Chapter 5
Albus had left Armando in the mediwitch's capable hands. She had told him that the Headmaster had a mild concussion but that his wounds should heal quickly. After a quick conversation with his mentor and friend about their next course of action, Albus had decided to hurry back to Minerva's chambers. With Michael on the loose and obviously quite dangerous, he did not want to leave her alone any longer than was necessary.
As he neared her chambers and was about to knock, her door was thrown open and a man came tumbling out. It only took Albus a few seconds to discern what had happened as a likeness of himself took off down the hall. He was about to run after Michael with a determination to put all of this to an end when he caught sight of Minerva lying on the floor, motionless.
Instantly, Albus was by her side. He started to cast several charms to determine her wounds when he heard the sweetest sound on earth, her voice. "Albus, Michael was just here. You must go after him."
Albus sighed in relief as he helped Minerva to sit up. "I must do no such thing until I know you are safe."
Minerva huffed as she stood, swaying just slightly on her feet. "I am perfectly fine. He only pushed me over the sofa. The important thing is to catch that bastard before he gets away again."
Albus looked at her incredulously. Just pushed over a sofa. She had just gone through another traumatic experience, one of several in the last few days and yet she was willing to dismiss it so carelessly. He could see in her eyes and stance that she was still a bit unnerved and he felt his anger grow exponentially as he caught site of the faint bruises that were forming around her neck. He reached up and grasped her shoulder in an attempt to get her attention.
Minerva flinched as Albus' fingers made contact with her bruised skin. Reflexively he dropped his hand, until he noticed the pain radiating in her eyes. As gently as he could he pulled the material of her gown away just enough to show the formation of deep purple bruises in the shape of a hand. His finger traced the outline, his emotions raging between fear for Minerva and absolute anger at Michael.
A warm magical breeze began to blow lightly around them as Albus' powers radiated from within. Despite all of his efforts to ensure her safety, Minerva had still been vulnerable to Michael's devious intentions. It wasn't until Minerva's delicate hand cupped his cheek that he was able to once again focus all of his energies on the witch before him and the breeze dissipated.
"Albus, I'm fine, really. You need to go after him quickly. The longer he stays free, the angrier he will become and…"
The real Albus looked at Minerva and she felt the familiar pull of his eyes, nothing like it had been when she looked into the eyes of Michael disguised as Albus. "I'm scared, Minerva. I'm scared of what I'd do to him if I found him right now. He's long gone and my chances of catching him are slim so I'd like to stay here, with you."
His words tugged strongly at her heartstrings as she felt the full impact of his words, coupled with the calming feeling of his fingertips across a portion of her skin, still red from her attacker. A single nod from her head was all it took for Albus to draw her slowly into his arms, reassuring both himself and her that she was safe and basically unharmed. Guiding her to the sofa, he settled down and pulled her into his arms.
Telling Armando could wait until tomorrow. Having Minerva looked over by the mediwitch could wait as well. The only thing Albus wanted to do was feel Minerva's body pressed against his as he held her tightly, ensuring her safety and protecting her from the madman who had pretended to be him. "Minerva, how did you know that wasn't me earlier?"
She thought about telling him how his touches made her tingle or how his gentle voice warmed her soul. "I looked into his eyes and what I saw there did not reflect what I've come to cherish within your blue ones. His eyes were cold and calculating while yours always hold a twinkle, a glint of mischief, and maybe something more." Minerva yawned and rested her head against Albus' chest, gripping him tightly as she summoned a blanket from the bedroom. Covering them both with the fabric, she slipped off to sleep as Albus mulled over her words and their possible meanings in his mind.
Minerva woke early feeling extremely well rested. She stretched her languid limbs and pulled herself into a sitting position. As her toes touched the cool rug covered floor, a hint of lemon wafted to her through the air. Her thoughts wrapped around that familiar scent and the events of last night came rushing back to her. Especially the part where she fell asleep in Albus' arms. She could still remember the warm feeling that stole over her as she had reclined against him.
A rosy hue tinted her cheeks as she remembered her parting words to him, just before she fell asleep. She had been a bit circumspect but Albus could always read her so well. She wondered what he thought of her partial confession. She ran a hand through her dark hair and headed toward the restroom, her mind still wrapping around all of the events that had transpired last night.
As she opened the door, a cloud of moist heat caused her to halt mid-step. Minerva blinked as her vision adjusted to the bright lighting. Her hand, which had recently been untangling her hair, flew to her mouth and her eyes widened. She found that her limbs would not obey her brain's command to flee. Before her, Albus was hastily covering his naked form with one of her fluffy towels.
"I'm…so sorry," she stammered out. "I didn't realize…I forgot…oh no." And with that final stammering attempt at an apology, Minerva flung herself out the door and slammed it shut before rushing back to her bed.
As she sat down, she realized that her hands were trembling. So many thoughts and emotions were swirling through her head. What would Albus think? Was he upset? Was she truly upset? He did cut a rather fine figure, better than she had ever imagined. Shaking her head to remove that line of thinking before it even started, Minerva took a deep breath. She would have to confront Albus sooner or later, and perhaps sooner would be better.
But no matter how hard she tried, she could not shake the image of a naked Albus Dumbledore standing before her in all his glory. His well-defined muscles did not reveal his true age, nor did the rather exciting sight of his manhood. She had only caught a fleeting glimpse of him before the towel hid him from her roving eyes but it was more than enough to create a definite stirring within Minerva's own body. She giggled as she briefly contemplated how different he would look under another set of circumstances and with a much better greeting than the one she had given him only moments before.
Albus wasn't sure whether to be embarrassed that she had seen him or deeply apologetic for taking such a liberty as using her shower without asking first. A prominent gleam in his eyes, however, showed that he was leaning towards neither of those options. While he had been profoundly sorry that he had given Minerva such a start and so early in the morning, he chuckled to himself as he remembered her face. There was a mixture of shock and shyness in her face but her eyes…those emerald green eyes which held the key to her emotions…they showed something more. He was nearly certain he had seen appreciation for his form and that put a new spring into his step. Perhaps he wasn't such an old man after all.
With the towel securely wrapped around his waist, he eased open the bathroom door. He half expected Minerva to be seated on the sofa where they had spent the previous night cuddled together but instead all he found was an empty room. Fearing he might have offended her, Albus summoned his wand and quickly set out to make amends.
On the desk in one corner of the room was a bright red quill Minerva often used for marking her seventh year essays. With every intention of replacing the quill on his next trip into Hogsmeade, Albus summoned the writing utensil and transfigured it into a stunning rose. Then, with a broad smile, he waved his hand over the fragrant flower and watched as it replicated until the entire room was filled with hundreds of the most amazing flowers. Surveying his work, he was certain that the herbology professor would most assuredly stand in awe of the delicate flowers he was creating for Minerva.
"Albus, I…." For the second time that morning, Minerva got a shock. She had anticipated seeing Albus, fully dressed and no doubt angry or embarrassed by what had just happened. Instead, she walked back into her sitting room to find it filled with hundreds of flowers, which had not been there before, and Albus standing among them. She could not see his entire body for the numerous flowers protecting his waist and legs but from what she could see, he was still only partially dressed. An intense heat flooded her veins as she locked eyes with him, rooting her to the spot where she stood as he slowly crossed the room to her.
"I owe you an apology, my dear. I thought I could catch a quick shower before you woke. I had intended to be finished and dressed earlier but I couldn't tear myself away from you. I rather liked holding you in my arms and from the way you groaned when I did break away, I dare say you enjoyed the feeling too."
"I…you…what do you mean I groaned?" she asked, remembering a particularly vivid dream she had been having shortly before she woke.
Albus laughed. "Just what I said. I started to untangle myself from you and when I went to move your arms you tightened them around me and mumbled something about…mmmm…Albus…so close… or something along those lines." He watched as her eyes flashed with a multitude of emotions. As he retold the events from his perspective, he watched as her eyes darkened, just as he had imagined they might when she was aroused. He had neglected to tell Minerva that he had brushed her hair back from her neck and shoulders and was lazily trailing his fingertips across her pajama-clad skin for several moments before her mumbled words escaped her pink lips. He had tightened his grip on her and pressed a soft kiss to her temple only seconds after her sleeping declaration. In fact it had been a particularly stirring moment in more ways than one and he was nearly certain that Minerva would not appreciate his member waking her up with its' insistent nudging. Hence, the shower and the resulting unannounced but certainly not unwelcome visitor into the bathroom.
Minerva still hadn't responded and Albus chuckled softly. "I intended to be dressed and out the door to see Armando before you found my gift. I hope you can forgive my state of undress."
Minerva tried to tear her eyes away his form. Her mouth had gone dry and her mind couldn't seem to form a coherent thought. "You are more than welcome…I mean, I should be the one to apologize. It seems that I keep barging in on you. If you will just excuse me…"
As Minerva turned to hurry back through her bedroom door, Albus' hand caught hers. With a startled jump, Minerva looked up into his eyes. She at once felt lost in the blue that seemed to delve into her soul. She watched as his gaze searched hers and unconsciously she moved a step toward him. His thumb brushed across her lips and a warm tingling sensation assaulted her senses. Minerva felt his breath flutter across her cheek and her eyes closed in pleasure.
His lips, warm and soft, pressed across her mouth and before she could respond, the contact was broken. She allowed herself to live in the moment for a few more seconds before she opened her eyes. And when she did, she was dismayed to find that she was alone. Minerva sighed and picked up a beautiful red rose. She allowed the heady scent to fill her senses before she turned and headed to her bedroom, her mind swirling as she contemplated all that had transpired that morning.
Albus was walking down the hall, his feelings in turmoil. He should not have taken such liberties with Minerva. Only a few days had passed since she had been spoken for and here he was pushing his intentions upon her. But the sight of her that morning among the dozens of flowers and looking so beautiful, well he couldn't help himself. He only hoped that she would see it in her heart to forgive him.
All was not happy in the world, however. There was one wizard who had spent the better part of his waking hours brooding and devising plan after plan, none of which seemed suitable for his type of retribution. Minerva had scorned him. Albus had mocked him. And as a result, both should pay dearly. The only question now was how and when they should meet their fates.
The small shack Michael had found in an obscure area outside of Hogsmeade held none of the creature comforts he had grown accustomed to during tenure at Hogwarts. Just thinking of Minerva and Albus enjoying all the things he had been forced to leave behind made his blood boil. What was worse was the fact that they were no doubt enjoying them together while he suffered unjustly in his opinion.
His mind raced with scenario after scenario, devious plan after devious plan. None of them seemed fitting for the amount of anger he held in his heart for them. Minerva had been his for so long and how she could easily replace him in her heart and eventually her bed was beyond his comprehension. In his demented mind, he found it unfathomable that Albus could even come close to giving her the kind of satisfaction that a younger lover could. Even if that younger lover was taking pleasures elsewhere along with whatever Minerva had to give.
No, he had been caught in their bed with another woman but Minerva should understand that she just wasn't meeting his needs. Yes, it was all her fault that he had to look elsewhere to have his needs attended to and if that hurt her in the end, then she should have been more diligent about performing her duties as his fiancée.
Now, nothing short of absolute humiliation, begging for him to return to their bed, and a vow to never stray from him again would suffice. All of that hinged upon one man…Albus. Once he was out of the picture, Minerva would be too scared to resist him again and he'd have his woman and his dignity back. And that could not happen soon enough.
"Enough of this nonsense! I have a school to run and I can't do it from this bed." Headmaster Dippet was growling at the resident mediwitch who was forcefully pushing him back onto the bed as Albus pushed through the doors to the infirmary.
"Armando Zachariah Dippet, if you do not get back in that bed…oh, hello Albus."
"Hello Jean. Armando." Albus nodded his head as he came closer to the bickering couple. "How are you feeling today?"
"I am perfectly fine."
"He is not perfectly fine. He suffered a concussion and is too weak to go back to his duties. What he doesn't realize is that the school can be left in your very capable hands for one day."
Albus chuckled as he took in Armando's scowling face. "If I were you, I would do as she says. I have everything under control. Now if you very lovely wife would allow me just a few minutes of your time, I will take my leave so that you can rest properly."
Albus' eyes twinkled as he watched Armando give a deep sigh before shrugging his shoulders. "I suppose it is just as well. If I really did leave, I would most likely have to stay an extra night here as I would be thrown out of our rooms."
"It is nice to see that you are finally coming around to my way of thinking." With a kiss on her husband's head, Jean warned Albus that he only had fifteen minutes and then he had to leave.
"If I didn't know she loved me…"
"But she does, and a great deal. You know she would not make you stay here unless she felt it was vital to your health." Albus sat in the sturdy chair next to Armando's bed.
"She is quite a woman." Albus watched as Armando's eyes gazed in the direction his wife had left. But his attention was soon back on his Transfiguration professor. "Now, I can tell you have some news."
And so Albus shared with Armando the events which occurred on the previous night after he had been taken to the infirmary. "She is fine, only shaken. I took care of the few bruises myself. However, I think it is time that we informed the Ministry of what has happened and I will start the process of finding a temporary Charms instructor, with your permission of course."
Headmaster Dippet nodded his consent. "Yes, the ministry must be informed. I feel that Michael has not made his last appearance here and if possible I would like to find him before that happens."
Albus stood, taking Armando's hand in his own. "I had better take my leave before Jean appears. I would not wish to be on the wrong side of her temper. I will send word as soon as I know something."
A swirl of green robes flew rather quickly down the corridors towards the previously unused room near the transfiguration classroom. Minerva prided herself on never being late but the events from this morning had certainly caused her mind to wander in so many different directions that it was hard to focus on any one small thing. At that thought, Minerva had to stifle a giggle. There was nothing small about Albus Dumbledore. In fact, he seemed to be just perfect. As the heat from her thoughts settled upon her cheeks, Minerva took several calming breaths before entering her classroom.
"Good Morning. I trust you all are here to enhance your skills should you ever need to defend yourselves. I should not have to warn you that while I will try to make our sessions as enjoyable and as interesting as possible, there will be a lot of hard work. If you are not up to the challenge, then perhaps now would be a good time to find other things to occupy your time."
After pausing for a long moment, giving any student a chance to make a hasty exit, Minerva began her class with a few demonstrations of blocking spells and counter measures for safety.
"Professor, can you show us the moves you put on Professor Grady?" a rather brash Slytherin student dared to ask from the back of the room.
At first Minerva was unsure how to take his comment. This particular fellow had given her problems in the past and no doubt he was attempting to get a rise out of his professor.
"No I cannot. While you are all quite talented in your own ways, I dare say that none of you are a match for that kind of display…yet. But that's something I hope we can change by meeting as often as the schedule permits. Now, I need you all to pair off and we will begin our practical lessons."
Albus stood at the edge of the door and watched Minerva intently. She always held such a command over her classes and while giving them the necessary information and guidance she tried to make her classes somewhat fun and interesting. But the longer he stood in the doorway, the less interested he became in the actual lesson being taught. Rather, his attentions were focused on the woman teaching.
The way the sunlight streamed through the windows and danced across her hair caused it to shine brilliantly. Her curvaceous body moved gracefully about the room, her hips swinging only slightly as she walked. The emerald green robes she wore clung to her womanly figure, teasing and taunting him with every swirl of the fabric and he felt a stirring beginning within him as she looked his way and winked.
Having her in his arms when he woke this morning had been the best feeling in the world. Her warm body snuggled into his and the way her soft voice had protested when he went to move was something he never wished to forget. But he had to ask himself if it was too soon to be entertaining thoughts of a romantic relationship with her. While he wanted nothing more than to make her his own, he needed to ensure that she actually felt something for him and not just because of what had happened with Michael Grady.
The students were practicing throwing low-level jinxes at each other and Albus carefully picked his way toward the object of his thoughts. Just as he was nearing her he caught sight of a sixth-year Slytherin covertly throwing a curse at one of his Gryffindors whose back was turned.
"Mr. Kent, may I ask what it is you think you are doing?" Albus' voice rang out in the room causing all eyes to lock onto him.
The guilty Slytherin looked wide-eyed and tentatively voiced a nothing sir.
"Since when is jinxing someone whose back is to you proper form?"
Looking abashed the student, one who was planning on pursuing a degree in transfiguration and who Albus had always thought rather highly of, answered in a wavering voice. "It is never appropriate sir."
"That will be twenty points from Slytherin Mr. Kent and detention with me tomorrow." Albus turned to speak to the class. "During a duel there are certain rules to be followed as Professor McGonagall stated. However, that does not mean that there are not ways in which you can surprise your opponent or take them off guard."
Albus watched as Minerva stepped back, an obvious sign that he could take the reins. He looked around the room until his gaze rested on the boy who had just lost his house points. "Mr. Kent, since you seem so interested in learning these tactics, please join me on the platform to help in my demonstration."
Albus did not wait for a nod of agreement as he climbed the steps at the far end of the dais. The nervous boy swallowed visibly and after straightening his back strode up the steps at the opposite end. They each took a position in front of the other.
"I will not throw a single jinx at Mr. Kent." The boy visibly relaxed and Albus tried to hide his grin. "However, I will block anything he throws at me as well as creating an atmosphere to catch him off guard."
The two bowed to each other and took the appropriate number of steps in the opposite direction. When they turned, Mr. Kent threw a disarming spell at Albus, which he blocked easily. His opponent's face was screwed up in concentration as he hurled spell after spell at him.
Albus waited for the boy to pause in his onslaught and then he started his defense. He softly uttered a spell, waving his wand in a high arch. An icy cold wind whipped around the room causing several shrieks from the audience before it swirled around the Slytherin boy. His robes flew up to block his face and the young man struggled to push them down.
As the spell started to die, Albus uttered an incantation which caused a candy wrapper on the ground to turn into a giant hawk, which screeched in fury before hurtling toward the rafters and circling his opponent below.
Mr. Kent hit the ground covering his head with his arms and Albus used that moment to create a thick fog, which enveloped the classroom. Muffled shouts could be heard and Albus waited a few moments before he shouted finite incantatem.
All was silent, most of the student's eyes were opened wide in wonder or fear. For a moment, Albus thought he had gone too far and he sought Minerva's gaze. She smiled at him and nodded. Suddenly applause broke out from a group of his Gryffindors and it didn't take long for the action to spread like wildfire around the room.
At the conclusion of the class, most of the students took a moment to comment on Albus' tactics and how exciting the class had been. Minerva had to hide her amusement and enthusiasm when they eagerly asked when the next class would be held and if Professor Dumbledore would be there to assist.
"Seems you have quite the following among the younger generation," she teased as the last of the students left the classroom. "It would appear that even the young ladies, who were here because of the boys they fancied, are even looking forward to the next class thanks to you."
Albus shook his head as he looked down into Minerva's amused face. "You give me too much credit, Minerva. They will be back but not because of me. It's because of the lovely professor who initiated the club in the first place. Without her insight and boldness, none of this would have been possible."
Minerva's eyes took on a sad expression as he spoke. "You mean because of my rash behavior and my Scottish temper, don't you? After all, let's not forget the true reason this club was started. It was because of Michael and his whore in MY bed."
Without giving it a second thought, Albus pulled Minerva into his arms and held her tightly against him. "He was a fool Minerva, as I've told you before. He had perfection in his grasp and he let you slip away far too easily." His voice was now soft and soothing, making Minerva feel like nothing else mattered in the world except being in Albus' arms.
"How do you do it? How do you always know exactly what to say to make me feel better?"
"I just speak from my heart and hope that your heart will listen to what I am saying." Albus swallowed hard and then drew back from her a bit to look into her face. "Minerva, about this morning…I owe you an apology. I fear I overstepped my bounds in your rooms when I…"
"When you kissed me?" Albus nodded his head slowly, unsure if he was about to experience her wrath first hand. "You do owe me an apology. You didn't even give me a chance to properly respond to your kiss one way or the other before you dashed from the room." Minerva's face was unreadable as he searched for answers. "Perhaps you should give a woman a chance to answer your heart when you make such a bold and wonderful move on her."
Albus instinctively licked his lips as he felt the air around them grow thick with anticipation. His breathing had grown shallow and from the warmth spreading through his body, he knew this was the moment he had waited on for quite some time. "Minerva, I need to know that I'm not taking advantage of you and the situation. I wouldn't want you to think I was trying to make advances upon you so soon after your break up with Michael."
"Silly Albus. Have you not been listening to what I've been saying all this time? I realize that I've never truly loved him. There was always someone else who seemed to hold the key to my heart only he never knew it. And from the sounds of it, he still doesn't seem to recognize it."
Minerva took a step closer, her eyes never leaving his. Her tongue darted out to lick at her lips in anticipation and she smiled as she noticed that Albus' gaze was drawn to that simple act. His eyes darkened in color as her lips neared his own. Her eyes fluttered closed as they met, a spark of need and want coursed down her spine as his soft lips slanted across her own.
Her arms wrapped around his neck, drawing him closer to her. She cherished the hardness of his body pressed up against her curves. She sighed in pleasure as his tongue asked for entrance to her mouth. She complied with his request and felt her body respond in a haze of fiery emotion. Her love for him, the powerful emotion which had always been there hidden from even her own awareness, was poured into every caress, lick and nip of her response to his searching tongue.
Laughter down the corridor caused them to break apart a little earlier than Minerva would have liked. However, she realized that they were in a compromising position and the last thing she needed was for Armando to get wind of his Deputy and Defense professor kissing in a classroom. Albus eyes seemed unfocused as he looked at her and Minerva had to hide the smile that threatened to take over.
Taking his arm in hers, she reached up with her opposite hand and trailed a finger along his moist lips. "Perhaps you would care to walk me to my rooms, Professor Dumbledore. I think our…discussion…will be best continued by a warm fire."
Albus' eyes cleared after a moment and his face took on a glow as his mouth curved into a smile. "It would be my pleasure, Professor McGonagall."
The distance between the classroom and Minerva's private chambers had never seemed greater than it did as they searched for privacy. Miles and miles seemed to stretch between the two points but with quick, lighthearted steps, they were soon standing at the threshold of something new and exciting. With a smile and a softly spoken phrase, the portrait moved aside, permitting them sanctuary from the outside world.
As soon as the outer door closed, Albus reached his arm around Minerva's waist and drew her to him but was suddenly stopped by her hand on his chest. "Wards, first. I don't want any interruptions," she replied in answer to his unasked question. "I wasn't ready to break that kiss but we had no choice in the matter." Her voice turned husky, something he had never heard coming from her before. "And I was hoping we might try it again without the threat of intruders or prying eyes."
Albus swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. He couldn't believe his luck. He was actually standing in Minerva's rooms, listening to her tell him that she had enjoyed their brief interlude as much as he. Drawing his wand, he pointed it at the door and cast the strongest charms and wards upon the oak barrier, ensuring that nothing and no one could enter without their consent. As soon as the last syllable fell from his mouth, he felt her soft lips pressing against the side of his neck.
A powerful new feeling swept through Minerva as she listened to Albus cast the necessary spells on the rooms. She couldn't remember a time when she had felt so many emotions all at once. Love, warmth, want, need, desire, passion, and understanding all blended together to create a new sexy being within her. Pulling him over to the large burgundy sofa she motioned for him to make himself comfortable as she snuggled up beside him.
"Minerva, I…" Albus lost all train of thought as he watched Minerva deftly remove the pins holding her hair in place. The firelight danced across the long tresses, bathing her features in the softest light as she shook the strands loose and ran her fingers through her hair. She noticed his sudden quietness seconds before her eyes locked with his, her hands dropping to rest on his broad chest.
"See something interesting?" she purred, her face mere inches from his.
His hand came up to her cheek, his thumb brushing easily over her rosy and slightly swollen lips. The softness and warmth of her mouth against his flashed in his mind and before he could think, he had pulled her into his arms. "I see something I want," was his answer before his lips skimmed across hers teasingly yet with a hunger.
Minerva's body tingled deliciously as his lips nibbled across her jaw until she could feel his breath blowing softly on her ear. Her breath hitched in her chest, as her heart fluttered maddeningly.
"Hmmm, as much as I would enjoy tasting all of you, and I do mean all of you…" Albus' tongue darted out of his mouth and swirled across her lobe as she struggled to keep breathing. "…I think we need to take a moment to discuss our burgeoning relationship."
Albus leaned back from Minerva and she felt her body ache at his parting. "Albus, I told you that you are not taking advantage of me. In fact, I rather think I would like you to take more advantage of me than you are."
Minerva's hand reached out to pull him back to her but Albus deftly caught her hand and pulled it to his lips for a kiss. "My dear, as enticing a request as that is coming from your lips, I am afraid I can not. You see, I care for you a great deal and I do not want to rush you into a relationship with me." Albus held up his hand to forestall any of her arguments. "I know what you said Minerva but you have been through an emotionally turbulent time. And to be selfish, I have always wanted to court you, to woo you in a manner in which you deserve. You are perfection and as such, you deserve the best I have to offer."
"Oh Albus." Minerva felt her heart melt and she reached out and brushed her lips across his, which were still slightly parted from speaking.
Albus broke away reluctantly and stood. Twirling his wand, a single rose appeared in his hand. "Minerva McGonagall, would you do me the honor of accompanying me to dinner this coming Saturday?"
Minerva smiled, her face infusing with a blush. She was pleased, surprised and flattered by the attention. And although she didn't find it necessary, she couldn't help but want to be courted. "It would be my pleasure, Albus."
TBC…but only one more chapter to go! Thanks for all of your reviews!