AN: Well, here it is; the long forgotten update. I am soooooo sorry about the delay, but betwen school and work my life has been insane. I've finally gotten over the writers block, but finding time to write just doesn't seem to happen. I just wanna say thank you toeveryone who has reviewed this story, and I hope this chapter makes you smile. Sorry about the crazy formatting; and my computer don't seem to be getting along today.

Term started and proceeded as usual, with the first Quidditch match, won by Gryffindor,

and a Hogsmeade visit. It hadn't taken long for the students to become accustomed to Harry's

presence during meals and the occasional lesson when Albus had to travel away from the castle.

Most actually seemed to take on a protective role around the boy, watching him when Minerva's

back was turned, or her attention diverted, but there were those who were less enthusiastic. The castle was

calm and all was well in their worldfor the first time in over ten years.

Soon the leaves around the castle began to turn and the days grew shorter. It was Halloween at Hogwarts.

Albus had decided to host a costume ball this year for the students and staff, and Albus had a special

surprise for his lady love. Poppy, being school nurse, wasn't going to be able to attend the festivities, and

she had kindly agreed to watch Harry for the evening as Albus and Minerva attended the ball. Minerva had

been trying to find a way to bring Harry since she needed to supervise the students, and it had cost her no

small amount of frustration when the answers we not forthcoming. Now everything was taken care of, and all

Albus had to do, was tell Minerva.

He made his way toward her classroom, the heels of his black boots echoing in the empty

corridor. Classes were set to be over soon, and he thought his news would make a nice surprise.

Afternoon classes were cancelled in preparation for the ball, leaving Albus and Minerva an

entire afternoon to themselves. As usual her door was closed, but he could hear her through the

barrier. Things had been going well between them, and Albus was undeniably in love. The first

image as he slept and the last image before he awoke in his mind, was that of her. He could

make out her smile and the way her eyes crinkled as she laughed. Her smell beguiled him and

her melodic laugh set his heart soaring to the heavens.

Albus was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he almost missed the door opening. Students

streamed out, several wishing him good day as they passed, others shooting knowing looks at

their friends. Albus' head poked around the corner and looked into the room. Minerva was

sitting in a chair with her back to the door. She seemed to be watching the grounds, her head

laying lightly on her hand. The opportunity to sneak up on Minerva was a rare one, and Albus

couldn't resist a challenge. Carefully closing the door behind him and making sure it locked,

Albus quietly crept up behind the witch.

He was only a foot away and about to reach for her shoulder when Minerva broke the

silence. "Don't even think about it old coot."

A theatrical sigh escaped him as Minerva's head turned to look at him. A mischievous

grin had spread across her face as she stood. "How did you know I was there," he asked, leaning

down to kiss her warmly.

As they broke apart the grin returned. "I could smell you. You are very distinctive

Albus. No one else I know smells like lemon drops."

Minerva could feel the rumble in his chest as he laughed. "No I suppose they wouldn't."

He leaned down once again and captured her lips in a tantalizing kiss. Minerva moaned

as he deepened the kiss, his hands running lightly across her body. Her hands had traveled along

his chest and were now stroking his hair lightly, brushing against the curve of his ear. Minerva

could feel his groan and soon found herself pressed against the edge of her desk, Albus' presence

surrounding her.

Both knew they needed to stop, but with each encounter it was becoming harder to do so.

After parting each evening, both would spend hours laying in their beds, trying to relive each

moment of their day. Albus was the first to break the kiss, his control was starting to slip, an he

didn't want to offend her, this wasn't the place nor the time. His breathing ragged, Albus looked

down to the woman in his arms. Her face was suffused with a most seductive blush, and her lips

were swollen from his ministrations. She looked ravishing, and was just what he wanted to do. Her head was resting on his chest as she tried to regain control of her breathing. It was only when she reopened her eyes that Harry's absence registered in her mind.

She looked around for a moment before turning back to Albus. "Albus, where is Harry?

I thought you were watching him this afternoon."

Albus brought a finger to her lips, silencing the stream of questions. "I was indeed my

dear, but that was the reason I came to see you. Although, I must say this little diversion was not

unwelcome."

He motioned toward a row of chairs as he pulled away. "Come and sit down, I have a

little surprise for you."

He took the seat next to her and wrapped an arm around her slender shoulders. "I had a

little chat with Poppy this morning. She doesn't seem to think leaving the Hospital Wing after

what happened to Severus last year is such a good idea, so she's decided not to attend the ball."

He watched Minerva for a reaction and wasn't disappointed. "That's too bad, she usually

enjoys the balls. Perhaps I should go and try to talk her into going anyway," she wondered, looking up at Albus.

She was confused at the smile she saw playing across his face. "Now it also seems she has been feeling rather neglected as of late. I got to listen to ten minutes on how she hasn't gotten to spend any quality time with Harry lately. She all but demanded that she watch him this

evening."

His smile grew as Minerva's found its way onto her face, the situation finally dawning in

her mind. "So, my love we have an entire afternoon and evening to ourselves. Poppy promised to bring him with her to breakfast tomorrow." Albus couldn't help but think Minerva's face would split in two as her smile grew. "So, our dear boy is with her as we speak and she made

me promise to not let you, in her words, "come molly coddling the poor child," and I intend to

keep that promise. I don't suppose you have any plans for the afternoon, do you?"

"I do believe my calendar just opened up," she said, her finger tracing the line of his nose.

He looked around the empty classroom and whispered conspiratorially, "If we leave now, we could make it for a picnic away from the school. How does an afternoon in the village sound? We could enjoy the weather and still be back before the ball."

Minerva's only answer was a sound kiss and a playful tug of his beard as she stood up,

heading out of the classroom. She stopped at the door, looking back at Albus, who hadn't moved. "Are you coming, or am I supposed to eat alone?"

Together they made their way across the lawns undetected and arrived in the village.

The afternoon flew by for the couple, each enjoying the company of the other. A picnic was shared on a hill overlooking the village. Albus reached to wipe away a stray crumb, letting his thumb linger along her lips. After lunch the two spent time wandering the streets, pointing out various items in the shop windows, sharing small touches when no one was looking. Their day wouldn't have been complete without a trip to Honeydukes; Albus was in desperate need of lemon drops.

The two were making their way back toward the castle, their pockets now a little heavier, when a small witch approached them. "Professor McGonagall? My name is Rita Skeeter and

I'm a reporter for the Daily Prophet. I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about your adoption of Harry Potter?"

Minerva could feel the irritation well inside of her as their perfect afternoon was intruded upon. She turned to the small witch in front of her, and, trying to restrain her temper, responded.

"I'm sorry Ms. Skeeter, but the headmaster and I are just on our way out. I'm afraid I don't have the time for questions. If you will excuse us."

Minerva didn't wait for a response as she dragged Albus down the road. It wasn't until they had rounded the bend that she let her fury fly. "Can you believe the gall of that woman?

Hijacking us leaving the village for an interview, and why does she want to know about Harry?

I've read her articles Albus, and to be frank, they never turn out well."

Albus waited until Minerva had finished before wrapping his arms around her, pulling her tightly to his chest. "Shh Minerva, don't let her infuriate you so. She is a reporter doing her job. As much as you or I would like to believe otherwise, the rest of our community see Harry as some great hero. It's only natural they would want to hear about him."

He could see in her eyes she was about to object, so Albus quickly leaned down to silence her with a tender kiss. She hesitated for only a moment before giving in, and Albus could feel her relax in his arms.

He pulled away slightly, their noses lightly touching. "We will both just have to be more on guard in public and hope for the best. It's all either of us can do, and I refuse to allow her to ruin our evening. I plan to spend mine dancing with a most enticing woman I know."

Minerva blushed slightly as the two made their way back to their chambers; it was time to prepare for the ball. Albus had been allowed to choose their costumes and they were to be delivered to their respective chambers. He had refused to tell her what they were, resisting all of her attempts to find out. Albus had been rather proud of his choice. Deciding Minerva's costume had been easy. She was his goddess, so that was what she would be. He would, of course, be her god.

Albus looked at himself in the mirror and was pleased at what he saw. His plain white tunic was covered by a gilded chest plate and sandals adorned his feet. He had also trimmed his hair short for the evening, golden laurels were placed just above his ears. His hand ran across his bare chin, he had almost forgotten what he looked like without a beard. Minerva had agreed to come to his chambers when she was ready, now all Albus had to do was wait. An hour later Albus was not

disappointed. A small knock met his ears and Albus rose as the door swung open. Before him stood a true goddess. Minerva was in a flowing white gown with a gold wreath in her loose hair.

She seemed to produce a glow all her own. Albus could feel his jaw scrape the floor, and

Minerva took notice of his look.

She blushed and smiled lightly. "You look quite handsome yourself Albus. Now what

exactly are we?"

Albus shook himself from his stupor and held out an arm as they made their way toward the hall. "We, my love, are Greeks. You are my goddess everyday of the year; I thought I would let the rest of the world know for one night. It would only be appropriate for you to be accompanied by a god, wouldn't you say?"

The flush had come back in full force as she lightly slapped his arm and giggled. "I do

suppose you're right. I must say you look quite different without the beard. I like it; it makes you look...enticing."

This time it was Albus' cheeks that were red, and before they realized it, they were standing before the doors to the ball. Looking around quickly, Albus drew Minerva in for a light kiss. "Are we ready?"

"Quite," was all the answer he received as she kissed him again.

Wrapping her arm around his Albus pushed open the doors and they made their way in.

Couples could be seen dancing through out the hall, not as single pairs, but as a single elegant mass, moving around the room. Hundreds of candles and jack o' lanterns filled the air, and instead of the usual tables, small circular tables filled the space.

Albus and Minerva made their way toward the larger table set up for professors in the back, and Albus felt a sense of pride as Minerva turned several male heads on their journey. It seemed many seventh year students just realized their transfiguration professor was quite the woman.

They took their seats and ordered dinner. While they ate, each was engaged in conversation with the other professors still seated. It seemed Albus had chosen well, both received plenty of compliments on their costumes. Even Severus, who normally detested balls, was lively tonight, talking and dancing with those around him.

During a lull in the conversation Minerva felt Albus shift and found him standing before her. "May I have this dance m' lady?"

Smiling, Minerva extended her hand to his. "Certainly," and with that she was swept off

to the dance floor.

Just as most other times they were together the world around them seemed to disappear

and only they existed. As they danced Albus' hand trailed soft circles along her back, causing

Minerva to groan softly. In retaliation Minerva softly stroked the palm of his hand, relishing in

her victory as he pulled her closer, his eyes beginning to smolder. They danced together for the

rest of the ball, oblivious to the stares and smiles they received from students and staff alike. Far

too soon midnight struck and the ball was over.

Both Albus and Minerva knew something had changed during their dancing, and both walked in silence as they made the trip to their chambers. They entered Minerva's dimly lit rooms and finally stopped.

"I had a wonderful time Albus. Thank you." It was becoming harder for her to look

away from his eyes. They were pulling her in.

"Anything for you Minerva, anything." He slowly lowered his lips to hers and kissed her

softly.

As she responded both knew it wouldn't end that night. He brought a hand to her cheek

and looked into her eyes. What he saw there made his heart skip a beat. Love and desire looked

back at him, and he knew tonight was theirs. He slowly lifted her into his arms and carried her

to her bedroom. Soft sounds of passion filled the room as they became one in all senses of the

word. They fell asleep that night wrapped in each other's embrace, looking forward to the rest of

their lives, together.

The next morning dawned bright for the sleeping couple. Albus awoke with a tender

smile as he looked at the woman in his arms. Minerva's raven hair was fanned across his chest,

and her hand was wrapped along his side. He let his hand trail slowly along her side until her eyes began to flutter.

Minerva opened her eyes slowly, loathed to leave the dream she was sure the previous

night had been. It wasn't until she felt Albus' warm hand trailing on her skin that reality set in.

She snuggled deeply into his embrace and inhaled his scent. "Good morning my love."

"Morning," she said, trailing a path across his chest with her finger.

"We really should get up. We need to pick up Harry at breakfast." The smile that had spread across Minerva's face grew at the thought of her son.

"Yes I suppose we should," she said rising from the bed. She made it as far as the bathroom door before turning around. "Are you coming? I need someone to wash my back."

With that she disappeared and Albus could hear the water start. "Well breakfast doesn't

start for two hours," he thought making his way toward the door.

Just over two hours later they made their way into the hall, and realized they were the last

to arrive. As they entered the Great Hall, all discussion stopped. Thinking it was due to their

late arrival Albus and Minerva ignored the stares and made their way to the table. A small squeal met Minerva's ears as Harry came trotting toward her, arms outstretched. He was

grinning like mad as she lifted him into her arms, kissing his cheek.

"And were we a good boy for Aunt Poppy Harry?" He only smiled and started babbling.

"I'll take that as a yes, what do you think Albus?"

"I would say so," he replied, ruffling Harry's perpetually messy hair. They took their

seats, setting Harry in his and began filling their plates. It wasn't until Severus cleared his throat

that Albus looked up, noticing the worried looks on the other professors faces. No one said a word as Severus handed a copy of the Daily Prophet to Albus, a look of apology in his eye.

Albus looked down and sighed at the headline. Lightly touching Minerva's arm to gain her

attention, he placed the paper between them and noticed as the color drained from her face.

Romance at Hogwarts?

Is there more going on at Hogwarts than a professional friendship? Friday afternoon

Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall were spotted walking together through

Hogsmeade village. This isn't the first time these two have been spotted together during the last few weeks of term. McGonagall, as everyone knows, has taken in the young Harry Potter after the events of July that led to the death of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. The question now is, why her? Could her relationship with the headmaster have been the reason she was given charge of The-Boy-Who-Lived? When asked about Mr. Potter, both Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall refused comment. This reporter interviewed several students who, wishing to remain anonymous to protect themselves from retribution, commented on their transfiguration professor. "She's mean and heartless. I wouldn't want to be raised by her," commented one student. Another brought an interesting point to light. "It seems Gryffindor always seems to win the house cup. I've always wondered what McGonagall did to manage that." What indeed? Is Professor McGonagall trading in on her personal relationship to further her house? What exactly is going on in Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? It appears only time will tell.

The staff table was silent as they waited for Minerva's reaction. As she had continued to

read the color returned to her cheeks. She was furious. How dare this woman insinuate such a

thing about them. How dare she! Looking over, Minerva could tell Albus was even less pleased

than she was. Outwardly he still held that calm he was famous for, but his eyes were seething.

Taking a deep breath Albus calmly folded the paper and placed it back on the table, letting his

hand rest gently over Minerva's.

The fury in his eyes was gone, replaced by his usual mischievous glint. He leaned over

Harry carefully and whispered in her ear, "I only have one question love. Where was I when you

were campaigning for Gryffindor."

Minerva couldn't help it, she started laughing. Albus soon followed. This definitely

wasn't the reaction the other professors were expecting, and they stared at the couple with

confusion on their faces. Albus reached down and lifted Harry into the air, tickling the boy.

"Come on Harry, it's a wonderful day, how would you like to go play?" The boy's laugh floated

the air as Harry struggled to be put down. With that the three left a stunned hall full of people

staring after them.