Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[Jaya]

ohh... am gonna go against the majority (so far) again... and say B... Albus with an old lover might be interesting.... but it would be more interesting after he and Minerva have a more established relationship... after all they haven't even been on a date with each other yet.... I don't think Albus deserves to be 'taken down a notch'... he hasn't been anything but charming....

so definitely B!

Jaya

[MiniPrincess]

ARHH... what a tough decision.
It would be REALLY interesting to read about the ex-lover, but at the same time if I was Minerva I would hate it. I decide A because real life isn't as fun to read about as these two! ;D

[Kamdra]

I vote A because I think Minerva would be awesome up against a former love of Albus'.

[TartanPhoenix]

Yay update!!! You do have to feel sorry for Stephen; he just doesn't stand a chance. I think I'm going to have to go against the tide on this one and say B.

[Miss Q]

Wow, update! What a great chapter! I know I asked if you couldn't combine A and B... but you oviously did't have to!!!

So... once again there is a choice....... I think I'll say... B, because I think it's a little early for Albus and Minerva to stumble into the potential problem of A.... besides I'd like to see a little more of Maggie!!! Of cause, If you'd decide to combine the two alternatives, noone would be happier than me.....

I look forward to the next chapter!

M

[JKMcGonagall]

I think B is my choice. It is a little early in the story to add another woman to the mix. I am enjoying this story very much.

[Krystal]

I have to say A. I think Minerva needs to know there might be a rival if she pursues Albus.

[angeldust]

humm well i know B would make everything much easier for Min n Albus but.....

I would have to go for A just add more fuel to the all ready highly burning fire

[QuillofMinerva]

Well great update ladies, I had voted for that option and so I am a happy bunny. As for the next installment, I will have to declare A, A, A, A and A

[Kandice]

I'm just getting around to reading this story. I will have to go with A also.

[griseldalafey]

Great second chapter! Two matches made in heaven, I can see Stephen and Maggie working out nicely.

About the choice, once again, tough decision. I think I'll go for A, I like to see more of Minerva's temper.

[Jaya]

Don't suppose I can vote for B again, huh?

Jaya

[Kimberly]

I vote for A.

[AngelQueen]

Wow... this is really great so far! And it's interactive! Even better! Very nice characterizations!

Oh, which option to choose? Such a hard decision... *mutters and almost wishes she had a Sorting Hat to assist*

Well, I think I'll go with Option B. I rather enjoy Maggie's character and I'd love to see her snatch Stephen's attention so that our dear couple can relax in one another's company!

Again, wonderful story! Can't wait for more!

[Lady Lavendar]

I vote B amigo.

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: Yeah!! You’re all still here with us and enjoying the story thus far. We can’t tell you how much fun we’re having with this whole idea of you choosing the direction of the story. It’s an exciting challenge for us and we owe a huge thanks to each of you! This time around there were 8 votes for option B and 12 votes for option A. So without further delay we give you:

Dancing Under the Stars

The first word that came to mind when Minerva entered the main room of the club was glittering. The entire place was decorated in black and white and all the surfaces seemed to gleam with life and beauty. There was a stage, complete with charmed instruments, and dance floor at the front with tables surrounding it. Each table was covered with a black gauzy material and had a crystal vase filled with white roses in the center. Above each table was a small candelabra floating in the air. The candle light from the tables reflected off the opalescent walls giving the room a very soft ambiance. The dance floor, which was a checkered pattern in black and white marble, sparkled in time with the upbeat tune the instruments were playing. And Minerva couldn’t help but notice how the witches in this place were dripping with jewels expensive enough to purchase her flat in London twice over. Looking up at the ceiling Minerva noticed how the club had received its name. Tiny balls of what appeared to be glass glowed with an inner fire giving them the appearance of stars shining brightly in the night.

“How beautiful!”

Stephen turned to her and smiled brightly. “I am so glad that you approve. It is the place to be seen if you want to make a name for yourself.”

The last comment made Minerva grimace. Could the man not have one single conversation without pointing out how much he thought of himself? Minerva watched as Maggie asked him details about the place. Her eyes traveled over to Albus who looked somewhat bored with the topic of conversation. As she watched him survey their surrounding, she was suddenly looking into a pair of twinkling blue eyes. She felt a flush infuse her face at being caught watching him. He chuckled and then winked at her in a conspiratorial manner and she found herself smiling at him, all thoughts of embarrassment gone.

The house elf leading them through the maze of tables finally stopped and Maggie and Minerva were helped into their seats by their respective dates. They found themselves in a corner nestled close enough to the stage to afford an excellent view but far enough back to allow some privacy. As a house elf appeared to take their drink orders, Albus excused himself for a moment and Minerva, Maggie and Stephen were left to themselves.

“So Stephen how do you know Albus?”

After looking a bit annoyed at the question, he seemed to calm himself and turned to answer Maggie’s inquiry. “We used to work together at the same research facility many years ago. He is really very brilliant. I am not sure why he wants to waste his talents teaching but then again he has always been a bit odd.”

Minerva felt herself stiffen and was about to give him a piece of her mind for his rude remarks when he suddenly stood. “Minerva would you care to dance. This is one of my favorite songs and I would hate to pass up the opportunity to take a beautiful woman out on the floor. Minerva was momentarily speechless but a jab in the ribs by Maggie moved her into action.

“I would really rather not Stephen. I still feel a bit dizzy from the portkey and would rather rest for a bit.”

“I would love to dance if you don’t mind a change in partners.” Maggie, Merlin bless her, jumped in right after Minerva declined. Stephen had no choice but to take her smiling friend out onto the floor leaving Minerva to her own thoughts.

This evening was not at all turning out as planned and if it hadn’t been for Albus’ company, Minerva would have departed by now. As it was, she was stuck with her very conceited and very boring date. She did have to give him some credit for his taste however. The Starlight Sky was breathtaking and the music was divine. Still if it weren’t for Albus they wouldn’t be here.

Her thoughts turned to the wizard with the twinkling blue eyes. Now if he had ended up being her date she was sure she would be looking at things much differently. He was intelligent, handsome, had wonderful tastes and was charming on top of it all.

“What has you so very fascinated if I may enquire?”

Minerva looked up to see the man of her thoughts standing in front of her. “Just thinking about the evening.”

Albus smiled as he took a seat across from her. “Don’t let Stephen get to you. He really is a good person at heart. He just has a hard time expressing it in front of a beautify lady.”

Minerva felt her insides melt at the look he turned on her. “A very hard time expressing it. So much so that I wonder if it is there at all. But I am willing to take your word on it and give him the benefit of the doubt.”

As the last words were spoken, Minerva noticed that Albus’ attention had been drawn to the space behind her chair. Turning a bit to see what was so interesting, she found herself looking at a very familiar witch.

The woman was tall with dark hair, which fell in waves down her back. Her eyes were sultry and the dress she was wearing seemed like a second skin, revealing more than it hid. As she sauntered toward them, her eyes trained on the man sitting across from Minerva. Her eyes narrowed and her tongue came out to dart at her full red lips. She looked like a blend between a gypsy princess and a veela.

Katrina Stapleton. The witch at the forefront of transfiguration. She owned her own research facility in the south of Italy and came from one of the richest wizarding families in the world. Minerva had gone to see her speak several times and had idolized her for most of her career.

“Albus darling, how nice to see you here. I thought you were so busy you couldn’t get away.”

Her voice dripped with honey and a hand covered with expensive bobbles was extended across the table in front of Minerva. Albus stood and greeted her with a kiss across her knuckles. “It is nice to see you too Katrina. May I introduce you to Minerva McGonagall? She is also in the field of transfiguration research.”

Katrina’s dark eyes turned to Minerva. She looked her over from head to toe before responding. “It is nice to meet you Ms. McGonagall. McGonagall…hmmm…you are the witch who became an animagus recently. Congratulations. I remember the first time I turned into a jaguar. The feeling was so powerful and overwhelming. What is it that you became?”

“A tabby cat.”

“Oh, that’s right.” Katrina smiled sweetly before turning back to Albus to carry on their conversation.

Minerva had never felt so snubbed in her life. All of her idealizations for the woman before her died a rather painful death. Minerva was so busy killing the woman a dozen different ways in her head that she missed the first part of her next statement.

“…look forward to our next conference together.” Katrina took one of her slender fingers and ran it down Albus’ cheek and across his lips. “It has been such a long time and no one is quite as talented as you. Perhaps we can get away next weekend. I don’t have to be back in Italy until the end of the month.”

Albus had started to blush and Minerva couldn’t help but notice the tension that had begun to build in his eyes. “I’m afraid that I have some responsibilities to complete before the school year begins so I will be unable to get away.”

Katrina’s hand dropped to her side and her voice took on an icy tone. “Albus Dumbledore you can’t tell me that these students of yours are as deserving of your time as I am.”

[Hogwarts Duo]

Minerva watched fascinated as the scene played out before her. Albus seemed to harden at Katrina’s comment and Minerva couldn’t blame him. She had insulted his profession, one which was very noble and worthwhile. “Katrina, in case you have forgotten, I have dedicated myself to teaching these children to the best of my ability and that means more than just showing up for class. Don’t forget that the future depends on their young minds.”

Minerva hadn’t planned on joining in on the conversation but the comment slipped out before she had thought it through. “And wouldn’t you agree that the future is so very important Katrina? The past, while a wonderful tool for learning – especially from ones mistakes – should stay where it is. The future is where the promise of tomorrow lies.”

Katrina gasped in a very unladylike manner. “Albus, your company no longer amuses me. Why don’t you ask me to dance so we can have a bit of privacy?” Her last statement was hissed out, like a snake about to strike.

Katrina placed her hand on Albus’ arm and he stood. For a moment Minerva was in shock. Surely he was not about to abandon her, or rather Maggie, for this strumpet. “Actually Katrina, I believe I had this dance reserved already. Would you care to join me, my dear?”

Minerva gladly accepted the hand that extended to her and watched as Katrina let out a strangled cry before stomping off. Turning her attentions back to Albus, Minerva couldn’t help but feel slightly vindicated by his obvious snub of the other woman’s offer. She felt a blush rise in her cheeks as she felt Albus’ hand slide around her slender waist, leading her out among the dancing couples enjoying the strains of a slow, soft tune.

“I’m sorry you had to face Katrina’s stinging tongue, Minerva. I had no idea she would be here this evening. I assume you gathered by our conversation that we were once a couple but are no longer.”

“Yes, I did pick up on the fact that she seemed to be a bit surprised to see you here with someone else. And to think I used to hold her opinions in such high regard,” she said somewhat absently as Albus led them through the movements of the dance.

“Oh her mind is brilliant. It’s just her opinion of herself that seems to get in the way sometimes. That’s one of the reasons we had to go our separate ways. She wanted me to give up teaching so that I could spend my days making her happy. And, well, I just couldn’t do that nor would I want to. She was lovely to be with but she was never one I could see myself settling down with and growing old.”

A silence descended upon them, as Minerva debated whether or not to ask the question plaguing her thoughts. As the song ended and another started, Albus refused to release his hold on her, not that she was complaining. Looking up into his blue eyes, Minerva wouldn’t have cared who asked her to dance, the answer would have been “no” if it took her away from Albus’ arms. For the first time this evening, she was truly enjoying herself and not worrying about Maggie or Stephen.

The lights in the Starlight Sky dimmed, which to Minerva seemed almost an impossibility as a love song began to float through the room. The couples already on the dance floor seemed to sense the change of atmosphere and moved in closer to take full advantage of the dimmed lighting and the romantic mood now set out for them. Minerva was about to thank Albus for the wonderful dance they had just shared when his arm tightened around her, silently asking her for just one more dance.

She flashed him a demure smile and he returned it with one of his own as they began to glide across the floor, as if they were floating on air. Neither of them noticed Maggie and Stephen watching them from their table, each thinking completely different thoughts.

Maggie couldn’t help but notice how easily they seemed to move together. Had she not been there when the evening first started, she could have easily drawn the assumption that Albus and Minerva had danced together for years. But that was not the case. The part of her that should be angry at her friend for, in essence, stealing her date, was actually happy. While Albus was a wonderful man, he just wasn’t Maggie’s type. Unfortunately, the evening wasn’t over yet and that led her thoughts to the man glaring at the couple now enjoying the full use of the dance floor as others stopped to watch them in awe.

Stephen, on the other hand, was not amused at all with the scene unfolding before his eyes. Only moments ago, he had asked Minerva to accompany him onto the dance floor, only to be rebuffed. Now, she was practically heating up the entire room with his friend and seemingly enjoying every minute of it. While he wanted to be upset with her for the obvious snub, he could only think that if he was able to get her away from Albus for the smallest amount of time, he would be able to capture her attention. Then, he would really pour on the charm and she’d begin to take notice of him, much like Maggie had done during the dance they shared. Before his thoughts were complete, though, the dance ended and he watched as Albus and Minerva made their way back to the table.

“Well, it seems you’re over your dizzy spell, Minerva,” Stephen remarked as Albus held Minerva’s chair for her.

“Actually Stephen, she was helping me out of an uncomfortable predicament. Katrina is here and she was rather persistent so Minerva was kind enough to share a dance or two with me in the hopes of sending a message to Katrina.” Albus smiled apologetically to his friend but at the same time a pang of guilt hit him. He had planned to ask Minerva to dance, just not so soon after she had turned down Stephen’s offer. And he had to admit that it was truly a pleasure to hold such a beautiful woman in his arms, even if she wasn’t his official date. Taking her hand in his, Albus brushed his lips softly against the back of her hand and whispered a genuine “thank you,” letting his hand hold hers for a second or two longer than necessary.

“I see. I suppose I can’t blame you for not wanting to create a scene with Katrina. Your faces would be plastered all over the Daily Prophet tomorrow morning.” The foursome shared a light hearted chuckle at Stephen’s remark and all seemed to be well once more, though not entirely forgotten by Stephen.

Another hour in the Starlight Sky forced Minerva to dance with Stephen, much to her dismay. From the moment he took her in his arms, it seemed wrong to her. Stephen lacked the grace and movement to guide her around the dance floor. No doubt a tribute to his unstoppable chatter about his business dealings or how pleased he was to learn that he might be up for a promotion in a few weeks time. Add to that the fact that because of his nerves, he continually stepped on her feet and it made for a very long dance, despite the shortness of the tune.

For all his efforts to please Minerva, Stephen could no longer deny the fact that she was not responding well to them at all. He had tried everything he knew to gain favor in her eyes. Yet all that seemed to do was drive her further away. But Maggie seemed to be taking a genuine interest in his words, which gave him a little boost of confidence. While he may not be appealing to Minerva, her friend certainly seemed to find him more interesting than Albus, which was really a compliment.

As much as she tried to force it back, Maggie could not stifle the series of yawns so intent on being expressed. “My goodness, look at the time. I’ve had such a wonderful evening, it’s hard to believe it’s already well past midnight.”

“Yes and I’ve got an important meeting to go to tomorrow at the Ministry. It’s not until later in the day mind you, but it never hurts to be early. Isn’t that right, Albus?”

“I suppose so, Stephen. I find the Ministry meetings boring though. They tend to be filled with lots of grandiose ideas with little chance of substance behind them. Of course, I’m not referring to your meetings, just those in which I have been involved directly,” Albus added as an afterthought.

“Right, well either way I must look my best tomorrow so unless you ladies have an objection, I do believe we should see you home at a somewhat decent hour.” The ladies and Albus had no objections to calling an end to the evening so the men made a quick dash to the cloakroom and were back within minutes with their cloaks.

Albus was bidding goodnight to the owner of the establishment as Stephen, Maggie and Minerva prepared to leave. They were nearly out the door when Albus caught up to them, just in time for a rather inebriated wizard to stumble directly into Minerva, spilling his rather large drink all over her face and dress.

[Hogwarts Duo]

In an instant, Stephen had grabbed the man and was in the process of giving him a proper dressing down while Albus offered his assistance to Minerva. Reaching into his pocket, Albus pulled out a rather flashy purple handkerchief bearing his initials, APWBD. Without asking for permission and instead of handing it to her, Albus simply began wiping away the drink from her soft cheeks and down her throat. He appreciatively noticed her long, graceful neck and high cheekbones, now flushed with embarrassment and felt a warmth in his own face. Before his mind could wander much further, his senses intervened, stopping him from overstepping his bounds. Smiling, he handed her the purple cloth and watched as she daintily blotted the front of her dress.

“Minerva, are you alright?” Stephen bellowed. “Honestly, I’d think that this kind of place would be free from such a display of public drunkenness. I’ve got the man’s name and address so you can send him a bill for the cleaning of your robes.”

“That won’t be necessary. It was an accident and no one was hurt,” she said, never taking her eyes from Albus.

The portkey trip home was uneventful this time, much to the delight of all involved. It had been a long, stressful, yet wonderful evening. Albus kissed the back of Maggie’s hand and thanked her for a lovely evening and then he escorted her to the door. They both turned just in time to see Stephen leaning into Minerva for what was supposed to be a full kiss on the lips. Instead, she moved out of the way to avoid the unwanted advances, causing him to lose his balance and tumble unceremoniously to the ground. A wave of giggles swept through Maggie as Minerva offered a half hearted apology. True, she had not meant for him to fall, but she had no desire to grant him a kiss, especially on the lips.

“I suppose that’s just the way my evening has gone,” he remarked. “Perhaps I’ll contact you soon and maybe we can go out again sometime, without an audience,” he said throwing a glance in Albus’ direction.

Minerva did not feel the need to answer his request. She had no intentions of going out with Stephen again but would be more than pleased if he would invite Maggie out on a date, since she obviously found him attractive. Albus walked over to Minerva and kissed her hand as well, just as he had done for Maggie. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you and I do hope our paths cross again soon.”

Both women walked inside the house and closed the door behind them. Maggie collapsed on the sofa in Minerva’s living room as she walked slowly behind her friend, still clutching the purple handkerchief. Bringing it up to her nose, she smiled and then giggled. It still smelled of him and now she had a valid reason to see him again, if for no other reason than to return his soft and wonderfully scented handkerchief.

OPTIONS FOR THIS WEEK:

A: Minerva visits Hogwarts to return Albus’ handkerchief, sparking some interesting conversation in the staff room.

Or will it be:

B: Minerva is surprised the next day to find herself the recipient of a note from Albus delivered by Fawkes.

The voting will end on April 7. Happy reading and voting!

[ginger newts]

Wonderful chapter! That Katrina was awful, but I'm so glad Albus and Minerva got to dance together. As for the next chapter...you've got to start making these choices easier. Hmm...I'll go with B again.

[Kimberly]

I loved the dancing and rightfully disliked Katrina. This one was a little harder to decide but my love for Fawkes won out so I'll choose B. Kim

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh I did not like her at all! Albus is well shot of a woman like that and Minerva is just perfect

A or B now this is an hard one indeed. Both are great options but my heart is telling me B because I love Fawkes

[Sola]

A! I definitely go for A! ;D

I'd looove a little staffroom scene...with minerva talking to some teachers...hehe...could become REALY interessting! ;D

Anyway....great work!

Sola

[Kamdra]

This is soooo hard to choose but I'm going to go with B. I'm hoping for a great entrance by Fawkes not to mention finding out what the letter from Albus contains.

[Karlynne]

I choose B because I am crossing my fingers that the note from Albus is an invitation for a date.

[Lady Jolly]

I'm really enjoying this story and I vote A!!!
;D ;D

[Sensiblyquirky]

I'm glad Minerva and Albus had a chance to dance, and I liked the detail about how easily they moved together. Alright my vote is for B. Fawkes and some flowers.

[DumbledoresKitten]

oh happy day. wonderful update! Katrina horrid, way to mean and self-centered for albus.
okay going against the grain here. I'd love to see Min assert herself and make the next move. plus albus getting a little good natured ribbing from the other staff members would be funny. so the now standard vote of A.
cat
(do i have to wait another week for an update. *pouts*)

[Twiggilala]

A I say, A. Staff room gossip is fun. <3

[Lady Lavendar]

I have to say this is a really brillant story! I'll have to vote for B.

LL

[Orion's Guard]

I'll vote A becasue there are less votes for it. I'd like to see Minerva a bit nervous, though there's a part of me that hoping for a tie so you can have Fawkes deliver a note and then have Minerva go to Hogwarts with the gossiping staff.