Let Me Introduce You~An Interactive Story

[Herzele]

Just wonderful !!
And for the options - I say A.

[KayleeTonksLupin]

I likies this! Hm...A, I think. Yeppers, A. No, B. No, A. B. A. B. A....*flips coin* A it is! Yayness!


AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

~Kaylee

[Jaya]

Okay... I'm going with B just to be different!!!!!

Great chapter!!!

Jaya

[tayryn]

whee! KISSAGE!!!! woohoo!! and quite loverly kissage too!

now... the decision. A or B!?!

hmmm...

B or A?!

and if my friend Jaya jumped off a bridge, you bet your sweet patootie that i would too! lol

so... B!

[Karlynne]

I choose option A.

[Sensiblyquirky]

I am a puddle on the floor. So wonderful! I choose A.

Christy

[evagrace]

Such a beautiful chapter! I loved their date. Both options this week are great, but I think I am going to have to go with B. ;D

Love,
Mel

[AngelQueen]

*sighs from her puddled form on the floor* So romantic... Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall... the King and Queen of Hearts... Absolutely beautiful!

Hm... I think I shall go with A this week... I'd love to see what our wonderful Albus' head at the moment. Thoughts of our dear Minerva, along with, perhaps, the stray occasional thought of lemon drops... *giggles*

Stunning update! I love it!

AQ

[Happy Reader]

Man, I am loving this story! Fantastic work as always guys. I'm voting for 'B', I wanna see brawler!Albus and how he defends his lady's honour! I wonder if she scolds him for brawling or breaking his nose?

Well done!

HR (yeah, I know, I forgot my password! D'oh!)

[Kamdra]

So sweet. I'm going to go with option A this time. Kammie

[angeldust]

oh my what a kiss! and that line Her hair shined like black rain (sigh) as fun as b sounds i'm going to go for A! Will he relise he's in love ;D i hope so

[Kacie]

I'll say A. Good job with the story.

[Krystal]

I'll say A too just because I am a follower. Krys.

[Orion's Guard]

Sadly, it looks like more people are voting for A. I have to say B, though it looks like we're going to lose.

I am so looking forward to some more intimate time between the two of them, though I can certainly wait.

[Tartan Tabby]

Awwww, this was so romantic!!! I think, I say B this week!

[Sola]

awww...so cute!
And I go for A!

Sola

[nikkimouse]

I love the story, and i'd vote for B, except that I'm a day late, and i'd lose anyway cos almost everyone else has voted fo A.

Anyway, i really like the party description! It's really cute!

[Hogwarts Duo]

A/N: Just a quick note this week – First, we want to thank everyone for your wonderful comments and reviews during the story. They let us know how we are doing and give us a better idea of what you would like to see in the future. Second, if you are taking the time to read the story, please take a few extra seconds to send your thoughts and vote. We have a surprise coming up and reviewing is a requirement to be included.

This week there were 15 votes for A and 6 votes for B. So, sit back, relax and enjoy…

Searching My Heart

“You may enter.”

Albus pushed open the heavy wooden door and strode into the room. “Headmaster, I take it you were able to make an early retreat from the meeting at the Ministry.”

The two men shook hands before they each took a seat on opposite sides of the massive desk. “I didn’t think they would ever let me go but I told them that I had a very important meeting back at the school. After a few grumbles from the incompetent representative from the Board of Governors, he agreed to stay in my stead.”

“Ah, Anthony was never one for meetings.” Albus leaned back in the plush chair, his eyes twinkling merrily.

“No, I am afraid not.” Armando smiled at his long time friend and Deputy.

“I take it that this impromptu meeting is in regards to my personal request since everything has been finalized for the start of term next week.” When Armando nodded affirmatively at his statement, Albus found his heart skipping a few beats in response.

“I have considered your request for space at Hogwarts to conduct research for the International Transfiguration Association. As you are well aware, most of our professors conduct research during the summer months using Hogwarts as a base. But it is very rare for research to take place during term. The reason for this is simple. The chance of it interfering in duties to the school is high and in the past it has been frowned upon. However, there are no written restrictions on conducting studies during the school year at Hogwarts. I have taken into account your past actions in regards to your dedication. Together with the information that you will not be the sole researcher and in fact, it appears that Ms. McGonagall will be the main researcher on the project, I have decided to grant your request.”

Albus couldn’t hide his pleasure from Armando at the announcement as he thanked his friend profusely before taking his leave. As he exited the entrance to the office, he found himself humming a catchy tune. If he hurried, he could owl Minerva and have a message waiting for her when she arrived home from the ministry. Today was her final day there before her leave of absence began.

He couldn’t believe that it had been nearly two weeks since their first official date. Between his responsibilities at Hogwarts, his new responsibilities with the animagus research and spending most of his free time seeing Minerva, Albus felt as if one day flowed into the next without stop. His only complaint with his new schedule was his lack of time with Minerva. Although, he spent every waking moment he could with her, Albus felt as if it wasn’t nearly enough. However, all of that was about to change with the granting of space at Hogwarts.

The allotted room came into view as he turned the corner just down the hall from his classroom and office. When Armando mentioned having this set of rooms in mind, Albus had quickly accepted the proposed arrangement. It was close enough to allow him to drop by between classes if needed but far enough away so the students would not disturb her concentration.

As Albus entered the main room, he was surprised to find it in good order. The cobwebs had been cleaned away and the piles of books he had borrowed from various sources for their research had been piled against one wall. The far end of the room held two doors, one in each corner. The one on the right he entered first. It was cozy in size and held a couple of arm chairs and a desk. The second door led to a small stockroom which held a few cauldrons, old and worn, and a couple of different size jars of old potions ingredients, all of which were of the most common varieties. The rooms were basic and more or less what he had expected.

Walking back into the main room, Albus realized that he had a bit more work to do than could be accomplished in the few minutes he had. And if he wished to send Minerva a quick note, he could not dally long. He summoned a house elf and within moments, two had appeared to aid him. He left a list with them of what furniture he would like in each room and quickly headed to his personal quarters.

As he signed his name to the bottom of the note, Albus perused what he had written on the bit of parchment.

Dearest Minerva,

Welcome home!

I hope your last day at the ministry went by quickly and smoothly. I am very much looking forward to the beginning of our research and even more time being spent together. On that note, I have some wonderful news. Headmaster Dippet has approved my request for rooms at Hogwarts in which to conduct our studies. They should be ready for use this coming Monday.

I have also requested a fireplace be added in the rooms along with access to the floo network to provide a convenient way for you to enter Hogwarts since you will be spending so much of your time here. I know you do not enjoy apparating on a daily basis and I hoped this would provide a nice alternative.

I look forward to seeing you tonight for Maggie’s surprise birthday party.

Albus

Satisfied that it conveyed his feelings along with the pertinent information, he summoned Fawkes and sent the note on its way. He hoped it would get there before Minerva returned. He loved to surprise her with little things and she always enjoyed a visit from Fawkes. And strangely enough, the phoenix had taken a liking to her as well. Fawkes was always very picky about the company he would keep and tolerated very few of Albus’ friends. But Minerva had wooed him in their first meeting, much as she had his owner.

With his thoughts on the emerald eyed beauty Albus headed to the new research rooms to see what kind of progress had been made. He was hopeful that he could make some progress in their preparation before leaving for Minerva’s flat.

Two hours later, Albus dropped into the nearby chair in near exhaustion. He had wanted to add a few personal touches to the rooms but he had not realized just how extensive his project would become until he was well into the redecoration. Regardless of the hard work and effort, though, it would be well worth it if Minerva found it pleasing. After all, she was the one who would spend most of her time in these rooms and he wanted her to be comfortable and happy with her surroundings.

The stock room had been the easiest room to oversee. With a few well chosen spells, all of the jars and ingredients for various potions were organized alphabetically, something only Minerva would appreciate. The current potions master never felt the need to keep his dungeons this organized and often he would end up summoning the needed ingredients, much to the dismay of his colleagues and sometimes his students. A new shiny black cauldron was placed in one corner of the room and a work table was stationed nearby. All of the necessary utensils and potions books were also neatly arranged in the room as well as two comfortable chairs, no doubt one for Minerva and one for himself.

The main room had taken a little less than an hour to organize. A large table was in a far corner of the room and was big enough to hold several large tomes, parchments, and the like. He had often observed Minerva studying in the library during her seventh year and he remembered fondly how she always spread out when she was deep in her work. She liked to have all the information readily available at her fingertips and she felt that the best way to really concentrate was to get everything organized then plunge right into it.

[Hogwarts Duo]

Beside the fireplace, Albus transfigured an old bench into a plush sofa with an end table on each side. While the chairs at the table were comfortable and not at all stiff like the ones she was accustomed to, he felt that she might like to take a short break or nap. Thus, the extra amenity was added to the room. It would also give them a place to sit and relax while discussing the project or for an occasional moment of personal time.

Finally, in a secluded corner of the room he placed a small table and chairs. This could be used for taking meals when she couldn’t possibly tear herself away long enough to see to her most basic needs. And it would also serve as a suitable location for an occasional game of chess to break the monotony of her work. It wasn’t as if she would be living in the rooms, yet, but he wanted her to have everything she might possibly want or need.

The large window in the room was near the table, adding some natural lighting, which would come in useful when she spent hours searching for the answers she needed in her research. Thinking ahead and knowing Minerva’s work habits, Albus also added several wall sconces to the room. Minerva had a reputation for working late and no doubt the extra lighting would be a practical addition. Albus smiled, though, as he watched the stone sconces flare with light. With any luck, he could persuade Minerva to spend less time pouring over her work and more time with him once his duties in the classroom were fulfilled. Despite the overwhelming schedule of her work and his, he knew there would be times when she would need a break and thus his idea for the last room was formed.

As he thought back over his additions to the room, Albus couldn’t help but wonder what Minerva would think of his creation. In his heart, he hoped she would find it to her liking and perhaps see the truth behind his gesture. He could not remember a time when he had gone to such lengths just to impress a woman. Yet this went much farther than just attempting to gain favor in her eyes. He wanted her to see how he truly felt but he had to ask himself, what exactly did he want from this relationship?

While Albus Dumbledore had been lucky enough to have his fair share of lovers, there was always something lacking. He never seemed to be satisfied despite enjoying the pleasures of the flesh. It was as if he was measuring them by some high standard that even he couldn’t explain. Then his thoughts turned back to Minerva.

He had only known her for two short weeks but in that time he realized that she felt differently about her than all the rest. Not sure if she truly felt the same way about him pained his heart a little. The thought of losing her after their project was over was not one he wanted to entertain. Her smile brightened his days. He was driven to near distraction with his own work by thoughts of her and each time he left her it grew harder and harder to say goodbye or goodnight. But was this true love or a mere infatuation because of their work and her incredible mind? He gave himself a mental reprimand. No, there was no other word to describe what he was feeling. If he was going to this much trouble for a woman he had yet to become intimate with, it had to be love in its’ purest form. Now all he had to do was pray that his feelings for her were returned and then forge ahead with deepening their romance.

With one quick glance around the rooms, he noted the time by the clock over the mantle. It he didn’t hurry he would be late and that would not go over well with Minerva. She was a stickler for punctuality and it was an endearing trait, albeit sometimes one that made it difficult for him to juggle his responsibilities. Having no desire to disappoint her or to ruin her evening in any way, he did feel an overwhelming urge to take a detour on their way to Maggie’s party.

With one last glance at her appearance and a wisp of perfume sprayed to her pulse points, Minerva smiled. Albus would be here soon and she couldn’t wait. Her last day at the Ministry had passed in a blur and any time someone mentioned her new project, her mind immediately filled with images of Albus instead of thoughts on her research. It had been a fast two weeks but in some ways it felt like she had known him for years. When a knock startled her from her daydreaming, she smoothed down her robes and answered the door with a bright smile upon her face.

“Oh I’m sorry. I must have the wrong house. I’m looking for Minerva McGonagall but instead I stumbled upon the home of a true goddess,” Albus remarked as his eyes twinkled brightly.

“I hate to disappoint you but I’m the only one home. But I’d appreciate the opportunity to spend a little time with you,” she teased. “I’m sure I can make you forget all about that other woman…Minerva…wasn’t it?”

“Ah, but the woman I seek is a rare gem indeed. She has hair like the darkness, eyes like emeralds, lips like rubies. Her skin is the color of a fair maiden still unharmed by age and she had the body of a veela, capable of turning any man into putty in her palm. Her mind is prized among the scholars yet her words are as soft as a mother’s kiss.” He had stepped across the threshold to take her into his arms as he spoke softly to her. “So you see, dear goddess, while you are desirable, there can only be one woman for this man and her name is Minerva.” Boldly, he lowered his head to hers and pressed his warm lips against hers delicately, stealing a kiss that spoke of his true feelings.

Minerva was left breathless as the kiss ended. His words had touched her very soul and his powerful yet sensual kiss had caused her knees to weaken. Leaning her head against his chest she smiled. “My, you do have a way of making a woman feel special,” she mumbled as her arms tightened around him.

“I only speak truth to you, my dear. That is how I see you and I meant every single word of it. You are the only woman for me.”

“Do we have to go to Maggie’s party?” she asked in a moment of weakness. “I’d much rather stay here and enjoy your loving arms and hear more of your words,” she pleaded as she looked up into his smoldering eyes.

“I’m afraid so, my dear. We would be sorely missed and it would no doubt hurt Maggie’s feelings. But if it’s all the same to you, we could go later and leave early.” He wiggled his eyebrows and the mischievous look in his eyes told her that he already had other plans for them aside from attending the birthday bash.

“Then I leave myself in your very capable hands.” Minerva pressed a quick kiss to his lips and pushed him out of the door. “So, Mr. Smooth Charmer, where are we off to first? You said we’d be going late to Maggie’s so I take it that you have something or somewhere else in mind.”

“Indeed I do.” Wrapping his arms around her waist, he apparated them to the gates of Hogwarts. “I wanted to show you what I’ve done to your rooms. I know it could have waited until Monday but I also wanted your opinion. If there is something that displeases you, just say the word and it shall be changed.” Leading her by the hand down the familiar hallways, he muttered the password and allowed her to enter first.

She quickly surveyed the first two rooms and was delighted with what she saw. Albus had anticipated her every need and it showed with each loving detail. When she started towards the last chamber leading from the main room, he stopped her. “Close your eyes. This is my favorite room of them all and I want to surprise you with it.” She did as he requested and allowed him to direct her footsteps until she was in the center of the room. “Open them,” his hot breath whispered into her ear.

[Hogwarts Duo]

The last of her room was the most immaculate. Plush dark green carpeting beneath her feet made her feel like she was walking upon a grassy knoll. The large window was covered with a gauzy white fabric, allowing for the sunshine to stream though and to give an airy feel about the place. The scent of heather hung in the air, no doubt to remind her of her home and the comforts associated with it. A large chaise with several fluffy pillows faced the window so she could relax and watch the world go by with ease.

Books also lined one wall of the room. But they had little to do with her research. She had mentioned several of her favorite authors and Albus had gone to great lengths to ensure that all of her most cherished titles were there. A silver tea service was also incorporated into the room along with a box of ginger newts, her beloved tea, and a fresh bouquet of wildflowers. But the most touching feature of all was the small picture over the mantle. It was one of the two of them taken only last week, just after their beach party snog session.

“Albus, I am speechless. I don’t know what to say,” she said as her hand clutched her throat.

“Say that you like it or that you’re pleased with my efforts. That’d be a nice start,” he chuckled nervously. In all of his years, he couldn’t remember ever wanting to please a woman more than he did Minerva. It was as if his entire world revolved around her smile and he would go to any lengths to ensure that it never left her face. While the first two rooms had been about work and seeing that those needs were met, this one was something different, something more. He wanted her to have a place all her own, a retreat if you will, away from the grinds of her daily routine at Hogwarts. This was her room and in the very near future it would also serve as her meditation room when she began to search her soul for her second animagus form.

“Saying that I like it would be an understatement, Albus. It’s beautiful and so cozy feeling. It’s like you read my mind and added all the things I love most, even down to a copy of that picture of us. You’re the most wonderful man I have ever known and just by looking around, I can see that you truly know and understand me like none other.” She flung her arms around him and kissed him with a passion that even shocked her. The following half hour was spent christening the new room as the two spoke quietly of their feelings and hopes for their budding romance.

“I hate to say this but we should be heading to Maggie’s,” Albus reluctantly murmured against her lips.

“Mmm, if you say so,” she mumbled back as her lips grazed a sensitive spot on his neck.

“We’re already late, my dear, so perhaps a few more moments won’t matter,” he replied, slowly losing his resolve to make their prior engagement.

“I’m sure they’ll never miss us,” was her last sentence for quite a while as she snuggled even deeper into his arms.

Neither of them noticed as the hours ticked by or that they had become so wrapped up in their feelings that they completely forgot about the birthday party for Minerva’s best friend. Late in the evening, Minerva came to realize that she really loved Albus and that they were progressing so fast in their relationship that it wouldn’t be long before they took the next step.

Options:

A. Albus and Minerva missed more than the party since Stephen proposed to Maggie, much to the surprise of everyone.

B. Xiomara Hooch appears on the scene, revealing some secrets Minerva would rather keep hidden for now.

Enjoy! Voting will end on May 23.

[Rikki]

Tough choice this week. But I think I'll go for

B

this time. And as always it's a great update. I enjoyed it very much. I just love Albus' thoughtfulness, and I'm very much looking forward to the next chapter. And to that surprise you were talking about. *loves surprises*

Love, Rikki

[angeldust]

B. gotta love Xiomara

[Karlynne]

I'll say B this time.

[Nerweniel]

Great update ;D. Am going for B, gotta love Hoochie!

Love,

Lies

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

b![/u][/size][/color] I'm soo enjoying this, can't wait for next update!

[Alesia]

Oooohhh great update. Albus did wonderfully.

And yep I agree, it has to be B.

Alesia

[KayleeTonksLupin]

Ah, Stephen can propose later, let's say B! Gotta love Hoochie, as Grand-mere so eloquently put it.

~Kaylee!

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh now this is sooooooo hard but I think I am going to say B! I have a soft spot for Xiomara and would love to for her to dish some dirt on Minerva lol.

Loved this chapter girls, especially the part with Albus taking the time to prepare her rooms for her and get books by her favourite authors.

*love is in the air, everywhere I look around*

[AngelQueen]

*cooes happily* Ah, lovely work, dears! Absolutely beautiful! I think, for this week, I'll also go with B. Hooch probably has quite a few good secrets on Minerva that Albus can tease her about. *giggles*

Wonderful job!

AQ

[Kamdra]

I think its going to be unanimous for B so get to writing girls. I can't wait for an update. Kammie