Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[Lady Lavendar]

I vote B!!!!

LL

[Miss Q]

I absolutely LOVE this story!!! And I'm sorry that I haven't reveiwing it for some time....

on to this weeks choice.... A or B? I think I would at som point like to se both.... and I think that I've asked before that you combine the to choices... But I'll go with..... B (if you DO decide to combine A and B, I'll like that too)

M

[bee.]

oh, this is an awesome story! im definetly choosing [glow=yellow,2,300]B[/glow] though... id love to see what would embarrass minerva and maggie...
cant wait!
ecks oh ecks oh,
[glow=yellow,2,300]bee[/glow]

[Nerweniel]

Great chapter as always, ladies ;D! I choose.... B this week!

Love,

Lies

[Tartan Tabby]

What a wonderful update! A difficult choice again this week...I will vote for B!

[MiniPrincess]

There is nothing I like more than finding out about my significant others past so I choose A!!

[Krystal]

I think I will go with A.

[Rikki]

Wonderful chapter, and such a difficult choice again. *yay* Uhm... I guess I'll go for [glow=red,2,300]B[/glow]

Love, Rikki

[Orion's Guard]

Took me a bit longer than it should have to find this one. I need to pay closer attention.

I definitely pick A, I've wanted to know for a while now! And I certainly wasn't expecting those kinds of discoveries...

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh two great options again this week and once again I am torn, I really wish you would stop coming up with options that are so hard to choose between but I think I am going for B

[Kacie]

Although I'm fighting against the tide, I'll pick A

[Adrasteia]

Great chapter.
This time I think I'll chose B. I can't wait to see their revenge. ;D

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: Well this week certainly was a challenge for us, from the objects to the quotes to the overall chapter. We had so many ideas on how the girls could be embarrassed that it was difficult to choose the one we thought would work best. Hopefully you’ll like our choice. Thanks to Ginger Newts and The Gryffindor Seeker for their additions to this chapter. They wanted to see a camera and the phrase “You are amazing” and a tartan rose or a piece of heather and the phrase “Don’t worry, one day I’ll have him in a kilt.” Next week, it’s Miss Q and Bogus 7’s turn to email us with one object and one phrase/sentence. There were 7 A’s and 15 B’s for this chapter, which we now present you with:

Witches, Witches Everywhere

Friday evening came all too soon for Albus Dumbledore. He had hoped to spend more of his spare time with Minerva but unfortunately he had been forced to give detentions to a pair of Hufflepuffs, thus requiring more of his free time. And now, as he stood in front of his full length mirror, he hated to give up a free evening spent in the company of another couple when he would much rather spend it quietly and alone with Minerva.

“Why the long face, Albus?” his mirror asked inquisitively.

“I do not really wish to go out this evening. I’d rather stay here with Minerva or go with her to her flat for some alone time. Instead, we’re meeting Stephen and Maggie for dinner and Merlin only knows what from there.”

“Ah, well you look handsome if I do say so myself,” the mirror image of Albus answered back. “Of course, from what the portraits have been saying today, I would say that the wizarding world agrees with me. Then again, I am highly biased in my opinion.”

“Indeed you are,” Albus chuckled, ignoring the mirror’s direct comments about the gossip in the hallways after the arrival of the Daily Prophet.

“You could always beg out of the evening with a headache or some other nonsense. Then again, that would force Minerva to go alone and then you would truly miss her company altogether.”

“No. I’d never pretend to be ill to get out of doing something that pleases Minerva. Besides, it’s only one evening and maybe I can persuade her to call it an early night, giving us some time alone before I am forced to leave her.”

“I can certainly see a change in you, that’s for sure. There was once a time when you wouldn’t think twice about making up excuses so you would not have to face a woman vying for your attentions.”

“Well, Minerva is different. She’s…”

“What, Albus? What am I?” Minerva asked as her head poked through the fire into his chambers.

“You’re right on time, my lovely,” was his snappy reply. “Did you pop in to say that they had cancelled this evening?” Albus asked hopefully.

“Why on earth would you think that? No, I thought I’d see if you wanted to floo here and we could go together or if I should apparate to the gates and have you meet me there. We never decided on that minor detail yesterday and I failed to ask you this afternoon.”

“Yes, I’m sorry I was in such a hurry. I had hoped to spend my lunch time with you but Armando had other ideas, none to my liking either,” he grumbled. “Never mind about that though. I’ll floo over in another minute or two and we can go together. I want to spend as much time with you as possible.”

When Albus finally stepped through the fireplace a few moments later, he was greeted with an empty sitting room and not a sound in the house. Calling out to her, Albus was rewarded with the sweet tone of her voice. “Close your eyes and I’ll be out. I bought some new robes and I want your opinion of them.”

Albus did as she asked. He heard her walk into the room. From the sound of things, she was gliding across the floor, her feet barely touching the carpet beneath. A long, slender finger trailed a path down his nose, across his lips, and over his chin. She leaned up went straight for a particularly sensitive spot near his ear that she had found only yesterday. Pressing her warm lips to that very same spot, she breathed soft words into his ear mere seconds before making contact with his skin. “I missed you, love.”

“Mmmmm, if this is the kind of response I get for not spending time with you in the afternoons…”

“Don’t you even think about it,” she scolded. “Now open your eyes and tell me what you honestly think of my new robes.” Minerva stood before him with her arms outstretched. She had popped into Gladrags for something to steal away his very breath this evening and from the look upon his face, she had succeeded.

The simple yet elegant robes were of the deepest shade of purple. The fabric shimmered like silk but was as light as cotton and felt remarkably like velvet. Intricate designs graced the edges of the form fitting sleeves and their golden accents sparkled as the dim lights captured her every movement. The bodice hugged her tightly and accentuated her very feminine figure. Each curve of her body was near perfection and in these robes it was obvious why she had been named after a goddess.

Her long raven colored hair was set free from all confines this evening. All too often, Albus had noticed her tendency to pull it back into a braid or some sort of elegant knot in the back of her head. She had informed him that the long locks always managed to get in her way yet she did not have the heart or the willpower to actually shorten it. But tonight she wanted to look spectacular for him and knowing how much pleasure it gave both of them when he ran his nimble fingers through her hair, the shiny locks fell freely about her shoulders and spilled down her back. A tiny piece of Scottish heather was placed delicately in her hair, charmed no doubt to remain in place and beautiful throughout the evening, the color only enhanced by the deep purple of the robes.

For a moment, Albus was speechless as he stared that the remarkable woman before him. He felt a thrumming in his blood as other organs, besides his eyes, took notice of the woman who returned his love. “You…you look amazing,” he said in a husky tone barely above a whisper. She smiled and blushed a most becoming shade of pink as she twirled before him to give him the full effect of her attire.

“Let’s just stay here this evening, alone. I’m sure Stephen will understand and we can always make it up to Maggie somehow,” Albus suggested earnestly. It wasn’t that he didn’t wish to see their friends. Instead, he wanted to keep Minerva all to himself and lavish her with so much love and affection that she would even forget her name.

“We can’t do that, Albus. In case you’ve forgotten we’ve already missed one outing with them…Maggie’s birthday party,” she said with a knowing glance. “And while that was a most enjoyable reason for missing her birthday bash, I dare say we would not be so easily forgiven this time.”

[Hogwarts Duo]

Albus looked as if he wanted to pout but he knew that she was right. “Could we at least make it an early evening? You know, meet them for dinner, make small talk and just as soon as dessert is over, we make our excuses and head back here or to Hogwarts for a nightcap?” he suggested as his long arms snaked around her tiny waist, his lips coming to rest near the hollow of her throat.

“I think that’s an….ohhh…acceptable…Albus that tickles….idea,” she finally managed to squeak out through giggles and sighs of happiness. After several more quiet minutes of tender kisses and touches, they broke apart and straightened their robes before apparating into Edinburgh for dinner.

Maggie and Stephen were already inside the quaint restaurant, at a secluded table for four in a back corner of the room. Stephen had finally managed to pull a few strings and was pleased to invite Albus and Minerva to an exclusive club in the most popular section of town. When they arrived, Albus and Minerva were immediately shown to the table and were greeted warmly from the dining companions.

Albus and Stephen shook hands and shared a knowing glance at each other as the girls greeted each other with their customary hug. Stephen had owled Albus earlier in the day to congratulate him after reading the Daily Prophet and Albus had promptly replied that it was not an accomplishment he wished heralded but that at least he was in good company for Stephen’s name had been mentioned as well. Even as he and Minerva had walked into the restaurant, he could hear the whispers and see the stares, confirming for him that this was indeed going to be a long evening.

Dinner was filled with small talk, most of it about Maggie and Stephen’s upcoming trip together and Minerva and Albus’ research project. Yet, by the time the main course arrived, Stephen’s mind was elsewhere. He had overheard a nearby couple speaking of a new nightclub just around the corner and that they were sponsoring a dance contest. The winners would be awarded a cash prize as well as a small write up in the Daily Prophet heralding the event in the hopes of drawing in more patrons. Just the mention of the Daily Prophet and his heart began to swell with how proud Maggie would be of his latest accolade. But he had sensed from Albus’ earlier owl and the glare he had given upon their arrival that he did not share the same sense of happiness. Even when the waitress appeared with their drinks, Albus seemed to stiffen unnaturally.

In an attempt to lighten Albus’ mood, Stephen came up with a suggestion. “You know, Albus, I really think we should take these two ravishing beauties out dancing this evening. I’m sure we’ll be the envy of every man in town with them on our arms.” Stephen couldn’t help himself. He truly loved Maggie but he also loved notoriety and a chance at being pictured in the Daily Prophet was not an opportunity to be missed.

“No, I think not Stephen but don’t let us stop you from taking Maggie out on the town afterwards. Minerva and I have had a long week and we’re rather tired.” Albus had only spoken half-truths in that sentence. True, it had been a long week and he hadn’t seen much of Minerva but more than that, he did not wish to be in the spotlight this evening, at least until he had spoken with Minerva first.

“Oh come now! You can’t honestly tell me that you’re going to bring this gorgeous woman out tonight for only a short amount of time and then whisk her back home? That’s doing an injustice to her and to the rest of the male population.”

Maggie listened quietly as honey glazed words about Minerva poured from Stephen’s mouth. “If they’re too tired to join us, then it’s their loss, Stephen dear. Maybe some other time we can plan to meet up when they’re not so tired,” she said soothingly.

Minerva had sat quietly through all of this, listening to each of her three dinner companions give their opinions. Albus was about to speak once more when she reached over and laid her hand on his upper thigh, rubbing it slowly and gently, capturing his full attention. “I may have a suitable compromise. What if we go with you to the club but instead of participating in the contest, Albus and I cheer you both on from the sidelines? That way we can spend a little more time with you, but we’re not exhausted at the end of the evening either,” she said giving Maggie a subtle wink.

One look into Minerva’s eyes and Albus knew that he had lost his battle and he must readily and willingly concede defeat in order to make Minerva happy. “A brilliant idea from my stunning woman,” Albus chimed in quickly. Once again, he found yet another reason to love this woman so much. “I think that’s a wonderful compromise and we won’t be too tired at the end of the night to find our way back home,” he chuckled.

Stephen wasn’t exactly thrilled with the idea but felt he was outnumbered. “Very well, then. Dinner is on me and then we’ll just pop down the road a bit and see what all the chatter is about. Maggie, I hope you’re wearing your dancing shoes because I fully intend to win this little competition.”

They arrived at the club a short while later and were surprised to find a line pouring out the double doors, as many young witches and wizards vied for entrance. As they joined the throng of people, Minerva noticed several gazing their way.

“It seems that you once again have an audience,” Minerva whispered. The arm around Albus’ waist tightened as she noticed a scantily clad pair of overdone witches pointing in their direction.

With a surprised look on his face, Albus glanced in the direction her eyes had wandered. “Actually my dear, I believe they are probably interested in Stephen.” Minerva looked at him with doubt clearly written on her face. “Besides, even if they are interested in me, they would have no chance of catching my eye. My eyes and heart belong solely to another.”

Minerva blushed a becoming shade of pink, the witches forgotten for now. She was so entranced by his thumb which had traveled up to her lips and were tracing them softly that she never noticed the worried look that had entered his eyes.

In the entrance hall, Albus and Stephen led their dates down the red carpet, which had been laid out for the event. A photographer, presumably from the Daily Prophet rushed in front of them before they made it more than a few steps. “May I take your picture please?”

Minerva sighed and nodded her head. The four of them smiled as nearly an entire roll of film from his camera was used in mere seconds. Albus finally had to tell the man to move along as he guided the group toward the doors to the main room. He growled under his breath about reporters and idiotic stories taking Minerva by surprise. Albus was not one for complaining about others, especially the press, as he was quite used to the attention.

The two couples had soon been led inside and were shown to a table near the dance floor which had been recently vacated. The club was bursting with people of all ages and a low hum of voices could be heard just below the flow of the music. Dozens of couples were swaying across the dance floor in time to the upbeat song being belted out by the musicians.

The gentleman who had led them to their table uttered a few quick instructions before disappearing in the mass of humanity that surrounded them. “What did he say?” Maggie’s voice could barely be heard above the noise as Stephen helped her into her seat.

“I believe he said that we could order what we wished by filling out the parchment at our table and when we were finished, we just needed to sign the bill at the bottom.” Minerva was intrigued as she had only heard of this system recently but had yet to experience it at any of her usual haunts.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Stephen was the first to jot down his request. As soon as the quill was set down, the form rolled in on itself until it disappeared and a within a few moments a firewhiskey materialized in front of him with a pop, along with a new bill which listed his drink with space at the bottom for new orders. Soon the others had drinks in front of them as well and the talk at the table turned to the upcoming dance contest. It was supposed to be starting shortly and Stephen, in one last effort to get them to join, was listing off the benefits of a bit of friendly competition.

He was interrupted by the appearance of a young witch in a tight fitting robe. Her eyes roved over Albus’ form causing Minerva to shoot daggers at the woman with her eyes. “Would you care to dance,” she purred.

Albus looked extremely flustered and finally managed to decline her invitation shooting nervous looks at Minerva the entire time.

The witch seemed to not be so easily dissuaded however and continued to press her luck. “Hmmm, well perhaps another time then. I could just get wrapped up in those gorgeous robes of yours as they swayed around my body.”

Minerva felt a heat spark in the pit of her stomach and it took all of her efforts to not hex the witch right then and there. “Don’t worry, one day I’ll have him in a kilt. Then there will be no robes for you to get tangled in, unless they happen to be wrapped around your pretty neck. Now I suggest you leave before I do something you will regret.”

Everyone looked at Minerva, some in surprise, some in laughter and one with fear at the deadly look in her eyes. Any other exchange that might have occurred was cut short as a loud voice filled the air.

“May I have your attention?” The squat balding man could barely be seen as he stepped behind a podium that had been placed in front of the musicians, his voice echoing off the walls. “I would like to thank all of you for attending our official Grand Opening. Our Dance contest will begin shortly and all couples who wish to participate need to pick up a number at the registration desk in the front.”

Minerva tuned out the rest of what he was saying, something about the rules, sponsors and prizes, as she took in her surroundings. She hadn’t taken a good look at the club when they had entered and needed something to distract her from the angry exchange of moments before. She was surprised to find that it was rather tastefully decorated. It had a very domestic feel with dark wood tables and comfortable chairs interspersed with upholstered couches in small seating arrangements. Glowing orbs floating near the ceiling provided an adequate amount of light and several watercolor paintings of various landscapes dotted the walls. Minerva spied a few fireplaces in the lobby and assumed they were used for floo transport to and from the club.

Suddenly Minerva’s instincts kicked in and the back of her neck prickled as if being watched. Turning as unobtrusively as possible, she noticed the same witches from outside were looking intently at her table. Her glare in their direction didn’t seem to faze them in the least. As she tried to control her returning anger at the uncouth pair, she decided to ignore them. But as she turned, she noticed several other sets of eyes lingering on their table as well.

Minerva was used to being whispered about while she was on Albus’ arm. It was to be expected really, since he was a war hero. However, her senses told her that this had little to do with the war and more to do with something else entirely. As she stole a sideways glance at her date, she noticed that he seemed to be fidgeting with his beard. Albus did not fidget, it just wasn’t in his nature. Before Minerva could ask him about it, the voice at the front caught her attention.

“We would like to welcome two of our most recent celebrities to the Grand Opening, Albus Dumbledore and Stephen Smith.”

A giant spotlight suddenly highlighted their table. Minerva squinted in the bright light. She couldn’t see beyond the borders of their table but she could still here the voice as it echoed off the walls. “So ladies, do you have any tips for our lady guests on how to snag a top ten eligible bachelor?”

Minerva looked at Albus, a questioning expression on her face and noticed that Maggie had done the same. However, Maggie was first to regain her composure and with a nervous edge to her voice asked a question of her own. “What do you mean?”

“Why, don’t tell me that the two of you didn’t know.” The balding man’s laughter hit Minerva with the force of an apparition barrier and it only worsened when it was joined by laughter from the faceless crowd around them. Minerva felt her face begin to flush as the man continued his speech, laughter still evident in his voice. “Why the two gentlemen who accompanied you were named to Witch Weekly’s Top Ten Eligible Bachelors in this month’s magazine. In any case, we hope you will join us in our dance contest.”

Two sets of numbers glittered in the air before them as Stephen agreed for the rest of the group. “It will be our pleasure to join the competition.”

Minerva glared at him as the light above them dimmed and the man at the front finished up his speech. Maggie seemed extremely put out as she extracted her hand from Stephen’s. “How dare you not tell us?” she hissed. “We looked like fools to everyone.”

Stephen looked slightly abashed, something Minerva never thought she would see. Albus broke into the conversation, his voice somewhat pleading as he looked between the two women. “We had every intention of telling the both of you about it. It had simply slipped our minds until it was thrust upon us tonight.”

“I am sure you had every intention of telling us,” Minerva shot in their direction. “And you had plenty of time to tell us before now, considering you remembered it before dinner.”

“But…didn’t know…explain.” Albus had never really been at a loss for words and Minerva used the opportunity to her advantage.

“I think I need to freshen up before the dance contest, which we have been goaded into joining, begins.”

Minerva stood and started to walk away, Maggie beside her at every step. As she stormed into the loo, Minerva slung herself into the first available chair. “We really need to stop this habit.”

Maggie smiled at her friend as she joined her on a nearby settee. “Yes, adjourning to the restroom to complain about our dates is not exactly the most pleasant way to spend our time.”

The two witches smiled and a comfortable silence prevailed. Minerva was the first to mention what was on both their minds. “So, what course will our gratitude take?”

“Wouldn’t you agree that revenge is best served cold?”

“I do like the way your Slytherin mind works at times.” Minerva laughed and Maggie joined in as they both stood to return to their unsuspecting dates. “If you come by Sunday morning, Albus will be in a meeting and we should have ample opportunity to go over our plans.”

Options could be:

A) Albus has a question for Minerva which requires that he make an unexpected visit to her family. How her parents react to the request causes Albus to reflect on his good fortune in finding her.

B) Minerva and Maggie settle down to discuss their plan for revenge, sparking a conversation about Maggie’s relationship with Stephen.

Voting for this chapter will end on June 16.

[Herzele]

Wonderful chapter - as always ! This story just keeps getting better and better ...

I vote for B, because I'd love to see Min's and Maggie's revenge ...

[tayryn]

nicely done, ladies!

i could just picture Minerva in her new robes, and i bet she looked stunning!!

i can't help but feel a little sorry for Albus (and okay, Stephen too) though, and i don't think that Minerva and Maggie should be too hard on them.

in that light... i'm going to vote for A...

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

Oh that was amazing great chapter . I vote for A this time ...keep it coming, it's so good

[Kandice]

I think I'll vote B because I like women against men action.

[Alesia]

Whoo hoo! Who won the dance contest by the way? I think I like B

Great update.
Thanks
Alesia

[JKMcGonagall]

Great chapter. Love how you embarassed the ladies. The choice is easy this time. I choose B. Let's continue with the revenge, because I can't wait to see what you do with it. Heh Heh Heh!!!!! Albus can visit Min's parents sometime later.

Kay

[ginger newts]

Great chapter. I loved Minerva's reply to the woman who wanted to dance with Albus. Hmm, what to pick for next time...both sound good. Perhaps B for now and like Kay said he can make that visit later. Keep up the great writing!

[angeldust]

oh she handled that pesky woman fabulously! I'm going to go for B nothing like some good plotting!

[Krystal]

I think I will choose A this time. Krys

[Orion's Guard]

As devastated as I am about not finding out about Albus and Stephen's past, this chapter was quite good. Now I know Minerva and Maggie need to get their revenge, but I think I want to see Albus interact with her parents, so I have to pick A. It would be funny (but quite repetitive) for the two of them to once again find Minerva's parents in a compromising position. I'll just sit here and imagine it and laugh to myself.

[Orion's Guard]

As devastated as I am about not finding out about Albus and Stephen's past, this chapter was quite good. Now I know Minerva and Maggie need to get their revenge, but I think I want to see Albus interact with her parents, so I have to pick A. It would be funny (but quite repetitive) for the two of them to once again find Minerva's parents in a compromising position. I'll just sit here and imagine it and laugh to myself.

[Orion's Guard]

As devastated as I am about not finding out about Albus and Stephen's past, this chapter was quite good. Now I know Minerva and Maggie need to get their revenge, but I think I want to see Albus interact with her parents, so I have to pick A. It would be funny (but quite repetitive) for the two of them to once again find Minerva's parents in a compromising position. I'll just sit here and imagine it and laugh to myself.

[Orion's Guard]

As devastated as I am about not finding out about Albus and Stephen's past, this chapter was quite good. Now I know Minerva and Maggie need to get their revenge, but I think I want to see Albus interact with her parents, so I have to pick A. It would be funny (but quite repetitive) for the two of them to once again find Minerva's parents in a compromising position. I'll just sit here and imagine it and laugh to myself.

[Kerin]

I think I will go with A also. It's not Albus' fault he was chosen.

[bee.]

that was an awesome chapter!
i think i'll choose [glow=yellow,2,300]B[/glow] though this week. there's nothing like sweet revenge...
update soon!
ecks oh ecks oh,
[glow=yellow,2,300]bee[/glow]