Chapter 3

"Albus you will not hurt me. I am more than capable of taking care of myself. After all I am the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and was trained as an auror by the Ministry." It was a few hours later and Minerva was becoming deeply irritated with her lack of forward motion in convincing Albus that he needed to be her partner in the newest school club.

"I am fully aware of your professional status, my dear. And I am not at all worried about hurting you. I am more concerned with you hexing me. Now, I need to get these papers graded before lunch so that I can talk you into joining me in Hogsmeade this afternoon." Albus went back to his work while Minerva sighed in frustration.

Minerva had tried every argument she could conceive of to get Albus to agree but so far she was having very little luck. And after lunch she would have no excuses to stay in his rooms any longer, limiting her opportunities. After all, her new rooms had been prepared and the final touches she had requested should be completed shortly. Her office would have been the ideal place to grade her papers and ready her lessons but she would be too easily accessible to an angry Michael.

As she sat there sucking on the tip of her new sugar quill, an idea started to form. Perhaps she was going about things the wrong way. Maybe the way to convince Albus of helping her was not in a sound argument but rather in a more roundabout fashion. Minerva was now looking forward to their trip to Hogsmeade this afternoon for a very different reason.

When the time came for them to leave, Minerva took his arm and allowed him to lead her across the grounds. "I can't begin to thank you enough for all you've done for me these last two days. I feel so secure when you're around and I am sure that Michael won't be bothering me anymore." She dared to steal a sideways glance at Albus, hoping the expression on his face would match the one she had imagined when she practiced this speech in her mind.

"Minerva, you can't be serious. Please tell me you're kidding when you say that. You know as well as I do that just because Armando has given you both reprimands, Michael won't be easily subdued."

"But Albus, you said it yourself. You're more concerned about me hexing you and I'm certain once he hears about my new dueling club, he'll think twice about approaching me. And what's even better, he might even try to suggest the two of us give a demonstration similar to the one the students think they witnessed yesterday. Then I will have a legitimate reason to duel him and Armando will be more than welcomed to watch." Minerva tried to sound like this idea had just popped into her head, when in truth, she had methodically chosen her words long before her stroll with Albus. "Besides, I need an assistant in the classroom if for no other reason than to demonstrate the mechanics of the spells."

Albus stopped walking and turned Minerva to face him. "I saw the anger in his eyes, Minerva and if you think I'm going to allow you to put yourself into danger just because of Armando's dueling club, then you're mistaken." He paused to look deep into her eyes. "No, I think I'm the better man for the job. Perhaps I was a bit hasty this afternoon when I turned down the offer to help you with the club. If it is not too late, would you reconsider letting me share the responsibility of the dueling club with you? It would also give us a chance to spend more time together and I can make sure Michael doesn't try anything underhanded."

Minerva tried to keep her expression neutral while inside she was heartily congratulating herself on a job well done. "Are you sure Albus? I wouldn't want to add to your responsibilities any more than necessary."

"I am positive Minerva. Please say you will accept my offer." Albus actually looked a bit worried as his expression took on a very serious glint.

"How can I refuse, especially after all you have done for me?" Minerva smiled as she rushed on before he changed his mind. "I was thinking we could have the club meet once per week after dinner. We can use the empty classroom across from the painting of the lion tamer unless we get a large response. Then we can always resort to using the Great Hall if Armando wouldn't object."

"I don't think he would object in the least. Perhaps breakfast on Monday would be a good time to make an announcement. We can post a parchment in each of our rooms for those who wish to join." Albus looked thoughtful as they continued on their way to town. "And Minerva, that was very sneaky of you. I will have to keep in mind that your Slytherin side is perhaps more prominent than I would have originally thought."

She tried to look at him with abject horror etched across her face but his beaming smile and the glimmer in his eyes told her he already knew of her little scheme. "A girl has to do what a girl has to do in order to get exactly what she wants from a man, wouldn't you agree?" she giggled.

"Indeed I would but just remember that in the future, I might be wise to your little games and it might take a little more than some well chosen words to get me where you want me." Albus laughed heartily as Minerva blushed at his comments. Obviously she had noticed his little flirtation, though if he had stopped to seriously consider his choice of words he might not have actually spoken them to her.

"Well now that you know about my Slytherin streak, are you disappointed or excited to see this new side of me?"

"Oh definitely excited, no question about that. It means that you are a well-rounded witch who is capable of anything set before her. It also means that I see myself being talked into more things in the future."

"I can only hope, Albus," she mumbled under her breath. "So, why is it that we're going into town this afternoon? You never actually said what the trip was for."

"I thought it might be nice to get out of the castle after everything that has transpired. If there is a particular shop you would like to visit, lead and I will follow."

Minerva looked around at the little town as they exited the path that lead to Hogwarts. A few witches and wizards were out enjoying the crisp winter air. It was hard to believe that only one month ago, the streets had been crowded to the point of overflowing with holiday shoppers. "I would like to stop by the new bookstore if you don't mind. They supposedly have an eclectic collection of ancient texts."

"I have been meaning to stop by there myself so I think that is an excellent idea." Albus looked thoughtful for a moment. "Since Gladrags is on the way, do you mind if we stop by. I have an order that should be in and I would like to pick it up as soon as possible."

Minerva nodded her consent and soon they were making their way inside the shop, as a small bell announced their arrival. "Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, it is so nice to see you both on this fine day. I take it you are here for your specialty order."

Albus stepped forward to accept the package that the small graying man had taken out from behind a counter. "Thank you so much Edwin. I am sure it is perfect and I appreciate you being able to get it for me on such short notice."

"For you Professor, it is never a problem."

Albus turned to Minerva and handed her the package. "For you, my dear."

Minerva stood shocked for a moment. Tentatively she took the item and gently unfolded the brown paper. Inside was what appeared to be a bracelet around 15 centimeters in length. It was made of dragon's hide and Minerva could not hide her excitement as she threw her arms around Albus, hugging him tightly.

"I thought it might come in handy with the dueling club."

"Oh Albus, it is beautiful." Minerva picked it up and looked over it carefully. She had one from her days as an auror but it was not nearly as striking and she would bet that it was more powerful than the one she owned. The 'bracelet' was worn on the wrist opposite the wand hand and was used as a type of shield that absorbed magic. Dragon's hide naturally absorbed magic and in addition the item would be dipped in various potions or spelled, depending on the quality, to increase its strength.

Minerva tried it on and admired the various colors as they glinted in the light. "Thank you. This means a lot to me."

Albus blushed as he watched Minerva admiring his gift. On the spur of the moment, he had contacted the quaint shop and commissioned them to find the best dragon's hide bracelet available. Then, they were to purchase it on his behalf and he would settle up with them once it had arrived. Seeing her beaming with happiness, he felt certain it was worth every single knut of the price.

"I take it that it meets with your high standards, Minerva? It's not much but I wanted to give you something special, since you are the new head of Hogwarts Dueling Club. And I'm sure the bracelet will come in quite handy should we have any more dueling in the hallways," he added speaking in generalities so as not to divulge her private affairs in public.

"Albus Dumbledore, you are wonderful! This is the best gift I've received in a long time and words just don't do it justice. You're always looking out for my best interests and safety and that means more to me than anything." She stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed his cheek before wiping off the tiny trace of lipstick that remained.

Again, Albus blushed but this time he did not try to disguise the reddish coloring on his cheeks. Instead, he basked in the warmth which had infused them and smiled proudly as Minerva took his arm and led him out into the street and towards the bookshop.

Several times throughout the day, he noticed Minerva inspecting her bracelet with wonder and awe. She held out her arm to admire it from a distance, then brought it closer to her face in order to appreciate its' rare beauty. "Albus, do you think you could cast a few simple spells at me so I can get the feel of the bracelet? I'd like to see just how powerful it is and then perhaps we can work on making it even stronger before the club's first meeting. That is, of course, if you have time enough to spare for me."

Albus chuckled at her enthusiasm over the small gift and was secretly extremely pleased with her fascination involving it. "I think I could manage to throw a few curses your way today. Why don't we plan on meeting after dinner in the room you would like to use for the club? Speaking of dinner, we should probably start heading back."

Their walk back to Hogwarts was quiet and only the chirping of birds and the crunching of snow under their feet could be heard. As they neared the castle, the excited yells of students, likely playing in the snow, ended the tranquility around them. "Albus, I think it might be best if I sat next to you at dinner tonight."

"Of course, my dear." Albus looked toward Minerva and noticed that she was nervously biting at her lip. "Minerva, I am sure that you will be fine."

"But what if I lose my temper again? I haven't seen him since the fight and I am not sure how I will react."

"Just remember that Michael is not worth the effort and perhaps we will get lucky and he will not show for the evening meal."

Minerva smiled at Albus; grateful once again that she had him to lean on for support. The two professors stood at the gate to the grounds, each unwilling to be the one to break the spell which had wound around them. Their eyes were locked and the world seemed to disappear if only for a few moments.

A snowball landed just short of where they stood and a hastily yelled apology was thrown their way before the squealing and laughing of the students resumed. But the spell had been broken and Albus quietly kissed the back of Minerva's hand. "I told Hagrid that I would stop by his hut tonight but I will see you shortly." He turned in the direction of the forest and started to move forward but turned back before getting very far. "And Minerva, everything will be fine so stop worrying. I will not allow anything to happen which upsets you."

For all her worth, Minerva hoped that would be the case as she quickly made her way to her own rooms. The afternoon with Albus had been wonderful. In fact, he had been the only reason this entire ordeal had been as bearable as it was now. His optimism and protectiveness seemed to create a shield around her, encompassing her in a sense of security and peacefulness that she hadn't felt in years.

As she took her place at the Head Table beside Albus, only he was able to notice the slight tremor of her body, no doubt to her nervous state. She had a lot on her mind, first and foremost was Michael and her reaction to seeing him. Albus slipped his hand beneath the table and gave hers a reassuring squeeze as she turned to him and smiled.

"Well, well, well! It would seem our little vixen has decided to come out of hiding and face the real world for a change," Michael spat as he walked up behind them.

"Good evening, Michael," Albus said biting his tongue to keep his temper at bay.

"It would certainly seem that way, at least for you," he answered with a smirk to his face. "Tell me Albus, how long did she wait before jumping into your bed and warming your sheets?"

Minerva felt a burning sensation begin to bubble in her stomach and a fire flashed in her eyes as she turned around to fully face her ex-lover. "Unlike you, I am not in the habit of jumping from bed to bed with whomever is available! And what I do or do not decide to do with my body is no longer any concern of yours, now or ever!"

Michael reached up and grasped her shoulders tightly, causing Minerva to wince in pain. "You listen to me, you embarrassed me and I was called into the Headmaster's office and reprimanded because of your stupidity! I think you owe me a hell of a lot!"

"She doesn't owe you anything, Michael, and if you do not remove your hands from her person this instant, I will make certain you are escorted off these premises before you even have time to pack a bag!" Albus stated calmly though the anger was obvious in his voice. "And for the record, Minerva and I have never shared an intimate act together but I can promise you this, if we had I wouldn't be a fool and let her slip away!"

Michael let go of Minerva's shoulder as Albus rose to his full height. However, he was not about to back down entirely and his eyes gleamed as a vicious thought took hold. "I can't believe I hadn't realized it before now. To think I have been so blind. I wonder if Minerva even realizes. This whole charade, it is all an act to get Minerva between your sheets so you can molest her. You should be ashamed…"

"Professor Grady, you are to remove yourself from this hall at once. Your actions and accusations are unconscionable and you have left me no choice but to put you on report. Headmaster Dippet will be calling you to his office shortly."

When Professor Grady did not move, his eyes narrowing in hatred, Albus called to Hagrid who had just entered from the side door. "Unless you leave of your own will now, I will be required to have you escorted out. Which will it be?"

Michael looked over to see Hagrid moving toward him with a dark glint in his eye and decided that he would take his chances on his own. "Deputy, Professor, until next time." The sneer is his voice was beyond cold as he turned away and headed out the door Hagrid had just entered through.

"Would yeh like me to follow him Professor?" Hagrid's usually kind beetle black eyes were tinged with suspicion.

"That will not be necessary Hagrid. Thank you for your assistance. I believe it would be best to settle down before the students start arriving." Albus looked worried as he glanced at Minerva. He was surprised to find laughter in her eyes and a smile on her face.

To say he was confused would have been an understatement. Of all the emotions he expected to see in her eyes, mirth was not one of them. "Minerva, may I inquire as to what you find so amusing in this whole altercation?"

"The look on his face…the look on yours! I don't think I've ever seen him so scared or you so visibly upset," she said struggling hard to retain her composure. "And when he suggested you might find me desirable…well that's just absurd. I mean, I am not the type of woman who could turn your head," she added quickly. She couldn't help but think of how wrong she wished that sentence to be and how much she wanted him, more than she had ever wanted anyone.

"Minerva, this is serious. He is certainly not going to give up easily and he's made it clear that he wants both of us harmed. I'm sorry he called your honor into question and please do not think for one moment that I would use this horrible set of events to lure you into my arms. I am not that sort of man but I think you already know that."

"I do and once again I find myself owing you a huge debt. If you hadn't been here to intervene I dare say I would be invited to a private audience with Armando again and this one would not be nearly as positive as the last one." She reached out to touch his arm before continuing. "And for the record, I do not think for one moment that you would take advantage of the situation to molest me as he so crudely put it. I think you are a wonderful man. I'm sure any woman lucky enough to find herself in your arms would be hard pressed to let you go."

He blushed at her words and felt himself drained as the adrenaline from the moment began to wear off. "And just to let you in on a little secret, I find you extremely desirable and any man should consider himself blessed to have you return his affections, myself included. As I said, if I had you in my arms I wouldn't be fool enough to ever let you go."

Before she could respond to his comments, Armando approached them. He had nearly been knocked over by Professor Grady as he stormed down the hallway, muttering something about old men, sex, and Minerva. Realizing that there must have been something brewing in the Great Hall, Armando quickened his steps until he stood directly behind Albus and Minerva, both staring into each other's eyes as if they were the only two people in the world.

"What do you mean he has disappeared?" Albus was pacing back and forth in front of Armando's desk. He had left Minerva at the entrance to her new rooms not five minutes earlier after they had enjoyed a very lovely dinner together. They had agreed to meet in a few hours time so Minerva could test her new bracelet and while on the way to his office, Albus had received a summons from the Headmaster.

"As I said, when I summoned Professor Grady to my office he did not appear. I have spoken to the house elves and they have not seen him, although they are still in the process of checking the castle."

"I do not like the sound of this, Armando. I think he is up to something. You should have seen him at dinner. He does not seem like the same man that we once all knew so well. He was very angry and bitter, even hateful, against Minerva and me." Albus took at seat across from his long time friend and mentor.

"Do not jump to conclusions just yet Albus. First let us see if we can locate him." Armando seemed to be lost in thought and Albus stood to take his leave. "However, I do not wish to take any chances and therefore, until we can ascertain his intentions, I would like Minerva to be aware that Michael may be a threat so please tell her what has transpired. I will owl you as soon as I know something."

Albus turned and paused, choosing his words carefully so as not to upset the Headmaster any further. "For her protection and safety, I'll do more than that. I do not think she should be left alone for long periods of time." Armando started to say something but was cut short by Albus' raised hand. "No, Armando, listen to me. I saw the way he looked at her and I heard the violence in his voice. He's out to hurt her and I wouldn't put it past him to ambush her when she least expects it."

"Very well, Albus, but remember this. All of this started over a lover's spat and as such emotions are running much higher than normal. Also, I'm sure while Professor McGonagall willfully acknowledges her part in this upheaval, she must also realize that bringing you into it might also create more problems. Even though she is truthfully the injured party in all of this, Michael apparently still believes she belongs to him." Armando rose from his seat and crossed to place a hand on Albus' shoulder. "Be careful and watch your back, too, dear friend."

Albus walked slowly down the darkened corridor to Minerva's rooms. He was truly torn between what he wanted to do and what would seem proper for him to do. In the end, he decided to lead with his heart, for if anything happened to Minerva, he would not be able to live with himself, knowing that he might have prevented something terrible.

"May I come in?"

The surprised look on Minerva's face was quickly hidden by a smile of pleasure. She backed into the room to allow Albus entrance. "To what do I owe this unexpected visit? I didn't miss the appointed time did I? I knew I shouldn't have started grading the seventh year essays."

As Minerva started to fret about their meeting which was scheduled for later that night, Albus walked into the room. He watched her as she started to straighten the papers which were strewn across her writing table and piled on the floor beside her chair. Her hair had been taken out of its customary bun and was dancing in time with her movements, her skin glowed from the soft candlelight and Albus felt his insides start to melt at the sight. Closing his eyes to burn the image into his mind, a sigh of pure want of the woman before him escaped his lips.

"Is anything the matter?"

Minerva's eyes were trained on him and Albus reached for her hand. "You did not miss our appointment Minerva. I have some news from Headmaster Dippet and I am afraid that it isn't good."

An uncontrollable shudder passed through her body and into his, forcing him to draw her into his arms for comfort. "Now don't get upset just yet, dear. While what I have to say is not horrible, I fear it is something which we should treat seriously." He pushed her back a ways to look into her eyes. His mind screamed for him to close the distance and kiss her soft looking lips but he remembered Michael's words from earlier about wanting to get her between his sheets. Knowing that he had always found her attractive and would love to pursue a romantic relationship with her now was not to the time to act upon it. It was simply too soon.

"Albus, you're worried. I can sense it," she said nervously. "Whatever it is, just tell me, please. I don't like seeing you like this."

Albus proceeded to tell her the entire conversation with Armando, leaving out his last remarks before he left. There were just some things Minerva didn't need to know just yet and his feelings for her ranked among the top of the list. "So you see, we don't know where he is but after this evening's little display, I do not feel it's safe to leave you alone. There's no telling what he's planning, if anything. But I can't take that chance. I don't know what I'd do if something happened to you, Minerva."

Minerva took a few moments to calm herself before responding to everything Albus had told her. She was torn between sadness and anxiety at the news of Michael's disappearance and anger that she was put in such a position by a man she had cared for so deeply at one time. "Albus, why would Michael do this? I know we had our issues and Merlin knows I would never take him back after his transgression but I would have been willing to work things out so we could at least still work in the same place."

Albus looked into Minerva's sad eyes and felt his heart breaking for her. "He is being a fool Minerva and allowing his emotions to rule his actions. Perhaps he will come to his senses before too long. But until that time, I must beg you to please allow someone to escort you around the school. I do not wish anything to happen to you."

As Albus impressed upon her again his concerns, he saw her eyes take on a determined heat and hoped he was not in for too great a fight. "I understand your concerns Albus but I do not wish to feel trapped by him of all people. I will not give up my freedom to do as I please. It would give him no small amount of pleasure if he knew I was a prisoner in my rooms. However, in concession to the seriousness of the situation, I will promise not to wander off by myself during the evenings and weekends. But I must insist that during the school days, I am free to come and go as I please without someone trailing me."

Albus sighed heavily and nodded his head. He knew better than to defy Minerva' wishes. He had seen others try that approach with her, only to fail miserably. "I understand your reasoning and as uncomfortable as it makes me feel to think of you in potential danger, I will concede to your wishes. However, if it's not asking too much, do you think you would consent to spending at least a few of your evenings with me, playing chess or a card game perhaps?"

Minerva smiled. She knew that this was his small way of protecting her and it endeared him to her even more. In all their years of friendship, there had never been a game that didn't take several evenings to finish, which would mean her spending the remainder of the week in his rooms until very late in the evening. No doubt, he'd escort her to her rooms, then insist upon checking them to make sure they were safe for her to enter. Then, as had become his custom of late, he would be back at her door early in the morning to walk her to breakfast, thus starting the cycle all over again.

Albus waited with baited breath for her to answer his simple request. In truth, he hated denying her the freedom to roam about as she chose but as it were, that wasn't a risk he was willing to take. And by inviting her to chess, he could practically ensure her safety for several nights, if he moved his men correctly across the worn board.

"I think a rousing game of chess, maybe two, would be just what I need each evening to take my mind off my worries. Though, it will have to be after all of my work is done for the day. I will not allow my students to suffer just because I am in a peculiar set of circumstances.

"Wonderful! I was hoping you'd agree," he said practically beaming. "Well then, I suppose I should leave you for the night but I'll be by early in the morning to walk with you to breakfast." He took her hand and kissed the back of it softly. "Goodnight, Minerva and sleep well."

Minerva stood puzzled then giggled just before he walked through the door. "Umm, Albus, weren't we supposed to practice with my new bracelet?" she asked waving her arm which proudly adorned the gift.

Albus felt a warm blush infuse his cheeks before he chuckled. "Right you are, as always, my dear. I was so wrapped up in the latest turn of events that I completely forgot." He grasped her extended hand in his and gave it a gentle squeeze. "So, Professor, do you think you're ready to match hexes and spells with me this evening?" he asked with a daring twinkle in his clear blue eyes.

TBC…and thank you for all the reviews. We sincerely appreciate them!