The wedding was such a quiet affair, she noticed as they walked through the field to approach the wedding party. There was no tent, just a few balloons and streamers that floated through the air, just above the altar. Everything was white with little touches of pink now and again, and Minerva smiled at the pink roses that rested on every seat. She and Dumbledore sat far back on the left side, choosing Molly's section rather than Arthur's as she was sure that the invitation had come from Molly. Scanning the guests, she was sure they were only two of a handful of friends invited, the rest being family, as far as she could tell, from the obscene amount of red hair. They recognized a couple of other Hogwarts students, who nodded to them in greeting, some even waving in their surprised delight.

The tears began to fall as Molly made her way down the aisle, a surge of pride and love swelling Minerva's heart as she watched one of her favorite students walk toward her future. Molly looked so beautiful, she realized, with little white flowers in her hair and the biggest smile in the world on her face. She clutched Dumbledore's sleeve as Molly and Arthur kissed, and in spite of herself, she released a large sob. He patted her knee.

They kept to themselves during the small reception, keeping to their place in their corner, nursing their wine and bits of cake. She kept her face hidden from view, but occasionally he could hear a violent sniff or two from her direction.

"Are you crying, Minerva?" he asked softly, forming the words from the side of his mouth, just an inch or two from her ear—close enough that she could feel his breath.

She turned to face him with indignation that was ruined by the sight of her red eyes. "No," she hissed, her entire appearance belying her. He smiled kindly, and offered her his handkerchief, which she took with a rapid flick of her wrist, touching it lightly to her face. His eyes scanned the room for her as he blocked her from the rest of the crowd, for her own sake.

"Molly's heading this way," he whispered casually, and she responded with the severest sniff yet, and he step-sided to reveal her once more; she turned around just as Molly approached them, her face composed once more.

"I'm so glad you could come, Professor McGonagall!" she greeted, opening her arms. Startled, Minerva let herself be hugged and struggled to swallow the sobs that jumped to her throat. "I know it's been hard to get out, with You-Know-Who gaining power and everything." Her voice was much lower as she pulled away, her own eyes beginning to glisten with tears. "But I appreciate this so much, really. And Arthur does, too—he's just a bit caught up with my parents, or else he'd be here with me, too."

Minerva's lips trembled as she tried to speak, but she grabbed Dumbledore's hand and squeezed instead. As expected, he understood the cue.

"Minerva was honored that you thought to invite her, Molly. I hope you don't mind that I accompanied her as her guest."

Immediately Molly shook her head, and took Dumbledore in her arms, as well. He was grinning as they pulled away. "It was a beautiful service, Mrs. Weasley, and I know we'll both remember it for the rest of our lives."

She blushed severely, her skin matching her bright hair. "That's very kind, Headmaster. Thank you. Please help yourself to more cake and wine!"

"If you don't mind, I think we'll make our exit soon. It's been a very lovely ceremony and reception. Give our regards to your family."

"Thank you both, again." Impulsively she reached out to grab their hands and gave them both a severe squeeze before turning back to her other guests.

Minerva leaned against Dumbledore's side and her tears soaked through his robe.

"My dear Professor," he sighed, wrapping his arm around her waist, "this can only be the first of many weddings, and if you plan on using my sleeves as handkerchiefs for each one, I'm afraid we'll have to stop going as each other's guest."

There was a smile in his voice, but she glared at him nonetheless.