Disclaimer: I do not own anything that the wonderful J.K. Rowling has already created.

A/N: I just wanted to say how glad I am that you all like this story. Also, I think there will be one more chapter than expected. But anyway, just keep reading, please. That is, if you like it.

Minerva stared longingly outside her barred window. Even though she wasn't looking forward to being married, she had somehow managed to talk him into a few conditions. She would marry him and stay with him, just as long as she could continue teaching during the school term. He complied, but only forcing her to agree with coming home for the holidays and one weekend a month. Neither wanted to give in to the others demands, but knew it was necessary in order to get what they wanted.

Tears began to fall as she thought of the man she was to marry the next day at noon. She despised him with as much passion as she loved Albus. It was Albus she wanted to marry, not Voldemort. But here it was, nearly noon the day before, and she felt like each second was going by faster than she was prepared for.

Many times since she had written the invitation that morning she had thought of killing herself. But shed held on in the hopes that something miraculous would happen. What the miracle was? She did not know. All she knew was that she had to give Albus the shadow of a doubt he could pull something out of the sorting hat and think of something.... ANYTHING!

Her thoughts were interrupted when she felt eyes watching her. She turned to see Voldemort looking at her, smiling. She tried to return his smile, but just couldn't do it. What did she have to be happy about, anyway?

"You look radiant in the afternoon light, my dear," he said, stepping closer to her. "What, no smile for me?" Minerva simply turned and stared outside her window once more.

"I suppose I don't feel well today, Tom," she sighed. She wanted to scream her head off and throw him a few good spells. But that was not wise, because he was so much stronger than she was. Also, such violation could result in Albus' death, leaving her completely alone.

"That is too bad," sneered Voldemort, now right behind her, his breath on her neck. This caused the little hairs which resided on her neck to stand on end. She strained to suppress a shiver. "I love you, Minerva."

Minerva couldn't think clearly. The man she loathed more than anything else in the world had just said he loved her. So many questions swam through her mind, but she had no answers for any of them. She felt him kiss the most sensitive part of her neck repeatedly. She could tell he wanted to go further, so she pulled away quickly.

"Tom, you promised to wait until after the wedding," she said, back still turned to him.

"And so I shall, my dear," he said, bowing. "Forgive me. And now, I must go. I have some things I must tend to." He turned on his heel and left her alone once again.

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Albus hurried back to his room. Everything was set for Minerva's rescue. He was going to get her back, or he was going to die trying. He was almost to his office when he turned a corner and nearly bumped into Fudge.

"Oh, Albs, there you are," he said. He was obviously out of breath.

"Sorry, Fudge, but I'm rather busy," said Albus. He really had no time for this crazy mans ramblings.

"Where are you off to?" asked Fudge.

"I'm going to rescue the woman I love," said Albus, stepping to the side. Fudge stepped in front of him.

"I'm afraid I cannot allow that to happen," he said.

"Listen, Fudge, I know she's not your favorite teacher, but I'm not going to sit here while she marries that horrible man tomorrow at noon." Albus stepped to the side again, but Fudge blocked him again.

"Yes, you can," he said, pulling out his wand and pointing it at Albus. Albus looked at him, confused at first, but then realization dawned on him.

"You're the one Voldemort hired to kill me should Minerva refuse him."

"You catch on quick, don't you?" smirked Fudge. "But I think I'll just harm you now. I never liked you anyway." He pulled his wand back to strike.

"Statico Elimitia!" Albus looked at the ground to see Fudge in the form of a dogs chew toy. He then looked up to see Severus standing there, a smirk plastered on his face.

"I've always wanted to do that," he said, placing his wand back into his robes. "Only, in my mind, I see him being ripped apart by a particular three headed dog!" Albus chuckled.

"Thank you, Severus," he said. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm very busy." With that, he continued to his office. Severus, in turn, brought the chew toy to the dungeons. He had a new potion he wanted to test and he needed a guinea pig. But he supposed a plastic red and orange fire hydrant that squeaked would have to do.

As the afternoon gave into night, Minerva grew anxious. She hadn't heard anything from or about Albus. And as the last light of day began to sink on the horizon, she wondered if he'd even received the owl she'd sent. But when the snowy white owl, Jacque by name, landed just outside her window, she let out her sigh of relief.

It was rather difficult for her to get hold of the letter the owl held in his beak, but she did eventually get her hand through the bars and pull the letter through the small opening of the window. She slipped Jacque a ginger newt and watched as he took off, another letter attached to his leg. Undoubtedly, it was for Voldemort.

But that letter was the last thing on her mind. She looked at the letter in her hand, scared. What was Albus going to say to her? There was just one way for her to find out. She opened the letter and began to read it.

"My dearest Minerva,

"I must say I was very shocked, yet pleased, when I read your letter. I, too, must confess that I have loved you for so long without any hope of receiving your love in return. I should be the one apologizing, my love, for not telling you sooner. Do not be sorry for something that is not your fault, nor is it under your control.

"Please, do not despair! I will find a way to rescue you, before you marry Voldemort, and all shall be right again. And soon, this nightmare shall end for the both of us and you shall be here in my loving arms. You'll see... I shall make things right. Forever you slave, Albus."

Minerva smiled broadly and wiped away her tears of joy. She laughed happily to herself, feeling more relieved than she had since her kidnapping. He loved her and she loved him. This placed within her a joy like she had never felt before. She only hoped he could keep his promise and find her before it was too late and she was bounded forever to
Tom Riddle (or, as he referred to himself, the Dark Lord Voldemort). 'Hurry Albus.'

In his room, Voldemort didn't know whether to be happy, or scared. Albus had accepted his invitation to the wedding, and without doing so without the use of a howler. Something was going on and he knew it. What was it? He just couldn't say. So, he called for his right-hand man.

"Lucius!" he cried. Lucius Malfoy entered and bowed, kneeling on one knee.

"You called, my lord?" he asked.

"Albus Dumbledore is coming to my wedding," he said. "And when he does, I want you to keep a close eye on him. Understand?"

"Yes, master," replied Lucius, still kneeling and looking at the floor.

"Leave me," commanded Voldemort. Lucius bowed his head even lower, stood, and left. Voldemort looked back at the letter he held in his hand.

"Alright, Albus," he grumbled. "You wanna play hardball? I'm game."

A/N2: Okay peoples, I just want to say that I really hope you liked this chapter. More to come. Good times, good times. Hehehe! Always Hopeful