Fire

[Kerin]

This is a great way to have a lunch break. A little reading, a little food, and hopefully another update for dinner.

[Karmin]

I'm glad Minerva didn't back down but what is that blasted curse?

[tanja]

Minerva as we all know and love her: determind in reaching her aims ;-)

[Kamdra]

More! More! More!

[ginger newts]

Oh my, I missed the kiss chapter. That was excellent, best kiss I think I've ever read about. I love determined!Minerva stories and I can't wait to see just how she goes about reminding him all the time. Not that it will take much... Update soon!

[Kacie]

The perfect thing to read after a long drive. Update soon.

[Kegan]

Yippee! You get him, Minerva!

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

wow so loving this keep it up and coming

[Karlynne]

Chapter Five

Three weeks passed in relative peace and harmony. Albus seemed relieved that Minerva was neither angry nor sad although he was a little deflated that she could dismiss his kisses so readily.

Minerva took the time to do a little soul searching. She knew the loss of her home made her feel vulnerable and exposed. The loss of her material goods was only painful when she thought of the loss of her precious mementos and photographs of her parents and grandparents. She was feeling alone in the world for the first time since her mother’s death and it was frightening. She didn’t want to attach herself foolishly to someone however. She would not settle for less regardless of her circumstances.

Minerva apparated in front of the flat and decided a brisk walk would clear her mind before she entered the building. It was dark but it wasn’t late. She decided to walk in the fields behind the building and hurriedly turned the corner to run smack into a solid form.

The impact took her completely by surprise. She was knocked off balance and rocketed backward. A second later she was sprawled on the ground. Her head hit a small mound of earth.

Stung by embarrassment, Minerva tried to lift her head, hoping to make a quick getaway but Albus was immediately by her side, gently pressing her head back down.

“Don’t try to get up,” he said with quiet authority, bending on one knee. “Lie still a minute and let me see if you’ve got a bump.”

With nimble fingers, Albus worked his way through her hair, searching her head. She closed her eyes, both mortified at this awkward position and fascinated by the soft gentle way he moved his hands through her hair.

“I’m sorry, Minerva. I didn’t see you coming.”

She opened her eyes and stared at him. She saw so much in those blue eyes, emotions that he held at bay, concern he tried to hide as he continued to probe for injuries.”

“I’m fine, Albus. I should have been paying attention instead of rushing around.”

“Are you hurt anywhere?” His eyes traveled slowly over her, lingering in places that made Minerva’s heart race.

“Just my pride, Albus.” Minerva’s wry smile appeared and he favored her with one of his own.

“Where were you headed?”

“I was going to take a walk before I went in. It’s such a lovely evening and I spent the entire day cooped in the ministry building applying for a building grant.” Minerva grimaced slightly. “If you don’t mind, I think a walk is just the thing to clear my head.”

“Mind if I join you?” Albus flushed under her scrutinizing stare. “I …for safety’s sake.”

Minerva gave him a smile and offered him her arm. “In case I become unsteady,” she said with a wink.

They walked in companionable silence for twenty minutes. They used their wands to light their path as the night was dark and there was no moon.

Minerva surreptitiously glanced at Albus while they walked. He hadn’t released her arm and she had to admit his firm grip was still gentle.

A large black shape darkened the sky further and Minerva raised her wand in alarm.

“It’s just a large flock of owls, Minerva.” Albus drew her a little closer and Minerva took another glance at the sky. “Those are the OWL and NEWT results going out.”

They continued walking in silence for several more minutes.

“I thought the stars would be out. It’s so dark and quiet.” Minerva glanced at him and Albus nodded.

“A storm must be approaching. Perhaps we should start back. We’ve walked at least half an hour and it will take the same amount of time to return.”

Minerva’s laughter rang out. “Oh Albus, you are still a wizard. We can just apparate back.”

Albus allowed her to laugh and only spoke when she grew silent.

“Wards are in place to prevent apparation in these fields.” He gazed solemnly at her. “I’ve made many enemies and I cannot stay awake every day and night on guard.”

A loud clap of thunder jolted them apart and Minerva stumbled. Albus was lifting her even before she could complete her fall and pressed her tightly to him.

“My hero,” she murmured in his neck.

He didn’t release her and Minerva allowed herself to enjoy the pleasure of being in his arms. She sighed softly and her warm breath caused him to stir.

“We better head back before it starts to rain,” he began as he dropped his hands to his side.

“Merlin knows I’ve stumbled and collided enough tonight. Thank you, Albus.” She moved forward and placed a kiss to his cheek.

Her kiss was chaste but it caused a fever to spread through his body. It probably didn’t mean anything to her but he would treasure the feel of her lips on his cheek for a long time to come.

Her movement caught his attention and he had just enough time to register her lips on his other cheek.

“I appreciate your saving me, twice.” She murmured in his ear before ghosting his lips with the most fragile of kisses. Her hands rested on his chest as her lips hovered just beyond his.

His heart hammered in his chest and he stared at her lips in fascination. Despite the darkness he could see her pale features. He could feel the rush of heat as his manhood rose in anticipation.

Her lips descended on his once more and the tip of her tongue begged for entrance. He opened willingly and she gave him a long, hot kiss that took his breath away.

Neither was aware of the rain falling and drenching their clothes. They kissed with passion and abandon. Only the burst of light caused by lightning that brought tingles to their skin made them aware they stood in an open field in the midst of a storm.

Albus pulled away regretfully but they were in no position to remain outside while lightning was occurring. He grabbed her hand and urged her forward to a small shed.

There were no windows and Minerva thought it hardly looked sturdy but she entered behind him and looked around when he lit a large lamp. The shed was hardly larger than a closet but there was a chair and several tools inside. She watched while Albus transfigured most of the items into rugs and another chair.

“We may as well wait it out. It can’t last more than an hour.” Albus offered her a comfortable chintz chair before sitting in the other.

Minerva sat but jumped back up. “I think I’m too wet to sit in the chair. She tried to cast several drying charms on her robes and looked in confusion at Albus when it failed.

“It’s the lightning, my dear. I do believe it interferes with charm work. I can transfigure the rug into a blanket.”

Minerva sneezed. “I don’t want to catch a chill. If I wrap up in the blanket, I should be fine.

Albus quickly transfigured the rug by her chair into a warm, thick blanket.

“I will turn around and might I suggest you remove the wettest of your clothing and wrap up in the blanket?”

Minerva nodded and he dutifully turned around.

She struggled to remove the heavy-water soaked robes. Her under robe quickly followed. She glanced over at Albus and saw he was still turned around and she shed her underwear. She wrapped up carefully in the blanket before folding her clothes and putting them in a pile in the corner.

“You may turn around,” she called and watched Albus avert his eyes and return to his seat.

Minerva could not stop the smirk from forming on her face. “Perhaps you should remove your own robes. You are soaked as well.”

Albus stood and removed his outer robes and Minerva gazed at him appreciatively. His under robe clung to him outlining his form and she was impressed with what she saw. He was long and lean.

He looked up and caught her staring. “I would remove more but I doubt you will share your blanket,” he joked.

“Oh, I don’t know,” she drawled slowly, “I think I would have to see what you would be hiding beneath my blanket.” She laughed at the look of shock on his face but stopped as his eyes darkened with desire.

One edge of the blanket had slipped off her shoulder and her creamy skin was visible to his eyes. She shifted and brought the blanket back up over her shoulder but not before he caught a glimpse of her neck.

There are other parts of a woman’s body that will excite a man but Minerva’s neck was like fine porcelain; smooth and fragile.

The small shed was made smaller as the oxygen in the room departed. Minerva swallowed as his gaze moved from her neck to her lips. She knew they showed evidence of their earlier kisses. They felt swollen. She licked them slightly and heard his groan. Her eyes flashed at his before traveling down his body. He turned but not before she saw evidence that he wanted her.

She rose silently and walked two steps to stand before him.

“Damn, Minerva. How am I supposed to keep my hands off you?”

[Jaya]

Damn....

What a great chapter...

Anticipating what happens next and wondering what the Dumbledore curse is... perhaps it just needs the 'McGonagall cure'...

Jaya

[tayryn]

mmm...

this was... inspiring... to say the least!

wonderful chapter!

[Hogwarts Duo]

Oh wow! I am enjoying this story so much. I love how Minerva is slowly seducing him and he's so ready to cave. It's fantastic.

[Lady Lavendar]

That was an evil place to stop! Please update soon!

LL

[Miss Q]

oh dear me... ;D great chapter! But I want more! Obviously both Albus and Minerva want more too.... ;D

M

[Kimberly]

Oh geez! Torture me slowly already!

[Kerin]

I like the comment about the McGonagall cure in an earlier post. I'd like to see that happen.

[QuillofMinerva]

Oh yayeeeee I do love a Minerva on a mission!

The answer to Albus' question is that he is not meant to keep his hands off her

Calling for another update please

Clayre x

[Karmin]

Oh man, who picked these stopping points? Update!

[Kegan]

Yes! I hope we get another update soon! Thanks for posting so fast.

[Kamdra]

I missed something along the way but it was worth going back for it. Kammie

[Kacie]

I would like to know the answer to Albus' question. I hope the update is quick.

[Sensiblyquirky]

looking forward to more.

Christy

[emeraldeyes]

wonderful!! i love it and can't wait for the next update! soon, please! great story line!
**kate**

[TheGryffindorSeeker]

lol loving this so much. I agree with karmin. Update soon! lol

[ginger newts]

I'm starting to think Kandie is picking new breaking points for the chapters just to torture us. Things are certainly heating up and I can't wait for the next chapter.

[Nerweniel]

I love her stories so much . I loved this chapter and am as always looking forward to the next!

Love,

Lies

[Karlynne]

Just a warning that there are tangy citrus pleasures ahead. If you don’t understand what I mean then read no further. Kandie

Chapter Six

“Maybe you aren’t supposed to, Albus.” She spoke softly. A sweet triumphant smile emerged on her face. “Maybe we were meant to be here together, trapped in this shed, but trapped more by what our hearts are telling us.”

Albus closed his eyes briefly and allowed her words to sink in. He ached for her physically but his heart was involved too. No matter how much he denied his feelings, he wanted Minerva with gut-wrenching need.

The storm raged outside. Albus was trapped by the storm, but by something else too. His desire for Minerva clashed strongly against his knowledge of the Dumbledore curse. As much as he wanted her, he would have to tell her and let her decide if one night of passion was enough.

He opened his eyes and stared into her clear emerald ones.

“Minerva, how much do you know about prophecies?”

Minerva let out a ladylike snort. “You aren’t going to tell me that you’ve envisioned tonight, are you?”

Albus sighed. So many witches and wizards no longer believed. Of course, it was becoming more and more difficult to find a true seer but they still existed.

“A prophecy was made before I was born. It’s been like a curse to our family. Dumbledore men cannot find happiness in love. We destroy everyone with whom we fall in love.”

Minerva frowned at him as he spoke but she remained silent.

“”My great-great grandfather was married four times, my great grandfather six times, my grandfather was spared, and he died four months after he married but not before my grandmother was already impregnated with my father.”

“Albus…”

Albus gripped her blanket-covered shoulders. “My father was married five times before he turned sixty. Love doesn’t last with us.”

Minerva shook her head in disbelief. “You’re letting a prophecy dictate your life? You deny yourself love because you think there are guarantees handed out to others?”

“I cannot hurt you knowing that we wouldn’t last. You are not a trifle, Minerva. I am trying to protect you. I will only cause you pain.”

Minerva stared at him incredulously. “Such nonsense, Albus. You’ve told me of the prophecy and you’ve done your duty. I think the decision should now be mine.”

Albus closed his eyes again. He knew Minerva didn’t believe in prophecies. He had heard the rumors about the prophecy made on her family estate and even now she didn’t believe. She would try to defy it and in the end she would emerge hurt.

He opened his eyes to object but no words came out. Minerva had dropped the blanket and it was pooled at her feet.

Albus swallowed hard. Minerva was beautiful. Her skin was like ivory and he knew if he touched her there was no turning back. Yet, he had to touch her. He had to feel her skin beneath his, to slide his hands along her body and bring them both immeasurable pleasures. He had fought this battle in his mind long enough.

The decision was taken out of his hands as Minerva’s hands fell on his chest. She stroked his beard and whispered softly.

“Give me tonight and we’ll worry about tomorrow later.”

His last piece of control slipped and he pulled her tightly against him. His lips found hers and claimed her for his own. She was nectar to the gods and he was unable to let her get away. He pulled back long enough to send both chairs against the wall and to spread the blanket out.

He lowered her to the blanket and drank in the sight of her.

“I think you’re overdressed, Albus and something is trying to get out.”

She tugged at the hem of his under robe and he slipped it over his head. His boxers were disposed of quickly and he knelt beside her.

Her eyes swept over his body as he undressed and tingles of excitement washed over her. She was certain that she wanted him and that he was the wizard for her. Without hesitation, she rose to her knees when he knelt down.

Their bodies came together in a crush and his lips devoured hers. She was molded to him and raw, powerful need assailed him. His lips left her mouth and trailed to her throat, kissing her, loving her, cupping her breasts in his hands. He flicked his thumb over two erect pink peaks alternately.

Minerva moaned. He took her in his mouth then, his tongue stroking over one breast, laving the rosy pebble hard nipple until Minerva sighed with pleasure.

She wove her hand in his hair and guided him, showing him with each move, each little sound, what she enjoyed, and what brought her satisfaction.

She felt his length of granite pressed into her abdomen and reached for his manhood. She smiled knowing the delights he was about to receive.

The storm was passing but the occupants of the shed were unaware that thunder no longer rocked the small room. Their lovemaking was frenzied and loud. Words and sounds bounced from the walls and only her final whimpers of ecstasy and his groan of release signaled the completion and triumph of their union.

Minerva pressed her body closely to his so she could gain warmth from his body. She didn’t have the energy to try to cover herself.

Albus pressed his face into her neck. She had been all he imagined and more. He could not let her go. Not now, not ever. He wrapped an arm across her and held her tightly.

“Albus, you’re holding me too tight. I can’t breathe,” she muttered happily.

“I can’t let you go,” he answered gruffly. “Damn the prophecy.”

Minerva pressed a kiss to the side of his head. “Am I to understand that the prophecy states we cannot last forever?”

Albus nodded in misery.

“I have to admit there have been a couple of true prophecies and this might be one of them.” Minerva conceded.

Albus sighed. “I don’t blame you for not wanting a short term relationship.”

“What does the prophecy say exactly?”

“It is forbidden to tell you but to paraphrase it says: our wives will bear fruits of pain and misery and love will leave before the fifth year. It has been true for four generations already.” His voice was steeped in misery.

“I’m not your wife, Albus,” she whispered. She watched him lift his head and blink at her.

“I couldn’t…I can’t…an affair…” he fumbled searching for the right words.

“Albus, one of our prophecies will come true tonight. Now, my home is already gone and I must admit the morals of my generation differs with those from five hundred years ago.”

“Minerva, I can’t fathom you debasing yourself with wickedness.”

Minerva arched her brow gracefully and let her fingers travel across his thigh. “I believe making you cry for mercy can be considered wicked. If not, I can employ other methods of cruelty.” She stopped her fingers as it came in contact with his exhausted member.

“I know it’s too soon but I don’t want to settle for anything less than marriage.” His eyes bored into hers and she smiled at him.

“Then one day we’ll marry. If either of us is nearing death, we’ll wed and mock fate.” Her eyes gleamed mischievously. “Or if you’d rather your prophecy dictate our lives then we can marry and separate every fifth year only to renew our vows again.”

Albus stared at her before bursting out in laughter. “You win, my dear. No prophecy will govern our life.” He pulled her close and kissed her soundly while crossing his fingers behind her back.

The End

[Sensiblyquirky]

Great ending! Mock fate indeed. Thanks for posting.

Christy

[Kimberly]

I'm so glad that Minerva kept her head. I always wondered why she disliked divination. I laughed at her idea to marry every five years. It's so hard dragging them down the aisle once. ;D Kim

[Lady Lavendar]

Great job! I just loved it! I also loved the line where she said they could remarry every five years!

LL