|
|
Post by ginger newts on Sept 27, 2004 20:15:32 GMT -5
This could probably fit several categories, I'm putting it here, hope that's okay. Oh, and blame the e-Harmony ad I woke up to this morning.  Magical Matchmaking “Come on, Minerva, you haven’t dated since... Have you ever dated?” “I haven’t had the time for dating in a very long time, Rolanda. Besides, I’ve never met a man who interested me. They’re all either dreadfully boring or completely sexually focused, or worse – both.” Minerva McGonagall was beginning to regret ever agreeing to attend these Sunday afternoon “Ladies Teas.” Every week it was the same: the female staff of Hogwarts would gather in one of their offices and Minerva would be forced to sit and listen while they complained about their husbands, or boyfriends, or lack thereof. It seemed to Minerva that none of them were ever happy with what they had. It all made her very glad that she had quickly given up on dating, the endless stream of heart break and near-humorous disaster did not appeal to her in the slightest. Alright, some of her friends had found happiness in one man, but it seemed like far too much trouble to get there. Besides, Minerva was completely happy with her life the way it was...wasn’t she. She sighed, that was precisely the topic of conversation for the last fifteen minutes. After the other women had exhausted their own love lives they would turn without fail to harassing Minerva about her own. “You’ve got to start dating," Rolanda Hooch said. “And we won’t hear any arguments against it. If you don’t, you’re just going to turn into that stereotypical spinster school teacher with twenty cats.” She continued, ignoring Minerva’s clenched jaw and icy glare, “We’ve found the solution.” Here, Rolanda paused and looked to the woman who appeared to be her partner in crime. However, Poppy Pomfrey had no intention of being included in this. She was giving Minerva an almost pleading look, as if trying to say “hex her, not me, I had nothing to do with this.” Rolanda either didn’t notice any of this or was completely undaunted by it. She continued, “I couldn’t believe how simple it is. Your excuse is always that you don’t meet men anymore now that you’re always here at the school, but no more. The answer’s been here in the back of this magazine all the time!” She displayed the page with a flourish. “A personal ad?!” Minerva looked revolted. “No, no,” the flying instructor waved her hand impatiently. “A dating service!” “What?!” Minerva jumped to her feet. Rolanda was smiling broadly now, “Yes, you just fill out their questionnaire about yourself and what you’re looking for in a man and they match you up with someone. You can exchange owls, talk through the floo network, and then when you’re ready go on a date. We’ve got your form almost all filled out, I just need a little information from you.” There were no words to express Minerva’s outrage and the other occupants of the room were torn between fear of her fiery Scottish temper and curiosity over whether or not she would go through with this. “I refuse to participate in this.” “Well, that’s your choice of course,” Rolanda said in a sing-song mock innocent voice. “I’ll be sending it in anyway, so if you want it left up to me what kind of men you’ll be getting mail from...” Poppy decided to speak up, before Rolanda got herself hexed into the next millennium. “Minerva, I think she’s serious about this. I did manage to talk her out of using your real name and there’s no information that could give you away or embarrass you.” Minerva sat back down, defeated. If she didn’t play along her friends would send in Merlin only knew what information and she would be receiving mail from every idiot in the United Kingdom. Sighing, she signaled for them to begin the questioning. “Wonderful,” Rolanda exclaimed. “Now, do you mind dating younger men?” “Yes,” came Minerva’s instant reply. Poppy marked down her answer, “Do you mind dating older men?” There was a long pause before, blushing slightly and looking somewhat sheepish, Minerva let out an almost inaudible, “No.” Poppy and Rolanda shared a knowing grin with Sylvia Sprout and Rolanda couldn’t help herself. “Of course, we should have known that one ourselves, Poppy,” she said airily. Serena Sinistra couldn’t contain her curiosity, “Why is that?” “When we were in school, Minerva had rather a large crush on a particular professor,” Sylvia explained. “I did not!” Came the muffled reply from a very red-faced Minerva who had burried her head in her hands. “Right,” said Poppy sounding serious, “it wasn’t a crush, ladies. It was true love.” The she dissolved into giggles. “Which professor?” asked Rachel Vector. “Our Transfiguration Professor, of course,” answered Rolanda. “Minerva was his best student.” “Who taught Transfiguration then?” Rachel and Serena asked together. They were considerably younger then the other women and had been in the first class to have Minerva for Transfiguration for their entire seven years at Hogwarts. “Dumbledore,” Irma Pince answered quickly, causing everyone to turn and look at her. The younger women gasped with surprise before joining the giggles of the older witches. “Did you never date him, then?” Serena asked. “I always thought the two of you were involved when I was a student.” The questioning continued for another half an hour, alternating between Minerva’s schoolgirl crush on Albus Dumbledore to what she was looking for in a man now. By the time the tea was over, Minerva wanted to crawl into a dark hole and stay there – forever. She compromised by going to bed immediately and skipping dinner. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, at the Flamels: “So, Albus, any women catch your fancy lately?” “Nicholas, as Headmaster of Hogwarts I have very little time for dating and even less time for meeting women who don’t work at the school,” Albus protested. “That is no excuse,” Perenelle said, “You’ve been alone too long, dear boy, and I’ve found the solution. This doesn’t require much time at all, to begin with you only have to write the occasional letter.” Albus chuckled, “Only the two of you would call a man of 130 years ‘dear boy.’ Alright, what’s this plan, perhaps I will indulge you.” “A dating service,” Perenelle announced. “We’ve already filled out the part of the questionnaire about yourself, but you’re going to have to help us with what you’re looking for in a woman.” “Only on the condition that you don’t use my real name,” Albus said. “This could be diverting, but it won’t do to have people finding out that the Headmaster of our most prestigious school is using a dating service.” And so, Albus and the Flamels began to fill out his matchmaking form. |
|
|
|
Post by angharad on Sept 27, 2004 20:34:46 GMT -5
I'm enjoying this! Please continue!  |
|
|
|
Post by Sensiblyquirky on Sept 27, 2004 20:40:16 GMT -5
bloody brilliant!!! (hehe) I go talk on the phone, and this is what you do! I can't wait to see what you do with this one!
C
|
|
|
|
Post by Jestana on Sept 27, 2004 21:35:36 GMT -5
Oh my! I considered this as a plot bunny, but couldn't get it to work right! You're off to a great start! Bravo!
|
|
|
|
Post by Catwoman99 on Sept 27, 2004 21:53:54 GMT -5
;D It's brilliant! I love it thus far. Does anyone else find the eHarmony founder a little scary?
Please, ma'am, may I have some more?
-April :-)
|
|
|
|
Post by griseldalafey on Sept 28, 2004 1:38:35 GMT -5
Oh it's brilliant ;D This is going to be a *great* story, it already is.
And I adore Rolanda, such courage... 
|
|
|
|
Post by TabbyForever on Sept 28, 2004 5:02:53 GMT -5
Hey don't stop there!!!!
i love the idea...can't wait to read the next bit!!!!
Well done!! ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by ginger newts on Sept 28, 2004 9:14:35 GMT -5
Yes, April, he's a little creepy. For the record, I have NO idea as to the accuracy of what comes next, but I do like to consider myself quite skilled in the art of bs.  Two weeks later: One morning at breakfast, Albus and Minerva each received a letter that they quickly pocketed to read later, giving each other curious looks as they did so. Not having any classes to teach, Albus was able to open his letter immediately after breakfast. Magical Matchmakers, Inc. Dear Mr. Brian White, Congratulations! We have processed the information you gave us regarding yourself and your ideal partner and have found your first match. Do not be discouraged if this match does not work out, for we are sure we can find you several others. However, we have the utmost confidence that our matching process has found you just the right witch to complete your life. Please see her profile below: Diana McTavish: Diana is in her early 50's, her friends describe her as confident, intelligent, and beautiful without realizing it. She is a scientist and educator who paints in her spare time who has never been married and enjoys chess, reading, classical music, and quiet evenings at home. She is looking for a man her own age or older, who shares her interests, is intelligent, thoughtful, gentle, and he has to be able to handle her Scottish temper. Send any correspondence for Ms. McTavish to Magical Matchmakers with the user number 892614 and it will be forwarded. Thank you and good luck! Albus put the letter aside chuckling, if working with Minerva McGonagall for the past twenty years hadn’t taught him how to deal with a Scottish woman nothing ever would. He decided to write a letter to Diana. Minerva didn’t have a chance to open her letter until afternoon break, partly because of her classes and partly because she was putting it off. Taking a deep breath and a fortifying sip of her favorite tea, she finally slit the seal on the parchment envelope. Magical Matchmakers, Inc. Dear Ms. Diana McTavish, Congratulations! We have processed the information you gave us regarding yourself and your ideal partner and have found your first match. Do not be discouraged if this match does not work out, for we are sure we can find you several others. However, we have the utmost confidence that our matching process has found you just the right wizard to complete your life. Please see his profile below: Brian White: Brian is over 100, but his friends say he has the energy and vitality of a man half his age. They describe him as fun-loving, intelligent, and caring. He is a scientist and has worked as an educator, who enjoys chamber music, chess, quiet conversations, and taking walks outdoors. He is looking for a woman his own age or younger who shares his interests and is intelligent, witty, understanding, gentle, can make him laugh, and who can put up with his jokes and his addiction to candy. Send any correspondence for Mr. White to Magical Matchmakers with the user number: 897235 and it will be forwarded. Thank you and good luck! Minerva set the letter aside thinking this man didn’t seems so bad, perhaps she would write to him. She smiled, if working with Albus Dumbledore all these years hadn’t prepared her for a man who likes a good joke and eats too much candy then nothing ever would. |
|
|
|
Post by TabbyForever on Sept 28, 2004 9:43:40 GMT -5
Ummm i wonder who those letter could be talking about??!!! ;D
Loved it...this is a great story, i can't wait to see where you go with it!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by Jestana on Sept 28, 2004 11:19:42 GMT -5
*muffles giggles so she doesn't get strange looks in the computer lab* This could work in the humor category. I really needed that after the start my day got off to. Can't wait for more!
|
|
|
|
Post by Nerweniel on Sept 28, 2004 12:22:58 GMT -5
Mwahahaha ... how I like predictable stuff... IN A GOOD WAY ;D! Ah, so cute... write more soon please !!! Love, Liz |
|
|
|
Post by angharad on Sept 28, 2004 12:43:04 GMT -5
Hee-hee! I'm looking forward to seeing how you actually get to where we know this is going. ;D
|
|
|
|
Post by griseldalafey on Sept 28, 2004 13:15:29 GMT -5
I'm so loving this ;D They're so oblivious. *grin* Great story, can't wait to see what happens next. *goes looking for 'You've got m@il'*
|
|
|
|
Post by Sensiblyquirky on Sept 28, 2004 13:16:27 GMT -5
ooo nice...cannot wait for the next update!!! Don't keep me waiting too long now... Christy |
|
|
|
Post by Miss Q on Sept 28, 2004 22:56:50 GMT -5
What a wonderfully funny story!!!! Keep the chapters coming!!! I look forward to see how it goes!
M(iss Q)
|
|
|
|
Post by ginger newts on Sept 29, 2004 14:22:56 GMT -5
Yes, they're totally blind...that's the point. Part 3: For months, owls flew back and forth between “Brian” and “Diana.” They started out writing each other about once a week, but as they began to grow more comfortable with each other and found common interests to discuss the owls began to arrive almost daily. They played chess by mail, discussed their families and friends, and told each other stories about their childhoods and their school days, both seeming reluctant to go into detail about their current everyday lives. At one point, Brian asked Diana whether she had attended Hogwarts. “I did attend Hogwarts,” was her reply, “but I daresay you would have been long gone by the time I started.” Albus now knew that he was writing to a former student and he began to wonder if this was ethical, he also began trying to figure out who it might be as he was almost certain that Diana McTavish was a nom de plume. Neither Albus nor Minerva ever spoke to anyone about their new friend, but occasionally one of them would walk in on the other who would hastily shove a piece of parchment into a drawer. One day, Minerva wasn’t quick enough to keep Albus from realizing that she was writing a letter. “Who are you writing to that’s such a secret, my dear?” he teased her. Stammering, Minerva said, “Oh, Albus, I didn’t see you there. I, uh, it’s just, well, nobody really. I’ll finish it later, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?” He didn’t know why, after all he had a secret pen friend as well, but Albus felt a twinge of jealousy that Minerva was guarding her correspondence with this person so closely. It was obviously not someone she wanted him to know about and he could only assume it must be a man, he felt suddenly protective of his young friend. Minerva too began to have suspicions about the parchments Albus was constantly hiding from her and the letters he pocketed quickly each morning. She wondered if he had a romantic attachment she was unaware of and was surprised to find herself feeling a little jealous toward this unknown woman. Whoever it was, she decided, couldn’t possibly be good enough for her friend. One morning, Albus received an owl from “Diana” that made him want to laugh. They had recently discovered their common interest in Transfiguration and had been casually discussing the new articles as well as some old theories. He often enjoyed baiting her just to receive a long diatribe filled with every possible fact regarding the spell in question and she had sent him one. This time, after she finished her rebuttal to his last letter, Diana had asked him about a very familiar sounding theory, in fact it was a theory he often argued over with Minerva. She ended her discussion of this theory by saying, “My friend keeps telling me there are holes in the theory, I just can’t seem to explain to him that it has never been proven wrong. What do you think?” He carefully worded his reply: “It is an interesting theory and I too have discussed it previously with a friend. She is of your opinion and actually it is rather a pet theory of hers. I, however, have to agree with your friend, there do seem to be some holes in it.” As much as he wanted to, Albus refrained from pointing out just what the holes in the theory were; he didn’t want to make her angry before reading his next lines. Because the next thing he did was suggest that they finally meet, he just had to know who this enchanting woman was. Former student or not, she was intelligent, witty, confident, had beaten him several times over at chess, and somehow he was certain she would have very beautiful eyes. Yes, he was ready to meet her. Minerva opened the latest letter from “Brian” and scowled when she read his opinion of her favorite theory on partial vanishment, but then her eyes widened in surprise and her hands started to shake so much she nearly dropped the letter. He wanted to meet her for dinner on Saturday night. Did she want to meet him, was she ready for that? Minerva sat staring into the fire, making a mental list of pros and cons for meeting Brian. He did seem to be a gentleman and she enjoyed their correspondence very much; he was intelligent, made a worthy chess opponent, and had actually made her laugh on more than one occasion. In the end, she decided that it couldn’t hurt to meet him as they would be in a crowded restaurant and she could always aparate away if need be. She wrote back and agreed to meet him if he would name the time and place and tell her how to recognize him when she got there. Albus opened his letter and smiled, Diana had agreed to meet him. He quickly wrote back with the name of his favorite restaurant in London and asked her to meet him at 8:00 Saturday night. He would be wearing dark purple robes and holding a red rose, he told her. In three days time, he would find out who his mystery friend was. |
|
SpellboundKate
Gryffindor Seeker
Eyes that look are common, eyes that see are rare.
Posts: 29
|
Post by SpellboundKate on Sept 29, 2004 14:55:26 GMT -5
Oh, that's wonderful! They are so oblivious. Not stupid, just oblivious. I hope everything works out! Can't wait to read more!
Kate
|
|
|
|
Post by Sensiblyquirky on Sept 29, 2004 15:06:44 GMT -5
oh my dear you must update soon!!!! Excellent update, and please let them like seeing each other!
Love it,
Christy
|
|
|
|
Post by angharad on Sept 29, 2004 15:09:18 GMT -5
Okay, I now recognize the gimmick from 2 movies & at least one Broadway show. However, in those versions, the protagonists were enemies from the start, not friends like Albus & Minerva. Will she see that Albus is "Brian" and stand him up, or brave it out like a Gryffindor? Can you tell I'm hooked? |
|
|
|
Post by Jestana on Sept 29, 2004 15:11:15 GMT -5
Gah! You ebil person, you! I can't help laughing at how completely clueless they are! *pout* Post the next part soon please!
|
|
|
|
Post by TabbyForever on Sept 29, 2004 15:21:49 GMT -5
Hehehheehe
Oh yes...just soooo blind!!!
Its quite sweet really !!!! can't wait to see the meeting!!!!
There both gonna be soooooo shocked!!!hehehe
Well done mate!!
I'm loving it!!
Jem
|
|
|
|
Post by ginger newts on Sept 29, 2004 15:52:10 GMT -5
*sigh* I really didn't mean to steal this from anywhere, but you're right, it's fairly reeking of The Shop Around the Corner/You've Got Mail isn't it? Alas, I hope you keep reading for I think the next chapter may not be quite what you expect. Glad you're enjoying it anyway! |
|
|
|
Post by angharad on Sept 29, 2004 16:03:58 GMT -5
Hey, there's nothing wrong with using good material. The fact that a similar idea has been used successfully is proof of that. Heck, Shakespeare used all sorts of old, hoary plots. And how many composers have written variations on "The Carnival of Venice" anyway? Don't worry, I'm sure you'll come up with your own unique twist, and I am very much looking forward to reading it! |
|
|
|
Post by griseldalafey on Sept 29, 2004 16:36:33 GMT -5
Dun... dun... I can't wait until they meet... I really, really, really like this story
|
|
|
|
Post by Miss Q on Sept 29, 2004 23:02:12 GMT -5
TRhis story is great fun to read... keep the good work up!
M(iss Q)
|
|
|
|
Post by ginger newts on Sept 30, 2004 18:51:07 GMT -5
Albus was too nervous on Saturday to spend the day sitting around his office waiting for the date, so he decided to go visit the Flamels. It had been them, after all, who had gotten him involved in this business to begin with. His old friends were pleased as always to see him and Perenelle was overjoyed that he had met someone through the dating service. She made quite a fuss over Albus, making sure his hair and beard were trimmed properly and there wasn’t a speck of dust or a wrinkle on the dark purple robes he planned to wear. It was sort of nice to be mothered again, he thought, then checked himself, it was nice to have a woman so interested in his appearance; perhaps it had been a good idea to start dating again. Having Perenelle fussing over his looks helped distract him from the date momentarily and then made Albus nervous, what if something went wrong or this woman didn’t like the way he looked. What if she didn’t want to see him anymore because of who he was, he worried.
Minerva spent the better part of Saturday afternoon trying on everything in her wardrobe trying to find just the right outfit for the dinner and then spent even longer on her hair. She eventually settled on a set of dark blue robes that was a little fancier than her everyday teaching attire and swept her hair up off her neck in french twist, securing it with a tortoise shell comb. She hadn’t told anyone that she was going on this date, but at the last minute decided it might not be a bad idea to have someone know where she was going. Without giving too many details, Minerva sent a note to Poppy stating that she had gone to London for the evening to meet a man with whom she had been corresponding for the past several months. She just wanted someone to know where she had gone, she said, in case anything went wrong. At half past seven, Minerva walked down to the gates to apparate to London, very grateful that she didn’t meet anyone along the way.
Albus arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes before the arranged meeting time and conjured a perfect red rose out of thin air to present to his date when she arrived. He waited nervously, looking both ways up the street, wondering as each woman approached if she was Diana until she passed by without glancing at him. At exactly eight o’clock, he looked up and did a double take. Was that Minerva walking toward him? Oh no, he thought, of all the people to find out about this. Wait, what was Minerva doing in London tonight and why was she so dressed up? As Minerva approached the restaurant, she seemed to be looking for someone, and then her eyes landed on Albus. Her shock was evident on her face, along with a brief moment of panick.
She slowly approached him, “Albus, what are you doing here?” Then her eyes landed on the rose he was holding and she took in his attire. Her eyes wide, she said, “You can’t be...it was...you’re Brian?”
Albus automatically started to nod and then he said, “Wait, are you Diana?”
Sheepishly, Minerva admitted she was and they stood there not looking at each other for a few moments until she finally spoke again. “So all this time I’ve been writing to you?”
“It appears so, my dear,” Albus conceded. “Who would have thought after all this time that we’ve been friends all along. I guess the service must work as it did manage to match us up with someone we get on with. Since we’re both here, would you consent to have dinner with me as planned, or are you too disappointed to find me waiting for you?”
Minerva smiled at her friend, “No, Albus, I’m not disappointed and I would be glad to have dinner with you. This is just all a bit too much to take in. It seems we’ll have much to talk about over dinner.”
Offering her his arm to walk inside, Albus agreed, “Indeed. I for one would like to know how you got involved with something as impractical as Magical Matchmakers.” He chuckled at Minerva’s expression and the impatient noise she made.
They covered the awkward topic of how they had each been cajoled into trying the service quickly and then easily lapsed into their typical friendly style of conversation, never running out of things to talk about. Occasionally, they would ask each other about something they had said in a letter.
“I had no idea you painted,” Albus said at one point and was he mistaken, or did Minerva blush?
“I’m not very good,” she hedged, “and I usually only have time to paint during the summer. Poppy made me include that, she thought I needed something other than being a Transfiguration teacher in my profile.”
Albus smiled, “Well she was right, Minerva, you’re so much more than a teacher.”
“I don’t feel that way some times,” she frowned.
“Yes, it is difficult when you spend so much of your time at the school to remember there is a life beyond Hogwarts. But you know you are not required to stay over the summers,” Albus said gently.
Minerva sighed, “I have nowhere else to go, Albus. Besides, I like it at Hogwarts, it has always felt like home to me.”
“And to me,” he agreed. “I understand, I just don’t want you to feel tied to the school if there is somewhere else you would rather be. But as you insist there is not, then I will continue to be glad you’re there to spend time with over the holidays when the castle is so deserted.”
“Are you trying to get rid of me, Albus Dumbledore?” she teased. “Getting tired of this spinster school teacher cramping your style?”
To her surprise, Albus dropped his previous light manner and turned serious, “Never, Minerva. Don’t ever doubt yourself like that. You’re a wonderful friend and companion and I enjoy every moment I spend with you.”
She blushed again and developed a sudden interest in her fork, “Thank you, Albus. I enjoy your company as well.”
There was a short awkward moment and then they recovered their usual teasing, almost flirtatious, banter as they moved on to dessert. When the meal ended, Albus insisted on paying the entire bill, saying that they were on a date after all. Minerva graciously accepted and they left to apparate back to Hogwarts together. When they arrived, Albus walked Minerva to her rooms and she said goodnight, but he called her back.
Clearing his throat, Albus said, “There is one more thing I believe usually occurs on a first date.”
Minerva opened her mouth to protest and then realized how close he was standing and shut it again. Slightly nervous, she nodded her approval and was surprised when Albus leaned in and kissed her cheek gently.
“Good night, my dear, sleep well,” he walked away.
Minerva entered her rooms and prepared for bed in a daze, wondering why she was somewhat disappointed that he had kissed her cheek and why her breath had caught in her throat when she realized how close he had been.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jestana on Sept 30, 2004 19:10:15 GMT -5
*squees like a maniac* I love it! I'm so glad neither went running. *grin* Bravo! So wonderfully fluffy! Whee! *spins around in circles*
|
|
|
|
Post by angharad on Sept 30, 2004 19:24:51 GMT -5
Okay everyone, to the tune of "Lovely, absolutely lovely" from Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum", let's all sing "Clueless, absolutely clueless..." Excellent work! |
|
|
|
Post by tartantabbycat on Sept 30, 2004 19:30:47 GMT -5
SO CUTE!! I love it! I had not been reading until Jestana gave me the link. Now I'll keep up better! ;D I was hearing the song "Pina Colada" in my head the whole time!
"So I waited with high hopes,
And she walked in the place,
I knew her smile in an instant,
I knew the curve of her face,
It was my own lovely lady,
And she said "Aw, it's you",
Then we laughed for a moment,
And I said "I never knew".
That you like Pina Coladas,
And gettin caught in the rain,
And the feel of the ocean,
And the taste of champagne,
If you like making love at midnight,
In the dunes on the cape,
Your the lady I've looked for,
Come with me and escape."
I love this! You're awesome!
Cie
|
|
|
|
Post by Sensiblyquirky on Sept 30, 2004 23:52:58 GMT -5
o i cannot wait to see how you get them to finally open their eyes and realize they are perfect for each other!! Excellent update, and I am eagerly awaiting the next!!
Christy
|
|
