Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[Kimberly]

I choose B this time.

[Kerin]

I'm going to go with B also but only because I trust Kim to know what she's doing. :-)

[Kamdra]

I choose B but it was a close call.

[Kacie]

I pick B! Gee did I tie it up? (looks innocently at the sky)

[DumbledoresKitten]

*grins evilly* cat is back and i choose A!! hahaha *impression of a mad evil laugh

i've caught back up with the story and it's great! The two of you are brillant!

[Karmin]

I'll choose B to even things up again. Does this mean we get both again?

[Sola]

Hope I still count

I go for A...yayness for schoolboy-crushes ;D

[Krystal]

I thought it was a neat trick to not have a proposal. Gee, I wonder how I'll vote with all this pressure on me. I pick B! (I bet you saw that one coming)

[Tartan Tabby]

Does my vote still count or am I too late? I had a very stressful week and no time at all Ah, well, no use to complain about school! I take B if it still counts...

[Adrasteia]

My week was also a bit hectic , but if it is still possible I vote A.
The mental image is just too hilarious ;D

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: Hmmm, we’re beginning to think there’s a conspiracy afoot to make sure both options are done weekly. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that now would you??? We love that everyone is still having fun with this story because really, that’s what it’s all about. There was a tie again this week, 12-12, so we all win.

Kamdra wanted to see a button (the kind with messages on it) and her phrase was “Are you sure you’re doing this right?” Karmin asked for an enchanted quill and the phrase “Let me teach you something for a change, Albus,” spoken by Minerva. This week, we’re inviting JK McGonagall and Sola to PM us with their choices for next week. So, without any further delay we give you:

Fact and Fantasy

Minerva often found it funny how fast time always seemed to fly when she was busy with her research or involved in some productive activity. But lately, all she seemed to be doing was pouring over volume after volume of dusty old books, searching for the answers that would help her in her project with Albus. Yet her mind was not truly focused on what she was reading and hadn’t been for the past few days. It wasn’t that Minerva was losing interest in the research project but she longed for some lively interaction to break up the monotony of her tedious days.

Each afternoon, when Albus would retreat to Minerva’s meditation and research rooms he would find her sitting in the windowsill, staring across the grounds, no doubt watching the children down below. It was on a rainy afternoon in late September that he found her in such a pensive mood and he realized it was time to liven things up a bit for her.

Albus walked confidently across the room and pulled her back against his chest. As she settled into the familiar embrace, she smiled as warm lips grazed the side of her neck, just below her ear, eliciting first a giggle then a moan from her throat. His long arms wrapped around her slender waist, using them to draw her flush against his body and he continued to nibble his way to her ear.

“Mmmm, you’d better be careful lover, Albus will be by here any minute and we can’t have him finding out about our little trysts,” she said breathlessly, turning her head sideways to capture his lips in a heated kiss. “Oh, my gracious, Albus. I thought you were someone else,” she lied, “but I am happy to see you.”

“Yes, I can tell. And might I point out that if you were expecting someone else, he’d better understand that I am not a wizard to be taken lightly where the affections of one Minerva McGonagall are concerned. I’d hate to have to transfigure him into some inanimate object and send him off to some forsaken part of the world all in an effort to save you for myself.”

Minerva’s eyes turned serious and dark as he teased her. “You’d really do that for me wouldn’t you? Fight for me, I mean?” She had turned around in his arms to fully face him, holding his head between her dainty hands.

“Well, yes I would if the situation required it. I would do anything for the woman I love and that includes defending her honor and protecting her from the unwanted advances of some handsome young wizard or muggle who thinks he can steal your heart away from me.” Albus had intended to go on with his declaration of love and devotion but was cut short by Minerva’s lips claiming his.

At first the kiss was soft and gentle but it quickly morphed into something so much more. Minerva had taken the first step in deepening the kiss and Albus had been only too happy to comply with her wishes as his lips parted to grant her complete access to his hungry mouth. Several minutes later and definitely out of breath Minerva rested her forehead against his. “Yes, I do believe I love you more and more each day,” she finished with a most becoming mischievous smile.

“I’m very glad to hear it. That will make asking for your help all the easier.” Albus pulled Minerva towards the sofa and settled down before drawing her into his lap. It has become her custom to sit either in his lap or extremely close to him when they were alone and it couldn’t have pleased Albus more. In some small way it made him feel desired and important to Minerva.

“What kind of help do you need from me, Albus Dumbledore? Some old lover of yours came back to stake a claim? Or maybe she wrote an article on what it was like to love you? Oh I know! You’re being followed by hoards of sex crazed witches all dying to get a sneak peek at what the most eligible bachelor has underneath his robes,” she laughed heartily, tugging gently on his beard.

“Ha! Ha! Very funny Minerva but I’ll have you know that we’ve already dealt with my previous lover. The love of my life has already written a rather naughty article on what it was like to love me, though we still have more tests to perform before that article is finished,” he said waggling his eyebrows suggestively at her. “And the only sex crazed witch with any hope of seeing what lies beneath these robes is currently sitting on my lap, no doubt feeling the effects her kisses have on this man’s body already.”

“Oh you do have an answer for everything. No wonder you’re considered the wisest and most powerful wizard of the age.”

“Don’t forget handsome as well…”

“Yes and handsome but no longer on the market I’m happy to say. You’re all mine and I intend to keep it that way.” A quick kiss to the lips and then one more for good measure and Minerva rested her head on Albus’ shoulder, her warm breath tickling his neck. “Seriously, what is it that requires my help, Albus? You know I’d do anything I could to help.” Her long fingers had wound through his hair, teasing the nape of his neck as she listened to his breathing become shallower. She loved the way a simple touch from her made his entire body react and it only encouraged her more and more.

“I was wondering if you’d help me with a demonstration for my seventh year class tomorrow. They’ve all seen me transfigure into my animagus form but I thought if I could have you change into Tabby for me, I could discuss the process and explain the various principles involved at the same time. Then, if you’re willing, they may have questions to ask you about your transformation.” Albus shocked himself by managing to get all of that out fairly quickly, especially as he was feeling a bit warm from head to toe from Minerva’s teasings.

Her eyes lit up as she listened to him explaining his plan to her. He hadn’t seen her this excited in the past two weeks, well with the exception of the times they were not involved in work related activities and it did his heart good to see the thrill of a challenge on her face. “And what time do I report for class Professor Dumbledore?” she finished with a playful tap to the end of his nose.

“Class is immediately following lunch and I think it best if we kept our lunch date to strictly lunch this time. I had a difficult time in calming myself down after our little snogging session. If I’m not careful they’re going to suspect something between us.”

“Ah, did my poor defenseless Albus have trouble fighting off the seductive witch who only wanted to teach him the fine art of making out on a couch?”

“Yes he did and might I remind you that I have many more years of experience in making out as you call it? And you’ve never once complained of my kisses leaving you wanting something other than another one.”

Minerva gave him a wink and moved off of his lap. Without any warning, she swung his feet and legs onto the couch and rested his head among the softest pillow she could find. Then ever so slowly, starting at his feet, she climbed up his body, much like a cat stalking its’ prey, until she was lying flush against him, stomach to stomach. “Let me teach you something for a change, Albus,” she breathed against his throat before nipping at it delicately. “I believe a person is never too old to improve upon their skills,” she finished with a very naughty wiggle of her hips against his.

“By all means, then Minerva, teach me and make sure I learn my lessons aptly. I’d hate to disappoint you but it may take several lessons before I am as skilled as you in the fine art of snogging someone senseless.”

“Then I suppose I shall have to make time in my busy schedule to tutor you properly. It shall be my mission to ensure you pass with flying colors.” The rest of the afternoon was spent lazily on the large sofa, her work and his grading long forgotten for a welcomed and much needed break.

[Hogwarts Duo]

The following afternoon, Minerva walked with Albus to his classroom. Excitement practically radiated from her entire body as she felt the familiar rush of being in a classroom setting once more. She hoped the students would appreciate the little demonstration and would ask some thought provoking questions. After all, she always did love a good challenge and exchange of ideas.

“Good Afternoon class. This is Minerva McGonagall and she will be joining our class today.”

“She can join our class any day,” Mr. Thaddeus Burrows quipped from the back row. He had wasted no time in voicing what most of the males in the classroom were thinking upon seeing the lovely woman step into their classroom.

“Yes, well I’m glad you approve of her presence Thaddeus,” Albus answered, looking at his young pupil over the tops of his classes. “As I was saying, Miss McGonagall is here this afternoon to demonstrate for you her animagus transformation. She can change, at will, into a tabby cat. We hope you will watch carefully as she transforms and I explain the process. Then, at the end of the demonstration, we will have a question and answer time.”

Minerva smiled warmly at the class. “Thank you for letting me participate in your class today,” she said addressing the students. “Transfiguration has always been my favorite subject and I was thrilled when Professor Dumbledore asked me to join him here today.”

“Not as thrilled as we are,” came another male voice from the front of the room, causing Minerva to blush.

“And how,” chimed in another.

“Class, that will do!” Albus said sternly. “While I happen to agree that Miss McGonagall is a beauty most rare,” he dared to voice accompanied by a wink, “we are here to learn about becoming an animagus, not to embarrass our guest.”

As the class settled back down, Minerva took her place at the front of the room and upon Albus’ instructions she easily changed into her cat form. She was overjoyed to hear all of the oooh’s and aaahh’s as she made the transformation. Apparently they had been less than enthralled when Albus had changed for them. Or maybe it had something to do with the fact that she was currently the object of fascination of so many admiring young males. Nevertheless, there were lessons to be learned and she was only too happy to lend a helping hand to Albus.

Once the class was over, Minerva bid her farewells and walked back to her research rooms with a spring in her step to wait for Albus. He had promised to take her to dinner in Hogsmeade and then escort her home for a nightcap. The change of scenery had done her a world of good and she eagerly attacked her work with a renewed vigor, making the rest of the afternoon practically zoom by unnoticed.

She was snapped from her thoughts by the familiar sound of Albus’ footsteps across her hardwood floors. Turning around, she gasped then laughed. He was wearing a rather garish button on his robes, right over his heart. It read…Minerva McGonagall’s Fan Club President…and the words flashed in a multitude of colors before displaying a rather sleek looking cat then repeating the phrase once more. “What on earth are you wearing?”

“Only the latest in male fashion here at Hogwarts, my dear. Seems you have captured the hearts of several of my young charges. I was asked by no less then four of them in the class following the demonstration why you were not allowed to stay for their class as well. A few of the ones in my seventh year class felt bold enough to ask if you were married. And I overheard Mr. Burrows and his mates making some rather flattering comments about the ‘hot and very snoggable woman, Professor Dumbledore brought in today.’ Seems you’ve certainly captured their attentions and imaginations.”

“Oh Albus, they’re just boys and they’ll have forgotten all about me by tomorrow. You know how boys will be at that age,” she said suddenly very flustered.

“I do remember and I can assure you that someone as attractive as you will not be easily forgotten by their raging hormones or minds. But I must agree with them, you are incredibly ‘hot and very snoggable.’ Just don’t tell them how I came by that information.”

She playfully slapped his arm then kissed him lightly. “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me as long as you protect me from my fans.”

“A duty I will cherish, my dear.” Albus was just about to take Minerva into his arms when several owls appeared at her window. “Ah, I wondered how long it would take…”

“What? What would take?”

“Your fan mail. No doubt those are letters for you from my class.”

“Oh Albus! Don’t be ridiculous. It’s probably just mail from my family or something from Maggie.” Minerva opened the window and was a bit overwhelmed by the flood of owls pouring into her rooms. She quickly handed out one ginger newt to each owl and shooed them on their way before looking at the stack of messages on her desk.

Albus’ voice suddenly boomed dramatically as he picked up one of the bits of parchment and began to read:

Roses are Red.
Grass is Green.
You’re the prettiest witch
I’ve ever seen.
Love…an admirer

Minerva crinkled her nose and smiled. “Oh you don’t like that one, then? How about this one…”

Dear Miss McGonagall,
We do hope you will come back to Professor Dumbledore’s class again soon. We can’t remember ever enjoying that class as much as we did today. Maybe Professor Dumbledore would let you teach us for a week or so. I’m sure we’d all learn so much just by watching you.
Yours Sincerely,
Your loving students

“Oh Albus, what am I going to do? All these letters seem to be from pupils from either your seventh year class or the sixth years begging for me to come to their class as well. Seems they feel slighted by their professor who saw fit to only bring the pretty young witch to his advanced class,” she quoted from one of her letters.

“I don’t know what you’re going to do but right now, I am taking the most sought after woman on campus out to dinner and maybe, if I’m lucky, she’ll let me kiss her goodnight. After all, I seem to recall some homework and a pop quiz about the fine art of kissing that still needs to be graded by you.”

“Hmm, I think I can spare you a few moments of my much sought after time this evening. But I must warn you that I am a stern professor who takes pop quizzes and homework seriously. Are you sure you’re ready for your test, young man?”

“I have every confidence in my skills. And should something not be to your liking, my dear, I am more than eager to keep trying until I get it right. After all, I now have some serious competition for your affections and I must ensure that I do not lose your favor.”

The next few days passed quickly for Minerva as she found herself immersed in various texts still looking for the missing ingredients to the mind linking potion. Ancient Charms and Transfiguration had held a partial recipe as it turned out and it had become the catalyst to her recent melancholy on the project. But since Albus had asked Minerva to participate in the seventh year class, she had found renewed energy and determination to help her in her search. With a few scribbled notes, Minerva had sent out owls to several of Albus’ friends for potions texts that may hold the missing key.

She was currently perusing a rather promising looking book which had come from the forests of South America and an ancient wizard who Albus had met during his research on the uses of dragon’s blood. Some of the potions were absolutely intriguing and that was saying a lot coming from Minerva considering it was one of her least favorite disciplines. She much preferred the use of her wand. That wasn’t to say that she didn’t excel in potions, but her preference would be charms or transfiguration if given a choice.

Her concentration was broken by a fluttering of wings and an impatient peck on her arm. A rather old owl was perched on the arm of her chair, looking accusingly at her. She noticed the parchment tied to its leg and quickly relieved the bird of its burden. Giving it a treat, she sighed and rolled open the note steeling herself for another poem declaring a teenage boy’s love or admiration. Instead she was greeted with a neatly penned letter from Nicholas Flamel which held a small tube that fell to her lap.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Dear Minerva,

I was sorry to hear that your research had been forestalled by the incomplete information in one of the books I sent. After dwelling on the problem, and with Pernelle’s reminder of a scroll which I had forgotten was in our library, I realized that I might have just the information you are after. I hope it is of help.

It has been shrunk to make the trip easier on our older owl as he is not quite as hardy as he used to be. It is a bit heavy so please take care when enlarging it. In addition, you may wish to know that there is no need to transcribe the text. I have included a quill which is enchanted to do the job for you.

Please give Albus my best wishes and let him know that I will floo him later this week to discuss the Christmas trip.

Nicholas

Minerva lifted the tiny cylinder and looked it over before walking over to the work table and setting it down. With a flick of her wand it began growing in size. Minerva watched in amazement as the true nature of the piece was revealed. Her fingers trailed along the gold tube, stopping to caress the jeweled picture of a bird with the head of a human that rested in the center. There was no inscription or any other means of knowing what knowledge rested inside so with the help of her wand, Minerva extracted the scroll and rolled it out, casting a spell to keep it in place. A page of beautiful hieroglyphics shined up at her from the parchment.

Minerva stood there for several minutes just admiring the craftsmanship and history of the scroll before her. It was probably the oldest piece of work she had ever handled and as she grabbed the quill to set it to work, she found that her hands were shaking ever so slightly in her excitement. The translation was soon well under way and all Minerva could do was wait.

Albus found his way to the research rooms as soon as his last class let out for the day. He had been unable to see Minerva at his usual break due to an accident in his seventh year class. They had been transfiguring basic elements for the last week. Everything up until today had gone well, in fact he was surprised at how well the earth into water transformations had gone. However, the water into fire had been too much for Eric Rout, a Hufflepuff in every sense of the word. The fire has consumed his desk, most of his books and also managed to rid him of most of his facial hair and a fair bit of skin on his hands. After a quick trip to the infirmary, Albus had been assured he would be fine but the paperwork alone for the incident had taken until the following class to complete.

Stepping through the door, the usual sight of Minerva pouring over a bit of parchment met his gaze. He noticed that her cheeks were flushed and her foot was tapping out a tune on the rug under the table. A radiant smile lit her face as she turned and saw him standing there.

“Albus, I have so much to tell you.” Minerva stood from her seat and stretched before making her way toward him. “We are going to the forest just before dawn to collect an ingredient. I could kiss Nicholas. Oh, and I have sent a list to the apothecary in Diagon Alley, it may end up being very expensive. And where is Fawkes?”

Albus laughed as he took Minerva into his arms. “I take it you found the completed list of ingredients for the potion? Now, slow down and tell me what we need.”

Minerva reached in her pocket and took out a piece of parchment which she summarily shoved into his hand. “This is the list. Nicholas sent a scroll, something he had in his library. It has the completed potion, along with some information on the effects and how it works. It is truly fascinating. One of the items, the lotus flower petals, have to be gathered at dawn. I spoke with Hagrid and he says there are some large ones growing in a small pond in the forbidden forest. I followed him to the site and we can go there in the morning to collect them.”

Albus smiled at her excitement as he glanced down the list of ingredients. Water collected from the Nile during the flood season – that was a sensible base. And the others made sense as well as he looked it over. Glumbumble fluid, beetle eyes, powdered streeler shell, hellebore, powdered moonstone and a single phoenix tear. That explained the comment about Fawkes. And of course the lotus flower petals.

Albus was soon studying the scroll as eagerly as Minerva had been. The evening found them talking animatedly about the potion as well as gathering the supplies they would need to brew it. The apothecary owled back with several of the ingredients and said the rest would be available for pick up on the following day. It was late into the night before either of them gave a thought for food. And even when dinner arrived, their attentions were mostly focused on the break through Minerva had made.

Before Albus headed for his rooms, he kissed Minerva with a passion unmatched by their previous encounters. Minerva felt her insides melt as sparks of fire coursed through her veins. A bit breathless, Minerva ran a slender finger along his lips when they broke apart. “If that is the reaction I am going to get for discoveries, I need to make more of them…many, many more.”

Albus blushed a bit but that didn’t stop him from airing his thoughts. “Many more together I hope. After all discoveries made together would be so much more…satisfying.”

It was Minerva’s turn to blush at his words. Her legs became weak as his lips descended upon hers again. Her mind lost focus as his tongue wreaked havoc in her mouth, exploring, tasting and ravishing until she moaned in desire, her body pushing against his.

As they parted their gazes met, both sets of eyes darkened with lust. Albus brought his hand to cup her cheek and with a final parting kiss, chaste in its nature, he left promising to see her early in the morning.

“Are you sure you’re doing this right?” Minerva was exasperated as Albus tapped the edge of the tapestry with his wand.

“Minerva, I have been at this school for years and I think I should know how to get the tunnel to appear.” Albus, his voice sounding as if he were speaking to a student, jabbed at the tapestry once more.

“I hope that your words were meant to be more loving than they were delivered.” Minerva had her hands on her hips and was looking at him with a glare that would make lesser men crumble. Albus had led her here saying he knew a shortcut to the forest. Now ten minutes later they were still stuck in front of this tapestry of a centaur gazing at the stars with no shortcut in sight. They were wasting valuable time and Minerva was becoming impatient.

Albus suddenly stopped and glanced to the tapestry next to the one they were abusing. It also had a centaur but this one was lying in the grass soaking up the sun. With a sheepish look, he walked over and tapped the corner with his wand. Scant seconds passed before the tapestry shimmered and disappeared, a dark tunnel in front of them.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Minerva had just opened her mouth to comment on his revelation but was cut short by his comment. “Please, can we just not mention it? Armando thought it would keep students away if we had the one depicting night allow passage during the day and the centaur in light allow passage at night. I don’t believe it has ever worked and has done nothing more than confuse the rest of us who actually use the blasted thing.”

Minerva couldn’t help laughing at this. She had never seen Albus look so flustered and she found it was nice to know that he was still only a man. And her man, that fact was more prominent in her mind after last night’s snogging.

They were soon exiting the base of a large tree. Minerva stopped to examine the base which looked whole. Upon further inspection, she noticed the charm wavering ever so slightly. However, she was pulled from her thoughts by Albus’ tugging at her arm. The sky was starting to lighten and if they were going to make it on time, they would have to hurry.

The pond was a quick walk from where they had entered the forest and Minerva came to a stop at the water’s edge, watching for the blooms to open. She sighed and leaned against Albus as they waited for the appropriate moment to begin collecting. His arm wrapped around her, hugging her tight. She thought on how lucky she was to have found him. He made her feel safe, happy, content and above all loved. Taking his hand in hers, she brought it to her lips, an unconscious display of affection. She didn’t notice as he bent his head to look at her, her body molded against his side, love shining from his eyes. They stood together as the sun’s first rays peaked over the horizon, each lost in thoughts of the person by their side.

Your options for this week are as follows:

A. Albus plans a surprise party for Minerva, which takes her breath away.

B. Athena and Harold throw their daughter a birthday party, inviting the entire clan. Minerva drags Albus along, kilt and all, after a bit of persuasion.

The voting will end on July 8… a bit longer than usual because of the US holiday on Monday. Also, don’t forget…if you want us to notify you via PM or email when we update a chapter, send us an email letting us know.

[Miss Q]

Wonderful and funny chapter! I so LOVE this story!!! And the choice... I'd really like to see both a AND b happen!!! But I guess I need to make a choice... and I choose... A .

Once again thank you for a wonderful story!

M

[Alesia]

Fabulous update Ladies, thank you.

As for next time, I think I like option A. I want to see what Albus would plan.

[JKMcGonagall]

Another wonderful chapter as usual. I think I would like to see B happen. Albus needs to meet all of the McGonagall clan and in a kilt no less.

Thanks for inviting me to participate this time. I will PM my suggestions right away. This is so much fun.

Kay

[Herzele]

Wonderful !!! That was another lovely chapter of a really, really great story !!

I choose A ....

[Nerweniel]

Seeing how I'm going to Scotland tomorrow, I'm all pro-kilts ;D. B!

Love,

Lies

[LadyJolly]

I dont' know this is a very difficult hehhehe choice hmmm how about A but heheheh Albus invites the whole family over just a thought

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

B! B! B!

Nerweniel

Seeing how I'm going to Scotland tomorrow, I'm all pro-kilts . B!

Love,

Lies

cool!, hope you enjoy Scotland, even though were experiencing weird weather(Sunny/hot in morning. Rain in afternoon)

[Nerweniel]

I hope so ;D. You're Glaswegian or what? I'm visiting Glasgow ;D.

Love,

Lies

[Lady Lavendar]

This was a great update! Lets see I choose B! It would be interesting to see what would happen with them when the whole clan was around.

[Sensiblyquirky]

Excellent update, as usual. I vote A. Christy

[Sola]

B for the Scotland-fever

[Kerin]

I think I'll vote B

[tayryn]

wonderful update! i really am enjoying this story so much! you two are truly doing a fabulous job!!

loved the snogging on the couch! yum!

and my choice this week... was a hard decision... but i think i'll go with B! i love Albus in a kilt!

[Twiggilala]

I love A. Albus should spoil Minerva.

[bee.]

;Djeez, i think that chapter just made my day. hmm... this time i'll vote A. cant wait!
ecks oh
bee

[QuillofMinerva]

Awwww I loved the sheepish Albus when he found he was prodding the wrong tapestry *teeheehee*

I really enjoyed this chapter and it was a great thing to wake up to on a saturday morning.As for the choices I think I am going to say A!