Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[ginger newts]

I loved this chapter so much. All that kissing in the beginning was wonderful, made me smile a lot. And I loved the stuff with the poems from the students, too funny. Hmm, tough call for next time, but I think I'll go with A.

[fatedromance]

I loved this chapter and have absolutly loved the story so far.

My vote goes to A!

[Kamdra]

I think I'll pick B. I would love to see any Scottish references. Kammie

[TabbyMin]

I can't believe I haven't read this before!!!!!!!!!!!! Kilt and all - B!!!

[Kegan]

I pick A!

[Dewey]

Great chapter! I go with A. -Kathy

[Kandice]

Okay I'll shoot for A this time.

[Krystal]

This was a tough one and even though its losing, I have to vote B!

[Karmin]

I thought I already voted but I'll say B because Krys is poking me in my back.

[Kimberly]

I have to vote B or my phone will keep ringing and disturbing my rest. I almost hope the other choice wins on that reason alone. :-)

[DumbledoresKitten]

I think you may be right about the whole conspiracy!
I loved this chapter, it was good to see Min in a classroom and the interactions between Min and Albus were great.

now for the voting. I think (if i counted right) the vote now stands at A: 13 B:12. Guess what!?!! I can't think of anything better than Albus in a kilt. It's always fun to see how Min gets him into those things.

Good luck with the next chapter, i'm looking forward to reading it,
Cat

[Tartan Tabby]

Great update! And I won't vote because it's A:13 and B:13 and I want both!!! hehehe ;D

[Jessabelle]

I just finished reading this story and I think that what you have done is absolutely excellent work. This idea for an interactive story is very very interesting and I must say that it is quite a brilliant idea. I can't wait for your next post and although I would like to vote I don't think I will just because I have only just discovered and read the story and I don't want to possibly make the story go one way or another and disappoint someone who has been reading and voting since you first started the story. Perhaps I will vote next time though! Keep up the great work!

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: This was the hardest chapter to write yet. Never did we imagine having to combine both birthday ideas into one extremely long chapter, but we have and we hope you will enjoy it. This week JKMcGonagall and Sola were asked to add something special to the story. JKMcGonagall chose a cowboy hat and the phrase “I always try to learn something new from everyone I meet.” Unfortunately, we never heard from Sola this week but hopefully we’ll be able to catch up with her at a later date. This week it’s Lady Jolly and MiniPrincess’ turn to PM us with your object and sentence for inclusion in the next chapter.

And in case you haven’t guessed already, the voting was tied at 13-13 with two people opting to withhold their opinion this week. Oh, we almost forgot the most important part of this author’s note…consider this your warning! Things begin to get a little tangy and tart towards the end of this chapter. While there isn’t a lemon in this chapter, can it really be far behind? Guess that all depends on which option you choose for the next chapter. Enjoy!

A McGonagall Birthday Bash

“Never once did you say anything about a kilt,” Albus groaned as he paced in front of the window in the meditation room.

“I told you at least two weeks ago that my parents were throwing this party. What did you think one wore to a gathering of pure-blooded Scots?” Minerva sat in her usual resting pose, her breathing deep and even and her eyes closed in contentment. She had not moved since Albus had arrived a few minutes ago attempting to wheedle his way out of wearing a family kilt to her birthday gathering. She had sent him an owl earlier in the day letting him know that she would stop by his rooms with it after his last class so they could make sure it was sized appropriately. Obviously he had other ideas.

“I presumed there would be plenty of gentleman there who would be wearing traditional garments but I did not think that I would be required to participate as well.”

Minerva snorted in response to his description of her family. Gentleman indeed, if only he knew what he was in for. “Albus, if you do not show up in a family kilt it will be highly commented on and my parents will feel slighted by your dismissal of tradition. I am sure that is not what you would want to have happen.”

Albus stopped pacing and a look of defeat entered his eyes. “I would not mean it as an insult.”

Minerva sighed and opened her eyes. “I know you would not mean it that way, darling. But you have to trust my judgment. It is only for one afternoon. Perhaps you can find it in your heart to do this for me. Think of it as a birthday gift if it makes you feel better.”

Albus frowned for a moment before coming over to sit beside her. “If it will make you, and your parents, happy then I shall do it.”

Minerva smiled and threw her arms around her love. “Thank you, it will mean so much to all of us.”

Her lips descended upon his, warmth meeting warmth. He groaned in pleasure as her teeth nibbled at his bottom lip urging his mouth to open. Her tongue explored him leisurely causing his breathing to become erratic. As she pulled away, Albus caressed her cheek. “If I knew accepting the situation would end so pleasantly, I would have submitted long ago.”

Minerva laughed while shooing him to his final set of classes. “You had best go before I end up keeping you with me for the afternoon. I will see you later tonight.”

Albus’ purple quill periodically scribbled across the pages he was reading, leaving both positive and constructive comments for the authors. His seventh year essays were a pleasure to read for the most part and he was always pleased to find how much they had retained over the years from his classes. However, his thoughts were a bit distracted as his mind wandered to contemplate a certain emerald eyed witch.

His attempts earlier in the day in regards to the kilt had not gone well. Minerva had quickly halted any arguments he had without breaking her meditation routine, which he had walked in upon. Her statements had been valid and reasonable and Albus had failed to think of any reasons which could compete with her own. Of course, he told himself on the way to his classroom after he had been practically thrown out that he had been wholly distracted by watching the play of the sunlight in her hair. But he knew that he had been bested at his own game. As a result, he now waited for her arrival with the dreaded piece of cloth.

It wasn’t the kilt that was so dreadful. After all, the weather of late had been more than pleasant and showing a bit more skin than usual might be enjoyable. He had many more concerns in regards to what one wore underneath the garment. Or rather, what one didn’t wear underneath the garment.

His thoughts were interrupted as she entered the room. He felt her presence as strongly as if she had been standing beside him, her arms wrapped around his waist. Minerva’s magic was strong and palpable in the stillness of the room. He was adept at feeling magic in people and objects. It was a gift that he had developed over the years. When he had first arrived at Hogwarts as a student, the magic within the walls was so strong that he had been unable to feel the other magic around him. However, as his skills had developed, he had been able to differentiate between the ancient spells and the ones within his classmates. By the time he had returned to teach, the magic bound to the castle was merely a hum in the background.

He waited for her to announce her arrival, enjoying the energy created by her presence. “I hope those essays can wait as I was very much looking forward to a repeat of this afternoon.”

Albus smiled as he turned. “In that case, the essays can wait indefinitely.”

Minerva’s eyes gleamed as she sauntered toward Albus and drew him into a heated kiss. It was several moments before they broke apart and both were breathing heavily. “Perhaps it would be best to get this kilt business out of the way so that we may continue without any interruptions,” Minerva sighed.

“Hmmm, are you sure I can not tempt you to forgo the kilt business altogether?” Albus wriggled his eyebrows at the lovely witch standing before him.

Swatting him playfully on his shoulder, Minerva backed away and brought out from her pocket a small package. With a swish of her wand, she returned it to its usual size and handed it to the auburn haired wizard. “For you from my parents. Now, if you try it on, we can alter it to fit appropriately. There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting kilt, trust me.”

Albus carefully unwrapped the package and brought out the green tartan material, allowing it to unfurl in his hands. With one final look of pleading which was summarily ignored, he headed to his bedroom to try on the controversial garment.

Minerva watched the sway of Albus’ robes as he retreated to his room. She allowed her mind to wander to the upcoming party. Her Mother had insisted on throwing a large gathering for her birthday. Minerva was sure it was just an excuse to have another family reunion. It had been a long time since the last one and the McGonagall side of her family was rather big on gatherings. Any excuse for music and drink would do. She wondered how Albus would fair being thrown into the middle of it all.

Speaking of Albus, Minerva realized he had been gone for several minutes without reappearing. She decided to take a chair and headed to the sofa. Something on the corner caught her eye and she missed seeing Albus’ entrance, although his comment rang through the air. “I think a cowboy hat would cover more than this kilt.”

Turning, Minerva found herself trying desperately to control her laughter. The kilt was much too short – well to be honest, Minerva didn’t mind its lack of length but the look on Albus’ face that went along with the pink hue to his skin was priceless.

“I couldn’t get the material to change shape no matter what I tried.”

“That would be because it is charmed to only allow someone with McGonagall blood to alter the material in any way. Just a safety precaution from years ago when we were in a fight with the McTavish clan. They did something unforgivable with the McGonagall tartan they stole and ever since it has just been tradition.”

[Hogwarts Duo]

“And it is a story I do hope you will share at some point. In the meantime, I would love to regain a bit of modesty so if you don’t mind…” Albus waved his hand toward the kilt with an expectant look on his face.

“I actually find the look very flattering but since you seem to find it inappropriate, just close your eyes and I will see what I can do.” Albus did as was requested and Minerva took a moment to admire the view which had been presented before she muttered the appropriate charm to make the kilt the right length.

Albus opened his eyes and after inspecting the alterations, smiled in relief. “Thank you, my dear.

“It was my pleasure.” Minerva winked at him and watched as Albus transfigured a full length mirror from the lamp he was standing near and started to inspect her job.

“I find it hard to believe that every man in attendance will be in a kilt. What happened to good old fashion wizarding robes?”

Minerva sighed. She had never known for Albus to be so insistent on a topic as silly as this. It was only a kilt and with what she could see, he had no reason to be shy about the shape he was in. His legs were well defined with a light covering of auburn hair. In fact, the more Minerva looked, the more she realized just how nice his legs were and she found her mind wandering to what the rest of him looked like under all those clothes.

“I hate to say this Minerva, but I really don’t think this is my color.”

“Honestly Albus, what on earth did a kilt do to you that you harbor such ill feelings toward them?” Minerva had thrown her hands up in frustration. He was acting like a petulant boy and she had had enough.

She watched in fascination as Albus turned a bright shade of red, his head bowing down as if to hide his embarrassment. Minerva felt her curiosity peak and pushed the subject. “You would be better off if you just told me. I promise to not tell another soul.”

Albus seemed to contemplate her offer before walking to his favorite chair and sitting down, waving at her to do the same. “I did have an…incident…and I suppose I owe you an explanation for my behavior.

“In my fourth year at Hogwarts, I fancied myself in love with a Scottish lass who was one year older than me. She was also in Gryffindor and ran in similar circles. It took me months but finally I gathered my courage and asked her to go with me to the Valentine’s Day dance. To my surprise and pleasure, she agreed. In my exuberance to impress her, I decided to wear a kilt, in the traditional style of course.

As I descended toward the common room on the night of the dance, she was already waiting for me. She was stunning and with my mind occupied with other things, my feet decided to stop functioning and I ended up flailing down the stairs and landed with the kilt around my waist. Needless to say, I never lived down the incident. And I have never quite gotten over my irrational aversion to kilts.”

Minerva tried, really she did, but her laughter rang out in the room. “Oh, that must have been so horrible. Oh my, I do believe that is one of the funniest stories…I am so sorry, Albus. I presume the date after did not go as planned?”

Albus seemed a bit put off by her laughter but soon a smug look entered his eyes. “Actually the date went very well. We were a couple for several months. She told me she was impressed with what she saw.”

It was Minerva’s turn to blush and she did so profusely. “Well then I hardly see how you can be upset with the kilt. Besides, there are charms you can use to make sure something like that does not happen, no matter what acrobatics you find yourself involved in.”

Albus smiled and laughed a little at the situation. “Then we will have to be sure to make the proper modifications. I don’t believe your father would be as forgiving if I were to make such a grievous blunder.”

“Hmm, perhaps not but I know of one witch that wouldn’t mind an incident to pique her interests.”

“Is that so? Well if she’s a good girl on her birthday, she might be rewarded accordingly,” he finished with a familiar glint in his eyes.

The day of the party had finally arrived. Originally, Albus had planned a party of his own with just a few of Minerva’s friends, co-workers, her parents, and some of the staff from Hogwarts but her parents had managed to persuade him to cancel his plans in deference to their own party plans. And while this evening wasn’t the small affair that Albus had intended for Minerva, he knew how much her family meant to her. And in turn, he came to understand just how important she was to the McGonagall clan.

Dressed in the appropriate attire and with a broad smile on his face, he eagerly apparated to Minerva’s home to escort her to the big gathering. As she stepped from her bedroom and into the main living area, Albus’ breath caught in his throat. Just when he didn’t think she could look any more attractive to him, she would suddenly appear before him and flash those gorgeous green eyes and his mind would melt. Several minutes of glowing praise followed by long, sensual kisses nearly made the guest of honor late for her own party. It wasn’t until a certain area of Albus’ anatomy began to make its’ presence known that they realized how carried away they had almost become. A few more moments spent reining in his emotions and settling his body and Albus was ready to meet the most important people in Minerva’s life…her entire family.

When they first apparated to the outskirts of her parents home, Minerva clasped his hand tightly and gave it a gentle squeeze. “There are some things you might want to know before we let them know we’re here.” Albus’ eyes widened as he listened intently, praying he wouldn’t forget a single word of her instructions. “First, do not take anything from Uncle Ian. He loves to tamper in potions and charms so most likely he’ll have added something to any food or drink he offers you. It’s his way of testing his work. Second, pay no mind to the rowdy behavior as the night wears on. They may threaten each other and vow revenge or bodily harm but for the most part they’re idle threats and won’t be remembered in the morning.”

“Minerva, I know a nice little restaurant in London. We wouldn’t even need reservations…”

She shot him a softened glare followed by a pat on the bottom. “Thirdly, and listen closely because this is most important…you are the love of my life and I will be right beside you. Should we happen to become separated, watch out for my cousins. They’ve always wanted what I have and you are the only man I’ve ever seen fit to bring to a family party. Hence, they will be all over you and considering how incredibly sexy you look in that kilt,” she whispered into his ear as she leaned over, “I dare say they’ll try most anything to get you alone.”

“But you have something which makes it impossible for them to make any advances towards me.” Minerva studied his face with a questioning look. “You have my eyes, my mind, my imagination, but most of all my heart. I can’t give to them what I have willingly given to you, my dear.” Albus wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and was just about to press his lips to hers when he heard a booming voice from a short distance away.

“She’s here! She’s here! By Merlin, she’s even brought a man!”

Minerva rested her forehead against Albus’ shoulder. “That will be Aunt Amelia. She’s always been worried about the state of my love life so I’m sure she’ll bombard you with dozens of personal questions. My advice to you is to invent all sorts of wild tales, the more unbelievable the better, about our passionate relationship. Shocking her into embarrassment is the only way to appease her insatiable appetite for juicy details.”

“But what if she tells somebody the things we tell her? I doubt your father would appreciate that and he’d have me hexed by nightfall.”

“One thing about Aunt Amelia…she might be a nosy old witch but she’s quiet about it. I could tell her I covered you in chocolate sauce and licked you clean and while she’d gasp and beg for more details, she’d never betray me by telling another soul.”

“Chocolate you say?” Before Minerva would respond with a naughty reply, her parents and several of her relatives had surrounded them and were offering their most heartfelt birthday wishes.

[Hogwarts Duo]

One thing Albus noticed about Minerva’s family gathering was that there was an endless supply of alcohol, mainly Scotch whisky but there was also firewhisky too. The younger generations were given butterbeer or pumpkin juice, depending on their ages but the thing that amazed Albus was that the more he drank, he never seemed to reach the bottom of his glass.

“You’ll want to be drinking that slowly,” Harold warned through his thick Scottish brogue. “Wonderful things, clan gatherings…family, friends, and an endless supply of the water of life,” he said raising his glass to Albus. Returning the gesture and clinking glasses, they made a toast and Albus watched in amazement as Minerva’s father nearly emptied his mug, only to have it refilled almost as quickly as it left the man’s lips.

“So, tell me Albus, how are you things between you and my Petal?”

“Perfect, sir. I love her very much and I flatter myself to think that she returns the sentiment. She lights up my entire world just by walking into a room.”

“Aye, she does at that! Got that trait from her mother, she did,” he whispered none too quietly as he winked at his wife who was talking with her daughter. “You know, Albus, I didn’t like the idea of you dating my little girl at first but I can see how happy she is and that’s all that matters.”

“I had no idea you were unhappy. I am sorry if I did anything to offend you. Was it that I failed to ask for permission to date your daughter?”

Harold shook his head emphatically. “It had everything to do with her mother and it goes further back than Minerva’s time on this earth. I was jealous of you and it took me decades to get over that but I’m glad I did. Take care of her, son!”

Albus opened his mouth to reply but nothing came out at first. He wasn’t sure if he was more stunned at hearing Harold’s confession, receiving the approval for his relationship with Minerva, or being called son by someone he once taught. Either way, he was left speechless as Harold was suddenly whisked away by another of Minerva’s uncles.

“I hope nothing has captured that particularly skilled tongue of yours,” Minerva remarked saucily as she wrapped her arms around his waist from behind. “I was hoping to put it to good use later this evening.”

“Put what to use, Minerva?” her mother asked.

“Albus was just telling me how he planned to ravish me later, Mum. And I was telling him how incredibly sexy he looks in that kilt,” she finished with an appraising glance down this his shapely legs. “And for the record, he’s a true Scot tonight, wearing our colors in the traditional manner,” she said putting special emphasis on the word traditional.

“I see,” Athena gushed. “Well, as much as I hate to intervene between lovers, I was asked to tell you that the dancing is about to begin and you are expected to start us off. Albus, you can come with me if you’d like. I’ve noticed Minerva’s cousins eyeing you from afar and I’d hate for you to get ambushed.” Expressing his sincerest thanks, Albus led both women in the direction of the dance area, smiling proudly as he offered Minerva’s hand to her father.

Albus watched with pride and admiration as Minerva easily floated through the many difficult dance moves with her father. Surprisingly enough, he was more sober than Albus originally thought. Either that or he had just participated so many times in the series of dance steps that he could do them in his sleep…or drunken stupor as it were. He turned to remark on the grace with which Minerva danced when Albus noticed he had lost Athena to some rather striking woman, no doubt an aunt or older relative.

“My, my, my. What did Minnie do to land you in her clutches?” a rather large bosomed, young woman commented. “Athena told my mother that Minnie was dating Albus Dumbledore but we all took that with a grain of salt. After all, you’re quite the catch, you are.” Albus took a rather large step away from the witch and clasped his hands firmly in front of his body so there would be no question of impropriety on his part.

“I am afraid it is I who is the lucky one. Minerva is a remarkable woman and I consider myself fortunate to have her in my life.”

The rather inebriated and highly flirtatious witch sidled up close to Albus and attempted to loop her arm through his but found his strong arms locked firmly in place. Instead, she dared to try to brush her hand rather close to the top of his kilt. “I wonder, Albus,” she said softly, “if Minerva knows exactly what she’s got here?” The woman attempted to lower her hand to the front of Albus’ kilt, only to have her hand grasped firmly in his grip.

“I can assure you, Marion, I know exactly what I’ve got and I’d advise you to step away before I decide to take further issue with your actions regarding Albus.”

“Aren’t we a bit touchy today, Minnie? One might think you were a bit insecure in your relationship with the handsome Mr. Dumbledore. You wouldn’t be afraid of losing him to someone like me, now would you?”

Albus released Marion’s hand and pulled Minerva to him, wrapping his arms around her tightly. “Why would I need another woman when I have perfection here in my arms?” Albus asked before planting a passionate kiss to Minerva’s lips. Marion stood stunned as she watched the tender expression of love and the skill with which Albus molded his body to Minerva’s in their embrace. Catcalls and cheers went up as the rest of the McGonagall family caught sight of their birthday girl receiving a public snogging.

“So Harold, my lad, when’s the wedding feast for those two lovebirds? If her birthday party is this much fun and explosive, I can’t wait for their nuptials,” Uncle Cameron remarked. Harold shot the man a rather curt glare before walking away in search of his wife.

“You know, Athena, I’m beginning to think we should have let Albus go ahead with his plans for his private surprise party instead of the traditional family gathering. I’m getting much too old for these things.”

Minerva and Albus had broken apart once they realized they had become the true center of attention with their kiss. With flushed cheeks and impish smiles, they walked up behind her parents just in time for Minerva to learn of Albus’ prior plans.

“You planned a party for me? Albus, you never mentioned it. Why?”

“This was important to you and your family so there really was never any question in my mind as to what should be done. Besides, the evening isn’t over yet. Just because I didn’t get to plan a true surprise party for you, doesn’t mean I am without my resources and a few ideas of my own,” he smirked with a roguish wink.

Before Minerva had a chance to press him for further details, her uncles had appeared with their bagpipes and the piping in of the haggis had begun. After everyone had consumed their portion of the dish, luckily for Albus they were small portions, the feast was presented. Platters of meat, vegetables and potatoes were brought in and everyone filled their plates with gusto.

“A toast.” Harold was standing at one end of the table and looking lovingly at his daughter. “To my beautiful and bright Petal. A man was never more proud of his daughter than I am of you. You do honor to our name.” At this cheers rang through the crowd. “May you be blessed by Merlin himself.”

As everyone was busy drinking to the toast and commenting on the truth of his statement, Minerva leaned over and whispered. “You might want to watch what you consume. This will not be the last toast of the evening. It is tradition to make as many toasts as the person’s age.”

Albus soon found the truth in Minerva’s words and was glad of her earlier advice. He found himself watching her family and the evidence of love that filled the air. Each toast whether serious or comical was said with the best intentions and with a wish of happiness for his love. Her family was truly a gift and he was glad to have their approval and friendship.

It was well into the night when the party finally began to break up and the guests started their stumbles home. Many of the more inebriated members were housed in the guest rooms, where they were be invited to attend a morning after breakfast, no doubt an incentive for partaking of the alcohol with fervor.

“Mum, Papa, it was a wonderful party and I had a grand time. Thank you so much for going to all this trouble for me.”

“Anything for you my little one.” Athena kissed her daughter on the cheek and then turned to Albus. “And thank you, Albus, for participating in our celebration. It meant a great deal to our family that you would brave the wearing of the kilt. Not many men would do that for a woman, regardless of how much he loves her.”

“I always try to learn something new from everyone I meet and with Minerva I have learned the valuable lesson of trusting another completely in all aspects of my life,” Albus remarked with a subtle wink to Minerva. It was his way of thanking her silently for encouraging him to wear the kilt and for making his evening thoroughly enjoyable. “Now, I must be getting this young lass home. She’s had quite the evening thanks to both of you.” Albus extended his hand and shook Harold’s then kissed Athena on each cheek.

After bidding her parents goodnight, Minerva and Albus walked back to the hilltop where they had first observed the large gathering hours earlier. “Albus, I thought you said you had a few ideas of your own for my birthday but back there you said you were taking me home. Am I to assume that your plans have changed?”

[Hogwarts Duo]

“Quite the contrary,” he said as he turned her to face him. “But I don’t think your parents needed to know everything, do you? Now, Miss McGonagall, would you care to accompany me to your ultimate destination before the sun rises on a new day?” Placing her hand in his own, she felt a pull at her navel as the portkey he had activated took them to his carefully planned surprise.

As their feet touched the ground, Minerva felt it shift beneath her feet. The temporary displacement caused her to grasp Albus’ arm tightly as she quickly opened her eyes. What lay before her took her breath away.

The moon hung low over a rippling sheet of inky blackness. With a deep breath, Minerva’s senses reveled in the fresh ocean air. A faint breeze caused a tendril of hair to tickle her cheek and she brushed it back unconsciously. Her attention was drawn by the waves lapping contentedly on the shore, a sound she often imagined during her routine meditation.

Looking at the man standing beside her, she found him watching her closely for her reaction. “It is beautiful Albus. I could not have picked a better place to spend the last few hours of my birthday.”

“I do have one more surprise if you would consent to taking a short walk with me,” Albus questioned.

Minerva nodded in reply and they started down the beach, each lost in a thoughtful silence. Suddenly Minerva noticed a faint glow in the direction they were headed. She gasped in delight as the scene unfolded before her. A blanket lay on the soft sand with pillows for resting, candles floating in the air, delicious looking treats rested upon golden dishes and a single rose resting upon an elegantly wrapped gift.

Her free hand covered her throat as she struggled to find words to express what she was feeling. When he mentioned his own ideas, her mind created several scenarios, each more intriguing than the first, but none of them came close to what he had prepared. Her love of the ocean, the romance of the blanket and candles, even the carefully chosen delicacies were planned with such care that it nearly brought tears to her eyes.

Albus could feel her body trembling with excitement as he led her closer and closer to the blanket. When her parents had insisted on throwing her their own party, he contemplated his options for days. While his party would have been a much more subdued affair, in hindsight he could not have competed with a McGonagall clan birthday celebration. But this…here…was the true heart of his celebration with Minerva. Alone with the woman who made the sun rise for him, the beach which brought her so much inner peace, and the closeness of a romantic setting was something no one could compete against.

Helping her to sit upon the blanket, Albus dropped to his knees in front of her, presented her with the delicate rose and with love and care he unlaced her shoes, pulling them from her feet. “Allow me,” he whispered. She nodded her head and smiled.

“Don’t forget my stockings, dear,” she teased. “It’s no good being on a beach if you can’t feel the sand between your toes and the softness of the shore.”

A firm lump formed in Albus’ throat. He had thought he might get a glimpse of Minerva’s well defined legs as she removed her stockings but he never considered the possibility of being invited to assist her. Leaning into her body, he kissed her softly on the lips as his large hands made contact with the backs of her legs below the knee. As his lips descended to her throat and the sensitive spot he had discovered near her ear, his hands inched upwards towards the clasps of her garters.

With skill and precision, he released the holds upon her stockings just as he pulled his lips from her sweet skin. Easing her back among the pillows to rest her head, he took first one leg and then the other into his warm hands and teasingly slid the stockings down her legs and off her feet, pressing a feather light kiss to the soles of each one before planting them firmly upon the warm sands.

Making quick work of his own shoes and socks, he joined her on the blanket and for a long moment, he studied her features in the moonlight. “Happy Birthday, my dear. I hope it’s been the best one ever.” His long finger traced the features of her face as he stared into her eyes.

“From the moment I got up this morning and opened my eyes, I’ve thought of how this day would end. Never did I think I’d end up on the beach, though. It’s more than I dared to imagine. Thank you,” she mumbled against the palm of his hand before gently kissing it. “But since it has ended this particular way,” she winked, “I have a grand idea. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the courage nor had I found the right man to share it with until now.”

Albus swallowed hard, thinking of dozens of options, some innocent and some rather arousing in nature. “You have my undivided attention, my dear. After all, I wouldn’t dream of denying you something, especially on your birthday.”

Without warning, Minerva’s hand dropped between them to graze lightly over his knee and a small distance across his inner thigh. His sharp intake of breath caused a smile to form on her lips and her eyes suddenly turned a darker shade of green. “I’ve always wanted to feel the warm ocean waves against my naked body as I share deep, meaningful kisses with the man who lights my fire in so many ways. Think you’re UP to giving me what I most want tonight, darling?”

Albus sat stunned, his mind reeling with the implication of her statements. Minerva, however, seemed unaware of how she had affected him as she stood and ran toward the edge of the ocean. He followed her by the sound of her laughter and watched as she stood with the waves gently lapping against her shapely calves. She started to unbutton her dress, exposing tantalizing glimpses of creamy skin.

As she let the garment fall to the ground, Albus found his mouth had gone dry and his tongue darted out to moisten his lips. Minerva stood before him, covered in only lace and silk. His gaze followed the curves of her body, his own body responding with a spark of pure lust. His eyes sought hers once again, looking for a confirmation of her earlier request. As his gaze held hers, Minerva suddenly seemed a bit unsure of herself as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other “Are you coming?”

The sound seemed to break him out of his trance and Albus stood, casting several spells to dissuade muggles from wandering to close. When he looked back up, Minerva had disappeared from his sight and he rushed to the edge of the water. Laughter floated out of the darkness as a pile of material landed at his feet. It took only a moment to discern what lay before him and his fingers worked the buttons of his clothes with a speed which belied his nervousness. Soon his own garments were piled with Minerva’s recently discarded ones and he had waded into the water in search of the goddess swimming in the sea.

Minerva‘s body completely relaxed as the water caressed her newly exposed skin. She felt a freedom unlike anything she had experienced before and she allowed her mind to wander to the invitation she had just extended. It had been a surprise to her as well as Albus when the words tumbled out of her mouth. She had been caught up in the moment and now that she was faced with the reality of the situation, she looked into her heart to see if she had any regrets, any reasons residing within her to stop things before they went too far.

All she found was a deep and overwhelming love for the man who was even now searching for her in the dark water. She felt no regrets, only sparks of heat at the thought of what was to come. As she started to daydream about her intentions for the night, a wave of water toppled on her causing her to sputter in surprise.

A rich chuckle from just behind her caused her to smile mischievously. As Minerva turned around to face the person responsible for the wall of water, one Albus Dumbledore, she reached out and pushed his head under the water. Her laughter once again rang out in the warm night air as Albus surfaced, looking much like a drowned cat. Much splashing and a few squeals of protest from Minerva found the two of them at a stand off, each overwhelmed with amusement.

Finally regaining some control over herself, Minerva looked up to see Albus studying her. Her insides warmed as his eyes filled with love, passion and longing. Her heart started to beat erratically as he moved closer, stopping a few inches away, his gaze projecting the question that had yet to fall from his lips.

A force beyond Minerva’s control led her to take that last step, her lips meeting his in a soft caress. Their bodies molded and Minerva was overwhelmed in sensation. His deft fingers made circles across her skin as the kiss deepened. Her nipples pressed against his muscled chest, ached in need and as if in answer, she felt his erection as it pushed insistently against her stomach.

“Take me Albus, I am yours,” she whispered, her breath hitching ever so slightly.

No other words were needed as Albus swept Minerva off of her feet and with her held securely in his arms, Albus carried her back to the blanket and gently lowered her to rest among the pillows. His eyes burned trails of fire across Minerva’s skin as he hungrily devoured the sight of her naked form before him. The moonlight caressed her body, each curve and peak a study in perfection. Her eyes held an invitation he couldn’t resist.

Options this week are:

A. Stephen and Maggie have a lovers quarrel and turn to Albus and Minerva respectively for advice.

OR

B. Just how warm did things get between Albus and Minerva on the beach? Hot enough to create an unquenchable fire or was the water just too cold to keep the warmth from spreading?

Voting for this chapter will end on July 25th, due to the release of a small book…something about a Half Blood Prince.

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

B! B! B! lol i vote B, wanna know what happened to the lovely couple, Great chapter keep up the good work

[Kandice]

I will personally hex anyone that doesn't choose B! You have been warned! Also I hear that the authors will ship out book 6 to all those that vote B! You gotta love those girls. Kandie

P.S. I choose B

[Krystal]

Well duh! I live with her. I have to choose B!

[ginger newts]

Oh, right, like there's any question! B of course.

This was a fantastic chapter, sweet and steamy. The perfect way to come home from a long day.

[Miss Q]

You wonderful, wonderful you! I absolutely LOVED this amazing chapter! The picture of Albus in a to short kilt ;D, and the romantic setting by the ocean.. Thank you ladies!

As for the option of the 'week'... I know that I usually want to see both options... but this time I just have to see where the romance is going, so I choose B.

Thank you once again for the lovely chapter.

M (who is looking forward to lay her hands on a copy of HBP)

[Sensiblyquirky]

I loved this chapter! It might go down as one of my favorites. As if anyone will choose something other than B!

Christy

[Herzele]

Every time I think you can't possibly come up with something better your next update is better ...
I so love this !!!

And of course I vote for B ... ;D

[Karmin]

Gee a real nail biter. I choose B to keep the race close. ;D

[Kerin]

There's no point in having another option if you're going to make a lemon one of them. :-) Oh, I pick B

[Lady Lavendar]

Well this week i vote for B!! This was a great update!!

LL

[Jaya]

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
BBBBBBB!

(Wouldn't want Kandie to hex me either!)

Jaya ;D

[Kamdra]

This wasn't a difficult choice at all. B!!!!

[JKMcGonagall]

There is only one choice here. I don't want to be hexed either.

I vote for BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Kay