Chapter Five
On the same day as Albus and Minerva's departure, Henkel's Mercury Couriers received a new order. As George Henkel IV looked at the owl letter, he knew that he was looking at the order of a lifetime. The motto of Henkel's Mercury Couriers was "Speed and discretion for over a hundred years" and as such they handled only the most exclusive of orders. His handlebar mustache twitched spasmodically as he read the letter. It was from Gutenberg Wizarding Press' owner Robert Warden. It said
George,
I give to your charge the most important book of the year or even the decade. The first complete proof copy of Albus Dumbledore's book is ready for his review and final editing. I need one of your couriers to retrieve the proof from my office and deliver to Australia where Albus is attending a conference.
I need not emphasize the need for the utmost discretion in this matter. No one must know that the proof is complete otherwise Albus will have no peace from the public. Please inform me when I can expect a courier.
Robert
With a quick spell, George burned the letter. Robert had after all insisted upon discretion and Henkel's would follow to the letter. He took out his traveling cloak. He would do this job himself. Apparating as far as Australia in one day was not possible especially weighted down with a parcel. However, two or three days, apparating closer and closer each day, was quite realistic.
From the airport, Albus and Minerva headed straight off to the conference. They participated in panel discussions as well as met with fellow Transfiguration masters from all over the world. Now, close on nine o'clock in the evening, elated but exhausted, they made their way to their wizarding hotel along with other wizards and witches staying at the same place.
The night clerk stammered through his greeting. "Ah, yes, madam, your reservation is all in order. Your suite is just up the stairs there. Room 415."
Minerva arched her brow. "One suite?"
"Yes, madam with one bedroom, a bath and a sitting room," said the clerk. He placed the key on the counter.
Minerva drew herself to her full height, jutted her chin out and said. "I had thought that arrangements had been made for two suites not one. And though our arrangements were made rather hastily I can assureyou they were done correctly."
The clerk gulped. "Well, madam, the original booking was for two rooms. However, only one of those rooms was guaranteed against a late arrival. We are a full hotel, madam, so the one room as it was not guaranteed was let to another patron."
Minerva looked around for Albus. She spotted him in the lobby conversing with a delegate from Japan. She and Albus had come to a personal understanding in the last month. Their dinners out had gradually changed to romantic dates. But even so, she was not ready for anything more serious than passionate good night kisses at her chamber door. Well, nothing more that was until she knew where she stood with Albus. She dared not assume anything where he was concerned.
She leaned over the counter and said softly but firmly, "Very well, I understand, now register me into a new room, if you please."
The clerk shook his head. "I'm very sorry, madam. As I said, we are quite full. There are no suites available."
Irritated and tired, Minerva snapped, her Scottish brogue very pronounced. "Any room will do, lad. Be quick about it."
The clerk scanned his registry once more. "Madam, there are no rooms of any kind available." The clerk noticed Albus heading towards the counter and recognized him. His glance went to Minerva. He quickly arrived at the nature of the situation.
Minerva had also noticed Albus' approach. She hissed. "You must have a room, perhaps at another hotel."
"Madam, the suite is quite spacious and the sofa in the sitting room is large and comfortable." The clerk added. "If there are any available rooms tomorrow, I will certainly reserve for you, madam."
"Do so." Minerva did not add anything else to her reply not wanting Albus to overhear.
"It was a very good idea to attend the conference but I am ready for bed, Minerva." Albus announced upon reaching her side. In his arms he carried his and Minerva's bags. "Young man, can you please see to having a cup of cocoa delivered to my room?"
"It would be my pleasure, Headmaster Dumbledore."
Dumbledore smiled. "Wonderful. Let's go to our rooms then."
The clerk bowed his head to hide his amusement. Minerva, unable to bear further embarrassment, grabbed the lone key and led Albus away at a fast clip.
It transpired that Albus had no objections whatsoever to sharing the room. Gallantly, he gave Minerva the bedroom while he transfigured the sofa into a small bed.
"I've been promised the first room available tomorrow, Albus, so you need only bear with me tonight." Minerva said putting some pillows on the transfigured sofa.
"I wouldn't mind sharing the room the entire time we're here, my dear."
"You may not have the same opinion in the morning," Minerva held out one end of a bed sheet to him. "I can be a bear sometimes."
Grabbing the other end, Albus stretched the sheet over his makeshift accommodations. "I am quite sure that I would not mind seeing you as you are, fresh from sleep."
"Bags under my eyes, my hair a mess. Just the sight to start your day." Minerva tucked the last corner.
Albus walked closer to her. He arms slid around her waist. Though he made no move to pull her hard against him, still he felt the pounding of her heart. "That may be but you would be MY mess."
His lips found the exact point where her pulse beat on her throat. "May I have my good night kiss now?"
In answer, she cupped his face with her hands and touched her lips to his. His tongue dashed forward, nudging, until her lips parted. His tongue darted and traced, feeling the contours of her mouth, tasting her essence. Albus thought he knew what a kiss was, what it felt like. But this kiss with this woman was a kiss.
Albus broke the kiss before his limit was reached. He embraced her hard once then let her go. "Sleep well, Minerva."
Exhausted from their non-stop day both fell into a sound sleep as soon has their heads hit their pillows.