Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[Leaves of Green]

Once again, The Hogwarts Duo Delights avid readers with a perfect chapter. Absolutely wonderful. Now, my first vote, since I was still finishing up at the last deadline, My decision will be...A!!!!!!!!! Hard choice. but better to learn what things will be like sooner rather than later. :DLoved it to death.

Yours Truly,
Albusminerva1313

[tanja]

brilliant update, thank you so much
It´s AA for me ;D

[tayryn]

shit! i hadn't known you'd updated!!! damn! damn! damn!!

if i can slip it in... i'd choose A! if i can't... i still choose A! LOL

and wonderful update, ladies!!

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: Wow! We were certainly a united group of AD/MM shippers this week. With overwhelming support you chose option A…with 16 votes. And we certainly hope you will be happy with this chapter. We had a lot of fun and excitement in writing it for you.

We’d like to thank albusminerva1313 for sending us the following sentence to be added this week. "When we're together I feel perfect, but when I'm pulled away from you I fall apart". Also take note…if you haven’t already sent us an object or a sentence to be used in one of the chapters, feel free to send us a PM with your addition. We’d love to add your ideas to the story.

But most importantly, Lisa and I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely say how much we appreciate your reviews…even the one-liners. We write stories for our own amusement and to have a creative outlet for our imaginations. In turn, we like to share our stories with our friends…our AD/MM friends…and when you send us your comments or opinions it makes us happy because we know that at least someone else took the time to share in our creativity. THANKS for making it so much fun for us!

Enough with our ramblings…we gladly give you:

A Glimpse of the Future

Saying Albus Dumbledore was speechless over something would be like saying the sun refused to shine or that the oceans were running dry. Yet, Minerva had, in the course of a single two-word sentence, managed to render him unable to process a single thought or form a coherent word on his lips.

Minerva sat motionless on his lap, staring into his confused blue eyes. She could tell that she had caught him completely by surprise but it had just slipped from her mouth before even she had a chance to think things over carefully. “We don’t have to decide right now, sweetheart. In fact, I haven’t even given it a second thought myself.” She reached out to stroke his cheek and to run her thumb across his lips. “I suppose I am just a bit tired after this afternoon and when things didn’t seem to be going as we’d like them to, I became frustrated.”

“You don’t owe me any explanations, my dear. I admit being caught off guard but I can understand your reasoning, especially after hearing about your earlier ordeal.” He leaned forward and brushed his lips against hers tenderly. “Perhaps I need to have a chat with your mother and Pernelle to explain to them how we would like things to go for our wedding. After all, I want to be involved in this process too.”

A smile broke across Minerva’s face seconds before a hearty laugh erupted from her mouth. “I can see you now trying to explain to those two zealous witches that we have our own ideas about the impending nuptials. I’m sure they’d love to hear your ideas on the matter as much as they wanted to hear mine.”

An insistent rapping at the door kept Albus from going any further in the discussion. From the sounds of the knocks on his door, the person on the other side was in a hurry and in no mood for delays. With an apologetic look at Minerva, he shifted her onto the sofa and straightened his hair and robes as he made his way to the door.

“Ah Poppy, so you’re the one attempting to beat down my door. I hope this is a social call but from the look on your face, I am guessing it’s not.” Albus moved aside so that the young woman could enter but she made no effort to step inside, choosing instead to peep around Albus’ tall frame to steal a glance in Minerva’s direction. Her cheeks flushed a bit at the sight of Minerva’s slightly messy hair, obviously catching on quickly that she had interrupted a private evening.

“My apologies but Madam Dippet sent me to get you and she said it was urgent. I am not supposed to return to the infirmary without you.” All merriment left Albus’ face, especially his eyes, as he shifted into a more professional demeanor. “Headmaster Dippet was on his way to the kitchens, we think, and apparently he collapsed. Some students found him and ran to the infirmary to get the mediwitch. Madam Dippet managed to levitate him to the hospital wing and she ordered me to find you at once.”

Minerva had crossed the room to stand beside Albus as they both listened with concern to Poppy’s story. It was evident that something serious had happened. Madam Dippet would not have sent for Albus had it not been of the utmost urgency. “Go with Poppy. I will stay here and wait for you. I’m sure there will be enough people in the hospital wing once word spreads around the castle and this way you will know exactly where to find me should you need me.”

Albus looked at Minerva for a quiet moment, amazed at how quickly she was able to put her own personal issues aside for those of his work related ones. He gave her a quick kiss to each cheek and a gentle squeeze on the arms. “I’ll be back soon. I promise.” Albus turned his attentions back to Poppy. “Let’s go see what’s happening, Poppy.”

It was nearly 2am before Albus was able to drag his weary body back to his rooms and he was not at all surprised to find the room dark and Minerva nowhere in sight. He sighed heavily and made a mental note to send her a lovely bouquet of flowers and a note first thing in the morning as a way of apologizing. He quickly shrugged off his heavy robes and his boots, followed quickly by his socks and the rest of his attire as he made his way to the bedroom. But when he opened the door, his heart skipped a beat.

Minerva had waited and waited for Albus to return and when he did not, she tried to occupy herself with several of his more interesting books. Finding none of them capable of holding her undivided attention, she decided to shed her robes and take a long soak in the tub. The warmth of the water and her earlier stress from the day seemed to drain all of her energy and nearly an hour later, Minerva was finding it harder and harder to keep her eyes open as she waited for Albus to return. Even her curiosity over Armando’s situation could not prevent her from sleep and the longer she waited, the more tired she grew.

The sight that warmed Albus’ heart and brought a smile to his face was one of Minerva dressed in one of his nightshirts, sleeping peacefully on his side of the bed and clutching his pillow to her chest. The bedside candle had burned almost to extinction yet it cast just enough light to illuminate and soften Minerva’s already peaceful expression. Carefully, Albus slipped into the bed beside her and soon found his arms full of Minerva as she shifted into them in her sleep. He dropped a soft kiss to her forehead and soon found himself joining her in slumber.

Over breakfast that next morning, Albus retold the events from the night before to Minerva.

“Armando had indeed been on his way to the kitchens for a snack when he had suddenly felt very ill. Before he could summon help or make it to the infirmary he blacked out. When he came to, he was already in the infirmary with his wife busy running all kinds of diagnostic charms and spells over him. After finding several suspicious results, she insisted that he go to St. Mungo’s for further evaluation and more advanced tests, which pleased him none. The reason Poppy was so keen to find me was that Armando was refusing to go anywhere until he had spoken to me personally. Seems, my plate has just been filled to capacity and then some,” he finished before filling his mouth with a bite of croissant smothered in grape jam and butter.

“Albus that’s horrible. Do they have any idea what might be wrong with him? I mean, did Madam Dippet give you any idea what might be his problem?” Minerva wrinkled her nose at the thought of eating something so sweet for breakfast and with such vigor as she watched Albus devour the remainder of his breakfast before answering her.

“She seems to think it is his heart. Ever since he had that bout with the wizarding pneumonia a few years ago, his body has been deteriorating, especially his heart. Madam Dippet thinks that perhaps that was the reason he suffered a blackout but we won’t know for certain until they see him at St. Mungo’s. Until then, my dear, I’m afraid that I am acting Headmaster, which means a great deal more work for me and less time to spend with you.”

Minerva reached across the table and gave his hand a firm squeeze. “I understand and I would expect nothing less than to see you doing everything you could for a friend in need. I’m sure once you get past the first few days, things will settle down again.”

Nearly a week later, Minerva thought back on those words as she tried to meditate in her research rooms. In fact, she had seen less and less of Albus as the week wore on and he had been forced to cancel dinner plans with her on three of those days. Even their walks and research had been put on hold, not to mention any talk of their wedding plans. But as much as she missed Albus and wanted to spend time with him, she did understand that some things were beyond even his control, which meant there was absolutely nothing he could do to change the situation. So, she resigned herself to taking what little time he had to offer her.

While Minerva tried to fill her days with her own work and research, Albus was finding it a bit daunting trying to keep up with his teaching and grading while steadily working on the numerous owls that arrived daily for Armando. Add to that, the overwhelming and, in Albus’ opinion, most unnecessary daily meetings held with various Hogwarts employees, and his days were filled beyond the twenty-four hour time period. That left little time for Minerva and his personal affairs and though he knew she understood, it did not make things any easier for him.

Twice, Minerva had been kind enough to grade Albus’ papers for him while he drafted letter after letter to concerned parents over the state of Hogwarts business in Armando’s absence. Parents, while often well meaning in their inquiry as to Headmaster Dippet’s health and the running of the school, could not fully understand why it might take as many as two days to receive a reply from Acting Headmaster Albus Dumbledore. And with each reply, he offered his heartfelt apologies for the delay while trying to assure them that all was running as smoothly as possible. After all, Armando had been grooming Albus for just such an emergency, though now that he was in charge, Albus found quite a few things he would like to change.

“Any chance you might could add me to your schedule for dinner tomorrow night?” Minerva asked quietly while working steadily on a set of essays for Albus’ fifth year Transfiguration class. “I haven’t seen much of you this week and I thought it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

Albus put down his quill and went around the desk, taking the quill from Minerva’s hand then pulling her to her feet and into his arms. He bent down and stole a long kiss from her before resting his forehead against hers. “I wish I could spend a quiet evening alone with you…”

“But,” she finished with a heavy heart and a prolonged sigh, “you have something else to do tomorrow night.” As soon as the words had left her mouth, her necklace began to pulse around her neck. It wasn’t a feeling of happiness that invaded Minerva’s body but one of deep sorrow and regret and when she looked up into Albus’ eyes, she understood why.

“I am sorry but the Board of Governors asked that I meet with them over dinner to give them an update on how things are going here. I can’t very well tell them that I am canceling dinner with them so that I can spend an evening with the woman I love, no matter how much I would love to.”

She closed her eyes and snuggled deep into Albus’ arms, holding him tightly and inhaling his scent as if she might never see him again. “I know and it was selfish of me to ask. I miss you, that’s all. And I know this is hard on you as well. I can feel it both in my own heart and through the necklace.” She tilted her head towards his and gave him another long kiss, taking her time in savoring the familiar taste and feel of his lips against hers. “Any idea when Armando might be back at the helm?”

“I spoke with him this morning and he assures me he will be back in another two weeks time. He…”

“Two more weeks of this?” Minerva exclaimed. “Please tell me you are playing a cruel joke on me. I promise not to get angry with you for saying such a nasty thing.” Albus merely shook his head and waited for another outburst. “I thought as much,” she replied sadly. “Very well then, if another two weeks is what he needs, then another two weeks is what I will have to accept…though I want it noted I am not at all happy about it.”

“He can’t help it, Min. He’s not a well man and I think he finally realizes it.”

“I think we all realize just how unwell he is and yet if they would let you do things your own way, this situation would be a lot different than it is now. Honestly, why on earth would you need to meet with the Heads of Houses one day and then schedule separate meetings with them throughout the week? Speaking for yourself, if you had a problem, would you not go to Armando when it arises instead of waiting until your appointed meeting? And is there really that many issues that need to be dealt with on a one to one basis instead of out in the open for the other Heads of Houses to hear?”

Minerva paused and when Albus offered no argument to defend the situation, she continued. “And another thing…I can understand making sure the house elves have everything they need to do their jobs efficiently but is it really necessary to plan out so many of their tasks? They are conscientious creatures and as such should be able to handle a few things on their own. Why would you need to create so many different schedules and timetables for them is beyond my comprehension. How does anyone expect you to do your own bloody job as well as Armando’s when there are only so many hours in the day?”

Albus let Minerva continue on her tirade for another five minutes, attacking everything from the organizational skills of Armando to the petty spats over quidditch practices and the meddling Board of Governors. When she was spent, Albus escorted her to the sofa and sat down and pulled her into his lap. “Thank you,” he spoke softly.

Minerva looked at him with a quizzical expression, not grasping why he would be thanking her for spending the last few minutes yelling about things which were truly none of her business.

“Thank you for loving me so much that you are worried and even offended by my current dilemma.” His weary hand cupped her cheek as he stared into her troubled eyes. A long, silent moment passed and neither made any effort to move or to break the spell under which they found themselves. “Let’s go away this weekend. It might be for just one night but we both deserve it and I for one know I need some time with you…alone. We can go to the estate and leave one of the other Heads in charge. What do you say?”

A wave of warm tears filled Minerva’s eyes but she willed them not to fall. “Are…are you certain you can be spared for a night? I know I ranted but I don’t want you putting your work or the school in jeopardy simply because I am lonely.”

Albus crushed Minerva’s lips to his in a heated kiss, one which spoke of his desire and abundant need to be with her, in every sense of the word. His hands roamed over her body, wishing he could feel her warm skin beneath his fingertips and knowing in the back of his mind that no matter how much he wanted to make love to her, he had a mountain of work to do before he could indulge in such pleasures. When the kiss ended, both of them were breathless. He tapped the necklace with one of his long fingers. “I think you can tell just how lonely I’ve been too. It’s not enough to go to bed long after you’ve gone to sleep, only to have to rise before you so that I can attend to my morning duties. If I am to make it through another two weeks using Armando’s schedule, I need this night out with you.” He brushed the back of his hand against her flushed cheek. “I need you, Minerva.”

She smiled and caressed his cheek with her shaking hand. His simple yet profound statement meant more to her than anything in the world at this particular moment. “Then I will add your name to my schedule for this weekend,” she teased before hugging him tightly and spending a few more stolen moments in his arms before they both went back to their paperwork.

Two distinct pops resonated in the air as Albus and Minerva arrived outside the Dumbledore’s estate. The air was slightly chilly and the wind whipped around their robes.

“Perhaps we should have warned Aberforth we were coming,” Minerva mentioned as they walked together towards the front door.

“Oh, it won’t be necessary this weekend. He is at the Hog’s Head to continue negotiations with Bartimeus on purchasing the run down bar. He decided to stay over to get the full experience and to add some pressure to the deal. He even asked for Teensy so she could watch the goats for him.”

Minerva looked up in surprise. Aberforth never left his goats unless he was going out of country and that was very rare. Teensy usually worked at Hogwarts during the year and then returned to the estate during the summer break. They had another house elf, Bitsy, who stayed at the manor year round and helped Aberforth with the housekeeping and his meals.

“He is really serious about this then?’ she questioned.

Albus smiled at Minerva’s expression. “Yes, I believe he is. In some ways I think it will be a very good move for him but I don’t want him to feel like he has to leave the only home he has ever known.”

Minerva looked thoughtful as they made their way up the stairs. Aberforth had insisted that the estate was theirs when they married. They had both told him, separately and together, that he could stay. After all, the only time they would be in residence would be during the summer months when Albus was away from Hogwarts. However, he had insisted and neither of them had been able to talk any sense into him.

“I think if it is his decision and something he truly wishes to do, then perhaps we should leave him to it.”

“I think your right,” Albus agreed as he opened the door.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Minerva made her way in and for the first time really looked at the house as her home. She noticed right away that there were some changes that would need to happen. Having two men with varying styles being the only residents for such a long time had colored the once tasteful surroundings.

“Did you hear that?” Albus asked as he placed their overnight bag on the ground.

“Master Dumbledore,” a voice squeaked out. “You is not supposed to be here this weekend.”

A little elf was standing in the hall and looking at them with wide eyes, wider than usual Minerva noted. He was trembling a bit and kept glancing toward the ceiling.

“Oh Bitsy is a bad elf for saying that, bad Bitsy.” The elf instantly started to box its own ears.

“Now Bitsy there is no need to inflict pain on yourself,” Albus stated calmly. “It was a perfectly reasonable statement. Minerva and I decided to stop by and since Aberforth was not going to be in residence, I didn’t think to owl ahead.”

Minerva gave Albus an I told you so look as the house elf began to beat its head against the wall.

“Oh the Master will be very unhappy with Bitsy, very unhappy,” he wailed seemingly ignoring Albus’ previous statement regarding the creature’s health.

“I insist that you stop this minute,” Albus demanded.

The house elf calmed instantly much to Minerva’s relief. Bitsy began to wring his hands together instead and looked at Albus for further instructions.

“I will not be unhappy with you,” Albus continued.

“Oh Bitsy is not worried about you Master, it is the other Master that will be very unhappy with Bitsy.”

The little elf clamped his hand over his mouth and looked as if he was about to start beating some part of him against the wall again but Albus held up his hand to stop him.

“And why would Aberforth be unhappy with you Bitsy,” Albus questioned.

Bitsy looked very nervous and as if he wished that he did not have to speak. He kept swinging his big bat ears and making weird grunting noises. Minerva was suddenly hit by how funny this all was and had to pinch herself to keep from laughing. Obviously Albus did not find it quite so amusing.

“Now, Bitsy!” he demanded.

“Master is upstairs with the quidditch lady and Bitsy is not supposed to let them be disturbed,” he squeaked. “He said it is a special weekend and that is why Teensy is here.”

Realizing he had spoken too much once again, Bitsy started to pull on his ears. With a look of surprise, Albus glanced at Minerva who shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t know who Bitsy was referring to and honestly didn’t want to think on it too hard.

“Perhaps we can go to an inn,” Minerva chipped in.

“No,” Albus stated instantly. “Aberforth and his lady friend will not mind.” He seemed to be saying it more for Bitsy than Minerva. “Now Bitsy, get our room ready and we shall go and find Aberforth.”

The elf looked like he wanted to say something further but the look on Albus’ face stopped him. “Yes Master,” he said before disappearing.

They had only taken a few steps toward the stairs when Albus and Minerva heard a squeal of laughter. Minerva stopped in her tracks, suddenly conscious of what could be happening on the floor above them. She had unfortunately had her fair share of interruptions of late during private moments and certainly didn’t want to be the cause of embarrassment.

“Perhaps we should wait for them down here,” she suggested to Albus who had already started climbing the steps again. “They are bound to come down sooner or later.”

However, Albus didn’t seem to have heard and she felt her necklace give off a wave of unpleasant feelings as a loud moan issued forth from the same area of the squeal. Minerva quickly chased after her fiancé as he picked up speed. She noticed that at the top of the stairs he turned left instead of right. Confused now as to why he would be headed toward their rooms instead of Aberforth’s when he was obviously upset about his brother, Minerva decided to speak, hoping to get his attention. Before she could form her thoughts however, Aberforth’s voice rang out in the air.

“I’ll catch your snitch!” he growled.

Shock was really the best explanation for what happened next. Minerva started to move faster at the declaration coming from their rooms while Albus stopped dead in his tracks. Which is why Minerva suddenly found herself on the ground, the wind knocked out of her and why Albus had stumbled forward, his body hitting with a loud thump against the double doors that led to their rooms. As both tried to recover, with Albus coming to Minerva’s assistance, the doors were flung open and a scantily clad Aberforth appeared with his wand held in front of him.

“Albus,” he stuttered.

Minerva looked up as she finished dusting herself off to see shocked faces all around. It would have been funny seeing Aberforth in nothing more than a thin robe and dark socks if the person standing just behind him hadn’t been one of her friends.

“Xiomara Hooch!”

Minerva hadn’t realized she had spoken, and rather loudly in her shock, until every pair of eyes turned to her.

“Can’t a girl and her beau have a bit of privacy,” Xia stated saucily.

Minerva made an indistinct noise in her throat as she tried to process that statement. It didn’t help matters that her quidditch playing friend was only wearing some leather and lace body suit which revealed more than it covered. She stood there with her hands on her hips, her yellow eyes blazing. It was her expression that caused Minerva to spring into action.

“No, you may not have a bit of privacy when it is in our rooms,” she bit back as she moved to stand by Albus. “You can bloody well use Aberforth’s rooms for your little escapades, including any snitch chasing.”

The last part she added for good measure and was amused to see Albus and Aberforth choke as it slipped out of her mouth. Her comments also had the added effect of taking the wind out of Xiomara’s sails.

“Aberforth?” she questioned, her gaze now concentrated on her lover.

“I can explain, truly I can,” Aberforth pleaded.

It seemed that Xia was having none of it as she started to accio her clothes and other belongings to her. Aberforth was rambling on about how his rooms would not be appropriate and that he was only looking after her comfort. Minerva looked upon the scene with amusement and a fair share of horror. She just couldn’t picture the two of them together, even after seeing it with her own eyes.

Albus took her hand as Xiomara began to stuff her belongings into a bag. Minerva looked up to see his eyes twinkling merrily. She could feel that his good mood had returned and was glad that their night had not been ruined by the events that had transpired.

“And give me back my snitch,” they heard Hooch say and immediately their eyes were once again focused on the drama playing out before them.

Aberforth held out a dangling chain with a golden snitch pendant trying to fly about. “I told you I would catch it,” he said pitifully.

“It was your fault that it got away in the first place,” she bit back.

Now fully dressed the witch made her way past Albus and Minerva bidding them a nice weekend. Aberforth ran after her with a pleading look at his brother and an apologetic one turned toward his soon to be sister-in-law.

“But Hoochie, please just listen to reason...”

“Reason,” she shouted as her boots echoed on the stairs.

"When we're together I feel perfect, but when I'm pulled away from you I fall apart.”

A harsh burst of laughter rent the air. “That is rich Aberforth, really heartwarming.” A moment of silence was quickly ended by a softer statement from the formerly enraged witch. “But perhaps some arrangements can be made.”

It was the last thing they heard as Albus pulled Minerva into their rooms.

Options for this week are:

A. After their evening away gets off to a rocky start, Albus decides to cook Minerva a special meal the muggle way. But when things don't go exactly the way he planned, it's up to Minerva to salvage the evening.

B. Albus and Minerva are finally enjoying a quiet evening when an unexpected visitor arrives. As the new guest, a baby goat, causes a bit of mischief for the tired couple, Minerva discovers she has found a new friend, one that is unwilling to part her company.

Voting will end on April 25th.

[Herzele]

And another wonderful update ! I truly don't know how you manage to make the story better and better with each update ....
I wonder why Aberforth didn't want to bring Xiomara into his rooms ... ;D

Hmmmm .... A or B ?? Difficult decision .... But I think I'll take B ... You just gotta love baby goats ....

[Trulyamused]

Thank you for another great installment. Abe and Xia are too funny.

I love read these purely for the entertainment value. It is escapism at its best.

On that note, I believe, I will have to go with . . . B, I have to see what you do with this.

Truly

[zoeteproet]

Wauw, I had to catch up with some chapters, but they were absolutely amazing.
For the next chapter, I think I'll go for ...B
baby goats are so cute

[Jessabelle]

I will have to follow suit - I vote B for next week!

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

great chapter ...loved it i vote B

[EloquentPhoenix]

Ahh what to choose what to choose?

I'm going to be different and vote A, Albus cooking the muggle way has to be fun and I can completely see it fitting with all they've had that week and it fits well with how regretful and unhappy he was trying to make it up to her.

I loved this chapter, but poor Albus and Min, they're reallying having a tough time of it and I feel a bit guilty for voting for it as you protrayed how they're being affected by it really really well so I could see everything that happened perfectly. And Aberforth and Xiomara - too funny for words but when he said that line it was just 'aww' because I can see them being perfect for each other's characters (despite being a Snape/Hooch fan as a rule).

So yey, A and update soon!

[tanja]

such a good update. Really touching how they have to struggle against all those difficulties.
I guess I´ll vote B this time

[Leaves of Green]

Another lovely story. I gotta make this quick..........so A or B?

I think B.

no. a


I'll go with A because it sounds fun.

With sincerity to my favorite authors & story,
Albusminerva1313

[JKMcGonagall]

Xiomara and Aberforth together? That is quite a sight to contemplate. I usually think of Xiomara and Severus together, it is a Slytherin thing, I think. Who knows, maybe Aberforth was in Slytherin. He seems to be totally different from his brother. I guess if Sirius Black could be in Gryffindor, the Aberforth could be in Slytherin. Why not (shrugs)?

Real life really stepped in and interrupted our love birds this time didn't it. I hope they enjoy their getaway for the rest of the time now that the other two lovebirds are out of the way. So let's continue and have Albus attempt breakfast the muggle way. My choice this time, ladies, is A. Yes, definitely A.

Kay

[ismaco]

Dear ladies:
I'm as impressed as Kay with the Xiomara/Aberforth thing. I don't know, I've always pictured Xiomara with Severus but... anyways!
I loved the title... and I loved the way you managed that glimpse of reality. Apparently, they need to learn how to live missing each other or Albus will need a time-turner to be with Min.
Thanks for the update, and for me. Hum! I think I'll go with.... err... A

Love,
Isabel

[avadagypsy]

Xio and Aberforth? didnt see that coming! "I'll catch your snitch" - hilarious!
I am voting option B this week. Keep up the great work guys!
Gypsy

[Happy Reader]

What a excellent chappie, you even wrote a pairing I'm partial to!! Extra cookies for you two! 'B' for me please.

[tayryn]

ROTFLMAO!! oh thank you!! i SOOO needed the laugh this chapter gave me!! (i caught it in time too!! lol)

i love Aberforth!! and i love Hooch!! and the combination of them together... whee!!!

this was just fabulous!!

my choice for this week.... oh... i'll go for A!

[EarthyGrl]

NOOO!!! Voting already ended...
If I could have a say, I would have said B! Update soon!

[ginger newts]

Poor Albus and Minerva. I could feel every bit of their frustration in the situation that was thrust upon them. I liked the bit when Minerva made her little speech about all the ways the job of headmaster needed changing. Sounds like the two of them together can make it a bit more managable.

That last part was too funny. The very idea of Aberforth and Hooch and then the stuff about the snitch catching. teehee Brilliant, ladies.

Tough choice for next week, but I'll go with A.

[mcgonagallrocks]

A all the way a great chapter. Hooch a Aberforth together is my second choice for Hooch (SS/XH is more my style)

[EarthyGrl]

B please

[Alesia]

Ohh, I missed the deadline. But I just wanted to say you had me rolling on the floor at the scene with Hooch and Aberforth. I love the way you write those two.

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: A giant thank you to all of our reviewers for keeping us so inspired with this story! It has become much longer than we ever anticipated and its growth is all due to you. This week we had 10 votes for B and 7 votes for A. We also had a couple of options for quote additions sent to us by Jessebelle. The one we chose to go with was from Oscar Wilde and Sarah Bernhardt:

“Mind if I smoke?”
“I don't care if you burn.”

She offered us a challenge and we hope she enjoys its use. Now we offer…

Changes Are Imminent

The room was an absolute wreck. Of that, there was no question indeed. The curtains, which hid the massive bay windows, were barely hanging on to their dignity and having a difficult time doing their intended job. There were two plates with food left lying on the floor near the fireplace, no doubt from some sort of picnic the lovers had shared. There were empty bottles of wine and firewhisky on the floor as well, no doubt leftovers from the amorous romp which had been unexpectedly interrupted. All of those things could be repaired or cleared away easily but there were just some things which Minerva could not overlook. The main one being the bed.

Albus stood in the doorway and surveyed the room. Never had he kept a room in such a state of disarray. Sure, he had the same problem as most men, chaotic organization, but at least he was clean about it. But one look at his bedroom and it was an established fact that his brother did not share his fondness for neatness or even creating a romantic atmosphere for his lady-friend, Xiomara Hooch. With an apology on his lips and a dark cloud hovering over his heart, Albus turned to Minerva, ready to hear the rant no doubt running through her mind.

“I…I don’t know how they did it, Albus. I mean, just look at it.” Her arm extended out and in a sweeping motion, she pointed to various places in the room. “Even with magic it will take us over an hour to clear everything away…and that’s with both of us working on separate parts of the room.” She turned to face him, tears brimming in her eyes from the anger and disappointment she had been fighting all week long. “I shudder to think of what the bath looks like if the bedroom is any indication.”

“We’ll get it all sorted out, my lioness. I promise you that and we will have our quiet time together.”

“How Albus? Hell, we can’t even sleep much less make love or anything else in this room! And I refuse to sleep on that…that bed!” Albus cast a furtive glance in the direction of his precious bed. The sheets had been nearly stripped from the bed and the purple duvet lay near the fireplace. A pair of pink silk ties still dangled from two of the four posters as well as a blindfold neither Albus nor Minerva had seen before. The pillows were nowhere to be seen and there was a vial of massage oil sitting on the nightstand. Nearby was a copy of the Kama Sutra, opened to a rather interesting and somewhat difficult position for lovemaking.

Turning back to Minerva, he had to admit she was correct. Even he wouldn’t have been comfortable after the room had been cleaned and straightened. Thinking for a moment on the best way to salvage the remainder of the night and putting Minerva in a more relaxed and agreeable mood, Albus quickly came up with a plan. “We are going to talk to Sprite and see if she can’t prepare my parents rooms for our use. While she’s getting them ready, why don’t we take a walk in the moonlight and see if we can’t unwind a bit? I’m sure the night air and some stargazing will do us both some good.”

Albus’ arms snaked around Minerva’s waist, drawing her against him as he leaned in to kiss the tip of her nose. “I do seem to remember having a rather agreeable time beneath the stars with you on more than one occasion,” she conceded. “If you promise to protect me from any wild animals which might be lurking nearby, I think I would like to take that stroll with you Mr. Dumbledore.”

With that settled and Sprite happily working away to prepare another room for them, Albus and Minerva made their way across the grounds, beyond the gardens and towards the lake.

“Albus, are you sure this is safe? It’s dark and we really can’t see a thing,” Minerva suggested with more than a bit of apprehension in her voice. It wasn’t that she distrusted Albus but she wasn’t overly keen on being dumped into the water should the boat tip to one side or the other as she tried to climb inside.

“Trust me, my dear.” He held out his hand and waited patiently for her to garner enough courage to join him. On the way to the lake, Albus had an idea. If they couldn’t start their evening in one romantic way, he would simply have to try another, more inventive way.

With a timid step and then another, Minerva was pleasantly surprised by what she did not expect. The boat had been gutted. There were no awkward benches to maneuver around nor were there any cumbersome oars with which to guide the boat. Instead there was a soft blanket and a fluffy pillow and among those…a reclining Albus with his arms outstretched.

“Come lay with me and we’ll drift on the water for a spell.” The moonlight shining down upon them cast a soft glow around the boat as the light reflected off the glassy water. But even the stars sparkling overhead could not match the twinkle found in Albus’ eyes as Minerva eased into his arms. Her head rested just above his heart while her hand dropped comfortably across his waist. With both occupants settled in the little boat, Albus whispered a spell and suddenly they began to move and soft sounds of the water lapping at the edges of the boat were the only noises to be heard.

A long comfortable silence descended upon them as they drifted carelessly along, neither knowing nor caring that the night was passing them by. Tender, loving kisses and gentle caresses filled the moments in between subtle sighs and deep breaths.

“Mmm, this was a wonderful idea Albus. I’m sorry I yelled at you earlier.” Minerva turned her head upwards and planted a kiss to the side of his neck while running her hand through his mussed hair.

“You had every right to be upset. It’s been a stressful week for both of us and the last thing either of us expected was what we found. I’m sure neither of them meant for that to happen but…”

“Shhh, do you hear that?” Minerva’s cat like instincts had picked up on a noise in the nearby brush. It sounded like an animal struggling in the reeds of the bank.

“No, I don’t hear…” Minerva’s finger silenced Albus’ lips just in time for him to hear the soft sounds. “It’s probably just a frog or perhaps a bird stirring in its’ nest. Lay back down my dear and I’ll give you something else to focus on,” was his reply as his hand traveled over her hip and inching closer to her breast.

Minerva was about to give in to Albus’ persuasive ways when they both heard the distinct sound of a small goat bleating out a cry for its’ mother followed by the rustling of the reeds again. “Albus, I think it’s one of Aberforth’s kids and it sounds like it’s in trouble. We have to help it.”

Albus had to agree with Minerva. That was certainly not the sound of a bird or a fully- grown goat. That was a baby goat and from the sound of it, a distressed one. Using his wand, Albus guided the boat towards the sound while Minerva used her wand to illuminate the area.

“Oh Albus, look. He’s tangled and wet. I bet he’s cold and hungry too. We can’t leave him out here. Let’s take him inside and see if he’s hurt.”

Albus smiled and nodded his head in agreement. Surely the poor animal was in distress at having been separated from his mother at such a young age and no doubt he was hungry. But the best place for this little one, at least in Albus’ mind, was the stable with the other goats. “Wouldn’t it better if he stayed with his own kind tonight? I’m sure his mother is back in the stable looking for him too.”

“But what if she’s not? What if she’s out wandering the estate looking for him and we take him back and just leave him? The other goats will shun him and he’ll have to spend the night cold, wet, and hungry, not to mention scared half to death.” The look of pity on Minerva’s face at the thought of the poor creature being subjected to such cruelties was too much for Albus.

“Ah, it won’t be the first time I’ve shared the house with a goat and I’m sure we’ll both be able to enjoy the rest of our evening if you aren’t distracted by thoughts of little Abner here.”

Nearly half an hour later, the kid was untangled from his snare and was being carried in Albus’ arms towards the house. Once there, Minerva wrapped the little one in a soft blanket and held him in her arms while Albus and Sprite worked to prepare a bottle of warm milk. When Albus returned, he was not surprised to find Minerva holding the small, weak animal in her arms and singing a soft tune in Gaelic.

“I envy that goat right now,” he admitted as he admired her from the doorway. Minerva was seated in front of the fire in her bare feet. Her hair fell loosely about her shoulders and back while her cheeks were a healthy shade of pink, probably from the night air and the heat of the fire.

“And why on earth would you envy a goat, my lion?” The smile that played about her lips invited Albus to join them on the floor. She took the bottle from him then leaned into his arms while the little goat gulped greedily at the bottle of milk.

“Because he’s in your arms and I’m not. I’ve had to wait all week plus endure more than my share of paperwork to earn the privilege and all he had to do was cry out a few times. Honestly, I never thought I’d have to resort to such tactics but if that’s what it takes…”

“Albus Dumbledore don’t you dare scare this poor little thing by making horrid goat noises. He’s been through enough already and I’m sure once he’s fed and asleep, my arms will be all yours for the filling.” Minerva leaned her head back and kissed him softly on the lips. “Until then, feel free to share with me all the things you’d like to do once you get into my arms. All this little lad seems interested in is feeding.”

It didn’t take long for Abner, as Albus hastily named him, to finish the bottle and drift off to sleep in Minerva’s comforting arms. When she was satisfied that he was fully asleep, Minerva carefully placed him on a pillow not too close to the fire but near enough so he could feel the warmth through the blanket.

“Now, I would love to hear more about those wickedly erotic ideas of yours,” she purred as Minerva crawled across the floor towards Albus. The darkness of her eyes gave away what she was feeling in the very deepest parts of her mind and soul. “I found more than a few of those ideas highly arousing.”

Minerva climbed into Albus’ lap, her hands working swiftly to unfasten and remove his clothing while he returned the favor. Before long, both were lost in a haze of arms and legs, lips and tongues as their bodies began to mold together in the best possible ways. Soft moans began to fill the air as Albus’ hands and tongue worked Minerva into a state of need and desire. Gently, Albus lowered Minerva onto her back as he positioned himself between her legs, readying them both for what was to come next.

Lowering his head between her legs, Albus began working his skillful tongue against Minerva’s core, paying the most attention to the center of her longings. The last thing he expected to hear was laughter and soft pleas for him to “stop”. Unsure of what he was doing wrong in pleasuring her, Albus lifted his head to see Minerva’s face being smothered in little Abner kisses as she struggled to move her head away from the little goat’s tongue.

“Abner…stop,” she giggled. “You’re supposed to be asleep!” Minerva managed to push him away long enough to see the hurt in those blue eyes she adored. “Oh Albus, I’m so sorry. I was enjoying your touch…surely you could tell that. It’s just that…well I suppose I woke him with my vocal praise of your skills and the next thing I knew, he was licking my ear and face.”

Minerva once again pushed the goat away and crawled into Albus’ lap, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer to her. She could tell by the stiffness of his back that she had done far more than just wounding his pride, she had hurt his heart. “I truly am sorry. Perhaps we should leave Abner down here and we can go upstairs to your parents’ room. Then I will be all yours until we have to go back to Hogwarts.” She leaned in and kissed his lips softly, tasting herself on the tip of his tongue briefly and realizing just how ill timed the goat’s affections were in the grand scheme of the night.

Without another word, Minerva stood up and took Albus’ hands in hers, pulling him to his feet. “Care to show me the way upstairs or shall I just choose a room and hope for the best?”

“No, we’ve done that already this evening. Allow me,” he said as he scooped her into his arms and carried her the rest of the way upstairs, making sure to kick the bedroom door closed behind him.

Sometime in the wee hours of the morning Minerva woke to a scratching noise on the door. At first she thought it might be her imagination but as she woke fully, she realized that there was something or someone on the other side of the door. Slipping carefully from Albus’ arms, she tiptoed across the room and eased open the door to find a pair of chocolate brown eyes staring up at her pleadingly.

“How on earth did you find us up here little fellow?” Minerva asked as she knelt down and petted the small, frightened animal. He bumped his head against hers, nearly knocking her off her feet before giving her a quiet bleat in reply. “Shh, you’ll wake Albus if you’re not careful,” she reminded him “ and while I’m sure he’d not harm a single hair on your head, I think he needs me a bit more than you tonight.”

“He certainly does. It’s getting lonely over here in this bed,” Albus answered through a yawn. Minerva spun around and fell backwards onto her bottom while the goat climbed into her arms. Albus laughed heartily as he sat up in bed taking in the sight of Minerva with her arms full of the baby goat. “Might as well let him stay near his surrogate Mum for the night or else I’ll never get any more time with you.”

Minerva made Abner a little bed on the floor on her side of the bed and cast a warming spell on the blanket. She summoned the robe she had worn the day before and also placed it near the little goat, hoping her scent would appease him and apparently her idea worked. As soon as he was sleeping soundly once more, Minerva slipped back into the bed and into her lover’s arms.

“Is this what it’s going to be like when we have children?” Albus asked as he dropped tiny kisses to her neck and shoulder. He was now fully awake and apparently so was the rest of his body which was pressing firmly into Minerva’s thigh.

“Not exactly. At least we can bring our children into the bed with us if we have to but I’m not sharing my bed with a goat, no matter how adorable he may be.” Minerva rolled Albus onto his back, straddled his hips and rocked suggestively against him. “Besides, I need as much room as possible in this bed to try out that position from the book we saw in the bedroom earlier this afternoon. It looked rather intriguing and I must say, I love trying new things with you.”

“Mmm,” he moaned as Minerva began to brush against his growing member just as the picture in the book had suggested. “As long as we don’t take up Aberforth’s habit of tending goats, I’ll try anything with you,” he managed to say just before Minerva rendered him utterly speechless for quite some time.

Minerva closed the door behind her and started down the hall intent on finding Albus and Abner. She had awakened earlier that morning to find herself alone in bed, a note her only companion. According to Albus, Abner had risen quite early and had become intent on waking the other occupants in the room. Before the little kid could also disturb Minerva’s sleep, Albus had taken him out of the house for a walk and perhaps some breakfast. He also mentioned trying to find the goat’s mother after the outing.

She was torn on whether the news was happy or sad. She was sure Abner would be happy to be home but Minerva would miss the little baby. He had been so cute and cuddly, even if his timing left something to be desired.

“Mind if I smoke?” A gravelly male voice filled the air just before a coughing fit ensued.

“I don’t care if you burn.” The response was delivered in a lofty feminine tone which held a fair amount of disdain.

“Leave your manners in your own portrait Alianora?” the first voice retorted.

Intrigued, Minerva looked around until she spotted the portrait that held the bickering occupants and was pleased to see a mischievous smile aimed in her direction.

“Not at all, I simply reserve them for those who are deserving. Now if you will excuse me, I wish to speak with my daughter-in-law.”

“Madam Dumbledore, what a pleasant surprise,” Minerva exclaimed as Albus’ mother inserted herself into the portrait closest to her.

Alianora looked at Minerva, her dark eyes flashing with satisfaction. “The pleasure is all mine. I didn’t realize the two of you would be stopping by for a visit.”

“Neither did I,” stated Minerva. “Albus has been filling in for Armando the last couple of weeks and we have hardly seen each other. He surprised me with an overnight visit.”

“Very romantic of him,” Alianora sighed. “His father is the same way, always planning little surprises for me. However, that is not why I was looking for you this morning. Shall we retire to a more comfortable setting?”

Minerva made her way to the formal living room where Alianora and Adamus’ portraits resided. She settled herself on the sofa and noticed that Albus’ father was missing. It took only a few minutes for the red-haired witch to appear and settle herself in her own chair.

“Aberforth mentioned that Albus and you would be residing here after you are married.”

Minerva began to grow nervous as the statement resonated in the air. She certainly didn’t want for Albus’ parents to think poorly of her and with Aberforth moving out, she could just imagine how things looked to them.

“We asked Aberforth to stay but he insisted…”

“Oh, I am not bothered by that one bit. Aberforth needs a home of his own. He has lived here too long and never really explored life as fully as he should. I am afraid he has become a bit of an eccentric.”

Minerva couldn’t hold back the small laugh that bubbled forth at that statement. Aberforth was more than a bit eccentric but it was part of what endeared him to her.

“What I wished to say is that you will probably want to make some changes to the house.”

Minerva sat stunned. She had no such intentions. True, the decorations in some of the rooms were not to her taste but she had no right to change them. “To be honest it never even crossed my mind. That is for your family to decide. After all it is your home.”

“And it will be your home as well,” Alianora stated quietly. “You will be a Dumbledore as well and part of our family. I already see you as my daughter-in-law Minerva and I would be ever so pleased if you grew to feel the same way about us.

“The boys have liberally added their own tastes to the house over the years and with their personalities, it has been a very colorful transition. I was hoping that some good feminine tastes would restore this house to its proper glories. I can’t tell you how lovely it would be to have parties here again.”

Alianora seemed to go off thinking of either the past or the future, Minerva was unsure which. The lull in conversation did give her some time to contemplate Alianora’s words. She would be a Dumbledore soon, although no date had been set. Thinking of redecorating led her to one thought, her room with Albus. After the episode with Aberforth, she would very much love to completely redecorate and erase all memories of his interaction with Xia from it.

“Thinking of Aberforth and that quidditch girl?” Alianora questioned with knowing eyes.

Minerva blushed. “How did you...”?

“It runs in the family dear,” she promptly responded.

Minerva laughed at that statement. “Actually that is exactly what I was thinking.”

“Well don’t concern yourself with your old rooms. You will of course be moving into the master suite. Adamus and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Now, give some thought to my ideas and we shall talk on it again. In fact, if the rest of your weekend is free perhaps you would care to stay over another night and we can do some planning. If you would like my help that is?”

Minerva smiled brightly at her soon to be mother-in-law. “Of course I would love your help. I do believe that I can arrange to stay another night, just let me speak to Albus about it.”

The two witches bid each other a good day and Minerva made her way from the room, thoughts of Albus and Abner replaced with redecorating a manor in which she would soon live. Her eyes seemed to wander to areas she had never noticed before, like the garish art in the corner of the hallway and the bizarre tribal mask that hung in a prominent location in the dining room. By the time she found Albus and Abner out in the barn, she had a list of items she would do away with or move if permitted.

“Abner, leave the chickens to themselves and come tell me which one of these goats is your mother.”

Albus seemed to be pleading rather than telling and Abner was doing a very good impression of not hearing a word he was saying. However, as Minerva came closer the little kid looked up and practically ran over to greet her.

“Good morning to you as well,” Minerva laughed as his head butted against her leg. She stroked his soft fur as her eyes sought out Albus. He was walking over, his eyes twinkling merrily.

“Thank Merlin you are here. The goat will not listen to me and has done nothing but challenge my every request.”

“Perhaps it is the way you are phrasing your requests, my lion,” she murmured as their lips met in a morning kiss.

“Please, try your hand and see if you can get him to find his mother. Several of the goats have made a ruckus since we entered but I cannot tell which to put him with.”

Minerva bent down while still rubbing the baby’s head. “Abner, it is time to find your mother. I am sure she misses you very much and is very worried about you.”

Abner looked at her with his dark eyes before turning and heading straight for the pens which held the goats. Minerva followed closely behind after a triumphant look at Albus who was scowling unbecomingly at the turn of events. Her eyes widened as she took in the scene that came into view.

What appeared to be small wooden stalls on the outside were completely deceptive to the accommodations on the inside. Each of the four pens held a family of goats with furniture and decorations, which made her flat in London look unkempt and outdated. Also, each pen was much larger than she would ever have guessed and even appeared to have several separate rooms.

“Not a small feat,” Albus commented.

“No,” Minerva responded. “I never realized he was…” Suddenly becoming conscious of what she was going to say Minerva stopped mid-sentence. “I didn’t mean to imply…”

“Don’t worry so my dear,” Albus chuckled. “Aberforth has never appeared to have great magical talent. He likes it that way, says it adds to his persona. He is very talented but much of his talent is untapped because of his lack of formal schooling.”

Abner started to nudge one of the doors and cry out. Immediately Minerva opened it and the little kid rushed inside and straight into his mother. They nuzzled each other for a few minutes and Minerva felt her heart warm at the scene. She watched intently as Abner was greeted by the rest of his family.

“I think I will be sad to see him go.”

Albus put his arms around her but didn’t comment which made Minerva smile. He had obviously harbored some jealousy over the goat and she understood because she would have felt the same way if their roles had been reversed. After a few more moments of watching the family reunion, Albus took Minerva’s hand and pulled her back toward the house so they could indulge in a late breakfast. She knew she needed to speak with him about his Mother’s redecorating ideas but that could come later. For now, she just wished to spend some time with him without any interruptions.

Options for this week are:

A) Minerva and Alianora have differing opinions on what Dumbledore Manor should look like once the redecorating is finished.

B) Minerva and Alianora find that they have much more in common than they expected as they both tackle the redecorating of Dumbledore Manor.

Voting will end on May 17.

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

great chapter lol.....awww poor Albus getting kicke dout coz of the little kid hehe loved it great turn out.=]

i vote B

[Nerweniel]

Great chapter . As I like Alianora, I vote... B .

[Herzele]

That was another great chapter !

Abner was just too adorable - even though he was interrupting them ...

As for the options ... I'm going to say B ...

[Trulyamused]

Great piece. I love Abner, Very sweet scenes with him.

I want Minerva to have a friend in Alianora, she needs someone older on her side, after Pernelle and Athena taking over the wedding plans. So I'm going with B.

Truly

[Lazy mcgonagallrocks]

Great chapter I'll go with A

[Jessabelle]

Excellent, as always! I love how you put in that quote! It was quite funny hearing it come from Dumbledore's Mom and the response from the man in the portrait! I vote B for next week! Keep up the great work!
- Jess