Before another word could be spoken Albus briefly caught a glimpse of a small projectile as it flew into Minerva. He was a little worried what her reaction would be, especially since she was already not in the best of moods, but when he looked at her he smiled.
The projectile had been a child, girl with dark hair and big blue eyes. Minerva bent down and picked the child up, "My goodness, who is this running into me?"
"Aunt Min, it's Athena. Don't you recognize me?" the child asked in shock that her favorite Aunt, indeed favorite person, didn't recognize her.
"Oh, is that you Athena? I'm sorry, love, but you have grown so much and you look so beautiful I was blinded. How old are we now, twenty?"
Athena ducked her head into Minerva's shoulder. "You are too nice, Aunt Min. I'm not beautiful, you're beautiful. I'm four, but I'll be five in three months!" she added leaning back to look at Minerva.
Minerva leaned forward and placed a kiss on the child's forehead, "I know, my love. I was only teasing. Your Aunt Min would know you anywhere. I love you."
"I love you too. Aunt Min, who's that man," she asked pointing to Albus.
Albus leaned forward and took the child's hand within his own, and said: "I'm Albus Dumbledore, and it is a pleasure to meet you." Bringing her little hand to his lips he added, "You are indeed the fairest little girl I have ever seen. I hope you will do me the great honor of an audience sometime," and then he bowed very low to the ground.
Athena let out a giggle, and whispered to Minerva, though Albus heard, "I like him Aunt Min."
Minerva smiled, "I'm glad you do, because I like him too."
Unbeknownst to the three of them the rest of the family had gathered in the large living room to welcome, and badger the new guests.
A woman emerged from the group and approached Albus giving him the critical eye. "So, in what capacity are you here?"
"I hope to be of help in any way that you and your family might need me."
"No, you misunderstood me. Are you here as a platonic friend, or are you here as a romantic attachment?"
Albus moved to place an arm around Minerva and placed a quick kiss to her cheek before answering, "I have the good fortune to be romantically involved with your beautiful relative."
The woman immediately turned to Minerva, "Minerva, how did you manage to catch the great Albus Dumbledore? I mean have you ever had any suitors that weren't forced?"
Albus could feel Minerva's back stiffen as she answered, trying to control her temper: "I have had some suitors that were not forced, sister dear, no thanks to yours and the rest of the family's interference. As to catching Albus, I'm afraid he will have to answer that!"
Before her sister could speak again Albus spoke, "I assure you that my suit of Minerva was anything but forced. I have admired your sister for quite some time, but only feared that she could never feel more than platonic feelings for me. I finally summoned that Gryffindor courage I am so known for, and asked her out on a date three months ago. She has made me the happiest man, and I certainly hope no suitors were brought today," he added with a smile. "Now, Minerva and I need to be shown to our separate rooms so we can unpack and then we will be happy to join you once we are done and answer any questions you have."
"I can show you where you are staying, Mr. Dumbledore," interjected Athena.
"Thank you my dear, but please call me Albus." Without so much as a backward glance to the rest of the family the three of them made their way upstairs, Albus carrying the luggage and Minerva carrying Athena.
"Aunt Min you are here on the right beside of me."
"Love, where is Albus to stay?"
"Isn't he staying with you?"
Minerva blushed scarlet, and Albus was very thankful for his beard for a familiar heat could be felt in his cheeks. "Is there not a room for Albus, besides mine Athena?"
"I don't think so, but you could ask Mum."
"My dear, why don't you two unpack and I'll see if there is an available room."
Albus went back down the stairs, and inquired whether all the rooms were full, and to his delight they were. Albus walked back of the stairs feeling like a giddy schoolboy. The only thing he feared was Minerva's response. He paused and took a deep breathe before entering the room.
He entered at the exact time Athena was holding up one of Minerva's bras and asking what it was used for.
"Darling it is used for holding up-," Athena turned around to look and see what had made her Aunt stop in her response and turn a bright red. Seeing Albus there Athena put the bra down on the bed. Albus coughed, "Well, my dear, it seems there are no other rooms so we shall have to share. I'm sorry."
"D-don't be silly, Albus, it isn't your fault," Minerva replied quickly putting the rest of her underwear up and closing the drawer.
Minerva looked back to Athena and realized the little girl was trying hard not to cry.
Moving quickly to pick her up she held her tight to her and asked, "Athena what's wrong, sweetheart?"
Sniffing she answered, "I-If Albus s-stays with you, then I can't sleep with you, and we can't have our girls night."
Albus' hopes of sharing a room with Minerva were quickly diminishing, but ever the gentleman he offered to sleep on the couch.
Minerva looked up to Albus and smiled, "How bout a compromise? Athena and I will have our girl's night until nine, and then Albus you come up to bed. Albus, would you mind if Athena slept with us?"
Not exactly how he imagined spending his first night with Minerva, but he consented all the same. "That would be splendid my dear, and I only hope I will not be intruding."
"Not at all, now I do believe it is time we faced my family. Athena, you should probably go play for a little while. I promise to come find you when we are finished talking."
Athena just nodded hopped off her Aunt's lap, and went running out of the room. Minerva stood, and joined Albus at the door. "Thank you, Albus. Athena and I have always been close, and well we started those nights last year. They mean very much to her, you she my younger sister isn't home a lot for her daughter and well, Athena needs someone and she's such a dear."
"Minerva, you don't have to explain your actions to me. I'm glad the child has someone she can turn to. Now, I'll be right there beside of you so don't worry."
Minerva leaned up and kissed Albus tenderly on the cheek, "Thank you." The couple walked down the hall and descended the stairs a littler slower than usual not wanting to rush what was to come...