then suddenly a knock sounded at the door. Minerva released a hearty laugh as a look of panic took hold of Albus' face. He seemed suddenly nervous. Rising from his warm arms, she pulled his dressing gown around her body and answered the door.

"Moxy, what is that you have in your hands?" Minerva reached out to take the tray from the house-elf.

"Mistress McGonagall asks us to bring this to you and Master Dumbledore. We is hoping you will enjoy it. If you is needing anything else, just let Moxy know. Hopefully, we is seeing you and Master Dumbledore for lunch." Turning quickly, the house elf headed back downstairs while Minerva returned to bed.

Surveying the delicious meal before them, Albus pointed out a bit of parchment resting against the vase of flowers. "Looks like your mother knew where to find you and she even sent a note. Maybe you'd better open it, in case it is a howler." Nudging him in the ribs, Minerva took the letter and began to read aloud.

My darling Daughter and Soon to be Son-In Law,

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that you shared a room last night. I went to ask Minerva about Albus' eating preferences and was shocked to see an unused bed in her room. Creeping down the hallway, I quickly discovered your whereabouts. It reminded me of my younger days and I can honestly say, I do not blame you for skipping breakfast. I know you must be famished, so here is the meal I intended to share with you this morning. Enjoy and we will see you when you choose to make an appearance.

Love,

Mom

"Well, that was definitely unexpected. But since she has seen fit to send us breakfast, there is no need to leave this wonderful situation for a little while longer. Now, would you like honey or jam on your toast, Albus?"

"Your mother does seem forgiving. Let's just hope your father is as amused as she was to learn of our change of sleeping arrangements." Taking the tray from her, he carefully set it on the floor beside the bed. "But since our secret has been discovered, would you care to join me in a bit of frivolity before we have to head downstairs and face the music? After all, I have to return to Hogwarts this afternoon and it might be our last chance to spend some private time together before I leave."

Batting her long, dark eyelashes and leaning back into the fluffy pillows, Minerva quietly began to make a purring noise, knowing what effect that would have on the man beside her. They would worry about facing her parents later. Right now, there were more important, and certainly more fun ideas to be had.

Albus was actually nervous. He was too old to be nervous about a simple promotion, but telling himself that didn't seem to be having any effect on his clammy hands or his racing heart. It was the week after the engagement party and he had just received an owl from Armando asking for Albus to meet him in his office. The Board of Governors had more than likely made their decision on the appointment of the Deputy.

When the application had been submitted, he considered his chances fairly good at getting the position. However, the current arithmancy professor was planning on retiring at the end of the term and that would allow more applications than usual. He had heard several names whispered around as possibilities in the teacher's lounge and some of them were from very prominent families.

After Armando's talk about what was good for the school, Albus had contemplated very seriously on whether the position would lead him in the right direction. He had loved Hogwarts ever since he had been a student, which was many years ago. It had always felt like home and was one of the main reasons he had accepted the teaching position that had been offered. During his tenure here, he had felt more and more like this is where he was meant to be. It only made sense that he move into a leadership position eventually.

Albus knew he was a strong leader and had a fair amount of experience in that realm. He was very diplomatic when it was called for and was good at calming people and gaining their trust and respect. He was also a strong presence and had a fair amount of connections, something that would be very useful to Hogwarts. Not that he wasn't willing to use that influence now but he wasn't very aware of the issues facing the school, being a professor.

He also realized his aspirations would go no farther than Hogwarts. He felt a sort of kinship with the old stone building. Something he had never tried to explain to anyone, not even Minerva. He was very aware that she had more than likely sensed it and she had pushed him to move forward. Her wise ways had led to this moment and he could feel the air changing around him as his fate was altered.

Making his way to the Headmaster's office, he tried to calm himself by repeating ingredients found in several complex potions. A past time that he found helped keep his mind and memory in top form. Nicolas Flamel, his good friend, had introduced the idea and it had become a sort of game for them.

Soon he stood in front of the large stone gargoyle. "To be or not to be."

How very ironic and a well-chosen password for Armando who had a love of all things Shakespeare. Albus tsked to no one as he entered the office and found Headmaster Dippet looking very formal. "Professor Dumbledore, please have a seat."

Albus did not see this as a good sign but he took the proffered chair. "Good afternoon, I presume we have had word on the new Deputy?"

Armando took out a roll of parchment that was tied with ribbon and closed with the official Hogwarts seal. "This would be the official response to your application. I will let you read it in private. As for me, I could not be happier with the decision, Deputy Headmaster Dumbledore."

All of a sudden, clapping, whistling and general chaos broke out in the office. Albus was confused, as he hadn't seen anyone when he entered but he soon observed that all the commotion was coming from the portraits on the wall. He had quite the grin on his face and was shaking Armando's hand when the portraits quieted and the door to the Headmaster's office opened.

Minerva stepped inside and saw the look of joy lighting her beloved's face. She flung herself into his arms and rained kisses all over his face. "Congratulations Albus! How exciting, we must have a party."

Armando chuckled to himself as the two embraced. They had obviously forgotten his presence or had become very comfortable around him after the engagement party. He applauded himself for thinking to send for Minerva. He knew Albus would want to tell her right away and had hoped he wouldn't be presuming too much by inviting her. "I have made arrangements for the two of you to dine alone in Albus' quarters. Tomorrow the decision will be announced at the morning staff meeting and of course a party will be planned for this weekend to celebrate. I am sure everyone will be as excited about the decision as Minerva-well, maybe not quite as excited." Everyone laughed and a bottle of champagne was shared among the friends.

Later that evening, as Albus and Minerva took a stroll around the lake Armando busied himself with the final preparations for their celebratory dinner in Albus' private rooms. As he surveyed the results, Armando was pleased with the outcome and flooed back to his own rooms. He had managed to locate the London restaurant Albus was always raving about and Muriel was only too happy to cater the small affair...down to the last chocolaty morsel of dessert. A bottle of wine was chilling in a large bucket beside two glasses, and dozens of candles were floating near the neatly adorned table.

Minerva and Albus were laughing heartily at something he had said when they entered his rooms and saw the amazing sight. Once the door had been closed behind them, Minerva wrapped her arms around Albus' waist and pulled him close. "I cannot think of anyone in this world or the next that deserves this more than you. I am so proud of you and I am certain that you will be a wonderful Deputy Headmaster." After kissing him lightly she added, "now let's eat. I'm starving!"

Dinner conversation was light and fun and as the evening progressed, Minerva remembered that she had won the bet from weeks earlier. She was sure that Albus had forgotten about their little wager and she fully intended to remind him.

"Albus, my dear. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you of a conversation we had about you and the Deputy position. I believe there was a small bet placed and if I am not mistaken...I won!" Albus enjoyed seeing Minerva so animated and happy. But that only encouraged him to tease her along for a bit.

"Ahh, yes. I wondered how long it would be before you brought that up again." The twinkle in his eyes and the wily smile that played around his mouth only sparked her curiosity as her eyebrows raised in a questioning look. "Let's see...I believe that if I won, you were to attend the International Wizarding Conference with me and we were to attend the masquerade ball in costume." Nodding her head that he was correct, he continued. "And I believe that if you won the bet, I was to shower you with love and affection while massaging your back. Is that right, my dear?"

A seductive look overtook her and it became obvious that they were dancing around a subject of much delight. "Well, that's not exactly how I remember it dearest. You see, since I was correct in my assumption, you have to take me on a holiday to the Quidditch World Cup. Remember that now? However, I am always willing to accept certain favors from the man I adore."

"Oh I see. I seem to recall a certain lovely woman trying to tempt me with some footsie action a while back and it led to a rather nice exchange a little later. I must have the two events confused. Forgive me, my dear. But would you care to join me in another glass of wine by the fire as we continue this discussion?" Rising from the table, Minerva grabbed the glasses as Albus brought the wine. Snuggling on the couch, the banter continued.

"Minerva, I plan to make the arrangements for our trip, and maybe even a little side venture, as soon as possible. I have connections in the professional leagues and I should have no problem in acquiring prime seats. Have no fear. But I rather liked my idea of settling our wager better. After all, who wouldn't enjoy a nice, soothing back rub?"

Nuzzling his neck and ear while making slight purring sounds, Minerva came up with a suitable compromise. "How about you show me the benefits of a nice, long backrub and I'll consider joining you at the masquerade ball? After all, I believe that we both win in this situation." A long, intense kiss followed and before long, they were both feeling the wonderful effects of compromise.

To Be Continued…

A/N: Hey look…another update from us! We thank each and every one of you for continuing to shower us with your compliments! And we're proud to announce that one of our reviewers has asked us about using our story as background information for their own Harry Potter story. Her story is called "Faith" and it's by RogueBHS! Check it out and drop her a review! We're sure she'd love to hear from you because you're all so lovely!

Jestana: Glad our explanation made sense and that it clarified what we were thinking. We think we'll let our intelligent readers decide about Aberforth's research!  Wouldn't want to go about giving away family secrets!  ^_^

RogueBHS: You can stop tapping your foot and looking at your imaginary watch! Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter. Also, thanks for the wonderful words of praise for our story and we will certainly be reading yours as it is updated!

Liz O'Brien: As always, you flatter us! No sinister motives from Aberforth…he's just a bit quirky! Don't fear the end. We promise it'll be special and then we can start on other stories for your enjoyment.

Mystic Catface: Yes, Hagrid loves Spotty a great deal but he's not the kind of pet we'd want to have at our home. Glad you liked our characterization of Aberforth. He was a lot of fun to write.

Evilwoman: Please don't cry. We don't like to make our lovely reviewers cry! And rest assured, we have loads of stuff just waiting to be uploaded! If we only had the time to edit it! Ahhh, maybe one day!  ^_^

Emutet: Another chapter just for you! We hope it was worth the wait!

Minerva's Quill: Wedding…who said anything about a wedding…wink wink! Our dear Albus has excellent taste in women but lacks a little in the wardrobe department. Oh well, can't have everything! Thanks for dropping us a line and keep your own updates coming!

Kemenran: As if we would withhold a chapter from you…hope you enjoyed it!