A/N: I am almost ashamed to post this chapter. It has been such a long time since I've updated this chapter. Darn you, writer's block! Sorry it's kind of short. I promise a longer chapter next time. Please review, review, review!
Minerva's face turned upward to his, yet her lips still did not touch his. Then Albus crushed her lips with his, kissing her very passionately, but very tenderly. Silvery-gold stars cascaded from the altar over their entwined figures. When Albus looked at Minerva again, he could see in her face that she loved him as much as he loved her. A small smile quirked Minerva's perfect lips when she heard Hagrid bawling loudly and Rolanda hissing at him to be quiet.
A lone tear of happiness trickled down her cheek as she leaned upward to melt her lips against the lips of her beloved.
A year passed in a blur of bliss for Minerva and Albus. The dawn rose early and bright every day, as though even the heavens were celebrating their union.
It was Sunday, and Albus and Minerva were sitting down to breakfast at their little cottage on the outskirts of Essex. Minerva had set a cup of hot chocolate in front of Albus, and brushed her slender fingers across his knuckles. He captured her cool hand in his and brought it to his lips. She beamed down radiantly at him, reaching upwards to straighten his crooked glasses. The sapphire blue of his eyes twinkled lovingly at her. Albus put his newspaper farther away on the table and drew Minerva closer to him. She sat nimbly on his knees and pressed her lips briefly to his. Just as she was about to draw away and rise, Albus tightened his hold slightly on her and gave her a gentle squeeze.
"Don't let go so soon, Minerva." Albus pleaded quietly. "Stay with me…I need you."
"Albus, really, I'm just going to get some more hot chocolate for you. I'll be right…"
"No, no, I don't want any more. Besides…you taste even better than hot chocolate. You look ravishingly hot…and your skin smells so delightfully chocolate-y."
"Really, Albus."
"Mmm-hmmm?"
"You are impossible …to say no to."
"Yes, I know."
/-/-/-/-/
The sharp rap on their window made Minerva and Albus leap apart. Their owl, Apollo, was bearing a small letter with the Ministry seal upon it. Minerva crossed the room to open the window and Apollo landed lithely on her arm. Minerva gently carried the owl over to Albus, who detached the letter but did not read it.
"You look beautiful, love. Have I told you that?"
Minerva smiled lightly. "Yes, dear…many times. But I never tire from hearing it."
"As I will never tire of saying so. You are so like a goddess."
Albus slit the letter with a tap of his wand and withdrew a sheaf of parchment.
"Dear Headmaster Dumbledore," he read. "It is my greatest pleasure to invite you and your Deputy to the annual Triwizarding conference, which normally takes place one month after the tournament itself."
"Well, obviously," Minerva scoffed. She rolled her eyes at Fudge's pompous wording.
"We are looking forward to your response. Sincerely yours, Cornelius Fudge, Minister of Magic."
"Well?" Albus said softly. "Would you like to go?"
Minerva's eyes clouded briefly. "I would…but I have nothing suitable to wear. I couldn't possibly wear black robes to a formal ball."
Albus' mischievous smile returned.
"Ah, my dear, I think I could remedy that."
