A/N: A huge thank you to everyone that took the time to read and review the last chapter, I am truly grateful. Thank you to my beta reader, Ang J

Chapter Six:

Albus walked along the corridor that led to Minerva's private rooms and even before he raised his fist to knock on the door, the door opened and Minerva immediately wanted answers. Albus had expected this but he wanted to sit down and have a drink first. He followed her into her main living room and sat down as Minerva conjured up a mug of streaming hot chocolate.

"Albus please tell me what Daniel and my father said," she said as she sat down beside him.

"One moment Min," replied Albus rubbing his temples. "Let me just get my breath back."

She rolled her eyes but didn't push him any further. She wanted to know but she also knew that Albus would tell her in his own time. She had been furious when her father had suggested that she leave them. She hadn't been asked to leave a room like that since she had been at least eleven years old.

She had briefly considered listening outside the door but Xiomara Hooch had been walking by and had dragged her off to show her the quidditch timetable. Usually the topic of quidditch interested her but this time it didn't and her mind kept wondering off to what Albus was discussing with her father.

Minerva had been careful to avoid Daniel. She didn't want to meet him and as far as she knew he didn't know where her rooms were. She had waited for what seemed like hours for Albus to come to her and now that he was here, he wasn't being very forthcoming with the information.

"Albus," she sighed, "will you just tell me?"

"Well my dear," Albus started, taking her small, delicate hand in his "Daniel seems even more determined to marry you than ever. He truly believes that he can make you happy."

"He could never make me happy, let alone make me marry him," Minerva pointed out raising her head and looking into Albus' eyes "Only one man makes me happy."

"He has arranged a wedding for you on the exact day we were to be married sweetheart," explained Albus softly as he tried to choose his words carefully. "He took delight in telling me that."

"I'm not going to marry him though," replied Minerva. "What did you talk about with father?"

"Your father suggested that you and I do not marry at all" began Albus.

"WHAT?" exclaimed Minerva, who was ready to march down to see her father and tell him exactly what she thought of his suggestion!

"Will you let me finish," asked Albus, placing his spare hand on her lap? "He suggested that we just live together till the time Daniel dies. You won't have to marry Daniel and I won't die."

"We won't ever marry then," said Minerva sadly. "But I want to be Mrs. Albus Dumbledore."

"I know darling," agreed Albus "but this way we can still be together."

"Are you sure this is work?" she asked. "What about Daniel?"

"Daniel will have to accept it," Albus answered. He already felt bad about withholding the information about what her father had in mind. But he had given Maxim his word and there was still time to think of another way.

"Come, let's go and get some lunch," Albus suggested. "I think we could both do with some time away from here."

Albus got to his feet and offered his hand to Minerva. She took it and gracefully rose to her feet, only to find herself being swept into a strong embrace. Albus nuzzled into her neck before whispering, 'I love you', into her ear before leading her out into the hallway and outside.

They walked hand in hand along the path that lead towards Hogsmeade. They talked and laughed and tried to forget that their wedding day, which they had prepared so lovingly, would not happen. At least not for many years.

Albus took Minerva into their favourite restaurant, La Province. It was a romantic place with soft lighting, candles and music floating through the air. It was as if the music was hitching a ride on the delicious smells that added to the whole atmosphere. The restaurant had been the very place where Albus had gone down on one knee and asked Minerva to become his wife. The whole restaurant had exploded into applause when she had accepted.

As they stepped into the restaurant, they were greeted by the patron who showed them to their regular table, which was in a secluded corner. It had a window that looked out on a small babbling brook. Minerva was handed a menu and she didn't even need to open it before she gave her order. She always had the same dish, chicken in a creamy white wine and mushroom sauce. Albus ordered his usual braised streak with a peppercorn sauce and also ordered them a bottle of house wine.

"Darling," said Albus softly "I know this has been hard on you and I intend to do what I can to get Daniel to release you so we can marry."

"Albus, I don't want to talk about him," Minerva replied, reaching across for his hand and playing with his fingers. "This is our time together."

Albus nodded and rubbed his foot up against her leg. He frowned slightly, as she felt cold.

"That's the table leg, darling," Minerva said with a laugh.

"Ah, that would explain the coldness," Albus replied.

"I hope you aren't comparing my leg to a wooden table leg Albus. I would be most insulted, she teased.

"Never Minerva," replied Albus. "Your legs are divine and seem to go on forever."

"Albus," she said in mock horror "you should not know of such things since we are not married."

"Oh my dear I am sorry," answered Albus. "I would do anything to protect your modesty."

"Ha, don't make me laugh Albus," she giggled softly. "But I certainly don't mind you taking my modesty."

"Behave yourself Minerva!" Albus warned playfully as he looked at her over the top of his half moon spectacles. "Whatever would your students say?"

"I'm sure they would be delighted that I am letting my hair down," she answered with a wink.

"Oh, I do love you," he whispered.

"I love you too, Albus," she answered.

Their meal arrived a few minutes later and as they ate they exchanged words of love as well as flirting outrageously with each other. They both seemed to forget about the return of Daniel and simply relished each other's company.

However, Albus had not forgotten about Daniel and his threat to kill Maxim if Minerva didn't turn up on the appointed day. Albus was not the only one thinking, because up in the castle sat Maxim McGonagall, putting everything in order and writing a letter to his beloved daughter.